Maggi Andersen's Blog, page 54
January 7, 2014
December 29, 2013
Great Amazon Review for The Folly at Falconbridge Hall
*****Exactly my kind of Historical Read
From the moment I began reading this book, I knew this was my kind of book. I was not far into the book before making the connection between this book and "Jane Eyre." That was always a favorite book of mine, and there were some definitely comparisons including romance, a little girl, and a lot of mystery in a big English manor. It was fairly easy to decipher what would ultimately happen, but the writing of the book kept me so engaged that I practically lost track of the time.
As to any issues that require warning: very little profanity (nothing too bad, in my opinion) and intimate bedroom scenes only following marriage. I did not find myself repulsed during the bedroom scenes, and I am glad that the couple did not live in the bedroom (I get tired of books that do that). Vanessa, Julian, and Blythe were well-developed characters, and I found their interactions period-appropriate and rather humorous at times. I often forgot that this was a book written in this century rather than during the 1800's.
This is the first book I have ever read by Maggi Andersen, but she is definitely my kind of author. No cheesiness, semi-realistic situations, sweet and hot romance/love, and a bit of mystery. And, of course, it takes place in England--where else? If you love historical fiction and romances, this just may be for you.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
Ruth A. Hill
Amazon
From the moment I began reading this book, I knew this was my kind of book. I was not far into the book before making the connection between this book and "Jane Eyre." That was always a favorite book of mine, and there were some definitely comparisons including romance, a little girl, and a lot of mystery in a big English manor. It was fairly easy to decipher what would ultimately happen, but the writing of the book kept me so engaged that I practically lost track of the time.
As to any issues that require warning: very little profanity (nothing too bad, in my opinion) and intimate bedroom scenes only following marriage. I did not find myself repulsed during the bedroom scenes, and I am glad that the couple did not live in the bedroom (I get tired of books that do that). Vanessa, Julian, and Blythe were well-developed characters, and I found their interactions period-appropriate and rather humorous at times. I often forgot that this was a book written in this century rather than during the 1800's.
This is the first book I have ever read by Maggi Andersen, but she is definitely my kind of author. No cheesiness, semi-realistic situations, sweet and hot romance/love, and a bit of mystery. And, of course, it takes place in England--where else? If you love historical fiction and romances, this just may be for you.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
Ruth A. Hill Amazon
December 21, 2013
Holiday Wishes
For those who celebrate Christmas and those who don't, I wish you all a Happy Holiday and a safe and joyful New Year.
Pets like to enjoy holidays too.
Pets like to enjoy holidays too.
December 18, 2013
My thanks to Lynn A Reynolds for this lovely review of Taming a Gentleman Spy
Rating: 4 1/2 stars
John Haldane is the Earl of Strathairn and he’s being shot at. Lady Sibella Winborne is a good friend of his. Maggi has caught my attention right away. Why is Strathairn being shot at? Will Sibella stay safe? And what’s up with Lord Coombe? You have to keep reading to find out what he’s up to – what’s his agenda?
In the second chapter, our author has Strathairn reading some poetry. It always makes me wonder if the author loves poetry or how they go about finding just the right quote. And Maggi is so descriptive with her scenes that she makes me feel as if I were there. But I’m also glad that I live in this century. I don’t think that I would like being prodded toward marriage to a gentleman that I didn’t love.
Maggi doesn’t make this book a straight forward historical romance either. She gives her readers some suspense and adventure to keep their attention. I’m always in awe of those authors that can write in the historical genre. While weaving their story, they also have to be historically accurate. But they also don’t want the reader to get lost in the history because they may lose interest in the real story. And this author will keep her readers in suspense almost to the very end.
She gives the reader the perfect HEA ending that will have them smiling. And it’s all done with no sex until the end. Which is perfect because I enjoyed the book without its pages being filled with sex. It would take away from the adventure of finding out what our spy is up to and will Lady Sibella find her heart match. This is the second book that I have read by this author and I can’t wait to read more.
December 17, 2013
I've come to the end of my Goddess Fish Book Blast Tour! And the winner is.....
I wish I could give prizes to everyone! Thanks for joining my tour!
CONGRATULATIONS TO EVA! You have won a $50 Amazon Gift Card and an e-book copy of the first book in the Mayfair Spy Series, A BARON IN HER BED!
London, 1816. A handsome baron. A faux betrothal. And Horatia's plan to join the London literary set takes a dangerous turn. Now that the war with France has ended, Baron Guy Fortescue arrives in England to claim his inheritance, abandoned over thirty years ago when his father fled to France after killing a man in a duel. When Guy is set upon by footpads in London, a stranger, Lord Strathairn, rescues and befriends him. But while travelling to his country estate, Guy is again attacked. He escapes only to knock himself out on a tree branch. Aspiring poet Horatia Cavendish has taken to riding her father's stallion, "The General", around the countryside of Digswell dressed as a groom. She has become bored of her country life and longs to escape to London to pursue her desire to become part of the London literary set. When she discovers Guy lying unconscious on the road, the two are forced to take shelter for the night in a hunting lodge. After Guy discovers her ruse, a friendship develops between them. Guy suspects his relative, Eustace Fennimore is behind the attacks on his life. He has been ensconced in Rosecroft Hall during the family's exile and will become the heir should Guy die. Horatia refuses to believe her godfather, Eustace, is responsible. But when Guy proposes a faux betrothal to give him more time to discover the truth, she agrees. Secure in the knowledge that his daughter will finally wed, Horatia's father allows her to visit her blue-stocking aunt in London. But Horatia's time spent in London proves to be anything but a literary feast, for a dangerous foe plots Guy's demise. She is determined to keep alive her handsome fiance, who has proven more than willing to play the part of her lover even as he resists her attempts to save him.
Enjoy!
Maggi
December 14, 2013
Writers supporting Writers!
My thanks to the lovely ALISON STUART for inviting me to participate in Writers Supporting Writers. (Check out Alison's great cover reveal on her blog!) I am to answer four questions about my writing process, and as an author I'm always happy to oblige.
QUESTIONS 1) What am I working on?After the release this month of TAMING A GENTLEMAN SPY Book two of the Mayfair Spies Series, I am writing the third: WHAT A RAKE WANTS (Cover reveal coming soon!)
The first book in the series was A BARON HER HER BED.
More about WHAT A RAKE WANTS:
The rakish Irish diplomat, Flynn, Lord Montsimon, is private investigator to the soon to be crowned, King, George IV. Alerted to a possible plot brewing against the Crown, Flynn must act. Unfortunately, his plans go awry when Althea, Lady Brookwood, the lady he planned to seduce, unwittingly becomes embroiled with the plotters.
Widowed when her brutal husband is killed in a duel, Althea is determined never to marry again. But circumstances arise which may force her to do so. Montsimon is among the men who have pursued her for an affair. She has refused them all and several offers of marriage. She dislikes most men and rakes, well they deserve all they get! If marriage is the last resort she has, Althea will entertain at her husband's side and warm his bed, but he will never have her love.
Here's an unedited taste:
Althea Brookwood sat with her Aunt Catherine while the musicians enjoyed a break. Mrs. Maxwell’s ball, always a favorite, was in full swing.
“It has been two years since Brookwood died.”
“Yes, Aunt.”
Aunt Catherine’s conversation had changed little from the last time she saw her. Her aunt compressed her lips. “You should marry again.”
Her answer remained the same also. “I have no wish to.”
Aunt Catherine eyed her through her lorgnette. “I know Brookwood was a devil. I heard the rumors. I thought it was good riddance when he died in that duel.”
Althea shivered. Aunt Catherine didn’t know the half of it. Brookwood’s obvious dissatisfaction with her had been a torment from the very beginning. Now she was free, and determined to stay that way. No man would ever hold sway over her again, bending her to his will. She smiled at her aunt. “I know you care about me, Aunt, and I’m very grateful.”
“Did Brookwood leave you well provided for?”
“My income allows me to live comfortably.” If she was careful. She had learned thrift living with a parsimonious husband.
The elderly lady touched the brilliants at her throat. “You know the bulk of my estates were entailed, but you will inherit the rest. I’d like to know to whom I’m leaving my money, before I die. Not another bounder like Brookwood.”
Althea leaned across and kissed her aunt’s soft cheek. “Have no fear. I shan’t make that mistake. I had no say in my marriage to Brookwood. Father arranged it.” The possibility of being at the mercy of another like him made her stomach flip over.
“Lord Ingleby has recently been widowed. He’s shown a considerable interest in you and he’s plump in the pocket.” Undaunted, her aunt continued, “Won’t be after my money.”
Another man with more than a touch of violence about him. It was in his eyes and the tight way he held himself. Althea recognized the signs and suppressed a shiver. “I don’t find him attractive.”
“Attractive? That’s of little importance. We are talking about a husband, not a lover.”
Her aunt’s husband had died some years ago. A generous, quiet man, a good deal older than Catherine. She studied her aunt, whom she was said to favor. Catherine was still arresting in a Gros de Naples gown of deep violet, the color of her eyes, which had not dimmed. Might she have taken a lover at some point? Althea dismissed the idea immediately. There had never been a whiff of scandal attached to her.
“You can’t say that Irishman, Montsimon, isn’t attractive,” Aunt Catherine said with a nod of her head.
Althea turned to see his lordship’s sleek head above the crowd. He was part of the Regent’s fast set. “Yes, he is, and a rake.”
“Some woman will tame him. Rakes make the best husbands once they settle down.”
“If they settle down.” She didn’t tell her aunt that Montsimon had attempted to woo her into his bed. Since she had been widowed, many men pursued her. Widows were seen as fair game. Men assumed she was dying of frustration! She supposed she was an oddity. Younger widows often remarried after a year of mourning. Others found suitable arrangements outside marriage. She curled her fingers tightly into her palm. After her marriage ended as brutally as it began, she had wished for neither.
Her aunt’s bright violet eyes fastened on hers. “See the way Montsimon looks at you. If you play your cards right, you’ll be the one to tame him, my dear. Well worth the effort, I’ll wager.”
“How do you suggest I do that?” she asked, surprised and curious despite herself.
“You take him into your bed. Eventually. But first, you play him like a salmon on a hook. You never promise what you won’t deliver, mind. That would not be sporting.” Her aunt fluttered her fan as if the thought made her too warm. “At first let him get to know you. Let him begin to want more from you than merely someone to warm his bed. When he can’t live without you, then….”
Althea gasped. Perhaps she’d misjudged her relative. “Aunt…”
Her aunt laughed. “You’re surprised?”
“I knew you to be wise and somewhat shrewd, but I never suspected you capable of such….” She fell silent.
Snapping her fan shut, her aunt nodded with a wink. “I’m as crafty as a fox, my dear. And you are my niece, just as intelligent and smart yourself.” She gazed over Althea’s shoulder. “The prey advances. No doubt to ask you to dance. I would advise you not to shun him.”
~ 2) How does my work differ from others of its genre? I have learned the craft of writing by reading many great authors over the years, the Classics during my years at university and the great romance writers like Georgette Heyer, Victoria Holt, and Eloisa James. Adding my own life experiences and personality (I'm a Scorpio - we are dramatic, passionate, and make great detectives!) into the mix, makes for a fairly individual style I suppose. 3) Why do I write what I do? I write what I would enjoy reading. I read historical and contemporary crime, mysteries and romantic suspense. I prefer a bit of romance in the books I read, so I quite naturally gravitated to writing romance. I particularly love the Regency and Victorian eras. The gowns, the architecture, food, culture and mores appeal to me. And the way in which my heroines deal with the restrictions society places on them.My tastes were forged by my mother who was an artist. I grew up reading art history and learning to appreciate good art and it has influenced quite a few of the stories I've written. I like to write about houses too, those fabulous grand estates and what they mean to the men who inherit them. But there's a much more modest home in What a Rake Wants. Althea's country home, Owl Manor has an important place in the story. 4) How does my writing process work? I began as a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants author. But I have changed that somewhat - there's a danger that you can paint yourself into a corner and fixing it can take a lot of rewriting. I now prefer to edit each scene as I go and roughly work out the next one before I write it. That helps me become very familiar with my characters by the end of the first draft. But it remains an organic process. New sub-plots and characters appear like magic, and I prefer not to know what happens next. But I always have a rough idea of how the story will end.
QUESTIONS 1) What am I working on?After the release this month of TAMING A GENTLEMAN SPY Book two of the Mayfair Spies Series, I am writing the third: WHAT A RAKE WANTS (Cover reveal coming soon!)
The first book in the series was A BARON HER HER BED.
More about WHAT A RAKE WANTS:
The rakish Irish diplomat, Flynn, Lord Montsimon, is private investigator to the soon to be crowned, King, George IV. Alerted to a possible plot brewing against the Crown, Flynn must act. Unfortunately, his plans go awry when Althea, Lady Brookwood, the lady he planned to seduce, unwittingly becomes embroiled with the plotters.
Widowed when her brutal husband is killed in a duel, Althea is determined never to marry again. But circumstances arise which may force her to do so. Montsimon is among the men who have pursued her for an affair. She has refused them all and several offers of marriage. She dislikes most men and rakes, well they deserve all they get! If marriage is the last resort she has, Althea will entertain at her husband's side and warm his bed, but he will never have her love.
Here's an unedited taste:
Althea Brookwood sat with her Aunt Catherine while the musicians enjoyed a break. Mrs. Maxwell’s ball, always a favorite, was in full swing.
“It has been two years since Brookwood died.”
“Yes, Aunt.”
Aunt Catherine’s conversation had changed little from the last time she saw her. Her aunt compressed her lips. “You should marry again.”
Her answer remained the same also. “I have no wish to.”
Aunt Catherine eyed her through her lorgnette. “I know Brookwood was a devil. I heard the rumors. I thought it was good riddance when he died in that duel.”
Althea shivered. Aunt Catherine didn’t know the half of it. Brookwood’s obvious dissatisfaction with her had been a torment from the very beginning. Now she was free, and determined to stay that way. No man would ever hold sway over her again, bending her to his will. She smiled at her aunt. “I know you care about me, Aunt, and I’m very grateful.”
“Did Brookwood leave you well provided for?”
“My income allows me to live comfortably.” If she was careful. She had learned thrift living with a parsimonious husband.
The elderly lady touched the brilliants at her throat. “You know the bulk of my estates were entailed, but you will inherit the rest. I’d like to know to whom I’m leaving my money, before I die. Not another bounder like Brookwood.”
Althea leaned across and kissed her aunt’s soft cheek. “Have no fear. I shan’t make that mistake. I had no say in my marriage to Brookwood. Father arranged it.” The possibility of being at the mercy of another like him made her stomach flip over.
“Lord Ingleby has recently been widowed. He’s shown a considerable interest in you and he’s plump in the pocket.” Undaunted, her aunt continued, “Won’t be after my money.”
Another man with more than a touch of violence about him. It was in his eyes and the tight way he held himself. Althea recognized the signs and suppressed a shiver. “I don’t find him attractive.”
“Attractive? That’s of little importance. We are talking about a husband, not a lover.”
Her aunt’s husband had died some years ago. A generous, quiet man, a good deal older than Catherine. She studied her aunt, whom she was said to favor. Catherine was still arresting in a Gros de Naples gown of deep violet, the color of her eyes, which had not dimmed. Might she have taken a lover at some point? Althea dismissed the idea immediately. There had never been a whiff of scandal attached to her.
“You can’t say that Irishman, Montsimon, isn’t attractive,” Aunt Catherine said with a nod of her head.
Althea turned to see his lordship’s sleek head above the crowd. He was part of the Regent’s fast set. “Yes, he is, and a rake.”
“Some woman will tame him. Rakes make the best husbands once they settle down.”
“If they settle down.” She didn’t tell her aunt that Montsimon had attempted to woo her into his bed. Since she had been widowed, many men pursued her. Widows were seen as fair game. Men assumed she was dying of frustration! She supposed she was an oddity. Younger widows often remarried after a year of mourning. Others found suitable arrangements outside marriage. She curled her fingers tightly into her palm. After her marriage ended as brutally as it began, she had wished for neither.
Her aunt’s bright violet eyes fastened on hers. “See the way Montsimon looks at you. If you play your cards right, you’ll be the one to tame him, my dear. Well worth the effort, I’ll wager.”
“How do you suggest I do that?” she asked, surprised and curious despite herself.
“You take him into your bed. Eventually. But first, you play him like a salmon on a hook. You never promise what you won’t deliver, mind. That would not be sporting.” Her aunt fluttered her fan as if the thought made her too warm. “At first let him get to know you. Let him begin to want more from you than merely someone to warm his bed. When he can’t live without you, then….”
Althea gasped. Perhaps she’d misjudged her relative. “Aunt…”
Her aunt laughed. “You’re surprised?”
“I knew you to be wise and somewhat shrewd, but I never suspected you capable of such….” She fell silent.
Snapping her fan shut, her aunt nodded with a wink. “I’m as crafty as a fox, my dear. And you are my niece, just as intelligent and smart yourself.” She gazed over Althea’s shoulder. “The prey advances. No doubt to ask you to dance. I would advise you not to shun him.”
~ 2) How does my work differ from others of its genre? I have learned the craft of writing by reading many great authors over the years, the Classics during my years at university and the great romance writers like Georgette Heyer, Victoria Holt, and Eloisa James. Adding my own life experiences and personality (I'm a Scorpio - we are dramatic, passionate, and make great detectives!) into the mix, makes for a fairly individual style I suppose. 3) Why do I write what I do? I write what I would enjoy reading. I read historical and contemporary crime, mysteries and romantic suspense. I prefer a bit of romance in the books I read, so I quite naturally gravitated to writing romance. I particularly love the Regency and Victorian eras. The gowns, the architecture, food, culture and mores appeal to me. And the way in which my heroines deal with the restrictions society places on them.My tastes were forged by my mother who was an artist. I grew up reading art history and learning to appreciate good art and it has influenced quite a few of the stories I've written. I like to write about houses too, those fabulous grand estates and what they mean to the men who inherit them. But there's a much more modest home in What a Rake Wants. Althea's country home, Owl Manor has an important place in the story. 4) How does my writing process work? I began as a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants author. But I have changed that somewhat - there's a danger that you can paint yourself into a corner and fixing it can take a lot of rewriting. I now prefer to edit each scene as I go and roughly work out the next one before I write it. That helps me become very familiar with my characters by the end of the first draft. But it remains an organic process. New sub-plots and characters appear like magic, and I prefer not to know what happens next. But I always have a rough idea of how the story will end.
December 8, 2013
BOOK TOUR BEGINS TODAY!
December 9:
1: The Most Happy Reader
2: Beyond Romance
3: Christine Elaine Black
4: Susana's Parlour
5: Nyxx's Nook
6: Imagine a World
7: JM Stewart
8: Worlds of Possibilities
December 10:
1: Queen of All She Reads
2: Rookie Romance
3: Nickie's Views and Interviews
4: Margay Leah Justice
5: House Millar
6: Welcome to My World of Dreams
7: Room With Books
8: Book2Buzz
December 11:
1: Bunny's Review
2: Bookgirl Knitting
3: The Hedonistic Minimalist
4: Dori Lavelle
5: Sexy Adventures, Passionate Tales
6: Farm Girl Books
December 12:
1: Buried Under Romance
2: Nana Prah's Blog
3: Blue Rose Romance
4: Books to Light Your Fire
5: Aly's Miscellany
6: RayKayBooks
7: Wake Up Your Wild Side
8: Straight from the Library
9: It's Raining Books
December 13:
1: Unabridged Andra
2: For the Love of Bookends
3: Dawn's Reading Nook Blog
4: Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
5: Book Reviews by Xunaira J.
6: Punya Reviews...
7: Long and Short Reviews
8: Ever After Romance Book Blog
9: The Pen and Muse Book Reviews
1: The Most Happy Reader
2: Beyond Romance
3: Christine Elaine Black
4: Susana's Parlour
5: Nyxx's Nook
6: Imagine a World
7: JM Stewart
8: Worlds of Possibilities
December 10:
1: Queen of All She Reads
2: Rookie Romance
3: Nickie's Views and Interviews
4: Margay Leah Justice
5: House Millar
6: Welcome to My World of Dreams
7: Room With Books
8: Book2Buzz
December 11:
1: Bunny's Review
2: Bookgirl Knitting
3: The Hedonistic Minimalist
4: Dori Lavelle
5: Sexy Adventures, Passionate Tales
6: Farm Girl Books
December 12:
1: Buried Under Romance
2: Nana Prah's Blog
3: Blue Rose Romance
4: Books to Light Your Fire
5: Aly's Miscellany
6: RayKayBooks
7: Wake Up Your Wild Side
8: Straight from the Library
9: It's Raining Books
December 13:
1: Unabridged Andra
2: For the Love of Bookends
3: Dawn's Reading Nook Blog
4: Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
5: Book Reviews by Xunaira J.
6: Punya Reviews...
7: Long and Short Reviews
8: Ever After Romance Book Blog
9: The Pen and Muse Book Reviews
December 4, 2013
Contest! Win an Amazon Gift Card for the Release of TAMING A GENTLEMAN SPY - The Spies of Mayfair, Book Two
With the e-book release of Taming a Gentleman Spy I'm offering a $30 Amazon GC to a commenter who correctly answers these questions:Blurb: John Haldane, Earl of Strathairn, is on an urgent mission to find the killer of his fellow spy. Has the treasonous Frenchman, Count Forney, returned to England to wreak havoc? Or has someone new landed on English shores to stir up rebellion in the Midlands? After visiting the young widow of one of his agents, Strathairn strengthens his resolve. A spy should never marry. And most certainly not to Lady Sibella Winborne, with her romantic ideas of love and marriage. Unable to give Sibella up entirely, he has kept her close as a friend. And then weak fool that he is he kissed her... Lady Sibella Winborne has refused several offers of marriage since her first Season years ago -- when she first set eyes on the handsome Earl of Strathairn. Sibella's many siblings always rush to her aid to discourage an ardent suitor, but not this time. Her elder brother, Chaloner, Marquess of Brandreth, has approved Lord Coombe's suit. Sibella yearns to set up her own household. She is known to be the sensible member of the family. But she doesn't feel at all sensible about Lord Strathairn. If only she could forget that kiss...
Excerpt 1:
Linden Hall Yorkshire, 1818 “I trust we’ll bag a few birds on the moor tomorrow, Chaloner.” John Haldane, the 4th Earl of Strathairn, glanced at the guests enjoying the Hunt Ball in his ballroom. Bright chatter rose in the warm smoky air as decorative ladies mingled with the more soberly dressed gentlemen. “My chef plans a grouse dish flavored with juniper berries for our dinner.” “Excellent.” The Marquess of Brandreth raised his glass. “We will be out at the crack of dawn, I daresay.” He took Strathairn’s arm and drew him into a quiet corner. “I don’t wish to strain a friendship I value, John, but I must offer a word of advice.” “Oh?” Strathairn eyed him warily. He had liked Chaloner better before his father died. The man seemed to lose his sense of humor after inheriting the title. “You are often seen in Sibella’s company. Don’t get too fond of her.” Strathairn moved his shoulders in a shrug of anger. He glanced over at Sibella in her white muslin, talking earnestly to Mrs. Bickerstaff. “Your sister is intelligent and good company. I enjoy our conversations. Nothing strange about that.” “I struggle to believe it is just that. I may not be privy to the details of the work you perform for the military, but rumors do float about the House of Lords. You must admit that due to those circumstances alone, you would not make her a good husband.” Chaloner’s determination put him in mind of a robin with a worm. Useless to argue. With a sigh, Strathairn acknowledged that he only strove to protect his sister from possible hurt. “No need for concern,” he said. “I have no wish to marry your sister, or anyone else for that matter. I do intend to ask Lady Sibella to dance, though. Unless you think my waltzing with her will ruin her reputation.” Chaloner huffed out a laugh and rubbed the back of his neck. “Don’t be ridiculous. I don’t enjoy having to say this to you, John, but it befalls me as head of the family. Sib has a love of home and hearth. She looks for a husband who will sit by the fire with her at night. That isn’t you, is it?” “She deserves the best, and no, it isn’t me, Chaloner.”
After a fruitful day in the fields shooting grouse, Strathairn and his guests made their way over the lawns to the Hall. The gamekeeper, beaters and handlers departed for the stables with the hounds while servants came to take the birds to the kitchen. On the terrace, Lady Sibella, in a gown the color of lilacs, sat playing cards and drinking tea with the other women in the late afternoon sun. Strathairn mounted the steps, carrying his shotgun over his shoulder, intent on returning it to the gunroom. “I trust you ladies enjoyed your day?” “We did, my lord.” Lady Sibella’s sister, Viscountess Bathe, smiled. “Or at least those of us who have not lost our pin money at whist.” “I see you had a successful day, my lord.” Lady Sibella eyed his gun with a faint shudder. “I saw your kill on its way to the kitchens.” He smiled. “I hope you’ll enjoy our efforts once served in a tasty sauce.” “I expect I shall. It’s contrary of me, isn’t it?” Lady Sibella frowned up at him. “But please don’t suggest that all women are so.” He eyed the expectant faces of the other ladies and held up his hands with a laugh. “I wouldn’t be so bold.” “Perhaps you would like a cup of tea, Lord Strathairn.” Lady Sibella gestured to the teapot a servant was refilling with hot water. “You must be thirsty after your arduous day.” She well knew how much he hated tea, for he’d been forced to drink it at a morning call at their house in Eaton Place. She had naughtily offered to pour it into a potted plant when her mother was distracted by another guest. Her playful smile was delicious, and he couldn’t help grinning back. Aware of the sharp-eyes on him from around the table, he shook his head. “I’m afraid I must decline for I’m not fit for company. But, thank you.” He bowed and entered the house leaving them to resume their card game. Strathairn cleaned his gun and left it on the rack in the gunroom. He’d enjoyed Lady Sibella’s friendship like no other lady of his acquaintance. Her humor seemed so in tune with his and he often found she understood his thoughts before he expressed them. Damn Chaloner, he was such a stickler for convention.
Excerpt 2.
Strathairn smiled down at his partner, her slim waist beneath his hand as they danced. Lady Sibella Winborne looked like a delicate flower in a gauzy pale gown covered in amber blossom. White ostrich feather plumes adorned her luxuriant dark locks. He enjoyed looking at her. Her serene oval face lifted and she smiled at him, her mouth wide and full. Too wide for beauty some might say, but made for kissing. She had inherited her mother’s famous eyes, a delectable mix of blue and green, but her nature was quieter, lacking the vivacity of her mother in her youth, who was said to have had men falling at her feet. He admired Sibella’s calm beauty, but she was oh, so much more: practical, poised and intelligent. Yet still unmarried, which surprised him.
Question 1. What color are Lady Sibella's eyes?
Question 2. What did the servants take to the kitchen?
Question 3. Who is the treasonous Frenchman?
The winner will be picked on 9th December.
Released in e-book:AMAZON
December 3, 2013
RELEASE DAY CONTEST! *** TAMING A GENTLEMAN SPY - The Spies of Mayfair Series, Book Two
Like to follow my book tour? Amazon GC and a free e-book on offer!
December 4 House Millar http://apmassie.com/blog/December 5 Love Bites and Silk Ties http://www.lovebitesandsilk.co.uk/December 6 Pink Skull https://pinkskullsbookreviews.wordpress.com/December 7 Sniffer-Walk http://www.snifferwalk.org/December 8 The Hedonistic Minimalist http://thehedonisticminimalist.com/December 11 Read Between the Lines http://www.rbtlreviews.com/December 13 Bunny Reviews http://www.blog.kybunnies.com/December 16 S J Maylee http://sjmaylee.com/ December 17 Lynnae Reynolds http://lynnareynolds.wordpress.com/December 18 Close Encounters http://closeencounterswiththenightkind.blogspot.com
November 30, 2013
Great new 5 star review for Taming a Gentleman Spy - released in three days!
Taming A Gentleman Spy by Maggi Andersen Author Website
Published by Knox Robinson Publishing
e-book on 4 December, 2013
Print 6 February 2014
Genres: Regency Romance
Pages: 276
Source: Publisher
It’s no secret that I’ve been on a historical romance bender – and this book hit all the happy places for me: great characters, a touch of intrigue, family, the royals and even a villainous suitor!A late regency, the story focuses on Sibella: 26 years old and finally feeling the familial pressure to make a choice and marry. As one of several children, she has been the auntie and allowed, within reason, to lead her own life. A long-held crush on a family friend, now returned from the wars has her dreaming of a life with him, and a marriage for love, not duty.
John, Earl of Straithairn has been a family friend for years: he ventured out to war, and while not active military, he is still working for the crown to protect England from the Napoleonic sympathizers who would seek to overthrow the government. Although he is attracted to Sibella, his recent brush with death and loss of his working partner who left a wife and young child behind, has him reluctant to marry.
The connection between the two is electric: Sibella is headstrong and intelligent but rarely foolish, her enjoyment in John’s company is apparent, although she often misconstrues his reluctance as a lack of desire. John is desperately trying to convince her that she must make a more ‘appropriate’ match, although he can’t seem to stay away.
I adored the emotion displayed in this story: while John often appears to be a bit of a cold-fish, his concern for those around him, and willingness to extend himself to set Sib’s brother on the right track, as well as investigate the man she agreed to marry shows his involvement with her and the family, even as he seeks to ignore it. Throughout the story, the build to an explosive conclusion is slowly developing, and not unsurprisingly all the interlocking elements of John’s life seem to converge in one afternoon in London.
With clever insertions of secondary characters and several moment s of intrigue as well as clever integration of history, this story manages to engage and delight as you continue to turn pages, cheering and jeering connections and hoping for that happily ever after.
Reviewed by Gaele
The Jeep Diva
Published by Knox Robinson Publishing
e-book on 4 December, 2013
Print 6 February 2014
Genres: Regency Romance
Pages: 276
Source: Publisher
It’s no secret that I’ve been on a historical romance bender – and this book hit all the happy places for me: great characters, a touch of intrigue, family, the royals and even a villainous suitor!A late regency, the story focuses on Sibella: 26 years old and finally feeling the familial pressure to make a choice and marry. As one of several children, she has been the auntie and allowed, within reason, to lead her own life. A long-held crush on a family friend, now returned from the wars has her dreaming of a life with him, and a marriage for love, not duty.
John, Earl of Straithairn has been a family friend for years: he ventured out to war, and while not active military, he is still working for the crown to protect England from the Napoleonic sympathizers who would seek to overthrow the government. Although he is attracted to Sibella, his recent brush with death and loss of his working partner who left a wife and young child behind, has him reluctant to marry.
The connection between the two is electric: Sibella is headstrong and intelligent but rarely foolish, her enjoyment in John’s company is apparent, although she often misconstrues his reluctance as a lack of desire. John is desperately trying to convince her that she must make a more ‘appropriate’ match, although he can’t seem to stay away.
I adored the emotion displayed in this story: while John often appears to be a bit of a cold-fish, his concern for those around him, and willingness to extend himself to set Sib’s brother on the right track, as well as investigate the man she agreed to marry shows his involvement with her and the family, even as he seeks to ignore it. Throughout the story, the build to an explosive conclusion is slowly developing, and not unsurprisingly all the interlocking elements of John’s life seem to converge in one afternoon in London.
With clever insertions of secondary characters and several moment s of intrigue as well as clever integration of history, this story manages to engage and delight as you continue to turn pages, cheering and jeering connections and hoping for that happily ever after.
Reviewed by Gaele
The Jeep Diva
