Maggi Andersen's Blog, page 57
August 2, 2013
Excerpt: TAMING A GENTLEMAN SPY - The Spies of Mayfair Series, Book Two
Available for pre-order from KNOX ROBINSON PUBLISHING
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: Sibella's family had decided she was too much of a prize to remain unmarried, and even her favorite brother, Edward, had joined their ranks.
As they often did at her mother’s instigation, Sibella and her siblings repaired to their countryseat, Brandreth Park, near Tunbridge Wells. Sibella welcomed the change. It gave her time to think, and being close to nature always helped clear her mind. The air grew humid with an impending downpour, sending her back to the house. When Strathairn had searched for her in Rotten Row, had he suffered disappointment not to find her there? He obviously wasn’t going to fall at her feet and propose. After the kiss, things might be awkward between them, but she didn’t wish it had never happened. Only now, though, she had dreams of such a disconcerting nature she would blush to reveal them to anyone, even her sisters. In the entry hall, Belton, their butler, took possession of her bonnet, apron, gardening gloves and sketchpad. “Your mother entertains a visitor, Lady Sibella.”Expecting it to be a neighbor, for no one had stated their intention of calling; she tucked the trug of blush pink roses over her arm and entered the salon, wiping her moist brow with a naked forearm. A strange gentleman sat with her mother. “Sibella.” Her mother called from her chair where the whiskey-colored cat on her lap played with the fringe of her cashmere shawl. “Come and meet Lord Coombe. Lord Coombe was up at Oxford with your brothers. I can’t think why we haven’t met him before.”The well-dressed gentleman had hair an unusual shade of deep auburn swept into a careful Brutus. He rose and came forward to take her hand. “What a perfect picture you make, Lady Sibella. Those roses match the ones in your cheeks.”She curtsied, clutching the basket close to her chest. “You must excuse me, my lord. I’m a trifle soiled from gardening.” Over his shoulder, her mother cast her a dark look.Lord Coombe dropped his arm and bowed. “I was begging your mother’s forgiveness for this inopportune visit; I should have left my card. I had hoped to see your brother.”She settled the wooden trug on a mahogany side table and began to remove each rose, careful of the thorns. “Which brother do you refer to, my lord?” She smiled. “I have several.” “Lord Edward. He suggested I call in when passing on my way to London from Arrowtree Park,” he said with a puzzled frown. “I did hope to catch him. He is advising me on the purchase of a gelding.”Sibella wasn’t fooled. Edward an authority on horses? He had arranged this, and by the smug expression on her mother’s face, she was part of the conspiracy. At the very least, Edward might have had the good grace to be here.
July 27, 2013
I've been nominated for a Blog Award
My grateful thanks to the lovely Nana Prah for nominating me for the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award.
Rules: Post the logo on your blogThank the person who nominated youChoose 10-12 other ladies who blog, as your nomineesPost the links to the nominees' blogs and notify them on their blog Here are my nominees:Ella QuinnAnita Davison Anne BrearFreda LightfootSasha CottmanMaryde Suzan Tisdale Jen BlackStephanie BurkhartTamara Gill
Rules: Post the logo on your blogThank the person who nominated youChoose 10-12 other ladies who blog, as your nomineesPost the links to the nominees' blogs and notify them on their blog Here are my nominees:Ella QuinnAnita Davison Anne BrearFreda LightfootSasha CottmanMaryde Suzan Tisdale Jen BlackStephanie BurkhartTamara Gill
July 24, 2013
Sale! The Reluctant Marquess is $1.60 plus free shipping!
Amazon
Amazon Regency bestseller, The Reluctant Marquess is on sale! $1.60 plus free shipping.
Charity Barlow wished to marry for love. She and Lord Robert have been forced by circumstances to marry, and she feels sure she is not the woman he would have selected given a choice. The Marquess of St. Malin makes it plain to her that their marriage is merely for the procreation of an heir, and once that is achieved, he intends to continue living the life he enjoyed before he met her. While he takes up his life in London once more, Charity is left to wander the echoing corridors of St. Malin House, when she isn't thrown into the midst of the mocking ton. Charity is not at all sure she likes her new social equals, and shes not at all sure she likes her new husband either, except for his striking appearance, which sends her pulses racing. Lord Robert is a rake and does not deserve her love, but neither does she wish to live alone. Might he be suffering from a sad past?
Amazon Regency bestseller, The Reluctant Marquess is on sale! $1.60 plus free shipping. Charity Barlow wished to marry for love. She and Lord Robert have been forced by circumstances to marry, and she feels sure she is not the woman he would have selected given a choice. The Marquess of St. Malin makes it plain to her that their marriage is merely for the procreation of an heir, and once that is achieved, he intends to continue living the life he enjoyed before he met her. While he takes up his life in London once more, Charity is left to wander the echoing corridors of St. Malin House, when she isn't thrown into the midst of the mocking ton. Charity is not at all sure she likes her new social equals, and shes not at all sure she likes her new husband either, except for his striking appearance, which sends her pulses racing. Lord Robert is a rake and does not deserve her love, but neither does she wish to live alone. Might he be suffering from a sad past?
July 22, 2013
July 12, 2013
Cover Reveal! TAMING A GENTLEMAN SPY - The Spies of Mayfair Series Book Two
Pre-order from KNOX ROBINSON PUBLISHING
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…
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…
July 11, 2013
July 9, 2013
Lovely Review of A Baron in Her Bed
NEW REVIEW OF A BARON IN HER BED BY MAGGI ANDERSENJuly 8, 2013 by carolcork
(The Spies of Mayfair #1)
Genre :Historical Romance
Official blurb
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. When Guy is set upon in London, a stranger, Lord Strathairn, rescues and befriends him. But while traveling to his country estate, Guy is again attacked. Guy suspects his relative, Eustace Fennimore, is behind the attacks on his life. Horatia refuses to believe her godfather, Eustace, is responsible. 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 fiancé, who has proven more than willing to play the part of her lover even as he resists her attempts to save him.
★✩★✩★✩★✩★
This is the first book in Maggi Andersen’s The Spies of Mayfair series. I have not read any of Ms Andersen’s books before but an engaging heroine, a dashing hero, interesting secondary characters and just the right amount of intrigue made this a very enjoyable read.
Guy
Frenchmen always seem to have that “Je ne sais quoi” that makes them totally irresistible. So it’s understandable that Guy charmed his way into my heart. He’s romantic, seductive, passionate, flirtatious, witty, attentive and what woman could resist a compliment like this.
“Do you know your eyes aren’t brown? They are closer to pure amber with touches of green and gold. Like some rare stone.”
But there is another side to him. It’s when he recounts to Lord Strathairn the terrible things he witnessed whilst fighting against Napoleon’s army in Spain, that we see a man with strong values…a man of honour and integrity. He shows that same honour in his relationship with Horatia much to her chagrin!
Horatia
Horatia is a spirited (maybe a little too much at times but her intentions are admirable) and likeable heroine. She feels stifled by the confines of Malforth Manor and longs to be independent like her Aunt Emily sampling all that London has to offer …poetry recitals, museums, art galleries and parks. She has no desire for love or marriage until Guy comes into her life. He stirs her senses and she’s eager to explore these new emotions and passions.
I was totally charmed by their delightful romance. I especially loved their first meeting when Horatia is disguised as a young groom. It leads to all sorts of wickedly funny moments such as this one…
“You must become a good lover, my friend. It is a skill that requires much study to perfect.”
“In what way?” Oh why had she asked that? She’d just invited him to tell her. She bit her lip, half wanting to hear it and half fearful of what he would say.
“By listening,” he said, surprising her. “What she tells you gives many clues.”
“And if she tells you nothing?”
“You ensure the woman has her pleasure before you take yours, using all of your body, your hands, your tongue and lips, as well as your cock. When she comes, you will hear it, see it, feel it, and delight in it.”
Horatia dipped her head to hide her hot cheeks as he elaborated on what he liked a woman to do to him.
I was really intrigued by Guy’s friend John, Earl of Strathairn. There’s definitely a lot more to him than meets the eye and so I’m pleased he will be getting his own book, TAMING A GENTLEMAN SPY, coming in September 2013.
I adored Guy’s sister Geneviève who obviously cares for her brother and was not above throwing caution to the wind in her efforts to assist him.
I appreciate Ms Andersen’s obvious attention to detail with regard to the historical period and setting. I like how she included real life contemporary figures like the poet, Wordsworth and the actor, Edmund Kean.
The mystery aspect of the plot held my interest and the identity of the person responsible for the attempts on Guy’s life was a real surprise. I fear we haven’t seen the last of Count Forney either.
This was a delightful, entertaining romance and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
REVIEW RATING: 4/5 Stars
SENSUALITY RATING: WARM
(The Spies of Mayfair #1)
Genre :Historical Romance
Official blurb
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. When Guy is set upon in London, a stranger, Lord Strathairn, rescues and befriends him. But while traveling to his country estate, Guy is again attacked. Guy suspects his relative, Eustace Fennimore, is behind the attacks on his life. Horatia refuses to believe her godfather, Eustace, is responsible. 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 fiancé, who has proven more than willing to play the part of her lover even as he resists her attempts to save him.
★✩★✩★✩★✩★
This is the first book in Maggi Andersen’s The Spies of Mayfair series. I have not read any of Ms Andersen’s books before but an engaging heroine, a dashing hero, interesting secondary characters and just the right amount of intrigue made this a very enjoyable read.
Guy
Frenchmen always seem to have that “Je ne sais quoi” that makes them totally irresistible. So it’s understandable that Guy charmed his way into my heart. He’s romantic, seductive, passionate, flirtatious, witty, attentive and what woman could resist a compliment like this.
“Do you know your eyes aren’t brown? They are closer to pure amber with touches of green and gold. Like some rare stone.”
But there is another side to him. It’s when he recounts to Lord Strathairn the terrible things he witnessed whilst fighting against Napoleon’s army in Spain, that we see a man with strong values…a man of honour and integrity. He shows that same honour in his relationship with Horatia much to her chagrin!
Horatia
Horatia is a spirited (maybe a little too much at times but her intentions are admirable) and likeable heroine. She feels stifled by the confines of Malforth Manor and longs to be independent like her Aunt Emily sampling all that London has to offer …poetry recitals, museums, art galleries and parks. She has no desire for love or marriage until Guy comes into her life. He stirs her senses and she’s eager to explore these new emotions and passions.
I was totally charmed by their delightful romance. I especially loved their first meeting when Horatia is disguised as a young groom. It leads to all sorts of wickedly funny moments such as this one…
“You must become a good lover, my friend. It is a skill that requires much study to perfect.”
“In what way?” Oh why had she asked that? She’d just invited him to tell her. She bit her lip, half wanting to hear it and half fearful of what he would say.
“By listening,” he said, surprising her. “What she tells you gives many clues.”
“And if she tells you nothing?”
“You ensure the woman has her pleasure before you take yours, using all of your body, your hands, your tongue and lips, as well as your cock. When she comes, you will hear it, see it, feel it, and delight in it.”
Horatia dipped her head to hide her hot cheeks as he elaborated on what he liked a woman to do to him.
I was really intrigued by Guy’s friend John, Earl of Strathairn. There’s definitely a lot more to him than meets the eye and so I’m pleased he will be getting his own book, TAMING A GENTLEMAN SPY, coming in September 2013.
I adored Guy’s sister Geneviève who obviously cares for her brother and was not above throwing caution to the wind in her efforts to assist him.
I appreciate Ms Andersen’s obvious attention to detail with regard to the historical period and setting. I like how she included real life contemporary figures like the poet, Wordsworth and the actor, Edmund Kean.
The mystery aspect of the plot held my interest and the identity of the person responsible for the attempts on Guy’s life was a real surprise. I fear we haven’t seen the last of Count Forney either.
This was a delightful, entertaining romance and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
REVIEW RATING: 4/5 Stars
SENSUALITY RATING: WARM
It's not about Plot! from Lisa Cron
This works for me:
"We’re born to story. We’re wired for it. Trust your inheritance, and as you write, just keep asking why." Lisa Cron
Read more here.
Writer Unboxed
"We’re born to story. We’re wired for it. Trust your inheritance, and as you write, just keep asking why." Lisa Cron
Read more here.
Writer Unboxed
July 7, 2013
Nice Review of The Folly at Falconbridge Hall
The Folly at Falconbridge Hall by Maggi Andersen
Publisher: Knox Robinson PublishingMay 2013ISBN: 1908483369Pages: 2381894 Clapham, England & PeruVanessa Ashley feels she is qualified to be a governess until she gets the position at Falconbridge Hall. Finding herself penniless after the deaths of her artist father and suffragette mother, Vanessa does what she can to earn a living. Vanessa uses her knowledge of politics, history and art to get the position of governess. Hired as a governess for ten-year-old Blythe, Vanessa hopes she can now have a stable life even if it isn’t quite the life she had planned on.Julian, Lord Falconbridge is a scientist that is about to go on an extended expedition to the Amazon. Julian takes an interest in his daughter’s education and is determined to make sure she has what she needs while he is away.Vanessa soon finds things are not quite what they seem as the last governess left suddenly without notice. Not to mention that Blythe’s mother death is never mentioned. Blythe also doesn’t seem to feel safe in her own home. It seems that there are secrets and Vanessa is determined to find out what is going on so that Blythe can be the happy little girl Vanessa knows she can be.This is a very well written story that has a wonderful mystery in it that is sure to have readers guessing just what is going on. With all the secrets that are in this one it is interesting to see them unfold and find out just what is going on. This has several twists and turns that keep the story intriguing and helps the storyline move along well. While this would have been an even better story had it been a little longer with more intrigue in it this is still a very good romance with the mystery threaded through it. This is one that will be enjoyed by readers that like some mystery with their romance.
I give this one 4 red roses
Anne Herries
Publisher: Knox Robinson PublishingMay 2013ISBN: 1908483369Pages: 2381894 Clapham, England & PeruVanessa Ashley feels she is qualified to be a governess until she gets the position at Falconbridge Hall. Finding herself penniless after the deaths of her artist father and suffragette mother, Vanessa does what she can to earn a living. Vanessa uses her knowledge of politics, history and art to get the position of governess. Hired as a governess for ten-year-old Blythe, Vanessa hopes she can now have a stable life even if it isn’t quite the life she had planned on.Julian, Lord Falconbridge is a scientist that is about to go on an extended expedition to the Amazon. Julian takes an interest in his daughter’s education and is determined to make sure she has what she needs while he is away.Vanessa soon finds things are not quite what they seem as the last governess left suddenly without notice. Not to mention that Blythe’s mother death is never mentioned. Blythe also doesn’t seem to feel safe in her own home. It seems that there are secrets and Vanessa is determined to find out what is going on so that Blythe can be the happy little girl Vanessa knows she can be.This is a very well written story that has a wonderful mystery in it that is sure to have readers guessing just what is going on. With all the secrets that are in this one it is interesting to see them unfold and find out just what is going on. This has several twists and turns that keep the story intriguing and helps the storyline move along well. While this would have been an even better story had it been a little longer with more intrigue in it this is still a very good romance with the mystery threaded through it. This is one that will be enjoyed by readers that like some mystery with their romance. I give this one 4 red roses
Anne Herries
