Erica Ridley's Blog, page 27

Win a Dukes of War Audiobook!

I am SO excited to announce that the talented Stevie Zimmerman has narrated the first four Dukes of War romances in audiobook!

When a flash of lightning destroys the venue for Viscount Sheffield’s annual Christmas ball, whirlwind Amelia Pembroke comes to the rescue!

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The Earl of Carlisle is hunting an heiress—but finds himself enchanted with a penniless wallflower!

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Spinster Jane Downing wants off the shelf and into the arms of a hot-blooded man…Specifically, the dark and dangerous Captain Grey!

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When Major Bartholomew Blackpool learns the girl-next-door from his childhood will be forced into an unwanted marriage, he returns home to play her pretend beau!

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WIN IT: Have you ever listened to an audiobook? If so, where do you get yours? If not, would you like to win one? Everyone who comments below is entered to win one of 3 copies of The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation in audiobook!

The post Win a Dukes of War Audiobook! appeared first on Erica Ridley, New York Times Bestselling Historical Romance Books.

Throwback Thursday: Arabella Churchill’s Sensuous Legs with Anna D. Allen

Today, we have Anna D. Allen here on the blog, sharing a humorous historical tidbit with us!

Arabella Churchill’s Sensuous Legs

My sister’s into the Restoration period, when Charles II returned to Britain after decades of Puritan rule. Not my cup of tea. Can’t get past the wigs. Plus the Stuarts never seem like the brightest crayons in the box. But my sister loves it, and since I know all the characters, she jabbers to me about it. One story she told me lay dormant in the back of my mind for years… until last winter, I felt compelled to write a romance novella inspired by a footnote to history.

Arabella Churchill was the sister of John Churchill (later the Duke of Marlborough). John was a national war hero, the builder of Blenheim Palace (frequently used in movies), and most famous today as the ancestor of Sir Winston Churchill and Princess Diana.

At court, Arabella served as a lady-in-waiting to Anne Hyde, the king’s sister-in-law, whose husband, James Duke of York, would go on to become King James I–infamously losing his crown in the Glorious Revolution.

Arabella, however, was not a beauty. She was tall and skinny, very pale, and openly called plain.

At this point, the accounts vary. Either everyone went hunting on horseback or James took it upon himself to teach Arabella to ride. In any event, Arabella was thrown from her horse. When James reached her, he discovered her skirts in disarray, leaving her legs completely exposed. And he was shocked that such a plain girl could possess such incredible limbs. He, supposedly, fell in love with her on the spot, and she soon became his mistress, eventually giving birth to four of his children.

I couldn’t resist a bit of thievery… but set in the Regency Period. With snow. And a really hot hero. The result: Magdalena’s Christmas Rake.

What was the hardest part about writing this story?

The kiss! I always end up writing the last kiss I wrote. So I have to go back and makes sure I don’t do that. And then there’s my inner 5-year-old going "ooh, cooties" or pulling a Rainman– "It was wet."

Have you ever based a character on a real person?

Several times. The best one, though, was Bob in "Mrs Hewitt’s Barbeque." The man was a greeter at the local Meijer’s (think Super-Walmart in the Mid-West). He was in his 60s, from Northern England with the corresponding accent, but he looked like the Crocodile Hunter, down to his khaki shorts. And he had a short queue and an earing. I had to write him.

What are your favorite historical romance tropes?

I love Regency romance, but a trope? My sister jokes that I like stories with "a plot." I laughed when she said this, but I knew what she meant– those tales with smugglers or French spies. I like soldiers. I like heroines who are "older"– that is, not debutantes with little experience of the world. Variations of Cinderella– but always always always, intelligent women. And intelligent men, too.

Magdalena’s Christmas Rake

When days turn dark, Christmas brightens the way… Come Revel with us again!

Magdalena’s Christmas Rake – Thomas Eddington comes home for a family Christmas to discover his mother in a matchmaking mood. Worse, she has invited his childhood nemesis, "Mad Maddie" Winslow, to act as chaperone to the eligible debutantes. For her part, Magdalena Winslow hopes to go unnoticed. She certainly wants nothing to do with a London rake, and she’s not afraid to let him know it.

Series Name: Christmas Revels III

Genre: Regency Romance
Heat level: No sex
ISBN: 9781942470021

Grab your copy at:
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$2.99 USD – $3.91 CAN – £2.99 GBP

Find Anna D. Allen at: Facebook | Website

We want to hear from you!

Not including Mr. Darcy, who among Jane Austen’s male characters would you want as a husband? Or whatever works for you.

Leave a comment below!

The post Throwback Thursday: Arabella Churchill’s Sensuous Legs with Anna D. Allen appeared first on Erica Ridley, New York Times Bestselling Historical Romance Books.

NEW RELEASE: Scandal’s Splendor by Collette Cameron @ColletteAuthor

Today, I’m thrilled to have Collette Cameron here on the blog, sharing a brand new historical romance release with us!

Scandal’s Splendor

Jacques, Monsieur le baron de Devaux-Rousset, ventures to Scotland to oversee his new investment. He certainly should not be falling in love with the spirited Seonaid Ferguson. Nor should he consider, even for a moment, her risqué, but deliciously tempting scheme to rid her of the second sight.

Series Name: Highland Heather Romancing a Scot

Genre: Scottish Regency
Heat level: One or two love scenes
ISBN: 9781682912768

Grab your copy at:
Amazon USA | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK

$2.99 USD – $ CAN – £2.99 GBP

Tell us something fun about the heroine.

Seonaid Ferguson was introduced in my very first book, Highlander’s Hope. Too young at that time to have her own happily-ever-after, she waited through twelve other books to have her story told.

Possessed of an unusual gift, the second sight, she didn’t see what I had in store for her!

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

What was the first historical romance you read?

I cut my romance reading teeth on Barbara Cartland Regencies at the tender age of thirteen, but it wasn’t until I read The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen Woodiwiss that I fell in love with the genre.

Find Collette Cameron at: Facebook | Twitter | Website

Grab your copy of Scandal’s Splendor at:
Amazon USA | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK

We want to hear from you!

Do you think characters who own animals are more likable?

Leave a comment below!

The post NEW RELEASE: Scandal’s Splendor by Collette Cameron @ColletteAuthor appeared first on Erica Ridley, New York Times Bestselling Historical Romance Books.

FREE: The Beauty Bride by Claire Delacroix @CookeDelacroix

Today, I’m thrilled to have Claire Delacroix here on the blog, sharing a FREE historical romance with us!

The Beauty Bride

Madeline’s heart is not for sale…especially not to an outlaw like Rhys FitzHenry. Yet Madeline’s hand has been sold, to none other than this warrior with a price on his head. She decides to run away, though she never dreams that Rhys will pursue her. She does not expect Rhys to woo her with fanciful stories, much less that each of his tales will reveal a scar upon his soul. When Rhys’ past threatens his future, Madeline dares to believe him innocent and risks her all for her newfound love.

Series Name: The Jewels of Kinfairlie

Genre: Medieval Romance

Heat level: One or two love scenes

ISBN: 9780987954893

Grab your copy at:

Apple iBooks (iTunes/iPhone/iPad)

Amazon USA | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK

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$0.00 USD – $0.00 CAN – £0.00 GBP

What was the best part about writing this story?

I love the stories that Rhys tells to Madeline, and how each one reveals one of his carefully-guarded secrets. I had a wonderful time digging through volumes of folk tales to make the perfect choice each time. My favorite is the story of Gelert.

Do you have a ‘call’ story?

I sold my first book in 1992 to Tracy Farrell at Harlequin Historicals. It was a medieval romance called Romance of the Rose. I was away for a few days when she called and left a message, so I had time to squeal before calmly calling her back and trying to sound professional. (My friend wanted to know how I could be certain what she wanted, but I knew she’d only call to make an offer for the book.) Tracy was a wonderful editor and I learned so much from her.

Do you have favorite historical romance comfort reads?

I love Regency romances. I love when they have that perfect balance of sexual tension, witty dialogue and a sense of the period. I only recently wrote my first Regency (a novella called Something Wicked This Way Comes) and I’m thinking about writing more. As much as I love my knights and highlanders, I enjoyed my little visit to the Regency.

Find Claire Delacroix at: Facebook | Twitter | Website

Grab your copy of The Beauty Bride at:

Apple iBooks (iTunes/iPhone/iPad)

Amazon USA | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble Nook

Kobo

We want to hear from you!

Highlanders or knights?

Leave your pick in the comments below!

The post FREE: The Beauty Bride by Claire Delacroix @CookeDelacroix appeared first on Erica Ridley, New York Times Bestselling Historical Romance Books.

FREE: Alexandra by Lauren & Devon Royal @readLaurenRoyal

Today, I’m thrilled to have Lauren & Devon Royal here on the blog, sharing a FREE historical romance with us!

Alexandra

England, 1815: Lady Alexandra Chase has always followed the rules. But when her brother’s best friend—and secret girlhood obsession—returns from a long spell abroad, she finds herself longing to throw out the rulebook and follow her heart instead…

Series Name: Regency Chase Brides

Genre: Regency Romance

Heat level: Closed-door sex

ISBN: 9781634690065

Grab your copy at:

Apple iBooks (iTunes/iPhone/iPad)

Amazon USA | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble Nook

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$0.00 USD – $0.00 CAN – £0.00 GBP

Tell us something fun about the hero.

The hero in our story owns a vineyard, so you’ll find lots of fun tidbits about 19th century winemaking!

Do you plot your books before you write?

Yes, extensively. Our favorite place to brainstorm is in the hot tub with a bottle of wine!

What was the first historical romance you read?

Lauren snuck a copy of ‘Forever Amber’ from her uncle’s library as a teenager and became instantly hooked. Later, she found out the book she’d “borrowed” was a first edition! (Don’t worry, she gave it back.)

Find Lauren & Devon Royal at: Facebook | Twitter | Website

Grab your copy of Alexandra at:

Apple iBooks (iTunes/iPhone/iPad)

Amazon USA | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble Nook

Kobo

Google Play (Android)

We want to hear from you!

Who’s better, gentlemen or bad boys?

Leave your pick in the comments below!

The post FREE: Alexandra by Lauren & Devon Royal @readLaurenRoyal appeared first on Erica Ridley, New York Times Bestselling Historical Romance Books.

NEW RELEASE: Native Hawk by Glynnis Campbell @GlynnisCampbell

Today, I’m thrilled to have Glynnis Campbell here on the blog, sharing a brand new historical romance release with us!

Native Hawk

Half-breed Drew Hawk is a gun-slinging gambler who figures he’ll never settle down–until he meets beautiful Catalina di Ferrara, an Italian dress designer just arrived in California. Catalina, desperate for cash to buy a sewing machine, takes a job at the local bordello as a housekeeper. But when she discovers she can earn more money by stringing along the handsome Mr. Hawk, he calls her bluff. A high-stakes game ensues where trouble is a wild card and they’re both wagering their hearts.

Series Name: California Legends

Genre: Western Romance

Heat level: One or two love scenes

ISBN: 9781938114137

Grab your copy at:

Apple iBooks (iTunes/iPhone/iPad)

Amazon USA | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK

Kobo

Google Play (Android)

$4.99 USD – $5.99 CAN – £4.99 GBP

Tell us something fun about the relationship conflict.

When Drew Hawk finds out the sporting lady he’s paid for is a virgin, he doesn’t have the heart to touch her. But he doesn’t want anyone else touching her either. So he ends up buying her night after night just to keep the other men away.

What is your writing cave like?

My everyday writing cave is my leather sofa, looking out the window at my southern California garden. But my favorite place to write is in hotels when I tag along on my husband’s rock band tours or on cruise ships with my BFF author Lauren Royal!

Who was your first auto-buy historical romance author?

I would buy anything Jude Deveraux wrote. I was lucky enough to meet her at a booksigning before I was published, and I was starstruck!

Find Glynnis Campbell at: Facebook | Twitter | Website

Grab your copy of Native Hawk at:

Apple iBooks (iTunes/iPhone/iPad)

Amazon USA | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK

Kobo

Google Play (Android)

We want to hear from you!

Have you picked up your 3 FREE BOOKS at my website?

Leave a comment below!

The post NEW RELEASE: Native Hawk by Glynnis Campbell @GlynnisCampbell appeared first on Erica Ridley, New York Times Bestselling Historical Romance Books.

Limited Edition Anthology: A Duke’s Desire

Nine full-length historical romances! Grab yours at:

Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble Nook | Kobo

No matter the romance, it’s always better with a duke.

Nine full-length novels featuring romantic tales with the highest members of the peerage. From Medieval Scotland to Regency England and even America, see how are these dukes are tamed and the lovely ladies that discover A Duke’s Desire.

The Duke’s Accidental Wife by Erica Ridley: Miss Katherine Ross keeps clashing with the insufferably emotionless Duke of Ravenwood. She’s convinced his heart is ice — until she touches that chiseled chest for herself. One lapse in judgment is all it takes to turn both their lives topsy-turvy…

The Forbidden Duke by Darcy Burke: A decade ago, Titus St. John’s idle roguery brought about the ruin of Eleanor Lockhart—and his self-imposed isolation. Now she’s back, and she needs his help. But by “saving” her, the Forbidden Duke may ruin her life all over again.

The Dangerous Duke of Dinnisfree by Julie Johnstone: Justin Holleman, the Duke of Dinnisfree, protects his country, king, and heart with classic, cold calculation until the day he’s forced to seek help with a dangerous mission from the fiery Miss Arabella Cartwright who upends his ordered world and entices him at every turn. Arabella learned long ago to count only on herself, but when she becomes a pawn in a political intrigue, she must rely on Justin, but is he her enemy or her ally

Love with an Improper Stranger by Barbara Devlin: When notoriously hotheaded Nautionnier Knight Blake Elliott, fifth Duke of Rylan, volunteers for a mission, his magnanimous gesture does not include acting as nanny to a couple of blushing sisters. After Lenore suffers a wicked bout of seasickness, Blake nurses her back to health but loses his heart in the process. What happens when Blake alters his course and sets sail for an altogether delectable, more permanent destination?

Taming a Duke’s Reckless Heart by Tammy Andresen: Piper Baker must marry but the only man she wants, an English duke who has traveled to America to replenish his fortune, is the one she can’t have.

Rapunzelle by Caroline Lee: When a handsome stranger arrives in town trying to solve a fifteen-year-old mystery, even the most over-protected heroine knows how to let down her hair… An old-west fairy tale from the bestselling Everland Ever After series.

Scandalous Endeavors by Amanda Mariel: Lady Amelia’s willing to create a scandal to stay in her beloved England. A Scottish duke ignites her passion, but will she abandon her endeavor for love?

The Duke’s Fiery Bride by Hildie McQueen: The last thing Gavin Mackinnon, the Duke of Selkirk expects is marriage to a rebellious wildling like her. Or is Beatrice Fingnon exactly what he needs?

Never Dare a Duke by Meara Platt: Frances Cameron ought to be spending the month planning her wedding, but when a casual toast on the night of her betrothal escalates into a battle of the sexes, she finds herself obligated on a dare to spend the next thirty days working closely with the handsome and powerful Duke of Kintyre. In winning the dare, will she also lose her heart to the duke?

Nine full-length historical romances! Grab yours at:

Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble Nook | Kobo

The post Limited Edition Anthology: A Duke’s Desire appeared first on Erica Ridley, New York Times Bestselling Historical Romance Books.

NEW RELEASE: The Duke of Deception by Darcy Burke @darcyburke

Today, I’m thrilled to have Darcy Burke here on the blog, sharing a brand new historical romance release with us!

The Duke of Deception

Almost-spinster Miss Aquilla Knox has successfully dodged marital prospects for five years, but when the charming Earl of Sutton turns his attention her way, her resolve his tested. They both harbor secrets, and his nickname, the Duke of Deception, may be more accurate than Aquilla could have ever imagined.

Series Name: The Untouchables

Genre: Regency

Heat level: Melt your socks off

ISBN: 9781944576042

Grab your copy at:

Apple iBooks (iTunes/iPhone/iPad)

Amazon USA | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble Nook

Kobo

$3.99 USD – $5.49 CAN – £3.99 GBP

Tell us something fun about the heroine.

Aquilla was fun to write because she loves to talk! She uses that skill to her advantage (or disadvantage perhaps!), and it makes for some fun scenes, particularly in the bedroom.

Limited Edition Box Set: Scandal’s Daughters

Five delightful Regency romances! Grab yours at:

Apple iBooks | Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble Nook | Kobo

From Christi Caldwell – Only for Her Honor

When Captain Lucas Rayne returned from fighting Boney’s forces, he was a shell of the man he’d been–until Eve Ormond begins work in his household. Desperate for new beginnings, Eve conceals secrets of her past from her employer. But can she break down the walls protecting Lucas’s heart, or will the secrets between them shatter all hope of true love?

From Eva Devon – Sleepless in a Scandal

All Lady Felicity Drake wants is to make a good match but after her father leaves herself and her sisters almost entirely ruined due to some very scandalous behavior, such a thing is next to impossible. . . That is, until she’s caught in a compromising position with the Marquess of Talbot. The question is, will the oh so staid Marquess save her from the proverbial wolves or will he leave her to her scandal?

From Elizabeth Essex – A Fine Madness

The entirely of Miss Elspeth Otis’s inheritance from her wastrel of a father is a battered old trunk with some scrawled-upon foolscap sheets. Nothing that could free her from a stifling life with her fusty maiden aunties in a musty old cottage in a misty corner of Scotland. Nothing that will give her the life she’s always dreamed of—a life full of kindness and kisses and love. Or will it?

From Anthea Lawson – A Lady’s Choice

Lady Sara Ashford has spent years cultivating her spotless reputation: a difficult task in the face of her mother’s scandalous exploits abroad. Now she is set on a path toward a perfect, respectable future—until the highly unsuitable Comte du Lac comes to London, and she is given the task of instructing him on how to behave properly in English Society.

From Erica Ridley – Lord of Chance

Charming rake Anthony Fairfax is on holiday to seek his fortune…and escape his creditors. When an irresistible Lady Luck wins him in a game of chance—and a slight mishap has them leg-shackled by dawn—the tables have finally turned in his favor. But when past demons catch up to them, holding on to new love will mean destroying their dreams forever.

Five delightful Regency romances! Grab yours at:

Apple iBooks | Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble Nook | Kobo

The post Limited Edition Box Set: Scandal’s Daughters appeared first on Erica Ridley, New York Times Bestselling Historical Romance Books.

VEXED Anthology (The Haunting of Castle Keyvnor)

Get Yours: Apple iBooks | Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Greetings,

In regards to the Matter of the un-entailed Estate of the late Jonathan Hambly, 10th Earl of Banfield, be advised that your attendance is urgently required at the reading of his lordship’s last Will & Testament, to take place on November 1st of this year at Castle Keyvnor in Bocka Morrow, Cornwall.

Regards,

Mr. Timothy Hunt, Esq.

When the late-Earl of Banfield’s distant relations descend upon Bocka Morrow, they’ll find gypsies, witches, pixies, smugglers, and one very haunted castle. And if they’re lucky, they might just fall in love while they’re there.

VEXED, The Haunting of Castle Keyvnor includes:

Erica Ridley’s Romancing the Rogue

When the new earl inherits, poor relation Miss Rebecca Bond must wed immediately or be out on her ear. The only man she’s ever loved is summoned to hear the will—but he already rejected her so soundly that they haven’t spoken in years. Yet who better than a rakish Viscount to teach her how to snare a gentleman who appreciates her charms?

Daniel Goodenham, Lord North Barrows, regrets nothing more than the lost friendship with the one woman who treated him like a man, not a title. Fate has given him the perfect pretext to win her forgiveness—even if it means having to matchmake her to someone else. But now that she’s back in his life, he’ll do anything to convince her to choose him instead…

Ava Stone’s Once Upon a Moonlit Path

Lady Cassandra Priske sees dead people…not all the time, but occasionally. When her family is summoned to Castle Keyvnor for the reading of her great uncle’s will, Cassy is more than terrified. After all, the castle is famous for its hauntings. But the very last person, dead or alive, she expects to find there is the rakish Lord. St. Giles. After all, she spent the last season hiding from that very man.

Elizabeth Essex’s Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

Nessa Teague has never believed in the magic that swirls around her village like a fine Cornish mist. She’s never had need of it. Until the day Lord Harry Beck returns to Bocka Morrow and Nessa realizes there is nothing, including the blackest of magic, she won’t do to have him for her own.

The Haunting of Castle Keyvnor includes twelve Regency romance novellas. Don’t miss the anthologies Bedeviled, Mystified, and Spellbound.

Get Yours: Apple iBooks | Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

The post VEXED Anthology (The Haunting of Castle Keyvnor) appeared first on Erica Ridley, New York Times Bestselling Historical Romance Books.