Maggie Robinson's Blog, page 6

Publishers Weekly Reviews Lord Gray’s List

I’ve been to Bermuda and back, home to find the first “official” review of Lord Gray’s List, and I could not be happier! (Or is it the rum talking?)

“Robinson (Mistress by Marriage) launches a Regency series with this appealing tale of sin and redemption. Baron Benton Gray is finally fed up with the way the editor of London’s most popular scandal tabloid, the London List, describes his bachelor exploits. He decides to put his wealth and power to the task and approaches the List’s editor, hoping to buy the rag. Much to Ben’s surprise, the rascally editor is Evangeline Ramsey, his first love, masquerading as a man. She declines his offer, so Ben goes over her head, wheedling a sales agreement from her ailing father. But when he shutters the newspaper, its advertisers and readers threaten to riot. With endearing good humor, Ben rehires Evie, and the two work side-by-side—and sometimes front-to-front—as the smoldering embers of love rekindle flames of passion. What this witty, raunchy comedy lacks in plausibility, it makes up for with wordplay and pure fun.”

Rhapsodic

I’m thrilled that Lord Gray’s List will be a featured alternate selection from the Rhapsody Book Club!

Cool Stuff in Hot Weather

I have not posted in a while, but the big day–my son and daughter-in-law’s renewal of their wedding vows–passed without a hitch on July 7. It was a small wedding (about 35 people), but most of them stayed here last weekend! Things are much quieter now, and the summer fun can begin!

Japanese rights were sold for Mistress by Midnight, and shortly after learning that I got a few Japanese editions of Mistress by Mistake! Since a Japanese restaurant is about to open nearby, I’ll know where to go to celebrate. Isn’t the cover gorgeous? (even though there are strawberries instead of raspberries on the cover, LOL)

The new Edwardian series for Berkley has been named: Ladies Unlaced. I playfully called it “Gibson Girls Gone Wild” as I was writing the first book, In the Arms of the Heiress. And I’m busy with book two, which has a fabulous name (thanks Elyssa Patrick!) that I’m too superstitious to mention.

It has been in the 90s in Maine, so I’ve been hanging out in my air-conditioned writing room or floating in the lake. Hope you’re comfortable where you are!

New Book Deal!

For the past four months, I’ve been working on my supersecretproject. It was a departure for me, moving from the late Regency to the Edwardian era. I thought of the book as “Gibson Girls Gone Wild,” although Gibson Girls were uniquely American and the story takes place in England. My working title is In the Arms of the Heiress. I’m thrilled to say that editor Kate Seaver bought it and a second book for the Berkley Sensation line, which means I’ll be published in mass market format. Whee! Thanks to my wonderful agent Laura Bradford who encouraged me to switch things up. It was so much fun to put people on trains and in cars after those bumpy carriage rides! Look for more news on the Evensong Employment Agency and the mysterious woman who runs it…

Nocturne Romance Reads Review of MOS

“Anything Maggie Robinson writes is a must read for me. I loved Mistress by Marriage where Andrew Rossiter is first introduced and was extremely excited when I heard he would have his own story in Master of Sin. Andrew has a very sordid past and must overcome many obstacles to move forward in his life but once the story begins and you can see what makes Andrew tick….you truly want him to succeed! The heroine, Gemma Peartree, is a spunky governess who had me liking her from the get go. Gemma is also hiding and running from secrets in her past. She and Andrew are a perfect match and need each other to be whole.

At times, the dialog in the book is very witty and funny. These are characters that you can love and root for! The story and love scenes are hot, steamy and keep you wanting more. Master of Sin will be a keeper on my bookshelf. I look forward to more books from Maggie Robinson!” The complete review.

Yay!

Endings and Beginnings

We’re back from two weeks in Scotland, London and Paris. The trip was both pleasure and “business”: I took copious notes in two small museums in Scotland that I hope will help me with the new series I’m working on. (and I could even read my handwriting when I typed them up on my laptop!) Here’s a photo of Wellwood House, the charming country house hotel we stayed at in Pitlochry, Scotland. Below it is the Atholl Palace Hotel, which houses a fascinating glimpse into its past in the basement. Other highlights of the trip included a boat ride down the Seine, watching hundreds of men in kilts at the Glamis Gathering, and studying the fabulous jewels in the Victoria and Albert Museum. I’ve come home sworn to resume my diet after eating my way through Europe. Wish me luck with that.

News: May 31 is the last day to bid on all six Courtesan Court books for the Brenda Novak Auction. The link is here. This is also the last day to enter the website contest for a box of books and swag from the RT Booklovers Convention. And if you pre-order Lord Gray’s List, it’s only $7.95 at the moment, an amazing deal for a trade paperback! I have no idea how long this is going to last… Here’s the Amazon link.

Next month’s contest will have Silver Jubilee goodies I picked up in London! Check back tomorrow to enter.

Mass Market Edition of Lords of Passion

Pretty in red, yes? This mass market anthology can be pre-ordered here.

Rakehell Reviews Master of Sin

From Cybil Solon at Rakehell Reviews: “Oh it’s about time that Andrew Rossiter go his own book! I’ve been dying to see what Robinson does with such a tormented hero as Andrew, and I’m pleased to say the wait was worth it.

Andrew Rossiter has been living as a whore since he was seven years old. Men and women alike desire his good looks and prowess in bed which is fine by him since his flexible morals only care about the money his clients pay him with. But when he has to rescue his son from assassins, the only thing he can do is try and turn his ill-gotten gains to the purpose of hiding his son and making a new life for both of them. Which is all easier said than done when he ends up on a cold and dank island that may be remote, but comes with a harpy of a nursemaid. A harpy nursemaid whom his son adores, and (to his surprise) can stir his jaded senses without even trying.

Gemma Peartree may have gotten off on the wrong foot with Andrew and the house staff, but she NEEDS her job. Her past isn’t so stellar either, and spending it hiding with the far too handsome and angelic looking employer who makes her heart flutter is a better fate than the one that awaits her elsewhere. She grew up with whores so she understands Andrew. Every time he tries to drive her away she knows that he’s really just afraid of wanting her closer.

And this is why this book works so well. Andrew is a much darker character than any others in Robinson’s “Courtesan Court” series. He’s been sexually used and abused for so many years that he doesn’t know what it’s like to be cared about for himself. I’ve enjoyed the other books of the series, but this one is my favorite. Finally I got to see inside the mind of the enigmatic and sultry Andrew Rossiter. He’s been a fantastic secondary character, but as a leading man he kept me up all night turning pages.

Gemma is his perfect foil. Because she too is damaged and has grown up around people like Andrew there aren’t any secrets or big misunderstandings to take up valuable pages. When Andrew reveals the dark side of himself, Gemma just looks at him and shrugs, making him wonder if maybe he isn’t so dark and dangerous after all.

The plot with his son is well-woven in, too. Often with children in a book like this the child is either ignored or takes over too much of the story. But Robinson uses him and the threat to his life perfectly. He was never in the way of the adult’s talk and very hot sex, but he was a tool that brought them together nicely.

Bottom Line: The best book in this series and one a fan of tortured heroes will love.”

Thanks, Cybil!

Ex Libris on Master of Sin

Highlights: “Gemma is a wonderful heroine. She is so different from the usually polished and well mannered historical romance heroines, her unaffected behaviour and fresh honesty made me chuckle quite a lot…What endeared Master of Sin to me was the light humour Maggie Robinson infused in the story…Maggie Robinson had to delay the usual blistering tone of her novels a bit, but fear not: though the loving between Gemma and Andrew is tender and sweet at first, the heat is constantly there, the sexual tension between these two and especially as Andrew wants to do the honourable thing and not seduce Gemma will make your skin heat…

Verdict: Master of Sin is so much more than an erotic historical romance novel. Its emotional depth and the exploration of Andrew’s healing touched my heart…If you are not afraid of a bit of emotional baggage and a seriously tortured hero you shouldn’t miss out on Master of Sin, it is a wonderful story and a worthy ending to this great series.” The whole thoughtful, wonderful review with excerpts of the book is here.

Top Pick from The Season!

Master of Sin is an April Top Pick from the Season For Romance! Snippet: “This story has snippets of humor amidst its dark background. The characters are seductive, compelling and interesting.

Overall the story is one of redemption; neither character feels worth of love but both find it. Those who loved Maggie’s Mistress by Mistake, Mistress by Marriage and Mistress by Midnight will love Master of Sin. I was slightly saddened by the fact that this final book to the series didn’t include Mistress in the title. Luckily, the book provided everything that made me fall in love with the novels that have come before it. Maggie is an author you don’t want to miss and this story and series are ones you will want to read sooner rather than later!”

Thank you, reviewer Tiffany!