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Lady Disguised - A Tenacious Trents Novella (Book 7)

Lady Disguised - A Tenacious Trents Novella(Book 7)

Mr. Sebastian Stanwick never intended to marry. It was bad enough that his father gambled away everything they owned and then drank himself to death, leaving his mother broken until she could not go on. But the death of his good friend at the hand of the man’s wife only solidifies Stanwick’s decision to remain a bachelor. Women were simply unpredictable and unstable if not taken care of properly.
Hélène Mirabelle wants few things in life. One, is to perform on the stage, and the other, is to be out from under the roof of her overbearing new family: Lord Bentley and the Trent brothers. Since her mother’s recent passing, Hélène's desire to return to Milan and the stage has only grown. A husband could never fit into the plans because no decent man would take an actress as a wife.
One fateful night leaves Hélène questioning if being an actress is the only thing she wants, while Stanwick begins to wonder whether all women are truly prone to madness and if they are, he may never get Hélène off of his mind.
Lady Disguised, a novella, first appeared in anthology, A Pact Between Gentlemen, released November, 2013. 


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December, 1814
“Yorkshire?” Hélène Mirabelle Trent glanced around the parlor decorated in pale blue and gold in the Acker London Townhouse.    “Yes,” her sister-in-law, Elizabeth Trent, answered. “We are to leave at the end of the week.”“Why?”“For Christmas, of course.” Elizabeth smiled. “Because the roads are unpredictable this time of year, we want to make sure we arrive before the twenty-third.”Why must they travel to Yorkshire? Hélène wanted a simple, quiet Christmas with just her sisters and Maman, which was impossible.  Maman had been dead for five months after succumbing to consumption, and Juliette, her older sister, was now married to Lord Acker.  Neither she nor Hélène’s twin, Genviève, lived with Juliette and Acker, but with their recently discovered half-brother, the Earl of Bentley and his wife.  Hélène would prefer to live in the home on Henrietta Street in Covent Garden near the theatres, but her brothers wouldn’t allow her to do so. The lot of them thought it unseemly.Hélène hadn’t known her four half-brothers and half-sister even existed until seven months ago, yet it hadn’t stopped the gentlemen from taking over and dictating her life.  At least Bentley and the brothers were allowing her to stay with Juliette during their short visit in London.  She had missed Juliette terribly over the last few months.“My grandfather insists my sister and I come home for Christmas this year,” Elizabeth explained.“I don’t understand why we need to be there as well.” Elizabeth chuckled. “Because my husband now has his three brothers and four sisters with whom to share the holiday. He has not had everyone before,” she explained. “When he said as much to my grandfather, it was decided that the entire family would go to Yorkshire for Christmas.”  Hélène clenched her teeth and bit back a retort. She was highly tired of others deciding what she would be doing, without once inquiring if she wished to participate. She wasn’t a child, incapable of making her own decisions, and hadn’t been treated as such for several years. Hélène wanted to tell them all to go hang and she would do what she very well pleased.Elizabeth reached over and grasped Hélène’s hand. “There is an estate that borders Grandfather’s and stands vacant. He was able to rent it through Twelfth Night, and we will all stay there together.” She grinned. “As long as we are at the castle during the day and early evening, Grandfather will be happy. As long as we have the privacy of our own home, John is happy, which means I’m happy.” John was the youngest of four brothers. “Grandfather has also taken control of the situation,” Elizabeth added. Hélène knew the particular situation in question was sorting out how to let society know that her now-late father, the former Earl of Bentley, had married and sired a daughter when he still had a wife who was very much alive. He had let society believe she had been dead, along with his daughter, for nearly twenty-two years. “I don’t know how His Grace can change anything. It will be a scandal whether anyone likes it or not.” “Grandfather is The Duke of Danby,” Elizabeth reminded her. “He has more power than any of us like to acknowledge. If anyone can defuse a situation, it is Grandfather. I can almost guarantee that when spring arrives, nobody will dare shun anyone in the family. ”Hopefully the rented estate was large, and the castle even bigger. “When Twelfth Night has passed, we will return to London. While Bentley returns to the manor, we will spend our days shopping and preparing you and Genviève for your coming out,” Elizabeth announced.Just the thought of being presented to the ton as if she were eight-and-ten was enough to make Hélène break out in a rash. She was not a debutant and never had been, nor would she ever be, yet her brothers would not accept that fact.Hélène wasn’t even sure she wanted to remain in London and knew she didn’t wish to go to Yorkshire. She wanted to return to Milan where she could continue acting, making costumes, and experimenting with different makeup and wigs. She belonged in Milan. She had to find a way to come up with the funds to buy passage, rent a room, and buy food until she could work again. And she needed to find the money before the Season began.“Good afternoon, ladies,” Acker announced as he walked through the door with Juliette.Acker thumbed through the post and dropped an envelope into the waste can.“What is that?” Juliette asked.“Another invitation to Dagger’s Haven.” Acker shook his head. “I don’t know why Stanwick keeps sending me vouchers. I am already a member, though I don’t visit often.” He smiled down at Juliette, who was apparently the cause of Acker not visiting this particular establishment. Dagger’s Haven. It sounded slightly dangerous. “Is it a gaming hell?” Hélène asked.  Acker nodded. “No cheating, no women, and Stanwick always comes out ahead.”  [image error]Mr. Sebastian Stanwick lifted a silent toast to his departed friend, then tossed back the brandy.  It was a bloody shame Arrington was gone from this world at such a young age and in such an inconceivable manner.  He reached behind his desk in the office of his gaming hell, Dagger’s Haven, and grasped the bottle of brandy to refill his glass. The shock of Lady Arrington killing her husband still lingered. He poured a large amount of the warm, brown liquor into his glass and set the bottle aside before taking a sip. One never knew what to expect from a woman. After all, they were the more fragile of the genders. Heaven knew that their dispositions could change with the wind, but to take a fire iron to one’s husband’s skull was rather extreme. Stanwick didn’t blame Lady Arrington for being angry. Her husband had been dipping his wick in another woman, but to hit him over the head with a fire iron? And she hadn’t stopped there; she’d hit him several more times. At least, those were the rumors. Had she beat him first and when he didn’t die, she struck him in the head? Or had she struck him in the head first and then proceed to beat his lifeless body until her anger was dispelled? Surely one whack against the skull was quite enough.Stanwick shuddered at the thought.Regardless, it was a horrible way to die. There were certainly less gruesome ways that Lady Arrington could have punished her husband.Stanwick leaned back, tipping the chair so it balanced on the back two legs. He cradled the snifter of brandy as he tried to think of a reasonable punishment. Denying him access to her bed would do no good since he preferred another’s anyway. She didn’t hold the purse strings, so she couldn’t cut him off.  He stared up at the ceiling. The candles cast a bright light that dimmed into shadows, leaving half of the ceiling in near darkness. There really were no ways a lady could punish her husband. A gentleman had many options, such as denying her pin money, sending her to the country for life, or refusing to spend time with her. Really, a gentleman’s options were endless. No wonder ladies felt helpless in these matters. It might just explain much of their behavior.      Stanwick righted the chair, the front legs hitting the wooden floor with a thud. Women were unable to respond to uncomfortable situations with a reasonable emotion, Lady Arrington being a perfect example. Why didn’t gentlemen understand that women, as a whole, were delicate creatures in mind and in body, and great care should be taken so they were not distressed?  He leaned forward and placed his elbows on the desk, staring ahead at the closed door of his office. Were all women prone to madness if not taken care of properly?  The thought gave him pause. It was a frightening thought indeed, and all the more reason he was glad he never planned to marry. The pact he’d made following Arrington’s funeral only solidified that vow.  Staring into the fire burning brightly behind the grate, Stanwick relaxed in his chair again and took another sip of the brandy. He had yet to witness a woman behave the same as another woman would in a similar situation. Where Lady Arrington took a fire iron to her husband, his mother had retreated into herself until she was only a shell of the woman he had known as a child. After father lost everything they owned gambling he turned to drink. That is what killed him in the end. It was a shame he didn’t have the decency to die at home, but in his mistresses bed instead. That had been the fatal blow to mother. She had given up. Too humiliated to go into public and too hurt to eat. His uncle, Earl Walcutt, did nothing to help mother, which probably angered Sebastian more than his father’s activities. Uncle could have easily seen that the debts were cleared, but did not feel they were his responsibility. However, he made certain Stanwick got an education that would rival any lord’s son but that was only because Stanwick was the heir. His uncle had only daughters and it was unlikely there would be a son in the future. Unfortunately, the neglect his uncle showed toward mother would be his downfall. Never would Stanwick marry and he most certainly would not sire the required heir. The title could go hang and disappear in to oblivion for all he cared. His younger brother might do the necessary duty, but Stanwick was not compelled to do so himself.  Besides, even if Stanwick felt the urge to procreate and provide a future for the family, he didn’t want to be saddled with a wife. There were too many instances where it do not go well for the husband.  The firelight reflected off the fire iron standing in its holder as the flames danced. He had never thought of it as a deadly weapon before, but it looked lethal from where Stanwick sat and nobody was even holding it. Beside it was a glass case filled with a variety of weapons. He could use the knives, swords, and guns with deadly accuracy, not that he ever had despite the rumors. Stanwick simply kept them on display to discourage anyone who thought to threaten him when called to the office to discuss gambling debts.  Stanwick looked from the case, back to the fire iron, and then to the small but heavy figurine of a child sitting at the corner of his desk. It had been a favorite of his mother’s, yet even that innocent object could be used to harm someone. In fact, almost any object could be used if the lady was in the frame of mind to kill her husband.  Just the thought of some woman, upset and bordering on madness, coming at him with a weapon sent a trickle of fear through him. If it were a man, Stanwick wouldn’t hesitate to use his dagger, but he could never physically harm a woman, no matter what she did. If he ever was the cause of scarred or bruised skin, Stanwick wasn’t quite sure he could forgive himself.  He took a drink, and the liquid burned down his throat, warming his belly.  If only women were more like men, life would be much easier. Stanwick finished his drink and placed the glass on his desk. At least he was safe in Dagger’s Haven where no women were ever allowed. 

Lady Concealed - A Tenacious Trents Novel (Book 8)

Lady Concealed - A Tenacious Trents Novel (Book 8)

All Genviève Mirabelle wanted was her mother’s belongings and a place for herself, out from under the watchful eyes of her step-brothers. The Trent Brothers, specifically. Since coming into her life they have had very definite plans for her future, despite her objections. There is only one thing keeping her from seeking her freedom: her mother’s missing shipment. Once found, she can live as she wishes, without a gentleman telling her what to do.
Mr. Jonathan Bridges owns one of the finest shipping lines in London. That is, he did until his secretary and a few employees disappeared, leaving a muddle of things. Now several crates are missing and he has no explanation for the owners. The one most persistent in demanding answers is Miss Genviève Mirabelle. As much as he tries to put her off, she is determined to help him. 
Heaven save him from meddling females who are better served sitting at home having tea.Their search leads them from the docks and right into the heart of a smuggling ring. But their lives are not the only thing in danger. Their hearts hang in the balance, since neither one ever anticipated what was to come.

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February, 1815, London, England
Genviève Mirabelle Trent tapped her foot against the cobblestones outside the massive warehouse along the river Thames. Her ire rose the longer she waited. If she did not receive answers soon, she would search the place herself. A hulk of a man had asked her to wait while he searched out Mr. Bridges, but that had been nearly half an hour ago. Stepping into the large building, she glanced around. Had the man gotten lost among the crates that seemed to go on forever? She had never been inside a shipping warehouse before and was surprised at how massive it was. From her vantage point, Genviève was not sure where it ended, or how wide it was. Surely her family belongings were in here somewhere.Genviève checked the small watch she kept pinned inside her pelisse. She needed to be done with this business soon and return to the Bentley townhouse before anyone was aware she had left without her maid. The woman, though very sweet, reported each of Genviève’s movements and it wasn’t anyone’s business where she went or what she did. She knew one of her half-brothers would have insisted on accompanying her because the area was too dangerous for a lady. They failed to remember that she lived her entire life without a father, or brothers. She and her sisters learned early on how to take care of themselves. It was rather aggravating to have someone determined to guard her when there hadn’t been anyone to do that for the first twenty-three years of her life. Further, it was annoying to suddenly be thrust into a position in which she needed to ask permission, or be told to behave a certain way. With a sigh, Genviève stepped further into the warehouse, determined to catch someone’s attention because apparently the hulk who had greeted her forgot he left her waiting. Though there were men all around moving crates, nobody noticed her. Shouts echoed as men called to each other or hollered out orders. She would have been impressed with what appeared to be organization if it were actually organized.  What she viewed was a mass of blocks with no rhyme or reason.  Her family belongings were supposed to be here, yet remained missing for the past three months. Or, perhaps they weren’t missing and the owner was just too lazy to reply to her correspondence.A sign on the wall caught her attention. The office was up the narrow flight of stairs. Surely that was where Mr. Bridges was holed up right now, and she was not about to wait another moment. Carefully she climbed up the wooden steps, her dark grey gown trailing behind her, gathering dust. There wasn’t much to be done about it now. She anticipated any place along the docks would be filthy and her sister, Jonathan Bridges wiped the sweat from his forehead with back of his arm. The sleeve was filthy and no doubt grime was now smeared across his face. Not that it mattered, because there was work to be done and, until he cleaned up the mess caused by his former secretary and manager, he would be working with his men to right the situation.His secretary and warehouse manager had disappeared, along with a few other workers, leaving him with missing shipments and unhappy customers. Though in his gut he knew the truth, he still hoped all the items had been misplaced or incorrectly labeled—not stolen.With a sigh, Jonathan trudged toward the stairs to his office. His body ached from the physical labor and it was a painful reminder that he had sat far too long behind a desk. He had family obligations that had kept him from giving his business the attention that it needed. Concern for his sister, widowed not long ago, and her two young sons had him visiting her in the country more often, meaning he spent less time in London. The neglect may have cost him the business. Never would he trust another to do a job without his supervision.Most of his employees had gone home for the evening, but Jonathan did not have the same luxury.  He was still going through papers that he had found hidden away after his secretary had disappeared. Hundreds of invoices were shoved in small crates in a storage room beneath his offices. It was by chance that he had found them to begin with. There were months to be inventoried and the thought of facing the paper, now stacked on every available surface in his office, made Jonathan’s head ache. But, it had to be done. He couldn’t rest until everything had been accounted for and all items delivered to their respective owners.He glanced back at the now dark warehouse as he climbed the stairs to his office. His jacket, waistcoat and cravat were folded and draped over the railing, waiting to be put back on before he left for the evening. They had been removed when he set out into the warehouse this morning. In hindsight, he probably should have removed and left the items in his office.Jonathan stifled a yawn as he plodded up the narrow stairs. Perhaps he should see about having a cot set up until all of the work was completed. He practically lived here as it was, leaving only late in the evening to return home, eat a cold supper, fall into bed and start all over just as the sun was rising.He slowed as he neared the top of the stairs noting the door to his office was open. It had been closed earlier and there was no reason for his workers to have been inside. Lamplight illuminated the landing and he tilted his head, straining to hear the quiet humming coming from within.  Who was in his office?  As they were humming, Jonathan did not feel overly threatened, but he still pulled the knife from inside his boot just in case. This was the waterfront after all and any manner of character lived down here from orphans and whores, to owners of the various businesses and pubs, with several thieves walking the alleys ready to relieve you of a purse. Was it someone he knew, someone not in their right mind who wandered in, or a thief?  He straightened his spine, no longer feeling the aches from earlier, grasped the knife confidently, and stepped into the door way only to be brought up short by the vision before him.A young lady with auburn curls arranged attractively behind her head sat in his chair, behind his desk. Gold spectacles were perched on the bridge of her delicate nose, drawing attention to the eyebrows drawn together in concentration. Full lips were pursed around a pencil she held between her teeth and she was rifling through his papers.Who the bloody hell was she and what gave her a right to go through his things?Jonathan cleared his throat.She startled and straightened. Her grey eyes grew round as her eyebrows rose.

One Year Later

Actually, it has been more than a year since I posted something to this blog. That is going to change. Well, at least I hope it does. I am not sure what I will say, but hopefully it will be more than new release announcements.

I've considered blogging about the slip into dementia. My mother's that is, not mine. I don't have dementia. At least I don't think so ;).

Then there is family (always a favorite topic of mine). Lately it would be about the adjustments of having a son who decided to join the military. I am so proud of him, but I worry. I am a mother and can't help it. I know he is strong, intelligent and makes right decisions, but he is my son and this isn't exactly a "safe" career choice.

I also have two beautiful and gifted daughters. One is an artist with her eye on becoming an Art Therapist/Psychologist. The other, an actress. Neither have completed their schooling but I am anxious to see where their lives take them.

Then there is my very own hero. He really is. He has certificates that say so. My hubby is a retired police officer who left the force after 20 years. He loved that line of work, but I do sleep better now that he is in a less dangerous profession.

I could talk about the theatre, a passion of mine. Or wine, which I love to sample. Or, travel. There are so many places I want to visit and some I can't wait to return to. Then there is gardening, except I haven't had the time this year to spend much time in my yard.

Who knows what topics I may bring up in the future, or how often I post. Hopefully, it won't be just a yearly event - lol.

However, today isn't about any of those topics. I have recently been considering and reconsidering the benefits of adding a few more Beta Readers to my list and forming a Street Team.

First off, Beta Readers are necessary to any author and I find that I am seeking to add a few to my list. My critique partners are great, don't get me wrong, but it is nice to have a totally different set of eyes on a manuscript who are not writers, but are readers. Specifically readers who simply want to get the first glimpse of a story yet to be published, even with all the flaws.

What I look for in a Beta Reader is someone who will read the rough draft of the manuscript and make notes with regard to things they like, don't like, questions or sections that aren't clear, and those types of things and send it back to me. I've gotten general notes before, but unless I am seeing within the manuscript exactly what section the reader is referring to, I don't always know how to fix it.

When I send a manuscript to a Beta Reader, it has not been edited so don't judge me too harshly. I am not looking for an edit. Just thoughts on the story and characters. My editor is always the last step because if Beta Readers come back with questions and suggestions, I determine what changes need to be made (even if I need to rewrite sections), and then it is ready for those final eyes of the "redline" happy editor.

To date I've relied on a handful of friends to Beta Read for me, but I want to add a few romance readers to list who are willing to read and give  feedback out of the goodness of their heart. In other words, it isn't a paying gig. I am not in a position to afford professional Beta Readers right now. Besides, I want people who simply love to read romance novels. Preferably, readers who already like my novels - lol.

So, how do I find these wonderful readers? I don't know. I am open to suggestions. And, if you are interested, just leave me a comment with your e-mail address.

Now, onto Street Teams.  I am not sure if I need one or not.  I know I don't need someone to hand out bookmarks and swag. My team, if I form one, would be more low key. What I would want is simple: 1) Like my FB author page at JaneCharlesAuthor (and encourage others to do so); 2) Friend me on FB at Jane A Charles; 3) Follow me on Twitter at @JaneACharles; 4) When I post about a new release at any of these places, simply "like" and share it.

One of the keys is that it should only be shared once by each member. Nothing drives me more bonkers than seeing the same book or author shared on the various social media sites over and over and over throughout the day. To me, that is overkill and I do believe there is such a thing as too much promo. It will hurt the author and the book instead of benefiting them. Sharing once is enough. If someone is interested in the book, they will click on one of the links.

5) Post reviews on Amazon and/or Goodreads, or wherever you buy your books. While a good review would be great, I would not ask that of you if you didn't like the book.  Not everyone is going to like my books, and I get that. It happens. I have favorite authors that are automatic buys for me. Have I loved each and every book? No. Some were better than others, but it didn't keep me from reading their next release. Whether readers realize it or not, reviews really help on places like Amazon, BN, Kobo, etc. By the way, if you love the book, I definitely want that review posted ;).

What can I offer a Street Team member? That, I am still trying to determine. When I have swag, I would happy to send that along. I usually don't have much around unless I am preparing for a conference. But, as I am still in the planning/considering stages, I haven't come up with any good ideas, but I am open to suggestions on this as well.

So, there you have it. Are you interested in being a Beta Reader or on my Street Team (yet to be named)? Comment below and don't forget to leave your e-mail address. And, one lucky commentor who has suggestions on either of the topics listed, will win an audiobook of Lady Revealed. 

I look forward to hearing from you. I'll draw a name around noon on Sunday, August 9th. All comments up to that time will be entered into the drawing.
Happy Reading, or in this case, listening :).

Lady Revealed - a Tenacious Trent Novel

Jerrica Knight-Catania has tagged me in a blog hop so here is some information about my upcoming release, Lady Revealed...

1: What is the working title of your book? Lady Revealed

2: Where did the idea come from for the book? It is the fifth story in the Tenacious Trent’s series which began two years ago and it is now time to tell Julia’s story.

3: What genre does your book come under? Historical set during the Regency Period.

4: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition? Hmmm, this is always difficult. I think Amy Adams as Juliette Mirabelle a/k/a Julia Trent, but I can’t settle on any one actor for Drake Fenton, Viscount Acker.
5: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? Viscount Acker wanted Juliette the moment he saw the ballerina perform, but she isn't who he thinks she she.
6: Is your book self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency? Pubbed under the Night Shift umbrella.

7: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? 2 months but the editing process has taken over twice that. Keeping my fingers crossed that I meet the end of July deadline.
8: What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? I have no idea.  There are many historical authors that I would love to compare myself to, but I know I am not even close, so I will leave it at that.
9: Who or what inspired you to write this book? Oh, I am not sure, to tell you the truth.  The idea for the series was formed when I wrote the first novella, Compromised for Christmas, which was part of four book, twelve story anthology written with my critique partners. From that the Tenacious Trents were born.

10: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? It is different from what I’ve read before. The story begins at the ballet in Milan, Italy where the hero and heroine meet and it continues in England with my heroine still wishing to dance but finding out she is not really Juliette Mirabelle.
Here's an excerpt:

                Acker took a step closer to Juliette. “I will if you dance for me.”She stared up into his eyes. “I have a performance tonight.  I cannot tire myself.”“A waltz instead.” He wanted to hold her and remain close to her, if not closer, and the waltz was the only thing he could think of to bring her into his arms, without simply pulling her there.Juliette bit her bottom lip and her eyebrows furrowed. “I’ve never waltzed before.”How could she come to be the age she was, be a dancer and not yet waltzed? Of course, even though it was popular in Vienna, it was still frowned upon by many in London who considered it an immoral entertainment.  “I’ll teach you.”Acker lifted her left hand and placed it on his shoulder before grasping her right and slide his hand about her waist. Neither wore gloves and his warmth enveloped her cool touch.  “Have you at least seen a couple waltz?” he asked before they began.Juliette nodded.He blew out a sigh. Though he knew well enough how the steps moved, he wasn’t at all certain he could teach. “It is a three step dance,” he began and stepped out.  “Follow my movements.”  She stepped out as he had, and brought her next foot over when he put his feet together.  He then stepped forward yet Juliette did not move immediately and was pressed against his body.  She quickly matched his movement, her face turning a lovely shade of pink.They repeated the steps a few more times and Juliette adjusted quickly, much to Acker’s disappointment. He rather enjoyed having her pressed against him.  So much sensation from touch was usually lost through the layers of clothing a gentleman was required to wear, but her dress was not thick and as he wore only his shirtsleeves.  Soon he began executing turns and Juliette adapted to each movement.  She was a dancer after all so he shouldn’t be surprised.  He twirled her from one end of the room to the other in complete silence. They did not need music nor did they need to speak.  Their eyes were locked and the sway of her body was a perfect match for his. He drew her closer and closer until they were practically one, in perfect harmony with each other.  As the moved down the room, Acker guided her toward the settee.  He slowed as they came to the sitting area, dropped her hand and pulled her against his body.  She brought her other hand up to rest on his shoulder and didn’t try to pull away.  Acker gently tightened his hold and lowered his mouth to hers.

Compromised for Christmas

Compromise for Christmas, a novella, will be released on Tuesday. I know, it is strange to release a Christmas story in June, be there are very good reasons (I think).  Compromised at Christmas first appeared in A Summons from His Grace. It later appeared in a compilation, Scots, Spies & Salacious Lies. The reason it is now going solo is because it was the first Tenacious Trent story written.  These brothers and sisters were only characters in my mind and have became a family I love writing about.

Lady Elizabeth craved excitement and adventure. Unwilling to endure further boring Seasons, she convinces her uncle, who has lived a more adventurous life than anyone else she knew, to let her work for him. A few years later Elizabeth was established in Tuileries Castle, a servant in Napoleon’s court known as Lisette Renard.
John Phillip Trent has been working in the stables of Tuileries as Jean Pierre Bouvier for the past two years. His only English contact being Lisette Renard, a lovely blond lass, who he desired but kept at a professional arm’s length.
When Lisette receives a summons to return home for Christmas, John learns that she is none other than the granddaughter of the Duke of Danby and she had named Jean Pierre as her husband. Their cover is compromised with the same letter and the two find themselves escaping the palace and France, knowing they could very well never see each other again and must face the truth of how they truly feel for the other.

A Reluctant Rake

A Reluctant Rake is the newest Tenacious Trent novel, released on April 1, 2013.

Mr. Jordan Trent, the spare, was raised to be a rake.  Not only did his father encourage his roguish life, but insisted that Jordan do nothing except enjoy the life of women, gambling and fine brandy – the life his father had wanted.  It is a life Jordan enjoyed until he realized something, or someone, very important was missing.


Miss Audrey Montgomery had been warned to avoid rakes like Jordan Trent but fell under his spell like so many ladies before her.  She should have known better and vows to protect her heart whenever he is near. If only his kisses weren’t so delicious it would be so much easier. 
A Reluctant Rake is the fifth Tenacious Trent Story.  If you wish to catch up on the family, the stories appear in the following order:


Compromised at Christmas is a short novella featuring John Trent and can be found in either A Summons from His Grace or 

Scots, Spies and Salacious Lies


Miss Elizabeth Whitton craved excitement and adventure. Unwilling to endure one boring Season after another, she convinces her uncle in the Home Office to let her work for him. * John Phillip Trent has been spying for the Home Office in the stables of Tuileries as Jean Pierre Bouvier for more than two years, his only English contact – Lisette Renard a servant girl inside the palace. * When a summons from the Duke of Danby slips through the proper channels, both Elizabeth and John’s covers are compromised. To escape the palace and France with their lives, they’ll have to depend on each other and the miracle of Christmas. (Compromised at Christmas was original published in A Summons from His Grace) This is the first story in the Tenacious Trents Series.
A Misguided Lord
            It is time for Clayton Trent, Earl of Bentley, to take a bride.  He knows exactly what he needs and the type of lady who should become his Countess.  His life is orderly, scandal free and exactly the way it should be until Miss Eleanor Westin careens into him, upsetting the perfect balance of his world.  She is everything his father said he should not marry.  Yet, he cannot put her from his mind, not even when a decade old scandal threatens the very foundation of his family.            Miss Eleanor Westin has spent her life in the country on the brink of poverty and raising her siblings after the death of her parents until her grandfather finally decides to do his duty and brings her to London.  Eleanor simply wants to find a gentleman who is willing to take on her family in the bargain.  Love is not even a consideration if she can land security.  Unfortunately, the only gentleman who has made any offer is Lord Bentley, and he will never do.  If only he would stay out of her dreams so she could forget him and his intoxicating kisses.

A Perfect Gentleman
Matthew Trent always knew what was expected of him and that was to become the Perfect Vicar and a Perfect Gentlemen. When Grace Cooper enters his life he is forced to face what he really wishes to become.Grace Cooper has three options for marriage available to her in the small village where she resides. However, Grace would rather be placed on the shelf than enter into a miserable union. When someone threatens her father and then makes an attempt on her life, it is Vicar Trent who vows to protect her and brings scandal to her doorstep, upsetting the delicate balance of both of their worlds.




A Lass for Christmas (Novella)


Lady Madeline Trent had grand plans for her future until she learned her family’s awful secret. When a fall through an icy lake lands her in the arms of a handsome Scot, her future is more unsure than ever.
Lachlan Grant, the Marquess of Brachton, may hold an English title, but he's a Scot through and through. He's bound and determined to marry a lass just as Scottish as he is, at least until his fate is altered one snowy night.
A Lass for Christmas is a novella of approximately 27,000 words and the fourth story in the Tenacious Trents series. 

And the Winner Is. . . .

The winner of:

Scots, Spies & Salacious Lies, A Misguided Lord, A Perfect Gentleman and A Lass for Christmas is

mydurango618
I want to thank everyone for commenting on the blog and can't wait to participate in another one again.  I already have a list of books I need to look into based on the comments.

The winner was drawn at random.  Author wrote the name of each person who commented and/or followed the blog on strips of paper, all equal in size.  If a person commented and followed their name was written on two separate slips of paper.  The names were then folded once and tossed into a cup.  The cup was then shaken in various directions, while a hand was held over the top to keep slips of paper from escaping and then held over the head of a co-worker to reach in and draw out the winning name.  It was all very scientific ;).

Heartthrobs and Heartbreakers

When I saw a chance to join a blog hop about heartbreakers I just couldn't resist. I mean, if you read romances you already have a favorite (or two, or three) heartthrobs or heartbreakers.  And even if we don't wish to, we fall a little bit in love with the man on the big screen or the one within the pages of a good book.  

My favorite heartthrob on the screen would be Cary Grant *sigh*.  I discovered him only after his death. AMC was running a marathon of his movies shortly after he died and I sat down to watch in the morning. I don't think I left the couch again that Sunday.  I was in love.  There isn't a Cary Grant movie I haven't loved but some I can watch over and over.  An Affair to Remember is certainly at the top of my list.  The scene of him waiting at the top of the Empire State Building, the scene where they are at the theatre, and the scene where he discovers what happened.  But, I also love Father Goose just a much.  Poor Cary, all those little girls, a prim and proper teacher and his alcohol hid in different locations.  How can you not root for this guy?  Then there is Charade or North by Northwest or I Was a Mail War Bride, or Operation Petticoat or His Girl Friday or My Favorite Wife.  Talk about a heartthrob!

Okay, I will stop now. Enough about Cary Grant.

There are a few other movie stars that make my little heart beat just a little faster but we are not here to discuss big screen heroes, but romance novel heroes.

I wanted to do this blog hop but after I signed up I didn't know which hero I wanted to portray.  I wasn't even sure I had written a heartbreaker. None of my heroes are perfect (and who wants a perfect man anyway) but had I written a heartbreaker?  

To me a heartbreaker is a handsome devil that could charm even the coldest of ladies.  He warms them with his wicked eyes, seductive tone of his voice and sensual smile.  He makes her feel like she is the most special lady on earth and then, just when he could have her, he breaks her heart.  Is he afraid of commitment or is it all a game?  If he is afraid of commitment, I love him all the more. There is just something so endearing about a hero who has been hurt and hides his pain beneath a charming exterior. If it is a game, there is a very good chance he will never redeem himself to me. 

Or, he is the perfect gentleman, handsome and looks better in knee breeches than anyone else.  He treats a lady as she deserves, charming and seductive, and women cannot help fall in love.  Yet, he is oblivious to the affect he has on women and the lady is simply crushed when he doesn't realize or acknowledge the affection she has for him.

I think most, if not all, romance heroes are heartbreakers.  Whether it is intentional or not, they are until they meet the right lady that changes everything.  And that is the beauty of a romance.

My good friend, Deb, pointed out that I had written a heartbreaker, Or at least she had seen him as one.  It is Dillon Chambers who broke Miss Emily Frasier's heart when he realized he would have to give up too much to have her.  He was the perfect gentleman for her and and Emily thought she had found her happily ever after.  Then she realized there was something far more important to Dillon and it wasn't love and he wasn't willing to give it up.  I would tell you what it was but that would ruin the story. But trust me, it is something very special.


Emily Frasier has lived as the ward of Duke Ellings since her father died when she was fifteen. She also knows that soon it will be time to leave his household and make her way on her own.  When she discovers a cottage while visiting her aunt and uncle she knows this is where she wants to live and become a teacher as her father once was.

Dillon Chambers must find a wife this Season in order to please his mother.  If she didn’t have control over something more precious than his freedom and life, he would not have made the promise to marry a lady with high connections at the end of the Season.  When he comes across Emily at his cottage and learns she is the ward of a duke, he feels his luck has finally changed. He could please his mother and settle with a lady he would actually want to have as his wife.

When the truth comes out that Emily is only a professor’s daughter, Dillon knows his parents will never approve. Will he risk everything to have her?  Will Emily do the sensible thing or risk her reputation and heart so that Dillon doesn’t destroy all he holds dear?
His Not So Sensible Miss is the third in A Gentleman's Guide to Once Upon a Time series.  Currently, the first three e-books, His Impetuous Debutante, His Contrary Bride, and Sensible are each on sale at Amazon and BN for only .99.
Another heartbreaker would be my current hero. Unfortunately his book will not be published until March, but I can't just ignore him.  Jordan Trent is a heartthorb and heartbreaker.  He has a certain reputation and if gossip is to believed, has had a number of lovers when not frequenting his favorite brothel.
Last Season Jordan was determined to become respectable and began courting Miss Audrey Montgomery.  It was a promising match and he may have even begun to fall in love.  But, when he returned to London after being gone little over a week, she is no longer speaking to him.  A year later Jordan finally learns what had made Audrey turn against him last Season and he is determined to make her his before the end of this one.
Mr. Jordan Trent, the spare, was raised to be a rake.  Not only did his father encourage his roguish ways, but insisted that Jordan do nothing except enjoy the life of women, gambling and fine brandy – the life his father had wanted.  It is a life Jordan enjoyed until he realized something, or someone, very important was missing.
Miss Audrey Montgomery had been warned to avoid rakes like Jordan Trent but fell under his spell like so many ladies before her.  She should have known better and vows to protect her heart whenever he is near. If only his kisses weren’t so delicious it would be so much easier.
A Reluctant Rake is the fifth story in my Tenacious Trents series.  One winner will be chosen from the comments on this blog to win the four previous Tenacious Trents e-books shown below: (Note: The first Trent story is a novella and included in the Scots, Spies and Salacious Lies novella compilation)













To be entered in the drawing to win these e-books, you must answer these questions:

1)  Who is your favorite big screen heartthrob or heartbreaker and why? Was it a certain role he played or is there just something about him that makes him a heartthrob?

2)  Who is your favorite heartthrob or heartbreaker in a novel?  Why is he your favorite?

If you become a follower of this blog as well as answer the questions, you will be entered to win the Tenacious Trents e-books twice.

Please leave your name and e-mail address with your answers.  The Winner will be announced on February 12th and contacted via e-mail.

Don't forget to visit all of the blogs that are part of Heartbreaker Blog Hop and have a chance to win more great prizes:


There are THREE grand prizes. You as a reader can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. Yep, you can enter over 200 times!
Now what are those prizes?
1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet 2nd Grand Prize: A $100 Amazon or B&N Gift Card 3rd Grand Prize: A Swag Pack that contains paperbacks, ebooks, 50+ bookmarks, cover flats, magnets, pens, coffee cozies, and more!


All prizes are international except  the Swag Pack
To return to the blog hop, simply click http://carrieannbloghops.blogspot.com/


Happy Reading!


Jane

Red Door Reads

Today a new group is born

Come learned about the fantastic ladies at Red Door Reads.  I am truly honored to be a part of this group.

Jane

I Love a Good Series

A few years ago Jerrica Knight-Catania sent me a book that I must read.  I was on the fence because at the time the only romances I read were historical and this one started off contemporary.  But, I read it anyway because she insisted.  The book was The Secret History of the Pink Carnation.  It didn't take long before I could not put this book down and went searching for others in the series.  I had never read anything like this with the story jumping from present to the Napoleonic Era and back again.  Usually those jumps occurred a crucial part in the story that is both irritating (because I didn't want to wait until she went back to the past) and exciting (because the author had left me hanging in the present portion of the story).  Plus, they have spies and France - two of my favorite things. Not all of the stories have a French setting, but the first one did and I was hooked.

This is one series that I find myself anxiously awaiting the next release and last night I downloaded The Garden Intrigue, which is book 9 in the series.  I cannot wait to start listening to it on the way to work this morning and it will probably be the first book completed for the 2013 Audio Book Challenge.

Have you discovered a series that you absolutely love and anxiously await the next book?