Victoria Vane's Blog, page 10
February 18, 2014
A BREACH OF PROMISE by Victoria Vane
AUTHOR’S COMMENTARY: It is my belief that to truly understand a given era one must study the popular culture of the times, and nowhere is the mindset of the people more clearly demonstrated than on the stage. It was while reading Hannah Cowley’s The Belle’s Stratagem, one of the most popular of late Georgian era plays, that I was inspired to write A Breach Of Promise.
While The Belle’s Stratagem juxtaposes two different story lines, the theme of respect is closely mirrored in my erotic historical novella, A Breach Of Promise. Similar to Cowley’s play, the premise of my story is an engagement contracted by the hero and heroine’s parents when they were very young. Also similar is that my own hero, Marcus, like Cowley’s Doricourt, has been many years travelling abroad and has recently returned to England a handsome, fashionable, and much sought after bachelor, who appreciates continental beauty and manners far above those of his own countrywomen.
Cowley’s Leticia is smitten by her erstwhile finance but dismayed by his apparent indifference to her charms and vows to “win his heart or never be his wife.” The unusual stratagem employed to win him over is based on the belief that it is “easier to convert a sentiment into its opposite than to transform indifference into tender passion.” These circumstance and sentiments closely match those of my own heroine, Lydia Trent in A Breach Of Promise.
Determined to rebuff the arrogant and conceited Marcus at every turn, Lydia wages a battle royale only to discover she is defenseless against his counter-strategy of seduction. With scorching sensuality combined with humor, witty dialogue and colorful characters, I promise a fun and engaging read!
EXCERPT
Marcus, Lord Russell, slumped in a chair indolently paring his nails while his former school chum, now personal secretary, attended to his correspondence.
“You’ve a letter from Cotesfield Hall,” said Mr. Nicholas Needham.
“Do I?” Lord Russell answered in a bored drawl, but then furrowed his brows in a fleeting frown. “I must say it’s been a very protracted interval since I heard from Miss Trent, but if she’s learned of my return to London, she’ll no doubt be importuning me to set a date. Will you fob her off for a while longer, Needham? Just use the stock excuse.”
Nicholas rolled his eyes heavenward and answered by rote, “That to your everlasting and abject dismay, urgent business of State must take precedence over any private matters, regardless of your personal inclinations, etcetera and etcetera.”
Marcus smirked. “Couldn’t have said it better myself. That’s one of the chief perquisites of the Foreign Service, Needham; it gives one a valid excuse to ignore all domestic responsibilities, or at least to put them off until a more convenient time.”
“But what if she’s already aware of your return? It has been well over a month now.”
“You’re right, Nick. No doubt she’s already got wind of it from Mother.” Marcus gave a resigned groan. “I suppose there’s no avoiding her this time.”
If given a choice, he’d have postponed the reunion indefinitely. He’d not seen Lydia for six years—not that he’d had any burning desire to do so. When Marcus had departed for the Foreign Service on the heels of their engagement, she was still far too young to wed. Although he had left with every intention of honoring his troth within two or three years, three had turned to four, and four became five. His string of paramours in this interim only compounded his guilt until it became easier not to think of Lydia at all. Now, the idea of facing her again as a husband-to-be seemed altogether impossible.
“What does she write?” Marcus asked, his impatience growing with his agitation.
Nicholas broke the seal and scanned the contents. He looked up at Marcus with a chuckle. “Why, it appears you may get your wish for perpetual bachelorhood after all. She wants to end your engagement.”
Marcus started from his chair. “The hell she does! What’s possessed her?”
“Perhaps she realizes your extreme reluctance to tie the knot after waiting…what is it? Five years since your betrothal announcement?”
“Six,” Marcus snapped. “But who’s counting.”
“Perhaps Miss Trent?” Nick needled with a quirk of his lips.
***
A Breach Of Promise
When charm and persuasion fail…Only seduction remains…
On the night of her betrothal, Lydia Trent receives just a taste of what ecstasy will be at the hands of her fiancé…and then he leaves her wanting. After waiting six years, and tired of being neglected by her exceedingly reluctant husband-to-be, Lydia decides to break it off.
When Marcus, Lord Russell, receives Lydia’s letter requesting a release from their contract, he is stunned by her audacity. Confident he’ll have her eating out of his hand with his usual wit and charm, he’s determined to repair the damage. However, the headstrong woman she’s blossomed into is equally determined to thwart his every effort to win her back.
Marcus discovers, in spite of her conviction to end the union, Lydia is more responsive to his touch than he ever imagined. He just needs to get her alone to unleash the promised passion he sees within his wanton virgin. Marcus will use any tool in his arsenal to exploit her weakness–his kisses, his hands, his mouth…her own body. In short, he’ll just have to ruin her!
February 9, 2014
HEARTS ON FIRE GIVEAWAY HOP
***
VICTORIA VANE’S Giveaway:
(1) signed copy of The Sheik Retold -LASR Best Book 2013 nominee
(or e-book if international winner)
Comment below with name and email to enter
CONTINUE TO HOP:
February 8, 2014
A Sourcebooks Author Celebration!
Today it was my delight to attend a book launch party at Fiction Addiction in Greenville, SC for two of my fellow Sourcebooks authors, the lovely and talented Christy English and Elizabeth Michels.
Elizabeth’s debut is a fun Regency Romance, MUST LOVE DUKES, the first in a trilogy
She Can’t Resist the Dare
Lillian Phillips could not imagine how her quiet, simple life had come to this. Blackmailed by the Mad Duke of Thornwood into accepting one wild dare after another…all because of a pocket watch. Desperate to recover her beloved father’s pawned timepiece, Lily did something reckless and dangerous and delicious—something that led to a night she’d never forget.
He has a Reputation for Scandal
When Devon Grey, Duke of Thornwood, runs into a mesmerizing, intoxicating, thieving woman who literally stole from his bedchamber—with his new pocket watch—Devon plots his revenge. If the daring wench likes to play games, he’s happy to oblige. After all, what’s the use of being the Mad Duke if you can’t have some fun? But the last laugh might just be on him..
Christy’s MUCH ADO ABOUT JACK is the newest of her Shakepeare-inspired Regency series
A sexy light-hearted Regency inspired by Much Ado About Nothing…
Angelique Beauchamp, the widowed Countess of Devereaux, has vowed never to re-marry. Twice burned by love, she is certain that no man will ever touch her heart again. But that doesn’t mean she can’t indulge a little—and the dashing Captain James Montgomery is as passionate as he is handsome.
After a brief but torrid affair, James tries to forget Angelique and the powerful emotions she evokes. The luscious lady was quite clear that their liaison was temporary. But for the first time, the lure of the sea isn’t powerful enough to keep him away. It’s going to take much ado to woo his reluctant lady…
For those who might not be aware, Christy and I began our writing journey at virtually the same time, both writing historical fiction and releasing our debut novels in April 2010. Since then, we have both moved from historical fiction to romance. It’s been a wild ride!
February 6, 2014
The Virgin Huntress FREE on Kindle!
THE VIRGIN HUNTRESS by Victoria Vane
Free Kindle Download 2/6- 2/10
All’s Fair in Love and Abduction
In the second installment of the award-winning Devil DeVere series, Ned’s daughter Vesta is preparing for her come-out only to have her world turned upside down when her father returns from London with a bride of his own! Put out that he is so wrapped up in Phoebe, Vesta accompanies her godmother, Diana, to town where she meets and falls instantly in love with the gallant Captain Hewett DeVere.
“Hew” DeVere, younger brother to Viscount Ludovic “The Devil” DeVere, has returned from the war with plans of selling his commission and settling down. He quickly becomes enamored of the older but beautiful Diana, and barely notices eighteen-year-old Vesta. When Hew fails to respond to her feminine charms, Vesta takes extreme measures to capture the object of her desire, but Hew didn’t survive the worst of the war only to succumb to Vesta’s wayward wiles.
“You conniving creature! How can you possibly think I could ever love such a spoiled, petulant, self-absorbed, and scheming little wretch?”
Proving the adage that opposites attract, this hilarious romp pits the would-be huntress against the gallant hero in an epic war of wills. (Romantic comedy with mature content)
Excerpt:
When Hew awoke, Vesta was atop the counterpane, curled against his side with an arm slung across his chest and a thigh thrown over his, her warm, soft flesh caressing his raging erection. He didn’t know if it was the lingering effects of the drug, the alcohol he’d drunk, or just exhaustion—likely a combination of all three—but he’d slept like the dead for the first time in four years. But now he was brutally awake and acutely conscious of the woman in his bed, for as much as he’d tried to ignore the fact, Vesta was indeed a woman grown, at least in the physical sense. And all his senses were physically alert to her. The violet fragrance had dissipated with the salt air, yet she still maintained that mysterious and slightly musky and flowery scent.
He slanted a gaze at her face, wondering how he would extricate himself from this entanglement of limbs without waking her, but then she opened her eyes. “Good morning, Hew.” She smiled into his. “Did you sleep well?”
“What the devil are you doing on top of the counterpane?” He glowered.
“I had to get up in the night to use the necessary, and when I returned, you had taken up most of the bed. I could not get back under the covers, so I had no choice but to curl up where I could.
“And now it appears you are curled around me.”
She grinned. “So it does. I find it rather pleasant, don’t you?”
“Pleasant is not quite the word that comes to mind,” he replied tersely.
She shifted against him, and his cock jumped. “Oh.” She gasped, suddenly aware. “Does this happen regularly then?”
“Yes. It is common for a man to awaken thus.”
“May I touch it?” she asked.
“Bloody hell!” he cried. “No! You may not touch it!”
“But I know how. I saw you only yesterday. Is that what you do to make it go away?”
“It is one of several methods,” he replied. “Another is just to ignore it.”
“But it is so large and swollen. Is it painful?
“No, just uncomfortable. Now, may we stop discussing my…” The appropriate word for feminine ears failed him.
“Phallus?” she offered. “That is what the grooms call it.”
“Why are you eavesdropping on grooms?”
“I used to watch the stallions mounting the mares.”
“You what!” Hew almost choked.
“Well, how else is a girl with no mother supposed to get any education? Although I doubt Mama would have told me very much. So there’s really no reason to be timid, Hew. I already know all about the mating process. And to the best of my knowledge, the stallions never ignored it until it went away. Please feel free to relieve yourself of it. I would even help you if you would like. I’m not the least afraid for I have seen much larger ones.”
February 1, 2014
Some Lovely News!
Voting begins February 1, 2014!
From Long and Short Reviews:
The life of a pampered, albeit practically tomboyish, heiress suits Diana Mayo just fine. She desires the freedom to go and do at will that which men take for granted. When the chance to fulfill a lifelong dream to travel the Sahara dessert presents itself she doesn’t hesitate. While she had no way of knowing what awaited her in the vast barren land, that too becomes one more exciting adventure.
Diana is instantly likable as the headstrong, self-sufficient English heiress. She clearly knows her place in the world and walks headlong into adventure. She impressed me with her level of self-confidence that left no room for doubt that she could make the trip across the desert as well as, if not better than, any man. What she does seem to lack, in the beginning, is the ability to consider people’s motives. It occurred to me pretty early into the book that this would ultimately be her downfall. She’s a bit self-absorbed but she isn’t vain in the least and is therefore quite surprised by the attention she garners from a certain nomadic sheik. When she finally hears his story, I was shocked right along with her to realize how much they actually have in common.
Ahmed Ben Hassan is the anti-hero of girlish romantic dreams. I pictured Oded Fahr (Ardeth Bay of the The Mummy movies) when I heard his voice. He’s purely alpha male and like Diana, he doesn’t lack in the self-confidence department, in the least. He knows what he wants and he simply takes it because he can. That’s it. That’s his reasoning and he sees no reason to defend it. At one point he even tells Diana “I can make any woman love me when I choose.” Conceited much? Nope. Convinced of his right to dictate. I had to laugh at one point in the book when it becomes evident to Ahmed that even though he is THE SHEIK, it’s a lowly, albeit beautiful, woman who holds power over him. He doesn’t take that realization very well. Readers who enjoy a good capture fantasy are going to swoon over this one. The controlled arrogance he exuded was as exhilarating to me as a reader as it was to Diana as his unwilling (for a time) captive.
Told in first person, this was a fantastic fit for retelling of a 1920′s classic but with bedroom door fully open. Ms. Vane’s writing voice is one that lends itself to being reminiscent of the writing style of E M Hull. I’ve read several of her other historicals and she never fails to entertain. One of the things that I liked particularly about reading this retelling is that I didn’t feel that I had missed out by not having read the original book. The writing is true to the time period for both the period setting of the book as well as for when the original book was published.
This book is for readers who want a strong heroine and an even stronger hero. The story pulled me in from the first page and (not quite as literally as Diana’s dilemma) held me captive. There wasn’t ever a doubt that this was a romance but from the way it begins I kept reading to see if and how a mystery would be solved and how Diana would make her way back to her desert lover. For those who look for exciting capture themed books with just a dash of bodice ripper fantasy, The Sheik Retold is a must read.
**If you have enjoyed this book, I would very much appreciate your vote. Click to link to poll. **
January 30, 2014
The Trouble With Sin FREE on Kindle
The Devil DeVere Series- Library Journal Best E-Book Romance 2012
THE TROUBLE WITH SIN by Victoria Vane
FREE Kindle Download 1/30-2/3/14
This second prequel to the award-winning Devil DeVere series is a comedic romp featuring aspiring poet, Simon “Sin” Singleton, the hero of Jewel of the East.
The Trouble with Sin … Is the devil within… Sin has lived only for larks, laughter, and ladies of easy virtue, eluding defying, and flouting all manner of authority until his impetuous misdeeds finally catch up with him.
The wage of Sin… is twenty-five percent of the net! It seems a fantasy come true when Simon is offered an independent income by combining his two great passions— poetry and lewd women. Unfortunately, maintaining anonymity may be much harder than he thought… (comedy with mature content)
Excerpt:
Simon awoke with the evil glare of sunlight striking his face and the throbbing awareness of an exploding head. Brigid, or was it Bronaugh, God love them both, lay blessedly naked on top of him. But weren’t the twins supposed to have been with Ned?
Where the devil was Ned? Simon turned his head to discover a particularly ugly foot beside his left ear. It was attached to an equally unappealing and hairy leg. Dear God, how much royal punch had they consumed?
The plan, of course, had been to hinder Ned’s departure long enough to convince him of his folly, but Ned had more than proven his head for drink. Simon and DeVere had raised so many cups extolling the various virtues of the bride-to-be that Simon feared he’d run out of lyrical allegories of her charms. He and DeVere had finally begun pouring their own glasses under the table for fear they’d pass out before getting Ned upstairs, where Brigid and Bronaugh awaited.
The twins had been easily conscripted into the game even before they got a vision of the strapping Ned Chambers. But the moment they’d got him into the chamber, the giant idiot had gone crashing to the floor like some great felled oak. At least they’d got him upstairs first.
The rest of the night was now a bit of a blur, but judging by the battered feeling of Simon’s body and his exploding head, it must have involved a great deal of physical exertion…and noise.
As Simon deliberated how best to extricate himself from the octopus-like tangle of four sets of limbs, a great shadow came over him. He looked up with a grimace.
“Ah, Ned. I was just wondering at your absence, though I doubt this bed could contain yet another.”
“Where are my clothes, Sin?” Ned demanded, his gaze a mere slit.
“Clothes?” Simon repeated blankly.
“Yes. Clothes.” He crossed his arms crossed over his broad chest. “I seem to be devoid of any.”
Simon smirked. “However did you lose them?”
“I’m not in a humor for humor,” Ned replied. “Don’t make me drag your arse from the bed.”
“It would be a wasted effort, for you’ll find I have no clothes either.” Simon chuckled. He raised the sheet that only partially covered the four bodies. “Indeed, none of us seem to have any clothes.”
“Pox on you and DeVere both!”
Ned took hold of the sheet and gave a great tug that sent DeVere and Bronaugh—or was it Brigid?—tumbling to the floor with a respective thump, groan, and shriek.
Ned replied with a murderous look, “I need my clothes. I must be off to Yorkshire at once!”
DeVere sat up. “Still about that business, eh? Have you truly taken leave of all good sense?”
“My good sense tells me to take my leave of you!” Ned growled. “I will not humiliate Annalee by failing to appear for our betrothal announcement. For the last time, send for my clothes or you will both suffer the consequences.”
DeVere’s stony gaze flickered to Simon and then to the fists balled at Ned’s side. “I’m sorry, Ned. We just can’t do that.”
One of the twins cried out as Ned’s fist smashed into DeVere’s jaw, crumpling him to the floor. “I gave you fair warning, DeVere. I won’t say I’m sorry.” Ned massaged his fist and then turned his attention to Simon, who raised his hands in surrender. Ned, however, ignored him, proceeding to snatch up the bed sheet and wrap it about himself toga-style. “I’m going to leave now, Sin. There is nothing more you can do to stop me.”
“Think of what you do, man!” Simon cried.
“I know precisely what I do. I’m abiding by the code of a gentleman and upholding the honor of a lady.”
“Codes? Honor?” Simon repeated. “I don’t follow you.”
“Damn it all, Sin! If you two misguided miscreants must bloody well know everything, I wed because Annalee could be carrying my child.”
Simon broke into a chuckle. “Damn me, DeVere, mayhap we’ve misjudged him. It appears Ned’s not such a dull dog after all!”
January 23, 2014
Series Spotlight with Kindle Fire Giveaway!
THE DEVIL DEVERE SERIES
Click to view slideshow.
Library Journal Best E-Book Romance 2012, LR Café Best Series nominee 2012
“The “Devil DeVere” series is a variation on the rake’s progress, or the rake’s reformation, except that is doesn’t start with said rake as the main character—a device that is amazingly clever on Vane’s part and allows her to circle in on DeVere without revealing too much at the outset… The series is erotic and sexy, and sometimes you want to shake the characters until their teeth rattle, but it is absolutely marvelous. This one should be read with bonbons. And a fan!” –Marlene Harris for Library Journal
A WILD NIGHT’S BRIDE
IND’Tale RONE nominee, Night Owl Reviews Top Pick ,IRC Reader Choice Best Historical Nominee
“A Wild Night’s Bride combines descriptive, historical detail with a funny, light-hearted romance and tantalizing love scenes. I wish there were more romances of this calibre that engage the intellect, the heart and the senses. Highly recommended.” - Jill Mackenzie for IND’Tale
THE VIRGIN HUNTRESS
IND’Tale RONE nominee, Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
“Stepping into a Victoria Vane story is like riding a roller coaster! Lots of excitement, giddiness, bright lights all around that make you ignore the slight discomforts. The story is fun, the dialogue is witty, the usual roles are changed, the originality and the threads of different story-lines abound here.” – Mimi Smith for IND’Tale
THE DEVIL YOU KNOW
IND’Tale RONE nominee, The Romance Reviews Best Erotic Historical nominee, Night Owl Reviews Top Pick ,The Romance Reviews Top Pick ,LR Café Best Historical Romance nominee 2012, Two Lips Reviewer’s Choice Winner 2013
“Heavy on eroticism yet sensual, written in Victoria Vane’s signature prose, “The Devil You Know” is no wallpaper historical…Filled with vivid portrayal of life in Georgian England, this story is pure indulgence!” – Jill Mackenzie for IND’Tale
THE DEVIL’S MATCH
IND’Tale RONE nominee, Night Owl Reviews Top Pick , The Romance Reviews Top Pick, LASR Reviews Book of the Month December 2012, Swept Away by Romance Best Historical Romance of 2012, Two Lips Reviews Recommended Read
“Ms Vane has neatly and sweetly tied up this series. It is without a doubt one of the finest historical romance novella series in print! With great attention to historical detail, developed characters, beautiful prose, enchanting romances and sensual, yet tasteful love scenes, a romance reader couldn’t ask for more!” – Jill Mackenzie for IND’Tale
A DEVIL’S TOUCH
Swept Away by Romance Best Novella/Short story 2013
“Witty dialogue, lots of lust and fun times with The Devil and his wife. Life as they know it is about to change forever. This vignette also acts as a segue to Jewel of the East, Simon and Salime’s book. Keep them coming Victoria! I can’t get enough.” – Karla for Swept Away by Romance
NEW RELEASE: JEWEL OF THE EAST
Book # 5 in the award-winning Devil DeVere series. May be read as a standalone.
Maimed by misfortune… healed by love…
His wounds run deep…Having once lived his life only for larks, laughter, and ladies of easy virtue, Captain Simon Singleton has returned from war a shambles of a man. Although free from six years of captivity, he’s still fettered by fears that confine him to a life of seclusion.
Her scars are well-hidden…Once the crowning jewel of the most lavish brothel in London, the exotic Salime finds her reputation and livelihood destroyed by a bitter rival. With a closely guarded secret stripped away, she fears no man will ever desire her again. Seeking aid from one who once saved her life, she accepts a proposition to become a companion to his war-scarred friend.
But love is the eternal cure…When circumstance brings these two damaged souls together, fate ignites a love story worthy of the Arabian Nights. (mature content warning).
LINK TO MY RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY:
(Do not leave comments to enter giveaway. You must use the Rafflecopter)
(1) Kindle Fire HD with complete Victoria Vane e-book collection
January 19, 2014
The Devil DeVere has had an extreme makeover!
January 14, 2014
A Stunning Pictorial Review of Jewel of the East!
For I love thee as no other man can love
***There once was a lad name of Simon
Who for cash wrote poems that were rhymin’.
Asked why he’s named Sin,
Replied he with a grin,
I write of breasts, buttocks and hymen.
***
When Simon Singleton returns from fighting in the American Revolutionary War, he’s a man broken in body, mind and spirit. Once full of life and laughter, his war experiences and his six years a prisoner have put paid to his wild and carefree ways. His ribald rhymes are a distant memory. But Simon has lifelong friends who care for him. And one in particular, Ludovic DeVere.
Salime, the Jewel of the East has reigned for the past five years as the most desired courtesan in London. But once her secret has been revealed to a rival, she has no choice but to leave the brothel and look for a life elsewhere. With no other skills to make a living, she turns to her rescuer and protector over the years, Ludovic DeVere.
Simon is in need of healing. Salime has just want he needs. Ms Vane’s beautiful prose, deep characterisations and emotional intensity draw you in as two scarred lovers discover that love can heal all wounds.
Set in 1784, this is the fifth book in The Devil DeVere series by talented author, Victoria Vane. As with the other titles in this series, this novella is a perfect blend of historical detail, destined romance and erotic love. Highly recommended.
Jill’s Rating= 4 stars
Steam: 3.5-4
ARC courtesy of Victoria Vane
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bookshelves: historical-romance-european, 2014-4-5-5-stars
Read in January, 2014
