Victoria Vane's Blog, page 17
March 2, 2013
A DEVIL’S TOUCH FREE THIS WEEKEND!
A DEVIL’S TOUCH is an erotic romance vignette that can stand alone as a complete story, but also serves to bridge Book #4 THE DEVIL’S MATCH, and my forthcoming Book#5 JEWEL OF THE EAST (Salime and Simon’s story)
BLURB:
In her last month of pregnancy, Diana, Viscountess DeVere, has barely settled into her new life and role as “the devil” DeVere’s wife, when her increasingly restlesss husband receives an urgent summons to London. When Diana inadvertently discovers a message he received from a known courtesan with whom he was formerly linked, she fears her marriage is over before it has begun.
EXCERPT: Medford Abbey, Kent- 1784
Diana paused her perusal of the bookshelves to rub the small of her back with a self-pitying sigh. Perhaps she was making too much of matters and all would return to normal after her lying in? Hoping to lose herself for a day or two until his return, Diana selected the latest novel penned by Fannie Burney, the adventures of a young heiress named Cecelia. She retrieved the book from the shelf but by now her feet and back ached so badly, she dreaded the thought of climbing the stairs to her private apartments.
Instead, her gaze settled on her husband’s highly comfortable and recently vacated chair. Alighting in the plush over-stuffed chair, Diana released a soft moan of contentment. Ensconced in the faint scents of leather and Ludovic, a renewed calm seemed to settle over her. Giving in to the most unladlylike urge to prop her feet on the desk, Diana took up a stack of papers to clear a spot, but a particular sheet of foolscap conspicuously penned in a most delicate and elaborate style of calligraphy caught her eye. It was definitely not a man’s hand.
Curious, she picked up the letter. The wax seal had already been broken, revealing a terse note of only a few lines. She hesitated with a pang of guilt, knowing she should not proceed further, but her currently state of anxiety overcame her initial qualms. Diana read:
Most honored Efendi
It is with the greatest humility that I appeal to he who once safeguarded my life. It is with exceeding distress that I must entreat you once more being much in need of a friend and protector.Your most devoted and obedient servant,
Salime
Diana clutched the missive to her breast with quivering lips. An old friend indeed! Was it truly a man named Simon he went so urgently to meet… or an erstwhile lover named Salime?
***
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING….
“Escape Rating A: Reading A Devil’s Touch is like indulging in your favorite decadent dessert. Death by Chocolate perhaps. It is very rich, but perfectly scrumptious, and a small serving is just right! What’s even better is that this delightful Georgian bonbon actually delivers every bit of decadent deliciousness that lovers of The Devil DeVere Series could possibly wish for…and sets us all up for wicked delights yet to come. ” READING REALITY
“A DEVIL’S TOUCH by Victoria Vane is the perfect bridge that fills in the blanks for those of us who have followed this series from the beginning, and a perfect introduction to the series as a stand alone for anyone who wants to just try a taste. Be forewarned – once you get a taste of the Devil DeVere, like chocolate, you’ll not be able to stop.” – UNWRAPPING ROMANCE
Other titles in the award-winning Devil DeVere Series (in reading order with hyperlinks):
A Wild Night’s Bride (Book#1)
The Virgin Huntress (Book#2
The Devil You Know (Book#3)
The Devil’s Match (Book#4)
Jewel of The East (Book#5 coming soon)
Devilish Vignettes (series prequels)
Devil in the Making (Vignette#1)
The Trouble With Sin (Vignette #2 – coming soon)
Ned’s Folly (Vignette #3- summer 2013)
February 23, 2013
A Live Reading from TREACHEROUS TEMPTATIONS
TREACHEROUS TEMPTATIONS by Victoria Vane
Excerpt read by Victoria Vane
“You must meet the girl soon.” Barbara gave a languid stretch, arching her back to display her breasts to best advantage. He had already capitulated to her demands once, but Barbara was never satisfied for long. She had come to his rooms before he could even unpack his bag and had nearly torn his clothes off in a lust-inspired frenzy.
“I believe I have.” Hadley ignored the blatant invitation for a second course, threw his legs over the side of the bed, and pulled his shirt back on over his head.
“How so? When?” she demanded.
“This morning, shortly after my arrival. In the music room. She was receiving most ineffectual dance instruction.”
“But Monsieur Gaspar is the best…at dancing anyway. Unfortunately, his lack of …inches… makes him quite inadequate in other capacities.” She rose and pressed her breasts to Hadley’s back, stretching her arms about his waist and licking the shell of his ear. Once, that might have driven him near insane, but now it was faintly annoying.
He gently but firmly disentangled himself and continued dressing. “Nevertheless, he had her so agitated the poor thing was positively tripping over herself.”
“But that is only her natural predisposition!” Barbara laughed. “Didn’t I tell you what a coarse creature she is? I despair that she’ll ever be ready to present. ‘Tis a good thing you are arrived. Mayhap we can now forgo the certain fiasco of taking her out into society.” “Perhaps her manners and deportment lack refinement, but there’s nothing coarse about the girl. To be frank, I though her artlessness rather refreshing.” He smiled inwardly at their moment of ludicrous laugher at the dancing master’s expense. He couldn’t recall the last time he’d chuckled so naturally and spontaneously.
“That’s absurd! You can’t be saying you are taken with her, Hadley?” Something in his expression made Barbara’s gaze narrow. “Well, I suppose it’s best if she doesn’t altogether repulse you. It will facilitate the task at hand.”
“And what task is that?” he asked. He had far more important matters on his mind—like how to secure a loan and garner sufficient support to petition the king. Perhaps he would do better to try the queen? Walpole had managed to run the country through her and Hadley could charm the petticoats off any woman. Why would a young and reasonably attractive queen prove any different?
“Darling, I never thought you obtuse. You must wed the chit before someone else claims her fortune.”
“Wed her?” the words jarred him out of his ruminations. “Is your mind disordered of a sudden, Barbara? I have no plans to wed anyone. Ever.”
She gave him a petulant look. “But how else do you suppose we are to get our hands on her money?”
“Is that the scheme you had in mind when you wrote me? To bilk an unwary young heiress of her fortune?”
“Brilliant, isn’t it?” She laughed. “I told you I had discovered a means of getting it all back—and so much more. She is exceedingly rich and once we have the money, it should be no trouble at all to secure the influence needed to restore your title.”
“How much?” he asked, veiling his interest. “What is the girl actually worth?”
She crawled onto his lap and laved her tongue up his neck. “That information will come at a price.” She was begging to be taken again and Hadley felt nothing…or rather nothing but an immense sense of relief that he was over her. He jerked his head away. “I’m not in the mood for any more games.”
“Pity,” she pouted. “Have you another lover now, Hadley? Or perhaps you have developed a penchant for Venice’s unnatural pleasures? Most well-travelled men do, you know. And I confess your valet was an exceptionally pretty creature.”
“How much?” he repeated icily, ignoring her insinuation.
She sighed. “I can’t begin to tell you how much work that took to discover. Sir Richard is tediously protective of her assets.”
“Sir Richard? What has he to do with this?” Hadley demanded.
“Yes, darling,” she rolled her eyes. “That same obnoxious boor. Did I not tell you the girl is his ward?”
“That girl is Sir Richard’s ward?” When the girl in the music room had introduced herself as Mary Elizabeth Edwardes he had not made the connection, but then again, wily Sir Richard had taken care not to reveal anything about the Edwardes heir.
“One and the same my love, and worth every bit of fifty thousand a year! That plump little pigeon is one of the richest women in England, and thanks to me, she is yours for the plucking.”
The blood roared in his ears. It was just too bloody good to be true. The very one who held his lands was residing under Barbara’s roof. The girl was not only the means to a large fortune but also of revenge. “That certainly does throw a different light on matters.” He took heed not to betray his growing excitement. “But you and I both know Sir Richard would see me hanged before granting consent for me to wed his ward.”
She smiled. “Who said anything about seeking his consent?”
“You intend for me to despoil her to force a marriage? My dear Barbara, such rude and crass methods don’t suit me at all. The entire thing lacks finesse.”
She scowled. “Then how else do you propose we get control of her fortune?”
“I would propose gaining the girl’s good faith and cooperation.”
“And then what? Do you think she will just hand it over to you?”
“Something very close to that.”
“You are overly confident.”
“Not at all,” he laughed. “I have never failed to achieve my object where a woman was concerned, nor has any ever complained of my methods.”
February 16, 2013
A DEVIL’S TOUCH (The Devil DeVere 4.5)
A DEVIL’S TOUCH is an erotic romance vignette that can stand alone as a complete story, but also serves to bridge Book #4 THE DEVIL’S MATCH, and my forthcoming Book#5 JEWEL OF THE EAST (Salime and Simon’s story)
BLURB:
In her last month of pregnancy, Diana, Viscountess DeVere, has barely settled into her new life and role as “the devil” DeVere’s wife, when her increasingly restlesss husband receives an urgent summons to London. When Diana inadvertently discovers a message he received from a known courtesan with whom he was formerly linked, she fears her marriage is over before it has begun.
EXCERPT: Medford Abbey, Kent- 1784
Diana paused her perusal of the bookshelves to rub the small of her back with a self-pitying sigh. Perhaps she was making too much of matters and all would return to normal after her lying in? Hoping to lose herself for a day or two until his return, Diana selected the latest novel penned by Fannie Burney, the adventures of a young heiress named Cecelia. She retrieved the book from the shelf but by now her feet and back ached so badly, she dreaded the thought of climbing the stairs to her private apartments.
Instead, her gaze settled on her husband’s highly comfortable and recently vacated chair. Alighting in the plush over-stuffed chair, Diana released a soft moan of contentment. Ensconced in the faint scents of leather and Ludovic, a renewed calm seemed to settle over her. Giving in to the most unladlylike urge to prop her feet on the desk, Diana took up a stack of papers to clear a spot, but a particular sheet of foolscap conspicuously penned in a most delicate and elaborate style of calligraphy caught her eye. It was definitely not a man’s hand.
Curious, she picked up the letter. The wax seal had already been broken, revealing a terse note of only a few lines. She hesitated with a pang of guilt, knowing she should not proceed further, but her currently state of anxiety overcame her initial qualms. Diana read:
Most honored Efendi
It is with the greatest humility that I appeal to he who once safeguarded my life. It is with exceeding distress that I must entreat you once more being much in need of a friend and protector.Your most devoted and obedient servant,
Salime
Diana clutched the missive to her breast with quivering lips. An old friend indeed! Was it truly a man named Simon he went so urgently to meet… or an erstwhile lover named Salime?
***
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING….
“Escape Rating A: Reading A Devil’s Touch is like indulging in your favorite decadent dessert. Death by Chocolate perhaps. It is very rich, but perfectly scrumptious, and a small serving is just right! What’s even better is that this delightful Georgian bonbon actually delivers every bit of decadent deliciousness that lovers of The Devil DeVere Series could possibly wish for…and sets us all up for wicked delights yet to come. ” READING REALITY
“A DEVIL’S TOUCH by Victoria Vane is the perfect bridge that fills in the blanks for those of us who have followed this series from the beginning, and a perfect introduction to the series as a stand alone for anyone who wants to just try a taste. Be forewarned – once you get a taste of the Devil DeVere, like chocolate, you’ll not be able to stop.” – UNWRAPPING ROMANCE
Other titles in the award-winning Devil DeVere Series (in reading order with hyperlinks):
A Wild Night’s Bride (Book#1)
The Virgin Huntress (Book#2
The Devil You Know (Book#3)
The Devil’s Match (Book#4)
Jewel of The East (Book#5 coming soon)
Devilish Vignettes (series prequels)
Devil in the Making (Vignette#1)
The Trouble With Sin (Vignette #2 – coming soon)
Ned’s Folly (Vignette #3- summer 2013)
February 12, 2013
February 7, 2013
ENTANGLED IN LOVE VALENTINE’S HOP
MY GIVEAWAY: Winner’s choice of any e-book from my back list!
**FOLLOW THIS BLOG TO ENTER**
Click here to check out what the other authors are giving away during the Entangled In Love blog hop!
NEW FROM VICTORIA VANE : TREACHEROUS TEMPTATIONS
A reluctant heiress resigned to her fate… Mary Elizabeth Edwardes has one of the largest fortune’s in England, but has no desire to leave her quiet country existence… and even less to acquire a husband she cannot choose for herself. A dissolute nobleman bent on retribution… Trapped in a duplicitous existence since scandal destroyed his fortune and family name, Lord Hadley Blanchard has spent the better part of a decade posing as a disaffected exile while spying and seducing in the service of the English Crown.A dangerous game of seduction, and intrigue… When summoned from abroad by a former lover, Lord Hadley perceives an opportunity for vengeance at last. By employing the full measure of his seductive charm, he woos the ward of the man who destroyed his life, little knowing that winning Mary’s fortune will mean risking his own treacherous heart.
Review from Reading Reality:
“”Treason, rebellion, espionage, government-backed Ponzi schemes. Dead scapegoats. Live corrupt officials. Incest….Some of it even happened… Victoria Vane is an expert at weaving the soiled threads of actual Georgian-era events into a tapestry that proves yet again that foul deeds can wear a fair face….
But it’s Hadley’s journey that fascinates. He grows from being a besotted boy in the prologue to a man who has had enough and needs to find a way out. His redemption is the story that we’re following. He needs to throw off his last tie to Barbara, his dependence on Sir Richard’s money, and finally stand up for himself by saving Mary. Hadley pulling himself out of the gutter is the story…. And it’s a damned good one.”
http://www.readingreality.net/2013/02/review-treacherous-temptations-by-victoria-vane-giveaway/
Filed under: BOOK PROMOTION, BOOK REVIEWS, TREACHEROUS TEMPTATIONS, Victoria Vane
February 6, 2013
The Glitzy, Glamorous, Georgians
First posted at Christy English’s Blog on 2/4/13
As a devout Georgian junkie, I am frequently asked why I am so enamored of this particular historical era. My simplest answer is that I am in love with the glitz, glamour, and decadent opulence, and endeavor to vividly recreate this world in all of my books writing as both Emery Lee and Victoria Vane. Although I am fully aware that only a small percentage of people lived ensconced in such luxury, for the privileged few, how sumptuous it was!
In my desire to share my passion for the Georgians with you, I inadvertently stumbled upon an amazing exhibition by Austrian artist Andreas Franke that visually depicts all that I desired to say about my favorite era. In his brand new exhibit, this artist who obviously shares my fascination, pays tribute to the decadent Georgians in The Sinking World. To enhance your pleasure, I have set to Handel’s Water Music a video montage of Georgian decadence currently on display in the ocean depths! Here now is a video montage of The Sinking Wold Exhibit by Andreas Franke Set to Handel’s Water Music:
In my endeavor to bring this world more fully to life in my stories, I have recently commissioned character portraits and illustrations to compliment my Devil DeVere series: http://thedevildevere.com .
This week only, my fellow Georgian period afficianados can enjoy the colorfully illustrated DEVIL IN THE MAKING a s a free Kindle download. (Ends 2/10/13.)
Filed under: Uncategorized
February 4, 2013
THE ROMANCE STUDIO INTERVIEWS VICTORIA VANE
An Interview with Victoria Vane
By Holly Hewson for The Romance Studio
HH: Victoria, thank you so much for talking with us at TRS.
VV: Thanks so much for having me back!
HH: Your featured book is Treacherous Temptations and features two very special characters in difficult situations. Where did you get the idea for their emotionally-engaging story?
VV: For those not yet familiar with my work, I should explain that I am a diehard history geek and seek almost all of my inspiration from real people and events. This is most definitely the case with Treacherous Temptations. The plot of seduction and intrigue was very much inspired by the novels of the time such as Pamela and Clarissa Harlowe by Samuel Richardson and Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Laclos. All of these three 18th century novels feature the theme of virtue vs. vice, and the seduction of a virgin as a primary trope.
As to my characters, they are closely modeled after real people who lived during the time of my story. Lord Hadley Blanchard loosely mirrors Philip, 1st Duke of Wharton, who was ruined by the South Sea Bubble and forced abroad where he flirted with Jacobitism. Sadly his brilliant young nobleman fell into a life of deep dissipation from which he never emerged, dying of alcoholism at a Spanish monastery at the age of 33. Like the duke, Lord Hadley Blanchard is also ruined by the South Sea Scandal forced to go abroad for a number of years during which time he becomes a spy on the Jacobites.
The character of Mary Edwardes is modeled very closely after an heiress of the same name. The real Mary was also closely tied to the South Sea bubble but in her case, her father (a commoner) sold out in time to make a vast fortune. After his death she made a very bad match with a younger son of the Duke of Hamilton. But rather than watching helplessly as her profligate husband squandered everything, she took drastic measures and had her marriage records destroyed, choosing to live under the stigma of illegitimacy in order to protect her young son’s inheritance. Mary never re-wed.
My Mary, also a great heiress finds herself facing a similar situation when her guardian plans to arrange her marriage for his own political advancement. Although innocent and unworldly, Mary is no fool and eventually reaches a point where she also takes matters into her own hands. In Treacherous Temptations, I was inspired to give my fictional versions of these two very real people a happy ending.
HH: What do you like best about Mary and why will readers empathize with her?
VV: I think most readers will relate to Mary. She is a simple, unsophisticated, but sensible country girl, who only wishes to live a quiet life. Unfortunately, all of her choices are taken away when her father passes. Still, she’s not afraid to stand up for herself when her guardian seeks to force her marriage:
Realizing the fruitlessness of any further argument for independence, Mary changed tack. “But why must I go all the way to London when there are surely many eligible bachelors right here in Leicestershire?”
“What? A gentleman curate or a crude country squire? Bah! You will have no such thing! Your father desired an advantageous match for you, and so shall it be. London is the only place to contrive such an alliance.”
“But don’t you see how unfit I am? I have none of the accomplishments or sophisticated wiles that such a gentleman would desire in a wife.” Mary rose and paced the room. “But I have been only once to London. I don’t know anyone there. I haven’t the clothes or the connections.” Her protests escalated to a staccato bombardment. “I don’t dance. I have no notion of their manners. How should I even know to go on? I shall be nothing more than a country frump subject to scorn at every turn!”
“Preposterous, my dear! You quite underestimate your natural charms. To many gentlemen you would be considered quite a prize.”
“A prize?” she laughed. “Then you must refer to my chief asset — my bank account. If so, perhaps you could just save us both a great deal of trouble with an advertisement in The Daily Gazetteer. How about ‘Vast fortune awaits marriage-minded nobleman…Only those willing to overlook the dull and dowdy heiress need apply.’”
Sir Richard gaped, his red-veined jowls quivering with the soundless motion of his mouth. To Mary he resembled nothing more than a landed trout. Knowing she had already lost the war, she could only bask in the sweet satisfaction of this tiny victory.
HH: What do you like best about Hadley and why will readers love him?
VV: Hadley is very much an antihero in the beginning of the story. Although not without his charm, Hadley is dissolute, unprincipled, and immoral. Over time, however, the reader comes to understand the forces beyond his control that molded him, and his resentment of it. Deep down Hadley despises what he has become and desires to change. Meeting Mary only strengthens his desire to be a better man, and becomes the impetus for change. Through his love of Mary, Hadley regains his self respect and becomes his own man once more.
HH: What did you enjoy most about writing this story and what do you think readers will take away from it?
VV: I loved the wickedness of it! Barbara Blanchard is my dream villain! Similar to the scheming Marquise de Meurteil in Dangerous Liaisons, she is a woman readers will love to hate! I hope readers will walk away in love with a man they once thought was a hopeless cause.
HH: What else do you have in store for lucky readers?
VV: A slew of things! This is so exciting! First off I am continuing my award-winning DeVere series. I am currently building a fabuous fan site loaded with excerpts and gorgeous character portraits and scene illustrations from all of the books. I’m attaching samples but you can check it out at http://thedevildevere.com. I am also bringing the entire series to audio book! Additionally, I will be adding at least three more stories to the series this year, The Trouble With Sin, Â A Devil’s Touch and Jewel of the East (click titles for hyperlink to excerpts). Aside from that, I am also considering bringing Barbara Blanchard and Lord Barnesley from Treacherous Temptations back for another story!
HH: How does 2013 promise to be different from 2012 for you?
VV: Trying some new things. To date I have written only historicals and even those have been set exclusively in the Georgian era. While this will always be my first love and what I inevitably return to, I am going to try dipping my toes into some new waters. My first endeavor is a contemporary romance trilogy that Entangled has expressed interest in. I will only reveal that it’s set in Montana with a cowboy hero.
HH: What’s your writing schedule like?
VV: Insane! I’ve always been a night owl to begin with, but now that I’m going through menopause it’s much worse. I typically don’t go to bed until 3 or 4AM anymore and then sleep until about 10 or 11 AM — unless I need to get up earlier. Fortunately for me, writing and insomnia are quite compatible!
HH: What’s your favorite way to interact with readers?
VV: I love to interact with readers! Mostly through email, Goodreads and Facebook. I don’t Tweet a whole lot. Here are all the ways to contact me:
victoria.vane (at) hotmail.com
Web: http://authorvictoriavane.com
Blog: http://victoriavane.wordpress.com
Goodreads:Â http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5319795.Victoria_Vane
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/74706-q-a-with-victoria-vane
Twitter: @authorvictoriav
HH: What are you most looking forward to in 2013?
VV: I spent most of 2012 with my nose literally to the grindstone, so this year I HOPE to break away for some fun. If finances permit, I will be attending several events this year such as the Romance Novel Convention in Las Vegas (August 7-11), RWA in Atlanta (July 17-20), and possibly an Author/Reader cruise that Entangled is planning to put together in the autumn. I really look forward to the opportunity to meet many new friends and fans in person and to share some good times!
HH: Thank you!
Filed under: Uncategorized
January 30, 2013
LIVE INTERNET RADIO CHAT 1/31/13
Victoria Vane will be on the show to talk about her newest Historical release Treacherous Tempatation.
She can talk about her southern ways as well. Be sure to check out this great show.
Call in to speak with the host (646) 929-0397
TREACHEROUS TEMPTATIONS by Victoria Vane
BLURB:
A reluctant heiress resigned to her fate… Mary Elizabeth Edwardes has one of the largest fortune's in England, but has no desire to leave her quiet country existence… and even less to acquire a husband she cannot choose for herself.
A dissolute nobleman bent on retribution… Trapped in a duplicitous existence since scandal destroyed his fortune and family name, Lord Hadley Blanchard has spent the better part of a decade posing as a disaffected exile while spying and seducing in the service of the English Crown.
A dangerous game of seduction, and intrigue… When summoned from abroad by a former lover, Lord Hadley perceives an opportunity for vengeance at last. By employing the full measure of his seductive charm, he woos the ward of the man who destroyed his life, little knowing that winning Mary's fortune will mean risking his own treacherous heart.
Excerpt#2:
While Jenny packed up the remains of the picnic basket, she and Hadley strolled along the water's edge, tossing leftover crumbs to the swans. Gazing at the graceful birds who barely stirred the shimmering waters, Mary felt as if she had stepped into a dream. Yet the afternoon had passed all too quickly and the thought of what awaited her upon her return—Sir Richard and further discussion of her marriage filled her with dismay. She tossed out the last of her breadcrumbs with a sigh, and found her wistful gaze lingering on Lord Hadley.
In the past couple of hours, she had begun to relax, to be herself. She no longer felt so tongue tied and shy, but she still couldn't quite puzzle him out. It was almost as if he was two different men inhabiting one body. At times he was the most noble Conte di Caserta, a model of urbanity, but then in unguarded moments, he revealed with a suggestive word, a wicked look, or an intimate touch, a playful, teasing side, as if he forgot his noble mask.
He caught her staring and Mary swiftly averted her gaze.
"You are distressed?" he asked softly. "Why?"
"It's nothing," she answered.
"Your sigh betrays you, Miss Edwardes."
"Was it really aloud?" She hadn't realized she'd given away her thoughts.
"Sweet and sad, it was. I have failed to divert you. Perhaps I should have thought of something else."
"It's not that—" she turned to protest but stopped when he brushed the corner of her mouth with his thumb. Her gaze widened as he inspected it with a half-smile.
"A vestige of jam tart, I believe. But alas," he gave a helpless shrug. "I have no napkin." Before she realized what he was about, he brushed her lips in a feathery kiss, lingering at the corner of her mouth, where his tongue flicked out to taste her. The unexpectedness of it stunned her. "Lord Hadley! Wh-what are you doing?"
"If you have to ask, I must be losing my touch. Perhaps I should try again?"
Still too dazed to formulate a response, he took advantage to steal another kiss, this one as soft as the sigh that escaped her lungs. He increased the pressure then, slanting his heavenly mouth and lightly nibbling her lower lip. His kiss was warm and soft and wonderful, making her forget she was supposed to protest.
"You are deliciously sweet, Mary, like ripe strawberries, but now I have taken a taste of you, I only want more."
"Please," escaped her lips.
Was it a protest or a plea? She wasn't sure. If the former, it was feeble even to her own ears. How easily… how eagerly… she had capitulated to him…and far worse…how desperately she wanted more.
"Please?" he repeated. "Please stop, or please kiss you again?"
"No." She averted her head with what he surely knew was a toothless protest. His manner was far too familiar, far too intimate. She knew she shouldn't permit him any more liberties, but good heavens!
"Come now, Mary." He turned her bodily back to him, his warm gaze seeking hers, his honeyed voice cajoling. "It's only a kiss, after all."
Only a kiss?
Perhaps he had no idea how devastating a kiss could be…or mayhap he knew exactly what it did to her. "Perhaps this is normal for you, my lord, but I am an unsophisticated girl and unaccustomed to casual kisses."
"No? Then perhaps it's past time you became accustomed. Shall I really kiss you, sweet Molly? Truly and thoroughly?"
Was this the course of a seduction? Is this what he had planned all along? She searched his face for the answer only to lose herself in his blue eyes. Fear gripped her. Not of him, but of her weakening will. "Don't," she whispered.
He muted her protest with his mouth, catching her breath and replacing it with his own. This kiss was different, paradoxically soft and firm, it demanded a response that she was helpless to deny. Mary closed her eyes, responding and melting into him as he nipped, and licked, and suckled her lips. Like a vortex, he pulled her into the kiss, stealing the air from her lungs, along with any remaining will. His warm slick tongue teased, gently urging her to open. When she parted, just a fraction, he took command. He entered her mouth deeply, seeking, exploring with his smooth, wet tongue, the contact of which instantly sent a flood of warm moisture between her thighs.
Only a kiss?
It was staggering.
Her mind was lost to time and place, as if nothing existed beyond his divine mouth. He discarded her bonnet and tangled his fingers in her hair. She whimpered, clutching at his lapels, yet he refused to relent. Mercilessly, he intensified the kiss, pulling her so far in; submerging her in so much sensation that Mary thought she would drown in the pleasure of it.
** This title is available in digital format for only $2.99**
LIVE RADIO CHAT AT BAB’S BOOK BISTRO
Victoria Vane will be on the show to talk about her newest Historical release Treacherous Tempatation.
She can talk about her southern ways as well. Be sure to check out this great show.
Call in to speak with the host (646) 929-0397
TREACHEROUS TEMPTATIONS by Victoria Vane
BLURB:
A reluctant heiress resigned to her fate… Mary Elizabeth Edwardes has one of the largest fortune’s in England, but has no desire to leave her quiet country existence… and even less to acquire a husband she cannot choose for herself.
A dissolute nobleman bent on retribution… Trapped in a duplicitous existence since scandal destroyed his fortune and family name, Lord Hadley Blanchard has spent the better part of a decade posing as a disaffected exile while spying and seducing in the service of the English Crown.
A dangerous game of seduction, and intrigue… When summoned from abroad by a former lover, Lord Hadley perceives an opportunity for vengeance at last. By employing the full measure of his seductive charm, he woos the ward of the man who destroyed his life, little knowing that winning Mary’s fortune will mean risking his own treacherous heart.
Excerpt#2:
While Jenny packed up the remains of the picnic basket, she and Hadley strolled along the water’s edge, tossing leftover crumbs to the swans. Gazing at the graceful birds who barely stirred the shimmering waters, Mary felt as if she had stepped into a dream. Yet the afternoon had passed all too quickly and the thought of what awaited her upon her return—Sir Richard and further discussion of her marriage filled her with dismay. She tossed out the last of her breadcrumbs with a sigh, and found her wistful gaze lingering on Lord Hadley.
In the past couple of hours, she had begun to relax, to be herself. She no longer felt so tongue tied and shy, but she still couldn’t quite puzzle him out. It was almost as if he was two different men inhabiting one body. At times he was the most noble Conte di Caserta, a model of urbanity, but then in unguarded moments, he revealed with a suggestive word, a wicked look, or an intimate touch, a playful, teasing side, as if he forgot his noble mask.
He caught her staring and Mary swiftly averted her gaze.
“You are distressed?” he asked softly. “Why?”
“It’s nothing,” she answered.
“Your sigh betrays you, Miss Edwardes.”
“Was it really aloud?” She hadn’t realized she’d given away her thoughts.
“Sweet and sad, it was. I have failed to divert you. Perhaps I should have thought of something else.”
“It’s not that—” she turned to protest but stopped when he brushed the corner of her mouth with his thumb. Her gaze widened as he inspected it with a half-smile.
“A vestige of jam tart, I believe. But alas,” he gave a helpless shrug. “I have no napkin.” Before she realized what he was about, he brushed her lips in a feathery kiss, lingering at the corner of her mouth, where his tongue flicked out to taste her. The unexpectedness of it stunned her. “Lord Hadley! Wh-what are you doing?”
“If you have to ask, I must be losing my touch. Perhaps I should try again?”
Still too dazed to formulate a response, he took advantage to steal another kiss, this one as soft as the sigh that escaped her lungs. He increased the pressure then, slanting his heavenly mouth and lightly nibbling her lower lip. His kiss was warm and soft and wonderful, making her forget she was supposed to protest.
“You are deliciously sweet, Mary, like ripe strawberries, but now I have taken a taste of you, I only want more.”
“Please,” escaped her lips.
Was it a protest or a plea? She wasn’t sure. If the former, it was feeble even to her own ears. How easily… how eagerly… she had capitulated to him…and far worse…how desperately she wanted more.
“Please?” he repeated. “Please stop, or please kiss you again?”
“No.” She averted her head with what he surely knew was a toothless protest. His manner was far too familiar, far too intimate. She knew she shouldn’t permit him any more liberties, but good heavens!
“Come now, Mary.” He turned her bodily back to him, his warm gaze seeking hers, his honeyed voice cajoling. “It’s only a kiss, after all.”
Only a kiss?
Perhaps he had no idea how devastating a kiss could be…or mayhap he knew exactly what it did to her. “Perhaps this is normal for you, my lord, but I am an unsophisticated girl and unaccustomed to casual kisses.”
“No? Then perhaps it’s past time you became accustomed. Shall I really kiss you, sweet Molly? Truly and thoroughly?”
Was this the course of a seduction? Is this what he had planned all along? She searched his face for the answer only to lose herself in his blue eyes. Fear gripped her. Not of him, but of her weakening will. “Don’t,” she whispered.
He muted her protest with his mouth, catching her breath and replacing it with his own. This kiss was different, paradoxically soft and firm, it demanded a response that she was helpless to deny. Mary closed her eyes, responding and melting into him as he nipped, and licked, and suckled her lips. Like a vortex, he pulled her into the kiss, stealing the air from her lungs, along with any remaining will. His warm slick tongue teased, gently urging her to open. When she parted, just a fraction, he took command. He entered her mouth deeply, seeking, exploring with his smooth, wet tongue, the contact of which instantly sent a flood of warm moisture between her thighs.
Only a kiss?
It was staggering.
Her mind was lost to time and place, as if nothing existed beyond his divine mouth. He discarded her bonnet and tangled his fingers in her hair. She whimpered, clutching at his lapels, yet he refused to relent. Mercilessly, he intensified the kiss, pulling her so far in; submerging her in so much sensation that Mary thought she would drown in the pleasure of it.
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January 20, 2013
TREACHEROUS TEMPTATIONS NOW AVAILABLE!
TREACHEROUS TEMPTATIONS was very much inspired by the dark and romantic novels of the 18th century in which virtue vs. vice and plots to despoil virgins were very popular themes, books like Clarissa Harlowe by Samuel Richardson or Les Liaisons Dangereuses by LaClos. Similar to these classic tales, my story features precisely such an innocent country girl who is neither stupid nor naive but inadvertently becomes a pawn in a deadly game of revenge and intrigue.
BLURB:
A reluctant heiress resigned to her fate… Mary Elizabeth Edwardes has one of the largest fortune's in England, but has no desire to leave her quiet country existence… and even less to acquire a husband she cannot choose for herself.
A dissolute nobleman bent on retribution… Trapped in a duplicitous existence since scandal destroyed his fortune and family name, Lord Hadley Blanchard has spent the better part of a decade posing as a disaffected exile while spying and seducing in the service of the English Crown.
A dangerous game of seduction, and intrigue… When summoned from abroad by a former lover, Lord Hadley perceives an opportunity for vengeance at last. By employing the full measure of his seductive charm, he woos the ward of the man who destroyed his life, little knowing that winning Mary's fortune will mean risking his own treacherous heart.
Excerpt:
Blanchard House, Hanover Square- 1727
As the solo harpsichord began a Corelli air, Mary watched mesmerized. In flawless synchrony with the music, and bodies posed in perfect symmetry, the couple performed the intricate figures of the dance with fluid grace—ebbing and flowing in an elegant wave, moving in absolute harmony with one another. Rising and falling in gentle rhythm, arms gracefully rounded, reaching, touching, and turning, they seemingly floated across the floor.
It was lovely beyond description.
Monsieur Gaspar had rightly described the stately minuet as the perfection of dancing and Mary was entranced. But lost in her admiration of the dancers, she forgot she was supposed to be studying their intricate steps and patterns, until the couple executed the final two hand turn and then faced her with the final elegant dips to honor their audience of one.
The dancing master raised Lady Blanchard's hand to his lips. "Vous êtes toujours incomparable, Madame la Comtesse."
Lady Blanchard answered the compliment as if it were her due, with an elegant inclination of her head and only the merest hint of a smile.
"It is true, my lady," Mary gushed. "I've never beheld anything so lovely."
Lady Blanchard turned to Mary and smiled archly. "Dancing is the premier mark of gentility in any woman, my dear Mary, and the minuet is foremost amongst the dances. Thus, you must master it—along with the sarabande, gigue, bourée, and gavotte, before you may attend any of the balls."
Mary's stomach dropped. "All of them? But I have no experience of this kind of dancing."
Lady Blanchard regarded her with raised brows. "Do you mean to say you've never danced?"
"Only country dancing, my lady. Never like this. I fear it is well beyond my ability."
The countess waved her hand. "Nonsense, child. You have the benefit of a master's tutelage and must simply apply yourself." She glanced to the clock with a frown. "I am expecting someone. I leave you now in Monsieur Gaspar's capable hands."
In dismay, Mary watched the countess depart.
"Mademoiselle?" The dancing master flourished a bow and then offered his arm and an indulgent smile on painted lips. Yet an hour later found him tearing at his periwig and Mary near to tears.
"Non! Non! Et non!" cried the Frenchman. "You must rise on the toe and sweep the foot. Thusly." He demonstrated with exaggerated patience. "And the arms, they are too stiff!"
"Like this?" Mary rounded her arms and began the steps again.
"Par blue! Elle se deplacer comme une vache! You move like the cow and the figure, it is all wrong! It is zed."
"Zed?" Mary repeated blankly.
"Oui, zed!" he insisted.
"I don't comprehend you, monsieur," Mary cried in growing frustration. "I've told you already I have no French."
Throwing up his hands in Gallic fashion he shouted, "Zed! Zed!" as if bellowing would bring enlightenment. "Etres vous simple? It is the last letter of the English alphabet! Comprenez? Zed! S'il vous plait dancez la figure maintenant."
"I'm sorry, Monsieur Gaspar. Would you please show me once more?" Mary asked, flustered beyond despair and on the verge of tears.
"Perhaps, monsieur," a deep-timbered, cultured, and slightly accented voice arrested the dancing master's impending tantrum, "the difficulty lies not so much in the student's lack of aptitude, but in the instructor's method of tuition."
Mary turned to face her would-be rescuer, a vision that stole her breath. Tall and elegant, he was dressed in hues of richly embroidered satin, bedecked with yards of frothy lace, and jewels that would be the envy of any woman, yet paradoxically, there was nothing effeminate about him. He advanced into the room with a languid gait to halt before them, flicking over the Frenchman with inscrutably dark eyes and an expression of frigid hauteur.
It was his eyes that first entranced her, deep-set and piercing indigo-blue beneath straight, dark, brows, that seemed starkly incongruous compared to the fashionable white powdered wig. To Mary, his face was a fascinating study of contrasts, at once strong, proud, and distinctly aristocratic. Yet, the imposing vision he presented was somehow softened by a generous mouth and the most fascinating dimple in his chin. Mary was next riveted to that dimple, and then lastly to the softening curve of his mouth when the stranger inclined his head to her alone, as if the dancing master were completely beneath his notice.
It was an intentional snub that made the Frenchman tremble with indignation. "I will have you know, monsieur, that I am le maitre-de-dance to the very Princesses Royales!"
"I should never make such a confession, were I you," the stranger drawled.
The frenetic little Frenchman puffed his chest. "You think it an idle boast?"
The gentleman chuckled, a low, warm, rumbling sound. "No indeed, monsieur, for I have seen how execrably they dance!"
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