Author Interview and Giveaway with Miranda Neville

I am ubber excited to share with you guys this great interview I did with an amazing author and a fast favorite of mine. She WOW'd me with her book 'The Dangerous Viscount' , which featured a Virgin hero, and now, it looks like another Virgin will make themselves notable in outstanding fashion with her latest book!

Please enjoy my chat with the lovely, Miranda Neville:

About The Author:

"I grew up in beautiful Wiltshire in southwest England. During my misspent youth I devoured the works of Georgette Heyer, Jean Plaidy and any other historical novels I could lay hands on. As a result I attended the University of Oxford to study history, ignoring all hints that economics might be a more practical subject. I spent several years writing catalogues of rare books and original letters and manuscripts for Sotheby's auction house in London and New York. Much of my time in this job was spent reading the personal correspondence of the famous. This confirmed my suspicion that the most interesting thing about history is people. I'm also a sucker for a happy ending: I howled in the back of geography class when I was supposed to be learning about German coalfields because I hated --HATED -- the end of Gone With The Wind. I still haven't forgiven Margaret Mitchell.
A few years ago I decided to write an historical romance. How hard could it be? Wrong. Several manuscripts under-the-bed (or deep in the hard drive) later, HarperCollins bought NEVER RESIST TEMPTATION, published in 2009 by Avon Books.
I now live in beautiful rural Vermont with my daugher Becca, a college student and confirmed drama queen, and two cats who are never on the right side of any door."Source

 Find Miranda Neville online: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter

About the Book:

Being kidnapped teaches Miss Celia Seaton a few things about life

LESSON ONE

Never disrobe in front of a gentleman ... unless his request comes at gunpoint.

LESSON TWO

If, when lost on the moors, you encounter Tarquin Compton, the leader of London society who ruined your marriage prospects, deny any previous acquaintance.

LESSON THREE

If offered an opportunity to get back at Mr. Compton, the bigger the lie, the better. A faux engagement should do nicely.

LESSON FOUR

Not all knowledge is found between the covers of a book. But an improper book may further your education in ways you never guessed.

And while an erotic novel may be entertaining, 
the real thing is even better

Get Your Copy Today:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

IndieBound | Powell's

The Interview

RJ: Hello Miranda! Welcome back to Not Another Romance Blog! Congrats on the release of your latest historical, The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton (Book 3-The Burgundy Club series, July 26th, 2011, Avon)! How excited are you for this book’s publication? Does this book have special meaning to you?
MN: Tarquin, the hero of The Amorous Education, has been with me a long time. He was the hero's best friend in my first book, a work that will never see the light of day. I still wanted to write Tarquin's story so I transferred him, with some tweaking, into the Burgundy Club. I'm very excited that his book is finally appearing after such a long journey.

RJ: Why don't you tell me and the readers a little bit about what they will find when they crack open The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton?
MN: Tarquin is a dandy and a society leader who can be quite rude, especially to debutantes. He needs to be brought down, so I stripped him of his clothing and his memory and left him at the mercy of one of his victims. The story is about how Celia discovers the heroic and lovable man beneath the social polish. Along the way to HEA they overcome hunger, villains, interfering relatives, lost treasures and their own views of themselves and each other.

RJ: This release is the latest book in the Burgundy Club series. During your last visit to this blog, you told us about the premise of the series, but as time goes on I think the series begins to grow and change as well. What changes or notable additions to the series can you remark on?
MN: Each installment of the series has turned out differently. The Wild Marquis has a strong mystery as background; The Dangerous Viscount is purely a relationship book, without external subplot. The Amorous Education is a combination of the two but with a different flavor - a sexy romp. Each is very much its own book but tied together by recurring characters.

RJ: Did you pick up any interesting tid-bits while researching for the book and/or did you incorporate any unique elements in your story?
MN: Celia's "Amorous Education" comes from The Genuine Amours, a naughty novel. This is a real book, dated 1796, and all the quotes are from a rare volume I discovered in the British Library in London. Celia learns a lot from Tarquin, too!

RJ: Tarquin Compton is the most fashionable dandy in all of London, but who is the man behind the smartly cut waistcoat? Tell us more about his character. And tell us about the woman who brings him to his knees. How do they work as a couple?
MN: I had to ask myself, what makes a man a dandy? The story of his childhood and the uncle who influenced him is revealed in the book. A big part of Tarquin's emotional journey is rediscovering the person he was before a youthful tragedy, and balancing his own desires with gratitude to his mentor. Celia, on the face of it, is his opposite: unfashionable and socially awkward. But she has a snarky humor blended with courage that brings out the best in him. I hope by the end readers will be in no doubt of this unlikely couple's happiness.

RJ: I love strong main characters, but having amazing secondary characters gives a book that extra “umph”. Give us the scoop on a notable secondary character in The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton. What’s their name, occupation, and a random fact about them?
MN: Diana and Sebastian, the couple from The Dangerous Viscount, play a part in the book, as does Diana's sister Minerva. There's one new character, the mysterious and charming Countess Czerny, whom I think quite intriguing. She's a potential rival for Tarquin's hand and something of an adventuress. Don't worry, Celia has another admirer too. Equal opportunities for jealousy! Fact: Countess Czerny buys her clothes in Paris.

RJ: In a small paragraph, write the blurb to your life as it is-but exaggerated to how you ideally wish it were.
MN: I grew up in England and moved to New York City to work at Sotheby's auction house. After my marriage I moved to Vermont where I still live. I have one beautiful daughter who has never left her room untidy in her entire life. I now write romance novels which flow from my pen without the slightest effort. (Guess which bits aren't true.)

RJ: What makes a good romance to you and who are your favorite authors?
MN: All I want is a pair of likable and convincing characters whose story I can enjoy as they wend their way to an emotionally satisfying HEA. I love smart people, clever dialogue and humor. On the other hand Patricia Gaffney's To Have and To Hold is one of the best romances I've ever read and there's not much humor there. With so many authors I adore, I will restrict myself to a handful of the very best: Loretta Chase, Eloisa James, Madeline Hunter, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Mary Jo Putney … I could go on for hours!

RJ: What projects are you currently working on and what do the readers (and me!) have to look forward to next from you?
MN: I'm in the middle of revisions for Confessions from an Arranged Marriage. The heroine is Minerva Montrose and the book will appear in April 2012.

RJ: Picture this: Some major motion picture studio buys the film rights to The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton and want to make it into a movie. They bring you in as a consultant (since you wrote the book and everything-LOL). They ask you to come up with an ‘ideal’ cast list. Which actors would make that list?
MN: Richard Armitage! Without him as Tarquin, the deal is off. For Celia I envision Cate Blanchett: not conventionally pretty but stunning and with a strong personality.

--

Miranda's Question:

Summer's the traditional time for lazing in a hammock with a good book. What are you planning to read? One commenter will win a copy of The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton to take to the beach.

~*~GIVEAWAY DETAILS~*~

Miranda has generously offered to giveaway a copy of 'The Amorous Education of Celia Seton' to (1) one lucky commenter! All you have to do to be eligible to win is answer Miranda's question above in the comments below! The giveaway will end on August 11th and the winner will be announced and contacted shortly thereafter.

"Christmas In England": X-mas Guest Post and Giveaway with Miranda Neville

Christmas in England
Hi Rita. Thanks for inviting me to join your Christmas celebration. I live in the US, but I grew up in England. The typical British Christmas has much in common with the American one, but of course there are differences, and not every family celebrates the holiday in the same way.  

The first thing that always strikes me about the British Christmas is how long it lasts. There are always two full days off work, Christmas Day itself and December 26th, known as Boxing Day. Most people take extra time to link the two weekends and New Years (some businesses close altogether) and in a good year you can string together ten days. During that time everyone eats, drinks and watches a lot of telly.  
My siblings and I would wake up horribly early on the big day and open our stockings, filled with small items and a clementine orange in the toe. My mother was a lifelong believer in recycled wrapping paper. At a fairly young age I noticed Father Christmas seemed to get his paper from the Big Drawer in the drawing room. A couple of years later all our illusions were shattered and she had us all wrapping and stuffing each other’s stockings, never using tape because that damaged the paper and made it less re-usable. 
After breakfast we were each permitted to open one present. Little devils that we were, we’d usually poked and prodded each passage enough to make an educated guess about a good one. Then off to church. The big unwrapping session happened before lunch with the grown-ups having their first of many drinks for the day. 


Christmas Crackers



The big meal is usually Christmas lunch. Since the Brits have no Thanksgiving, this is the day for turkey, served with a couple of stuffings, gravy, roast potatoes, and Brussels sprouts. Poultry of any kind is often served with bread sauce (basically soft white bread crumbs cooked in milk, flavored with onion and cloves). For dessert we’d have the traditional Christmas pudding, a heavy plum pudding served in a blaze of burning brandy, mince pies, and brandy butter (Butter whipped with sugar and brandy; my arteries harden as I write this).  Then clementines, nuts, dried fruits and Christmas crackers.



Paper Christmas Hats!

Crackers contain prizes which range from pieces of plastic rubbish to fancy gadgets and jewelry, depending on the price. They all contain tissue paper hats, which everyone has to wear regardless of how stupid they look, and slips of paper imprinted with appallingly bad jokes and riddles. Since everyone is usually pissed by this time (or very merry if too young to drink) everyone laughs a lot. I include a random photo taken last time I spend Christmas in England, just to demonstrate how dumb people look in paper hats. 

At 3 pm we stagger from the table to watch the Queen’s Speech. If sensible one might take a walk. Or collapse and watch another movie before tea and Christmas Cake, a heavy fruit cake covered with marzipan and decorated with hard white icing. (Note to Brits: please discover American butter cream frosting). 
Thus ends the official portion of Christmas Day. Supper is generally light. Turkey soup and/or sandwiches may feature.  Turkey Curry, made famous by Bridget Jones, is very likely in your near future. 
One of my very favorite parts of Christmas is decorating the tree. My mother believed in delegating tasks so I’ve been doing it since early childhood. I collect new ornaments when I travel and I’m particularly fond of ones I find in museum shops.

Miranda's Latest Release
Read more in: Author Preview

What are your favorite holiday decorations? Do you collect different ornaments for your tree, or do you prefer a color scheme or theme? And is your tree real or fake?

One commenter wins her choice of one of my books.

~*~Giveaway Details~*~

Miranda Neville has generously offered to giveaway a copy of any one of her books to one (1) lucky commenter (Winner's Choice). Follow the guidelines below and comment for your chance to win! The giveaway will end on Thursday, December 23rd, 2010 at 11:59:00 PM. The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve and contacted via email shortly after.

Giveaway Guidelines: To be entered in the giveaway all you have to do is leave a comment with either an answer to Miranda's questions or a question of your own!
*Make sure to include your email address (NO EMAIL= INVALID ENTRY)

For Extra Entries (do one or more of the following for extra shots at winning):
+2 'Friend' Miranda Neville on Facebook
+2 'Like' The 'Not Another Romance Blog' Blog on Facebook
+2 Comment on the Author Preview
+4 Spread the word: Tweet on Twitter, Post a Facebook status, or blog about this guest post and giveaway (provide a link in you entry comment)
+5 Become a Follower/ Be a Follower

-Tell me in your comment which extra entries you are entitled to or they won't count

--

 Hope you enjoyed today's X-mas Guest Post from Miranda Neville in:

Author Preview: Miranda Neville

Miranda Neville

"I grew up in Wiltshire in southwest England. During my misspent youth I devoured the works of Georgette Heyer, Jean Plaidy and any other historical novels I could lay hands on. As a result I attended the University of Oxford to study history, ignoring all hints that economics might be a more practical subject. I spent several years writing catalogues of rare books a nd original letters and manuscripts for Sotheby's auction house in London and New York. Much of my time in this job was spent reading the personal correspondence of the famous. This confirmed my suspicion that the most interesting thing about history is people. I'm also a sucker for a happy ending: I howled in the back of geography class when I was supposed to be learning about German coalfields because I hated --HATED -- the end of Gone With The Wind. I still haven't forgiven Margaret Mitchell.
A few years ago I decided to write an historical romance. How hard could it be? Wrong. Several manuscripts under-the-bed (or deep in the hard drive) later, HarperCollins bought NEVER RESIST TEMPTATION, published in 2009 by Avon Books.
I now live in beautiful rural Vermont with my daughter Becca, a college student and confirmed drama queen. I am always happy to be distracted from gainful employment by cooking (3o minute recipes only), gardening (don't look at the weeds), cross-country skiing, arguing about unimportant topics, and general procrastinating. "

Check out my past interview with Miranda: here

Find Miranda Neville on the web: Website | Blog/News Page | Facebook | Twitter

Some of Miranda Neville's works: (click image for info)

Miranda's Latest Release:

'The Dangerous Viscount' (September 2010) 

"She is determined to find a husband ... now!

Diana Fanshawe's impeccable bloodline doesn't stop society from laughing at the antics of her eccentric family. She knows the right marriage is her one chance to make her way in the world--which is precisely why she will marry Lord Blakeney. But then she's kissed by the brilliant and unconventional Sebastian Iverley, and her well-laid plans tumble into disarray.

Sebastian wants absolutely nothing to do with love or marriage. He likes his books, his male friends in the Burgundy Club, and he avoids women. But when he arrives at his hated cousin Blakeney's house party, he's smitten by the tantalizing Diana.
Should the lady follow her heart and try to win Iverley's, though it seems hardened against her - or should she sacrifice love for respectability?"

Read My Review of 'The Dangerous Viscount': here

--
What To Expect in 2011:
Miranda Neville will be adding a new edition to the Burgundy Club in the new year, which means: YIPPIE! The official title of the book will be 'The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton', and it will be release July 26th, 2011!

Coffee Shop Conversations: Q&A with author Miranda Neville

              Hello all you fabulous Dames, and welcome to Coffee Shop Conversations! On this segment of the blog I will be conducting interviews with Authors, Bloggers and anyone else relative to the literary world and willing to answer my questions. Coffee Shops are great places to just relax, let the hair down and talk about life, love and good books! So without further adieu, let's get to chatting with my special guest:

Author Miranda Neville

"I grew up in beautiful Wiltshire in southwest England. During my misspent youth I devoured the works of Georgette Heyer, Jean Plaidy and any other historical novels I could lay hands on. As a result I attended the University of Oxford to study history, ignoring all hints that economics might be a more practical subject. I spent several years writing catalogues of rare books and original letters and manuscripts for Sotheby's auction house in London and New York. Much of my time in this job was spent reading the personal correspondence of the famous. This confirmed my suspicion that the most interesting thing about history is people. I'm also a sucker for a happy ending: I howled in the back of geography class when I was supposed to be learning about German coalfields because I hated --HATED -- the end of Gone With The Wind. I still haven't forgiven Margaret Mitchell.
A few years ago I decided to write an historical romance. How hard could it be? Wrong. Several manuscripts under-the-bed (or deep in the hard drive) later, HarperCollins bought NEVER RESIST TEMPTATION, published in 2009 by Avon Books.
I now live in beautiful rural Vermont with my daugher Becca, a college student and confirmed drama queen, and two cats who are never on the right side of any door."Source

 Miranda Neville on the web: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Miranda's Latest Release:

'The Dangerous Viscount'

Released 09.28.2010 (TODAY!)

"This book proves that the only reason to be disappointed by a Miranda Neville novel is because the book will eventually come to an end!" quote from my review


"She is determined to find a husband ... now!
Diana Fanshawe's impeccable bloodline doesn't stop society from laughing at the antics of her eccentric family. She knows the right marriage is her one chance to make her way in the world--which is precisely why she will Marry Lord Blakeney. But then she's kissed by the brilliant ansd unconventional Sebastian Iverley, and her well-laid plans tumble into disarray.
Sebastian wants absolutely nothing to do with love or marriage. He likes his books, his male friends in the Burgundy Club, and he avoids women. But when he arrives at his hated cousin Blakeney's house party, he's smitten by the tantalizing Diana.
Should the lady follow her heart and try to win Iverley's, though it seems hardened against her–or should she sacrifice love for respectability?"Source

-Read an excerpt from 'The Dangerous Viscount': here
-Read My Review of 'The Dangerous Viscount': here

Get Your Copy Today:
Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Borders
The Book Depository | Powell's

 

 -Q&A-

RJ: Hey Miranda! Thanks so much for stopping by for a little chat. Firstly, congratulations on your new book, 'The Dangerous Viscount', available for purchase as of 09.28.2010 (TODAY)!  What have the past few months been like; with finishing the book and anticipating it's release? What have you experienced emotionally as well as professionally with the completion of this new book?

MN: Because of the long publishing lead time, I finished the book at the end of last year. Since then I've seen one book published and finished writing another. But The Dangerous Viscount is a book that means a lot to me and hasn't been out of my thoughts. I really look forward to seeing readers' reactions to it, at the same time as being a little nervous - kind of like a mother sending her kid off to kindergarten.

RJ: Why don't you tell me and the readers a little bit about 'The Dangerous Viscount' from the author's point of view?

Google's idea of a 'Book Nerd'

MN: The hero is not your average romance novel hot hunk. When the book opens Sebastian is a bit of a nerd, a book collector who wears glasses, dresses like a scarecrow and hates women. Then he sets eyes on Diana Fanshawe and falls like a ton of bricks. When he learns Diana kissed him only to win a bet, he wants revenge. He gets an extreme makeover and sets out to seduce her. 

RJ:Where did the inspirations for your plot, characters and setting come from?

MN: I've always been fond of the romance plot where the guy bets he can win or seduce the heroine. I had the idea of doing it the opposite way, with the heroine doing the betting. Sebastian first appeared in my previous book, The Wild Marquis, and it occurred to me I could make the plot work with him. Then I needed to find a heroine for him and decided he'd go for someone very worldly and sophisticated, totally unlike him. Most of the book takes place in three different country houses. They are all based on real locations in England.

RJ:What challenges or difficulties did you face with the writing of this particular novel?

MN: (laughs). Just finishing a novel is always a challenge. That said, The Dangerous Viscount came relatively easily. But I don't think there's any question my biggest challenge was to make Sebastian, a nerd and a (ahem) virgin into attractive hero material.

RJ:  'The Dangerous Viscount' is not your debut novel. How does it differ from your previous books? What were you trying to achieve with this book, and also, do you feel like it's "mission accomplished"?

MN: My first two books had very strong mystery subplots. This books is all about the romance between the hero and heroine, without any subplot at all.  I was able to linger over the growth of their relationship, which evolves in stages. One major development (which I can't mention without a spoiler) came as a surprise to me as I wrote. Secondary characters, Diana's eccentric family and Sebastian's friends, got a little more page time too. I enjoyed portraying a whole community while keeping the novel centered on my couple.  I hope I've been successful. 

RJ: Lets talk about your Hero and Heroine (Sebastian & Diana). What are their flaws and what are their redeeming qualities? Also, why are they attracted to each other (aside from physical attraction)?

MN: Diana, the young widow of a much older and wealthy husband, is socially ambitious. She tells herself that she is in love with Lord Blakeney, the handsome heir to a dukedom. But while her aspirations may seem shallow, she is rebelling against her own family who are well born but eccentric and not well accepted in society. She needs to learn that appearances aren't everything. But she is also warm and kind and intelligent and those are the qualities Sebastian falls for. Physical attraction he both feels and resists. He begins to get serious about her when he meets her family: she finds them embarrassing but he thinks they are delightful. Sebastian is prejudiced against all women (for reasons we learn during the book), set in his ways, and stubborn. He is also smart, loyal, reliable, and protective. Diana finds him likable and interesting as a person long before she is awoken to his physical attractiveness.

RJ: Your September release is the latest novel in The Burgundy Club series. What is the premise for this series/where did the idea for it come from? And also, how does 'The Dangerous Viscount' tie into/contribute to the series?

Book 1 in Series

MN: The series is about a group of aristocratic young English book collectors. At the end of The Wild Marquis, the boys form the Burgundy Club, to commemorate the rare book auction that forms the central plot feature of the story. I worked in rare books at Sotheby's auction house so I drew on my knowledge of book collecting. Sebastian is one of the collectors who became friends with the hero of The Wild Marquis. His fellow book collectors help him transform himself to win Diana. 

RJ: How did your writing journey begin and how did you get here?  What pit-stops, wrong turns, and perfect lane changes did you make on your road to publication?

Neville's debut novel

MN: About six or seven years ago I decided to try my hand at writing fiction and chose historical romance, something I'd always loved. My first book was very traditional in feel. After getting a bunch of rejections, I realized it wasn't going to sell. I had also learned a lot about writing a better book. I had an idea about a girl disguised as a boy who works as a pastry cook for the Prince Regent. That became Never Resist Temptation, published in 2009.

RJ: The writing process differs from author to author. Some are planners, and others just jump right in. Some consider themselves night writers, while others need daylight and a park bench or a coffee shop (wink) to set the mood for creativity; whats your writing process and atmosphere like?

MN: I wish I knew. Seriously, I'm amazed my books get written. The process is different every time and I have no routine and no established method. It's a miracle.

RJ: Romances has transcended many different sectors of pop culture. I think the Beatles said it best, "All you need is love". This being a Romance Blog, I've got to ask: what are your favorite picks from the following:  Favorite Love Song? Favorite Scent on a man? Favorite Romantic Comedy? and of course, Favorite Romance Novel? 

MN:  
Love song: The Way You Look Tonight. 
Scent on a man: Shaving soap from Floris, a London perfumer whose history goes back to the eighteenth century.  
Romantic comedy: When Harry Met Sally. 
Romance Novel: Pride and Prejudice

RJ: What's coming up next for you (book-wise or otherwise)?

MN: I've just finished the third Burgundy Club book (no title yet) featuring Tarquin Compton, the haughty arbiter of London society. He's going to get naked and lost in the wilderness with a governess who holds a grudge against him. Next up: Minerva, the younger sister of Diana in The Dangerous Viscount.

RJ: Do you have anything that you would like to address to your fans and the readers?

MN: I love hearing from readers, so feel free to contact me - through my website or on Facebook or Twitter (@Miranda_Neville). My website has information about the historical background of my books. Plus I'm running a fabulous contest and there's still time to enter before it closes on September 30th. 

RJ: Final Question: Name something shocking or interesting about yourself that the readers may not know.

MN: There are many, many shocking things about me your readers don't NEED to know. [but] OK, here are two: I  love fruit cake. [Second,] when I helped my Dad move out of my childhood home, I found a bunch of hand-written, long forgotten romances I'd started writing in my teens. They were really bad.

-MN: Thanks so much to Rita for inviting me here. I've had a blast.

-RJ: My pleasure, Miranda. It was GREAT having you on! Had a blast myself!!

~Thanks once again to my special guest, Miranda Neville, for stopping by and telling me a little bit about her life and her new book! I immensely enjoyed reading 'The Dangerous Viscount' and I know everyone else will too! I also can't WAIT to read Tarquin's and Minerva's stories!!! ~
--
To all the readers, be sure to make use of those 'on the web' links above to better acquaint yourself and get connected with this fabulous author! This has been great!  I hope all of you have enjoyed this edition of: 

'The Dangerous Viscount' by Miranda Neville -[ARC]Review-

   In this rousing addition to the Burgundy Club series, Miranda Neville takes the classic ideals of a historical protagonist and turns it on its head! The Dangerous Viscount features a new kind of hero, and you won't be able to NOT fall in love!
   In a society filled with scandalous rogues and irresistible rake-hells, yet determined to make an irrefutable match that can withstand the 'oddness' of her family, Diana Fanshawe must tread carefully in her search for a new husband.
   Book connoisseur, Sebastian Iverley, isn't as dangerous as all that. At least, not until AFTER his whirlwind makeover from geek to chic.
   A kiss that started it all, a bet that went awry, and a thirst for revenge which seals the fate of a timid bookworm and a confident temptress, are the circumstances in which an ever-lasting love is forged.

[Read an excerpt: here]

   Diana Fanshawe isn't necessarily ashamed of her family, but her determination to marry well and keep their 'eccentrics' out of the drawings rooms of fashionable society is unparalleled. She sets her cap for the cocksure Lord Blakely (a duke) and tries to convince herself that a lifetime with him is exactly what she wants. Diana just wants to be normal and make her way in society without the backhanded comments and never-ending whispers.
   She finds her way into Lord Blakely's inner-circle during an intimate house party, and though Blakely doesn't show an overwhelming affection for her (he like's her fortune well enough), he ropes her into a bet that targets his 'homely' cousin, Sebastian. Blakely questions Sebastian's experience with females (along with his sexuality) and it is up to Diana to entice him to kiss her in an allotted amount of time.

   Sebastian Iverley is as bookish as they come and doesn't have time for females. He finds the annoying giggle-machines his cousin usually fawns over infuriating, and would rather not be bothered. Then he meets Diana, and his opinion on women soon changes. The urges he has suppressed since adolescence soon takes precedence and the kiss he shares with Diana sets his blood afire, making him rethink his position on the opposite sex.
   But that new found appreciation for women is shattered when he overhears his cousin and a cohort discussing the bet they started with Diana. He was so close to proposing marriage to the schemer, and then he has to find out that everything was a lie? A joke!? Sebastian has more pride than that, and soon calls on his stylish comrades from the Burgundy club to give him a makeover that will fit his new title of  'Viscount Iverley' and turn more than a few heads. He plans to exact revenge on Diana for playing him like a fool and make her regret what she did to him.

   Diana doesn't understand why that kiss with Sebastian won't stop hounding her thoughts, but as the Season starts to pick up, and the proper marriage she envisioned with Blakely begins to pale, Diana can't restrain her jealousy over the New Sebastian. She never found him unattractive, but his new look isn't going completely amiss either. He ignores Diana completely and pays court to the giggly nuisances he once made fun of, further stroking her ire.

   Sebastian soon put the next phase of his plan into action, and the consequences turn out to be for a lifetime. But all is not lost, because unconditional love lasts just as long.

Rating: 4 Red Rose

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Sebastian goes to a brothel for the first time. He wants to increase his experience so that when he seduces Diana, he has the necessary skills. But he can't go through with it and rushes out. The scene had all sorts of implications, but I found it funny when the whore gives Sebastian leave to touch her body and he slips his hands into her bodice. The way he describes the encounter in his mind is just too hilarious for words. (There were many memorable moments in this book, but I just chose this one because once you read the novel, you'll giggle yourself pink at this particular part!)

[Here's a clue: I will never be able to think of raisins as an innocent snack anymore]

   This book was different and yet classic in many ways, and well worth a read (or two!). The plot takes you through many ups and downs and all the while, Diana and Sebastian experience tremendous growth. Diana was social conscious to a fault and Sebastian was a practical scholar who didn't give a wit about 'image'; but together they embraced  who they were and developed the confidence to love themselves as well as each other. And Sebastian's super raw vulnerability is so beautifully written and displayed for us readers to see. I was pleasantly surprised by his unique character and fell in love with him just as quickly as I fall in love with all the other macho hero's from historicals. This book proves that the only reason to be disappointed by a Miranda Neville novel is because the book will eventually come to an end!

[A special thanks to the author

for sending an egalley for review]

*Try the first book in the Burgundy club series, 'The Wild Marquis'!

Coming Soon: Anticipated Releases for September 2010

 Okay! It's Sexy September and the releases this month are MOUTH-WATERING! The lovely Madeline Hunter, Sabrina Jeffries, Emma Wildes and scores of other authors have some amazing novels heading our way. I think this month has some of the most delicious and beautiful covers I've ever seen! The month of September is always a difficult one. Most of us are making the transition from summer to school-time, and personally, I will have to say goodbye to my beloved Grandfather (R.I.P Boyzie Thomas Jr.). But life continues and changes constantly, so it's best to remember the past (whether it's memories of the recent summer, or those of a loved one), and make way for a positive future. So without further adieu, let's embrace and salivate over September's must-haves!

Here are the Anticipated Releases for September 2010!!!

September 1st- Hey, that's today!! LOL. Time to start the new month off RIGHT. And what's more right than a smexy Irish warrior to whom you surrender? | appearance note: The wonderful Michelle Willingham has a new release out today and will be stopping by the blog on Sept. 3rd for some Coffee Shop Conversation and to give away a copy of her latest novel to one lucky commenter. The giveaway is INTERNATIONAL (as long as the book depository delivers to your home) so all of my Australian readers (yes, I know about you lot!) and fans of my blog from near and far have the chance to win this great book by this great author!

'Surrender To An Irish Warrior' by Michelle Willingham

"An Irish warrior with a thirst for revenge…

Trahern MacEgan—his body is honed for fighting, his soul is black and tortured. Women want to tame him, but he has loved once, and now is lost.

A woman who has suffered in silence…

Morren Ó Reilly—she has known pain and shame, but holds her head high, even though she shrinks from a man’s touch.

Their passionate redemption

Can Morren be the light to Trahern’s darkness, and can she be made whole again by her surrender?"Source 

[Read an excerpt: here]

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September 7th- Will see two stellar novels hitting the shelves and leaving said shelves just as quickly. The incomparable Emma Wildes has a new book (the first in a new series) waiting in the wings, and Christina Phillips' Roman/Druid romance threatens to prolong this exceedingly hot and steamy summer-autumn. | appearance note: Christina Phillips will be hi-jacking the blog on this day (the 7th) and guest posting! She'll also be interviewed and offering a copy of her latest book to one lucky commenter!

'My Lord Scandal' by Emma Wildes

"Alexander St. James may be a thief of hearts, but he is no burglar. Nevertheless, he must recover and item belonging to his family to avoid a scandal, and so he has stolen into the home of Lord Hathaway, only to come upon the beguiling and chaste Lady Amelia in her bedroom, wearing little but a look of surprise. Alexander leaves Amelia breathless-but is it from fear or excitement? Captivated by her beauty and charmed by her intellect, he ignores the scandalous whispers as he sets out to seduce the woman of his dreams..."Source  

[Read an excerpt: here]

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'Forbidden' by Christina Phillips

"First in a new erotic historical series of magical heroines and sexy warriors.
Carys knew from the moment she first spied on Maximus in his naked barbarian glory that he was a dangerous Roman centurion-his taut, battle-scarred flesh marking him as a fearless warrior. But her desire for him was as undeniable as it was illicit.

Charged by his emperor to eliminate a clan of powerful Druids in Britain, Maximus never expects his mission to be thwarted by the clan's ethereal princess, Carys. Falling under her spell, he doesn't realize her true heritage-until he captures her heart as well as her body.

Now Carys and Maximus must overcome the devastation of war and face the ultimate sacrifice if their forbidden love is to survive."Source  

[Read an excerpt: here]

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September 21st- Oh, Ms.Jeffries! SJ will be coming out with the second book in her 'Hellions Of Halstead Hall' series. Everyone was blown away by 'The Truth About Lord Stoneville', and since I am reading it now, my review will be up soon. This newest book is the story of Oliver's brother, Jarret, and his love.

'A Hellion In Her Bed' by Sabrina Jeffries

"Furious at his grandmother's ultimatum to marry or lose his inheritance, Lord Jarret Sharpe wagers his luck - and his heart - at the card table against a most unlikely opponent. 

Mired in scandal after his parents' mysterious deaths, notorious gambler Lord Jarret Sharpe agrees to tamely run the family brewery for a year if his Machiavellian grandmother rescinds her ultimatum that he marry. But the gambler in him can't resist when beguiling Annabel Lake proposes a wager. If she wins their card game, he must help save her family's foundering brewery. But if he wins, she must spend a night in his bed. The outcome sets off a chain of events that threatens to destroy all his plans . . . and unveils the secret Annabel has held for so long. When Jarret discovers the darker reason behind her wager, he forces her into another one - and this time he intends to win not just her body, but her heart."Source 

[Read an excerpt: here]

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The M.Y.C day will now be called/referred to as Fat Tuesday (for books). I think this new name for the one day where all of us bookies/avid readers pig out on tons of new releases is very appropriate ;). As I was saying, the Fat Tuesday (for books) in the month of September is obviously the 28th. On Tuesday, September 28th, 2010 , the following novels will all be released (and what an incredible line-up to behold!). | appearance note: Miranda Neville is scheduled to appear on 9.28.10 to celebrate and talk about her latest release. And Avon newbie Jenny Brown will be by on October 3rd for a little Coffee Shop Conversation as well! Make sure to put in your pre-order today, so you don't have to wrestle with fellow romance junkies in the middle of Borders for the last copy of these books!

'Sinful In Satin' by Madeline Hunter

"When famed London courtesan Alessandra Northrope passes away, her daughter Celia Pennifold inherits little more than a hopelessly contaminated reputation, a house in a middle class neighborhood, and an education that prepared her to take her mother’s place the way Alessandra intended. Celia hopes to make her own life on her own terms, however, and moves into the house only to discover one more legacy—an enigmatic, handsome tenant who knows her mother’s plans for her future rather too well. It does not help that Jonathan Albrighton’s mere presence creates delicious excitements that remind her of the thrilling pleasure that Alessandra taught her to arouse in others and enjoy herself. When new claims on her mother’s estate threaten her hold on the property, she is forced to fulfill her deathbed promise to Alessandra—to give fair consideration to the future for which she was trained. Unfortunately, she discovers that the only man with whom she really wants to share the secrets of her erotic education is unsuitable for a role in any future she might claim.

Jonathan thinks he is on a simple mission to discover whether Celia’s mother left accounts of her lovers that might embarrass important men. Instead he finds himself embroiled in a mystery full of dangerous betrayals and secrets, old and new, that touch on his life as well as Celia’s. The chamber that he leases in Celia’s home becomes convenient for protecting her, but their proximity only fuels his desire to seduce the radiant, beautiful woman she has become. With his first touch and stolen kiss, he decides that she will have no lover except him, whether she considers him suitable or not."Source 

[Read an excerpt: here]

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'The Dangerous Viscount' by Miranda Neville

"She is determined to find a husband ...now!

Diana Fanshawe's impeccable bloodline doesn't stop society from laughing at the antics of her eccentric family. She knows the right marriage is her one chance to make her way in the world--which is precisely why she will Marry Lord Blakeney. But then she's kissed by the brilliant ansd unconventional Sebastian Iverley, and her well-laid plans tumble into disarray.

Sebastian wants absolutely nothing to do with love or marriage. He likes his books, his male friends in the Burgundy Club, and he avoids women. But when he arrives at his hated cousin Blakeney's house party, he's smitten by the tantalizing Diana.

Should the lady follow her heart and try to win Iverley's, though it seems hardened against her–or should she sacrifice love for respectability?"Source   

 [Read an excerpt: here]

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'Lord Lightening' by Jenny Brown

 "They call him Lord Lightning

...for his shocking behavior. An unrepentant rogue with a wicked reputation, his outrageous conduct ensures no woman will get close enough to hurt him.

But demure and lovely astrologer Eliza Farrell casts a chart that tells her Lord Hartwood is capable of great, passionate love. When Hartwood indulges in one of his famous pranks and invites Eliza to become his new mistress, the virginal country miss must meet her fate armed only with her knowledge that the cynical lord will become the tender lover she sees predicted in the stars.

Though Eliza is nothing like the brazen strumpets he prefers, the seemingly incorruptible seer excites Lord Lightning much more than the hard, calculating women he is accustomed to. Eliza's trusting spirit and quick mind touch his cold heart—and when the bewitching innocent surprisingly agrees to be seen on his arm, neither can predict the sparks that fly between them—or resist the electric passion that threatens to transform them both."Source   

[Read an excerpt: here]

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'Scoundrel In My Dreams' by Celeste Bradley

"The child is his: Jack, or rather, Lord John Redgrave knows it the instant he glimpses the blue-eyed girl who was abandoned on the steps of his gentleman’s club. Her mother came to his room one dark night more than three years ago—and spurned his proposal the very next day. But when Jack visits Amaryllis Clarke to demand an explanation, he receives the shock of his life. For it wasn’t proud, worldly Amaryllis with whom he spent that soul-stirring night. It was her infatuated younger sister, Laurel.

Laurel was only seventeen when she gave her innocence to Jack—and paid a steep price. She might be overjoyed about her reunion with little Melody, but Laurel won’t surrender to her desires again. Jack, meanwhile, has no wish to give up the daughter he never knew he had. Nor will he part with the sensual woman who makes him feel alive with longing. He intends to use any means possible to convince Laurel to stay. After all, all’s fair in matters of seduction—especially to a scoundrel in love…"Source   

[Read an excerpt: here]

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'One Touch Of Scandal' by Liz Carlyle

"Desperation drove her into the arms of a devil…

Grace Gauthier had taken a position as governess hoping to find security and peace in a life that had very little of either. She’s always yearned for a good marriage, a family, and a home, but it was not to be.  And when the brutal murder of her employer leaves her unprotected and alone—as Scotland Yard’s prime suspect—she has no one to turn to except the mysterious and reclusive Lord Ruthveyn.

A dark-eyed Lucifer, Ruthveyn guards his secrets carefully. His shadowed past as the Queen’s most trusted agent in India is the stuff of whispered rumor, as is his mixed ancestry.  Deeply moved by her plight—and haunted by her beauty—Ruthveyn is determined to save Grace by unmasking a killer. But his growing passion for her soon places his own heart at risk and threatens to expose his dark gifts—and his dark society—to the world . . ."Source    

[Read an excerpt: here]

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'The Surrender Of A Lady' by Tiffany Clare

"THE PRICE OF PASSION…
Sold. With one word, Lady Elena Ravenscliffe’s destiny changes forever. Forced into Constantinople’s slave market to pay off her late husband’s debts and save her son, Elena reinvents herself as Jinan—a harem girl adored by the rich lords who bid on her favors. But one man instantly sees through her façade.
…IS COMPLETE SURRENDER
Griffin Summerfield, Marquess of Rothburn, let Elena slip through his fingers years ago. When he recognizes her on the auction block, he pays an outrageous sum to possess her even if it is for a short period of time. But when his deadline looms, Griffin will risk all in a desperate bid to make her his—and his alone…"Source   

[Read an excerpt: here]

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-And there you go. The Must-Have's for September 2010! Go to any online book retailer and get your pre-order on (yes, pre-order on is a verb), enter some of the contest/giveaways being hosted for this month's featured authors (a few on here), marry the guy who owns HarperCollins and get all the ARC's you can read; Do what ever you gotta do to make sure that these books have a home in your personal library!