Blog Tour: A Scoundrel by Moonlight by Anna Campbell

I've been a huge fan of Anna Campbell's ever since I picked up her incredible debut, Claiming the Courtesan. Ms. Campbell's latest romance, A Scoundrel by Moonlight releases tomorrow, April 28th, and it's the fourth book in her fabulous Sons of Sin series. You can check out my review of A Scoundrel by Moonlight here, but make sure you come back to this post - there's an excerpt from A Scoundrel by Moonlight below and a giveaway from Ms. Campbell's publisher, Forever!

Excerpt from A Scoundrel by Moonlight:

Leaning one hand against the wall, she gulped and faltered to a stop. She struggled to get her breath back against the dizzying recollection of those big strong arms wrapping around her.

Until that last squeak of self-preservation, when he’d been so appallingly close to taking her, she’d been mad for him. She’d loved everything he’d done. The kisses. The caresses. The murmured praise and encouragement. The heat. The intimacy.

What she knew about this man should disgust and terrify her. He’d bedded women all over England. He’d come close to bedding her. She shivered to remember that hard, insistent weight pressing between her thighs. Yet he’d stopped when she asked, and she couldn’t mistake how he’d repented his loss of control.

When a woman lay at his mercy, what sort of rake let her escape unscathed? Nothing from last night fitted what she knew, except perhaps how the marquess attracted her like a magnet drew iron.

Was Dorothy mistaken about her seducer’s identity? Why would she blame her fall on Lord Leath if he wasn’t responsible?

And there was the inarguable fact that someone had seduced Dorothy.

Now what became of Nell’s quest once the marquess proclaimed her a lightskirt? Could she convince the Duke of Sedgemoor of Leath’s misdeeds with only Dorothy’s last words as proof? Especially when Nell’s own belief in his crimes wavered with every new day. She had a horrible feeling that Sedgemoor would dismiss her accusations as mere fancy.

Fate must decide.

She raised her chin and marched toward her ladyship’s apartments, only to halt in the doorway on a betraying gasp when she saw Leath with his mother. For one searing moment, his gaze met hers. That sizzling contact transported her back to those torrid moments in his bed. Then he glanced away and continued discussing Lady Sophie’s latest letter.

About A Scoundrel by Moonlight:

Anything can happen in the moonlight…

Justice. That's all Nell Trim wants-for her sister and for the countless other young women the Marquess of Leath has ruined with his wildly seductive ways. Now she has a bold plan to take him down…as long as she can resist the scoundrel's temptations herself.

From the moment Nell meets James Fairbrother, the air positively sizzles. Yet for all his size and power, there's something amazingly tender in his touch. Could he really be such a depraved rogue? The only way to find out is to beat the devil at his own game…one tempting kiss at a time.

My Review | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | BAM! | iTunes

About Anna Campbell:

Always a voracious reader, ANNA CAMPBELL decided when she was a child that she wanted to be a writer. Once she discovered the wonderful world of romance novels, she knew exactly what she wanted to write. Anna has won numerous awards for her Avon historical romances including Romantic Times Reviewers Choice, the Booksellers Best, the Golden Quill, the Heart of Excellence, the Aspen Gold and the Australian Romance Readers Association's most popular historical romance (twice). Her books have twice been nominated for Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA Award and twice for Australia's Romantic Book of the Year.

When she's not writing passionate, intense stories featuring gorgeous Regency heroes and the women who are their destiny, Anna loves to travel, especially in the United Kingdom, and listen to all kinds of music. She lives near the sea on the east coast of Australia, where she's losing her battle with an overgrown subtropical garden.

Find Anna Cambpell on the Web: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway

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Review: A Scoundrel by Moonlight by Anna Campbell

A Scoundrel by Moonlight by Anna Campbell
Series: Sons of Sin, Book 4
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Historical Romance
ISBN: 9781455557936
Release Date: April 28, 2015
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N
Anna Campbell Reading Order

Anything can happen in the moonlight…

Justice. That's all Nell Trim wants-for her sister and for the countless other young women the Marquess of Leath has ruined with his wildly seductive ways. Now she has a bold plan to take him down…as long as she can resist the scoundrel's temptations herself.

From the moment Nell meets James Fairbrother, the air positively sizzles. Yet for all his size and power, there's something amazingly tender in his touch. Could he really be such a depraved rogue? The only way to find out is to beat the devil at his own game…one tempting kiss at a time.

What do you do when your head tells you not to trust someone but your heart begs you to go after them anyway? That’s the question in A Scoundrel by Moonlight. Not everything is all that it seems for our hero and heroine in the fourth installment of Anna Campbell’s fabulous Sons of Sin series. Nell Trim disguises herself as a housemaid and arrives at the Marquess of Leath’s house determined to ruin the man who brought about her sister’s demise. Only James Fairbrother, Leath himself, is nothing like the heartless seducer Nell’s sister named on her deathbed. James is handsome and seductive to be sure, but he’s also hardworking and not the kind of man who would use and cast aside people. It’s not long before Nell finds herself entranced by the man who doesn’t know he’s her enemy, and Nell’s internal struggle is fascinating to watch. As for James, he’s positive that his mother’s new companion is not all that she claims to be, but that doesn’t stop him from wanting her. James knows better than to try and seduce someone whose position is relies on him. After all, he’s had to spend an immeasurable amount of time trying to help the women whose lives his uncle ruined while using his name. Mutual suspicion doesn’t do anything to dim the sexual tension in A Scoundrel by Moonlight, and boy do things get steamy. But as Nell and James fall for one another, deception and misunderstandings threaten to destroy their newfound love.

In order to untangle the mass of secrets and overcome the obstacles standing in the way of their happily ever after, Nell and James will require some outside help. Said help comes in the form of past Sons of Sins heroes and heroines. Sidonie, Jonas, Genevieve, Richard, Pen, and Cam are all back in full force and they dazzle whenever they’re on the page. You don’t have to have read Seven Nights in a Rogue’s Bed, A Rake’s Midnight Kiss, or What a Duke Dares in order to enjoy A Scoundrel by Moonlight, but fans of the series are sure to adore the supporting roles our three beloved couples play. James’s uncle did a lot of damage to them, but though there was animosity in the past – particularly between James and Cam – there’s never any doubt that they will all band together to make things right. Even though I adored Nell and James, watching them interact with the other six was perhaps my favorite part of the book.

Anna Campbell never fails to entertain and I always finish her books a supremely satisfied reader. A Scoundrel by Moonlight is a story sure to charm any historical romance lover – it has passion, romance, drama, and an ending that will leave you smiling.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Blog Tour: What a Duke Dares by Anna Campbell

I fell in love with Anna Campbell’s writing when I picked up her debut novel, Claiming the Courtesan. Nearly seven years later, I’m still a huge fan and I’m always insanely excited when Ms. Campbell has a new book out. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that Wit and Sin is part of the What a Duke Dares blog tour! What a Duke Dares is the third book in Ms. Campbell’s Sons of Sin series, and you can read my review here (spoiler alert: I loved Pen and Cam ;)).

Now on to the good stuff: Q&As with Anna Campbell and a giveaway hosted by Ms. Campbell’s publisher, Forever!

Q: WHAT A DUKE DARES is the final (that we know of) Sons of Sin story. What can readers look forward to next?
A: Hi Kimberly! Thanks for having me as your guest today to talk about my latest release, WHAT A DUKE DARES! Love the blog. Actually, there’s another story coming in the Sons of Sin series, just to make life complicated. My projected trilogy turned into a quartet. What can I say? I’m a sucker for a single marquess! I found myself increasingly fascinated by Lord Leath who plays a major part in WHAT A DUKE DARES and decided that he needed to get a happy ending (and make up his quarrel with Cam, the hero of Duke in the process). That book is called A SCOUNDREL BY MOONLIGHT and it should be out first half of next year.

Q: Before the Sons of Sin series, your books were all standalones. Do you prefer writing a series over writing a standalone novel?
A: Actually having been so reluctant to write a series, I have to say I’m loving the experience – hence the extra stories in the Sons of Sin set. It’s wonderful to be able to revisit beloved characters and continue their stories through weddings and children and other adventures. It’s equally wonderful to introduce secondary characters in earlier books who will then take center stage later on. I’m also enjoying the enriched world building of a series – I can set the scene in one book and then bring it to fruition in the next. That’s great fun!

Q: Do you have any favorites of the characters you've written?
A: Actually I know writers always mention their current book when people ask this question, but REALLY I just love Pen and Cam from WHAT A DUKE DARES. I love that despite their romantic troubles, they never lose sight of the fact that they were friends first and I love how they try to do the right thing, even if everything just explodes into smithereens in spite of their efforts. From earlier books, I must say I have a real fondness for Antonia and Ranelaw from MIDNIGHT’S WILD PASSION.

Q: What’s one thing about being an author you wish someone had told you before you were first published?
A: What a good question. I’m always surprised by how much time I spend NOT writing. Basically if you’re a writer, you’re running a small business with all that entails. I wish someone had told me to be prepared for that aspect of the writing career.

Q: When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?
A: Like most writers, I’m a voracious reader. At the moment, I seem to be on a mystery kick in between all my lovely romances! I live in a very pretty part of Australia right by the sea so I really enjoy walking in my area and swimming is great when the weather’s a bit warmer than it is at the moment. I like to play the piano (very badly). And I love to travel. I’m hoping to get to England next year for a research trip. I haven’t been since 2007 and I’m definitely due for another stately home fix.


About What a Duke Dares:
A reputation at risk

What woman in her right mind would say no to marrying the dashing Duke of Sedgemoor? Miss Penelope Thorne, that's who. She's known Camden Rothermere since they were children - and she also knows she'd bring nothing but scandal to his name.

Cam can hardly believe Penelope turned down his proposal. But if she wants to run off to the Continent and set the rumor mill ablaze, he can't stop her. Then her brother’s dying request sends him to bring home the one woman he thought he'd finally gotten over.

The only way they'll both get back to London without their reputations in tatters is to pretend they're married during the journey. That means kissing like they mean it and even sharing a bed - until it becomes hard to tell where the game ends and true desire begins...

My Review | Amazon | B&N | BAM! | iTunes


About Anna Campbell:
Always a voracious reader, ANNA CAMPBELL decided when she was a child that she wanted to be a writer. Once she discovered the wonderful world of romance novels, she knew exactly what she wanted to write. Anna has won numerous awards for her Avon historical romances including Romantic Times Reviewers Choice, the Booksellers Best, the Golden Quill, the Heart of Excellence, the Aspen Gold and the Australian Romance Readers Association's most popular historical romance (twice). Her books have twice been nominated for Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA Award and twice for Australia's Romantic Book of the Year.

When she's not writing passionate, intense stories featuring gorgeous Regency heroes and the women who are their destiny, Anna loves to travel, especially in the United Kingdom, and listen to all kinds of music. She lives near the sea on the east coast of Australia, where she's losing her battle with an overgrown subtropical garden.

Find Anna Cambpell on the Web: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads


Giveaway
Enter here to win a copy of What a Duke Dares:
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Review: What a Duke Dares by Anna Campbell

What a Duke Dares by Anna Campbell
Series: Sons of Sin, Book 3
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Historical Romance
ISBN: 9781455557905
Release Date: August 26, 2014
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: B&N
Anna Campbell Reading Order

A reputation at risk

What woman in her right mind would say no to marrying the dashing Duke of Sedgemoor? Miss Penelope Thorne, that's who. She's known Camden Rothermere since they were children - and she also knows she'd bring nothing but scandal to his name.

Cam can hardly believe Penelope turned down his proposal. But if she wants to run off to the Continent and set the rumor mill ablaze, he can't stop her. Then her brother’s dying request sends him to bring home the one woman he thought he'd finally gotten over.

The only way they'll both get back to London without their reputations in tatters is to pretend they're married during the journey. That means kissing like they mean it and even sharing a bed - until it becomes hard to tell where the game ends and true desire begins...

Get ready for an emotional journey with What a Duke Dares! Anna Campbell’s third Sons of Sin novel is a vivid portrait of love, passion, longing, heartache, and hope.

I admit, I’ve been intrigued by Cam from the very first book in this series and I was thrilled to dig deep into his character. He’s a hero with a lot of love to give, only his parents’ behavior scarred him so badly as a child that he tries his best to wall off his emotions. My heart broke for him, because it’s clear he’s a truly good man. Yet he’s so determined not to turn into his parents, he winds up hurting Pen, even though it’s clear he wants to make her happy. And speaking the unconventional lady, Penelope is a strong, outspoken heroine who’s not afraid to buck society’s rules. She’s got a big heart and though it has long belonged to Cam, she doesn’t want to have a half-marriage where her husband doesn’t love her. I respected that, but her determination to hide her love – when mixed with Cam’s distrust of the emotion – takes a toll on both of them. Pen and Cam make numerous mistakes even as they fall deeper in love, and I could feel the frustration coming off them in waves. But every obstacle is worth it in the end, as Pen and Cam are clearly perfect for each other.

A secondary romance between Pen’s brother Harry and an heiress whose brother believes Harry to be a fortune hunter provides a fair amount of contrast to Pen and Cam’s romance. Harry and Sophie are innocent when it comes to heartbreak and both wear their hearts on their sleeves. Their plotline seems a bit disconnected from the main story at first, but when everything ties together, prepare for fireworks. There’s no putting down What a Duke Dares by the time the story reaches its climax.

What a Duke Dares is the third Sons of Sin novel, but it can be read as a standalone. That being said, the complications in the aforementioned storyline involving Harry do have their roots in events that occurred in A Rake’s Midnight Kiss. However, Ms. Campbell does provide enough information for new readers to follow along. Fans of the series will surely delight in seeing Jonas, Sidonie, Richard, and Genevieve again (I sure did). The strong bonds of friendship between Jonas, Richard, and Cam are on display in What a Duke Dares, and I couldn’t have been more entertained.

Anna Campbell is a historical romance virtuoso. The passion and emotion of Cam and Pen’s romance practically explodes off the page, entrancing the reader. I loved Pen and Cam and I cannot wait to see what Ms. Campbell has in store for readers in the next Sons of Sin story, A Scoundrel by Moonlight.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Blog Tour: A Rake's Midnight Kiss by Anna Campbell

I’ve been a huge fan of Anna Campbell’s since her debut novel, Claiming the Courtesan, so I was thrilled when Forever invited me to be part of this blog tour. While Ms. Campbell’s newest release, A Rake’s Midnight Kiss, is worlds away in tone from her noir historical romance debut, one thing remains the same: Ms. Campbell’s phenomenal storytelling.

My review of A Rake’s Midnight Kiss can be found here (spoiler alert – I loved it!). Ms. Campbell’s second Sons of Sin novel is sensual, bright, and completely romantic. Don’t trust me? Check out the blurb and excerpt below – I dare you not to be intrigued by Richard and Genevieve.

Book Description

It Takes a Lady
Brilliant scholar Genevieve Barrett knows how to keep a secret. Her identity as the author of her father's academic articles has always been her greatest deception-until a charming housebreaker tries to steal the mysterious Harmsworth Jewel from her. She doesn't reveal that she recognizes her father's devastatingly handsome new student as the thief himself. For Genevieve, this will be the most seductive secret of all...

To Catch a Thief
Sir Richard Harmsworth has been living a lie, maintaining a rakish facade to show society that he doesn't care about his status as a bastard. Yet long haunted by his unknown father's identity, Richard believes the Harmsworth Jewel will confirm his claim as the rightful heir. But when Richard sets out to seduce the bookworm who possesses the stone, he instead falls for its beautiful owner. But even as she steals Richard's heart, Genevieve will be in greater danger than her coveted treasure...

Excerpt

She caught her breath on a frightened hiccup and struggled. “Let me go!”

His arms tightened like straps, controlling her with mortifying ease. Genevieve was a tall, strong girl, no frail lily, but the thief was taller and stronger. She’d never before measured her strength against a man’s. It rankled how easily he restrained her. She’d never been so aware of another person’s physical reality. The experience was disturbing beyond her natural terror of an intruder. “Hush, Miss Barrett. I give you my word I mean no harm.”

“Then release me.” She panted, her wriggles achieving nothing beyond the collapse of her never very secure coiffure.

“Not unless you put the gun down.”

She maneuvered to elbow him in the belly, but his grip made it impossible. “Then I’ll be at your mercy,” she said breathlessly.

A grunt of laughter escaped him. “There’s that to consider.”

He was so close that his amusement vibrated through her. The sensation was uncomfortably intimate. A few more of those blasted deft movements and he snatched her weapon. He placed it beyond reach on the desk.

“I’ll scream.”

“There’s nobody to hear,” he said carelessly, and in that moment, she truly hated him.

“You’re despicable,” she hissed, trying and failing to free herself. Her heart galloped with fright and anger. With him, and with herself for being a stupid, weak female, prey to an overbearing male.

“Sticks and stones.”

He drew her into his body and took a sliding step backward. She became conscious not just of his size and strength—those had been apparent from the moment he caught her up—but also of his enveloping heat and the way that he smelled pleasantly of something herbal. Fresh. Tangy.

This ruffian took the trouble to wash regularly.

He reversed another step and opened the door with a rattle, containing her struggles beneath one arm with humiliating ease. Fear spurred rage. She wrenched hard against him and tried without success to sink her fingernails into his forearm.

“No, you don’t,” he huffed, tugging her closer.

“I’ll have your liver for this,” she snarled, even as his scent continued to prick her senses. What was that smell?

“You’ll have to catch me first.”

She wished she didn’t notice how laughter warmed that deep, musical voice. Any angry response died in furious shock as he brushed his cheek softly against the wing of hair covering her cheek.

“Au revoir, Miss Barrett.”


Purchase A Rake's Midnight Kiss here: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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Review: A Rake's Midnight Kiss by Anna Campbell

A Rake’s Midnight Kiss by Anna Campbell
Series: Sons of Sin, Book 2
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: August 27, 2013
ISBN: 9781455512102
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N
Anna Campbell Reading Order

It’s no secret that Sir Richard Harmsworth is illegitimate. All of society knows it, and many choose to rub his face in the circumstances of his birth. Determined not to let the ton see how much the whispers and outright mocking bother him, Richard wears a mask of rakish gaiety. But one night it becomes too much and Richard decides to go on a quest. He’ll find the lost Harmsworth Jewel – a piece that legend claims signifies the rightful heir – and he’ll rub society’s nose in it. After tracking stone to a small town in Oxfordshire, Richard dons to guise of Christopher Evans and sets out to seduce the stone from its bookish owner. What Richard doesn’t expect when he sets out to find the Harmsworth Jewel is something far more valuable than any gem…

Hiding one’s true nature from the world is something Genevieve Barrett excels at. No one knows that she’s the brilliant mind behind her father’s scholarly papers. Genevieve is content to bury herself in books and she’s planning on breaking away from her current life and making a name for herself by writing about the Harmsworth Jewel. But when the mysterious Christopher Evans shows up, claiming he wants to her father to tutor him in medieval history, Genevieve learns that desire can be even more alluring than the life she has planned out for herself.

Richard never expected to fall for Genevieve, but now that he has, he has to wonder if she’ll ever forgive him for his deception. Then again, if a madman after the jewel has his way, Richard won’t live long enough to find out.

Secrets, seduction, and sparkling chemistry are the name of the game in A Rake’s Midnight Kiss. Author Anna Campbell has once again delivered a richly entertaining tale, complete with beautifully-drawn characters and a romance that’ll leave you smiling.

Richard is a hero you can’t help but sigh over. He’s handsome, protective, and kind, but he isn’t perfect. People have used his illegitimacy as a weapon against him all his life and my heart broke for how scarred he is because of this. Richard’s need to prove himself to society causes him to make many mistakes, but it also leads him to Genevieve, the woman who helps Richard heal his heart. Genevieve is a brilliant woman who’s out of her depth when it comes to dealing with Richard (or Christopher, as she knows him for much of the book). I loved Genevieve’s intelligence and I admired her determination to make name and a life for herself in a male-dominated field. The banter between Richard and Genevieve is lively and incredibly entertaining. I can’t count the number of times the two of them made me grin.

In addition to the romance, the character arcs, and Richard’s quest for the jewel, Ms. Campbell adds a large dollop of danger in the form of an obsessive collector who’s also after the jewel – and Genevieve. This is the one plotline I wasn’t quite so fond of, mainly because I was frustrated by the Barrett family’s blindness when it came to the villain. That being said, I did actually like the darker undercurrents this storyline added overall.

A Rake’s Midnight Kiss is the second book in the Sons of Sin series, but it can be read as a standalone. Richard’s two best friends do play strong supporting roles, Cam in particular. I give you fair warning, however: if you’re anything like me then this book will leave you more eager than ever for Cam's book. A Rake’s Midnight Kiss is very different from the first Sons of Sin book, the gothic Seven Nights in a Rogue’s Bed. Indeed, it’s actually quite different from a lot of Ms. Campbell’s books, as it’s more lighthearted. As much as I love Ms. Campbell’s darker books (and I do count them among my favorites), Richard and Genevieve’s story was fun change of pace.

Anna Campbell is a master of historical romance and every book she writes has been a winner to me. A Rake’s Midnight Kiss adds to the treasure trove that is Ms. Campbell’s work and I cannot wait to read the next Sons of Sin novel!

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Anna Campbell Book Order

Click on series title to jump to a particular reading order:

Lairds Most Likely
Dashing Widows
Sons of Sin
Stand Alones

Lairds Most Likely

1) The Laird’s Willful Lass

2) The Laird’s Christmas Kiss

3) The Highlander’s Lost Lady

4) The Highlander’s Defiant Captive

5) The Highlander’s Christmas Quest


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Dashing Widows

1) The Seduction of Lord Stone

2) Tempting Mr. Townsend

3) Winning Lord West

4) Pursuing Lord Pascal

5) Charming Sir Charles

6) Catching Captain Nash

7) Lord Garson’s Bride


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Sons of Sin

0.5) Days of Rakes and Roses
Simon and Lydia
My Review

1) Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed
Jonas and Sidonie
My Review

2) A Rake's Midnight Kiss
Richard and Genevieve
My Review

3) What a Duke Dares
Camden and Penelope
My Review

4) A Scoundrel by Moonlight
James and Nell
My Review

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Standalones

Claiming the Courtesan
Justin and Verity

Untouched
Matthew and Grace

Tempt the Devil
Julian and Olivia

Captive of Sin
Gideon and Charis
My Review

My Reckless Surrender
Tarquin and Diana
My Review

Midnight's Wild Passion
Nicholas and Antonia
My Review

The Winter Wife
Sebastian and Alicia

These Haunted Hearts
Josiah and Isabella
Miles and Calista

His Christmas Cinderella (in A Grosvenor Square Christmas)

Her Christmas Earl
Blair and Philippa

The Christmas Stranger

A Match Made in Mistletoe

Mistletoe and the Major

A Pirate for Christmas

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Please note: This page was written by me, so as always, please visit the author’s website for up-to-date, author-verified information as well as for information books that have not yet been included to this list.

http://annacampbell.com/

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Review: Days of Rakes and Roses by Anna Campbell

Days of Rakes and Roses by Anna Campbell
Series: Sons of Sin, Book 0.5
Publisher: Forever Yours
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: July 2, 2013
ISBN: 9781455576289
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

Scandal has long followed Lady Lydia Rothermere’s family, which is why she tries desperately to follow society’s rules to a T. Now engaged to a man perfectly suited to her needs, Lydia can see her life laid out before her. If part of her rebels at the notion of living without passion, well, then she can at least find comfort in the fact that she is upholding her family name. Then a man from her past appears, threatening to derail Lydia’s plans.

Simon Metcalf’s name is synonymous with sin and for ten years Lydia has tried to forget her love for him…and the way their desire for one another had nearly ruined her. Simon’s return to London sends Lydia’s emotions into a tailspin and before long she’s forced to make a choice: stay safe and marry a man who’s all wrong for her or court scandal by risking her heart for the only man she’s ever loved.

True love can’t be denied in Days of Rakes and Roses. Lydia and Simon are a couple whose burgeoning romance was cut short once upon a time by Lydia’s father, and since that fateful day Lydia has tried to be the model of propriety. Needless to say, she’s thrown for a loop when Simon reinserts himself into her life right before her wedding to another man. I love Lydia and Simon together, yet even though it’s clear they’re a far better fit than Lydia and her fiancé, she can’t simply throw caution to the wind and break her engagement. Anna Campbell makes Lydia’s dilemma compelling, and though I won’t spoil the story by revealing the obstacles in Lydia and Simon’s path, I will say that I avidly read Days of Rakes and Roses, wanting to see how things would work out.

Days of Rakes and Roses can be read as a standalone, but it is part of Ms. Campbell’s Sons of Sin series (chronologically it comes before the first book, Seven Nights in a Rogue’s Bed). Lydia is the sister of future Sons of Sin hero Camden, and eagle-eyed readers might remember Cam briefly mentioning Lydia and her “new husband” in Seven Nights in a Rogue’s Bed. Cam plays a large supporting role in Days of Rakes and Roses and I loved learning more about his character, though now I want to read his book more than ever. As for the other Sons of Sins heroes, Jonas is briefly mentioned and Richard, hero of the upcoming A Rake’s Midnight Kiss, dazzles whenever he appears on the page.

Anna Campbell is a supremely talented author whose books never fail to entertain. Days of Rakes and Roses is a compelling story fans of historical romance are sure to adore.

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The Shelf of Awesome

Many people have what they refer to as a “keeper shelf.” If someone asked me to put all my “keepers” on one shelf, I’d first have to search Guinness World Records for the longest shelf. While reorganizing my bookcases today, I did, however, put together a “Shelf of Awesome.”

What the hell is that, you wonder? The Shelf of Awesome is a shelf of books that, in brief, inspire me. No, you won’t find any “inspirational” books on The Shelf of Awesome. By inspire I mean these books are the ones that always inspire me to write, to read, to imagine, to love, to smile, and to find happiness. I’ll even let you in on a little secret: not all the books on The Shelf of Awesome are favorites of mine and some of my favorites aren’t on the shelf.

Since The Shelf of Awesome is an actual shelf, no ebooks made the cut. Perhaps one day I’ll put together an electronic version of the shelf, but for now, you’ll find what’s on my Shelf of Awesome below.

And please, do let me know – do you have a similar shelf? What books have or would make the cut and why?


Favorite Book of All-Time
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster


These Are Classics for a Reason
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell


The First
You can never forget your first romance novel. Or, in my case, novels:

The Calhoun Women (Courting Catherine, A Man for Amanda, For the Love of Lilah, and Suzanna’s Surrender) by Nora Roberts


The Comfort Reads
The books I always return to:

Claiming the Courtesan by Anna Campbell
Weddings Can Be Murder by Christie Craig
He Loves Lucy by Susan Donovan
The King’s Pleasure by Shannon Drake
The Bride by Julie Garwood
The Legend MacKinnon by Donna Kauffman
Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas
Born in Sin by Kinley MacGregor
Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward


It’s Not Always the Book
These are the books that, while I love them, actually aren’t my favorite books of the authors in question. These are the books that make the shelf because they’ve come to symbolize an author and/or series that inspires (see above definition) me:

Sounds to Die By by Nikki Duncan
Night Pleasures by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Somebody Killed His Editor by Josh Lanyon
Naked in Death by J.D. Robb


Books Mean Love
Or at least they do when your closest friends also happen to be avid readers. These books make the shelf not because of the stories or the authors that wrote them, but the people who gave them to me:

The Eleventh Sheep by Kyle Mewburn and Claire Richards
Mansfield Park and Mummies: Monster Mayhem, Matrimony, Ancient Curses, True Love, and Other Dire Delights by Jane Austen and Vera Nazarian
Where is the Green Sheep? By Mem Fox and Judy Horacek

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My Top 16 Romance List: In Memory of Kathleen Windsor

I saw this on another blog and thought it was a wonderful idea. To quote: "On October 16, in honor of the birth date of Kathleen Winsor, author of Forever Amber, please consider posting your top 16 romance novels. Thanks to Maili for idea. If the thought of 'all time' faves daunts you, just post what strikes you as 16 of your faves on that day — no commitment to keep the list in perpetuity."

This list was hard to come up with, as I have read so many wonderful romances that have stuck with me over the years. But in honor of Kathleen Windsor, here is a list of 16 of my absolute favorites (with the reasons why), alphabetized by the author's last name:

1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: Austen’s novels are a treasure trove, but I forced myself to limit myself to picking just one gem. To perhaps my own surprise, I picked Pride and Prejudice. Though I love this book, I tend to list Persuasion or Northanger Abbey as my favorites. So why did I pick this particular classic? Because the love story never fails to grab me. Darcy and Lizzie’s road to love is filled with obstacles, mostly of their own making, but how can you not fall in love with two bickering souls who are so imperfectly perfect for one another?

2. Claiming the Courtesan by Anna Campbell: Though all of Campbell’s books are fantastic, her debut novel, Claiming the Courtesan, remains my favorite. Need proof? I own four copies of the book. Claiming the Courtesan is dark, no doubt about it. Justin is borderline villain for the first portion of the book, but not only does his behavior fit with the time period and his station, I was drawn to him even in his worst hour. His redemption and love for Verity comes through in the end, through no small amount of struggle on both their parts. This book is simply stunning and I loved it.

3. The Sherbrooke Bride by Catherine Coulter: The hero’s an ass, the heroine is stubborn, and the battle between them is nearly worthy of Kate and Petruchio. So why do I love this book? I haven’t the foggiest, but there’s something about it that always makes me grab it for another read. The insatiable need to re-read this book, despite the flaws of all characters involved, earns The Sherbrooke Bride a place on this list.

4. Aidan & Ethan by Cameron Dane: There is nothing better than a well-written reunion romance and Aidan & Ethan tops my list as the best. Its heroes are devastatingly sexy and their road to happily ever after not an easy one. Past wounds must be dealt with and overcome and I could not put this book down until I saw that happen. In the increasingly popular subgenre of male/male romance, this book is unquestioningly my favorite so far.

5. North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell: It’s a fantastic romance with 19th century social commentary in the backdrop. Though there are elements of Darcy and Elizabeth in John Thornton and Margaret Hale, North and South is no Pride and Prejudice (although if you like one, you will likely like the other). I fell for Thornton and Margaret’s arguing their way into love in this timeless classic.

6. Saving Grace by Julie Garwood: Garwood has a way of making me laugh, sigh, and fall in love with her characters, so it’s hard to pick just one of her books for this list. This book did all of the above, and has whisked me away for countless hours of entertainment with every read.

7. Dance with the Devil by Sherrilyn Kenyon: For me, there is no picking one favorite with Kenyon; quite frankly it was hard enough to limit the number to two. Dance with the Devil is unforgettable to me, with its angry, distant hero who reluctantly falls in love with the one woman (or rather nymph) who is utterly perfect for him. I dare anyone to forget the bread scene (and most likely only those who have read the book will know what I am referring to).

8. Night Play by Sherrilyn Kenyon: She’s a sweet, average, voluptuous heroine who’s been dumped by her jerkoff ex. He’s a drop-dead gorgeous Were-Hunter who thinks she’s the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. Vane and Bride’s romance is one of the most tender, wonderful romances I’ve ever read and I never fail to think of it without smiling.

9. Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas: And when he was bad, he was very, very bad. And when he was wicked he was better. Sebastian St. Vincent is one of the sexiest rakes in romance history. So who better for him to fall in love with than a quietly lovely, shy, intelligent heroine who stutters and that men don’t look twice at? This book, along with Quinn’s Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, is my go-to for comfort reads. It’s wonderfully written and has everything you could ask for in a perfect romance novel.

10. Born in Sin by Kinley MacGregor: Technically I’m picking three Kenyon books, as MacGregor and Kenyon are one in the same, but Born in Sin is one of my favorite historical romances and has to be on this list. Sin is a hero whose heart has been bruised and battered to the point he considers it dead. Good thing Caledonia convinces him otherwise. This book broke my heart and put it back together again, and there’s a scene in here every bit as unforgettable as the bread scene in Dance with the Devil.

11. The Flavor of Summer by Lyra Marlowe: This book grabbed my attention from the first and didn’t let go. Ariel and David are two of the sweetest characters I’ve ever come across and their story was a gorgeously written story of love and acceptance. I don’t know one person I’ve recommended this story to that hasn’t loved it.

12. Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn: The handsome, kind hero and the intelligent, ordinary-looking wallflower *sigh* It’s so hard for me to name the reasons why I love this story, other than the talent of Quinn and the innate likeability of Penelope and Colin. The best way I can put it is that Romancing Mr. Bridgerton simply sparkles.

13. Sea Swept by Nora Roberts: I picked up my first Nora Roberts novel when I was 12 and I’ve been a fan ever since. Like Austen and Garwood, it’s darn near impossible to pick just one favorite, but I had to go with Sea Swept. It’s sexy, heartbreaking, and utterly unforgettable, simple as that.

14. Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh: I love, love, LOVE Singh’s Psy-Changeling series and Branded by Fire is one of my favorites. Mercy and Riley are both strong, dominant protagonists and they are perfectly matched with one another. They burn up the page, both in bed and out, and the book itself was fascinating from the first page to the last.

15. Cold as Ice by Anne Stuart: In the beginning of the story, Peter wouldn’t think twice about killing Genevieve; he’s that cold and, as an agent, it’s his duty to protect mankind, even if that means sacrificing one innocent. And yet they fall in love anyway. I love that Stuart’s heroes aren’t nice and her heroines are humanly strong (in other words, untrained civilians do not suddenly act like superheroes). Cold as Ice is fascinating, compelling, and, in my case, in need of a replacement after so many re-reads.

16. Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward: If ever a hero needed to find happiness, it’d be Zsadist. I fell in love with the scarred former blood slave in Ward’s first Black Dagger Brotherhood book, Dark Lover, and with his heroine in the second, Lover Eternal. Lover Awakened is a punch-you-in-the-gut kind of tale with the hardships both Zsadist and Bella face, but that makes the payoff with their love story is all the more worth it. I remember practically scaring a bookstore clerk with my enthusiasm when I bought the book and in the intervening 3+ years since I first read it, that enthusiasm has yet to wane.

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Dark Dukes, Voracious Vamps, and Sexy SEALs

Real life being what it is at the moment, I haven’t had much time to read for pleasure or update here. That being said, I decided to update in the form of recommended reads. Below I have my top picks of books that have been released so far this year, along with a sampling of what is in my “To Be Read” pile (the number of books in said pile being well over 200). As always, if you’re looking for a good read, I suggest any of the authors that I have links to their websites. None of them has ever written a book I haven’t liked.

Historical

Top Pick: Claiming the Courtesan by Anna Campbell

One of the books I’ve been anticipating most this year. The heroine, Verity, is London’s most infamous courtesan. When she up and leaves, her lover, the Duke of Kylemore, tracks her down, kidnaps her, and whisks her off to the highlands. I feel I should warn that this book is dark in nature at the beginning. Justin isn’t kind to Verity when the story begins. But even when he isn’t at his most likeable, I was drawn to him and I cared deeply about him (note: I love tortured heroes and Justin has a past that makes me cry).

This debut leaves no doubt that Anna Campbell is author to watch. CTC is an amazing, compelling story that is beautifully written. I’m very excited to read her next book.

Also Recommend: And Then He Kissed Her by Laura Lee Guhrke

This is my first LLG novel, and it definitely won’t be my last. A Victorian romance in which the heroine, Emmaline, a girl-bachelor who’s also an aspiring author, has it with her viscount employer when he rejects her book without so much as reading it. This was a sweet story, utterly charming and well-written.

Top TBRs: The Secret Passion of Simon Blackwell by Samantha James, The Leopard Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt, If You Dare by Kresley Cole

Oh the Anticipation: Lady Be Bad by Candice Hern (8/7/07), The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn (6/26/07), Beware a Scot’s Revenge by Sabrina Jeffries (5/29/07)

Paranormal

Top Pick: Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward

Anyone who has ever met me knows I’m a die-hard J.R. Ward fan. I was jumping so much when I bought Lover Awakened last fall that I scared a bookseller. LR is the fourth in Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series. It’s the story of Butch O’Neil, the first human ever allowed into the world of the vampire warriors known as the BDB, and Marissa, an aristocratic vampire who Butch fell for hard and fast the moment he met her (in Dark Lover). I can’t really say much more without giving away series spoilers. I would highly recommend reading the BDB series in order: Dark Lover, Lover Eternal, Lover Awakened, and Lover Revealed. All of the books are incredible, and Lover Awakened is one of my favorite books of all time.

Also Recommend: The Dream-Hunter by Sherrilyn Kenyon

I am equally in love with Kenyon’s Dark Hunter series, of which this is a part of (though you don’t have to have read any of the other books to follow this one). TDH has romance, action, and adventure all wrapped up in one. Dr. Megeara Kafieri is an archeologist searching for Atlantis when she finds Arik floating out at sea. What she doesn’t know is that Arik is a dream god (to oversimplify greatly) and that he has made a pact with Hades – Arik may live for two weeks as a mortal man, but he must return to Olympus with Geary’s soul. This description doesn’t do the plot or characters justice, I’m afraid. All I can say is that this book is a must-read, especially if you’re a fan of Kenyon’s books.

Top TBRs: Hunting the Hunter by Shiloh Walker, Jacob by Jacquelyn Frank, Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh

Oh the Anticipation: Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward (10/2/07), Devil May Cry by Sherrilyn Kenyon (8/7/07), Tanner’s Scheme by Lora Leigh (8/7/07)

Contemporary

Top Pick: Dangerous Games by Lora Leigh

Leigh is an author I came across by chance last Thanksgiving and I’ve been buying up her backlist like there’s no tomorrow. Dangerous Games is the second story and first full-length book in her SEALs series (Reno’s Chance, Dangerous Games, For Maggie’s Sake). The book is about Clint McIntyre a Navy SEAL who’s on leave at home when he finds out his sister’s best friend, Morganna Chavez, is a DEA agent working under cover to bust up a date-rape drug ring. Clint’s determined not to let Morganna get hurt and he soon joins in the mission. Warning – this book, like all of Leigh’s work, is HOT and definitely not for the faint of heart. Can’t wait for Hidden Agendas, her next SEAL novel.

Also Recommend: A Man in a Million by Jessica Bird

I’ll fess up: Jessica Bird is J.R. Ward so it’s a guarantee I’m gonna love her books, and AMIAM does not disappoint. The book is the story of Spike Moriarty, a bad boy who fell in love with boat racing champ Madeline Maguire when he first met her in From the First. It’s a classic tale of two people from different walks of life, but told in a way that feels new and fresh. Bird could probably write a grocery list and make it compelling, but Spike and Mad are two characters you will care about and cheer for.

Top TBRs: Ice Blue by Anne Stuart, Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas, Tongue in Chic by Christina Dodd

Oh the Anticipation: The Billionaire Next Door by Jessica Bird (7/31/07), Hidden Agendas by Lora Leigh (6/26/07), Safe Harbor by Christine Feehan (6/26/07)

And for all you lovely readers out there:

What recent releases are at the top of your TBR pile?

What do you think of the books that made my TBR list (assuming I survive through finals to read them, I’d like to know where to start)?

What upcoming books are you looking forward to the most?

****Please no book-bashing****

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