Introducing...Princess of the Wild Wild West

aka Texas Red from TexasRed Books

I moved to a small town in West Texas in early 2008. After moving 11 times in the past 10 years, I'm enjoying putting down roots, the slower pace of life out here, and the ability to indulge in creative interests, such as my shameless addiction to fiction. I love science fiction, chick lit, romances, and pretty much any other good stories. I'm learning to love Westerns (in addition to Western-themed romances) and I'm a sucker for a happy ending!

Review of Last Mango in Texas by Ray Blackston


Genre: Chick-Lit

Pages: 272

Copyright: 2009







This last week, I finished Last Mango in Texas by Ray Blackston. I've got it classified here as "chick lit," although that's not a perfect fit.

Plot: This book tells the story of Kyle Mango from about the age of 16. It describes some of his childhood heroes, including his wild Uncle Benny, who leaves him a taste for adventure and ownership of several oil wells in West Texas.

Kyle heads to Texas Tech, in Lubbock, for college, where he meets Gretchen. Gretchen is unlike any other girls Kyle has met and he's immediately smitten. For one thing, Gretchen is focused on rescuing animals from oil spills and the ecological fall-out from the oil industry.

Does he have to choose between Gretchen and his new career as a small-time oilman? What about the other people depending on his decisions?

What I Thought: I really enjoyed this book. It was different from most chick lit I read in several ways. For one thing, it is written from Kyle's point of view, not Gretchen's.

This story also takes a broader scope than most romances I've read. I'm used to these books taking place over several months, not years, as Last Mango did. It gives us more information about Kyle's background and motivations than your average romance novel.

This book also goes deeper into what growing up means. This is especially true in the time period during and after college when so much of the "what do I want to be when I grow up" questions come up.

Last Mango is also a Christian novel. I was a little afraid, when I picked it up, that this would mean it was like the romances my grandmother read. Those books took the standard romance novel plot line and replaced the sex scene with a series of bible verses about how to become a Christian. Yeah, it was just as jarring as it sounds. Last Mango, though, just had some talk about people wondering what God wanted them to do with their lives. I didn't find it disturbing at all.

The only part of the book I found difficult was the anti-oil discussion. Most of these sentiments were voiced by Gretchen's friends and co-volunteers, who were portrayed as extreme. As someone who lives in West Texas, though, I found it difficult to handle some of the "oil = evil" messages. (Also, I found it funny that the far far west town of Abilene that Kyle mentions is still 2 hours east of where I live.) For a good counterpoint, check out Janie's post at Sounding Forth.

All in all, very glad I read this & I will be looking for more Ray Blackston books.

(Thank you to Miriam Parker at Hachette Book Group for this book!)

June Competition Winner

We had a huge turn-out for our June Competition ~ a brand new copy of The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley. Thank you to everyone who entered. Sadly there can only be one winner and that lucky person is ...

mjmbecky of One Literature Nut - Congratulations!!

Be sure to check back, our July competition will be up soon!

Introducing...Marquise of Mischief

aka Amy from Passages to the Past

Hello! I’m Amy and a lot of you know me from Passages to the Past! I am SUPER excited about joining the Royals Reviewers – I jumped right on the chance when I saw Annie’s post and am looking forward to working with all of these lovely ladies!

I chose Marquise of Mischief for my royal name. I like books with action and drama – something that can make me gasp out loud and grab my attention and books with characters that are a bit naughty. I’m also a bit mischievous in real life, albeit the least evilest way possible – more silly than anything.

My genre is historical fiction. That’s all I read these days and I don’t see me switching genres any time soon. I was hooked once I read The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory and the deal was sealed by reading Mary, Queen of Scotland and Isles by Margaret George. My favorite historical fiction authors are Sharon Kay Penman, Elizabeth Chadwick, Jean Plaidy, Michelle Moran, Susan Higginbotham, Georgette Heyer and C.W. Gortner.

I started reviewing historical fiction about a year ago when I began my blog, Passages to the Past. I wanted to create a site for other people to come to for their HF needs, one totally dedicated to the genre. Once my obsession developed, I grew dependent on other reader’s reviews online to help me find new novels to read or new authors to check out and I wanted to provide the same for other HF lovers.

I’d like to thank Annie, Alaine and Teddyree for the opportunity to join the Royal Reviewers! Cheers to the future!

Review - The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner

Genre: Historical

Copyright: 2008

Pages: 350

Rating:

Juana of Castile's life began amidst war, in between Spain's battle with the Moors, and her beginning would prove to be just as stormy as the rest of her life.

Born to the incomparable Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, Juana is the third child and second daughter. She is raised on the battlefield with arrows flying overhead and witnesses the fall of Granada in her youth.

When the matter of marriage to Philip of Hapsburg is raised, Juana is not happy at all to have to leave Spain and her family. However, being a good little Princess and understanding how important this is to the country she so loves, she acquiesces herself to the match. Bringing her new husband Philip to the true religion, Catholicism is her ultimate goal.

With the death of her brother, Juan, the heir to the crown and her sister and nephew, Juana is now next in line. A fact that pleases Philip and his rat of an advisor, Besancon, to no end. The tenderness and love Juana and Philip found at the start of their marriage turns sour as the scheming for the throne begins in earnest and poor Juana is caught in the middle of another war - this time between her parents and her husband. Philip scheming for a way to be named heir and her parents adamantly refusing it. Years of this craziness rage on...power struggle after power struggle, drama after drama. Nothing is what it seems and the duplicity is rampant. (Sounds like a lot of Courts we've read of huh!)

Think all this sounds great? I haven't even covered the craziest part....her 46 year imprisonment by not only one but three family members - her husband, her father and her son! And we should also touch on the supposed insanity of Juana, after all she was known as "Mad Juana". C.W. handled this perfectly I felt. To me it's the same old male attitude that still exists today - if a woman stands up for herself, she's labeled a "bitch". A bunch of men who didn't want to be ruled by a another woman decides to just call her crazy and try to lock her up. The reader sees it for what it is - complete fabrication. Yeah, she was emotional, but goodness after you read what she went through who can blame her?! Not I, not Amy!

The Last Queen is the perfect historical fiction novel and I highly recommend it to amateurs and veterans alike. I actually think this would be a GREAT book for someone starting out in historical fiction. Juana is a remarkable woman, fearless and strong and I think it takes a likewise remarkable person to write her story - so thank you C.W., how you write women so well I'll never know, but please don't stop!!

Introducing...Countess of Hearts

aka J. Kaye from J. Kaye's Book Blog

The Countess reads a variety of genres, but her favorites are stories of love and romance. Whether it’s a racy erotica, an innocent first love, or a tragic love story, she ♥hearts♥ them all. When she isn’t reading them, she’s busy making up her own stories of love and passion.

While the Countess has no favorite authors, Kathleen E. Woodiwiss is who opened the door to this genre. Ashes in the Wind, Shanna, Wolf and the Dove, The Flame and the Flower are some of her most memorable books.

Review - Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles:

Genre: Young Adult Romance

Copyright: 2008

Pages: 368

Rating:



Simone Elkeles has created a pair of memorable characters in her book PERFECT CHEMISTRY. Brittany Ellis wears perfect clothes, has a perfect boy friend, and a perfect life or so that’s what it seems to the outside world. She works overtime to keep up this image. In reality, her world is falling apart.

Meet Alejandro “Alex” Fuentes, a member of the Bloods, a lethal Latino gang. His image of being tough means everything. That’s what the two have in common. Neither one is as they appear. They might not have had this chance to discover this if not for being paired up in chemistry class of their senior year. The forced togetherness and Brittany’s need to make a perfect grade was the bond at the beginning, but soon they discovered there an attraction between them.

Some parts of book actually made me forget I was reading. I became so wrapped up in their lives. The author took just as much time with the supporting characters. Paco and the bathroom scene at the wedding was one not to be missed. I could actually smell the aftermath! If you enjoy YA and especially if you enjoy a YA love story, this is an amazing tale.

A Royal Announcement!

When we announced on our blog a few weeks ago that we were looking for more permanent reviewers to join our blog, we never imagined we would receive such a fabulous response from so many bloggers that we admire.

So it is with much excitement that I announce the fabulous new members of our Royal Family!

Joining our team as permanent Royal Reviewers:

J Kaye @ J Kaye's Book Blog
Liyana @ Liyanaland
Amy @ Passages to the Past
Lexie @ Poisoned Rationality
Christine @ Romantic Crush Junkies
Texas Red @ Texas Red Books
Diane @ The Book Resort

To celebrate our new reviewers, this week will be Intro Week. Every day you'll get to learn a little bit about the reviewers and read one of their favourite reviews. Plus - we'll also unveil their cool royal names and signatures! If you stop by the blog this week, please make our new team feel welcome. Many of you will already be very familiar with these prolific bloggers!

We also have quite a few bloggers who have volunteered to be guest reviewers during the year. I can assure you there are some familiar names in the guest spots and we look forward to their contributions as the year progresses.

On a side note, Annie (aka The Fussy Princess) got very carried away creating the signatures/avatars for our new bloggers and has decided to change her name. She's decided she's not that fussy after all! From here on forward, The Fussy Princess will now be known as:

Lovin Friday

On Lovin' Fridays, we post an excerpt from a novel with a declaration of love or a marriage proposal that gave us the warm and fuzzies, made us laugh, made us cry or made us think.

This week's Lovin' Friday extract is between two of the most mis-matched lovers around! Although there's a sizzlin undercurrent of sexual chemistry, these two can hardly stand each other. One's a shoe-loving vampire queen, the other is a power-hungry, intelligent stud. They are Betsy and Sinclair and this is Undead and Unwed by Mary Janice Davidson:

(after giving betsy boxes of brand new designer shoes)

"What a pity you can't keep them." Sinclair sighed theatrically and motioned to Dennis, who started putting the lids back on the boxes.

I nearly wept. "What? Why?"

"Well...you're so adamant about not helping us. Not being a kingmaker, as you put it. Very wise and practical, but of course useless for our purposes. Thus, Plan B must be put into effect. Perhaps Nostro will accept these as a token of peace?"

Nostro? Nostro putting his nasty clammy fingers all over the buttery soft suede, the delicate embroidery? Giving the to Shanara? Using them for the Friends to play fetch? Never, never, never!"

"Don't touch! Bad vampire!" I snapped, and Dennis froze in mid-reach. "I'll help you. And I get to keep the shoes."

"Done and done." Sinclair said, his lips twitching as he tried not to smirk. I'm sure he thought I was vain and weak-willed and a complete idiot. Who cared? I was a vain weak-willed idiot with the season's coolest shoes.

I jumped off the chair, flung my arms around Sinclair, and kissed him full on the mouth. He was so surprised I nearly toppled him over. "Do I get a bonus pair if we settle Noseo's hash tonight?" I asked, peeking up into his dark, dark, eyes.

"Kiss me liked that again and I'll buy you a baker's dozen."

Comedy: What's Your Style?

The beautiful thing about comedy is that it is so personal. What makes me laugh out loud is not necessarily going to do the same thing to you. That's why there are so many different types of comedy. When you take into consideration how visual most comedy is, it's a very successful author who can manage to translate that to the page.

Just for fun...here are a couple of my favourite kinds of comedy!


An example of Physical Comedy from Liar Liar with Jim Carrey:

An example of Sketch Comedy from Monty Python's Life of Brian:

Character Comedy: An example from popular Australian TV show Kath and Kim

Black Comedy: An example from Death at a Funeral (contains swearing)

Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Copyright: 2004

Pages: 432

LOL Rating: Funny cause it's true

Rating:


Min Dobbs knows that happily-ever-after is a fairy tale, especially with a man like Cal Morrisey, who asked her to dinner to win a bet. Cal Morrisey knows commitment is impossible, especially with a woman as cranky as Min Dobbs. When they say good-bye at the end of their evening, they cut their losses and agree never to see each other again.

But Fate has other plans, and it’s not long before Min and Cal are dealing with meddling friends, wedding cake, a jealous ex-boyfriend, Krispy Kremes, a determined psychologist, chaos theory, a frantic bride, Chicken Marsala, a mutant cat, snow globes, two Mothers-from-Hell, great shoes, and more risky propositions than either of them ever dreamed of including the biggest gamble of all–unconditional love.

This has to be my all-time favourite contemporary romance novel. To me it's just as good as watching a fantastic chic-flick like 27 Dresses and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Every moment is pure reading pleasure and you will certainly end up with that cloud-9 high when you're done.

I'm positive I would be great friends with the leading character, Min Dobbs also. Not only is she likeable, she is extraordinarily relateable and she's different. I don't know about you but I am used to reading about romance heroines who eat salad and go for a run when the hero does something stupid and hurtful. Not my Min! She's an insecure, comfort-eating kind of girl. In other words, she's normal. Not a fantasy version of myself. She's curvy and she has some body issues. Her character is so incredibly honest and self-deprecating that it made me want to cheer!

One of the most beautiful parts about this book though is the small changes that Cal makes in Min by expressing to her how sexy he finds her body. It's through him feeding her food and ensuring her that he loves her the way she is that she is able to become more confident. The way Jennifer Crusie writes it, it's not cheesy or overdone either. I believed that Cal found Min incredibly sexy and that he wanted her to keep her curves. Food and humour is foreplay to these two.

This book is a celebration of the curvy feminine silhouette. Reading it actually made me feel good about myself and helped me realise that the right guy thinks you're just right! Bet Me will have you laughing out loud, nodding in agreement and grinning from ear to ear every time Cal makes an appearance on the page. This will remain one of my all-time favourite romance novels and will continue to occupy a prized position on my shelf for years to come.

I bet you'll love it too ;-)

This Charming Man by Marion Keyes

Genre: General Fiction/Contemporary/Chick Lit?

Pages: 676

Copyright: 2008

LOL Rating: ROFLMAO

Rating:

Keyes is a modern-day Merlin. She wiggles her magic fingers over her keyboard and conjures up an amazing story with the power to work comedic magic on even the most morose of her readers. Like many women, I don't laugh easily at novels but Keyes made me laugh till my stomach hurt. In fact, days later, I'm still chuckling about some of the scenes.

It's told from the perspective of four different women and centers around their relationship with Irish Politician Paddy De Courcy. On the surface, this book could be any other Chick-Lit novel but trust me when I say that it is so much more. It is gritty and dark yet the humour wraps around you and prevents you from becoming too raw and exposed. She has crafted this novel intricately and the results are both touching and hysterical.

There were some parts of the novel that I found difficult to read simply due to the language she uses. One whole section of the book is a mix-up of sentence fragments and text messages. Whilst this makes it a quick read, it doesn't really make it easy to read if you're a stickler for sentences like me. I know of at least one friend who COULDN'T read this book because of the deliberate crafting of the language.

This is the perfect in-between read for historicals and family sagas. It will definitely lighten your mood - even though it deals with some pretty dark issues. I'll admit that it doesn't have the same high a romance novel gives you but it's still fantastic. You won't really notice you've just read 676 pages. Highly recommended to those who enjoy Chick-Lit.

If You Could See Me Now by Cecelia Ahern

Genre: General Fiction

Pages: 410

Copyright: 2006

LOL Rating: Giggle-worthy

Rating:

Every novel has an underlying theme. With some stories, you have to really peel back the layers of the plot and characters in order to clearly see the message the author is trying to convey. The thing that strikes me about Cecelia Ahern novels is that the theme is clear to the reader from the outset. Everything that occurs in the storyline is driven by that theme and reinforces that idea to the reader with the passing of every chapter.

To me, one of the biggest messages in this novel is that sometimes in order to grow-up you need to grow back down again!

If You Could See Me Now is the story of Elizabeth - a woman in her early thirties who is very bitter with life and against her own choices is trying to raise her six year old nephew, Sam. When her nephew begins to see Ivan, an imaginary friend, Elizabeth starts to worry about him and has very little patience for his make believe games. But Elizabeth was the one who needed a friend. When she too starts to see Ivan, she assumes him to be the father of one of Sam's friends and begins a wonderful friendship with this joyful man.

This friendship and all the changes that it inspires in Elizabeth is the foundation of this novel. You can't help but fall in love with the child-like Ivan. His optimism certainly balances out Elizabeth's cynicism. As the novel progresses and the relationship between Elizabeth and Ivan deepens, you can't help but wonder where this is all going. How can it all end? Although Ivan is real, he is still an imaginary friend.

Where this story led was the reason I felt I had to give it the rating that I have. I do not want to give away too much so I'll have to suffice it to say that I was hoping for happy tears...and that's not what I got. The writing was beautiful, Ivan was charming and Elizabeth changed so much that she too became much more relatable however...the ending! It made my heart sink not soar!

This is still a beautiful tale and some of the ways that Ivan gets Elizabeth to loosen up had me giggling. It's still a great beach or rainy-day read and it won't take you long to get through. Not the same laugh-out-loud rating as Thanks for the Memories but it'll certainly make you crack a smile.

It kind of reminded me of Drop Dead Fred meets Sundays at Tiffany's. Ivan's not quite as naughty as Drop Dead Fred but he certainly has the same feeling of mischief to him. For fun, here's my favourite scene from Drop Dead Fred. Be warned, he does drop the 'B Word' quite a few times.

Thanks for the Memories by Cecelia Ahern

Genre: Contemporary/General Fiction

Pages: 373

Copyright: 2008

LOL Rating: ROFLMAO!

Rating:


Thanks for the Memories was one of the most delightful books I've ever read! For me, it's an instant favourite and one of the best novels I've read this year.

Cecelia Ahern has a remarkable way of writing that is both thoughtful but at the same time, incredibly joyful. Life as one of her characters may not be easy but they have the uncanny ability to laugh even in their darkest of moments. There are so many quotes I would like to write down from this novel. So many beautiful words.

There's nothing in this novel that I would change - no little points that irked me, nothing that detracted from the pure pleasure of reading it. So instead, I'm just going to list for you all the things I loved.

1) The father. He's the funniest, sweetest, most lovable old man and I really wish I could adopt him as my Grandfather. Almost every time I laughed out loud whilst reading this (and there were quite a few times) it was because of something Henry had said or done. There's a scene at the airport and another in the hotel room that really did have me crying with laughter. Combine this hilarity with Henry's ability to surprise you with his wisdom and sensitivity and you have one of the most endearing literary characters I've ever read.

2) The love story. This book had the same *sigh effect* of the best romance novels. It was beautiful and so romantic! Two characters who are perfect for one another mixed with just the right amount of magic/fate.

3) The entire cast of supporting characters. Doris and Al. Kate and Frankie. Even Bea and Sarah. They behaved precisely how real friends and family do in a crisis - offering their love and support with a liberal dose of their own opinions. The environment that the main characters played out their story was rich with it's own hilarity and drama. These people were completely flawed but completely funny.

I could go on...and on...and on about all the things I loved about this book but instead I'll some it up by saying that after Cecelia Ahern books, I am a devoted fan. This is definitely my favourite of her novels so far.

If you're in the mood for a contemporary that will make you feel good from the top of your head to the tips of your toes then do yourself a big favour and pick this up. What a gem!

Welcome to Laugh Out Loud Week!

There's a reason I posted Thanks For the Memories by Cecelia Ahern as the first book review to start things off. It's because it is the inspiration behind all of the insanity of LOL Week!

Let me explain:

Like so many of my stories do, it all started one morning on the bus to work...

I had just finished my morning book-perving* (the guy in front of me was reading Stephen Donaldson. Again.) and was reading Thanks for the Memories. I felt someone slide into the seat beside me but I didn't look up. I was focused and I had to finish at least one chapter before bus dropped me at work. So there I was, minding my own business, being a well-behaved bus patron...

THEN I read the scene where Joyce and Henry (Joyce's hysterical elderly father) are in their hotel room in London. If you've read the book then you KNOW what I'm referring to!

I'm not usually one for toilet humour but this time, oh deary me. I couldn't help myself! I started laughing and the worse the scene got, the more I laughed. Immediately I felt that eyes on me feeling that I usually get when I've done something embarrassing, so I tried to laugh quietly. Like a restrained chuckle, if you will. But the more I tried to repress it, the worse it got. And then I made a very important discovery. Holding in laughter is just like holding in a sneeze. If you don't let it out, your body punishes you with a much more embarrassing noise. My punishment? I gave an almighty snort!

Not a delicate, quiet little snort. We're talking a Miss-Piggy-eat-your-heart-out kind of snort!

I don't even consciously know how to snort! My hand flew over my mouth, I went bright red, snapped the book shut and stared at my shoes. Well, the older gentleman beside me must've thought this was pretty darn funny because he started to laugh too. Everybody else just stared (especially the Stephen Donaldson guy who actually had to turn around to look! Although, I guess I wouldn't be laughing if I read the same book every day for a freakin year.) Once the guy beside me had finished wiping tears from his eyes, I muttered something lame like, 'It's a really, really good book.' He said something back like 'Sounds like it.' And I then got off the bus about two stops too early.

Although I regularly embarrass myself on public transport, I can't say that I regularly get a decent belly-laugh from a book. So this week, I thought I'd honour the books that have made me laugh out loud.

I won't be posting extracts of these books because the thing about comedy is it's all in the timing. Most of these funny moments are crescendos of humour the author has struggled to create and I think I'd ruin them for you if I just yanked them right out of the middle.

All reviews this week will be assigned an LOL Rating to give you an indicator of just how funny they are (and to also serve as a warning for those of you reading on public transport).

So please, jump in with any funny books you'd like to recommend or feel free to share your embarrassing stories so we can laugh at with you. My hope is that you find something on our blog this week that will give you a hearty chuckle! Remember not to hold it in though. It might come out the other end.

*A Footnote on Book Perving: Now the bus to work in the morning is usually where I do my best book-perving. It's probably because it reminds me of a library - there's like this weird no-talking rule and everyone is usually carrying a novel of some description. I am a horribly nosy book-pervert though; I just have to know what you're reading and I'm probably pretty obvious about it. Oh, if you're reading Twilight, watch out. I usually have to physically restrain myself from sitting right down next to you and talking about it. Usually once a week on my bus, someone is reading Twilight. I don't notice people, I don't notice faces, I don't even notice attractive men - I notice books. And I will perve.

Inspirational Review Award

So often we come across reviews that inspire us to rush out and buy another book and increase our already scary TBR piles. At Royal Reviews, we give out a weekly award to a blogger who has captivated us with an amazing review.

This week, the Inspirational Review Award goes to Literary Escapism for her fantastic review of Deadly Desire by Keri Arthur.

I have the first book in the Riley Jenson series sitting in my bookcase and this review of book seven made me want to put it right at the top of the TBR pile. Literary Escapism's glowing review was exactly the inspiration I needed to dive into this series.

To see other recipients of The Inspirational Award follow the link.

Stroke Of Genius by Emily Bryan

Today, our last day of 'Emily Bryan Week, Emily will be sharing a little about Stroke Of Genius -

A brilliant artist, Crispin Hawke disdains the Beau Monde so thoroughly, he thinks it'll be fun to help a Bostonian heiress bag a titled husband.
When he starts to wish he were the object of her affection, the fun and games are only beginning. www.emilybryan.com

I’m proceeding a little differently with my current WIP STROKE OF GENIUS (due out summer 2010). For one thing, this is the first time I’ve had an actual picture of my hero instead of just the one in my head. I’d imagined Crispin Hawke, my ‘tortured artist’ hero, as darkly handsome. Imagine my surprise when I actually walked past him at the Romantic Times Convention in Orlando! Well, not him in person, but there he was in this fabulous portrait at the Fortin & Sanders booth.

Another thing that’s different about STROKE OF GENIUS is that I’m flying without a net. Usually I sell a book on a “partial,” which means my editor has seen the first 3 chapters and a very detailed synopsis. I sold STROKE OF GENIUS on the title and a two sentence blurb.

A brilliant artist, Crispin Hawke disdains the Beau Monde of London so thoroughly, he thinks it'll be fun to help a Bostonian heiress bag a titled husband.

When he starts to wish he were the object of her affection, the game is just beginning.

So I don’t have a roadmap for this book, just a very general idea of where I’m heading. I’m “pantsing” it—writing by the seat of my pants—for a change.
And lastly, I’m giving my readers a chance to take part in how this story grows. I’m running a Name a Character Contest to decide what to call our hero Crispin’s friend and manservant.

Please help me by visiting my website and sending in your suggestion for this important character’s name! The winner will receive signed copies of my entire backlist PLUS a special “thank you” on the acknowledgment page of STROKE OF GENIUS!

Sorry everyone, Emily's Stroke of Genius/Name a Character Contest widget that was supposed to be on this post is MIA so the button above is courtesy of Bobbie from Book Reviews By Bobbie


Thanks Emily, all the best with Stroke of Genius!

I have had an absolute ball hosting this week and I hope you've had just as much fun learning more about historical romance author Emily Bryan. I cannot thank Emily enough for her generosity in time & spirit and a huge thank you also to our readers; your comments, questions & excitement have made Emily feel welcome 'down under' and contributed to an AWESOME week!

Don't forget Emily was first published under her real name Diana Groe. I am only a few chapters in to Silk Dreams (Diana's 3rd novel) but you can visit my blog The Eclectic Reader to see a review in the next week or two.

All good things must come to an end, and today concludes Emily Bryan Week. Au revoir Emily, we hope you've enjoyed your cyber holiday in Australia and we look forward to your up-coming releases.

Stay in touch with Emily by visiting her website and blog

Leave a comment, a question, highlight of the week ~ you'll be entered in today's draw for one of Emily's books.

Day 7 winner - Kate

Day 6 winner - Heather D

Lovin Friday & The Importance Of Great Sex

Today readers, Emily Bryan is here to tell us about ~ The Importance of Great Sex (nudge, nudge, wink wink).

There is a certain mystique to being a romance writer. When I tell people I write historical romance, they cast me a sidelong glance and I know what they’re thinking.

“She knows more about having sex than the average girl on the block.”

My DH has encountered this assumption as well when he accompanies me to writing conferences. Once a reader who was familiar with my books gave him a long, slow once-over and said, “You must really be something.”

The naughty boy smiled and said, “Thank you, ma’am. I am!”

(Ok, in the interest of full disclosure, I have to admit he’s right!) But the point is, the love scenes in my books are not just about having great sex.

I hear a big “Huh?”

It’s true. I am passionately addicted to telling a good story. To accomplish that, every scene in my book has to perform important functions. They must:
1. Advance the story forward in a compelling manner.
2. Deepen the characters and/or their relationship.
3. Hopefully all at the same time!

So if a sex scene doesn’t perform one or more of these tasks, I have to cut it. If the scene could be replaced with the words, “Then they had sex.” And then there is no change in how the story proceeds because of the sex, then the scene is filler. I had an interesting discussion with a horror writer about gratuitous gore, which is that genre’s sex scene. He felt the same way about what he called “gorn” (gore porn). The gore, like a sex scene, has to serve a higher storytelling purpose.

When I write a sensual encounter for my characters, I want them to be different for having had the experience. I want it to change how they feel about themselves and each other. I want it to MATTER. Sex without context is pornography. Sex with meaning is one of the deepest expressions of what it is to be human.

Sex is a powderkeg of emotions and sensations. It encapsulates themes of redemption, betrayal, acceptance and rejection. It’s the closest we can be to another person since we left our mother’s womb. How could I not write about it?

I want my readers (and my characters!) to have a good time. I also want it to mean something.

After sharing this, I’ll be interested to see which of my lovescenes, the Royal Court decides to post!

Thanks Emily. After much 'research', fanning, cool showers and a great deal of thought I've decided to share two scenes between Gabriel & Jacquelyn from Pleasuring the Pirate. Not because these scenes are the 'hottest' but because for me, they encompass what it means to love ~ a willingness to put your needs and desires aside for another.

Spent and gasping, they clung to each other. She kissed his sweat-dampened temple, savoring the saltiness of his skin. Her covered her mouth with his in a soft kiss. A kiss that said she had given him a gift and he was grateful.

As he laid his head beside hers on the pillow, still joined, unwilling to sever their connection until it was absolutely necessary, she realized he'd gifted her as well. The giving and receiving of pleasure was a paradox, the most selfish and selfless thing she'd ever done. The more she gave, the more she received.

"You are Lord of Dragon Caern" she said softly. "Nobility has its privileges, but it also comes with duties. It is your obligation to care for these people."
... "Remember whom you're talking to, mistress." He turned his head and pressed a soft kiss into her palm. "A pirate has no rule but his own wishes."

"You are no longer a pirate," she said, willing it to be true.

"And neither am I a lord by any measure but name," he said. "Not yet."

"But you will be," she said with assurance.

Gabriel tipped her face toward him and she thought he was going to kiss her. Instead he just looked at her as if he were trying to burn her features into his mind.

"Do you ever tire of being right all the time?" he finally said.

"Frequently," she admitted. "But only since I met you."

He lowered his mouth to hers in a kiss of bittersweet regret. It wasn't the flame of passion they'd shared in the night, but the connection between them in the gentle brush of their lips was even more real. When he pulled back, she blinked back the tears that threatened to salt her cheeks.

You can find out more about Pleasuring the Pirate on Emily's website - http://www.emilybryan.com/

Leave a comment one lucky person will win one of Emily's novels.

Day 5 winner - booklover1335

A Christmas Ball

A Christmas Ball, the new anthology by Jennifer Ashley, Emily Bryan & Alissa Johnson is due for release September 29th 2009 although Emily has mentioned that if you pre-order from Amazon, books are often available earlier than the official release date.

I'm thrilled to share with you today some tempting tidbits from A Christmas Ball and I hope you enjoy reading what's in store as much as I did - "Take it away Emily" -

When my editor asked if I’d like to be part of a holiday anthology with USA Today Bestseller Jennifer Ashley and Alissa Johnson, I jumped at the chance. The premise of A CHRISTMAS BALL is that all our characters are in attendance at the same glittering event. We had to agree on the hosts—Lord and Lady Hartwell. And since our characters would all be occupying the same time and space, we decided the ball was being held on December 19, 1822 in a splendid mansion with a layout very similar to Spencer House (Princess Diana’s family’s home).

Once we decided on those details, the editors at Dorchester turned us loose. This was my first experience with writing a novella. I’m used to turning in 400 page manuscripts, so I had to make every word count. The result was MY LADY BELOW STAIRS.

When Lady Sybil runs off with an Italian portrait painter, her bastard half-sister, Jane Tate, is called in to take her place at Lord Hartwell’s ball. Sybil was supposed to accept a proposal of marriage from Viscount Eddleton that would solve her father’s money woes, so the union must go forward.

You can read about Jane and Ian Michael, the head groom who fancies her, on my website.

But Viscount Eddleton, Lady Sybil’s intended, has problems of his own. Here’s a taste from MY LADY BELOW STAIRS in A CHRISTMAS BALL:

“Oh, that will never do! ‘Madam’ sounds so old.” Lady Darvish laughed gaily as she removed her hat, which was festooned with lace and topped with a real stuffed pigeon. “You must call me Leticia for I predict we will be great friends. May I call you Bertram?”
Eddleton’s mouth opened and closed wordlessly several times before he managed to sputter, “But my name is George.”
“Oh! How deplorably dull of your parents.”
He blinked in surprise.
“Every other titled gent in London is called George these days! Bertram suits you, so Bertram you shall be.” Leticia flashed a toothsome smile. “Sit down, Bertie. You’re wobbling a bit."
Eddleton sank into the other wing chair and said the first bland pleasantry that came to his mind. “You’re looking fit. I trust you’re well.”
“Coming out of mourning will do that for a body,” she said, spreading her bright yellow skirt across the red leather to good effect. The baroness was well-moneyed and, if Eddleton were being honest, he’d have to admit he found her surprisingly easy on his eyes for a woman of a certain age. She was attractive in a long-toothed, too-thin-for-comfort sort of way.
“I’m ever so glad to be wearing color again,” she said. “Black is rarely becoming to anyone and that pale lavender makes even the hardiest miss appear lifeless.”
“My condolences on your loss.”
“Water under the bridge,” she said with a wave of her be-ringed hand. “Bert was never the robust sort.”
“Bert? Your husband’s name was Bert?”
“I call all my husbands Bertram. It keeps things uncomplicated.”
So, the rumors were true. Lady Darvish, the Black Widow of Wembley Street, was on the prowl once more. Eddleton had no desire to be Bert Number Five.
“Lady Dar—”
“Leticia,” she corrected.
“Leticia,” he repeated. Bugger him, if the woman didn’t dimple almost prettily when he said her name. “I confess myself at a loss as to the point of your visit today. We barely know each other—”
“Ah, but we do have common acquaintances,” she all but purred. “And my particular friend Lady Martin-Featherwight assures me that, unlike my dear departed Bert, you are the robust sort.”
He stifled a groan. His ill-considered affair with the wealthy matron was coming back to bite him on the arse. The lady had been very generous, but it was the hardest work he’d ever done with his breeches round his ankles.
“Um, Lady—I mean, Leticia, well, I . . .” He groped for the right words as a drowning man might clutch at flotsam. “I’m to be married.” There! He’d grasped a promising straw.
“Oh, I know,” she said brightly, leaning forward to pat his knee. “And I wish you much joy, Bert. Marriage is a wonderful thing. I loved all my husbands, you know. In my way.”
“Then, what . . . “
Leticia giggled like a much younger woman. “Oh, this is the fun part. Don’t you just love the chase?”
His brow furrowed in puzzlement.
“Don’t be coy, my dear,” she said. “Your impending nuptials needn’t impinge upon us. I’m sure we can come to a mutually satisfactory arrangement.”
“Good God! I believe you are offering me carte blanche.” Eddleton stood, sheltering behind indignation like an invisible shield. “Madam, you have mistaken me for another sort of man altogether. I must ask you to leave.”
Her smile faded. “Very well, if that’s the way you want it.” Lady Darvish rose and strode to the doorway, a feline smile lifting her lips. “But we aren’t finished yet, Bert. You are a young man in a great deal of debt.”
“My financial state is none of your concern.”
“That’s where you’re wrong,” she said with an arch of her painted brow. “You see, I bought your vowels. All of them.”
Eddleton felt himself blanch white as paper. His creditors had sold his IOUs to Lady Darvish.
“You owe me a considerable sum. A staggering sum, actually. I imagine that’s something you’d rather your future father-in-law not discover,” Leticia said, as she adjusted her bonnet, making sure the dead pigeon faced forward. “But don’t fret, dearie. One way or another, we’ll work out a repayment plan. I expect I’ll see you at Lord Hartwell’s ball tonight. Everyone who’s anyone will be there. I’ll save a waltz for you. Good day, Bert.”
Eddleton sank back into his chair. He never thought to envy a dead man, but he was sick with resentment toward the four already-dead Berts.
He might even trade places with the pigeon.

Leave a comment or a question (Emily has been truly wonderful following up on everyone's questions) and you will go in today's draw for one of Emily's novels.

Day 4 winner - ibeeeg

Want To Be A Royal Reviewer?

We are currently looking for more happy bloggers to join the the team at Royal Reviews! We would like to fill volunteer spots for a couple of permanent review bloggers (minimum 3 reviews per month) and multiple guest bloggers (no minimum reviews).

We would also love to host friendly authors (like Emily Bryan) who would like the opportunity to showcase their quality fiction to potential readers with a promo week at Royal Reviews. If you are interested or would like more information, please email royalreviews(at)bigpond(dot)com

Emily Bryan's Hunky Heroes

photo courtesy of Fortin & Sanders

When the lovely ladies of Royal Reviews asked me to write a bit about hunky heroes, I know they expected me to pick one of my guys and rave about him.

But how can I choose? There’s Trevelyn Deveridge from DISTRACTING THE DUCHESS, a cool, deadly-dangerous agent in Her Majesty’s secret service. Or Gabriel Drake, my PLEASURING THE PIRATE hero, a man who knows what he wants and takes it. Or Lucian Beaumont, my vexed Viscount, a smart, driven nobleman, who starts the story as a virgin but is a remarkably quick study! And what about Ian Michael MacGregor, my man-of-all-work hero in A CHRISTMAS BALL (due out Sept 29th)? Or Crispin Hawke, the brilliant, talented sculptor in my current WIP--STROKE OF GENIUS (summer 2010). The yummy Fortin & Sanders picture is my inspiration for Crispin, my tortured artist!

But I can’t pick a favorite. I love them all.

I think I’d rather talk about what makes a hero.

Of course, a romantic hero is easy on the eyes. That’s a given. But what constitutes masculine beauty is different in every age. Believe it or not, the Victorian ideal required a man to have very small hands and feet!

And every woman has her own favorite male type. How’s an author to choose? Dark or fair? Muscle-bound or swimmer’s build? Deep-set dark eyes or icy gray ones?

No, a hero isn’t defined by his looks.

Some might be attracted to the flashy sort. The powerful Thomas Crown in-charge type. Leaders are very attractive. Others like the quiet guy who gets things done without caring who gets the glory. Some want a protector—a man who can handle himself and anything life throws at him. And what woman doesn’t love a man who can make her laugh?

There are so many different types of heroes—how’s a writer to choose?

Personally, I have to make sure all my heroes share one very important trait. They have to be willing to give up everything for the heroine. He has to love her so deeply, nothing else matters. Self-sacrifice is the strongest heroic trait I know. I can’t write a hero without it.

Who’s your favorite hero and why? ~ one lucky person will win one of Emily's novels.

Day 3 winner - Luann

Day 2 winner - I heart Book Gossip

Day 1 winner - The Book Resort

A Candid Chat With Emily Bryan

We have the lovely Emily Bryan with us this week and I'm so pleased today to bring you our very first author interview. After feelings of slight trepidation, I must say it has been great fun chatting with Emily. Not only is she a talented writer but she is also a delight to correspond with and a very humble lady. My sincere thanks to Emily for her time, her generosity, for sharing so freely, and for the laughs.

Empress: Do you have a favourite book from childhood?

Emily: This is a great question because the things we read as kids become such a part of us. I loved Louisa May Alcott’s LITTLE WOMEN. Jo had 3 sisters. I have 3 sisters. I was so her!
I also loved an old 1897 first edition copy of a book that had belonged to my great-grandfather. It was Bulfinch’s AGE OF FABLE or the BEAUTIES OF MYTHOLOGY. I was enthralled by it—and not just for the half-naked statuary they used for illustrations! The tales of gods and goddesses was my first introduction to some of the universal themes that would find their way into my own stories. I still have the book.

Empress: Did you write as a child or is writing a passion that developed later in life?

Emily: I didn’t start writing till 2001, but I’ve always been devoted to reading. The elements of storytelling fascinate me. I was a music major in college and later sang professional opera. For each of my roles, I’d devise elaborate backstories—you know, the whole actor’s “What’s my motivation?” thing. If I knew what had happened in my character’s life before the opera began, I could make sense of my actions on stage. The habit of making things up has served me well!

Empress: You were first published under your real name Diana Groe with Maidensong. Is there more to come from (you) Diana or will you continue to write as Emily Bryan?

Emily: I actually had three novels published as Diana Groe, MAIDENSONG, ERINSONG and SILK DREAMS, which are all still in print. These angsty, dramatic tales set in the Dark Ages are rather like grand opera for the romance reader.

My Emily Bryan books are more like Gilbert & Sullivan . . . with sex! I added a little humor and a higher sensuality level, along with placing these stories in the more popular Georgian—Victorian England setting. I really love writing both type stories and in fact, I married the two styles in my latest release—VEXING THE VISCOUNT. The main love story, between Daisy and Lucian, is in a lighter vein, but the secondary darker tale woven into their story is set in Roman Britain. That part of the novel is pure Diana Groe.

I love writing both kinds of stories. As to what I do in the future, that depends on my readers. Whether you realize it or not, you hold a lot of influence over what gets published. If you buy a certain type book in the first week of its release, you improve the chances that there will be more of that author or subgenre or time period stories published.

Empress: Are you a plan-the-whole-book-out person or a write-as-it-comes person?

Emily: Yes and no. Usually, I sell on “a partial,” which is three chapters and a detailed synopsis. For STROKE OF GENIUS (due out in summer 2010), my editor decided to buy on the basis of the title and a two paragraph blurb. So now, I have to figure out the rest of the story!
I’m very much a character-driven writer. If I’m true to my character’s goals and personality, the plot will unfold naturally. If I try to force them into a pre-conceived story line, I run the risk of becoming a puppet master.

Empress: Do you write every day?

Emily: Absolutely! Do I write on my novel every day? No. I take weekends off to catch up on emails and promos like this.
Writing is much like singing. You must do it often to do it well. When I was singing, I had to practice everyday. I could tell if I skipped a day. My vocal coach could tell if I skipped two. And I’m sure the audience would have been able to tell if I was ever so foolish as to skip practice for three days.

Empress: Is there anything you find particularly challenging when you’re writing?

Emily: Ploughing the virgin page. Re-writing is playtime, but pushing the story forward is work. To overcome this “story constipation,” I use a couple tricks. Sometimes, I set a timer for no more than 20 minutes. During that time, I CANNOT go back. Not even to fix a typo. I’m forced to go forward. Other times, I’ll decide to write only dialogue for two pages. By the time I go back and add action and tags, I have 4 pages.

I also fight the pull of the internet while I write. Sometimes it’s for a legitimate purpose—I need a bit of research verified or something—and other times it’s a serious time suck. To combat this, I write on a little laptop which I never connect to the internet. I have to switch computers to pull myself out of the story.

Empress: Do you have a favourite out of all your characters?

Emily: That is like asking a mother to choose a favorite child. I have some favorites characters, but I’d hate to hurt the others’ feelings. Suffice it to say, I love them all in my way.

Empress: Do you ever find yourself becoming your character?

Emily: Psychologically speaking, I AM all my characters. They all spring from my subconscious. Sometimes from the darkest part!
But I don’t think I’m like any of them. The truth is—I lead a fairly uneventful life, emotionally speaking. I have a very stable, loving relationship with my DH and two daughters who have given us little grief and much joy. If I were a reality TV show, I would be cancelled inside a week for sheer boredom.
I wouldn’t want to trade places with any of my characters. Their lives make for good drama and uproarious comedy, but it’d be hard to ride that emotional roller coaster all the time.

Empress: This probably isn’t one of the questions you ask in polite society but does writing steamy bedroom scenes have any rub-on benefits in your own life? What reader hasn’t got all hot and flustered reading romance and then jumped DH bones (I will try and word this with a bit more class LOL) ... hmm Emily didn't mind, so no change.

Emily: Ok, now the reality TV cameras would have to go off. Jumping the DH’s bones is just fine. Don’t change that wording on my account. When we got married, we agreed to take care of each other in every way and that includes bone-jumping whenever we’ve a mind to.
Yes, there are definite side benefits to writing romance. My DH is always threatening to have a t-shirt made that reads:

MY WIFE WRITES ROMANCE NOVELS. THE RESEARCH IS KILLING ME!

Of course, he always diplomatically adds, “What a way to go!”

Empress: LOL thanks for that, ok serious now - If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your last book?

Emily: There are always things a writer could do differently, better, more convincingly. At some point, you have to fling the story to the public and hope for a kind reception.
If I tell a possible plot change, I might be committing a “spoiler” so I’ll just let the matter lie.

Empress: Have you ever had a bad book review & how did you cope?

Emily: Of course, I’ve had bad reviews (in fact, I just got one this week, though I was more upset about the way she gave away several major plot points than I was about her critique). And yes, bad reviews sting. Writing is intensely personal because authors have to throw so much of our hearts onto the page and rejection feels personal as well. But I never confront or argue with a reviewer. They are merely sharing their opinion so there is no right or wrong. (Except when they give away plot points! GRRRR!)

Reading is a subjective activity and much of our enjoyment depends on what we bring to experience. Perhaps the reviewer had a bad day. Maybe someone with the same name as my hero broke their heart once. Maybe my writing style/ word choices/ genre/ fill in the blank/ just doesn’t resonate with them.
That’s ok. I always say it’s a good thing we don’t all like the same things. Otherwise, you’d all be after my husband!
I try not to obsess over bad reviews. I’ve been blessed with many more stellar ones than not. A couple months ago, I noticed that some of my fans came to my defense on message boards and such over a negative review, and that felt wonderful. Thank you all!

Empress: How much research goes into your novels?

Emily: Tons. I read non-fiction reference books to gather background info into the way people thought, behaved, lived during the time in which my story is set. I visit art museums to study portraiture for costume ideas. I use places I’ve visited personally as settings. I listen to the music of the period.
I love the research!

Empress: A Christmas Ball by Jennifer Ashley, Alissa Johnson and yourself is due out when?

Emily: September 29th is the official release date, but I’ve found that if you pre-order at Amazon, the book is usually available a week or two earlier than the official release.
As usual, I’ve done something a little different for my part of this anthology. My novella MY LADY BELOW STAIRS features a heroine who’s a born-on-the-wrong-side-of-the-blanket scullery maid, but Jane is a dead ringer for her well-born half-sister. When Lady Sybil goes missing before the ball at which she’s supposed to accept a proposal of marriage, Jane is called in to pose as Sybil until she can be found.

Empress: How did the above writing trio come about?

Emily: A CHRISTMAS BALL was my editor Leah Hultenschmidt’s brain child. As such, it was a serendipitous “by invitation” sort of contract that fell into my lap.
This was such a fun anthology to be part of. All our characters are attending Lord and Lady Hartwell’s fabulous Christmas ball. Beyond that, there is no connection between our stories. But since the major part of the action takes place at Hartwell House, we had to agree on the floorplan of the mansion, the décor, refreshments, music etc. It was almost as if we were planning to give the ball ourselves, which I guess in a sense, we did.

Empress: What’s next on the table for Emily Bryan?

Emily: I’m working on STROKE OF GENIUS (due out summer 2010) right now. Grace Makepeace, a Bostonian heiress is trying to snag a titled husband and failing abysmally. Crispin Hawke, the brilliant artist who’s been commissioned to “do” her hands in marble, enjoys making fun of the ton, who reveres his talent, and agrees to help her. Trouble comes when he realizes he wishes he were the object of her affection.

I’m running a contest this month that will enable a reader to help me name an important secondary character in STROKE OF GENIUS. The winner will receive signed copies of my backlist and a special “thank you” in the acknowledgment page of STROKE OF GENIUS. Please visit my website to enter today!

Empress: Favourite authors?

Emily: How many stars are in the heavens? MM Kaye, Mary Stewart, Victoria Holt, Diana Gabaldon, Jo Beverley, Madeline Hunter, Eloisa James, Neil Gaiman, CS Lewis, Tolkein, Dostoyevsky, Toni Morrison—somebody stop me!

Empress: Bookmark or Dog ear? (oh I’ll be shot for that one)

Emily: I confess I’m a dog ear-er. Librarians, I sincerely apologize, but I’m unlikely to change.

Empress: If you could be any character from a novel who would you be and why?

Emily: I really like living in my own skin, but if I had to choose, I’d pick Daisy Drake, my heroine from VEXING THE VISCOUNT. She’s smart, curious, and willing to do whatever it takes to reach her goals. Besides, don’t you think it would be delicious fun to masquerade as a French courtesan at least once in your life?

Here's Emily as Rosalinde in Strauss' DIE FLEDERMAUS -

Empress: Do you have a Guilty pleasure?

Emily: Um . . . masquerading as a French courtesan?

Empress: If you could go anywhere for a holiday, where would you go and why?

Emily: Ok, this is going to sound like a total suck-up, but I’d really love to visit Australia. You have so many interesting animals that are found nowhere else in the world. I’d love to hear a performance at the Sydney Opera house and view the Great Barrier Reef (from the comfort and safety of a glass bottom boat, please. I have no wish to meet one of your sharks!) Plus there’s an Australian version of the RT convention I’d love to make it down for someday.
Gotta save my pennies.

Empress: When you were little what did you want to grow up to be?

Emily: I never really knew for sure. My school guidance counselor assured me I had the aptitude for almost anything but brick-laying. I switched majors a couple times in college. Since I graduated I’ve been (hold on!) a professional singer, choir director, teacher, home-schooling mom, realtor, and banker. Now, (thank you God!) I’m a full-time writer.
I finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up!

Empress: 3 must have items if you were stranded on a tropical island?

Emily: 1. Buckets of sunscreen. I burn like crazy.
2. A monthly airdrop of romance novels. No cable on the island, you know.
3. My DH. After all those romance novels, I’ll need some relief!

and now a question from The Queen of Happy Endings & The Fussy Princess

Queen: What makes your historical romances different from others?

Emily: Some historical romances are adventurous. Some witty. Some dramatic and some comedic. My historical romances are not strictly one thing. I try to incorporate all those elements in my stories. If I can give my reader a laugh or two, maybe a tear, and a chance to fall in love while sharing an adventure with a gorgeous hunk, then I’ve done my job.

Princess: What are you reading now?

Emily: I always have a couple books going. Right now I'm reading Tamera Alexander's BEYOND THIS MOMENT, Judith Flanders' INSIDE THE VICTORIAN HOME (research, you know!) and Eloisa James' AN AFFAIR BEFORE CHRISTMAS.

Empress: Thanks so much Emily for chatting with me today and sharing so generously with our readers.

For the latest on Emily's novels visit her website, it's also a treasure trove of information for aspiring writers. Visit Emily Bryan's blog for news on her latest work, up and coming releases, interesting tidbits, blog tours, contests, author interviews & just plain fun posts, sure to give you a giggle.

Emily: Thanks so much for having me on Royal Reviews. This was great fun

Leave a comment, ask a question, you'll be entered in today's draw for one of Emily's novels.


Day 2 winner - I Heart Book Gossip

Emily Bryan, A Duchess & A Viscount

"Light or dark, serious or silly—we need equal portions of laughter and tears to stay balanced."

These words from Emily Bryan are the perfect mantra to follow not only in reading but also in life and I do believe this is the 'soul' in Emily's writing that has me lining up for all of her books.

First published under her real name Diana Groe, with Maidensong, Erinsong & Silk Dreams - " epic, dramatic tales—full of passion and angst in exotic settings" this historical romance author then went on to write Distracting the Duchess. The light-hearted and frankly sexier style was such a departure from the first three books, Diana's editor suggested an alternative penname. Emily Bryan was born & Pleasuring the Pirate & Vexing the Viscount are subsequent novels under her nom de plume.

Distracting the Duchess is set in 1851, early Victorian while Pleasuring the Pirate and Vexing the Viscount are set in the Georgian era, 1720 and 1731 respectively.

So without further ado, here's my two-penneth on two Emily Bryant favourites.

Don't forget to leave a comment, one lucky person will receive one of Emily's novels.

Vexing the Viscount by Emily Bryan

Published: March 2009

Pages: 301

Emily Bryan is now firmly entrenched as a favourite writer of mine in the historical romance genre. Vexing the Viscount truly is a captivating blend of romance, adventure, amusing banter & saucy moments. The deliciously 'naughty' scenes kept me enthralled but there is just something about the humour in Emily's novels that keeps me coming back for more!

Daisy Drake was first introduced to us as a precocious child in the story, Pleasuring the Pirate. All grown up, she is now a woman ahead of her time, one who loves nothing more than the thrill of adventure. Daisy speaks fluent French and can read ancient Latin but all that she knows of 'pleasures of the flesh' has been discovered from the journals of Blanche La Tour, an infamous French courtesan & Daisy's Great Aunt.

Lucian Beaumont, Viscount Rutland is determined to discover the location of an ancient Roman payroll & return his family's estate to its former glory. Childhood adversaries, Lucian and Daisy meet again as adults over an ancient phallus-like lamp at the Society of Antiquaries, and the sparks fly in more ways than one. Daisy masquerading as Blanche La Tour becomes Lucian's financial backer in his search for ancient treasure & Daisy herself assists him on the excavation site. What follows is a hilarious ride complete with searing sexual tension ~ Lucian will steal your heart & the pair will steal your breath as you laugh at the antics of a fast learning virgin & a virgin playing courtesan.

The pacing of this story is perfect & I loved the quotes from the journal of Blanche La Tour at the beginning of each chapter

"There comes a point in every chase when the vixen must slow her pace, lest the hound lose the scent."

The flashbacks to Londinium A.D. 405 were haunting insights into the love story of Caius & Deirdre & the subsequent tragedy. These excerpts add an intense, dark feel, something that takes this story to another level.

Engaging, Slightly Naughty & Oh So Satisfying but don't just take my word for it ~ check out these reviews of Vexing the Viscount

Book Reviews By Bobbie

Love Romance Passion

Cheeky Reads

BookLorn

Distracting the Duchess by Emily Bryan

Published: 2008

Pages: 306

"I'm going to have to shorten his willie." With such witty promise in the opening sentence, Distracting the Duchess does not fail to deliver. It is an amusing romp through the world of art, romance & espionage.

Lady Artemisia, widowed Duchess of Southwycke, shocks polite society in her passion for painting nudes. She is independent, sassy & smart. Knowing society's intolerance of females in business, Artemisia conducts her dealings behind a nom de guerre, Mr. Beddington.

When Trevelyn Deveridge, the youngest son of an earl, arrives at the Duchess' home masquerading as Thomas Doverspike, Artemisia mistakes him for her new life model & commences work on Mars, the God of War. Looking for an entre to the Duchess' man of business, Trevelyn figures this is as good a way as any to get information but he may just have met his match in the Duchess of Southwycke.

Emily Bryan's characterisation in Distracting the Duchess is delightful, also a strong point in her 2nd novel, Pleasuring the Pirate (my first read from this author.) Secondary characters are not forgotten either, well developed, enjoyable & an integral part of the story.

The intimate scenes in Pleasuring the Pirate may be slightly more polished but I loved the humour & innuendo in Distracting the Duchess. The witty banter between Artemisia & Trevelyn had me laughing out loud & Artemisia's 'naughty' thoughts at the most inopportune moments were downright hilarious & refreshing.

Sizzling romance, suspense & intrigue made this one a winner for me and the fact that Trevelyn pops into my thoughts after the last page has been turned means the author has done her job, and well!

Visit Emily Bryan's blog for news on her latest work, up and coming releases, interesting tidbits, blog tours, contests, author interviews & just plain fun posts, sure to give you a giggle.

PS. Emily's novels are a perfect choice for the Royal Reviews Romance Challenge

Join us tomorrow for 'A Candid Chat with Emily Bryan' & of course another book give away!

Day 1 winner - THE BOOK RESORT