THE PRICE OF TEMPTATION by Lecia Cornwall FORMAT: eBook via Netgalley GENRE: Historical MASS MARKET PAPERBACK: 484 pages PUBLISHER: Avon (December 27, 2011) ISBN: 9780062018949
Lady Evelyn Renshaw is married to England's most notorious traitor... Or is she?
No one has seen Lord Philip alive for months. The Crown wants to hang him. The ton wants to know if Evelyn is as guilty as her husband, and Philip's enemies expect Evelyn to pay the price for her husband's sins.
Captain Sinjon Rutherford has troubles of his own. He needs a place to hide while he proves himself innocent of some very nasty charges. The Crown offers assistance, but only if Sinjon helps them uncover the truth about Evelyn's part in her husband's treason. He's planted as a spy in her household, disguised as a servant. But Sinjon is no footman...and he doesn't have time to fall in love with the enigmatic Evelyn, but the lady needs a strong protector, and a lover.
And it seems the lady has some dark secrets of her own, secrets that can get them both killed...(source)
REVIEW: Well, hello action, adventure, betrayal, adultery, disguise, honor and sacrifice! I've been spending a lot of time with some of you lately and this book has all of you thrown together. What a story.
Reasons to Read This Book:
Action. Boy howdy! There's quite a bit of action going on. In the park, at the ball, in the bed, out of bed, in the morning room, at the top of a tower, in the battlefields. Heart pounding, music crescendoing worthy action. No, no Pirates of the Caribbean theme playing this time.
Adventure. From the early morning fog in Hyde Park to the ballrooms of the London ton to the dark sultry bedroom of the Renshaw house, there is always excitement and danger afoot.
Betrayal. Evelyn Renshaw is left to bear the brunt and scandal of her husband's treachery. She thought she knew who he was, or at least what he did but his betrayal is so great that most of the time, she stays home.
Adultery. Evelyn is attracted to her newest servant who seems to have more presence than a servant should. Sam is handsome, saved her from get accosted in the park and there's something about him that calls to her. Something that she shouldn't be feeling: lust.
Disguise. Captain Sinjin Rutherford is trying to clear his name from charges of treason, murder and rape. The only way to do that is to work for the Earl of Westlake to spy on Lord Philip Renshaw's wife to see if she knows the whereabouts of her husband. Sin takes on the guise of a footman but Evelyn knows that something is different about him. There is an attraction that pulls them together but they must not since a lady of the manor does not cavort with her footman.
Honor. Sin knows that it's wrong to want Evelyn from the moment he meets her. He tries to not feel anything or act upon his urges. But day in and day out with the lady of the house pushes his breaking point.
Sacrifice. Sin must clear his name but can he finally reveal his identity to Evelyn? He will have to either give up his search for the flag that will label Evelyn's husband as the traitor or give up his growing relationship with Evelyn. Which of these will Sin choose?
FAVORITE QUOTE:
Why did the most inappropriate men hold the greatest appeal? (***quote subject to change in finished copy***)
OVERALL: Lecia Cornwall has created a story of love, loss, betrayal, redemption and a well deserved Happily Ever After. I love the fact that this was a fast paced read with laugh out loud moments as well as sigh worthy with a touch of tear-pooling-in-your-eyes-but-trying-to-keep-them-from-falling, heart tugging moments as well. I look forward to what Ms. Cornwall has next in store for readers as well as going back to read Secrets of A Proper Countess to catch up with some memorable characters.
I requested Lecia Cornwall's The Price of Temptation off Netgalley since it sounded like a fantastic read and boy howdy! it sure as heck was. I jumped at the chance to host this wonderful author on the blog today and she's sharing a little bit about her novella, All the Pleasures of the Season in which her heroine makes the biggest mistake of her life. And to top it off, it's Christmas. No one wants to spend Christmas worrying about if they've chosen the right person to spend forever with when there's celebrations all around. Let's give Lecia a warm welcome:
HOWDY LECIA!!!
Meet Lecia:
I was born in the wrong century.
Don't get me wrong, I'm devoted to the conveniences of this world, especially modern plumbing and good chocolate, but I long for the elegance, grace and adventures of the past.
I've always wanted to be a writer, and a historical writer at that. In fourth grade, I wrote a story about a Welsh mining pony that takes revenge for the horrible conditions in the pits. In sixth grade, my mother got a letter from the teacher after I wrote a story about a grandmotherly shop owner in occupied Europe who lured enemy soldiers into her shop and made sausages out of them. I was probably the only kid in my class who fell in love with the Masterpiece Theatre series The Six Wives of Henry VIII.
As an adult, I became a direct marketing copywriter. When my children were born, I stayed home with them (the best decision I ever made), worked as a freelance writer, and dreamed of writing fiction.
My big chance came when we moved from Ottawa to Calgary, Alberta. Unemployed, I decided to start downloading the daydreams whirling around in my head. After six years of learning and honing my craft, submitting to dozens of contests and editors and agents, I found a wonderful agent (Kevan Lyon) and sold my first book. I discovered the harder you work, the quicker luck comes calling.
When I'm not writing with a cat by my side, I'm volunteering at my daughter's high school, or corresponding with my son at university. In the afternoon, I can usually be found walking my dog and pondering my latest plot by the beautiful Bow River.
I was born in Toronto, raised my family in Ottawa, and now live in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies with four cats, two teenagers, a crazy chocolate lab and one very patient husband.
Kati: Who is Lecia Cornwall? Lecia: I’m the mother of two wonderful kids, a son 20 in university, and a daughter 17 in high school. I have four cats, and one chocolate lab. Given the season, I’m tempted to add a partridge in a pear tree, but while we have woodpeckers, blue jays, magpies, and finches on the feeder in our pear tree, alas, we have no partridges. When I’m not writing, I volunteer at my daughter’s high school with the band department. Oh, yes, and I’m married to a man who is eternally patient with all the mayhem listed above. We live in Calgary, Canada, in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies.
K: Tell us about your novella
click for an excerpt
L:All The Pleasures of the Season was written last summer, during the simmering heat of July. This is the first Christmas story, or novella for that matter, that I’ve ever written. I decided it was a perfect opportunity to give two characters from Secrets of A Proper Countess (April 2011) their own love story. Miranda Archer is Phineas’s youngest sister. She arrives in Town to make her debut, certain it will be a simple matter choosing the lord who suits her best from a pre- set list she’s drawn up. But she meets Gilbert Fielding, a penniless, title-less second son who is destined for the army, and realizes that love matters more than pedigree, acreage, or annual income.
Gilbert doesn’t dare to propose. Second sons of minor barons do not woo the granddaughters of dukes. Her grandfather would refuse his suit outright, and his own father would be horrified by his audacity. When Miranda announces her betrothal to the handsome Earl of Kelton, considered by many to be her perfect match, Gilbert decides to leave England at once and take up his army commission in Spain. But on the way out of Town, he discovers Lord Kelton has dark secrets that could destroy Miranda, and he must make a choice: stop the wedding or walk away.
Other characters from Secrets are here to add mayhem to the dilemma. Miranda’s sister Marianne thinks Kelton can do no wrong. her brother Phineas hates him because he knows Kelton is wrong for Miranda, but dares not interfere. Miranda’s grandfather simply wants to see his youngest grandchild married, without the scandals her siblings have caused him, so he can retire to a comfortable dotage at Carrington Castle.
click for an excerpt
But Christmas is the time for surprises, miracles and love…and what better place to spend Christmastide than in the snow-covered English countryside of England’s beautiful Lake District, in a fairy tale castle? But will the wedding of the season take place after all?
K: Tell us about the hero and heroine. L: Miranda is unlike her outspoken sister. She truly wants to please her family and do her duty by marrying well, but she’s in love with a completely inappropriate man, a man who doesn’t dare propose.
Gilbert is a quiet, honorable man. Even though he’s head over heels in love with Miranda, he knows he can never hope to win her. It’s easier to leave England forever than see her marry someone else, someone far more appropriate for her than he is. When he discovers Kelton’s secrets and realizes that Miranda faces a lifetime of unhappiness, he finds the courage to take the bold steps necessary to win Miranda, and become the kind of hero every woman can all fall in love with.
K: If Hollywood came knocking on your door wanting to make your novella into a movie, who would you cast as your main characters? L: I always find putting a face to my characters challenging. I found a very yummy picture of Henry Cavill, and he’s even in Regency costume. Perfect! (ah yes, Henry. He's the go-to man for quite a few authors)
And for the role of Miranda, I chose Rebecca Hall, a lovely classic English beauty.
K: What’s next for readers after All The Pleasures of The Season and The Price of Temptation? L: I’m working on two more books for Avon. The first, How To Deceive A Duke, will be out in late 2012. It’s the story of a lady who takes her sister’s place in an arranged marriage to save her family from ruin. Little does she know that her new husband’s nickname, Devil, doesn’t just describe his reputation in the bedroom. With secrets of his own, and a mystery to solve, The formidable Duke of Temberlay doesn’t appreciate deception, and when he discovers his new wife has tricked him, she has the devil to pay. Watch my website and Facebook page for excerpts, quotes, and details.
Either/Or: Alpha or Beta?Alpha, but with underlying Beta characteristics
Virgin Widow or Secret Baby?Secret Baby. Or secrets of any kind!
Wallflower of Belle of the Ball?Wallflower—so much more potential!
Spinster or Debutante? Spinster
Titled Peer or Working man? Titled peer
Swashbuckling Pirate or Naval Officer? Naval officer with a pirate’s heart (ooo...I like that)
Christmas or New Years? Christmas
Gingerbread or Fruitcake? Gingerbread! No, fruitcake! Actually, I’ve never met a holiday treat I didn’t like. When life gives you fruitcake, make fruitcake rum balls!
E-books or Bound books? Bound books, in stacks, shelf-fuls and libraries
Plotter or pantser? Plotter, but open to possibilities
Coffee or tea? Coffee (cream, no sugar)
Author's Choice. Thank you so much for coming to visit me at Romancing Rakes today. I’ll be here to answer your questions throughout the day, and I’d love to chat with you! And, because it just wouldn’t be Christmas without surprises and gifts, I’m giving away a copy of ALL THE PLEASURESOF THE SEASON (e-format only). My charming host at Romancing Rakes will choose a lucky winner, and I will send the winner their copy this evening. So tell me, for your chance to win, if you were casting your dream hero in your very own romance, who would he be?
ALL THE PLEASURES OF THE SEASON:
On the first day of Christmas:Lady Miranda Archer accepts a marriage proposal
On the first day of Christmas and 15 minutes:Miranda realizes she’s made a huge mistake.
For the next 12 days:Miranda must find a way out of her engagement, which is harder than it looks, especially when her fiancé is pompous, mean, and desperate for her family’s jewels… and convince her true love that all she wants for Christmas is him...
Well, you heard the lady! Lecia is giving away an e-book copy of her novella, All The Pleasures of the Season to one(1) lucky reader. Also, Lecia and HarperCollins are giving away a $25 Amazon.com gift card to one(1) lucky commenter from all of the stops at the blog tour.
Okay, here's how to get your hot little hands on the novella:
Leave a comment answering Lecia's question: If you were casting your dream hero in your very own romance, who would he be?
Leave your email address ninja style: yourname at gmail dot com
Fill out the rafflecopter form. You must answer Lecia's question to be entered for the novella giveaway. All other entries are optional.
Here's how to get your hot little hands on the $25 Amazon gift card:
Leave a comment for Lecia at any stop on her blog tour along with your email address:
Remember: The more you comment, the greater chance you have at winning that gift card. You also have multiple chances for winning the novella at each stop. So, away with you. Get to entering!
A huge thank you to Lecia for taking time to share her latest release here at Romancing Rakes and giving away an e-book copy of her novella. Thank you to Lecia and HarperCollins for providing the Amazon gift card. Also, thank you to Marianne at Goddess Fish Promotions for forwarding correspondence between Lecia and I.
ALL THE PLEASURES OF THE SEASON by Lecia Cornwall FORMAT: eBook via Netgalley GENRE: Historical FILE SIZE: 340KB PUBLISHER: Avon Impulse (December 20, 2011) ISBN: 9780062121417
On the first day of Christmas: Lady Miranda Archer accepts a marriage proposal.
On the first day of Christmas, fifteen minutes later: Miranda realizes she’s made a huge mistake.
For the next twelve days: Miranda must find a way out of her engagement—which is harder than it looks, especially since her fiancé is pompous, mean, and desperate for her family’s jewels—and convince her true love that all she wants for Christmas is him.
REVIEW: Oh Lady Miranda Archer, what a dilemma: marry the golden boy of the ton (the Earl of Kelton) who seems perfect for her and make her grandfather and sister happy or try to make it work with the second son of a minor baron who she's had a tendre for quite some time.
5 Things I Loved, Liked or Wanted to Slap Silly:
Lady Miranda Archer: She's made the biggest mistake of her life. At first she seemed like a total pushover, wanting to please her grandfather and her sister. Her grandfather because well, he's the Duke of Carrington and he means a lot to her. Her sister because she seems quite happy with her matchmaking skills and Miranda doesn't want to disappoint her. She's accepted the proposal of the Earl of Kelton (er, Anthony-- she keeps trying to think of him as thus but has to correct herself into using his Christian name) and upon seeing Gilbert Fielding, she realizes she might not be as happy with Kelton as with Fielding. Miranda wants to marry for love and Kelton is in no way lovable nor can she see herself falling in love with him. (liked)
Gilbert Fielding: He's been in love with Miranda since first meeting her. Being the second son of a minor baron, he feels like he's overreaching if he tries to offer for her and he's afraid of the Duke of Carrington. Sure, he's willing to head into battle (he's got a commission lined up) but face the Duke? Are you crazy?? Seeing Miranda smiling after her betrothal to Kelton, he's heartbroken but knows that he would never have a chance with her. Determined to leave the country at the earliest opportunity possible, he goes to see the Earl of Westlake (Miranda's brother-in-law) to book passage. All he wants is Miranda's happiness, with or without him. How noble, now Fielding get your act together and get your woman! (loved)
Lord Anthony Stanwood, Earl of Kelton: He's a totally shallow pompous ass who's in it for the dowry (isn't that always the case?). I wanted to slap, slap, slappity slap him. Hard. At first, I thought he would be okay but as the story progressed he began to show his true colors. Being the ton's golden boy, it's accepted that he can squander money, take mistresses and gamble like there's no tomorrow. He demands that Miranda be the perfect, silent, biddable wife and he will mold her to be one. Hello! I wanted to call him out. (slap silly)
Marianne: Oh, where do I begin? Marianne is a terrible, horrible, no good matchmaker. Even with her sister protesting that Kelton might not be all that he's made himself out to be in the eyes of the ton, Marianne keeps pushing Miranda towards him. (slap silly)
Adam and Phineas: Phineas knows that Kelton is all sorts of wrong for Miranda and tries to get Fielding to change Miranda's mind. All Fielding has to do is show up at the ball and dance with Miranda. Adam on the other hand thinks Phineas is a little paranoid. After all, Kelton does what any other man of the ton does when Phineas tries to reason with Adam. In the end, both want what's best for Miranda. (loved, liked and slap)
FAVORITE QUOTE:
"The butterflies circled her stomach again, and it was not the pleasant flutter she felt in Gilbert's company, but the swoop of birds of prey, evil omens, the nauseating sensation of anxiety and dread. She had come to associate that sensation with Kelton since her betrothal." (***quote subject to change in finished copy***)
OVERALL: Christmas is truly a time for miracles. Lecia Cornwall has woven a magical story of love, laughter, betrayal and an ending that will leave you sniffling (in a good way) and sighing. After much deliberation, a pounding from Miranda's brother Phineas, a little push from Westlake and some lapel grabbing and a talking to by Marianne sets Fielding's intentions into motion. After Miranda realizes that Kelton is shallow, conniving and a total jerkwad, I kept wondering when the poor girl would realize that either she tell her grandfather she's calling the wedding off or take matters into her own hands and propose to Fielding herself. Definitely a sweet holiday romance that you don't want to miss.
To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions… • What are you currently reading? • What did you recently finish reading? • What do you think you’ll read next?
So, here's my answers:
***click on the covers for excerpts/to learn more***
• What are you currently reading? Any Given Christmas by Candis Terry. This is the second book in her Sugar Shack series. The title is a play on Any Given Sunday. It involves an injured football player who is going back home to spend time with his crazy family for Christmas. I just started reading it.
Pride and Passion by Charlotte Featherstone. The second book in the Breathren Guardians series. Hmm, do you notice a pattern? I'm reading quite a few series. Anyway, it's got a really cool beginning. Dabbling in the dark arts. This should prove to be a fantastic read. I'm going to have to go back and read the first book in the series.
Lord of the Wolfyn by Jessica Andersen. The third book in the Royal House of Shadows series and I am now dying to get my hands on the first two. This takes the fairy tale of Little Red Riding Hood to the next level. I love a good twist on a classic.
A Love by Any Measure by Killian McRae. I'm still struggling a little with this book. In order for the girl to keep her home, she must submit to the attentions of the lord. He's not longer the boy she knew. I haven't gotten far. :(
• What did you recently finish reading?
Sweet Magik by Penny Watson. In keeping with my holiday book reading theme, this was fun, whimsical read but peppered with danger, dark magic and one angry elf. Hilarious! This is the second book in the Klaus Brothers series. Yes, Santa has five sons who help the family business. Oskar Klaus, the youngest and a totally punk snowboarder has been coasting through life flirting with the snow bunnies. Enter Kiana Grant, dressed down librarian complete with the glasses. Read my review.
If You Give A Girl A Viscount by Kieran Kramer.A fun, laugh out loud conclusion to the Impossible Bachelors series. It's got all the Cinderella elements with a twist. Prince Charming is a viscount, Cinderella is a Highland lass, the stepfamily come from Cheapside, there's a shoemaker named Mr. Glass. If you've got a quirky sense of humor, this book is for you. Read my review.
The Price of Temptation by Lecia Cornwall. This was another fantastic read. Adultery, danger, spies, betrayal, treason and of course, sultry kisses and hot loving. The wife of a traitor to the crown is being watched day and night in hopes of finding the whereabouts of the traitorous husband. There's a coveted flag supposedly a lucky charm of sorts and a dashing hero who must clear his name of treason.
Forever Mine by Delilah Marvelle. A prequel to Marvelle's new Rumor series. Leaves more questions than answers but has me wanting the first book in the series. Badly.
Lady Northam's Wicked Surrender by Vivienne Westlake. A short, sexy, steamy novella. Lost love, second chances, betrayal and a hero with quite the touch.
Desired by Nicola Cornick. I've read the first 3 books in her Scandalous Women of the Ton series and thoroughly enjoyed it. In this book we revisit Owen Purchase, now a viscount. I love the way the story starts, in a brothel! But not what you're thinking. Tess Darent is hiding in a brothel and she's got some very important papers. Purchase is in pursuit of her.
• What do you think you’ll read next?
Marshal of Hel Dorado by Heather Long. This was a review request and the premise looks promising. Badlands, outlaws, a robbery gone wrong, a fiery redheaded heroine, a gun slinging hero in a ten gallon hat. Oh yeah. Maybe I'll dub this guy Captain Tightpants 2.0.
My Ruthless Prince by Gaelen Foley. The fourth in the Inferno Club series. The nobleman and the gamekeepers daughter. Danger, revenge, hatred, conspiracy, betrayal, desire, passion. What more could a girl ask for in a romance book?
Deliver Me From Darkness by Tes Hilaire. Grabbed this off of Netgalley because the cover was abtastic. (Judge me all you want).
The Lord of Illusionby Kathryne Kennedy. I've the first book in this series and thoroughly enjoyed it. This is the third book in the Elven Lords series. Kennedy has a way of taking magic and combining it with the real wold of London society.
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own WWW Wednesdays post, or share your answers in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks!
To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions… • What are you currently reading? • What did you recently finish reading? • What do you think you’ll read next?
So, here's my answers:
*Click on the covers to read excerpts/learn more.*
• What are you currently reading?
The Price of Temptation by Lecia Cornwall. I just started it and it looks promising. Evelyn Renshaw's husband just up and disappeared after being accused of treason, leaving her behind to take the brunt of whispers and scandal. A handsome ragged soldier comes to her rescue after being attacked in Hyde Park during an early morning ride. Will she ever see him again?
Sweet Magik by Penny Watson. This is the second book in the Klaus Brothers series. Yes, Santa has five sons that help run the family business and this one is about Oskar Klaus. He's lost interest in his job and not even his favorite thing, snowboarding, can keep him interested. He's long overdue for a well deserved vacation.
A Love By Any Measure by Killian McRae. An English lord in love with an Irish girl, can love overcome social boundaries?
• What did you recently finish reading?
A Winter Scandal by Candace Camp. A sweet story for the holidays. A baby found in a manger, a woman bent on making the father claim and take care of the baby and the said father in denial although the child has a striking resemblance.
Avenger's Angel by Heather Killough-Walden. A new take on the archangel myth, four archangels looking for their soulmates and forces on both sides trying to stop them. It was a Netgalley grab and I was totally surprised by how much I liked it. Read my review.
Once Upon A Winter's Eve by Tessa Dare. A novella of the Spindle Cove series. It's a story of The Disappointment, second chances and a pistol packing heroine. No sheep involved this time.
Her Christmas Pleasure by Karen Erickson. What?! Another holiday book you say? Of course! I love this time of year and Karen doesn't disappoint with a sizzling sweet story that's as heady as mulled wine and a stolen kiss under the mistletoe.
• What do you think you’ll read next?
Any Given Christmas by Candis Terry. This is the second book in the Sugar Shack series. An injured NFL quarterback goes back to his hometown for Christmas. He's determined to get back in the game but his time in Deer Lick, Montana pairs him together with a kindergarten teacher. Is there more to life than the game?
Forever Mine by Delilah Marvelle. Squee! Delilah has given me a sneak peek into the novella, hitting your favorite e-book store in December. It's sexy but set in New York City, 1800. A hop and a skip from across the pond where her books have been set.
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own WWW Wednesdays post, or share your answers in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks!
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Here's my teaser(click on cover to read an excerpt):
"They both knew that a disgraced and fortuneless army captain would never be allowed within the hallowed confines of Almack's. He simply wasn't suitable marriage material for the virginal and welldowered daughters of earls and dukes, despite the fact that his ancestry was every bit as pedigreed as theirs." ~8% of 100, The Price of Temptation by Lecia Cornwall
(***quote subject to change in finished copy***)
ABOUT THE BOOK: Lady Evelyn Renshaw is married to England's most notorious traitor... Or is she?
No one has seen Lord Philip alive for months. The Crown wants to hang him. The ton wants to know if Evelyn is as guilty as her husband, and Philip's enemies expect Evelyn to pay the price for her husband's sins.
Captain Sinjon Rutherford has troubles of his own. He needs a place to hide while he proves himself innocent of some very nasty charges. The Crown offers assistance, but only if Sinjon helps them uncover the truth about Evelyn's part in her husband's treason. He's planted as a spy in her household, disguised as a servant. But Sinjon is no footman...and he doesn't have time to fall in love with the enigmatic Evelyn, but the lady needs a strong protector, and a lover.
And it seems the lady has some dark secrets of her own, secrets that can get them both killed... (source)
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesday post, or share your answers in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks!
