ROMANCING THE COUNTESS by Ashley March FORMAT: Paperback MASS MARKET PAPERBACK: 320 pages PUBLISHER: Signet (September 6,2011)
Sebastian Madinger, the Earl of Wriothesly, thought he'd married the perfect woman-until a fatal accident revealed her betrayal with his best friend. After their deaths, Sebastian is determined to avoid a scandal for the sake of his son. But his best friend's widow is just as determined to cast her mourning veil aside by hosting a party that will surely destroy both their reputations and expose all of his carefully kept secrets... Leah George has carried the painful knowledge of her husband's affair for almost a year. All she wants now is to enjoy her independence and make a new life for herself-even if that means being ostracized by the Society whose rules she was raised to obey. Now that the rumors are flying, there's only one thing left for Sebastian to do: silence the scandal by enticing the improper widow into becoming a proper wife. But when it comes to matters of the heart, neither Sebastian nor Leah is prepared for the passion they discover in each other's arms....(source)
REVIEW: So, the power went out while I was reading this book and I finished it by candlelight. Yes, it was that AMAZING! There's just so much I want to say about this book but don't want to give spoilers. Gah! Can I also say that I squeed (in my local B&N) when I saw that Ashley had name checked me in the acknowledgements? Eep! (I have this thing about reading acknowledgements in books. lol)
Top 5 Reasons That Attracted Me to This Book:
The cover is gorgeous! Hello, my name is Kati. I am a cover whore.
A devoted husband, a faithful wife and their spouses as lovers? Whoa!
It's written by Ashley March. Uh, duh! I'd read anything by this woman.
A hero named Sebastian. Don't ask.
The devoted husband and faithful wife of said lovers fall in love with each other? Intriguing.
Sebastian Madinger is devoted to his wife and is ignorant to the fact that his best friend and wife are lovers. He sees her as a doting mother, a devoted wife and the paragon of virtue.
Leah George has been living with the secret of her husband and Sebastian's wife as lovers, for a year. She has withdrawn into herself, allowing Ian to still make love to her (as a way to repent for his infidelity) and plasters on a smile while in polite company to hide the breakdown of their marriage.
Ian (Sebastian's best friend and Leah's husband) and Angela (Sebastian's wife) die in a carriage accident as they're running away together. This is a shock to Sebastian and a relief of sorts to Leah. Both end up dealing with the deaths differently. Leah decides to host a house party only four months into the mourning period in which she invites acquaintances of Ian (who don't know him that well). Scandalous! But it's in Ian's honor, of course. Well, Sebastian doesn't approve of that and thinks that people will find out that their spouses were lovers, and this would affect his son Henry. He also begins to questions Henry's legitimacy due to the fact Ian and Angela had been carrying on an affair for nearly two years.
The attraction grows between Leah and Sebastian during the house party but both are unwilling to completely own up to their feelings. Of course, Leah's in laws hear about this, turn her out and she must go back to living with her family. Her mother (always finding fault with Leah) pushes her to marry soon or leave. Leah chooses to leave and find work.
Cue in the dashing Sebastian to the rescue. He's pretty much desired Leah since the house party and well, she's down and out. Leah refuses to give up her independence and Sebastian makes a deal with her. They'd be married in name only (good luck with a lifetime of celibacy and fidelity). Fat lot of good this will do. You know they're going to eventually own up to their attraction to each other and *whisper* do it.
FAVORITE QUOTE: "Oh? And what was I to say? I beg your pardon Lord Wriothesly, but your wife seems to have acquired a distinct liking for my husband's cock. Would you mind kindly retrieving her to your own bed?"
OVERALL: Oh that Ashley March. From the first chapter until the last, I fell in love with not only the story but with Sebastian and Leah. Okay, mostly with Sebastian but can you blame me? "But I can promise you that I will continue to desire you, to imagine making love to you, no matter what you decide." Hel-lo! Before picking up this book I thought-- how can two people, whose spouses were lovers, end up falling in love with each other? Ms. March answers that question beautifully. I laughed, I loved and I like the fact that Henry, Sebastian and Angela's son, was not used as a filler, but incorporated into the story to help Sebastian and Leah's relationship along. And Ms. March, this is your sexiest book yet. I found myself sighing quite a bit. Well done, Ms. March, well done.
***I bought a copy of the book on the release day from my local Barnes and Noble.*** Note: Ashley March name checking me in her acknowledgements in no way swayed me to give her a gushing review. This book is just amazing on its own merits.
Ok, so I might be a little stalkerish when it comes to Ashley March. I had her on the blog not too long ago and she's back again. For those of you a little tardy for the party: Welcome to Ashley's EPIC Blog Tour. She's so sweet, awesome and fabu. So without further ado, please give another big Texas "HOWDY" to my fellow Texan (she lives in Colorado now):
HOWDY ASHLEY!!!!
Meet Ashley:
I was born and raised in East Texas, moved to Colorado after getting married eight years ago, and have been craving snow-free winters ever since. I have a husband who just keeps getting better and better over time and two beautiful daughters. I write contemporary and historical romances, I have two amazing critique partners, an awesome publisher (NAL), an absolutely fantastic agent (Sara Megibow of the Nelson Literary Agency) and, as can be seen above, a slight problem with using too many adjectives.
K: Who is Ashley March? Author? Athlete? Mother? Super secret agent? Code breaker?
A:Ah, I see you expect me to give up all my secrets with my first answer. Nice try. ;) Let’s see…Ashley March is a romance author, of course, although I do have ideas for a few books outside of the romance genre. Still, romance will always be my first love. Ashley March is a mother to two young daughters…soon to be 27 months and 10 months. Ashley March is a wannabe marathon runner. As in, I keep planning on running a marathon and never actually get around to, you know, the running part. That’s probably important. But beyond any role I have, I’d like to think that I’m friendly and nice and compassionate. My husband probably uses different descriptors when I’m on deadline. ;) (I have a feeling Ashley March might secretly be an international woman of mystery. Don't burst my bubble if she's really not. I like to think authors lead secret glamorous lives...)
K: Could you give us a little blurb about ROMANCING THE COUNTESS?
A:Yes! And I’ll even give you a blurb with a little personal Ashley March touch, just becauseyou’re special. ;) Woot!
ROMANCING THE COUNTESS is about two people falling in love who were never meant to be together. It’s about an earl and his best friend’s wife coming together after their spouses—who were having an affair—die in a carriage accident. It’s about forgiveness and healing and discovery. It’s about finding happiness and embracing love again, when those two might seem like the hardest things to do. (Which I am totally DYING to read after the teasers on your site months ago.)
A:It originally came to me when I was working a part-time job and trying to avoid boredom. I thought it would be fun to write a dark comedy where a widow and widower of two cheating spouses would try to show each other up in acting like they really were properly grieving. Thank goodness the idea evolved since then. (I love it!)
K: Did you listen to music as you wrote this book? If so, could you give us a sampling of some songs?
A: You know, I actually tend to stick to the same singers/bands when I’m in the creative mood. I never listen to music as I write—I have to have complete silence—but when I’m thinking about my books and seeking inspiration, I tend to listen to music that’s inclined toward storytelling, such as the music of Sara Bareilles, The Foo Fighters, Taylor Swift, Michael Buble, etc. There are others, but these are my go-to musicians, especially Sara Bareilles. I love her! (Ah, T.Swift. An author after my own heart. And MB. *sigh*)
K: If you could trade places with any of your characters a la Lost in Austen style, who would it be and why?
A: Oh, I haven’t written her yet. ;) So remember this question for a future interview if we get to do another one, and then I can tell you about her. (Will do. Perhaps next book release?)
But so I can answer this question now, I think I would trade places with Charlotte, the Duchess of Rutherford, from my debut titled SEDUCING THE DUCHESS. Her character is very different from my personality, and I’d love a chance to see life from her perspective for a little bit. And also to have Philip. YUM.
K: Can you tell us a bit about your anthology with Tiffany James and Bernadette Marie? How about the one with Jenn LeBlanc and Summer Mahan?
A: SWEET TALK ME is a contemporary anthology I’m writing with Tiffany and Bernadette that should be coming out later this year. The novella for this anthology will be the first contemporary work I’ve ever written, so I’m very excited to see how readers will respond to my contemporary voice. The theme for each of our novellas is that our heroines each work in an occupation related to food—and actually, specifically with desserts, hence the title. My novella in the anthology, titled ‘Forbidden Desserts’, is about a former ballerina turned pastry chef and the engaged owner of the restaurant who doesn’t want to face his attraction to her. (Interesting. Totally love the RTCs for this. I'll have to try out those recipes.)
A DUKE OF MY OWN is a historical anthology I’m writing with Jenn LeBlanc and Summer Mahan that’s supposed to come out early 2012. And that’s all I have for now. More details later! (Can't wait! Perhaps illustrated?)
K: What can we expect next from the fabulous Ashley March?
A: Today (September 6th) I’ve started a fun new reader-interactive experiment where readers get to help me write a novella on my website at www.ashleymarch.com! Over the next 10 weeks, readers will vote on how the chapter for the next week develops, and will get to read the chapter based upon their vote after I write it. At the end of the experiment (which hopefully readers will find as much fun as I believe it will be!), I plan to edit the novella and self-publish it. The idea behind this is a preface to a new project of mine I plan to start in 2012 called Romance with Heart.
(And thank you for the adjective “fabulous” in front of “Ashley March” above. That helps my ego tremendously when my day has mostly consisted of changing diapers. ;) ) (But you ARE fabulous! And a wonder woman taking care of March Toddler and March Baby.)
They say that you can tell a lot about a person with the answers they choose. So right now, we're going to have a little fun with Ashley.
Either/Or:
1. Alpha or Beta? Ahh, seriously, I have to choose? *hyperventilates* Okay…alpha! (How about a compromise? An alpha with a beta coating?)
2. Spinster or debutante? Spinster. Although I’d love to write about a cutthroat debutante some day.
3. Wallflower or Belle of the Ball?Wallflower, especially if Lisa Kleypas is writing the story.
4. Virgin Widow or Secret Baby? Virgin widow. Lying about babies is not cool. (Besides, I wouldn’t want to keep the baby a secret. I’d want help!)
5. Men in Trews or Men in Kilts? Ha! I’d skip the trews AND the kilts and go for an Irishman. ;) (How about naked men? lol)
6. Vampires or Werewolves? Vampires. Although more Interview with the Vampire style than Twilight-esque. (yeah, those Twilight-esque vamps creep me out especially that Edward Cullen)
7. Dessert Now or Later? Now! There’s never a good reason to put off Blue Bell ice cream…unless *ahem* you’re part of the Romance Biggest Winner competition and trying to lose weight… (Blue Bell rain check?)
8. Writing or Reading? Eesh. I need both! Nope, sorry, can’t make a choice on this one However, I will say I wish I had more time for reading right now—the only time I get to read is right before I go to bed in the wee hours of the morn (see, I can speak Scottish) and I have to sacrifice some of my sleep to do so. And I love sleep. It’s so rare, and it’s my preciousss.
9. Paperback or E-Book? E-book. *clutches Kindle to chest and pets lovingly* (lol)
10. Plotter or Pantser? I have come to the point in my writing career where I have accepted that I am part of the pantsers club. And I’m proud of it, by Clive!
11. Richard Armitage or Henry Cavill? Have you SEEN North and South? Richard Armitage. Although I would of course choose Clive Owen if he was a third choice. (Oh my Clive! How could I have forgotten? *face palm*)
12. Texas or Colorado? Let’s compromise and go with Georgia—mountains and the beach. (I like it. Or how about California? There's beach, inland, mountain AND desert.)
13. Past, present or future? (sneaky) Um (not able to figure out the trick question; blaming it on the baby and the toddler for sleep deprivation)…the future? When I win the lottery and can afford a maid? Yes, I like that answer.
K: Authors Choice:Ask any question for the readers to answer. (I'm going to give away a copy of your book (e-book or paperback copy-winner's choice)
A: Oh, you are?!? How sweet!
Question for readers, one that is purely self-serving: Do you primarily stick to one romance sub-genre, or are you happy to switch back and forth if you love the author (say, historicals and contemporaries)?
Thank you Ashley for stopping by my blog. Again.
Ok peeps, Ashley has asked a question. Go ahead and leave a comment. OH! And don't forget: Ashley and Shana Galen (LORD AND LADY SPY) will be on Romance Lately tonight so tune in for some fun excerpts and lots of giggles.
What I'm giving away
To one (1) lucky winner, I'll be giving away (personally) a copy of Ashley's latest release, ROMANCING THE COUNTESS, with some related swag (unless you choose the e-book option). Just fill out that awesome rafflecopter thingy below. International giveaway. You must answer Ashley's question. If you win (and you live outside the US) and would like an e-book copy of Ashley's book without the swag, please make sure it is available for download in your country. Restrictions apply. Giveaway ends 9/12 or if you want to get technical for the rafflecopter's sake, 9/13 at 12:01AM.
Ashley March is funny, witty and fabulous! I first heard of Ashley right before her First Annual March Madness Blog Party. To my surprise (after stalking her website) I had actually read her first book SEDUCING THE DUCHESS and didn't know it was her (sorry Ashley!). On September 6th, she'll be releasing her second book: ROMANCING THE COUNTESS. So without further ado, please give a great big Texas "HOWDY" to my fellow Texan (she lives in Colorado now):
HOWDY ASHLEY!!!!
Meet Ashley:
I was born and raised in East Texas, moved to Colorado after getting married eight years ago, and have been craving snow-free winters ever since. I have a husband who just keeps getting better and better over time and two beautiful daughters. I write contemporary and historical romances, I have two amazing critique partners, an awesome publisher (NAL), an absolutely fantastic agent (Sara Megibow of the Nelson Literary Agency) and, as can be seen above, a slight problem with using too many adjectives.
The Oxford online dictionary's definitions of the word romance are: "a feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love”; “love, especially when sentimental or idealized”; “an exciting, enjoyable love affair, especially one that is serious or not long-lasting." Each of these definitions above seems to imply that romance is something temporary, a passion that may fade over time.
In contrast, the definition of love is: "an intense feeling of deep affection." I see this as meaning that love is something far more permanent and abiding than romance. While we as readers understand that romance novels involve happily-ever-afters and that our heroes and heroines do not experience a romance that is temporary or superficial, I point out these differences in the definitions of romance and love to help explain the relationship of my hero and heroine in my upcoming Victorian historical romance, Romancing the Countess.
The book itself isn't your typical romance. Sebastian and Leah, my hero and heroine, come together only because their spouses--who were having an affair--die in a carriage accident. Obviously this isn't going to be a laugh-out-loud kind of book. Both characters have to deal with their anger and grief as they try to move forward with their lives. They only interact when Leah's method of moving forward with her life conflicts with Sebastian's attempt to keep their spouses' affair a secret.
It's also not typical because both Leah and Sebastian loved their spouses. Often in romance novels we read about characters who may have had previous partners, but it always turns out that those partners were villainous or not worthy of their love. This isn't the case for either Leah or Sebastian. Leah loved her husband. Sebastian loved his wife. Though they learned of the affair at different times and in different ways, both were shocked to know that the person they loved betrayed them. To Sebastian it is a double blow, because Leah's husband was his best friend.
Knowing that both characters loved their spouses and yes, that their spouses at one time loved them in return, the question becomes: How do we know the love between Leah and Sebastian will last? What makes their love story different?
The answer? If we look again at the definitions of romance and love at the beginning of this post, it becomes obvious that the relationship with their previous spouses was more of a romance. Though they loved them and were loved in return, it wasn't something deep and abiding between them, rooted in their souls. Each of their love stories began with a physical attraction, as opposed to the relationship between Leah and Sebastian, where neither found the other sexually attractive at the beginning. How could they? They were angry or grieving over the deaths of their spouses.
In Romancing the Countess, the love between Leah and Sebastian grows gradually as they get to know one another, as they see each other in the context of the secret of their spouses' affair. The mutual enjoyment of each other's company followed by physical attraction, then the deeper understanding of each other's fears and vulnerabilities, and finally the healing of their hearts--this is the way Leah and Sebastian fall in love. This is how I know that their love is something that will not fade, not to be dismissed or wished away if they find someone else attractive
The fact that they choose to love each other despite that they've both been betrayed in the past, despite the memories that knowing one another might bring each time they're together--this is how I know that their love is not something that "happened" to them and that they may easily stop feeling in the future.
I wrote Romancing the Countess to show that beauty and hope can come from betrayal and despair. Leah and Sebastian's love story moves me. It inspires me and makes me believe in love all over again, and I hope that if you get a chance to read it after Romancing the Countess releases on September 6th, you'll let me know if it does the same for you.
I'd love to hear what you think! How you would explain the difference between romance and love?
One random commenter will be chosen to win a copy of my newest book,ROMANCING THE COUNTESS , and will get a chance to send a copy of my debut, SEDUCING THE DUCHESS, to a friend (open internationally)! Also, find out how to win the ROMANCING THE COUNTESS Book Tour Grand Prize of 50+ romance novels by visiting www.ashleymarch.com!
Romancing the Countess:
Genre:Historical Romance Mass Market Paperback:320 pages Publisher:Signet (September 6, 2011) ISBN:9780451234513 Sebastian Madinger, the Earl of Wriothesly, thought he'd married the perfect woman-until a fatal accident revealed her betrayal with his best friend. After their deaths, Sebastian is determined to avoid a scandal for the sake of his son. But his best friend's widow is just as determined to cast her mourning veil aside by hosting a party that will surely destroy both their reputations and expose all of his carefully kept secrets... Leah George has carried the painful knowledge of her husband's affair for almost a year. All she wants now is to enjoy her independence and make a new life for herself-even if that means being ostracized by the Society whose rules she was raised to obey. Now that the rumors are flying, there's only one thing left for Sebastian to do: silence the scandal by enticing the improper widow into becoming a proper wife. But when it comes to matters of the heart, neither Sebastian nor Leah is prepared for the passion they discover in each other's arms....
Thanks Ashley for stopping by and sharing a bit about your latest release!
Don't forget to leave an answer to Ashley's question. Leave her some love too while you're at it. When leaving a comment with your email address, do it ninja style: yourname (at) gmail (dot) com. Also, fill out that rafflecopter thingy at the bottom for extra entries. Commenting/answering Ashley's question is a must.
A HUGE thanks to Ashley for letting me participate in her blog tour and providing the giveaway copy of ROMANCING THE COUNTESS and SEDUCING THE DUCHESS. Giveaway is international. Yipee! Again, don't forget to leave a comment for Ashley and your email address, ninja style.
