Blog Tour: Guest Post + Giveaway with Shana Galen

Did y'all enjoy the excerpt from THE ROGUE PIRATE'S BRIDE? I know I did! I've been a fan of Shana's since reading LORD AND LADY HOTNESS SPY and ended up reading the Sons of the Revolution series to pass the time until the stunning conclusion was released. I even managed to find a copy of Blackthorne's Bride (which was nominated for a RITA®) and Good Groom Hunting to feed my need for action, adventure, romance, handsome rogues, independent ladies and a hint of danger. At least until the next book. Today, Shana is sharing her characters with us and who would play the leading lady and leading man if Hollywood ever came knocking on her door.

HOWDY SHANA!!!!

Meet Shana:

Shana Galen is the author of numerous fast-paced adventurous Regency historical romances, including the Rita-nominated Blackthorne's Bride. Her books have been sold worldwide, including Japan, Brazil, Russia, Spain, Turkey, and the Netherlands, and have been featured in the Rhapsody and Doubleday Book Clubs. A former English teacher in Houston’s inner city, Shana now writes full time. She’s a wife, a mother, and an expert multi-tasker. She loves to hear from readers: visit her website at www.shanagalen.com or see what she’s up to daily on Facebook and Twitter.

The Rogue Pirate’s Bride Casting Couch

Hello, Romancing Rakes! It’s great to be back. I had so much fun visiting at the December Joyathon. Thank you, Kati, for having me back! (Welcome back!)

The wonderful thing about being a writer is you get paid for creating characters. Often characters come to me fully formed. It’s clear to me, before I even write their first word, what they look like, sound like, dress like, and more. But occasionally, a writer likes a little bit of, shall we say, inspiration?

In my new historical romance, The Rogue Pirate's Bride, Bastien, the hero is a twin. I’d already written his brother Armand’s story, so I knew Bastien had dark hair and cobalt blue eyes. He’s also a pirate, so he has a sort of rugged, roguish look about him. If the book were made into a movie (and I’m totally open to that, by the way!), I’d love for Henry Cavill to play Bastien. I think he has that charmingly debauched look about him. Don’t you agree?

Raeven, as her name implies, has dark hair and green eyes. There are so many beautiful raven-haired actresses, but if I had my choice, I’d want Ewa da Cruz to play her. Ewa da Cruz is actually the model on the cover of my novel Lord and Lady Spy, but I never pictured Sophia looking like that. To me, her hair was lighter, her skin paler. But Ms. da Cruz would be perfect for Raeven.

Another major character in the book is Percy, Raeven’s friend and shipmate. Percy is blond and pale, and Raeven is always getting him into trouble. I picture William Moseley in Percy’s role. He played Peter in the Chronicles of Narnia movies. He’s got a sweetness and innocence with an inner core of strength that would be perfect for Percy.

Mr. Maine is Bastien’s quartermaster. He has a shock of red hair and freckles. He’s very English in appearance. I’d cast Zack Ward in this role. He’s been in lots of movies and TV shows, but he’s probably best known for playing Scut Farcus in A Christmas Story. But he has definitely grown up!

Finally, I’d cast Raeven’s father, Admiral Russell. He’s a large man with a red nose and salt and pepper hair. He’s got a lot of authority, so I’d need a commanding actor. I’d pick Jim Carter. He plays Mr. Carson on Masterpiece Theater’s Downton Abbey.

Who are some of your favorite actors and actresses? If you’ve read The Rogue Pirate’s Bride, how do my choices stack up when compared to yours? I’ll be checking in all day to read your comments. I’m also pleased to offer copies of The Rogue Pirate’s Bride to two readers who comment (U.S. and Canadian residents only).

THE ROGUE PIRATE'S BRIDE:

Revenge should be sweet, but it may cost him everything...
The Marquis de Valère escaped certain death in the French Revolution and is now an infamous privateer. Out to avenge the death of his mentor, Bastien discovers himself astonishingly out of his depth when confronted with a beautiful, daring young woman who is out for his blood...

Forgiveness is unthinkable, but it may be her only hope...
British Admiral's daughter Raeven Russell believes Bastien responsible for her fiancé's death. But once the fiery beauty crosses swords with Bastien, she's not so sure she really wants him to change his wicked ways...

Where To Buy: Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Nook | Book Depository
Book Extras: Read an Excerpt | Book Page | My Review

You heard the lady. Shana is giving away two(2) copies of The Rogue Pirate's Bride to two(2) lucky readers (US and CANADA ONLY). Here's how to get your hands on this swashbuckling adventure:

• Leave a comment for Shana answering her question: Who are some of your favorite actors and actresses? If you’ve read The Rogue Pirate's Bride, how do my choices stack up when compared to yours?
• Fill out the rafflecopter form. YOU MUST LEAVE A COMMENT to be entered for the giveaway. All other entries are optional. Shana holds a weekly giveaway on her Facebook page so you might want to follow her there.

A huge thank you to Shana for hanging out on the blog and giving away 2 copies of The Rogue Pirate's Bride.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Excerpt: The Rogue Pirate's Bride by Shana Galen

Just look at the GORGEOUS cover for Shana Galen's THE ROGUE PIRATES BRIDE and you'll want to pick it up. If the cover doesn't convince you, perhaps the blurb at the back will or maybe my gushing review will make you curious enough to give this book a go. If you loved the first two books of Ms. Galen's Sons of the Revolution series, you'll definitely love this one. Action, adventure, swashbuckling pirates, sword fights and a heroine who knows how to pick locks. Are you hearing the Pirates of the Caribbean theme song yet?

Revenge should be sweet, but it may cost him everything...
The Marquis de Valère escaped certain death in the French Revolution and is now an infamous privateer. Out to avenge the death of his mentor, Bastien discovers himself astonishingly out of his depth when confronted with a beautiful, daring young woman who is out for his blood...

Forgiveness is unthinkable, but it may be her only hope...
British Admiral's daughter Raeven Russell believes Bastien responsible for her fiancé's death. But once the fiery beauty crosses swords with Bastien, she's not so sure she really wants him to change his wicked ways...

Today, Shana has been kind enough to share an excerpt from her latest release. It's actually one of my favorite scenes in the book. Besides The Sexy. :)

“If you’re going to do this, it’s personal. Make it personal. Use your dagger.”

She had the dagger strapped to her thigh under the thin dress, and she knew it would feel even more familiar in her hand than the sword. She looked at his neck, could almost see the pulse beating steadily there. With one flick of her dagger, she could end that pulse, that life—just as Cutlass had ended Timothy’s life.

She reached for the dagger, aware he watched as she lifted her skirt and unsheathed it.

“If I’m going to die, at least my last view was pleasant,” he drawled.

If he was trying to enrage her, it worked. She clutched the dagger tightly and looked down at him. He didn’t blink, didn’t flinch as she raised it. She could see her hand waver, see the dagger shake, but she gripped it tighter. She could throw it now. He’d seen her skill and aim. He must have known he was in danger, and yet he didn’t move. Didn’t try to block her.

She moved closer, rested one knee on the edge of the berth. Through the thin material of the gown, she could feel his heat, feel his comfortable warmth against her cold leg. Gaze never leaving his, she bent and pressed the dagger to his throat. She thought perhaps his pulse jumped, but she couldn’t be certain. She waited, dagger ready, hand still shaking but steady enough to do what needed to be done.

And then he turned his head slightly—toward the dagger. He didn’t dislodge it, didn’t move his hands from where they rested behind his neck, but he turned into the blade. Raeven frowned, certain the sharp tip must cause his some discomfort. He glanced up at her, and she could feel his breath on her wrist. And then very slowly, he pressed his lips against her skin.

She gasped, shocked at the feel of his mouth on her and even more at his audacity. She was about to kill him, and he was kissing her.

“What are you doing?”

He nuzzled her wrist with his cheek, and she could feel the prickly stubble on her sensitive skin. A shiver ran up her back, but she battened it down before it could spread farther. She gripped the dagger tighter, tried to muster the effort to dig the blade into his flesh, but it was difficult to think when his warm breath tickled her. It was difficult to think when he touched the tip of his tongue to her pulse—once, twice, no, three times.

“Stop it,” she whispered.

“Make me.” He lifted his head slightly and kissed the skin above her wrist. She inadvertently pulled the dagger back slightly, not wanting to stab him.

Not wanting to stab him! What was she doing! She was supposed to stab him!

“If you’re trying to save yourself, it won’t work.”

“I’m not trying to save myself,” he murmured, soft lips pressing against her skin, warm breath tickling her. “I haven’t moved my hands. Go ahead and do it. But I deserve one last moment of pleasure.”

He slipped back, moved his lips away from her wrist, and she let out a pent up breath, only to draw it in again as he drew her last and smallest finger into his mouth.

“Stop.” But her words were a whisper. The feel of that moist mouth on her finger, the gentle suction as he drew her inside, the rasp of his soft tongue on her skin…she couldn’t think. She didn’t want to think. Didn’t want him to stop.

He released her finger, looked up at her, his eyes smoky and full of sultry promises. “Kiss me, ma belle.”

“You’re trying to trick me.” Her voice wavered, shook.

He feigned innocence. At least she thought it was feigned. “Have I moved my hands? Have I dislodged your weapon? Kiss me or kill me. It’s your decision.”

She was unable to move. His body seemed to burn her wherever they touched. She was too warm. She could feel a trickle of perspiration roll down her back, could feel another meander between her breasts.

“Or perhaps kiss me then kill me,” he suggested. “There’s time for both.”

If this excerpt doesn't entice to read the book, I don't know what will. Perhaps another excerpt on Shana's website? Not as sexy as this one though. Click on the covers below to read excerpts from the other two Sons of the Revolution books. Also, be on the lookout later next week for a fun post and giveaway from Shana. 


Meet Shana:

Shana Galen is the author of numerous fast-paced adventurous Regency historical romances, including the Rita-nominated Blackthorne's Bride. Her books have been sold worldwide, including Japan, Brazil, Russia, Spain, Turkey, and the Netherlands, and have been featured in the Rhapsody and Doubleday Book Clubs. A former English teacher in Houston’s inner city, Shana now writes full time. She’s a wife, a mother, and an expert multi-tasker. She loves to hear from readers: visit her website at www.shanagalen.com or see what she’s up to daily on Facebook and Twitter.

Looking To Add Shana's Books to Your Kindle or Shelf?

eARC Review: The Rogue Pirate's Bride by Shana Galen

THE ROGUE PIRATE'S BRIDE by Shana Galen
FORMAT: eBook via Netgalley
GENRE: Historical
MASS MARKET PAPERBACK: 384 pages
PUBLISHER: Sourcebooks (February 7,2012)
ISBN: 9781402265557

Revenge should be sweet, but it may cost him everything...

The Marquis de Valère escaped certain death in the French Revolution and is now an infamous privateer. Out to avenge the death of his mentor, Bastien discovers himself astonishingly out of his depth when confronted with a beautiful, daring young woman who has landed herself in a mess of trouble...

Forgiveness is unthinkable, but it may be her only hope...
British Admiral's daughter Raeven Russell believes Bastien responsible for her fiancé's death. But then the fiery beauty crosses swords directly with Bastien, and now she's not so sure she really wants him to change his wicked ways...

With her father and a set of ruthless killers hot on their trail, amidst swashbuckling adventure and constant danger, suddenly Bastien and Raeven's steamy entanglement seems to be the only thing they care about. (source)

Where To Find Shana:  Author Site | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Blogger
Where To Buy: Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Nook | Book Depository
Book Extras: Read an Excerpt | Book Page

Go and Buy it NOW!!!

Other Books in Series (click on covers for excerpts):

REVIEW:

Danger, intrigue, betrayal, revenge, swashbuckling action and an unconventional love story between a pirate (okayyy, privateer if you want to get technical) and the daughter of a British admiral set against a Bruckheimer-esque background. You can almost hear faint strains of The Pirates of the Caribbean theme interspersed with the clangs of swordplay as the action and adventure escalates on the high seas. Shana Galen's got this formula down to a science.

There's nothing sexier than a man in shiny black boots, tight breeches, an open shirt exposing the hard planes of his chest, wielding a cutlass and grinning sexily as he parries the thrust of your sword, all the while glaring at him with hatred and revenge in your eyes. Oh, yes. That's the way Captain Cutlass meets Raeven Russell, the one woman who Fate has placed in his path to bring him to his knees and then some.

Captain Cutlass has been on the high seas pirating since the tender age of eleven after his family's chateau was burned down during the peasant uprising in France. He thinks his family is dead and the one man who he considered a father figure was killed by another pirate. Bent on revenge, Cutlass is chasing Jourdain all over the map. He won't rest until Jourdain is dead and this might be chaffing his crew a little. Their days of privateering and gaining profit has dwindled since Cutlass's need for revenge. 

Raeven Russell's former fiance was killed during a skirmish with Captain Cutlass's crew. She blames him for Timothy's death. With her trusted friend Percy, Tim's best friend, in tow, she goes looking for Cutlass. Finding him in a tavern, she challenges him to a sword fight. I was waiting for her to Princess Bride it: "Hello. My name is Raeven Rusell. You killed my fiance, prepare to die." *giggle* Sadly, it was not meant to be probably due to copyright law and such. Of course, Cutlass has to be gorgeous, darn him! And cue in the crescendo of the fighting  music. 

Cutlass is surprised to find the "boy" fighting him turns out to be a girl outfitted in curve hugging breeches and breast hiding shirt. He makes her his cabin girl, planning on teaching her a lesson. Well, Raeven, having grown up on a ship and working alongside men, knows a thing or two about picking locks. She gets away and while doing so, notices all the crates with ammunition getting loaded on the ship. Returning to her father, who has a few choice words for her and Percy, she begs him to go after Cutlass. He was selling weapons to the Spanish and French who could be stockpiling for war. Her father brushes it off since it's not part of his orders.

Six months later, Raeven can't forget the kiss she shared with the insufferable Captain Cutlass and the feelings it evokes in her. She sees Cutlass again, only this time, she's wearing a dress. Some of Jourdain's men try to kill him during a celebration held my the pasha. Raeven still wants revenge for Tim's death. The men chase Cutlass and Raeven through the streets in the dead of night. Being the kick ass heroine she is, she saves him. 

Under cabin arrest, Raeven--the clever girl that she is, picks the lock and coerces Percy into boarding Cutlass's ship in the dead of night. This time, she will not be able to escape. Cutlass is bent on following Jourdain's ship and doesn't give a hoot if he's charged with kidnapping a British admiral's daughter. Time is precious when hunting the pirate and he has no time or the extra crew to send her back aboard her father's ship.

Sultry kisses and touches are exchanged, the sense of adventure is rampant, the truth of Timothy's death is revealed, and someone aboard the ship has betrayed them all. Now, Raeven and Bastien (The Dread Pirate Cutlass) must figure out not only their feelings for each other but who the traitor is that could get them all killed. 

FAVORITE QUOTE: "He'd decided that if his cabin girl regained that blade, he was going to have to seriously consider marrying her." (***quote subject to change in finished copy***)

OVERALL: A stunning, swashbuckling conclusion to the Sons of the Revolution series chock full of witty repartee between the main characters, smoldering attraction, Kindle gripping action (both on the high seas and in the berth *bow chicka wow wow*) and 'whoa! I did not see that coming' moments on the high seas. Shana Galen has once again made me lose an afternoon (in a totally awesome way) with a heart racing, adrenaline pumping, laughter inducing, 'did I just moan out loud?, super sexy read. Hello theme to Pirates of the Caribbean, you and I are forever friends. Out of all the Harcourt men, Bastien's my most favoritest (yes, it's not a word but, for the sake of this review, it is now). Danger! Betrayal! Intrigue! And hot smexing! In Galen fashion, the reader is thrown into the midst of the action from page one. I look forward to what she has next in store for readers.

***requested off Netgalley***

December Joyathon: Interview + Giveaway with Shana Galen

Meet Shana:

coming 2012

I'm the author of numerous adventurous, romantic Regency historicals, including the Rita-nominated Blackthorne's Bride. My books have been sold in Brazil, Russia, and the Netherlands and featured in the Rhapsody and Doubleday Book Clubs. I taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston's inner city.

Now I write full time. I'm happily married to an incredibly supportive man I like to call Ultimate Sportsfan, and I have a beautiful daughter and a very spoiled cat.

Where To Find Shana: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook | The Sisterhood of the Jaunty Quills

Kati: Who is Shana during the holidays? (author, gift giver, last minute shopper, baker)

click to read excerpt

Shana: I’m definitely not a baker or a last-minute shopper. I’m still an author. One of these days, I’m going to take the whole month of December off, but not this year. I do enjoy buying gifts. I do a lot of shopping online and in catalogs.

K: What is your favorite thing about the holidays?
S: Being with family.

K: Do you write more or less during the holidays?
S: Usually about the same.

K: If you’ve written a holiday themed/titled book, what is it about? If you have not, would you write a holiday themed/titled book in the future?
S: I haven’t written a holiday-themed book. I’d love to do so in the future. Gently falling snow and roaring fires can be very romantic.

K: Which of your heroes would you go on a sleigh ride with? (with permission from the heroine of course)
S: Which of my heroes wouldn’t I go on a sleigh ride with? If I had to choose, I’d pick Adrian Galloway from Lord and Lady Spy. I know if we ran into any highwaymen or international spies, I’d be safe (and warm) with him. (yes you would)

K: Which authors (dead or alive) would you invite to your holiday party?

click to read excerpt

S: This could be a long, long list. I’d want my friends around during the holidays, so that would be Sophie Jordan, Ashley March, Robyn DeHart, Margo Maguire, and Tera Lynn Childs.

K: Real tree or fake tree?
S: Fake, but maybe real when my daughter gets older.

K: Specific gifts or gift cards?
S: I always try to give specific gifts, but I don’t mind receiving gift cards at all.

K: Fruit cake or gingerbread?
S: Gingerbread! Yum!

K: Just enough decorations or “every tree lighted, blow up snowglobe, snow man in the yard” decorations?

click to read excerpt

S: Just enough. Someone is going to have to take all that down, and that someone is me.

K: Home for the holidays or visiting relatives?
S: Home this year.

K: What do YOU want for Christmas?
S: An e-reader and new Converse sneakers. (do you hear that Ultimate Sportsfan?)

K: Author’s choice.
S: What’s your favorite holiday food/drink? For me it’s not the holidays without egg nog.

rachelray.com

Thanks Shana for participating in the Joyathon!

LADY SOPHIE'S CHRISTMAS WISH:

All Sophie Windham wants is peace, quiet and the novelty of a little solitude in the Duke of Moreland's London mansion before she joins her family for Christmas at the family seat in Kent. In the middle of a very inconvenient London snowstorm, Sophie finds herself stuck with an abandoned baby, and only the assistance of handsome stranger Vim Charpentier standing between her and complete disaster...

Vim Charpentier's worst memories are of Christmases spent with family in Kent, so when he has an excuse to tarry for a few days in London, he willingly lends a hand helping Sophie and her new little charge become acquainted. The growing attraction he shares with Sophie warms both their spirits, but when Sophie's three brothers arrive (from the East) to whisk her away, Vim has to decide between facing his memories, or letting the Christmas gift of a lifetime slip through his fingers.

Where To Buy: Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Nook | Book Depository
Book Extras: Read an Excerpt

Shana is giving away a copy of LADY SOPHIE'S CHRISTMAS WISH by Grace Burrowes to one(1) lucky reader. Here's how to enter:

• Leave a comment with an answer to Shana's question along with your email addy, ninja style: your name at gmail dot com.
• Fill out the rafflecopter form below. You must answer Shana's question. All other entries are optional.

Easy peasy right? Don't forget to enter for the awesome super secret prize here.

A huge thank you to Shana for participating in the Joyathon and for giving away a copy of LADY SOPHIE'S CHRISTMAS WISH.

Five Friday Favorites

Happy Friday!!! For me, this week has seen quite a bit of pirates. Yes. Those swashbuckling, totally suave yet sexy men wielding pistols, cutlasses, swigging rum and swiving wenches. But the pirates I'm talking about are one woman men and they're dangerously seductive. Also, the sun decided to come out after a jillion days of fog. At least on the coast. My favorite photographer/author is burning up the Time Travel charts on Amazon of which I'm doing a giveaway of her book. I've reached 200+ followers which might be a drop in the bucket in comparison to the established blogs but I'm also doing a giveaway for that too. Holiday books are showing up at my door, my local Michael's craft store has all holiday decorations 50% off and I bought a half naked man yesterday.

Now on to the good stuff. You can play along too, just leave a comment at the end of the post.

Here are this Friday's favorites:

Gossip Girl on Netflix. The first 4 seasons are streaming and I can't get enough. It's deliciously scandalous and I have a girl crush on Leighton Meester aka Blair Waldorf. I'm catching up on all the seasons I missed, as in seasons 2-4. I discovered the books in high school and totally loved them. I really like that the show doesn't fully go plot by plot according to the books, it's quite refreshing.

Shana Galen's THE ROGUE PIRATE'S BRIDE. For those of you who have access to Netgalley, I recommend on requesting this book. It's just gah! I want to tell you but at the same time I don't. At least not yet. The book release February 2012 so I'll be posting a review a month before. Seriously, the cover is gorgeous, the story is just quite... and there's something about a man named Bastien.

Completely gratuitous. You're welcome.

A shirtless Henry Cavill. What? In case you haven't noticed, I've got a thing for Henry Cavill (rhymes with travel). He's dirty, he's hairy and he's buff. Holy Tudors, is he buff and scruffy. Thank you director of Superman. I'm crossing my fingers for a naked Henry a la Tudors season one episode one. That picture is NSFW. Seriously.And mark your calendars for 11.11.11 because that's when Immortals comes out.

eBay. I love this site. It helps fund my romance book addiction and as of right now, I've got an iPad2 fund going. I'm $200 short so all things Twilight that have been sitting in a box in my closet are going up for auction. Yeah, I went through a phase. Judge me all you want but Edward Cullen is going to get me that new iPad2. I've been DYING for one. Or even a tablet of some sort. I just want it so I can finally read Jenn's book in the way that it was meant to be read or viewed or ogled. (Take your pick.)

Warehouse 13. Oh man. Thanks to Aislynn at Stitch, Read and Cook turned me on to this series. The first 2 seasons are streaming. Basically, these 2 ex-Secret Service agents are transfered to the middle of where South Dakota to search out artifacts that make people do crazy things. I spent 2 days watching the series and am anxiously awaiting for the current season to stream.

What about YOU? Any new books this week that you picked up? How about a new TV show like Once Upon A Time? Share in the comments.

Review: The Making of a Duchess by Shana Galen

THE MAKING OF A DUCHESS by Shana Galen
FORMAT: Paperback
GENRE: Historical Romance
MASS MARKET PAPERBACK: 368 pages
PUBLISHER: Sourcebooks Casablanca (June 1,2010)

A very dangerous attraction...Julien Harcourt, duc de Valère, is more than willing to marry the lovely young lady his mother has chosen. Little does he know, she's been sent to prove him a spy and a traitor...

And an even more dangerous secret...Sarah Smith's mission is to find out whether the duc's trips to the Continent are as innocent as he claims, but the way he looks at her is far from innocent...

Their risky game of cat and mouse propels them from the ballrooms of London to the prisons of Paris, and into a fragile love that may not survive their deceptions... (source: back cover)

WHERE TO FIND SHANA: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Blogger
WHERE TO BUY: Amazon | Kindle | B&N  | Nook | Book Depository
BOOK EXTRAS: Read an Excerpt

I loved it.

OTHER BOOKS IN SERIES: click on covers to learn more/read excerpts

June 2010

Once a Rogue- 2/2012

REVIEW:

The first book in The Sons of the Revolution series and it's definitely a keeper. Ms. Galen has a way with throwing the reader into the midst of the action from the very first page. As Julien and his mother tried to get away from the burning barn, I could almost smell the smoke, hear the angry voices of the peasants and feel Julien's adrenaline and fear spike. Oh, the smoke might've just been from my candle but hey, it set the mood. While reading, I may have jumped a few times due to the thumping noises made by my neighbors as I was reading a suspenseful scene.


My heart went out to Julien as he lost his father, his home and his family, except for his mother, at such a young age. He never for once, believed his brothers were dead and has never stopped looking for them; his mother has given up hope. The search for his brothers has been brought to the attention of the Foreign Office. 


Enter the lovely, orphaned governess Sarah Smith. She's never had a real family, she was left on the steps of the Academy. She takes a position as governess to one, Lord Northrop. He coerces her into acting a spy. She becomes Serafina Artois, the daughter of family friends. Sarah is instructed by Northrop to find evidence that Julien is selling national secrets. She is not allowed to return to her post as governess until she does so. 


As Sarah gets closer to the truth, she must join forces with Julien to help find his brother while trying not to get killed. Julien isn't a fan of Serafina, unlike his mother. She's refused his marriage proposal twice even though their families wanted them engaged. His friend Rigby even brings up that Serafina doesn't speak much Italian even though her family's been living in Italy. There's just so much about Serafina that intrigues Julien but after finding her several times poking around his study, he gets suspicious. 


After finding out that Sarah isn't really Serafina, Julien tries to keep his distance but well, he's a man, she's pretty and he won't be able to stay away for long. While trying to get out of the country to find Armand, his brother, Julien must keep Sarah safe. Their journey to France not only brings them closer, but they both soon realize that station didn't matter if they were meant to be together. After all, his mother wants him to be happy and Sarah makes him happy. 


FAVORITE QUOTE: "She was still a mystery to him. She had refused his marriage proposal, and yet she truly did not seem interested in other men. She was pleasant but formal in her brief conversations with him, and yet at times he caught her peering at him with undisguised interest. Perhaps he might understand better what she wanted if she could show him with her fan. But as she didn't carry a fan, he decided to ignore her."

OVERALL: I went backwards reading this series. I started off with The Making of a Gentleman so there was a spoiler or two. No matter, this book had me wanting to know how Sarah and Julien overcame their differences and problems to a happily ever after. Once again, Ms. Galen has captured my attention from the first page to the last with heart pounding action, adrenaline inducing danger, gasp worthy plot twists, and book gripping and spine breaking worthy seduction. I am looking forward to the last book in the series.


***book won from Rants-n-Scribbles blog hop giveaway***

Review: The Making of a Gentleman by Shana Galen

The Making of a Gentleman by Shana Galen
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: Paperback
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (October 1, 2010)
Stripped of his humanity...Armand, Comte de Valere, has spent twelve long years forgotten in a French prison. Now he's barely a man, until his beautiful tutor vows to help him come alive again.
Prey to a terrible fate...Felicity Bennett finds safety only in Armand's embrace, but the evil man pursuing her has joined forces with Armand's enemies...The cling to each other as a lifeline, until a long-buried secret emerges, threatening to annihilate their growing passion... (source:back cover)

Where to Find Shana: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Blogger
Where to Buy: Amazon | Kindle | B&N/Nook | Book Depository
Book Extras: Read an Excerpt

I loved it.

Other Books In Series:

Available for purchase

Coming February 2012

Review:

Well, after winning 3 copies of this book, I finally gave in and read it. (I had forgotten about the giveaways and was surprised when the packages arrived.) Anywho, this is the second book in The Sons of Revolution series. It's in typical Shana Galen fashion: adrenaline pumping danger, a handsome hero, a headstrong heroine, an air of mystery, a touch of intrigue and toe curling smexing. A must read.

Top Reasons to Read This Book:
Silent, brooding, sexy, virgin hero with a dangerous past? Check. Pianoforte playing, marriage contract breaking, fall for her charge governess heroine? Check. Overprotective older brother? Check. Man claiming to be the husband of the heroine? Check. Bad guys who want the treasure that only the hero knows where it's at? Check and check.

Armand Harcourt had been locked away in a French prison, forgotten until his brother Julien (hero of The Making of A Duchess) breaks him out and brings him home to England. Armand shies away from touch because it is too painful and refuses to speak because it could cause trouble. He's determined to stay mute to keep his family safe from those who might find out that he alone, is the keeper of a 12 year old secret. His family wants to help him learn to become a functioning member of society and decide to hire a governess to teach him.

Enter Felicity Bennett, bent on repaying back the man her father sold her into marriage to. She takes up the position of governess and to her surprise, she would not be teaching a child but a grown man who somewhat frightens yet intrigues her with his behavior. She is determined to earn the money but the man shows up and demands the payment soon or the family will find out she is betrothed. Felicity has a penchant for playing the pianoforte and can play a tune, only hearing it a time or two. Her music soothes the beast in Armand.

Felicity sees two strange men digging in the gardens and this ushers in the heart pounding, adrenaline pumping, knuckle clutching events into motion. Armand soon realizes that those men are after him and the only way he can keep his family and Felicity safe is by staying up all night guarding their home. His family and Felicity want him to come clean with the secret and at first he denies any knowledge of the treasure.

All the while, Armand begins to talk, a word here, a phrase there. Felicity begins to see Armand as more than a pupil. His touch, his gaze, his presence does something to her. She know she must not lose sight of why she's there: the money to pay back Charles, the man her father sold her to. But with Armand, everything seems right with the world even if two treasure hungry men and one slimy wannabe dandy are after them.

Oh, and virgin hero alert!

Favorite Quote: "His eyes blazed  icy blue fire, his hands fisted at his side, and his barefooted stance was at once defiant and eager. Felicity forced herself to play, though she would rather have run from the comte's glare."

Overall: This book was sweet, sensual and tinged with danger. A fun, fast paced, heart pounding read. I will have to go back and read The Making of a Duchess since snippets of Julien and Sarah in this book have made me curious of their love story. Ms. Galen has a way with words. She makes the hero and heroine likeable and the villians boo-worthy. After reading this, I realized it's my first virgin hero book. What a difference in the storytelling when it comes to The Sexiness.

***I won 3 copies of this book from giveaways***

W...W...W...(16)

W...W...W...Wednesdays is a weekly meme MizB of Should Be Reading. 

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?

Serendipity by Carly Phillips. Yeah, I know it seems like I've been reading this book forever. But I've had to get a few review books under my belt. This one was a leisure book. I'm 2/3 of the way done.

A Touch of Crimson by Sylvia Day. Yes, this one I've been reading forever too. The galley makes me go cross eyed, the way it's formatted. I'm almost done with it though. This book releases 10/4 so be on the lookout!

• What did you recently finish reading?

Every Scandalous Secret by Gayle Callen. Review pending on this one. The heroine was a total spitfire. She held her own against the hero. This is the third book of the Scandalous Lady series and we finally find out who the real nude model is. We also find out who wins the wager among the 2 sisters and their cousin, and the 3 gentlemen friends who find them sneaking in trying to steal the nude painting off the wall at a gentleman's club.


Mistress by Mistake by Maggie Robinson. A second read through of this book. I read it earlier this year. It's still hot. The heroine is still a sassy spinster. The hero still has super magical appendages. Read my review here.

A Midnight Dance by Lila DiPasqua. Oh my stars! By far, my favorite twist in the re-telling of the CINDERELLA story. Jules de Moutier is my new favorite hero. This book is a scorcher. Like short circuit your e-reader hot.

The Making of a Duchess by Shana Galen. Okay, so I sort of read the series backwards. This is the first book in Ms. Galen's Sons of the Revolution series. There's a character in this book that ties in Galen's latest, Lord and Lady Spy. Review pending on this one also.

• What do you think you’ll read next?
Bound in Lingerie by Gina Gordon. Yup. I've had this on the list of to read next for a few weeks. I'm finally going to get around it since Ms. Gordon will be guest posting next month. The cover is sexy. 


*stares at giant TBR pile and shudders* So many books, so little time. Choices, choices.


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!

ARC Review: Lord and Lady Spy by Shana Galen

LORD AND LADY SPY by Shana Galen
Format: Paperback ARC
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (September 1,2011)
ISBN: 9781402259074

No man can outsmart him...
Lord Adrian Smythe may appear a perfectly boring gentleman, but he leads a thrilling life as one England's most preeminent spies, an identity so clandestine even his wife is unaware of it. But he isn't the only one with secrets...
But one woman almost certainly can...
Now that the Napoleonic wars have come to an end, daring secret agent Lady Sophia Smythe can hardly bear the thought of returning home to her tedious husband. Until she discovers in the dark of night that he's not who she thinks he is after all...
(source: back cover)

WHERE TO FIND SHANA: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Blogger
WHERE TO BUY: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes&Noble | Book Depository
BOOK EXTRAS: Read an Excerpt |  Book Page

Go and buy it NOW!

REVIEW and Book Trailer:

Holy Mr. and Mrs. Smith Regency style! Move aside Mr. and Mrs. Smith and make room for Lord and Lady Smythe. Brad and Angelina, you've got nothing on Adrian and Sophia.

TOP 5 REASONS I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS BOOK:

1. The cover is pink! Only, my most favoritest color ever.
2. Mr. & Mrs. Smith Regency style? Sign me up!
3. Spies, intrigue, danger? Bring on the adrenaline rush!
4. Second chance romance? Absolutely!
5. Fabulous book trailer? A must watch!

Who really is Sophia Galloway? Is she the super spy that goes by Agent Saint or the mousy, bespeckled, drab looking Lady Smythe? Who really is Adrian Galloway? Is he the Barbican group's greatest spy or the never at home, always on the go Lord Smythe? The answers to these questions can be found in Shana Galen's LORD AND LADY SPY.

Since day one of their marriage, Adrian and Sophia have done their own thing and spent time together when necessary. Now that the war is over, they both must go back to their mundane lives. Which, for spies isn't a good thing. What does one do to occupy the time when there is no longer a traitor to bring to justice or a continent to canvas? One could try gardening or golf if the urge arises.

For Adrian and Sophia, that is not the case. They're itching to do something, anything to not go back to that life of "hello" "how do you do" "goodnight". How do two retired spies get back into the game after the Napoleonic wars? Answer: Solve the murder of the prime minister's half brother. There is only one position in the Barbican group (which said spies worked for) and to be reinstated, the spy who solves the murder and finds the murderer will get the coveted spot. Game on!

As they get closer to the answer, Sophia and Adrian must put their differences aside and work as a team to solve this case while dodging thugs, stealing carriages, fighting their growing attraction to each other and coming to terms with the heart wrenching miscarriages that Sophia suffered through while Adrian looked on, not knowing how to comfort her.

Favorite Quote: "We're married. No one is worried about your virtue." (***quote subject to change in finished copy***)

Overall: Once again, Ms. Galen has captured me from the first chapter until the last with her captivating mix of intrigue, sexiness (if you don't consider doing the sexy against an open window then I don't know what is) and fast paced storytelling. She made me care for the hero and heroine, although at times I wanted to shake each of them and scream "fall in love already!", and loudly boo the villains trying to kill Adrian and Sophia. My adrenaline spiked, my heart raced, my shoulders shook with laughter and my eyes glinted with unshed tears for Sophia and Adrian's loss (I couldn't just fall apart in front of random strangers at Starbucks now, could I?). If this had been made into a movie, it would have gotten a rousing stand of ovation at the end. Well done, Ms. Galen.


***I received an ARC copy from Ms. Galen.***

W...W...W... (13)

W...W...W...Wednesdays is a weekly meme MizB of Should Be Reading. 

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:

• What are you currently reading?

Bad Boys Do by Victoria Dahl. Hellooo Jamie Donovan. Hot for teacher.
Start Me Up by Victoria Dahl. Yes, another one. I've been slowly reading this book. Take a hot lady mechanic, put her together with a focused architect and you get an explosive story.  

Serendipity by Carly Phillips. Ah yes. The story of the one that got away but a second chance is in the cards. A story of the disgraced daughter whose father headed a ponzi scheme and the bad boy who left his family to be taken in by the state. 
A Touch of Crimson by Sylvia Day. Still reading slowly through this one too. 

• What did you recently finish reading?

Changing the Game by Jaci Burton. Whoa! Hot smexing with a younger baseball player alert. Prepare to get your panties melted off. Elizabeth Darnell has finally been redeemed from THE PERFECT PLAY. She was a total beeyotch in that one but Ms. Burton found a way to make me feel for her in this book.

Lord and Lady Spy by Shana Galen. Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Regency style. You must read this. Words cannot even begin to describe my feelings for it. It's sexy, it's heart tugging, adrenaline pumping, totally unputdownable.

• What do you think you’ll read next?

Romancing the Countess by Ashley March. I've been chomping at the bit to read this since the snippets came out on her site months ago. The hero and heroine's spouses were carrying on an affair. If that doesn't intrigue you, I don't know what will.

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!