Once upon a kiss - Jayne Fresina

These Book Club Belles are ready to put down their novels and find some real-life leading men!

In the sleepy village of Hawcombe Prior, five young ladies of the local book society are reading a salacious romance called Pride and Prejudice. Upon finishing the book, the ladies race to find their own Mr. Darcy, and the handsome, mysterious Darius Wainwright is the perfect mark.

Justina Penny can't understand why her fellow Belles are starry-eyed in the newcomer's arrogant presence. But if the town's only eligible bachelor marries anyone, it should be her sweet, beautiful sister. And it's up to Justina to make it happen. How could this plan possibly go wrong?

My thoughts:

This book was just delightful :D The pages flew by and I was charmed by it. I do hope all the books in this series will be as good.

It's a book about a book club (yay), and they are reading Pride and Prejudice. And the author weaves her spell and the book reads a bit like PP then too. More fun for me.

Our heroine is, gods, crazy! Ha, in a good way. I loved her. She did all the wrong things, said the wrong things, she just wanted to have fun, to lose her bonnet and get her petticoats dirty by jumping in a puddle. Justine was  a great heroine.

Darius does not know what to do with her. He is more the Mr Darcy kind of guy, quiet, reserved, but he sure got to me at once too. They bring out the best in each other, yes even when bickering.

Great couple, fun things happening, a bit of Pride and Prejudice, and more promised as the rest of the book club will find love too. I can't wait.

Conclusion:

An amusing and charming book. Finished it in a day.

Cover

cute

Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages
Published June 3rd 2014 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Book Club Belles Society #1
Historical romance
for review

Author Interview and giveaway: Jayne Fresina

Today’s author interview is with Jayne Fresina.

Welcome!

1. Could you tell me 3 fun facts about yourself?

JF: When I cook I like to pretend I'm on my own cooking show (as long as there's no one watching). I love the smell of new shoes and shoe boxes so much I wanted to work in a shoe store when I was a child. I like texting stupid messages to my husband during the day, just to annoy him.

2. Lady Mercy Danforthe Flirts with Scandal (quite the mouthful!) is your new book. A little info

about it to new readers?

JF: Lady Mercy arrives in the village to attend her best friend's wedding, but finds herself having to step in and try to fix things when the bride gets cold feet. Unfortunately, Lady Mercy has some past history with the jilted groom, who calls her "Lady Bossy Drawers", and he quickly assumes she has something to do with this. It just so happens that this isn't the first runaway bride he's known and he now blames Mercy for both.  

3. It is a part of a series, but can a reader just jump in feet first or do they need to know the beginning?

JF: It's the third in the Sydney Dovedale series, but it's not necessary to have read the previous two books. Lady Mercy and several characters in this book have appeared in the previous stories also, but now they are all grown up!

4. As someone who knows the beginning, oh what a little pest Mercy was in book 2. Was she fun to write?

JF: Very much so. Some readers might find her annoying in the beginning - I understand that perfectly, because she's very confident and opinionated - but she has some personal issues to work through. Eventually, in this book, she learns that not everything in life can be controlled or kept in neat and tidy order. And it wouldn't be much fun if it was. She learns to let her hair down a little. After all, who's perfect?

5. What is coming next from you?

JF: The next and final book in the Sydney Dovedale series. The story line for Miss Molly Robbins Designs a Seduction actually runs parallel to the plot here in Lady Mercy's story, because when Molly Robbins becomes a runaway bride in Lady Mercy Danforthe Flirts with Scandal, she goes off to London on her own adventure, which readers will learn all about in the fourth book.

Thanks!

Giveaway

1 copy of The Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne 

1.US and Canada

2. Ends July 6^th

3. Just enter, as simple as that

LADY MERCY DANFORTHE FLIRTS WITH SCANDAL BY JAYNE FRESINA – IN STORES JUNE 2013

When a Perfectly Proper Lady...

Lady Mercy Danforthe always has a plan. It's what makes her such a successful matchmaker, and why she's obligated to spend a great deal of time generously organizing the lives of her friends and family. But there's one man beyond her help. One man whose recklessness she can't rein in; whose chaos she can't contain. Her ex-husband, Rafe Hartley. Her one—and only!—mistake.

Flirts with a Reckless Rogue...

Rafe has never forgiven Mercy for running out on him. Their hastily annulled marriage may have one lasted three hours, but that doesn't mean he needs her help finding a proper wife. Someone needs to teach little Miss Know-It-All a lesson about keeping her adorably freckled nose out of other people's business. And it just so happens that Mercy "Silky Drawers" Danforthe still owes him a wedding night...

A Scandal's Never Far Behind!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jayne Fresina sprouted up in England, the youngest in a family of four girls.  Entertained by her father’s colorful tales of growing up in the countryside, and surrounded by opinionated sisters— all with far more exciting lives than hers— she’s always had inspiration for her beleaguered heroes and unstoppable heroines. Look for the fourth book in the Sydney Dovedale Series, Miss Molly Robbins Designs a Seduction in March 2014. For more information, please visit www.jaynefresina.com.

To purchase Lady Mercy Danforthe Flirts with Scandal

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Books-a-Million

IndieBound

Chapters/Indigo

Discover a New Love

Sourcebooks

Interview and Giveaway: Jayne Fresina - The Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne

On my blog today I interview Jayne Fresina and I will be giving away her new book.

Welcome!

1. Who is Jayne Fresina?

JF: She is a woman who shuffles around the house in worn-out woolly socks, doesn't own a solitary t-shirt that isn't stained, talks to herself, drinks too much coffee, would work for coconut cake and foot massages, eats hot peppers straight from the jar and spends five hours a day writing to maintain a relative degree of sanity. She does not "do" housework or cook—a fact her mother-in-law will verify. As a child she performed weekly shows from a cupboard in her bedroom. One such performance was a one-woman version of "Jaws" complete with a musical interlude for ice-cream. But entertainment for her family is now limited to occasional webcam shenanigans since they are all far apart. Her sisters remain unimpressed by her writing career and only approve of her wicked stories when they can be assured the heroine is based on them. Mostly they claim to have no clue where she gets her ideas. She doesn't know either.

2.  Could you tell me about your new book, The Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne?

JF: This is the sequel to The Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine and follows the love story of Sophie's badly behaved friend, Ellie and James Hartley, who was once Sophie's fiance. Ellie is quite a wild character who has been engaged more times than she cares to recall, but never been in love. James is a notorious rake just beginning to realize that he won't be able to escape marriage forever. They've known one another —and sparred with one another—for seventeen years. As the book begins, Ellie and James meet up again at a turning point in their lives, when they're both coming to terms with "retirement" from their former wicked ways. But of course they both have different ideas about settling down. When James suddenly gets the idea to marry Ellie, keep her out of trouble and gallantly save the rest of the male species from her antics, she isn't going to make it easy for him - or go quietly to her fate.

3.  Ellie is not a typical woman of her time. Was she fun to write?

JF: Very! I loved her immediately when she made an appearance in Miss Sophie and couldn't wait to write her story. Nor could she wait to tell it! She wanted to make sure the details were all correct and that a certain gentleman wouldn't try to twist things around.

4. How come James is her child-hood nemesis?

JF: The Vynes and the Hartleys have been feuding for years, ever since Ellie's step-uncle had a scandalous affair with James Hartley's mother, breaking up a marriage. The two families have blamed each other for any ill that befell them ever since. Ellie and James both grew up being warned to stay away from each other. But as Ellie says, "No child of ten should be warned not to do something, for then they are most certainly obliged to do that very thing." Unfortunately she once came upon James, fast asleep under a tree, and decided to decorate his face with an ink moustache. He was unaware of it for an entire day, as no one dared tell him. James never got over the humiliation and from that point on it was war. When Ellie made her debut at the age of sixteen, she overheard James making fun of her plump, graceless figure and ridiculing her to all his friends. She made up her mind, there and then, to get her vengeance one day.

5. Tell me 3 things why James is the man to want..

JF: He is loyal, thoughtful and very determined when he makes up his mind. He is also a much nicer and more deserving person than he thinks he is - just needs someone to make him see it. Oops, that's more than three.

6. What is coming next from you?

JF: Lady Mercy Danforthe Flirts With Scandal will be released in June 2013 and Miss Molly Robbins Designs a Seduction comes out after that to complete the Sydney Dovedale series. Both Mercy and Molly appear as children in The Wicked Wedding of Ellie Vyne, so readers will get to know a little about them and how they became friends. Once this series is complete I have another in the works with the same publisher (Sourcebooks), which will be set in a slightly earlier period (1815) and follow a new cast of characters - a group of young ladies who form ”The Bookworm Belles Society.”

GIVEAWAY

1 copy of The wicked wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne

Open to US and Canada

Ends Feb 7

Just enter :)

THE WICKED WEDDING OF MISS ELLIE VYNE BY JAYNE FRESINA – IN STORES JANUARY 2013

When a Scandalous Lady…

By night Ellie Vyne fleeces unsuspecting aristocrats as the dashing Count de Bonneville. By day she avoids her sisters' matchmaking schemes and dreams up torments for her childhood nemesis—the arrogant, far-too-handsome-for-his-own-good James Hartley. Her latest prank: "winning" the Hartley diamonds in a card game from James's mistress.

Steals from a Notorious Rake… 

James finally has a lead on the thieving Count de Bonneville, tracking him to a disreputable inn. He bursts in on none other than the brazen, irritating, nearly naked Ellie Vyne. Convinced she is the count's mistress, James decides it's best to keep his enemies close. Very close. He must get those diamonds back, and seducing Ellie will be the perfect bait.

It Can Only End in a Wicked Wedding…

Praise for The Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne:

“[The characters] banter and quibble with comic perfection...” —Publishers Weekly

“Readers who adore wickedly funny, fast and sassy romances will delight in Fresina’s latest. The naughty desire-in-disguise theme, coupled with sharp, hilarious repartee, steals the reader’s heart...” —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

“Fresina brings a unique voice and perspective to the 1820s romance novel. Fans of Grace Burrowes and Amanda Quick will especially appreciate Fresina’s intriguing characters and humor.” —Booklist 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jayne Fresina sprouted up in England, the youngest in a family of four girls.  Entertained by her father’s colorful tales of growing up in the countryside, and surrounded by opinionated sisters— all with far more exciting lives than hers— she’s always had inspiration for her beleaguered heroes and unstoppable heroines. Her next novel in the Sydney Dovedale regency romance series, Lady Mercy Danforthe Flirts with Scandal, will be in stores in June 2013. For more information, please visit www.jaynefresina.com and check out her blog: http://jaynefresinaromanceauthor.blogspot.com/. 

Review: The Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne - Jayne Fresina

By night Ellie Vyne fleeces unsuspecting aristocrats as the dashing Count de Bonneville. By day she avoids her sisters' matchmaking attempts and dreams up inventive insults to hurl at her childhood nemesis, the arrogant, far-too-handsome-for-his-own-good, James Hartley.

James finally has a lead on the villainous, thieving Count, tracking him to a shady inn. He bursts in on none other than "that Vyne woman" . . . in a shocking state of dishabille. Convinced she is the Count's mistress, James decides it's best to keep your enemies close. Very close. In fact, seducing Ellie will be the perfect bait . . .

My thoughts:

 I had forgotten that the hero was in book 1 (yes me and my memory), but forgetting did make it better in a way cos I got to know him again. This was my first impression. Since in book 1 he wanted to marry someone else. Yes you can see why it's good to start on a fresh page ;)

Right then, Ellie is, well she is a lot! She is not one of those usual women of the Ton. She is so much more. She has a reputation of broken engagements and the scandal is that a duke died in her bed. She is also masquerading as a French Count and gains money that way. She is a handful and I liked her.

James and Ellie, well the families are bitter enemies, he called her Ellie Phant once and yes she does not like him. He is a rake, but a rake that has grown old and realised that it does not work as well anymore. In comes Ellie, that menace and he does not know what to do about her. A fun couple to read about.

Conclusion:

The book was light, romantic, a bit funny and it made me want more. More will come in form of another menace. Poor ton ;)

Series: Sydney Dovendale #2
Genre: Historical romance
Pages: 402
Published: Jan 1st 2013 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Source: For review

Interview and giveaway: Jayne Fresina - The Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine

Author Interview and Giveaway

Jayne Fresina - The Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine

Today I welcome Jayne Fresina to my blog. There is also a giveaway at the end of the interview. Open to all.

1. Could you tell me a bit about yourself?

JF: I am a crazy writer, a daydreamer and a terrible procrastinator.

2. Your new book is called The Most improper Miss Sophie Valentine; could you tell me about it?

JF: This is romance set in Regency England - but rather than take place in the drawing rooms and ballrooms of London, the action plays out in a small country village, where everyone knows their neighbors' business and if they don't they'll make it up! Sophie has spent ten years trying to live down a scandal that happened in her youth. She is daily reminded of her status as an "old maid" (at nearly thirty - shock horror!) and a burden on her brother, with whom she lives. One day, out of desperation and mischief, she posts an advertisement for a husband, but she doesn't really expect anyone to come in answer to it. Then Lazarus Kane arrives on her doorstep and she's faced with a choice—stay trapped in her cage for the rest of her life, where everything is dull, safe and predictable, or marry a complete stranger with a mysterious past and risk another scandal. 

3. I do love the title because it’s fun. Was it your idea or did you have another title in mind at first?  

JF: My working title was "The Stranger". But the publishers wanted something a bit more fun and light-hearted to go with the humor in the book. I really liked "Tumbled" and we kicked around a few ideas, but in the end we went with THE MOST IMPROPER MISS SOPHIE VALENTINE.

4. Sophie advertises for a husband in a magazine. Where did you come up with this idea?

JF: I had a dream one morning about a woman answering her door to a stranger. That was all I knew about the story when I started writing it, but it stuck there in my mind and I couldn't set it down.  I had no idea who the man was or why he was there, but I knew he'd traveled a great distance on foot. And Sophie seemed very shocked by his arrival, yet there was also something about the way she opened her door that suggested she'd been expecting someone. Just probably not him. Later I happened to catch a commercial for an online dating service and I thought—hey, that's it, Sophie posted an ad for a husband and the man on her doorstep came in answer to it.

5.  Which character in this book was the most fun to write?

JF: I love Finnola Valentine, Sophie's eccentric and scandalous aunt who hides a gin flask under her turban and talks lovingly of her long-ago affair with a dashing sea captain. Much to her straight-laced nephew's horror.

6.  How did you start writing historical romances?

JF: It started with reading them - by the bucket load. I suppose I can trace my love for the genre back to reading Pride & Prejudice for the first time when I was fifteen. After I met Mr. Darcy there was no looking back! Of course I scribbled a lot of stories that I didn't actually finish, before I finally found the plot and the characters that all came together. I'm sure I was an awful writer in the beginning, but I persevered.

7. What’s coming next from you?

JF: The Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne - which follows the adventures of Sophie's young and daring friend Mariella Vyne (who readers met in the first book). Mariella was a lot of fun to write and I particularly enjoyed giving a certain gentleman a chance to redeem himself in the second book!

Giveaway.

1 copy of The most Improper Sophie Valentine

1. Open to all, in the entire universe.

2. Ends July 15th

3. Just enter :)

Or you know, ask a question, or tell me what you think about adds in newspapers ;)

THE MOST IMPROPER MISS SOPHIE VALENTINE BY JAYNE FRESINA – IN STORES JUNE 2012

"Wanted: one husband, not too particular. Small dowry, several books, sundry furnishings, and elderly aunt included. Idlers, time-wasters, and gentleman without other attachments need not apply."

—Miss Sophie Valentine

A SCANDALOUS LADY… 

Sophie Valentine knew placing an ad for a husband in the Farmers Gazette would bring her trouble-and she was right. When the darkly handsome, arrogantly charming Lazarus Kane shows up on her doorstep, the nosy residents of Sydney Dovedale are thrown into a gossiping tizzy. After all, it's common knowledge that Sophie is a young lady In Need of Firmer Direction. But even Sophie isn't so scandalous as to marry a complete stranger. .. is she? 

SEEKS HANDSOME STRANGER…

Lazarus Kane has been searching for Sophie half of his life. She may not remember him, but he could never forget her. But the past is a dangerous thing, and it's best if his remains secret if he wants to tempt Sophie with ...

A MOST IMPROPER PROPOSAL…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Jayne Fresina sprouted up in England, the youngest in a family of four girls.  Entertained by her father’s colorful tales of growing up in the countryside, and surrounded by opinionated sisters— all with far more exciting lives than hers— she’s always had inspiration for her beleaguered heroes and unstoppable heroines. Visit www.jaynefresina.com for more information. 

The Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine - Jayne Fresina

"Wanted: one husband, not too particular. Small dowry, several books, sundry furnishings, and elderly aunt included. Idlers, time-wasters, and gentlemen with other attachments need not apply."

Scarred in a childhood accident, Sophia Valentine doesn't expect any takers on her ad for a husband in the Farmer's Gazette, until the mysterious Lazarus Kane shows up at her door. To Sophia, he is an exciting, enigmatic stranger. But Lazarus has known Sophia for years and has come a long way to find her. Things are about to get complicated for the mischievous Miss Valentine.

My thoughts:

Sophie was sure a different sort of heroine and even if she regretted it later, I sure loved that she placed an add for a man in a paper. She had spirit.

Sophie is turning 30 soon, she has an annoying sister-in-law, she has a scar which other young lady says ruins her, and she caused a great scandal when young so now she is rotting away. She tries to be proper but a hussy is hiding inside of her, though she wont let her wild side free. She also climbs trees, and I liked that, cos hey I loved trees. So if she want to hide in one then you go girl. I just liked her because she was real to me. And I liked to see her find that wild side again.

The romance then, yes a man shows up. A man who has wanted her for quite some time. A man who does not take no for an answer, a man who is totally wrong for her (class and more), but a man who makes her heart soar. And I do love a man who does not give up, he wanted her, and for all the right reasons.

Then we have a cool aunt, the tiresome sister in law, Sophie's idiot brother, and, well more. I'll leave it at that.

I guess I should have been annoyed at a few places, you know me and my suddenly prudish historical romance side but here I just said, you go for it girl! ;)

Conclusion:

A cute and fun romance that turned passionate, very passionate.

Cover:

Cute

Genre: Historical romance
Pages: 384
Published: June 5th from Sourcebooks Casablanca
Source: For review