A gentleman's game - Theresa Romain

Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages

Published February 2nd 2016 by Sourcebooks Casablanca

Series: Romance of the Turf #1

Historical romance

Own

My Thoughts

This poor book did suffer a bit reading wise, I got a review book that had to be read, I got another review book that had to be read. So there was this break in the middle, but honestly, it was so easy jumping right back in!

Rosalind is not who she say she is (and I did wonder about that whole spy thing, secrets! I mean there must be more in other books I guess). Anyway, she was a good woman, just she had this debt, and she never did anything horrible. She told secrets.

Nathaniel was a gentleman. I liked his wit. Oh that humour of his *shakes head and smiles*

Horses have colic. They are going to a race. They fall in love. That is the book. Fun and light and like I said, a bit away did not make a different. And I liked that.

Nice.

Synopsis

Suave Nathaniel Chandler can just as easily talk himself into a willing lady's embrace as he can broker a business deal. But no amount of charm is sufficient to cloak a chilling, recent discovery: every one of his award-winning racehorses has suddenly and mysteriously fallen ill. 

Determined to discover the source of the problem, Nathaniel searches for all possible explanations. His suspicions fall on the alluring Rosalind Agate, his father's new secretary. But for the sake of both their livelihoods - and his recent attraction - Nathaniel sets aside his suspicions. Instead, he decides to use Rosalind's wit and her wiles as key components of his investigative team. 

As the upcoming race draws near, Nathaniel and Rosalind must use every trick up their sleeves to not only catch the culprit, but also satisfy the desire that burns between them…


No TMST today, Carole and I are doing a joint one later this year :=D

#FitReaders Check-In: May 27, 2016 and Historical romance x3

#FitReaders is hosted by Geeky Bloggers Book Blog  and That’s What I’m Talking About.

Join in!

Sun 12 km bike
Mon  22 km bike
Tue  4 km bike, 30 min walk
Wed  4 km bike, 30 min walk
Thu  10 km bike, 30 min walk
Fri 4 km bike, 30 min walk
Sat 1 h walk, 4 km bike

.........................

Artemisia Dalrymple Pelham-Smythe doesn’t give two figs for the ton’s opinions on propriety. She wants to be taken seriously as an artist, so the widowed Duchess of Southwycke is painting the entire Roman pantheon in glorious nudes. The man who arrived to pose for her is far too muscular and virile to fit her vision of a cherubic Cupid, so she’ll simply turn him into Mars.

Trevelyn Deveridge never expected to pose naked to serve Queen and country, but the trail of the elusive Mr. Beddington leads right to the door of the duchess. Unless Trev retrieves Beddington’s key, a whole string of operatives in India are in danger of discovery. Since he’s convinced Her Grace can point him in the right direction, he's left with little choice but to play along with her artistic endeavors.

Besides, when a lady asks a gentleman to disrobe, how can he refuse? 

My thoughts:

Oh those spies in historical romance ;)

Artemisia is an artist and paints nekkid men, fine, nudes ;) They are still naked whatever you call it missy. So you can understand if the Ton is shocked, but she is a Duchess and she does not give a F*ck what they think.

Trevelyn is a spy, a second son, and at the moment posing naked in front of a Duchess and pretending he is a nobody. He was rather cocky, I mean hello, she only paints men! She does not sleep with them, and he is all I know you want this! *eyeroll* She should have slapped him and sent him on his way. But alas this is a romance so she gives in.

But oh no, drama!

Oh no, there is a key and people after it.

And then they lived happily ever after.

Nice 

Kindle Edition, 230 pages
Published April 9th 2012 by Ten Talents Press (first published February 26th 2008)
How to #1
Historical romance
Own

Violet Winterbottom is a quiet girl. She speaks six languages, but seldom raises her voice. She endured bitter heartbreak in perfect silence. The gentlemen aren't beating down her door.

Until the night of the Spindle Cove Christmas ball, when a mysterious stranger crashes into the ballroom and collapses at Violet's feet. His coarse attire and near-criminal good looks would put any sensible young lady on her guard. He's wet, chilled, bleeding, and speaking in an unfamiliar tongue.

Only Violet understands him. And she knows he's not what he seems.

She has one night to draw forth the secrets of this dangerously handsome rogue. Is he a smuggler? A fugitive? An enemy spy? She needs answers by sunrise, but her captive would rather seduce than confess. To learn his secrets, Violet must reveal hers and open herself to adventure, passion, and the unthinkable... Love.

My thoughts:

I do like Tessa Dare, but, it was ok, just ok. This was one of those examples where it should have been a book.

I did not really get the way he acted with her.

She was too nice.

I did not really get why the truth was just not told. Someone could have died!

And even though it takes place during just one night there was still passion....no, too fast!

Just ok

ebook, 113 pages
Published November 15th 2011 by Samhain Publishing
Spindle Cove #1.5
Historical romance
Own

The lives of Sir Bartlett Crosby and Hannah Chandler have been marked by fierce competition between their elite families...the perfect breeding ground for a mutual attraction neither can deny.

Bart hopes to conquer "the turf" through victory in a much-touted match. Should his heavily-favored colt win, the Crosby reputation and fortunes would be revived. Bart's plan seems poised for success until the lovely Hannah Chandler, daughter of a noted rival trainer, turns up claiming ownership of the colt. When Hannah insists on claiming her purchase, the prize colt disappears from Bart's stable. Theft or treachery? As Hannah and Bart rush to solve the mystery before race time, they uncover a scandalous truth about their families' pasts-a truth that has the potential to either destroy both their futures, or to guide them to a love they never imagined. 

My thoughts:

I was having a bad novella day. See, I like her books, but no, this one was just ok. It was a case of should have been a book.

Hannah and Bart meet, they are enemies, but look at that. They will fall fast in love.

While looking for a horse

Horses and races are boring...yup

It was too fast! I wanted more drama,

Ok

Kindle Edition, 120 pages
Published November 3rd 2015 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Romance of the Turf 0.5
Historical romance
Own

A Gentleman for All Seasons Anthology

The tiny village of Hemshawe is the sort of place where nothing ever happens…until a handsome ex-soldier and his matchmaking sister let the imposing manor house at the edge of town. The friendly Londoners shake up the staid people of Hemshawe, and villagers see each other in a new and oh-so-appealing light. 

Suddenly long-sparring enemies become lovers, a town festival heralds a new start for a fallen woman and a dandy, and a man who has given up on love gets a second chance with the woman he never forgot. And the matchmaker herself? She won’t rest until she finds her own happily-ever-after… 

A Madness in Spring by Kate Noble 

Adam Sturridge has made Belinda Leonard’s blood boil since childhood, and the feeling is mutual. But when a would-be matchmaker arrives in the village of Hemshawe, she’d determined to erase the thin line between love and hate. Now, Belinda and Adam are faced with falling for someone they’ve always considered an enemy — can they overcome old prejudices and discover how to rub each other the right way? 

The Summer of Wine and Scandal by Shana Galen 

When viscount’s son and dandy Peregrine Lochley is temporarily exiled from London to the country for his misdeeds, the last thing he expects is to encounter an intriguing woman. But Caroline Martin has a secret to hide, and it just might be too scandalous for even this debauched rogue. 

Those Autumn Nights by Theresa Romain 

Ten years ago, wealthy Eliza Greenleaf broke lowly soldier Bertram Gage’s heart—but the last decade brought changes in fortune to them both. Now that he’s made his mark on the world, a twist of fate brings the Greenleaf family under his power. Will this war-hardened officer triumph over his former lover…or will Bertie and Eliza give love a second chance? 

The Season for Loving by Vanessa Kelly 

Miss Georgie Gage, matchmaker extraordinaire, is resigned to life as a spinster—almost. When notoriously aloof bachelor Fergus Haddon arrives from Scotland to spend Christmas with the Gage family, Georgie thinks she’s finally found her own perfect match—if, that is, she can get the handsome Highlander to agree! 

My thoughts:

A Madness in Spring by Kate Noble 

Enemies to lovers, yay. Yes I adore that. They were enemies for silly childhood reasons though, but enemies none the less. Belinda and Adam has teased each other for 15 years, but then a matchmaker shows up. Haha, good for her, they obviously liked each other behind all that you are so annoying. So let's make them realise that.

I liked her, I liked him, I liked the dance between them. A nice spring story.

The Summer of Wine and Scandal by Shana Galen 

Here comes the summer story. Peregrine, a real dandy, meets Caroline, who is not worried when she gets muddy. She thinks him a dandy (duh), he likes her. But she has a secret, and trust me this was a SECRET. It made me sad, I felt so sorry for her. Cos it is a SECRET. But it's also a romance and they lived happily ever after. Nice

Those Autumn Nights by Theresa Romain 

Autumn comes and Bertie meets Eliza, the woman he used to love. Who chose her family over a poor soldier. But then he rented her family home cos they got poor, and he was all, ha, look at me now.

But again, this is a romance, so they will end up together after some drama. And all is well.

The Season for Loving by Vanessa Kelly 

The last one is one for Christmas. Georgie, who helped all previous couples end up together, wants freedom of her own. But then this sexy brooding Scot shows up. And she likes him, but he is all my past! Alas, we cannot. But then they lived happily ever after.

Oh I enjoyed this! I liked that it was set in the same village, the same people were around, sure new people showed up so they could find love, but the it was like I knew the village and those in it. I also liked that it was one story for each season.

Conclusion:
A sweet anthology, that does not feel like an anthology as everything is connected and continues :)

Kindle Edition, 356 pages
Expected publication: November 10th 2015
Historical romance
For review

Season for Desire - Theresa Romain

Like her four sisters, Lady Audrina Bradleigh is expected to marry a duke, lead fashion, and behave with propriety. Consequently, Audrina pursues mischief with gusto, attending scandalous parties and indulging in illicit affairs. But when an erstwhile lover threatens to ruin her reputation, Audrina has no choice but to find a respectable husband at once.

Who would guess that her search would lead her to Giles Rutherford, a blunt-spoken American on a treasure hunt of his own? When a Christmas snowstorm strands the pair at a country inn, more secrets are traded than gifts—along with kisses that require no mistletoe—and Audrina discovers even proper gentlemen have their wicked side… 

My thoughts:

Audrina has tried to be bad, and yes she has succeed. (smexy times and not married! *gasps for air* Bad bad girl ;) But her wicked ways have caught up with her, it's not just her reputation on the line, her sister's impending marriage too.

But I did like her. She had spirit.

Then there is Giles, the American who with his father is searching for something that belonged to his mother. Obviously they will fall in love. But class is in between, an ocean is in between and something else. But love will conquer, this is a romance after all.

And I did like him too. He said things he should not say.

There is these two falling in love. Fun other characters. A mystery with boxes and a bit of drama cos of Audrina's mistake.

And in the end, her sister Petra's book totally needs to be written too ;).

Conclusion:

A fun holiday book :D 

cover

nice

Paperback, 309 pages
Published October 7th 2014 by Zebra
Holiday Pleasures #4
Historical romance
Own

Author Interview and giveaway: Theresa Romain

Today I interview Theresa Romain.

Welcome!

1. Welcome to my blog. Could you tell us about yourself?

Theresa: Hi, Blodeuedd—thank you for hosting me today! 

A little about me: I’m a coffee and book addict, and I never met a dessert I thought was too sweet. I met my husband when we were both history students in grad school, and I knew he was the one for me when I saw how many bookshelves he had. (Also, he’s a very nice guy.) We now have a young daughter who loves to be silly and who thinks my books have beautiful covers. She has zero interest in the stories because she thinks ”falling in love is disgusting.” Fine by me, since I wouldn’t want her to read my books until she was at least 18. 

2. Also tell us about your new book, To charm a naughty countess.

Theresa: It’s a Pygmalion story that takes place during the ”Year Without a Summer,” a real-life natural disaster in 1816. When the endless cold causes the reclusive Duke of Wyverne hero to lose his crops and his fortune, he has to venture to London for the first time in eleven years to win a wealthy bride. Unfortunately, London society thinks he’s mad—all except for the widowed Lady Stratton, his partner in a long-ago scandal. She sits at the head of society and has no desire to give up her power and independence, but she’s never been able to shake her fascination with the blunt and brilliant duke. She offers to guide him through society, but she can’t let herself fall for him unless he’ll marry for love—the one thing that’s impossible.

3. A virgin hero? How did you decide to go for this?

Theresa: I had never written a virgin hero before, and I thought he would be a good match for the heroine, who has had some lovers. Michael and Caroline are a gender-flipped version of a classic pair: the rakish hero and the virgin bluestocking heroine.

4. Tell us 3 things about Caroline?

Theresa: In her younger years, she was almost destroyed by scandal and had to make a hasty marriage of convenience. She knows the power of rumor and the fleeting nature of friendship. Now that she’s a widow of independent means, she has shoved her way back into society with charm and good manners. 

She has a ballroom full of friendly acquaintances, but few true friends. To keep her place at the head of society, she can’t be her true self; she has to be better. Always cheerful, entertaining, and clever. There’s no vacation for a naughty countess.

If you want to win Caroline over, don’t bother with flowers. Every caller brings flowers, so they don’t stand out anymore. Instead, catch her eye as Michael does: by offering to repair one of her chairs. She can’t resist someone who wants to help her instead of using her for her popularity or fortune.

5. And 3 things about Michael?

Theresa: He’s fascinated by everything new, especially mechanical gadgets. Just a few things I researched in relation to his interests: early trains, magic lanterns, types of lamps, and the history of gaslight.

He suffers from social anxiety, so he avoids London and its crowds—until he has no choice but to find a wealthy bride. As a way to cope with his anxiety, he becomes what we’d today call a workaholic, devoting himself wholeheartedly to running his dukedom well.

If you want to win Michael over, tell him, ”I’ll take care of it.” And then follow through. He’s not used to trusting anyone, but it’s pretty exhausting feeling he has to carry the world alone. 

6. Last, what are you working on now?

Theresa: Right now I’m working on the page proofs for my next holiday romance, Season for Desire (out in October). I’ll soon be revising the third Matchmaker book, Secrets of a Scandalous Heiress, which follows Caroline and Michael’s story and will be out in January 2015. And on top of that, I’m working on a new project and hope to share details soon. It’s good to be busy!

Giveaway

 1 copy To charm a naughty countess

1. US and Canada only

2. Ends June 1st

3. To enter, ask Theresa a question or tell me what you think about the hero.

PS. Please, if you enter either leave an email or be SURE to check that if I click your profile then I can find your email. Use a twitter handle, anything really so I can get in touch

TO CHARM A NAUGHTY COUNTESS BY THERESA ROMAIN – IN STORES MAY 2014

Can a reclusive duke…

Brilliant but rumored mad, Michael Layward, the impoverished Duke of Wyverne, has no success courting heiresses until widowed Lady Stratton takes up his cause—after first refusing his suit.

Win London’s most powerful countess?

Caroline Graves, the popular Countess of Stratton, sits alone at the pinnacle of London society and has vowed never to remarry. When Michael—her counterpart in an old scandal—returns to town after a long absence, she finds herself as enthralled with him as ever. As she guides the anxiety-ridden duke through the trials of London society, Caroline realizes that she’s lost her heart. But if she gives herself to the only man she’s ever loved, she’ll lose the hard won independence she prizes above all.

Praise for To Charm a Naughty Countess:

“Utterly charming plot and sprightly dialogue... The intelligence of the writing, coupled with well-drawn and appealing characters, pulls readers into a love story that is not just enchanting, but joyous.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 ½ Stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Historical romance author Theresa Romain pursued an impractical education that allowed her to read everything she could get her hands on. She then worked for universities and libraries, where she got to read even more. Eventually she started writing, too. She lives with her family in the Midwest. 

For more information, please visit http://theresaromain.com/, like her on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTheresaRomain, and follow her on Twitter, @TheresaRomain.

To Purchase To Charm a Naughty Countess:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Books-a-Million

Chapters/Indigo

IndieBound

iBooks

Sourcebooks

To Charm a naughty Countess - Theresa Romain

Caroline, the popular widowed Countess of Stratton, has no wish to remarry. But when the brilliant, reclusive Duke of Wyverne—her counterpart in an old scandal—returns to town after a long absence, she finds herself as enthralled as ever.

Michael must save his family fortunes by wedding an heiress, but Caroline vowed that she would never sell herself in marriage again. The only way she can keep him near is to help him find the wealthy bride he requires. 

As she guides him through society, Caroline realizes that she’s lost her heart again. But if she pursues the only man she’s ever loved, she’ll lose the life that she holds dear. And if Michael, who has everything to lose, ever hopes to win her hand, he must open his long-shuttered heart.

My thoughts:

First of all, it works perfect as a stand alone.

Caroline is a merry young widow, she likes her freedom, and who wouldn't like freedom in an age when women were property of men? She has money, she can do what she wants, she can even take lovers, discretely of course.

Michael was different, I could diagnose him but will not, he is the author's invention. So we will just say he is shy, he likes to think, get his hands dirty on his estate, does not really know social codes and is a "tech" nerd. 

The ton is so cruel, poor Michael, he does not know the codes, he does not want to know them. They gossip behind his back as he tries to find a way. Sure it is amusing to read about it, but I do felt so sorry for him too.

He and Caroline was quite the pair, and at the same time they fit so well and I could not wait to see them happy.

Conclusion:

A good romance. I wonder who the next book is about

Cover

Nice

Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages
Expected publication: May 6th 2014 by Sourcebooks Casablanca (first published January 1st 2014)
The Matchmaker Trilogy #2
Historical romance
Own

Review: Season for Scandal - Theresa Romain

Jane Tindall has never had money of her own or exceptional beauty. Her gifts are more subtle: a mind like an abacus, a talent for play-acting—and a daring taste for gambling. But all the daring in the world can’t help with the cards fixed against her. And when Edmund Ware, Baron Kirkpatrick, unwittingly spoils her chance to win a fortune, her reputation is ruined too. Or so she thinks, until he suggests a surprising mode of escape: a hasty marriage. To him. On the surface, their wedding would seem to satisfy all the demands of proper society, but as the Yuletide approaches, secrets and scandals turn this proper marriage into a very improper affair.

My thoughts:

This romance was different. I can't say all the ways it was different because that would be to spoil things, but yes it was different.

First we have Jane who marries Edmund after a certain thing she was involved in. They are not in love, and he does try to treat her well. But yes the whole marriage is kind of blah. I wished for love but after a while I knew the truth. If these two want a happy loving marriage they will have to work for it. And so they did but it sure took time before they realised that.

Jane was strong, again I can't say the situation I am thinking of. She also wanted a bit too much. But she was cool. Edmund was kind and was the sort of guy who danced with spinsters at the balls. But he has a secret and it could tear everything apart. And then there is danger hidden in the darkness.

Conclusion:

So do not expect a whirlwind romance at once. No, expect two people, one wanting more, the other one all self-sacrifice. Two people who eventually will find love and happiness.

Cover

I like it

Paperback, 352 pages
Expected publication: October 1st 2013 by Zebra
Holiday Pleasures #3
Historical romance
For a review

Review: It takes two to tangle - Theresa Romain

Henry Middlebrook is back from fighting Napoleon, ready to re-enter London society where he left it. Wounded and battle weary, he decides that the right wife is all he needs. Selecting the most desirable lady in the ton, Henry turns to her best friend and companion to help him with his suit…

Young and beautiful, war widow Frances Whittier is no stranger to social intrigue. She finds Henry Middlebrook courageous and manly, unlike the foppish aristocrats she is used to, and is inspired to exercise her considerable wit on his behalf. But she may be too clever for her own good, and Frances discovers that she has set in motion a complicated train of events that’s only going to break her own heart.

　

My thoughts:

I am not a huge fan of the "in love with the heroine's best friend plot", but, yes it worked and I will tell you why.

1. First Henry was never in love. His brother and sister-in-law told him that she would be a good wife and that he should marry.

2. Frances makes a BIG mistake so she really has herself to blame when Henry thinks Caroline likes him.

3. When he gets to know Frannie he starts to like her.

4. Frannie already likes him, and cos of the Mistake she makes it all worse.

5. This book has a HEA so we all know it will end well.

There you have it, in 5 points why the plot worked for me.

In other news, I wonder who will be the next hero or heroine. I want Caroline to get a HEA. And I want a story where an old friend of Henry's gets his HEA. I do love when a book has interesting side characters you want more of.

Conclusion:

A cute romance where mistakes are made but love is found.

 

Cover

Nice

　

　

Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages

Published September 3rd 2013 by Sourcebooks Casablanca

The Matchmaker Trilogy #1

Historical romance

From the Publisher for an honest review

Review: Season for Surrender - Theresa Romain

Honor Among Rogues

Alexander Edgeware, Lord Xavier, has quite a reputation—for daring, wagering, and wickedness in all its delightful forms. But the wager before him is hardly his preferred sport: Xavier must persuade a proper young lady to attend his famously naughty Christmas house party—and stay the full, ruinous two weeks. Worse, the lady is Louisa Oliver, a doe-eyed bookworm Xavier finds quite charming. Yet to refuse the challenge is impossible—he will simply have to appoint himself Miss Oliver’s protector…

Mischief Among Misses

Louisa knows her chance for a husband has passed. But she has no desire to retire into spinsterhood without enjoying a few grand adventures first. When Lord Xavier’s invitation arrives, Louisa is more intrigued than insulted. And once inside the rogues’ gallery, she just may have a thing or two to teach her gentlemen friends about daring.

My thoughts:

Are you getting a sense of Deja vu? Well then you are correct cos I have already posted a review of this one on my blog. Rameau's review, but then Anachronist asked if I would write one too? And I thought about it and thought why not. It will be fun to compare.

I am glancing at Rameau's review while writing this ;)

I did think the smexing came to fast in this book, suddenly there it was and I was all lime wow, slow down people. Seems Rameu found a way of approving this while I am not too happy about it. Just too fast.

The heroine loves books, and that means I loved the heroine and it really showed what a booklover she was.

The whole rogue aspect around Xavier I did not get, I would have wished for him to be explored, or explained more.

Seems Rameau liked the discussions the couple had, I fear I found those part the most dull. Nothing happened (of course then smack! smexing).

She wonders about Lockwood, well I sure hope he does not get a book, but yes Jane should get one. She is a cousin of Xavier and a sweet thing.

Conclusion:

All in all, bluestocking meets Rogue and soon it all starts. Of course he means to seduce her to win a wager and she, well she wants to live for once.

For Rameu's more excellent review go here

Series: Seasons #2
Genre: Historical romance
Pages: 368
Published: 2012 by Zebra
Source: From rameau

Review: Season for Surrender - Theresa Romain

It’s 1818 and Earl of Xavier has created a problem for himself. He’s agreed to a bet he never should’ve agreed to, but a renown rake and gambler must keep up appearances. Oh, well, he could always manipulate the circumstances in his favour by rewriting the Christmas celebration guest list to ensure Louisa Oliver and her aunt would stay the full two weeks. Fortunately, reputations deceive. Louisa is as little a bluestocking as Xavier is a thoughtless philanderer, but it turns out both of them are seducers. 

A few wagers later Louisa owes Xavier hours of her time and they start discussions beyond normal scope of society gossip and imminent scandals that are so closely associated with both of them. As Xavier reluctantly tempts Louisa’s virtue, she seduces him into showing the man behind the numbered expressions. 

Season for Surrender starts slowly and I had trouble getting into the story. I did come to like both Xavier’s and Louisa’s voices, but unfortunately I wasn’t ever fully captivated. That isn’t to say I didn’t like the story—I did—but I have the attention span of a gnat and I need to be continuously lured into turning the page and starting a new chapter. Most of the time, the chapter titles did that by reminding me of Gail Carriger’s wit and hinting just enough to what was was coming. There were a couple that could have been considered as mild spoilers, but I didn’t mind them.

I liked the fact that Louisa’s interest in books wasn’t something to be taken on faith; it was shown and it helped to provide her an organic connection with Xavier. It also helped me to suspend disbelief long enough to accept the sexual aspects of their encounters. <spoiler>A twenty-one-year-old girl who is familiar with human anatomy and reads Fanny Hill can be just as curious about sex in the 19th century as in the 21st centuryspoiler. 

Their discussions over the state of his library and literary in general helped to mirror the progression of their relationship. I usually hate when authors start quoting other people’s works, but here the quotes were used sparingly and chosen for the maximum impact—it is to say I didn’t feel the need to automatically skip them and that I did in fact read them through. 

More than just the quotes, though, some things about this book reminded me of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. It wasn’t just the descriptions of regency era festivities with a bigger company than three or five, but also a few—one in particular—specific scenes in the end that made me imagine Colin Firth striding across a long room thinking of Jennifer Ehle. 

I also liked Lady Irving and Xavier’s cousin, Jane, whom I suspect could be the heroine of a future Theresa Romain novel. More than that, I’d be interested in seeing whether or not the author can turn the villain, Marquess of Lockwood, into a character with a bit more depth. 

4 stars

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for this review.

Series: Sequel to Season for Temptation

Pages: 368 (paperback)

Publisher:        Kensington Publishing Corp.

Imprint: Zebra Books

ISBN: 1420128868

Published:   October 2nd 2012 (expected)

Source: Theresa Romain

Blog Tour: Season for Surrender by Theresa Romain + giveaway

I am a part of the Season for Surrender blog Tour. There is a giveaway for this book too, but first an excerpt from the book:

The scene: 
At the end of a difficult Christmas day, Alexander, Lord Xavier, has come to the library of his country house for the solace of conversation with Louisa Oliver. But the conversation—and the solace—don’t go as he expected…

Part of him wanted to deny this, yet part of him knew that only trickery had brought her here, kept her close. He’d bribed her here with his books, tied her here with a mystery. Counted on her intellectual curiosity to win him ten pounds and sustain his reputation. 

A reputation he didn’t even want anymore. Maybe.

Was he Xavier, or Alex? He was all knotted up, all confusion. Yet no matter who he was, he wanted. He wanted to convince her of his value. She, who was the first to suspect he had a hidden stash of it.

He wanted her eyes on him; her thoughts turned his way. And if he kissed her—when he kissed her—by God, he’d make sure it was a kiss she wanted to hold fast to.

Her hand slipped around his tense forearm, and he flinched. He hadn’t heard her approach. She rested her hand on his sleeve—one second, two. Gently, then, she pressed down on his arm. Let go.

He dropped his hands from the mantel, his shoulders sagging, and turned to face her. Tried for a smile.

She must have seen something dreadful in his face, because she took a step backward. Her hands lifted, palms out, the silk of her gown shushing over the carpet. “You look like you could use some privacy. I’d best bid you good night now, and happy Christmas. Do excuse me.”

Before he could unlock his tongue, she had already backed up several more steps. 

“Wait, please.” He raked a hand through his hair. “Please. Louisa. Don’t leave. Not like this.”

He didn’t want her to ask him any more terrible questions. But he couldn’t let her leave; not before he had an answer for her. Or himself.

She stopped. “How should I leave, then? Shall I recommend a book to you first? Purgatorio was good enough for your ancestors, and they were good enough for the queen.”

“No.” He pulled in a sharp breath. “Yes. Louisa. We don’t have to be only about books, do we?”

She looked away, into the dark depths of the library. “You and I? We don’t have to be anything. I’m just here for your house party, to entertain myself in a safely scandalous way, then retreat to the library whenever real life gets too overwhelming.”

“I see,” he replied. His hands felt blocky and numb at his sides. “Yes. I—I shouldn’t have expected anything else from you.” 

He stammered under a wave of mortification. It welled up from within; it washed over him with every flicker of her dark eyes.

She didn’t leave, though. And she didn’t stop looking at him. With a tilt of her head, she said, “I’ve told you not to expect me to react in the common way.”

She sank to the floor before the fire and extended her hands. The burning coals cast their warm light through the wavy glass of the fireplace screen, burnishing her skin to flame gold as her bronze gown pooled around her.

“In a novel,” she commented, turning her hands before the flames as though toasting them, “someone would surely interrupt our conversation at the decisive moment.”

Xavier stood by the fireplace like an andiron. “Can it be possible that this conversation hasn’t yet reached the decisive moment? I think we’ve had twelve decisive moments already. I’ll have to go directly to bed and pull the coverlet over my head.”

A trick he’d often used with Lockwood: stating the truth so baldly that it sounded like a lie. Lockwood always laughed.

Louisa didn’t, though. She only watched the flicker of flame behind glass. “That’s not much of a way to spend Christmas night, is it?”

His jaw flexed. What on earth was there to say by way of reply? There was no point in denying anything to her. At best, she’d shrug it off; at worst, leave.

He didn’t like the idea of her leaving—and not because of the wager with Lockwood.

“No,” he said. “It isn’t. But then, not much about this Christmas has gone as I wished.”

She rose to her feet, graceful as a danseuse. “And what did you wish for?” 

Read the next part of the excerpt tomorrow, 9/27, at Romancing Rakes for the Love of Romance: http://romancingrakes4theluvofromance.blogspot.com/

Giveaway Details:

One randomly drawn commenter will win an autographed copy of SEASON FOR SURRENDER by Theresa Romain.

Contest is open internationally.

Contest is open the duration of the tour. (Ends 10/5)

 Winner(s) will be randomly selected and notified via email.

I usually do not do this, but you will get 1 extra entry if you like Theresa on facebook 
                                                         
 1 extra entry if you follow her on twitter

Author Bio: 
Historical romance author Theresa Romain pursued an impractical education that allowed her to read everything she could get her hands on. She then worked for universities and libraries, where she got to read even more. Eventu­ally she started writing, too. She lives with her family in the Midwest.

Connect with Theresa at:
Website: http://theresaromain.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/theresaromain
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTheresaRomain
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4844891.Theresa_Romain

Tour Stops: 
Additional tour stops can be found at:
http://events.litconnect.com/season-for-surrender-by-theresa-romain
The more stops readers comment on, the greater their chance of winning.


 Back Cover Blurb: 
HONOR AMONG ROGUES 
Alexander Edgware, Lord Xavier, has quite a reputation— for daring, wagering, and wickedness in all its delightful forms. But the wager before him is hardly his preferred sport: Xavier must persuade a proper young lady to at­tend his famously naughty Christmas house party—and stay the full, ruinous two weeks. Worse, the lady is Louisa Oliver, a doe-eyed bookworm Xavier finds quite charming. Yet to refuse the challenge is impossible—he will simply have to appoint himself Miss Oliver’s protec­tor… 

MISCHIEF AMONG MISSES 
Louisa knows her chance for a husband has passed. But she has no desire to retire into spinsterhood without enjoying a few grand adventures first. When Lord Xavi­er’s invitation arrives, Louisa is more intrigued than insulted. And once inside the rogues’ gallery, she just may have a thing or two to teach her gentlemen friends about daring… 

Purchase Links:
Amazon.com: 
Barnes & Noble: 
Book Depository: 
Books-a-Million: