Before I turn the blog over to Katie, I’d like to send a special thanks to Kensington Publishing (my wonderful editor Peter Senftleben) for supplying an entire year of debut titles. And to Pamela and Wendy at Avon Books, who are so fantastic to work with, thank you for all the events and great books! And to the individual authors who offered up their books for the giveaway, thank you, ladies, for your generosity.
Now to start the week off in high style, it’s reviewer extraordinaire, Katiebabs!
One of the things I love about reading is finding out about debut authors. These new faces bring so much to the publishing world because they have fresh ideas and their excitement is contagious because they are the new kids on the block.
Here at The Seasons Blog, we are all about showcasing these debut authors that have really made their mark in the historical romance genre. I have a few to recommend that really made an impression on me and ones I will keep my eye on in the next coming years.
Welcome me in congratulating the 2009 class of debut authors!
We’re spotlighting, in alphabetical order, the two debuts we’re giving away to 4 lucky commenters today(2 copies each).
Leanna Renee Hieber’s haunting tale of Victorian England had many people talking. In part it had to do with one of the longest titles for a book this year with The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Percy Parker. Percy Parker is a fabulous cross genre that both teens and adults can enjoy. Leanna’s heroine, Percy, channels most of our hidden desires and worries from longing for someone we think we would never be worthy enough for; to believing in ourselves and knowing we are incredible people regardless of what we look like on the outside. Strangely and beautiful are two perfect words when describing a Hieber book.
The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker
Author: Leanna Renee Hieber
Publisher: Dorchester
Pub. Date: August 25
ISBN-13: 978-0843962963
320 pages
What fortune awaited sweet, timid Percy Parker at Athens Academy? Considering how few of Queen Victoria’s Londoners knew of it, the great Romanesque fortress was dreadfully imposing, and little could Percy guess what lay inside. She had never met the powerful and mysterious Professor Alexi Rychman, knew nothing of the growing shadow, the Ripper and other supernatural terrors against which his coterie stood guard. She knew simply that she was different, haunted, with her snow-white hair, pearlescent skin and uncanny gifts. But this arched stone doorway offered a portal to a new life, an education far from the convent—and an invitation to an intimate yet dangerous dance at the threshold of life and death….
~
Sarah Parr’s Renegade is an exotic tale of far off lands with a righteous but seductive hero. This release from Kensington Zebra was everything I could wish for in a historical romance. Swashbuckling adventure comes to mind. Sarah is a much welcomed author for Kensington and with this one book she has proven she is an author to watch.
Renegade
Author: Sarah Parr
Publisher: Kensington
Pub. Date: June 1
ISBN-13: 978-1420104783
320 pages
Far from England, alone for too long, Captain Jonathon Barry Is captivated the instant he saw Jaline–she is too magnificent not to notice. There is a grace to her movements, an elegance to her bearing, that sets her apart even before she lifts her exotic black eyes or speaks. Her voice is intoxicating, soft as velvet with a sweet, lilting quality, as she recounts an evil bargain made against her will. She is to be his mistress, and he may do with her as he pleases …
Jonathon is deeply torn, for Jaline is indeed his by right. She is only a slave, the prize he has won in a Constantinople gambling den. Trembling, bared to him, body and soul— he can see how cruelly she has been treated. It is clear that Jaline is in danger still and he may well be her only hope. Yet even a renegade like Jonathon would risk anything to save so beautiful a woman…and to love her, if she will let him.
Four others on my list are:
- Gail Carriger arrived on the scene this year with Soulless, her debut novel for Orbit that is all about Victorian England, vampires, werewolves and crazed scientists. What makes Soulless so different from all the other historicals out there is that this one is a Steampunk. The Steampunk genre is one of the most buzzed genres talked about this year and Gail’s Soulless was an explosive read. Soulless had me smiling from the moment I met Alexia her undying love for parasols and the banter she has with Lord Maccon, the alpha of the werewolf community in London. Wackiness ensues and Soulless is one refreshing book.
- Ballantine’s Tessa Dare ruled the summer months with her regency romance trilogy. Her storytelling skills and words are just so beautiful. Her luscious romances steam up the pages as well as bringing forth a few laughs. Her characters are those you won’t soon forget. Tessa’s first book, Goddess of the Hunt, made such an impression on me that she is a “goddess” of the historical romance world and one who has set a new standard with her writing.
- HQN’s Courtney Milan’s full length debut novel, Proof of Seduction, doesn’t come out until January 2010, but she has made waves in 2009 as one of the most anticipated authors to hit the scene. Courtney has a story in The Heart of Christmas anthology with Nicola Cornick and Mary Balogh that just came out this month. The anthology has already hit the USA Today Best Seller list. Courtney’s story, His Wicked Gift, is a lovely regency romance where a mysterious man finds love with a poor girl who runs her father’s lending library business. This Dickens type tale shows that love among the stacks of books makes for wonderful reading.
- Kate Noble had two lovely historicals releases this year from Berkley with Compromised and Revealed. Her writing is witty, engaging and her characters adorable. Her books will make you smile and you really feel as if you are involved in the action on the pages. When I think of a Kate Noble book, the word delightful comes to mind.
These are only a select few historical romance debut authors who I enjoyed reading this year. Do you have any other debut authors to recommend for the class of 2009?
Katiebabs 
Wait, we’re not finished yet. While you’re pondering Katie’s question, take a look at 2 (two) other positively delicious debuts that you can win today.
Lady of Scandal
Author: Tina Gabrielle
Publisher: Kensington
Pub. Date: September 1
ISBN-13: 978-1420108484
320 pages
A WOMAN WITH A SECRET
Victoria Ashton has intelligence and ambition—qualities of little value to most marriage-minded gentlemen of the ton. Her own father has no idea of Victoria’s hidden life as an anonymous trader in London’s stock market. But her hopes of independence are shattered when her father’s enemy, Blake Mallory, assumes Charles Ashton’s debts and presents Victoria with a stark choice: live with him as his mistress for one year, or condemn her family to bankruptcy.
A GENTLEMAN WITH RESOLVE
For years Blake has dreamed of justice, and his scheme becomes all the sweeter when he sees the beauty that Victoria has become. Scoundrel he may be, but Blake will not force anyone into his bed. He intends to entice Victoria, one wicked kiss at a time. But with a woman as spirited and sensual as Victoria, seduction works both ways—and a plan rooted in revenge can blossom into a scandalous passion…
~
Too Hot For a Spy
Author: Pearl Wolf
Publisher: Kensington
Pub. Date: March 1
ISBN-13: 978-1420104806
320 pages
Resistance is futile…
Lady Olivia Fairchild has always lived a life of luxury and ease, but she longs for the kind of intrigue that can’t be found on a ballroom dance floor. Then Olivia learns she’s been accepted has the first female student in England’s prestigious spy school. But spy–training is far more grueling than Olivia ever imagined—and her dashing spymaster seems bent on banishing her from the school in record time…
When every look brings them closer…
Sebastian Brooks believes women have no place within the dangerous world of espionage—and he’s determined to oust Olivia by whatever means necessary. But even as Sebastian mercilessly taunts her, he finds the sight of Olivia’s shapely body gallivanting on horseback is driving him wild. Olivia, too, can feel her longing for Sebastian heating up. Surrendering to her desire could be the most reckless move of her life—but resisting it may be impossible…
Hi Katie, I don’t think Kimberly Killion qualifies as a debut author but I read her second book Highland Dragon. It was an absolute joy to read! I definitely found a new author to look forward to reading more from.
wow 8D these book look fantastic! would love to be so lucky XP As for answering the question, I can’t think of a ‘debut’ author but a fantastic debut read from an author for me this year from the top of my head is Jennifer Ashley’s ‘The Madness of lord Ian Mackenzie’.
Unfortunately I can’t think of any debut authors off the top of my head. How ever you did give me 10 new books to add to my wish list and 8 new authors to add to my watch list. So thank you. 🙂
I wish i know many of great authors out there. Since i just know a few of them. Debut Author, all that i can think is Aunty Cindy, Loucinda Macgary. I just love The Wild Sight.
Wow these books sound fabulous! Tessa Dare and Courtney Milan would be two debut authors this year whose writing I thoroughly enjoyed. 🙂
I have heard so many interesting things about The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Percy Parker that I really must read it, and I also want to read Pearl Wolf’s book. Debut authors I have already read and raved about this year are Tessa Dare, Courtney Milan, and Vanessa Kelly, whose Mastering the Marquess I loved.
I loved reading Tessa Dare “Goddess of theHunt” too. Also Kris Kennedy “The Conqueror” which was a nice medieval romance. Definitly an author I’ll be watching.
It’s always fun to discover new authors. I’ve heard good things about a lot of these authors featured here, and I’d love to win any of these books for a chance to discover some new great authors!
Thanks again so much for the wonderful contests!!! 🙂
The site (and now blog) are great, although my “to-read” list keeps getting longer and longer! It’s fun to find new authors though 🙂
I loved Tessa Dare’s debut trilogy! I was anticipating it for awhile and i was not disappointed. I also really like Jennifer Haymore’s A Hint of Wicked. Definitely someone who I’ll be waiting for her next book!
I love new author Tessa Dare. All three of her books are fantastic. I can’t wait for the next trilogy in 2010!!
I can’t wait to try Soulless. Heard alot about Steampunk so thought I’d give it a shot.
I’ve also read recommendations for Tessa Dare’s books. I would love to give them a try.
Thanks so much for this wonderful contest!
Right off hand I can’t think of any debut authors I have read this year. However, I loved all the books mentioned, and would love to have all of them! They are definitely going to be added to my TBR pile that I will soon buy.
Thanks again! All the books sound delicious!
What a way to start out a ho-hum week (at least for me:)
I am especially looking forward to Courtney Milan’s debut novel. I want to read the Christmas anthology, too. Courtney recently posted a short story during the final week of Romance Vagabonds that I really wish she would turn into a full-blown novel. It was a lovely scene in a ballroom with an earl on crutches due to an amputated leg in the war. He is “dancing” with a woman who is kind and patient. The beauty and sweetness of the scene touched my heart, and I want more! 🙂
I love Tessa Dare’s books! She was my favorite! But I have to say you have listed a few that I would definitely be interested in reading!
I love Tessa Dare’s books! She was my favorite! But I have to say you have listed a few that I would definitely be interested in reading!
How great are Tessa Dare and Leanna Renee Hieber?!? Love them!!
I have Sarah Parr in my tbr and met her at RWA – super nice. Can’t wait to get to that one!
Now I can’t wait to read The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker. The title alone is too intriguing to miss. Thanks!!!
Katie what a lucky girl you are have a job that gives you the opportunity to have the first glimpse at all these wonderful books! I was so excited when I complete this blog a call to my local library was a must, to reserve Leanna Renee Hieber’s new book. Unfortunately they do not have a copy but I was informed I’ll be first in line when it comes in!
Wow! What a fantastic collection of books! And thanks to all of you for making this giveaway possible! Three of these are completely new to me, so thanks for “introducing” me. But I’ve been dying to read The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker. Wonder how she tops that title?
Thanks again!
~bella
Thanks everyone for stopping by! I am always looking for new authors to read 😀
Beverly deserves a big thanks for inviting me over to her place here.
Hi,
I just found this site and love having a place where i can read reviews for new books. The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker sounds especially interesting. ^w^
Except for the ones you mention, I can’t think of any other debut authors. Off this list, I’m most wanting to read the Hieber and Carriger books. I’ve been hearing great things about them.
Hi Katiebabs!
I would say MASTERING THE MARQUESS by Vanessa Kelly is my favorite debut. I’m sure there are others, but that one really stood out to me. Thanks for your recommendations!
Sure is a great collection of books! Good luck to everyone. 🙂
Hi, thanks for the new recommendations!! I have mostly been reading well known authors. I have read Tessa Dare, and like her books. Great contest again!! Thanks, Sue
All the books sound great. I love the covers. 🙂
A debut author I discovered was Jaye Wells. Her book was titled Red-Headed Stepchild. Another was Helen Scott Taylor-The Magic Knot. Both of these books were really good and the authors are on my list to be read again.
I just finished Love is a Four-legged Word by Kandy Shepherd. It is her debut novel and sweet as pie! A little bit of mystery, a little bit of deceit, and a lot of suppressed sensual angst. Add in a billionare mutt and you’ve got it!
Love the reviews all of these books have been added to my must have list. I love finding new authors nothing better LOL
Have Fun
Helen
Hi Katiebabs, I would have to say Margaret Mallory for KNIGHT OF DESIRE. Thanks for the recommendations. Looking forward to reading Tessa Dare’s books.
I’ve read some great reviews on Goodreads about these debut authors. I’m looking forward to reading their books. Thank you for the great contests!!!
I have a couple of the books mentioned on my TBR pile – Soulless and Goddess of the Hunt, and all because I’ve been hearing such good things about these new authors. I enjoyed hearing about some more up and coming authors and their books. Looking forward to picking up more of them, especially The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker. I can’t think of any more new authors to add that haven’t already been mentioned.
3 Debut novels (although not all are historical romance) that I’ve got on my wishlist are: Homicide in Hardcover by Kate Carlisle; To Wicked to Kiss by Ericka Ridley and Can’t Stand the Heat by Louisa Edwards.
I love trying out new authors! And winning any of these books would be a great opportunity to! I purchased Tessa Dare’s “Goddess of the Hunt”. It’s in my TBR.
I really haven’t discoverd a new author, lately; I’m still trying to catch up with the established ones!
I’m looking foward to reading some great novels.
Thanks.
Wow–thanks for the mention! I am in some very, very illustrious company, especially for an author who doesn’t even have a full-length novel out yet.
I have read most of these authors, and the ones I haven’t read yet are on my teetering TBR pile, awaiting the end of my deadline.
Oh, and P.S. — please do not enter me in the drawing. I have both those books!
I can’t think of any more debut athors but I sure found some to check out, Thanks
What a great way to start the week!
I can’t think of a debut author I have read this year.
I forgot to mention A HINT OF WICKED by Jennifer Haymore was fabulous. I cannot wait until the next book in the series comes out!
I believe I read somewhere about Erica Ridley. I have not read her, but I seem remembering they were talking about her book and her having a debut romance book. I do like and have read Jennifer Haymore!!
I woudl like to second Courtney Milan…and really enjoyed Jennifer Haymore this year 🙂
Margaret Mallory is one of my new favorites…and I loved “Renegade” 🙂 EXCELLENT book!
Hmmm, well several of the ones listed were my favorites, especially Tessa Dare and Courtney Milan, but 2009 isn’t over yet. 🙂 I’m eagerly awaiting Lori Brighton’s Wild Heart, which will be out soon.
Thanks everyone! And a HUGE thank you to Katie for the great post! It was the perfect way to start us off this week. 🙂
Hi Katiebabs, I am also a reviewer and I agree with you that the one thing I really look forward to is finding new debut authors, especially really good ones. Author Kit Donner is one that you may have missed. Vanessa Kelly and Tina Gabrielle are also two of my favorites, as well as Jennifer Haymore.
I also like some of the authors who have ventured into new areas with their writing, such as Julie Kenner, who went a little darker with her writing in her Blood Lily Chronicles series. Known for her more humorous writings, this series is a little different for her. I found this series hard to put down until I finished reading the last page.
Another author who is really not a debut for 2009, since her first book came out in September 2008, is Delilah Marvelle with Mistress of Pleasure, which is a really humorous and sexy story. Her second book, Lord of Pleasure, which is just as good, if not better, came out this year in August.