Please extend a warm welcome to Chloe Harris, our guest blogger today, whose steamy debut historical, SECRETS OF SIN, releases January 26th. She’ll be chatting about some favourites on her ‘keeper shelf’.
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First I want to say a big thank you to Beverley for liking my idea and letting me guest blog at The Season. I hope this will be the first of many posts where authors and readers talk about the Historical Romances on their “Keeper Shelf” and why they love them enough to call them keepers.
Teresa Medeiros has a large section on my keeper shelf including A Whisper of Roses, Heather and Velvet with its collectible Fabio cover and the book I’m talking about today, Thief of Hearts.
All the books on my keeper shelf have golden lines or golden moments that even after years and years still stick out in my memory and have a place in my heart. Like in Madeline Hunter’s The Seducer when Daniel St. John talks about how after spending most of his adult life in England he knows in his heart he’s French because he dreams in French. *Sigh* Or the golden line on page 20 of Thief of Hearts that stole my heart right away. They all shine like gold in my memory.
Before I continue about Thief of Hearts, you need to understand that like many women I’m not fond of my hair in its natural state. Please take into account that I first read this book just after publication around late 1994 or early 1995. If you’re old enough to remember, the look in the 80s and early 90s in much of the US was long curly and big. I spent all of my teens and a good part of my twenties not to mention a small fortune perming and lamenting my stick straight hair.
I never found anything good about that fact at I was born with such awful hair until page 20 of Thief of Hearts where Captain Doom, the most feared and despicable pirate since Kidd, looked at Lucinda Snow’s hair and observed “It streamed down her back in a fall of ash-blond silk, unmarred by a single frivolous curl.”
Did you get that? “Unmarred by a single frivolous curl.” I was in shock for a moment. Curls are frivolous? And did he not also refer to them as marring? Unbelievable. Could it be that the hair I’d been born with (which is also blond but not near ash) is a good thing? Something a hero would find admirable? Well that was it for me. I was in love with Captain Doom at that second, reprobate pirate or not.
But whether your hair is straight or curly, blond, black, brown or red there is a lot more to love about this book. Like that fact that you get two heroes for the price of one; the dashing pirate and the strong protective bodyguard. After Lucy survives being kidnapped and kissed by Captain Doom, her father, Admiral Lucien Snow, hires Gerard Claremont to protect her. But little does he know, Gerard is much more than he seems and has much more in mind for the Snows. Poor Lucy is torn between the fantasy of the pirate and real man right in front of her.
I’m a sucker for certain romantic tropes and Thief of Hearts has one of my favorites. Forced proximity always seems to push my autobuy buttons. Between being kidnapped more than once and being stuck with a bodyguard there is no shortage of close quarters to spark tension between the hero and heroine.
I could go on and on forever about how lushly descriptive the language is, how relatable and strong the characters are, or just how much fun the story is but I’ll stop here and let you read it for yourself.
The books on my keeper shelf helped to inspired me to become a writer and I’m proud to say that my first book, SECRETS OF SIN will be out on January 26th.
And even better than that, Beverley has 3 advance copies to give away! Leave a comment about your favorite golden line or favorite forced proximity romance for a chance to plunge into a world of charmingly wicked sea captains, dazzling strong women, warm exotic locales and deliciously sinful secrets.
Noelle is half of the team of Chloe Harris along with her writing partner Barbra. Noelle is a quintessential eccentric southerner that seems to find a story in almost everything. Learn more at www.authorchloeharris.com.
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Secrets of Sin
Author: Chloe Harris
Publisher: Kensington/Aphrodisia
Pub. Date: January 26, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0758238535
320 pages
THREE DAYS… ENDLESS PLEASURE
On a Caribbean island of alluring delights, Emiline du Ronde-Barhydt commands a large estate, vast wealth, and unwavering devotion. Her inheritance and dazzling beauty ensure that she’s granted her every wish… or almost. The one thing she can’t get is freedom from her proud wayward husband.
When her husband, sea captain Reinier Barhydt finally agrees to give his determined wife the divorce she craves – it’s for a price: three days of total submission to his every erotic demand. Both fall under the spell of the most forbidden sensations that reignite every delicious inch of their bodies… and Reinier soon realizes that he is no longer master of his carnal game. At the mercy of his own raw shattering needs, the three red hot days may just turn into a lifetime of smoldering passion…
Your book sounds terrific! I love the idea of her husband’s demand! 🙂
I do remember those days of long, curly, big hair . . . and even then I tried to straighten mine. lol. Didn’t someone once say we always want what we don’t have? 🙂 I love all things Medeiros and remember Thief of Hearts quite well. All of TM’s books are keepers for me. One of my favs from that era is Meagan McKinney’s Lions and Lace. Forced marriage, wounded and AWESOME hero, evil uncle, missing sister . . . Love it! 🙂
Hi Chloe-
I’ll be adding Thief of Hearts to my Kindle as soon as I’m done posting, and I can’t wait to read your book as well. Congratulations on your upcoming release. I think one of my most memorable moments in a book is from Nora Roberts’ Command Performance. The hero, Alexander, is the eldest prince with three other siblings. He’s always had a thing for Eve, a woman he believes loves his playboy younger brother, Bennett, as all females seem to do. She is very formal with Alexander, being respectful of his title, and will call him nothing other than “Your Highness”, despite the fact that she has no issue with referring to his brother by the familiar Bennett. He happens upon her in the estate stable one afternoon and as she’s dismounting from her horse she loses her balance and tumbles into him. She says (breathlessly of course), “Excuse me, Your Highness.” He grabs her upper arms and says, “Alex, damn it. My name is Alexander. Must you insist on making me feel like a position instead of a man?” When she says, “No-I mean yes.” He then pulls her closer and demands, “Say my name. Now.” She whispers, “Alexander” and then he kisses her. Real good. 🙂
Byanna – I have not read Loins and Lace but I will certainly look for it now. Sound like my kind of Book!
Devon – That gave me chills just now!! That’s why Nora is the queen.
Sorry to spell your name wrong Bryanna. 🙁
Chloe! Congrats on your soon to be released! It sounds absolutely “sinful” LOL! Best of luck and I am excited to read yet again another new author! Happy writing!
Hi, Chloe! Congrats on your debut book! It sounds so good!
I was one of those girls/women that had to have a perm every 4 months. I still like my hair curled (curling irons, great inventions) and with body (thank you, hair products!), but I have been perm-free for 3 years in March! The secret is hair products and a great hairstylist! 🙂
I’m at work, so can’t go to my Keeper Shelf to find a golden line, but I think Teresa Medeiros is a great author. I think, IMO, one of the most famous golden lines is, Rhett Butler to Scarlett, “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.” All of his disappointment and heartache come out in that one line.
Yay! Congrats on your debut.
I just read Captive of Sin by Anna Campbell and the hero and heroine were forced to spend time together and overcome some issues. I loved this book, even though it was a bit dark. I also love To Catch an Heiress by Julia Quinn. You have the heroine kidnapped because a case of mistaken idenity and forced to indure the hero, who she then tends to torture in her own way.
I will def be looking into these books you all mentioned!
Hi Chloe.
Your book sounds wonderful. I myself have shelves of books that i could never give away. Their stories are too dear and wonderful to part with. You mentioned your hair always bothering you, but when i started reading romances it was my speech that bothered me. I’ve always had some speech issues with slurring and not being able to pronounce some letter sounds. It’s something that i was always teased about and made to be an amusement when i was younger. As i got older my speech difficulty become not as pronounced unless i start to read out loud. One of my first romance writers i ever read was Julia Quinn and i quickly found a new hero in Simon from “The Duke and I”. This is because Simon had the same speech issues that i have and went through a lot because of it. Julia then became my hero for writing such a hero. ^^ Julia also wrote of my most favorite lines (though i can’t remember which book it is from) in romance when she wrote ” In her heart, she longed for this man, dreamed of a life that could never be”. How often does that sum up life. ^^
My favorite ‘forced proximity romance’ would have to be ‘Stormfire’ by Christine Monson. The hero has his brother kidnap the heroine because he’s trying to get revenge on her father. She’s forced to live with him and all that.
Thanks,
tradingaddress at gmail dot com
Chloe,
I have naturally curly hair but I don’t take offense! I’ve never read any of Teresa’s books but have heard they are wonderful, so after reading this post, I’m running out to get one.
My fave golden line – also from Madeline Hunter – is from the same book!!! The Seducer…but it’s about Julian..(also at work so it is not going to be exact) when Diane says he looks like he would speak in poetry, should he deign to speak at all…
One of my other fave golden lines, probably more well known for the movie it’s from (based on the book), is “As you wish” from The Princess Bride….when wesley utters that on film, yum!
Can’t wait to read your debut, good luck!
“Every twentieth-century woman should have had a fourteenth-century husband who thought ten pounds overweight to be a bit “too frail” for his taste.” – Lynn Kurland (A Dance Through Time)
This is absolutely one of my favorite lines, ever. ♥
This line from the epilogue of “Surrender to the Devil” makes me cry every time I think of it, especially since the hero, Sterling gradually lost his sight and became blind. His lady love , Frannie, said: “Each day I thought I could love him nor more than I already did–and the following morning I was always proven wrong, for I awoke loving him just a little bit more”.
Thanks Jane L.
Deb H – Congrats on being perm free for 3 years! I am obsessed with body products. This past weekend I sent DH to the store for an emergency re-supply. He brought home Tresemme 24 Body Mouse and Spray. Great stuff!!
Jamie – I keep hearing really good things about Captive of Sin. It’s going on my “To Buy” list right away.
Melissa – I adore JQ. There are many of her books on my Keeper Shelf. The first one that comes to mind is “When He was Wicked.” And If I’m remembering right, one of my favorite golden moments has something to do with a desk. 😉
I have to say Chloe, you hit the nail on the head with all the scenarios you listed. I LOVE ‘EM. And SECRETS OF SIN sounds divine!! I cannot wait to read. Yes, my TBR pile is massive, but your book is definitely in there. 😀 I love his deal/ultimatum for the divorce. LOVE IT!
In terms of my fave forced proximity, I think that would be Gentle Rogue, if I’m remembering correctly. Nooo, what is that Johanna Lindsey book where she ties him up and must have ‘relations’ with him so she can get pregnant. LOVED THAT ONE. LOL.
Gosh…who doesn’t love a good kidnapping at sea! LOL! Tessa Dare’s Surrender of a Siren was a great forced proximity romance in 2009 (ha! like it was that long ago!). Gray and Sophia find out about the torture of living so close to temptation. 🙂 Highly recommend it!
Booklover – I’m not familiar with Stromfire. Thanks for giving me something new to check out.
Amy s-p – OMG I Loooove Julian! Now I want to go back and reread The Romantic.
Julie – What a great line! I can so identify with that.
Ginger – AWWWWW! So Romantic. Lorraine Heath is an another new author to read. Thanks.
Thanks so much Beverley.
And I have to say James Rutherford sounds like my kind of guy. “In love with his best friend’s fiancé or relative” is another autobuy trope for me. Can’t get enough of it!!
Hi Chloe!
I have Teresa Medeiros on my keeper shelf, “Yours Until Dawn” and “One Night of Scandal” but I haven’t read the one you mentioned! *scribbles it on my list*
I would have to say May Balogh is a real keep on my shelf, her ‘simply’ books and the Huxtable sibs are on proud display.
Also the gothic historical romances of Eve Silver, are there next to Balogh. Hey, they are both Canadian, like me! LOL!
Close proximity? I just read “Devil’s Bride” by Stephanie Laurens (I am new to the Cynster books!)
The heroine really has no place else to go, and why not be stuck away in a country manor with a virile duke?
And your books sounds wonderful! All the best with its release~
~Drew
Congrats on your new release! Sounds like a great read! I can’t think of a book right now!
Congratulations On Your Upcoming Release Chloe. Shana Abe’s Book Intimate Enemies Has Forced Proximity Romance. It Is An Old Story Of England Verses Scotland. Lauren MacRae Was Saved By Her Clan’s Sworn Enemy Arion du Morgan When They Were Children. Years Later She Is The Leader Of Her And She Is Forced To Go To Arion Who Is Now A Powerful English Overlord. They Are Basically Force To Join Together In Order To Save Her Clans Scottish Isle Of Shot. It Is A Great Read Which Is What You Book Sounds Like So I Am Very Interested In Reading Your Book.
Chloe Harris (Noelle), Stormfire is what I call an extreme bodice ripper. You’ll not read another like it, http://www.romantictimes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11698&highlight=stormfire
Sadly, the author committed suicide over six years ago. 🙁
My favorite is Desire Unchained by Larissa Ione. The h/h are literally chained together at the beginning and the fireworks explode from there.
And congrats on the book! It’s sounds like a great read!
Chloe, congrats on your up coming release!
I love TM! She has some of the best HR. Like you I have hair that is straight as a board, but its dark brown. Growing up I would get a perm, which never held for very long. I quit perming after my first child was born, 14 yrs ago. I did slip after my second child was born 7 yrs ago and got another one. I hated it! Now my hair has some natural wave to it that I take the pangs of flat ironing out daily. I am finally embracing my straight hair. Yay! I was just thinking the other day about never having read a book where the heroine had straight hair, unless she was Indian.
Thief of Hearts is sitting on my shelf waiting to be read, I guess after reading your lovely comments I am going to go brush the dust off of it! lol
Unfortunately I can’t think of any Golden Lines to comment on from my Keeper Shelf, but you have given me a task to complete!
Chloe you books sounds awesome congrats on the release.
I have read many keepers over the years but one that stands out is the first one I ever read Sweet Savage Love by Rosemary Rogers. A story that went over 3 books is about Ginny and Steve and travels through Mexico and kidnapping lots of things were happening but a fantastic HEA.
Have Fun
Helen
Danielle Y – I think I’m one of the only Historical Romance fans that hasn’t read Tessa Dare. It’s a sad fact that once you become a HR writer you have much less time to be a HR reader.
Drew – My sentiments exactly, why not be stuck in a manor with a Duke. lol I’ve also read Devil’s Bride fairly recently.
Thanks Quilt Lady
Raquel – I love anything Scottish! I volunteer at my local Highland Games every year. That book sounds like a winner.
Booklover – Thanks for the link!
Joder – That is forced proximity to the extreme! Lol. Reminds me of a paranormal, when I used to read those, where the h/h woke up handcuffed to each other.
Heather – You won’t be sorry you dusted it off. Lucy is one of the few great straight haired heroines. Another line I’ll never forget from T of H is “Lucy Snow was blond, everywhere.” 🙂
Helen – Those books sound really good but I have this weird quirk about reading books when the hero or heroine has the same name as a loved one. Is anyone else like that?
One of my favorite lines comes from Madeline Hunter’s By Arrangement where the heroine suspects that the hero didn’t really offer for her but that the king set the whole arrangement up and the hero looks at her and tells her that he saw her and had to have her.
I have six book cases full of keepers and a stack started that will require a new book case before summer. One of my favorite quotes is from “Lavender Morning” by Jude Deveraux. “You have a lot ot learn about us Southerners. We feed people. I think it is in our DNA”
Hi Chloe! Congratulations on your upcoming release “Secrets of Sin”, it sounds great and can’t wait to read it. One of my favorite lines is from Judith McNaught’s “Almost Heaven” where Ian is asking for Elizabeth’s forgiveness.
“If you would take one step forward, darling, you could cry in my arms. And while you do, I’ll tell you how sorry I am for everything I’ve done.” Unable to wait, Ian caught her, pulling her tightly against him. “And when I’m finished,” he whispered hoarsely as she wrapped her arms around him and wept brokenly, “you can help me find a way to forgive myself.”
Your book sounds great. Myfav orite one would be To catch an Heiress. Great book !
Maureen – Another MH fan! I think all of hers are keepers
Jackie – Being southern I would say that line is 100% fact. It’s certainly in my DNA.
Amber- Wow that is a golden moment for sure. Just beautiful.
Thanks Debra another new book to check out.
Congrats Chloe on “Secrets of Sin”, which sounds like a keeper itself.
One of my keepers is by Laura Kinsale, “Seize the Fire”. The leads end up on shipwrecked on a deserted island. It has all the elements I look for in a book: angst, tortured hero seeking redemption, a young women looking to discover herself and so on… it even has a penguin.
Our hair, we never seem to be happy with it. I was a teen in the 60’s and long, straight hair was the “in” thing. My naturally curly hair just wouldn’t cooperate. Julie Garwood has some good close proximity stories. Her THE PRIZE was my first romance novel and still one my favorites. She has many good lines in her books, but I can’t think of one right now (I really need sleep!).
Good luck with the release of your book!
One of my favorite close proximity stories is Madeline Hunter’s “The Protector.” It is also an excellent medieval historical, which are my favorite.
Hi, Chloe! Congrats on the upcoming release! I read a “close proximity” romance recently that I absolutely adored — Surrender of a Siren by Tessa Dare. Fantastic book!
Oh my stars this book sounds um um good!!! Chloe, congrats on Secrets of Sins.
That cover is yummy and the book sounds even more delicious 😀
I wanted to apologize for not replying to the last few commenters. I has an allergic reaction and spent the whole day knocked out by antihistamines.
Congrats to the Three Winners:
Quilt Lady
Amber E
Sue A.