Smitten by Books

Nope, I’m not talking ketchup or Carly Simon’s song. Last night I tweeted to get a sense of what historical romances coming out this year are being anticipated with bated breath. And there were plenty. I’m going to start out with the 5 (five) that came at me first, then every week or two I’ll continue with my Anticipation posts. The books will come from the responses I receive whenever I happen to ask the question on Twitter.

I’m going to start with the one I chose and the book I read and  ADORE. It’s absolutely wonderful. It’s the kind of book I’ll read over and over again, until the pages are dog-eared and worn. Suffice enough to say I’ll need an electronic copy of this book too. What gem am I speaking about? It’s Maggie Robinson’s fantastic debut, MISTRESS BY MISTAKE. I’m going to say this, you don’t want to miss this one. It is a KEEPER as well as the first in a series of 4 (four) books. What does that mean? It’s means there’s more for me to anticipate and gobble up the second each hits the book stores. Pre-order this one now.  Maggie Robinson is definitely an author to watch.

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Mistress By Mistake
Author: Maggie Robinson
Publisher: Kensington/Brava
Pub. Date: April 27, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0758250995
352 pages

Scandal is only the beginning…

Charlotte Fallon let her guarded virtue fall once—and she’s paid dearly for it ever since. She swore she’d never succumb to men’s desires again. But even a village spinster’s life miles from temptation can’t save her from a sister with no shame whatsoever. Or a heart that longs for more, whatever the cost…

Sir Michael Bayard found more than he expected in his bed when he finally joined his new mistress. He’d fantasized about her dewy skin and luscious curves, assured her understanding that what passed between them was mere dalliance. But he didn’t expect the innocence and heat of her response in his arms. Nor her surprisingly sharp tongue once she was out of them…

A few days of abandon cannot undo the hard-learned lessons of a lifetime. Nor can an honest passion burn away the restraints of society’s judgments. Unless, of course, one believes in nonsense like true love…

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Katiebabs offered up this next one, er, actually the next two. I’m going to start with Meredith Duran’s WICKED BECOMES YOU. This was one that wasn’t even on my radar, but I loved Meredith’s BOUND BY YOUR TOUCH so I knew I needed to give it a looksy. I was not disappointed. This one immediately jumped onto my TBB pile. It’s exactly the kind of storyline I adore. Pre-order this one too, ladies, it sounds like it’s going to be a naughty, thrilling ride. 😉

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Wicked Becomes You
Author: Meredith Duran
Publisher: Pocket
Pub. Date: April 27, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-1416593126
352 pages

She’s pretty enough to be popular, and Lord knows she’s rich enough for it. But what society loves best about Gwen Maudsley is how very, very nice she is. So when a cad jilts her at the altar—again—an outraged London brays for blood. Only Gwen has a different plan. If nice no longer works for her, then it’s time to learn to be naughty. Happily, she knows the perfect tutor—Alexander Ramsey, her late brother’s best friend and a notorious rogue.

Unbeknownst to Gwen, Alex’s aloof demeanor veils a very personal interest in her. He has no desire to see her change, nor to tempt himself with her presence when his own secrets make any future between them impossible. But on an educational tour through the glittering casinos of the Riviera, their friendship gives way to something hotter, darker, and altogether more dangerous. With Alex’s past and Gwen’s wildness on a collision course, Gwen must convince Alex that his wickedest intentions are exactly what she needs.

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Now if you’re into a bit of paranormal in your historicals, Katiebabs also suggests Gail Carriger’s CHANGELESS. From what I heard, Gail’s first book, SOULLESS took the reader audience by storm and it would appear she’s determined to level us with this next book in her Parasol Protectorate Series (got to love the series name!). I don’t do this often, but I may just take a walk on the dark side.

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Changeless
Author: Gail Carriger
Publisher: Orbit
Pub. Date: March 30, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0316074148
400 pages

Alexia Tarabotti, the Lady Woolsey, awakens in the wee hours of the mid-afternoon to find her husband, who should be decently asleep like any normal werewolf, yelling at the top of his lungs. Then he disappears – leaving her to deal with a regiment of supernatural soldiers encamped on her doorstep, a plethora of exorcised ghosts, and an angry Queen Victoria.

But Alexia is armed with her trusty parasol, the latest fashions, and an arsenal of biting civility.Even when her investigations take her to Scotland, the backwater of ugly waistcoats, she is prepared: upending werewolf pack dynamics as only the soulless can.

She might even find time to track down her wayward husband, if she feels like it.

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Vanessa Kelly, author of Mastering the Marquess and soon to be released Sex and the Single Earl, offered up our perennial favourite, Christina Dodd. Yep, you heard it right, Christina has a historical coming out titled IN BED WITH THE DUKE! The first in several years–since 2006 if I’m not correct. It sounds like a positively delicious read with Christina at her sensuous best. Ladies, make sure to add this one to your TBB list.

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In Bed With The Duke
Author: Christina Dodd
Publisher: NAL/Signet
Pub. Date: March 2, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0451229335
400 pages

Demure lady’s companion Emma Chegwidden never defies society’s rules. Until the night she runs straight into the arms of the mysterious and menacing Reaper . . . a man who rides the night-shadowed countryside and conceals his identity behind a mask. His goal is justice . . . or is it vengeance? Only one thing is certain: nothing will stop him from his dark purpose.

Michael Durant, long-lost heir to the duke of Nevitt, has a score to settle. Cynical, dangerous and ruthless, Michael is the last man on earth that sensible Emma should defy. But some challenges are too tempting to resist . . . and some passions too fierce to ignore. Soon Michael discovers in Emma the woman he has always longed for . . . a woman whose beauty and courage reach through to his tortured soul . . . and he will defy anything, even fate itself, to claim her . . .

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The final book for today, Connie Brockway’s THE GOLDEN SEASON, was offered up by kaligolf (her Twitter name). Now, to be honest with you, while I have heard of Connie Brockway I’ve never read any of her books. But after reading the back cover blurb of THE GOLDEN SEASON, I know exactly where I’m going to start. I love a story when the hero and heroine are operating at cross purposes. And the good thing about this book is we don’t have to wait for it, it was released yesterday. Ladies, I say we go forth and purchase.

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The Golden Season
Author: Connie Brockway
Publisher: NAL/Onyx
Pub. Date: February 2, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0451412836
400 pages

Wealthy, orphaned Lady Lydia Eastlake reigns over Regency England as the ton’s most celebrated beauty. But she must face losing the only life she’s ever known when her fortune suddenly disappears—and the only solution is to find a wealthy husband.

Enter Captain Ned Lockton, a rich and dashing war hero who sends Lydia’s pulse racing. Little does she know that the enigmatic captain’s family estate is secretly on the selling block—and he’s on the hunt for a rich bride who will rescue his family from poverty…

What about you? What are some of you most anticipated reads for 2010?