This recommendation comes from Sophie Jordan, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author (and one of my faves). She told me how much she adored THE MAKING OF A DUCHESS. So that is how the name of Shana Galen came to my attention. And because of Sophie’s recommendation, she is this month’s Author Under the Radar.

In doing this post I learned several things about Shana:

1. She was first published in 2005 with HarperCollins. That book was WHEN DASHING MET DANGER.

2. Shana also wrote contemporaries for HarperCollins under the name of Shane Bolks, the first of which was THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY MEN I’VE DATED (Hehehehe. Come on, you gotta chuckle over that title).

3. Her historical, BLACKTHORNE’S BRIDE was nominated for a RITA in 2008.

Currently, Shana is writing a new historical romance series for Sourcebooks, the first of which is the aforementioned THE MAKING OF A DUCHESS. I also see her tweeting on Twitter but I’m told that’s part of her job…you know, networking. 🙂 In all seriousness, not only did I pick Shana because of Sophie’s recommendation, I did so because her new series sounds great as well as her back list, and because she’s a real sweetheart. All of which go a long way to courting me as a reader.


The Making of a Duchess
Author: Shana Galen
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Pub. Date: June 1, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-1402238659
Retail: $6.99
Pages: 384

Twelve years after fleeing their burning chateau, Julien Harcourt, Duc de Valère, searches for his lost twin brothers. His frequent travels between England and France at a time when the exiled Napoleon is reported to be marshalling his troops raises the suspicions of English authorities who set secret operative Sarah Smith on his trail. A risky game of cat and mouse leads the two from the ballrooms of London to the prisons of Paris and into a fragile love that neither dares to hope for.

The first in a trilogy of three brothers struggling to reconnect and restore their noble heritage in the aftermath of the French Revolution, each losing his heart along the way.

In October, the second offering in Shana’s Sons of the Revolution series, THE MAKING OF A GENTLEMAN, will be out in the book stores. And I, being as impatient as one can be, have already scored the eARC for this one while waiting impatiently for USPS to deliver THE MAKING OF A DUCHESS to my mailbox. As I know it’s a series, I must read them in order. 😀


The Making of a Gentleman
Author: Shana Galen
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Pub. Date: October 5, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-1402238666
Retail: $7.99
Pages: 384

Twelve years in a French prison have left the once dashing Armand Harcourt, Comte de Valere a hollow shell of his former self. Though safely back on English soil, Armand remains locked in a prison of his mind, unable to interact with the glittering social world that was his rightful place.

When his family hires the beautiful and determined Felicity Bennett to teach Armand, he is shaken by the onslaught of desire Felicity awakens in him. As Felicity slowly helps reclaim Armand, their passion begins to blossom into a transcendent love capable of healing the scars of both their pasts.


Shana has generously offered an autographed copy of THE MAKING OF A DUCHESS to a commenter. If you have questions for Shana, ask away as she’ll be stopping by. And don’t forget, comment and you will double your entries to win 5 books from Wednesday’s selection of The Season One Year Anniversary Giveaway.

authors under the radarhistoricalsSourcebooks
By Anniversary Giveaway, Authors, Giveaways, Sourcebooks87 Comments on Authors under the radar: Shana Galen

87 Replies to “Authors under the radar: Shana Galen”

  2. Sounds interesting. I need to go search her books. Thanks for introducing another author to me.

  3. I read Blackthorne’s Bride and absolutely loved it. I will certainly be reading the first two books in this new series. Thanks for this post because I had actually forgot about BB. 🙁
    Carol L.
    Lucky4750@aol.com

  4. I have been to France twice now. I speak mediocre French but my love for France is tremendous. Fortunately, I married a man who went above and beyond, having us stay in an ancient chateau and in a grand hotel across from the opera house in Paris.

    So my question is “where did your decision to set your books in England and France in the particular time period come from?” Personal interest in the country, the history of the time, etc?

    Can’t wait to read it!

  5. I love the under the radar posts, because I hate missing out on fabulous books and authors, which Ms. Galen sounds like 🙂

  6. I love rcommendations from other authors, it makes me look at a author/book that would be off my radar as I tend to stay with the authors I read. I have seen Shana Galen’s books while I have been picking up books from my list that I keep. Sophie Jordan is one of my favorite authors and with both of your recommendations Shana Galen is worth a read for me, her new series on the Harcourt brothers seem very interesting.

  8. Those covers are beautiful. I have not read her books. They sound lovely. The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly men I’ve Dated made me laugh too. Love that title!
    Shana do you just write historicals or do you still write contemporaries? Do you have any say on your beautiful covers?

  9. Thanks for the under the radar post about Shana Galen! I love Historicals and her 3 books take place in a time I love to read about. Sounds like she will be added to my TBR authors, and I would love to win her book.

  10. I am familiar with Shana’s work, you will not be dissappointed. She is definitely an author that is under the radar and deserves more recognition. I haven’t yet read her latest book but it is on my list!

  12. Hi Shana,

    I loved THE MAKING OF A DUCHESS. I already have the ARC for THE MAKING OF A GENTLEMAN. I love wounded heroes. I’m going to have a great time with that one.

  13. Thanks so much to everyone who commented! I’ll try to answer a few of the questions.

    Julie, I set this series of books in France during and after the Revolution because I loved Dickens’s A Tale of Two Cities, and it inspired me to create this series. So my books take place in London and France as well, but mainly in London.

    Sue, right now I am just writing historicals, but I wouldn’t mind writing another contemp. Besides THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY MEN I’VE DATED, I also write REALITY TV BITES as Shane Bolks. No, I have very little say in my covers, but Sourcebooks is doing such a great job, I don’t mind.

    Thank you, Scorpio, Linda, and Sophie. I need to put you on my payroll!

  15. Shana is one of my favorite authors. I don’t remember how I found out about her, but I’ve almost everything she has written and have loved every word. Those books I haven’t read yet are one my TBR mountain impatiently awaiting their turn at bat! LOL This new series of a step away from her previous works buts sounds every bit as good. She’s an author worth reading.

  16. I can’t believe I forgot about this author!! I picked up Blackthorne’s Bride from Doubleday Books a few years ago and absolutely loved it!! Thank you for putting her name out here and getting her back on my radar.

    I hope that I am remembering correctly, but wasn’t there a second couple at Gretna Green? Did they get their own book?

  17. Oh, a new trilogy to put on my “to read” list. As if it isn’t long enough at this point.

  18. I love finding new authors – thanks for the recommendation!

    They now have eARC’s? Are they specific to readers or pdf’s?

  20. I love the era. Both of these are my idea of
    the perfect getaway. Thanks for taking us
    on such wonderful adventures.

  21. Oh i’ve been dying to read this book. I didn’t know it was available through source books though. I desperately want to read the second one so i might go ahead and order the first one though. ^^ That way i’ll know what’s going on.

  25. this series sounds wonderful! i’m looking forward to seeing what these brothers go through……i love this blog – i’ve gotten so many good recommendations for my tbr list!

  26. Thanks so much for all the love! I didn’t have a book out for a few years after BLACKTHORNE’S BRIDE, so I can understand why I’ve fallen under some of your radar.

    Thanks Eva, Karen, and Heather for seconding the recommendation. Heather, there was a second couple at Gretna Green in Blackthorne’s (Nick and Ashley). You can read about the Misadventures in Matrimony series here http://www.shanagalen.com/historical-books.php

    Amanda T, Good, Bad Ugly was also nominated for a Rita. I think you’ll enjoy it.

    Suzy Q, wish I could answer your question about eARCs. I think it’s something new, and I’m not all that familiar with it yet.

  27. I have not read anything by Shana Galen so someone who read her, please give me a suggestion on which book I should try first.

  28. Shana, I’ve never read your books before but will eventually, lol. I’d like to know what some of your all-time favorite historical romances are.

    Thanks!

  29. Thanks for the heads-up about Shana’s books. They sound really good and I have added them to my TBR list.

  30. One of the booksellers at my local Waldenbooks introduced me to Shana Galen when she recommended When Dashing Met Danger. I love her writing so much they now pre-order and have in the store for me the day she has a new book released. Believe me you don’t want to miss any of her stories but she will keep you up all night trying to finish the day you purchase!

  33. Blackthorne’s Bride was one of the first romance novel I’ve ever read and I remember loving it. I’m very excited about your new series and can’t wait til it comes out. I think I’m going to go back into my stash of books and reread Backthorne’s Bride.

    Ps… love the excerpt of Nick and Ashley’s story.

  34. “Pride and Petticoats” was the first book I read from Shana and my favorite is “Good Groom Hunting.”

  35. No need to enter me for Making of A Duchess. I won this book and its staying on my keeper shelf. Though its my very first Shana Galen book, it will not be my last. Looking forward to the second book in this series and I’m glad it won’t be a long wait.

  36. No need to enter me for Making Of A Duchess. I won this book and its staying on my keeper shelf. Although it is my first Shana Galen book, it will not be my last. I’m looking forward to the second book in this series it seems it won’t be such a long wait.

  37. No need to enter me for Making Of A Duchess. I won this book and its staying on my keeper shelf. Although it is my first Shana Galen book, it won’t be the last. I’m looking forward to the second book in this series and I won’t have to wait too long.

  38. Wow, I actually have When Dashing Met Danger in my bookcase right now! I thought it was a great read!

  40. I’ve followed Shana from the beginning and WHEN DASHING MET DANGER was excellent. Her new series appeals to me greatly. Beautiful covers!

    Hi, Shana! How was your summer? Did you travel to some place nice? I’m going to Scotland in the fall. Have you been there?

  41. Beautiful covers! I’ve heard of Ms. Galen but have yet had the chance to read her books. A new series is always an excellent place to start!! Ms. Galen was definitely under my radar, so thank you for sharing about her new series, Bev!

    Ms. Galen, love your website… I am very interested in exploring your historical books! Also, thank you for the “for writer’s” section. I look forward to perusing those articles too! 🙂

  42. I’m adding The Making Of A Duchess to my list of books to buy next time I’m at the bookstore. I can always count on a good story when I pick up one of Shanna’s books. Thanks for being such a good storyteller.

  43. I’ve really enjoyed your historicals and glad you are still writing them. Since you write different genres, do you have a favorite?

    catslady5(at)aol.com

  44. I haven’t read any of Shana Galen’s books, but judging from these synopses, I really must start. They sound amazing!

  45. Sounds like a great new series. The covers are really gorgeous. I can already pretty much guarantee I’ll love The Making of a Gentleman.

  46. Marjana, why not start with THE MAKING OF A DUCHESS? If you like it, you can check out my backlist.

    Sapphire, my favorite historical romances are The Gift by Julie Garwood, Pride and Prejudice (of course), and The Wind and the Sea by Marsha Canham.

    Mel, I have an 11-month old daughter, so we didn’t do much traveling this summer. I took her to Orlando for the Romance Writer’s of America conference in July. She got to ride It’s a Small World at Disney World. I have been to Scotland. I’ve been to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, and more. Do you like Gabaldon’s Outlander series? I enjoyed seeing the battle field at Culloden.

    Hi catslady. Historicals are my favorite genre, so I’m fortunate to be able to write and publish them.

    And thanks to everyone who commented. I had no idea I had so many readers!

  47. Shana, you are a new to me author, but your books are on my TBB list, especially after the reviews I’ve been reading. Congratulations!!

  49. I think it’s wonderful when an under-the-radar author finally gets the attention she deserves. I haven’t read any of Shana’s books yet, but thanks to the recommendations here, I am definitely adding these books to my TBR list.

  51. Thanks so much for stopping by, Shana. I also should have mentioned that I LOVE your covers. Sourcebooks does such a great job with them. I’m really looking forward to reading (first) THE MAKING OF A DUCHESS. Sophie must think I’m sort of connoisseur of historical romances. “Attention must be paid, I tell you, to Shana’s book.” LOL No but she was most enthusiastic about it and I trust her judgment in matters. I’ve been cheating a bit and I started to read the beginning of THE MAKING OF A GENTLEMAN. I know I’m so darn impatient. I should stop before I can’t stop myself. LOL.

  52. Thanks for spotlighting Shana’s books. She’s an author I haven’t heard of, but would definitely read. I’ll be adding her titles to my must-read list.

  53. You mention how Shana being a “real sweetheart” is one reason to read her books. I can relate to that sentiment so much! I’ve met a few authors over the years at book signings and those meetings have definitly influenced my future purchases. Both favorably and negatively! I’ll have to give Shana’s books a try…

  55. I found Shana’s books about 2-3 years ago and love them. Looking forward to reading her new series.

  56. i have read some of shana’s books and really enjoyed them. can’t wait to read her new book

  57. I’m thrilled to discover a new author! I like the sound of these books with their sweet and sexy combination.

  59. Shana! It is so nice to meet you! I am looking forward to reading your books. Thanks for stopping by and sharing with us.

  61. Hi Shana,
    The blurbs for your books sound fantastic! I haven’t yet read any of your books but I’m looking forward to reading them!
    chey127 at hotmail dot com

  62. Hi Shana, I have never read your books before but they sound fantastic and I would love to read one. I love trying new authors to me. I find some awesome authors this way. Thanks for sharing your books with us!

  63. Hi Shana. I love the cover for The Making of a Gentleman. The purple in her dress is beautiful with the light creams in the backgroun! Love it!

  64. Love Ms. Galen’s books! I haven’t picked up The Making of a Duchess yet (thought I would wait until October’s release came out so I could read them one right after the other), but I am very excited about this new series!

  66. I’m delighted by this “authors under the radar” series. I’m loving finding new authors and Shana sounds like a MUST READ. *sigh* poor heavy laden TBR pile …

  68. Hi Shana, nice to see you here at the Season! Your new book looks really wonderful! I’ve never read one of your books before, this looks like a good one to start with!

    Which type of books do you enjoy writing more, historicals or contemporaries??

  70. Thanks again, Jane, Jacqueling, chey, Ann, cories, and Deanna, for giving me a chance!

    Sandra, I enjoy writing both historicals and contemps, but I have to admit historicals are my first love.

    Hey, Fedora and Quilt Lady, good to see you here!

    Thanks MinnChica for the compliment on the book cover. I need to have it put in my contract that I get all the dresses on my covers!

    Cories, yes, Julien is the eldest. The other brothers are twins.

  71. Shana’s book looks great. I love the mix of psychological aspects to a historical romance.

  72. I would to read your book Shana! I enjoy finding new to me authors to read! Thanks so much for the chance to win!

  75. I always like it when I hear about authors that are new to me. Thanks for this spotlight post.

  76. I love Shana Gallen. I was lucky to grab her first book as soon as it hit the shelves! I’ve read When Dashing Met Danger, Pride and Petticoats, No Man’s Bride, & The Good, the Bad, and The Ugly Men I’ve Dated.

    I cannot wait to read the rest of her books, and especially her latest. I’ve been hooked ever since WDMD. I see a stop to the book store in my future!

  77. I am intrigued by a female spy in an historical romance! At last, someone who does something other than go to balls, teas and garden parties. Thanks for introducing me to a new author. I will look for her books.

  81. Hi Shana,
    Which was the hardest book to write & why? The books sound awesome, I’ll have
    to add them to my to get list. 😮 )

  82. Hi Shana, your books look awesome! Are there any genres/subgenres you’ve not written yet you’d like to try ?

  83. Have seen lots of comments on THE MAKING OF A DUCHESS on the sites I visit. I like the book blurb and the story line. Sounds like this series will be a good one. Battle and war forge men into many things and change many lives, not always in obvious ways.

  85. Shana, Thank you for getting me that title! I really wanted to see what happened to that lovely couple!

  86. Thank you for all the lovely comments and support!

    Pam, I might be interested in a romance science fiction, but I’m not writing one now. Hi Sharon K, the hardest book to write was October’s THE MAKING OF A GENTLEMAN. Armand is so scarred and doesn’t talk for the first few chapters. It’s very hard to write a character who doesn’t talk!

    And for those of you interested in THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY MEN I’VE DATED, you can check out an excerpt on my website. Here’s the link. http://www.shanagalen.com/good1.php

    Thanks so much for having me today! Good luck winning the book!

  87. Just for the sake of somewhat different titles, I’d take a look at these books. So tired of ‘Wicked’ and ‘Sin’ in what seems like every title.

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