The Scoundrel's Seduction Blog Tour Giveaway and Excerpt

About the Author:

Jennifer Haymore

Visit her website: http://www.jenniferhaymore.com/

'Like' her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JenniferHaymore.Author

Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/jenniferhaymore

USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Haymore is the author of sexy historical and contemporary romance. You can find Jennifer in Southern California trying to talk her husband into yet another trip to England, helping her three children with homework while brainstorming a new five-minute dinner menu, or crouched in a corner of the local bookstore writing her next novel.

About the House of Trent series:

The Duchess Hunt 

THE DUKE'S DESIRE

Simon Hawkins, duke of Trent, is no stranger to scandal. Rumors and innuendo have darkened the House of Trent for decades, and it has fallen to Simon to restore his tattered family name. He lives by a strict code of honor, but when he is called home to investigate his mother's disappearance, the distinguished duke will tangle with temptation. For there waits the only woman he has ever loved--and the last woman he should desire...

Sarah Osborne has spent her life dreaming of Simon's touch. But dukes do not long for lady's maids--or so Sarah believes, until a stolen kiss sparks a passion that could be her ultimate undoing. As the couple begins a forbidden romance, a cunning enemy plots to destroy the duke and everything he loves. Now, caught in a blackmailer's web, Simon faces an agonizing choice: sacrifice his family's future or break Sarah's heart.

The Rogue's Proposal

Lord Lukas Hawkins, the rakish second son of the House of Trent, has never found a wager he couldn't win or a woman he couldn't seduce—until his search for his missing mother leads him to a mysterious encounter with a beautiful stranger.

Luke's mother has been missing for months, and while his honorable older brother Simon, Duke of Trent, leads the official investigation from London, Luke sets out on a somewhat seedier path. Sources have told him his mother was last seen with a scoundrel named Roger Morton, but their association isn't clear. Was she kidnapped or did she go willingly?

While searching for Morton, Luke meets Emma Anderson, a secretive beauty with her own reasons for hunting Morton. At first Luke laughs at the idea of allowing a woman to join him in his search, but soon Emma's insights into Morton—like the woman herself—prove impossible to resist.

The Scoundrel's Seduction

Temptation Knows No Bounds…

Undercover agent Sam Hawkins has devoted his life to protecting king and country. So when he receives orders to assassinate a ruthless traitor, he doesn't question his mission. But Sam didn't know his deed had a witness—the beautiful and mysterious betrayer's wife. Now he has no choice but to take her as his prisoner—one he can neither trust…nor resist.

Élise, Lady Dunthorpe, will do anything to escape her powerful captor—including seducing him senseless. She didn't know of her miserable husband's crimes, but she has secrets of her own—secrets that threaten everything she holds dear. With his piercing dark eyes and gentle touch, Sam inflames Élise's deepest desires, but how could she ever trust a man who won't let her go? Caught between the crown he's sworn to serve and the woman he's come to love, Sam will risk his heart—and his very life—to keep her safe.

~ Excerpt  from The Scoundrel's Seduction ~

       All of a sudden, Sam hauled her into his lap and wrapped his arms around her. “Shh, Élise. It’s going to be all right. I’m not going to allow anything to happen to you.”
       “How . . . how can . . . you promise that?” she gasped out. She couldn’t get enough air. Her chest was constricting, closing in on itself. She couldn’t take a deep breath, couldn’t breathe at all. . .
       “I promise it,” he murmured. “I promise.”
       His big, blunt fingers pressed through the fabric of her dress and into the tight muscles of her back. He gathered her closer to him, and she curled up against the hardness of his chest. Safety. His touch brought her such comfort. Such . . . peace. Slowly, her breaths began to calm, and warmth traveled through her, bringing with it a deep longing, a craving she’d never experienced in her life.
       A craving for more. For more Sam.
       He gazed at her, his expression tender even as his eyes glittered. And she saw it there in his eyes. Desire climbing until it equaled her own. Ever so slowly, his fingers dragged up her back. Then his hand moved around until he cupped her cheek and tilted her face toward his. He moved closer, inexorably closer, until she could feel his strength and his heat, palpable forces in the tiny space between their lips.
       Then he closed the distance. His lips touched hers, the tiniest, most erotic brush.
        Her own reaction shocked her. She should have gone stiff, pulled away, slapped him. But she did none of that. Instead she melted against him. His lips firmed, moving gently, transferring calmness and strength into her. They glided over her mouth in a gentle caress, exploring, tasting, soothing. He tasted smooth and warm and sweet. How could such a man, such a large masculine man, taste sweet? But he did. He was delicious. She gripped his coat in her hands and pulled herself even closer to him. She wanted to sink into him.
       He’d kidnapped her and held her against her will, yes. But despite the violence in him, there was something about this man that was pure goodness. There was something about him that she trusted completely. She had never trusted a man in her life. It seemed insane that she should trust this one.
       But she did.
       She kissed him harder, pushing her body to him, opening to him, allowing the heat of his breath to wash over her and through her, allowing his tongue to touch the inside of her lip. He nibbled at her mouth, from the edge to the center. Their noses brushed as they adjusted the angles of their heads so they could kiss more, taste more, closer and deeper.
       The simmer in her core rose to an inferno that spread through her limbs. She was on fire, her body aching, burning . . . for what exactly, she didn’t know. But she did know one thing . . . Her body wanted Samson Hawkins. She wanted him.

***Please note: Excerpt used with permission from the publisher.

~ Giveaways ~
Open to residents of the US and Canada only

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Early Review of The Scoundrel's Seduction (House of Trent, #3) by Jennifer Haymore

Title: The Scoundrel's Seduction: House of Trent: Book 3
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: House of Trent
Format: Paperback; 416 pages
Publisher: Forever (May 27, 2014)
ISBN-10: 1455523356
ISBN-13: 978-1455523351
Author's Website:  http://www.jenniferhaymore.com/
Notes: Received an eARC loan from the publisher

He was sent to assassinate her husband for his treasonous ways.

She was in the wrong place at the wrong time and witnessed said crime.

He could not see his way to kill her.

Now, thrown together by extenuating circumstances, hostage and captor find themselves unreasonably attracted to one another.

While Élise's marriage had been far from a love match, can a relationship survive such a questionable start?

Unbeknownst to Élise Sam may be the key to her survival.

This is the third book in the House of Trent series. While you can probably get by without reading the previous books, there are a couple of facts you may wish to be aware of before starting this one. Sam's mother, the Dowager Duchess of Trent, has been missing for a year and he and his siblings have been desperately searching for her ever since. Since her disappearance, rumors and accusations have been flying regarding their mother and some of Sam's sibling's parentage. He and his siblings are desperate to find their mother and lay to rest the gossip that has been drifting about. Even if the rumors prove to be true, their number one priority is their mother's safe return. So if any information surfaces about her, they'd pretty much drop everything to find her. I'm happy to say, the mystery surrounding her disappearance will finally be revealed in this book.

One of the things I love about Ms. Haymore's books is the delightful characters she creates. Élise is a surprisingly strong young woman who, because of the time in which she lives, has been stifled by her husband. Trapped in a loveless marriage, she'd tried to make the best of it, but living in a country that is not on the friendliest of terms with your homeland is not easy. While many think she'd be loyal to France, the country unto which she'd been born, she holds no love for it. The majority of her family, former aristocrats, had been sentenced to the guillotine and she had barely escaped a similar fate. When Sam kills her husband she guiltily feels relief because at times, when he wasn't ignoring her, her husband could be quiet cruel. The dynamics of her marriage were unknown to outsiders and to many they had appeared to be an ideal loving couple.

Sam may be a bastard by blood, but he's a gentleman by nature. He works for a secret government agency and does the deeds they don't want to get caught doing--like assassinating well liked citizens who've been found to have committed treason. Over the years the job has satisfied Sam and he's never had a problem doing it. You'd think he'd be a cold hard killer, but he can't seem to bring himself to murder a woman and ends up kidnapping her instead. Waiting for the agency he works for to hand down its judgment on her, he and Élise come to know each other better and an overwhelming attraction develops which they each try to deny. With a the murder of her husband lying between them, a relationship is the last thing either wants, and it is the sexual tension created by their circumstances that makes this book so much fun. 

Overall, I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses. There was plenty of action, suspense, drama and steam. I enjoyed how the initial attraction between Sam and Élise was strong, and while each was tempted to give in to their feelings, they proceeded with caution and took things slow. I liked how a mutual respect for one another developed before they allowed a relationship to form and grow. Each had good reasons not to trust the other and they had to get past that before moving forward. I liked how each had issues to work through and helped one another to do so. Plus, I loved the drama associated with Élise's fate. It made for a great story. Additionally, finally learning the details of Sam's mother's disappearance was also fun. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one received a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed. I absolutely adored the chemistry between these two and look forward to reading more romances by Ms. Haymore.

Order of the series:

Forever Historical Hookup Prize Pack Giveaway & What's the funniest note you've ever gotten from your editor while writing a sex scene?

We asked Jennifer, Kristen and Kate:

'What’s the funniest note you’ve gotten from your editor while writing a sex scene?'

Here are their responses:

 Jennifer Haymore – Wait—they were just on the floor—how were they magically transported to the bed?

As a child, Jennifer Haymore traveled the South Pacific with her family on their homebuilt sailboat. The months spent on the sometimes quiet, sometimes raging seas sparked her love of adventure and grand romance. Since then, she's earned degrees in computer science and education and held various jobs ranging from bookselling to teaching inner-city children to acting, but she's never stopped writing. 

You can find Jennifer in Southern California trying to talk her husband into yet another trip to England, helping her three children with homework while brainstorming a new five-minute dinner menu, or crouched in a corner of the local bookstore writing her next novel.

Kristen Callihan – I do believe it was in edits for Moonglow. There is a scene in which my hero, Ian, erm…inserts a thumb in a certain area, and I wrote something like: and a gasp escaped her. My dear and lovely editor wrote in the margin, “unintentionally funny. Hahahahahaha.” It took me a moment to catch her meaning, but then I promptly went scarlet and laughed until my husband came to investigate.

There may have also been a typo involving “nibble” instead of, well, another body part. :D

Kristen Callihan is a child of the eighties, which means she's worn neon skirts, black lace gloves, and combat boots (although never all at once) and can quote John Hughes movies with the best of them. A lifelong daydreamer, she finally realized that the characters in her head needed a proper home and thus hit the keyboard. She believes that falling in love is one of the headiest experiences a person can have, so naturally she writes romance. Her love of superheroes, action movies, and history led her to write historical paranormals. She lives in the Washington, D.C., area and, when not writing, looks after two children, one husband, and a dog - the fish can fend for themselves.

Kate McKinley - I’m always trying to get away with a little extra naughtiness in my love scenes, to which my amazing editor, Lauren Plude, says, “Way to send the heat level through the stratosphere! Wowza!” She’s always adding fun and encouraging comments like that!

Kate McKinley writes Regency and Fantasy Romance. When she's not staring at her screen, dreaming up delicious heroes, she's a wife, mother and part-time assistant.

~ The Books ~

The Rogue's Proposal 
by Jennifer Haymore

Lord Lukas Hawkins, the rakish second son of the House of Trent, has never found a wager he couldn't win or a woman he couldn't seduce—until his search for his missing mother leads him to a mysterious encounter with a beautiful stranger.

Luke's mother has been missing for months, and while his honorable older brother Simon, Duke of Trent, leads the official investigation from London, Luke sets out on a somewhat seedier path. Sources have told him his mother was last seen with a scoundrel named Roger Morton, but their association isn't clear. Was she kidnapped or did she go willingly?

While searching for Morton, Luke meets Emma Anderson, a secretive beauty with her own reasons for hunting Morton. At first Luke laughs at the idea of allowing a woman to join him in his search, but soon Emma's insights into Morton—like the woman herself—prove impossible to resist.

Shadowdance 
by Kristen Callihan

Once a heart is lost in shadow...

Life has been anything but kind to Mary Chase. But the Society for the Suppression of Supernaturals has given her purpose. Now she's been tasked with catching a vicious murderer dubbed the Bishop of Charing Cross. But someone is already on the case—and the last thing he relishes is a partner.

Only someone who lives in darkness can find it.

Jack Talent has been alone with his demons for many years. He never expected to have the willful Mary Chase assist him on the Bishop case. Their age-old rivalry reaches new heights—even as their desire for one another reaches a fever pitch. Though he aches to bring her close, Jack's dark secrets are a chasm between them. With dangerous enemies closing in, Jack must find the strength to face the past...or risk losing Mary forever.

Entwined 
by Kristen Callihan

Eamon Evernight has always lived in his older brother's shadow. While his brother is fair of hair and lithe in body, Eamon sparks fear with his fiery locks and massive frame-and rumors of a mysterious power. But when his brother has the good fortune to be betrothed to a beautiful stranger, it's Eamon's help-and quick wit and romantic heart--that he needs. Eamon agrees to write the noble lady...a generous offer that will forever leave him a changed man.

Lady Luella Jane Moran has no interest in an arranged marriage and tries valiantly to dissuade her betrothed from afar. Though her own letters plainly state her case, the words her husband-to-be writes her leave her aching for his touch. Will Lu give in to the desire the missives have kindled within her? Or will desire turn cold when she discovers their true author?

A Duchess in the Dark  by Kate McKinley

When a well-bred young lady opens the wrong bedroom door at a Regency house party, she has no idea of the sensual delights that await her on the other side…
Miss Daphne Hayward is on the hunt for a safe, honorable husband and she has set her sights on the perfect target. He’s kind, titled, and miraculously single. She plans a full-scale seduction that will bring him to his knees, begging for her hand in marriage. But when she mistakenly climbs into another man’s bed, sparks ignite, threatening to send all her plans up in smoke.

Ashton Fitzgerald, Earl of Claymore, is surprised by the powerful desire that surges through him when he sees Daphne for the first time. So when he unveils her as his mysterious midnight visitor, he is determined to make her his…forever.

Twas the Night Before Mischief 
by Nina Rowan

'Twas the night before mischief and all through the house, a lady was plotting—it was time to break out!

When Penelope Darlington is persuaded to elope with a most unsuitable suitor, she wastes no time. With visions of passion and adventure dancing in her head, she steals away in the middle of the night, just before her father’s Christmas feast.

Fearing for his daughter’s reputation, Henry Darlington begs Darius Hall, the Earl of Rushton’s daring yet discreet son, to bring Penelope home. When Darius finally catches up to Penelope, he is shocked. She’s not the silly little girl he expected, but a beautiful woman with a sharp mind and an allure that cannot be ignored.

Now forced to kidnap Penelope in order to bring her home, Darius and his new charge spend the next several days—and nights—in very close quarters. Penelope wanted passion and adventure, but she never could have imagined the pleasures Darius can provide…

Once Upon a Highland Christmas
by Sue-Ellen Welfonder

Warrior Grim Mackintosh understands why his friend Archibald MacNab has decreed there be no trace of Christmas in his castle. After a devastating attack destroyed everything-and everyone-in Archie's life, he prefers to stew in his own misery until the holiday passes. But Duncreag has seen enough tragedy. Grim decides to throw a grand Yuletide feast, one that the bards will sing about for years to come, one that will remind his laird how beloved he is. He can't do it alone, though. Grim needs an accomplice . . .

There's nothing Breena O'Doherty won't do for Archie, so she's thrilled to help Grim with his plan. Yet she has a Christmas wish all her own-to win Grim's heart-and this might be her only chance to make it come true. As Breena and Grim work together to bring the joy of the season to the cold, gloomy castle and to the heart of the cantankerous chieftain, an undeniable passion ignites between them. But when a shocking secret about Breena's past comes to light, threatening everything she holds dear, will it ruin Christmas in Duncreag forevermore?

~ GIVEAWAY ~

One winner will receive a prize pack which will include one copy of each of the following:

The Rogue’s Proposal by Jennifer Haymore (print)

Shadowdance by Kristen Callihan (print)

Entwined by Kristen Callihan (e-book)

A Duchess in the Dark by Kate McKinley (e-book)

Twas the Night Before Mischief by Nina Rowan (e-book)

Once Upon a Highland Christmas by Sue-Ellen Welfonder (e-book)

Rules of Eligibility:

- Only residents of the US who are 18 years of age or older are eligible.
- Please leave your email address so I may get in contact with you to get your mailing address.

 **No P.O. Boxes, please**
- Become a follower of my blog, if you aren't already. (Required)
Winner will be randomly chosen. Only one prize pack per person and per address. Giveaway ends on November 1st, midnight Eastern time. Winner will be posted on my blog and notified by email. Winners will have 48 hours to respond before another winner will be selected. Good Luck!
Prizes will be distributed by publisher.

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The Rogue's Proposal (House of Trent #2) by Jennifer Haymore

Title: The Rogue's Proposal (House of Trent)
Series: House of Trent (Book 2)
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Forever (November 19, 2013)
ISBN-10: 1455523372
ISBN-13: 978-1455523375
Author's Website: http://www.jenniferhaymore.com/
Notes: I received an eARC loan from the publisher.

Emma Curtis and her family have lost everything or so she thinks. Her husband of only three months was murdered and her family fortune stolen. All the evidence points to one man--Roger Morton, a man her husband had dealings with. As her father is too ill to leave his bed and take matters into his own hands, Emma has taken it upon herself to find and wreak vengeance on the man who murdered her husband and restore her family's fortune. She's willing to do practically anything to get it even if it means sacrificing her reputation. With little funds for travel, food or lodgings, she approaches a man known for his rakish ways--Lord Lukas Hawkins.

Lord Lukas Hawkins is on a seemingly impossible mission--to find his mother. She was last known to be in the accompaniment of Roger Morton but hasn't been seen in close to three months. Suspecting foul play is involved, he's trying to track down Morgan to find out what happened. He just can't seem to find the blasted man. When Emma makes her case for teaming up and accompanying him on his chase, he's sees it as a means of killing two birds with one stone. Emma is a young and pretty widow, and he finds himself attracted to her. He accepts her proposal to help him in exchange for his allowing her to travel with him as they track Roger Morton down, but he has a stipulation of his own...

"I can offer you the heights of pleasure, Mrs. Emma Curtis. If, at some point during the term of our agreement, you were to beg...I promise, I'll not deny you."

Ms. Haymore has certainly turned up the heat in her latest series, House of Trent. This is her second book in the series and you won't feel lost by diving right into this one. I had no problem starting with book two, but I have to admit, I'm very curious as to whether or not the first book in the series is as steamy as this one. I'd thought her previous series, the Donovan Sisters, was sweet and charming, but those are not words I'd use to describe this book.

Emma Curtis is a strong, beautiful, smart and a somewhat headstrong young woman who had picked the wrong man to marry. She's vowed never to repeat her mistake by falling for another rogue, but the pull toward Lord Lucas is a dangerously seductive one. Her first husband had been handsome, and left her one too many a night alone even though they'd been married only a short while. She doesn't want to risk a repeat so she makes it perfectly clear a liaison between her and Lord Lucas is not on the table. What they have will be strictly a business transaction. Nothing more, nothing less.

Lord Lukas Hawkins is a rogue of the highest order whose sexual prowess is known among the ton. Said to be an insatiable and domineering man with wicked needs, he's tormented by a dark past. When Emma approaches him he immediately decides to seduce the young widow making sure she knows the rules. He's not looking for anything more permanent than a tumble in the hay, but he'll be a perfect gentleman unless she asks nicely. Nice, however, is not what he has in mind.

Overall, I'd give this one a 4 out of 5 roses. A fun story with a steamy romance. There is a twist that I saw coming, but enjoyed it none the less. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, I'm giving this one a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed. Ms. Haymore delves into the land of bondage, but does so in a way that those squeemish of the practice won't feel overwhelmed. She gives the reader enough leeway to let their own imagination take hold allowing them to make the experience as wicked as they desire. I actually think this is a fine example of how to add bondage to a mainstream romance without crossing the line into erotica.  

Order of the series:

Giveaway of Secrets of an Accidental Duchess by Jennifer Haymore and a Q&A

Visit her website: http://www.jenniferhaymore.com/ 

'Like' her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JenniferHaymore.Author 

Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/jenniferhaymore 

Jennifer Haymore grew up in California and on the Big Island of Hawaii. She was an avid reader and completely destroyed her eyesight by sneaking a flashlight under her covers and reading far into the nights — making her mother wonder why on earth she couldn’t get up for school in the mornings…

Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from UC Berkeley and a master’s degree in Education from UCLA. Before she became a full-time writer she held various jobs from bookselling to teaching inner-city children to playing bit roles in soap operas.

You can find Jennifer in Southern California trying to talk her husband into yet another trip to England, helping her three children with homework while brainstorming a new five-minute dinner menu, or crouched in a corner of the local bookstore writing her next novel.(Gotten from her website)

Q & A

Lisarenee: What sparked the idea for the series The Donovan sisters and, more specifically, this book, 'Secrets of an Accidental Duchess'? BTW, I loved the first book and kept hoping there was someway Meg survived being thrown overboard.

Jennifer: I’ve always loved writing about families, and the relationships between sisters has always intrigued me…but most of all, I’ve been enamored of twins for a long time. I used to dream that I had a twin somewhere in the world who was taken away at birth. So those interests/fascinations were the seeds for the series.

As for SECRETS OF AN ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS, I first read about malaria and how it was treated in Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander books. I was intrigued by the disease that lay dormant inside its host, only to rear its ugly head at the most unexpected times.

As for Meg…wait for PLEASURES OF A TEMPTED LADY. Don’t lose hope yet!


Lisarenee: Now I can't wait for 'Pleasures of a Tempted Lady' to come out.


If you could see one historical event or attend one social event from the past, what would you be willing to travel back in time to see or do? Would it be satisfy your own curiosity or to be able to write about in one of your books?

Jennifer: Here’s my nerdy history geek coming out, but I’d like to go back and see what really happened to the Princes in the Tower. Did King Richard III really kill them? Or were those boys’ murders part of some grand conspiracy to besmirch Richard’s name in history?

(I’d also like to know about Marilyn Monroe, the truth behind JFK’s assassination, and all the true answers to the famous conspiracy theories!)


Lisarenee:  Do you have any other books in the works, and if so, can you tell us a little bit about it/them and when we might see them in a book store near us?


Jennifer:  Book three of the Donovan Series, PLEASURES OF A TEMPTED LADY, releases in August. This is the final installment in the Donovan Series and shows the last of the five sisters finding their happily ever afters. It’s full of passion, adventure (pirates!) and…well, conspiracy theories.

After that…we’ll see… J


Lisarenee: Thanks so much Jennifer for taking the time to answer a few of my questions. 

The Donovan Series

Confessions of an Improper Bride 

TWICE TEMPTED

Serena Donovan left London six years ago, her heart broken and her reputation ruined by devilishly handsome Jonathan Dane. Now, with her family's future in peril, she reluctantly agrees to return to England and assume her late twin's identity. The price? Marry a man she doesn't love and spend the rest of her days living a lie.

Jonathan Dane, Earl of Stratford, has become an incorrigible rake, drinking, gambling-and trying to forget Serena Donovan. Yet the moment he's introduced to the prim and proper "Meg", he recognizes the sensual young woman who captured his heart. Haunted by his past mistakes, he refuses to lose Serena again. But convincing her to trust him is no easy task. Claiming his lost love means exposing the truth and destroying the life Serena has sacrificed everything to rebuild. With the future of all the Donovans at stake, and their undying passion capable of triggering yet another scandal, how much will Jonathan and Serena risk for a chance at true love?

Once Upon a Wicked Night (Novella)

All of London looks forward to the Dowager Duchess of Clayworth’s annual ball. For no matter how hard the serious society matron strives to host an elegant event, scandal always ensues…
Seven years ago it was a young Serena Donovan and Jonathan Dane who shocked the ton when they were discovered in a most compromising position. Tonight they return for the first time as the Earl and Countess of Stratford. And while Serena hopes for a quiet evening to introduce her younger sister Olivia to society, Jonathan’s only desire is to pick up where he and Serena left off…

Though innocent Olivia secretly longs for the kind of passion her sister shares with her husband, none of the men she’s met spark a fire inside her heart—least of all the notorious Marquis of Fenwicke. When his request for a waltz turns into something sinister, Olivia must use her wit and wiles to evade a powerful peer who vows if can’t have her, no man shall…

Secrets of an Accidental Duchess

Secret Seduction

With her pale hair and slim figure, Olivia Donovan looks as fragile as fine china, and has been treated as such by her sisters ever since a childhood bout with malaria. But beneath her delicate facade, Olivia guards a bold, independent spirit and the kind of passionate desires proper young ladies must never confess...

It was a reckless wager, and one Max couldn't resist: seduce the alluring Olivia or forfeit part of his fortune. Yet the wild, soon-to-be Duke never imagined he'd fall in love with this innocent beauty. Nor could he have guessed that a dangerously unpredictable rival would set out to destroy them both. Now, Max must beat a madman at his own twisted game-or forever lose the only woman to have ever won his heart.



Pleasures of A Tempted Lady 

(Coming August 1st)

DANGEROUS DESIRE

Captain William Langley knows the ocean well, but nothing could prepare him for what he discovers adrift on the cold Irish Sea. The tiny boat carries two passengers: a child--and Meg Donovan, Will's long-lost love. Meg's disappearance at sea eight years ago was a devastating blow. Now she's back, as beautiful as ever, and with secrets as deep as Will's own . . .

After years held captive by a cold-blooded pirate, Meg has finally escaped with little Jake, the boy she's come to love as if he were her own. But the pirate wants his revenge--and Meg must do whatever it takes to shield Jake from the madman. Determined not to lose Meg again, Will vows to protect them both, yet Meg can't risk putting the only man she's ever loved in danger. With the threat to her safety growing, and her passion for Will burning brighter every day, surrendering herself to Will might be a pleasure too tempting to resist . . .

Book descriptions came from the back of books and Amazon.

Just for fun:

Jennifer created a quiz so you can find out 'Which Donovan sister are you?' Take Jennifer's quiz to find out: http://www.gotoquiz.com/what_donovan_sister_are_you 

I ended up being Serena. Which one are you?

Giveaway

I'm giving away Three copies of Jennifer Haymore's Secrets of an Accidental Duchess

Cover and Stepback

Rules of Eligibility:

1) One winner per person and household.

2) You must be a US resident and be 18 years of age or older.  

3) You need to be a follower of my blog or become one.

4) Leave a comment with a way for me to contact you to get your address (No P.O. Boxes) which I can forward to the publisher who will send you your books. It can be via email or Goodreads message or, if you feel uncomfortable with those two options, email me the information at seducedbyabook@gmail.com. 

5) Leave a comment about what your favorite type of romantic hero is, and what interests you about the Donovan series. (optional)

Contest ends February 10th. Winners will be notified by email or Goodreads message and have 48 hours to respond from when the email/message was sent before another winner is chosen.  Only one winner per person and per household.

Good Luck! 

Secrets of an Accidental Duchess (Donovan, #2) by Jennifer Haymore

Title: Secrets of An Accidental Duchess (A Donovan Novel)
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Forever (February 1, 2012)
ISBN-10: 0446573159
ISBN-13: 978-0446573153

     "If she did not succumb to my charms, Halsley, then rest assured, there's no way in hell she'll succumb to yours." Fenwicke's voice was mild, but the cords in his neck bulged above his cravat. 

     Max shook his head, unable to prevent a sneer from forming on his lips, "You're wrong, Fenwicke."

     Fenwicke's brows rose, his eyes glinted, and a sly expression came over his face. He leaned forward, greedily licking his lips.

     "Would you care to place a wager on that?"

Two men rivals for years...

He thought she should be honored by his indecent proposal. 

He was just after the chase.

One woman who wasn't looking to get involved...

She was bent on never marrying nor trifling with men. She had come to the conclusion marriage just wasn't in the cards, and she'd long ago given up on that dream.

One small wager... 

That would lead to nothing but TROUBLE... Will men never learn? 

Have your eyes ever connected with those of another individual's across a crowded room and you became instantly aware of them? Like some magnetic force caught you in it's grip and you just couldn't look away? That is how it happened with Olivia and Max. No introductions were made. No words were exchanged, but each was instantly made aware of the other and would not soon forget. 

Olivia had been afflicted with Malaria many years ago. While nobody could contract the disease from her, it had driven many potential suitors away. She'd decided to give up any thoughts of marrying and decided to be satisfied with being the doting spinster aunt to her sisters' children. She is smart, sweet, strong willed and the type to tell it like it is in a gentle fashion. She may have a life threatening illness, but she doesn't let it keep her down and attempts to live her life as normally as she can.

Max had a reputation for being a unrepentant rake and had decided never to marry. His father had a temper that Max had seen first hand. He himself occasionally felt a fury building up inside himself and feared it would one day be unleashed. He decided long ago he would never subject another individual to it especially a wife. 

Fenwicke was a married man who thought himself above the rules of society. Being a Marquis with the possibility of one day becoming a Duke he did as he pleased. This time, however, he was about to take that attitude a bit too far.

When Max and Olivia Max finally met, he soon forgot all the wager he'd made with Fenwicke, as he did with so many of their other wagers. The problem was Fenwicke wasn't the type to forget or, for that matter, forgive. Max would soon regret ever having made that wager.

This was a slightly dark story with a sinister villain. The characters were easy to empathize with and like, that is with the exception of one character, namely Fenwicke. There were many tense moments and a lot of drama. The relationship between Max and Olivia was fun to watch as it grew and shifted into something neither expected. Plus, the strong relationship among the sisters was nice to see. I must confess I've grown pretty fond of Captain Langley, so I'm glad that it looks like he'll finally have his happily ever after in the next book.

Where did the book get it's name? I believe from this slightly spoiler filled passage:
"She was going to be a duchess. But that was simply an accidental side-effect of what she was truly going to become, of what she truly wanted: to be Max's wife." 

 I gave this one 4 out 5 roses. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one gets a STEAM rating. Too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.

Order of Series:

Early Review of Confessions of an Improper Bride (Donovan, #1) by Jennifer Haymore

Title: Confessions of an Improper Bride
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: Paperback, 384 pages
Publisher: Forever; Original edition (July 26, 2011)
ISBN-10: 0446573140
ISBN-13: 978-0446573146




Six years ago Serena Donovan fled London in humiliation after being caught in about as compromising a  situation as is possible. Shortly after the "incident", the man whom she thought was "the one" gave her the cut direct in public stating he did not know her. Tragedy struck on the way home when her identical twin sister was knocked overboard in a freak accident and presumed dead. Her mother, thinking to make the best out of a tragic situation, told everyone it was Serena who had died. Only her immediate family knows the truth. Now she must face society once more as her sister, Meg, engaged to her sister's former beau. She never intended to enter London society again. She never intended to see him again. She never intended to make the same mistake twice...

I really enjoyed this story. I have to admit, however, the ending seemed a bit abrupt. I would have liked a few of the remaining loose ends tied up in an epilogue, but perhaps that will happen in a sequel? The story moved at a good pace and had a couple of twists. I love it when a story is not totally predictable. I enjoyed watching Jonathan Dane's inner struggle to determine if he was mad or sane in his suspicions that Serena was actually pretending to be Meg. Wondering if the woman he betrayed, yet loved, was still alive. Wondering if what he felt for Meg were the residual feelings of what he had felt for Serena. I also enjoyed watching Serena come to terms with her feelings for both Will, her betrothed, and Jonathan, the man she had once loved. This was the first book I have read by Jennifer Haymore, but it won't be the last. I look forward to reading the sequels. I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses.