I’m thrilled today to have a chance to showcase the work of my good friend and fellow Kensington author, Christie Kelley. Christie writes gorgeous, Regency-set historical romance, and she has received a raft of critical acclaim for her books. Here’s what RT Book Reviews had to say about one of Christie’s books, Something Scandalous:
“Kelley reinforces her deserved reputation for page-turning, exciting, humorous plots filled with sexual tension and populated by unforgettable characters readers can’t help but fall in love with.”
Sexual tension and humorous plots – a killer combination that Christie excels at!
Christie currently has a new book on the shelves. It’s called One Night Scandal, which is a fabulous title, isn’t it?
A Night with a Marquess…
Born on the wrong side of the blanket, matchmaker Sophie Reynard understands the consequences of unbridled desire all too well. Despite the many highborn friends she has matched, falling in love with an aristocrat without a pedigree of her own would be an act of futility. But that doesn’t stop her from succumbing to one evening of anonymous passion…
A Lifetime of Desire…
Nicholas Tenbury, Marquess of Ancroft, knows nothing of Sophie’s lineage. He knows only that the enchanting beauty captured his heart in one night and then fled, leaving no trace of her identity. But when he seeks answers from London’s finest matchmaker, he finds none other than the woman herself—stubbornly refusing to acknowledge the attraction they share! Now the enamored Marquess has no choice but to sway Sophie with seduction…
This book is definitely on my TBR list!
You can order One Night Scandal from Amazon and other on-line retailers, or pick it up at your local bookstore.
Readers can, of course, find Christie at her website, but she also has another home on the internet. She’s part of the famous Romance Bandits, one of the smartest, most entertaining romance author blogs on the web. If you haven’t ever visited with the Bandits, stop by and check them out. You won’t be disappointed!
To celebrate the release of One Night Scandal, Christie is donating TWO copies of the book for a giveaway. Just answer the following question: do you like humor in your romance books, or do you prefer dark, angst-ridden stories? Two who comment will win a copy of One Night Scandal.
That’s tough. I like a bit of both! Humor is always great but sometimes I enjoy the dark brooding stories!
Thank you for the great giveaway!
Aislynn
You’re welcome!
I like both, too! Thanks for stopping by!
I guess it really depends on my mood. Right now I’m reading Sarah MacLean’s Rules series. Light reads with some humor throughout. But on the other hand, Anna Campbell satisfies my need for the dark, angst-ridden reading. She does noir so well.
Karen, two fab authors from the opposite ends of the spectrum.
LOL, Anna is one of my favorite people!
I like humor in my books. Of course a little dark is always good too.
I can’t seem to not write some humor in my books. Sometimes, I’m not even trying 🙂
Dark, angst-ridden stories with a side of humour please, or a humorous story with a dark angst-ridden plot. I love a dark brooding hero not necessary for a dark story, I prefer a bit of humour as it is more entertaining.
It was because of you Vanessa that I was introduced to Christie’s writing and now she is always on my must read list as well, so thank you ladies to many a enteraining reading hours.
Glad I was able to introduce you to Christie!
Thanks, Claudine…thank you, Vanessa!
Vanessa – Aren’t Christie’s stories wonderful? I think they are the perfect answer to “what should I read to put me in a good mood”.
I like to read historical romance that has a note of laughter and joy in it. Obviously you need there to be conflict involved in the story but if I’m going to read a story filled with “doom and gloom” it would have to have a resolution and a happy ending. With all that is going on today I think we all need something to read to add a litle joy and warm feelings to our day!
Jeanne, there’s a reason why all those light comedies and musicals were so popular during the Depression. People really needed a break from the dreariness of life.
I agree, Jeanne! Romance books have always been my escape from the “real” world.
It really depends on my mood at the time. I will say that I only like humor if it’s done well. I’m read some books in the past where the jokes just fell flat and it just aggrevated me.
I can’t wait to read this book. I have loved reading this series and I can’t wait to see Sophie’s HEA.
I’m looking forward to this book too, Danielle!
Thanks, Danielle!
Sometimes I want humor-filled romances and other times, I want the darker books. It depends on my mood!
Me too, Nicole. Sometimes I have both kinds of books going at the same time.
I like both too.
Vanessa, how do you read two such different styles at the same time? I couldn’t do it.
I love humor in my books. If an author can make me laugh…especailly out loud in public..I’m hooked and will keep coming back for more books. When checking out a new author, one of the comments i pay most attention to when reading uotes or listening to someone’s advice on who to read is something about humor. I love to laugh.
Betty, have you ever read Jill Shalvis? She writes contemporary romance. I just read one of her newer books and I was laughing out loud on a pretty regular basis.
Jill is awesome. Just reading her blog can make you LOL
Angst is delicious and delightful, but I find that a dose of comedy in my romances is a perfect side dish (and easily more endearing).
Very true, Julie!
The perfect romance for me would have a combination of both. Overall I prefer dark, angst-ridden stories, with some humor to alleviate the tension. One thing that is important, is that the characters are worthy of the story-line. If it’s a dark read, the hero/heroine should face trials and tribulations and triumphs. It has to be earned and deserved. No simple, out of the blue conclusion. The characters should be there for the whole ride.
Very well put, Na S.!
I prefer humor, life is dark enough.
Many readers would agree. Generally, I like a lighter read, although someone like Anna Campbell can always pull me to the dark side!
I love romance books with humor in them it makes a better book! Great blog today!
Thanks
Penney
Thanks for stopping by, Penney!
I usually like the darker stories with some humor sprinkled in, but every so often I’m in the mood for a light funny read.
Nice to have the choice, isn’t it Jane?
Oh, there has to be humor — otherwise I think the characters would end up in a very sad place.. Now I’m off to check out Romance Bandits!! Thanks for the great blog and intro to another great author!
You’re welcome, Kate! Enjoy the Bandits!
Humor! It makes everything more fun. Of course, generally there will be some dark brooding thing that happens near the end (like in Madeline Hunter’s “Dangerous in Diamonds”) but all the humor beforehand is still appreciated. Another surprisingly funny read is “What I Did For a Duke” by Julie Ann Long. I guess I just don’t expect humor from historicals.
I think we’re seeing a lot more humor in historicals these days. Sarah MacLean, Kate Noble, Eloisa James…they all write with a wonderful witty touch.
I actually like both! It makes for a evened out pairing in my mind. You have to be able to have both sides to a lasting relationship. And it’s nice when tortured souls remember how to smile and make a snarky remark or two. I absolutely LOVE the cover to One Night Scandal!
Heather, the two sides of the coin, right?
I like humor in my romance. I like to smile and even laugh out loud while enjoying my HEA. Christie, I’ve read SCANDAL OF THE SEASON, EVERY TIME WE KISS, EVERY NIGHT I’M YOURS and SOMETHING SCANDALOUS. I loved them all! Congrats on the release of ONE NIGHT SCANDAL!
Sandy, thanks for stopping by!
Ohhh…. It kind of depends on what I’m in the mood for. Though, you know, I’ve been known to like a good dark, angst-ridden story springled throughout with some humor 🙂
I’m with you, Chelsea!
I prefer the really dark, angst-ridden stories, but once in a while it’s fun to switch it up and read something more light and fun.
I really love humor in my my Romance reading but a little brooding helps balance the plot. It can’t all be funny and it gets too heavy for me if there is no comic relief. I spent six years at UCLA geting BA’s in both Spanish and French; then an MA in Spanish. I have read so much historically significant, famous and deeply serious literature that now I look forward to my escapes into Historical and Contemporary Romance. Even the best of Spanish Literature, Cervantes’ Don Quijote, leaves room for the comedic.
I definitely love humour in my romances! They make a sweet or heartstopping romance stand out and memorable, for the reason that most romances (especialyl historical romances) don’t have them,! So it is always refreshing and a great change to see a teasing banter between the characters, witty repartee and funyn dialogue. Adds that little “je ne sais quoi” as the French would say 😉
Thank you for the great giveaway! 🙂
Stella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com
I prefer humorous, witty books. Touching stories that tug the heart strings & make me tear up are lovely but there is just that much angst I can take before it gets depressing. I’d rather not read depressing. I read to escape & feel good; not to get upset.
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