The super-talented historical romance author Katharine Ashe has a brand new book out, and it looks awesome. Katharine is very kindly sharing an exclusive excerpt with us today. Here’s a snippet from My Lady, My Lord.
“Pelley is in there.”
Corinna halted her flight and looked over her shoulder. Ian stood in partial shadow, his long legs and handsome face slanted with torchlight.
“He is?” she said.
He folded his arms over his chest. “I thought that might stop you.”
“Are you telling the truth?”
“I never lie.”
She bit her lower lip. “I didn’t consider the possibility of his presence here.”
He frowned, his gaze slipping along her bodice to her hips. “Apparently.”
“Don’t look at me with such disapproval,” she snapped. “Your doxies wear much less than this.”
How on earth had she gotten herself into this? What had she been thinking? He was right: this was not she. She was trying to be something she wasn’t and making a fool of herself. And now Lord Pelley would see her in this scandalous gown, and any last hope she might still have of convincing him she was the serious woman to whom he should sell his publishing company would be lost.
“I don’t disapprove,” Ian said. “Quite the contrary. I’m merely curious as to your motive.”
The words that were so easy to practice alone in her dressing chamber now clogged her throat. His eyes sharpened. For a moment that seemed like forever, neither of them spoke.
He strode forward and grasped her arm. Raindrops pattered on the shoulders of his dark coat and her lashes.
“I’m taking you home.”
She resisted. “What if I don’t want you to?”
“Oh,” he said in a low rumble. “You want me to.”
*Swoon*
Vanessa, here. Man, I can’t wait to read this book! I have it all loaded up on my e-reader, and as soon as I turn in my next manuscript I’m going to reward myself with My Lady, My Lord. Here’s the blurb, if you need any more convincing (which I’m sure you don’t!):
The Bluestocking
Lady Corinna Mowbray has three passions: excellent books, intelligent conversation, and disdaining the libertine Earl of Chance.
The Rake
Lord Ian Chance has three pleasures: beautiful women, fast horses, and tormenting high-and-mighty Corinna Mowbray.
Neighbors for years, they’ve been at each other’s throats since they can remember. But when a twist of fate forces them to trade lives, how long will it be before they discover they cannot live without each other?
Sounds awesome, doesn’t it? You can find all the buy links to My Lady, My Lord on Katharine’s website. And to celebrate the release of the Katharine’s book, I’m giving away an ARC of my upcoming release, Confessions of a Royal Bridegroom. Let’s talk romance tropes – do you like the rake and the bluestocking scenario? I sure do, but tell me what you think for a chance to win an ARC of my next book.
Thanks for featuring my book today, Vanessa! I’m so happy to be visiting you again!
Thanks for joining us today, Katherine!
I love that scenario! I honestly don’t like it when the heroine doesn’t have a brain and is just quiet. I like my heroine to be able to argue back and well not lose to anyone especially the hero who is the rake. The argument between the two can be very heated
And that heat can lead to other things, right? *wink*
Oh those sound very interesting! Looking forward to reading the book!!
Me too, Tammy!
I love it when the heroine is a bluestocking…think it adds more depth to the story since they usually give the hero more of a challenge to win her heart!
I agree, Sharon!
I love the idea of a challenge. It gives character, intrigue, and suspense to a novel. I can’t wait to read Katharine’s new novel I’m sure it will be a can’t put down adventure of the mind.
Katharine is awesome, Amy!
I love the blue stocking rake scenario. It’s great when the heroine can think on her own and stand up to everyone. Looks like a great read
Rhonda, it’s one of mine, too!
I love her 3 passions and his 3 pleasures! Can’t wait to read it!
Katharine is such a talented writer!
I love the rake/bluestocking scenario, I can’t stand when the heroine is a ditz.
Yes, we do like intelligent heroines, Angela!
Since I love smart heroine’s Bluestockings are perfect – especially if they have expertise in an area normally considered a male domain.
That’s always a good scenario, Diane!
I also love a smart heroine, and a hero who appreciates the heroine’s ability.
A bluestocking and a rake makes for a great pairing.
It’s so great when the rakish hero falls hard and fast for a bluestocking!
I do love reading about the rakes.but hate when they hook up with the vain woman.
Yes, that’s not very heroic, Peggy!
Yes, but I love variety so as long as I enjoy the characters, I’m happy with whatever the author wants to do.
That’s a great philosophy, catslady!
Love them bluestockers! They get the best rakes!
They do, Debbie!
I love it when bluestockings and rakes are paired up. Probably because I’m a bit of a bluestocking myself and I know my husband likes the challenge of an intelligent woman. 🙂
Sounds like your husband is a keeper, Kezia!
Yes, I definitely like the rake & the bluestocking scenario! 🙂
You can do a lot of fun things with that scenario, Michelle!
not really
I wonder why, bn?
I love that scenario for a book. There are very few scenarios I DON’T like when it comes to romances…but that’s just me.
A good author like Katharine can make just about any scenario work, Karen!
I also love it when the social standings are reversed and the hero goes against everyone to love a woman not from the highest social standing. It’s harder for a woman to be accepted for lower social status than a man sometimes.
Yes, it’s great to see a hero take on the world for love!
I like the rake/bluestocking storyline. Honestly, I like the heroine to have a backbone and give the hero a run for his money. I read this book by Katharine and I loved it, such a great plot twist.
I’ve always had a soft spot for rakes, and when they’re up against a smart girl it’s even better, so yes, I love the rake and the bluestocking scenario. 😀
I love the opposites attract scenario, good girl meets bad boy! Makes for sparks and great dialogue!
Honestly, while I do like a grounded heroine, I’m getting a little tired of the “Bluestocking” type. Too often they come out like an anachronism, a modern woman misplaced in the past. While there were plenty of women who fought against the restrictions of their time, they were not ignorant of nor surprised by them. I dislike reading about heroines who act like modern women without even a thought to the accepted and expected etiquette of their day. Women can be strong and intelligent without acting ignorant and willful. I’d love to read about more women like that.
congrats to katherine on the new release!! it looks and sounds fantastic 🙂 I love the blustockings and rake troupe 😉 It’s usually so much fun to read about them falling in love!
I absolutely adore the Bluestocking/rake troupe. However, I like my heroines to be strong, smart, and not settling on what she want’s. I don’t like wimpy, ditzy heroines. Silliness in the women is not attractive.
Katharine, congratulations my lady on your new release.
I love the rake and the bluestocking. It’s always good for a rake to have to work for things instead of having everything handed to him. LOL
I love the sound of this book, Katharine, and the black and white cover is striking with that pop of blue.
I love the rake and the bluestocking theme. A strong woman and a man willing to work for and with her!
With the rake and the bluestocking I would expect fireworks. Got to love that.
Very much so! I always like intelligent heroines & I love how the rake finds himself falling for her (sometimes quite unwillingly!)