The tag line on Miranda Neville’s website is: Sexy Sophisticated Historical Romance. And are they ever! Miranda’s books are both sexy and sophisticated, and so beautifully written they are pure joy to read.
Miranda grew up in England, and like many historical romance writers she fell in love at an early age with the novels of Georgette Heyer and Jean Plaidy. This misspent youth (as she refers to it) set her on a path to Oxford to study history. She then went on to spend several years working for Sotheby’s, the famous auction house, writing catalogues of rare books, original letters, and manuscripts. How cool is that? Not to mention being a perfect background for a future historical romance writer.
And that background did pay off. Miranda’s first published book was released by Avon Books in 2009 to great reviews.
Here’s what Publishers Weekly had to say about Never Resist Temptation: “Neville throws disguises, secrets and vows of vengeance in the way of true love…the byplay between the hero and heroine is genuine, lusty and fun.”
Who doesn’t like genuine, lusty fun, I ask you?
One of the things I really love about Miranda’s writing is how skilfully she uses the conventions of the genre while creating unique characters and unusual storylines. The Wild Marquis is the first book in The Burgundy Club series, and the heroine is not a society miss but a shopkeeper who owns a bookstore. In Never Resist Temptation, the heroine is forced to disguise herself as a pastry chef in a royal kitchen—I love that!
Here’s what RT Book Reviews had to say about The Wild Marquis and its wonderfully unusual setting:
“Neville brings on the sizzle along with an intriguing and unique Regency backdrop — a nobleman’s “addiction” to rare book collecting — in the well-crafted start to the Burgundy series.”
What a great idea for a story, don’t you think? You can read all of Miranda’s blurbs and reviews, and check out her excerpts on her Books page.
Luckily for us, Miranda has a new book out: The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton. First of all, great title! Second of all, check out this fabulous cover:
Rowr! Already the book has been getting great reviews, including this one from the New York Journal of Books:
“The best description for this new novel from Miranda Neville is wonderfully adorable. The spirit, the joie-de-vivre, and the wit make the dialogue sparkle and the characters pop… Readers looking to be delighted won’t have to look any further than this novel.”
And here’s the blurb:
Being kidnapped teaches Miss Celia Seaton a few things about life
LESSON ONE
Never disrobe in front of a gentleman … unless his request comes at gunpoint.
LESSON TWO
If, when lost on the moors, you encounter Tarquin Compton, the leader of London society who ruined your marriage prospects, deny any previous acquaintance.
LESSON THREE
If offered an opportunity to get back at Mr. Compton, the bigger the lie, the better. A faux engagement should do nicely.
LESSON FOUR
Not all knowledge is found between the covers of a book. But an improper book may further your education in ways you never guessed.
And while an erotic novel may be entertaining, the real thing is even better
Oh, I am so there!
You can find The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton on Amazon and at all the usual booksellers. Just check out Miranda’s website for all the handy buy links. While you’re looking around her website, check out Miranda’s group blog, The Ballroom. New to the blogosphere, The Ballroom is home to six noted Avon authors, including Katharine Ashe and Sarah MacLean, plus Lady B and Albert the parrot. Stop on by to check out the gossip and dancing!
Miranda has very graciously donated a copy of The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton for my readers today. Since Miranda’s first book involves pastry, let’s do something with that. What is your favorite kind of pastry? Petit fours, a chocolate croissant, or are there some days when nothing else but a Krispy Kreme donut will fit the bill? One person who comments will win a copy of Miranda’s book.
