Never Resist Temptation – Vanessa Kelly, Author

I’m thrilled that my friend and acclaimed historical romance author Miranda Neville is on the blog with us today. Miranda writes sexy and witty romances that are rich in history. Her first book, Never Resist Temptation, was published in 2009 to great reviews, and with each book those fab accolades continue to roll in. Take, for instance, The Wild Marquis, book one in her Burgundy Club Series.

This is the book that New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James called “sizzling, addictive, and deeply romantic…a joy to read.”

The Wild Marquis received a “Best of 2011” from Dear Author, and Top Picks from Romance Junkies and Night Owl Reviews.

“Filled with secrets, mystery, romance, sizzling love scenes, witty, realistic dialogue, an imaginative plot and charismatic characters, this lighthearted story is captivating. A riveting novel, I hated to see it end. Do not miss THE WILD MARQUIS. It is a keeper!” — 5 ribbons, Romance Junkies

The fourth book in The Burgundy Club Series,Confessions from an Arranged Marriage is now in stores.

As you might guess, it’s already gotten great reviews, including this one from Romance Novel News:

“Fans of historical romance should not miss “Confessions from an Arranged Marriage.” Miranda Neville has crafted a magnificent story with a wonderfully emotional romance and a flawed, yet unforgettable hero. This is a story that will tug on the heartstrings, cause emotional heartbreak, but in the end satisfy on almost every level. “

And here’s the blurb:

They couldn’t be more different, but there’s one thing they agree on.

In London after a two-year exile, Lord Blakeney plans to cut a swathe through the bedchambers of the demimonde. Marriage is not on his agenda, especially to an annoying chit like Minerva Montrose, with her superior attitude and a tendency to get into trouble. And certainly the last man Minerva wants is Blake, a careless wastrel without a thought in his handsome head.

The heat and noise of her debutante ball give Minerva a migraine. Surely a moment’s rest could do no harm … until Blake mistakes her for another lady, leaving Minerva’s guests to catch them in a very compromising position. To her horror, the scandal will force them to do the unthinkable: marry. Their mutual loathing blazes into unexpected passion but Blake remains distant, desperate to hide a shameful secret. Minerva’s never been a woman to take things lying down, and she’ll let nothing stop her from winning his trust … and his heart.

I don’t know about you, but I love the theme of arranged marriages and marriages of convenience, and this one is sure to please. And I love Miranda’s books. If you like intelligent, sexy historical romance, I think you’ll love them too!

For my readers today, Miranda is giving away a copy of Confessions from an Arranged Marriage. Let’s continue talking about this theme. What’s your favorite marriage of convenience story, either historical, contemporary, or paranormal? There are lots of good ones out there, so let’s start listing them! One person who comments will win a copy of Miranda’s book.

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.

Guest Author: Miranda Neville & Giveaway!

Guest Feature: Miranda Neville & Giveaway!