Wuthering Heights – Vanessa Kelly, Author

I’m very pleased to welcome paranormal and historical romance author Jerri Hines to the blog. Today, Jerri is appearing under one of her historical pen names–Colleen Connally, and she’s here to tell us about her Secret Lives Gothic romance series.

“The murdered do haunt their murderers, I believe. I know that ghosts have wandered on earth. Be with me always — take any form — drive me mad! Only do not leave me in this abyss, where I cannot find you!” EMILY BRONTE, Wuthering Heights

I grew up reading romance, mostly gothic. I would spend hours lost in the pages of another time and place. Heathcliff wandering the moors with the wind briskly blowing in Wuthering Heights…Harriett wondering if her husband, Bevil, whom she has loved since a child was trying to kill her in Menfreya in the Morning …Jane Eyre discovering her love, Mr. Rochester has a wife…insane no less. Gothic romance lured me into its world—the dark, brooding hero, the innocent young heroine and haunting mystery.

The classic gothic romances, Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, Rebecca, seem ageless. I suggested Wuthering Heights to one of my daughter’s friend who loves to read. The next time I saw her, I asked her if she enjoyed it. She made a little face and explained she couldn’t get into the story. She thought the words were stilted! Be still my beating heart. She couldn’t possibly have thought my Wuthering Heights was bland! More than likely, Wuthering Heights wasn’t like the books she reads now a days. One of her favorite books—50 shades of Grey.

So has the romance gone out of Romance Novels? No…romance has only evolved. Romance will never go out of style.

Romances are read to confirm that love really exists. For a moment in time, a reader finds love between the pages of a novel. Reading a romance is an escape from the reality of the world around us. It also reminds us why we fell in love and the feeling love gives us. When we pick up a romance, we don’t have to flip to the end of the book to know that everything will end happily.

Historical Romances have evolved as well. Historical romances transport us to a different time and place away from the confines of the reality of our everyday life. Most of us have a Cinderella complex and dream of our Prince Charming and happy ever after. History allows different scenarios than what we women experience today. Marriages of convenience, arranged marriages, and women trapped due to circumstances fascinate us. In these stories oppressed women search for the love of their life, finding it in the arms of their prince, undoubtedly rich and handsome…their happily ever after!

Secret Lives is a historical romance series of standalone books connected by the fact the heroine at one point in her life has to have led a secret life. My latest, Seductive Lies, holds forbidden love, intrigue, and mystery, but it is also a tad different. Seductive Lies is my first truly gothic romance. Haunted visions…curses…ghosts…

Take a moment for your day and enjoy this story of forbidden love. Seductive Lies—only love can heal a heart betrayed!

“Love is the emblem of eternity; it confounds all notion of time; effaces all memory of a beginning, all fear of an end.” Madame de Stael, French-Swiss novelist.

Great post, Jerri! Readers, Jerri is giving away one of her Colleen Connally books today. Just tell us about the Gothic romances–book or movie–that you love for a chance to win!

I’m so pleased today to be hosting another Regency gal, the very talented Erica Ridley. Erica writes Regency-set historical romances, often with a touch of paranormal. Her debut novel, Too Wicked To Kiss, exploded onto the scene with a truly impressive number of stellar reviews and accolades, including this one from Publishers Weekly:

Ridley’s debut is an enticing marriage of Regency romance and murder mystery…Evangeline, a young yet determined heroine, is the true star of the novel as she allows herself to love while making serious plans for her future. Plenty of violence, romantic tension, and sensual love scenes will leave readers eager for the sequel.

Sounds pretty darn enticing, doesn’t it? Here’s Erica’s cool trailer for Too Wicked To Kiss, which gives you the flavor of the book.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Awt7UXscuSQ]

Too Wicked To Kiss also received a coveted 5 star review from Romance Junkies, and a brilliant cover quote from one of my absolute favorite authors, New York Times bestselling suspense author, Karen Rose. Here’s what Karen had to say about the book:

Darkly sensual, Erica Ridley’s TOO WICKED TO KISS is a skillful blend of Gothic mystery and steamy romance. Living, breathing characters, a classically foreboding setting, and twists and turns to keep one guessing come together in a deeply satisfying tale.

Trust me. When it comes to mystery and steamy romance, Karen knows what she’s talking about and Too Wicked To Kiss fits the bill.

Erica’s latest book is Too Sinful To Deny, and it’s another sexy, Gothic historical romance. And thank God for that, because there just aren’t enough Gothic romances on the shelves these days, IMHO. Too Sinful To Deny steps into the gap.

Here’s the blurb for Too Sinful To Deny:

TOO TEMPTING TO OBJECT…

One look at the towering ocean-side manor that is to be her new home, and exiled socialite Susan Stanton knows: This is a place haunted by secrets and riddled with menace.

For Susan, there is no escaping it. At best she can stay clear of the most dangerous element of all–dark-haired smuggler Evan Bothwick, a man whose shaded countenance cannot hide his wicked intent.

But Susan has a secret of her own–a special gift that renders her privy to the darkest mysteries lurking within the walls of the manor and in the labyrinthine cellars beneath. And the only man who can help her make sense of it all is Evan, the very scoundrel and rogue she would do anything to be able to resist…

Yum! I am so there, Erica.

You can read an excerpt of the book and find the handy buy links to all your favorite retailers on Erica’s website.

And while you’re on Erica’s website, spend some time looking around. It’s an incredibly interesting and entertaining site – one of the best I’ve ever seen. In addition to all the usual info on Erica’s books, there are extra features like an author scrapbook, bad jokes, good quotes, and fun contests. But one of the best features on the site is Erica’s Scandalsheet, a Regency tabloid that will provide you with on-dits and bits of scandal to enhance your enjoyment of Erica’s books. Don’t forget to check out the pirate translator!

As if that wasn’t enough, Erica also has several free downloads on her site, including two novellas in anthologies with such acclaimed authors as C.L. Wilson, Virginia Henley, Tessa Dare, and Elizabeth Hoyt. You can check out those free downloads here.

As you can tell, Erica is a smart, entertaining author and that totally shines through in her books. If you haven’t read her before, here’s your chance. Check out her novellas and then walk don’t run to the nearest bookstore or on-line retailer for her books.

Erica has graciously donated a copy of Too Sinful To Deny to the blog today. Since her books contain elements of the Gothic, let’s talk about that. What’s your favorite Gothic novel? Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, or did you grow up reading all those great Victoria Holt books? One person who comments today will win a copy of Erica’s fab new book!

Guest Author: Jerri Hines & Giveaway!!

Regency Friday Fun With Guest Author, Erica Ridley