Book Lovers Inc.
Romance Novel Reviews, Author Interviews, Commentary
Guestpost: Living In The Past by Vanessa Kelly + Giveaway
We are very happy to welcome regency author Vanessa Kelly here at Book Lovers Inc today. One of her stories is part of the Invitation to Sin anthology which was released this month. Today she will tell us about her love for Regency Romance. Please give Vanessa a warm welcome and be sure to answer her question at the end for the chance to win your own copy.
I freely admit that the past holds an irresistible lure for me. As an author of Regency-set historical romance, this fascinating era provides the opportunity to bring my stories to life in settings that seem familiar but exotic, glittering and gritty, and full of endless possibilities for drama, passion, and conflict.
Another compelling reason to place my stories in a historical setting is the opportunity to explore challenging or emotionally-freighted issues that I might not otherwise attempt. Take for example my novella in the just-released anthology, An Invitation To Sin. My heroine, Clarissa Middleton, is a war widow whose beloved husband was killed in a battle in Spain. Her year of mourning has come to an end, but she’s still angry over her loss and resentful that her friends expect her to view her husband’s death as a tragic but noble sacrifice. Enter Captain Christian Archer, a war hero and military man to the core. He’s madly in love with Clarissa and has been for years, but the last thing she wants is to get involved with another soldier.
So, what do you think about historical romance? Love it, hate it, or just plain meh? And what’s your favorite period for historical romance? One commenter will win a copy of the anthology An Invitation To Sin, with novellas by Jo Beverley, Sally MacKenzie, Vanessa Kelly, and Kaitlin O’Riley.
Called one of the new stars of historical romance by Booklist, Vanessa Kelly writes Regencies with sizzle for Kensington Zebra. Her latest book, Sex And The Single Earl, is on shelves now. My Favorite Countess, her next Regency-set historical romance, will be released in May, 2011. You can reach her on the web at: www.vanessakellyauthor.com
About the Book:
“Forbidden Affections” is written by Jo Beverley. The doors to romance can be found in the most unexpected places, especially when the notorious Earl of Carne moves into the mansion neighbouring Anna Featherstone’s London townhouse. Who knocks first remains the only question…”The Pleasure of a Younger Lover” is written by Vanessa Kelly. Clarissa Middleton cannot resist the ardent kisses of Captain Christian Archer, though they must meet in secret or risk the censure of London society. In each other’s arms, desire and love melt two hearts into one…”The Naked Prince” is written by Sally MacKenzie. Josephine Atworthy is shocked by the goings-on at her rich neighbour’s house party. Quite shocked. But her demure charm beguiles a mysterious nobleman, who begs a kiss – then another. And in a twinkling they fall head over heals in love. “A Summer Love Affair” is written by Kaithlin O’Riley. Unmarried. Unconventional. Unchaperoned. Miss Charlotte Wilson is free to do as she pleases and Gavin Ellsworth is dashing. Summer in Spain at a secluded villa is about to get a whole lot hotter.
Vanessa has generously offered ONE copy of An Invitation To Sin to one lucky commenter.
All you have to do is answer one of Vanessa’s question at the end of her post.
Please leave us a way to contact you.
(Email in blogger profile or twitter name – no way to contact you – no entry).
This giveaway is open worldwide!
Giveaway ends on Saturday, February 26, 2011, and we will announce the winner on Sunday.
Good luck!
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I like historical romance as long as it is accurate. If it isn't, it just throws me out of the story.
I like the early 1900's, but I haven't found many set in that time period.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
I enjoy historical romances that provide a background and setting where new and different aspects of loving relationships can be explored, cherished, and celebrated. I think a well written romantic story in an historical setting allows the reader to know and feel a growing Love Relationship in between two characters in new and different ways through the lens of a different world. I enjoy the turn of the 20th century time period.
steve.tempo@gmail.com
I liked historical books a lot, and am slowly getting into the historical romance genre.
danaan at gmx dot at
I love historical fiction, especially the Regency period. I don't know what it is about that period that grabs me so, but I just love reading about it. I also like the later Victorian period (the 1890s).
Margay1122ATaolDOTcom
Debbie, I think most historical romance writers really try hard to balance a good story with historical accuracy. That's why research is so important.
Steve, I agree. That different time period allows writers to take a fresh look at the love relationship.
Birgit, you have a lot of great reads ahead of you!
Margay, nice to see you. Thanks for stopping by!
I like historical novels for the different…flavour. If they are beautifully written you can almost feel and see like you're living in that period. I love victorian age, I find it very fascinating!
aliasgirl at libero dot it
I focused on history in college so I love a good historical romance. I like being transported into another world with different rules. Congrats on the book!
GeishasMom73 on twitter
Since falling in love with Jane Austen, the Regency period has become my favorite historical period. I just can't get enough Regency romance.
felicialso@gmail.com
Reading mind, I love Victorian set novels, too. Lisa Kleypas immediately springs to mind, as does Christina Dodd.
Thanks for stopping by, Geishas Mom!
I can't either, Felicia!
I love historical romance! It's my first love, so to speak! I've started reading romances with the classic Woodiwiss books and have been reading only historicals for a long time. I've only started reading other genres in the past years. My favourite periods are the Regency as well as the Victorian. But I don't mind a good medieval thrown in from time to time.
Good luck with your novella!
claudigc at msn dot com
I read any period of historical if the author draws me in. You're great at that and I've loved all your books, Vanessa! (VK Sykes, as well.)
I really enjoy historical romance, as long as it is based on actual events that happened in the past! Reading historical romance is what got me interested in reading historical fiction!
kimbers10[at]yahoo[dot]com
I love historical romance! My favorite period for historical romance is the Regency.I thing that during the Middle Ages would be interesting for romantic stories.
artgiote at gmail dot com
I love them, why? Well that is simple, I love history 😀 I always have.
My fave would be regency (of course) and something set between the 10th and 12th century 🙂
blodeuedd1 at gmail dot com
Thanks for stopping by, Claudia!
Aw! Thanks, Stacey! And congratulations on your book release today. Folks, check out Stacey's website. She writes really wonderful contemporaries.
Kimberly Sue, I like to think of historical romance as a gateway drug to historical fiction!
Diana, my favorite period is the Regency, but I love a good Medieval. One of my fave Medieval writers is Kris Kennedy. She's sooo good.
Hi Blodeuedd! Thanks for stopping by!
Vanessa, my copy of An Invitation To Sin arrived yesterday, so no need to enter me in the contest. 🙂
Like Stacey, I'll read any era if the story sounds good, though Regencies are definitely my favorites. And you already know you're one of my new fave authors!
I do like reading historical romances. I enjoy regencies and medievals, especially those set during the Norman invasion.
janie1215 AT excite DOT com
Thank you so much, Donna – you and Stacey are the best! I love your books, too!
Jane, one of the first historicals I ever read was a Georgette Heyer about William The Conqueror. It's a great period to write about.
I love reading historicals. It's the genre that I read the most of. I love reading about the Regency and Victorian periods.
iqb99@yahoo.com
I love reading historical romances. It is a lovely way to visit another time and place. I especially enjoy the Regency England, medieval Scotland, and old American West time periods.
castings at mindspring dot com
I like historical romances, especially during the 1930's and 1940's. I love those eras.
Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot ocm
My favorite genre of romance is historical! I love all periods, although there have been on or two books set in the Dark Ages that won't be found on my list of favorites. I have loved all of your books so far, Mastering the Marquess and Sex and the Single Earl. I did not know you were going to part of this anthology or I would have already added it to all of my wishlists!
Hi, Vanessa! Although I'd read any genre, I do prefer historicals. There's something "once upon a time" about them ("once upon a time in Regency England…").
You really ought to convince the powers-that-be to put Paul Marron on more of your book covers. 😉
ironss[at]gmail.com
Hi Danielle – thanks for stopping by!
Cheryl C, I love Westerns, too. Wish there were more of them out there!
Hi Tracy! I have to admit that I've never read any historical romances set in the 1930's or 40's. Wonderful eras to write about, though.
Chanpreet, thank you so much! I'm so happy you liked my books!
Hi Sheree! I totally agree with you about Paul. What a hunk!
I love historical romance and I've been reading it for many years. Although I love just about any historical period, my favorite period for historical romance is the Regency, with the Victorian era a close second.
Barbed1951(at)aol(dot)com
Sometimes I'm in a historical mood, sometimes I'm not. I try not to read too many of them so I don't burn out. I'm not at all fond of medievals, but I like the 1700's and 1800's. Regencies are good, but there are so many of them that it's hard to find one that is fresh.
jen at delux dot com
I like reading historical romances and read one every now and then. My favourite period for a historical romance would be the Regency period. I also really enjoy reading time travel romances that encompass both the past and present, so it's kinda the best of both worlds where there are historical as well as contemporary aspects.
Thanks for the guest post and giveaway!
chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com
I absolutely love to read Historical Romance. The Regency period with all the rules & etiquette is deliciously fascinating.
marypres@gmail.com
I really like historical romance. When I read one it takes me to a whole other time and place that is different from what I know. My favorite period is the Regency with their beautiful gowns and balls.
mce1011 AT aol DOT com
I love historical romances! Love the 1700-1800s especially while North America and Europe were going through so many changes.
meredithfl at gmail dot com
I have been reading histoiral romance for many years 🙂
I love all periods, though my favorite period is Queen Victoria, medieval, American West… all periods 😉 I love history
It´s the genre that I read the most of.
welzen@hotmail.com
Hello Vanessa! Well I love historical romance, I read them very often, usually one or two per month 😀
My favourite time period is the medieval.
jen7waters AT gmail DOT com
I love the historical romance genre. I get an HEA with my history lesson, which is a plus for me! Most historicals I read are set in the Regency or another British period. I enjoy books with other settings, as well. Thanks for visiting.
I love historical romance. I especially love reading about Camelot and King Arthur. Especially during that time period. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com
Historical romance is one of my fav romance genres; after SciFi Romance (or is that Romance SciFi? lolz).
Maybe it's a measure of escapism or a way to get away from the mundane…?
thumbelinda03@yahoo.com
Vanessa –
I love historical romance and since my husband is a history buff it's amazing how many times I'm able to "fill in" for him facts he doesn't know.
We took a trip to England and Scotland a few years ago and he was amazed at how many facts I had learned from reading historical romance and how well I could relate not only the historical events but also the people involed in the different areas of both countries we visited.
I think that historical romance includes more of the human elements that led to historical events than a "history" book usually includes.
I particular love your stories because of the way that you develope your characters and the locations, history and clothing of the time period is so maturally instroduced into the story.
I'm not sure why I adore historical romance, but I think it has to do with the period and how different the "culture" is compared to today.
No specific period but the early 1800s is fun.
I do like historical romance, but usually not the ones with too much history in them. I don't like "history lessons" in these books too much. As long as the world is set up well, that is all the information I need. I like the regency era novels.
angeldream3(at)gmail(dot)com
How did you come up with the name of your characters in the book, Invitation to sin?
I love historical romance that's the only type of romance books I enjoy reading, anything from the 1100 to 1700's I love.
bookflamereviews@gmail.com
Historical romance is my favorite genre! I love being transported back in time to a world where fashion, social rules and romance were so different than they are today. I think my favorite era is the Georgian era. I like how the H&H struggle with conventionalism and behavior influenced by the ton.
BornajhawkATaolDOTcom