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Thursday, May 1, 2014

My Favorite Book Couple with Valerie Bowman


Valerie Bowman is an award-winning author who writes Regency-set historical romance novels aka Racy Regency Romps! Valerie has a B.A. in English Language and Literature with a minor in history from Smith College. By day, she is a technical editor at a computer software company. By night, she combines her love of writing, history, and romance to craft stories about people falling in love.

Originally from Rantoul, Illinois, Valerie lives in Jacksonville, Florida with her family including her rascally rescue dog, Roo. When she's not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV or PBS.

Places to find Valerie:
Site | Blog | Facebook | Twitter |


My favorite book couple of all time? Oh, boy. This is a tough one. And because I write and adore historical romance, it probably won’t come as much of a shock that my favorite couples all dwell within the pages of historical romance novels. So here they are…my top 3 (because I couldn’t possibly narrow it down to just 1) favorite romance couples of all time.

1. Lily Lawson and Alex Raiford from Lisa Kleypas’s Then Came You. I think I’ve read this book 10 times, easily. Lily and Alex are tres fabulous. I mean, what’s not to love? She’s got short hair, a penchant for trouble, and is trying to break up his engagement (to her sister!). He’s brooding and controlled. She ties him to her bed to keep him from stopping her sister’s elopement! This enrages him and makes his revenge that much more edge-of-your-seat-tastic! In the end, these two find their happily ever after, of course, but it’s a sheer delight watching them get there. Shout out to another fantastic couple in the series: Derek and Sarah from Kleypas’s Dreaming of You.

2. Merry Wilding and Devon Crandall from Laura London’s The Windflower. I adore the plot of this book, but even more wonderful are the couple themselves. They are the perfect blend. Merry is shy, inexperienced, and unworldly. Devon is a swoon-worthy privateer duke-in-hiding. What results is some of the best chemistry ever written. And can I just say that I totally went to Laura London’s Facebook page and asked Tom and Sharon to write Cat’s story. I only hope they’re seriously considering it. Talk about a future bestseller!

3. Whitney Stone and Clayton Westmoreland from Judith McNaught’s Whitney My Love. If you asked me who my favorite hero is, I’d say (without hesitation) Jason Fielding from McNaught’s Once and Always. But while his heroine, Victoria, is certainly likable, alas the two don’t compare (as a couple) to Whitney and Clayton. W&C are *such* a matched pair. Sparks fly between Whitney, unconventional, with a sad childhood and an uber crush on a boy from her past—and Clayton (also a duke in hiding, hmm. I’m noticing a theme in my favorite books.) powerful and controlling, and intent on making Whitney his bride. Utterly riveting.

So, there you have them. Three of the best romance couples of all time (in my humble opinion). And when I write my own books, I strive for just a tiny bit of the same magic these enormously talented authors have given us. Lucy and Derek from my latest, The Unexpected Duchess, begin with a standoff and before it’s all over, the queen and the Prince Regent get involved.

Oh, wait, I just remembered Shanna and Ruark! And Brandon and Heather. And . . . I’d better stop before this post gets entirely too long!



She thought her heart was safe, but . . .

Reckless, wild, and beautiful, Lily Lawson delights in shocking proper London society -- and now she is determined to rescue her sister from an unwanted impending marriage to the notorious Alex, Lord Raiford, by fair means or foul. But while she succeeds outrageously, Alex is a master gamesman who is not to be undone.

Alex has lost one bride, yet he is enchanted by this remarkable lady who is willing to break any rule to flaunt her independence. When Lily offers him only scorn, he counters with kindness, and he parries her blistering barbs with gentle words and a soft, tender touch. The spirited miss will pay dearly for her interference -- with her body, her soul, and her stubborn, unyielding heart. But will Alex's own heart be the prize to be won in this sensuous game of love?

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | B&N |


“Smart, witty, sassy, and utterly delightful.” - 4.5 Stars TOP PICK! RT Book Reviews

IN THIS BATTLE OF WITS

Lady Lucy Upton’s tongue may be too sharp to attract suitors but her heart is good and when her painfully shy friend Cassandra needs help she devises a brilliant scheme to help her discourage an unwanted suitor, the Duke of Claringdon. Lucy will hide behind the hedgerow and tell Cass just what to say to discourage the Duke of Claringdon…but it turns out that he’s made of sterner stuff than either of them anticipated. And Lucy is shocked to discover that tangling with the tenacious man is the most fun she’s had in ages.

KISSES ARE THE BEST WEAPON

Lord Derek Hunt made a promise to his dying friend to marry the demure Cassandra, and for a man who wants nothing more than peace and quiet after the horrors of war, she’ll make the perfect bride. If only the impudent Miss Upton will let him court the girl! Doing battle is the last thing on his mind, but bantering with Lucy behind the bushes is too tempting to resist. And the spoils of this war just may be true love…

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | B&N |

Check out the Secret Brides series:
    


 Check out what's up for grabs.

Up For Grabs:
  • 1 copy of Then Came You + The Unexpected Duchess

To Enter: 
  • Please leave a comment or question for Valerie.
  • US shipping ONLY.
  • Please fill out the Rafflecopter form to enter.

**Don't forget to enter the grand prize giveaway!


Good Luck! 

Special thanks to Valerie Bowman for sponsoring this giveaway.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

39 comments :

  1. I look forward to reading your newest book! I hope you are surviving the nasty weather this week!

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    1. Thanks, Gretchen! So far so good where I live.

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  2. I love Lisa Kleypas' books as well! I started late (with her Friday Harbor series), but I'm slowly getting caught up.

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  3. I'd say it's time for a re-read....something I rarely ever do. I read Then Came You in 2008 and totally forgot the characters and theme of the book. However, I think my favorite couple has got to be Rhett and Scarlett. Even though they didn't get their HEA, they had an explosive relationship that never gets old. Now, I can't wait to read your latest series....sounds great!

    kareninnc at gmail dot com

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    1. Thanks, Karen. My husband is actually listening to Gone with the Wind on audio right now. He listens during his commute and he's been listening for over a month. BIG BOOK! Also, one of my favorites!

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  4. Hello Valerie! So glad you were on this tour of Fave Couples. I like to find out what my fave authors like to read 'cause there's a good chance I would like what they like. So I really appreciate your input on this post. And I can't wait to read The Unexpected Duchess!!! I have my summer reading plan all scheduled with my books from my fave historical romance authors...and yours will be one of the first. :-) Thanks for being here today. jdh2690@gmail.com

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    1. Thanks so much, Janice! I love the idea of a summer reading list. I need to do that!

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  6. I love Lisa Kleypas but I've not read that one yet. Your books look really good.

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    1. Oh my goodness, Lori! You MUST read it. It's fantastic!

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  7. I guess I have been hiding underneath a rock. I have never had the pleasure of reading any of Lisa's or your books Valerie, so guess if I don't win, I will have to buy some.

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    1. LOL. Thanks for the comment, Cathy. I won't speak for my own but you WON'T be disappointed by Lisa's books!

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  8. Thank you for this giveaway!! :)

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  9. I love your choice of Lisa Kleypas books, and because I haven't been reading her books that long, I haven't read that one, so thanks for bringing it to my attention. :D

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  10. I've never read THEN CAME YOU, but it sounds great and I loved WHITNEY, MY LOVE! I'm also really looking forward to reading your new book, Valerie!

    Marcy Shuler

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  11. I love the couples that you choose although I haven't read Laura London's book yet, I saw Mary's post on it on her blog. I've read the other two books and I do love the couples. They were wonderful for each other even though they were annoying to each other...huh...were they? I forgot but I guess now I need to go reread them again. I can't wait to read your new book though Valerie!!! And the next book in the series.

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  12. I haven't had a chance to read Lisa Kleypas work but she's in my TBR and now I know she must be great since you are recommending her. Your books I have read and think are wonderful! Thank you for the giveaway =D

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  13. I haven't read any of Lisa's books yet either so thanks for sharing! Congrats to Valerie on the newest release!

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  14. The only book I have read from your list was Dreaming of You. Loved it! I am adding to my list daily from these favorite book couple lists. Loved your Secrets of a Wedding Night!

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  15. Hi Valerie! Congratulations on your latest release. It's on my wishlist. Love your previous series. :-)

    I've not read any of the books on your list.... I"m going to have to fix that problem.

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  16. Get thee to a bookstore, Glenda! So much goodness to read! :)

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  17. These all sound like great reads. They're all on my to-buy list, but I guess I'm going to have to move them to the top!

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  18. Definitely love Lisa Kleypas books! Also completely love your Secret Brides books..and of course your episode on SYTTD :D

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  19. I can't wait to read your new book!

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  20. OMG!!! How have I ever missed this book by Lisa! I really want to read Then Came You now!!!!

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  21. I'm looking forward to reading your book.

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  22. I haven't read any of these books, thanks for the chance to win them!

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  23. Hi Valerie! My daughters and I love your books and really enjoyed seeing you on Say Yes to the Dress!

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