Showing posts with label Vanessa Kelly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vanessa Kelly. Show all posts
Friday, December 13, 2019
A Historical Christmas Event with Vanessa Kelly
Tuesday, July 2, 2019
ARC Review: Three Weeks With a Princess by Vanessa Kelly
Lia Kincaid is the illegitimate daughter of a prince and a courtesan. Her grandmother shared the same profession as her mother. Lia is made to grow up in the country raised by her grandmother who became mistress to the Marquess of Lendale. Growing up there, Lia befriended Lendale's grandson (or great nephew I can't remember exactly), Jack Easton, and established a school girl crush on him. He was always kind to her despite her lineage and looked out for her well being.
Unfortunately for Jack, upon the demise of both his father and grandfather (or great uncle) he must assume the title of Marquess and take over the responsibilities that come with it. In his opinion, this included Lia and her grandmother, much to his own mother's despair. However, since the late Marquess didn't provide anything for his mistress in his will, Lia and her grandmother believe they need to make their own way. Lia determines her only options are to either become an actress (as her mother has recently become) or a mistress. Jack does not like either option, and continually insists that she stay at his country home and he will continue to care for her and her grandmother.
I found I did not like barely any characters in this book. Lia was annoying in her determination to ruin herself. She didn't even try other potential options which may have been possible if she got lucky and put forth some serious effort. Jack and almost every other male in this book were just huge dictators trying to force Lia to do what they believed was best for her. Most of the female side characters had spunk but were also making dumb decisions that seemed completely silly and unrealistic.
I also disliked the flow of the story. Many of the scenes I felt were unnecessary and contributed to an overly lengthy book. I never really felt either character "fall in love". Lia has loved Jack from childhood which is just mentioned as a backstory, and Jack just seems overbearing, and I never felt his over protectiveness turn into love. I was looking forward to this story being a little more involving royalty as the title suggests a princess type is involved. It really didn't come into play very much at all. The three weeks timeline also really didn't match. I know I am nitpicking but it honestly it bothered me.
I am not really interested at all in continuing this series. I may give Vanessa Kelly's work another try someday, but with something separate.
**ARC provided by Publisher**
Thursday, December 20, 2018
A Historical Christmas Event with Vanessa Kelly
When she's not dreaming up plots for her next Regency historical novel, Vanessa is writing USA Today Bestselling contemporary romance with her husband under the pen name of V.K. Sykes.
Sunday, February 11, 2018
Sealed With a Kiss Event with Vanessa Kelly
Vanessa Kelly is the award-winning and USA Today bestselling author of The Improper Princesses, The Renegade Royals, and The Stanton Family series, in addition to other historical romances. Named by Booklist as one of the “New Stars of Historical Romance,” she is a Maggie Medallion winner and is well known for developing vibrant Regency settings, appealing characters, and witty storylines that captivate readers.
When she's not dreaming up plots for her next Regency historical novel, Vanessa is writing USA Today Bestselling contemporary romance with her husband under the pen name of V.K. Sykes.
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Feature and Giveaway: Three Weeks with a Princess by Vanessa Kelly
Lia Kincaid, illegitimate daughter of the Duke of York, comes from a long line of notorious women. Raised by her grandmother, formerly mistress to the late Marquess of Lendale, she has little hope of a respectable marriage. But the new marquess, her childhood friend, Jack Easton, would make a very desirable protector…if he weren’t too honorable to take her to bed.It’s bad enough being saddled with a title he never desired. Now Jack must resist the beautiful woman he desires far too much. Duty calls, and he is duty-bound to choose a wealthy bride. But then Lia makes another outrageous suggestion: asking Jack to devise some tests to find her the perfect paramour. Tests that involve flirting, kissing, and other pleasurable pursuits. Tests that, in a matter of weeks, could transform friendship into the ton’s greatest scandal, igniting a passion even duty can’t deny…
Check out the The Improper Princesses series:
“Trying to set me up as a courtesan is rather drastic,” Lia said. “I’m not you or Mama. I’m not a patch on either of you.”
“Nonsense. You’ve grown into a stunning young woman. With a little help from me and some financial support, you could very well take London by storm.”
There were so many things wrong with that plan that Lia didn’t know where to start. “I have another idea, Gran, and I’m convinced it’s the best one we could possibly come up with.”
Her grandmother had been reaching to replenish her teacup, but her hand halted in midair. “I’m listening.”
“I’ll join Mama’s acting troupe. They’re looking for new company members now that they’re in London. Mama said so in her last letter. And I’m sure I could live with Mama and Mr. Lester in their town house in Kensington.”
Her grandmother regarded her with a dubious air. “Unfortunately, there are a number of critical drawbacks to that plan.”
“Such as?”
“You can’t sing, dance, or act.”
That was rather a low blow. “I’m not much of a singer, I grant you. But I’m sure I can learn to dance, and you know very well I can act.”
Lia had been playacting for as long as she could remember and had often dreamed girlish dreams of following in her mother’s famous footsteps. She’d put on any number of recitations for her grandmother and his lordship over the years and had staged skits and little dramas for the servants, often with help from the kitchen maids and footmen. Granny and Lord Lendale had often told her that she was as fine an actress as Mrs. Siddons.
“My darling, the truth is you’re a dreadful actress,” her grandmother said in a patient tone.
“But you and his lordship were always so enthusiastic about my performances,” she protested.
“Because we didn’t want to hurt your feelings.”
“But what about the amateur theatricals I put on up at the house? The servants all seemed to think I was splendid.”
Her grandmother rolled her eyes.
She couldn’t help feeling daunted, but she had no intention of conceding—especially if the alternative was to become the next Notorious Kincaid. Lia was convinced she’d make an utter fool of herself as a courtesan, especially because her heart wouldn’t be in it.
“I don’t care what you say,” she said. “I’m writing to Mama tonight and telling her I’m coming to London. I can at least try out the notion on her and Mr. Lester and see what they say.”
Her grandmother seemed to waver for a moment, but then she grimaced. “I feel certain your mother will not be amenable to you taking up the theatrical life.”
“But she will be amenable to me becoming someone’s mistress?” Lia asked with disbelief.
Granny starched up. “It was good enough for me, was it not?”
“Look how well that’s turned out.”
“I’m sure under certain conditions your mother will agree to this plan,” Granny said, clearly determined to ignore Lia’s objections.
“And what are those conditions?”
“That won’t become entirely clear until I’ve had a chance to speak with Jack.”
Lia’s mind blanked for a few moments. “What in heaven’s name does Jack have to do with me becoming a courtesan?”
Granny’s eyebrows lifted with delicate incredulity. “Because you’re feeling a little squeamish about this plan, I think he should be your first.”
Lia got a very bad feeling—which was something, considering how alarming the entire discussion had been thus far. “First what?” she asked, praying she had misunderstood.
“Your first lover, of course. But only if I can persuade him to agree to our terms.”
Named by Booklist as one of the "New Stars of Historical Romance," bestselling author Vanessa Kelly's books have been nominated for awards in a number of contests. She is also the recipient of the prestigious Maggie Medallion for historical romance. With a Master's Degree in English Literature, Vanessa is known for developing vibrant Regency settings, appealing characters, and witty storylines that captivate readers.
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a Rafflecopter giveawaySaturday, February 4, 2017
Sealed With a Kiss Event with Vanessa Kelly
Named by Booklist as one of the "New Stars of Historical Romance," bestselling author Vanessa Kelly's books have been nominated for awards in a number of contests. She is also the recipient of the prestigious Maggie Medallion for historical romance. With a Master's Degree in English Literature, Vanessa is known for developing vibrant Regency settings, appealing characters, and witty storylines that captivate readers.Friday, December 2, 2016
A Historical Christmas Event with Vanessa Kelly
Named by Booklist as one of the "New Stars of Historical Romance," bestselling author Vanessa Kelly's books have been nominated for awards in a number of contests. She is also the recipient of the prestigious Maggie Medallion for historical romance. With a Master's Degree in English Literature, Vanessa is known for developing vibrant Regency settings, appealing characters, and witty storylines that captivate readers.Tuesday, August 23, 2016
ARC Review: My Fair Princess by Vanessa Kelly
My Fair Princess is the first of Vanessa Kelly’s Improper Princess series which is a spin-off of sorts of her Renegade Royals. Even if you haven’t read that series this is a great place to start. If you have then the notorious Griffin Steele has a sister, well half-sister. I love Gillian, she is a force to be reckoned with. Now if you are expecting a prim and proper princess then the series title “Improper” Princesses should be a good hint that this is not the series you are looking for. But if you are looking for a headstrong, outspoken, nobody talks bad about my mother, I’m going to do what I think is right, hoyden of a princess then yes, this is the story you are looking for.
Lady Julia was seduced by the Duke of Cumberland even more scandalous was she kept the baby that was the result of said affair, a little baby girl. Shunned by society Lady Lucy is forced to move to Italy where she meet and fell in love with Count Paterini. Gillian loved her step-father he doted on her and never made her feel unwanted. She also blames herself for his death, murdered by bandits and no one making an effort to seek justice she takes matters into her own hands and over the years she trains and one by one kills the bandits that killed her step-father. When it was finally over Gillian’s mother and Grandmother know they must go back to England. Hopefully they can reign in her wild ways enough for her to find a husband. They seek the help of the most qualified person they know, Duke of Leverton.
Charles Valentine Penley, also known as Perfect Penley, is distantly related to Gillian and as the Duke is technically head of the family. Charles takes on the task of installing social graces and civility into Gillian. Gillian does not care, she doesn’t care what people say about her or what they think, she can manage a civil tongue when talking to people even when they insult her; it’s another matter entirely when they insult her mother. Everything is going fine until Charles’ ex-fiancé decides to cause trouble and spreads a vicious new nickname for Gillian. Everyone thinks the best thing to do is escape to the country for a while. On the way to Charles’ country estate they are robbed, and the trouble really begins. Gillian is determined to get back the jewels they stole even though Charles has repeatedly told her to let him handle it.
It really was inevitable that they fell in love, opposites attract. Charles needed someone to challenge him and knock the Perfect off of Perfect Penley. Gillian needed someone to love her even though she never thought she was good enough, or worthy of love. She never cared what people thought of her because that’s what she thought of herself, she needed someone to prove her wrong. I loved seeing Griffin and Justine again they had a nice little part. I really hope the other princess are as improper as this one. I really adored Gillian and even Charles after he stopped being so priggish. Overall, great story and a great build up to the climatic ending and just the right amount of angst to play at the heart strings a bit.
**ARC provided by Publisher**
Feature and Giveaway: My Fair Princess by Vanessa Kelly
First, Vanessa Kelly brought readers The Renegade Royals. Now, in a delightfully witty new series, she introduces The Improper Princesses—three young women descended from royalty, each bound for her own thrilling adventure . . .Despite being the illegitimate daughter of a prince, Gillian Dryden is happily ignorant of all social graces. After growing up wild in Italy, Gillian has been ordered home to England to find a suitable husband. And Charles Valentine Penley, the excessively proper, distractingly handsome Duke of Leverton, has agreed to help transform her from a willful tomboy to a blushing debutante.Powerful and sophisticated, Charles can make or break reputations with a well-placed word. But his new protégée, with her habit of hunting bandits and punching earls, is a walking scandal. The ton is aghast . . . but Charles is thoroughly intrigued. Tasked with taking the hoyden in hand, he longs to take her in his arms instead. Can such an outrageous attraction possibly lead to a fairytale ending?
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
A Forbidden Love Affair...with Vanessa Kelly and Giveaway
Vanessa Kelly is an award-winning author who was named by Booklist, the review journal of the American Library Association, as one of the "New Stars of Historical Romance." Her sensual, Regency-set historical romances have been nominated for awards in a number of contests, and her second book, Sex and The Single Earl, won the prestigious Maggie Medallion for Best Historical Romance. Her current series, The Renegade Royals, is a national bestseller.Wednesday, July 1, 2015
ARC Review: How to Marry a Royal Highlander by Vanessa Kelly
How to Marry a Royal Highlander is the last book in the Renegade Royals series, and I just about cried when I found. I love this series it’s not the kind of series you have to read but with this one it’s always it is helpful if read the previous book at least. Jumping back in to Vanessa Kelly’s series was like wrapping yourself up in a nice blanket. The Whitney sisters are as different as night as day and supportive of each other no matter what that’s why I love them. In the last book it was Evie, now its Eden’s turn.
Eden Whitney created a scandal, and now all her so called friends and suitors shunned her, her only hope is an extended vacation until the gossip dies down. Alasdair Gilbride has dreaded going home but when Eden needs some place to rusticate he offers his home in Scotland. Eden and Alec were always sniping at each other never guessing that it was because they were too afraid to admit they loved each other. The journey north spending so much time together they slowly began to realize what their true feeling were, but when Alec drops the bomb that his Grandfather expects him to marry the woman of his choosing upon his return. Alec wants Eden’s help to persuade his intended to cry off the wedding.
Alec’s family is dead set on him marring, it was a deathbed promise and to highlanders that’s a big deal. Alec and Eden love each other deeply but whenever one of them decides what the best course of action is the other does something to change their mind. Alec’s intended doesn’t help at all she has been convinced since she was sixteen that this is what she should want and won’t cry off until Alec and Eden are caught in a compromising position. Despite finally being relieved of his duty and marring Eden someone in his family isn’t letting go quite as easily.
I loved the slow realization of Eden and Alec’s feeling. I also love Mrs. Whitney she comes off so horrible in the last book but you see a different side of her and she comes off more likable by the end of this book. Also joyous news this maybe the last Renegade Royals but it’s not over the next books are going to be about the illegitimate girls of the royal family. YAY!
**ARC provided by Publisher**
Feature and Giveaway: How to Marry a Royal Highlander by Vanessa Kelly
Illegitimate yet thoroughly irresistible, the Renegade Royals are leaving behind their careers as daring spies for the greatest adventure of all…At sixteen, Alasdair Gilbride, heir to a Scottish earldom, fled the Highlands and an arranged betrothal. Ten years later, Alasdair must travel home to face his responsibilities. It’s a task that would be much easier without the distracting presence of the most enticing woman he’s ever met…After one escapade too many, Eden Whitney has been snubbed by the ton. The solution: rusticating in the Scottish wilderness, miles from all temptation. Except, of course, for brawny, charming Alasdair. The man is so exasperating she’d likely kill him before they reach the border—if someone else weren’t trying to do just that. Now Eden and Alasdair are plunging into a scandalous affair with his life and her reputation at stake—and their hearts already irreparably lost…
Monday, February 9, 2015
Sealed With a Kiss Event with Vanessa Kelly
Vanessa Kelly is an award-winning author who was named by Booklist, the review journal of the American Library Association, as one of the “New Stars of Historical Romance.” Her Regency-set historical romances have been nominated for awards in a number of contests, and her second book, Sex and The Single Earl, won the prestigious Maggie Medallion for Best Historical Romance. Her current series, The Renegade Royals, is a national bestseller. Vanessa also writes USA Today Bestselling contemporary romance with her husband under the pen name of V.K. Sykes.
Find Vanessa at:
Sunday, April 20, 2014
ARC Review: Confessions of a Royal Bridegroom by Vanessa Kelly
I thought that both Justine and Griffin had great chemistry. They had to face different challenges as the story unfolded. Although Justine was a great heroine I thought that she was the character that least evolved. Griffin is a rough character at first. He had a tough childhood and has only had to worry about himself. When Justine and the baby come along Griffin has to shift his priorities and change his perspective on his life. I thought that grew into a gentleman and really provided himself. Justine was harder because she refused to see Griffin for who he was instead of who he was rumored to be. Griffin was protective and devoted to Justine. She was hesitant at first and even towards the end.
Although I really enjoyed this story I thought that there was a lull in the middle of the story and then everything unfolded very quickly at the end. The surprise character at the end was completely unexpected. I also thought that the identity of the baby and his true identity was a little anti-climactic. But overall, this was a fun romance with a twist of adventure and mystery. I look forward to the next book in the series!
**ARC provided by Publisher**
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