Audio: Unmask me if you can - Shana Galen

Narrated by: Victoria Aston

Series: Survivors (Shana Galen), Book 4

Length: 8 hrs and 33 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 05-14-19

Language: English

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Historical romance

To Review

I have listened to and enjoyed the previous books, and now it was time for the one they called the bounty hunter. I liked what I had heard of Jasper, the the poor guy was always hiding behind a mask since he had been in a fire during the war.

Here he has to find a missing woman, and so he does. But she does not want to be find. She was running away from an intended marriage and she had a 5 year old son so it was easy figuring out why she had run from her cruel fiance.

She is weary. He is wounded after someone stabbed him. They get to know each other. He gets to know her son, and being the kind of man he is he wants to protect them. I really liked Jasper. And Olivia too. She had worked hard making a life for themselves.

They will go to London too and there we get some suspense. Her fiance is quite the ahole. 

It was also a lead up to the next book in one scene and that sounds interesting too hint hint.

Romance, a bit of drama and a happily ever after. All good things

Narration

I do like Victoria Ashton and she is such a good fit for historical romance. She does everyone so well and you just fall into the story so easily.

Cover

Nice, but so not fitting. Much takes place in a cottage on a cliff

Lord Jasper, younger son of a duke, suffered horrible burns fighting in the Napoleonic Wars. He wears a mask to hide his face from the stares and screams and finds comfort in the shadows. Jasper is an exceptional bounty hunter, so when a woman summons him to her deathbed and asks him to find her runaway daughter before she passes away, he doesn't refuse. Jasper is close to his quarry when he's knifed by an assailant. Imagine his surprise when he regains consciousness in the arms of the woman he seeks. Except she's not at all what he expected. 

Is not the only one with scars. 

On a remote cliff on the sea, Olivia Carlisle calls her five-year-old son in from an approaching storm. But the little boy is more interested in the man he's found on the trail to their hidden cottage. Olivia fears men and wants nothing more than to leave the injured man where she found him. But his knife wound is severe, and with the approaching storm, she knows leaving him will condemn him to death. As Jasper begins to heal, Olivia acknowledges her attraction to him, even though such emotions terrify her almost as much as returning to London. Jasper must convince her that her only chance at safety is to challenge the man who pursues her. They must travel into the lion's den—he to face his vulnerability and she to face her worst fears.

Audio: An affair with a spare - Shana Galen

Audio CD, 10 h Narrator: Victoria Aston

Published August 7th 2018 by Tantor Audio (first published July 3rd 2018)

The Survivors #3

Historical romance

For review

My thoughts:

Rafe is and both is not a total playboy. I men yes he loves women, but women really love him. And he can not say no! So it has come to that point where he is all, omg can't they just find someone else to hunt! Seriously man, learn to say no! ;) But he is also the kind of hero you just have to love, he really is the most charming man in London.

While Colette took some getting used to, because she is a spy for the French. It is a bit hard to like her then. But she is a  really good person. She loves her dad and would do anything for him. She is also a really crappy spy. Not to mention she is shy. It was all very amusing.

And it was interesting to see how the well known bachelor would fall and fight against it. Not to mention how they would deal with this whole mess! She is still a spy. Her dad is still an assassin. But, without saying too much, I enjoyed how it was dealt with.

It was also great seeing the men from book 1 and 2. I really like this group of survivors. And I can not wait to get their books (omg the blurb for the next one is not up and I am all eeeeek!).

Conclusion:
A fun book with some suspense, passion and friendship.

Cover

Is that like the Thames? Not really fitting, even if pretty

Narration

I enjoy Victoria Aston's voice and she fits historical romance so well! All her voices work,

Blurb:

Rafe Beaumont, fifth son of an earl, uses his irresistible charm with the ladies to glean dangerous war secrets. Now he's putting those skills to the ultimate test: capturing an elusive assassin by seducing his daughter. The problem? She's entirely immune to Rafe's flattery. Never before has Collette Fortier met a man as attractive as Rafe. But her father's life is at stake, and succumbing to Rafe would be disastrous. But when Rafe turns the tables on her, offering support and friendship instead of a fleeting affair, Collette finds herself tempted in ways she never could have imagined . . . 

Audio: No Earls allowed - Shana Galen

Lady Juliana, daughter of the Earl of St. Maur, needs all the help she can get. She's running a ramshackle orphanage, London's worst slumlord has illicit designs on her, and her father has suddenly become determined to marry her off. Enter Major Neil Wraxall, bastard son of the Marquess of Kensington, sent to assist Lady Juliana in any way he can. Lucky for her, he's handy with repairs, knows how to keep her and the orphans safe, and is a natural leader of men. Unfortunately for both of them, the scandal that ensues from their mutual attraction is going to lead them a merry dance . . . 

Audio CD, 10 h
Published March 6th 2018 by Tantor Audio
The Survivors #2
Historical romance
For review

My thoughts

These poor war heroes. They certainly do not seem themselves as heroes, and the turn has come to Neil. The man who gave the orders and now he blames himself for the death of his men. Drinking himself to death and having nightmares. Luckily his dad sends him on a new mission (oh and yes he is a bastard so he has issues with that too.)

Juliana was, oh well, yes girl power and all that, but omg woman, you are taking over an orphanage in the slums, please have some backup! I would be scared. While she was all, I can do that! Kudos for that, but scary! And yes there is this guy after her too. But then again, she cares not for reputation or anything else. All she wants to do is take care of these orphans and try and get some order. I did like her, even if I did want her to take Neil's help and not be so stubborn ;)

Oh and why are there always boys? I never come across any orphanages with girls. But the boys were fun and I liked how the interacted with Neil.

The house is falling apart. The boys are running wild. There is no one except for Julia there. There is a creepy crimelord around. Neil has his hands full. And they also have time to fall in love (and they are both virgins ;) I just had to add that.)

Conclusion:
Sweet with danger and rats!

Victoria Aston

I like her voices for everyone. She works excellent for historical romance and it's fun listening to.

I am there in the moment and it sure makes for fun audio. Romance was made for it.

sample

Cover thoughts.

Makes no sense. A country estate? A ball gown? Sure she attends like 3 functions but most of the book takes place in the orphanage

Audio: Third son's a charm - Shana Galen

Fiercely loyal to his friends and comrades, Ewan Mostyn is the toughest in a group of younger sons of nobility who met as soldiers and are now trying desperately to settle back into peaceful Society. Ewan trusts his brawn more than his brains, but when he's offered a job watching the Duke of Ridlington's stubbornly independent daughter, he finds both are challenged. Lady Lorraine wants none of her father's high-handed ways, and she'll do everything in her power to avoid her distressingly attractive bodyguard-until she lands herself in real trouble. Lorraine begins to see Ewan's protectiveness in a new light, and she can only hope that her stoic guardian will do for her what he's always done-fight for what he wants. 

Audio CD, 11 h
Published November 7th 2017 by Tantor Audio
The Survivors #1
Historical romance
For review

My thoughts:
I have never wanted to kick a villain so much! Francis was the worst kind of bully and I wanted to break his nose. I really felt it as Ewan looked back at things and experienced things now as an adult. That poor child! That poor man! I loved Ewan so much.

Ewan is nothing but a big dumb brute. Or so say his family. The only real friends he has are the men he fought with. He is loyal, protective and does not say a lot. You just have to love him.

Lorraine says too much. She talks and talks. But she is sweet, and nice, and omg, totally in love with the wrong man. Francis! Grrrrrr. Well she thinks she is in love and I can forgive her. He is a charmer, and the worst man that has ever lived!

And Ewan has to protective this annoying chit, who seems very cute. Yes, the way there is sort of long, and I liked how they slowly became friends and more. But both had issues to work out. Like her liking Francis, ugh!

Conclusion:
It was a fun one. I enjoyed it and I would like to read more in this series.

Narrator Victoria Atson
I liked her proper accent, honestly anything sounds awesome with that accent. I liked her voices and the way she told the story. It made me like Lorraine cos she sounded so fun.

Sample

A Gentleman for All Seasons Anthology

The tiny village of Hemshawe is the sort of place where nothing ever happens…until a handsome ex-soldier and his matchmaking sister let the imposing manor house at the edge of town. The friendly Londoners shake up the staid people of Hemshawe, and villagers see each other in a new and oh-so-appealing light. 

Suddenly long-sparring enemies become lovers, a town festival heralds a new start for a fallen woman and a dandy, and a man who has given up on love gets a second chance with the woman he never forgot. And the matchmaker herself? She won’t rest until she finds her own happily-ever-after… 

A Madness in Spring by Kate Noble 

Adam Sturridge has made Belinda Leonard’s blood boil since childhood, and the feeling is mutual. But when a would-be matchmaker arrives in the village of Hemshawe, she’d determined to erase the thin line between love and hate. Now, Belinda and Adam are faced with falling for someone they’ve always considered an enemy — can they overcome old prejudices and discover how to rub each other the right way? 

The Summer of Wine and Scandal by Shana Galen 

When viscount’s son and dandy Peregrine Lochley is temporarily exiled from London to the country for his misdeeds, the last thing he expects is to encounter an intriguing woman. But Caroline Martin has a secret to hide, and it just might be too scandalous for even this debauched rogue. 

Those Autumn Nights by Theresa Romain 

Ten years ago, wealthy Eliza Greenleaf broke lowly soldier Bertram Gage’s heart—but the last decade brought changes in fortune to them both. Now that he’s made his mark on the world, a twist of fate brings the Greenleaf family under his power. Will this war-hardened officer triumph over his former lover…or will Bertie and Eliza give love a second chance? 

The Season for Loving by Vanessa Kelly 

Miss Georgie Gage, matchmaker extraordinaire, is resigned to life as a spinster—almost. When notoriously aloof bachelor Fergus Haddon arrives from Scotland to spend Christmas with the Gage family, Georgie thinks she’s finally found her own perfect match—if, that is, she can get the handsome Highlander to agree! 

My thoughts:

A Madness in Spring by Kate Noble 

Enemies to lovers, yay. Yes I adore that. They were enemies for silly childhood reasons though, but enemies none the less. Belinda and Adam has teased each other for 15 years, but then a matchmaker shows up. Haha, good for her, they obviously liked each other behind all that you are so annoying. So let's make them realise that.

I liked her, I liked him, I liked the dance between them. A nice spring story.

The Summer of Wine and Scandal by Shana Galen 

Here comes the summer story. Peregrine, a real dandy, meets Caroline, who is not worried when she gets muddy. She thinks him a dandy (duh), he likes her. But she has a secret, and trust me this was a SECRET. It made me sad, I felt so sorry for her. Cos it is a SECRET. But it's also a romance and they lived happily ever after. Nice

Those Autumn Nights by Theresa Romain 

Autumn comes and Bertie meets Eliza, the woman he used to love. Who chose her family over a poor soldier. But then he rented her family home cos they got poor, and he was all, ha, look at me now.

But again, this is a romance, so they will end up together after some drama. And all is well.

The Season for Loving by Vanessa Kelly 

The last one is one for Christmas. Georgie, who helped all previous couples end up together, wants freedom of her own. But then this sexy brooding Scot shows up. And she likes him, but he is all my past! Alas, we cannot. But then they lived happily ever after.

Oh I enjoyed this! I liked that it was set in the same village, the same people were around, sure new people showed up so they could find love, but the it was like I knew the village and those in it. I also liked that it was one story for each season.

Conclusion:
A sweet anthology, that does not feel like an anthology as everything is connected and continues :)

Kindle Edition, 356 pages
Expected publication: November 10th 2015
Historical romance
For review

2 Xmas novellas- Historical romance style

With one more errand to go—the purchase of a hunting falcon—Andrew Blackshear has Christmas completely under control. As his sister’s impending marriage signals the inevitable drifting-apart of the Blackshear family, it’s his last chance to give his siblings the sort of memorable, well-planned holiday their parents could never seem to provide. 

He has no time to dawdle, no time for nonsense, and certainly no time to drive the falconer’s vexing, impulsive, lush-lipped, midnight-haired daughter to a house party before heading home. So why the devil did he agree to do just that? 

Lucy Sharp has been waiting all her too-quiet life for an adventure, and she means to make the most of this one. She’s going to enjoy the house party as no one has ever enjoyed a house party before, and in the meanwhile she’s going to enjoy every minute in the company of amusingly stern, formidably proper, outrageously handsome Mr. Blackshear. Let him disapprove of her all he likes—it’s not as though they’ll see each other again after today. 

…or will they? When a carriage mishap and a snowstorm strand the pair miles short of their destination, threatening them with scandal and jeopardizing all their Christmas plans, they’ll have to work together to save the holiday from disaster. And along the way they just might learn that the best adventures are the ones you never would have thought to plan. 

My thoughts:

Xmas freebie was on my mind as I downloaded this book and at once I went to my nook.

Reading about a couple, oh forget this, I can't rhyme.

Andrew needs a hunting bird and meets Lucy. She wants to go to a xmas party, he is all proper and stiff.

Long story short, he saves the day so she can attend the party but boom! they get stranded and get to know each other. And fall in love :)

Cute and fun.

Kindle Edition, 188 pages
Published December 4th 2014 by Cecilia Grant
Blackshear Family 0.5
Historical romance
Own

Down through the years, enchantment touches a tall gray house in Grosvenor Square. The legend of Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball promises true love and happiness to one lucky couple. Who will feel the magic this winter?

1803 - The Seduction of a Duchess by Shana Galen 

Rowena Harcourt, the Duchess of Valère, never forgot the handsome footman who helped her escape the French Revolution. For fourteen years, Gabriel Lamarque has loved Rowena—now at Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball, has fate finally delivered a chance to win her hand?

1818 - One Kiss for Christmas by Vanessa Kelly 

Nigel Dash is London’s most reliable gentleman, a reputation he never minded until he fell in love with beautiful Amelia Easton. Unfortunately, Amelia sees Nigel as a dependable friend, not a dashing suitor. At Lady Winterson’s famous Christmas ball, Nigel vows to change Amelia’s mind—by sweeping her off her feet.

1825 - His Christmas Cinderella by Anna Campbell 

At the season’s most glittering ball, a girl who has never dared to dream of forever after discovers a Christmas miracle.

1830 - The Last First Kiss by Kate Noble 

Susannah Westforth has always loved Sebastian Beckett – but he’s only ever seen her as a friend. When Sebastian takes his Grand Tour, Susannah transforms herself into a woman he’ll notice. Now Sebastian is back, just in time for Lady Winterson's Christmas ball – but the last thing he expects to see is his little Susie, all grown up...

You’re invited to join the whirling dance at Lady Winterson’s sparkling Christmas ball, where miracles happen and true love shines forever. How can you resist? 

My thoughts:

1803 - The Seduction of a Duchess by Shana Galen 

It was a good short story. I got the backstory and could just fall into the world. Also it was nice that an older woman found romance for once. Wohoo for her! And with a younger man ;)

The story does mention people from her series, but it works splendidly as it is.

1818 - One Kiss for Christmas by Vanessa Kelly 

This was a sweet story where the beta gets the girl. And I liked Nigel, sure he was dependable, but hey when did that turn bad? He was wonderful :) I am glad she finally saw the light.

1825 - His Christmas Cinderella by Anna Campbell 

A Cinderella story, where I went all awww, how sweet! A girl of meager means gets her Lord :)

1830 - The Last First Kiss by Kate Noble 

I did like this one, he came back, and she was all changed and he was all no! You are my little Susie! But oh no, she was a woman now. And he fell fast and then they lived happily ever after.

I liked these short stories! Cute, fun and they all took place during this Winter Ball :) Perfect before xmas.

Kindle Edition, 166 pages
Published October 10th 2013
Historical romance
Own

Sapphires are an Earl's best friend - Shana Galen

Lily Dawson, dubbed the Countess of Charm by the Prince Regent himself, plays the role of the courtesan flawlessly while her real purpose is spying in the service of the Crown. Her mission now is to seduce a duke to test his true loyalties. She'll do it, even though the man she really wants is Andrew Booth-Payne, Earl of Darlington—the duke's son.

Andrew is furious when he finds himself rivaling his father for Lily's attention. When he uncovers Lily's mission, Andrew is faced with impossible choices. It seems he is destined to betray either his family, his country, or the longings of his own heart...

My thoughts:

Lily is a courtesan...but not really. She is a spy for the Crown and she has also been taught by the Countess of Sinclair to sort of be a courtesan. Her reputation is forever in the gutter but at least her body is clean. She knows she can be charming, but she also know she is not as pretty as the two other famous courtesans (previous books). Also she has been in love with an earl called Andrew for ages.

Andrew is the son of a duke. A duke who wants Lily. A duke who just lost his duchess. So Andrew is not happy, but who can blame him. Sure he is a bit mad at Lily at times then but again, who can blame him? 

These two had great chemistry. She had once pined for him, he had pined for her friend. Now they argue and you know I love a good banter.

There is also the mystery part when Lily needs to find out if the Duke is a traitor. So it will get a bit suspenseful in the end, and of course these two will argue and get a bit passionate too.

Cover

Works

Mass Market Paperback, 324 pages
Published March 4th 2014 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Jewels of the Ton #3
Historical romance
For review

Author Interview and Giveway: Shana Galen and True Spies

Today I welcome Shana Galen back on my blog. Be sure to enter the contest too at the end :)

Welcome!

1. Tell me 3 fun things about yourself?

SG: I’ll tell you two true things and one lie. Guess which is the lie.

I majored in opera in college.

I once worked for the CIA.

I’m a major Star Wars fan.

2. Your new book is called True Spies. Now what's it about?

SG: TRUE SPIES is a nod at the Jamie Lee Curtis/Arnold Schwarzenegger film True Lies. It’s the second in the LORD AND LADY SPY series and like that book deals with a married couple trying to reconcile. At least Winn, the hero, wants to reconcile. Elinor has pretty much had it with Winn, especially when she learns he’s not at all who she thought—he’s actually an elite spy for the Barbican group. Elinor has been looking for some adventure and intrigue herself, and she definitely finds it when Winn’s work comes a little too close to home.

3. One a spy, the other one the disappointed spouse. Was this book fun to write as there is lots of place for drama?

SG: It was a fun book to write because even though I’m a mom with a young child, I know a lot of women with older kids who floundered a bit trying to figure out what to do now that their children don’t need them as much. Some had more kids and others went back to work. Like Elinor, everyone is looking for where they belong, where they can do something important. Winn, on the other hand, wants to take a break from life as a secret agent. He and Elinor aren’t quite on the same page about their future, and it was great to write a book where the heroine learns to see herself as more than a wife and mother, and the hero, who loved her in those roles, comes to respect her as so much more.

4. Now what went wrong with these two?

SG: Like a lot of men, Winn loves work more than family. He puts everything into his career and ignores his wife and kids. Elinor is tired of being ignored. She wants to be more than a party planner and society hostess. 

5. This would make such a good movie. But who would be perfect as Elinor and Winslow?

SG: So glad you asked! I have a Pinterest board with some of my inspirations (http://pinterest.com/shanagalen/true-spies). 

I see Elinor as looking a bit like Kate Beckinsale and Winn as a young Ralph Fiennes.

6. What's coming next from you?

SG: I’m writing the last book in the Lord and Lady Spy series, LOVE AND LET SPY. That will be out n fall 2014. In March 2014, the last book in the Jewels of the Ton series releases. Lily’s story, SAPPHIRES ARE AN EARL’S BEST FRIEND, is one I can’t wait for readers to see.

Thanks for having me back!

Giveaway

1 copy of True Spies

1. Open to ALL

2. Ends Oct 12

3. Just enter 

or ask a question or whatever you feel like saying :)

TRUE SPIES BY SHANA GALEN- IN STORES SEPTEMBER 2014

He's Getting Tired of Deception...

Baron Winslow Keating is honor-bound to finish one last mission as an elite spy for the Barbican group even though he just wants to go home and be with his family. But after years of secrecy and absence, his daughters hardly know him and his wife has given up on him...

She Wants to Try a Little Intrigue...

Lady Elinor has had enough of domestic boredom. She contemplates an affair with a rakish spy, only to discover a world of intrigue and treachery that she never knew existed. Even more shocking, her neglectful husband is suddenly very attentive—quite the jealous type—and apparently there is much more to him than she ever knew...

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shana Galen is the author of fast-paced adventurous Regency historicals, including the Lord and Lady Spy Series, the Jewels of the Ton Series, as well as the Sons of the Revolution Trilogy. A former English teacher in Houston’s inner city, Shana now writes full time, and is working on more regency romance novels! She’s happily married to the Ultimate Sportsfan and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making. Shana loves to hear from readers: visit her website at www.shanagalen.com or see what she’s up to daily on Facebook and Twitter.

To Purchase True Spies:
Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Books-a-Million

IndieBound

Chapters/Indigo

iBookstore

Sourcebooks

Review: True Spies - Shana Galen

Baron Winslow Keating is honor-bound to finish one last mission as an elite spy for the Barbican group even though he just wants to go home and be with his family. But after years of secrecy and absence, his daughters hardly know him, and his wife has given up on him.

Lady Elinor has had enough of domestic boredom. She contemplates an affair with a rakish spy, only to discover a world of intrigue and treachery that she never knew existed. Even more shocking, her neglectful husband is suddenly very attentive—quite the jealous type—and apparently there is much more to him than she ever knew.

My thoughts:

I tried my best not to think of True Lies while reading this book, I mean who wants to see that person when reading about Baron? Yes not me.

I liked the fact that they had been married for ages. Winslow was always away (cos he was a spy and she did not know) and Elinor grew tired of being stood up. Their marriage was not a loving happy one. She had been forgotten, and it had never been a love match. Now how can it go wrong with a premise like that?

I did feel sorry for Elinor, but then again, those were the days. Maybe she should not go and try to be involved in an affair to spice things up. Winslow could have cast her out and she would never have seen the kids again....

And Winslow, really, spend some time with your kids and wife. You are both idiots in the end.

But the book is not gonna end like that. Winslow started to think his wife was hot. She was not gonna forgive him that easily and if you have seen True Lies you know where this is gonna go. There will be danger and spy games for both of them.

But I was not that happy about a certain thing at the end...can't tell you why. But it was irresponsible. spoiler She becomes a spy too...hello, you have kids. And you were almost killed way too many times through out the book. It will end with her or both dead and the kids have no parents. End

Conclusion:

Spies, danger and romance between two people who have been married a long time, but not been in love before now.

Mass Market Paperback, 346 pages
Published September 3rd 2013 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Lord and Lady Spy #2
Historical romance /suspense
For review

Review: When you Give a Duke a Diamond - Shana Galen

He had a perfectly orderly life...

William, the sixth Duke of Pelham, enjoys his punctual, securely structured life. Orderly and predictable—that's the way he likes it. But he's in the public eye, and the scandal sheets will make up anything to sell papers. When the gossip papers link him to Juliette, one of the most beautiful and celebrated courtesans in London, chaos doesn't begin to describe what happens next...

Until she came along...

Juliette is nicknamed the Duchess of Dalliance and has the cream of the nobility at her beck and call. It's disruptive to have the duke who is the biggest catch on the Marriage Mart scaring her other suitors away. Then she discovers William's darkest secret and decides what he needs in his life is the kind of excitement only she can provide...

My thoughts:

Sometimes I think too much when reading historical romance (while still really enjoying the book of course). And yes of course I thought about things here. A duke and a courtesan? Oh no! The ton would be horrified, their future children would suffer from it. And sure there was that point when I was all and she is a courtesan cos? But this is historical romance, this is meant to make you smile and feel happy and that is does do just that.

William is, oh how to describe him, he has a stick up his ass. He is everything a Duke should be and he lives his life according to rules that he has set before himself. And goals, one of those is to find a nice lady and breed a kid of two. But he is lovable, because you know he has some issues, and even in his dumb moments he is nice..underneath. Even if I wanted to smack him over the head once or twice. Courtesans are people too!

Juliette on the other hand lives life to the fullest, the nicest dresses, the best parties, the best the town has to offer when it all comes down to it. She is free and she loves it. And I liked her, she was so free and happy, most of the time.

As you can see these two are totally wrong for each other. Personality wise and station in life. But like a moth to a flame he is drawn to her and she is drawn to him and it can only end in disaster. Poor Juliette :/

There is also danger and adventure. I shall not tell you about what but something is going on.....

Conclusion:

A good historical romance with a very unlikely couple. And those are the best to watch fall in love.

Cover
Cute

Series: Jewels of the ton #1
Genre: Historical romance
Pages: 356
Published: Sep 4th 2012 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Source: For review

Interview and Contest: Shana Galen - The Rogue Pirate's Bride

Today I have Shana Galen over for an interview, and as usual there is a chance to win a book, this time her new book The Rogue Pirate's Bride.

Welcome!

1. Could you tell me a bit about yourself…

SG: Hi! Thanks so much for having me. I’m a wife and a mother and a former English teacher. I write fulltime now, which in my world means during naps and after bedtime. My first book was published in 2005, but I’ve been writing and working toward publication since 2000. I write adventurous Regency-set historicals that a lot of reviewers call out-of-the-box. I’m not sure why because the stories seem to fit nicely in all of my boxes. The Rogue Pirate’s Bride is my eleventh book.

2. Your newest book is called The Rogue Pirate’s Bride, what it is about?

SG: The Rogue Pirate’s Bride is a book about revenge. The hero, Bastien, is intent upon avenging the death of his mentor by the Barbary Corsair Jourdain. He’s pursuing Jourdain and plans to sink his ship. Meanwhile, Raeven Russell, the heroine and daughter of a British admiral is pursuing Bastien in order to avenge the death of her fiancé, who was the captain of a ship Bastien sunk. Raeven sneaks on Bastien’s ship just as he catches sight of Jourdain’s ship and sets sail. That’s when the problems really begin.

3. What was your inspiration behind making Bastien a privateer?

SG: I always wanted to write a book about a pirate, but the golden age of pirates was pretty much over by 1802, when my series is set. There were still Barbary pirates in the Mediterranean, but they were based out of North Africa, and my hero is half English and half French. So I thought I would make Bastien a privateer sailing under a letter of marque (like a letter of legitimacy) from Spain. That way he could harass ships, particularly British ships, with the excuse that he was doing so to protect Spain from its enemies. So basically privateers were legitimate pirates. Bastien is very particular about his status. He insists he’s a privateer, not a pirate, but my heroine, Raeven, makes little distinction between the two. She’s the daughter of a British admiral, so she is a perfect antagonist for a privateer with a letter of marque from Spain, who was at odds with Britain at the time.

4. This book is a part of the Sons of the Revolution series, could you tell us a bit about the series?

SG: The series is about three brothers who are separated as children when peasants attack their country chateau during the French Revolution. Julien, from The Making of a Duchess, is the eldest and escapes with his English mother to London. When he grows up, he sets out on a quest to find his younger brothers, Armand (The Making of a Gentleman) and Bastien (The Rogue Pirate’s Bride), and reunite the family (except for their father who was guillotined).

5. And coming back to a certain pirate subject, why do you think they are so interesting?

SG: To me, pirates are interesting because they are the ultimate bad boy. In modern times, we think of the guy in a leather jacket on a loud Harley. In the nineteenth century, pirates were the rebels. They didn’t follow laws and rules, they went wherever they wanted, and they controlled a really big ship with some pretty powerful cannons. Pirates are rogues in that they are vagabonds. They don’t settle down, go to work every day, raise a family. It’s an exciting lifestyle, on the outside. For someone like me, who is very settled with a mortgage, a child, and work deadlines coming up, sailing away with a pirate is a nice daydream.

6. What is coming next from you?

SG: I have a new series we are now calling Jewels of the Ton about three glamorous courtesans in Regency London. They stumble upon some dangerous diamonds and some equally dangerous men. The first book is titled When You Give a Duke a Diamond, and it will be out in September.

Thanks!

Thanks so much for having me. I’ll be popping in all day.

Giveaway:

2 copies/2 winners of The Rogue Pirate's Bride

1. Open to US and Canada

2. Ends March 8

3. Just enter.

Shana will be stopping by so be free to ask her anything. Or maybe tell me why you like pirates.

THE ROGUE PIRATE’S BRIDE BY SHANA GALEN – IN STORES FEBRUARY 2012

Revenge should be sweet, but it may cost him everything… 

Out to avenge the death of his mentor, Bastien discovers himself astonishingly out of his depth when confronted with a beautiful, daring young woman who is out for his blood… 

Forgiveness is unthinkable, but may be her only hope… 

British Admiral’s daughter Raeven Russell believes Bastien responsible for her fiancé’s death. But once the fiery beauty crosses swords with Bastien, she’s not so sure she really wants him to change his wicked ways… 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shana Galen is the author of five Regency historicals, including the Rita-nominated Blackthorne’s Bride. Her books have been sold in Brazil, Russia, and the Netherlands and featured in the Rhapsody and Doubleday Book Clubs. A former English teacher in Houston’s inner city, Shana now writes full time. She is a happily married wife and mother of a daughter and lives in Houston, Texas, where she is working on her next Regency romance series! For more information please visit www.shanagalen.com, like her on Facebook, or follow her on Twitter.  

Review: The Rogue Pirate's Bride - Shana Galen

Passionate, action-packed Regency romance by RT Reviewer’s Choice award-winning author Shana Galen features the swashbuckling Sebastien Harcourt, marquis de Valere, and the nautical genius heroine destined to best him. After escaping France on a privateer’s ship, Sebastian becomes the notorious privateer Captain Cutlass. His reputation as a rogue precedes him and he’s undefeated in battle, until he crosses swords with the beautiful daughter of a British admiral. Raeven Russell is out for revenge, but now she’s not so sure she wants the dashing captain to change his wicked ways.

Series: The sons of the Revolution #3, Genre: Historical romance, Pages: 384, Published: Feb 7, 2012, Publisher: Sourcebooks, Source: ARC, for review

My thoughts:

Yes this is book 3, have I read the other ones? That would be a no, do I mind? No. Do I want to read the rest, well yes ;) The 2 precious books are about his brothers, and in this one we meet Bastian who thinks he brothers are long dead, but he will of course learn otherwise.

Bastian is a privateer, with a letter from the Spaniards. He is a good captain with a sad past. And oh yes of course I like him. He is a pirate and a French nobleman, what is there not to like? And then he meets Raeven who wants to kill him for revenge as he killed her fiance. But she will be pudding in his hands soon enough.

I do like a couple who does not like each other at first, ok Bastian thinks she is pretty, but she is a hellcat with a sword out after blood. But every side has two stories and so she will learn. She is not your usual kind of heroine either. She grew up on a ship, she knows her way around one and she sneaks off dressed in pants. She is not a pretty little thing that sits at home and drinks tea. She is refreshing and sure she does stupid things but I also know that when she does get into trouble she can hold her own.

There will be a hunt at sea. Clashes between these two, passion and quite the adventure before the story comes to an end. I like the couple and I also got curious about her previous books in this series. These brothers have suffered a lot.

Conclusion:

Be swept way by a dashing privater. Romance, pirates and a couple from two different worlds.

Cover: 

This one I do like :D

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My flash fic for the week