Today it is my pleasure to Welcome author Vanessa Riley to HJ!
Hi Vanessa and welcome to HJ! We’re so excited to chat with you about your new release, The Bewildered Bride!
Hi Lovely Readers!!!
Please summarize the book for the readers here:
Years after a brutal attack killed his wife, Ruth, and sold him to the British Navy, the Baron of Wycliff has returned to exact revenge. In the midst of his plans, he discovers his wife is alive.
Now Wycliff wants nothing short of annihilation of his enemies and Ruth’s surrender in his arms.
Please share your favorite line(s) or quote from this book:
“You’d answer to a dead man’s name? Are you trying to confuse me on purpose? Why do you want me to think about him and not you?”
He (Lord Wycliff) stood behind me and put his arms on mine. My thin sleeves ensured that I’d feel the roughness of his palms on my skin.
“Isn’t it Shakespeare that goes on about a name, about the irrelevancy of it?”
“Sounds like it, but that’s something for my sister to answer.”
“I have a long formal name that I hate, so if you use another name and look at me the way you called for Adam, I’ll answer. I know you want me.”
Please share a few Fun facts about this book…
I’m not sure how fun, but I learned a lot about debtor’s prisons. Thank goodness these things no longer exists.
I have a new love of oysters, which my hero also shares. I recently ate 3 Baker’s dozen at an Oyster Happy Hour.
What first attracts your Hero to the Heroine and vice versa?
Her spirit is the first thing that attracts Wycliff to Ruth. She is bold and beautiful, someone he can’t control, and he loves that about Ruth.
Did any scene have you blushing, crying or laughing while writing it? And Why?
The very first scene had my heart pounding. Ruth’s mind is scattered and fearful. I think it shines through the words and rhythm of the lines:
October 4, 1818, Gretna Green, Scotland
The words between my Adam and the innkeeper left me shaking.
Get your bed wench out of here.
A chemise slipping from my shoulder exposed our socalled sin.
How dare you bring a whore to my good establishment! The hate echoed in my head, rattling and shaking my conscience.
I was frozen.
Torn between fleeing and defending my love, I settled for hiding with blankets at my chin.
How could that horrible man reduce my vows said before God to something illicit and tawdry?
Plink. Plink. Scatter.
Coins dropped to the floor. My hearing was sharp, sharper than my sight, and I could picture Adam throwing pence to prove a point.
Didn’t he know points stabbed?
Even a rich man’s son could be killed.
Adam came back inside our room and slammed the door. “My love, we must leave. Ruthy, we have to be on the road sooner than I wanted.”
His voice was calm, like nothing had happened. He finished dressing, tied his perfect cravat, and leaned over the mattress, kissing my nose.
But I knew Adam.
He seethed.
He prayed and called for blessings but could curse like a hot-headed sailor.
My love’s cheeks were red, flushed with anger, and he kept clenching and unfurling his fingers as if he’d fight the next person who crossed his path.
“I adore you, my Ruth.”
My husband’s voice—perfection. So sweet to my ears, if a masculine sound could be called sweet. I couldn’t think when he whispered my name.
“Ruthy, my love, I’m going to the stables.”
I pressed my hand to my middle and pushed hard on my stomach to squash the wiggles and tingles inside.
“Wait here for me.”
“No, I must come with you,” I begged to stay at his side. “No, my Ruthy. Another time you’ll get what you want. But this is for your safety. My wife must stay safe.”
Mesmerized, I nodded. His power over me was complete. He took his gold cross from his neck and put it about mine. “So, you won’t forget me while you dress.” The trance ended when he turned and reached for the door latch.
“Don’t, Adam. Don’t do anything rash.” I wanted to say stupid, don’t do anything stupid, but that would push him into trouble. His hot temper surpassed mine when he thought I suffered.
“I won’t, Ruthy. I won’t be long.”
Fingering the cross, I decided to try one more time to keep him. I feared that I’d never see him again if he left this room. My hands came together, palms flat and pointing up toward him. “Adam, please stay. Let me dress and come with you. I don’t want us apart.”
“I’ll be back for you when our carriage is ready. My wife is not waiting in the cold.” He came back and kissed my forehead like a reward for a good girl.
But I was his girl. And he was all mine.
Tossing me a wink, Adam slipped to the door again. “I’ll be back soon, to help you lace up your corset and anything else I had a hand in removing.”
My husband loved his jokes, but his jaw was stiff. His face remained beet red. Anger would eat him up.
The door closed with a thud. The lock clicked.
I was alone.
Readers should read this book….
Readers should read this book to get a glimpse of undying love circa the Regency. I truly think the portrayal of Wycliff and Ruth are compelling in ways that are unique to the genre. I take you on a journey that should keep you wondering if all will be resolved–will he be redeemed, will she be restored by love–until the end. (Spoiler: HEA).
What are you currently working on? What other releases do you have in the works?
I am working on a new series, Rogue and Remarkable Women. It’s about a secret society of widows who seek to restore women who’ve been cheated of their means and custody of their children. It’s women working together against the patriarchy, but perhaps finding love with the fish out of water guardians raising their tykes. The first book releases July 2020. Expect fun, danger, humor, and of course romance.
Thanks for blogging at HJ!
Giveaway: $10 Amazon Gift Card
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Excerpt from The Bewildered Bride:
“You know your planned seduction is not winning. You’re not upset?” He sat across from me and twiddled his thumbs against his napkin. “Is it called seduction if you are legally my wife? I’m curious.”
“I’m not your wife.”
“But you are considering it?” I dipped my chin and studied my empty plate. “Of course I am.”
“I’m not the diligent barrister. I might fight injustice during the day, but I’ll be home fighting for my family, you and Christopher.”
“That still does not explain all of your teasing and romantic gestures.”
“Can’t a man be romantic?” “I suppose. Adam used to sing to me.”
“That’s not a gift I possess. You’ll have to make do with my ragged voice.”
He took my hand and called for blessings on the food, upon me and Christopher. He wished me peace from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet.
The gravel and gravitas of his desires for us pimpled my arms with fright, delight, and even a sense of discovery. Then those blessings hit me in the pit of my stomach. They were Adam’s words, the way he’d ended each day, that one week of our marriage. I looked down at the perfect snow-white tablecloth, then right in those dark eyes. “Adam.”
He didn’t say a word for at least a minute, long enough for me to hope and then dread my wish, that Adam and Wycliff were one and the same.
“Yes, Ruth. What did you want?”
I rose to my feet to look for an exit, but there was none, not without Wycliff’s help. “You’d answer to a dead man’s name? Are you trying to confuse me on purpose? Why do you want me to think about him and not you?”
He stood behind me and put his arms on mine. My thin sleeves ensured I’d feel the roughness of his palms on my skin.
“Isn’t it Shakespeare that goes on about a name, about the irrelevancy of it?”
“Sounds like it, but that’s something for my sister to answer.”
“I have a long formal name that I hate, so if you use another name and look at me the way you just called for Adam, I’ll answer. I know it’s me you want.”
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Book Info:
Ruth Croome, a Blackamoor heiress, was supposed to get married in a gorgeous wedding gown, made from her father’s exquisite fabrics. Instead, they eloped to Gretna Green and upon returning, their carriage was beset by highwaymen and she witnessed the murder of her new husband. Now, four years later, with a child, she wants to move on with her life. A marriage of convenience will do. Ruth already had a love for the ages.
Adam Wilky is really the heir to the Wycliff barony—which he never told Ruth. Too much danger. So many secrets. When he was nearly beaten to death and sold into impressment, he thought Ruth had died, too. Ready for revenge, he finally returns and discovers Ruth alive—with a son who could only be his—and she is furious to discover he lied to her. Now it’ll take more than remembered passion if he hopes to win his reluctant wife back…
Each book in the Advertisements for Love series is STANDALONE:
* The Bittersweet Bride
* The Bashful Bride
* The Butterfly Bride
* The Bewildered Bride
Book Links: Book Links: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | kobo | Google |
Meet the Author:
Vanessa Riley writes Regency and historical romances featuring multi-cultural communities and powerful persons of color. Her award-winning series, Challenge of the Souls, Advertisements for Love, and The Bargain have attracted fans from around the world. With over twenty-titles in print, Vanessa’s hybrid publishing career spans self-published Regency and Victorian novels and novellas and traditional titles with Barbour, Entangled, and Kensington.
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Jeanna Massman
I’m interested in the historical background that is described in the story. Jane Austen books open up the world of early 1800s and help us to empathize with her characters
Sonia
I enjoy reading about the different time periods and the history behind, just imagining what people did in their daily life in comparison to the commodities that we have now. Jane Austen is the one that introduced me to actually enjoying to read with the book Pride and Prejudice.
Mary Preston
Having recently watched POLDARK, I learned some interesting information about debtor’s prison.
Jane Austen not only gave us wonderful stories, but some of the most memorable characters ever.
John Smith
“What aspect of the research fascinates you the most? Why do you love Jane Austen?” I am sure this will help me to write a thesis on Regency rogues!
Jennifer Shiflett
I love learning anything about historical periods that I’ve never read before. And Jane Austen has some of the most memorable characters ever.
Latifa Morrisette
Love learning how everyone lived in that era. I love Jane Austen because of Pride and Prejudice and the fascinating characters she writes.
anna nguyen
i love hearing about her time period and how she has characters breeak from the mold
Colleen C.
I love learning about little tidbits that I did not know about…
Daniel M
haven’t read any jane austin
SaraAB87
I like Jane because i Like the story of this book.
Amy R
What aspect of the research fascinates you the most? finding out things that surprise me
Why do you love Jane Austen? I enjoy the story she creates
[email protected]
I love Jane Austin because of Pride and Prejudice.I love to read about that century.
Evelyn
I love learning about different time periods and I love Jane Austen’s work.
Natalija
I love when reasearch becomes a part of a story in a way that it never feels lika an info dump and readers can enjoy it without being lectured.
erahime
It’s interesting to read about another aspect about history that not many others have explored. If they did, the author(s) put their own twist to them.
As for JA, hadn’t read her books yet, even though I have one of them in my TBR pile.
isisthe12th
I love regency Romance. Thank you
Marcia Tealer
I am currently reading her now but I just started her series The Bittersweet Bride. But I have to admit the new series she is working on sounds good I love books featuring women going for justice and solving issues!
Banana cake
I like to learn how life was different. I don’t think I have read Jane Austin.
Tammy Y
Not sure
Glenda M
I love research for research’s sake. There is so much we can learn from and about history!
dholcomb1
I love all things history.
I love Jane Austen because her books still ring true centuries later.
lorih824
I enjoy the history
She was a leader for women in literature.
Didi
I love reading historical periods and Austen’s stories presented imperfect characters who learned from their mistakes.
Rita Wray
I love learning about different times in history. It is my favorite subject. Jane Austen’s characters are always memorable.
Lori Byrd
The historical aspect intrigues me the most.
bn100
history, Jane’s writing
Amy Donahue
I enjoy the customs and manners; the restraint adds to the romantic tension.
BookLady
I enjoy learning about how people lived during different time periods. Jane Austen created some of the most memorable characters in literature.
Patricia B.
I love research. No particular part of it. I love discovering new things and like finding out how people lived centuries ago. There are so many fascinating and interesting things to learn.
I think I like Jane Austen because her works show women we can relate to dealing with society and the restrictions it places upon them.
Mood Reader
Jane Austen had the ability to turn the unlikely hero in the most lovable hero ever! That’s what I love most about her novels! 🙂
flchen1
I definitely appreciate learning from an author’s research–it’s an incredible way to learn history without studying a textbook! I don’t know much about debtor’s prisons, for instance, but it sounds like I could by reading Ms Riley’s latest!
Tracie Cooper
I love the historical period of in Austen’s books. She is one my favorite authors that I started reading in high school.
Cassandra D
I like the historical period.
Angela Smith
i enjoy learning about past history and how things were back then..as for jane austen never read any of her books
Terrill R.
I love Jane Austen’s subtle humor and dry wit. Well, and, of course, the swoony romance. P&P was the first romance I ever read and it set me up for life as a romance and rom-com reader.