by Mary Jo
Such a deal! In Regency Masquerades, six talented Regency veterans have released a box set containing six full length Regency novels, including the RITA winning Gwen's Ghost by Alicia Rasley and Lynn Kerstan. (This might be the only RITA won by a writing team and the book is great, with Alicia and Lynn writing different characters so the story is integrated seamlessly.) AND they're offering the set for a special introductory price of 99 cents to reward their long term readers!
So here, forthwith, are Alicia Rasley, Allison Lane, Brenda Hiatt, Lynn Kerstan, Elena Green, and Gail Eastwood:
Alicia: What's In a Mask?
Romance readers love masquerades. A masquerade implies intrigue, elegance, illusion, and even naughtiness. A masquerade can be used to create alter egos and secret lives. But the real fun comes when the mask slips, revealing all that the players have been hiding. That's when love steps up to accept, forgive, and forge new identities and alliances.
In this boxed set, we have assembled six novels, each with some variation of the ever-variable theme of masquerade. Whether it's disguise or deception, the characters have reason to mask themselves in some way. As you read, see if you can tell how each character unwittingly chooses a "mask" that reveals the true self… and somehow aids in true love.
Daring Deception, Brenda Hiatt
When her brother promises her in marriage to pay a gaming debt, Miss Frederica 
Chesterton dons a disguise to prove that Lord Seabrooke is a fortune hunter. But even as she gathers evidence, she finds herself losing her heart to the handsome Earl. While Frederica wears a literal disguise to learn Lord Seabrooke’s secrets, he wears a figurative disguise of his own, hiding his true nature from the world to protect his late sister’s good name. Their mutual deceptions turn out to be the very things that allow a deeper understanding between them, leading to true love.
Gwen's Ghost, Alicia Rasley and Lynn Kerstan
Valerian Caine has to stay in human disguise to fix the family feud created by his violent death. Little does he know that his masquerade will unmask the disguises of others. This theme of "masquerade" allowed us to explore the common issue that in life, many of us are forced into roles that aren't really us. What we conceal is what we reveal, and so the masquerade paradoxically helps power this transformation back into the true self.
The Lady from Spain, Gail Eastwood
Posing as a Spanish widow, “Falcon” Colburne returns to England after Napoleon’s war, se
t on a dangerous quest for justice. The handsome lord who must unmask her has secrets of his own. Falcon’s masquerade offers more than safety and freedom to pursue her mission. She has suffered heart-breaking trauma and believes the very essence of who she was has been destroyed. Being someone else shields her from facing the pain and loss and having to figure out who she has become. Can true love help her see through her own disguise?
Lucy in Disguise, Lynn Kerstan:
A charming aristocrat is rescued by a young woman disguised as a Lancashire Witch. Love comes swiftly, but she’ll only agree to wed if they protect her friend, a fearful heiress, from a greedy and dangerous family. This symbolic disguise mirrors other means of reflection, like light and dark, to create subtext in the romance. The mask makes subtle patterns that create an almost invisible framework of support for the dramatic story events.
The Earl’s Revenge, Allison Lane is a tale of two people whose public faces are masks 
that hide their true selves. Elaine's secret life as a male is the only way to sidestep the prejudices of her time, for she cannot support herself as a female. Bridgeport has long used alter egos to hide his true self, first from his domineering, abusive mother, and later from society. Since he fears feeling vulnerable, even his best friends don't know his secrets. So revealing the truth to Elaine marks a huge turning point on his emotional journey to love.
The Redwyck Charm by Elena Greene: An heiress yearning for adventure, Juliana Hutton masquerades as an opera dancer to escape an arranged marriage. When Marcus Redwyck, the new Earl of Amberley, goes with friends to see the new opera dancer who’s all the rage, a kiss leads to passion and the edge of scandal. When their mutual deceptions are revealed, can Marcus reconcile the roles of responsible landowner and charming lover? Can Juliana give up her façade of rebellion and learn that true love is the greatest adventure of all?
MJP: Here are a couple of samples of traditional Regency wordplay. First, from Gail Eastwood's The Lady From Spain:
"You wanted a word with me, sir?"
So much more than a word! But today he was sober –he must not say that. "Yes, I have news. I thought the pleasantest place to discuss it would be driving through the park."
"I see no advantage in discussing it elsewhere than here."
"Oh, but there is! Two distinct advantages—fresh air, and privacy."
He thought that perhaps, after yesterday, she would not feel privacy was to her advantage at all. He was happily surprised when after a moment's hesitation she relented.
"I will just need a few minutes to get ready."
He was surprised again when she came down ten minutes later. She had donned the black pelisse he had firs
t seen on her in Wickenham, and was draped again in black lace that concealed her hair and part of her features.
"Ah, once again the mysterious señora," he could not resist saying, which caused her to look at him sharply. As they went out to the street he added so that only she could hear, "You do yourself an injustice not to let the world see your beauty. They would fall at your feet."
"That is precisely what Napoleon thought when he invaded Spain, Lord Danebridge. It is my experience that the world does that for no one."
How prickly she was today! He could guess the reason—he should never have attempted to kiss her yesterday. And yet, and yet. It had not seemed as though she found him repulsive when she was in his arms. More the opposite, he would have said.
"Napoleon vastly overrated his own charms. You do not. I rather suspect you underrate yours."
And here's a tidbit from the RITA winning Gwen's Ghost by Alicia Rasley and Lynn Kerstan:
The Ghost awakes… in human form:
Jocelyn Vayle? Was that supposed to be his name? And who had arrived to meet this Jocelyn Vayle? Valerian decided it was time to regain consciousness. Emitting a low moan, he shifted on the bed and opened his eyes.
A pair of rather lovely hazel eyes, flecked with gold, stared down at him from a few inches away. Skeptical eyes, in a feminine face. Miss Sevaric, he recalled. Gwen.
"Ah. I rather thought he was awake," Gwen said crisply. "His mouth was twitching."
It was not, he wanted to say, offended. Forcing a disoriented expression, he groaned deeply. There was nothing like a play for sympathy to win over the ladies.
Gwen, still bent over him for a close inspection, didn't seem impressed. "He looks fine to me," she declared, leaning back.
Alicia: To see how each type of masquerade plays out, buy Regency Masquerades, a digital boxed set containing these six full-length novels by award-winning authors. For a short time, this set is just 99 cents! Buy at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes and Kobo Books.
A closing note from Mary Jo:
Traditional Regency writers were always a close knit group, and I know all of these 
authors and have read and enjoyed their books for years. They all have other books available as well. Have you read any of their stories? Or are there other traditional Regency writers you'd like to mention?
Several of the Word Wenches, me included, got our start as writers of traditional Regencies, and I'm delighted that these great books are available again. Happy reading, my ladies!
Mary Jo
This was on my Amazon’s recommend list. I said I didn’t need another book, much less several books on my Kindle about three days ago. But I grew up on traditional regencies, so yes that sold me. (Warning: the Amazon link didn’t work; I pulled up Amazon and found the set.)
I did this for one of Mary Jo’s boxed sets. There was a day (one of those) that I searched Putney on the Kindle and plunged in. It was pure wonderful comfort reading.
This was on my Amazon’s recommend list. I said I didn’t need another book, much less several books on my Kindle about three days ago. But I grew up on traditional regencies, so yes that sold me. (Warning: the Amazon link didn’t work; I pulled up Amazon and found the set.)
I did this for one of Mary Jo’s boxed sets. There was a day (one of those) that I searched Putney on the Kindle and plunged in. It was pure wonderful comfort reading.
This was on my Amazon’s recommend list. I said I didn’t need another book, much less several books on my Kindle about three days ago. But I grew up on traditional regencies, so yes that sold me. (Warning: the Amazon link didn’t work; I pulled up Amazon and found the set.)
I did this for one of Mary Jo’s boxed sets. There was a day (one of those) that I searched Putney on the Kindle and plunged in. It was pure wonderful comfort reading.
This was on my Amazon’s recommend list. I said I didn’t need another book, much less several books on my Kindle about three days ago. But I grew up on traditional regencies, so yes that sold me. (Warning: the Amazon link didn’t work; I pulled up Amazon and found the set.)
I did this for one of Mary Jo’s boxed sets. There was a day (one of those) that I searched Putney on the Kindle and plunged in. It was pure wonderful comfort reading.
This was on my Amazon’s recommend list. I said I didn’t need another book, much less several books on my Kindle about three days ago. But I grew up on traditional regencies, so yes that sold me. (Warning: the Amazon link didn’t work; I pulled up Amazon and found the set.)
I did this for one of Mary Jo’s boxed sets. There was a day (one of those) that I searched Putney on the Kindle and plunged in. It was pure wonderful comfort reading.
Shannon–
I don’t think you’ll regret buying this boxed set–they’re great books.
And thanks SO much for alerting me to the problem with the Amazon link. I didn’t test the bitly links the group supplied because I was in a hurry, but when you said the Amazon link didn’t work, I checked and found that none of the links worked with Typepad. So I did a new set of tinyurl links, and they all seem to work. Computers!!!!!
Shannon–
I don’t think you’ll regret buying this boxed set–they’re great books.
And thanks SO much for alerting me to the problem with the Amazon link. I didn’t test the bitly links the group supplied because I was in a hurry, but when you said the Amazon link didn’t work, I checked and found that none of the links worked with Typepad. So I did a new set of tinyurl links, and they all seem to work. Computers!!!!!
Shannon–
I don’t think you’ll regret buying this boxed set–they’re great books.
And thanks SO much for alerting me to the problem with the Amazon link. I didn’t test the bitly links the group supplied because I was in a hurry, but when you said the Amazon link didn’t work, I checked and found that none of the links worked with Typepad. So I did a new set of tinyurl links, and they all seem to work. Computers!!!!!
Shannon–
I don’t think you’ll regret buying this boxed set–they’re great books.
And thanks SO much for alerting me to the problem with the Amazon link. I didn’t test the bitly links the group supplied because I was in a hurry, but when you said the Amazon link didn’t work, I checked and found that none of the links worked with Typepad. So I did a new set of tinyurl links, and they all seem to work. Computers!!!!!
Shannon–
I don’t think you’ll regret buying this boxed set–they’re great books.
And thanks SO much for alerting me to the problem with the Amazon link. I didn’t test the bitly links the group supplied because I was in a hurry, but when you said the Amazon link didn’t work, I checked and found that none of the links worked with Typepad. So I did a new set of tinyurl links, and they all seem to work. Computers!!!!!
Thanks so much to Mary Jo and the other Word Wenches for hosting us! And so sorry you had to mess with the links. Technology–sometimes it’s wonderful, sometimes…not so much.
Thanks so much to Mary Jo and the other Word Wenches for hosting us! And so sorry you had to mess with the links. Technology–sometimes it’s wonderful, sometimes…not so much.
Thanks so much to Mary Jo and the other Word Wenches for hosting us! And so sorry you had to mess with the links. Technology–sometimes it’s wonderful, sometimes…not so much.
Thanks so much to Mary Jo and the other Word Wenches for hosting us! And so sorry you had to mess with the links. Technology–sometimes it’s wonderful, sometimes…not so much.
Thanks so much to Mary Jo and the other Word Wenches for hosting us! And so sorry you had to mess with the links. Technology–sometimes it’s wonderful, sometimes…not so much.
Elena–
SO true about technology! The bitly links Alicia gave me worked fine on their own, but they turned into a blank wall when done through the blog. Luckily, the fix was easy.
Elena–
SO true about technology! The bitly links Alicia gave me worked fine on their own, but they turned into a blank wall when done through the blog. Luckily, the fix was easy.
Elena–
SO true about technology! The bitly links Alicia gave me worked fine on their own, but they turned into a blank wall when done through the blog. Luckily, the fix was easy.
Elena–
SO true about technology! The bitly links Alicia gave me worked fine on their own, but they turned into a blank wall when done through the blog. Luckily, the fix was easy.
Elena–
SO true about technology! The bitly links Alicia gave me worked fine on their own, but they turned into a blank wall when done through the blog. Luckily, the fix was easy.
These names sound familiar, but the only one whose Regencies I remember reading is Allison Lane. I think she did some things that were unusual for Signet, like time travel?
These names sound familiar, but the only one whose Regencies I remember reading is Allison Lane. I think she did some things that were unusual for Signet, like time travel?
These names sound familiar, but the only one whose Regencies I remember reading is Allison Lane. I think she did some things that were unusual for Signet, like time travel?
These names sound familiar, but the only one whose Regencies I remember reading is Allison Lane. I think she did some things that were unusual for Signet, like time travel?
These names sound familiar, but the only one whose Regencies I remember reading is Allison Lane. I think she did some things that were unusual for Signet, like time travel?
Karin–
I’m pretty sure that Allison Lane hasn’t done any time travel–here’s her website giving brief plot descriptions of her stories. http://www.eclectics.com/allisonlane/
Other Signet Regency writers did some unusual things, though. Karen Harbaugh’s vampire Regency was a top seller for Signet. (She handled the subject very well, and as she said, Regency rakes were known to be pale creatures of the night. *G*)
Karin–
I’m pretty sure that Allison Lane hasn’t done any time travel–here’s her website giving brief plot descriptions of her stories. http://www.eclectics.com/allisonlane/
Other Signet Regency writers did some unusual things, though. Karen Harbaugh’s vampire Regency was a top seller for Signet. (She handled the subject very well, and as she said, Regency rakes were known to be pale creatures of the night. *G*)
Karin–
I’m pretty sure that Allison Lane hasn’t done any time travel–here’s her website giving brief plot descriptions of her stories. http://www.eclectics.com/allisonlane/
Other Signet Regency writers did some unusual things, though. Karen Harbaugh’s vampire Regency was a top seller for Signet. (She handled the subject very well, and as she said, Regency rakes were known to be pale creatures of the night. *G*)
Karin–
I’m pretty sure that Allison Lane hasn’t done any time travel–here’s her website giving brief plot descriptions of her stories. http://www.eclectics.com/allisonlane/
Other Signet Regency writers did some unusual things, though. Karen Harbaugh’s vampire Regency was a top seller for Signet. (She handled the subject very well, and as she said, Regency rakes were known to be pale creatures of the night. *G*)
Karin–
I’m pretty sure that Allison Lane hasn’t done any time travel–here’s her website giving brief plot descriptions of her stories. http://www.eclectics.com/allisonlane/
Other Signet Regency writers did some unusual things, though. Karen Harbaugh’s vampire Regency was a top seller for Signet. (She handled the subject very well, and as she said, Regency rakes were known to be pale creatures of the night. *G*)
It could have been “The Second Lady Emily”.
Description says “Did modern-day Cherlynn Cardington understand the gravity of the Gypsy Curse when she claimed her new title of Marchioness of Broadbanks? Visiting an historic estate, she wakens to find herself a Regency lady, never married to her intended, the Marquess of Broadbanks. She is determined to see the couple joined and end the curse that brought tragedy for generations.”
It could have been “The Second Lady Emily”.
Description says “Did modern-day Cherlynn Cardington understand the gravity of the Gypsy Curse when she claimed her new title of Marchioness of Broadbanks? Visiting an historic estate, she wakens to find herself a Regency lady, never married to her intended, the Marquess of Broadbanks. She is determined to see the couple joined and end the curse that brought tragedy for generations.”
It could have been “The Second Lady Emily”.
Description says “Did modern-day Cherlynn Cardington understand the gravity of the Gypsy Curse when she claimed her new title of Marchioness of Broadbanks? Visiting an historic estate, she wakens to find herself a Regency lady, never married to her intended, the Marquess of Broadbanks. She is determined to see the couple joined and end the curse that brought tragedy for generations.”
It could have been “The Second Lady Emily”.
Description says “Did modern-day Cherlynn Cardington understand the gravity of the Gypsy Curse when she claimed her new title of Marchioness of Broadbanks? Visiting an historic estate, she wakens to find herself a Regency lady, never married to her intended, the Marquess of Broadbanks. She is determined to see the couple joined and end the curse that brought tragedy for generations.”
It could have been “The Second Lady Emily”.
Description says “Did modern-day Cherlynn Cardington understand the gravity of the Gypsy Curse when she claimed her new title of Marchioness of Broadbanks? Visiting an historic estate, she wakens to find herself a Regency lady, never married to her intended, the Marquess of Broadbanks. She is determined to see the couple joined and end the curse that brought tragedy for generations.”
Other Signet Regencies that are unusual because of the paranormal elements are Rita Boucher’s “The Would Be Witch” and “Lord of Illusions”. Both involve witchcraft, with witch and warlock H/h’s. I totally love these books, especially “Lord of Illusions” which is extremely dark and tragic for a Signet(until the HEA of course). The author did such an incredible job in a short format novel.
Other Signet Regencies that are unusual because of the paranormal elements are Rita Boucher’s “The Would Be Witch” and “Lord of Illusions”. Both involve witchcraft, with witch and warlock H/h’s. I totally love these books, especially “Lord of Illusions” which is extremely dark and tragic for a Signet(until the HEA of course). The author did such an incredible job in a short format novel.
Other Signet Regencies that are unusual because of the paranormal elements are Rita Boucher’s “The Would Be Witch” and “Lord of Illusions”. Both involve witchcraft, with witch and warlock H/h’s. I totally love these books, especially “Lord of Illusions” which is extremely dark and tragic for a Signet(until the HEA of course). The author did such an incredible job in a short format novel.
Other Signet Regencies that are unusual because of the paranormal elements are Rita Boucher’s “The Would Be Witch” and “Lord of Illusions”. Both involve witchcraft, with witch and warlock H/h’s. I totally love these books, especially “Lord of Illusions” which is extremely dark and tragic for a Signet(until the HEA of course). The author did such an incredible job in a short format novel.
Other Signet Regencies that are unusual because of the paranormal elements are Rita Boucher’s “The Would Be Witch” and “Lord of Illusions”. Both involve witchcraft, with witch and warlock H/h’s. I totally love these books, especially “Lord of Illusions” which is extremely dark and tragic for a Signet(until the HEA of course). The author did such an incredible job in a short format novel.
Sandra Heath and Anne Barbour also did regencies for Signet with supernatural elements, there’s a ghost in Edith Layton’s Lady of Spirit, and a vampire in Karen Harbaugh’s The Vampire Viscount. I have never tracked it, but I don’t think it was that unusual, especially towards the end of that line. My Byron will pop up a list of specific creatures such as elves, vampires, whatever, if anybody really wants to know.
Sandra Heath and Anne Barbour also did regencies for Signet with supernatural elements, there’s a ghost in Edith Layton’s Lady of Spirit, and a vampire in Karen Harbaugh’s The Vampire Viscount. I have never tracked it, but I don’t think it was that unusual, especially towards the end of that line. My Byron will pop up a list of specific creatures such as elves, vampires, whatever, if anybody really wants to know.
Sandra Heath and Anne Barbour also did regencies for Signet with supernatural elements, there’s a ghost in Edith Layton’s Lady of Spirit, and a vampire in Karen Harbaugh’s The Vampire Viscount. I have never tracked it, but I don’t think it was that unusual, especially towards the end of that line. My Byron will pop up a list of specific creatures such as elves, vampires, whatever, if anybody really wants to know.
Sandra Heath and Anne Barbour also did regencies for Signet with supernatural elements, there’s a ghost in Edith Layton’s Lady of Spirit, and a vampire in Karen Harbaugh’s The Vampire Viscount. I have never tracked it, but I don’t think it was that unusual, especially towards the end of that line. My Byron will pop up a list of specific creatures such as elves, vampires, whatever, if anybody really wants to know.
Sandra Heath and Anne Barbour also did regencies for Signet with supernatural elements, there’s a ghost in Edith Layton’s Lady of Spirit, and a vampire in Karen Harbaugh’s The Vampire Viscount. I have never tracked it, but I don’t think it was that unusual, especially towards the end of that line. My Byron will pop up a list of specific creatures such as elves, vampires, whatever, if anybody really wants to know.
These all look fun, and I haven’t read them – so just popped over and bought them. The amazon link worked great. Thank you for introducing me to them, Mary Jo!
These all look fun, and I haven’t read them – so just popped over and bought them. The amazon link worked great. Thank you for introducing me to them, Mary Jo!
These all look fun, and I haven’t read them – so just popped over and bought them. The amazon link worked great. Thank you for introducing me to them, Mary Jo!
These all look fun, and I haven’t read them – so just popped over and bought them. The amazon link worked great. Thank you for introducing me to them, Mary Jo!
These all look fun, and I haven’t read them – so just popped over and bought them. The amazon link worked great. Thank you for introducing me to them, Mary Jo!
Karin–
That could be what you’re remembering. It does sound like fun!
Karin–
That could be what you’re remembering. It does sound like fun!
Karin–
That could be what you’re remembering. It does sound like fun!
Karin–
That could be what you’re remembering. It does sound like fun!
Karin–
That could be what you’re remembering. It does sound like fun!
Karin–
I know Rita Boucher, and after regular nagging on my part, she’s now putting up editions of her terrific books. I love that these classic Regencies are becoming available again.
Karin–
I know Rita Boucher, and after regular nagging on my part, she’s now putting up editions of her terrific books. I love that these classic Regencies are becoming available again.
Karin–
I know Rita Boucher, and after regular nagging on my part, she’s now putting up editions of her terrific books. I love that these classic Regencies are becoming available again.
Karin–
I know Rita Boucher, and after regular nagging on my part, she’s now putting up editions of her terrific books. I love that these classic Regencies are becoming available again.
Karin–
I know Rita Boucher, and after regular nagging on my part, she’s now putting up editions of her terrific books. I love that these classic Regencies are becoming available again.
Laura–
It is 99 cents VERY well spent! Happy reading. *G*
Laura–
It is 99 cents VERY well spent! Happy reading. *G*
Laura–
It is 99 cents VERY well spent! Happy reading. *G*
Laura–
It is 99 cents VERY well spent! Happy reading. *G*
Laura–
It is 99 cents VERY well spent! Happy reading. *G*