I’m delighted to offer a copy of Joanna Chambers, aka Tumperkin’s, debut romance, which was just published by Carina Press. The Lady’s Secret, which I’ve read and loved, is set in London in 1810. Here’s the blurb:
Former actress Georgiana Knight always believed she and her brother were illegitimate—until they learn their parents were married, making them heirs to a great estate. To prove their claim, Georgy needs to find evidence of their union by infiltrating a ton house party as valet to Lord Nathaniel Harland. Though masquerading as a boy is a challenge, it pales in comparison to sharing such intimate quarters with the handsome, beguiling nobleman.
Nathan is also unsettled by Georgy’s presence. First intrigued by his unusual valet, he’s even more captivated when he discovers Georgy’s charade. The desire the marriage-shy earl feels for his enigmatic employee has him hoping for much more than a master-servant relationship…
But will Nathan still want Georgy when he learns who she truly is? Or will their future be destroyed by someone who would do anything to prevent Georgy from uncovering the truth?
Here’s what others are saying:
My thoughts: I really enjoyed this book, which is Chambers’ first published work. I wasn’t too sure at first since I’m not a fan of the female-dressed-up-as-a-male theme, but it was well done here. So often, it takes the hero the entire book to realize that the boy/man he’s oddly attracted to is actually a woman, and the implausibility of that annoys me. Not so here – Nathan isn’t stupid, and he and many other characters catch on to Georgy’s charade quickly. The pacing of the novel also worked very well. Chambers creates two wonderful characters and gives them ample time and opportunity to fall in love with each other.
Chambers’ exploration of class was something that also isn’t covered much in Regency romances. It isn’t an intense academic exploration of class, but there was enough ‘Downton Abbey’-ish drama to keep things interesting. Overall, a good historical read, and one I’m certain I’ll want to read again in the future. [A-]
Historical Romance author Courtney Milan: (this is not a blurb)
I utterly adored this book, and I hope you will too!
The story is quite lovely as is the writing. This being Chambers first I know it certainly won’t be her last. It’s a fantastic story and one definitely worth reading. [4.5 out of 5]
I loved these characters — so rich, so compelling, without a lot of flash or drama. Especially Nathan, who’s a classic example of still waters running deep. The plotting is occasionally a little clunky, but overall the book is astonishingly polished for a debut author. I’d highly recommend it to anyone who loves an intelligent, well told historical romance — whether or not you love chicks in pants. [Willaful, 4.5 stars]
***
The writing is quite exceptional, especially since this is a debut. The story somewhat predictable (after all, it is a romance), but still fresh. The delivery entertaining. The fact that I was reading Elizabeth Hoyt’s Scandalous Desires at the same time, and found it in no way overshadowed this debut, is testament to the enjoyment I got from this novel. There were some great moments of humour, especially (as expected) when Nathan felt curious interest in his young valet. But this was not overdone nor heavy-handed. [Jill, 4 stars]
***
I purchased this e-book on the recommendation of Courtney Milan’s blog and I wasn’t disappointed. This was a good example of the elements that I require to enjoy a romance; the writing was vivid and clear, the characters were sympathetic and believable and the plot was interesting. The cross-dressing plot was handled very well.
This was a good debut and I anticipate future novels by this author. [Karla, 4 stars]
As Myretta Robens so lucidly wrote in Learning The (T)ropes of Historical Romance, there are no new tropes. So what a pleasure it is to be stopped in one’s tracks by an extraordinary debut, one that combines two enjoyable tropes, the stolen inheritance and the chick in pants.
The Lady’s Secret’s level of sensuality and intimacy is phenomenal, while the level of writing and involvement is mature and excitingly original. [Janet]
Contest: To enter, either (1) name a “cross dressing” novel you have read in the past, or (2) if you have never read one, state under what conditions you personally might be willing to try to pass as a different gender (could be something as frivolous as a costume party, or a more serious circumstance). The Lady’s Secret is a digital book. No paper copies are available. This contest is open internationally. Winner must provide a valid email address. One entry per person. Contest ends Saturday November 19 at midnight EST. Winner will be chosen at random using Random.org from eligible entries, and announced on this thread on Sunday November 20. Questions? Feel free to email me at jessica@readreactreview.com or ask in the comments.
