Monica Fairview Release: Regency Quintet Summer edition

Well, I haven’t yet finished my third novel in The Darcy Books series, but meanwhile I’ve been busy with another project. Summer Box Set MEDIUM WEB (1)

I’m delighted to announce the release of our multi-author Regency Quintet Summer edition. I was thrilled when I was asked to contribute to the collection as all of the other authors have such an awe-inspiring list of novels under their belt I feel like a real novice compared to them! Two of the names you will undoubtedly recognize since they also write Jane Austen sequels: Amanda Grange (author of Mr. Darcy’s Diary) and Fenella Miller (author of The Ghosts at Pemberley). Then there are two best-selling Regency authors: Melinda Hammond and Elizabeth Bailey. I feel particularly honored to be able among such good company.

Best of all — you get all five novels for an incredible price of $2.99!

The novel I’ve included is one that was released and published by Robert Hale. It was my first novel and it was a Regency romance. I’ve since revised it quite a lot and I’m rather pleased with the outcome. It’s a fun, light summer read.

Here’s an excerpt from my novel to whet your appetite.

 

The horses snorted impatiently, their breath coming out in balloons of white fog. She could feel Hamlet’s excitement, the strained tension of his muscles.

The silence stretched.

Hamlet shuffled.

At long last, Lady Bullfinch raised her arm.

“Goooo forth!” she cried.

Hamlet sprinted forward. Julia abandoned herself to the thunder of hoofs as the ground began to fly beneath her. She laughed as startled faces whizzed past her. The aroma of earth and grass filled her senses. Above her, white clouds darted across a blue sky that bobbed in and out of her vision. She lost herself in the motion, allowing everything to stream past her, green blurring into brown and blue blurring into white.

She loved their early Thursday morning races in Hyde Park. Promptly at half past seven every week during the season. Of all Lady Bullfinch’s eccentricities, this was the one she treasured most. And it was clear she was not the only lady who did. The thudding on the ground behind her proved it.

The few riders at this unfashionable hour in Hyde Park moved out of their way and watched as they galloped by. Fashionable society did not approve of the Ladies’ Cavalry Charge, as Lady Bullfinch jokingly called it, but that had never stopped her.

She spurred Hamlet on. This was as close to flying that any mortal could reach. Certainly with the whoosh of air past her ears and the sensation of hovering above her side-saddle she could imagine herself a swallow in flight, or even a sparrow hawk swooping down on its prey.

A high pitched scream brought her down to earth.

Julia checked her horse. Colours resolved themselves into shapes. Hyde Park settled back into green grass, Rotten Row, South Carriage Drive, and lines of oak.

From the corner of her eye she glimpsed a lady fighting to control her mount. It reared, then suddenly broke into a fierce gallop. The rider pulled at the reins, and for a moment it looked like the horse had slowed down, but it was only objecting to her clumsy handling. It tossed its head then bolted, running as if pursued by a colony of bees.

There was no time to think. Julia veered off the path and chased after the renegade horse, urging Hamlet onwards. Delighted to show the racing skills for which he had been bred, Hamlet lengthened his stride and accepted the challenge.

So far the girl was still on the horse, hanging on precariously. Julia willed her to remain seated for a few minutes longer, until she could reach her.

They departed the avenue of trees and headed into an area that was more thickly wooded. Julia redoubled her efforts. She did not want the girl to be felled by a low hanging branch.

Not far behind her, the beating of hoofs showed that she was not the only rider who had witnessed the event. She did not look back. Her gaze stayed fixed on the unfortunate girl, as though her eyes themselves could pin the girl to her saddle.

Then something large hurtled into Julia, emerging from behind a copse of trees to her right. The impact jolted her. She slid down in her side saddle, dangerously close to losing her seat. An iron arm wrapped itself round her throat. A hand reached out and gripped the reins of her horse, pulling them from her.

In a daze, her mind registered that someone was abducting her. She recalled horrible tales she had heard about foolish debutantes who rode in the park without a chaperon or groom. Tales of kidnappings and ransoms. Only this time, she was in the tale.

She glanced desperately around her, but there was no-one else in sight. The trees hid her from the main path and apart from the endangered rider some way ahead of her, there was not a single person who could help. Perhaps someone was around, out of view but not out of earshot. She opened her mouth to scream.

The iron arm clamped down on her mouth. “Don’t be bird-witted,” said a man’s voice close to her ear. The voice did not sound uncouth. His accents were refined, clearly those of a gentleman. But gentlemen of the ton, too, could be villains. “If you scream,” he continued. “We’ll have everyone within earshot descending on us.”

Why exactly did he think she was going to scream? To frighten the magpies?

She sank her teeth into the flesh of his palm and bit down hard. She could feel her teeth cut the skin.

He yelped. “Damnation, woman! What did you do that for?” But to her utter surprise, he did not take his hand away. He kept it firmly in place. A grudging respect for his resilience passed through her.

“If you give me your word not to start shrieking, I’ll remove my hand.” She nodded as well as she could. How did he expect her to give him her word when his palm was smothering even the tiniest squeak?

He removed his hand and examined it. She noted with satisfaction the red marks she had made. An impulse to scream as loudly as she could rose up in her, but she restrained it. She would not act dishonourably. There would be opportunities to escape him, she was certain. It was possible, of course, that he was a bedlamite. The idea gave her more confidence. She was used to dealing with unreasonable people. Her grandmother was one of them, as was her aunt Viola.

“You may wish to reconsider what you are doing, sir,” she said in a firm, no nonsense tone. “I do believe you have mistaken me for someone else.”

He did not answer. Her words had no effect at all. She tried to pry his fingers off the reins, but he held onto them fast. All his effort was concentrated on keeping hold of the reins.girl_sidesaddle

Julia realized that he would soon be running into difficulties, trying to control not only his own horse, but Hamlet and her all at once. So far, he seemed to be managing, and a tiny traitorous part of her admired his skill. However, she was certain that if she kept thrashing about, he would sooner or later be forced to let go of one of the three. So she wrestled with his arm and thrashed around as much as she could, waiting for him to tire and lose his grip.

A vigorous twist brought her assailant’s face to view. He was exactly the kind of figure they warned young girls about – a ruthless-looking man with a pronounced jaw, thunderous brows and piercing black eyes. What made matters worse, he was gnashing his teeth, which made him seem like a villain straight out of a gothic story.

Then Hamlet reared. My worthy horse. He came to her rescue, attempting to throw off her assailant and escape his clutches.

“Well done, Hamlet!” she cried.

But instead of releasing the reins, the man tightened them, forcing Hamlet down. Hamlet succumbed with an angry snort. The reins pressed into her right shoulder cutting into her.

“Let go at once, sir,” she said, mustering as much arrogance as she could, but growing worried now that she would not be able to get away. “And let go of my horse. You’re injuring his mouth.”

“If you weren’t so hen-witted and just stopped struggling, I’d be able to let go,” said the villain. “I’m only trying to protect you from injury.”

Definitely a bedlamite.

“I…do … not … need … protection,” she said, very slowly, articulating each word clearly.

He did not react. He held on grimly with that iron grip, refusing to let go.

A different strategy was called for, clearly. Julia went limp. It was worth a try. Perhaps he would relax his hold if she pretended to give up.

She had not realized that going limp would imply leaning into him. Her position on the side-saddle meant that now her whole back moulded into his chest. His breath tickled her ear. The musky scent of his shaving cream filled her nostrils.

Julia felt a strange sensation go through her – a warmth and yearning she had never experienced before. She closed her eyes, driven by the temptation to give in to that feeling.

The man shifted away and let go of the reins abruptly. “Your horse appears to have settled down.”

“Of course he’s settled down.” she said, angry at herself for letting down her guard. “I’m sure he’s a great deal more comfortable now that you aren’t mangling his mouth.”

She could see the man properly, now that he did not have his hand clamped around her. He had broad masculine shoulders and was impeccably dressed in a tailored coat that spoke of the best London had to offer. This surprised her – she had assumed he would be more shabby somehow.

He caught her examining him and she blushed. He raised one of those thick brows, his eyes dancing.

“Such ingratitude in a young lady! Especially considering I saved you from injury.”

“Injury? It was lucky Hamlet did not rear up and toss me to the ground.”

“You were in safe hands. I am too fine a horseman to have spooked the animal. The main thing is that you have come to no harm. I reached you in the nick of time.”

Julia suddenly understood what had happened as all the pieces fell into place. “But it wasn’t my horse that bolted,” she said, rueful now that she knew why he had grappled with her.

His smiled faded, replaced by a frown. “I heard a scream, and someone shouted that a horse had bolted. I saw your horse leave the path and take off like the devil.”

They had already lost precious time. She looked in the direction she had last seen the unruly horse. “I was chasing after a bolting horse. Meanwhile, while you held me prisoner, the lady riding the horse has most probably been thrown to the ground.”

He whirled round, following the direction of her gaze. She could make out a crumpled form on the ground, under a large oak tree, next to a small ditch.

She was filled with panic. Suppose she’s badly hurt? Suppose she’s— suppose the fall had killed her?

Click here to find out more.

51 comments

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    • Nancy Duell on June 3, 2015 at 1:41 pm
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    I just can’t get enough JAFF and regency novels. I guess I could re-read al of the Jane Austen books all over again!

    1. I always find something new when I read JA’s novels, Nancy. Always a surprise in store.

    • Debra Mc on June 3, 2015 at 1:43 pm
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    What I love best about Regency novels is the characters. As a student of psychology, the people who populate the novels remind me of people in my actual world. I find it fascinating to see how the world has changed, but people are essentially the same.

    1. As an author that fascinates me, too, Debra. The challenge is always to find a way to show their “human” side while at the same time depicting their behavior in their own context.

    • Carol hoyt on June 3, 2015 at 1:54 pm
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    WhT I like best ? The manners, the expectation of civilness . They pull me into a world that makes mine less stressful.

    I stated reading Jane , Louisa, Emily when I was much younger . I still read and enjoy my JFF and regencies ( Heyer and courtland still rock) .

    Live the chance yo run a copy.
    Btw, loved your excerpt !!

    1. Thanks, Carol! I agree that Regency novels depict a world that is less stressful — except for the heroines, of course, who are always getting into scrapes.

  1. It’s a different time, way of life, way of acting. It’s fascinated me from the first time I began reading!

    1. I agree, June — there’s something special about the Regency era that you don’t get earlier or later.

    • Joy Dawn King on June 3, 2015 at 2:04 pm
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    Like the other comments, I appreciate the manners and importance of propriety. They had so few distractions (TV, video games, iPods) that personal relationships were cultivated and cared for.

    I am excited to read this, Monica. Well done!

    1. Sigh. Tell me about it — so hard to get my daughter to stay away from her mobile! I sometime wonder if personal relationships will even exist in the near future. Thank you for you encouraging words, Joy!

  2. I like the courtship, they are all so proper *coughs* Most of the time

    1. blodeuedd — that cough sounds like Kitty’s — the one that really bothers Mrs Bennet until she discovers that Mr Bennet has called on Bingley after all! 😉

    • Eva E on June 3, 2015 at 3:02 pm
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    I just love reading about the Regency period. The courtships can be so unconventional according to the standards, and most of the heroines are very strong and intriguing. Thank you for the giveaway!

    1. You know that’s what started me out wanting to write Regency, Eva. I loved Georgette Heyer’s strong heroines and then when I began to read other authors I realized what a fun genre it was from that perspective.

    • Pam Hunter on June 3, 2015 at 3:20 pm
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    I like the proper manners of the Regency period, as well as the courtship. Love the ladies’ dresses, too! 🙂

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    1. Pam — which ones, the ones that were see-through or the later ones? Just teasing. I love them, too. I love how they grew shorter until they were revealing a tantalizing glimpse of the ankles.

    • Mari on June 3, 2015 at 3:36 pm
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    This was a delight to read. It was so exciting, and darn it, I am finished reading it. This will be going on my list. It’s worth $2.99 for this story alone. I enjoy Regency novels because I am addicted to Austen variations, and I do like how formal and polite everyone was, and the emphasis on manners. Even though it was a ritual, it is preferable to the way people behave today! Also love the descriptions of hair, clothes, and jewelry. It is fun to read about things so different from our lives today. I think I am happier living now, but it is fun to travel through time in a good book. Also, there generally isn’t a lot of sex or any at all, in many regency novels, which I appreciate. I had my fill of reading explicit novels in high school, and with the emphasis in modern books and films on sex, sex, and more sex, it’s nice to take a trip into a different time, and to enjoy a comedy of manners.

    1. Thank you for saying so, Mari!!
      As several people have said, civility and manners are something we all appreciate and need on many levels. Good point about the ritualistic nature of the courtship. Like the dancing, it was elegant and certainly added a certain beauty to the romance.

    • Eileen on June 3, 2015 at 3:52 pm
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    Reading regency is an escape from the modern to a time when so many interesting things were happening in the world…so much was beginning to change. To me it feels like a pivotal time period, and there is a sense of excitement in that.

    1. Absolutely, Eileen. So many changes happening: the move from a rural to an urban society, the last great hurrah of the landed gentry before the middle class explosion, for women a moment of freedom (in clothing at least) before being corsetted and tied up by the Victorians, etc. A very dynamic time, really.

    • TaNeshia Jones on June 3, 2015 at 3:59 pm
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    First of all I want to say that I love your work. I enjoy Regency novels because I am addicted to Austen variations mostly Pride and prejudice ones. I also enjoy the chivalry and the style of dress in this era. Thanks for this opportunity

    1. Thanks, TaNeshia! Very happy to hear it.

    • Theresa M on June 3, 2015 at 5:06 pm
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    I enjoy regency novels because of the history and social mores of the times I especially love the JAFF but appreciate the diversion of the genre as an escape from our fast paced world.

    1. Theresa — time must have been so much slower in the Regency period! It’s amazing to try and capture that feeling. I often wonder how I would feel deprived of all the stimuli of modern life.

    • Stephanie L on June 3, 2015 at 5:17 pm
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    Ah yes, the headstrong obstinate girl, my particular favorite. =D I got all excited when I found a hard cover copy of An Improper Suitor some time back. Regency novels still have the manners that we have forgotten. And the men are so very…manly. LOL

    1. Stephanie, you’re a woman after my own heart. I’m glad you enjoyed my obstinate heroine!

    • JerryT on June 3, 2015 at 5:23 pm
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    It appears that none of the five books are P&P related regardless of who the authors are. I wish this had been made clearer in the article.

    1. I take it you’re not a Regency romance fan 😉

    • tgruy on June 3, 2015 at 5:52 pm
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    What I like best about regency novels is the way people was gallant and respectful.

    Thanks for the chance to win this set.

    1. tgruy — our world is sadly lacking in gallantry, isn’t it? 🙁

    • EvelynTost on June 3, 2015 at 6:01 pm
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    I think that this excerpt has peaked my interest very much, and I want more! As far as why I enjoy this era, I do escape into it to get a break from our weird, unsettling times! Their time may have had just as many problems than ours, but the novels usually give us a wonderful HEA, solving everything in sight! Thanks

    1. Nothing like a little escape into a different world, is there, Evelyn? Of course we all know there were lots of problems in the Regency era, too, but generally life was simpler.
      Glad you enjoyed the extract!

    • Maureen on June 3, 2015 at 6:13 pm
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    I like to be taken away to a different time and place. Along with many others who have already commented, I like the manners and respectful interactions. I also like descriptions of the homes, the food, the furniture, the clothing, and other aspects of the time period.

  3. Maureen, I’m with you all the way, it’s wonderful to see the Regency world come alive through the descriptions.

  4. I read this book not too long ago; I found it through my library system. 🙂 But I would looove to re-read it and to read the others in the series.

    I love learning more about this fascinating time in history through Regency novels. The societal rules, the clothing, the food and tea, the candlelight….

    I love losing myself in another time, one that seems simpler than ours at present…but most likely was not simple at all.

    Thanks for posting!! 🙂

  5. Thanks, Susanne! I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed An Improper Suitor. As for the candlelight — I love the magical aura it evokes…

    • Laura on June 4, 2015 at 10:54 am
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    For me, reading Regency novels is a trip back in time. An adventure, if you will. I really enjoy taking time away from the 21st Century when reading a Regency novel. It’s a great way to have a vacation while at home. A chance to leave the casual behind and step into a more formal time. Thanks so much for sharing with us!

    1. I do like the time travel idea, too, Laura. I’m hoping to do a time travel Austen Variation soon — sigh! If there were more hours in the day and I had as much energy as the energizer bunny…

  6. Oh, such suspense Monica! I definitely would love to know what happened next. Is the lady injured or worse sustain a mortal blow to her head? Thanks for offering the giveaway too.

    1. Very glad you enjoyed the excerpt, Sylvia!

    • Ana MR on June 4, 2015 at 3:55 pm
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    It may seem silly but I love when the horses have powerful names in these stories. Obviously the excerpt is great too!!

    1. Thank you. I love the horses and their names, too.

    • Anji on June 4, 2015 at 4:12 pm
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    I love the idea of the Regency period, the formality, manners etc but probably wouldn’t want to live there. Too fond of indoor plumbing and 21st century healthcare, I suppose. I’d love to visit though, to see if everything really was as proper as we’re led to believe. At least in those times, people would actually talk to each other more and actually entertain each other as well, with music or reading aloud. The fashions of the period are also rather appealing compared with what came before or after. The thought of being virtually suffocated by tightly laced corsets in the Victorian era is enough to bring tears to your eyes. Love the gentlemen’s cravats, too!

    1. Don’t get me started on Regency gentlemen’s cravats, Anji! it’s one of my favorite things. So much nicer than the lame ties men wear nowadays!

  7. Hi Monica, that was such an exciting excerpt! I have just been trying to puzzle out why I like Regency romances so much… I think it’s because it seems an accessible period in history, more enjoyable than the Victorian period which has a bit of a restrained and dreary reputation and earlier periods seem quite cut-throat by comparison. I know it’s just a veneer of manners over the barbarity, but the veneer is there! Also there was some sort of structure to society, laws, the possibility of fairness. I like the restraint of the ‘gentleman’ in those times, it helps build a bit of suspense. Thanks for the question, I had a nebulous feeling regarding why I liked Regency, but I hadn’t tried to capture the feeling before!

    1. Thanks Ceri. Isn’t it strange how we take some things for granted? As you say, perhaps it was a veneer, but the gentlemanly code does have its appeal. And there is something very appealing about a gentleman (like Darcy) being forced to retrain his passion — it makes for a lot of feelings simmering under the surface!

  8. Congratulations Monica. Well deserved recognition!

    1. Thank you for your kind words, Laurel Ann. Thanks for stopping by!

    • BeckyC on June 6, 2015 at 11:40 am
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    For me it started with our dear Jane and continues with all things regency. I love loosing myself in the period. Wonderful excerpt. Thank you for the giveaway! Congratulations!

    1. Glad you enjoyed it, Becky!

    • Dung on June 10, 2015 at 3:21 am
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    I love how a gentleman would court a lady. There so much more meaning to the slightest touches, stolen glances, letters. Not to mention men in regency attire.

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