#tbt Review of True Spies by Shana Galen

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.

Lord and Lady Spy #2

This is a Throwback Thursday review. I originally posted this on Amazon in 2013 Goodreads in 2016. It never made it to the blog and when I ran across it the other day, I thought it deserved to be here. The book was published September 3, 2013. I'm not sure on the time frame discrepancy. 

I will start by saying that I am a huge fan of Shana Galen's books, and I have loved them all. So, I am not surprised that I loved True Spies, it was a very visual read for me, which is my favorite kind. Elinor is a funny, brave and determined heroine that finds herself with loose ends, because her children and a husband don't need her as much. Winn her husband is a very busy man who has had little time for his wife and family in the past. True Spies is the second in the Lord and Lady Spy novels, and is an wonderful adventure that continues the Lord and Lady Spy story line. Elinor and Winn have been married for fourteen years, and have two daughters. Winn is fairly clueless to the state of their marriage, and Elinor is unaware of what her husband actually does while he is away from home. Things heat up, when Elinor decides she is going to have a life, that doesn't include waiting around for Winn anymore.

What I love about this book, is that is a romance between two people who have been married, but never really knew each other. Winn has to work to gain the love of his own wife, and Elinor has to open her heart again. There is adventure, romance and action. I enjoyed getting to visit with some of the characters from Lord and Lady Spy, and the novella The Spy Wore Blue: A Lord and Lady Spy Novella.

One other thing that I love about Shana Galen's writing is the humor, and I will tell you that I read Chapter Two more than once. I even read it out loud, to myself, complete with the voices and attitude of the scene. No spoilers, but when Winn finds his wife in the ballroom, when he expects her to be at home, there is a very humorous encounter.

I hope that you decide to pick up this book, and that you enjoy it as much as I did.

#tbt review 

Review copy from NetGalley

Review posted on Goodreads : True Spies Review June 23, 2016

When You Give A Duke A Diamond -Giveaway

When You Give A Duke A Diamond is the latest regency novel from, the fabulous, Shana Galen. and the start of her new three book series titled The Jewels of the Ton. I am thrilled to have Shana here, as part of her blog tour and to be able to share a glimpse of a book, that I truly loved reading .

Excerpt with the butler, Hollows, in Juliette's Household:

"Yes, Hollows, do rouse Mary and send her to my chamber." Juliette felt badly about waking the girl—she, Hollows, and Cook were the only servants not given the night off—but Juliette did not relish sleeping in her stays and gown, and she could not get them off by herself. Once she was undressed, she would send Mary back to bed and finish her toilette on her own.

Juliette started up the steps. "Off to bed with you, Hollows," she said over her shoulder. "I shan't need you for several hours."

"Yes, Duchess."

Excerpt with the butler, Richards, in Pelhorn's Household. 

"Very good. Richards, tell His Grace the duchess is here."

Richards stared at her. Juliette could tell he was digesting this new information and deciding whether she was to be believed. He shook his head. "I don't think so. Even if you are a duchess, which I don't believe you are, no duchess would come, alone, and knock on a man's door in the middle of the night."

Butlers, you can't live with them, or maybe you can. It must be nice to have a butler, to answer the door and handle a wayward duchess in the night.  I thought it would be fun to find out if Shana would like a butler.

Interview with Shana Galen

Which regency servant would you prefer to have working in your household? Butler, cook, coachman, etc?" 
Oh, cook for sure. I can answer my own door (not that anyone ever comes to it), but I hate cooking. I also wouldn't mind a hairdresser...

If you were a regency servant, which household position would you be the best at? 
I'd probably be a good scullery maid. I'm good at cleaning and washing clothes. I'm not a very good driver, and I'm a horrible cook. I'm probably too clumsy to do much serving.

If you were a regency servant, which household position would be the most challenging for you? 
Cook. I would be fired for certain!

There seem to be quite a number of regency romances where the heroine was a former servant, usually a governess, but do you know any where the hero was a butler? 
Nope, but I think I read one where the hero was pretending to be a footman or a groom. Stables seem to be popular spots for heroes to hang out.

Thank you, for stopping by and for the giveaway. Enter to win a copy of When You Give A Duke A Diamond, by answering one of the questions I asked Shana. Winner will picked at random at 9 PST on Monday, September 3. Please leave an email address with your comment, so we can contact the winner. 

Shana Galen is the national bestselling author of numerous fast-paced, adventurous Regency historical romances, including the Rita-nominated Blackthorne's Bride. Her books are published all over the world and have been featured in the Rhapsody and Doubleday Book Clubs. She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston's inner city.

Now she writes full time. She's happily married to an incredibly supportive man she calls Ultimate Sportsfan, and she has a beautiful little girl she calls Little Galen. Shana loves to hear from readers: visit her website at www.shanagalen.com 

Blog Tour

Epic Book Giveaway Contest!

Don’t Miss the “Indulge in Our Favorite Authors” Epic Book Giveaway Contest!

If you haven’t already heard, five romance authors are holding an epic book giveaway contest of *their* five favorite romance authors’ books. But they’re not just giving away a few books—they’re giving away complete, SIGNED backlists of the following authors:

Julia Quinn (sponsored by Shana Galen)

Lisa Kleypas (sponsored by Elise Rome)

Julie Garwood (sponsored by Heather Snow)

Elizabeth Hoyt (sponsored by Lila DiPasqua)

Cynthia Eden  (sponsored by Vanessa Kelly)

Yes, it’s an epic contest, and it’s being held on Facebook right now. All you have to do is visit the Facebook pages of *Shana Galen, *Lila DiPasqua, *Vanessa Kelly, *Heather Snow, and *Elise Rome, and enter the favorite book (the hint is given on the contest tab) for each of these authors.

At the end of February the contest will be over—so hurry!—and five lucky winners will win a backlist of one of the amazing authors mentioned above. Elise has said that Lisa is even signing her books after the winner is chosen for her backlist, so if you win Lisa Kleypas’ books, they’ll be personally made out to you. Also, the five authors are giving away books of their own, too.

Good luck to everyone who enters, and don’t forget to tell your friends!

*Open to US and international residents, though void where prohibited. The Indulge in Our Romance Favorites contest is in no way endorsed by, administered by, or associated with Facebook .By entering, you acknowledge that you give Shana, Vanessa, Heather, Lila and  Elisa permission to add you to their opt-out author mailing lists. This group will never share your email address with anyone else! To be eligible for prizes, you must enter the favorite book of all five authors! 

Make sure you follow the links to the authors Facebook pages. The entry tab is on the left side beneath the authors picture and says: 

Indulge in Our Favorite Authors.

These links* take you directly to the entry forms.
*Shana Galen, *Lila DiPasqua, *Vanessa Kelly, *Heather Snow,
and *Elise Rome, 

Interview with Bastien from The Rogue Pirate's Bride

I am thrilled to welcome Shana Galen to Intrigue and Delight today as part of her blog tour for The Rogue Pirate's Bride. Shana is the author of numerous historical romances as well as two contemporary romances under the name Shane Bolks. The Rogue Pirate's Bride is the final chapter in the Sons of the Revolution series, and it is a tale that takes the reader on a high sea adventure filled with danger, intrigue and romance.

Shana is doing a lot of blogs, and if you have been following the tour, then you know she has answered every question under the sun. If you haven't followed the tour then the links for all the interviews are on her website, and you can catch up. So, for a change of pace we thought it would be fun to ask her character Bastien some burning questions about things that Pirates hold dear. So, without further ado lets get to know Sebastian Harcourt the Captain of the Shadow, and what he think about some old pirate standards.

Welcome to Intrigue and Delight, and thank you for answering a few questions today.
Merci, Gayle. I’m honored to appear on your blog today.

Who is your favorite cinematic pirate?
I’m a traditionalist, and I favor Errol Flynn. Flynn plays the classic pirate—strong, virile, courageous. In fact, he was probably actually playing a privateer.

Do you have a favorite literary pirate?
Would it be arrogant if I listed myself?
[pauses]
Raeven says it would. In that case, I’d have to say my mentor, Vargas. Shana Galen writes about him in The Charming Rogue Pirate’s Privateer’s Bride. Vargas taught me everything I know about sailing and was like a father to me. I lost my own father to the guillotine during the revolution. That’s why when Jourdain murdered Vargas, I had to have revenge. 

The best thing about being a pirate?
You mean, privateer? Freedom. As a privateer, I can go anywhere I want. I’ve sailed all over the world and seen extraordinary sights.

The worst thing about being a pirate?
I don’t know the worst thing about being a pirate. I imagine the worst thing about being a privateer is that I’m always looking over my shoulder. A sixty-four gun British man-of-war can appear in the blink of an eye, and I have to be ready to fight or run. There’s no relaxing when you’re a privateer.

How do you feel about rum?
We have a close, personal relationship. In fact, ever since I met Raeven Russell, rum and I have been best friends. She has that effect on people.

Limes?
They prevent scurvy and are essential to seafaring life.

Parrots?
Can’t stand them. They squawk incessantly and dirty the decks.

Does it offended you to be called a Pirate, when your really are a Privateer?
Gayle, I am so glad you mentioned this. Yes! There is a difference between pirates and privateers. I have a letter of marque from Spain, which authorizes me to board enemy vessels legitimately. A privateer is acting lawfully when he plunders. He’s like a legitimate pirate. Wait, that’s not quite what I meant.

Do you know any Pirate Jokes?
One, but I am not good at telling jokes. Still, if I must…
What did the pirate pay for his ear piercing?
A Buccaner (buck-an-ear)

Pirate Haiku?
Pirate what?

Would you rather have a pegged leg or a hook?
Pegged leg. I need my hands. Ask Raeven.

Walk the plank or keel hauled?
Walk the plank. Keel hauling is barbaric. I’ve never authorized it as a punishment. If a man is a good leader, he can control his men without resorting to such tactics.

Thanks for stopping by the blog and answering my questions.
Gayle, merci beaucoup for having me today. I’m intrigued and delighted by your blog.

Bio

Shana Galen is the author of numerous fast-paced adventurous Regency historical romances, including the Rita-nominated Blackthorne’s Bride. Her books have been sold worldwide, including Japan, Brazil, Russia, Spain, Turkey, and the Netherlands, and have been featured in the Rhapsody and Doubleday Book Clubs. A former English teacher in Houston’s inner city, Shana now writes full time. She’s a wife, a mother, and an expert multi-tasker. She loves to hear from readers: visit her website at www.shanagalen.com or see what she’s up to daily on Facebook and Twitter.


Comment below by either asking Bastien a question, or adding a bit of Pirate trivia of your own to be entered into the random drawing. Pirate Haiku is always welcome. 

Shana Galen is giving away two copies of The Rogue Pirate's Bride.  This giveaway is open to all US/Canadian mailing addresses (no P.O. Boxes) and ends February 17th at 9 pm PST.  Please leave an e-mail so I can contact the winners.

Review of The Rogue Pirate's Bride by Shana Galen

The Rogue Pirate's Bride is the third book in Shana Galen Sons of the Revolution series, and it is the rare series that I didn't feel needed to be read in order. The first two books The Making of a Duchess and The Making of a Gentleman are both fantastic stories as well, so what are you waiting for? 

Raeven Russell the free spirited daughter of a British Admiral, and she is more comfortable on the high seas than in a ballroom. Raeven is brave, charmingly unconventional, and has an unusual set of handy skills that would make any rogue or pirate green with envy. She sets out to bring the notorious pirate Captain Cutlass to justice for the murder of her fiance. Raeven intends to make the "pirate" pay for his sins by running him through with her sword. 


Bastien Harcourt, marquis de Valere is a french aristocrat, who in his youth was separated from his family during the French Revolution. Bastien is working on plans for some vengeance of his own, and is in hot pursuit of a Barbary pirate, Jourdain who is responsible for the death of Bastien's mentor. Bastiens' efforts to find the scoundrel Jourdain and send him to a watery grave are disrupted by the arrival of the fiery and furious Raeven. 


Raeven and Bastien find themselves caught up in each others' plans and sparks begin to fly and then ignite between the unlikely couple. The Rogue Pirate's Bride is a fast paced tale of intrigue and betrayal that made me laugh, sigh and tear up in all the right places. Bastien is charming and Raeven is fearless and they were so terrific together that I didn't want their story to end. Loved this book from the first page to the last. I expect that The Rogue Pirate's Bride will bring many new fans to Shana Galen's writing, as well as please those who have already been enchanted by her storytelling.
                                                       

 Quote:                                                   
Something zipped past him and struck the man with enough force to cause him to drop his pistol and clutch his abdomen. Bastien had a moment to look behind him and saw his cabin girl, his beautiful cabin girl, standing there with arm out stretched. He'd known she's be accurate with that dagger.
                                 -The Rogue Pirate's Bride -Shana Galen
                                                                          
                        
Netgalley version provided by Sourcebooks

A Pirate by Any Other Name

In February the Rogue Pirate Princess of Prose otherwise known as Shana Galen, will be here on the blog doing a giveaway of her fabulous new historical romance The Rogue Pirate's Bride from Sourcebooks Casablanca. The Rogue Pirate's Bride is the final installment of  Shana Galen's Son's of the Revolution series. The three books tell the tale of a family of displaced french aristocrats , that become separated from each other during the French Revolution. The first book in the series is the The Making of a Duchess , and the second is The Making of a Gentleman .

In The Rogue Pirate's Bride, Shana Galen delivers an action filled, high seas adventure, and spins a tale of love and intrigue between Captain Cutlass, Bastien Harcourt and Raeven Russell two people who have no intention in falling in love. Raeven is intent on revenge and considers Bastien to be a murderer, who she plans to be bring to justice on the end of her sword. Bastien considers Raeven an over indulged, though  fascinating nuisance, who need to be returned to her father. To complicate matters, Raeven's father just happens to be a British Admiral on the HMS Regal. Bastien needs to part ways from Raeven, before she destroys his plans for some vengeance of his own.

Raeven considers him a pirate;

"Of course he claimed he was a privateer, and she knew he sailed under the Spanish flag and with that country's letters of marque . She didn't care for privateers any more than she cared for pirates, and made little distinction between them." -Raeven

According to Miriam Webster: Letters of marquee : written authority granted to a private person by a government to seize the subjects of a foreign state or their goods; specifically : a license granted to a private person to fit out an armed ship to plunder the enemy

                                           

Pirate or a privateer? What's in a name? Words have power, and these words conjure images that blur together in my mind. I thought it might be helpful to other readers to explore the differences in these words.

According to Miriam Webster:A pirate is someone who commits piracy : an act of robbery on the high seas; also : an act resembling such robbery

Also, according to Miriam Webster: A privateer on the other hand: an armed private ship licensed to attack enemy shipping; also : a sailor on such a ship

What if I asked you to name a pirate in pop culture? 

Many people would probably say Captain Jack Sparrow or Captain Hook? Even if they weren't the first to come to mind, they are indeed two examples of fictitious pirates that are easily recognized by most people.

But what if I asked you to name a privateer? 

Did you know that Sir Francis Drake the explorer, was a privateer flying under the English flag? His name now graces the Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco. Or that, Henry Morgan was a Welsh born privateer who is easily recognizable as the Captain Morgan on the label of Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum? Though the title of privateer is basically the polite term for a government owned pirate, there is little doubt that they have made their own impact on pop culture.

Sir Francis Drake

Actor portraying Captain Morgan

                                                           
So, is Bastien a pirate? Or a privateer? Can Raeven find love with him either way? Lucky for you there are going to be many opportunities to win this book coming up in January and February. I'll keep you updated here, and you can follow Shana Galen on Google +, Facebook, Twitter, Website and Blog at The Sisterhood of the Jaunty Quills.

Shana Galen Super Pirate Extravaganza -click on the link below.

Pirates and Dukes and Gentlemen--Oh, My! at Fresh Fiction
Shana Galen is giving away, The Making of A Duchess, The Making of a Gentleman and next months release The Rogue Pirate's Bride at Fresh Fiction. As if that wasn't enough treasure Shana is adding gold doubloons (chocolate coins) and Pirate's Booty (a delicious gluten free snack). Ends on January 31, 2012.

The Rogue Pirate's Bride Tour - Dates and Locations
Well here is the list of stops on Shana's blog tour for The Rogue Pirate's Bride, and there will be an opportunity to win at every stop. Lots of great blogs, and fun topics.