October 22nd, 2010
Book of the Day: Jeweled

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

The winner of yesterday’s book, an autographed copy of The Chosen Sin, is Kathy, who said, “I love Angela Knight’s “Time Hunters” series. They are really good. I really loved this one! Any chance you are doing any more related to this?” Thanks, Kathy! The Chosen Sin is a stand alone title and not part of a series, so it will be the only one. 🙂 Sometimes I write stand-alones and sometimes short series (Jeweled and Jaded will be a two-book series).


Defined by magic. Ruled by desire.

In the Court of Edaeii, magic-imbued Evangeline is rewarded for her gift in manipulating emotion with a sapphire stone set into the perfect curve of her lower back. Her greatest rival in the royal court is the enigmatic Anatol, instilled with the power of illusion. He may better her in magic, but he is her absolute equal in passion.

They share something else—they’re both targets of low-born revolutionaries bent on overthrowing the palace of the privileged few. Rescued from the mobs by Gregorio, the brilliant revolutionary mastermind, they’re given sanctuary. But in this warm refuge, Evangeline soon finds herself torn between the magic of one man she has always desired, and the excitingly new and radical moves of another. For her, there is only one choice.

Evangeline, Anatol and Gregorio come together as one to explore the possibilities of love beyond reason, and to indulge in pleasure without limits.

Smiling a little, she inclined her head. “Good night.” Then she moved toward the door.

“Evangeline?”

She turned back to him.

“Do you like me even a little?”

Her smile faded. The problem was that she liked him a lot. She wasn’t sure, exactly, why that was a problem for her, since Anatol didn’t seem to think it was one. “I do like you, Gregorio.”

“I’m glad.”

She turned to leave again, but he caught her gently by the arm and turned her toward him again. He had a hard, hungry expression on his face and it made her stomach do a warm flip. She knew that expression.

Reaching out with her magick, she tasted his emotions and found undeniable desire. Her body responded to it like a flame to kindling. “Gregorio?” His name came out almost devoid of breath. Suddenly she saw where this was going. She wasn’t sure she could stop him from initiating it—she wasn’t sure she wanted to stop him.

He pushed her backward step by step, until he was pressing her up against the wall behind them, the strategia game board long forgotten. This was not a game.

“Don’t do this,” she whispered.

“Do what? I won’t hurt you, Evangeline. Nothing in the world could ever make me do anything to harm you.” The firelight lit half his face and left the other half in darkness. His breath was warm and sweet on her face, his callused grip strong.

“I know,” she breathed out in a sigh.

“I’m glad.”

Gregorio’s lips skimmed her cheek and her fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt. Her breathing hitched in her throat and her heart beat faster. Her body reacted, her sex growing warm and wet, her nipples going hard. She had strong feelings for Anatol and she wanted to be able to use them to push Gregorio away. Yet, there was a ragged emotional wound somewhere deep inside her that seemed to need what Gregorio was offering her.

His hands were rougher and stronger than Anatol’s, and his touch made her shudder with desire. He took her hands and pinned them above her head. Her wrists were so thin and his hands were so big, he only needed one to immobilize her.

“Do you want me?” His low voice rumbled through him as he limned her jawline with his mouth. “Tell me to stop, Evangeline. Tell me stop and I will.”
She wished she could, but she yearned for his touch and for his kisses.

And so when he bunched her skirt up and slid his hand beneath the hem, she didn’t stop him.

Yesterday we talked about futuristics. Today let’s talk about historical fantasy. There’s really not much of that in the romance genre. Historical fantasy creates a faux historical time period, usually taking elements from a true time period. For example, Jeweled takes flavoring from the French and Russian revolutions. I would consider steam punk to be historical fantasy, just a narrower category of it, and Megan Hart’s Order of Solace is historical fantasy.


Have you read much historical fantasy? If so, can you remember any of the titles? If not, what attracts you to it?

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

65 comments to “Book of the Day: Jeweled”

  1. Since I failed History: Revolutions in twelfth grade, I’m wary of historicals. Unless they’re set in Russia – or in your case, Russian-esque 😉


  2. Ive read Colleen Gleasons Gardella Vampire Chronicles. I really enjoyed reading it. Im not sure why I haven’t read anymore, I guess none have jumped out at me.


  3. no i don’t believe i have read any historical fantasy but i’m always up for a new experience thanks


  4. There are two authors I practically run to for my historical fix – Amanda McIntyre. The woman is beyond awesome!! From The Dairy of Cozette, to The Master and The Muse. To Tortured to Forbidden Pleasures, this woman will knock your socks off!!! Then there is Charlotte Featherstone. One word- Addicted. Omg! Awesome. Please include me in!!!


  5. I just finished reading “The Iron Duke” and agree with you, it is a more defined segment of historical fantasy with focus on technology and more sci-fi like elements. Awesome book.

    I also love Hart’s Order of Solace, reading “Selfish Is The Heart” right now.

    Another historical fantasy is Kathryn Kennedy’s, The Fire Lord’s Lover. Fun read.


  6. Thank you for this opportunity! I really want to read Jeweled!

    I haven’t read too much Historical Fantasy… Like Scorpio, I read The Iron Duke – steampunk romance – it was incredible!

    I also just finished Geist by Philippa Ballantine… This was “historical” in the fact that the world was set in a time when there were horses, airships and travel by ships and no “modern technology” – but it isn’t set in any real history or even in the context of historical earth. Amazing Fantasy book.


  7. I haven’t read much historical fantasy but I do love it.

    I remember one, but not title or author, sorry…where the hero was a shapeshifting dragon. I really enjoyed it.

    Valerie
    in Germany


  8. I’ve read the Man in the Iron Mask… Does that count? When I was much younger, I read many fantasy novels that did take place in a more “historical” timeline, but not our history… so I figured that wouldn’t count. I do love hearing stories of that nature, like King Arthur, etc. I’ve always been a Fantasy buff, and medieval times always interested me as a child. I think of dragons. And I love me some fantastical creatures 🙂


  9. I’ve read lots of historical fantasy. Some authors are Joy Nash, Sandra Hill, and Mary Jo Putney. I’ve, also, read several books dealing with King Arthur legend.


  10. I enjoy reading historical fantasy but as you said there aren’t many books of that genre! The last historical romance I read liked very much is The Iron Duke!


  11. I have not read a lot in that sub-genre but it combines two of my favorite types: historical and fantasy. Do not see how that could go wrong!


  12. I don’t know if they count as historical fantasy but I like Chelsea Quinn Yarbro’s St Germain series. I like reading about the different time periods that the books are set in.


  13. Angela Knight has a series called Mageverse dealing with the legend of King Arthur. All the characters involved are vampires, witches, fairies, wolves. Weird at first but very interesting. I look forward to each new one that comes out. Can’t wait to read Jeweled!!!!


  14. I’m so glad you mentioned the Order of Solace series by Megan Hart. I love all of the details and the language she chooses. Here newest release, Selfish is the Heart, has to be my favorite.


  15. I thnik I’ve only read one historical fantasy series, and that’s Jenna Maclaine’s Cin Craven series.


  16. I have not read much historical fantasy. Jeweled sounds great.


  17. I love reading historicals and fantasy but I have not been able to read many historical fantasies. There just aren’t that many out there. When I find them and they do happen to catch my eye I read them. I honestly don’t really discriminate towards any genre. I pretty much love anything that catches my eye.


  18. I have not read a Historical Fantasy novel. In fact, I’ve been living under a rock and, I did not even know the genre excisted. But it’s definitely something I would be interested in. For I love fantasy and I also love historicals. So I’m gonna check what titles the other ladies put here and see if I can find any.


  19. I am so glad that you mentioned steampunk. I just finnished the Parasol Patrole series by Gail Carriger. It was so good that I sent her an email to tell her. I even read all three books back to back! I am telling everyone to try them. They are so smartly written and FUNNY! If you want a really good laugh, give them a try.
    The other historical fantasy series that I “consumed” was the Kusheil’s series by Jacqueline Carey. It is an experience. I even have talked my husband into reading it. Fair warning, they are thick and there are lots of them. On the other hand, they read very fast.
    I love this excerpt. I can hardly wait to read the book and find out what happens!


  20. I haven’t delved in any Historical Fantasy to date, but hey, I’m willing to expand my reading zone when my usual genres don’t provide the fix I need.


  21. I read historical fantasy and one title that comes to mind off the top of my head is: Kiss of the Rose by Kate Pearce – it is about the Tudors in England with vampire elements.


  22. Jim Butcher’s Alera Codex is the first to come to mind. Roman empire with furies and ugly bug creatures trying to destroy the world. 🙂 Amazing world building. 😀
    C.E. Murphy’s Inheritor’s Cycle series is amazing if you know Renaissance history well. You can follow along, but everybody had different names and some have magic.


  23. good question

    Burning Up is only one i can think of right now that has all those elements and honestly id have to say what attracts me to it is it isnt real but is some of the elements are real and can be relate dto but the rest wisks you away to another place all together thats what attracts me to it


  24. I haven’t read much for historical stories myself unless they are more paranormal based. I do enjoy the idea of being treated more like a princess/ queen along with it is nice to imagine the days before money and electronics controlled everyone’s life!


  25. I haven’t read historical fantasy yet, but C E Murphy is already on my wishlist and I will try the series soon…


  26. I’ve read some stories about King Arthur, but I can’t think of other historical fantasy. I have Iron Duke waiting for me at the post office, so I’ll definitely be checking that out. And I’d love to see how this story plays *ahem* out.


  27. The Iron Duke is fabulous. I’m also a real big King Arthur fan.

    Valerie
    in Germany


  28. I do enjoy historical fantasy and I like C.L. Wilson’s Tairen Souls series.


  29. I think the only historical (paranormal) fantasy i read is the Cin Craven series by Jenna Maclaine. It was different and i really enjoyed it.


  30. Have enjoyed Joy Nash’s books… have to branch out more on my historical fantasy reading…


  31. I’ve only read one historical fantasy that I am aware of, but it wasn’t a romance novel. The Mageverse books that were previously mentioned might count, but they’re also alternate universe with touches of the present day.


  32. I’ve not read much historical fiction, but I have read a boatload of sci fi/fantasy. One series that encompasses both that I really love is George R. R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire; although I’m still waiting for the fifth book to come out (over a year late), the HBO series based on it will be here next year.


  33. Only historical have read involved King Arthur, isn’t really a genre I have read. Must branch out and read some.


  34. I really wish there was more Historical Fantasy. I grew up on historical romances and love going back to them when I can. I love Colleen Gleason’s Gardella Vampires. I haven’t read it yet, but Kate Pearce’s Tudor Vampires look good.


  35. OOohhh….I forgot about Quinn Taylor Evan’s Merlin’s Legacy series. They take place during the time of William the Conqueror and the characters are fabulous!


  36. JL Langley’s Sci-Regency series with Nate and Aiden is a wonderful historical fantasy series 🙂


  37. I haven’t read any historical fantasy. It looks pretty unique though.


  38. I’ve read a few historical fantasy books and my favorite is Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series.


  39. Karen Marie Moning – I LOVE her Highlander series!


  40. I have my copy of Iron Duke arriving today, and I think that might actually be my first historical fantasy story. With all the fabulous reviews I’ve read, I just couldn’t resisit picking up a copy.


  41. I don’t think I’ve read many historical fantasy novels. I know I’ve read historicals. Although, I do remember this one time-travel series where it went back and forth between Scotland and America throughout the ages. Would that count?


  42. I haven’t read a lot of historical fantasy novels but 1 read for review recently was really good. It was called Out of Time by Monique Martin. I believe it was a self publish through Smashwords. It was really good.

    It started out in present day and time traveled back to the 1920’s. I really enjoyed it a lot.


  43. @ Addie- There’s a release date for the fifth book?! Is it soon?


  44. I read alot of historicals, but as far as I know I have never read what you call a historical fantasy!! I need to start reading some, I am sure I would enjoy them.


  45. I have not read very much of this genre. I can’t think of any titles but I really like that the story still seems real but that you get to have a play in how society deals with things or societal rules.


  46. I don’t think I’ve ever read a historical fantasy. If I did; I can’t recall it.

    I enjoy reading historical fiction, so adding some fantasy to it will be enjoyable.


  47. I have read Golleen Gleason Gardella Vampire series, The Fire Lord’s Lover by Kathryne Kennedy, amd the Mageverse series by Angela Knight. I have also read a lot of King Arthur series.

    Jeweled looks like a great read.


  48. I’d have to chime in for Karen Marie Moning’s Highlander series. I can’t wait for another one come out!


  49. I love history and fantasy books but i dont think i have ever read a book containing the 2. I would love to get some but I need some author suggestions.

    -Brandy
    brandyzbooks@yahoo.com


  50. I have read so many different genres growing up (family big scifi & fantasy readers) that it is hard to pick fav historical fantasy titles. Beauty by Robin McKinley (Hero and the Crown & Blue Sword -world almost ours ?does that count? Great Books); And Elizabeth Scarborough -not sure if she counts as historical fanatsy but I think some of hers does…those are lots of fun. Haven’t read them in long time.
    Vicky


  51. I have read some Sandra Hill – not sure if that would be considered historical fantasy. I do love the idea of combing these two genres into one book And Jeweled sounds awesome!


  52. Yes! I’ve read Megan Hart’s Solace books – I liked the setup but didn’t get into the stories. I read the Clockwork Heart this year – I enjoyed that one a lot. Good hook & good followup. The Phillip Pullman His Dark Materials books.


  53. I have read a few like Colleen Gleason. I’ve also read Dracula,my love, if that falls in the category. I guess part of my issue is I can never settle on what genre something falls into. Although as much as I like history, there should be more that I’ve gotten to, but alas most are still on my TBR list.


  54. I’m not sure if what I occasionally read is called “historical fantasy”, but the historicals I read usually feature strong female characters who are “unusual” for their time and thus shunned by “polite” society. Women that are intellectual, independent, and secure in their sense of self. The House of Pleasure series by Kate Pearce and The Liars Club series by Celeste Bradley come immediately to mind.


  55. I don’t know if some of the books I read qualify as “historical fantasy” or not, but I tend to graviate toward historical books with a female character unusual for ther time. The heroine is intellingent, independent, or self-reliant, and thus shunned by “polite” society. The House of Pleasure series by Kate Pearce or The Royal Four series by Celeste Bradley come immediately to mind.


  56. I have read historical books: Johanna Lindsay and fantasy books too; historical fantasy? Janet Chapman’s Highlanders. Maybe Diana Gabaldon would also be in there. C.L. Wilson’s books


  57. I love historical fantasy for the historical time periods and then for the fantasy aspect – oh, magic! Mary Jo Putney comes to mind as well as Amanda Quick. I know I’ve read more, but those are the first two names that popped into my head.


  58. I loved Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series. Another “historical fantasy” series that I just read and loved was Kathrynne Kennedy’s Relics of Merlin series. It’s set in an alternate Victorian England where a person’s rank in the nobility is based on the strength of their ability to do magic. I’ve also got a book on my TBR pile by M.K. Hobson called The Native Star that is steampunk set in the American West.


  59. I haven’t gotten into the historical fiction. I have been looking to grab Gail Carriger’s series. I’ve heard lots of good things about it.


  60. I have not read any historical fantasy that I recal but I have Zoe Archer’s Scoundral and I believe that is historical fantasy. I just have to get the first one so I can read this one 🙂

    Kelly
    kittykelly28 at hotmail . com


  61. I can’t think of the historical fantasy books. The reason I’m attracted to them is because they are historical and they reflect a time when magic really did exist. I can’t prove it but I do believe once a upon a time, magic do exist.


  62. Gail Carriger’s Soulless series, which I have to say is AMAZING!!!


  63. This was a mind boggling topic. I took an hour trying to figure what books that I’ve read was a historical fantasy romance. I didnt even realize that I havent read much historical fantasy romances. So far I came up with The Smoke Thief by Shana Abe and Dragon Lovers (an anthology by Mary Jo Putney, Jo Beverley, Karen Harbaugh and Barbara Samuel).

    What drew me to these two books was the romance and a unique society/world with unique characters.


  64. More a historical PNR are Lydia Dare’s Victorian werewolves A Certain Wolfish Charm, Tall Dark and Wolfish and finally The Wolf Next Door. All fun reads.


  65. The lastest I’ve read are part of the Kushiel’s Legacy Series by Jacqueline Carey. Its similar to Megan Hart’s Order of Solace Series except there is a lot more action, adventure,and a highly detailed storyline. What I like about this series is the head strong heroine who is also smart, and very perceptive, and the romance is slowly developed so the readers can have a strong connection with the characters. Its a nice breath of fresh air compared to the fast and furious of instant soul mate and feeling of love that comes with it.




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