Sunday, November 22, 2009

REVIEW -- VOW OF SEDUCTION

Vow of Seduction by Angela Johnson
Publisher: Zebra
Release Date: October 6, 2009







Everyone knows that I adore debut novels. There is just something extra special about opening the cover of an author’s very first published book. I feel the excitement and wonder of the author as I begin to read her work of art. It is like discovering a delightful little bakery on the outskirts of town and sitting down and tasting the first delectable bite of sugary confection.

Here is the first bite from Angela Johnson’s debut novel:

”Lady Katherine of Montclair squeezed her thighs tightly around Hunter’s sleek body and rode him hard. Sunlight speared the oak forest canopy, dappling them with heat. Leaning over Hunter, she whispered loving words into his ear and stroked her hand down the taut length of his neck and powerful shoulders. In response, his flanks flexed beneath her, thrusting harder, faster. Her heart pounded sharply and excitement pulsed in her blood.”

Now THAT is an opening paragraph!!!

Forced to marry Sir Alex de Beaumont at an early age due to her father’s failing health, Lady Katherine is shocked by the passion Sir Alex stirs in her on their wedding night. A passion that is quickly doused the morning after when Lady Katherine awakens in the marriage bed alone, with only a note from her new husband stating he has left with King Edward’s forces to fight in the Crusades. Mad beyond words, Lady Katherine takes her frustration out on the marriage sheet and throws the only evidence of the consummated marriage into the fire.

Six long years have passed and believing her estranged husband is dead, Lady Katherine is set to move on with her life. Standing in St. John’s Chapel at Westminster Palace in front of King Edward and the court, Lady Katherine is poised to speak her wedding vows to Sir Luc de Joinville, a man who desires children and will see to her happiness. But before the ceremony can proceed, the silence of the chapel is disturbed by the crash of the doors opening and the appearance of a disheveled and dirty man. None other than Sir Alex de Beaumont.

After two years fighting in the Crusades and four years being held as a slave in a Saracen prison, Sir Alex has finally set foot on English soil only to discover his wife, Lady Katherine, is about to marry his one-time friend, Sir Luc. Needless to say, Lady Katherine is shocked to see her husband alive. Her shock soon turns to anger as the feelings of abandonment and betrayal fill her heart again. But Sir Alex will not be gainsaid. He will have his wife again and soon. Not having sex for six years tends to make a man very moody, aggressive and more than determined! Striking a marriage bargain agreement with Lady Katherine, Sir Alex is given one month to woo his lady wife back or he agrees to apply for an annulment to the Pope. In addition to winning back the woman he has dreamed about every night for the last six years, Sir Alex is also intent on discovering the identity of the person who oversaw his capture during the Crusades and his harsh, brutal imprisonment.

This is a wonderful story, full of betrayal, intrigue and the up and down journey of two individuals learning to trust and open their hearts to a love full of companionship and passion. I hope that you will give this debut a try!

~ Buffie

35 comments:

  1. Sooo ... she's riding her horse in that first paragraph, isn't she?

    This book sounds really, really good. I haven't read a medieval in quite some time but I feel like this one would be worth a try.

    Thanks for the review, Buffie!

    ReplyDelete
  2. That opening scene is just...WOW!!! That's enough to make me buy the book. *g*

    I love debut authors, too, Buffie! Thanks for sharing this one with us. and BTW, the cover hunk has one fine looking back. Wonder if the front is as good? *VBG*

    ReplyDelete
  3. WOW!...just WOW! to that opening paragraph.
    This sounds like an awesome book, I'll definitely be on the look out for it.

    How do you guys find debut authors? Because sometimes I find a "new author" only to find out that they have been around for years and are only new to me.

    ReplyDelete
  4. LisaK -- YES! As I got to the end of that first paragraph I realized the writer was talking about Kat's horse. But at first the reader assumes the scene is between Kat and her lover. I giggled and laughed as I re-read that paragraph 4 or 5 times. I even read it to my hubby! I hope you will give this book a try.

    ReplyDelete
  5. LOL, Gannon! I would buy the book based on that first paragraph too! And I better that cover model has one fantastic front ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hey Dorothy! Yep, WOW is a great way to describe that paragraph.

    I usually find out about debut authors from other romance blogs and forums. Other authors are always willing to shine the spotlight on the "new girl in town". Sometimes the cover of the book itself even says debut.

    I hope that you would give this one a try!

    ReplyDelete
  7. A debut novel is certainly something to be cherished, for reader and writer alike. And this one has a yummy cover, as well...

    ReplyDelete
  8. Buffie

    A fantastic review and yes this one is added to my must have list I love a good medieval and this one sounds awesome can't wait to read it.
    I look forward to getting to know Lady Katherine and Sir Alex

    Have Fun
    Helen

    ReplyDelete
  9. Buffie, thanks for the totally awesome review. You summed up the essence of the story in a well-written and succinct style.

    I am so glad you like the oppening paragraph. Many, many years ago I read a Virginia Henley novel where she used a similiar technique and I always wanted try something like it in my own writing.

    She is just one of several writers who has influenced me over the years.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Gannon and Dorhy, thanks for the WOW!! It's just what every writer loves to hear.

    I love the cover too. And check out his huge, gleaming . . . sword. I'd love to get my hands on that.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great review, Buffie! You had me at the opening paragraph. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Dorthy, regarding debut authors . . Kensington's Zebra imprint has a line geared to debut authors. VOW OF SEDUCTION is their October release.

    You can check out some of their other authors at http://angelajohnsonauthor.com/forwriters.html and at http://www.kimberlykillion.com/Zebradebut2009.asp

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm not usually a medieval fan but this one sounds fantastic! On to the read list it goes.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Julia, I totally agree with you -- a debut is something to be cherished and this one is no exception!

    Hey Helen! I really think this is one story you will truly enjoy. I know that you love medievals too!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thanks, Angela! And welcome to The Romance Dish!

    I think it is wonderful that you used a technique from an author you admire.

    I hope to read many more of your books in the future. Please tell you will be writing a sequel to this one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh, Calila, this one is fantastic! I sure hope you give it a try.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Julia, that is such a great sentiment. This being my first, I truly enjoyed writitng it. And I hope others will 'cherish it' as I do.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Helen, thanks for putting me on your TBR list. Hope you love Kat and Alex's story as much as I do.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Buffie . . . funny you should ask. I just turned in the sequel to Vow of Seduction to my editor last Thursday. It is Rand and Rose's story and is scheduled to be released in October of 2010

    ReplyDelete
  20. Congrats on your debut release, Angela. I'm looking forward to reading "Vow of Seduction."

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love medieval so it looks like I will be blowing the book budget yet again. Maybe I should just budget everything else and buy my books first.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Calila, thanks, that would be great if you'd give my medieval a try. Medievals and Regency's are my favorite kinds of historical romance novels.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi, Angela! I gotta get this book. Wow and double wow! What made you decide to write a story set in this time period? I enjoy reading medievals and look forward to Kat and Alex's romance.
    Super review, Buffie!

    ReplyDelete
  24. YAY!!!!! Angela, I was SO hoping that you would do their story! I can't wait to read it!

    Any idea on a title yet?

    ReplyDelete
  25. Jane, thank you. I hope you enjoy VOS.

    Dianna, so sorry about the budget. It would be interesting to add up how much money I've spent on romance novels over the 20 odd years I have been reading them. But I bet it's a lot cheaper than what it would cost for therapy. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  26. Dianna, what is this book budget you speak of???

    ReplyDelete
  27. Fabulous opening paragraph and awesome review!! Yum!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thanks, Deb! As you can tell, I really enjoyed this book. Medievals are my first love when it comes to romance novels.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thanks, Nicole! Yep, that is one fabulous opening paragraph!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hi, Deb. Medievals were the first romance novels I ever read. I have always had a fondness for them. But the story I wanted to write was about second chances. I wanted the hero to return from a long absence in prison, though everyone assumes he's dead, and thought the crusade period would be a good period in which to set the story.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Buffie, no title yet for the sequel. Vow of Deception is my working title, but I hope to have cover copy and new title for the book soon.

    Nicole, thank you. The opening paragraph certainly sets the tone for the rest of the novel.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Angela, I love the working title of Vow of Deception! Maybe the publisher will keep it. As I said before, I am so happy that you are writing Rand's story. You gave just enough information on him to have me wanting more. And Rose! Oh my goodness does she have a story to tell!! Now I can't believe I have to wait almost a year for it!

    Thank you so much for stopping by today! It has been a real pleasure.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Thank you, Buffie, for your wonderful review. It's so thrilling to see readers enthusiasm for my book. I enjoyed being at The Romance Dish today.

    Vow of Deception is an apropro title, so it would be cool if they kept it. The title for Vow of Seduction was actually my suggestion, so who knows, they could accept the title.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Wow! What a great opening paragraph! Buffie, you know how much I love my medievals and, like you, I really enjoy discovering (and supporting) debut authors. Vow of Seduction has been added to my tbb list. Looking forward to reading it!

    ReplyDelete