It's my pleasure to welcome one of my favorite authors and people back to the blog today. I first discovered Teresa Medeiros when I picked up a copy of her 1999 historical romance, Charming the Prince and I've had a non-stop love affair with her books ever since. Many of them have honored places on my keeper shelf, including her newest release, The Temptation of Your Touch. (Check out Andrea's 5 star review here!) Teresa is not only a successful author of immense talent but she's also one of the nicest, most charming and most genuine people I've had the opportunity to meet. I hope you will join me in giving her a warm welcome to the Romance Dish.
Since I spent my last book (The Pleasure of Your Kiss) exploring the exotic pleasures of a Moroccan harem, I couldn’t wait to return to the misty shores of England for its sequel The Temptation of Your Touch.
Ever since I read The
Shivering Sands by Victoria Holt when I was only seven years old, classic
Gothics have captured both my heart and my imagination. And what could be more
deliciously Gothic than a haunted manor perched on the edge of the stormswept
Cornwall cliffs, a mysterious portrait of a beautiful woman, a brooding master
with a recently broken heart, and a tart-tongued housekeeper hiding some
enticing mysteries of her own? (Of course, this being a Teresa Medeiros novel,
I also managed to sneak in a disdainful cat named Sir Fluffytoes and a slightly
deranged dog with an underbite named Piddles for all of the reasons you might
suspect he was named Piddles.)
After indulging in the sensual excesses of the harem, I had so much fun exploring the Downton Abbey-esque passions simmering between master and housekeeper—a housekeeper who isn’t nearly as prim and proper as she’s pretending to be. (It’ll be fun to see if YOU can figure out which scenes I was writing when I nearly wore out my Downton Abbey soundtrack!)
Victoria Holt is also one of my personal role models because what could be more fitting for a writer than to die on a cruise in your late 80’s while researching another delicious romance?!
So how many of you grew up reading Gothic novels? If you
did, who was your favorite author? Victoria Holt? Mary Stewart? Phyllis A.
Whitney? And what was YOUR favorite Victoria Holt novel of all time? (For me
it’s a tie between On the Night of the
Seventh Moon and Shadow of the Lynx!)
One randomly chosen person leaving a comment on today's blog will win an autographed copy of The Temptation of Your Touch. (Open internationally)
Here's a late-breaking bulletin from Teresa: The Temptation of Your Touch is coming out tomorrow and for the first time ever, both The Temptation of Your Touch and The Pleasure of Your Kiss will be enjoying a simultaneous release this week in Australia, New Zealand and the UK for the Kindle, Kobo and Apple e-readers. (You can also find Charming the Prince, The Bride and the Beast, A Kiss to Remember and One Night of Scandal in those countries with more of my books to follow in 2013!)
Connect with Teresa at her website, Facebook and Twitter.
Here's a late-breaking bulletin from Teresa: The Temptation of Your Touch is coming out tomorrow and for the first time ever, both The Temptation of Your Touch and The Pleasure of Your Kiss will be enjoying a simultaneous release this week in Australia, New Zealand and the UK for the Kindle, Kobo and Apple e-readers. (You can also find Charming the Prince, The Bride and the Beast, A Kiss to Remember and One Night of Scandal in those countries with more of my books to follow in 2013!)
Connect with Teresa at her website, Facebook and Twitter.
Out of the three, Victoria Holt - Mary Stewart - Phyllis A. Whitney, I'd have to say I read more Mary Stewart. This is probably because this is what my older sister was buying & reading. I don't know that I do have an absolute favorite of Victoria Holt's.
ReplyDeleteI read all three authors and enjoyed them all.
DeleteMy grandmother was a BIG fan of Victoria Holt 's novels. They lay everywhere in her home & as a young teenager I read them with fast enjoyment. It had something sneeky, reading "grown-up" books without their knowledge... Didn't realize they where gothic romances at the time, but they where fun.
ReplyDeleteVictoria Holt was my introduction to romance, Kirsten. I adored her books!
DeleteYears ago before I became the reading addict I am now my sister always raved about Victoria Holt. I've never read any of them but I'll have to go check out her titles at Amazon. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteCarol L.
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
Hope you enjoy them, Carol!
DeleteI loved books by Mary Stewart, Victoria Holt, and Phyllis A. Whitney, but the Devil on Horseback by Victoria Holt is one of my favorite Gothic romance books.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to go back an re-read these one of these days. Details tend to fade a bit after 40+ years. ;-)
Deletei haven't read any of the authors work before..darn..i'm so late to read romance books i guess :)
ReplyDeleteMariska, Holt, Stewart and Whitney were at their writing peak in the 60s and 70s - probably long before you were born. ;-)
DeleteThat's the beauty of it, Mariska. These books are truly timeless. I somehow missed Georgette Heyer while I was growing up and am looking forward to reading all of hers someday.
DeleteOn the Night of the Seventh Moon wins hands down for me Teresa, I wore that book out. Can't wait to read The Temptation of Your Touch. I am a huge Downton Abbey fan too.
ReplyDeleteDianna, The Temptation of Your Touch is awesome, awesome, awesome!
DeleteI'm a huge Downton Abbey fan too and in a major funk after last night's episode. :(
I cried after last night's episode of Downton Abbey. *sniff*
DeleteI didn't read gothic stories until I was older and Victoria Holt was the author I read the most stories from. I don't remember my favorite since I am terrible with titles but the heroine was on a ship for part of it if I remember correctly.
ReplyDeleteMaureen, hope you'll pick up a copy of Teresa's new book. It's deliciously Gothic without being too dark - a perfect blend of everything I love in a historical romance.
DeleteThe Temptation of Your Touch will download to my Kindle very early tomorrow morning, Teresa. I can't wait to read it. Congratulations on the starred review from Booklist.
ReplyDeleteI was a huge fan of Gothic romances back in the day. Although Mary Stewart was my favorite, I read Holt, Whitney, and many others. Kirkland Revels and Menfreya in the Morning were my favorites by Holt. She was a remarkable writer in many ways, not least because she used different names for different genres long before doing so became the common practice that it is today. I loved the books she wrote as Jean Plaidy and Philippa Carr too. I believe she published under eight different names all told. Did you know that Sourcebooks Casablanca is reissuing Holt's books this year, beginning in March with The India Fan?
Janga, better clear your calendar for tomorrow. Once you start reading, you're not going to want to stop until you turn that last page! :)
DeleteOh, thanks for letting us know, Janga!
DeleteThank you, Janga! That is so exciting to hear about Victoria Holt's books being released. I think they're so very timeless. I just re-read NINE COACHES WAITING by Mary Stewart again and it was every bit as good as the first time.
DeleteTeresa, congratulations on your release! I am really looking forward to reading TTOYT! Your books are on my keeper shelf because you write with wit, warmth, and passion; I love your writing style.
ReplyDeleteMy mother had several Holt and Whitney books and I read them as a teen, but didn't much like the heavy, gothic writing, and, sorry, I'm still not much of a fan of those kind of books. I did read several Mary Stewart books and enjoyed the ones involving Merlin.
Congratulations again on your success. Thanks for being here today at TRD!
Deb, I adored Holt as a teenager but I've often wondered if I'd enjoy them as much today. Hope you enjoy The Temptation of Your Touch. Of all the Medeiros books on my keeper shelf, this is one of my favorites.
DeleteAw, PJ, you're making me blush! :)
DeleteThank you, Deb! I adore the ladies of The Romance Dish! I've had the pleasure of meeting them all personally and they are truly wonderful people.
DeleteI have had my eye on this novel for the longest time. The plot sounds exactly like the gothic novels I have always loved so much and I cannot wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteVictoria Holt novels were my absolute favorite and along with Phyllis Whitney and Mary Stewart, I could lose myself for hours in those wonderful Gothic novels. I would love to see more authors return to writing them. A governess, a big dark mansion located near a remote moor, a brooding hero, a poor little child needing love, and a mystery of some kind. Wow!! Makes my heart go pitter-patter. Whew! I'm going to have to grab up some of these novels for a re-read!
So hoping to win Teresa's new novel. I'm betting it will be a huge best seller! Huge congratulations to Teresa and a huge thank you to The Romance Dish for the great giveaway.
Hope you enjoy it, Connie! It's not as dark as some of the earlier Gothics and carries the trademark Medeiros humor and charm but it definitely has the Gothic feel. I loved it and, as you can tell from her 5 star review, so did Andrea!
DeleteThe giveaway is from Teresa so thanks go to her! ;-)
Oops! How rude of me! Thank you, Teresa!! Cannot wait to read your new novel! All the best!
DeleteI remember reading Victoria Holt years ago but don't remember any of the titles. How could you not love Teresa Medeiros' books. I'm really looking forward to this one too.
ReplyDeleteHow could you not love Teresa Medeiros' books.
DeleteSince it's never happened to me, I don't know! ::grin::
I loved to read Victoria Holt growing up and my favorite was also On the Night of the Seventh Moon. Never read the other authors, but I think I read most of Victoria's. Congrats on your new release and I can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteOn the Night of the Seventh Moon was one of my favorites too. Holt, Stewart and Whitney were favorites of the librarian at my small-town public library so those were the ones I could get my hands on and loved reading.
DeleteThanks Suzy Q! :)
DeleteI do remember reading some of Victoria Holt's books when I was younger. I can't remember which one was my favorite though, due to my silly aging brain.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I've read a lot of Teresa's books and have really enjoyed them. The Temptation of your Touch sounds wonderful, and has everything that I love in a book, i.e. passion, intrigue, danger and romance. Even more so, it's set in Cornwall, which is an added bonus, as I always loved going on holiday there.
Thank you for this opportunity to win, and congratulations to Teresa on her new release.
dpd333 (at) aol dot com
Oh, lucky you! I've always wanted to visit Cornwall, especially after reading all those wonderful historical romances set there.
DeleteWhen I was in Cornwall, I made my husband take me to "Jamaica Inn", (the setting of Daphne Du Maurier's book). I was in my glory.
DeleteThanks Diane! What an amazing trip! Wish I could have been there too! :)
DeleteMy aunt had all their books on her nightstand at one time or another and I grabbed them as fast as I could read them. I loved them all so much, I can't say that I had a favorite. My aunt introduced me to so many authors and genres, and I thank her everytime I pick up a book. Can't wait to read your new book since Shadows and Lace got me started reading romances again after a long hiatus back when it first came out.
ReplyDeleteAw, Donna, I'm so glad to hear that! I still remember Gareth and Rowena (and Marlys ) very fondly. That was only my second book so I was thinking of going back and reading it because I've probably forgotten everything that happened in it :)
Delete*waving madly* Howdy and welcome back, Teresa! I'm so glad you're here with us today. Congratulations on your new release tomorrow! As you know, I LOVED this beautiful romance. :)
ReplyDeleteLike a couple of the others, I have not read any of Holt's, Stewart's, or Whitney's books. I know that Holt was many romance readers' introduction to the romance genre. Perhaps one day I'll have the opportunity to read them since (as Janga mentioned) Sourcebooks is reissuing them! :)
Andrea! Thank you so much for the lovely review! My publisher and agent were equally thrilled :)
DeleteI read all these authors way back when and really enjoyed them. Don't know that I have a favorite book, though! I do love Teresa's books.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance.
mlawson17 at hotmail dot com
Gothics are some of my earliest reading but not at 7 lol. I read so many of them and still have many of those original books. I don't think I could pick just one - loved them all. I just love the cover on your newest and it really does bring back the feel of those old gothics!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read this,love the cover.
ReplyDeleteThanks Quilt Lady! :) I think they did a wonderful modern take on the old Gothic covers with the hero fleeing the manor in her white nightdress :)
DeleteGothic? Reminds me of reading--and loving--Rebecca all those years ago. Teresa's newest looks great; thanks.
ReplyDeleteI never read those 3 authors before :)) seems like i need to try them.
ReplyDeleteCongrats for the new release teresa!
Thanks for the fun post and giveaway! I remember reading and loving Jane Eyre as a teen. I can't even count how many times I read it :)
ReplyDeleteI did read Gothic novels when I was younger. I liked Shadow of the Lynx by Victoria Holt and Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to The Temptation of Your Touch! I've never read anything by Victoria Holt but I love a good gothic romance, so I'll have to check her books out. I'm a huge Downton Abbey fan, can't wait for the next season!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Teresa on the release of your latest book. I'm looking forward to getting my copy soon!
ReplyDeleteI've actually never read Victoria Holt's books. Not sure why...probably because I was never interested in Gothic romances. I'm a huge Downton Abbey fan too. Just finished watching the latest episode...and cried like everyone else seemed to do.
I bawled like a baby when I saw last night's episode, Karen! Somehow managed to avoid the spoilers so I was caught by surprise.
DeleteI am SO thrilled to be here today! So sorry I didn't check in early. I've been on the run all day, doing a radio interview, then getting my website and newsletter ready for the big day tomorrow :)
ReplyDeleteI never read gothic novel before :(. So I open to any recommendation :)
ReplyDeleteBTW, love Teresa Medeiros books. Congrats for the new release! :D
Thanks to Ren and everyone for the well wishes! You guys are really making me feel at home :)
DeleteI want to win!!!
ReplyDeleteI am reading The Bride and The Beast tonight.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I'm not sure I've read a Victoria Holt book. But my first romance book I ever read was yours. I was about thirteen. My grandmother had a big shelf full of romance novels in her farmhouse. She saw me looking at her shelf curiously and handed me one. It was your novel, Breath of Magic. I loved it.
ReplyDeleteFifteen years later and missing romance novels like crazy, I tried looking for your book because I couldn't remember the name. I finally found it, saw the sequel, squealed, and bought it on the spot. This might sound a bit over-the-top, but it was an incredible feeling to be reading the daughter's POV fifteen years later. Like we both kind of grew up and were reintroduced.
Anyway, in a nutshell, I love your stuff! My grandmother and I thank you.
never read any before but I have them on a list to get at the library first thing tomorrow :) thanks for the introduction to "new" to me authors
ReplyDeleteoh and my favorite Teresa book . . .well this is cheesy but ALL OF THEM :D Seriously a friend recommended Breath of Magic and by the next week I had every single book on both my NOOK and in my bookshelf :)
DeleteWow, I have read a lot of Victoria Holt books and some of her others by other pen names. How can you pick just one favorite? I have about 10 or more on my keeper shelf. Now Teresa, I have read a bunch of yours too and I can not pick a favorite there either. I have a lot of yours on my keeper shelf too. Keep up the great work and I will keep getting them. big hugs and thanks for keeping me laughing on facebook. I love the pranks you all play on each other..totally makes my days brighter.
ReplyDeleteOh, gosh. I grew up *hating* to read! But then, a box of books arrived from my aunt when I was about 12... and I was a goner. Completely sucked in despite myself. I fell in love. Nowadays, my favorite gothic romance authors are: Eve Silver and Charlotte Featherstone. Soooo lush. I've actually never read a Victoria Holt. But I know I have some of her novels around here somewhere, and I will definitely be giving her a try soon! Everybody always has absolutely nothing but great things to say about her.
ReplyDeleteI remember spending a summer checking out Victoria Holt after reading her in a Reader's Condensed Book. I think my favorite is Judas Kiss.
ReplyDeleteI love all of Teresa's books but I've reread Fairest of Them All and Breath of Magic too many times to count. :)
I read Victoria Holt in high school. My favorite is Mistress of Mellyn. You can't beat a good Gothic. Jane Eyre is my favorite book and it certainly has plenty of Gothic elements. Also a huge Downton Abbey fan since the first season. Sounds like The Temptation of Your Touch is right up my alley. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI sure did read them. It was easier to find gothic romances in those days than my favorite Regencies. I'd say that Mary Stewart was my favorite. My favorite Victoria Holt was Mistress of Mellyn.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely LOVE Teresa ! She has the ability to make my day that much brighter when I read her stories. I have even turned my husband on to her books. My favourite is Charming the Prince. I cannot wait til tomorow when her newest comes out, I think we are having leftovers because I am not cooking! I am READING!
ReplyDeleteKate Riggle
Hibbing,MN.
I read & loved all three authors. Every time someone mentions a Holt title, I think, that's my fave. I guess maybe MENFREYA IN THE MORNING or DEVIL ON HORSEBACK are at the top.
ReplyDeleteDOWNTON ABBEY is on of my current obsessions too. And the episodes seem so short this year. Can't stand to see it end, can't wait for the next one. Sign of good writing!!
Ann M
pmettert at yahoo dot com
Can't wait for the release of your new book tomorrow, I loved The Pleasure of Your Kiss, as well as all of your other books too of course =). They're very uplifting, enjoy your awesome day tomorrow, I'm so excited for you!!!
ReplyDeleteKrystle
I remember reading Victoria Holt and Phyllis A. Whitney, but I'm not sure about Mary Stewart, although I imagine I did read some of hers. Don't think I was aware at the time that books were 'Gothic'. I also liked Daphne du Maurier. I haven't read any of these authors lately, however; I must check them out again. At 66 yrs old now, it was many years ago when I was reading them, so I do not remember a favorite; but I do remember reading "Mistress of Mellyn", "Lord of the Far Island", "Menfreya in the Morning" by Holt; "The Stone Bull", "The Turquoise Mask", "Spindrift" by Whitney; and "Jamaica Inn" and "Frenchman's Creek" by du Maurier. Oh boy! am I going to need to go to the Library!!!
ReplyDeleteBUT I'm also anxious to read newer authors' books -- and Teresa, yours are on my list!
I didn't grow up reading Gothic novels but I love Teresa's books. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!!
susiebranum (at) ymail (dot) com
I enjoy gothic stories and have a box of old ones I dig into whenever the mood stricks. Victoria Holt was/is my all time favorite author in this genre. I have many Phyllis Whitney and Mary Stewart books, too. My all time favorite book, however, is REBECCA.
ReplyDeleteI actually did not read romances much growing up, except for VC Andrews as a teen. I only really got into reading romances about 3.5 years ago after becoming disabled. But I have read and love many of Teresa's books :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new release!
June