Lily Maxton Guest Post ~ Judging a Book by It's Cover

     Ah, the historical romance cover. From the days of yore when Fabio was the ubiquitous long-haired hero to its more recent manifestations, different romance covers can inspire love or hate. Like so many things, what makes a great cover is subjective. As an author, I actually have very little say in what my publisher chooses for my books, but just like anyone else, I have my preferences.

     Some people like the shirtless (or open-shirted) ab-man being at the front and center, which is totally cool. It’s not like shirtless ab-men are difficult to look at. But some people might prefer something more subtle—flowers or fancy gloves or some other object. And these are also nice, especially if you don’t have your e-reader and you’re reading in public, and like me, you get annoyed when people give you condescending looks. (Stupid jerks, what do they know!) Ahem.

     As for myself, I tend to think the best covers feature both the hero and heroine, but ideally, I like them to be a little less sexualized and a little more sensual.

     For instance, I think my favorite cover from my own books is The Wager. To me, this is the ideal—in just one image, there’s passion and longing and tenderness (the stuff of great romance!)—without going overboard. It teases you with sexual potential instead of putting it all right in front of you. It also gets bonus points for trying to look like it’s in the Regency period, even if the clothing isn’t a hundred percent accurate. And I’ve been told by a couple of people that the image reminds them of the train station scene in North and South. That scene makes me cry happy tears, so enough said.

     But I also love historical romance covers with just the heroine, because who doesn’t love gorgeous dresses and awesome female leads? The best of these do a little something extra to make the image stand out. My current favorite in this style is One Good Earl Deserves a Lover by Sarah MacLean. This hits all the right notes for me. I love the way the heroine is looking back, a little mischievous, a little teasing, with just a slight bit of skin showing. I love that dress. I love that she’s sitting at a desk and that her glasses are on the desk. Touches of personality can definitely jazz up a cover, and I think the designers of this one did it so perfectly. We all know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but a cover can do a lot of things—it can be fun eye-candy, it can tempt, intrigue, or show-case the main character’s personality—most importantly, it can get readers interested in the words inside the book.

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Thank you so much for joining us today, Lily. I love your choice of covers and I have to agree - I love the dresses and the vibrant colors as well.

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The Improper Bride by Lily Maxton ~ Blog Tour and Excerpt

Title: The Improper Bride (Sisters of Scandal #5)

Author: Lily Maxton
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Release Date: January 25, 2016

Cold, arrogant, and demanding Henry Eldridge, Marquess of Riverton, would never dally with a mere servant. But when Henry is injured in a horrible fire, his pretty housekeeper Cassandra nurses him back to health, throwing them together day and night. As he slowly heals from his burns, their friendship blossoms, and the class walls between them start to crumble. Cassandra is surprised by glimpses of a kind and thoughtful man beneath her employer’s hard façade—and even more surprised when she develops tender feelings for him. But anything between lord and servant is impossible...and besides, as a widow, she knows love only leads to heartbreak.

Henry is changing, as well. His close brush with death has opened his eyes to his self-imposed emotional isolation...and has urgently reminded him of his duty to marry a well-bred lady and produce an heir. Determined to do right by his family name, he immediately begins searching for a suitable bride. But Cassandra is the only woman who is never far from his mind or his heart. Contrary to everything he’s been taught to believe, he realizes his lovely housekeeper might just be his perfect match. Now, if only he could convince everyone else of that. Especially Cassandra...

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Excerpt

“Oh, indeed?” he said softly, in a tone that scared her with its evenness. “What you feel for me is mere…servitude?”

No! Good Lord, there was nothing subservient in the way she’d pressed into his body in the snow, or when she’d cradled his face in her palms, or slept spooned up against him on the library floor. But admitting that would only make a complicated situation even more tangled. “Yes, I suppose, if that is what you wish to call it.”

He took a step toward her. “And when I recognized you even blindfolded, and your body trembled as I whispered in your ear, that was merely lord and housekeeper?”

She swallowed, her face heating. “I…” She cleared her throat. “That was a misunderstanding.”

He took her hand in his and tugged. She stumbled forward, nearly colliding with him. She would have, if she hadn’t braced her hand on his chest. She had to tilt her head back to look him in the eyes and she was very aware that he hadn’t removed his fingers from her wrist. Each one was distinct, burning her like brands.

“In that case, touch me,” he growled.

“What? No, I—”

“If you’re not affected by my presence, man to woman, I want you to prove it.” His eyes blazed with challenge.

“You are being ridiculous,” she said, her voice quaking as much as her heart.

He untied his cravat with one hand and let it drop to the floor, revealing his throat and his collarbone—smooth, pale skin, unmarred by the fire. She saw the pulse in his throat, saw that it was beating faster than normal.

“Touch me,” he ordered. Like Satan whispering temptation in her ear… Do you want the apple? Take it. Taste it. Her hand was still on his chest. Take it.

She wanted to so much, with a yearning that left her weak. She slid her hand up, her fingertips brushing his shoulder. He was tense. When she touched skin, he sucked in a quick breath.

A heady feeling, to know a simple touch could affect him so strongly. Heady and hot, and not at all servile.

It occurred to her, she was playing right into the scoundrel’s hands.

She didn’t care. The contact, the warmth of him, the way his pulse trembled under her fingers, had a similar effect to the whisky. It was like flame dancing along her limbs. Her nerves tingled, surging and alive. She let her thumb brush his collarbone, memorizing the contour of the graceful, jutting sweep, and paused at the hollow of his throat where she could feel the pounding of his heart.

Taste it.

No, she couldn’t… But she was already letting her head fall forward, her willpower succumbing to the hard, harsh rhythm of her body. Her lips grazed the hollow and his fingers tightened around her wrist, almost hurting her but not quite. She breathed him in, salt and spice and skin.

And licked him.

Meet the Author

Lily Maxton grew up in the Midwest, reading, writing, and daydreaming amidst cornfields. After
graduating with a degree in English, she decided to put her natural inclinations to good use and embark on a career as a writer. When she's not working on a new story, she likes to tour old houses, add to her tea stash, and think of reasons to avoid housework.

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The Mistake by Lily Maxton - Review

Title: The Mistake (Sisters of Scandal #4)

Author: Lily Maxton
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency
Length: 182 pages
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Release Date: April 14, 2015 Source: Netgalley
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 3

Childhood love never disappears...

Infamous courtesan Julia Forsythe is the former mistress of a ruthless marquess. She’s also expecting his child. But while she longs to flee from his cold clutches, the welfare of her unborn babe prevents it. Now she must find a way to remain a “mistress” in name, if not in deed. And her plans are only complicated by a growing affection for the estate’s head gardener...

Fifteen years ago, Adam Radcliff once shared a close friendship with Julia. Now they stand worlds apart in both lives and statuses, sharing only the memory of that old friendship. But even as Julia slips out of the marquess’s lascivious clutches, she finds herself seeking the pleasure of Adam’s company. Now Adam is falling more deeply for Julia, even knowing that wanting another man’s mistress will only bring ruin upon them both...

This was one of the more interesting historical story lines I've read. Julia is a mistress - a fairly famous one. But she's found herself in a rough place with a man that is not very nice. He ships her off, pregnant and a little worried, to his country estate. She hopes to find some quiet and time to think - but instead she runs into her childhood sweetheart. Uh oh! Here's where she should have been open and honest, but she neglects to tell the whole truth instead - shame on her.

Adam is a gardener - a really good one! It was fun to see our hero not part of the aristocracy, but instead, a regular guy with a job, bills, and all that jazz. He's shocked to see Julia, and things are quite tense between the two of them.

While, Julia never really grew on me, the story was developed very nicely. No great sudden bursts through the plot or into love and a relationship. It was a gradual re-development of feelings and attractions. It was a romance brought on by some sweet reminiscing and with the help of Adam's nieces. They were just adorable.

Long and short - the plot was great - Adam was great - wish I'd liked Julia a more.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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Book Tour Double Review and Giveaway: The Duke's Shotgun Wedding by Stacy Reid and The Affair by Lily Maxton

Title: The Duke's Shotgun Wedding

Author: Stacy Reid
Source: Entangled - Scandalous
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: April 14, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 5
Sexual - 3

Victorian Era England…

As far as rash decisions go, it was formidable. But Lady Jocelyn Rathbourne’s will remains strong. If the only way to save her family’s estate and reputation is by aiming a small pistol at the Duke of Calydon, then so be it. For Lady Jocelyn demands satisfaction—and she will have it at any cost. Even if it means demanding the hand of the intense and foreboding Duke himself...

But she’s made the first move against a very dangerous opponent...

For Sebastian Thornton is no stripling to be trifled with. The lady has played her hand. Now it’s his turn. For Sebastian is in need of a wife. And to find a wife with spirit and fire—even if she means to only marry for his money—would be a great prize indeed. And he intends to thoroughly take his pleasure with her... and demand his own satisfaction in return.

When lady Jocelyn stormed the house of a Duke with a derringer I know I was going to love her.  She is probably one of most "modern" historical romance leading ladies I've seen.  Not afraid to speak her mind and demand what she wants - she's sometimes surprised to find out she just may get it.  Sebastion, the Duke of Calydon, is fascinated with the angry and passionate woman holding a gun on him.  So different than the meek little flowers of the ton, he is instantly captivated.

What starts as a very strained and confrontational relationship quickly escalates into one with mutual respect, but with the Duke not willing to share the reasons for some of his decisions, it may just all fall apart around them both.  This was a great romance with a lot of fire and passion in both characters.  (But Jocelyn really made the book click for me).

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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Author Bio:
I am an avid reader of novels with a deep passion for writing. I especially love romance and adore writing about people falling in love. I live a lot in the worlds I create and I actively speak to my characters (out loud). I have a warrior way “never give up on my dream.” When I am not writing, I spend a copious amount of time drooling over Rick Grimes from Walking Dead, watching Japanese anime and playing video games with my love– Dusean Nelson.

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Title: The Affair (Sisters of Scandal)
Author: Lily Maxton
Soure: Entangled - Scandalous
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: April 14, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 3
Sexual - 3

She was his for one week only…

When a beautiful stranger ducks into his bookshop during a rainstorm, Cale Cameron, well-known rake, is instantly attracted to her. Elizabeth, Lady Thornhill, is restless and hungers for something she cannot name. Society would never accept a countess and a mere bookseller, so they agree to a one week affair to indulge their desire.

As their passion ignites and their connection grows, Elizabeth threatens the one thing Cale has protected above all else—his heart. Letting her go is the only solution…and the one thing he is not prepared to do.

Lady Thornhill is a widow from a loveless marraige.  She enjoys finally being free to be herself and do as she likes.  She has no intention of falling for the notorious rake, Cale Cameron, when she stumbles into his store one there is an obvious attraction.  While Elizabeth is determined to not fall prey to his wicked ways - she may end up in his arms anyways.  Cale has no interest in a lasting relationship, he's more of a love them and leave them type.  But Elizabeth has managed to wiggle her way into a part of him he thought was dead.

While this was a very cute read, the characters just didn't have the impact I've seen in other books.  The storyline is sweet - who can resist a love conquers all attitude?

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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Author Bio:
Lily Maxton grew up in the Midwest, reading, writing, and daydreaming amidst cornfields. After graduating with a degree in English, she decided to put her natural inclinations to good use and embark on a career as a writer.

When she’s not working on a new story, she likes to tour old houses, add to her tea stash, and think of reasons to avoid housework.

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