May 31, 2012
We’re back from two weeks in Scotland, London and Paris. The trip was both pleasure and “business”: I took copious notes in two small museums in Scotland that I hope will help me with the new series I’m working on. (and I could even read my handwriting when I typed them up on my laptop!) Here’s a photo of Wellwood House, the charming country house hotel we stayed at in Pitlochry, Scotland. Below it is the Atholl Palace Hotel, which houses a fascinating glimpse into its past in the basement. Other highlights of the trip included a boat ride down the Seine, watching hundreds of men in kilts at the Glamis Gathering, and studying the fabulous jewels in the Victoria and Albert Museum. I’ve come home sworn to resume my diet after eating my way through Europe. Wish me luck with that.
News: May 31 is the last day to bid on all six Courtesan Court books for the Brenda Novak Auction. The link is here. This is also the last day to enter the website contest for a box of books and swag from the RT Booklovers Convention. And if you pre-order Lord Gray’s List, it’s only $7.95 at the moment, an amazing deal for a trade paperback! I have no idea how long this is going to last… Here’s the Amazon link.
Next month’s contest will have Silver Jubilee goodies I picked up in London! Check back tomorrow to enter.
May 9, 2012
Pretty in red, yes? This mass market anthology can be pre-ordered here.
May 8, 2012
From Cybil Solon at Rakehell Reviews: “Oh it’s about time that Andrew Rossiter go his own book! I’ve been dying to see what Robinson does with such a tormented hero as Andrew, and I’m pleased to say the wait was worth it.
Andrew Rossiter has been living as a whore since he was seven years old. Men and women alike desire his good looks and prowess in bed which is fine by him since his flexible morals only care about the money his clients pay him with. But when he has to rescue his son from assassins, the only thing he can do is try and turn his ill-gotten gains to the purpose of hiding his son and making a new life for both of them. Which is all easier said than done when he ends up on a cold and dank island that may be remote, but comes with a harpy of a nursemaid. A harpy nursemaid whom his son adores, and (to his surprise) can stir his jaded senses without even trying.
Gemma Peartree may have gotten off on the wrong foot with Andrew and the house staff, but she NEEDS her job. Her past isn’t so stellar either, and spending it hiding with the far too handsome and angelic looking employer who makes her heart flutter is a better fate than the one that awaits her elsewhere. She grew up with whores so she understands Andrew. Every time he tries to drive her away she knows that he’s really just afraid of wanting her closer.
And this is why this book works so well. Andrew is a much darker character than any others in Robinson’s “Courtesan Court” series. He’s been sexually used and abused for so many years that he doesn’t know what it’s like to be cared about for himself. I’ve enjoyed the other books of the series, but this one is my favorite. Finally I got to see inside the mind of the enigmatic and sultry Andrew Rossiter. He’s been a fantastic secondary character, but as a leading man he kept me up all night turning pages.
Gemma is his perfect foil. Because she too is damaged and has grown up around people like Andrew there aren’t any secrets or big misunderstandings to take up valuable pages. When Andrew reveals the dark side of himself, Gemma just looks at him and shrugs, making him wonder if maybe he isn’t so dark and dangerous after all.
The plot with his son is well-woven in, too. Often with children in a book like this the child is either ignored or takes over too much of the story. But Robinson uses him and the threat to his life perfectly. He was never in the way of the adult’s talk and very hot sex, but he was a tool that brought them together nicely.
Bottom Line: The best book in this series and one a fan of tortured heroes will love.”
Thanks, Cybil!
May 1, 2012
Highlights: “Gemma is a wonderful heroine. She is so different from the usually polished and well mannered historical romance heroines, her unaffected behaviour and fresh honesty made me chuckle quite a lot…What endeared Master of Sin to me was the light humour Maggie Robinson infused in the story…Maggie Robinson had to delay the usual blistering tone of her novels a bit, but fear not: though the loving between Gemma and Andrew is tender and sweet at first, the heat is constantly there, the sexual tension between these two and especially as Andrew wants to do the honourable thing and not seduce Gemma will make your skin heat…
Verdict: Master of Sin is so much more than an erotic historical romance novel. Its emotional depth and the exploration of Andrew’s healing touched my heart…If you are not afraid of a bit of emotional baggage and a seriously tortured hero you shouldn’t miss out on Master of Sin, it is a wonderful story and a worthy ending to this great series.” The whole thoughtful, wonderful review with excerpts of the book is here.
Apr 17, 2012
Master of Sin is an April Top Pick from the Season For Romance! Snippet: “This story has snippets of humor amidst its dark background. The characters are seductive, compelling and interesting.
Overall the story is one of redemption; neither character feels worth of love but both find it. Those who loved Maggie’s Mistress by Mistake, Mistress by Marriage and Mistress by Midnight will love Master of Sin. I was slightly saddened by the fact that this final book to the series didn’t include Mistress in the title. Luckily, the book provided everything that made me fall in love with the novels that have come before it. Maggie is an author you don’t want to miss and this story and series are ones you will want to read sooner rather than later!”
Thank you, reviewer Tiffany!
