Guestpost: Living In The Past by Vanessa Kelly + Giveaway

Filed in Giveaways , Guest Post , The Geeky Lover , Vanessa Kelly Posted on February 11, 2011 @ 7:00 am 47 comments

We are very happy to welcome regency author Vanessa Kelly here at Book Lovers Inc today.  One of her stories is part of the Invitation to Sin anthology which was released this month. Today she will tell us about her love for Regency Romance. Please give Vanessa a warm welcome and be sure to answer her question at the end for the chance to win your own copy.

I freely admit that the past holds an irresistible lure for me. As an author of Regency-set historical romance, this fascinating era provides the opportunity to bring my stories to life in settings that seem familiar but exotic, glittering and gritty, and full of endless possibilities for drama, passion, and conflict.

And I love the research. Okay, I realize that loving research so much qualifies me as a serious geek, but I like nothing better than sitting down with a good biography of the Prince Regent or Beau Brummell, and teasing out a bunch of fascinating little facts that I can weave into my latest tale. Not that historical romances should be a history lesson—just the opposite. Research should always serve the story. Setting and historical detail should never overshadow the romance between hero and heroine. But authors of any kind of historical fiction do strive to create a convincing world in which to place our characters. And even though our characters may not always act conventionally according to the dictates of the period, we have to make you believe that their actions are at least possible, given the world we’ve created.
Another compelling reason to place my stories in a historical setting is the opportunity to explore challenging or emotionally-freighted issues that I might not otherwise attempt. Take for example my novella in the just-released anthology, An Invitation To Sin. My heroine, Clarissa Middleton, is a war widow whose beloved husband was killed in a battle in Spain. Her year of mourning has come to an end, but she’s still angry over her loss and resentful that her friends expect her to view her husband’s death as a tragic but noble sacrifice. Enter Captain Christian Archer, a war hero and military man to the core. He’s madly in love with Clarissa and has been for years, but the last thing she wants is to get involved with another soldier.
Christian and Clarissa’s story was one that I very much wanted to tell, but writing about war and its effects on soldiers and their loved ones is a tricky subject. By setting my story in the past I was able to explore timeless but sometimes troubling themes from a safe distance, not letting the emotional weight of current events overpower my story or characters.
But my novella, The Pleasure Of A Younger Lover, isn’t just about exploring difficult themes and dark passions. It’s sexy and fun, too. And for my money, no era was sexier or more entertaining than the Regency. Let’s face it—those folks seriously knew how to party. What a dazzling setting to display the wit and glitter of English society, with those handsome rakes in their skintight breeches and leather top boots. And the clothes…I love the clothes of the Regency: sensual, flowing gowns that were remarkably revealing of the female form, especially when compared to the fashions of the Victorian era. And it’s much easier to write love scenes for a hero and heroine clothed in Regency garb, a real plus for any romance writer!
These are just a few reasons why I love to write historical romance. Not that I don’t love contemporary romances—I adore them. In fact, I write them with my husband on the pen name of VK Sykes. But there is an irresistible allure to the past, pulling me back into the glorious world of historical romance.

So, what do you think about historical romance? Love it, hate it, or just plain meh? And what’s your favorite period for historical romance? One commenter will win a copy of the anthology An Invitation To Sin, with novellas by Jo Beverley, Sally MacKenzie, Vanessa Kelly, and Kaitlin O’Riley.

About the Author:

Called one of the new stars of historical romance by Booklist, Vanessa Kelly writes Regencies with sizzle for Kensington Zebra. Her latest book, Sex And The Single Earl, is on shelves now. My Favorite Countess, her next Regency-set historical romance, will be released in May, 2011. You can reach her on the web at: www.vanessakellyauthor.com

About the Book:

“Forbidden Affections” is written by Jo Beverley. The doors to romance can be found in the most unexpected places, especially when the notorious Earl of Carne moves into the mansion neighbouring Anna Featherstone’s London townhouse. Who knocks first remains the only question…”The Pleasure of a Younger Lover” is written by Vanessa Kelly. Clarissa Middleton cannot resist the ardent kisses of Captain Christian Archer, though they must meet in secret or risk the censure of London society. In each other’s arms, desire and love melt two hearts into one…”The Naked Prince” is written by Sally MacKenzie. Josephine Atworthy is shocked by the goings-on at her rich neighbour’s house party. Quite shocked. But her demure charm beguiles a mysterious nobleman, who begs a kiss – then another. And in a twinkling they fall head over heals in love. “A Summer Love Affair” is written by Kaithlin O’Riley. Unmarried. Unconventional. Unchaperoned. Miss Charlotte Wilson is free to do as she pleases and Gavin Ellsworth is dashing. Summer in Spain at a secluded villa is about to get a whole lot hotter.

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~*~*Giveaway*~*~



Vanessa has generously offered ONE copy of An Invitation To Sin to one lucky commenter.

 All you have to do is answer one of Vanessa’s question at the end of her post.

(You can read our full giveaway policy here) 

Please leave us a way to contact you.
(Email in blogger profile or twitter name – no way to contact you – no entry). 

This giveaway is open worldwide!

Giveaway ends on Saturday, February 26, 2011, and we will announce the winner on Sunday.

Good luck!

Copyright 2010-11 Book Lovers Inc.

About Susi


Susi is a geeky vegetarian from Gemany. She just finished university and now works as a civil engineer in steel construction. Besides her reading addiction she also knits like a maniac while listening to audiobooks. Susi also blogs at the Secret HEA Society.

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47 Comments

Join the Discussion
  • debbie February 11, 2011 at 8:02 am

    I like historical romance as long as it is accurate. If it isn't, it just throws me out of the story.
    I like the early 1900's, but I haven't found many set in that time period.
    twoofakind12@yahoo.com

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  • Steve Tempo February 11, 2011 at 8:23 am

    I enjoy historical romances that provide a background and setting where new and different aspects of loving relationships can be explored, cherished, and celebrated. I think a well written romantic story in an historical setting allows the reader to know and feel a growing Love Relationship in between two characters in new and different ways through the lens of a different world. I enjoy the turn of the 20th century time period.
    steve.tempo@gmail.com

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  • Birgit February 11, 2011 at 8:30 am

    I liked historical books a lot, and am slowly getting into the historical romance genre.

    danaan at gmx dot at

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  • Margay February 11, 2011 at 8:48 am

    I love historical fiction, especially the Regency period. I don't know what it is about that period that grabs me so, but I just love reading about it. I also like the later Victorian period (the 1890s).

    Margay1122ATaolDOTcom

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  • Vanessa Kelly February 11, 2011 at 9:00 am

    Debbie, I think most historical romance writers really try hard to balance a good story with historical accuracy. That's why research is so important.

    Steve, I agree. That different time period allows writers to take a fresh look at the love relationship.

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  • Vanessa Kelly February 11, 2011 at 9:01 am

    Birgit, you have a lot of great reads ahead of you!

    Margay, nice to see you. Thanks for stopping by!

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  • Reading mind February 11, 2011 at 9:14 am

    I like historical novels for the different…flavour. If they are beautifully written you can almost feel and see like you're living in that period. I love victorian age, I find it very fascinating!

    aliasgirl at libero dot it

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  • GeishasMom73 February 11, 2011 at 10:16 am

    I focused on history in college so I love a good historical romance. I like being transported into another world with different rules. Congrats on the book!

    GeishasMom73 on twitter

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  • Felicia February 11, 2011 at 11:07 am

    Since falling in love with Jane Austen, the Regency period has become my favorite historical period. I just can't get enough Regency romance.
    felicialso@gmail.com

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  • Vanessa Kelly February 11, 2011 at 11:07 am

    Reading mind, I love Victorian set novels, too. Lisa Kleypas immediately springs to mind, as does Christina Dodd.

    Thanks for stopping by, Geishas Mom!

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  • Vanessa Kelly February 11, 2011 at 11:08 am

    I can't either, Felicia!

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  • ClaudiGC February 11, 2011 at 11:24 am

    I love historical romance! It's my first love, so to speak! I've started reading romances with the classic Woodiwiss books and have been reading only historicals for a long time. I've only started reading other genres in the past years. My favourite periods are the Regency as well as the Victorian. But I don't mind a good medieval thrown in from time to time.
    Good luck with your novella!

    claudigc at msn dot com

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  • Stacey Joy Netzel February 11, 2011 at 11:30 am

    I read any period of historical if the author draws me in. You're great at that and I've loved all your books, Vanessa! (VK Sykes, as well.)

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  • KimberlySue February 11, 2011 at 12:03 pm

    I really enjoy historical romance, as long as it is based on actual events that happened in the past! Reading historical romance is what got me interested in reading historical fiction!

    kimbers10[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  • Diana February 11, 2011 at 12:45 pm

    I love historical romance! My favorite period for historical romance is the Regency.I thing that during the Middle Ages would be interesting for romantic stories.

    artgiote at gmail dot com

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  • Blodeuedd February 11, 2011 at 1:26 pm

    I love them, why? Well that is simple, I love history 😀 I always have.

    My fave would be regency (of course) and something set between the 10th and 12th century 🙂

    blodeuedd1 at gmail dot com

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  • Vanessa Kelly February 11, 2011 at 1:27 pm

    Thanks for stopping by, Claudia!

    Aw! Thanks, Stacey! And congratulations on your book release today. Folks, check out Stacey's website. She writes really wonderful contemporaries.

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  • Vanessa Kelly February 11, 2011 at 1:29 pm

    Kimberly Sue, I like to think of historical romance as a gateway drug to historical fiction!

    Diana, my favorite period is the Regency, but I love a good Medieval. One of my fave Medieval writers is Kris Kennedy. She's sooo good.

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  • Vanessa Kelly February 11, 2011 at 1:30 pm

    Hi Blodeuedd! Thanks for stopping by!

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  • Donna Marie Rogers February 11, 2011 at 3:01 pm

    Vanessa, my copy of An Invitation To Sin arrived yesterday, so no need to enter me in the contest. 🙂

    Like Stacey, I'll read any era if the story sounds good, though Regencies are definitely my favorites. And you already know you're one of my new fave authors!

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  • Jane February 11, 2011 at 4:04 pm

    I do like reading historical romances. I enjoy regencies and medievals, especially those set during the Norman invasion.

    janie1215 AT excite DOT com

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  • Vanessa Kelly February 11, 2011 at 4:08 pm

    Thank you so much, Donna – you and Stacey are the best! I love your books, too!

    Jane, one of the first historicals I ever read was a Georgette Heyer about William The Conqueror. It's a great period to write about.

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  • Danielle Gorman February 11, 2011 at 4:11 pm

    I love reading historicals. It's the genre that I read the most of. I love reading about the Regency and Victorian periods.

    iqb99@yahoo.com

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  • cheryl c February 11, 2011 at 5:08 pm

    I love reading historical romances. It is a lovely way to visit another time and place. I especially enjoy the Regency England, medieval Scotland, and old American West time periods.

    castings at mindspring dot com

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  • booklover0226 February 11, 2011 at 5:20 pm

    I like historical romances, especially during the 1930's and 1940's. I love those eras.

    Thanks,
    Tracey D
    booklover0226 at gmail dot ocm

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  • Chanpreet February 11, 2011 at 5:20 pm

    My favorite genre of romance is historical! I love all periods, although there have been on or two books set in the Dark Ages that won't be found on my list of favorites. I have loved all of your books so far, Mastering the Marquess and Sex and the Single Earl. I did not know you were going to part of this anthology or I would have already added it to all of my wishlists!

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  • Sheree February 11, 2011 at 6:02 pm

    Hi, Vanessa! Although I'd read any genre, I do prefer historicals. There's something "once upon a time" about them ("once upon a time in Regency England…").

    You really ought to convince the powers-that-be to put Paul Marron on more of your book covers. 😉

    ironss[at]gmail.com

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  • Vanessa Kelly February 11, 2011 at 7:19 pm

    Hi Danielle – thanks for stopping by!

    Cheryl C, I love Westerns, too. Wish there were more of them out there!

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  • Vanessa Kelly February 11, 2011 at 7:21 pm

    Hi Tracy! I have to admit that I've never read any historical romances set in the 1930's or 40's. Wonderful eras to write about, though.

    Chanpreet, thank you so much! I'm so happy you liked my books!

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  • Vanessa Kelly February 11, 2011 at 7:22 pm

    Hi Sheree! I totally agree with you about Paul. What a hunk!

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  • Barbara E. February 11, 2011 at 11:54 pm

    I love historical romance and I've been reading it for many years. Although I love just about any historical period, my favorite period for historical romance is the Regency, with the Victorian era a close second.

    Barbed1951(at)aol(dot)com

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  • JenM February 12, 2011 at 12:01 am

    Sometimes I'm in a historical mood, sometimes I'm not. I try not to read too many of them so I don't burn out. I'm not at all fond of medievals, but I like the 1700's and 1800's. Regencies are good, but there are so many of them that it's hard to find one that is fresh.

    jen at delux dot com

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  • winnie February 12, 2011 at 2:16 am

    I like reading historical romances and read one every now and then. My favourite period for a historical romance would be the Regency period. I also really enjoy reading time travel romances that encompass both the past and present, so it's kinda the best of both worlds where there are historical as well as contemporary aspects.

    Thanks for the guest post and giveaway!

    chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com

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  • marybelle February 12, 2011 at 2:17 am

    I absolutely love to read Historical Romance. The Regency period with all the rules & etiquette is deliciously fascinating.

    marypres@gmail.com

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  • Maureen February 12, 2011 at 6:10 am

    I really like historical romance. When I read one it takes me to a whole other time and place that is different from what I know. My favorite period is the Regency with their beautiful gowns and balls.
    mce1011 AT aol DOT com

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  • Meredith February 12, 2011 at 2:27 pm

    I love historical romances! Love the 1700-1800s especially while North America and Europe were going through so many changes.

    meredithfl at gmail dot com

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  • Welzen February 12, 2011 at 2:54 pm

    I have been reading histoiral romance for many years 🙂

    I love all periods, though my favorite period is Queen Victoria, medieval, American West… all periods 😉 I love history

    It´s the genre that I read the most of.

    welzen@hotmail.com

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  • jen7waters February 13, 2011 at 6:04 pm

    Hello Vanessa! Well I love historical romance, I read them very often, usually one or two per month 😀
    My favourite time period is the medieval.

    jen7waters AT gmail DOT com

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  • LSUReader February 13, 2011 at 10:33 pm

    I love the historical romance genre. I get an HEA with my history lesson, which is a plus for me! Most historicals I read are set in the Regency or another British period. I enjoy books with other settings, as well. Thanks for visiting.

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  • Tore February 13, 2011 at 10:43 pm

    I love historical romance. I especially love reading about Camelot and King Arthur. Especially during that time period. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

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  • Linda February 15, 2011 at 7:11 pm

    Historical romance is one of my fav romance genres; after SciFi Romance (or is that Romance SciFi? lolz).
    Maybe it's a measure of escapism or a way to get away from the mundane…?

    thumbelinda03@yahoo.com

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  • Jeanne M February 17, 2011 at 2:37 pm

    Vanessa –
    I love historical romance and since my husband is a history buff it's amazing how many times I'm able to "fill in" for him facts he doesn't know.

    We took a trip to England and Scotland a few years ago and he was amazed at how many facts I had learned from reading historical romance and how well I could relate not only the historical events but also the people involed in the different areas of both countries we visited.

    I think that historical romance includes more of the human elements that led to historical events than a "history" book usually includes.

    I particular love your stories because of the way that you develope your characters and the locations, history and clothing of the time period is so maturally instroduced into the story.

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  • Melissa February 21, 2011 at 5:52 pm

    I'm not sure why I adore historical romance, but I think it has to do with the period and how different the "culture" is compared to today.

    No specific period but the early 1800s is fun.

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  • Amy February 22, 2011 at 1:01 pm

    I do like historical romance, but usually not the ones with too much history in them. I don't like "history lessons" in these books too much. As long as the world is set up well, that is all the information I need. I like the regency era novels.

    angeldream3(at)gmail(dot)com

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  • -CJM February 22, 2011 at 1:14 pm

    How did you come up with the name of your characters in the book, Invitation to sin?

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  • Book Flame February 25, 2011 at 12:02 pm

    I love historical romance that's the only type of romance books I enjoy reading, anything from the 1100 to 1700's I love.

    bookflamereviews@gmail.com

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  • Laura H. February 26, 2011 at 8:48 pm

    Historical romance is my favorite genre! I love being transported back in time to a world where fashion, social rules and romance were so different than they are today. I think my favorite era is the Georgian era. I like how the H&H struggle with conventionalism and behavior influenced by the ton.

    BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

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