So, a while back, I got sent a copy of Joanna Chamber’s debut novel The Lady’s Secrets.
I admit that I didn’t read it right away. Actually, I picked it up, started reading, and realized that the heroine and her brother were part of an actor’s troupe. I stopped reading instantly, because I was writing a book where the heroine had grown up in a traveling actor’s troupe. (Ahem.) Sometimes, you just don’t want to bias what you’re writing.
But a few months later, someone tweeted about that book, and I remembered how awesome the premise sounded–truly, utterly awesome! This is a book about a young woman who dresses up as another man’s valet. I love books about cross-dressing, in part because it allows members of the opposite sex to go places that were forbidden–gaming clubs and duels and Whites and Tattersalls. But having the heroine masquerade as a valet? That takes forbidden to a whole new level. Valets, after all, don’t just go places that are forbidden. They help their master dress, shave, and bathe. It’s like forbidden times two.
So I picked up the book again, and I’m so glad I did. The execution was even better than the promise. Not only did Joanna Chambers do the “forbidden” things that I looked forward to (and if you want to convince yourself how awesome she is, read this amazing scene on her website), but she managed to capture the intimate, asymmetric relationship that arises between servants and their master. Georgy (the heroine) takes her job very seriously. In learning to anticipate her master’s needs and desires, she actually learns quite a bit about who her master is. He’s a staid, responsible gentleman, who sees his attire as armor that he wears against the rest of the world. He readies himself for the day by putting on clothing with exacting taste.
But because Georgy is the one who is responsible for helping him put on and take off his armor, she gets to see behind the mask that he wears. She sees who he is when he’s not playing the Lord. And what develops between the two is something special. Not friendship at first; Nathan isn’t the sort of person who would make friends with his servants on a whim. It’s something deeper and more intimate, because Nathan casually trusts Georgy with the essence of him, and Georgy learns to treasure it.
I would say more, but I don’t want to spoil the discovery for you. Suffice to say that I utterly adored this book, and I hope you will too!
It’s available only in electronic copy right now. I’ve actually never given away e-copies, but this is definitely the time for me to figure out how that works. I’m going to give away three copies of this book to various commenters. Comment by tomorrow, and I’ll pick the winners and we’ll figure out the giveaways!
In the meantime, you can buy it at Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
I’ve got this on my list to get! I’m glad you liked it, that’s as good a recommendation as I could ever find
I’m definitely intrigued by this book and have only heard good things. Of course I’m also super thrilled for Joanna Chambers/Tumperkin.
I think the aspect of the forbidden has great appeal and entertainment potential as well. Yay for debut authors!
I’ve been DYING to read this book ever since you tweeted about it. Thanks for the contest!
I love when authors i like recommend books … Almost guaranteed that i will like it … Thank you for the contest.
A book recommendation from one of my favorite authors? Count me in! Thank you for this opportunity!
I always like discovering new authors, especially from another author. I discovered you from Julie James
Thanks for the giveaway!
I completely forgot that Tumperkin/Joanna had a book in the works until I started seeing tweets and mentions. It sounds very interesting – I’d love to win a copy, or buy one if I’m not one of the lucky winners.
OT – Courtney, do you have any updates for us about Smite’s book? Will you post an excerpt before its release?
Meri–
Yes, I have an update scheduled to go live about Unraveled tomorrow, when I also announce the winners here.
Courtney – thanks for responding so quickly! And with good news, too
Lucky you, Courtney, do people send you awesome books like this all the time? This books sounds great! I’m going to take a break this weekend and read it for sure.
The premise of a character in disguise is always a weakness for me. This one has gone towards the top of my wish list. Thanks for the recommendation.
I keep hearing wonderful things about this book. I am looking forward to reading it one way or another!
This does sound good! I’m generally not a fan of hidden identity books, which is why I didn’t immediately buy Unveiled, but I ended up loving it so I have high hopes for this!
Sounds Twelfth Night-esque, which I love. So I am game to give this a book a try. I added it to my to-read list as well. Thanks for letting everyone know about it!
I’d love a copy for my Nook. (And if I don’t win one here, you’ve just convinced me to buy it.)
This sounds…amazing. Thanks for bringing it to my attention, and for the chance to win!
Ooh, sounds interesting. I love anytime we see the lives of the lower classes in historical romance.
Also, dying to hear more about Unraveled- can’t wait to see Smite fall in love!
Oh, I have not seen this one! It sounds great, I love books where there is cross dressing! It always seems to add some fun spice
. Thanks for the heads up about a new author!
Very interesting premise – thanks for the recommendation and giveaway.
Sounds like a great book! I’d love to win a copy. Thanks for the contest
I have been sold on this book for a while now, for many reasons, but if I came to this post not knowing anything about it, your reaction would sell me on it.
I just read the excerpt, and it looks really interesting! The valet thing sounds like it will be an interesting new perspective on the Regency romance. Shades of Twelfth Night?
This sounds fantastic, I’d love to read it (I’m in the UK, BTW. Is the contest open to international readers?). Thanks!
Oooh, ooh, pick me!
Sounds intriguing! Thanks for the opportunity.
Thanks for the contest.
That’s another book you’ve gotten me to buy…B & N must love you!
Wow! That sounds amazing. Thank you so much for the recommendation.
Sounds like a good one. I can read it on a Sony Reader or an HP Touchpad (w/ Kindle app).
This sounds really good! I put it on my TBR list.
Ooh, intriguing! *slips over to Carina Press to add to wishlist*
Don’t enter me, since I was lucky enough to read an ARC, just popping in to agree that this was wonderful and I’m thrilled to see how well it’s doing.
Can’t believe I’ve missed your release day! Anyway, huge congrats from me!
Hope you have the next one already coming.
This sounds so intriguing. And since your taste is impeccable, count me in.