I admit it, when I heard Deborah Simmons was finally returning to Harlequin Historical, I sqqquuueee’ed. When I first started to read romance I believe she had already left HH. And it took me a while to collect her Regency Quartet. But once I had them and read them I was hooked.
Although I think she is best known for her unfinished The de Burghs series, since it didn’t seem like she was going to be finishing it up anytime soon I haven’t been in a hurry to read them.
But now she is back!
Make sure you check out her guest post today at 11am Central to get more info on her newest book, as well as some info on what is next. To hold you over here is the summary, a short excerpt and a nice big version of The Dark Viscount cover.
Siblings Kit and Sydony Marchant are thrilled to receive the legacy of a medieval manor house from a distant relative, but their new home is plagued by odd rumors and strange discoveries. Intrigued by the overgrown maze that looms over the rear of the property, Sydony soon is delving into its disturbing history. But even more disturbing is the sudden arrival of Bartholomew Hawthorne, a former neighbor with whom she shares a history of her own.
The old window was dirty, and she hurried to wipe at it, resisting a temptation to call the maid from her duties. Although the panes needed proper cleaning, Sydony still could see through them since the rain had stopped. She looked eagerly below, where a mass of greenery caught her eye. It was much larger than she imagined, and despite being overgrown, there was a definite pattern.
“There it is!” Sydony whispered. Filled with excitement, she grabbed Barto’s arm, as she might have years ago, and pointed with her other hand.
“What?” he asked, as though startled by her enthusiasm.
Sydony glanced up at him in surprise. Had no one mentioned the hedges? She opened her mouth to explain, but the flicker of interest on Barto’s usually impassive face told her that he had seen it, too.
“A maze,” he murmured, and they shared a moment of wonder that made Sydony forget her earlier discomfiture.
“You’d need a scythe to get through some of the passages,” Barto said softly.
He probably was right. The hedges were so thick in spots Sydony could not easily discern the path, a twisty, tangled route that made her shiver. “But there’s certainly no mistaking the center,” she said, awed by the huge tree, obviously ancient, that stood like a sentinel in the middle, its branches spreading out over the surrounding plantings.
“It’s too wet to go out there now,” Barto said.
“Yes,” Sydony answered. She glanced up at the man standing beside her, and for a moment the years fell away. They shared a look from their past, one that promised adventure and daring, right here in her own garden.
© Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
He’s YOUNG but very luscious. I could bite him easy.
By the way, Syb. The HH logo is loaded.
The Viscount and the Virgin? Sounds like a Harlequin Presents title 🙂
Sweet! I’m a huge fan of Deborah’s – my favorite Medieval is Taming the Wolf (the first deBurgh book). This one looks faboo!
I found the cover yummy but confusing. Is this supposed to be a historical? The clothes are all wrong, so when I first looked at the cover I thought maybe it was a modern Gothic, set in an old house.
Flies on trousers, modern crease-free fabrics, open-fronted shirts and lapelled duster overcoats are all modern. Very Matrix. All he needs is a good pair of shades for the look.
I know I pick a bit on the historical front, but I really did think this was a contemporary when I first saw the cover.
*jumping right over the excerpt*
That cover is… wow. Yummy. Amazing. Way cool. Makes me want this one, all by itself.
Now… is the blurb accurate? ‘Cause it’s sounds reeeeeeeeeeeeelly good :imploring face: is it, Sybs? is it…??????
The info should be correct it came from the author. And cover is from Harlequin to her (I think). LOVE the cover
Lynne don’t be a kill joy. 😛
Beth! I have that out to read! I soooooooooo wanna. I keep hearing it is wonderful.
::note to self clear boss’s cache when you get off his computer::
YAY thanks gwen 😉
I’m intrigued. Why does he want to ruin Sydony?
I like the cover. Also wondering why he wants to ruin Sydony.
Woot! A Gothic!
The cover is perfect!
I am so reading this one.
Hi, all!
I’m reading with interest your takes on the cover. At first glance, I was totally astounded by how great it looks. HHs have come a long way since some of my old covers (Robber Bride pops to mind. ) My second thought was that it looks sort of paranormal. While there is a gothic mood to it, which is captured beautifully by the background, he’s not a vampire or a werewolf, and it is definitely a historical. 🙂
I’m excited to be reading another wonderful Deborah Simmons book too! It’s been too long! And I like the cover very much–exceptthe hero’s unshaved look. Not very Regency looking. He could be much more Gothic-sinister with perfect grooming, imo. I can’t wait to dive into this read!
I can’t wait to read this one. I wonder if she will write more on the De Burgh series. I sure hope so. I loved reading those.
Hey, Kimmy! I’m working on Reynold’s story right now. I hope it will be ready for next year’s HH anniversary celebration. 🙂