Here is the announcement article of her win, her Live Chat hosted by Elsie Duggan, and my interview with Meredith, back in March.
Meredith McGuire, writing as Meredith Duran.
Well, her book, The Duke of Shadows was published on March 25th, with her nom de plume as Meredith Duran.
***
Not only is this novel superbly written - the language is as rich and complex as the period in which it is set - 1857 Delhi and London - but this young woman, whose dream from age four was to publish a novel - has read broadly and deeply not only in the genre but also in the period, making it unlike and far superior to nearly every other romance I've ever read.
This is NOT just a genre romance; it is 384 pages of adventure, packed with witty dialogue, sharp characterizations penned in delicious, sensual language that begs you to read on. It is a cultural period piece that rivals the best Regency romances.
You will NOT be able to put down this book. I actually read it in one day.
The cover teaser is excellent. "Born an outcast. Raised to nobility. Only one dangerous passion can unlock his heart."
The story concerns Miss Emmaline Martin, a young English woman in Delhi who just lost her parents in a tragic shipwreck (the imagery is evocative of the larger-than-life Titanic shipwreck) and who is engaged to a man whose lack of mettle she soon discovers is not worth the anguish he has caused her. But long before she is finished with her fiance, Emma becomes fascinated by a man she recognizes as dangerous but a man she cannot avoid: Julian Sinclair, a man of both Indian and English ancestry.
EXCERPT:
*** One
Delhi, May 1857
Julian first noticed her because she looked so bored. Waiting for the Commissioner's arrival had put him on edge. He stood at the top of the room, half attending to the feverish chatter around him, his eyes fixed on the door. Rumors in the bazaar daily grew darker, and it was clear to him now that if Calcutta would not act, the local government must. Tonight he meant to exact a promise on that account.
He became aware of the woman gradually. It was her stillness that drew his attention. She was leaning against a wall, not ten feet away. Though several people surrounded her, sipping negligently at their wine and laughing, she seemed somehow apart. Tired of it all. Her eyes, which had been resting vacantly on the space over his shoulder, focused on him. They were a penetrating blue and gave Julian a start. He saw that she was not bored at all, but unhappy.
She looked away.
…She paused at the edge of the lawn, one hand coming to her throat, and seemed content to stand there, an abstracted look on her face. A breeze came over the grass, and her fingers loosened, letting the shawl flutter around her shoulders. Fleetingly, her pale lips curved in a smile.
Again, he was struck by the impression that she stood at a great remove from the scene around her. Curious.
…She was young, no more than twenty-two or –three years, with smooth white skin that bespoke a typical memsahib's routine. What was there to wonder about her? She would spend her days closeted in a bungalow, reading or at needlepoint. When the monotony began to wear, she would take heart in her zealous belief that the English way of life was the only one of merit in the world.
She muttered something beneath her breath. Despite himself, he leaned forward. He could not quite make it out. Surely, she had not said—
With a violent gesture, she splashed her wine into the bushes. "Pig swill," she said clearly.
…"Who's there?"
A form emerged from the trees, offering her a toast from a silver flask. "Pig swill indeed", he said, and lifted the pocket pistol to his lips for a long swallow.
…His eyes were a luminescent green-gold, catlike as they reflected the faint light spilling from the bungalow. They watched her as though he waited for something.
…"I see my reputation does not precede me."
"Oh, is it very bad?" The question was out of her mouth before she could reconsider, and she blushed as he laughed again.
"It's even worse."
…His cat's eyes moved over her shoulder, and he smiled again, this time rather unpleasantly. "Here comes your betrothed," he said, and took a swig from the flask.
…"Emmaline! There you are!"
…[Marcus's] voice died away as he stared at her companion. "What in blazes are you doing here?"
"Lindley," the man said curtly. "A pleasure."
Marcus made a rude noise. "I'm sure I can't say the same. I had no idea Mrs. Eversham was so indiscriminate with her guest list."
…[Emmaline speaks to Marcus] "I cannot credit your behavior," she said. "How could you behave so loutishly!"
"How could I?" Marcus pulled her around to face him. Do you know who that man is? Do you know?"
…"That is my cousin, " he managed, his face purple. "That is the half-breed who would have the dukedom instead of me."
"That—" She stopped, understanding. "That man is Julian Sinclair?"
"One and the same."
***
A sensual, delicisious, advernturous - and superbly written romance. I could (but won't) excerpt the sensitively written, exquisitely lusty love scenes, but I won't because the beauty of them is in the emotional anticipation and thrill that builds between the two characters during the course of the book. You'll just have to read those for yourself.
Terrific. You will NOT be disappointed. I've ordered several more copies for my female relatives.
***
The Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran link on Amazon
$6.99, used or new available from $3.20
- Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
- Publisher: Pocket Star (March 25, 2008)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1416567038
- ISBN-13: 978-1416567035
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Comments: 67 ( 3 removed by Kathryn E. )
Excellent cover teaser. And a great article shedding light on a wonderful book. Thanks, Kathryn.
..
U wishing you laughter
The first person who commented did not leave a rating but someone else (who did not comment) soon left a rating of
4.
I guess someone is jealous.
Thank you for helping the ratings. I feel it is only fair to Meredith to reward her effort.
From another viewpoint - that of an independent bookseller - the cheapest I can buy a $6.99 book is $4.054. If I had it used it would sell for $3.50. It is getting harder and harder to compete.
Thanks Kathryn, and good luck Meredith McGuire!
Thank you, Jerri, Lisa, Sharon, Renda.
Thanks for taking the time to share this with us Kathryn. You must read a LOT of books :)
I do read a lot of books - am bringing 4 for next weekend to read in the car. If my legs hurt, I will park myself in Starbucks on vacation and read.
De: That is quite funny. Thanks for sharing that fact. I will always remember that when I am camping.
Thank you Georgie, Marge and Larry.
I think we can expect great things from this author.
Anne : You might really enjoy it. btw, Saw Painted Veil with my daughter today on DVD. LOVED IT !!!! thanks for the recommend - months ago.
So, your comment is in error.
if anyone wants to read the excerpt, they should click on the Amazon link. It's much easier to follow there,
Your use of the word It's refers directly back to the word the excerpt, as if the excerpts are the same, which they are not.
To make your meaning grammatically correct, you would have said something like this:
If anyone wants to read an excerpt, they can click on the Amazon link. There is an excerpt there, which I feel is easier to follow.
When culling the excerpt above from the first several pages, there is always a concern that the meaning may not be entirely clear in parts.
I wanted to clarify the point you were making, because your use of the word It's was not correct.
I cannot wait for your other manuscripts. Keep writing. I see you've done very, very well on the Amazon Historical Romance list.
I will be posting this review on Amazon shortly.
Anyway, Kathryn, this is a great review, and although it's not the type of book I would usually go for, you definitely make me want to read it....Thanks
I will also say that the runner up, Starr Toth - whose book will be published in November, is also excellent. The judges did a superb job in the First Chapters of selecting the very best from the top five.