My first guest is the very talented Emmanuelle de Maupassant, who has just released a new historical romance novella called Highland Pursuits.
I first had the pleasure of reading Emmanuelle de Maupassant's "Highland Pursuits" as a short erotic story that appeared in the Because Beards anthology to benefit The Movember Foundation, a charity supporting prostate cancer research and treatment.
Although I really enjoyed the story, it felt a little unfinished, so I was excited that Emmanuelle developed it into a novella. According to Emmanuelle, this longer, novella, length offers more scope to explore the wonderful characters' eye-popping shenanigans. Hamish and Ophelia were in her dreams for many weeks, as she wrote this story.
While the earlier version was more erotic in nature, this version focuses more on romance with a delicious sensuality. Truth be told, while I appreciated the titillating nature of the original story, the novella is more in line with my romantic sensibilities.
Set in 1920s Great Britain, Highland Pursuits immerses the reader in the period with rich language, vivid descriptions, and a dry wit reminiscent of Jane Austen. Like Austen's Elizabeth Bennet, Lady Ophelia Finchingfield is not in want of a husband -- at least not one who's a sloppy kisser. After refusing the hand of a respectable suitor, Lady Ophelia's mother cuts short her debutante season and ships her off to Scotland to stay with her grandmother until she comes to her senses.
Regardless of her mother's intentions, Ophelia sees the banishment as an adventure and an opportunity to freely explore her sexuality. Perhaps she'll encounter a passionate poet or lusty artist in the highlands -- or maybe a bearded estate manager, rough in look and manner. Hamish may make a poor first impression, but Ophelia soon finds herself intrigued by the surly Scot in more ways than one.
Highland Pursuits is lushly written with a
charming voice that captivates, enticing readers to follow Ophelia's alluring
sexual awakening. The addition of secondary characters to the novella enhances
the story with an amusing upstairs-downstairs appeal. Like most comedy of
manners, misunderstandings abound. Between sleazy advances from the lecherous
Comte de Montefiore and the intrusion of Hamish's would-be fiancée Felicité,
Ophelia's journey to self-discovery is tempestuous and often droll. While still
somewhat abrupt, the ending is very satisfying and Ophelia's happy ending seems
well in hand. Overall, I'd highly recommend Highland Pursuits to fans of
scintillating historical romances.
In honor of Highland Pursuits release, Emmanuelle is not only offering three signed paperback copies via Goodreads, but also has her entire catalog on sale for $.99 from March 1st thru March 8th.
To enter the giveaway, click here.
You can buy Highland Pursuits here:
Emmanuelle's other books:
Other links for Emmanuelle de Maupassant:
