Distracting the Duchess by Emily Bryan A widowed duchess and aspiring artist becomes embroiled in international intrigue after the man she thinks is her latest nude model turns out to be a spy for Queen Victoria.
Welcome to the preview of my book, Distracting the Duchess. I had great fun writing it--my first foray into comedy! Please check out my website at http://www.emilybryan.com for the latest news on my books. If you're an aspiring writer, you'll want to visit my Writers Corner. I've added several linked pages of content just for you. And of course, there's always a contest brewing. I hope you enjoy reading Distracting the Duchess each day and look forward to any comments or questions you may have. Enjoy! -- Emily Bryan
Thanks Wendy! When I wrote Distracting the Duchess, my goal was to create a story that would amuse and entertain my readers. Life is serious enough. Of course, I enjoy a "thinking book" as much as the next person, but there are times when all I want from a book is a pleasant escape.
When one reviewer told me my DUCHESS reminded them of MR TOAD'S WILD RIDE (the Disney World attraction) I figured I'd achieved my goal.
I'm sorry but I just don't think this book is going to be worth my time. I don't know if I can read a book where the 1st line is
"I'm going to have to shorten his willie"
I mean, come on are you serious...not to mention that name. Maybe, I'm being a bit harsh and I'm sorry for that. I will give it a few more days, but based on todays read...well "I'm going to have to shorten my reading time"
Sorry but I have to disagree with Chachi -- I don't usually read the historical romances, just glance through but the opening to this one certainly caught my attention and I think I will have to at least read the weeks preview!!
And thanks for trying a historical romance. My own reading tastes are varied, so I salute you for giving something new a try.
I've been reading paranormals lately myself, trying to understand the appeal of those stories. But once you get past the shape-shifting or bloodlust, the elements of story are the same, whatever the genre.
I didn't mean to offend with my opener, but I will confess to going for a snort. I'm also poking gentle fun at the Victorian fondness for euphemisms.
If you read the next sentence, you'll realize Artemisia is not Loraina Bobbit. She's an artist who's concerned with balance and symetry. A person for whom the human form is merely an interesting puzzle in light and shadow.
Part of her journey during DISTRACTING THE DUCHESS is realizing that a man can be much more than an interesting subject for a painting. The collection of lines and planes she reduces them to can't capture the whole. Her view of them in the beginning of the story is, of necessity, more superficial.
Let me just start by saying I wasn't offended by the opening line, I just thought it was bit lame. I do however understand your point and I hope I didn't offend you in anyway. I know as an author you understand that everyone has different taste. I have read some historical romance, though it is not usually my forte. I will however finish the week out and maybe I'll find something new. I sincerely hope I didn't offend, I have great respect for what you do, I know I do not have the talent to write a book. I'll finish out the week and let you know at the end if I have found a new book to read.
Thanks for giving my Duchess a shot this week. About her unusual name . . . in my research of the Victorian period, I learned that flower names were all the rage. Hence Artemisia (and later on in the story, her sisters Delia and Florinda). Naming characters is difficult because I strive to be true to the time period, yet accessible while also being unique enough to be memorable. I don't remember ever reading a book with character named Artemisia. Though for what it's worth, my mother agrees with you. She didn't like Artemisia either at first.
I'm absolutely not offended by any of your comments. Not everyone likes the same thing. Good thing, too. Otherwise you'd all be after my husband!
I have to say the Duchess may not be my cup of tea but the sample on your website for the "The Unwilling" is. I will def. check that out when it is released. That is my cup of tea. Looking forward to reading that one.
So far THE UNWILLING hasn't sold, but it has finaled in both the contests for published authors I've entered it in. My agent is working on it, so hopefully I'll get a chance to explore my world of Light and Dark elves and shape-shifting godlings.
Thanks for visiting my website. Hope you entered the contest while you were there.
www.emilybryan.com
I found the first line about shortening his "willie" to be quite funny and it was a great lead to the story. I am looking forward to the next installments.
I'm glad you enjoyed the opening of Distracting the Duchess. When I opted to go for the 'willie' line, I knew it was outrageous enough to put some folk off. But I also hoped it would make others wonder what else might happen in the story. As you've probably realized, Artemisia is not your average heroine.
The beginning of a book is a delicate time. So much has to happen in the first few pages. An author has to establish the setting, set up the conflict, introduce her characters and hopefully make readers care enough to want to find out more.
Thank you, Leihoku and all the others reading out there, for giving me a few minutes a day. I hope you'll be intrigued and entertained.
Please visit my website at www.emilybryan.com if you'd like to learn more. In addition to Distracting the Duchess, my next release PLEASURING THE PIRATE will be out July 29th! There's an excerpt on the website, if swashbuckling adventure tickles your fancy.
So far I think that Distracting the Duchess is going to be a great read. I love a book you can jump right into and it grab your attention like this one has. I'm going to have to go out and buy this one in order to finish it after this week. Regarding the "willie" I too think it was a great way to start the book. I look forward to reading more of your books. Thanks,
I've never actually come in to the bulletin board here to post messages on the book of the week. but since it is YOU this month I just had to drop in and say hello!
I have to say, LOVE the first line. It tells you right away this is not your typical historical romance and sets the tone for the rest of the book. Love the humor. Definitely a different type of book under this name than your other one. :-)
Thanks for dropping by. I always appreciate your supportive comments.
Yes, my Emily Bryan stories have a very different tone than my Diana Groe books. I enjoyed writing those dramatic epics, but the light-hearted Emily Bryan stories are such fun to work on. Writing comedy has been a stretch for me but it's been a good one.
it may have started out as a stretch for you to write comedy, but somehow I don't thik it remained that way for very long. You've already hit your stride on the humor.
Dear Emily,
As soon as I started this week's book, I realized that I had it on my " to be read" shelf. I enjoyed the start so much that I am now well into the book. I look forward to more stories from you. Keep up the good work.
Mary
I'm glad you had DISTRACTING THE DUCHESS all ready to go! And you won't have to wait long for the next title. PLEASURING THE PIRATE will be out July 29th!
I admit that I was surprised with the first sentence.
"I'm going to have to shorten his willie."
Now that grabs your attention.
I was already aware that the Duchess was an artist and that gave me the frame of reference that I needed to know that she was talking of a painting. Most likely out loud but to herself. That she was speaking to Cuthbert told me more about her personality. She is a widow afterall, aware of a man's body but confident in her art and comfortable with her servants. She doesn't mind teasing with them.
Right now I would expect her to be easy going. Enjoying her art. Cuthbert I expect to be a little stuffy but loyal to his Mistress.
I have to criticize her name. Artemisia? Yikes. I can't even say that one in my mind. I glanced at page 304 in the book and I'm guessing there are no nicknames for her later. I'll practice...
I'm thinking I'll find a little more humor than I first thought. That remains to be seen.
Actually, Trev does give her a little lovename later--Larla.
And I've learned my lesson. No more weird names. My mom has really reamed me about Artemisia and if she ever hears that other readers feel the same about the name, there'll be no living with her! :)
It's obvious that he is over confident in his looks and charms. Certainly a scoundrel. He is plotting to take every advantage of our widowed Duchess. Not only is he planning on gleaning the location of Mr. Beddington he hopes for something more involved than etchings. What a cad!
Is it truly for "Queen and country" or his own benefit?
I suspect that Artemisia is much more than he suspects. Someone capable of dealing with Trevelyn. Right now I'm rooting for her to give him a little grief.
I don't like Trevelyn very much right now but I have hope for him...tomorrow.
Artemisia: Feminine form of Greek Artemisios , a name derived from the name Artemis , meaning either "safe" or "butcher".
Ok, I really thought it was a made up name so I had to look for it. Interesting that the meaning is either safe or butcher.
Actually artemisia is also a type of plant, a member of the daisy family. And in DISTRACTING THE DUCHESS, the reason her mother insisted on the tortuous name is to honor HER father, Artemis Campbell. Artemisia's father Angus didn't think much of it, but he calls her by her baby name, Larla most of the time anyway--when he can call her by name. As you get further into the story, you learn that Angus Dalrymple had been more than a prosperous nabob in India. He'd been the Queen's spymaster. Unfortunately, a blinding fever has left him with a form of dementia.
Hence Trev's interest in Artemisia's family. Something that was omitted from the Dear Reader excerpt is this short prologue:
"Beddington holds the key."~ Last coherent message received from Angus Dalrymple, Esq.
Covert agent for Her Majesty’s interests
on the Indian sub-continent.
I do hope you'll give Trevelyn a chance. He's quite charming once you get to know him and believe me, Artemisia is more than his match, so you needn't worry she'll be taken advantage of.
I did find in my research that Artemisia is also a plant. After I saw the picture I reconized the plant. I'm starting to get used to her name. In fact, it's growing on me.
In today's tidbit I found out why Artemisia is appearing so easy going. Simply because she is. Also, she showed a little spunk. She wasn't raised in England but in India. This is a very nice twist in her background. It opens up so many possibilites. Some of which must be connected to the missing Mr. Beddington??
I like Artemisia more today than I did yesterday. The fountain...I'm not sure about that one...interesting.
Trevelyn hasn't done anything yet to change my opinion of him. Dropping his robe like that...
"I have my share of faults, Your Grace, but my old gaffer always told me it don't pay for shyness to be one of 'em,"
His only redeeming quality so far seems to be his sense of humor. That can be important. I still have hope for a better Trevelyn.
Back to names.
Castor and Pollox. Hmmmm.
In the myth the twins shared the same mother but had different fathers which meant that Pollux was immortal and Castor was mortal. When Castor died, Pollux asked Zeus to keep them together and they were transformed into the Gemini constellation.
Ok, Marie. I know you're slow to warm up to my hero and I'm afraid you may not see much in this short opener to change your mind, but just let me share that he definitely gets better.
RT BOOKReviews even gave Trev a K.I.S.S. (Knight in Shining Silver) award, something only a few heroes receive.
Each day I like Artemisia more. When she talks about never wanting to be married again. She compared it to the status of wife on par with a child or an imbecile.
I wonder how true that was for women of that era. Maybe they were simply raised to expect it.
Artemisia also has a sharp mind. She knows there is something not right about him being a model.
Trevelyn is still showing me his best quality to date. His humor. He is taking this very lightly. There was a hint of a deeper Trevelyn when Artemisia mentioned the battlefield. I'm still hopeful.
I love how the story is picking up momentum. I did buy the book and will be finishing it.
Artemisia is so much fun. I do like her name so much more now than I did on Monday. It fits her.
I have high hopes for Trevelyn. I may not be impressed at the moment but I think I'm going to enjoy watching his charactor develop. I enjoy his sense of humor. Today he showed his ability to control the direction of conversation. I'm seeing a bit of his intelligence in that.
The K.I.S.S. award? That sounds fabulous.
Thanks for a terrific week chatting about this book! I really enjoyed it and can't wait to finish.
I'm glad you've decided to finish the book! Please drop me a line and let me know when or if you decide you like Trevelyn. I'd be interested to know where the turning point is for you.
My research showed that Artemisia's assessment of the status of married women was absolutely correct. They were not allowed to retain control of their funds. Their husbands had absolute sway. No wonder she enjoyed the freedom of widowhood so much.
It was fun chatting with you this week.
Happy Reading,
Em
P.S. If you enjoy the Duchess, please look for my PLEASURING THE PIRATE. It hits the shelves July 29th!
Thanks for trying my DUCHESS. One of the biggest challenges a new writer faces is developing a readership because we all tend to gravitate to authors we've already enjoyed in the past. I confess to doing it myself. So I really appreciate you giving DISTRACTING THE DUCHESS a chance.
So far this novel is interesting. I can't wait to read how this plays out with The Dutchess and Trevelyn. I am looking forward to tomorrow's excerpt. This seems like a very funny, light summer read! Just perfect.
I will be putting this novel on hold at the library and pick up your new novel at the end of the month.
Thanks for your comment. You've given me a sense of accomplishment. When I wrote DISTRACTING THE DUCHESS, my goal was to create a fun diversion for my readers, the ultimate escapist beach read. Hope you continue to enjoy the DUCHESS.
I can definitely see this as a beach read Emily. Including all the looks from people when giggling over the antics of our characters. And since I'm headed to the beach end of this month for vacation... :-)
I'll admit there has been many a Willie that I would love to shorten, none of which involved paintings.
My favorite romances are the ones with humor and realism. I love those authors that can write life as funny without making it seem ridiculous. And can write characters that are flawed but not defined by their flaws. Enjoying life for what it is and accepting people for who they are is a great base for any novel.
Or at least any novel I'd like to read.
I will be adding this book to my must reads.
I'm always delighted when readers tell me DISTRACTING THE DUCHESS is on their must reads list. Thank you. When you finish it, please pop over to www.emilybryan.com and let me know what you thought. I have a Contact Em page so it's easy to leave me a message.
Yes, there's been a willie or two I'd like to shorten as well. It was outrageously fun to be able to actually say it.
as promised I finished the week out. I am sufficiently intrigued. I will more then likely finish your Duchess. I also apologize for jumping the gun and not giving it a fair chance. I will never make that mistake again....you know what they say about assuming. I find myself really liking Trev, I think he may be more then meets the eye....as far as Artemisia is concerned, well she still hasn't grown on me, but I'm going to get to end and maybe she will. Thanks for your understanding of earlier comment, I'm glad I tried something new.
It always makes me smile how we make comments like these are real people and we know them. I guess that could be the mark of true talent, you make your characters seem so real, people actually feel as if they know them.
Great so far Em. And now that the name beddington has been dropped into the mix, and Artemesia's reaciton, i can tell it's only getting started. Can't wai to read the whole thing And BTW, my ARC of Pirate is coming on my trip to Vegas next week for work. I just hope I have enough free time in the evenings to get to it! Otherwise it will be going to the beach too...
I love the name Artemisia. It sounds Greek and seems appropriate for the female character who is an ARTist.
There was also a famous female artist with that name. According to Wikipedia:
"Artemisia Gentileschi (July 8, 1593 – 1651/1653) was an Italian Early Baroque painter, today considered one of the most accomplished painters in the generation influenced by Caravaggio ...
She was one of the first female artists to paint historical and religious paintings, at a time when such heroic themes were considered beyond a woman's reach."
The beginning of the book was clever and I will add DISTRACTING THE DUCHESS to my read list.
I knew about Miss Gentileschi, but she'd slipped my mind. I've not seen her paintings in person, but my daughter brought a book of them home when she was taking an art class. Artemisia Gentileschi was incredibly gifted, but haunted by a personal tragedy. She was raped. Though she knew the rapist and accused him publicly, nothing was ever done to him. She painted many versions of Judith and Holofernes--the story of a woman who beheads her rapist. Her story is sad and compelling and it must have sunk deeper into my psyche than I realized.
Hmmm. Wonder if that's why my Artemisia starts with wanting to shorten someone's willie?
Thank you for giving my DISTRACTING THE DUCHESS a try. I hope you enjoyed it. I certainly enjoyed visiting with all of you. Reading is a conversation between the author and the reader and I've had fun being on the listening end for a change.
If you'd like more information about my books, if you're an aspiring writer looking for some advice, if you'd like to enter a contest to win a signed copy of one of my books or sign up for my newsletter, please pop by my website www.emilybryan.com .
