VBT: Against The Wind

Where the Title “Against the Wind” Came From

 The title comes from the historical event that is woven through the story. On June 9, 1817, a group of village men from Derbyshire rose up in rebellion against the Crown, intending to march on London with “thousands” of others to take control of the government. It was dubbed “the Last Revolution in England,” though it might have more accurately been called a government-inspired provocation to action, designed to justify repression.

After the war with France ended in 1814, England suffered from great social, economic and political problems. Many of the major issues were the direct result of the war, but others were the necessary product of the changes occurring throughout society, some of which had begun earlier. Machines were replacing workers. Added to that, the Corn Laws kept food prices high and some very bad weather destroyed crops. The discontent these occurrences brought, and the distress in the lives of the working people, culminated in a series of events, including the uprising in the Midlands in June of 1817.

The rebellion was just what the leaders of the British government needed to justify sending a strong signal to the masses that no revolution, such as had occurred in France, would be tolerated in England. The hundreds of villagers who rose up with the pikes and crude weapons (though a few had pistols) to march to Nottingham and thence to London were ignorant of the true facts—that the government itself had stirred their rebellion. In truth, they fought “against the wind,” hence the title for my Regency romance that features this little known event in England’s history. The trailer for my book brings this out—and the love story between Sir Martin and Katherine. You can see it here: http://youtu.be/F39tLElacYM.

BLURB:  

A night in London’s most exclusive bordello. Agent of the Crown Sir Martin Powell would not normally indulge, but the end of his time spying against Napoleon deserves a victory celebration. Yet, such pleasure will not come cheap. The auburn-haired courtesan he calls “Kitten” is in truth Katherine, Lady Egerton, a dowager baroness and the daughter of an earl as elusive as she is alluring. She flees a fate worse than death. But Martin has known darkness, too, and he alone can touch her heart—as she has touched his. To the English Midlands they will steal, into the rising winds of revolution.

EXCERPT:  

“Is making love something you do not wish to do?” he said. “As I recall, you seemed to enjoy it as much as I did.” Then, more tenderly: “Besides, I have missed you, Kitten.”

“No…I cannot. I am not your…your…” She could not bring herself to say the word. Their one night together had been a wonderful, amazing, and yes, passionate experience, but it could never happen again. She had escaped for one dreadful night into a dream. Into his arms. As much as she wanted those around her again, wanted to lie with him, she could not allow it. This was not who she was. Not who she was raised to be.

Placing his hands on her waist, he pulled her against him. The heat from his broad chest overwhelmed her as she stared into indigo eyes now stormy with desire. “You opened a door, Kitten, I’m unwilling to close.”

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

As a child Regan Walker loved to write stories, particularly about adventure-loving girls, but by the time she got to college more serious pursuits took priority. One of her professors thought her suited to the profession of law, and Regan realized it would be better to be a hammer than a nail. Years of serving clients in private practice and several stints in high levels of government gave her a love of international travel and a feel for the demands of the “Crown” on its subjects. Hence her romance novels often involve a demanding Prince Regent who thinks of his subjects as his private talent pool.

Regan lives in San Diego with her golden retriever, Link, whom she says inspires her every day to relax and smell the roses.

LINKS:

website: www.reganwalkerauthor.com/

blog: reganromancereview.blogspot.com/

twitter: @RegansReview

Regan will be awarding either Racing with the Wind OR Lunchbox Romances that tie into the triology,The Holly and the Thistle and The Shamrock and the Rose (winner's choice) to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

The tour dates can be found:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/04/virtual-book-tour-against-wind-by-regan.html