RU Readers, welcome to my release party! Can you believe it? I’m still shaking my head in disbelief, even while I’m eating up every precious moment. Nearly three years ago, Adrienne, Kelsey and I opened RU’s virtual doors with the desire to pay it forward, to network our little bums off, and to soak up every morsel of information from our generous Visiting Professors. Everything I’ve learned from our lectures has been applied to my writing or my career in some small way. I owe so much to Kelsey, Adrienne, and RU. Without them, today’s happy news would have come so much later. And now, Carrie, Jennifer, Becke, and Robin have brought their own knowledge and interests to RU, making the site even more dynamic and relevant for readers (and me!).
You’ve all seen my beautiful cover scrolling on the sidebar, but I’m going to take this moment to show you the evolution to the final cover. I once heard my publisher say that it takes an average of 14 designs before they find THE ONE. Can you imagine fourteen variations of the same cover design? Fortunately, I only saw three. Here they are:
Oct 2011 Dec 2011 (ARC) Feb 2012 (Final)
Each are striking in their own way, don’t you think? Sourcebooks used the middle cover design on the advanced reading copies (aka ARC) they sent to book reviewers, booksellers, and librarians. Don’t be surprised if you still see the cover with the orange background on bookseller internet sites. My understanding is that it takes a while for some stores to switch out the covers.
Would you like to see what the hero, Guy Trevelyan, Earl of Helsford, looks like? He showed up on the cover spine for the ARC. Alas, he did not make it on the final cover.
What do you think about my master cryptographer? Don’t the two of them–Guy and Cora–make a lovely pair. I just love her hair!
Mega Giveaways!
Three lucky commenters will win a gift basket with the following goodies:
- An autographed copy of A Lady’s Revenge and bookmark
- A handcrafted necklace from RU’s crazy-talented Carrie Spencer
- Paris Amour lotion set by Bath & Body Works
- DiVoga Eiffel Tower Label Book
- Three antique-style keys linked together with a sheer burgundy organza ribbon (great accent for any home)
What do you have to do to win one of these lovelies? In the comment section below, tell me one thing you’ve learned from RU’s lectures and how you’ve applied it to your writing or career. OR, if you’re a reader of romance, share why you love romance and let me know what you’re reading now. That’s it! I’ll use Random.org to pick a winner.
Below, you’ll find a link to read the first chapter and an excerpt of Cora and Guy’s first kiss. I hope you enjoy both. 
About A Lady’s Revenge
A British agent flees her French captor’s torturous dungeon and falls in love with the decoder responsible for her imprisonment.
NOTHING GETS BETWEEN A LADY AND HER VENGEANCE
In a daring rescue, beautiful and wily secret operative Cora deBeau is reunited with her childhood friend Guy Trevelyan, who wants so much more from her now than friendship…
HE’LL STOKE THE FIRE UNTIL THEY BOTH GO UP IN FLAMES
But Cora’s mission against the French has become personal, and even the fire between her and Guy won’t deter her. When it comes to getting sweet, cruel revenge, nothing will stand in a lady’s way…
The Kiss
(Setup: Guy is getting ready to have breakfast with Cora in her bedchamber. He’s there to chink away at the barriers she had erected while in captivity and to deliver some unwelcome news.)
“Good morning, Dinks,” Guy said.
The maid curtsied. “That it is, my lord.”
Guy stepped into the bedchamber—and stopped dead in his tracks.
“Oh!” Dinks exclaimed, crashing into his back. “I’m right sorry, my lord. Didn’t expect you to be standing in my path like that.”
Guy ignored the maid’s rebuke. His nostrils flared as the fragrant, moist air of a recent bath reached his nose. But it was the sight of Cora standing near the breakfast table that held him captivated.
A silky blue dressing gown hugged the contours of her body, concealing the effects of her captivity, and a matching ribbon wound through her shorn hair. The effect was stunning in its simplicity. With her regal stance and fading bruises, she reminded him of a wounded angel.
“Your hair.”
Turning her damaged cheek away, she lifted her hand to tug on the ends of her hair. “It will grow out… eventually.”
“It’s beautiful.”
She stared into his eyes. “W-what?”
He moved to stand before her and, without thinking, reached out to touch her rich brown waves. The soft locks slid through his fingers like the downy end of a feather.
Bending forward, he kissed her cheek. “Beautiful.”
He heard her sharp intake of breath, saw her stiffen and lean away. “Guy, I—”
His hand fell to his side. “Do not trouble yourself, Cora.
Little by little, touch by touch, he would help her overcome her trepidation. Valère had taken more than her innocence. He had stolen her confidence. “One step at a time, remember?” Read More
About the Author
Tracey Devlyn writes historical romantic thrillers (translation: a slightly more grievous journey toward the heroine’s happy ending).
She’s a member of Romance Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Australia Romance Readers Association and the Windy City, Beau Monde, Women’s Fiction, and PASIC Romance Writers of America chapters. Tracey’s also co-founder of Romance University, a group blog dedicated to readers and writers of romance, and Lady Jane’s Salon-Naperville, Chicagoland’s exciting new reading salon devoted to romantic fiction.
An Illinois native, Tracey spends her evenings harassing her once-in-a-lifetime husband and her weekends torturing her characters. For more information on Tracey, including her Internet haunts, contest updates, and details on her upcoming novels, please visit her website at:
TraceyDevlyn.com | Twitter.com/TraceyDevlyn | Facebook.com/AuthorTraceyDevlyn | LadyJanesSalonNaperville.com
Similar Posts:
- Jack Russell Returns to Interview Tracey Devlyn
- 10 Turning Points to Publication
- What’s Worse Than the Sophomore Book? with Tracey Devlyn
- A Look at Dating 200 Years Ago
- Lady Jane’s Salon: An RWA Extravaganza by Hope Tarr
Happy Release Day, Tracey. One thing I’ve learned is to not rush things at work. It’s best to slow down and focus and go from there.
Posted by Jane | April 3, 2012, 1:59 amHi Jane–So true! Slowing down helps with the quality of our work and our mental/physical health. Thanks for stopping by!
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | April 3, 2012, 4:20 amHi tracey ! Coongratz on your release ! Tracey I have to be honest , I haven’t attend any lecture from RU:). So I could not answer your question , sorry
Posted by Aretha zhen | April 3, 2012, 4:14 amGood morning, Aretha–Your answer was answer enough! We love having new folks join us at RU. You’ll find great articles in our archives. Many deal with writing, but we have a lot that talk surviving the rigors of a career. Glad to see you here!
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | April 3, 2012, 4:23 amAh, I should probably step back from this giveaway. I’m not really in the target audience and I don’t want to be caught receiving a gift basket.
Good luck to everyone else though!
Interesting cover change though. I wonder what’s the reasoning from inverting the background color.
Posted by Chihuahua0 | April 3, 2012, 5:32 amChihuahua0–no worries! I tweaked the contest wording a bit so readers can join in on the fun, too.
Everyone who has commented so far will be entered. Thanks for dropping by!
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | April 3, 2012, 5:39 amOn the other hand, I’ll enter. This can make an early Mother’s Day gift for my mom. She might like the romance book. Hopefully. If I happen to win.
Posted by Chihuahua0 | April 3, 2012, 3:05 pmHi Tracey,
Congratulations on surviving the publishing roller coaster! Now on to PR! What have I learned from RU? How many different ways there are to look at writing, especially editing.
Thanks for “opening the doors,”
Mary Jo
Posted by Mary Jo Burke | April 3, 2012, 5:54 amHey Mary Jo!
You’ve been such a faithful visitor to RU. We really appreciate the support! Yes, it’s crazy the number of different ways one sentence can be written for a different effect. Crazy AND exciting!
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | April 3, 2012, 10:56 amCongratulations, Tracey!! So excited for you on your release day!
I have my copy downloaded to my Nook already. Feels like I’ve been waiting FOREVER for this. 
Funny you mention what we’ve learned from RU – just this morning I was going over Laurie Schnebly Campbell’s Personality Ladder notes. SO glad I found her through RU. But more, I’m glad I’ve gotten to go along for the ride with you and Adrienne vicariously through Kelsey.
I’m so thrilled for all your successes!!
-j
Posted by Jamie Farrell | April 3, 2012, 7:04 amJamie, you’re such a sweetheart! Thanks so much for taking a chance on A Lady’s Revenge. I hope you enjoy Cora and Guy’s story. LOL – it feels like forever because it has been FOREVER.
Glad you hung in there with me!
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | April 3, 2012, 10:58 amMorning Tracey – and super congratulations on your book! The excerpt is FABULOUS!
Oh, so many things have I learned from RU …lol….I think the line editing classes that Theresa teaches are an eye opener and the branding classes we had with CJ Lyons really stood out as well. The audio one with Cris Dukehart was fascinating beyond belief…Diane Holmes pitching classes and Toni McGee’s POV workshop…amazing.
I could go on…lol..for hours.
As a reader, I’m reading an oldie but goodie at the moment – The Heart’s Haven by Jill Barnett. Who got me hooked on reading romance? Kathleen Woodiwiss. Amazing writer – such detail.
There – now I’ve taken up the most room on the comment board…woot! lol
Congrats Tracey – have a super fantastic awesome celebratory day!
carrie
Posted by Carrie Spencer | April 3, 2012, 7:05 amThanks, Carrie! Did everyone see the beautiful necklaces Carrie made for my release party? It’s a little hard to see, but each picture above has a different necklace. Carrie, what would RU do without you? You’ve been here since day one and have become one of the driving forces behind the scenes. Hugs!
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | April 3, 2012, 11:21 amHuge congratulations on your release day, Tracey! I’ve got my copy pre-ordered so hopefully it will ship right away!
I hope this is only the first of many release days for you!!!
Posted by Becke Davis (Becke Martin) | April 3, 2012, 7:22 amMe too, Becke!
Thanks so much for the pre-order. A Lady’s Revenge has been sitting at #3 on Amazon’s Hot New Releases in Regency since Sunday–all thanks to pre-orders. Muwah!!
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | April 3, 2012, 11:24 amThat’s fabulous – congratulations!!
Posted by Becke Martin/Davis | April 3, 2012, 7:11 pmSUPER congrats Tracey!! I’m so thrilled to be here for your release day.
I have to pick ONE thing? I have loved every word on this site for a loooong time. All right, in the spirit, I will choose Toni McGee Causey’s POV workshop. As I have recently sold the manuscript my excerpt came from, I’d say she taught me well! So a big thank you to RU. I love you guys.
Posted by Kat Cantrell | April 3, 2012, 7:39 amKat -
Thanks for sharing this. That news makes me so happy!
Congrats!
Kelsey
Posted by Kelsey Browning | April 3, 2012, 9:37 amI’m with Kelsey on this, Kat! Made my day. So glad you’re enjoying RU and congrats on selling your manuscript!!! When would you like to be a Visiting Professor??????????
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | April 3, 2012, 11:26 amAww, thanks ladies! And visiting professor!!! Really? Now I feel like I have truly arrived. I’d love that – you guys are so generous.
Posted by Kat Cantrell | April 3, 2012, 12:04 pmCongrats, Kat! That’s awesome!
Posted by AdrienneGiordano | April 3, 2012, 2:05 pmGreat news, Kat! Congratulations. I hope you’ll keep us posted.
Posted by Jennifer Tanner | April 3, 2012, 2:46 pmDid you all see that Kat finaled in the Golden Heart, too? Huge congrats, Kat!
Posted by Becke Martin/Davis | April 3, 2012, 7:13 pmSo cool!!
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | April 3, 2012, 7:38 pmThanks Becke! I’m having a great year.
Posted by Kat Cantrell | April 4, 2012, 12:03 pmAs a reader, I read romance for the happy ever after. I really had not read many fiction books as an adult and once I started a few years ago, it actually helped my marriage! Not that anything was wrong per say, but through different books, I realized that I really am married to my prince charming and I saw my husband in a different light! I don’t wish for him to be just like the guys in the book but romance books have brought out all the reasons I fell in love with my huband 13 years ago! I cannot wait to read your book. Thanks for sharing your story on so many blogs these past few days.
Posted by Amy Remus | April 3, 2012, 8:23 amHey Amy! I didn’t start reading until my mid-twenties, too, so we have much in common there. Glad to hear romance novels has helped you in such a personal way. Love hearing stories like this. Thanks so much for going on tour with me!
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | April 3, 2012, 11:28 amTracey! Super Congratulations!!!! I am so excited for you and I can’t wait to read it.
What have I learned from RU? It’s an overall thing – we all walk this journey a different way and on a different path. You cannot judge your career, success, failures,hits and misses by others. This industry is a fickle, complicated and intense business and you have to bring your “A” game (not a copy of someone else) t the table.
Happy day to you!
Posted by Robin Covington | April 3, 2012, 8:50 amAmen, Robin!! Can’t wait for your release party in June. Such exciting news!
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | April 3, 2012, 11:29 amHi Tracey!
Congratulations on your new release! I’m so happy for you! I just downloaded your book to my Kindle so no need to enter me in the contest. Can’t wait to read it!
Posted by Wendy S. Marcus | April 3, 2012, 8:59 amAh, thanks, Wendy!! Really appreciate all your support–here and via social media. It’s been great this past year watching your publishing journey. Can’t wait for THE NURSE’S NOT SO SECRET SCANDAL to show up on my Kindle.
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | April 3, 2012, 11:33 amHappy release day! I’m so excited that your day is here. You’ve worked so hard and I’m thrilled for you. I’m always in awe of how much you get done! You deserve every ounce of success that will come your way.
I’ve learned a lot from RU, but probably the most important thing I’ve learned is that lifelong friendships can be found in the strangest places! I’m so grateful for the friendship we share. You and Kelsey are such a blessing and I’d be lost without you.
Congrats on your release day. So proud of you!
Muhwah!
Posted by AdrienneGiordano | April 3, 2012, 9:11 amHey A! So true. Establishing great relationships will help carry one through this business on so many different levels. I feel so blessed with my friends. Looking forward to your June novella – NEGOTIATING POINT!! Readers are going to love Gavin and Janet.
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | April 3, 2012, 11:36 amTracey –
Where do I find big enough words to describe a day like this? I am so proud of how hard you worked on this book and the perseverance you showed though out the publication process. If people want to know how to publish their first book with grace and determination, you’re the one they should look to.
Wow – what I’ve learned through RU…
How to work with web designers
How to understand what the heck Google Analytics is trying to tell me
How complex and easy WordPress can be at the same time
The power of asking people to help and share their knowledge
That it takes a village to grow such an amazing resource
That success is that much sweeter when you have a group of friends to share it with
You know my copies of A Lady’s Revenge hold a very special place in my heart and my window sill
. Thank you for letting me come along on your ride to publication. Without you and Adrienne, I might’ve given up on this crazy life!
Big release day hugs,
K-
Posted by Kelsey Browning | April 3, 2012, 9:37 amHey Kels! Did you make that list just for me? Where are the bullets?
Actually, I started getting heart palpitations at the mention of Google Analytics. Whew! Thanks for giving A Lady’s Revenge a special shrine on your windowsill! LOL Big hugs back, girlfriend!
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | April 3, 2012, 11:39 amDarn – now I’m going to have to go back in and add html to code bullets into my comment
.
K-
Posted by Kelsey Browning | April 3, 2012, 12:09 pmI just love romance books because they make the reader a part of the character story. You can feel sad when something moves you to tears and then happy the next. I have you on my wish list at amazon.Congrats Ms. Devlyn on your special day.
Posted by Belinda Payne | April 3, 2012, 12:15 pmAbsolutely, Belinda! Romance novels take us through a roller coaster of emotions and we love them for it. Thanks for add A Lady’s Revenge to your wish list. I really appreciate it!
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | April 3, 2012, 7:09 pmTracey,
I hope you’re having a fabulous day!
We’ve had so many terrific posts on RU that it’s hard to pick one. Toni’s post on POV was great. I also enjoyed Donna MacMean’s post on the Other HEA. CJ Lyons, CJ Redwine, Theresa’s editing posts, Sara Megibow, Laurie Schnebly…Ack! Too many to mention.
I’m always kind of amazed at the generosity of authors/experts who are willing to share their advice and experience with us on RU.
Best wishes to you on this dream-come-true day.
Posted by Jennifer Tanner | April 3, 2012, 2:55 pmHey Jen, You’re right! That was so mean of me to make everyone pick ONE thing. LOL I loved all the posts you mentioned. And yes, we’re really lucky to be part of such a great group of writers. From what I’ve heard, no other genre of writers compares to romance in their generosity.
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | April 3, 2012, 7:11 pmCongratulations! That cover is gorgeous.
Last week I read Laura’s post on keeping people hooked by paying attention to chapter endings. As I was writing the next day I realized that cutting the last few lines of my current scene really made a difference!
Posted by Janel Gradowski | April 3, 2012, 3:52 pmAwesome, Janet! I’m revising Book 2 right now and did the same thing. I made some snips of my own! Thanks for stopping by.
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | April 3, 2012, 7:13 pmWhat is not to love about romance. You get to travel the world and hear about the men of your dreams with always a HEA. I want to live a different world while I’m reading and romance is my favorite escape. I just finished Redeeming the Rouge by Donna MacMeans and starting The Lord of Illusion by Kathryne Kennedy – both are great!
Posted by catslady | April 3, 2012, 4:20 pmI loved Redeeming the Rogue!
Posted by Jennifer Tanner | April 3, 2012, 5:39 pmThanks, Catslady! You’re gonna love Kathryne Kennedy. She’s a fellow Sourcebooks author and does a great job with her world building.
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | April 3, 2012, 7:16 pmCongratulations, Tracey! Love teh cover and blurb. As for what I’ve learned–I’ve learned lots. So it’s hard to pinpoint one post that really helped, since all are helpful.
I guess one that stands out is the multi-cultural post from way back. It was great to find a web site dedicated to multi-cultural romance since I am a MC writer.
Posted by Mercy | April 3, 2012, 5:22 pmHey Mercy! So glad you liked our MC post. Robin has done an awesome job bringing the MC subgenre alive for us at RU. Lots of great information on the site now. Thanks for dropping by!
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | April 3, 2012, 7:19 pmCongratulations, Tracey! I hope you have many more happy launch days in your future!
Posted by Amy Alessio | April 3, 2012, 5:38 pmOh, thank you, Amy! I hope so, too.
Great to see you here.
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | April 3, 2012, 7:20 pmAs a reader, I love romance because as a single gal, I get it where I can LOL. I just started Meredith Duran’s At Your Pleasure and am loving it!
Thanks for sharing the first chapter! Can’t wait to read the rest.
Posted by Shannon | April 3, 2012, 5:43 pmLOL – love it, Shannon! IMeredith is on my ginormous TBR pile. I hear wonderful things about her writing. Enjoy!!
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | April 3, 2012, 7:23 pmI enjoy visiting this site and I’m so impressed by the generosity of everyone sharing their experiences here. I’m currently reading Jillian Stone’s ‘An Affair with Mr Kennedy’ – London in 1887 is quite an exciting place!
Posted by Alison | April 4, 2012, 3:13 amHi Alison!
I haven’t read Jillian Stone’s novel–will have to check it out. Thanks!
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | April 4, 2012, 4:19 amAND THE WINNERS ARE…
Shannon – Jet black necklace (Picture #1)
Catslady – Burgundy red necklace (Picture #2)
Mary Jo Burke – Crystal white necklace (Picture #3)
Congrats, ladies! Please send your mailing address to me at tracey AT traceydevlyn.com.
Big thanks to everyone who stopped by to celebrate ALR’s big day. Hugs to all!
Tracey
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | April 4, 2012, 4:29 amThank you so very much for a fabulous prize and congrats to Shannon and MaryJo. I’m thrilled.
Posted by catslady | April 4, 2012, 7:02 pmAlthough I’m still working on my first WIP, I will respond as a reader of romance. Quite simply, I’m just a sucker for a good Happily Ever After.
Peace, love & giggles
Widow
Posted by Widow Dyer | April 4, 2012, 1:31 pmHey Widow–love your closing line! Thanks for stopping by.
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | April 4, 2012, 6:10 pmI’m an avid reader of Historical Romance books and I really enjoyed the excerpt of “A Lady’s Revenge” There’s just something about this type of romance that really engages me. I love being swept back to another time and place where people lived, laughed and loved and were finding their way to each other. I also love to follow the journey of the Hero and Heroine from the beginning of their story right upto their Happy Ever After.
Thank you for this opportunity, and congratulations on your new release.
Posted by Diane Diamond | April 4, 2012, 6:00 pmOoops, I forgot to tell you which book that I’m currently reading which is “The Surrender of Miss Fairbourne” by Madeline Hunter.
Posted by Diane Diamond | April 4, 2012, 6:02 pmHi Diane–great novel! Madeline Hunter is one of my all-time favorites. Madeline’s one of the many people who helped me along the road to publication.
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | April 4, 2012, 6:12 pmOh dear me, I didn’t realize that the contest had already finished. Silly me.
Posted by Diane Diamond | April 4, 2012, 6:15 pmNo worries, Diane! If you’re interested, I’ll be at my publisher’s blog on Friday giving away another gift set. http://casablancaauthors.blogspot.com/
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | April 4, 2012, 6:21 pmTracey! It happened! Major congrats. I feel like a proud aunt, or something. It was so much fun working with you, and thanks for the kind mention on your acknowledgements page. I can’t wait to get my copy.
You totally rock!
Posted by Franzeca | April 4, 2012, 8:55 pmThanks, Franzeca!
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | April 8, 2012, 8:16 amCongratulations, Tracey! I’m so excited to read A Lady’s Revenge! I love all of the iterations of your cover, yet think that the final one is definitely the best.
Have fun celebrating in Chicago! I’ll miss seeing you there. I’m so happy for you!
Posted by Tracy March | April 8, 2012, 8:13 amThanks, Tracy! I’m going to miss seeing you as well. Thanks for all your support and well wishes.
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | April 8, 2012, 8:18 amWell, I’ve just discovered this site so I’m sure I’m going to be learning from it. I’m excited about that. Meanwhile, one of the things I love about the romance genre is that romance loves men. It allows women to be exasperated by their maleness at times while still really loving and appreciating the whole package. Also, I liked seeing this progression of covers — the purple orange contrast of the last cover is really beautiful.
Posted by Terrie | April 8, 2012, 10:13 am