Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Teaser Tuesday: Shalimar by Rebecca Ryman

Earlier this year, I read Olivia and Jai by Rebecca Ryman. It was a book that had been recommended to me as being good for anyone who enjoyed reading historical fiction set in India, particularly during the days of the English Raj. I really enjoyed the book but was disappointed to find that the sequel, Veil of Illusion, was not available through my Inter Library Loan system. I have been told though that the sequel is disappointing compared to the first one though, so maybe it wasn't a bad thing that I couldn't get it.

What was available through ILL was Rebecca Ryman's only other book - Shalimar. Once again, we visit the exotic locales of India, and I have to say I am enjoying it very much, particularly the interactions between the two  main characters, Emma and Damian.

For my teaser today, I am sharing a scene that is pretty pivotal in the book, but isn't really a spoiler given that you know what is going to happen by reading the book's blurb. It does actually read a bit like a scene from a historical romance, which is right up my alley anyway, but the book really is drama-filled historical fiction with exotic locations, daring deeds and plenty of intrigue!

The teaser comes from page 101:

"As you are evidently aware," he said, his eyes never leaving her face, "I live in Kashmir. I do not know if you are at all acquainted with the Vale, but it is wild and beautiful, endowed by nature as no other place on earth. I live surrounded by everything a man could possibly want - material security, a fertile estate, a home arranged and furnished to my own taste with every creature comfort I require. I live as I please. I call no man master." His dark eyes were alive with pride. "There is, however, one vital component that my life still lacks." He hesitated a minim. "A woman."

The words took an instant to register. Emma stiffened, her cheeks flooded with colour to match the crimson of the curtains and her gaze buried itself in the floor. Continuing to observe her intently from behind his desk, he allowed her a few moments of silence. Her sense of shock finally receded; she thrust her trembling hands beneath her poche.

"If I understand your drift correctly, Mr Granville," she said in a voice acceptably steady. "I find it unworthy of comment. Indeed, I find both you and your proposition contemptible."

"Oh? Just what do you think my proposition is?"

"That in exchange for the cancellation of my brother's debt I should agree to become your mistress," she said, bluntly refusing the refuge of euphemism.

"My dear Miss Wyncliffe!" He threw his hands in mock horror, a model of outraged innocence. "You astonish me more and more. I find it difficult to believe that a pure, untouched English rose like you could even be aware of such dreadful creatures as mistresses." He laughed and crossed the length of the room to where she stood, his thumbs tucked in the armholes of his waistcoat. He halted so close to her that whiffs of his tobacco-tinged breath fanned her face.

"No, Miss Wyncliffe," he said, "mistresses I have galore. I doubt if I could accommodate more without inviting serious damage to my health. You will therefore be relieved to know that I do not want you for a mistress." His manner was casual but his eyes held a curious, piercing intensity. "I want you for a wife."

For an eternity, it seemed, the words remained suspended between them. The silence expanded and then thickened, punctuated only by the tick-tock of the clock. Emma stared at him wide-eyed and incredulously, unaware in her astonishment that she had folded back into a chair.

"So, Miss Wyncliffe," he murmured. "It appears that I do have the capacity to surprise you, after all."

15 comments:

  1. I love books about India, so this one is now on my radar. It sounds excellent, and just from that little snippet that you posted, I can tell this would be something that I would love. Great teaser today!

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    1. Either this one or Olivia and Jai would be a great place to start with this author. Over at Historical Tapestry we have some suggestions for other historical fiction set in India if you are interested

      http://historicaltapestry.blogspot.com.au/2009/04/why-i-love-historical-fiction-set-in.html

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  2. I have to say this man seems very interesting. He has everything in the world. He has experienced life with mistresses. What has taken him so long to find a wife? What's wrong with him? Is he fighting inner demons? I think it mighty haughty of him to think this woman is just dying to be his wife. By the way, what does he look like?

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    1. Tea, he made quite the impact in society when he appeared - quite the catch.

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  3. I really liked the Kashmir setting in this one, plus the Himalayas (sp?).

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    1. Yes, the Kashmir setting and the intrigue with the Russians is really interesting so far

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  4. Yet another author I need to read one of these days.

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  5. Oh wow, your teaser is a whole excerpt! Looks interesting. Thanks for sharing. My teaser is here.

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    1. Julie, I moved away from the meme format a while ago because I wanted to be able to share more teaser than just a couple of sentences and to talk more about my choices.

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  6. This sounds great, it's gone straight on my wishlist. India is a country I enjoy reading about :)

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  7. Olivia and Jai was excellent, Shalimar was good, and yes (unfortunately) Veil of Illusion was disappointing. If you want to remember the characters from Olivia & Jai the way they were, you may want to approach Veil with caution :) I wish she had written more books.

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  8. I just read the book Olivia and Jay for the second time since it came out. I loved the last 200 pages.

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  9. read Olivia and Jai for the second time. Could not get The Veil of illusion in Australia, was able to get it sent from England. I was also disappointed with the follow up, such different stories. Now don't know whether to read Shalimar or not?

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