Bronwen Evans Release Tour

 

Bronwen Evan’s Fantastic new Release A Taste of Seduction releases next week on Tuesday August 16th,2016. Here you can read a blurb from the book, get to know a bit about Bronwen and enter her RAFFLECOPTER.

BLURB:

The flames of desire fuel a torrid reunion as bestselling author Bronwen Evans returns with another captivating novel of the Disgraced Lords. See why Jen McLaughlin raves, “Bronwen’s historical romances always make the top of my reading list!”

 Lady Evangeline Stuart chose to wed a tyrant with a title, or so society believes. That was five years ago—five long years she could have spent with her first and only love: Lord Hadley Fullerton, the second son of the Duke of Claymore. Now Evangeline is a widow, and her soul cries out for Hadley. But when they see each other at last, everything has changed. The passion in his eyes has been corrupted by betrayal. Somehow Evangeline must regain Hadley’s trust—without revealing the secret that would spoil the seduction.

 Hadley is determined not to be distracted by Evangeline. He and the other Libertine Scholars are in pursuit of an enemy who has been striking at them from the shadows, and Evangeline’s mere presence could be dangerous. But with one smile, one touch, one taste of Evangeline’s lips, Hadley’s resolve is overpowered by much more pleasant memories. As the two enter into a discreet affair, Hadley vows to give her his body, never his heart. That she will have to earn.

 

Praise for the novels of Bronwen Evans

 

“Bronwen’s historical romances always make the top of my reading list!”—New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jen McLaughlin

 “This tale is poignant, heartwarming and readers may be reaching for the Kleenex once or twice before the breathtaking ending.”—RT Book Reviews (4 1/2 stars), on A Kiss of Lies

 “A page-turning, sensual adventure.”—New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Boyle, on A Promise of More

“Bronwen Evans spins a sexy romp in A Touch of Passion, as a lord who doesn’t dare love is locked in passionate battle with a woman who will accept nothing less. And may the best woman win!”—New York Times bestselling author Mary Jo Putney

 “With complexity, depth, and hot, hot passion, Whisper of Desire kept my emotions on a roller coaster—and I didn’t want to get off.”—Lavinia Kent, author of Angel in Scarlet

 

RAFFLECOPTER: Enter for your chance to win

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/67867f9a132/

 

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON: http://amzn.to/29GMAYC

Kobo : http://bit.ly/29LoDhe

NOOK: http://bit.ly/29MLiJg

 

About Bron:

 Author Bronwen EvansUSA Today Bestselling author, Bronwen Evans (Bron), loves story-telling – gobbling up movies, reading books and attending the theater. Her head is always filled with characters and stories, particularly lovers in angst. Is it any wonder she’s a proud romance writer.

 Bronwen attended Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand earning a bachelor’s degree in Commerce and Administration, majoring in Marketing and Accounting. She was all set on building herself a business career (which she did along the way). 

But life never turns out exactly as one thinks. After working for a few years in marketing roles within New Zealand financial institutions, she left for a 6 month overseas experience in London, England. She loved England. She spent several years living in London, using it as a base to be able to work and travel from. She visited all four corners of the world. Her most interesting trips were a camel safari in the Sahara, a trip through Russia, a safari through Africa with her mother, and three months in the Mediterranean.

 It was while living and working in London she discovered the offices of Mills & Boon and the germ of an idea to embark on a romance writing career was born.

 Almost eight years later, on her return to New Zealand, encouraged by a close friend battling a life-threatening illness, Bronwen finally started down the path to publication by joining RWA, The Beau Monde, RWAustralia and RWNZ.

 Bronwen’s first manuscript, INVITATION TO RUIN, was completed late 2009, and was sold to Kensington Publishing early 2010, in a two book deal. Her debut novel, INVITATION TO RUIN, received a 4.5 star rating from RT Book Reviews and was nominated in the RT Reviewer’s Choice Awards – Best First Historical. Invitation to Ruin was also won the RomCon Readers Crown Best Historical 2012.

 Bron’s since gone on to win the RomCon Readers Crown three times. Her first book in her Disgraced Lords series hit the USA Today bestsellers list and she has hit it several times since.

She lives in New Zealand in sunny Hawkes Bay with her two Cavoodles named Brandy and Duke.

 

 

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Spotlight interview and Giveaway with Amy Quinton

 

Historical romance author Amy Quinton is here today with a fantastic interview. She is here to discuss her newest release, Book 2 of her Agents of Change series, What the Marquess Sees.  Please help me make her feel welcome.

Amy will be giving away a two of her books in eBook format, winner chooses which book they’d like to read. As well as One Print Copy (US Only). Be sure to leave a QUESTION for Amy to answer in order to be entered into the random drawing. A winner will be drawn and announced on March 14th, 2016 @8pm.

Also be sure check out Book 1 of her Agents of Change series, What the Duke Wants

Before we get into your book, let us talk about you.

 

Amy Quinton is an author and full time mom living in Summerville, SC. She enjoys writing (and reading!) sexy, historical romances. She lives with her husband, two boys, and one cat. In her spare time, she likes to go camping, hiking, and canoeing/kayaking… And did she mention reading? When she’s not reading, cleaning, or traveling, she likes to make jewelry, sew, knit, and crochet (Yay for Ravelry!).

 

 

Do you have a day job?     Yes, I’m an author…lol. In what I like to call my previous life (my life pre-kids), I was a software designer. I became a full time mom after my first child was born, going 13 years ago now. Then, once both my children were in school full time, I decided to give this romance writing gig a go. 😉 I love reading romance, and I’ve discovered I like writing it even more. My first book, What the Duke Wants, came out in January of last year, and it’s been a wild ride ever since.

What is your favorite color?    It seems to change from year to year. Honestly, I cannot seem to settle. Sometimes, it’s black. Sometimes green. Often, it’s turquoise. And most recently, I’ve fallen in love with purple.

Do you have any unique talents or hobbies? (besides writing) Nothing unique per se. I like to crochet and knit, paint (walls, not art), and make jewelry (see pictures)

 

How do you spend your spare time?    Reading, doing jigsaw puzzles, or working one of my hobbies. Spending time with my family.

Who is/are your biggest supporter(s)?     My family, of course, and my friends have all been very supportive. My husband and kids are always patient with my crazy long hours at work or promoting my work. My friends have all bought my books, beta read my books, showed up for book signings, listened to me complain when my characters act up, and threw me a surprise party upon the release of my first book (picture to the left – they managed a cake with the book cover on it). My mother in law and several close friends have put up with me picking their brains, brainstorming plot points, back story, characterization. I couldn’t have done it without all of their support.

If you weren’t an author what would you be?   A greeter at Walmart? Is professional jigsaw puzzler a thing? LOL. Honestly, I don’t know, I cannot fathom doing anything else.

When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?   I first started What the Duke Wants in 2013 and it was finished in the spring of 2014. It released January 26, 2015.

How did you choose the genre you write in?    Historical romance is my favorite genre to read, hands down, particularly Regency romance, so it made sense for me to start there.

Is there a genre/subgenre that you haven’t written that you would like to try? I am hoping to try paranormal historical romance after I finish the Agents of Change series. But we’ll see what happens as I wrap up book 5. One never knows.

Where do you get your ideas?    Everywhere. Sometimes I dream about plot points and dialogue. Often, when I’m walking, I’ll be inspired with a scene or a bit of dialogue. I’ve been inspired by things my friends have said, things on tv, stuff written in other books… For example, recently my husband was watching a reality show on TV and this guy and girl were out in the middle of nowhere enduring with nothing but their survival skills. The man flushed out a snake and the girl just picked it right up with her bare hands and killed it. Afterwards, the man then said something to the effect of, since you caught the snake, I’ll allow you to take the first piece. I raised my brow at that, and the girl was in complete accord with that sentiment. She was almost dumbfounded and responded quite sarcastically to that remark… and the man never even realized she was doing so; he thought he was being magnanimous, I guess. That entire scene prompted me to imagine what Lady Beatryce (from What the Marquess Sees) would say if Dansbury (her hero) had said the same thing to her. I’ve actually put that ensuing conversation in my current work in progress, What the Scot Hears. Of course, no snakes are involved and Dansbury is not so dimwitted as the man on tv, but the resulting conversation was inspired by that show. Here is an excerpt – warning SPOILERS for book 2.

Dansbury’s latest argument died in his throat as Lady Beatryce walked in wearing trousers of all things.

“While you gents were wasting time arguing,” she said as she dropped a saddlebag on a nearby chair, “I’ve saddled three horses. I, for one, am leaving now. You two had best hurry if you want to join me.”

Then Beatryce turned her back on them and made to leave.

Dansbury looked over at MacLeod, and with a wink, said aloud, “Sure darling, you have my permission to join us since she is your gift to me on our wedding,” and with a final nail in his coffin, added, “This time.”

Apparently, Dansbury still enjoyed provoking his bride despite the fact that they were ‘in love’ and married.

Lady Beatryce froze, lifting her shoulders. MacLeod imagined her anger leaping off those squared shoulders in giant emotion filled waves.

But when she turned around, he knew right away he was wrong. Rather than spitting fire and brimstone, the ice queen had returned—no emotion was to be found in her expression at all.

Which was far worse. He turned to wish his friend a good journey to the afterlife…

…but Dansbury simply grinned like a fool, with a smile that held a certain amount of pride. If anything, he was smiling even more than he had been before he made such a ridiculous, needling statement.

Lady Beatryce walked over to Dansbury, her steps deliberate and steady, and with every footstep she took, Dansbury’s grin widened further. “I can see by the smile on your face that you don’t really mean that. And since it is our wedding day, I’ll let your provoking statement slide.” She kissed him once, briefly, on the lips, but then her eyes narrowed in warning, “But I’m promising you now…if you ever think to control me in such a fashion in future, I’ll have your bollocks with my afternoon tea.”

Then she patted his cheek with a smile, turned on her heel, and left.

Dansbury looked over at MacLeod with a grin and a shrug and said, “That’s my woman…,” with more than a touch of delight coloring his tone. And he moved to follow his wife out the door.

“Aye.” MacLeod agreed. Thank God fer that.

What comes first, your characters’ story or the plot line for the book? It varies. I am an equal opportunity plotter, pansterer… LOL My first book was pulled together scene by scene, the inspiration for the story the scene where my two characters meet for the first time. For my second book, I spent weeks delving into my character’s personalities and backstory first. Much of the dialogue in that book came about through the exercise of defining their character. I would hit on a particular strength or weakness and before I knew it, an entire conversation popped in my head. I would just write the basic dialogue down quickly in a word doc for use later and carried on with defining their backstory.

Do you ever experience writer’s block?

All the time. When something about the characters or the plot isn’t working, is when I stall and sometimes it is very difficult to overcome the block. Usually I bring a friend over for a brainstorming session about the book, after which I am able to move along.

Do you work with an outline, or just write?

Both. I go back and forth. Sometimes, I’ll simply have a burst of inspiration and will write out an entire scene, just running with it. Then, I’ll look back to see if it fits into the story at all. Other times, I spend time plotting ahead to see where the story is going. That helps when I’m feeling particularly uninspired, knowing where the story needs to go will often be the impetus I need to break out the creative spark.

 

Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?

There aren’t enough pages on your website to express all of the emotional ups and downs of the process from query to published. I queried agents and publishers that did not require agents for months. It was very stressful and time consuming. I received an unusually high number of full requests for my manuscript, followed by rejection after rejection. I had a massive spreadsheet I updated daily of all the different queries I sent out and when I expected to hear back, or when I should realistically determine that I wasn’t going to hear back. LOL. One day, I entered a pitch madness contest on twitter which led me to the acquisitions editor for Liquid Silver books, who ultimately made my dreams come true with an offer for publication. I remember screaming at the top of my lungs when the offer arrived in my inbox; I woke the entire house with my shouts (it was late at night and everyone else was asleep). From there, the pace was fast and exciting. The only bump was the cover art. I wasn’t at all happy with the first mock up and it was such a crushing thing to not love the cover of your very first book (we authors don’t have a lot of say on the covers for our books), but I cajoled, begged, and pleaded with them, and I guess they took pity, for they came back with the cover I got and it was absolutely perfect.

 

If you had to go back and do it all over, is there any aspect of your novel or getting it published that you would change? of publication. I cannot complain with the success I have enjoyed with Liquid Silver.

Can you tell us about your upcoming book?   

 

Who has been your favorite character thus far? Lady Beatryce Beckett. Hands down. Which was absolutely unexpected. I loathed her while I was writing the first book. I had every intention of just making her a tension-building antagonist. But then she blossomed as I worked with her backstory and I realized that beneath her cool, ruthless exterior beat a strength not often seen in women of Regency times. I was intrigued as… well let’s just say I can identify with her backstory.

Who has been the hardest character to write about? What character has given you the most trouble? Amelia Chase, without a doubt. She appears briefly in book 2, and is the heroine of book 3. Which is interesting, because I thought her character would be far easier that Lady Beatryce who was quite difficult as I had to juggle her past and questionable behavior, yet make her likeable. But Mrs. Chase is difficult in a different way, she is charming and provoking (very much like Dansbury) which I expected would make her an easy character to write, but I found I have to be careful that she does not come across as too obnoxious and irresponsible. That’s been a surprisingly difficult thing to balance… at least for me. She’s not a personality I’m very familiar with as I am reasonably introverted myself. As are my husband and oldest son. My youngest is another matter entirely, and quite foreign to the rest of us with his wild exuberance.

What character, that you haven’t written/released yet, are you most looking forward to sharing with your readers? I am absolutely looking forward to introducing the hero and heroine in book 5. Neither have been introduced in my books. He will make his first appearance in book 3. I have not named either character, but I can say he is a Welsh Prince. I will be introducing her in book 4. I will hint that I am planning on her being sent by Lady Beatryce to investigate the elusive Welsh Prince….

If you could be any one of your characters who would you choose? Why? Lady Beatryce Beckett – because she’s tough, strong, capable, and she has a man like the Marquess of Dansbury who adores and respects her strength.

What project are you working on now? I am working on the 3^rd book in the Agents of Change series, What the Scot Hears

What is the last book you read? Are reading now? Looking forward to reading? The last book I read, I just finished this morning actually, was a reread of Sarah MacLean’s Nine Rules to Break when Romancing a Rake. Just prior to that, I read Eloisa James’s My American Duchess…. Both fabulous books. I’ve just started reading Monica McCarty’s The Unthinkable

What is the best way to celebrate after a book release? Last time, I simply went out to dinner with my husband and kids. Nothing major. It was nice.

 

Tell me about your book/release, What the Marquess Sees.

Give us a 30-word or less tagline: He is a marquess with a woman to protect and an assassin to thwart. She is…not nice.

1. Who is your intended audience and why should they read your book? If you like regency with a dash of suspense and humor, this book is for you, but warning, the sex scenes are scorching and there is a fair amount of mild cursing…. Which is somewhat expected when you force a couple of people who despise each other to spend every minute together running for their lives from a mad assassin.
2. How did you come up with the title of your book or series? My husband actually gave me the Agents of Change series name. I had started out with Winds of Change with the idea that I would focus on how people can change, but then the spy theme was introduced after I started my basic love story, and suddenly the series name wasn’t quite right. I was telling my husband about how I wanted to change it to something else, but I was running out of time with my first book set to be released in a matter of months, and he just popped out with Agents of Change – it fit perfectly. The first book, What the Duke Wants, came about because the entire love story is all about the Duke dealing with his personal turmoil of wanting what he cannot have. And from there, I stuck to a pattern. What the Marquess Sees was chosen because Lady Beatryce is so much more than what people see on the surface and it takes a special man to see the real woman within. What the Scot Hears, the current working title for book 3 (and subject to change), came about because the woman our hero is compelled to follow is somewhat loud, boisterous, and charming (she’s American, what can I say) and he, a man of few words, is so completely her opposite. He ends up having to chase her down a few times in book 3, and quite often it’s the sound of her charming voice, or the lack thereof, which leads him to find her – or tells him she’s not there. I know, it’s a bit silly, but it’s fun. Her voice and the things she says pull him kicking and screaming out of his personal darkness. Books 4 and 5 have the following working titles: What the Rake Remembers (book 4) and What the Prince Knows (book 5)… but don’t hold me to them for there is a possibility they will change as those stories develop, and I’m absolutely not going to give away the reasons behind these two titles as they are very pertinent to their corresponding storyline.
3. Tell us a little bit about your cover art. Who designed it? Why did you go with that particular image/artwork? My cover was designed by the extremely talented Tara Reid of Tara Reid Photography. She was assigned by my publisher and my input is minimal, honestly. As an author working through a publisher, I am allowed to describe the look of my characters (hair color, length, height, etc.) and choose whether or not the cover should be risqué or not. I can also specify things I don’t wish to see, but ultimately it’s up to the publisher and that’s about as far as my input goes. I did ask, with the cover for What the Marquess Sees, that they place my characters outside and less formally attired as they spend the bulk of the book on the run and in disguise.
4. Tell me about your Hero and Heroine? My hero, the Marquess of Dansbury, is a charming spy for the crown who is tasked with protecting my heroine, Lady Beatryce Beckett from a murderous assassin (sort of a witness relocation situation). He believes in using any means necessary to see the bad guys brought to justice. My heroine was a thorough villain in my first book, What the Duke Wants. She has her reasons for her behavior, her reasons are her own, and she does not apologize nor regret her actions, which normal people find objectionable. However, she is an extremely capable woman who similarly believes that her actions are justified… thus, she tries to make Dansbury understand that they really are the same…. They both believe the end justifies the means…  Dansbury learns to see the true woman beneath her beautiful exterior and finds a capable, strong, and genuinely caring person within.
5. How do you come up with your characters names? I try to choose names that flow well on the tongue and are catchy. I go to www.thepeerage.com to get ideas for first and last names from the time period and to double check that I’ve not chosen a real person’s name who may have existed during that same period. For title names, I search the map of England for place name ideas and come up with my own.
6. Are your Characters modeled after any one in your life? Bits and pieces of my characters are always made up of a part of me and people I know. Some are very much like people I know; some are a composite of many different people.
7. Who is your favorite character from your book and why? Lady Beatryce Beckett – because she’s tough, strong, capable, and she has a man like the Marquess of Dansbury who adores and respects her strength.
8. What was your favorite chapter to write? Scene? Why? OMG – I have so many favorite scenes. I love when Dansbury wakes up to find his clothes have been eaten by a pair of goats – because it’s absolutely hysterical. I love when Lady Beatryce first confronts Dansbury about his attraction to her versus his obvious disdain… He calls her a bitch… They kiss… And she says “And don’t you forget it (about the bitch part) and slams the door in his face – after initiating her own kiss. I love her attitude there and setting him in his place. I love when he has to help her undress in the carriage, and the buttons on her dress start taunting him until he finally loses control and rips them off – in fact, their entire initial carriage ride is provoking fun. Actually, I could go on and on… I love her final ‘run’ at the end of the book.
9. Do you have a least favorite character?  What makes them your least favorite character? Lord Middlebury. He doesn’t make much of an appearance in this book – not as much as in book 1 – but he’s there and he is simply slimy and loathsome.
10. If you could change ONE thing about your novel, what would it be?  Why? Honestly, I am always finding things I wish I could change. In fact, I have to somewhat avoid rereading my own books after they are out because I’m too critical of my own work. I wish I had taken more time to delve into Dansbury’s personal demons, but we really end up focusing on Lady Beatryce in book 2, which was really the point of the ‘change’ happening in this book… despite the title, it’s really her story more than anything.
11. Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your book or series: I dedicated my first novel to my mother in law. Which is practically unheard of…LOL. But I happen to like my mother in law. She came over from Scotland and spent months helping me brainstorm and review book 1 – to the point where she wanted to run away screaming every time I came out to see her on my back porch.
12. How can we contact you or find out more about your books?

Email:  AmyQuintonAuthor@gmail.com

Web site:  http://amyquinton.net

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AmyElizabethQuinton

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/AmyQuinton

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/amyqu11/amy-quinton-author/

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00RUHIXZ0

Goodreads Author Page: https:/www.goodreads.com/author/show/10912294

I love talking with readers about romance novels – whether my own or others.

13. What can we expect from you in the future?  Once this series is complete, I anticipate starting a paranormal historical series that starts during Viking times. I’ve got a lot of ideas there jumping around in the back of my brain. The Gods. Loki, in particular. And centering my stories around women warriors.

14. What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful? Tell your friends. Write a review. Word of mouth is the number one way for people to learn about my book and decide to give it a try. Without question. But almost as important is reviews, the more reviews one has (good or bad), the more eBook sites, like Amazon, push your book in front of potential readers’ eyes. 14. Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published? Never give up on your dreams. With the rise of self-publishing, you have no excuse not to try. And once that book is out there, you can say with pride, “I did that.” And no one can take that away from you. Don’t get too caught up on the ‘rules’ of writing a romance novel though – write the story YOU would want to read and find your people. They exist. Also, I’ve found it best not to get too caught up in promotion. The best promotion an author can do is write another book.

15. Think about your book.  You realize that we all read books at different paces, with varying amounts of distractions.  Is there a particular part of your book that you want to highlight– not because it is your favorite – but because you want to encourage your readers to read it carefully and get all the details?  Only that in book 3, pay close attention to the Epigraphs.

16. Is there anything else you’d like to say? Thank you all for giving this newbie author a chance. I love romance books; I love reading them, writing them, and just plain talking about them. Please don’t hesitate to contact me. I will respond.

17. And now, before you go, how about a snippet from your book that is meant to intrigue and tantalize us:

Blurb

England 1814: He is a marquess with a woman to protect and an assassin to thwart. She is…not nice.

The Marquess of Dansbury is a strong, charismatic man living a charmed life as an agent for the crown. His past isn’t without tragedy, but he is too amiable to allow misfortune to mar his positive outlook on life. Until now…when he finds himself tasked with protecting the one woman in the world he actively disdains, Lady Beatryce Beckett.

Lady Beatryce Beckett is mean. She ruins other women on purpose. She lies. She cheats. She even steals. And she takes particular pleasure in provoking a certain marquess. In short, she’ll do anything to get what she wants: freedom from her abusive father. But she is strong (she’s had to be), worthy (who’d have thought it), and in love… Wait, what?

It will take a special man to see the true woman beneath the surface…and a strong woman to allow him that glimpse. Is the Marquess of Dansbury up to the task?

 

Excerpt:

 

They rode in a wagon. Yea. A wagon. Not a traveling carriage as before, but a wagon that was little more than a cart with an old donkey that looked like he’d been put to pasture some ten years prior. And some blankets. And possibly a basket with day old bread for a meal…Hopefully with some cheese and ale to wash it down. Beatryce hadn’t bothered to check its contents.

Oh, and their small armory from the rented carriage filled the back. Dansbury had covered most of it up with some of their new moth-worn blankets that reeked of cows and other things she’d rather not name.

A traveling carriage, even one as rundown as the one they’d arrived in, would have been preferable. But alas, beggars do not have the luxury of being choosy. And they were pretending to be little more than beggars. Hence, the cart.

They’d awoken even earlier than on their previous days. Before the rooster outside had even thought about crowing, Dansbury had shaken her awake without a word more than “Let’s go.” No innuendoes. No smile of greeting. Not even a scowl as was his usual manner in her presence. Just fierce determination with a sharp edge of impatience.

She had no idea where he’d spent the night. All she remembered was him picking the lock to their room. The thought had made her smile. Then, he walked straight through and out the window. She’d laughed out loud when he was gone and then wondered if one would have to get used to such behavior in order to live with a man like Dansbury. She didn’t think about that for long…drove that thought right out of her mind lest she spend another night without a wink of sleep to show for it.

Beatryce presumed this, the cart, was arranged by him, and she knew by his demeanor that now was not the time to question him on it. So she went along with it. For now. She knew their position was precarious what with the idea of a traitor or two and deadly assassins trailing them.

La, it sounded like something out of a poorly-written gothic novel.

Oh, and she was driving the cart.

Dansbury was in the back prepping their small armory. Ensuring everything was dry.

And ready should they need it. She wished she could be back there with him. Helping. But all he had said to her since he woke her was, “You’re driving,” as he helped her up into her seat. Then he walked away and climbed onto the back. Someone had to drive the cart.

She supposed she should be pleased that he didn’t question her capabilities.

But that was hours ago, and it was impossible to converse with him when she was up front driving while he was in the back playing spy. She was going to start conversing with the donkey soon. She’d already named him Dansbury the Younger.

“Oh, Dansbury, you are a fine ass,” she whispered to the ass…er, donkey. Loudly.

La, she was losing her mind.

“Did you say something?” yelled a masculine voice from behind.

“Wasn’t talking to you,” she threw back. With a secret smile she didn’t dare reveal.

 

Buy Links:

LS Books: http://www.lsbooks.com/what-the-marquess-sees-p1081.php

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/What-Marquess-Sees-Agents-Change-ebook/dp/B0181BVAM6

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-the-marquess-sees-amy-quinton/1123024873?ean=9781622102815

KOBO: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/what-the-marquess-sees

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Amy_Quinton_What_the_Marquess_Sees?id=5YABCwAAQBAJ

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/what-the-marquess-sees/id1061802779?mt=11

 

Car my Hubs and I are rebuilding. 94 Jeep Cherokee – Front and Back – I love Doctor Who! And Love the Bumper Sticker… just thought they were funny to share.

 

We throw themed parties with my besties for New Years – New Years 2016: Renaissance Faire  / New Years 2015: 80’s With the girls… (I’m with the red Merida wig)

 

Signing books at the beach – I can think of worse locations. Myself and Keri Lee Sereika of Pink Lemonade: http://www.pinklemonade.typepad.com/ Keri taught me jewelry making. She’s selling her jewelry at my book signing.

 

My boys and I at Ober Gatlinburg – one of our favorite places to visit.

 

 

Thank you for a wonderful interview. Once again don’t forget to leave your QUESTION for Amy and to check out her books. They are amazing. Keep an eye out for reviews to follow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cover Reveal and Pre-order Link for Bronwen Evans Upcoming Release

 

 

A TASTE OF SEDUCTION

A DISGRACED LORDS NOVEL

By BRONWEN EVANS

Part of The Disgraced Lords

Category: Historical Romance | Regency Romance | Suspense Romance

PRODUCT DETAILS

Ebook

Published by Loveswept

Aug 16, 2016 | 283 Pages | ISBN 9781101883174

Amazon pre-order link

http://amzn.to/24Rum9s

BLURB:

The flames of desire fuel a torrid reunion as bestselling author Bronwen Evans returns with another captivating novel of the Disgraced Lords. See why Jen McLaughlin raves, “Bronwen’s historical romances always make the top of my reading list!”

 Lady Evangeline Stuart chose to wed a tyrant with a title, or so society believes. That was five years ago—five long years she could have spent with her first and only love: Lord Hadley Fullerton, the second son of the Duke of Claymore. Now Evangeline is a widow, and her soul cries out for Hadley. But when they see each other at last, everything has changed. The passion in his eyes has been corrupted by betrayal. Somehow Evangeline must regain Hadley’s trust—without revealing the secret that would spoil the seduction.

 Hadley is determined not to be distracted by Evangeline. He and the other Libertine Scholars are in pursuit of an enemy who has been striking at them from the shadows, and Evangeline’s mere presence could be dangerous. But with one smile, one touch, one taste of Evangeline’s lips, Hadley’s resolve is overpowered by much more pleasant memories. As the two enter into a discreet affair, Hadley vows to give her his body, never his heart. That she will have to earn.

 

Bronwen Evans Bio:

USA Today bestselling author, Bronwen Evans grew up loving books. She writes both historical and contemporary sexy romances for the modern woman who likes intelligent, spirited heroines, and compassionate alpha heroes. Evans is a three-time winner of the RomCon Readers’ Crown and has been nominated for an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award. She lives in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand with her dogs Brandy and Duke.

Join my book club newsletter and receive a FREE copy of To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield (Amazon #1 Historical romance best seller)
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Bronwen loves hearing from avid romance readers at Bronwen@bronwenevans.com

You can keep up with Bronwen’s news by visiting her website www.bronwenevans.com

Or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bronwenevans…

Or Twitter: https://twitter.com/bronwenevans_NZ

 

 

 

Christi Caldwell Blog Tour and Giveaway

RAFFLECOPTER: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/67867f9a124/

OFFICIAL BLURB:

Destitute and determined to finally be free of any man’s shackles, Lily Benedict sets out to salvage her honor. With no choice but to commit a crime that will save her from her past, she enters the home of the recluse, Derek Winters, the new Duke of Blackthorne. But entering the “Beast of Blackthorne’s” lair proves more threatening than she ever imagined.

With half a face and a mangled leg, Derek—once rugged and charming—only exists within the confines of his home.  Shunned by society, Derek is leery of the hauntingly beautiful Lily Benedict.  As time passes, she slips past his defenses, reminding him how to live again.  But when Lily’s sordid past comes back, threatening her life, it’s up to Derek to find the strength to become the hero he once was.  Can they overcome the darkness of their sins to find a life of love and redemption?

EXCERPT:

“I don’t give a bloody hell if it is the damn Queen of England for tea and biscuits, do not darken my door.”

 She stared unblinking at the door. This was William’s brother? This foul-mouthed, mannerless brute? A more rational, sensible woman would be fearful of the beast who dwelled on the other side. However, she was long past fearing a snarling, petulant duke.

The butler, Harris, looked painfully at her, his expression conveying an absolute uncertainty of how to proceed. He tried once more with his employer. “I-it is about the g—”

 “If you say it is about the girl, I’ll have you hung by your ballocks.”

 Oh, that was really enough. Lily reached past the servant, and ignoring his shocked gasp, she pressed the handle.

 Locked.

 She furrowed her brow. Humph. Well, she’d not anticipated that. Lily tried again.

 “Harrison, if you jiggle my damn handle once more, I’ll myself remove your hand from you body.”

 A small giggle cut into the end of the duke’s vile speech and Lily whipped her head to the right. A little girl in white skirts stood at the end of the hall. The widening of her cornflower blue eyes indicated shock at being discovered. Then the giggling imp ducked back behind the wall and disappeared.

 Lily gave her head a shake. What manner of place was this? Angry, shouting men. Giggling, unattended children…and those same unattended children giggling at the shouting, angry men? 

 Poor Harris. The man appeared one more outburst from the duke away from casting up his mornings account. Alas, Lily should have learned long ago from her own experience that ordinary people were capable of extraordinary courage.

 CHRISTI CALDWELL

 USA TODAY Bestselling author CHRISTI CALDWELL blames Judith McNaught’s “Whitney, My Love!” for luring her into the world of historical romance. While sitting in her graduate school apartment at the University of Connecticut, Christi decided to set aside her notes and pick up her laptop to try her hand at romance. She believes the most perfect heroes and heroines have imperfections, and she rather enjoys torturing them before crafting them a well-deserved happily ever after!

 Christi makes her home in southern Connecticut where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, chasing around her feisty six-year-old son and caring for her twin princesses in training!

Links: Website: http://christicaldwell.com

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Christi-Caldwell/e/B0061UVSPO/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1455588327&sr=1-1

 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5297089.Christi_Caldwell?from_search=true&search_version=service

Twitter: https://twitter.com/christicaldwell

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Christi-Caldwell-215250258658392/

 

 

Viscountess of Vice Blog Tour and Author Interview

Today we have a special treat. Historical Romance author Jenny Holiday is here with her newest book Viscountess of Vice, Book 3 in her Regency Reformers series.

Blurb:

Secrets and lies, scandals and spies.

All Lady Catharine, Viscountess Cranbrook, wants is a little excitement. Bored of playing the role of the ton’s favorite slightly scandalous widow, she jumps at the chance to go undercover as a courtesan to help with an espionage mission. After all, beneath her outrageously low bodice beats the heart of a patriot.

Social reformer James Burnham is conducting a study of vice in England’s capital. Driven by his own secrets, he is methodical, intelligent—and wickedly handsome. Catharine is the last sort of woman the upstanding James should want. But want her he does, though she stands for everything he opposes.

When Catharine and James are forced to band together to advance their causes, they’ll be drawn into a web of secrets and lies that endangers their lives—and their hearts.

Hi Jenny, it’s wonderful to have you here. Let’s get to know a bit about you….

Do you have a day job?

No! But I have only recently quit the day job, so it’s still a thrill to answer that way. I worked for a lot of years as a writer and PR person in the higher ed sector.

Tell us about your greatest adventure?

Moving to Canada, where I didn’t know anyone, by myself in my early 20s

What is your biggest fear in life?

Being on vacation and being in the ocean and being surrounded by fish. They don’t even have to be sharks—just a big-ass school of fish.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

I would say successfully breastfeeding my son. (It was really hard!)

Do you have any unique talents or hobbies? (besides writing

Breastfeeding? No, I am kidding. That ended a lot time ago. I am freakishly good at remembering long strings of numbers (really).

Who is/are your biggest supporter(s)?

My dad. I grew up in the US midwest, where We Do Not Talk About Things. I *told* my dad not to read my first book, but he did. We didn’t talk about those parts, thankfully, but he had a lot to say about things like the wall color in some of the scenes. He also used to print out my Amazon reviews and hand them out in his town.

If you could live in any time period which would you choose and why?

Right now! Though I love the world of Regency romance, really I love other things more—women’s sufferage, antibiotics, indoor plumbing, etc!

Do you ever experience writer’s block?

No. I mean, some parts of some books are harder than others—heck, some parts of some books are like pulling teeth—but I don’t stop. I firmly embrace the “butt in chair” philosophy. You just have to push your way through.

Do you work with an outline, or just write?

Left to my own devices, I don’t outline per se. I do plan books in the sense that I know what the characters want and how they are going to come into conflict with each other. I actually spend quite a bit of time thinking about that stuff before I start. I might know some of the plot, but I don’t sit down and outline the whole thing …unless it’s the first book in a series and I have to sell it to a publisher. Publishers, even ones you’ve worked with before, won’t buy anything without a synopsis. So in those cases, yes, I do outline the book, but only because I have no choice!

What process do you use to research for your book?

With this book, I read about the earliest social reform movements in England. Mostly, we associate these movements with the Victorians, but many of them had their roots in the Regency period in which the book is set. I also read a lot about gun manufacturing! I would not have been able to write this book without the amazing efforts of the interlibrary loan department at my local university. They got their hands on lots of cool stuff for me!

Who has been your favorite character thus far?

Of all my books? I think it’s Rose Verma, the heroine of my contemporary novel The Engagement Game. Rose was a goofball with a spine of steel.

Who has been the hardest character to write about? What character has given you the most trouble?

I actually think it might be Catharine, the heroine of Viscountess of Vice. She is so wounded and has built up such emotional armor. Sometimes it is hard to write a character like that and then come down from it in a way that is credible. It doesn’t work to just stick a hero in there and, viola, everything is fixed!

What project are you working on now?

A trilogy of novellas I’m calling New Wave Newsroom. They are set in the 1980s and each book is inspired by a song from the decade. The characters work on their college newspaper.

Your life is being made into a movie and you get to choose any actor/actress to play you, who would it be and why?

I would choose Mindy Kaling, not because we have anything in common but because I think she is genius (I may be a wee bit obsessed with her, actually), and I want to meet her!

Tell me about your book/release, (title).

Who is your intended audience and why should they read your book?

Fans of Regency romance will enjoy the intrigue in this book and a few unexpected twists it throws at them.

How did you come up with the title of your book or series?

I was writing about ahead of their time social reformers in the Regency era, so it was a natural progression to call the series Regency Reformers.

Tell me about your Hero and Heroine?

Catharine is a slightly scandalous widow (she enjoys the company of men, let’s just say) who is moonlighting as a spy. She is posted in a house of ill repute, trying to ensnare an enemy of the crown. James is a social reformer who doesn’t approve of anything about Catharine.

How do you come up with your characters names?

I just pick names I like that seem to fit the characters, and in this case, are consistent with the historical setting. With contemporaries, sometimes use internet-based random name generators if I need inspiration. Sometimes I’m stuck because I have a secondary character in one book that I’ve already named, without giving it much thought, and then that character ends up getting his or her own book!

Are your Characters modeled after any one in your life?

Nope! My life is not that exciting!

Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

I think James. He tries so very hard to do what is good and right, but he can’t see the forest for the trees.

What was your favorite chapter to write? Scene? Why?

There is a scene in which the heroine has to do something that goes against her code of ethics (I don’t want to be too specific because I don’t want to give it away). That was tough for me to write, but also tough because I didn’t want readers to turn on her.

Do you have a least favorite character?  What makes them your least favorite character?

Well, the villain—that one is easy! Again, I can’t say exactly why, but he is a baddie! He also wears ugly hats!

Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your book or series:

I wrote most of it in one-hour chunks. I was still working a day job, and I would write over my lunch hour and then again for an hour after my kid went to bed.

How can we contact you or find out more about your books?

My website is jennyholiday.com, or you can find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jenny.holiday or Twitter (where I am more than I’m on Facebook) @jennyholi
Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Viscountess-Regency-Reformers-Jenny-Holiday-ebook/dp/B019CBM604

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/viscountess-of-vice-jenny-holiday/1123129290

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/viscountess-of-vice/id1067813151

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/viscountess-of-vice

Entangled: http://www.entangledpublishing.com/the-viscountess-of-vice/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28220573-viscountess-of-vice

 

Blog Tour, Interview, and Giveaway with Lily Maxton

Historical romance author Lily Maxton is here today with a fantastic interview. She is here to discuss her newest release from the Sisters of Scandal series, The Improper Bride. Please help me make her feel welcome.

Lily Maxton will be giving away a $5 Amazon gift card. Be sure to leave a COMMENT in order to be entered into the random drawing. A winner will be drawn and announced on February 14, 2016 @ 5pm. There is also a rafflecoptor link below to enter.

RAFFLECOPTOR LINK

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d04d152f1/?

Before we get into your book, let us talk about you.

 

 

Lily Maxton grew up in the Midwest, reading, writing, and daydreaming amidst cornfields. After graduating with a degree in English, she decided to put her natural inclinations to good use and embark on a career as a writer.

When she’s not working on a new story, she likes to tour old houses, add to her tea stash, and think of reasons to avoid housework.

• What is your favorite color?

 

It was blue for the longest time, but now I’m really loving purple! (Which I’ve been using a lot…on my website, Twitter, etc, etc…)

• What is your biggest fear in life?

 

Currently, that my writing career will come tumbling down because of writer’s block or low sales or any reason, really. We writers tend to be anxious creatures.

• If you weren’t an author what would you be?

 

Could I get paid for just reading books? That would be awesome. I also really love museums and historical artifacts…maybe a curator?

•  When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?

I started writing stories pretty much when I learned to write. When I was about seven I wrote my first “book” about a wolf pack (a lot of random things happen, and it was fairly violent for a seven year old—I drew pictures, too!). I wrote my first novel-length romance in high school, but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t very good.

• Is there a genre/subgenre that you haven’t written that you would like to try?

 

I really love fantasy/romance, especially YA. Maybe someday…

• What project are you working on now?

 

I’m working on a new historical romance series, centered around a family of your basic damaged misfits. Hopefully I’ll be able to talk more about it soon.

• What is the best way to celebrate after a book release?

Release day and even release week tend to be fairly busy. Sometimes the weekend after I’ll reward myself with champagne, or my husband and I will go out to dinner. I really do think it’s a good idea to take some time to stop and relax and celebrate your accomplishments.

 

Tell me about your book/release, The Improper Bride.  

Give us a 30-word or less tagline: A Beauty and the Beast style story with a little Cinderella thrown in for fun.

How did you come up with the title of your book or series?

I have to confess that I’m horrible at titles. My working title for this was Sisters of Scandal #5 for a very long time, and then I came up with The Secret, which wasn’t bad but not great either. Thankfully someone at Entangled thought of The Improper Bride!

3. Tell us a little bit about your cover art. Who designed it? Why did you go with that particular image/artwork?

I love this cover, designed by LJ Anderson. I really have no say in the final image that gets used; the people at Entangled decide that. But I love the brightness of it, and the heroine’s dress, and the embrace, which I think is sensual without going overboard. I was really pleased.

4. Tell me about your Hero and Heroine?

Henry is a marquess, and to be honest, initially he’s an ass. But he’s injured in a fire and slowly starts to change and become a better man. Cassandra is Henry’s housekeeper— she’s occupied with her work and happy with her life just as it is… or so she thinks. These two are kindred spirits who have lived in the same household for years but have never really recognized each other because of the class boundaries. But the aftermath of the fire changes their relationship in unexpected ways.

5. How do you come up with your characters names?

I usually stick to names that were common in the Regency era, but I tend to like it best when I find a name that was around back then but maybe wasn’t as common. The heroine’s name is Cassandra, which is an example of this… I don’t think it was very popular during the Regency, but Jane Austen’s sister’s name was Cassandra, so we know it was used at least occasionally. On a side note, Jane Austen’s aunt was named Philadelphia! I’d love to name one of my characters that! I don’t know what the nickname would be, though. Phil? Del?

 6. Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

I love both of my main characters, but Lady Margaret, the hero’s sister, was so much fun to write! She’s very independent and opinionated and a bit of a troublemaker. I’d love to write her book someday… I just have to think of a hero who can match her!

7. How can we contact you or find out more about your books?

You can go to my website, www.lilymaxton.com. And I’m also on Facebook and Twitter (facebook.com/lilymaxton and @LilyMaxton).

8. What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?

Getting the word out is really important. If you love a book, consider writing a review, and/or recommending it to other people you think might like it!

9. Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?

I’m sure every aspiring writer has heard it before, but it’s true—persistence is key. You’re going to work really hard and you’ll probably still get rejected. You might get rejected fifty times. But if you love it, you keep at it.

10. And now, before you go, how about a snippet from your book that is meant to intrigue and tantalize us:

His hand swept along her jaw—he knew the curve so well in his mind—it felt the same as it looked—strong, a little stubborn, with a teasing hint of feminine softness. Everything about her was like that, a mark of contrasts—strong and soft, firm and yielding. He could have touched her forever, studied those contrasts forever.

Blurb:

Cold, arrogant, and demanding Henry Eldridge, Marquess of Riverton, would never dally with a mere servant. But when Henry is injured in a horrible fire, his pretty housekeeper Cassandra nurses him back to health, throwing them together day and night. As he slowly heals from his burns, their friendship blossoms, and the class walls between them start to crumble. Cassandra is surprised by glimpses of a kind and thoughtful man beneath her employer’s hard façade—and even more surprised when she develops tender feelings for him. But anything between lord and servant is impossible…and besides, as a widow, she knows love only leads to heartbreak.

Henry is changing, as well. His close brush with death has opened his eyes to his self-imposed emotional isolation…and has urgently reminded him of his duty to marry a well-bred lady and produce an heir. Determined to do right by his family name, he immediately begins searching for a suitable bride. But Cassandra is the only woman who is never far from his mind or his heart. Contrary to everything he’s been taught to believe, he realizes his lovely housekeeper might just be his perfect match. Now, if only he could convince everyone else of that. Especially Cassandra…

 

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Improper-Bride-Sisters-Scandal-ebook/dp/B019CB3TJ6

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-improper-bride-lily-maxton/1123129291

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/the-improper-bride

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-improper-bride/id1067807976

 

EXCERPT

“Oh, indeed?” he said softly, in a tone that scared her with its evenness. “What you feel for me is mere…servitude?”

No! Good Lord, there was nothing subservient in the way she’d pressed into his body in the snow, or when she’d cradled his face in her palms, or slept spooned up against him on the library floor. But admitting that would only make a complicated situation even more tangled. “Yes, I suppose, if that is what you wish to call it.”

He took a step toward her. “And when I recognized you even blindfolded, and your body trembled as I whispered in your ear, that was merely lord and housekeeper?”

She swallowed, her face heating. “I…” She cleared her throat. “That was a misunderstanding.”

He took her hand in his and tugged. She stumbled forward, nearly colliding with him. She would have, if she hadn’t braced her hand on his chest. She had to tilt her head back to look him in the eyes and she was very aware that he hadn’t removed his fingers from her wrist. Each one was distinct, burning her like brands.

“In that case, touch me,” he growled.

“What? No, I—”

“If you’re not affected by my presence, man to woman, I want you to prove it.” His eyes blazed with challenge.

“You are being ridiculous,” she said, her voice quaking as much as her heart.

He untied his cravat with one hand and let it drop to the floor, revealing his throat and his collarbone—smooth, pale skin, unmarred by the fire. She saw the pulse in his throat, saw that it was beating faster than normal.

“Touch me,” he ordered. Like Satan whispering temptation in her ear… Do you want the apple? Take it. Taste it. Her hand was still on his chest. Take it.

She wanted to so much, with a yearning that left her weak. She slid her hand up, her fingertips brushing his shoulder. He was tense. When she touched skin, he sucked in a quick breath.

A heady feeling, to know a simple touch could affect him so strongly. Heady and hot, and not at all servile.

It occurred to her, she was playing right into the scoundrel’s hands.

She didn’t care. The contact, the warmth of him, the way his pulse trembled under her fingers, had a similar effect to the whisky. It was like flame dancing along her limbs. Her nerves tingled, surging and alive. She let her thumb brush his collarbone, memorizing the contour of the graceful, jutting sweep, and paused at the hollow of his throat where she could feel the pounding of his heart.

Taste it.

No, she couldn’t… But she was already letting her head fall forward, her willpower succumbing to the hard, harsh rhythm of her body. Her lips grazed the hollow and his fingers tightened around her wrist, almost hurting her but not quite. She breathed him in, salt and spice and skin.

And licked him.

 

Spotlight Interview and Giveaway with Catherine Hemmerling

Historical Romance author Catherine Hemmerling is here today with a fantastic interview. She is here to discuss her newest release from the Lady Lancaster Garden Society Mystery series, Enticing Her Unexpected Bridegroom. Please help me make her feel welcome.

Catherine will be giving away a free copy of her book (ebook). We will also being giving away a $20 Amazon gift card. Be sure to leave a COMMENT here on the blog or on the facebook post in order to be entered into the random drawing. A winner will be drawn and announced on February 2nd, 2016 @ 5pm

Before we get into your book, let us talk about you.

Catherine Hemmerling has been a technical writer in the software industry for nearly twenty years and has published many user manuals and technical documentation in that time. She has always had a love of writing fiction but has never pursued publication in that genre until recently.

This author happily resides in Tehachapi, California with her family.

Do you have a day job?

I used to be a Technical Writer and I loved it, but my dream has always been to be a novelist. I have been lucky enough to retire from the high tech world I lived in for 25 years and am now able to focus all my time on writing fun fiction.

What is your favorite color?

Definitely green.

Tell us about your greatest adventure?

Aside from this roller coaster as a writer, I suppose back-packing around Europe tops the list. Eight countries in thirty days with my best friend? It doesn’t get much better than that.

What is your biggest fear in life?

Failure. I have always been an overacheiver. It’s a hard thing to stop being. I was at the top of my field as a technical writer. As a romance write, I’m still learning the ropes. It’s a dagger to the heart to get a 1-star review, but it happens. I am quickly learning that you can’t please everyone. And that’s ok.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

I have successfully followed Maya Angelou’s advice (paraphrasing here) “that just because you are in pain, doesn’t mean you have to be one.” I have suffered from a chronic disease since I was 17. It’s hard not to whine and moan when you hurt, but I have learned that I have a heck of a lot more to be thankful for than I have to complain about. I’m proud of that.

Do you have any unique talents or hobbies? (besides writing)

My mom and I have a small arts and crafts business called Petals and Leaves. I make jewelry and knitted fiber-arts for the business and she makes bags and crocheted good. I also paint and sculpt when I can.

How do you spend your spare time?

Crafting or writing. I also watch a lot of Netflix. I don’t like silence much. I always have a show or music playing as background noise.

Who is/are your biggest supporter(s)?

My fiance and my mom. Well, pretty much all my family. My sister was almost as excited when my first book came out as I was. She made me cry (in a good way). I have been blessed with supporters.

If you weren’t an author what would you be?

Right now? A lazy bum probably. But originally, I wanted to be a teacher if I couldn’t write.

If you could live in any time period which would you choose and why?

That’s tough. I am very fond of the regency period that I write in, but I am more fond of indoor plumbing and showering regularly. I suppose there is something appealing about the 50s and 60s. Seems like a more innocent time. Bottom line though, I’m happy where and when I am. Nothing beats being an 80s kid!

When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?

I started writing stories as a kid. I finished some short stories in college. But try as I might, I could not finish a book-length story. It wasn’t until I had a dream about Lady Lancaster and her girls (yes, an actual dream) that I was able to sit down and crank out an honest-to-goodness book. I actually finished it in about 6 weeks. And while I was waiting for an agent to pick it up (God willing) I wrote book 2 and 3. I had finished the first 3 books in the series in just under 8 months. It just poured out. Crazy.

How did you choose the genre you write in?

I wrote what I loved; romance. I’m branching out into different genres now, but initially, I had to go with something near and dear to my heart.

Is there a genre/subgenre that you haven’t written that you would like to try?

I’m working on a straight up detective book now. I also want to try writing a male protagonist, but originally I wanted to write young adult fantasy. I still want to try my hand at that.

Where do you get your ideas?

Dreams. Pretty much always. I keep a notebook by my bed, because if I don’t write it down right when I come out of the dream, I’ll never remember it in the morning. The inspiration comes from dreams, but it takes a lot of time and imagination to get a book out of the dream.

What comes first, your characters story or the plot line for the book?

Characters, for sure, but the plot line comes soon after. I can’t write just off the top of my head. I need an outline to remind where I want to go. I must say, though, sometimes the characters have other ideas and I have to adjust my outline. They definitely take on a life of their own.

Do you ever experience writer’s block?

Not in the traditional sense. I’ve never had a problem finding the story once I sit down and start writing. I do have days (weeks) where I am too tired to write. Days where I can’t think straight enough to string sentences together. Part of my illness, I’m afraid. But I always find a way to get back to that place I need to be to write…eventually.

Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

I have been hugely influenced by Jane Austen and, also, Julia Quinn. I suppose there is some Nancy Drew in there, too. Jane Austen inspired the historical aspect, Julia Quinn, the overall feel, and Nancy Drew, the mystery.

Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?

I had far fewer than I have heard from other authors. I sent out 70 or so query letters to literary agency over a three month period. I received maybe twenty or so responses. All “thanks, I’ll pass” letters. But one showed interest and asked for the whole book. Then asked for some changes (I’ve always suspected my agent was testing my willingness to make changes to “my baby”). Apparently my changes passed muster and I was signed. Not long after, I had a publisher. The rest is history. All in all, less than six months passed between me finishing the book and me receiving a publishing contract. Highly unusual from what I understand.

If you had to go back and do it all over, is there any aspect of your novel or getting it published that you would change?

Not a thing. It’s all a learning opportunity. I wouldn’t be the author, writer, novelist I am now if I hadn’t gone through all the stuff I did to get hear. Plus I had a pretty easy go to get published, remember? I would have liked to know about my addiction to adverbs earlier on, but that’s a whole other matter.

What process do you use to research for your book?

Lots of googling. I also read old newspapers from the regency period. You’d be amazed at what you can find online. For book two (Romancing His English Rose), I followed the procedures detailed in an actual murder case  held and transcribed in 1814. Research is fascinating to me. I actually found a tradition (from the 1600s I think) where woman would fashion eyebrows out of mouse pelts and wear them!

Who has been your favorite character thus far?

Tough one… I want to be Lady Lancaster when and if I ever grow up, but I think I identify with Sarah the most. I have always been, and will always be, a clutz. I don’t think I grew into my height very gracefully either. I also have absolutely no filter. Both have caused me no end of troubles, as well.

Who has been the hardest character to write about? What character has given you the most trouble?

I think Emily (her book will be the fifth in the series) will be my most challenging. She is a true beauty inside and out, but I have never been the “belle of the ball” ad that is definitely the role I cast for her. It will be interesting writing a character that has all the men lusting after her.

What character, that you haven’t written/released yet, are you most looking forward to sharing with your readers?

Well, I’ve written this character into all the books, but I’m taking leave to focus on the second part of your question. I hope, hope, hope I get a chance to write Lady Lancaster’s story. You know, before she became the paragon she is in my other books. I think readers would be interested in the love story between her and the oft quoted Duke.

What project are you working on now?

I am currently working on book five of the Lady Lancaster series and book one of a new series. The new series is a detective/mystery set in current times. A bit of a departure, but it’s been fun exploring the new genre.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

The worst critism I have received was a “did not finish” rating on Goodreads for my first book, Taming Her Forbidden Earl. Some of the comments were pretty harsh. I was particularly scarred by “lame banter is lame”. I think it was first strong lesson I learned that I will never be able to please everyone. As far as compliments, I think reviews that say they loved the book so much that they have to go buy the others is the greatest compliment any author can receive.

What is the last book you read? Are reading now? Looking forward to reading?

This is a touchy subjest. I am (or was) a voracious reader, but now that I am writing, I am sooo concerned I may subconciously steal an idea from another book, that I hardly read anything at all. Plagiarism is an awful thing to do to a writer, even unintentionally. I’m probably being silly, but that is the actual reason I don’t read much anymore.

How do you decompress after typing The End on a book?

A nice glass of chilled Moscato, of course. :o)

What is the best way to celebrate after a book release?

A nice glass of chilled Moscato, of course! LOL

 

Tell me about your book/release, Enticing Her Unexpected Bridegroom.

Give us a 30-word or less tagline:

Their unexpected marriage will either end in rapture… or ruin.

1. Who is your intended audience and why should they read your book?

I suppose my intended audience is romance and mystery lovers. You get both in this book. I also use an actual historic event to mold the story around, so history buffs may enjoy this read too.

2. How did you come up with the title of your book or series?

Oh, you had to ask! Titles are my kryptonite. I usually pitch a half dozen before my publishing team finds one they like. My original title for this book was Loving the Lady Sarah, but it didn’t quite fit in with the other titles in the series, so I had to go back to the drawing board.

3. Tell us a little bit about your cover art. Who designed it? Why did you go with that particular image/artwork?

My publishing team does the artwork. They send me an extensive questionnaire that tells them about the book, the main characters, and the types of covers I like. They also ask for examples of covers I don’t like. In the previous books, I had tweaks and fixes for the cover. This book’s cover was perfect from the get-go. I love my team!

4. Tell me about your Hero and Heroine?

Sarah and David…such a fun couple. Sarah has been in love with David for years. He is her best friend’s brother, so they know each other pretty well. Or so they thought. Sarah is uncommonly tall, clumsy, awkward, and terribly outspoken. David is a gentleman in this book, but he had some growing up to get there. He was a bit of a rascal in his youth. They both have a lot to learn about each other, but about themselves as well.

5. How do you come up with your characters names?

This is a crazy story. I came up with this series in 2011.  I searched the popular baby names for 1814 to get the first names. The last names are from a list of the peerage for England. I wanted to make sure I chose typical British names. The crazy thing is that I chose the names Sarah, Emily, David before even starting the series. In 2012, I met my, now, fiance. His name is David. He has two daughters. Their names are Sara and Emily! Such an amazing coincidence.

6. Are your Characters modeled after any one in your life?

Actually all the female characters, except the villains, are modeled in some way after me. I suppose you write what you know. The leading men are just what I think an ideal man could/should be. Not perfect, just perfect for their partner.

7. Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

Well, I love Sarah, of course, but I’m partial to Sam in this book. He isn’t a huge character, but he packs a fun punch. Little boys are scamps, you know?

8. What was your favorite chapter to write? Scene? Why?

I love when Sarah falls. I picture Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality. That woman can take some falls.

9. Do you have a least favorite character?  What makes them your least favorite character?

I am not a fan of the odious Earl, but the magistrate really annoyed me. I don’t like yes-men.

10. If you could change ONE thing about your novel, what would it be?  Why?

In the acknowledgments, my step-daughter’s name is spelled incorrectly. It should be Sara Hammons. I think with the character name being Sarah, the misspelling went unnoticed. I feel really awful that I didn’t catch it before it went to print.

11. Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your book or series:

All the books are based on actual historic events. I think that adds a little extra something. As a result I tried to be as accurate as possible with the historic details in the book. Street names, business names, etc. aren’t used if I couldn’t find reference to them in 1814.

12. How can we contact you or find out more about your books?

Like me on Facebook! My website is under construction, but in the future you can also find me at www.catherinehemmerling.com. I love to hear from my readers, so please look me up!

13. What can we expect from you in the future?

Hopefully more and more books. I also made a new years resolution to be better at blogging. Fingers crossed, huh?

14. What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?

Spread the word. Also, please take the time to comment on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or wherever you buy the book. But mostly, just keep reading.

15. Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?

First, finish the book. Then buy the latest edition of The Guide to Literary Agents. It is a great resource. And finally, be patient. It takes time. And while you wait, write another book, or two. 

16. Is there anything else you’d like to say?

I’m about to the point I’m going to have to start making things up, so I think we’re good. :o)

17. And now, before you go, how about a snippet from your book that is meant to intrigue and tantalize us:

“We are talking right now, Sarah-dear,” David responded tightly, “and as your husband, I may call you anything I like.”

“No, you may not!” Sarah cried, throwing down her napkin and standing abruptly. “You may have married me, but we are not husband and wife. And this—” At which point Sarah gestured wildly to the farce of a breakfast before them. “Is not talking. This is…this is…this is idiotic!”

And with that, Sarah spun around, tripped over her chair, and fell face first onto the plush carpeted floor with an inelegant “oomph.”

Excerpt

Apologizing profusely, Lord Cardigan made his way over to his daughter and began removing her forcefully from the party, but apparently not before Lavinia saw the grateful smile Sarah gave David.

Pulling away from her father, Lavinia skewered Sarah with a look and said nastily, “It was you, wasn’t it? You were the one to break my gift.”

Feeling like a fly that has been pinned to a mat, Sarah was unable to move, unable to say anything. Hannah, however, stepped closer to her friend and took her arm reassuringly. “How dare you! You heard my brother say he broke it. What right do you have to accuse Sarah?”

David, too, stepped forward, and now both Rochesters were flanking Sarah protectively. “Yes, Lavinia…are you calling me a liar?”

Seeing that she was outnumbered, Lavinia wisely said nothing. Instead she allowed her father to finally lead her from the room, but not before she gave Sarah one last evil glare. After Lavinia and her family were gone, the party began to break up. But Sarah remained where she was, wracked with guilt.

Hannah and David remained where they were, as well, and Sarah took the opportunity to set the record straight.

“Hannah,” she said with a gulp, “Lavinia was right. David didn’t break the figurine. I did. But it was an accident, I swear.”

Hannah rolled her eyes. “Of course it was an accident, Sarah. Don’t think on it again. Yes, it was a pretty bauble, but it was from Lavinia,” she said, pronouncing her name like it was the plague or pestilence, “and I would have had to hate it on principle. That girl is rotten to the core.”

Sarah choked on something close to laughter and was surprised by how much better she felt knowing Hannah didn’t harbor her any ill will for her clumsiness.

“The question is,” Hannah continued, her eyes narrowing slightly as she looked at David, “why did my brother confess to something he did not do?”

David shrugged. “I knew that Lavinia would raise holy hell when she found out the bird was broken, and I could see Sarah was upset enough already. She didn’t need to deal with that little witch on top of it all.”

And that was it. That was the moment Sarah fell in love. Head over heels in love with David Rochester. Lord help her if Hannah ever found out.

“Oh, thank you, David,” Sarah sighed, looking up at her newfound hero.

Oh great, David thought to himself. He had seen that look before. What was it with girls anyway? Always falling “in love” over the stupidest of things. Well, that would teach

him to be nice to the little chit. Well, never again, he swore.

Never again.

 

 

 

Interview and Giveaway with Iryna K Combs

Sci-fi fantasy author Iryna K Combs is here today with a fantastic interview. She is here to discuss her newest release novel Black Wings. Please help me make her feel welcome.

Iryna will be giving away an e-book of Black Wings. Be sure to leave a COMMENT in order to be entered into the random drawing. A winner will be drawn and announced on Saturday January 23^rd, 2016 at 5pm

Before we get into your book, let us talk about you.

Originally from the Ukraine, I am still considered a new face to America. Speaking three languages including English, that became just as natural to me as my native Russian. I grew up in a town on the south of Ukraine doing the same things that other kids my age did. Dreaming, hoping and wishing. Growing up, I spoke absolutely no English and never even saw myself somewhere abroad. Nevertheless writing a novel in another language! I went to the local school that brought mostly negative experience in my life. But it shaped me throughout the years. My college life was much better. I was known to study well and to go out partying as much as it was possible. In my first year of college I began to work in the marriage agency and met my future husband. We dated and traveled to most of the Europe along with Egypt. When I finally got my fiancée visa, we both moved to the states, where soon after, got married. In the first few years I did some modeling and acting. Photo-shoots, run-way and photo in the magazine fulfilled my childhood’s dream. A few years later I became a mother of a wonderful and most handsome little boy. Along with learning and experiencing motherhood, I began to make hand-made jewelry and organic soaps. This hobby turned into my small business and became bigger than I thought it would. In the last year I discovered: an author lives inside me. Never did I think that I would write an English book and that I would love doing it. But I did! And I loved it!

 1. What is your favorite color?

           I like pretty much all colors, but I believe my favorite that I use mostly is grey.

2. Tell us about your greatest adventure?

           Life itself is the best, brightest and greatest adventure for me!

3. What is your biggest fear in life?

          Not sure if it is good thing, but I do not think I have any…

4. What is your greatest accomplishment?

         I would have to say my greatest accomplishment is becoming an author. Writing a first time novel and becoming published and re-published within one year was a great accomplishment! As growing up, I spoke no English and of course, never thought I would ever become an author. That is so amazing where life takes us sometimes. I learned one thing – you never know where you will end up, so it is best to know and being able to do as much as possible!

5. Do you have any unique talents or hobbies? (besides writing)

        I do. I am also a jewelry maker. I create hand-made unique jewelry made from gemstones, Japanese beads, Swarovski elements, leather. I have been doing it for the last two years and had a big success in it. This type of jewelry is extremely rare to find and takes a long time to make, but the finished product worth every second! I have my shop on Etsy called Iryna’s Crafts and also a facebook page where I post all things I have ever made (custom, sold out or still for sale) at Iryna’s Crafts.

On top of that, I also love to cook. I am, in fact, one very food-driven person! My husband says I am like a man – mad when I am hungry. I love to try new things, I love to create something new and I hope one day within next two years I can write my own cook-book.

6. How do you spend your spare time?

           With my family, writing or reading.

7. Who is/are your biggest supporter(s)?

            My dear husband is my number one. He is my rock.

8. If you could live in any time period which would you choose and why?

            Honestly, I feel very fortunate to live in this time period we are living now. After experiencing modern technology, it would be a bit of a torture to go back in time. And future might be a little scary to visit. So I feel good right where I am today!

9. When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?

           My first writing experience was in the very end of 2014 when I finally decided to write a book. It took me about two months to finish it and about another two months to find a publisher.

10. How did you choose the genre you write in?

         It just happened that way. My novel Black Wings has a few genres mixed together. Fantasy, mystery, sci-fi, drama, romance. Some might think it is too much stuff for one book, but I have never heard anyone said it yet. I feel I pulled it off pretty well combining all these genres together.

11. Where do you get your ideas?

            My idea came from a dream that I saw last year. It was stuck in my head for many months before I developed the story and loved it. So I decided to let others live through it. However, many other ideas in the book came upon me while I was writing. Sometimes feeling like I squeezed everything I could from my, suddenly I get a new boost of ideas!

12. What comes first, your characters story or the plot line for the book?

             With “Black Wings” it was kind of both. But I think plot was one step ahead though. Annabel’s story was behind it.

13. Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

            This is another story that makes my writing unique. I do not have any author who influenced me to write. Also, I am actually not a big dearer… I am not proud to admit it though. I wish I had more time to read. My novel Black Wings and the next one in the making come pure and untouched, from my own imagination and dream.

14. Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?

            Well, as most authors, I was rejected more than I could keep count. Likely it all happened very fast and finally I heard two publishers interested in my manuscript. One of them never wrote back but the other accepted my creation! It was a lot of sleepless nights doing researches and planning my next steps.

15. If you had to go back and do it all over, is there any aspect of your novel or getting it published that you would change?

           I am happy with what I have, but I am also looking forward to try self-publishing one day.

16. Can you tell us about your upcoming book?

        I would love to tell you more about it. I am currently working on my next book which is going to be realistic Biblical fiction. With this being said, there is a lot to it in order to make it as close to the Bible as possible. I do however, believe it will be great and might even serve some lessons, encouraging or support.

17. What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

        I am very laid back person and I do not take criticism very personal. I even wrote an article for SuccessStory.com about negative thoughts. My article was published on their website in December 2015. And to be completely honest, I have not heard any bad critique about my book or myself as an author that would touch me… not yet. But some of the best compliments are when people tell me that my story made them tear up or even cry and experience other emotions. This is what makes me feel I did something right! Also, I love when people get into my book to the point they want to see it become a movie.

18. If you had to choose one of your book/series to make into a movie or tv show which would you choose?

         That would defiantly be my dystopian sci-fi novel Black Wings. I would love so much to see those creatures to come alive and the story in front of our eyes.

 

Tell me about your book/release, Black Wings.

Give us a 30-word or less tagline:

     Dystopian sci-fi fantasy novel with elements of romance. Great read that will take you to another world.

1. Who is your intended audience and why should they read your book?

If you like fantasy, sci-fi, mystery – this is right for you. I think everyone should read this book because I had so many times when people who are not big on these genres still decided to read it and were happy they did. I honestly feel this novel is good for everyone. They should read it because it is different. It is truly unique and extremely exciting. After all, you will be pleased with a happy end!

    2. How did you come up with the title of your book or series?

“Black Wings” represent my main heroine Annabel. She is very unique among others. She has some distinct differences about her inside and outside. But she was not always like that. The story will take you to her world, what happened to her and how she became different.

     3. Tell us a little bit about your cover art. Who designed it? Why did you go with that particular image/artwork?

This is actually quite interesting. My former SCP was the first publisher that took care of my book. While I had a perfect idea in my head for the cover, Dawnee Dominique – the cover artist, came up with another idea. The first idea she sent me did not appeal so great to me. So, we talked more, discussed it better. She sent me her second creation for the cover and as soon as I saw it – I loved it. I fell deeply in love with it! Although, it was still very different from my original idea, hers was way better! The green-eyed brunette on the cover is just about the exact image of Annabel in my head. How cool is that?

4. How do you come up with your characters names?

I used the names that I personally liked and they just fit perfect to my characters. It was kind of one of those things – my characters told me their names.

5. Are your Characters modeled after any one in your life?

No.

6. Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

Annabel and Dexter. Beautiful, interesting creatures. Strong, smart and in love but intriguingly staying apart until the right time comes.

7. What was your favorite chapter to write? Scene? Why?

My most favorite, absolutely best chapter is Chapter 2 when Annabel tells her story. Readers go into her mind and back in the past year to re-call what happened to her, why she became different and what makes her that way. The pain, torture and fears she had to live with every day is very exciting and intriguing. And finally her escape that will also bring some twists and surprises.

I also really like the last chapter, Chapter 6. It is fast paced and has a lot of excitement as well as the story gets to the end. It is full of twist and surprises that you will not expect. And do not forget – a happy end! Good enough to smile after all!

8. Do you have a least favorite character?  What makes them your least favorite character?

I think all my characters are unique. I do not have least favorite. Even bad buys are still interesting enough.

9. If you could change ONE thing about your novel, what would it be?  Why?

I do not want to sound self-righteous, but I honestly feel that I would not change anything.

10. Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your book or series:

The best one is that this book comes from a simple dream of mine. The dream that had to be just forgotten but it was not. It was in my head for months and now it is here, out all over internet and online book-stores.

   11. How can we contact you or find out more about your books?

Please visit my website: http://ireneangel333.wix.com/blackwings

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Iryna-K-Combs-1609692269276633/

Twitter: @IrynaKCombs

Amazon book page: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0170VTQA6?keywords=black%20wings&qid=1452218981&ref_=sr_1_31&sr=8-31

12. What can we expect from you in the future?

At least one more good book. Realistic Biblical fiction is in the making!

     13. What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?

Please spread the word and leave your honest review on amazon or other websites. For readers who are interested in my book, I am already thankful beyond this world for your interest and for the time readers take to explore it. I feel bad t ask for more as it is already a lot! But when readers spread the word and leave reviews – it truly helps more than any promotions ever will!

     14. Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?

Yes! Do not give up! Sometimes it takes longer to achieve things, but everything is possible and as long as you want it, push through and work on it – you will get everything!

15. Think about your book. You realize that we all read books at different paces, with varying amounts of distractions.  Is there a particular part of your book that you want to highlight– not because it is your favorite – but because you want to encourage your readers to read it carefully and get all the details?

I would say The Prologue as it carries important information for the rest of the story to be well understood. I had many readers thanked for The Prologue as it sure helped and without it the story would be lost and hard to imagine.  

16. Is there anything else you’d like to say?

Thank you. Thank you, Heather. And thank you readers, authors and quests who took time to read my answers and who stopped by this blog today! Please know that I respect each one of you and highly value your opinion about my work. Please feel free to contact me if you ever have questions, or just want to share your thoughts about my novel.

       17. And now, before you go, how about a snippet from your book that is meant to intrigue and tantalize us:

I would love to do that! Here is it, please enjoy:

I slowly sip a little of his bitter dry wine while he has a smile on his face. I swallow it, fee…ling bitterness as it passes down my throat. For a moment I think maybe this is a mistake. But now I can’t take it back or change it. I’m scared my plan is not going to work as I’d hoped. “We might just have started something new!” He takes back his wine. He drinks more and continues. “However, my sweetie, you will need to prove your intentions to change. And of course, let me say something so we do not have any miscommunication… I do not want to see any more tears rolling down this pretty, innocent face.” He walks around me, stops behind me. I stand as still as I can, my pulse beating in my head. “You know very well what happened to you while you were not cooperating, while you were stubborn and stupid. Do you know?” He touches my hair, letting his cold fingers run through it. “I know,” I reply not moving. “My dear, if you ever break this joy that you give me, or lie to me…” He stops, takes my hair, rolls it around his hand and pulls my head back to him. ”Your punishment will not know an end…your pain will not know any limit…you will not know…death.” He leans close to my face. Worried, scared and freaked out, I quickly answer to him in order to distract him from me. “It will not get to that point,” I promise, barely controlling my shaking voice.

 

 

 

How to Rescue a Rake by Jayne Fresina Blog Tour and Giveaway

Title: How to Rescue a Rake

Author: Jayne Fresina

Series: The Book Club Belles Society, #3

Pubdate: January 5^th, 2016

ISBN: 9781402287824

 

Nathaniel Sherringham has returned to Hawcombe Prior a changed man. Gone is the reckless rake who went out on a limb to propose to Diana Makepiece three years ago. Now Nate’s mysterious new wealth has the town’s rumor mill spinning. To stir things up (and get Diana’s attention), Nate boldly announces his plans to marry “any suitable girl” under the age of 25.

 

Diana, now 27 and still single, is acutely aware of Nate’s return. When her mother suggests a trip to visit a cousin in Bath, Diana leaps at the chance to escape the heartbreak and regret she can’t help but feel in Nate’s presence…and avoid his irritating charade to find a bride.

 

But for Nate, Diana has always been the one. He might just have to follow her to Bath and once again lay his heart on the line to win her attention—and her heart.

 

Jayne Fresina sprouted up in England. Entertained by her father’s colorful tales of growing up in the countryside, and surrounded by opinionated sisters, she’s always had inspiration for her beleaguered heroes and unstoppable heroines. She lives in upstate New York. Learn more about the author at www.jaynefresinaromanceauthor.blogspot.com.

 

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1P3M7JV

Apple: http://apple.co/1P3h9U5

BAM: http://bit.ly/1lJAPBg

B&N: http://bit.ly/1YbbOQs

Chapters: http://bit.ly/1m2ui4j

Indiebound: http://bit.ly/1QHNIXR

 

***

 

How to Rescue a Rake, the third in Jayne Fresina’s Austen-inspired Book Club Belles series, comes out this January! For all of you Jane Austen fans, this fun new release is based on Persuasion and it’s a book you don’t want to miss. To celebrate this latest release, the heroine is here to give our readers a tip on how to rescue their own rake and to share an excerpt with us.

 

Tips for Capturing a Rake’s Attention: By Diana Makepiece (Or How to Stay Calm and Capture a Rake)

 

A tongue-in-cheek guide by one old maid, who has lost her bloom, has let her last chance for happiness pass her by and is now, at twenty-seven, half way to death (according to the parson’s wife)… and not at all bitter about it, thank you very much.

 

On the subject of nature, a lady should use it to her advantage. For instance, get caught in a spring downpour and it tends to bring out a rake’s gallant side. But so will anything that makes one damp— such as tumbling into the river by accident when trying to retrieve a fallen muff. A lady in need of rescue is irresistible, even to the worst of scoundrels, and particularly when she’s wet.

 

An Excerpt:

 

“I sent you a message the morning I left, Diana,” he said. “I fired it myself through your bedchamber window with a sling.”

“You did what?”

He ran a hand over his face, flattening rain-drenched spears of hair to his brow. “I climbed that damnable oak behind your mother’s cottage. I didn’t want to leave without giving us another chance.”

She tried to think, but her mind wouldn’t cooperate. Don’t believe him, Diana. This is another of his practical jokes, no doubt. Any moment now he will burst his seams with laughter.

Diana sniffed. “What did this supposed note say?”

He frowned.

“And don’t bother making something up, Captain, for I will know you’re fibbing. It comes naturally to you and always did. But I never fell for it, did I?”

The frown broke with exasperation and then reformed with scorn. “Oh, you know me. It was childish nonsense. Just what you would expect. Good thing you never read it.”

“Don’t tell me then,” she grumbled into her handkerchief. “It hardly matters now anyway. The years have passed, and we are both too old for climbing trees.”

“Quite,” he snapped. “Three years is an eternity.”

For me it has been, she longed to say.

Suddenly Nathaniel seized her hand. “We should start again, Miss Diana Makepiece, and put the past behind us.”

“And why, pray, would we do that?”

He lifted her gloved fingers and pressed his lips against her knuckles.

“Captain?” she demanded.

He met her frown with a narrow-eyed, somewhat menacing appraisal. “Your opinion of me might improve.”

“Well, it could hardly get any worse.”

Nathaniel’s hand tightened around hers and tugged her closer. “I am not all bad. We may become friends.”

Skeptical, Diana tried to retrieve her hand, but his grip was too strong. “I wouldn’t hope too hard, Captain.” She admired his spirit; she envied his lively manners and his fearlessness. But to feel more for such a capricious man would be a mistake. “I think you should—” A dark, devious twinkle sizzled in his blue eyes and made her draw an anxious breath. “Do not think of it!”

He blinked, but the wicked sparkle remained. “Do not think of what?”

“That. It is not proper!”

“I’m afraid not. It is, however, necessary.”

“Captain Sherringham, if you dare—”

The words were stolen away as his mouth lowered to hers, claimed her lips. She’d said the wrong thing, of course. In his case, saying “if you dare” was like waving a red rag at a bull.

Diana was almost lifted off her feet, left to hover on her toes as he took his kiss. His tongue touched hers and stroked it gently. A raindrop that fell from his eyelashes to her cheek was warm and soft, tickling her skin as it trickled down the curve like a tear and finally gathered on the ridge of her jaw. Until the tip of his tongue followed it and then licked it away.

She was stunned speechless.

“If you don’t believe me about the note,” he whispered, his lips warm against her ear, “ask Jamie Bridges. It was his sling I used.”

Every inch of his hard body was pressed against her, and in her wet clothes she had little defense. He must feel her heartbeat. She might as well be naked. The wicked thought flashed through her mind as if he had put it there with his kiss.

“Ask him,” he repeated. “Unless you’re afraid.” A flare of white teeth showed as he smiled. Oh, that lethal charm. He would never lose it. “The world might tip upside down if I was proven honest for once.”

Nathaniel’s eyes shone down at her and she was caught up in their brilliance, like a fly trapped in a spider’s web.

“I once fell out of a tree for you,” he whispered, sounding bewildered.

“That would explain these bouts of madness,” she reasoned.

 

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Heir to the Duke by Jane Ashford Blog Tour and Giveaway

Title: Heir to the Duke

Author: Jane Ashford

Series: the Duke’s Sons, #1

Pubdate: January 5^th, 2016

ISBN: 9781492621560

 

Book 1 of The Duke’s Sons series

 

From bestselling author Jane Ashford comes a brand new series of sparkling Regency Romance

 

Life is predictable for a Duke’s first son

As eldest son of the Duke of Langford, Nathaniel Gresham sees his arranged marriage to Lady Violet Devere as just another obligation to fulfill—highly suitable, if unexciting. But as Violet sets out to transform herself from dowdy wallflower to dazzling young duchess-to-be, proper Nathaniel sets out to prove he’s a match for his new bride’s vivacity and daring.

 

Or so he once thought…

Oppressed by her family all her life, Lady Violet can’t wait to enjoy the freedom of being a married woman. But then Violet learns her family’s sordid secret, and she’s faced with an impossible choice—does she tell Nathaniel and risk losing him, or does she hide it and live a lie?

 

Jane Ashford discovered Georgette Heyer in junior high school and was captivated by the glittering world and witty language of Regency England. That delight led her to study English literature and travel widely in Britain and Europe. Her historical and contemporary romances have been published in Sweden, Italy, England, Denmark, France, Russia, Latvia, Slovenia, and Spain, as well as the U.S. Twenty-six of her new and backlist Regency romances are being published by Sourcebooks. Jane has been nominated for a Career Achievement Award by RT Book Reviews. She is currently rather nomadic.

 

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/222MBai

Apple: http://apple.co/1m2nt2B

BAM: http://bit.ly/1RkOA64

B&N: http://bit.ly/1SXT8gr

Chapters: http://bit.ly/1IQWkKv

Indiebound: http://bit.ly/1I5j2i1

 

Jane Ashford’s latest release, Heir to the Duke, comes out this January! To celebrate, we invite you to get to know James Gresham, one of the six sons of the Duke of Langford, and to check out an excerpt from the book!

 

Full Name: James

Occupation: Officer in the Royal Navy

Height: 6’ 0”

Hair Color: Auburn

Eye Color: Blue

Age:  26

How would you describe yourself? (100 words or less)

I’m always wondering what’s over the horizon, what I’ll find at the next landfall. I was born a rover.

 

If your brothers had to describe you, what would they say?

I think they might have difficulty doing that. I left home at sixteen and have been mostly at sea since then.

 

What is your favorite way to spend your time?

On the water – lake, river, or ocean.

 

What’s one piece of advice you would give the newlyweds (Nathaniel and Violet)?

Without hurting others, do as you please, not what people tell you to do.

 

If money was no object and you had no commitments for the next two weeks, what would you do?

Get hold of a fine yacht and sail down to Cornwall, around Land’s End, and back up again.

 

An Excerpt:

 

Nathaniel Gresham, Viscount Hightower, stirred in his sleep. His hands groped for bedclothes, found nothing. Sensing wrongness, his consciousness rose through layers of befuddlement and wisps of dreams. He opened his eyes to find a gaping maw of three-inch fangs inches from his throat.

“Aah!”

Nathaniel threw up his arms to shield his face and twisted to the side. The convulsive movement brought him right to the edge of a large four-poster bed, and he scrambled to avoid falling three feet to the floor. He twisted in the opposite direction and struck out at the sharp, yellowed teeth. They did not snap shut on his forearm or lunge into his face once more. Indeed, they did not move at all, except sideways under his blow. There was no snarl or slaver, no spark of rage in the shiny eye behind the fangs. Nathaniel shoved them farther away and sat up.

He was stark naked, on a large bed stripped bare of linens, covered only by a moth-eaten gray wolf skin. The wretched thing’s head had been carefully placed on his chest, to ensure the rude awakening. His hips still rested under its hindquarters. Molting fur peppered the bed. The mere sight of the ancient pelt made his skin itch. Revolted, he pushed it all the way off and moved to the foot of the bed, struggling to get his bearings. This wasn’t his bedchamber. The blue-striped wallpaper was alien, the furnishings unfamiliar; the windows with their slant of early morning light were in the wrong place. Then he remembered. He was staying at the Earl of Moreley’s country house, because tomorrow—no, today—he was to marry the earl’s daughter at their local parish church.

Nathaniel glared at the wolf skin, then rubbed his hands over his face. This was what it meant to have five brothers—five younger brothers—on one’s wedding day. Or rather, on one’s wedding eve, a night they’d insisted upon marking with bowls of rack punch. Had it been three? Or had he lost count? No wonder they’d kept filling his glass, if they had this prank planned. Where the devil had they found a wolf skin in a strange house? And hadn’t he told his father, when Robert was born in his sixth year, that four sons were quite enough? Even for a duke, six sons were excessive. At this particular moment, Nathaniel thought that his parents might have been content with just one.

He rose, stretching stiff limbs and marveling that he had only a mild headache. Revenge on his brothers would have to wait for another day. Today, he was getting married. He was doing his duty to his name and his line, pledging himself to a woman who would be an admirable duchess when their turn came—may it be far in the future. The match was eminently suitable. All society acknowledged its rightness. And despite Violet’s irascible grandmother, the occasional bane of his existence, he could have no complaints.

Indeed, why had the word even occurred to him? No one had rushed him into marriage. He had enjoyed a plenitude of seasons in London and a number of agreeable flirtations and liaisons with delightful females. Though they had never spoken of it, he was aware that his parents had given him every opportunity to fall in love. But the passion that had overtaken them in their young days had not befallen him. He wasn’t sure why, but once he’d passed thirty he concluded it never would. He’d had more than enough time to observe that such a bond was rare in the circles of the haut ton.

Nathaniel stretched again, his bare limbs a bit chilly. This marriage was certainly not a penance. He liked Violet very much. They’d been acquainted for years. He did not know whether she’d had other offers, but he supposed that she too had waited for love to find her. They had that in common. They were also well suited by background, had similar tastes, and enjoyed the same even temperament. When he’d decided that the time for marriage had come, he’d simply known that she was the proper candidate. He expected their union to be gracious, harmonious, and ideal for the significant position they would someday be called upon to fulfill. And now it was time to stop wool- gathering, put on his dressing gown, and begin this momentous day.

Nathaniel walked over to the oaken wardrobe on the far wall and opened it.

It was empty. All his clothes had disappeared.

He stared at the bare hooks. This part of the prank would be Sebastian’s doing, he imagined. It had his next younger brother’s touch. Nathaniel met his own gaze in the mirror set into the wardrobe door, and acknowledged the spark of amused annoyance in his eyes. His brothers had a fiendish facility for complicated jests.

The figure in the glass shook its head. All the sons of the Duke of Langford were tall, handsome, broad-shouldered men with auburn hair and blue eyes. Sebastian was the tallest. Robert the wittiest. Randolph was acknowledged as the handsomest, James the most adventurous, and Alan the smartest. But he was the eldest, and the heir.

For as long as he could remember, Nathaniel had felt the weight of his destiny. The others said it was a burden to have everything done ahead of them, but he’d felt the onus of being the pattern, setting up the expectations, being the son visitors scrutinized the most. He would be the next duke; he must show he was worthy. Thus, he kept a tight rein on his wilder impulses. Instead, he was the one who came to the rescue when one of his brothers went too far, kicking up a lark.

And so now, he did not slam the empty wardrobe shut, but simply closed it. He would leave it to his valet to straighten this out. He wanted hot water for washing, and then clothes, and then breakfast. He went to ring for Cates, and discovered that the bell rope had been removed. He could see the wire to which it had been connected, near the ceiling, twelve feet up. It must have taken two or three of his brothers to reach so high.

For a moment he just stood there, staring at it. This final touch would be Robert’s idea, no doubt. He’d always been the most ingenious, the brother who added the crowning climax to a prank. Robert would be the one to set the others guffawing—describing their elder brother slinking through the corridors of the Earl of Moreley’s house wrapped in a wolf skin, like some sort of demented ancient Celt. Even Nathaniel had to smile at the picture. How would Violet’s fierce stickler of a grandmother like that? And all the other near and distant relations visiting for the wedding? He’d barely met most of them. Perhaps he’d twine some ivy from outside the window in his hair and attempt a Gaelic war cry.

Nathaniel laughed. Truth to tell, it was a splendid prank, unfolding like a puzzle box upon its hapless victim. All that remained was for him to wiggle out of the trap so cunningly set.

He eyed the windows and considered pulling down some of his almost-mother-in-law’s elaborate draperies to wrap about himself. But one panel would trail behind him like a coronation robe. The picture was little better than the wolf skin. Perhaps he would just wait until Cates arrived on his own. It couldn’t be too much longer. In fact, judging by the sunlight, his valet ought to have appeared well before now. Where the devil was he?

As if in answer to this thought, there was a knock at the door.

“Nathaniel?”

The voice was the last he expected. “Violet?”

“Are you all right? James said you needed to speak to me most urgent—” The door opened, and Nathaniel’s promised bride looked around the panels. “Oh!” Her mouth dropped open.

Nathaniel—stark naked, next to a bed sporting only a rumpled wolf skin—braced for a shriek, a shocked retreat, babbled apologies. But Violet just looked at him. Indeed, it seemed as if she couldn’t tear her eyes away. He could almost feel her gaze traveling along his skin, as if it left trails of warmth. He saw something stir in those gray eyes, something he’d never observed before, and his body began to respond to the possibility of much more than he’d expected from his suitable marriage. Respond all too eagerly.

Nathaniel moved over behind the bed. “My brothers’ idea of a joke,” he said with a gesture toward the wolf skin.

Violet blinked. Color flooded her cheeks, and she looked away. “How did they…?” Her voice was rather choked.

“They are endlessly inventive. They stole my clothes as well. Would you have someone send Cates to me? I would ring but”—he pointed to the bell wire—“they were quite thorough.”

Violet glanced at the denuded wire, swallowed, and gave a quick nod. “Of course.” In the next instant, she was gone.

“Well, well,” murmured Nathaniel to the wolf. “That was interesting.”

His days of being capable of interest long past, the wolf made no reply.

 

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