I’m so pleased to welcome one of my favorite historical romance authors to the blog today. Theresa Romain is smart, witty, and an all-around great gal. AND she writes fabulous books. She has a new one out this week called To Charm a Naughty Countess that is already garnering fantastic reviews.
Here’s the blurb:
CAN A RECLUSIVE DUKE…
Brilliant but rumored mad, Michael Layward, the impoverished Duke of Wyverne, has no success courting heiresses until widowed Lady Stratton takes up his cause–after first refusing his suit.
WIN LONDON’S MOST POWERFUL COUNTESS?
Caroline Graves, the popular Countess of Stratton, sits alone at the pinnacle of London society and has vowed never to remarry. When Michael–her counterpart in an old scandal–returns to town after a long absence, she finds herself as enthralled with him as ever. As she guides the anxiety-ridden duke through the trials of society, Caroline realizes that she’s lost her heart . But if she gives herself to the only man she’s ever loved, she’ll lose the hard-won independence she prizes above all.
And here’s an excerpt from the book!
Michael had never thought of conversation in terms of discrete tests and tasks. The idea was intriguing.
“Simple as that, you say. One should talk of the weather and then identify something in common.” He blew out a deep breath, then returned to his seat. “Let us test it out.”
“What would you say, then, if I should ask you about the weather?”
Michael narrowed his eyes at Caroline. There was nothing in her question that could be tested. “I would ask you if you had looked outside lately. That is where the weather is always to be found.”
She smothered a laugh. “It’s not a literal question, and that is not a polite reply. But I’ll ask it of you differently. What do you think of the weather?”
Better. There was room to supply information here. “I think it is unusually cold for this time of year, though less so than in Lancashire. Perhaps the fog helps hold heat in to the City.” An idea ribboned through his mind. “Caro. Has anyone has ever recorded the relationship between the temperature and fog density? It bears further study, I am sure.”
Caroline held up a hand. “Michael. Stop. I have no idea whether anyone has catalogued the… whatever you said. And neither will anyone else. If someone asks you what you think of the weather, they do not expect a detailed discussion of temperature. Simply say something like, ‘Deuced cold, isn’t it?’ That’s all.”
“But that’s a meaningless answer.”
“It’s not meant to provide information. It’s meant to reassure the other person that you are of his class, of sound mind, and reasonably pleasant to be around. From such reassurance comes social success. Now, try again.” She lowered her voice to resemble a masculine rumble. “Rotten weather, what?”
Michael parroted, “Deuced cold, isn’t it?” Even as Caroline smiled, he shook his head. “That might work as a semblance of a greeting, but I can’t simply repeat that all day. And what if the weather should warm?”
“Then you say, ‘Deuced warm, isn’t it?’ I should have thought that would be obvious.” She gnawed on her lip; the gesture made him shiver. Deuced warm. “But you are right, it’s only the first step. And it must feel natural, or you’ll sound as though you’re speaking a part on the stage—and badly. Can you give me a brief version of what you said before? About the cold or the fog?”
Michael stretched his mind back. “You ask me about the weather. Then I could say that it’s cold, but less so than Lancashire.”
“Perfect.” Her sunbeam smile struck him in the solar plexus. “That sort of reply will do wonderfully. It is no social trespass to speak of what you like best, only to talk on for too long. Remember, we always want to make other people feel at ease.”
“Ha.” Michael could not remember feeling less at ease in recent memory. This physical turmoil was as distracting as his usual headache, though in a different way. It was not a wish for pain to end, but a yearning for something wakeful and exotic to begin.
Caroline talked on. “Do you take snuff? That’s another topic you could introduce. Gentlemen can easily spend hours talking about their favorite sort and why it’s the only one that’s worthwhile.”
Michael stared at her lips. He wanted to rub his thumb over that mobile mouth, to see if it felt different from his own. He needed to touch her, to feel the skin of another human being against his. He needed to…
He needed to answer the question. Snuff, wasn’t it? “Ah—no. I never have taken snuff. What is the pleasure in forcing oneself to sneeze?” As if his body didn’t grow agitated enough on its own without prompting from inhaled particles.
It was growing agitated now. Not from a headache, nor from the tension that often corded his arms. Instead, his fingers tingled, as though wanting again to cast everything away and forget himself.
“What is the pleasure in anything?” Caroline looked quite serious.
“What do you mean?”
Caroline spread her hands. “There’s no pleasure in snuff. There’s no pleasure in talking to the ton and forming everyday connections. You do not play cards or music. I have never known you to dance. In what, then, do you find pleasure?”
It was not a question he was accustomed to hearing, much less asking himself.
Possibly because there were indeed few pleasures in his life. His mother had died in his infancy, and thereafter, his youth had been a bitter war of opposing temperaments, until his father abandoned the battle for the grave. Even the satisfaction Michael once got from resurrecting Wyverne had slid away from him as his plans burgeoned, as details and money slipped from him and never came back within his grasp.
It was already more than he could keep within control, so there was no room for any other kind of pleasure. Though he could almost forget that as Caroline watched him, her lips parted. She smelled faintly of jasmine, like spring brought to life in the middle of the City. He could spring to life too, if she would show him how. For what other reason would he be here today?
Book order links:
amazon • barnes & noble • book depository • books-a-million • chapters indigo • indiebound • powell’s • posman • sourcebooks • walmart • watermark
For my readers today, Theresa is kindly giving away a copy of To Charm a Naughty Countess (North America only). Let’s talk about what characteristics we find charming, especially in a man. Is it good manners, kindness, a sense of humor, a fabulous night out? What really knocks your socks off when it comes to guys?
I like men who can laugh at themselves, help others, and like chocolate!
I have enjoyed Romaine’s other books and intend to read her latest!! Thanks for sharing a part of it.
Kate, that sounds like a romance hero who needs to be written. Why don’t more romance heroes give their heroines chocolate? That would win ME over.
I think he has to have a good sense of humor. And that goes for every one really. I like a man who can laugh at himself.
So true. Some of my favorite books–and favorite people in real life!–have a great sense of humor.
Er, I should have said that the other way around since we ARE talking about real people. 🙂 I might possibly have my head in a book today.
Someone who is sincere.
Oh, yes–if someone’s not sincere in their charm, it just doesn’t come across as charm.
My post disappeared….
I love innuendos and puns, both in my books and in daily conversations (both with men AND women).
Puns! An underappreciated form of wordplay. They often make me groan, but I secretly love them.
I find a person is very charming when they are sweet, kind, funny and have a killer smile. A dimple or two doesn’t hurt either.
The smile is usually what first knocks my socks off.
This goes with what Susan said above, I think? A sincere smile is a beautiful expression.
I agree!
Good manners is tops!
Oof, don’t I know it? I am trying to instill good manners in my daughter, and it is a long process.
In order of preference I’d have to say good manners, kindness, sense of humor and integrity 🙂 Congrats to Theresa on her new release!! Definitely on my want list!
Thanks so much, Erin! Yep, you describe the kind of person I really enjoy meeting.
Vanessa, thank you very much for hosting today!
Let’s talk about what characteristics we find charming, especially in a man. Is it good manners, kindness, a sense of humor, a fabulous night out? What really knocks your socks off when it comes to guys?
All of the above is what I want. I would love to have someone that can make me laugh and be polite and dance the night away.
I wish more men loved to dance! If they knew how much women liked it, surely they would learn.
I have to go with kindness and a sense of humor – they seem to go hand in hand.
They often do, don’t they? And maybe both are tied into humility.
Hi Vanessa and Theresa! 🙂 I definitely like a sense of humor, but kindness is a must for me to like a hero. ^_^ He doesn’t need to be kind to his enemies, but just puppies, family members who are good to him, and of course, the heroine. 🙂
No need to put me on the giveaway list. XD
Puppies, huh? There are some dogs in Season for Desire! The hero doesn’t have much to do with them, but I hope he’s kind anyway. 🙂
smart, funny, brave
That would make a great person to know!
Love a strong alpha male that knows what he wants in a woman.
A romance or real-life heroine, of course!
Welcome to the blog, T – so lovely to have you here!
Thanks, Vanessa! It’s always such fun to visit your blog.
I have a man that is funny and is alway joking. Didn’t marry one though. Your book sound fantastic and I would love to read it.
Thanks, Quilt Lady! Hope someone makes you laugh today. 🙂
I find a man charming who has a good sense of humor, who likes to read and who cooks for me. That will win me every time. 😀
A funny reader who knows how to cook? Send him on over, please. 🙂
Hi Theresa! I can’t wait to read this book. 🙂
I like intelligence, kindness, loyalty and a sense of humor.
Hi, Marcy–thanks for stopping by! The person you describe would make a great significant other OR a great friend.
A like sense of humor goes a long way! Kindness to others, especially those less fortunate, is also important.
“A like sense of humor”–you said it! Not everyone likes my particular type of goofiness, but it works for Mr. R. 🙂
YAY Theresa!
Congrats on your book!
Whoa! Lots of well wishers, yay you!
Wishing you loads of fun as you continue your blog tour!
Thanks, Dalila! Romance bloggers and readers are an awesome bunch, aren’t they? 🙂 It’s been such an exciting week!
Congrats Theresa, can’t wait to read Michael and Caroline’s story! As for me, love a guy who’s smart, kind, and thoughtful with a great sense of humor. Haven’t found him in real life yet, but I can find lots of them in the books I read! Lol 🙂
I love a guy who can make me laugh and is pretty laid back so he can help balance my Type A personality..LOL Congrats on your new book, I can’t wait to read this one! 🙂
Sense of humor, kindness, handy around the house and can cook (at least a bit)
Yay on the new release! I love a confident and honest guy with a sense of humor. And if he could take care of the yard work so I don’t have to deal with the bugs, I’d be over the moon! 😉
The things that knock my socks off about men are a sense of humor, honesty, loyalty, looks you straight in the eyes when you talk to him as though you and he are the only people in the world, friendship, and kindness.