Regency romance

Guest Author: Deborah Hale & Giveaway!!

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I’m very pleased to have Deborah Hale visiting the blog today.  Since winning the prestigious Golden Heart Award in 1997, she’s written more than thirty books in the genres of historical romance, historical fiction, otherworld fantasy and inspirational romance. Her work has been translated into more than a dozen languages with over two million copies sold worldwide.  Quite a pedigree, don’t you think?  Let’s find out what’s going on in Deb’s writing world.

You’ve written something like twenty historical romances.  Do you have a favorite period to write in?

I love both the Regency and Georgian periods for their elegance.  They are far enough back in history to have an enchanted quality yet they have enough in common with the modern world that readers can identify with them. 

Tell us about your Glass Slipper Brides series, and your latest book.

Glass Slipper Brides is a series of inspirational Regencies about a group of governesses who met and bonded at a horrible charity school like the one the Bronte sisters attended.  After leaving school they go to work in households throughout England and keep in touch by letter.  Because of this, each story can easily be read on its own, though I do mention the other friends and sometimes bring them briefly into each others’  stories.



The Earl’s Honorable Intentions is the fourth story of six (the first one is a novella). It’s about career cavalry officer who inherited his title after the death of his elder brother. He returns home, wounded, after Waterloo determined to make sure Napoleon doesn’t return to power for a third time. His children’s governess wants him to leave that mission to others and instead become a devoted father to his three motherless children. That is a role the earl doesn’t believe he’s cut out for.

You also have a “new” Civil War romance out.  What can you tell us about that.

That’s right! I was thrilled to get back the rights to one of my backlist books. I gave it a new title, In A Stranger’s Arms and commissioned a new cover from Kim Killion that took my breath away.

This story was inspired by the film Sommersby, which I loved, except for the ending. It’s about a proud Confederate widow who has to marry a former Union soldier in order to hang onto her family’s plantation. Her new husband is very secretive about his past and bears an unsettling resemblance to her first husband. It’s a story about the healing, redemptive power of love. One of my favorite characters is my heroine’s feisty little daughter who was inspired by a picture of my husband’s great-grandmother!  Her picture is posted below.

What’s up next in Deborah’s writing life?

In November the next Glass Slipper Brides book comes out, The Duke’s Marriage Mission and I’m currently working on the last one, which will have a hero who’s a mill-owner/philanthropist rather than a nobleman. After that, I’m trying to decide which of a number of new projects I’d like to pursue!

Vanessa, here.  Sounds like you’ll be busy, Deb!  For my readers, Deb is graciously giving away a copy of His Compromised Countess.  Let’s talk covers, because Deb’s are really beautiful.  Just tell us which one of her covers you like the best and why for a chance to win her book!

 

Guest Author: Bronwen Evans & Giveaway

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I’m thrilled to have romance writer Bronwen Evans guest hosting on the blog today.  She writes fabulous, award-winning Regency-set historical romance, and her books have garnered much well-deserved acclaim.  Today, Bronwen is talking about romance series and why we love them, both as readers and writers.

Although I’m a romance writer, I’m also a ferocious romance reader, and a fabulous romance ‘series’ wins hands down when I’m looking for something to read. I don’t know what it is about a series, I suspect it’s that I get to spend a bit longer with my favorite characters.

So, it’s probably no surprise that I also love writing a romance series.

Last year, I wrote a long novella series called, Wicked Wagers. Three notorious rakes, and three determined ladies, collide in this set of three linked Regency romance stories, all based around a series of scandalous dares, wagers, and challenges. The trilogy stories are available in separate eBooks, or you can buy Wicked Wagers, The Complete Trilogy eBook and it’s also now in book format (Amazon only).

Writing a series book isn’t as easy as some believe it to be.  At the end of book one, I’ve set a reader’s expectations, and as the author, I must strive to maintain the momentum created in book one. So it was particularly nerve-wracking when the first story in the Wicked Wagers trilogy, TO DARE THE DUKE OF DANGERFIELD, was a Top 5 Finalist in the Kindle Book Review Indie Romance Book of the Year 2012.

Then you have to write book two! I was focused on not disappointing my readers, while remembering to remain true to my characters. Story two, Marcus’s story, TO WAGER THE MARQUIS OF WOLVERSTONE, is a bit darker. I had to ensure he was still the tortured, and pain-filled rake he was in book one. As I’ve had several Top Pick reviews for Marcus’s story, I think I managed to hold the readers interest and still stay true to his dark and tortured nature.

Story three, TO CHALLENGE THE EARL OF CRAVENSWOOD, was always going to be both sad and a joy to write. Henry was such a loveable rogue, and the only hero in the series who was desperately looking for love. Such fun!

While it could be considered risky to write a series, the rewards far outweigh the risks. I love how readers get completely embroiled in your characters and their world. That is all the reward I need. I found it really sad to write Henry’s story as it was the final book—did I say final? Already readers have asked me for more books in this series, and they’ve given me some great ideas (did I mention I love feedback?).

I hope you’ll check out my Wicked Wagers Trilogy. I’ve detailed each of the books below. To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield is on sale at the moment for $0.99.

Tell me why you enjoy reading a series in particular, and one lucky commenter will win a copy (book or eBook) of Wicked Wagers, The Complete Trilogy.

Story One – To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield

Let the Wicked Wagers Begin…


Lady Caitlin Southall’s temper has finally got the better of her. She’s challenged Harlow Telford, the Duke of Dangerfield, the most notorious rake in all of England, to a wager. She wants her house back. The one her destitute father lost to Dangerfield in a card game. But if she doesn’t win their bet, she not only loses her home, she loses her dignity and pride and damn it all, maybe her heart… For the handsome Duke has decreed, when he wins, she must spend the night in his bed.

Harlow Telford is amused by his hellion neighbor, Caitlin, or Cate to her friends, who seem to encompass everyone on earth except him. When she bursts into one of his private gatherings, he mistakes her for the entertainment. Her slap across his face sets him straight and raises the absurd desire to seduce the unconventional beauty into his bed. When she issues her daft challenge to win back her father’s pile of rubble, the terms are set.  And he’ll do anything to win—except fall in love…

Top 5Finalist in the Kindle Book Review Indie Romance Book of the Year 2012

Story Two – To Wager the Marquis of Wolverstone

They Say Revenge is Sweet…

 Marcus Danvers, the Marquis of Wolverstone, is renowned for his cynical demeanor. It’s rumored that long ago, a beautiful woman broke his heart. Now he lives life for pleasure. He’s the consummate, handsome rake. If anyone tries to get too close—let’s just say his bark is as bad as his bite.  That is, until the beautiful, as she is deceitful, Contessa Orsini re-enters his life with a wager he cannot resist.  When he wins, he’ll have Sabine exactly where he wants her—in his bed and at his mercy.

Forced to return to England and avenge her father’s death, Sabine knows the one person who can help her is the only man she has ever loved—Marcus.  The man who hates her with as much passion as he once loved her.  But Marcus doesn’t know that by winning the wager he’ll also be getting his revenge.  For there are some secrets best left buried…

Story Three – To Challenge the Earl of Cravenswood

To live happily ever after…

Henry St. Giles, the Earl of Cravenswood, longs to find his soul mate. Now that his two best friends, both reformed rakes, are happily married, the need becomes an obsession. When they challenge him to find a wife by the end of the season or marry his neighbor, the innocently alluring Lady Amy Shipton, he can’t believe his luck. He wins, either way. But a darkened garden, a case of mistaken identity, a drunken kiss, and a dropped emerald earring, leads Henry on a Cinderella hunt. He knows the woman he held in his arms could be the one he’s searched for all his life. He just has to find her.

Lady Amy Shipton is determined to marry for love instead of sharing her husband like her mother did. So why did she let her handsome neighbor and romantic fantasy, the Sinful Saint as he’s called for his bedroom prowess, seduce her in his garden? And what can she do when in the middle of their passionate encounter; he whispers another woman’s name. Now Henry is hunting the owner of the earring Amy left behind, and she’s determined to retrieve it before her identity is revealed. She’s not about to give her father the ammunition he desperately wants to force her down the aisle.

Vanessa, here.  Doesn’t this trilogy sound awesome?  To win a copy, just tell us why you enjoy reading series and what are some of your favorites.  One person who comments will win a copy of Bronwen’s trilogy.  And don’t forget to stop by her website to read the excerpts from all three novellas!

 

Guest Author: Manda Collins & Giveaway!!

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I’m always excited when my good friend Manda Collins visits my blog.  Manda writes witty Regency-set historical romance with a dash of mystery.  Her next book, Why Dukes Say I Do, just received a prestigious Top Pick from RT Book Reviews.  Dukes will released on July 30th. 

But Manda has a new novella out tomorrow, and it’s another of her witty, emotionally appealing stories.  She’s here to talk with us about it!

How does your novella fit into The Ugly Ducklings Trilogy? 

The Perks of Being a Beautyis the story of Miss Amelia Snowe, who is the nemesis of Cecily, Juliet and Maddie in the Ugly Ducklings trilogy. In Book 3 of the trilogy, How to Entice an Earl, we see Amelia coming to the realization that she’s been behaving rather badly during her reign as the toast of the ton. Well, in The Perks we see Amelia in seriously straitened circumstances. Her mother has died, leaving Amelia not only penniless, but also owing a great deal to her mother’s creditors. Forced to make her own living, Amelia has become the companion to a wealthy cit’s daughter. It’s a far cry from being able to wind the gentlemen of the ton around her little finger! 

Your heroine is looking for redemption.  Why do you think that particular theme resonates so well with readers?

You know, I’m not all that sure it does. I know that readers have a ton of love for redeemed rakes and villains, but I think it takes a bit more for them to forgive a villainous heroines. I’m not sure if it’s because most romance readers are women, and we tend to be harder on our own sex, or what. Still, I do think there is much to touch readers hearts in this kind of story. We’ve all done things that we aren’t particularly proud of, and by watching a character like Amelia make amends to the people she’s harmed, we see the possibility for our own redemption–whether it’s harsh words to a loved one or something more serious. 

Hopefully, after seeing how truly repentant Amelia is, readers will begin to root for her.

The book trailer for The Perks of Being a Beauty is awesome.  How did you come up for the idea for it?

I’ve been a fan of the Dos Equis commercials about “The Most Interesting Man in the World” since they first came out. And I’ve been thinking about fun promo ideas for my upcoming series, but I knew that the only character who could pull off “The Most Interesting” theme was Amelia, who is somewhat larger than life in the Ducklings books. Coming up with her character traits was the most fun I’ve had in a long long time!  Readers, you can watch this adorable trailer here.

What’s up next in Manda’s writing world?

 

On July 30, the first book in my new Wicked Widows trilogy, Why Dukes Say I Do, will be released. I’m really excited about this new series and seeing how readers respond to it. I’ve just gotten my review from RT Book Reviews and was floored to see it was not only a Top Pick, but my hero Trevor (a real dish, if I may say so myself!) was named a Knight In Shining Silver (or K.I.S.S.) hero! “Witty and smart, Collins’ prose flows smoothly as she merges a charming, compassionate love story with gothic suspense….Add strong pacing and depth of emotion and there’s no doubt this is a winner.”

And I can’t wait to read it!  For my readers today, Manda is graciously giving away three copies of The Perks of Being a Beauty.  As someone who’s also written a book about a bad girl reformed, I’d like to talk about that.  Can you think of any heroines from books, a TV show, or movies who redeemed herself?  Three people who comment will win a copy of Manda’s novella!

 

Brenda Hiatt & Giveaway!!

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I’m so thrilled to have Brenda Hiatt visiting the blog today.  Brenda is a talented author, writing teacher, and romance industry advocate who’s had a successful career and written truly wonderful historical romances.  She’s also just published a mystery, which I’m really curious about.  Let’s find out about it, shall we?

You’re mostly known for writing historical romance, but you’ve just published a mystery with Bell Bridge Books.   Why the switch?

I cut my writing teeth on traditional Regency romances, publishing six of them with the Harlequin Regency Romance line (now long defunct, alas). When that market dried up, I tried a few other things, including one time travel, eventually published by Harlequin Superromance as BRIDGE OVER TIME. But it wasn’t until Mary Jo Putney took me aside at a conference and told me I should try Regency-set historicals that I took that step, which got me back into the game with SCANDALOUS VIRTUE at HarperCollins. I went on to write seven more single title historicals for HC and Avon, most of them Regency set. Unfortunately, after several tight deadlines in a row along with a couple of difficult life events, I frankly burned out. I didn’t write at all for more than a year, and when I did start writing again, I decided to write something just for me, about a woman having the kind of mid-life adventures I imagined myself attempting if I only had the nerve. That book became OUT OF HER DEPTH, which just came out in March from Bell Bridge Books.

I never thought of it as a mystery while writing it, but that’s what they’re calling it, and I guess it fits. It’s about a woman reinventing herself, with lots of action and suspense and a big dose of humor along the way–along with a bit of romance, of course! It grew out of a vacation to Aruba and my own love of scuba diving, and was a heck of a lot of fun to write. Best of all, it got me writing again!

There have been rumors lately that historical romance is dead (again!).  Do you think readers are less interested in historical romance than they used to be?

All genres and subgenres have their peaks and valleys, as one thing or another becomes the “hot” genre or type of story. But historical romance has always had a strong following, and I personally believe it always will. It’s true that some settings–time and place–are more popular than others, but one of the extremely cool things about the new publishing paradigm is that it allows even authors of the offbeat, “unpopular” (at least by traditional publishing standards) stories to find their readers, the people who love those exact books. It would be a boring world if everyone liked to read (and write) the same thing, wouldn’t it? For example, while my Regency-set books have tended to be my best sellers, I’ve gained some passionate fans with my American-set, “Titanic”-style romantic historical fiction novel, SHIP OF DREAMS, which relies heavily on the real events of the sinking of the steamship “Central America” in the 1850s.

You have so many wonderful historicals, but The Saints of Seven Dials series really caught my attention.  What can you tell me about those books, and do you have a favorite?

 I confess, these books were originally inspired by two movies: Disney’s “Aladdin,” and “The Princess Bride.” Luke, the hero of the first book in that series, ROGUE’S HONOR, was my vision of the lad Aladdin (as portrayed at the beginning of that movie) all grown up–a gleeful, daredevil thief with a heart of gold, who had a special way with the ladies. By the time I finished writing that book, I had concocted the idea of a series, borrowing from the idea of the “Dread Pirate Roberts” in “The Princess Bride”–how everyone believes the legend is just one man (in this case, my Regency Robin Hood, the Saint of Seven Dials) when in fact there’s really a series of men going by that moniker, with each secretly handing over his mask to the next in line. A favorite? Hm. It’s always hard to choose a favorite book, since I tend to be in love with whichever one I’m writing at the time, but my first Saint hero, Luke, will certainly always have a special place in my heart. Though Noel is pretty yummy, too. And Marcus. And Lord Peter. Then there’s Jack, in SCANDALOUS VIRTUE . . . Nope, can’t do it. Sorry.

 What’s up next in Brenda’s writing life?

At the moment, I’m hard at work on a young adult series, just finishing up the first draft of book 3. It’s contemporary, but with science fiction creeping in as it goes along, and I’m having a blast channeling my inner 15-year-old as I write these books! My Bell Bridge editor has hinted she’d like to see a sequel to OUT OF HER DEPTH, so that will likely be my next project when I finish this series. Meanwhile, I finally have the rights back to the last of my Harlequin Regencies, so I’m hoping to get those formatted and available as e-books in the very near future. If only there were more hours in the day!

I’ll be looking forward to reading your backlist!  And Brenda is graciously giving away a copy of Rogue’s Honor, one of her historical romances to one of my readers today.  If you could only take one historical romance with you on a trip, which one would it be?  One person who comments will win Rogue’s Honor!

Guest Author: Meredith Bond & Giveaway!!

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I’m so pleased to have fellow Kensington author Meredith Bond visiting the blog today.  Meredith writes my first love – Regency Romance – as well as YA Fantasy and Regency-set paranormal romance.  She’s a very interesting person as well as an accomplished writer and teacher.  I’m eager to find out more!

I see that you’re a writing teacher. Do you teach fiction or non-fiction, and how does that affect your own writing life?

I teach fiction writing – I take my students, through a series of courses, from how to organize yourself to write and start a novel in a class called “Start Write”, through the bigger concepts in fiction writing (developing characters, setting, story structure, etc.) in “Chapter One”, to the narrower aspects (POV, dialogue, show and tell, etc.) in “Craft of Writing”, to editing, right on through to publishing. I’ve even got a book out so that others can “take” two of my writing courses (Chapter One and Craft of Writing) called Chapter One.

Teaching is fantastic because as I teach each a class, I go through my own writing to make sure I’m applying the lesson I’m teaching. It really keeps me on my toes!

Tell us about your series, The Merry Men Quartet. Which book is up first, and what’s it about?

The Merry Men Quartet is a really fun series of Regency romances about four friends and how each find love. They were first published by Kensington Publishers, but now I’ve gotten the rights back to two of them, and in another few years I’ll get the rights back to the other two. They were published out of order to begin with, and unfortunately will be again just because of the way I’m getting them back (so disappointed!).

The first book to be re-published will actually be the first book chronologically – An Exotic Heir (originally published as Love of My Life). It’s the story of a sweet English girl, Cassandra Renwick, who flees to her parents in Calcutta, India, when she is treated badly by a member of the ton. She soon finds herself fascinated by the city – and her guide, the dark and mysterious Julian Ritchie. Julian has always faced discrimination for being only half-English, especially from Lady Renwick. When he meets Cassandra, he sees her as the perfect opportunity to get back at her mother – by making Cassandra fall in love with him. He soon finds that payback can be painful when you get caught in your own trap.

We all have different reasons for loving the Georgian and Regency periods. What are some of yours?

I love the juxtaposition of strict rules and the amount of flouting of those rules that goes on in Regency novels – it creates so many opportunities for some great stories.

What’s up next in your writing life?

I’m actually working hard on three projects, if you can believe it! I’m desperately trying to finish a short story (the third story of my Storm series), which I’m going to submit to the next WG2E anthology. (I published a short story in their last one, Tales From The Mist.) I’m editing the next book in the Merry Men Quartet, A Dandy in Disguise, which I hope to publish in April. And I’m working on a New Adult Paranormal trilogy (two books are done, but for some editing and the third is half written) – it’s a medieval tied to the Arthurian myths and loads of fun! If I can get those done, I’ll be the happiest person because I’ve been working on them for about four years now!

Thanks so much for that great interview!  Readers, Meredith is giving away a copy of Book One in her quartet, An Exotic Heir.  Since Meredith’s book is a historical not set in England, let’s talk about that.  What other countries would you like to see a historical romance take place in?  One person who comments will win a copy of An Exotic Heir.

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