Tell us about your book(s)!
I write sensual, Regency romances, and I have three Regency set series out at the moment.
I have a long novella series called The Wicked Wagers Trilogy. These are three stories that can be bought individually, or in one complete book. Each story is 170 pages long (half a normal book) and they are a way for readers to get to meet me as an author. They are fun stories revolving around three rakes. They face a dare, a wager and a challenge, before they meet and fall in love with three strong women. Book one, To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield, is on sale for 99c and was a Top 5 Finalist in the Kindle Book Review Indie Romance of the Year 2012, and a RomCon Best Historical Finalist 2013. Here’s the blurb:
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...
Then there is my Kensington, Invitation To series, the first series I started writing, so it’s special to me. There are five books in this series; two are currently published, with book three, Invitation to Passion, coming March 2014. Book one, Invitation to Ruin, won the RomCon Readers’ Crown Best Historical in 2012 and was a RT Book Reviews Best First Historical Nominee. Here’s the blurb:
One Good Lady Is About to Go Bad. . .
The only thing Miss Melissa Goodly has ever wanted out of a marriage is love. But any hope of that dissolves one wild night, when she loses herself in the arms of the most irresistible--and unobtainable--man in all of England. For when they are discovered in a position as compromising as it is pleasurable, she has no choice but to accept his proposal.
Avowed bachelor Anthony Craven, Earl of Wickham, never meant to seduce an innocent like Melissa. Yet now that the damage is done, it does seem like she'd make a very convenient wife. After all, she is so naive he won't have to worry about ever being tempted. Or so he thinks, until the vows are spoken and they are left alone--and his new bride reveals a streak just as brazen and unrestrained as his own. . .
I’m about to launch my third series with Random House Loveswept. My new six book Disgraced Lords series is about a group of men known as the Libertine Scholars. The Libertine Scholars are being targeted by a common enemy out to destroy their reputations and kill those they love. Book one, A Kiss of Lies, releases January 2014. Here’s the blurb…
Desperate to escape her abusive past, Sarah Cooper disguises herself as a governess in the employ of Christian Trent, Earl of Markham, the man who, long ago, she fantasized about marrying. Despite the battle scars that mar his face, Sarah finds being near Christian rekindles her infatuation. A governess, however, has no business in the arms of an earl, and as she accompanies Christian on his voyage home, Sarah must resist her intense desires—or risk revealing her dangerous secrets.
One of the renowned Libertine Scholars, Christian Trent once enjoyed the company of any woman he chose. But that was before the horrors of Waterloo, his wrongful conviction of a hideous crime, and his forcible removal from England. Far from home and the resources he once had, Christian believes the life he knew—and any chance of happiness—is over . . . until his ward’s governess sparks his heart back to life, and makes him remember the man he used to be. Now Christian is determined to return to England, regain his honor, and win the heart of the woman he has come to love.
As you can see I’m pretty busy. There is something for everyone. I love telling my stories and having my head filled with handsome men and strong willed women.
Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?
I love this question. When I wrote A Kiss of Lies I wanted a man, tall, dark and handsome to play the hero, Christian Trent, Earl of Markham. Christian was badly burned on the right cheek and shoulder at Waterloo. I remember seeing Ben Barnes as Dorian Grey-perfect. I pictured Ben Barnes as a wounded Christian.
Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?
It’s tough, especially when you’re on deadline and you have a few books to write. I’m probably not as blocked as some writers because I’m a plotter. Most of the book is fully plotted before I even start writing. When I do struggle with a scene, I usually take myself for a very long walk. I find walking helps clear my mind and lets my characters’ talk to me. This is a picture of where I live. As you can see it was made for walking!
What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?
Varity is the spice of life. If we all liked the same thing, the world would be a dull, boring place. Tastes differ. Even my critique partners and I disagree on our favorite books-what’s fantastic, good, bad, or boring. I know I write what my characters direct, and I hope the majority of readers like the story.
I read, walk, listen to music—I’m in a mellow stage at present, loads of Keith Urban and Adele—I’m lucky I have a pool so I often swim, and then to keep the brain ticking over I play bridge.
What is your favorite motivational phrase?
Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I’ve lived my life that way.
What is your favorite book?
I hate this question because I have so many. I do tend to like the darker historical. I love a very emotionally tortured hero. There are two books I read over and over, Lord of Fire by Gaelen Foley, and The Many Sins of Lord Cameron by Jennifer Ashley.
Who is your favorite author?
Again, I have so many that I couldn’t possibly list them all here. Gaelen Foley, Nicole Jordan, Emma Wildes, Shana Galen, Wendy Vella, Nicole Cornick, Anna Campbell, followed closely by Jennifer Ashley. Anything they have written I’ve loved or liked.
What is your favorite movie?
Depends on my mood. I love uplifting movies, funny movies, and of course romance. One of the most interesting and uplifting movies I’ve seen is Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont, with Rupert Friend. It’s a lovely people movie.
Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
That’s easy, Oscar Wilde, the king of rapier wit and humor. I love, and have seen on the stage, all of his plays.
What is the most interesting trip you have ever taken?
I’ve travelled a lot, but mainly back in the 80’s and 90’s. I lived in England for almost 8 years and used it as a base to work and travel. Most kiwis do this as we are so far from everywhere! My two most memorable trips were one to Russia in 1989 before the Berlin Wall came down. Communism was scary, they had virtually nothing. The other was to Africa with my mother. We did a safari and my mum’s a zoologist. It was fascinating being with her and learning all about the wild life.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
Only one? I wish I had something hysterical to share but I don’t. How about the time I walked into the men’s toilets at my first big conference as CEO of the Surgeons Association and saw more of the members (pun intended) than I wanted.
Lighting Round:
White wine or red? Red
Coffee or tea? Tea
Cook dinner or order take-out/delivery? We call them Take-Aways
Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream? Duh - Chocolate
Pancakes or eggs? Pancakes with loads of maple syrup
Sleep in or get up early? Get up early
Laptop or desktop for writing? Lap-desk with my macbook air, it’s easier on my neck.
Just for your readers, leave a comment telling me your favorite Regency hero and why, and I’ll give one lucky commenter a copy of Invitation to Scandal, TRR Best Historical Nominee 2013, in book or ebook.
Thanks, Jerrica, it’s been fun. Happy reading. Waving goodbye from New Zealand.
Bron.