Guest Author, Charlotte Featherstone & Giveaway!
by sue on May.01, 2010, under Book Chat
One sentence summary: A darkly beautiful love story about a couple who must learn to trust, love and bare their souls to one another.
Scene you like most and would never cut: I think that would have to be the very ending scene, where Wallingford takes Jane to his little studio cottage. It’s a love scene, but it’s very pivotal for the growth of the hero. Actually, that scene was in jeopardy of being deleted to make way for the epilogue. I was really over the maximum word count, and had to make the decision whether to cut the scene and add the epilogue, or go with the epilogue only. I knew in my heart that I could not cheat Wallingford out of this particular experience with Jane.
Personally, I love this scene. Jane and Wallingford have nothing left to hide, and their emotions and thoughts are completely bare for the other to see. I was really moved while writing it.
Something your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: I’m here for your pleasure! Jane is a new sort of woman in the Victorian era. She’s on the cusp of the beginnings of the Women’s Sufferage movement. She wants to support herself and be free of any man’s meddling. While she is not opposed to love, or sex, she is adamant that she will not be dependent upon a man for her safety, security, or happiness. In essence, no man will own her.
What celebrity is your hero like: Oooh, this is so hard. I really can’t say. I suppose in looks he reminds me of Eric Bana, but he’s a bit gruff, rough around the edges, and really masculine, and that always makes me thinks of Gerard Butler. So, I’d have to say he’s a cross between the two!
What celebrity is your heroine like: Hmmm, these are hard, mostly because I really don’t think of celebrities when I’m creating my characters. Let’s see…I suppose she’s a lot like Keira Knightly’s representation of Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice. Although they look nothing alike, however, their wit, and strength is very similar, along with a fragile vulnerability that they strive to conceal from others, and sometimes themselves.
What is your heroines occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: Jane Rankin is a lady’s companion to Lady Blackwood—an enigma in London Society. Lady Blackwood is a divorcee and believes in women’s rights. Unfortunately for them, she’s on a rather limited income, and to pay off some medical debts to the doctor, Jane begins working at the hospital, learning the trade of a nurse. So, during the nights, she works as a nurse, and the day, as Lady Blackwood’s companion, and confidante.
What is your heroes occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: Lord Wallingford is an indolent lord. He’s an earl, and set to inherit a dukedom. He has no taste for taking his seat at parliament. But he is not altogether lazy! He’s an artist, and his dream is to paint, and open his own studio.
What you think readers will like best about this book: I think the physical and emotional romance between Jane and Wallingford. The entire premise of the book was inspired by a quote by Anais Nin, which is, ‘And the day came when it became more painful to remain tight in a bud then it took to blossom.’ And this is really what happens to them. When they meet they are both closed tight, afraid that anyone might see inside them. But like a flower, they slowly begin to open, until they’re fully exposed to each other. It’s a lovely journey, filled with softness and beauty, but also some heartache. Their love is not easy, but at the end I think it’s beautiful, and the reader will see how much they’ve gone through, and will admire their tenacity to be together. Their journey is very intimate and sensual, but there is a certain level of heartache and deep emotion that is always present in my books.
The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: Garrett, Lord Broughton. I receive so many letters asking for his book. He was a central secondary character in my book Addicted (Spice Feb 09) and readers really seemed to gravitate to him.
I really don’t know if I will write about him. He doesn’t really talk to me, and I have to admit, I don’t know his story or what secrets he’s hiding.
What’s next: Currently I’m writing a new series for Harlequin Spice. I’m really excited about it! It’s about a court of seven Dark Fey princes, each one of them embodies one of the seven sins. Their court is cursed, and to free their court, they must seduce their opposing virtues, and take them to their court to live. But the virtues must come willingly. I’m having so much fun with this premise. I’ve set it in the opulent late Georgian period. So mixing the historical and fantasy has been a really liberating experience.
Lust is the first book, and he’ll be seducing Chastity. Lust will release in Feb 2011.
As well, I’m busy writing my first manuscript for mass market! I’ll be writing a trilogy of very sensual, and dark, gothic historical romances for HQN. I know the first book is releasing July 2011, but the title and trilogy name is still to be announced.
I’ve already had letters from readers, asking what they can expect of my HQN books in regards to the level of sensuality. It seems that readers are really interested in a high level of sensuality and explicitness in their historicals.
I like writing them that way, but was wondering what people want out of their historicals. Something really hot and darkly emotional, or something a bit lighter, and perhaps more sweet and less explicit?
One lucky commenter will be randomly chosen to win a signed copy of Sinful, and it’s companion book, Addicted.
Thank you so much for coming by today!
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May 2nd, 2010 on 10:46 am
I don’t really read historicals, but every so often one will catch my attention…and this is one of them!
Sensual and explicit is okay but I do prefer a lighter feel for the historicals. If it is dark then I like to see some lighter elements to help balance it out.
May 2nd, 2010 on 8:05 am
I like historicals that are hot and darkly emotional with some humor thrown in. I look forward in reading your new trilogy.. hurry up July 2011!
May 2nd, 2010 on 7:44 am
Hot and darkly emotional for me. Light & sweet is ok for snippets but a full length historical in that manner is too much.
May 2nd, 2010 on 1:18 am
I like the choice. Personally, I prefer historic romance novels and the idea that in such a genre there is such a selection that one can choose to have the erotica and the sweet one right after another. My personal preference day to day is the sweet, and then of my purchases every other month or so a historic erotic novel. Your deadly sins sounds wonderful, a can’t miss!
May 2nd, 2010 on 1:17 am
I like my historicals hot & darkly emotional, with a few smiles but not too explicit. Leave a bit to my own imagination please.
May 2nd, 2010 on 1:15 am
I have never seen a cover that is as HOT as Sinful’s cover is. OMG! I have got to get that book! WOW! I love historicals because they provide me with facts, take me to wonderful places and give me terrific places to dream about.
May 2nd, 2010 on 12:22 am
Mostly it depends on what mood I’m in at that moment. Sometimes I want a light read, other times a more intense read, but most times I just want something engaging no matter the tone.
May 1st, 2010 on 9:33 pm
Oh, I’ve got Addicted and Sinful on my TBB list for sure - they’ve both received such good reviews and the cover (esp. on Addicted) is just so beautiful. I like all sorts of historicals. I like them explicit or less so, funny, dark and angsty, lighter, tortured - I just like historicals in general and it depends on what I’m in the mood for as to which one I pick up at any given time.
Best wishes for your new release Ms. Featherstone.
May 1st, 2010 on 8:50 pm
“Really hot and darkly emotional!” I’ve always thought of historical novels as being dramatic and epic with hot passions. I want to read a historical to totally escape into another time and place. “Light and sweet” bores me.
May 1st, 2010 on 8:40 pm
I think it depends on my mood. Sometimes I want a light read while at other times I want a dark, emotional read. But either way I love both types.
May 1st, 2010 on 8:37 pm
This looks great. I guess I like all historicals–dark and spicy and sweet and light. I have both on my TBR pile and pick up whichever one I’m in the mood for at that moment.
May 1st, 2010 on 8:14 pm
I keep seeing this book everywhere I must read it!
May 1st, 2010 on 7:12 pm
You are a new to me author! I don’t know how I’ve missed you and your books, they look awesome. I love reading historicals. Please enter me for a chance at these. Great cover..
May 1st, 2010 on 4:16 pm
I like my historical romances to be hot but not verging into erotica.
May 1st, 2010 on 4:16 pm
Hmmmm. Honsestly, I like both. Kinda depends on what I’m in the mood for
May 1st, 2010 on 4:07 pm
For myself, I like historicals to be “something a bit lighter, and perhaps more sweet and less explicit” definitely. It’s not that I don’t enjoy hot, sexy writing, but I don’t want to feel like the book is written just for the sexiness at the expense of a great story.
May 1st, 2010 on 3:50 pm
I like them all, as long as the story is well written and has a good story line.
May 1st, 2010 on 2:59 pm
Hey Charlotte,
I’ve had your books on my wishlist since I first heard about Sinful…I love reading historical romances that have plots along the lines of a great gothic romance…so definitely hot and darkly emotional is the way to go for me…it’s a difficult combination to find a lot of times so I’m always hopeful when I find stories that follow that rule of thumb.
May 1st, 2010 on 2:44 pm
I don’t really have a preference. I read them all.
May 1st, 2010 on 2:26 pm
I sssooo want these books since I’ve heard so many good things about them. For my historicals, and really any book I read, I like them to be more explicit. I like to see less than perfect characters go through the wringer to achieve happiness and be a little tainted after coming out on the other side.
May 1st, 2010 on 2:26 pm
I really don’t have a preference. As long as it is well written and feels genuine I will read it. I do prefer that they stay consistent. Sometimes I pick up a historical and it seems pretty light and then bam when it comes to the sex scenes they are really explicit, which I don’t mind but, it doesn’t seem to fit with the rest of the book.
Your books sound intriguing and different and I look forward to giving them a try.
May 1st, 2010 on 2:06 pm
Hi Charlotte!
thanks for being here today - I really enjoyed your post… I’m new to the historical genre and therefore I don’t know what to expect from them yet…your book sounds really interesting and it’s now on my wishlist!
wish you all the best,
Ina
May 1st, 2010 on 2:04 pm
I love that your heroine is a strong woman of her time - independent, self sufficient. I like historical romance, especially women characters who either ignore or skirt convention and custom. I’d love to see a more grittier side of historical romance presented - let’s face it - the Victorian and Regency periods were more rockin’ than most think. Congrats on your release of Sinful.
May 1st, 2010 on 2:01 pm
I prefer hot and emotional…I think you can still keep it sweet, a bit a emotional and hot…and I think that’s great too!
May 1st, 2010 on 1:47 pm
I love the cover of Addicted! Gorgeous! These look like great reads!
May 1st, 2010 on 1:38 pm
I usually go for the hot and darkly emotional historicals but once in a while I also enjoy the lighter themed ones. The varieties make for a good contrast and can be used to prevent burnout over one specific genre.
May 1st, 2010 on 1:34 pm
As there are already historical romances that are sweet and emotional, I really like this concept of something a bit more dark and explicit.
May 1st, 2010 on 1:19 pm
I always love hot and sexy romances… and it really depends on my mood whether I want dark and angsty or light and funny or something in between.
May 1st, 2010 on 1:09 pm
I like historicals that go for the jugular. The more emotional & hot the better, with characters that make me dream of a different time & place.
May 1st, 2010 on 1:03 pm
I love them all! I am big into historical and it doesn’t matter as long as its historical! Bring them on!
May 1st, 2010 on 12:46 pm
Hot, dark and explicit is fine with me!!
May 1st, 2010 on 12:29 pm
I enjoy reading historicals that are hot and emotional. Also, the ones that are considered sweet are fun to read. I just love a good story and if it keeps me interested I’m all for it.
May 1st, 2010 on 12:25 pm
I really like to read both. It usually comes down to what I am in the mood for. I read across all the different genres so like I said it depends what my mood is as to what I will read.
congrats on the latest release and the upcoming releases.
Larena
May 1st, 2010 on 11:26 am
My favorite genre is Paranormal but enjoy reading other genres, love the cover!
May 1st, 2010 on 11:10 am
I like my romantic historicals to be on the more serious side. I understand humor but when it comes to period reads I don’t mind dark & emotional. I REALLY want to read SINFUL!!
May 1st, 2010 on 10:53 am
I just want a good story. I like them all. The light funny historical, the dark sensual ones, explicit or not explicit isn’t a requirement as long as the relationship is well written.
May 1st, 2010 on 10:20 am
Hello Charlotte. I just wanted to say that cover is hot!! I saw this book at the bookstore and I couldn’t stop looking at it. Was it your idea to have his back on the cover? It really makes your eyes zero in on the book.
May 1st, 2010 on 10:18 am
I prefer contemps but these books sound good. Love the cover of addicted.
Pat L.
May 1st, 2010 on 9:05 am
I prefer hot & emotional (not necessarily dark) when it comes to historicals. But the key is the connection between h/H, if I don’t feel that this couple “gets each other” or that sense of palpable chemistry then that lessens the impact of the story for me.
May 1st, 2010 on 9:02 am
Im have to say that this is one of the most beautiful read shots I’ve ever seen. Amazing.I have had this on my TRL and can’t wait to read it. I love Hot, spicy, a little humor in my Historical reads. When the love story is filled with emotion, hot sex scenes read very easily. I’m really interested in those Dark Fey you’re writing.
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com
May 1st, 2010 on 8:10 am
Good morning! Thanks for your great comments! And I do agree, that the knack to writing a romantic, erotic historical is making certain that reader gets lost in the period, not just the heated scenes. The time, place, and feeling of being in the past cannot be overlooked!
May 1st, 2010 on 7:33 am
I read historicals when I want to get totally lost in another time and place. I generally prefer hot, emotional stories, but lighter stories can also be great, as long as they are entertaining and well-crafted.
I can’t wait to read Sinful! What an amazing cover!
May 1st, 2010 on 6:36 am
Hello, Charlotte! I have been entranced by “Sinful” since I first saw the cover months ago. Talk about “bringing sexy BACK”! I am truly drooling over that cover since you have stated that the hero is a cross between Eric Bana and Gerard Butler. Now I know why ladies swoon : )
The more I have read about “Sinful”, the more I realized that I would also have to have “Addicted”. They are both on my wish list!!!
I read a variety of genres, with different levels of heat: “heart with heat”, “heat with heart”, erotic romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance. For me, the level of heat in the romance is secondary to fully developed characters and a detailed story line. However, there are readers for every writer, and sometimes you want a specific type of read. When I do want a darker, more intensely sensual read, I still appreciate a tale well-told by a skilled author. The literary world today is like a buffet table, overflowing with an amazing variety of tempting delights! As you make your way along, you choose what you like, and leave the rest for someone else. Everyone will be well satisfied : )
May 1st, 2010 on 3:19 am
In some ways I prefer historicals to be a bit lighter because in reality, those times were hard. Still, hot reads of any persuasion are much appreciated! And I love, love, LOVE the muscular male back on the cover of “Sinful”! Thank you!
May 1st, 2010 on 2:07 am
Historicals are an interesting breed onto themselves. I feel like the norm is to write them more as “romances” and not “erotica.” Though I have no objection to reading either, I find that sometimes I feel like some erotic historicals are more like contemporary ones with some old fashioned vocabulary thrown in. When not written correctly, it just feels like the author inserted some period costuming and the correct vernacular for the chosen time period.
Personally, I have read some historicals that leaned more to the erotic than romantic side and found them very satisfying and good reads. However, I think that it’s hard to find the balance where the book is erotic without making me feel like the plot was a generic erotica with different language used for the dialogue.
But hey, I’m always up for trying something new. A new author, a new sub-genre…everything! Never know, new authors are waiting to be discovered everyday.