Guest Author, Amanda McIntyre & Giveaway!
by sue on Jun.25, 2010, under Book Chat
THE MASTER AND THE MUSES
By Amanda McIntyre
Harlequin Spice June 2010
ISBN: 13: 978—0-373-60544-6
Trade paperback, audio, e-book formats
Setting: Victorian England
Subgenre: erotic historical romance
Hero: Thomas Rodin
Heroine/s: Helen, Sara, Grace
One sentence summary: They are his inspiration. He is their obsession
Scene you like most and would never cut: The prologue, from Thomas’s POV, this gives the greatest depth of his character, the eccentricities and creative genius of his persona. A verbal self-portrait as it were. And in his own way, gratitude for a life well lived and the muses that made it so.
Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying:
Since I effectively have three heroines in a unique format that features the personal stories of each woman, I will make note of what each “muse” would never be caught dead doing /saying:
Helen: Helen would never be caught settling.” Though shy, she has from her upbringing determined definite ideas about what she doesn’t want in a relationship. She wants a partner, someone who will give, take, and see her as equal in all things. Someone who will love her with as much passion as she is ready to give.
Sara: “I’m content to be a kept woman.” Not Sara’s idea of a passionate relationship. She wants adventure. Driven by a need to embrace life, she needs a man who will fight to show her how he feels about her. Passion saved her from a life of servitude and she would never return to her former life.
Grace: Grace would never compromise her integrity or give up on what she believes in. Once she makes a decision, she lives with the consequences. Her life has been hard and it has given her a thick skin, but her heart, her insight to others and to herself lays a rigid foundation of right and wrong. As worldly as she is, Grace has her own code of ethics that she upholds and in truth, has a heart of gold and a spirit of tenacity in the face of adversity.
What celebrity is your hero like: My original visual inspiration was Henry Cavill, who plays the Duke of Norfolk in the Showtime ™ series The Tudors. However, personality-wise, I would have to liken him to the rock stars of present day. Creative, a little wild, eccentric, a bit self-absorbed, totally involved in his work and willing to do whatever is necessary to get his work out there to be appreciated. I was once told that women love creative types, and I admit I have a soft spot in my heart for them. Limited only by their imagination, they live in a world different from most, where few rules matter, where passion reigns supreme and is celebrated in every aspect of their lives. After writing about Thomas, his image was transformed-less conventional and almost like Heart’s “Magic Man” (which I listened to a lot in writing this story) image formed in my mind, though I could not find anyone that truly matched it until I saw the model for the cover art of the MASTER & THE MUSES. The mesmerizing brilliance of his electric blue eyes was spot on to Thomas’s magical charisma. It was as though Thomas Rodin had come to life before my eyes. They really couldn’t have done any better pegging him exactly as he was in my mind.
What celebrity is your heroine like: When I write I always begin with pictures of my characters and flesh out a profile for them. So in my mind, Helen looked like Kate Winslet with her creamy complexion and that sort of red-haired innocence and eyes that portray what she is thinking. Sara, in my mind was portrayed by singer Sarah Brightman, with her long, dark hair and gorgeous, regal and determined features. Grace, in my mind, was Scarlett Johansson, fair, blonde-haired and sensual, she was every man’s fantasy, yet carries her beauty with silence and…well, grace when you might think she could be totally obnoxious about it!
What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing:
Helen: a milliner’s apprentice, working in French hat shop
Sarah: about to become a governess to a well-to-do large family
Grace: a prostitute
What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing:
An artist and out-spoken activist on freedom of expression
What you think readers will like best about this book:
Thomas Rodin. Thomas goes through a metamorphosis throughout the book. We see him as almost womanizing at first and with each experience, life and age, begin to–as it usually does all of us—change his view of life and his purpose in it. That and the powerful influence his muses had on not only his professional life, but his personal life as well.
The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: Actually that would have been Torin, my heroine’s younger brother in my medieval story, TORTURED. But his story has just been contracted as a longer version Spice Brief, FORBIDDEN PLEASURES, due out in fall 2010 from Harlequin Spice Briefs.
What’s next: I am currently finishing my novella for a second anthology in the Celtic Harlequin Spice mini-series that celebrates the ancient Celtic festivals of Winters Solstice, Beltane and Samhain. And I’ve already begun the research into my next full-length title called THE DARK SEDUCTION OF MISS JANE, an erotic historical Book for Spice with suspense elements, set in Whitechapel London just prior to the mysterious and unsolved Ripper case.
Something I am always interested in hearing about is what your idea of a perfect hero is. Is he the in-charge, in control alpha-male? Is he the tortured, tormented alpha brooding in his private hell? Is he alpha with a softhearted beta core? Is he beta with an alpha core? Would love to hear your thoughts and for two comments on this topic, I will give away two signed copies of my upcoming release-THE MASTER & THE MUSES--called “irresistible, unique…a very special reading experience! 4.5 stars” by RT BOOKreviews.
Thanks to Sue and Borders for allowing me to visit the True Romance blog!
Amanda McIntyre
Follow me at TWITTER! http://twitter.com/amandamcintyre1
www.amandamcintyre.net
Giveaway! 2 books given to 2 random commenters! GOOD LUCK!
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June 28th, 2010 on 9:40 pm
I love the alpha hero that has a heart that melts when kids or old people are involved.
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/
June 28th, 2010 on 8:33 am
Henry Cavill portrayed the Duke of Suffolk on the Tudors… Norfolk was an older man and only appeared in season 1…
June 27th, 2010 on 5:16 pm
I like them all from the alphas, tortured to the nerdy beta types; ideally a combo of alpha/beta. No matter which type he may be, has some code of honor, protective whether overtly or only when needed, some bit of humor (dry or witty, or roguishly charming).
June 27th, 2010 on 3:59 pm
I kind of like them with both of these. The tortured, tormented alpha brooding in his private hell. And also an alpha with a softhearted beta core? Kind of depends on the story too. I love your books! Cannot wait to read this one.
June 27th, 2010 on 4:20 am
I’m more into the tortured, tormented alpha brooding in his private hell. And the heroine will ’save’ his tormented heart and soul
I’ve been eyeing this book for quite some times, coz you are a new for me author
June 27th, 2010 on 1:06 am
How about outwardly alpha, but secretly a beta at heart! Alpha males often come across as arrogant, being overly cocky and assured. But I really like them to have a secret untapped sensitive core which I suspect would make them more beta.
June 26th, 2010 on 10:13 pm
My favorite hero is a strong alpha male with a flaw so I guess he has a touch of beta in him.
June 26th, 2010 on 12:46 pm
At the moment my heart goes out to the tortured, tormented alpha Hero brooding in his private hell. I just want the Heroine to carress it all away and make him forget/move on.
June 26th, 2010 on 12:15 pm
i vary - sometimes i want the in-control alpha male, but usually i go between the alpha with a softhearted beta core and the beta with an alpha core. i guess it depends on my mood….:)
k_sunshine1977 at yahoo dot com
June 26th, 2010 on 10:48 am
Oh wow, I love, love that cover, stunning. And the premise for your book, sounds like a luscious read, all the best for its release!
June 26th, 2010 on 3:43 am
I love the Alpha male’s instinctive protectiveness and strength, but with a Beta male’s core of warmth, compassion and humor.
June 26th, 2010 on 1:41 am
Is it horrible that I don’t have an idea of what SOMEONE ELSE as a perfect hero would be. I think I am the perfect hero, lol. Personally, men charging in to rescue me annoys me. but on the other hand, I don’t want some geek in glasses who doesn’t know what he’s doing. How about, for once, the man can be the princess in the castle, and I’ll go defeat the dragon. Seriously.
June 26th, 2010 on 12:21 am
Wow… This looks amazing. I would definitely love to read this one.
June 25th, 2010 on 11:13 pm
I like the strong alphas that have a sensitive and compassionate side.
June 25th, 2010 on 9:51 pm
The perfect hero to me is a man with integrity & passion.
June 25th, 2010 on 9:14 pm
Henry Cavill! *swooning now* I am so looking forward to reading this one Amanda.
I need a tortured alpha male. After all, they are soft-hearted, it just takes longer to get to that core.
June 25th, 2010 on 8:31 pm
I love the cover of this one. I sort of like the brooding hero but that can get dull sometimes. He should be strong and take command but also have some secrets.
June 25th, 2010 on 8:01 pm
This is one of the best covers ever. The book really sounds good. I hope it’s one of the ones that is being given away!
June 25th, 2010 on 6:59 pm
My perfect hero is a smart, confident, laid-back man with a great sense of humor. The uber alpha-males are often fun to read about, but I wouldn’t have the patience for one in real life (and sometimes I can’t abide them in books either).
June 25th, 2010 on 5:58 pm
I like take charge alpha heros. Though at times I Like to read about the others too.
Then again I just like to read period. 
Larena
June 25th, 2010 on 3:56 pm
I enjoyed reading the post and look forward in reading The Master and the Muses and your other works.
Thanks and have a great weekend to all!
June 25th, 2010 on 3:37 pm
I love a take charge Alpha male with good intentions and a good heart.
My next favorite is the tortured hero that is rescued by his heroine.
I love the Tudors I have all 3 seasons in my DVD library.
The Duke of Norfolk is one of my very favorites. I don’t know how he can stay friends with Henry at times. The King makes him do awful things at times, but he is faithful to his king.
June 25th, 2010 on 3:25 pm
Beta with an alpha core is my favorite. Strong but not excessively
June 25th, 2010 on 3:24 pm
I would love to win a few books. Nice cover on this book. Good luck with it.
Lynn R.
June 25th, 2010 on 2:43 pm
Hi! I have to admit that the cover really catches and holds my attention. So, is that Sara on the cover (since the woman is a brunette)?
I think I prefer a hero to be beta by appearance but alpha when needed, someone truly dependable without making me feel that he needs a smack upside his head most of the time.
June 25th, 2010 on 2:40 pm
I have been keeping an eye on this book for so long! Love the cover, and the actual story sounds so fun and interesting!
I love any and all alphas. They all have their good and not-so-good qualities… which just makes them that more compelling to read about!
If I had to pick, it’d probably either be the alpha in charge, or the alpha that’s tormented. I can’t pick one over the other, because it depends solely on my reading mood.
June 25th, 2010 on 2:10 pm
Would love to win 2 surprise books. The guy on the cover looks like Hugh Grant I think.
I like my alphas with a bit of beta thrown in.
Helen L.
June 25th, 2010 on 2:05 pm
**Wave to Ms A** Hey hon! I am poppin in to show support. I know I for one can not wait to get my hands on Thomas book and find some time for me and him to get to know each other!!!! I know he will be fabulous!!!!
I would love a chance this sweet giveaway!!
Please count me in!!!
Alpha males…. Would I dare be a woman if I did not love my alpha males!!! Any way I can get them!!!!
June 25th, 2010 on 12:19 pm
I like both I think it just depends on the story line.
June 25th, 2010 on 11:25 am
I like alpha heroes. All of them! I love their slightly possessive, controlling, I know better than you ways. It keeps life interesting.
Especially when the heroine defies them. Betas…meh. They just aren’t my type! LOL!
June 25th, 2010 on 8:49 am
If I compile a list of my favorite heroes they would probably lean more towards Beta than Alpha. But think most heroes are a blend of the two.
June 25th, 2010 on 8:25 am
Hi, Amanda! After having been teased by Thomas’ gorgeous face for so long…he’s finally here! Congratulations : )
A man who takes care of his family with his wealth is a provider. A hero is a man who takes care of his family in all circumstances, especially when wealth is unavailable or unattainable. A man with a compassionate heart, strong principles, honor and humor will always be heroic to those who love him. Money cannot buy those qualities.
June 25th, 2010 on 8:03 am
I like the alphas who find their perfect mate and stay together forever! Just like wolves do in real life.
I like to think that alphas need a mate to humanize them,to make them more compassionate and understanding!
It’s all in the author’s portrayal of the character. I’ve loved them all.
June 25th, 2010 on 7:33 am
I don’t think there is one perfect type of hero. Many of the traits mentioned here are wonderful. But I’m accepting of all kinds of heroes and heroines in books as long as the characters are compellingly written. Thanks for visiting.
June 25th, 2010 on 6:32 am
Hi Amanda,
I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed Tortured. I look forward to reading about Torin next. I have heard so many wonderful things about The Master and The Muses and have it on my TRL.
I love a Strong hero who is compassionate, has a sense of humor but above all is loyal to those he cares about.
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com
June 25th, 2010 on 6:13 am
I think Amanda said it perfectly. I like the strong hero but with kind feelings.
I love the tortured hero that finds the love of a good woman to take him out of his hell. Also love a hero with a good sense of humor - love the snappy dialogue between h/h. I am reading Rachel Gibson latest and loving it - the hero is an injured professional hockey player that lived to play hockey and his injury has made that impossible - love the story line also of a recuperating hero or one that must do something else with his life due to circumstances.
Pat L.
June 25th, 2010 on 5:12 am
Amanda,
This book sounds extremely interesting. I must look for a copy.
I like the alpha heroes in control with enough of a beta core not to be a jerk. Too many in control alphas come across as not really liking women. That said, I better quit while I’m ahead!