trueromance

Setting: Regency England, Home of Society’s Finest
Subgenre: Regency Historical
Hero: Robert Cottsworth, Duke of Harrington
Heroine: Kathryn Cottsworth, Duchess of Harrington

Once Sentence: A civilized marriage turns into something more sensual, more emotional, more honest, more . . .

Scene you like most and would never cut: The strange thing for me about this question is that my favorite scene can never be cut – because it’s never been written. I LOVE the Real Housewives on Bravo and in particular I love the opening credits, when each housewife has her ridiculous and overstated quote as she twirls about. It was picturing this scene that inspired The Real Duchesses of London. I’ve given you their quotes at the beginning of the story, but you’ll have to imagine the twirling (although I am doing my best with the book trailer).

Thing your heroine would never be caught doing/saying: The fun of writing this novella was that my very proper heroine learns to be not so proper – so I am going to say there’s very little she wouldn’t do by the end of the book – except perhaps betray her friends. She would never do that.

Tell us one quirky thing about your heroine: My heroine receives an unusual present – and she loves it. You won’t see her with the gift in the story, but if you could see some of the scenes that happen in my mind, you’d be rolling on the floor.

What’s your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: My heroine is the perfect duchess. She could have written the book on it. She spends her life doing nothing wrong – at least until my story begins.

What’s your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: My hero, the duke, manages the estates and seeks for modern ways to improve them.

What do you think readers will like best about this book: I think my readers will like how touching and sweet the romance between the hero and heroine is. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a very sensual and hot story, but the emotional level on which they interact took even me by surprise.

What’s next: I’ll have a total of four Real Duchess novellas coming out this summer, each one the story of a different duchess. I am working on the fourth one right now and I’ve had more fun writing these than I’ve ever had working before.

And then in October my next book, What a Duke Wants, comes out from Avon. It’s the story of Isabella, the youngest sister from my previous books, and her adventures with a duke who doesn’t want to be a duke. The book also features one of my Real Duchesses.

My Question: Do you watch any of the Real Housewives shows and if so which one, and why? If you don’t watch tell me about a not-so-secret addiction you never thought you’d have.

About Me:

What’s my favorite movie of all time? Whichever movie I am watching at the moment. I love movies – although I am not seeing very many at the right now. My favorite movie in the last year was The King’s Speech, which I could watch again and again.

What’s my favorite kind of story to get lost in? Almost any! I am easy. Give me a book and I am gone.

What’s the first book I remember reading? The Black Stallion. I know I read others before it, but it’s the one that stands out. I loved that book.

What’s my favorite fairy tale? I’ve always loved Cinderella and would love to write a romance based on it.

What’s my favorite cartoon character? Speed Racer . . . sigh . . . my first true love. (And now I’ll be stuck with the theme song playing and replaying in my head all day. “Here he comes . . . .”)

What’s something I’d like to tell your readers? I don’t know why I find this question so hard. I guess I’d like to tell them to slow down – relax. Our lives move so fast, take the time to sit down – and read (one of mine, of course).

What would my occupation be if I were no longer a writer? I’ve been a bunch of things and definitely like writing the best. I can’t imagine not writing – even if I wasn’t paid for it. As far as money – I’ll do whatever is needed.

What do I do to unwind and relax? Besides read? I love to swim and go to the beach. I also love gardening (although, I’ve been very bad this year).

Tea or Coffee? And how do I take it? Coffee with milk in the morning and either decaf coffee or tea with milk later in the day.

What does love mean to me? Best friends with passion.

Which era would I least like to have lived in, fashion-wise and why? Most? I love the style of 1940’s clothing, but am glad I don’t have to wear it. I love comfort and being able to lift my arms fully.

What name have I been dying to use as a lead character, but haven’t found the right fit yet? Hope.

Dog person or cat person? I am mostly a cat person, but do dream of a dog. I’d really like a granddog that occasionally comes to visit, but goes home at the end of the day.

Setting: London, 1818
Subgenre: Historical Romance
Hero: Marc Darcett, Earl of Hawkfield - Hawk
Heroine: Lady Julianne Gatewick

One sentence summary: Lady Julianne is certain this will be the year Hawk proposes, but when he makes his disinterest clear, she decides to get even by writing a lady’s guide to snaring reluctant bachelors in the parson’s mousetrap.

Scene you like most and would never cut: The Proposal Scene at Gatewick Park.

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: She would never be caught dead admitting she was the anonymous author of The Secrets of Seduction.

Tell us one quirky thing about your hero? Heroine: Hawk is perpetually disheveled – crooked cravat and messy hair. Julianne fears proposals after twelve men suddenly dropped to their knees in unlikely places.

What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: Julianne secretly turns into an author.

What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: Hawk is an earl and responsible for more than one estate.

What you think readers will like best about this book: The banter between Hawk and Julianne. Also, I think readers will like the historical take on The Rules in Regency England.

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: The mischievous Lady Georgette Danforth.

What’s next: HOW TO RAVISH A RAKE (2012) is the story of shy, good girl Amy Hardwick and the devilish rake William Darcett, Hawk’s younger brother.

Julianne pens advice for single belles to attract potential husbands. Did anyone ever give you advice about men? Or did you ever give advice to a friend or sister? Share!

About Me:

1. What’s your favorite movie of all time? Pretty Woman. Love that movie!

2. What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in? Historical Romance

3. What’s the first book you remember reading? The Cat in the Hat

4. What’s your favorite fairy tale? Cinderella

5. What’s your favorite cartoon character? The Tasmanian Devil.

6. What’s something you’d like to tell your readers? Thank you for the wonderful emails and messages about my debut historical HOW TO MARRY A DUKE. xoxoxo

7. What would your occupation be if you were no longer a writer? I will always be a writer.

8. What do you do to unwind and relax? Meet friends for lunch or watch movies and read of course!

9. Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it? Actually I love Coke Zero.

Setting: London, England, in 1821
Subgenre: Regency-set historical
Hero: Stephen Parker-Roth
Heroine: Lady Anne Marston

One sentence summary: Trapped between a secret and a lie, Lady Anne Marston must disentangle herself from her sham engagement to the charming, maddening Mr. Stephen Parker-Roth (the “King of Hearts”) before the truth comes out–or her heart gives in.

Scene you like most and would never cut: I have to say I like all my scenes or they wouldn’t be in the book! However, in every one of my books, there’s always some odd little scene that sticks in my mind, but readers might not really notice. In The Naked King one of those scenes is when Stephen is sitting in the blue parlor at Crane House with his parents, Lady Anne, Miss Strange, and Lady Brentwood. Stephen’s mother, in giving Lady Brentwood some parenting advice, mentions that she’s stopped trying to control the actions of her adult children. This is a surprise to Stephen. I guess I find this funny because I think I’ve stopped trying to control my children–and my children might be as surprised by that as Stephen is.

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: “Let’s go for a walk in the garden, Lord Brentwood.”

Tell us one quirky thing about your hero: Stephen acquired his nickname–the King of Hearts–because of his skill with cards…at least that’s what he says.

Tell us one quirky thing about your heroine: Lady Anne hates to shop.

What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: Lady Anne doesn’t have an occupation; she’s the daughter of the Earl of Crane–aka “Crazy Crane.” Crazy Crane and Anne’s stepmother are apt to go off searching for antiquities at the drop of a hat, leaving Anne in charge of everything back home. When The Naked King begins, they have just dumped Anne in London along with her half siblings. She has to orchestrate her half-sister’s come-out whilst keeping her twin half-brothers and their dog out of mischief with only her eccentric elderly cousin to help.

What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: Stephen Parker-Roth is a botanist and plant hunter. While he has his own estate, he enjoys organizing plant hunting expeditions and bringing back new plant species that he shares with his older brother John.

What you think readers will like best about this book: I think they’ll fall in love with Stephen–and I hope they laugh a lot.

What’s next: I’m starting a new series of Regency-set historical romances–a novella and a trilogy–about a matchmaking Duchess, nicknamed the Duchess of Love, and her three sons. I’m anticipating the first story will be released sometime in 2012.

And now a question for everyone out there in the blogosphere–What book do you remember loving from your childhood?

About Me:

1. What’s your favorite movie of all time? Probably Chariots of Fire. I love running; I love the Olympics; I loved the moral challenges in the film; and I was very pregnant with my oldest son when I first saw the movie.

2. What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in? A romance! I have to have a happy ending.

3. What’s the first book you remember reading? Gee, I think I go back to the Dick and Jane books which weren’t exactly great literature. My dad used to read Dr. Seuss to me–loved them all, so maybe The Cat in the Hat was the first book I read by myself. I used to devour the Nancy Drew stories, and I loved books with magic or fantasy in them: all the Mary Poppins books, Five Children and It, Half-Magic, and the Lloyd Alexander books. I was a big science fiction fan, too–I loved Andre Norton. And of course I was a huge fan of Georgette Heyer, arguably the mother of the Regency romance subgenre.

4. What’s your favorite fairy tale? My second son, when he was only 2 or 3, had me read him The Story of Jumping Mouse by John Steptoe over and over. It’s not a fairy tale, exactly–it’s based on a Native American legend–and it may not really be for young children, but I found it haunted and rather spiritual.

5. What’s your favorite cartoon character? I don’t think I have a favorite character. I used to have favorite programs like the Flintstones and the Jetsons.

6. What’s something you’d like to tell your readers? Thank you for reading Naked!

7. What would your occupation be if you were no longer a writer? Can I be a duchess? No, I guess not. Back in the days when I went to an office, I wrote regulations for the US Department of Agriculture’s school nutrition programs. Anyone remember ketchup as a vegetable?

8. What do you do to unwind and relax? When I’m not writing, I like to exercise–I swim with a Masters group (swim team for adults) twice a week and go to the gym most other days. And I like to hang out with my husband, sitting around weekend mornings, drinking coffee and reading the newspaper together, or going on adventures, like exploring London or LA both of which we did this year without a car.

9. What does love mean to you? Love is the feeling you have as a young child for your parents–and an adult child when those parents are elderly and need help; the heart squeezing feeling you get when you look at your sleeping baby–and the anguish you feel when that baby’s sick; it’s the excitement and pleasure you get when you see your new love–and the comfort and warmth you feel when you’ve spent so many years together you often repeat the same conversations.

10. Which era would you least like to have lived in, fashion-wise and why? Most? I hated the itchy wool leggings my mother made me wear as a kid in the late 50s and the white cotton gloves and the Easter bonnets and the dresses. I like comfort and simplicity–and easy launderability, it that’s a word. I like zippers–I even like Velcro. So I’m happy with today’s fashions.

11. What name have you been dying to use as a lead character, but haven’t found the right fit yet? I have to say I have the character first, and then I go looking for a name to fit him or her. I’ve made a list of names from Shakespeare and the Bible and other sources to help me find names that might have been used during the late 1700s/early 1800s. And with Regencies, I often have to choose a title as well–Duke of Alvord; Earl of Westbrooke–and I’d better be sure to get all that right. For many Regency readers, a peerage error jumps off the page at them and annoys them like a pebble in their shoe for as long as they’re reading.

12. Dog person or cat person? When I was a child, I wanted a cat, but my mom wasn’t a pet person (though I did have a turtle for a while). Once I got married, I had kids (four sons) and that was challenge enough for me. When the kids were older, it turned out two of them wanted a dog and two of them didn’t–and I know who generally is left holding the bag–ahem–with pet care. I didn’t want to sign up for that duty. Frankly, when the cub scout pack gave me a plant as a thank you gift one year, my first thought was: Oh no, not another living thing to take care of! But I like both cats and dogs when they belong to someone else.

More Naked books by Sally MackKenzie:

Setting: Ireland 1803
Subgenre: Historical
Hero: Sir Grant Dunmore
Heroine: Lady Caroline Blacknall

One sentence summary: Lady Caroline Blacknall finds herself shipwrecked and then rescued by a man she believed she would never see again, a man who, long ago, held her life in his hands . . . and with it, her heart.

Scene you like most and would never cut: I love the very beginning, when Caroline is shipwrecked off the coast of the hero’s remote island, and he has to rescue her. It actually felt very suspenseful to me even as I was writing it…

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: Caroline is a big reader (just like me) so I doubt she would ever, ever turn down a bookstore shopping trip.

Tell us one quirky thing about your hero? Heroine: Grant, the hero, appears to be a dark, reclusive villain-turned-hero, but he definitely has his sensitive, art-loving side (which the heroine has to work to discover). And Caroline does NOT like horses. Until she’s forced into a mad gallop across the Irish countryside.

What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: Caroline is a writer and a scholar of history. If she were alive today, she would definitely be a professor in some small liberal arts college

What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: Grant is a spy (but secretly of course).

What you think readers will like best about this book: I think they will like the hero (I like him, anyway. He’s so dark and mysterious), and the dramatic setting of an Irish island in the middle of the sea. They were both inspired by my love of Bronte novels, and old-school Gothics (which I devoured as a kid).

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: : I’m not sure there is a character in this series whose story hasn’t been told yet, but I do get questions about “What happened to Eliza and Will after they left Ireland?” (from Countess of Scandal)

What’s next: I am working on a whole new series, with a whole new setting which I am so excited about–Victorian London! Look for the first book in The Scandalous St. Claires series, One Naughty Night, in summer 2012…

What is your favorite kind of hero? Dark and broody, witty and fun? What book first drew you into the romantic world? (For me, it was Jane Eyre, closely followed by a box full of Barbara Cartlands I found in my grandmother’s closet…)

About Me:

1. What’s your favorite movie of all time? That is a hard one, as I love movies and always find a lot of inspiration in them. I do rewatch Roman Holiday a lot.

2. What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in? I love a dark, rich historical with a great setting and complex characters (any time period at all).

3. What’s the first book you remember reading? Eloise at the Plaza–I loved that book! I also remember my first Nancy Drew mystery, The Scarlet Slipper Mystery.

4. What’s your favorite fairy tale? Beauty and the Beast of course!

5. What’s something you’d like to tell your readers? Just thank you, thank you, thank you for reading my books! It makes the work so worth while.

6. What would your occupation be if you were no longer a writer? I would love to work in a museum. Or be a race car driver.

7. What do you do to unwind and relax? I take yoga classes, which is a big stress-buster. Sometimes I have to force myself to get up and go to class (okay, I have to force myself every time!) but it’s always worth it.

8. Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it? Tea, the darker and stronger the better…

9. Which era would you least like to have lived in, fashion-wise and why? Most? I love the looks of the mid-18th century (tight waists and full skirts with luxurious fabrics and trims), and I also really like the 1950s. I’m a true girly-girl and adore big skirts. But to actually wear, probably the Regency–so much more comfortable and still so elegant.

10. What name have you been dying to use as a lead character, but haven’t found the right fit yet? I love the name Emma, but it hasn’t fit any heroine yet…

11. Dog person or cat person? Both! I am an equal opportunity pet owner, with two dogs and two cats (yes, it’s a zoo here).

Other books in the Daughters of Erin Trilogy:

Setting: Victorian England
Subgenre: Historical Romance
Hero: John Ready
Heroine: Genny Wallington-Willis

One sentence summary: John Ready must concentrate on clearing his name—and prevent the fiend who sullied it, the notorious Raventhorpe, from working his evil on another innocent victim—while resisting the temptation of Genny Wallington-Willis, a suspicious young lady already burned once by love.

Scene you like most and would never cut: When John goes to see Lady Phillip St. Giles at Evermayne

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: All I want is to get married, even if my husband doesn’t love me and only wants my social connections

Tell us one quirky thing about your hero? He has been gone from England for several years and missed the scents of English ale on tap, fresh baking bread and roasting mutton.
Heroine: Tends to be impulsive in the defense of others, sometimes charging forward to “save” someone who doesn’t need saving.

What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: Genny is the daughter of a decorated Navy admiral.

What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: John used to be a sailor, then worked as Samuel Breedlove’s coachman, but he is currently employed as a body guard for Annabelle Bailey.

What you think readers will like best about this book: The mystery of John’s past and the way Genny’s love supports him when his secrets are revealed.

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: Fox and Gin from Two Weeks With A Stranger.

What’s next: I am currently working on a contemporary paranormal trilogy for Tor, though I intend to keep writing historical romances as well.

My question for readers: I’ve noticed that paranormal readers don’t seem to mind historical paranormals, but historical readers don’t seem to be fond of paranormal elements in historicals. Do you think this is a true observation? Why or why not?

About Me:

1. What’s your favorite fairy tale? Tie between Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid.

2. What’s your favorite cartoon character? More of a comic book character, but Spiderman, because he has such cool lines.

3. Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it? Black tea with milk and sugar. I don’t like coffee, and I tend not to drink herbal tea.

4. What does love mean to you? My husband. He’s my partner, my friend and my lover all rolled into one amazing guy.

5. Dog person or cat person? Cat person

More books by Debra Mullins:

Setting: Most of the scenes in SCANDAL IN SCOTLAND take place at various inns along the road from London to Scotland.
Subgenre: Regency Era historical
Hero: Captain William Hurst
Heroine: famed actress Marcail Beauchamp

One sentence summary: To stop a blackmailer from causing a horrible scandal that could injure her family, famed actress Marcail Beauchamp must acquire the ancient onyx box that William Hurst, the one man she’d sworn never to see again, is carrying to Egypt to win his brother’s release from a cruel abductor.

Scene you like most and would never cut: The scene I loved the most was the one where William’s ship catches on fire. I loved writing it and could almost smell the smoke! Or I thought I could until I remembered I’d left biscuits in the oven.

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: “Family doesn’t matter.” For Marcail Beauchamp, family is everything.

Your hero, is he a boxer or brief kind of guy: Boxers! William’s a sea captain and very efficient. I think boxers qualify as ‘efficient’, don’t you?

Ancillary character you had the most fun with: My favorite ancillary characters were two unconventional older women who were guests at one of the inns that Marcail and William visited. They were also ancillary characters in one of my older books as well, A BELATED BRIDE, and known as Aunt Emma and Aunt Jane.

Your heroine’s favorite hobby: She’s an actress by trade. Her hobby is collecting fashionable hats and shoes.

Your hero’s favorite hobby: He’s a sea captain by trade. His biggest hobby is reading.

What you think readers will like best about this book: The relationship between William and Marcail sizzles. I loved writing this couple because they belonged to one another and yet life and their own fears had conspired to keep them apart.

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: Michael Hurst. He’s coming next year – I promise!

What’s next: Robert Hurst and Moira MacAllister. Their book, SEDUCED IN SCOTLAND, is scheduled October 18th.

I love stories about lost loves newly found! Do you know any couples – in real life or in the movies – who were torn apart either by their own actions or by independent forces around them, only to end up together years later for their own happy-ever-after?

For added fun, I’ll choose one poster from the comment section and give them a $25 Borders gift card!

Setting: Regency England

Heroine: Lady Lucinda Grey

One sentence summary:

In The Devil in Disguise, a seasoned spy and a captivating Lady learn that passion is a very dangerous game.

Scene you like most and would never cut:

I actually really like the end of the first scene in chapter one, where Lucinda interacts with her maid, Mary. It was a late addition at the suggestion of my editor, and I was quite happy with how it turned out. It’s funny and, in my humble opinion, endearing, which speaks to my writing style.

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying:

Lady Lucinda Grey would never be caught dead dancing with the Duke of Clairemont. Ha!

What celebrity is your hero like:

Good question! I think he has some Gerard Butler in him—tall, dark, devastatingly handsome, and the strength and tenacity the Scottish actor showed in his movie, 300. But honestly, Will is his own man, so it’s hard to encapsulate him in just one actor.

What celebrity is your heroine like:

You know, I’m not a writer who has a perfect mental picture of my characters, so this is a little tricky. But I would have to say that Lucinda has a bit of Diane Kruger in her looks-wise, and even in her personality. Both share an intelligence, strength, and sense of humor that make for an irresistible combination.

What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be
doing:

Oddly enough, this Regency Lady does have an occupation. Lady Lucinda is part owner in a Thoroughbred horse breeding endeavor. She shares her duties with the Furies, her highly entertaining—and occasionally trying—aunts. But no one knows that the women are the force behind what will become one of the most successful breeding businesses England has ever seen. So don’t tell!

What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be
doing:

When not convincing beautiful widows to do away with their clothing, Will is a spy within an elite covert organization known as the Young Corinthians. He’s served crown and country for most of his life and dedicated himself heart and soul to the task.

What you think readers will like best about this book:

I’ve heard from readers that they are enjoying the return to classic historical romance that The Devil in Disguise presents, with a deeply emotional and moving story, vibrant characters, and high adventure while infusing the tales with a modern sensibility and sophistication.

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet:

Well, I’ve had many people ask for Will’s brother Michael’s story, so maybe he’ll be next. After the three books I’m working on currently, of course!

What’s next:

The smoldering series of undercover seduction and adventure continues in the second book of my Regency Rogues series, The Angel in My Arms, which will be released on June 28, 2011.

In The Devil in Disguise, a hidden truth is necessary to save a life. Would you be able to forgive someone for a lie if it was told to protect you?

Setting: 1780s England
Subgenre: Historical
Hero: Lord Leonidas Vaughn
Heroine: Viola Whedon

One sentence summary: A man in search of a lost treasure discovers that the real treasure is love.

Scene you like most and would never cut: The scene where they find Pen, the mastiff. I can’t help it, I’m a sucker for a big dog, and this is the scene where Leo first gets a glimmer of the fact that he is at risk of falling in love with the woman he’s supposed to be duping out of a fortune.

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: Needlework. One of the best things about being your own mistress is that no one expects you to fritter your days away over a tambour frame.

Tell us one quirky thing about your hero? Leo mangles Shakespeare on purpose to needle his best friend. Turns out it works with Viola too . . .

Tell us one quirky thing about your heroine? While she abhors fancy needlework, she rather likes plain sewing, which is a good thing, since she and Leo and constantly rip off each other’s clothing, and it seems a bit unfair to leave it all to her maid to fix.

What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: Viola is a retired courtesan and famous—or is that infamous?—memoirist.

What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: Leo, as younger son, has been in charge of his grandfather’s hunting estate and stable, which he’s just inherited after the duke’s death. But in order to afford such a frivolity on his own, he needs money, so he’s a budding house cracker at the moment, searching for a lost treasure he believes to be somewhere in Viola’s London house.

What you think readers will like best about this book: The conventional answer is the League, cause it’s all about the hero, right? But I secretly think it’s really the heroine that will be the thing that readers love most. Viola’s not “feisty”, she’s a freakin’ force of nature.

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: Can I make a prediction? I’m going to get a lot of email for the members of the League of Second Sons that I’m clearly setting up for books of their own, but I bet that Dominic de Moulines, my half-African, French fencing champion (yes, he’s based on the marvelous Chevalier St. George) has his own little club of very vocal supporters.

What’s next: *grin* I love the next book, Ripe for Scandal (Sept 2011). Leo’s best friend gets himself into all kinds of trouble with Leo’s baby sister . . . abductions, betrayals, heroic rescues gone awry, and yet another giant dog (of course).

About Me:

1. What’s your favorite movie of all time? Impromptu. Hands down. Judy Davis as George Sand is just my favorite heroine of all time. The scene where Chopin faints during the duel and she shoots her ex-lover? Pure genius.

2. What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in? I love science fiction/fantasy and urban fantasy: P.C. Hodgel, Larissa Ione, Guy Gavriel Kay, Ilona Andrews, Nalini Singh, Seanan McGuire, Neil Gaiman, Robin McKinley; I could go on and on.

3. What’s the first book you remember reading? Outcast by Rosemary Sutcliff (assuming we’re not counting stuff like Encyclopedia Brown or The Big Book of Ants).

4. What’s your favorite fairy tale? Tam Lin. I love that it’s a story where the heroine has to rescue the hero. When I was a kid, I used to rewrite fairy tales in my head. (I always wanted to rescue Falada in The Goose Girl.)

5. What’s your favorite cartoon character? Gir from Invader Zim.

6. What would your occupation be if you were no longer a writer? Museum Curator. If I could go back to college knowing then what I know now, I’d have studied curation rather than philosophy.

7. What do you do to unwind and relax? Walk the dog, read, sew, have a glass of wine with friends.

8. Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it? Tea (preferably Earl Grey), with cream.

9. What does love mean to you? It’s about devotion and trust. The angry, angst-ridden, jealous kind is all well and good when it’s new and you’re fanning the flames and enjoying the burn, but it has to settle into devotion and trust to last.

10. Which era would you least like to have lived in, fashion-wise and why? Not a big fan of the 17th century. The clothing is simply ugly, and the hair is even worse. Bizarre high waists (even for the men!) and hideous spaniel-ear hairdos. Yuck. (Though at least the fashions would be kinder to us busty girls than the Roaring 20s, which I love, but could never wear.) Most? Georgian-era. No question. I simply adore the fashions from the late18th and early 19th centuries. The corsets are comfortable, the hair is fabulous, and men in breeches are like sex on a stick.

11. Dog person or cat person? Dog (I know, is that allowed for a romance writer?), the bigger the better. I have a 170-lb. mastiff right now, and I grew up with/around a variety of giant breeds (Newfoundlands, Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, Scottish Deerhounds, Leonburgers, Otterhounds). My sister and best friend both got puppies from the same litter as my boy, so holidays and parties mostly mean 500+ lbs of dog in the house, which I’ll admit I LOVE!!! You can see pictures of our beasts (who Pen in Ripe for Pleasure is modeled after) on my Flickr page (If you poke around, you’ll also find the image “bible” for the League of Second Sons series as well as my travel pics of Morocco, Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Burning Man).

I’ve been a fan of the Courtesan heroine ever since I read Julia Ross’s fabulous One Night of Sin, but I know not everyone shares my love of redemption for the fallen. So, where do you stand on the sexually experienced heroine? Yea or nay?

Giveaway: I have a period lace pin (yes, it’s actually from the late 18th century!) that I’ll be giving away, along with lots of books, during the launch of Ripe for Pleasure. It contains plaited strawberry blond hair the same color as my heroine’s, surrounded by coral. All comments here will be eligible for the drawing.

Setting: London and England, 1819
Subgenre: Regency historical
Hero: Tristan, Duke of Castleford
Heroine: Daphne Joyes

One sentence summary: Castleford is diverted from following pleasure’s path to hell when an unexpected inheritance makes him cross paths with Daphne, and his fascination with her leads to a pursuit, to a seduction, to danger, and to mysteries that she would rather keep as secrets.

Scene you like most and would never cut: My favorite between the two main characters comes after Castleford first calls on Daphne and she has the temerity to refuse to receive him. Let’s just say he does not take it well, and doesn’t stand down. There are also a series of scenes among him and his friends that I love, and my favorite may be when they have a “guy” party while he burns the bed in which he has led a dissolute but very pleasurable life.

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: “Being a woman, I need some man to take care of me.”

Tell us one quirky thing about your hero? He only performs his ducal duties on Tuesdays.

Heroine: She has established a rule in her household that no one pries into anyone else’s life or past.

What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: Daphne owns a business called The Rarest Blooms that grows flowers and plants that are sold in London. She also takes women into her home who are on their own and in need of support, either due to family issues or because they are running away from something.

What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: He is a duke. That means he has duties in the government, and he also has considerable estates and finances to manage. If he were going to be employed, he might become a private investigator. He has shown a tendency in the series to be very talented at poking his nose into other people’s business.

What you think readers will like best about this book: It is an angel and the sinner story at heart, and I think reader’s like those. I also think they will like the understated but very present humor, and Castleford’s distinctive way of looking at the world.

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: As it happens it has been Castleford! I have been getting lots of emails from readers ever since he showed up in the first book of The Rarest Blooms series, Ravishing in Red. Some have also been asking about Katherine, a woman who has played a secondary role in the series, but I resolve her story in this book too.

What’s next: I am beginning a new series and am working on the first book, that I expect to be published in the spring of 2012. No title yet, and I am superstitious about discussing my stories until they are almost finished, so I am going to leave it at that.

When you have been in significant relationships, has it been a case of like minds attracting, or opposites attracting? Which kind of attraction do you think works best in life? In romance novels?

To celebrate the release of Dangerous in Diamonds, I will be giving a signed copy of any book from my backlist to two people who comment. (I am sorry, but the two in one trade printing of By Arrangement and By Possession, and the Tapestry anthology, are not included as choices because I no longer have author copies of them.) My booklist can be found at www.MadelineHunter.com

Show Me the Money! by Janet Webb

If there’s one trope I always fall for, it is impoverished boy meets wealthy girl. For every penniless aristocrat who cherishes his land, there is a daughter of a wealthy cit waiting in the wings to rescue the duke and all his denizens — the ultimate marriage of convenience. He conveniently needs money and she conveniently wants to become, by marriage, a member of the aristocracy. How can this crass bargain be the stuff of romance? Why would a wealthy young woman want to marry the historical equivalent of euro-trash? Why would a well-bred, temporarily down to his last stately home aristocrat want to marry a grasping, ill-bred commoner? Like so many clichés, we need to peek behind the obvious to understand the continuing appeal of this theme. I would like to share some beloved titles and, lastly, ask you why this plot might have hold on you too.

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice begins, “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.” A statement that mothers of hopeful young daughters certainly wanted to believe. A single man with a good fortune would have been expected to marry someone with a dowry of her own and that woman would most likely have been chosen from his own social circle. What would lead a man to make an alliance with a bride that was not part of the ton, that relatively insular group of aristocrats and leaders of society? It is too simplistic to say money – what was the money needed for? Usually to preserve a way of life: to fund the estates and to ensure that everyone dependent on the land would also be able to continue living the life of countless generations before them.

Let’s find out, shall we? Starting with Georgette Heyer and ending with Rose Lerner, I hope to illustrate that this marriage of convenience plot is still as popular as ever.

A Civil Contract by Georgette Heyer. This is easily her most controversial book and many many readers never warm up to it and some only when they’re on the other side of 30-something. Adam, Viscount Deveril, loves Julia, the lovely daughter of Lord Oversley. When he returns from fighting in the Peninsular War, he wants nothing more than to marry her. But unfortunately his estates, which he inherited from his late father, are deeply encumbered with debt. Julia’s father, with brutal honesty, suggests he make an offer for Jenny Chawleigh, the very wealthy daughter of a Cit. She is unattractive and her father is simply impossible but for the sake of his family’s name and the people dependent on him, Adam offers for Jenny and is accepted. Unlike most marriages of convenience, A Civil Contract doesn’t have the expected HEA. Yes, Jenny makes Adam happy and he comes to appreciate and even love her but although she’s certainly the wife he needs, there’s always something missing. It’s a very adult and realistic book and the older I get, the more I like it.

Now for four thumbnail sketches of books in this trope.

The Fortune Hunter by Diane Farr. An absolute gem. Lady Olivia Fairfax is rich and reclusive, the perfect target for suave and needy Lord Rival. But why she’s never seen in society and why he needs the money … and the marvelous unfolding of their friendship … well that makes the book. A classic in this genre.

The Lady and the Cit by Blair Bancroft. One of the last never-to-be-forgotten Signet Regencies. Lady Aurelia Trevor needs a beard: a husband who can speak for her and who will allow her to retain her “beloved Pevensey Park”. Unusually, she is not an impoverished aristocrat but she is bereft of power. What does Thomas Lanning, the cit in question, get by this marriage of convenience? The ability to stand for Parliament (at the time, a parliamentary seat was tied to landholdings). The plot unfolds in a charming, relaxed way.

Miss Winthorpe’s Elopement by Christine Merrill. Could I ever identify with this heroine’s motivation for marriage. Her brother keeps her on a tight budget, annoying but endurable, but when he says he’s going to cut off her ability to buy books, Miss Winthorpe is outta there. Her path crosses with a dissolute duke and before you can say Gretna Green, they’re into a marriage of convenience. All was not as it seemed so it was fresh and fun and a worthy addition to this canon.

In for a Penny by Rose Lerner. Nev and Penelope are a couple that are out of the ordinary. Nev needs Penelope’s money because his father’s unexpected death has left the estate encumbered with debt. Unusually, he embraces changes he thinks he needs to make to his personal life to “deserve” it (like leaving his convivial companions behind, even though they’re his closest friends). That is out of the ordinary. This book seems grittier than most, which I liked. Having to marry for money – being married for your money – these are not frivolous choices and Ms. Lerner treats them with the seriousness they deserve.

Five examples out of oh so many marvelous marriage of convenience stories. Please share your favorites.