The past few historical romances I have read have been published from Avon. Two out of the three I really enjoyed, while one was a DNF.
Why not start out with the DNF? I have enjoyed Anne Mallory’s books in the past, and her latest release, The Bride Price, has an interesting set up with an amoral hero who is the illegitimate son of a Duke. Sebastian is so delusional and as anti-hero as you can get. He enjoys seducing the innocents and being as reckless as he can, which is the perfect way to give his father the middle finger. Sebastian joins the other bastard sons of the aristocrats, who don’t have a chance of being accepted in polite society or having a name for themselves, in a competition where the winner will be able to marry a gentlewoman, known as the bosom of the ton. If Sebastian can win, he will have a title, a massive fortune and a piece of land that was his mother’s that his father owns and holds over his head. Sebastian accepts because there is nothing more important that belonging even though he acts as if he doesn’t care.
Caroline Martin is a widow who married the wrong man, so much so, she must be ever so respectful so she is not the topic of rumors. She is a friend and confidant to Sarah, the bosom of the ton. She is so disgusted by what Sarah’s father, the Earl of Cheevers is doing. But Caroline can not be too vocal because she relies on the Earl for her livelihood. Caroline is also quite the artist and Sebastian comes upon her as she is drawing a cottage that is on the property Sebastian wants so badly. Out of the blue, one thing leads to another and before Caroline can find out his name, Sebastian as given her the best orgasm of her life on the garden bench. From that moment on Sebastian will find a way to seduce Caroline and even places a bet that he can do so.
I do love an amoral hero, but Sebastian was more of a whiny brat if anything. Caroline feels she must take the moral high road because of the way she eloped with her deceased husband, and because of that she must gain her respectability back. She acts like she can’t stand Sebastian because of who he is and the way he treats people, but when it comes to sex, she opens her arms to him and let’s Sebastian do all types of naughty unrespectable things to her. The chemistry between these two were so lacking and I wanted to tell Sebastian to grow up and get over his issues he has with his daddy.
Half-way through I wanted to close this book, which I did, and The Bride Price was given the unfortunate label of being a DNF book.
All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks may have a very unappealing title along with a cover that looks like the Batman signal in the sky, but this was an enjoyable read. Her vampire men are beyond sexy and the majority of her heroes are highlanders in kilts! This latest tale is about Ian MacPhie. Ian was changed into a vampire when he was barely a teenager, and because of it, he always looks like a young boy. Dating for him was impossible and since he has taken a drug called Stay-Awake for twelve days, Ian has aged to look finally look like a grown man. Now he wants to find a woman to spend his immortal life with. He is looking for female vampire companionship, and soon he is forced to put a single ad placed in a paper. And because of that, he soons has more than enough women problems. There is a rumor going around that Ian is a virgin, and soon all these vamp women want to be his first. Ian does have sexual experience, but has never had the long lasting relationship he has always longed for. He doesn’t want to date any human women, but unfortunately he can’t help but fall for Toni, a new security guard who watches over Ian and his other fellow vampires during the day. At first these two bicker back and forth, but then their feelings change to love.
Kerrelyn’s books make me laugh because her characters are adorable and the situations they find themselves in are hilarious. Plus, her sex scenes are very steamy. There is one such scene where Ian and Toni are intimate and Ian wants to kiss and suck on her, but not on her neck or for her blood, but another place altogether. So very scandalous and hot I say!
All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire gets 3 ½ stars out of 5 stars
To Sin With a Stranger by Kathryn Caskie does not come out till December. This is the first book in her Seven Deadly Sins series that is something to look forward to. Kathryn has come up with a great idea about seven siblings from Scotland, known as the Seven Deadly Sins. The Sinclairs have been banished from their father as punishment for all their unruly behavior. They must make their way, on their own, without any help from him. They all have an allowance and must figure out a way to keep food on the table and a shelter over their heads. This first book is about the heir and eldest sibling, Sinclair, who is cursed with greed. Sinclair is a pretty alright fellow and feels he is responsible for everything that has befallen his younger brothers and sisters. He will try his best to make sure they are all taken care of, even if he has to start wagering and becoming a boxer and fighter to make ends meet.
Sinclair makes the acquaintance of Miss Isobel Carrington who is a do-gooder. She wants to help the poor unfortunate widows and children of soldiers who go off to war and don’t return. When Sinclair and Isobel meet, it is not under the best of circumstances. Soon Sinclair knows a way to make his fortune and that is to make a wager that he can get Isobel to marry him. Soon all of London is in on the bet and even Isobel will use this wager to help in her cause. Both Sinclair and Isobel join forces with each get what they want. Not only do they become friends, but as in most romances of this ilk, they become lovers.
To Sin With a Stranger is a bit of an unconventional story. The Sinclair siblings all care for one another other and are there to help each other out. I can’t wait to read the future novels of the Sinclair clan.
I was reading on online article and they had this premise and question:
You never intended to have an affair. But let's say your husband travels often for work, leaving you home alone with your toddler and a wayward imagination. So one evening, while online, you see an advertisement for classmates.com, click on it and type in your alma mater. A list of people who you haven't thought of in years pops up. And then you see the name of your college crush, the boy who would smile at you in English class and torment your undergraduate heart. Fifteen years later, you wonder how Jim has aged. Your heart beats quickly as you type, "Remember me? Just came across your name and thought I would say hello."
The next evening, you check your e-mail. "Good to hear from you!" the subject line blares. It's Jim, and of course he remembers you. You e-mail back and the exchange continues for months, only you never mention it to your husband. Jim is also unhappily married and you begin to commiserate. Is this cheating?
Those crazy kids at Harlequin are doing it again to their Historical line. Would they please stop doing this!!
Harlequin Historical is NOT Harlequin Presents. Now I'm not saying I'm not going to get these books. I think the HH line is a pretty darn good one, but please, get a load of these titles!!
Viking Warrior, Unwilling Wife by Michelle Styles
(could be Billionaire Warrior, Unwilling Wife)
The Viscount Claims His Bride by Bronwyn Scott
(could be The Millionaire Boss Claims His Bride)
The Viking's Defiant Bride by Joanna Fulford
(could be The Spaniard's Defiant Bride)
The Rake's Unconventional Mistress by Juliet Landon
This was the group dance choreographed by Mia Michaels. I sat there there loving it!!
Now that they are in the top 10, they have changed the format. Every dancer now does a solo dance as well as a partner dance
This was Arassay's Solo last night. I thought it beautiful and she really has improved since SYTYCD Canada began. I say it's love
I also loved Allie's solo - Ballet with attitude!! Gotta love it.
Now you may not have gathered this - but Nico just has to breathe for me to love his dance. Now that they have to switch partners, he and Allie danced together last night. Now he may not be the best waltzer in the world - but my goodness can he lift!!
And this was my favourite routine last night. Arassay (Nico's partner up until last night and dare I hope a RL romance?) and Vincent were paired up for Disco. This one is just so much FUN!!
And of course there was Nico's Totally Awesome solo just a bit further down. I insist you watch him. He's breathing - so I love it.
AND GUESS WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?
They announced tonight that they will be doing a tour early next year. I'm crossing fingers, toes, eyes - whatever it takes that they come here!!
*****UPDATE*******
I guess sleeping my with eyes crossed (and don't think that wasn't difficult) worked, 'cause I read on a message board that London is on the tour schedule
I'll have to round up my work posse watchers and make plans. And dang I'm off today. I don't know if I can wait until Monday!
I am always look ahead for the upcoming releases and these books for 2009 look very interesting... and I am not going to lie, but their covers caught my eye first.
So Enchanted(Onyx 2/09) "Years ago, lovely young Francesca Walcott ruled the fringes of London society as a mysteriously gifted medium. Until the uncompromising Lord Greyson Sheffield accused her of being a fraud, shattering her world and sending her into exile in the Scottish Highlands..."
Seduced at Midnight: Book #3 in the Mayhem in Mayfair Series (Berkley 1/09) and Tempted At Midnight: Books #4 (Berkley 4/09)Psst... She left Avon for Berkley!
From Elizabeth Hoyt: To Beguile the Beast(Grand Central 5/09) "Sir Alistair Munroe has lived by himself for years in his drafty old castle…until one stormy night there comes a knock at his door…"
Not Quite a Husband(Bantam 6/09) "Theirs was a broken marriage, so broken that it had already been annulled...But when he braves the wildness of the Hindu Kush to find her in a time of danger, as rebellion and upheaval put their lives at risk, would they be able to let go of the past and love in the present?"
These two books came out this year and I never heard of Theolyn Boese, but these covers are hot! (Loose Id March & July 2008)
Have you seen any other interesting books with great covers for 2009?
After spending the last four hours devoted to SYTYCD Canada (one hour watching, two hours voting, then another hour watching on a channel from out west) I checked my email ........
They shipped!! They shipped!! Hopefully I'll be getting them either today or tomorrow. And just for that I have to share more pictures on why I'm so obsessed by this show
I've been waiting for today to put in another online order. Thank Goodness Wendy reminded me. As soon as I saw her post, I headed over to Chapters online lickity split! You see, it's much cheaper to order trade size or hardcover books online than it is to buy them in the store. I had a list in mind but I had to wait until one book in particular was available for shipping in order not to have to pay the shipping charges. So only moments ago I placed my latest order:
In Too Deep by Portia Da Costa
I've heard excellent things about her books and she has a lovely on line presence. After reading Wendy's review of this one I knew I had to get it! This one is the one I was waiting for to place my order
Flat Out Sexy by Erin McCarthy
I've also seen some wonderful reviews on this book - Mary Kate I know loved it. It helped her out her slump - maybe it will do the same for me! It's an older woman/younger man story and I love me some of those!!
Tempted by Megan Hart
This one has been tempting me for a while now. There have been a few things keeping me from reading it. I tried a Menage book not long ago and it didn't really work. Plus for an old grandkidless granny like me, to buy a book in the the book store is, I confess, a little intimidating. But since it was 24% off as you can see, I decided to give it a try. I also have her book Broken, but I've yet to read it.
Pleasuring the Pirate by Emily Bryan
I've read a couple of her books as Diana Groe and really enjoyed them. I've been keeping my eye out in the store for this one, but alas, they still don't have it in stock. So I figured if they didn't have it yet, chances were they weren't planning on it so I ordered it.
And last - but certainly not least
Broken Wing by Judith James
I know - you're all scratching your heads thinking 'wait a minute, I thought she has this one?! Has she been pulling our collective leg?' Well, yes I do and no I haven't *g*. But my copy is signed by the author and after as many times as I've read it, I have to retire my original copy to my 'special shelf' to keep it from getting any rattier. And I do believe in putting my money where my mouth is so to speak and as this one isn't on the shelves either, I had no choice to order a copy that I can read.
They say I should get the books in 3 to 9 days. I'm just hoping it's close to 3 than it is to 9
There has been a lot of talk lately about romances going pass a certain line with the creativity of the sexual acts being written. I had discussed this on my other blog, with a post on taboos in romance, and Dear Author also posted about this. Kati at her blog, Adventures in Katidom first brought this to my attention, which in turn made me do my post. She had read Joey W. Hill’s latest paranormal romance called A Mermaid’s Kiss, which is a love story about mermaid and an angel. The reason she felt the need to discuss was this because the angel had sex while the mermaid was still in mermaid form.
A Mermaid’s Kiss is about Anna, a lonely mermaid of twenty, who expects to be dead by twenty-one because all her other female descendants, her mother included, died by that age. While Anna is swimming along in the ocean, she finds angel, who has fallen out of the sky, hurt and bleeding. Anna is able to save this heavenly creature and bring him safety before the dark ones try to do away with him. Jonah is a very special angel because he is the Prime Legion Commander for all the angels in Heaven. Jonah is tired of the constant battling of the dark ones for the past thousand years. When he is finally attacked, he hopes it will be the final end to him. Unfortunately for him, it is not his time.
Anna is able to help him recover somewhat by giving him magic through intercourse, called the Joining Magic. Even though Anna is a virgin, she willingly gives Jonah her innocence because she was taught that angels are to be obeyed in everything. She even calls Jonah, “My Lord”, and offers her body, and essentially her heart and soul to him. But even with the magical sex they have, it is not enough to cure Jonah and fix one of his wings that has been torn. In order for Jonah to heal, he and Anna must go away from the ocean and toward the desert to find a Shaman who can fully heal him. Anna and Jonah soon take their journey to the road where Jonah’s enemies are tracking their every move. During the day, Jonah is human, since Mina, an octopus sea witch, and friend of Anna, gave him a spell to make him so. At night he is able to be in his angel form. Poor Anna can not be too far from the ocean, but because she is willing to sacrifice herself to save Jonah, she will do what it takes to help him.
As for the “icky sex”, I found it to fit in and wasn’t as shocked as I initially thought I would be. Even when Anna is in mermaid form and Jonah and she are intimate, I wasn’t turned off. There is also another sex scene that may raise some eyebrows because Anna can also change into a pixie-fairy, which reminds me of Tinkerbell. Jonah and Anna have some interesting love play in her fairy form. Jonah really appreciates Anna in this form and tells her so:
“Rub yourself on me. Ride me, little one. Put me between your thighs and let me feel the tiny stickiness of you.” Jonah always makes sure Anna finds fulfillment with him.
I would have to say, that some of these sex scenes are a bit purple prose and graphic in their telling, but keep in mind, this is an erotic romance. Surprisingly, I found A Mermaid‘s Kiss to be a well written story that has a bit of a fairy tale feel. The dialogue between the characters, including that of Anna and Jonah is very lyrical. Those who enjoy road romances, will especially like this one. (Berkley Sensation) 3 stars out of 5 stars Denise Rossetti’sThe Flame and the Shadow is also an erotic romance where the shadow gets the same amount of loving just like his human counterparts. The shadow even has a name, called Shad, given to him by Grayson, the Duke of Ombra. Grayson is a very tortured hero and blames all his woes on Shad. If not for Shad, Gray would still be welcome at home, but since his shadow is thought to be a demon, and Gray possessed by it, Gray was disowned and ran away. But Shad loves Gray and shows him how much by giving Gray a helping hand when it comes to self love:
“Gray grabbed for his shadow’s wrist, even as a slick palm cradled his scrotum and a knowing thumb rasped over the sweet spot under the head of his cock… Shad pumped, exquisitely deft, milking and squeezing exactly the way he liked.”
Gray thinks Shad is an abomination and finally has a way to rids himself of his shadow. All Gray has to do is kidnap Cenda, a fire witch, and bring her to the magician that can help him. Cenda is recovering from a sickness that almost killed her, but ended the life of her baby daughter, Elke. Cenda is inconsolable over the loss of her daughter, even though through this tragedy, her magic has grown, where now she can make fire at will.
If you can open your mind to some interesting and out of this world sex that Denise Rossetti has come up with, than I would recommend The Flame and the Shadow. I am just wondering what else will be up for grabs in the books I read, now that a person’s shadow can have some love also. (Berkley Ace)
The song, Me and My Shadow now has a whole new meaning.
As you can tell by lack of posts, I'm in a bit of a blogging slump right now. But I do have a column up at Reader's Gab at Access Romance. I'm only (eek!) four hours late in posting it.
I'm tired today. You see, last night was So You Think You Can Dance Canada. I watched it from 9:00 to 10:00 and then voted for the next two hours. And then I noticed it was on again on one of the Western Channels I get so I watched it again. I didn't go to bed until 1:00 am. And considering I was on the early shift today, that meant I had to get up pretty early in the morning.
I usually wait until after the results show tonight before posting - but once you see some of the routines, you will realize why I couldn't wait to share them!!
The first one I voted for was Allie and Danny. What I enjoyed about this routine is it's Hip Hop but Allie's background is ballet and Danny's is ballroom. So Hip Hop is way out their element for both. Considering that, I thought they did pretty good
The next couple I voted for were Natalli and Francis. I know Carrie disagrees *g* but I like this couple. I just wish they would get more variety in their dances.
And now for the top two routines. These ones got the majority of my votes
Lisa and Vincent. This routine was spectacular!!! And I'm still enthralled with Vincent and his role as the lead vampire in last weeks Group Dance! I voted for them A LOT last night!
And now - HOLD ONTO YOUR HATS FOR THIS NEXT DANCE. You are going to need a fan while watching this one!!!!
Arrasay & Nico. I don't have to say anything else - JUST WATCH IT
And FWIW - Leah Miller, the host is an idiot!!
And my most HEARTFELT thanks to Carrie for these next pictures!! She sent them to me and I opened my email at work (bad little worker bee - but I knew it was about SYTYCD - and I just couldn't resist!!!)
Now he can bite my neck anytime!!
Ooooh yea.
They are just so darn adorable together
Nico said earlier he loves to give hugs. Oh baby it looks like he gives good ones!!
Just after I opened this one, the power went out in our building. I think the wires must have overheated!! I know my wires did!
Now Arrasay who is from Cuba and Nico who is French Canadian have been a fabulous couple right from the beginning. But starting next week, they draw for different partners. I'm going to be SO sad to see this happen. They are both extremely attractive people and they chemistry they have together is out of this stratosphere!!
The cover for Anna Campbell's Avon January release, Tempt the Devil has been posted:
Synopsis: "For Olivia Raines, London's most notorious courtesan, and the infamous Julian Southwood, Earl of Erith falling in love will be the greatest risk of all in this wicked and wild romance from Anna Campbell. Any man in London would worship her. Yet Olivia is, quite frankly, bored of them all. Despite her many dalliances, she's never felt true passion, never longed for any lover's touch . . . until Julian, London's most notoriously wanton rake, decides to make her his mistress. From the moment he first sees her, Julian knows he must possess her. And when he discovers her greatest secret, a scandal that could ruin her reputation and end her career, he knows just the way to use this damaging information to his most delightful advantage. He offers Olivia a deal with the devil: he'll keep her secret . . . if she allows him the chance to show her true ecstasy.
But Olivia must be careful, for Julian has a secret of his own: he will not rest until she is completely, shamelessly his."
The synopsis really makes me want to get this one!
But I have to admit, the cover does nothing for me. Also he looks very familar. Which romance cover male model is he? Will this be a new trend in romance covers just to show a face with a sexy smoldering look on it? I hope not!
So – I was reading a historical yesterday and read a scene where the hero was filled with lust for the innocent young heroine.As they weren’t committed to each other – in fact they had barely met, he headed off to slake his itch with his mistress.When I read that I was ready to scrunch up my face and deduct hero points.
Fortunately instead of slaking his hunger on said mistress, he ended his association with her – thus keeping his hero points.
But upon pondering upon my instant reaction, I wondered why it would have bothered me.And I know I’m not the only one who is bothered when the hero seeks ‘some lovin’ from another willing woman once he’s met his heroine.Although he’s met the future love of his life, there often isn’t any commitment in this scenario.So why does it bug us?It’s not like he’s being unfaithful.He can’t cheat on someone he hasn’t paired up with yet.
Partner Katie sent me an email not long ago asking if I thought that Derek had done the deed with one of the ‘house’ wenches.She chose to believe that he hadn’t.Although I offered my opinion he had – and in that rare instance it didn’t bother me, I did console her after saying he probably didn’t because he had too much gin in him at the time for anything to really ‘work’.
I’ve seen many a reader who refuses to read anything with adultery in it.And I must confess I really see their point.I don’t like it either and tend to avoid it if I know in advance that it is part of the storyline.
But that isn’t the case in what I’ve been pondering.
Would it bother us as much if the situations were reversed?Mind you I can’t think of any historicals off the top of my hear where this is the case – oh – wait a minute – there is one hanging on the periphery of my mind now that I think of it…….(damn I hate getting old – I can’t remember it – if I do, I’ll edit this)but back to the topic.If there was such a story line, would we dock heroine points or think to ourselves “you go you adventuresome heroine self you”.I’m thinking in my case it would be more the second scenario.
So why does this bother me – and maybe others?Why do we hold heroes to an unrealistic standard while not necessarily holding the heroine to the same one?
Does it bother you if the hero does the horizontal tango with someone other than the heroine once he’s met her – even if they don’t have any kind of understanding?Does it bother you if the heroine does?And are you stricter with historicals?
I’m still pondering this without coming up with any good answers.
And totally off this topic – I started humming this morning and I’m getting close to rubbing my hands.There is a new episode of SYTYCD Canada tonight!!Only 3 hours to go!!
You did good. You did real good. You voted in record numbers. You didn't listen to the trash. You voted for who you believed in and ignored the rest and you did yourselves and the world proud!
With a title like Rough, Raw and Ready, I was expecting some rough, raw and heady sex in this latest erotic romance from Samhain Publishing author, Lorelei James. Lorelei does indeed deliver with multiple love scenes, and not only one on one, between a married man and his wife, but also with the former lover of the husband who comes back into the picture.
Trevor Galnzer and his wife of one year, Chassie, (whom I kept calling Cassie in my head) work hard to keep their ranch going. Trevor has retired from the rodeo circuit where he used to be quite the wrangler of horses, women, and especially the one man who he loved above all others, Edgard Mancuso. Trevor and Edgard were roping partners who were also secret lovers. They both kept their love affair quiet, and were never out in the open about their relationship because of the world they lived in. They went their separate ways when Edgard went back to Brazil. Trevor was able to move on with his life, and that was when he met Chassie. She became his savior, his golden girl.
Trevor and Chassie have a great marriage full of respect, love and passionate sex where they both allow each other total access to their bodies. Anything sexually goes on in the bedroom, and even sometimes in the stable. Chassie still cannot believe that the handsome Trevor chose her because she always felt like an outcast because of her Indian heritage. She and Trevor are so much in love and could not ask for anything more.
Out of the blue, Edgard comes looking for Trevor. Chassie thinks Edgard is just an old friend of Trevor who is passing through. Trevor is not so thrilled to see Edgard because he now has a wife, and there is no room or justification for him and Edgard to start up again where they left off. Edgard understands this, but he rather have Trevor as a friend than nothing at all. Because Chassie wants Trevor and Edgard to catch up on old times, she welcomes Edgard to stay in their home for as long as he wants. Edgard is pleased, while Trevor is very uncomfortable about the whole situation. Soon Trevor, Chassie and Edgard are working together on the ranch and spending their free time together. Trevor is in both Heaven and Hell because he cannot deny his desire for Edgard. Trevor feels so guilty because Chassie is such the supportive wife, totally oblivious to what Trevor is going through. She comes to really like Edgard because he is such a gentleman and a great guy in general.
One day Chassie comes upon Trevor and Edgard arguing. She is in for even a bigger shock when Edgard begins to passionately kiss Trevor, and in turn, Trevor welcomes it. We’re talking major mouth, lips and tongue action here. Chassie is appalled. and Trevor is ashamed because he never wanted to hurt Chassie because he loves her so much. But Trevor also cares for Edgard. Chassie is confused because she is not sure if Trevor ever really loved her. Did he just marry her for her land and the ranch? Who does Trevor really love?
Chassie has so many questions rolling around in her head but she loves Trevor so much. When her close friend puts things into perspective, Chassie has to decide if she is willing to share Trevor with Edgard, and if she is comfortable enough to join in the bed play with these two men.
I really felt for poor Chassie because she was clueless to what was going on between Trevor and Edgard. And I couldn’t really fault her, because what woman would think an old male friend of her husband’s could be a possible lover from his past? Her reaction to finding Trevor and Edgard kissing is very realistic and I was not surprised when she needed time away to think about the future of her marriage.
One thing that did irk me was that after Chassie calmed down, she was able to forgive Trevor, which I was fine with, but her quick acceptance at allowing Trevor and Edgard to act on their passion for one another didn’t seem to fit. Even when Chassie joins in on the fun, I was still questioning why she was so fine with everything. I was expecting a bit more time to pass before she could become accustomed to the idea of sharing her husband with another man. But, if you are able to put aside that issue, Trevor, Chassie and Edgard give the reader some great eye opening sex. Nothing is taboo between these three.
So! As any one who has been to this blog in the last little while knows, I recently read a book that awed me; that rocked my reading world, that caused me to do strange and unusual things - even for me - to start A Quest! As a matter of fact, I still haven't been able to leave this book and I'm reading it for a unheard of fourth time almost in a row. It was so special that I knew I had to do all that I could to promote it. So with that in mind, I contacted the author to see if she would be willing to do an interview. She wrote back and said she would be delighted to. Since the book officially releases today, Though in Canada the official release day is November 8, we often get them early so I thought what better day to post the interview. I'm new at this, but I hope you enjoy!
I'm pleased to introduce Judith James the author of Broken Wing
(the book that's rocked my socks)
KJ: It doesn’t specify really in the book and it didn’t take one iota away from my enjoyment (and I hope many others) but it was never really made clear how old Gabriel was.I figured Sarah was about 21, but I could quite decide about Gabriel.How old was he?
Judith:Hi, Kristie. First thanks so much for inviting me! I love your blog and I certainly appreciate your enthusiastic support of Broken Wing. I think of you almost as a fairy godmother with exquisite taste in music and books, taking Gabriel and Sarah to the ball, LOL. I can’t thank you enough for taking an interest in this book, and I’m really looking forward to answering your questions.
Thanks also for allowing me to clear up any confusion about Gabriel’s age. Part of the problem is that it ISN’T clear. Gabriel can never be certain how old he really is. He was abandoned at a young age, and sold to a brothel. He had to make up a last name to sign a contract, and no one has ever marked, celebrated, or told him when his birthday is. No one knows, so he pretty much has to guess. He tells Sarah that the night on her balcony was the night his life began, and I think that’s how they’d celebrate his birthday together. That being said, there are clues to his age but they were given in separate scenes, which might be the cause of some confusion. Again, thanks for the opportunity to clear it up. In one of his early conversations with Sarah, in the music room, Gabriel tells her he thinks he was about fourteen when he was sent to de Sevigny’s, and was there for two years before returning to Madam’s. Jamie arrived shortly after that, as Sarah reminds him later in the story, and he took care of him for about five years, so at the time the story begins, he is about 21, and when it ends about 25, the same age as Sarah, give or take a year or two.
KJ:I am finding it very difficult to leave this book behind as a reader.As the writer – the creator – of these characters, how hard is it for you to say good bye to them?
Judith:Oh good question, Kristie! In some ways I haven’t really. It’s my first book, and I think that’s a bit like your first love, it will always hold a special place in heart. I really felt a sense of loss when I sent the final proofs off, as if something was over I didn’t want to end. I did put it all aside while I was writing A Time For Treason, and I found myself immersed in a different and utterly fascinating world, but then the author copies came and I was able to sit and read it as a book, and then the questions, LOL, which take me right back inside. This might sound a little strange, but I love my characters and think of them in a way as old friends. I can visit them whenever I want by going back to the book, and of course…I can always start writing and find out what happens to them next. I certainly expect to be revisiting from time to time.
KJ:And in a similar vein, I’m sure you will get asked this so I may as well be the first – the secondary characters are also so vividly written.Might there be a story for any of them?Ross maybe, or Davey or Charles?And if so, will you be revisiting Sarah and Gabriel?
Judith:Actually, the first person to ask that was my editor, Janet Bank. I think she was very curious about Ross. While I was writing Broken Wing, I kept jotting things down about all of them. Ross is a bit of an iceberg in more ways than one. He’s rather calm, cool, and collected, but all you see of him is the tip. I do have a storyline for him tucked away. He has quite a few secrets, some Davey knows, some are his alone, and some would be a great surprise to everyone. I also have a story in mind for Jacques, with help from Davey, Sarah and Gabriel. I think Jacque’s story would come first in an over all story arc, but any story about the characters from Broken Wing will have to wait for now.
KJ:I thought you did an excellent job of portraying the anguish, the loneliness of Gabriel.Was it hard to write something that dark?
Judith:You like the tough questions! I worked with male survivors for several years, and listening to their stories almost brought me to tears at times. That was hard, and believe me, the things that happened to Gabriel didn’t just spring from my imagination, I actually pulled a few punches. But they were such wonderful people; talented, funny, intelligent, and trying so hard to take back lives that had been stolen from them by the people who were supposed to love and protect them, they were all heroic in a way to me, so yes, it’s very dark, but inside that dark is this incredible light and courage. Writing Gabriel’s story was hard in that I wanted to be honest, and show how dark and terrible some peoples lives’ were, and how beautiful they were despite it. I was very worried that I might not do that justice, or that the darker aspects might turn people away. I’m sure it will for some.
KJ:What impressed me was for a first time published author, how well Broken Wing was written.How long have you been writing and how long has it taken to be published?
Judith:Thank you, Kristie! And thanks for asking this question. I’ve been writing for about three and a half years, but I’ve been a voracious and eclectic reader for years, and I’ve been telling stories in my head since childhood. Broken Wing was my first manuscript and took about 10 months to write, and another good year to find an agent and a publisher. Like everyone starting out, I received a lot of rejections, generally along the lines that it wasn’t really marketable or wouldn’t fit a given line. It was too dark, the main characters spent too much time apart, it had too much violence, romance readers weren’t ready for a character like Gabriel, there was too much history and adventure for a romance, and too much romance for an adventure. I couldn’t bring myself to make some of the changes people suggested and was about to put it aside when Medallion offered to buy it. They actually loved the things others wanted changed, and pretty much left the story intact. I’ll always be grateful to them for that. I was very lucky that they, and my agent Bob Diforio, were willing to take a risk on an unknown author with a book that didn’t quite fit the mold.
KJ:It seems you have done a lot of research for this book.It used to be that I learned a lot of interesting new things by reading historical romance but not so much anymore.How important do you think research into the time and setting in a historical is?
Judith:Another very interesting, but somewhat tricky question, LOL. I suppose it depends on the kind of historical you’re reading, when it takes place, and the kind of story you prefer. I love big involving historical adventures like Gary Jennings Aztec, the I Claudius series by Robert Graves,Dorothy Dunnett’s Francis Crawford series, or Sunne in Splendour by Sharon Kay Penman. You expect rich juicy accurate details from those.I also think it depends on the time period and place you’re writing about.If it’s one people are less familiar with, I think you need to work a bit harder to make it realistic and reasonably accurate, to give the reader a sense of place and being there.On the other hand, the regency period has become so popular in story and in film, that most romance readersalready have a very good sense of the time and place.In that case, I don’t think an author necessarily has to go to the same lengths to bring the reader into the story.
It also depends on your mood and what you want at any given time I think. If it’s light entertainment and escapism after a rough week, historical detail might just annoy you. If it’s to challenge and stimulate and go some place you’ve never been, then historical detail or world building, depending on the genre, is something you’re going to want an appreciate.. I actually enjoy the research, and I have to keep reminding myself that people might not be as excited by the details as I am. I have to say though, that I enjoy history woven into what I read, and I tend to check every thing I’m uncertain of in my own stories. I’ve missed the big historicals, (which is one of the reasons I tried to write my own). They seem to have fallen from favor somewhat over the years, but I think and hope there’s still room for all kinds of different stories.
KJ:I’m not going to ask who your favourite authors are – that’s always a tricky one – but are there any that have been an inspiration for you?
Judith:Now that’s a very good way to ask! I could never do justice to the favorite authors question as there are just too many, but there are also several who have been an inspiration for me and my writing. In regards to romance, Mary Jo Putney’s The Rake, with an alcoholic hero made me sit up and take notice. I think she was the first I read to dare that in a romance and pull it off. Laura Kinsale, Anne Stuart, Laura Leone, and Katherine Sutcliffe touch on heretofore forbidden topics. Dorothy Dunnet’s Francis Crawford series just blew me away with a genre bending intoxicating blend of history, adventure, and a fantastic love story with the hero as main character. Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander was genre bending, historically rich, and touched on some dark topics, and George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones turned the fantasy world on it’s head with a rule breaking gritty saga of morally ambiguous characters tested and challenged in a complex world. All of these stories convinced me you could write outside the box, though I was beginning to doubt it after a slew of rejections. Julianne MacLean really inspired me on a personal level, to trust my instincts, write the stories I wanted to write, and keep on going. She’s one of the most gracious and generous authors I know, a really lovely person, and to have an author of her stature offer such genuine encouragement and support at a time when I really needed it, made me actually believe, for the first time, that I could have a career as a writer.
KJ:Moving along – though *sigh* I’d love to stay with Gabriel and Sarah, I see on your website that you have two new books coming out.Do you have a time frame for their release?And will it be with Medallion too?
Judith:Although I have two other books in my library, only one of them has been sold. A Time For Treason was sold to Sourcebooks, and could be released as early as next fall. The Dark Within is a paranormal I’m just finishing now. I’ll be sending it out there soon, but it doesn’t have a home yet.
KJ:Your next book takes place in Cromwellian England – that is a rather unusual time period – and just, injecting my own thoughts for a moment – a book that sounds fascinating – what made you choose this unusual time frame?
Judith:So it was you that visited my website!!! Well, Jamie, the hero, was born during Cromwell’s rule, but it might be more accurate to call it Stuart England, as Jamie serves all three Stuart kings that followed, Charles II, his brother James II, and then William of Orange. He’s a cynic, a pragmatist, and a spy, who switches happily from Catholic to Protestant, depending on who he’s serving. I was actually researching the court poet Rochester (played by Johnny Depp in the Libertine), for a future story, and I fell in love with the time period. There was so much going on with politics, religion, philosophy, and thought. The court was incredibly hedonistic, woman had far more liberty than they would for centuries after, and it’s so rich with history, personalities and potential. Rochester’s real life story was just too dark and intense for me right after Broken Wing, but I fell in love with Cat and Jamie’s story, and it pretty much wrote itself. I do want to go back and do a story loosely based on Rochester sometime down the road.
KJ:The book after that seems unusual too – see I did do my homework.But it seems to be a time travel.Can you give us a bit more details – and again my own thoughts – I love a good time travel.
Judith:Boy did you ever! The Dark Within is another genre bender. It’s a modern day ghost story, kind of Phantom of the Opera meets Ghost Hunters, where the phantom gets the girl, but it does have elements of time travel, mainly as the ghostly hero/villian’s flash backs in book one, and as real events in book two. It seems whatever I do, I somehow end up back in time.
KJ:In our recent ‘chat’, Katie and I had fun picturing who would make a good Gabriel.Since he’s such a vividly written character, did you have anyone in mind while writing about him?
Judith:Oh my yes!Though keep in mind, mysister told me of her enjoyment of Outlander and was forever tarnished when she picked up a
version that had a redheaded cover of the hero that looked nothing like she’d imagined him.That being said, certainly several images that inspired me while I wrote were of Johnny Depp in The Libertine; dark
and tormented, long haired, dissipated, tall, androgynous, heartbreakingly beautiful both to men and women, yet something so lost about him.He’s whom I’d pick for a movie version LOL.
Judith also wanted to know about giving away a copy of this wonderful book. Ohhh yes, I said, that would be great. So, all you have to do is comment, ask a question (she said she would drop by and answer) let us know what's so attractive about a tortured hero ---- whatever----- and Judith has a copy to be won!!
~*~*~UPDATE~*~*~
Thanks so much to Judith for her wonderful interview and topping by with her wonderful answers!! In case you haven't checked, Dev is the lucky (and I really mean lucky, lucky) winner as picked by Judith.
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Why not start out with the DNF? I have enjoyed Anne Mallory’s books in the past, and her latest release, The Bride Price, has an interesting set up with an amoral hero who is the illegitimate son of a Duke. Sebastian is so delusional and as anti-hero as you can get. He enjoys seducing the innocents and being as reckless as he can, which is the perfect way to give his father the middle finger. Sebastian joins the other bastard sons of the aristocrats, who don’t have a chance of being accepted in polite society or having a name for themselves, in a competition where the winner will be able to marry a gentlewoman, known as the bosom of the ton. If Sebastian can win, he will have a title, a massive fortune and a piece of land that was his mother’s that his father owns and holds over his head. Sebastian accepts because there is nothing more important that belonging even though he acts as if he doesn’t care.
All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks may have a very unappealing title along with a cover that looks like the Batman signal in the sky, but this was an enjoyable read. Her vampire men are beyond sexy and the majority of her heroes are highlanders in kilts! This latest tale is about Ian MacPhie. Ian was changed into a vampire when he was barely a teenager, and because of it, he always looks like a young boy. Dating for him was impossible and since he has taken a drug called Stay-Awake for twelve days, Ian has aged to look finally look like a grown man. Now he wants to find a woman to spend his immortal life with. He is looking for female vampire companionship, and soon he is forced to put a single ad placed in a paper. And because of that, he soons has more than enough women problems. There is a rumor going around that Ian is a virgin, and soon all these vamp women want to be his first. Ian does have sexual experience, but has never had the long lasting relationship he has always longed for. He doesn’t want to date any human women, but unfortunately he can’t help but fall for Toni, a new security guard who watches over Ian and his other fellow vampires during the day. At first these two bicker back and forth, but then their feelings change to love.
To Sin With a Stranger by Kathryn Caskie does not come out till December. This is the first book in her Seven Deadly Sins series that is something to look forward to. Kathryn has come up with a great idea about seven siblings from Scotland, known as the Seven Deadly Sins. The Sinclairs have been banished from their father as punishment for all their unruly behavior. They must make their way, on their own, without any help from him. They all have an allowance and must figure out a way to keep food on the table and a shelter over their heads. This first book is about the heir and eldest sibling, Sinclair, who is cursed with greed. Sinclair is a pretty alright fellow and feels he is responsible for everything that has befallen his younger brothers and sisters. He will try his best to make sure they are all taken care of, even if he has to start wagering and becoming a boxer and fighter to make ends meet.
