Inside the Author’s Brain by Lavinia Kent + Giveaway

Button made by the very talented Susi! Thank you!!

Today I am very happy to welcome back to Ex Libris Lavinia Kent who not only pens some of the most romantic historical romance novels but also the tongue in cheek witty The Real Duchesses of London Regency novellas which is a unique mix of historical romance and The Real Housewives! Please give her a warm welcome, and if you haven't tried these novellas of hers yet, trust me, pick one up, you won't be able to stop until you finish, and good thing there are more, because you'll be wanting to read on! 

Inside the Author’s Brain
by Lavinia Kent

I should be clear that I can only speak for my own brain, fuzzy as it is, but I have spoken to a number of other authors and while some have a very different experience than I do, I have found many who are in complete agreement with me.

Do our characters actually talk to us?

Sometimes. Mostly I am in complete control and they only come to visit me when I am trying to put them on a page or lying in bed falling asleep and trying to figure out my next plot problem. But I do have to admit they have occasionally visited as I am waiting at a red light. If you’re ever behind me in traffic and I don’t start when the light turns green, I can almost guarantee somebody is arguing with me about why what I’ve just written is all wrong. Luckily, I can also guarantee that a good honk is like magic, and will banish my visitor for at least an hour or two.

I have two great examples of characters taking over. In one of my first manuscripts (unpublished), I had the book all plotted out. It was a great long, romantic story, all based on a misunderstanding. But my heroine didn’t like the plot. I swear it felt like she marched up to me in the grocery store and started to yell, “Do you think I am a wimpy fool? I am going to stomp right up to him in Chapter Two and tell him just what I think of what he’s done. There is no way I am avoiding him for eleven more chapters. That is just stupid.”

I was forced to agree.

The second example happened when I was writing last October’s release, What a Duke Wants. I’ve always had a thing for arrogant Alpha heroes, and I was all set to have Mark, my hero, turn away from my heroine, Isabella, in her moment of need. I was actually at the computer typing away – and suddenly my fingers were writing something else. It’s as close to an out-of-body experience as I’ve ever had. I was thinking one thing and my hands were doing another. There was a deep, rich, masculine chuckle echoing in the background.

Of course, in the end, I am in control. Even when my characters think that they’ve gotten away with something, I do know how to hit the Delete key (or more likely cut and save someplace else – I am always worried that I’ll decide later that a deleted scene was actually perfect).

So how many voices are in your head? Are you sure you’re not crazy?

In answer to the first, too many. And in regards to the second, I plead the Fifth.

The loudest voices are always from the book I plan to write next. Yes, that’s right, the next book, not the one I am working on. I suppose my current hero and heroine are getting enough time on the page, and don’t feel the need to speak up – unless I get something wrong. The characters in the next book, however, are speaking up loud and louder in an effort to get their turn.

I also have a number of past heroes and heroines pushing for time and attention. It’s one of the things I like the most about being published. Once the book is off to the printers and nothing can be changed, my characters tend to fade into the background for good – except when the want a cameo in somebody else’s book.

The one exception is the duchesses from my novella series, The Real Duchesses of London. Those women are persistent. They have strong opinions and are not afraid to share. It doesn’t help that I keep getting reader emails mentioning that there clearly should be fifth “Duchesses” story. Every time I get one, I hear, “See, we are right!” pounding through my brain. I try to explain to them, as I do to my readers, that YES there is a fifth story – Annie does get her chance for true love (hopefully this summer) – but that I do have other things to do. They don’t believe me, and think that I could do as well on four hours of sleep as eight. I’ve tried to explain that nobody likes me when I am tired, but they are not listening.

I’ve tried to reason with them. I’ve told them I know the story. I’ve even given them the first line.

Hargrove is dead.

Immediately, Annie asked, “Does that mean I am a duchess now? A real duchess?” And Elizabeth said, “That’s good. I never did like him. But, who killed him? You can’t start like that and not tell us.” And, of course, Katherine worried about being sure everything would be done right, “You do know that Annie can’t go the funeral, women just aren’t allowed. It wouldn’t be proper.”

I was finally forced to set the hero from my latest proposal on them. He’s a duke, and as arrogant as they come. He’s been very clear that he’s having too much fun bickering with his heroine to allow anybody else (even another duchess) to get a word in.

And I’ve been sticking up for him (told you I loved a good hero), because he does deserve his turn, and I don’t want him to end up in that most dreaded of places, the saved file of old Works-In-Progress. A character that ends up there, you see, almost never moves out of my mind. They are always there, fighting to move to the front again, wanting their story told.

It can give me quite a headache.

So what do you think about as you fall asleep at night? I’ve always wondered what people who aren’t authors do in those fading minutes. I can’t imagine falling asleep without a story working itself out. Even if I am not working on a book, I have to make something up. What do you do?

Tell me and I’ll draw one lucky reader to send a complete set of my ”Duchesses” novellas (either e-book or paperback) to get you warmed up for Annie. (Who is at the minute screaming that she has no intention of being quiet just because some pompous man told her to. Ahhh, business as usual.)

Thank you so much for having me. It’s been fun. I can’t wait to chat.

Lavinia Kent never knew that most people don’t make up stories in their heads to pass the time. She still has a hard time understanding how those who don’t survive the doctor’s waiting room or a grocery store line without another world to escape into.

She lives under the gracious (and usually benign) rule of Erzsebet, the cat, along with her husband, three children, one cockatiel, two rats, and Erzsebet’s younger, subordinate tomcat, otherwise known as The Golden Snitch.

As the mother of three, Lavinia finds “leisure time” to be ever-elusive, but when she is not reading romance novels, she watches far too much HBO and reality television. It must also be noted that she has an encyclopedic knowledge of all things Buffy and Doctor Who.

She has four published Regency Historical romances including, A Talent for Sin, Bound by Temptation, Taken by Desire and What a Duke Wants. She also has a set of sensual and fun novellas about The Real Duchesses of London.


You can visit Lavinia and learn more about her books at her website / Twitter / Facebook.

GIVEAWAY RULES:

Lavinia has generously offered a complete set of her Real Duchesses of London historical romance novellas to a lucky commentator!

To be entered all you have to do is:

1. fill out the main form so I have your contact info (just once, if you have already filled it out for a previous giveaway that's enough)

2. leave a comment and answer Lavinia's question: What do you think about as you fall asleep at night?

Giveaway is open worldwide and ends on 15 March 2012.

Book Review: Mask of the Gladiator by Georgie Lee

Title: Mask of the Gladiator
Author: Georgie Lee
Release Date: 20 January 2012
Number of pages: 54 pages
Publisher: Carina Press
Source: review copy provided by publisher through NetGalley
Purchasing info: Goodreads, Author's site, Amazon

Grade: 4.5 stars

Novellus superbus!

Goodreads apetizer: Livia Duronius is driven to seek out a gladiator after watching him triumph in the Colosseum. His touch arouses a sense of hope she hasn't felt since Rome fell under the tyrannical rule of Caligula—and her late husband betrayed her. Though in danger of losing more than her heart, she vows to see him again, even after she learns her uncle has arranged her marriage to a senator.

Senator Titus Marius cannot resist indulging in a passionate encounter with the veiled woman who waits for him after the games, though he faces execution if his true identity is discovered. Bound by honor to wed another, and embroiled in a plot to free Rome from madness, he never expects to see the mystery woman again.

When the fates reunite them in the marriage bed, Titus vows to protect Livia at all costs—even from the lecherous eyes of the emperor...

My thoughts: I love Latin (studied it for 3 years) and everything to do with the Latin/Roman culture, so when I saw that one of Carina Press' new releases was Mask of the Gladiator I knew I had to read it. And I was blown away! Not only was it a captivating story taking me on a time travel through millennia but Georgie Lee managed the near-impossible: tell a fantastic story in 50 pages!

The description of the amphitheatre, the gladiator fight, the clothes and societal customs were all very atmospheric. I could hear the cheers and felt the buzz as if I were in that arena witnessing the fight.

Not only did Georgie Lee transport the reader back in time to Ancient Rome she should also be praised for painting such a true and realistic picture of the hierarchy of society.

Usually my main problem with novellas is that I can't buy into love developing between the characters in such a short time, so I was amazed how Georgie Lee made me believe and accept that after a very brief meeting the hero and heroine indeed connected. The attraction between Livia and Titus was sizzling, but what gave their relationship more substance was that they connected on several levels: besides the physical attraction they shared the same values, sense of duty and vocation for Rome.

“Only the weak give up their wives to Caligula’s lust. A true Roman stands up to another man whether he is emperor or enemy.”
She clapped her hands sarcastically. “Such pretty words. When the soldiers come, you will flee, just like my husband did.”
“Never.” His powerful voice struck the snide smile from her lips. “I’m a soldier, not just a senator. I know the meaning of honor and duty. I’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with my legion against barbarians determined to massacre us and destroy Rome. I will not run simply because Caligula’s men come for me. I will fight.”

And of course Titus' strong and charismatic presence didn't hurt either ;-)

As a Latin aficionado I appreciated all the small Latin details making the story authentic and atmospheric.

Verdict: I can't remember the last time I've read such a teeny short story (50 pages) and was so satisfied with the outcome! Mask of the Gladiator is superbly written, and despite its shortness it gives a well developed and wholesome story. I loved it!!

Plot: 9/10

Characters: 9/10 of course due to length restrictions no deep character development but they felt real and vivid and their relationship was built gradually

Writing: 10/10

Ending: 8/10

Cover: 10/10 - cover perfection, it couldn't be any better!

Buy it:

All Reading Leads to Rome by Georgie Lee + Giveaway

Button made by the very talented Susi! Thank you!!

It is no secret that I love Latin and everything to do with the Latin culture (hey my blog is called Ex Libris and  I rate the books by Latin grades) so when I saw that one of Carina Press' new releases was Mask of the Gladiator I knew I had to read it. And I was blown away! Not only was it a captivating story taking me on a time travel through millennia but Georgie Lee managed the near-impossible: tell a fantastic story in 50 pages! Mask of the Gladiator quickly became a favourite of mine, so I am very happy to introduce you today to Georgie Lee and the research behind the story! 

All Reading Leads to Rome
by Georgie Lee

I am a voracious reader of non-fiction history and it is usually while I’m reading that some sentence or fact will make me sit up and say “What a great idea for a story.” The idea for Mask of the Gladiator first came to me while I was reading a book on the lives of the Roman emperors. Something about Caligula’s demise, the real PG version, not the XXX version that has also survived the ages, caught my attention. The story wouldn’t let go until I’d crafted it into a tale in which regular people get caught up in the life and death events of their era with a great romance and sex thrown in because hey, after all, this is Rome.

Having read many books on ancient Rome, I knew a great deal about the era but needed more details on the nitty-gritty of daily life under Caligula. Thankfully, researching ancient Rome was, in many ways, easy. I’m currently doing research for an ancient Egyptian romance, and though historians know a great deal about their mortuary practices, details of their daily lives are elusive. I’d pay good money right now, and I might just have to, in order to find some ancient source or modern researcher who has written a detailed description of a Pharaoh’s typical day (if anyone knows of one, please leave a comment below). But I digress.

The Romans, thanks to the length of their empire, left a lot of material, both written and physical about their lives, and these artifacts are scattered everywhere from Britain to Germany. I remember during my first trip to England marveling as I stood on a medieval wall looking down on the ruins of a Roman amphitheatre. You don’t find that kind of history where I live in California. Here, most people think Mid-Century Modern is an era of antiquity.

The wealth of information on the ancient Romans made research both interesting and easier. Thanks to surviving statues of Caligula, I was able to base my descriptions of the emperor on his busts instead of having to extract details from ancient sources, most of which were not flattering. For details on Caligula’s assassination, I turned to Justinian and Suetonius. Their accounts, though not exactly first hand, are well fleshed out, if not blatantly exaggerated in a few spots. I incorporated details from their stories into my story while adding a few of my own in order to better weave the main characters, Livia and Titus, into the historical events. In regards to the daily life of the nobility, there were endless resources available from the excavation at Pompeii to modern research books detailing the archeological evidence.

While this wealth of historical information is great, it can also be overwhelming and at times distracting. Sometimes, especially if you’ve ever read any books in the History of Private Life series, more details exist than you actually want to know about. It is a challenge deciding what to include or leave out and how true to the time period to stay without forcing the readers to keep Googling archaic terms. In the end, I think I struck a good balance between fact and fiction and created a compelling story that is both true to history and romance. I hope you think so too.

Thank you for joining me today and thanks to Ex Libris for inviting me.

Mask of the Gladiator by Georgie Lee

Rome, 41 AD

Livia Duronius is driven to seek out a gladiator after watching him triumph in the Colosseum. His touch arouses a sense of hope she hasn't felt since Rome fell under the tyrannical rule of Caligula—and her late husband betrayed her. Though in danger of losing more than her heart, she vows to see him again, even after she learns her uncle has arranged her marriage to a senator.

Senator Titus Marius cannot resist indulging in a passionate encounter with the veiled woman who waits for him after the games, though he faces execution if his true identity is discovered. Bound by honor to wed another, and embroiled in a plot to free Rome from madness, he never expects to see the mystery woman again.

When the fates reunite them in the marriage bed, Titus vows to protect Livia at all costs—even from the lecherous eyes of the emperor...

Buy at Amazon - Carina Press - Barnes & Noble

Read my review

A dedicated history and film buff, Georgie Lee loves combining her passion for Hollywood, history and storytelling through romantic fiction. She began writing professionally at a small TV station in San Diego before moving to Los Angeles to work in the interesting but strange world of the entertainment industry. When not writing, she enjoys reading non-fiction history and watching any movie with a costume and an accent.

Please visit www.georgie-lee.com to learn more about Georgie and her books, you can also find her on Facebook and Twitter.

GIVEAWAY RULES:

Georgie has generously offered an ebook copy of Mask of the Gladiator to a lucky commentator!

To be entered all you have to do is:

1. fill out the main form so I have your contact info (just once, if you have already filled it out for a previous giveaway that's enough)

2. leave a comment and answer Georgie's question, tell us what is your favourite historical period and why? 

Giveaway is open worldwide and ends on 15 March 2012.

An announcement and two winners go into a bar...

Hey Everyone!

I have to usurp back the blog for a short announcement from all the amazing guests I have on the blog right now.

First of all while my beloved guests were entertaining you with their exciting, funny, interesting and sometimes eye-opening posts I was busy (besides doing all the organizational behind the scenes stuff) studying for my final bar exam, which I am very happy to share I passed with great results, so I'm done! Or at least exams are done! So it's time for some much deserved down time and in true globetrotter mode I planned another reward trip: this time I'll go away for 2 weeks to discover the hidden wonders of Mexico!

So at the end of February I'll fly away to sandy beaches and sunny places, but fear not, more wonderful guests will stop by and you won't be left without surprises!

(I won't have internet connection so that's why you have 2 extra weeks to enter all the Blogoversary Celebration Giveaways, so don't miss it, the deadline is March 15!!)

And now time for me to announce two lucky winners!

The winner of an ebook copy of Ride with Me by Ruthie Knox is 

Anne

The winner of a copy of Edge of Midnight by Leslie Tentler is 

Nerissa

Congratulations winners! I have sent you an e-mail notifying you of your win, please get back to me within 48 hours or I will have to draw a new winner. Thank you.

Don't forget to enter the Blogoversary Celebration Giveaways: at least one giveaway per day! - Open worldwide - Ends 15 March 2012

5 Reasons Why You Should Read A Midnight Dance by Lila DiPasqua + Giveaway

Button made by the very talented Susi! Thank you!!

By now you know that I looove historical romances. And if you are a fellow HR lover you know that historical romance stories are best when steamy ;-) But up until you have read one of Lila DiPasqua's Fiery Tales you only read stories with sparks and not with bursting flames! So trust me, if you don't mind the scorching scenes this series is for you! Today the wonderful Lila stopped by to tell you why she thinks you should read A Midnight Dance, her steamy retelling of Cinderella. Please give her a warm welcome, she doesn't come empty handed! ;-) 

5 Reasons Why You Should Read A Midnight Dance
by Lila DiPasqua

My name is Lila DiPasqua, and tall, dark handsome heroes are my weakness. ;)

For those of you who don’t know me, I write steamy historical romance. My series, the Fiery Tales series, is all about seriously sexy, romantic retellings of classic fairy tales.

A MIDNIGHT DANCE (Berkley Sensation) is my version of Cinderella. There’s a strong, smart destitute beauty. A sinfully handsome, carnally-gifted “Prince Charming”. Oh, and plenty of scandalous behavior. *smiles*

I know there have been many retellings of Cinderella, but there has NEVER been a retelling like quite like A MIDNIGHT DANCE.

Here are five reasons you should read it:

1. You are like me and are hopelessly drawn to a tall, dark, gorgeous hero who has an edge of danger edge to him. Jules de Moutier is drop dead sexy. And he’s out for revenge, to find out who framed his father as a traitor to the Crown, and to restore his family’s good name. Having been stripped of his nobility, tossed out of the King’s Navy and disgraced before his peers, Jules is finally in a position to walk away from privateering. It’s taken him years, but he’s intent on using his newly captured silver treasure to help him reclaim his former life and clear his family’s name. All is going according to plan, until he crosses paths with a certain blond and beautiful desperate thief.

2. In A MIDNIGHT DANCE, you won’t find a weak heroine! Our heroine Sabine Laurent, daughter of the late playwright, Paul Laurent, may be in dire straits, but she’s not waiting for anyone to rescue her. Like any practical woman, she’s taking matters into her own hands. She’s going to steal the silver treasure. Getting her hands on that kind of wealth will save her family—or what’s left of the eccentric lot. Namely, the balance of her late father’s acting troupe, his long-time mistress and her two spoiled daughters. Too bad she didn’t realize that the wealth she’d be stealing belongs to none other than Jules de Moutier, the object of her girlhood infatuation. She’s convinced she can seduce the rake and make off with a fortune.

3. You should read A MIDNIGHT DANCE if you like passionate, scorching hot love scenes. Sabine may blame her family’s downfall on Jules and his family, but his potent appeal is difficult to ignore and even more difficult to resist. With devilishly seductive Jules, it’s not going to be easy for Sabine to snatch the silver. The chemistry between them is white-hot.

4. You should read A MIDNIGHT DANCE if you like the classic beloved fairy tale of Cinderella. A MIDNIGHT DANCE has a ball, a glass slipper, a fairy godmother in the form of a loveable yet highly opinionated apothecary, a determined impoverished beauty and a man who proves to be the Prince Charming every woman longs for.

5. You should read A MIDNIGHT DANCE if you like an exciting read with intrigue and twists. With a surprising villain that will shock you. An ending that will make you sigh . . . and gasp in surprise.

So what’s next in the Fiery Tales series? Well, in A MIDNIGHT DANCE, our hero, Jules has a friend by the name of Simon Boulenger. You see, Simon was born a commoner. Dirt poor. But he’s come a long way.

Today he’s wealthy. And the commander of a fleet of privateer ships for his country. (Not to mention, one very sexy, historical bad boy. ;) He’s determined to elevate himself from his station of birth and become an official officer of the Royal Navy.

God knows, he’s more than qualified.

But he’s made one very powerful enemy. And he’s got a mysterious beauty that just might be the key to his heart and dreams.

Simon deserved his own book. He demanded his own HEA. And so, since I have a weakness for tall, dark and handsome men, I gave into him. :)

UNDONE will be released in April, 2012. This is my version of Rapunzel!

No, there isn’t a woman with long hair that the hero uses to climb. (Seriously, that’s got to hurt). But, like every other book in this series, I’ve taken those common elements we all love about this particular fairy tale, and given it my own fresh, different and romantic twist.

Here is the blurb for my upcoming April release:

Undone by Lila DiPasqua

A Fiery Tale novel - To be released in April, 2012

Inspired by the tale of Rapunzel, Lila DiPasqua offers a new steamy, emotionally charged historical romance in the acclaimed Fiery Tales Series . . . Rescuing this beauty from the ‘tower’ is only the beginning . . .

Maintaining her ruse as a commoner, and trusting no one has kept Angelica safe. But a chance encounter with a handsome stranger lands her right where danger lies. Now, this sinfully handsome man with arresting blue eyes and a polished manner thinks he’s saved her life, when in fact he’s placed her in great peril. She’s intent on keeping him and everyone else at arm’s length. Yet, the smoldering attraction between them is difficult to deny. And impossible to ignore . . .

As commander of a number of privateer ships, Simon Boulenger dresses and speaks like an aristocrat, and has obtained wealth. But he is still not a noble. Or an officer in the King’s Navy. His lifelong dream to elevate himself from his station of birth and attain a respectable place in society is dead. Worse, he’s ensnared in deadly scheme, and must get out. But how is he to stay focused on his dangerous mission when the mysterious beauty has him utterly intrigued? He can’t afford the distraction any more than he can resist the carnal hunger she stirs. Simon soon discovers that she’s not only a passionate soul mate, but a woman born into privilege. A woman he can never have. But they’re in too deep. Their hearts are at risk . . . as well as their lives.

NOTE: UNDONE is a stand alone novel. Like the other books in the Fiery Tales series, you can read them in any order you wish!

QUESTION: Tell me your favorite kind of romance hero. One random commenter will win a signed book from my Fiery Tales series (AWAKENED BY A KISS, THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED or A MIDNIGHT DANCE). READERS’ CHOICE.

Praise for the Fiery Tales:

“Hot enough to warm a cold winter night.” — Publishers Weekly

“Sure to delight!” — Jennifer Ashley, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author

“Wickedly passionate . . . a sensual treat.” — Sylvia Day, national bestselling author

“Sensuous and deeply romantic!” — Elizabeth Hoyt, New York Times bestselling author.

“The most luscious take on fairy tales I’ve ever read!” — Cheryl Holt, New York Times bestselling author

“Romance that touches the heart.” — Top Pick! - The Season Blog

A Midnight Dance by Lila DiPasqua

A Fiery Tale novel 

Inspired by the tale of Cinderella, Lila DiPasqua weaves a steamy historical romance that offers a glass slipper, a dangerous deception, and an impoverished beauty determined to find her handsome prince…and make him pay.

Born into wealth, Sabine Laurent and her twin sister lived a life of luxury, their father’s prestigious theater frequented by royalty and aristocracy alike. And Sabine dreamed of her own prince charming—the devastatingly handsome Jules de Moutier.

That was before the loss of her sister and her family’s fall from grace—a disaster Sabine blames on the Moutier family. Now, with her father’s death, she’s inherited his sizable debt and the responsibility of caring for his spoiled long-time mistress and her two wastrel daughters. But with the help of Sabine’s eccentric friends—the balance of her father’s acting troupe—she plans to get very close to her old infatuation, seduce the rake—and make away with a fortune.

Resisting Jules’s skillful mouth and tantalizing touch is not as easy as Sabine supposed. And soon she must decide whether her desire for vengeance is greater than her desire for her one and only prince...

Buy at Amazon - Kindle Store - Book Depository - B&N

Read my review

Lila DiPasqua writes wicked & witty historical romance for Penguin/Berkley. She lives with her real-life hero husband and three children and is a firm believer in the happily-ever-after.

To learn more about Lila and her books, visit her website / blog / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

GIVEAWAY RULES:

Lila has generously offered a signed paperback copy of any of her Fiery Tales books (AWAKENED BY A KISS, THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED or A MIDNIGHT DANCE) to a lucky commentator!

To be entered all you have to do is:

1. fill out the main form so I have your contact info (just once, if you have already filled it out for a previous giveaway that's enough)

2. leave a comment and tell us about your favourite kind of romance hero! 

Giveaway is open worldwide and ends on 15 March 2012.

Interview with Loretta Chase + Giveaway

Button made by the very talented Susi! Thank you!!

I recently discovered Loretta Chase's writing and I was so amazed she immediately became one of my favourite historical romance authors. So today I am honoured and extremely happy to be able to welcome her to the blog and introduce you to her novels in case you are not a fan yet. Trust me, you don't want to spend another minute not reading her books, they are that good!! So please give Loretta the warmest welcome!

Stella: Hi Loretta, welcome to Ex Libris! For this 2nd Blogoversary I decided to introduce my readers to some of my favourite authors and novels, and you are one of my new favourite discoveries! :-) Though being a historical romance aficionado, I have heard fellow HR lovers praise your name and novels, I just recently got to discover your writing through Silk is for Seduction, and I was irrevocably seduced! So now I would like to get to know you, the author behind the story better and if there are any readers of Ex Libris who haven’t yet heard of you to open their eyes to your books.

Can you tell us why historical romance? What’s the appeal? Why do you write stories in this genre?

Loretta: First, thank you for discovering me! And I’m glad you did so via the first book of my new Dressmakers series. It’s the launch of a writing project I’m really enjoying for a number of reasons—but I especially like dealing with the cutthroat world of fashion, 1830s style. A sort of Project Runway visits the Romantic Era.

Why historical romance? As a devotee of 19th century British novels, I was drawn to a historical genre. I chose historical romance—as opposed to historical fiction or historical mystery—because I wanted to explore the way love works. Unlike so many 19th century novels, historical romance always features a love story and a happy ending. One of its many appeals is setting stories in a time period when rules of behavior are so different from our own. It’s challenging to devise ways for my heroines to succeed in a time when women had virtually no rights at all. The 19th century environment and culture gives me a lot of built-in conflict that wouldn’t be available in a contemporary romance. And, finally, I really like history—enough to devote a blog to it. At Two Nerdy History Girls, my author friend Susan Holloway Scott (aka Isabella Bradford) and I post about historical clothing, manners, gossip, jobs, men behaving badly—all sorts of things.

Stella: And what is the thing (if there is any) that exasperates you about (historical) romance?

Loretta: I can’t think of anything I don’t like about working in this genre. Historical romance tends to focus on the aristocracy (or the romance version thereof), and I find the British class structure so intriguing. Dressing my characters in the clothes of the time is fun. The research is fascinating. And there’s the ongoing challenge of creating a balance between the romance fantasy and the historical realities—or what we believe to be the realities. And, of course, the war between the sexes is so much fun to write about. In short, other things might exasperate me, but not my genre.

Stella: Do you remember how you discovered the historical romance genre? Maybe even that first novel which introduced you to rogues and gown wearing heroines?

Loretta: My sister gave me some of her favorites. The Regencies were the ones that struck a chord.

Stella: I know novels are usually to an author like children are to a mother, but do you perhaps have a favourite novel of yours? Or a hero/heroine or couple that is closer to your heart than the others?

Loretta: Well, I’m not sure they’re quite like children to me—but this matter of picking a favorite has always struck me as more relevant to readers than to authors. That said, I’ll admit that my favorite of my books is always the one most recently completed—because It’s Done! (And yes, I will have another glass of champagne.) And the other favorite is always one I’m starting because it’s all potential. In the early stages of a story, I imagine that it’s going to be so fabulous that I won’t believe I wrote it. The triumph of hope over experience, you see.

Stella: What was your hardest book or scene to write and why?

Loretta: I think the hardest book to write was my second historical, Captives of the Night, because I was trying to write a mystery and a romance and give both elements equal attention. It about killed me.

Stella: What is the hardest/worst thing about being an author? And the best part?

Loretta: Hardest part is facing the blank screen or page: that first awful moment when I’ve not a single idea in my head and am not sure I ever again will have one. Best part is making a living doing what I love, which is a great privilege.

Stella: Silk is for Seduction the 1st book in your new series was released in July 2011. Can you tell us when we can expect to see the next book(s)? Just so we know until when to wait patiently (or at least try to…:-)

Loretta: The second book in the Dressmakers series is Scandal Wears Satin, which deals with Sophy Noirot (the second sister) and that gorgeous lummox, the Earl of Longmore (introduced in Silk is for Seduction). This will be another July release, available as of 26 June 2012. Excerpts and other details will appear on my website any day now.

Stella: On your website you write: „a fateful meeting with a video producer who lured me into writing novels and eventually became Mr. Chase.” How did Mr. Chase get the idea you should write novels? And was he suggesting you write romance novels or did you start penning different kind of books at first?

Loretta: For a good while early in my writing career, I wrote scripts for corporate video. The man I eventually married was my favorite video producer. He has always been my most enthusiastic cheerleader. He wasn’t so much pushing me into a particular niche as he was pushing me to do something he believed I was capable of doing, and something that he sensed I truly wanted to do. He’s a great believer in setting goals and making plans. He didn’t influence my choice of genre. (Fact is, he prefers reading nonfiction.) That was entirely my decision, based on what I liked reading and what I believed would sustain my interest and challenge my mind over the long term.

Stella: If you were to try out your hand at writing in a different genre, which one would it be?

Loretta: My not-so-secret fantasy is to be Charles Dickens, and write something at the level of Bleak House. But he was a genius, and I’m not—so maybe it’s more intelligent for me to continue trying to excel in a genre that I’ve enjoyed and that’s always suited me.

Stella: If you could travel back in time in what period would you like to spend a few days and where? Do you have a favourite time period you like to read/write about?

Loretta: The past is a place I’m not sure I want to literally visit. It’s doubtful I could survive, even for a few days. I’d need immunity to the various things waiting there to kill me. And probably a special translation device imbedded in my brain, enabling me to understand the language as it was spoken in a given time period in a given place. Oh, and something to subdue my sense of smell. But if I could be immunized and such, and completely invisible—a sort of astral projection—I’d be happy get in my time machine and visit any of scores of eras and places. If we narrow to the setting for my stories, the early 19th C, I’d like to see for myself what was happening at Almack’s and eavesdrop on the Prince Regent & Beau Brummell when they were still friends. I’d like to snoop on Jane Austen for a while. And hover near Charles Dickens at the start of his career. And it would be fantastic to be in Egypt with Giovanni Belzoni when he first entered the Pyramid of Khafre and the Tomb of Seti I. The list goes on and on, but these are the highlights.

You can read more about Loretta and her books at her website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Silk is for Seduction by Loretta Chase

Book #1 in the Dressmakers series

From the Design Book of Marcelline Noirot:

The allure of the perfect gown should be twofold:

ladies would die to wear it ... and gentlemen would kill to remove it!

Brilliant and ambitious dressmaker Marcelline Noirot is London's rising star. And who better to benefit from her talent than the worst-dressed lady in the ton, the Duke of Clevedon's intended bride? Winning the future duchess's patronage means prestige and fortune for Marcelline and her sisters. To get to the lady, though, Marcelline must win over Clevedon, whose standards are as high as his morals are... not.

The prize seems well worth the risk—but this time Marcelline's met her match. Clevedon can design a seduction as irresistible as her dresses; and what begins as a flicker of desire between two of the most passionately stubborn charmers in London soon ignites into a delicious inferno... and a blazing scandal.

And now both their futures hang by an exquisite thread of silk...

Amazon - Book Depository - Kindle

Read my review

GIVEAWAY RULES:

HarperCollins has generously offered a paperback copy of  Silk is for Seduction (US only) or an eARC of Scandal Wears Satin (open to international readers as well) to a lucky commentator! 

To be entered all you have to do is:

1. fill out the main form so I have your contact info (just once, if you have already filled it out for a previous giveaway that's enough)

2. leave a comment and answer Loretta's question, tell us why do you read historical romances? What do you like best and least about historical romances? 

Giveaway is open worldwide and ends on 15 March 2012.

Don’t Miss the “Indulge in Our Favorite Authors” Epic Book Giveaway Contest!

If you haven’t already heard, five romance authors are holding an epic book giveaway contest of *their* five favorite romance authors’ books. But they’re not just giving away a few books—they’re giving away complete, SIGNED backlists of the following authors:

Julia Quinn (sponsored by Shana Galen)

Lisa Kleypas (sponsored by Elise Rome)

Julie Garwood (sponsored by Heather Snow)

Elizabeth Hoyt (sponsored by Lila DiPasqua)

Cynthia Eden (sponsored by Vanessa Kelly)

Yes, it’s an epic contest, and it’s being held on Facebook right now. All you have to do is visit the Facebook pages of Shana Galen, Lila DiPasqua, Vanessa Kelly, Heather Snow, and Elise Rome, and enter the favorite book (the hint is given on the contest tab) for each of these authors.

At the end of February the contest will be over—so hurry!—and five lucky winners will win a backlist of one of the amazing authors mentioned above. Elise has said that Lisa is even signing her books after the winner is chosen for her backlist, so if you win Lisa Kleypas’ books, they’ll be personally made out to you. Also, the five authors are giving away books of their own, too.

Good luck to everyone who enters, and don’t forget to tell your friends!