The Winter Wife by Anna Campbell

     Anna Campbell is one of my favorite people, that I follow, on Facebook, Twitter, and the fictional site Possum Wranglers Anonymous. Yet, I have a secret, I haven't read her books. Why? I have a mountain of books that I want to read is one possible explanation. The other reason is that what if we aren't a good reader/writer match, and it disturbs the delicate  balance of the universe? 

     I started following Anna Campbell on Twitter because of her effervescent online personality, and her insider’s knowledge of marsupials. What if I read her books, and suddenly things aren't the same? 

  

      So, though I have books of hers to read on the TBR (to be read) mountain, I had yet to read anything of hers, aside from blog entries and her favorite things updates.  Then she released the novella The Winter Wife: A Christmas Novella and I had no problem adding it to my kindle. The question was then, would I actually read it?

    

      The other night I woke up at three in the morning and could not fall back to sleep, so I picked up the kindle and there was The Winter Wife. I wanted to read a romance, as I had recently tried to read a paranormal that was so scary, that it was giving me nightmares. The Winter Wife appeared to offer the perfect antidote.

    

      The characters in The Winter Wife are likable, and the story completely engaging. I was happy to meet Sebastian and Alicia at this stage of their relationship, and not earlier when they were first married.  Anna Campbell manages to craft a reunion tale, that includes the couples tumultuous past but the story is not bogged down by it. I really enjoyed Anna’s story telling voice, and I was thrilled to find that we were a writer/reader match after all. The Winter's Wife is a quick read, and the universe seems to have remained in one piece, so I imagine it is safe to tackle the rest of her books as well. There is an excerpt from SEVEN NIGHTS IN A ROGUE'S BED, after the novella.

  

     The Winter Wife: A Christmas Novella, is available in eBook format, at Amazon and Smashwords at a price that is less than a cup of coffee. 

       

     Follow Anna Campbell on Twitter, and Facebook, and be warned that she is going through a bit of a cat lady stage. 

  

     Do you have a favorite author, on social media, that you haven't read - yet? 

Interview and Giveaway with Katherine Bone

 Duke By Day, Rogue By Night 

                                          

      Constance Danbury is fleeing an arranged marriage to lecherous Lord Burton, a man who has blackmailed her father and is nearly twice her age. Her escape takes her aboard a merchantman bound for Spain, where she hopes an aunt will help her procure funds to save her father’s dwindling reputation. But fate intervenes. Constance is captured by a pirate with a wit and stubbornness to match her own, and a secret he’ll do anything to keep.

      Nobleman Percival Avery is a member of Nelson’s Tea, an elite group whose members are first sons from every tier in society. Undercover, he disguises himself as a pirate to infiltrate the gang of cutthroats responsible for his sister’s death. But when his vessel attacks a merchantman with valuable cargo, Percy is forced to choose between vengeance and saving the life of his commander’s niece, Constance Danbury. Mutiny is sure to obliterate his well-laid plans. It also aligns him with the one woman sure to see through his disguise. Forced to play the fop by day to outwit his enemies, he masquerades as a rogue by night in order to avenge his sister’s death – and to win his true love’s heart.

Duke by Day, Rogue by Night is now available: Amazon | iTunes

I am thrilled to welcome Katherine Bone the author of A Duke By Day, Rogue by Night to my blog. For fun I decided to interview her hero Percival Avery, Marques Stanton to gain a little insight into his life undercover.

Interview with  Percival Avery, Marques Stanton

I was wondering if you had a pirate name? 

(A deep guttural laugh transcends the night air.) “Aye, love. I go by the name Sexton— Thomas Sexton. Sexton delights the tongue, does it not?" 

"Percy!” Constance gazes heavenward. 

“Relax, my gel. We are in no danger in enjoying our first interview.”

If it’s all right to continue, do you have any pirate mannerisms that you use when in disguise? 

“Good question! One, I must say keeps me from dropping the ball, shall we say? First, it’s important to understand there are many ways to trick the enemy. One of the primary reasons Nelson’s Tea is comprised of men from every walk of life is that collective knowledge helps us blend. Operating in plain sight is one of Nelson’s finest achievements and, I might add, it does not hurt to have a former opera house costumer among us. Ollie, one of my most trusted men, is quite adept at theatrical cosmetics. When I portray Thomas, my hair is unkempt, an eye patch, a red bandanna wrapped around my head just so and a few month’s worth of facial hair sufficiently masks my features. But there is more at stake than a visual image, you see. There must be a swagger, a confidence that bores no vulnerability. Without that paramount addition no one can or will stay alive in a pirate’s den.” 

If that’s true, what are you forced to do to escape suspicion when you appear among the ton? 

“As Percival Avery, Marques Stanton, 7th Duke of Blendingham, there is greater risk and one more central to a duke’s existence, the continuation of the family line. Surviving involves being powdered, clean shaven, composed, indifferent and aloof, not so easy a task when someone you care about is threatened. No one can possibly suspect that Percy, the popinjay and seducer of fools, with immaculately tied cravat and impeccable taste could pose a threat to anyone. Therefore the focus becomes a game of wit and verve, a pirate’s complete opposite tactic in every way.” 

By chance does a pirate ship have a parrot or a monkey on-board to boost morale? 

(Percy does a lot of grumbling. )“The English Channel isn't the Caribbean, love."

Favorite lady pirate? 

(And the lopsided roguish grin I've heard so much about appears.) “Are you trying to undermine everything I’m trying to salvage with Danbury’s niece? Of course, my favorite lady pirate would have to be my favorite lady— Lady Constance Danbury. To name anyone else would surely cost me more than my neck.” 

“And your pride,” Constance adds. 

Favorite pirate movie? 

“Movie? Is this one of Nelson’s newest wartime contraptions? If so, I haven’t been briefed by Simon yet.” 

Have I missed something? Who’s Simon? 

“Only the bravest man to serve Nelson and England, my commander and Constance’s uncle. He can drink a man under the table. I remember—” 

 Do you drink it, or just use it for medicinal purposes. 

“Actually, I prefer brandy but drinking rum helps me blend. Thankfully, Captain Frink has a wonderful supply of brandy aboard the Striker and I've been able to drink it without ruining my cover.” He winks at Constance. “Brandy has also helped me tame Constance on occasion.” 

 Do you have a pirate expression that you use every day? 

“I enjoy taunting Constance by calling her ‘my pet’. But my true calling card is “Odd’s fish,” a Percival Avery concoction that sets every heart aflutter, especially in the ballroom, if I do say so myself. And I do.” 

Which leads me to my next question. Do you have any little known pirate trivia you would like to share? 

“Pirates. I rue the day I ever set eyes on them. Being undercover as a navigator in Frink’s crew is not for the faint of heart. I've spent nearly a year trying to work my way into his trust only to have my commander’s niece ruin everything I've strived to achieve.” He nods at Constance. “Your pardon, my gel.” She smiles and he turns back. “If my suspicions are correct and Frink is in league with Zephaniah Job in Talland Bay, a man who’s been pilfering the Cornish Coast since 1770, discovering the benefactor of my sister Celeste’s killers will be much harder than I ever imagined.” 

If you found Celeste’s killers, what then? What would be your weapon of choice? 

“There is no finer weapon than a cutlass or sword. As Thomas Sexton I show average skill with the blade, but as Percival Avery I’m known all over London as a deadly mark.” 

Katherine Bone and friend

Since it’s Halloween, what would a pirate wear for a costume? 

“I do not know about this Halloween. Is it like a masquerade ball? If so, I do know my beloved creator, Katherine Bone, adores wearing a red ensemble she hopes will pass her off as a pirate wench. Do be a dear and go along with her, won’t you? "

Katherine Bone is addicted to history and romance. Raised an Army brat, she had the great fortune to marry an officer and travel the world. After raising four children and putting down roots in the south, the muse came calling with abandon, complete with swashbuckling adventure, mayhem, and Alpha males too impressive to ignore 

You can find Katherine Bone at: 

Website - Facebook -  Twitter - Crimson Romance Authors -Teatime Romance -

Thank you Katherine Bone for stopping by and sharing some insight into your Duke By Day, Rogue By Night. Katherine has some pirate treasure to share with one lucky reader. This is a US/Canada giveaway, and will end 10/31 9 pm PST.  Leave an e-mail address, so I can get a hold of the winner.

Just leave a question for Katherine Bone or Percival. Or you can share your favorite Halloween costume. Have you ever dressed up like a pirate?

Theresa Romain - Interview and Giveaway

Have you read Theresa Romain's debut historical romance, Season for Tempatation? If you haven't what are you waiting for? The second book in the series  Season for Surrender was released on Oct 2, and has been getting fabulous reviews. If you have read Season for Temptation then you know that Theresa has a way with chapter titles, that is amusing, fun and contain a hint of things about to happen. 

Season for Temptation 

Chapter 1

In Which an Unbelievable Number of Biscuits Are Consumed

(click on the link to read an excerpt)

                                                                     

Season for Surrender 

 Chapter 1

Containing Several Damned Nuisances

                                                    (click on the link to read an excerpt)

I thought it would be fun, to ask Theresa about her new book, and find out her inspirations for chapter titles.

Interview with Theresa Romain

Welcome, Theresa!  Season for Surrender's heroine Louisa is, secretly, my favorite character in Season for Temptation, so I am so happy that she has her own book. Can you tell us a little about your new book? 

Thanks for hosting me today, Gayle! I’m really glad to join you to celebrate the release of Season for Surrender.

For the quick plot summary, here’s the back cover copy of the book:

HONOR AMONG ROGUES

Alexander Edgware, Lord Xavier, has quite a reputation—for daring, wagering, and wickedness in all its delightful forms. But the wager before him is hardly his preferred sport: Xavier must persuade a proper young lady to attend his famously naughty Christmas house party—and stay the full, ruinous two weeks. Worse, the lady is Louisa Oliver, a doe-eyed bookworm Xavier finds quite charming. Yet to refuse the challenge is impossible—he will simply have to appoint himself Miss Oliver’s protector…

MISCHIEF AMONG MISSES

Louisa knows her chance for a husband has passed. But she has no desire to retire into spinsterhood without enjoying a few grand adventures first. When Lord Xavier’s invitation arrives, Louisa is more intrigued than insulted. And once inside the rogues’ gallery, she just may have a thing or two to teach her gentlemen friends about daring…

I’m so glad you liked Louisa. I like her too, because she’s not fearless but she is courageous. Because of her shyness, she lives in the country with her sister’s family, but she feels rootless. She takes comfort in books (she actually attends the house party to get a look at Xavier’s notable library), but she wants to connect to people too. 

To her, the house party is much more than an amusement; it’s a way to grow stronger by trying something new. Naturally, it winds up being more new and more amusing than she ever expected!

I love your chapter titles. What came first the chapter or the chapter title? 

Thanks—those are fun to come up with. As for whether the chapter or title comes first, it varies over the course of the draft. I write the first few chapters before anything else, and then I start looking for threads that I could pull out into chapter titles. For later chapters, I usually have a plan for what I want it to include, and I might jot down a title idea even before I draft anything

Are some chapter titles easier to write?

Yes, definitely. They’re easier to write for light chapters—in Season for Surrender, the ones with games and fights. (I’m not sure what it says about me that I have an easier time writing fights than pretty much anything else.) For the deeper emotional moments and love scenes, chapter titles are more difficult because I want to hint at the content without making it seem trivial. I also like to give hints, but never spoilers, so that’s something I need to keep in mind when titling a chapter too.

Do you have a favorite chapter title in Season for Surrender?

Probably the first one: “Containing Several Damned Nuisances.” I like how it captures the hero’s cranky mood at the beginning of the book; he has a cold, so he feels lousy, and as a result he’s impatient with his usual sources of amusement

The title actually happened by chance. I wrote the chapter, and was rereading it for the nth time when I realized I’d had Lockwood say “damned nuisance” twice. Instead of changing it, I decided to have Xavier tease him about that, and it became the chapter title.

Are there any rules you have for yourself, when writing a chapter title? Length?

Just one rule: all the titles in a book start with the same word or phrase. In my debut, Season for Temptation, all the chapter titles begin “In Which.” In Season for Surrender, they all start with “Containing.” I like the old-fashioned, dry-witted feeling of chapter titles: think Tom Jones (the novel) or Jerome K. Jerome’s hilarious “Three Men” books.

What chapter title would you give to the blog tour of Season for Surrender?

Of course it has to start with “Containing.” How about “Containing 19 Stops and Infinite Tomfoolery”?

                                                                      

  Giveaway!    

Theresa makes writing chapter titles look easy, but is it? Leave your own chapter title in the comments. You can describe your upcoming day, week or really anything? 

One randomly chosen commentator will win one autographed copy of SEASON FOR SURRENDER. Contest is open internationally. Giveaway runs until 10/15 9 pm PST.

Thanks again, Gayle—what a fun interview! I look forward to reading everyone’s chapter titles. 

Authors Bio:

Historical romance author Theresa Romain pursued an impractical education that allowed her to read everything she could get her hands on. She then worked for universities and libraries, where she got to read even more. Eventually she started writing, too. Her historical romance debut, SEASON FOR TEMPTATION, was published in October 2011. The sequel, SEASON FOR SURRENDER, was published in October 2012.

Website:  http://theresaromain.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorTheresaRomain

Twitter: @TheresaRomain

Order: amazon • barnes & noble • book depository • books-a-million •chapters indigo • indiebound • posman books • powell’s • word brooklyn

Order e-book: google • kindle • nook • ibook

Epic Book Giveaway Contest!

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!

*Open to US and international residents, though void where prohibited. The Indulge in Our Romance Favorites contest is in no way endorsed by, administered by, or associated with Facebook .By entering, you acknowledge that you give Shana, Vanessa, Heather, Lila and  Elisa permission to add you to their opt-out author mailing lists. This group will never share your email address with anyone else! To be eligible for prizes, you must enter the favorite book of all five authors! 

Make sure you follow the links to the authors Facebook pages. The entry tab is on the left side beneath the authors picture and says: 

Indulge in Our Favorite Authors.

These links* take you directly to the entry forms.
*Shana Galen, *Lila DiPasqua, *Vanessa Kelly, *Heather Snow,
and *Elise Rome, 

Review of The Rogue Pirate's Bride by Shana Galen

The Rogue Pirate's Bride is the third book in Shana Galen Sons of the Revolution series, and it is the rare series that I didn't feel needed to be read in order. The first two books The Making of a Duchess and The Making of a Gentleman are both fantastic stories as well, so what are you waiting for? 

Raeven Russell the free spirited daughter of a British Admiral, and she is more comfortable on the high seas than in a ballroom. Raeven is brave, charmingly unconventional, and has an unusual set of handy skills that would make any rogue or pirate green with envy. She sets out to bring the notorious pirate Captain Cutlass to justice for the murder of her fiance. Raeven intends to make the "pirate" pay for his sins by running him through with her sword. 


Bastien Harcourt, marquis de Valere is a french aristocrat, who in his youth was separated from his family during the French Revolution. Bastien is working on plans for some vengeance of his own, and is in hot pursuit of a Barbary pirate, Jourdain who is responsible for the death of Bastien's mentor. Bastiens' efforts to find the scoundrel Jourdain and send him to a watery grave are disrupted by the arrival of the fiery and furious Raeven. 


Raeven and Bastien find themselves caught up in each others' plans and sparks begin to fly and then ignite between the unlikely couple. The Rogue Pirate's Bride is a fast paced tale of intrigue and betrayal that made me laugh, sigh and tear up in all the right places. Bastien is charming and Raeven is fearless and they were so terrific together that I didn't want their story to end. Loved this book from the first page to the last. I expect that The Rogue Pirate's Bride will bring many new fans to Shana Galen's writing, as well as please those who have already been enchanted by her storytelling.
                                                       

 Quote:                                                   
Something zipped past him and struck the man with enough force to cause him to drop his pistol and clutch his abdomen. Bastien had a moment to look behind him and saw his cabin girl, his beautiful cabin girl, standing there with arm out stretched. He'd known she's be accurate with that dagger.
                                 -The Rogue Pirate's Bride -Shana Galen
                                                                          
                        
Netgalley version provided by Sourcebooks

A Pirate by Any Other Name

In February the Rogue Pirate Princess of Prose otherwise known as Shana Galen, will be here on the blog doing a giveaway of her fabulous new historical romance The Rogue Pirate's Bride from Sourcebooks Casablanca. The Rogue Pirate's Bride is the final installment of  Shana Galen's Son's of the Revolution series. The three books tell the tale of a family of displaced french aristocrats , that become separated from each other during the French Revolution. The first book in the series is the The Making of a Duchess , and the second is The Making of a Gentleman .

In The Rogue Pirate's Bride, Shana Galen delivers an action filled, high seas adventure, and spins a tale of love and intrigue between Captain Cutlass, Bastien Harcourt and Raeven Russell two people who have no intention in falling in love. Raeven is intent on revenge and considers Bastien to be a murderer, who she plans to be bring to justice on the end of her sword. Bastien considers Raeven an over indulged, though  fascinating nuisance, who need to be returned to her father. To complicate matters, Raeven's father just happens to be a British Admiral on the HMS Regal. Bastien needs to part ways from Raeven, before she destroys his plans for some vengeance of his own.

Raeven considers him a pirate;

"Of course he claimed he was a privateer, and she knew he sailed under the Spanish flag and with that country's letters of marque . She didn't care for privateers any more than she cared for pirates, and made little distinction between them." -Raeven

According to Miriam Webster: Letters of marquee : written authority granted to a private person by a government to seize the subjects of a foreign state or their goods; specifically : a license granted to a private person to fit out an armed ship to plunder the enemy

                                           

Pirate or a privateer? What's in a name? Words have power, and these words conjure images that blur together in my mind. I thought it might be helpful to other readers to explore the differences in these words.

According to Miriam Webster:A pirate is someone who commits piracy : an act of robbery on the high seas; also : an act resembling such robbery

Also, according to Miriam Webster: A privateer on the other hand: an armed private ship licensed to attack enemy shipping; also : a sailor on such a ship

What if I asked you to name a pirate in pop culture? 

Many people would probably say Captain Jack Sparrow or Captain Hook? Even if they weren't the first to come to mind, they are indeed two examples of fictitious pirates that are easily recognized by most people.

But what if I asked you to name a privateer? 

Did you know that Sir Francis Drake the explorer, was a privateer flying under the English flag? His name now graces the Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco. Or that, Henry Morgan was a Welsh born privateer who is easily recognizable as the Captain Morgan on the label of Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum? Though the title of privateer is basically the polite term for a government owned pirate, there is little doubt that they have made their own impact on pop culture.

Sir Francis Drake

Actor portraying Captain Morgan

                                                           
So, is Bastien a pirate? Or a privateer? Can Raeven find love with him either way? Lucky for you there are going to be many opportunities to win this book coming up in January and February. I'll keep you updated here, and you can follow Shana Galen on Google +, Facebook, Twitter, Website and Blog at The Sisterhood of the Jaunty Quills.

Shana Galen Super Pirate Extravaganza -click on the link below.

Pirates and Dukes and Gentlemen--Oh, My! at Fresh Fiction
Shana Galen is giving away, The Making of A Duchess, The Making of a Gentleman and next months release The Rogue Pirate's Bride at Fresh Fiction. As if that wasn't enough treasure Shana is adding gold doubloons (chocolate coins) and Pirate's Booty (a delicious gluten free snack). Ends on January 31, 2012.

The Rogue Pirate's Bride Tour - Dates and Locations
Well here is the list of stops on Shana's blog tour for The Rogue Pirate's Bride, and there will be an opportunity to win at every stop. Lots of great blogs, and fun topics.