Friday, June 8, 2012

Today's Special - - Amelia Grey

Photo by Marcia Reynolds
It's my pleasure to welcome Amelia Grey back to The Romance Dish! This award-winning author of historical romances knows a thing or two about romance.  She's been happily married to her high school sweetheart for more than twenty-five years.  Amelia recently answered some questions for us about her new book and a few other topics.  Hope you enjoy our interview!  











PJ:  Welcome, Amelia and congratulations on the release of A GENTLEMAN SAYS “I DO!”

Thank you! I’m very happy to be back at your fabulous site. 

PJ:  We're always happy to host you.  Would you please tell our readers what they can expect in your new book?

I think the best way to tell you about this book is to give you the short synopsis I sent to my editor when this book was in the baby stages of being formed. Let me know what you think.

A Gentleman Says “I Do”

Iverson Brentwood has finally met his match. Catalina Crisp heats his blood like no other lady.  Her alluring countenance has stopped him dead in his tracks. But no matter how attracted he is to her, he can’t give into his desire to possess her in every way… she is the daughter of the man he’s sworn to destroy.
       Catalina’s father is a well-known writer, but he’s a wastrel whose disappearances continuously put them close to destitution.  Something drastic must change, so it is with quill in hand, that Catalina completes her father’s latest parody of Iverson and Matson Brentwood’s spectacular arrival in London.  When the story hits the newsprint, a darkly handsome man is at her door, looking for her father.
Seeing the dashing rogue in the flesh, for a bewildering moment dallying with the rake seems like the perfect fictional escape—and it’s all she can do not to give into the madness of the intriguing man.


PJ:  Wow, that certainly captured my interest!  


This is the fifth book in The Rogues’ Dynasty series.  Is it a stand-alone or is it better for readers to have read the other books first?

All five of the books are complete stories. No plotlines carry over from one book to the next. They are connecting books only because some of the same characters appear in all five books.  Actually six books.  I am currently putting the finishing touches on the last book of the series.

PJ:  There’s usually one scene in every book I read that stays with me long after I turn the final page.  What’s the one scene you would never cut from A GENTLEMAN SAYS “I DO?”

Yes, this book does have a very special scene for me.  The heroine, Catalina has an aunt who has a tendency to drink a little too much port and often becomes tipsy. For that reason, Catalina never lets her go to a party alone and they always leave early—before her aunt imbibes too much. During the dark moment of the plot, when the hero, Iverson and Catalina have parted ways, he finds her aunt at a party alone and in a situation that could be embarrassing for her later. He does the gentlemanly thing and takes the aunt home. And of course, Catalina is truly touched that he saved her aunt from certain scandal and ridicule.    

PJ:  He would certainly melt my heart with that gesture. 


Some authors say they prefer complete silence when writing while others play music or are at their most productive surrounded by people in a coffee shop.  What’s your writing routine?  Does it vary from book to book or remain constant?

I need complete quiet. I can’t focus if people are around or the tv, or radio is on. I’ll find myself listening to whatever is surrounding me, even if it is what’s called elevator music. I will usually know the tune and I’ll find myself humming along or thinking “oh, I love that song!”  I can’t be trusted not to let my mind wander from the story if there is anything near me other than a ticking clock.

PJ:  Your stories take readers into the heart of Regency England.  If you were given the opportunity to time travel what period would you most want to visit?  Why?

It would have to be the Regency. I’m infatuated with all things British and have been since the Beatles landed in America when I was ten or eleven years old and I tried to talk with a British accent.  I would love to visit the Gentleman’s clubs—not that they let ladies in—but this is wishful thinking here. I would love to see the palaces, the streets of London, and Hyde Park during the Regency. I would want to visit the great manor houses and see what they looked like back then. I’ve seen pictures of the ballrooms with the beautiful clothing, the jewels, and the candlelit chandeliers hanging in the ballrooms. I really would not have wanted to live back then, but to visit? Yes, I’d love to visit just for an evening or two.

PJ:  I have to laugh at you affecting a British accent because of the Beatles.  I was 13 when they landed and did the same thing!  


What books do you enjoy reading when you’re not busy writing?

I enjoy biographies. I like to read about other people and try to figure out what made/make them tick. An example I’ll use Steve Jobs biography. His death and his biography happened about the same time last year. Some of the news media touted him as the man who made the most strides in technology advancement of our time. I’m sure this is true so I couldn’t wait to get the book and read about him. I understand he picked the man to write it and read most of it before he died, so I’m thinking most of the book must be close to the truth. But reading the book, I discovered Steve Jobs was nothing like the man I had imagined him to be from what the news stories said. He was very, very different. I enjoyed Tim Tebow’s autobiography and Keith Richards, and Ozzy Osbourne’s and too many more to list. It’s amazing what makes successful men tick.  


PJ:  That certainly is an eclectic group of men!  I love biographies.  They're like pulling back the curtain and discovering the real person behind the public persona.  

Time for Quick Six!

Mountains or Beach?

Beach! I live on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico!

Dogs or Cats?

Oooh, don’t send me any hate mail, but I am not an animal person. Not a flower and plant person either. If it has to be fed or watered, I don’t want it!

Alpha or Beta?

Hubby is alpha and I’m beta and I love it!

Fruits or Veggies?

Oh, both! I love to eat! I love sweets, meats, starches, and well, food! Okra and oysters are about the only things I don’t eat.

Early Bird or Night Owl?

Early bird by far!

Music or TV?

Oh, again I love both but only when I’m not working!

What’s next?

I’m so glad you asked! Let me share with you the short synopsis I wrote for my editor about Matson Brentwood and Sophia’s story which will be the last book in the Rogues’ Dynasty Series. It will be the second twin story, and I hope you will be watching for it next spring. The title hasn’t been decided as of today.

Matson Brentwood has finally met the woman of his dreams. The lovely, red-haired Sophia Hart heats his blood like no other lady.  Her alluring countenance has stopped him dead in his tracks. But no matter how attracted he is to her, he can’t give into his desire to possess her in every way because she is the ward of the man he’s sworn to hate.
Newly arrived in London, Miss Sophia Hart is in need of a husband, but not just for herself.  She has twin, spinster aunts and one of them has decided she wants a man. Sophia agrees to help her aunt by allowing older gentlemen to call on her and then make sure Auntie spends more time in the gentleman’s company than Sophia does. But when Sophia meets the darkly handsome and intriguing Mr. Matson Brentwood, she knows that for the first time, she in danger of losing her heart.
       But there’s more than just an adversarial guardian and a long list of beaus standing between Sophia and Matson. Sophia promised her dying father she would honor his lifelong plan for her as an heiress and marry a titled gentleman. Matson isn't titled so she must deny her love for him and make up to her father for costing him the love of his life.
       This book will be out next spring, however, Iverson Brentwood’s story comes first in A Gentleman Says “I Do” which is currently available at your favorite local or online bookstore. 


Thank you so much, Amelia!  Do you have a question for our readers?  


A Gentleman Says "I Do" is the 5th book in the Rogues' Daynasty Series. Each book stands alone as is the case with most series. I'm putting the finishing touches on the last book of the series and then I'll be ready to come up with something new. I'm trying to decide if I want to begin another series or go for a few solo books. Tell me, do you prefer books in a series of two or more, or do you prefer books that aren't connected in any way?


One randomly selected person leaving a comment will win a book from Amelia's back list.  (US addresses only)

       I love to hear from readers. Please contact me at ameliagrey.com, ameliagrey@comcast.net, or find me on www.Facebook.com/AmeliaGreyBooks 

49 comments:

  1. I'm afraid I'm not much help, I love both! I like reading stand alone books because then there's no pressure to read all the books in the series. But I love series because it's nice to follow characters through several books, or see each secondary character get their own book.

    Barbed1951 at aol dot com

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    1. I love both too, Barbara though I probably would have to say I love a series more. I never want to say goodbye to characters.

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  2. I love connected books. I'm a big series fan. Love reading about familiar characters. I connect to them and really enjoy the feeling of seeing them again. I can't wait to read the next in the Rogue's Dynasty.
    Carol L
    Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

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  3. I really like series books, I am one of those readers that form an attachment with the characters and I am never, ever ready to let them go at the end of a book or for that matter a series. I always want to know more.LOL

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    1. I always want to know more

      I have the feeling there are many readers out there who would agree with that statement. I'm one of them! :)

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  4. I love series books, you feel like you become friends with the characters and it's like going home when reading the next books in the series.

    Trisha S

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    1. you feel like you become friends with the characters and it's like going home when reading the next books

      What a lovely way to put it!

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  5. I like both. I try new authors if the story line sounds good, but if it one of my favorite authors...well I will buy no matter if it is a series or not connected.

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    1. Same here. If it's one of my auto-buy authors I'll buy anything they publish!

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  6. I have read about 6 of your books just this month! I absolutely LOVE your work. You are on my very short list of authors I have to buy if I see a new book! I don't even look at the description because I know it will rock my world!

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  7. Morning everyone! I didn't leave myself any computer time this morning (hit the snooze button three times!) but I'll be back later to play!

    Thanks for stopping by!

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  8. Good morning everyone! I'm thrilled to be with you today to make comments and answer your questions. Thank you PJ and Romance Dish for having me.

    Barbara, I'm with you. I enjoy both too. I've had such fun with Gibby/Sir Randolph Gibson in the Rogues'Dynasty Series and Lord Snellingly with his poorly written poetry. It's fun to put odd characters and bring them back in each book.

    Thank you, Carol. I think Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys got me hooked on reading but my first real adult series that I waited breatlessly for was John Jakes series Kent Family Chronicles that started with The Bastard.

    Dianna and Trisha, me too!

    Debra, that's what we love to hear!

    Brittany, you just made my morning! Thank you! What a lovely way to start my day!

    I'll check back later today so if you have more questions or comments let me know and I'm sending tons of good luck to all of you--one of you will win an autographed copy of one of my books so good luck!

    Amelia

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  9. Hi, Amelia! I thoroughly enjoyed reading your interview this morning. I have always been a fan of your novels and, from what I read about you, I believe we think alike thus you write what I love to read. I think I was British in another life as I too love everything British. While living in Paris, I had the opportunity to get to the UK a few times but it was never long enough and I didn't get to all of the places I want to see. Bucket List!! I'm really looking forward to reading "A Gentleman Says I Do" and I love the synopsis of your upcoming novel as well.

    I send you huge Congratulations on your successes and wish you all the best!

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    1. The UK is on my bucket list. I've been to the European continent but have always wanted to visit England and Scotland.

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  10. I really like your books. I know they continue to be my favorites!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Charlotte. Good luck in the giveaway!

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  11. I like interconnected books. It's always nice to learn more about the HEA of past characters and get another novel with a familiar setting and story.

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    1. I agree! I just finished the third book in a trilogy and it was so nice to catch up with the main characters from the first two books.

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  12. I like reading both, but if I had to pick I would say I prefer books that are not connected. Only because it is so hard for me to keep up with when the next book is coming out. "A Gentleman Says I Do" sounds like a really good read. Thanks for the giveaway!

    gatormaryd(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. That's the biggest drawback to reading a series, Mary. It's so hard to wait for the next book!

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  13. I prefer stand alone or at least like you said you did, they could stand alone. Connected is fine. I don't want to read and feel like I'm missing out constantly. Sometimes I inadvertently pick up books that are part of a series and they end up in the tbr pile. If I know it is a series, trilogies seem to work best for me.

    catslady5(at)aol.com

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    1. A lot of authors seem to be going the trilogy route recently rather than a long-running series.

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  14. Connie, you said all the things an author loves to hear! Thank you, and I'm sure we have much in common.

    Charlotte, thank you! I love hearing comments like yours.

    Kim, I like books connected by characters, too. Sometimes when they are connected by an item they work well like the necklace that connected three of Kat Martin's books a few years ago.

    Mary, you are right. I have had fans write me to say they get the books but won't read them until they have the set. I couldn't wait that long!

    Castlady, the longer series are harder for the authors as well. But when my editor asked if I could write 3 more rogues I said, "Yes!"

    Thank you and keep the comments coming!

    Amelia

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  15. I prefer the stand alone books because you don't have to keep track of who is who. I do like the series books, but it's hard to wait for each of them to come out, and you have to remember who the characters were in the other books, as they have their own story.

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    1. I love discovering a series after all the books have been published! :)

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  16. Thanks for visiting today, Amelia. It sounds like your series is one I need to add to my TBR list. As to the question--I enjoy both types of books. I don't have a specific preference, but I notice that most of the books I read, across all genres, do have interconnected characters. I guess I stick with authors a lot!

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    1. I guess I stick with authors a lot!

      Nothing wrong with that!

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  17. Thanks for the interview! What a gentleman to save the aunt :) The cover is very nice! I enjoy both. As long as the series follows the new characters and briefly touches on the older characters. Sometimes I feel the those older characters can be a bit of a strong presence when you bring them into the story. Sounds like a great book!!

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    1. I know what you mean, Jessika. I love catching up with former characters but I want the hero/heroine of the book I'm reading to be the primary focus of the story.

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  18. Cathy, you hit on a very good point. That's why I think it's best to only bring back the minor but memorable characters and keep previous heroes and heroines out of subsequent books.

    LSUReader, I'm a big fan of Amanda Quick and I've enjoyed her books with continuing characters.

    Jessika, love the spelling of your name. And you hit on just the point I made above. I guess we think alike! :-)

    Wishing all of you good luck on winning a copy of one of my back titles!

    Amelia

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  19. Thanks for an enjoyable interview!

    That's a hard one b/c while I love series, mainly b/c you get to keep seeing the couples/characters you've fallen in love with, it's hard to come into an already established series and catch up. I like stand alones b/c you have a self contained story. So I like both but I have to admit that I have passed on some popular series just b/c I don't have to time to read all the previous books in order to catch up. And even though most series books are kinda self contained, you still need to read the previous books to know the backs tories on the characters.

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    1. You make a good point, Erin. There are some very popular series out there that I'm not reading just because I don't have time to catch up with all the books already published and I hate jumping into the middle of a series.

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  20. Very good points, Erin.

    Ladies, it's Friday and 5:00 and I have to go out for the evening, but if you have more questions, just ask away and I'll come back tomorrow and answer them.

    Thank you, PJ and thank you ladies for joining me today. All of you gave me thoughts to ponder as I began the search for my next book be it--series or solo!

    Amelia

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  21. Have a terrific time wherever your're going, Amelia!

    You can att me to the series lovers, but when I really love an author, I'll read anything she writes: Ads, cereal boxes, menus, billboards, box lables, etc. You get the idea and you are in that catagory!

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    1. when I really love an author, I'll read anything she writes: Ads, cereal boxes, menus, billboards, box lables, etc.

      ROFL! Too true, Flora!

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  22. I like both but sometimes its just nice to set down and read one book and that be the end of the story. You don't have to wait for the next book to come out that way.

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    1. It's nice that we have choices, isn't it? Sometimes I'm in the mood for a "one and done" too.

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  23. I have not yet read Ms.Grey's books but I have just discovered historical romance and I LOVE THIS GENRE!! I hope to win this book as a way of getting to know the works of Amelia Grey. Please enter me and I hope Iwin!

    annfesATyahooDOTcom

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    1. There are some wonderful historical romance authors out there, Soft Fuzzy Sweater. Lots of great reading ahead for you! (and more giveaways this month if you don't win this one!)

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  24. Congrats on the book! I like series books that are standalone.

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  25. I love both types. I really love a series and love to see what is happening with past characters. But sometimes I just want a stand alone, quick and easy! Or not! LOL Even when books do not have to be read in order or at all but they are attached in some way I still want to read them in order and read them all.

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  26. Amelia, thanks so much for visiting with us today!

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  27. I like duets or a series of 3 or 4 books. Long running series are good, but I tend to wait for all the books in a series to be out and on hand before starting the series. I like to read right through keeping the characters and plot lines fresh. Solo books work well for that very reason. I can read it when it comes out and not have to wait. Whatever you write, I know we will enjoy it.
    I look forward to reading A GENTLEMAN SAYS "I DO" and the rest of the series.

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  28. I read both. I read in random order so even if a book is in a series I need it to be able to be read on its own merit. I don't want to be missing some important information. If it is in a series I don't want repetition or a rehash of the other book or books. I do like the familiarity of returning characters and settings but it isn't necessary.

    I'm not familiar with your books. I enjoy similar tastes to PJ's especially rogue related, so I will look for your books.

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  29. Thank you EVERYONE! It's good to know that most of you can go either way. Series or solo. I'll keep that in mind when I start dreaming up my next book! Good Luck to all of you!
    Amelia Grey

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  30. I like both, but, when I've read a series by an author the next time I read that author I kinda want to read a stand-alone. Maybe because the gratification of the HEA is that much sooner.

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