Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Today's Special - - Vanessa Kelly



It's our pleasure to welcome Vanessa Kelly back to The Romance Dish today! Vanessa is a best-selling author whose sensual, Regency-set historical romances have been nominated for awards in a number of contests.  Her second book, Sex and The Single Earl, won the prestigious Maggie Medallion for Best Historical Romance. Secrets for Seducing a Royal Bodyguard, the first book in her new Renegade Royals series, received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and spent several weeks on BookScan’s romance bestseller list.  You can find her on the web at www.vanessakellyauthor.com.






Confessions of a Royal Bridegroom
Character Interview with Griffin Steele

Hi PJ and Andrea!  Thanks for having me on today.  I love being here!  I hope you don’t mind that I brought someone along with me, although he seems to be late.  It’s Griffin Steele, the hero of Confessions of a Royal Bridegroom.  He’s a bit of a bad-boy and a rogue, so I’m hoping he behaves himself today. But don’t blame me if he doesn’t. *sigh*

*Griffin strolls into and chooses the most comfortable armchair to lounge in*

I always aim to please, Miss Kelly, especially in the bedroom.  I thought you knew that by now?

Misbehaving already, I see.  Well, I suppose it’s only to be expected from a man who made his fortune from gaming houses and a brothel.  No one ever said you had the most sterling of reputations.

*Griffin raises a haughty eyebrow* 

Miss Kelly, surely you realize that I never wanted to own that blasted brothel—I simply inherited it along with one of my gaming houses.  In fact, I’m in the process of selling it to some of the women who work there, which is very progressive thinking on my part, as I’m sure you’ll agree.

Yes, you’re truly a prince of a guy.

Is that a joke, Miss Kelly?  Because if it is, I am not amused.

Oh, right!  I forgot—you hate it when anyone mentions the fact that you’re the illegitimate son of a prince.

Then why do you keep mentioning it?  Do you really have so little regard for your own…well-being?

I created you, and now you’re threatening me?  That was a threat, wasn’t it?

You wound me, Miss Kelly.  I wouldn’t dream of hurting a hair on your lovely head.

Good to know.  Cripes, this interview is not going how I thought it would.

What was that you said?  You were muttering that last bit.

Oh, come on, everyone knows you always hear everything that goes on around you.  Your hearing is so good it’s almost freakish.

As is my vision and the rest of my physical attributes.  In fact, I have it on good authority that I’m a perfect specimen of masculine power and grace, and I’m also devilishly handsome. 

Yeah, and you’re the picture of modesty, too.  So, what’s this I hear about you having a spinster fetish?

*Griffin jolts upright*

Hell and damnation, I do not have a spinster fetish.  Who had the bloody nerve to tell you that canard?

Sorry, she told me in the strictest confidence.  You’ll have to figure it out for yourself.

It was Justine Brightmore, wasn’t it?  That woman is driving me insane with her ridiculous lace caps and her ugly gowns that entirely fail to conceal her absolutely spectacular bosom and lovely behind.  Not that I’ve noticed, mind you.  The woman is nothing more than an annoying, starched-up spinster…

You were saying?

Never mind.  But I’d like to make it clear—

*The door opens and Justine bustles into the room.  Vanessa leans over to whisper to Griffin.*

You’re right—that lace cap she’s wearing is simply awful.

I’m always right.  Now, Justine, what can I do for you?

Nothing, Mr. Steele, and I truly wish you wouldn’t look at me that way.  It’s positively indecent.

You can’t begin to imagine what I think is indecent, Justine, but I’d be happy to show you.

*Justine looks aghast*

Sir!  You are nothing but a reprobate, and I insist you keep your salacious suggestions to yourself.  Now, if you’ll excuse me, I simply want to fetch my needlework.  I’ll bid you good evening.

*Justine exits with an air of offended dignity*

See what I mean, Miss Kelly?  Justine is a starched up spinster who is sorely in need of a—

*Vanessa squawks and flaps her hands*

Miss Kelly, I was simply going to say that Justine needs a thorough kissing.  Now whose mind is in the gutter?

We both know that was not what you were going to say.  Wait!  Where are you going?

I just thought of something I needed to discuss with Justine.  In her bedroom, with the door locked.  I suggest you not wait around, Miss Kelly.  Our discussion might take some time—all night, in fact.

Good Lord, the man’s incorrigible.  Honestly, I don’t think Justine has a clue what she’s up against.  But I have a feeling she’s about to find out!


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


ONLY ONE WOMAN IS WORTHY OF HIS SECRETS...

Some men are born into scandal. Others pursue it with a passion. Griffin Steele, secret son of the Duke of Cumberland, is guilty on both counts. Yet somehow London’s most notorious scoundrel has been saddled with an abandoned baby boy—and with the unflappable, intriguing spinster summoned to nurse him…

Justine Brightmore may be a viscount’s niece, but she’s also a spy’s daughter, determined to safeguard the infant when his suspected royal parentage makes him a target. Yet how to protect herself from the rakish Griffin? Marriage might shield her reputation, but it can only imperil her heart, especially with a groom intent on delicious seduction…

Amazon          Nook               Apple





One person who leaves a comment today will receive a copy of CONFESSIONS OF ROYAL BRIDEGROOM.  

What do you think, readers?  Who's going to win this particular battle of love: the sexy bad boy or the starched up spinster?  Or maybe, they'll both win it together! *grin*


74 comments:

  1. I loved the interview with Griffin Steele and I'm looking forward to reading Confessions of a Royal Bridegroom so I can hear all about his story, as well as Justine's.

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  2. I have just finished reading this. LOVED IT!!!!!

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    1. Mary, I'm so happy you enjoyed Griffin and Justine's story!

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  3. Hmmmm... winning it together... makes me wonder... ;) Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy! :)

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    1. Lady Di, I think they both come out as winners!

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  4. Would looooovve to win one! Thanks.

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  5. I loved the interview, which had me giggling throughout. Now, I'm the first one to admit that I love a bad boy, and love to see them brought to their knees by a woman. I think that in the end, they will both win the battle of love. Thank you for the chance to win.

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    1. Diane, Griffin was SO easy to write! He's really a fun character.

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  6. Lol! The last part of this made me laugh! Oh Griffin...I loved this review so much. I'm going to say Justine would win but Griffin is doing a good job in persuading me to change

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  7. Great interview. I think them winning together is the most intriguing outcome. I cannot wait to read this.

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    1. Thank you, Julia! It's fun watching them battle it out, but they both will win at the game of love!

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  8. I think we'll have two winners, no losers. Thanks for the post and giveaway.

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  9. Hi Vanessa!

    I loved your interview with Griffin and my favorite part was when Griffin said "That woman is driving me insane with her ridiculous lace caps and her ugly gowns that entirely fail to conceal her absolutely spectacular bosom and lovely behind"!

    I may only

    I only have sons and I must admit that I'm always glad when my daughter-in-laws are able to thwart them from their not well thought out plans. I think that Justine may be quite like them because I know that Griffin may be good looking (okay gorgeous) but I love that Justine already has him in a twitter! Even better even if she loses her "battle" with him she still wins!

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    1. Hi, Jeanne! Yes, sometimes the ladies need to keep the men in line. I have to say, though, that Justine is just as likely to get into trouble as Griffin - if not more so!

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  10. Ahhh, Vanessa. The whole reason I read romances is because of their HEA endings, and in my eyes they both win (usually because he brings out some strength in her, and she brings out some emotion in him).

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    1. Absolutely true, Laney! Griffin helps Justine realize how strong she truly is, and she helps him realize it's okay to feel emotion.

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  11. Griffin is definitely a heart stealer. I'm loving the entire Royal Renegades series, Vanessa. I'm poised on ready now for Tall, Dark, and Royal.

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    1. Janga, that makes my heart very happy to hear you say that! Mwah!

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  12. Griffin just makes my heart go flutter, makes me want to get better acquainted with this rogue and Justine may be the one to get payback on him. Shyness just covers her real feelings and I want to read this series.

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  13. It sounds to me like they are both going to be winners!

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  14. Would love to win this one. .love those spinster heroines!

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  15. I loved this interview, very typical of my favorite type of hero. I can't wait to read this book, as I enjoyed the previous two very much. I love HEA's so I must believe that they both win!

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    1. Christine, it makes me very happy that you're enjoying my Renegade Royals - thank you!

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  16. Well, I think they'll end up together, but Justine may have a few more tricks under her cap than Griffin suspects!

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    2. Those caps are good for hiding tricks, Mary!

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  17. My interest was already piqued by the lovely cover, but a strong, hard-headed rogue with an abandoned babe, and a challenging spinster with a hidden agenda - I need to hit submit on my taxes so I can treat myself to the rest of the story.

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  18. I'm wondering if Justine is really as starched-up as she appears?! I bet she has a few tricks that will bring Griffin in line (at least some of the time). My prediction is that they will both be winners in the end.

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    1. She does, Di! After all, she is the daughter of a spy!

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  19. Hi Vanessa! Thanks for bringing Griffin with you, he is certainly a roguish bad boy. I definitely think there's going to be a lot of fireworks around Griffin and Justine. I hope there are be no losers and everyone wins (because that's why we love reading romances!) Thanks for the chance to win Confessions, I'm really looking forward to reading it after meeting Griffin! ;-)

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    1. Hi, Anita! Isn't romance great? Everyone is a winner - except for the bad guy, of course!

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  20. I always enjoy a spying subplot. It sounds like Justine is more than just a spinster?

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    1. Kim, she's the daughter of a spy, so she has some skills and a strong sense of right and wrong.

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  21. Nobody loses ! It will be so nice to read Griffin's story !

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  22. Would love to win. Always have a book in my hand.

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  23. OH it would have to be both love is a two way street.

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    1. It certainly is, Peggy, at least in romance novels!

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  24. I think Griffin will believe he won and has the upper hand but I do believe Justine will show him a thing or two! :) Love the interview, it's going to be awesome to read just how Justine handles Griffin and how they'll both win.

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  25. Hi Vanessa! Thanks for visiting with us today. I am so enjoying this entire series. I'm in the middle of Griffin and Justine's story right now. :)

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    1. *waving madly at PJ* Thank you, dear lady, and Andrea, too! Always fun to visit The Romance Dish!

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  26. Hi, Vanessa! I really enjoyed your interview with Grirffin! Sounds like Justine will have her hands and other parts full of him. Of course, both will end up as winners.

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  27. Loved the interview. Can't wait to read about Griffin and Justine. I can tell it's going to be lots of fun! :)

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  28. Love those character interviews....so fun. Well, I think they both will win at love...after getting over a few (ok a lot) of stumbling blocks in their path...right?

    kareninnc at gmail dot com

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  29. Oh, I love your bad boys (really enjoyed the first in this series) and I say they're both going to win in the end :) Love your covers too!

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  30. I see this as a win-win! Very cute dialogue!

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  31. Great interview!
    Am thinking there's more to Justine.
    Think she will surprise our bad boy!

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  32. Together!!! LOL.. thanks for such a fun interview! Congrats to Vanessa on the new release!

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  33. This just makes me want to read the book even more!! I'm so excited for it! :)

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  34. Hi Vanessa. I was hoping someday your books will comes here in Indonesia with the translation. You know, it would be more easy for us to order/buy. And surely it more cheap.
    I enjoyed the way u wrote.

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    1. Hi, Ina! Yes, I would love to see my books in more foreign translations. I'm thinking that maybe my first book, Mastering The Marquess, has been translated into Indonesian, but it's hard to keep track. I'm often not notified which books actually get translated.

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  35. Vanessa, that was a fabulous interview with Griffin, he is a bad-boy rogue that I would love to meet. Looking forward to reading 'Confessions of a Royal Bridegroom' . ;]

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  36. LOL.... I adore your dialog and can't wait to read the entire book!! Congrats to Vanessa for another great book!

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  37. Sorry, I'm late to the party, Vanessa! I was away from home all day and am about to go out again today--it's Spring Break for us!

    I love this interview! But then, I love Griffin, so it should come as no surprise. *g* And I love, love, love this book!!!

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    1. Hi, Andrea!! I hope you're enjoying your spring break, and I'm thrilled you enjoyed Confessions - mwah!!

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  38. Thanks to my lovely hostesses for having me on, and thank you to all the kind ladies who commented - I got a little behind in answering, but I'm grateful you're all looking forward to the book!

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  39. Love that a bad boy has a soft heart and he is willing to take care of an abandoned little boy!

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  40. I figure they'll both win...each other. LOL I can't wait to read this book, Vanessa. :)

    Marcy Shuer

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  41. He'll win first; then they'll both realize that she's won, too!

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  42. Neither one has a chance to "best" the other. They are both going to be winners in this contest of wills. It sounds like they have both met their match.

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