Friday, March 11, 2016

Today's Special - - Elizabeth Michels


PJ and Elizabeth
It is with great pleasure that I welcome Elizabeth Michels back to the Dish today. Elizabeth's newest book, The Infamous Heir kicks off her new The Spare Heirs series and I was lucky enough to join her and others at my local Barnes and Noble last week to celebrate its release. As you can tell from the smiles, we were both very happy to see the new book on the shelf!

Elizabeth Michels grew up on a Christmas tree farm in rural South Carolina. After school, she met a boy and followed him to Missouri but spent summers visiting his family in England where, as she says, she soaked up "history, culture and a few too many pints." She graduated college Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Interior Design, married that boy and they eventually moved to North Carolina where she worked in Architecture, Real Estate, Office Management, Interior Design, and Construction. Until the day when it all changed.  For the rest of the story of how Elizabeth came to be an award-winning historical romance author, visit her website


  
Welcome, Elizabeth! Congratulations on the release of your new book. The Infamous Heir sure has been generating some terrific pre-publication buzz including a RT Top Pick and Publisher's Weekly Starred Review. What should readers expect from this book?

You can expect mystery to solve, romance between a reckless boxer turned lord and the daughter of a duke, your first look into the secretive Spare Heirs Society, and—as always—shenanigans in Regency London! I’m so excited about this book, and about being here to celebrate its release! You may remember Lady Roselyn Grey from Must Love Dukes where she first made an appearance as Devon Grey, Mad Duke of Thornwood’s younger sister.   Now it’s her time to enjoy the London season, but when her childhood friend, Ethan Moore, returns to town, things take an unexpected turn.
Ethan Moore is an unexpected obstacle in Lady Roselyn’s carefully laid life plan. 

I love how Ethan's return flipped her plans upside down. What is it about these two together
that convinced you they were destined for a happy ending?

These two have a history together that starts years before the first page of the book.  Long before Ethan was disowned and forced to leave home, he had a friend on the estate next door.  Her name was Roselyn.  She was wild and her laughter brought him joy, but while Ethan was away Roselyn’s father left home on a mad mission and never returned.  Broken-hearted, Roselyn began walling herself in with things she could control and soon the wild girl that Ethan knew was gone.  I knew that Ethan could bring her back to life.  And she would, in turn, give him the home he’d been without for so many years.  They were once friends and I was certain they would be again by the end of the story.

The Infamous Heir is the first book in the Spare Heirs series. How many books will be in this series? Will each book stand on its own or do you recommend reading them in order?

The Spare Heirs is a 4 book series…right now.  I *may* already have a novella up my sleeve that would increase that number. J   I’m always open to the possibility of expanding the series, but at this time the Spare Heirs are:  The Infamous Heir, The Rebel Heir, The Wicked Heir, and The Unsuitable Heir.  Just like my other books, they stand on their own but are also part of a larger world that you get glimpses into in each story.  I recommend reading them in order but it seems like, as a reader, I always accidentally start with book 3 which is fine too. 

I enjoy the intensity of a good mystery interwoven with romance, such as you’ve written in The Infamous Heir, especially when I can’t easily figure out the identity of the villain or the reasons behind that person’s actions. Your twists and turns really kept me guessing! Will each of the books in the series have a mystery to be solved?

The Infamous Heir and The Wicked Heir have definite elements of mystery in the plot.  As you know, in book one there’s a murder, and in book 3 there’s a theft and a kidnapping.  But just like the members of the Spare Heirs Society themselves, every book in the series is a little different.  Each of these gentlemen have their expertise and what they do for the clandestine group, so the plots are going to vary a bit from book to book because of that. Though, each book will keep you guessing in one way or another.  It’s proving to be a wild series to write, and I’m really excited about it. 

Me too! :)

Our recent warm weather has me anticipating spring. What’s your favorite season? What sets it apart from the others?

Here in North Carolina, many people think fall is the most beautiful time of year, and it is pretty, but I think spring is the best.  I can’t wait for the flowers to bloom in my yard for the first time, the woods that have been gray and sad all winter will become bright green with all the new leaves, and I don’t have to wear a parka to go outside.  I’m one of those people who is perpetually cold, so the first warm weather is always such a relief.  I have lots of projects waiting for me outside this spring, so warm weather and sunny days need to make plans to stick around for a while!

When Lady Roselyn upsets a fruit bowl to create a diversion at a garden party, her sister-in-law jokes that it’s good she spared the plate of cakes or Roselyn’s mother might have started a war. What food should a person valuing their safety never try to take from you?

…I’m laughing so hard right now.  That scene… I had to fight to keep that one in the book, but it’s one of my favorites.  I couldn’t let it go.  The Dowager Duchess of Thornwood would, without a doubt, get violent if someone took her sweets away.  Personally, I love cheese.  If I was happily munching on a plate of assorted cheeses or had some kind of fondue with yummy things to dip in it, I would at least give you the evil eye if you stole it away from me. …And this is why I have to remember to exercise.  Cheese—not the best for you, but yum!

One of the many things I enjoy about your books is the sparkling, witty dialogue that always leaves me smiling. To what author(s) do you turn when you need your spirits lifted?

First of all, thank you! And second, how many can I list?  Haha! I love to escape into stories by Lisa Kleypas, Eloisa James, Julia London, Sherry Thomas, Sarah MacLean, Julia Quinn, Amanda Quick…the list goes on.  But the authors I truly turn to and lean on when I need my spirits lifted are the ones who have become my friends over the past few years.  I don’t know what I would do without their support.  They’re amazing.



Here I am this past weekend with Sophia Henry and Heather McGovern a.k.a the Hot Mess Car Club, enjoying the romance author version of tailgating. We had champagne and chatted in the parking lot before the Carolina Romance Writers meeting where we were speaking on a panel.

Will you be attending any book signings this year where readers can meet you?

I’ll be at Romance Writers of America in San Diego in July and I’m planning to attend Put Your Heart in a Book in New Jersey in October.  I’m sure I’ll add more book signings in between those, but right now that’s what I have on my calendar.  I hope I get to meet lots of readers in person! I can’t wait!

Where can readers find you online?

I love to chat with readers! You can find me in a few places if you would like to say hello.  Here are the links:

What’s next?

I’m currently writing the ending to the Spare Heirs series.  I just sent off the final edits for The Rebel Heir, book 2, which releases this September.  (There’s going to be a cover reveal in the next few weeks for that one.  Shhh, it’s a secret for now.)  After the Spare Heirs?  I’m already plotting out the next series which will take place around the same time as the first two.  I’m really looking forward to it, but right now I’m super excited about sharing this wild band of spare heirs with you!

Thanks for visiting with us, Elizabeth! Would you like to ask our readers a question today?

Are you excited about the arrival of spring? What are you looking forward to the most?  The warm weather? A vacation? A book release?  Let’s chat.


I have a signed copy of The Infamous Heir for one randomly chosen person who leaves a comment on today's post. (U.S. / Canada only)





41 comments:

  1. Enjoyed the post. I'll be looking forward to reading The Infamous Heir.Gorgeous cover.
    Carol L
    Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

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    1. Thanks, Carol! Isn't the cover awesome? I think my publisher really hit it out of the park with this one. I hope you enjoy The Infamous Heir!

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  2. I really loved THE INFAMOUS HEIR and looking forward to reading more by Elizabeth Michels! Huge congratulations!!

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    1. Thanks, Connie!!! I'm so glad you liked it! *blushes*

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  3. All your books are fabulous and I love all they all tie together. Can't wait for your next book. I'm super excited for an all girl's weekend in Vegas next month for RT booklovers. Wish you could be there

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    1. All your books are fabulous

      I agree, Jennifer and I think The Infamous Heir is her best yet. Have fun at RT!

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    2. Thanks Ya'll! I wish I could be at RT this year. I am going to be at the one in Atlanta next year, but Atlanta is not Vegas. Have a great time!

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  4. Captivating novel which interests me greatly. I look forward to warmth and wonderful summer which I enjoy. Perhaps a vacation too.

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    1. I like summer too. Right now, I'm working on surviving spring (which isn't even here yet). Allergies have returned with a vengeance.

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    2. I am glad you like the book and I hope you get a chance to enjoy the warm weather. Personally, I love reading outside at a cafe when it is nice out. I am certainly enjoying my first real taste of warm weather this weekend. PJ - I hope you survive sniffle season.

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  5. Seeing things turn green, a little planting and all the glorious flowers.

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    1. The buds on the trees always make me jump for joy because leafy greens are on the way!! I also love seeing the little purple nubs of my Hostas coming out of the ground. That means spring is finally here! Now if Mr. Alpha Male could just get the grass to go from yellow to green we would be in good shape.

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  6. Loved your post and your books. I am looking forward to warmer weather with trees and flowers blooming.

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    1. Looking forward to the warmer temps here too, Cathy.

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    2. Cathy - I am really happy you liked the post, and I am especially happy you like the books! I go into each new story with the desire that, like spring, I can find a new beginning that leads to a bright and beautiful summer. It is the best part of writing. Thanks again!

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  7. Congratulations on the new book. The friends-to-lovers trope is always interesting.

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    1. Kim - Thank you so much! The Friends-to-lovers is one that I have wanted to do for a while. Personally, one of my favorites. But like all great stories I wanted to, attempt at least, to find a way to flip it on it's head. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

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  8. It's always nice when spring arrives & the crocus pop up (& I see the daffodil greens are up too). This winter was very strange - one Huge snow, a few little ones, periods of unusually warm weather - much better than last winter where we were frozen solid for two months!

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    1. It's been a strange winter when I live too, Di. It's almost 80 today!

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    2. Yay for Daffodil!! That is how I can always tell warm weather is near. We had a very mild winter this year. Much better than last year. I hope beautiful blooms are in your very near future.

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  9. The cover model is gorgeous! Where did you find him?

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    1. I agree, Elaine! Wouldn't mind ordering up one of those for myself. ;-)

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    2. Right?! I picked him out of a catalog. I went through and found the gentlemen that most said "Hey Girl!" and snatched him right up. In truth my publisher chooses the cover models, but I have always loved her taste in hunky men.

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  10. I love spring flowers--planting them in my yard, seeing them around the neighborhood. I even like browsing store garden sections! Flowers look like happiness. Thanks for the post and giveaway. I look forward to reading more about the Spare Heirs.

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    1. I'm looking forward to filling my patio planters with beautiful colors. It's hard to wait but I won't be planting anything until mid-April. Too many late freezes have taught me well. :)

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    2. I LOVE going shopping for flowers! We go to the home store and walk around buying lots of them. I can envision how they will look in my flower beds. Then Mr. Alpha Male and I go home, put on our work clothes, get our work gloves, and I sit on the front porch and watch him plant them! LOL! Don't tell him I admitted this fact, he will never let me hear the end of it...

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  11. Right now, I'm enjoying the cooler weather and lower humidity here in southern Florida. The coming of Spring means that the weather is going to get hotter, and the humidity higher. When I still lived in England, I did look forward to Spring a lot though, as it meant all the pretty flowers would be emerging from the soil and brightening up our gardens and countryside. I enjoy Elizabeth's books, and this one sounds really good.

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    1. I remember that southern Florida humidity well, Diane. Hope you enjoy The Infamous Heir as much as I did!

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    2. Diane - I am glad you like the books. I loved spring in North Yorkshire. Mr. Alpha Males parents had a garden in their back yard that was absolutely alive with color in the spring. I hope you enjoy the spare heirs, and the Florida summer is not too hot!

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  12. How fun that you lived on a Christmas tree farm! You grew Christmas "joy." :-)

    It feels like it is already spring here in Georgia. I look forward to the flowers and the leaves growing back on the trees. You can keep the spring pollen though!

    The theme of "spare heirs" is a great idea for a series! The Infamous Heir is on my TBB list.

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    1. Cheryl - We are HUGE Christmas fans. Mr. Alpha Male and I go ALL OUT when it comes to Christmas decorations, parties, events, going to the nutcracker, light shows, the works. I suppose it did rub off on me from my youth. Our only complaint is that we can't just jump from crackling fires and silver bells - right to spring blooms and warm breezes. I guess we wouldn't appreciate them so much if it were not for the gloomy days between. Glad you like the idea for the spare heirs, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the books.

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  13. Spring!!! LOL.. I love the perfect weather cuz here in the Midwest it gets hot and humid waaay too fast. And there's always a great crop of new releases to read outside! Congrats on the new release! Sounds fabulous :) thanks for sharing!

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    1. I know that Midwest humidity all too well, Erin! I lived in Kansas City for 5 years and loved it--other than the unending snow and the hot summers. LOL Enjoy sitting in the sun and enjoying a book on the sunny days ahead! :)

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  14. Love the cover!! Spring is my favorite time of year. Flowers blooming and the weather warming up. We are going to Chicago the first of April. Perfect time to visit with friends and family.

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    1. Have a great trip, Pamela! That sounds like fun! :)

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  15. Living in a college town, we actually stay home and enjoy the ease of parking downtown, no lines at local dining favorites, lack of traffic.... and we've already been a month at the beach last month!

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    1. A month at the beach?! Take me with you next time! That sounds amazing! Enjoy the lack of crowds in your town. :)

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  16. Sounds like you had tons of fun writing this story. And I agree 100% that cover is delicious :)
    My favorite season is spring and even though allergies threaten to kill me each year I love seeing flowers bloom, trees turn green, and weather get a little warmer.
    Joanna M.

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  17. Thanks for the interview! The book & series sound really good!

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