Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Today's Special - - Donna MacMeans


Donna MacMeans is in the house!  Donna is the author of sexy Victorian romances that keep me reading way past my bedtime.  Her latest, THE CASANOVA CODE, kicks off her new series, The Rake Patrol.  (Read my review here.)  It's a wonderful book that I highly recommend and Donna is here today to tell us a bit about it.  Welcome, Donna!


You can find more information about Donna and her books at her website and on Facebook.




Thank you PJ for inviting me to talk about THE CASANOVA CODE.

I love this book!  It’s fun.  It’s sexy.  And it’s the first of a new series built around Victorian personal ads.  Yes - they had personal ads in the 1890s.  They’re mentioned in Sherlock Holmes, and also in the secret code books that I used in research.

Secret code?  What has that to do with personal ads?  Well, I’ll tell you.

Originally, I wanted to show that my heroine, Edwina Hargrove, was analytical so I thought I’d have her enjoy working crossword puzzles.  However, I discovered that crossword puzzles didn’t become popular until world war I, which is far later than the setting of my book.  A facebook fan suggested cryptograms and I found that those had been around for a long, long time.

Then I discovered a reference in a code book to Victorian personal ads.  It seems that some individuals used the personals as a way of communicating to individuals they really shouldn’t be communicating with.  By putting their messages in code, they assumed such messages would be private - and they would be, unless you can break code, like my heroine Edwina.  Actually, I read a story in one code book about a code-breaker in 1890 who had been following a conversation between a man and woman in the personals.  The code-breaker placed a message in the newspaper using their rather simple code, suggesting that the woman be more judicious in her choice of paramours.  The woman replied to her lover that their secret had been discovered.

Once I learned of the connection between secret codes and Victorian personal ads, the book took off.  I tossed in a secret organization connected with Japanese erotica and the Casanova Code was the result.

Here’s the blurb:

“A refined gentleman, age 25, of wealth and education, seeks the acquaintance, with a view to matrimony, of a high-minded, kind-hearted lady who prefers an evening of quiet conversation to the lively demands of society.”

Edwina Hargrove knows that this “gentleman” was, in fact, Ashton Trewelyn, a rake notorious for seducing the young and naive. In fact, five decent women have already been tricked and bundled off to the continent for scandalous purposes. There was a way to thwart his scheme though—by shadowing this devilishly handsome Casanova and warning his prey.  If only it were that simple.

Wounded and weary, Ashton Trewelyn returns home to London from the King’s Royal Rifles but soon discovers a coded message that has implications for the Crown and his family.  His only hope to unravel the mystery lies in the enigmatic Edwina’s ability to recognize patterns.  Even as he leads her on a path of secret societies and risque temptations, he discovers she arouses his jaded soul with temptations of her own.  Must they risk everything to decipher Casanova’s code?

I hope you give it try.  To help the process I’ll give away a copy of THE CASANOVA CODE to two people leaving a comment on today.s blog.  If you were writing a personal ad, what qualities would you include in the advertisement?

Thanks, Donna!  Okay, everybody, let those creative juices flow!  



60 comments:

  1. Congrats on the new release, Donna. My ad would say something like comics and raunchy comedy lover seeks a tall, dark and funny man with a sense of adventure.

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    1. Sorry for the late reply! I didn't realize the post was up as I just got my internet back today!

      Thanks Jane. My ad would have to include something about comedy as well. Love the sense of adventure.

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  2. WANTED: an intelligent, witty, good-natured, big hearted man.

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    1. Marybelle - yes - must be intelligent. Wit and intelligence go hand-in-hand, don't they? Wouldn't want to go through life with someone who didn't know how to laugh. Thanks for stopping by.

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  3. Congratulations on the release of THE CASANOVA CODE. It sounds like it will be great fun.
    My ad: Wanted: an adventurous and intelligent man with a sense of humor who wants to spend the rest of his life discovering the world with a like minded woman.

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    1. Librarypat - Your ad sounds like the one my heroine would write if she were to use a personal ad to find a mate. Adventure is her thing.

      Hope you'll give Casanova Code a try!

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  4. Loved the Casanova Code Donna, devoured it in two settings, would have been one but I did eventually have to sleep.

    My Ad: Older woman in search of gentleman with intelligence and a sense of humor. Controllers need not apply.

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    1. hi Dianna -

      LOL - I hope you don't mean that in the business sense. i mean - I once was the controller of a large organization (grin). Of course, that was the position in the Accounting Dept. I'm sure you're referring to a different sort of controller. LOL

      So glad you loved the Casanova Code. It really is a fun book, isn't it? I had a ball writing it. Thanks so much for stopping by Dianna.

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  5. I have a copy of The Casanova Club awaiting atop my TBR stack. I look forward to reading it, Donna, especially after reading PJ's review yesterday.

    My ad: Mature SWF seeks mature gentleman with integrity, intelligence, and lively sense of humor. Preference given to George Clooney look-a-like. :)

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    1. Janga -

      Just got my internet back after five days of living in an isolated world. I haven't read PJ's review yet. Came over to check it out and saw my blog was up LOL. But I'll read it as soon as I've finished addressing comments.

      LOL on the George Clooney look alike. Wouldn't mind that myself (grin). Must admit that Casanova Code has a rather sexy side - I sure wouldn't mind Mr. Clooney taking me on THAT adventure.

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  6. I am already in love this book! Sweet and romantic woman seeks passionate, good kisser, romantic man who loves reading, watching movies, and nature.

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    1. Mina - Mmmmm - good kisser - love it. Definitely great qualities for your man. Hope you give Casanova Code a try. It'll provide some inspiration to give those lips a kissing workout (grin).

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  7. SWF seeking an athletic, fun loving, nice man who likes the outdoors, book reader,lover of music added plus, ages 50-65. Please reply to...

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    1. Hi Laurie G!

      Love your ad. Isn't it interesting how the modern personal ads have reduced themselves to a sort of code: SWF, BPM, DFNS.. I need a legend to make sense of most of them. LOL. Love that your guy would love books as much as you do. I see long afternoons shared in a hammock with a couple of good books - hopefully Casanova Code will be one of them (grin).

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  8. Hi, Donna! *blowing kisses* I'm looking forward to read The Cassanova Code----a very interesting and cool concept. Who knew about codes and personal ads?? The things we learn. ;-)))))

    Hmmm, my ad (if I wasn't already married LOL): Wanted: Tall, dark, intelligent, compassionate man with a sense of humor and a zest for life. Closed-minded, micro-managers need not apply.

    Bahahaha!

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    1. Blowing kisses right back!

      I bet that desciption in your ad fits your hubby to a tee - and what a wonderful description it is! Love the zest for life - it's so important.

      Hope you read Casanova Code, Gannon. I think you'll enjoy it. Let me know if you do.

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  9. I think I would say charming, fun and mature. Congratulations on the new book and I think it sounds like a really unique story.

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    1. Hi Maureen -

      Thanks for the congrats. One of the reasons I liked writing it so much is that it is pretty unique, but lots of fun. Hope you give The Casanova Code a try.

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  10. I think I would say smart, romantic and loving woman. Seeks honest, funny and kind hearted man.

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    1. You know - I think men would flock to that ad. Who wouldn't want a smart, romantic and loving woman in their life? Thanks for dropping by. Hope you give Casanova Code a try.

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  11. I like the idea of a "modern" woman looking for finding something to do that interests her.

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    1. I had so much fun researching about the "modern" woman of the 1890s They called them "New Women' back then and there's all sorts of whiney newspaper articles moaning about what the world is coming to - women on bicycles, working, showing their ankles, wanting to vote - is there no end to their demands? LOL. Some things never change.

      Hope you give The Casanova Code a try to see how my "modern" woman makes out.

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  12. Looking for a lifetime mate who will intentionally seek out ways to sweep me off my feet.

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    1. Ah - Christy P - That's so sweet! So here's the question - do you look for ways to intentionally sweep the significant other off his feet? I have - LOL - with some hilarious results. Another day, another blog. (grin)

      Thanks for stopping by. I hope you give Casanova Code a try.

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  13. Morning All! Welcome, Donna! Great to have you with us today!

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    1. PJ - Sorry I wasn't here earlier PJ. Between the craziness of my life and the lack of internet, I didn't realize I'd be up today. Trying to make up for loss time (grin).

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    2. That's okay, Donna! Sorry about the loss of internet. Did it give you a sense of freedom or just frustration that you were cut off from the world?

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  14. congrats on the release, Donna. lovely cover book :)

    Advertisement : a white, beautiful, sexy woman, nice and quiet, 26 ages, seeks a single, steady job, ready to get married man.
    an additional term : humor, kind heart, smart and love children :)

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    1. Hi Eli -

      Glad you included "steady job". There's something about a competent man, one who knows how to make a living. I like that you put the intentions right up front as well (grin).

      Berkley did a fabulous job on the cover. Thank you for noticing, Eli. I think the model, though, might be the same guy as in Redeeming the Rogue. He gets around!

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  15. I can't wait to read The Casanova Code, Donna! It'll be my reward for getting the first draft of my WIP finished *g*

    Right now my ad would read: Sexy, single man wanted to be hero in latest WIP. Must have issues (but nothing he can't overcome by the end of the story), love strong, self-sufficient, stubborn women (or just the heroine of story) have a sense of humor and make readers swoon. Please reply ASAP!!

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    1. LOL Beth - Yeah, I think I've seen that guy in your books LOL! Great ad. Hope you can find the time to give Casanova Code a read. Love to know what you think -

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    2. Hope you get a reply soon, Beth! :)

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  16. I'd be looking for someone who's intelligent and honest, with a good sense of humor--just like the guy I married all those years ago!

    I'm looking forward to The Casanova Code. Thanks for visiting.

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    1. LSUReader - Obviously, you know how to pick them - and congratulations for finding a guy with those qualities. I can't imagine being with someone without a sense of humor...or intelligence...or someone I couldn't trust. Hey - I think I married your guys as well!

      Hope you give Casanova Code a try. Thanks for stopping by.

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  17. I am really looking forward to reading THE CASANOVA CODE. If I had a personal ad, it would be for someone honest, loving, loyal, trustworthy, and a sense of humor.

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    1. Hi Cathy P -

      Good qualities, all. I love how we all insist on a sense of humor. It's not optional, it's essential for maintaining sanity in today's world (grin0. Hope you give Casanova Code a try. My plan is make you smile while reading it.

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  18. Hi PJ and Donna -

    PJ, thanks for having Donna share with us how she came up with Edwina being a code breaker! Hum, I just wonder how Edwina would do trying to figure out a Sudoko puzzle today!

    Donna, I first fell in love with your books reading The Education of Mrs. Brimley and the rest of the Cambers trilogy. So far The Trouble with Moonlight is your only "stand alone" book and I was wondering if you are planning on having more or continue with just series?

    I can't wait to read The Casanova Code and find out how Ashton gets Edwina to help him find out how Edwina does her "magic" figuring out codes and help him find out who is harm the Crown and his family?

    Can you give us a hint of when the next book in The Rake Patrol will be released?

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    1. Hi Jeanne -

      Thanks for the book love. You know, I hadn't thought about Edwina doing a sudoku puzzle as they're too modern for her time period - but I bet she'd excell at it. Sudoku is all about the patterns of numbers within the columns, rows, and small squares. Yeah - bet she'd be good.

      So glad you've enjoyed my books. The Trouble with Moonlight was really intended to be the first book of a series, but it just never got any traction in the market. My editor said they wouldn't by a sequel, but I still get letters from fans asking for Portia's book. I figure one of these days...

      I'm working on the second book of the Rake Patrol now so I doubt if Berkley will find a spot in the 2013 schedule, but you never know. So no - can't say yet when it'll be released. It's a crazy world - publishing.

      Thanks for stopping by. Hope you give Casanova Code a try.

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    2. PJ, thanks for having Donna share with us how she came up with Edwina being a code breaker!

      It was fun finding out the story behind the book, wasn't it, Jeanne? I love that she was a code breaker and how cool that they actually had personal ads in Victorian times. I had no idea!

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  19. Congratulations on your new release. I'd look for someone with looks, intelligence and a sense of humor. Certain things never change.

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    1. Hi Kim -

      Ain't that the truth! Actually, I figure when I write my historicals that they looked for the same qualities in their men as we do today. There has to be chemistry, but there also has to be intelligence and humor, too. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you give Casanova Code a try.

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  20. quality - sense of humor! I enjoy all your books and I'm sure this new one is a great one too!!

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    1. Hi catslady -

      Thanks for the book love and thanks for stopping by! Yeah - sense of humor is essential. Hope you find that my hero has this quality in Casanova Code.

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  21. Hi Donna! Contratz on your new release and for coming up with such a refreshingly new storyline. I can't wait to read it. My ad:

    Me: Georgous Cougar looking for action, adventure, passion and pleasure.

    You: Ready, willing, and ABLE!

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    1. LOL - love it!

      So, I take it you're looking for a younger man? That might be quite the scandal in the 1890s. Good for you! While my heroine hasn't reached cougardom, she longs for all the same qualities in her man - but she's pretty sure that's not in the cards - or the ads as it were.

      Hope you give Casanova Code a try!

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  22. *waving* Hi, Donna! Welcome back to the Dish. :) Between PJ's review and this blog, I'm sold! Sounds like one I would LOVE.

    Will you be signing THE CASSANOVA CODE at M&M by chance? *I hope*

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    1. Hi Andrea!!

      It is my sincere intent to sign copies of The Casanova Code at Midnight & Magnolias. I love that conference. So much fun!

      I still need to read PJ's review, but sounds like I owe her kisses and hugs. I hope you give Casanova Code a try!

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  23. Thanks for a great post! Congrats on the new release! I'm definitely going to have to check out the backlist!

    Ummm... Mine would say "looking for an easy going guy w/ a job, sense of humor and must love dogs and reading!" :)

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  24. Hi Erin -

    Love the "must love dogs" and the insistence that the applicant have a job (grin). As a dog lover, I hope you check out the anthology, TAILS OF LOVE. All the stories involve animals and the author and agent earnings go to a no kill animal foundation. I've got a story in there, "Lord Hairy." (grin).

    Hope you get a chance to check out The Casanova Code. No dogs - but a fun read nonetheless.

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  25. Mature lady looking for a kind, intelligent, well read gentleman with a sense of fun and adventure.

    I love the Victorian era, and books set during that time always please me.

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    1. Hi Barbara -

      It seemed for a long time that the Victorian era was forgotten as far as romances. Everything was Regency. However, I'm seeing a lot more Victorian period set romances, which suits me just fine (grin). Hope you give The Casanova Code a try.

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  26. Donna, I'm terrible at things like personal ads, but I loved this book. It's fabulous!

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    1. LOL Nancy - You only think you're terrible because you haven't the proper motivation to try. You've already found your perfect match (grin).

      Thanks for the book love!

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  27. Donna,

    I didn't let you know that if I was writing a personal ad what I'd probably write is something like:

    If you arer looking for Love I can send you my Portrait. It would Pleasure Me if you respond to this ad quickly because I have an Obsession to meet you soon!

    My Dangerous betrothed married another and he has made me question if Love is possible and I want Revenge! It truly would be Kismet if I could meet someone with qualities to be my Cassanova but please send your reply in Code!

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  28. LOL Jeanne - I think I see a number of romance titles in that personal ad. Hmm...Pleasure Me and Kismet... I'm thinking you're a Monica Burns fan (big grin).

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  29. Donna, thanks so much for visiting with us today and thanks to everybody who stopped by. Love all the personals!

    Be sure to check back to see if you're one of Donna's winners!

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  30. I have heard some good things about your book and I can't wait to read it.

    Wanted nice sweat guy who can cook and clean.

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  31. Congratulations on the book! Preferably someone with a sense of humor and a job

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  32. Intelligence and a great sense of humor is important. I want someone who has these qualities and also others that complements me. I think balance in a relationship is important.

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  33. Must be able to smile and laugh at life's little everyday problems! A sense of humor is wonderful. Having written that, I have to add that there is a difference between a sense of humor and being a clown. The perfect guy would understand that difference! I'm really looking forward to reading "The Casanova Code." It sounds terrific!

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