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…

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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*