Winners!

Thanks to everyone for stopping by and visiting with author Ashley March. The winner of a copy of ROMANCING THE COUNTESS is:

VIRGINIA

(who posted a comment at 11:53 a.m.)

Congrats to you, Virginia! To claim your prize, please send your full name and address to theromancedishATgmailDOTcom with "Ashley March Winner" in the subject.

AND ...

I'm still trying to name a winner from Lila DiPasqua's visit. Maybe the third time is the charm .... the winner of a copy of A MIDNIGHT DANCE by Lila DiPasqua is:

HELEN

Congrats to you, Helen! To claim your prize, please send your full name and address to theromancedishtATgmailDOTcom with "Lila DiPasqua Winner" in the subject.

~ Buffie

Today's Special -- Ashley March

We are so happy to welcome back historical author Ashley March! Her latest novel, ROMANCING THE COUNTESS, was released earlier this month on September 6. If you missed Buffie's glowing review, you can check it out here. When Ashley is not chasing around her two daughters, she is crafting her next delicious masterpiece. Give a warm welcome to Ashley March as she talks to us about ....






The Rise of the Prequel

Thanks so much to the ladies at The Romance Dish for having me today! I’m thrilled to be visiting with everyone again, this time to celebrate the release of my newest Victorian historical, ROMANCING THE COUNTESS!

However, my blog today isn’t going to focus on ROMANCING THE COUNTESS; instead, I’m going to focus on the prequel to ROMANCING THE COUNTESS, which is called ROMANCING LADY CECILY.

As we all know, the publishing industry is changing at such a rapid pace it’s difficult to keep up these days. I personally love my e-books. It’s hard sometimes for me to find time to read as a stay-at-home mom and writer who works throughout the evening and into the early morning hours, but I’ve (happily!) found that I’m going through books faster than I ever have because I can now read them on my smart phone. (This means I can take it with my anywhere and don’t have to worry about the baby eating the pages if I put it down.)

Along with the ease of book portability, I’ve noticed something else that’s happened within the past year: the rise of the prequel.

Whereas in the past publishers haven’t really published short stories or novellas unless they were part of a larger anthology, now we’re seeing a trend of short stories and novellas being released digitally as a means of 1) hooking a reader on a new author for a lower price and/or 2) whetting the reader’s appetite for the related full-length novel.

ROMANCING LADY CECILY is an example of such a piece, something which my publisher approached me about writing after I’d already turned in the related novel, ROMANCING THE COUNTESS. At 15,000 words, it is more of a short story than a novella, but as my first shorter work I was thrilled to discover how much fun it was to write. (It’s also a bit spicier than my usual work.)

As a writer, I have to admit that I like this new trend we’re seeing because I always have ideas for characters and stories in my head that are dying to get out. As a reader, I love these shorter pieces because they allow me to read more of my favorite authors in between the publication of their full-length novels. While I know some readers don’t enjoy short stories or novellas because of their length, if I have a favorite author I will greedily get my hands on anything they write.
One of the more interesting things I’ve seen is not only the rise of the prequel, but also the rise of a series of prequels. By series, I specifically mean a group of novellas that are linked together which all act to increase the reader’s anticipation for a longer novel to be released at a later date.

I know there’s a lot of uncertainty out there about what’s going to happen in the future of publishing, but I have to tell you this—as both a reader and writer, the more stories that are written by authors I love, the happier I am.

But I’d most love to hear what you think about the rise of short stories and novellas. Do you stay away from them because of the shorter length or because they’re predominantly digitally published? Or do you gobble them up, excited to find something new from an author you love? Would you try a new-to-you author by buying a short story or novella at a lower price? One random commenter will be chosen to win a copy of my newest book, ROMANCING THE COUNTESS (open internationally)!

Also, find out how to win the ROMANCING THE COUNTESS Book Tour Grand Prize of 50+ romance novels by visiting Ashley's website.

~ Buffie


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ROMANCING LADY CECILY (15,000-word short story)
Follow acclaimed author Ashley March, praised by Booklist for her “elegant writing [and] sizzling sexual chemistry,” into the world of Victorian romance, where Lady Cecily Bishop—promised by her parents to a stranger—must fend off the seductive games and heady caresses of Baron Sedgwick….a task that becomes more difficult with each soul-searing kiss…

ROMANCING THE COUNTESS (full-length novel)
Sebastian Madinger, the Earl of Wriothesly, thought he'd married the perfect woman-until a fatal accident revealed her betrayal with his best friend. After their deaths, Sebastian is determined to avoid a scandal for the sake of his son. But his best friend's widow is just as determined to cast her mourning veil aside by hosting a party that will surely destroy both their reputations and expose all of his carefully kept secrets...
Leah George has carried the painful knowledge of her husband's affair for almost a year. All she wants now is to enjoy her independence and make a new life for herself-even if that means being ostracized by the Society whose rules she was raised to obey. Now that the rumors are flying, there's only one thing left for Sebastian to do: silence the scandal by enticing the improper widow into becoming a proper wife. But when it comes to matters of the heart, neither Sebastian nor Leah is prepared for the passion they discover in each other's arms...

Review -- Romancing The Countess

Romancing the Countess
By Ashley March
Publisher: Signet
Release Date: September 6, 2011

“You want me to help you forget your wife.”

He shook his head, muttering a curse. Then he stepped closer. “You foolish woman,” he whispered, his expression tortured. His hand cupped her cheek. “Do you not remember when I said it before? No matter, I’ll say it again. I want you.” His thumb swept across her upper lip, much as it had done before he’d kissed her in the garden. “I desire you.” His hand left her cheek, his fingers stroking over the ends of her brows, across her eyelashes as she closed her eyes, meandering down her face until he held her chin.



Devastated by the sudden death of his wife in a carriage accident, Sebastian Madinger’s world is rocked further when he discovers his beautiful, supposedly perfect wife was having an affair with his best friend. Finding himself questioning the paternity of his young son, Sebastian is determined to keep the affair a secret from society so that others do not make judgments about young Henry. The person he needs to speak with first and foremost is Leah George, the wife of his best friend. Believing he will find an emotionally wrecked woman, Sebastian is aghast to learn that Leah is planning a country party a mere few months after the accident.

Leah George has known about her husband’s affair with the Earl of Wriothesly’s wife for over a year now. As much as she would like to, Leah is unable to erase the memory of walking in on Ian and Angela during one of their love making sessions. Living with a man who loves and desires another woman has been hell on earth for Leah. So when she receives the news that Ian and Angela were killed in a carriage accident, Leah does not cry any tears of grief. No, she has grieved the death of her marriage for over a year now. This time, Leah’s tears are tears of relief. Though society believes she should put on her widow clothes and grieve for the next year, Leah is ready to move on with her life.

Sparks begin to fly between Leah and Sebastian upon their first meeting. Sebastian doesn’t know what to think of Leah as she is not the picture of a grieving widow but he is somewhat captivated by Leah’s “ready to live life” mentality and her no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is talk. Leah knows that Sebastian is in the midst of many emotions – shock, hurt and anger – just like she was a year ago when she found out about the affair. She slowly draws Sebastian away from those emotions through small, seemingly insignificant activities during the country party. A laugh here, a smile there. And before you know it, Sebastian is thinking about life beyond his dead wife and her betrayal. Both of them had to learn to trust and feel desired again. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the emotions of Leah and Sebastian chart a course to a happily ever after.

He stepped forward, not close enough that they touched, but enough that she could feel the heat of his body warming her own as he bent his head. “And I promise you,” he murmured in her ear, “I want you more than he ever did. Much, much more.”

Ashley March’s writing is smooth and easy, yet so very intoxicating. One page, one chapter, is just not enough. I continually found myself saying, “I will just read one more chapter.” This book is a read-from-front-to-back-in-one-sitting kind of book. So carve out some time, find a comfy spot and enjoy a few hours of love and romance courtesy of Ashley March. You won’t be disappointed!


~ Buffie


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Today's Special -- Ashley March

Today we are excited to have author Ashley March back with us. Ashley has planned a huge, month-long celebration of historical romance readers and writers on her website and has entitled the celebration March Madness. Throughout the month, Ashley will have guest authors stopping and she will also be featuring bloggers who support romance every day. The Romance Dish will be featured on March 25, so mark you calendars for that date.

The 1st Annual March Madness Blog Party is Here!

Some people might think of March as the month for basketball tournaments and St. Patrick’s Day, but starting this year March will be known for a celebration of historical romance readers and writers. From Tuesday, March 1st through Thursday, March 31st, come interact with some of your favorite authors, meet new ones, and enter to win 40+ prizes as Ashley March hosts the 1st Annual March Madness Blog Party at www.ashleymarch.com/blog.

A fantastic line-up of historical romance authors will be guest blogging with giveaways every single day, and a special daily feature will highlight romance community sites, reviewers, and bloggers who support historical romance.

In addition to the recent releases, upcoming books, and ARCs given away by historical romance authors each day, historical romance readers will also have a chance at winning:

A bundle of 5 historical romances every Sunday.
8 Victorian lady postcards
8 “Do you know the way to Pemberley?” postcards
8 “Well behaved women rarely make history” medieval postcards
A “Romance Reader & Proud of It” tote bag
Two secret prizes (to be announced during the month)
A Grand Prize package of historical romance books and a Victorian-styled lovebirds necklace

Aspiring historical romance writers also have a couple of things to be excited about:

1. Kris Kennedy’s agent, Barbara Poelle of the Irene Goodman Literary Agency, has generously agreed to give away a partial critique to the writer she believes has the best 3-sentence written pitch. One of Kris Kennedy’s books will also be given away, as an example of the type of work Barbara loves.

2. Ashley March will provide a full critique of another aspiring historical writer’s completed novel.

For a full line up of guest authors and featured bloggers, be sure to stop by Ashley' website.

Here's a peak at some of few of the authors visiting during the month:

Elizabeth Hoyt, Robyn DeHart, Laura Lee Guhrke, Anne Mallory, Julie Anne Long, Sara Lindsey, Julianne MacLean, Emma Wildes, Katharine Ashe, Madeline Hunter, Shana Galen, Sarah MacLean

Be sure to stop by Ashley's website throughout the month and join in the celebration. You may just win a great prize!

Ashley March Winner

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and commented on Ashley March's blog regarding infidelity in romance. Random.org has selected the winner of Ashley March's debut novel, SEDUCING THE DUCHESS, and that person is...

LISA!

Congratulations, Lisa! To claim your book, please send your full name and mailing address to us at theromancedish@gmail.com with "Ashley March Winner" in the subject line.

Today's Special -- Ashley March

The ladies of The Romance Dish love debut novels and authors. It is always fun and exciting to read a new author and find someone with a great voice and a wonderful story to tell. Today's guest is exactly that. Ashley March's debut novel, Seducing the Duchess was released October 5, 2010. You can find my review of it here. Hard to believe, but it has been less than a year since Ashley received "the call" with a 3-book deal from NAL Penguin. Please give a warm welcome to debut author Ashley March as she discusses . . .


The Question of Infidelity

Once upon a time, the most-beloved historical romance trope was “rake meets wallflower,” in which the promiscuous hero is tamed by the virgin heroine. Because love eventually conquers all, readers allowed their bad boy his play before he fell in love with the heroine. The heroine, however, was expected to remain pure and pristine until she melted beneath the touch of her wild and roguish hero.

Then came the courtesan heroine. While romance readers still enjoyed the “rake meets wallflower” trope, we began to demand more variety. We wanted heroines who, like us, were sexually aware. Women who were not afraid of their sexuality, and indeed, used it to capture the attention of the hero. This meant that, prior to meeting the hero, the woman might also engage in sexual acts with other partners. Variety is good, we thought. We don’t want all of our romances to be the same.

However, in reconciliation stories, where the husband and wife have been separated after their wedding and then get back together, it appears the romance community is still divided on the topic of sexual awareness in the woman, especially regarding infidelity while she was separated from her husband. As is often the case in historical romances, the taking of a mistress by the hero is tolerated (since he has sexual urges that cannot be controlled), while the taking of a lover by the heroine can either incite disapproval or garner praise from the female romance reader.
When I first began writing my version of the reconciliation story (now my debut novel, SEDUCING THE DUCHESS), I was determined not to take what I thought to be the easy road out. My heroine, Charlotte, had spent the past three years acting scandalously in an attempt to force her husband, Philip, to petition to divorce her. As a result, all of the ton—and even Philip—believed Charlotte to be a harlot, having taken several lovers. If she was so angry and hurt by Philip as to desperately seek a divorce petition, I reasoned, why wouldn’t she take lovers? Philip had betrayed her by pretending he loved her; she also knew he’d taken a mistress. Why not allow her to seek comfort in other men’s arms? This, I thought, was how I would write Charlotte.

However, as I continued to write Philip and Charlotte’s story, it became clear that despite her many outrageous acts and tendency to provoke Philip, allowing her to be unfaithful to Philip wouldn’t be true to her character. Yes, he’d hurt her—terribly, in fact. And yes, she was still angry and resentful. But beneath it all, she still loved him. She might be tempted to escape her loneliness by being with other men, but inside she was still fragile and wounded, and she still wanted no one else but Philip.

I really could have written the story either way; Charlotte could just as easily have taken lovers, and in the end, Philip would have accepted it, because he had taken a mistress. Their HEA wouldn’t have been in jeopardy. But I think showing Charlotte’s love and faithfulness throughout their marriage, despite what Philip did to her, not only humbled Philip all the more, but also remained true to Charlotte’s character as I wrote the story.

This, in the end, is what I believe a writer must do. It’s not about what is or isn’t popular in the romance genre at the time, because trends will eventually fade. It’s about writing a love story between the hero and heroine which the reader can believe in, a love story that will truly stand the test of time. For the writer, it’s also about believing in your characters enough to sometimes allow them to take the lead as you write, even though you had other plans for them.

What about you? Where do you stand on the question of infidelity for either the hero or the heroine in reconciliation stories? Will an unfaithful character immediately pull you out of the book? What does it mean to you to have a story try to stay true to the characters, rather than bow to reader expectations?

One random commenter will win a copy of my debut novel, SEDUCING THE DUCHESS (open to both US and international residents).

Review -- Seducing the Duchess

Seducing the Duchess
by Ashley March
Publisher: Signet
Release Date: October 5, 2010









“For a moment, he couldn’t move. For a moment, he forgot he was the ninth Duke of Rutherford, cold and disciplined and born to uphold the honor of his forefathers – a man trained since childhood to resist his baser instincts, to resist the call of temptation.”









Three years have passed since Charlotte, Duchess of Rutherford, was devastated and heartbroken by the man of her dreams the day after their wedding. Instead of hiding away and dwelling on the pain, Charlotte has spent the last three years providing scandalous entertainment by carousing, gambling and posing for nude portraits. While revenge is one reason for such behavior, Charlotte main goal in acting in a very un-Duchess like way is to convince her husband to obtain a petition for divorce.

Philip Burgess, Duke of Rutherford, has finally had enough. Enough of his lovely wife sharing her charms with every man in England (except him). Enough of being the laughing stock of the ton. Enough of being the stoic, unfeeling Duke. In order to take matters into his own hands, Philip does the unthinkable – he storms into a gambling den, trusses up his wife like a Christmas goose and kidnaps her. Hoping three months in the country will provide him the right opportunity; Philip puts his plan in motion – seducing his Duchess.

Determined to win back the favor of his wife and make amends for the mistakes of the past, Philip tries everything he can think of to seduce his Duchess. But when all his efforts are thwarted, Philip has only one idea left – grant Charlotte the divorce she has been requesting for the last three years in exchange for coaching him on the qualities of a good husband.

Both Philip and Charlotte have their masks and walls firmly in place as each have been hurt by the other repeatedly. It is so hard for either one of them to cut the binds that restrict them and to show their true, vulnerable selves to one another. But there is not much else to do in the country except interact with those around you. So, little by little, the walls start to crumble and the masks slowly drop as Philip and Charlotte begin to respond to each other in a genuine way. It takes strength and courage to own up to one’s mistakes and as Philip and Charlotte see glimpses of these qualities in each other, they gently reveal their special love.

Here’s a scene where Philip takes off his mask and finally voices his emotion.

“When I am with you I must pretend I am content to merely be in your presence. When, in fact, there is nothing I want more than to kiss you, to touch you. To believe, if for only one moment, that you are truly mine. Not because you are bound to me by the laws of marriage, but because you desire me as much as I desire you.” He made a feral sound—almost like an animal in pain. “Even now, I must hold on to this chair. A flimsy piece of furniture, but it reminds me to be civilized. Because if I were not—God knows, neither your hatred nor your disgust would keep me from you.”

And here’s a scene where Charlotte allows herself to see her husband as man and not a Duke.

“A roguish grin crossed his lips, and Charlotte sucked in a breath at the sight of it. It transformed his face – gone was the ducal veneer, the aristocratic posing and the duty-bound polish. In its place was a man who could melt a woman’s heart with one glance of his liquid silver eyes, who could have her quivering and helpless in his arms just because he said her name in that dark, velvet-edged voice of his”

This is an emotional story of second chance love that will have you cheering on both characters. Philip and Charlotte are characters that I liked from the beginning, even though each of them acted horribly to the other in the past. But through her wonderful writing, Ms. March shows the readers the true, emotional reasons behind the wrongs of the past and the genuine interest of both Philip and Charlotte to find and hold fast to their own happily ever after.

This debut novel is one that everyone should enjoy! So give yourself a few hours of pleasurable reading . . . go buy the book!


~ Buffie