Review, Q&A, & Giveaway - - Scandal in Spades by Wendy LaCapra

Scandal in Spades
By Wendy LaCapra
Lords of Chance - Book One
Publisher: Entangled:Scandalous
Release Date: April 9, 2018
Reviewed by PJ

The Marquess of Bromton has just learned that he’s a bastard. Feeling his honor is at stake, he attempts to bestow his estate upon a rightful heir by manipulating a high-stakes card game. But the winner demands more than Bromton bargained for—a marriage…to his spinster sister. Lady Katherine may be the least marriageable lady in all of England, but a child of their union would be a rightful heir…

Scandal has hardened Lady Katherine and narrowed her world to duty and family. There’s nothing to be trusted in the Society she left behind…especially not the imperious marquess with his single-minded pursuit. Or his knee-weakening kisses. Except, the more their connection deepens, the more Bromton surprises Katherine. But the truth about their courtship could destroy everything…


I love a story where the hero does all the wrong things for all the right reasons. Giles, Marquess of Bromton did not have a happy childhood. Nor did he have the comfort and security of loving parents. All he has is his title and his honor but both are scattered to the wind with his mother's revelations. In pursuing the hand of Lady Katherine, he's doing his best to restore what he truly believes is the lost honor of his title. He thinks marrying her, thereby restoring her standing in society, and ensuring her child will inherit, will be good enough. He's delighted by his attraction to her but he knows nothing of love and doesn't expect this pairing to produce it; isn't even sure if he's capable of the emotion, having never experienced it. He's in for a big surprise.  

Giles isn't the only one keeping secrets. Scorned by society after two failed betrothals, Katherine retreated to her family's estate where she has devoted herself to raising her younger sister, managing her brother's estates, and teaching the children of her village. If there are parts of her that yearn to be set free, she keeps them in firm control. After all, the one time she allowed desire free rein it led to tragic consequences that drowned her in shame. She's captivated by Giles yet she can't shake the feeling that he's hiding something though the more she's with him, the fainter the echoes of suspicion become. By the time the truth is revealed, both Katherine and Giles' hearts are fully engaged but will their love be deep enough to fight for their happiness?

I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in LaCapra's new Lords of Chance series. It's filled with the sparkling banter, witty humor, sensuality, and deep emotion I've come to expect from her stories. I loved Katherine's intelligence, her take-charge attitude, her loyalty to her family, and her innate kindness. I enjoyed watching her blossom as she begins to accept her worth and take charge of her happiness. And Giles, how my heart ached for him. He had lessons to learn before he could open his heart fully to the love and happiness just outside his reach. And when he finally does? Oh, my, how my heart fluttered! LaCapra has created an intriguing cast of characters surrounding our hero and heroine who already have me eagerly anticipating their own stories. I'm especially excited for Katherine's sister, Julia and the hero I so hope will become her own.

If you enjoy emotion-filled historical romance with wit, humor, complex characters, sizzle, a good grovel, and sigh-inducing endings, I highly recommend you give Scandal in Spades a try. 

Q&A with Wendy LaCapra

Welcome to The Romance Dish, Wendy!

Thank you, PJ! I absolutely love this blog!

Scandal in Spades launches a new historical romance series for you. Please tell our readers what they should expect from this series. What can you share about future books in the series and do you have a publishing timeline?

I’ve planned four books for the series. I’m not sure of the release dates, but the next two, one for ‘Diamonds’ and one for ‘Hearts’ are due in quick succession.

The sparkling banter, battle of wills, and scorching chemistry between Lady Katherine and Lord Bromton were an absolute delight yet you kept me guessing until the very end as to whether they would be able to overcome the obstacles between them. What was it about this couple that convinced you they were destined to be together?

OH! That’s lovely to hear. Thank you so much! Well, Lady Katherine and Lord Bromton both experienced an event that completely altered their self-worth. Katherine’s personality, her love for her siblings, and her inner strength helped her survive. In surviving, she became the perfect match for Bromton, not because of her bloodline, but because of her values. Bromton wants to be a better man, but doesn’t have the same resources to help him find his way.

One of my favorite scenes in this book is when Bromton finally lets down his guard at The Pillar of Salt. What was your favorite scene to write in this book? The most difficult?

I love that scene, too. The song he sings is a real drinking song, by the way. “Blowzabella my Bouncing Doxie” (Very Bawdy for its time). I think I had the most fun with the Billiards scene, though. And I cried when I wrote two other scenes- the carriage ride to London and the final scene between Bromton and Mrs. Warren. It was almost as if I was transcribing something I was watching. That almost never happens.

Having four younger brothers, I especially enjoyed the dynamic between Katherine and her younger brother, Lord Markham. Please tell me you’ll be giving Katherine a chance to meddle in Markham’s love life when his turn comes around?

Yes! Oh, yes! He’ll have his happy ending, though he's been giving me some trouble (it’s awfully hard to get a man named Hearts to settle down). 😊

Two secondary characters I thoroughly enjoyed were Katherine’s sister, Julia and Lord Rayne’s sister, Clarissa. Do you have happy endings planned for these two? I’m keeping my fingers crossed for certain heroes for each of them!

I’m working on Julia’s story now! Julia was inspired by a young lady I met when we were both staying at her uncle’s home a few years ago. I’d never met someone with such sparkling energy & I just knew the world would be wowed by her when she was ready. We haven’t stayed in touch, but I thank her for that inspiration. Clarissa will have her moment to shine as a heroine, too.

Her Duke at Daybreak (which I loved!) was recently named as a finalist for the 2018 Romance Writers of America RITA award for Romance Novella. Congratulations! How did you celebrate? Will you be attending the conference in Denver this summer? And, most important, have you chosen a RITA dress yet? 😉

I’m not sure I *have* celebrated—it doesn’t yet feel real. I’m very proud of Her Duke at Daybreak. At the time, I felt like it was the best thing I’d written. If all goes well, the second book in that series, His Duchess at Eventide, should be out in August. It will be released as part of “Legends of Love,” a group of Regencies by different authors, each retelling a classic legend within the Regency. His Duchess at Eventide is a retelling of Odysseus’s return with more Penelope and (*winces*) without the infidelity/murder/plundering.

And, yes! I will be in Denver. I haven’t purchased a dress, but I have purchased an underdesk cycle that I hope will help me meet my deadlines AND fit into a red dress that I love. 😊

Scandal in Spades was recently named one of my Most Anticipated Romances for 2^nd Quarter 2018. What upcoming books are you looking forward to reading?

I am SO excited about Mary Balogh’s Someone to Care. I’ve adored the Westcott series and I can’t wait for Viola’s story. I just finished Stacy Reid’s The Earl in My Bed, and *fans self*--what a fabulous story of revenge and reconciliation.

I enjoy tagging along on your travel adventures through Instagram and Facebook. Any exciting journeys on the horizon?

Actually, I’m about to take a long-planned trans-Atlantic repositioning cruise from Southampton, UK back home to NYC. I had hoped to spend some time in England, but, unfortunately, that’s not going to be possible. It’ll be a working vacation. Things have been kind of crazy this year, and I’m looking forward to being able to write without distraction and, of course, I’m looking forward to heading down to the bar in the evenings for music & fun!

Where are the best places for readers to catch up with you online?

I write under my own name, so if readers don’t mind family posts in the mix, they are welcome to friend me on Facebook. For those that prefer strictly book talk, I have a Facebook page. Twitter is probably the second most likely place to find me. And, I’m warming to Instagram.

Thank you for taking the time to visit with us today, Wendy. Is there anything you’d like to add? Would you like to ask our readers a question?

Thank you so much for having me! It’s a pleasure and an honor. I can’t think of a good question at the moment (unless your readers have tips on getting a good night’s sleep), but I would like to say thank you to everyone for joining me on this ‘visit’!

Readers, let's help Wendy get some sleep so she can write more great books for us to read. What are your best tips for a good night's snooze?

Two randomly chosen people who post a comment before 11:00 PM (eastern), April 21 will receive a digital copy of Scandal in Spades. 

Today's Special - - Review, Q&A, and Giveaway: The Companion's Secret

The Companion's Secret
By Susanna Craig
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Release Date: April 3, 2018
Reviewed by PJ

They call him Lord Ash, for his desires burn hot and leave devastation in their wake. But Gabriel Finch, Marquess of Ashborough, knows the fortune he’s made at the card table won’t be enough to save his family estate. For that he needs a bride with a sterling reputation to distract from his tarnished past, a woman who’ll be proof against the fires of his dark passion. Fate deals him the perfect lady. So why can’t Gabriel keep his eyes from wandering to her outspoken, infuriatingly independent Irish cousin?
 
Camellia Burke came to London as her aunt’s companion, and she’s brought a secret with her: she’s written a scandalous novel. Now, her publisher demands that she make her fictional villain more realistic. Who better than the notorious Lord Ash as a model? Duty-bound to prevent her cousin from making a disastrous match, Cami never meant to gamble her own heart away. But when she’s called home, Ash follows. And though they’re surrounded by the flames of Rebellion, the sparks between them may be the most dangerous of all…

I enjoy a good plot-driven romance in the books I read but what really pulls me in and holds me are the characters. Give me complex characters who engage my interest and my emotions and I'll keep coming back for more. That's a key reason why I've been a fan of Susanna Craig's stories since reading her debut, To Kiss a Thief, two years ago. In The Companion's Secret, Craig has crafted a hero and heroine in Gabriel and Camellia who captured my interest immediately and held it throughout their story. There's depth and honor in both of them even though circumstances throughout the years have caused Gabriel to bury his goodness deep inside and let society see what they expect from him. Gabriel's best friend, Christopher Fox and Camellia's cousin, Lady Felicity are well-rounded secondary characters who add an extra layer of complexity to the story. I especially enjoyed the ways in which Felicity moves the story forward, both for herself as well as Gabriel and Camellia. All of the main characters in this book - both good and bad - are brought to life on the pages, creating a strong emotional response from this reader.  

Of course, it's not only about her realistic and relatable characters. Craig also has the ability to craft engaging, Georgian-era stories with well-researched historical - and geographical - accuracy that keep me reading late into the night. When I begin one of her books, I can count on characters that speak to my heart, a story that engages my emotions, and a history lesson that doesn't feel like one. It is any wonder that I eagerly anticipate each new book from this talented author?

I thoroughly enjoyed The Companion's Secret and am already looking forward to Camellia's siblings' stories in the next two books of Susanna Craig's Rogues and Rebels series.

If you have not yet read Craig's first trilogy, all three books are currently on sale at reduced prices for digital format. Check the blog's right side-bar for purchase links. 

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

Welcome to The Romance Dish, Susanna!

It’s great to be here, PJ! Thanks for having me.

The Companion’s Secret launches your new Rogues and Rebels series (I've already read it twice and loved it). What should readers expect from this series? What can you share about future books in the series and when do you expect them to be published?

The Rogues and Rebels series follows the adventures of the Dublin-born Burke siblings. Love is the last thing they’re looking for—particularly not with someone who’s English—so of course, that’s exactly what they find! I’ve just finished the second book, The Duke’s Suspicion, in which younger sister Erica Burke, a botanist, finds herself trapped by a storm with Major Tristan Laurens, the unexpected heir to a dukedom, who mistakes her for a spy. That story will be out in December 2018. The third book, eldest brother Paris’s story, will be available in 2019; I’m still in search of the perfect title.

Oh, good! I was so hoping Paris would have a story and the sneak peek at Erica's story (at the end of The Companion's Secret) already has me excited for book two! 

This book is set in England and Ireland during the late Georgian era. What is it about this period of history that compelled you to set your story there?

I like to think of the 1790s as a “rough around the edges” version of

the Regency, a slight twist on a period that’s familiar to a lot of historical romance readers. It’s the decade in which Austen wrote (and set) Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice and Northanger Abbey. And when I think about what’s happening in her early books—war and riots and social upheaval are always at the margins, characters’ emotions and passions run high, Gothic novels are wildly popular—I see a lot of possibilities for the stories I want to tell. The Rogues and Rebels series takes place during the years surrounding the 1798 Rebellion in Ireland, which leads directly to the 1800 Act of Union, joining Ireland to Great Britain to form the United Kingdom. Believe it or not, contemporaries described it as a “marriage,” although if it was, I’d say it was definitely an enemies-to-lovers romance!

The dogs in this book were some of my favorite secondary characters. Do you share your life with any four-legged family members? Were any of them used as inspiration for the canine characters in your book?

Right now my only four-legged companion is a ridiculously fluffy torti cat named Nutmeg who resents every moment I spend at the computer. But I grew up around dogs on our family farm and I’m sure they have influenced the dogs that inhabit my stories. Pets are such an important part of many of our lives today that it seems only natural to make them part of my characters’ lives too.

I loved the scenes where Camellia reads her novel to Gabriel. What were the challenges in writing a novel written by your heroine within the novel written by you? 

Those scenes were a lot of fun to write! I wanted Cami’s writing “voice” to be different from my own, so I thought a lot about the style of novels actually written in the late eighteenth century—as an English professor with a specialty in the literature of the British Romantic period (1780-1830), I have plenty of experience with such books! In particular, I used the work of Sydney Owenson and Maria Edgeworth, two Irish novelists of that period, as models for the kind of book I imagined her writing.

There’s a strong Irish connection in The Companion’s Secret and St. Patrick’s Day is almost upon us. How do you celebrate the holiday? Do you have Irish ancestry? Do you love corned beef and cabbage as much as I do? 😉

Though I do not have Irish ancestry, I claim honorary status because I was born on St. Patrick’s Day! So it’s always a dual celebration at our house, and this year we’re also having my daughter’s 8th birthday party on that day, so you know it’ll be the craic! Though it’s not necessarily traditional St. Patrick’s Day fare, my favorite Irish meal is stew and soda bread.

What was your favorite scene to write in this book? What was the most difficult?

The banter between Cami and Gabriel was so much fun—they’re both quick-witted characters who speak their minds. Have you ever experienced the agony of thinking of the perfect thing to say 10 minutes too late? One of the best parts about being a writer is that your characters never have to suffer through that! They always come up with the perfect line at the perfect time. (Never mind how long the writer had to struggle…) Sometimes, however, a character’s sharp retorts and sardonic smiles hide something painful in his past. The most difficult scene to write in this book was definitely when Gabriel tells Cami about his childhood.

I loved the banter between these two! The scene where Gabriel reveals the secrets of his childhood had me in tears. It may have been your most difficult to write but you certainly did it justice. 

Spring Break is almost upon us. If money and time were no issue, where in the world would you choose to spend your break and what would you most want to see/do while there?

Good question! Right now I think my ideal vacation, wherever it took place, would involve lots of peace and quiet and naps! And when I was fully rested, who knows? My daughter is lobbying for Harry Potter World and I have to say that sounds like fun!

Thank you for answering my questions, Susanna. Do you have anything else to add? Would you like to ask our readers a question?

Thanks again for having me! Since you mentioned St. Patrick’s Day, which is tomorrow, I was hoping readers would share their favorite “minor” holiday and tell us how they celebrate.

Giveaway: Your choice of a signed copy of The Companion’s Secret (US only) or the entire Runaway Desires series AND The Companion’s Secret in e-book. Winner will be randomly chosen from all comments posted before 11:00 PM (Eastern), March 18.

Today's Special - - Janna MacGregor

I'm delighted to welcome one of my favorite new authors today to celebrate the release of her second book, The Bride Who Got Lucky. Janna MacGregor was born and raised in the bootheel of Missouri. She credits her darling mom for introducing her to the happily-ever-after world of romance novels. Janna writes stories where compelling and powerful heroines meet and fall in love with their equally matched heroes. She is the mother of triplets and lives in Kansas City with her very own dashing rogue, and two smug, but not surprisingly, perfect pugs.  

Welcome, Janna! It’s a pleasure to have you join us to celebrate today’s release of The Bride Who Got Lucky. I adored it!

Hi PJ! I’m so delighted that you invited me here today! Yay!! Emma and Somerton’s story was a pure joy to write. I’m glad you enjoyed it!  

What should readers expect from this second book in your The Cavensham Heiresses series?

Chronologically, The Bride Who Got Lucky starts immediately after The Bad Luck Bride.  The heroine Lady Emma Cavensham is a bibliophile and a strong believer that women should be valued as much as men in society. While other women are crazy about dresses and social calls from gentlemen, Emma wants nothing more in life than a good book. Years later, after losing her best friend, Lady Lena Aulton, under suspicious circumstances, Emma is determined to find answers. Nothing will keep the strong-willed Emma from making the suspect, Lord Aulton, answer for his crime.

However, a family friend, Nicholas St. Mauer, the reclusive Earl of Somerton, accepts the responsibility of keeping Emma out of trouble. Basically, he thwarts her every move and enjoys every single minute of it. Emma is like a breath of fresh air to Somerton who spends his days in trade with the goal of someday surpassing his estranged father’s wealth.  Emma and Somerton clash like titans while fighting their growing attraction to one another. It’s no wonder that their story possesses plenty of swoon-worthy romance as the spirited Lady melts this sexy Scrooge’s heart.

Emma has a special place she goes when she feels the need to, as she says, “seek my own counsel.” Where do you go when you need to be alone with your thoughts?

Max

Oh PJ, what a great question! I have twenty-six miles of wooded walking trails behind my house. Nestled in the heart of Kansas City, these trails are like an oasis. Deer, wild turkey, raccoons, foxes, and owls inhabit the area. When I get stuck in a story or if a character isn’t being cooperative, I find myself walking the trails trying to work out what the issues are in my stories. 

Pollie

Truthfully, whether I ‘m stuck or not, I find a daily walk with my pug, Mad Max, helps prepare me for my writing day while my other pug, Pollie, waits for me in my writing room.














Nick and Emma are both fiercely independent people who, for their own individual reasons, have been resistant to the idea of marriage. What convinced you that these two were meant for one another?

These two first appeared in The Bad Luck Bride. Both were the best friends of the couple in that story.  It was the christening scene in the epilogue of The Bad Luck Bride that really told me that these two would make a fantastic couple. By then, Somerton had already kept Emma from acquiring a rare book. When the baby Somerton was holding threw a fit during the christening, Emma had to save him-with aplomb and grace! LOL! It was the perfect set up for their story.

I love a redeemed bad boy and I’ve seen tendrils of possibility for a certain secondary character from these books. Do you have any plans for a happy ending for Lord Paul?  

Hmmm, I’m actually writing his story now. He’s a hero who has a great heart but has made some bad decisions in his life. Now, he’s determined to clean up all the messes he’s made over the years. When he comes across an estranged friend’s sister, Lady Daphne Hallworth, in need of help, he sees this as an opportunity to make amends with his friend. However, his good intentions with Daphne turn into an attraction that he can’t fight no matter the costs.

Do you have plans for any of the other secondary characters from these books? There are several I find quite intriguing.

Lord William Cavensham’s story is next. He’ll meet a duke’s daughter, Lady Theodora Ainsley, who’s in hiding from her father. I haven’t decided the next one after that. You and I discussed the series in Dallas where we attended the 2017 Buns and Roses. You gave me some great ideas, but if your readers would like to voice their opinion, I’m all for it!

Rapid Fire Q&A:

Homebody or World traveler?

World traveler first, but if I’m writing, I’m a homebody-almost a recluse like Somerton.

Apple Cinnamon or Pumpkin Spice?

Apple Cinnamon-that’s why Emma loves apples, and apple tarts are Somerton’s favorite.

Heels or Sneakers?

Heels-80% of the time; Sneakers-10% of the time; Barefoot-10% of the time.

Favorite new TV show?

I just discovered Versailles. I need to watch the first season to really be caught up.

Book you’re currently reading?

I just finished the Duke of Pleasure by Elizabeth Hoyt. I’m sad as it’s the last full-length novel in this series—one of my favorite series of all time. I believe there’s a final novella though. Thank heavens; Eloisa James has a new series starting with Wilde in Love! I can’t wait to start reading my copy.  

Where can readers find you online?

www.jannamacgregor.com

Facebook: Janna MacGregor

Twitter: @jannamacgregor

Instagram: jannamacgregor

What’s next?

The next book in the Cavensham Heiresses series is The Luck of the Bride. This story features March Lawson who is introduced in The Bride Who Got Lucky and Michael Cavensham, the Marquess of McCalpin. I’m currently working on book four in the series—it features Lord Paul Barstow, the Duke of Southart and Lady Daphne Hallworth.

Would you like to add anything else?

I’m so delighted to be here today! Thank you, PJ, for asking me to stop by The Romance Dish! You always make it so much fun. If anyone is attending the Barbara Vey Readers Weekend in April, I’ll be there. Can’t wait to meet you!

Thanks for visiting with us today, Janna! Do you want to ask our readers a question?

If you were a woman living in Regency times and boldly wanted to work outside the home, what profession would you pursue?


I have a signed copy of The Bad Luck Bride for one randomly chosen person who leaves a comment on today's post before 11:00 PM (Eastern Time), November 1, 2017. (U.S. only)

Today's Special - - Trish Milburn

It's my pleasure to welcome Trish Milburn back to The Romance Dish today. Those of you who have been with us from the beginning know the important part Trish played here, both in helping us get the blog off the ground and as a monthly contributor. 

Trish is a Kentucky native who spent many years living in Tennessee before recently relocating to Florida. She's been a reader and writer since childhood, working as a magazine editor/writer before leaving to write romance full-time. She was a Golden Heart finalist eight times -winning twice - before selling her first book in 2007. She's since published books in a variety of sub-genre, including young adult, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and women's fiction. When she isn't busy writing, Trish is a self-described "National Park junkie," amateur nature photographer and enjoys cosplay and attending fan conventions such as DragonCon in Atlanta.

Welcome back, Trish! It’s such a pleasure to host you today. We’ve missed you around here. Harlequin recently released the 12^th book in your Blue Falls, Texas series: Her Texas Rodeo Cowboy. Please tell our readers what they should expect from this story.

Thanks for having me here today, PJ! It’s great to be back.

While Her Texas Rodeo Cowboy is officially the 12^th book in my Blue Falls, Texas series, it’s actually the 16^th story set in Blue Falls. The Teagues of Texas trilogy that pre-dated the Blue Falls books are actually set in Blue Falls, too. And there is a Christmas e-novella titled A Cowboy in Her Stocking. As for Her Texas Rodeo Cowboy, it’s the third book about the five adopted Hartley siblings. This one is about the oldest sister, Sloane.

Sloane Hartley is deeply rooted to her family’s ranch in Blue Falls, Texas. So she isn’t about to risk falling for a tempting tumbleweed like Jason Till. To Sloane, Jason is a handsome heartbreak waiting to happen. Like all rodeo cowboys. If she ever let herself love again, she certainly wouldn’t pick someone like him!

Jason only has eyes for one prize—the steer-wrestling

championship. And he can’t afford any distractions. Certainly not a blonde beauty with trust issues like Sloane. She represents everything a cowboy on the circuit can’t have anyway—home, family, a real relationship. Everything he thought he didn’t need. But when he’s with Sloane, Jason can’t remember why winning at the rodeo seemed so important.

When you conceived this series, did you have any idea it would still be going strong? How many more books do you have planned for Blue Falls?

I had no idea, but I’m really happy that readers seem to enjoy them

and Harlequin continued to publish them. With Harlequin, there will be two more books set in Blue Falls. One will be out in March, but I don’t have a date of release on the last one. As you know, the Harlequin Western Romance line is ending next June, and my final Hartley sibling book was slated to come out in August. Harlequin is currently working to give all of us that have contracted books a way to get out those books to readers. All that said, my plan is to continue publishing Blue Falls books myself. I have lots of ideas for other stories, and I’m working on a series bible that has revealed as I’m going back and re-reading the books just how many secondary characters I’ve forgotten about and who could have their own story. One fan favorite is Greg Bozeman, the local mechanic, so I have to find the right lady for him. J

You’ve done a wonderful job of creating a sense of place in these stories. What is it about this area of Texas that calls to you? Have you ever lived there?

Thanks! I’ve not lived there, but I’ve been to the Hill Country several times, first with a friend who was at UT-Austin for grad school a number of years ago, and more recently with fellow author and dear friend MJ Fredrick, who lives in Texas. The Hill Country has a rich history and it doesn’t look like so much of flat, flat, flat Texas. It has a rugged beauty to it. It’s an interesting mixture of ranches, vineyards, tourist destinations, mom-and-pop businesses, German heritage, etc.

I fell hard for Jason. I was drawn especially to his patience with both Sloane and the foster children who attended her camp. Who’s the last hero (not written by you) that you fell for? What made him special?

I really liked Levi Cooper in The Best Man by Kristan Higgins. While externally he could be grouchy, there were very believable reasons for why he became the man he is. And it was really fun to see the real Levi emerge and the unexpected romance between him and Faith develop. I want to be Kristan Higgins when I grow up. J

You recently moved from Tennessee to the Florida coast. Will we see any beachy romances in your future? I really enjoyed your Starfish Shores novellas.

I do plan to write some more stories set in Starfish Shores, especially since beach research will be super easy now since I live about two miles from the beach. I think they will be a nice break from my cowboy stories. But don’t worry, I don’t plan to abandon the cowboys.

With Harlequin closing their Western Romance category line, where should readers look for future Blue Falls, Texas books?  

As I mentioned above, I’ll have two more Blue Falls books after this month’s release with Harlequin. After that, I plan to continue the series on my own as well as a spin-off series. I’ve got lots of ideas percolating, so stay tuned. If readers would like to keep up on the latest book release info, I do a periodic newsletter I’d love to share with more readers. You can sign up here: http://www.trishmilburn.com/about-trish/newsletter-sign-up/

What’s next?

                                          

Twins for the Rancher will be out in March of next year. I also hope to be able to share some good news soon, but nothing is finalized yet.

Where can readers find you online?

www.trishmilburn.com

@TrishMilburn on Twitter

https://www.facebook.com/trishmilburnauthor

https://www.pinterest.com/trishmilburn2/

Would you like to add anything else?

Thanks again for having me on the blog today. It’s always great fun hanging out with you, and it was so wonderful to see you at RWA this summer.

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

The Blue Falls spin-off series I’m planning is in a little town that is known for its antique/junker stores. I’d like some fun names for these stores. Any ideas? 

I’ll give away a signed paperback copy of one of my backlist Blue Falls, Texas titles to two different commenters. (U.S. only)

Today's Special - - Nancy Herkness

It's my pleasure to welcome Nancy Herkness back to The Romance Dish! Nancy is the author of the award-winning Wager of Hearts and Whisper Horse series, published by Montlake Romance, as well as several other contemporary romance novels.  She is a two-time nominee for the Romance Writers of America’s RITA^® award.

Nancy is a member of Romance Writers of America, New Jersey Romance Writers, and Novelists, Inc. She has received many honors for her work, including the Book Buyers Best Top Pick, the New England Readers’ Choice award, and the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award.  She graduated from Princeton University with a degree in English literature and creative writing.

A native of West Virginia, Nancy now lives in suburban New Jersey with her husband, two mismatched dogs, and an elderly cat. 

For more information about Nancy and her books, visit www.NancyHerkness.com. Visit with her online at: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nancyherkness

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NancyHerkness

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/nancyherkness/

Blog: https://fromthegarret.wordpress.com/

Welcome back, Nancy! It’s always a pleasure to host you. I have thoroughly enjoyed each of the stories in your Wager of Hearts trilogy. Please share with our readers what they should expect from these three books.

PJ, it’s ever and always a delight to be your guest on the Romance Dish. You ask the best questions.

I love my Wager of Hearts billionaires, so it makes me sad that The VIP Doubles Down is the last book in the series. Of course, my next series is set in New York and also features ultra-wealthy heroes which means there’s a good chance that some cameo appearances will occur.

What to expect? My three self-made billionaires—a CEO, a quarterback, and a bestselling author--meet in the bar of an exclusive New York club and discover a common problem: money gets in the way of love. So they make a bet on finding the women who can love them for themselves and not all the trappings of their wealth. Each book traces one man’s journey of the heart. I take readers into the world of the hyper rich: mansions, penthouses, private jets, glamorous parties, designer clothes, and fast cars. All these things could easily dazzle my working girl heroines, but they are well-grounded, fiercely independent women who see past the sparkly package to the men who need their love and understanding to be whole.

The third book, The VIP Doubles Down was released April 18

and I have to say, Gavin’s story was well worth the wait. What would you like readers to understand about this brooding author hero?

I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed The VIP Doubles Down. It’s a book of my heart.

Gavin covers his pain with his biting wit. The truth is that he’s quite sensitive underneath all the snark. He has a lot of issues from his past that could have turned him into a bitter man; instead he has channeled his desire to escape into a hugely successful career as a writer of spy novels. But it’s lonely at the top and he needs the warmth and healing of Allie, his new physical therapist.

As with the previous two heroines in this series, Allie’s life is so far removed from Gavin’s billionaire lifestyle, they may as well be from different planets. What qualities does she possess that convinced you she would be the right heroine for Gavin?

Gavin has many wounds and Allie is a healer by nature. She’s also warm, generous, and without pretension. His former fiancée, the actress Irene Bartram, was none of those things, so Allie makes a wonderful antidote to the poison Irene poured over Gavin’s heart. But Allie is no pushover; she calls on her country-girl strength to stand up to Gavin’s strong personality when he tries to walk over her. As a result, sparks often fly between them.

Pundits often advise people to “write what you know.” I’m curious. As an author, were there any unique challenges in creating a fictional author as the hero of this book?

Quite the opposite. I understood Gavin’s problems so well that the book just flew from my madly typing fingertips. I love the way he uses words to mask his wounds and vulnerabilities. In Luke’s book, The All-Star Antes Up, when I revealed that Gavin is a romantic at heart, some readers were surprised, but I knew it all along, of course. For some reason, the third books in my trilogies seem to gravitate toward darker heroes and deeper emotional issues, and Gavin is no exception. But I love my tortured heroes the most because they make me cry, first with sadness and then with joy when they find the soulmate who will heal them.

Readers of your Whisper Horse series will no doubt enjoy the crossover characters in The VIP Doubles Down while others, like me, who haven’t read those books yet will likely be intrigued and want to know more about Sanctuary, West Virginia and the fictional characters who live there.  What should readers new to the Whisper Horse series expect from those stories? Do you plan more crossover characters for future books?

I’ve become addicted to crossover characters. Even in my earlier standalone books, I have the main characters from A Bridge to Love show up for cameo appearances in Shower of Stars and Music of the Night. When I fall in love with characters, I just can’t let them go. In fact, I’m working on the first full-length novel in my new Second Glances series, and I’ve already written a scene between the hero and Nathan Trainor from The CEO Buys In. It even takes place at the Bellwether Club. I didn’t plan for it; it just popped into my writer’s brain.

The Whisper Horse novels spring from a different part of my life: my childhood in a small town in the mountains of West Virginia. During those years, my pony, Papoose, was my best friend and confidante, giving me the idea of every person needing a special “whisper horse” who helps share the burden of their problems. I would whisper my teenage angst into Papoose’s ear and feel better for doing it.

Tim and Claire, who make the brief appearance in The VIP Doubles Down, are from the first Whisper Horse book, Take Me Home. The Whisper Horse novels are titled with phrases from Almost Heaven, the famous John Denver song about my mountain state, because the setting is integral to the stories.

Allie may be meeting Gavin for the first time when she accepts a position as his physical therapist but she’s no stranger to his dashing fictional hero, Julian Best. In fact, Julian has starred in many of her dreams and fantasies. Have you ever had a book boyfriend? What made him stand out above all the others?

True confession: I’m a bit fickle in my book boyfriends. I’ve had many. The first was Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre. I melted over his dark, brooding edge of mystery. Then Mr. Darcy. No explanation necessary. I adore Lord Damerel and the Marquis of Vidal in Georgette Heyer’s Regency romances. Both are untamed rakes with that delicious hint of dissipation. There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing the heroine bring them to their knees. Damerel and Venetia trade literary quotations which utterly delights me. The Marquis of Vidal is a very bad boy, who still makes me sigh. For more modern heroes, I’m still madly in love with Dan Calebow in Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ It Had to Be You. He might have fed into my creation of Luke Archer in The All-Star Antes Up. There’s something about the drive and discipline required to be an elite-level athlete that makes my pulses race. Not to mention their perfectly honed bodies. Sad to say, I could go on, but I’ve proved my point: I love the one I’m with.

Allie’s pet cat in this story is inspired by a very special real-life feline who shares your life. Please tell us about Pie.

Ah, Pie, the cat who came for Christmas…and stayed. Let me preface this story by saying that I already had two dogs. I did not need a cat. Pie, however, had other ideas.

My daughter, Rebecca (who is now a veterinary student at Iowa State), worked at a homeless cat shelter in Pittsburgh where she found Pie, the little gray cat whom no one would adopt because she had multiple health issues and didn’t get along with other cats. She had nearly been euthanized because of that.

Pie was no dummy. She curried my daughter’s favor by greeting her with loud, enthusiastic meows, purring every time she was touched, and showing a decided preference for her company. Pretty soon Pie had moved into Rebecca’s apartment as a foster until someone was found to give her a permanent home.

When my daughter came home for Christmas, of necessity, Pie came with her…only for the holidays. When Rebecca returned to Pittsburgh after the holidays, Pie somehow remained behind. And thus their goal was achieved: Pie found a forever home.

Pie is the perfect illustration of a profound truth: Sometimes we don’t know what’s missing from our lives until the universe sends it our way. She has brought unexpected joy and love and comfort into my life. Since Gavin in The VIP Doubles Down is a writer like me, I decided he needed a cat too, even though he didn’t know it. So Pie found her way into his story.

The sad news is that Pie was recently diagnosed with a very aggressive form of breast cancer. She’s an elderly lady and has been through three surgeries in the last year. Our vet says that another surgery would kill her, so the cancer will win this time. Right now Pie is doing fine, and I treasure my time with her, whether petting her or having her curled up on my lap or basking in the spring sunshine on our back patio.

I loved the concept of the Barefoot Ball that all three couples attend in The VIP Doubles Down. Was this a product of your imagination or fashioned after an actual event? What’s the most unique event you’ve attended?  

The Barefoot Ball is entirely imaginary. I love the feel of cool, soft sand on my bare feet, so it popped into my head to require all these fancy folks in their ball gowns and tuxedos to go barefoot on the beach in the middle of winter. Of course, there are giant heaters but the sand will still be chilled and delicious on their soles.

As for a very fancy real event, I once attended a private party at the Metropolitan Museum of Art when the Edgar Degas exhibit was there (which dates me, alas). When I walked into the grand entrance of the museum, the first sight that met my eyes were actual ballerinas dressed in costumes from the Degas paintings posing on the grand staircase to the music of a live orchestra. I was escorted to the Temple of Dendur for hors d’oeuvres, proceeded to the American Wing for dinner, and then toured the exhibit with only the party guests, no public crowds. As I departed, I received a goody bag containing gourmet chocolates and notecards printed with Degas’ paintings. That was an evening to remember!

Gavin’s bestselling books have been made into enormously successful movies. Which of your books would you most like to see on the big screen? Any thoughts on which actors you would want to portray the leads?

I think all of my books would make great movies, of course. However, I understand that movies need less internalization and more action, so I would choose Shower of Stars (one of my standalone novels) or The Place I Belong (the third Whisper Horse novel) for a movie script. Both offer plenty of external events to hang the visuals on, but they also offer strong emotional scenes for a really good actor to sink his teeth into.

I love casting the heroes of my books; I seem to be less picky about the heroines. I see Colin Farrell as Jack Lanett in Shower of Stars; he has that edge of danger that Jack projects, as well as a dark brooding presence. We’d have to change his accent from Irish to Deep South but I’m sure Colin could manage that.

For Adam Bosch, the world-class chef and restaurateur in The Place I Belong, I would cast Hugh Jackman. He has that smooth, charming façade, but there are depths to plumb there. Adam could even be turned into an Aussie for the movie because I love Hugh’s accent. And a few other things about him.

What’s next?

I’m just proofreading the kick-off story for my new Second Glances series, a novella titled Second to None. The new series combines billionaires, New York City, children, dogs, and second chance love stories…all  my favorite things!  Second to None will be released September 12^th. It’s set at Christmas time, too. Below is the story summary…and your readers are the first ones to see this!

Billionaire chemist Max Varela is selling his company and leaving New York for good when Emily Wade bursts into his office, desperate for his help in funding her program for disadvantaged kids and shelter dogs. Seven years ago, he fell in love with her when she was married to another man. To fight the unbidden attraction, he cut off all contact but he’s never forgotten her.

Ever since her husband died, Emily has poured her heart and soul into the after-school care center. Seeing Max reawakens the pain of her loss, but it also brings unexpected hope for the future. As emotions thought long gone resurface, they begin a passionate affair that seems destined for a fairytale ending.

Until Max reveals that he’s moving to Chicago in a matter of weeks and wants Emily to uproot her daughter and her life to come with him. If a second chance at love is possible, someone’s got to give.

Thank you for sharing us! I'm off to mark the date!

Will you be attending any events this year where readers will have the opportunity to meet you in person?

I will be at RWA’s “Readers for Life” Literacy Autographing on July 29^th from 3:00 – 5:00 at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort. I am also the luncheon keynote speaker at the New Jersey Romance Writer’s “Put Your Heart in a Book” conference on October 14^th in Iselin, NJ. Hmm, I need to get out more.

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

I have so many questions for readers, but today I’ll ask: How much does a book’s cover affect your decision about whether to buy it or not? (I’m asking this because I love, love, love the cover of The VIP Doubles Down.)

Two randomly chosen people who leave a comment before 11:00 PM (EST), April 22, 2017 will each receive an autographed copy of The VIP Doubles Down. (U.S. only) 

Gavin Miller, the billionaire author of a bestselling thriller series, struggles with a grim secret: he hasn’t written a word in more than a year.

Writer’s block is killing his spirit and jeopardizing his contracts with his publisher and his Hollywood producers. Prodded by his agent, Gavin reluctantly agrees to see Allie Nichols, a sassy physical therapist tasked with treating the novelist’s severe neck and shoulder pain—and maybe his writer’s block, too.

The tempestuous Gavin and no-nonsense Allie soon find themselves entangled in a steamy affair that sparks Gavin’s creativity again. But their manipulative ex-lovers and Gavin’s lingering childhood scars threaten their happily ever after. Can Gavin and Allie find their way to love when the stakes are high and the obstacles are overwhelming?

Amazon
Barnes and Noble