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Albert Camus

Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Interview, Excerpt and Giveaway Romancing His English Rose (Lady Lancaster Garden Society #2) by Catherine Hemmerling

Published September 2013

Description:


Rose Warren and Simon Trumbull may have been betrothed since birth, but that doesn’t mean they have to like each other. Rose is sure the notorious playboy Simon will never willingly settle down, and Simon, well…he agrees. Never one to be forced into anything, he’d rather drink and gamble with his mates than spend time with the bookish, bespectacled Rose.

When the two are thrown together to investigate a potential poisoning mystery, neither expects the sparks that fly. Simon discovers that Rose is, in fact, a brilliant sleuth and—even better—hides a delectable body beneath her flowing skirts. Suddenly, falling into bed may be the best idea either has heard, but can Simon convince Rose his romancing is forever?


MB' INTERVIEW
 Thank you, Mrs. Catherine Hemmerling

Why do you write Historical Romance?
It’s one of my favorite genres to read. If I am going to spend hours upon hours immersed in a setting, might as well make it one I love right?

Do you think Historical Romance is a genre that evolves? What are the most important changes that occurred?
I think the great thing about Historical Romance is that it is only limited by your imagination. With all of history to explore, there is really no end of possibilities for story ideas. Throw magic and fantasy into the mix, and what can’t be done? I think a lot of historical romance focused on the strong male conquering the female, but these days the women are given stronger roles. I love that.

How important is the research and the observance of the historical time period characteristics for a Historical Romance?
I personally think it is very important, especially since I am using actual historic events as my backdrop. That isn’t to say I don’t make mistakes, but I try to stay true to the period and characteristics as much as I can, so that I may take a little leeway in the individual’s quirks and personalities.

Are there some special challenges to express the lust and love in a Historical Romance?
In my books, I seem to be caught between readers wanting more sex or, the polar opposite, readers thinking there is too much sex. I try to walk the historical balance of no premarital relations by keeping the intimacy between couples that will end up together. It is definitely a challenge.

The male characters in both your books seems to be “bad guys” at first; why do you think we all (we can be sincere among friends) love them?
Oh, I think all women love the idea of “breaking” the bad boy. Showing the rake that our love is better than the lust of all other women. It’s a power thing. Bringing a man to his knees and winning his undying love? Yeah, I could live with that.

 EXCERPT

“Ah, yes...” Simon said haltingly, unable to believe that Lady Lancaster had suggested he dance with Rose. Usually when he poured on his charm, the older ladies did everything in their power to keep the young impressionable girls away from him. Of course, he was engaged to Rose, so perhaps that accounted for the woman’s unusual decision.

Turning to Rose, Simon saw that she too was surprised by the dowager’s recommendation. She also appeared displeased by it. Most young ladies fawned over him and when he asked one to dance, they would practically swoon with delight. But Rose seemed almost disgusted by the idea.

Pride pricked, Simon came to a decision. This dance would be the best Rose had ever experienced—one she would never forget.

Pulling himself up straight and tall, Simon adopted the most sincere mien he could and asked, “Rose, may I have this dance?”

Rose nodded and accepted Simon’s arm and together they walked to the dance floor.

Soon they were moving gracefully around the ballroom floor...in complete silence. Rose was gazing absently over Simon’s shoulder and Simon was trying in vain to come up with something witty and interesting to say.

While deciding to impress Rose enough for her to never again regret having to dance with him, Simon took a moment to get a better look at his betrothed. Something was different about her tonight, but he just couldn’t put his finger on what.

About the author:
Catherine Hemmerling has been a technical writer in the software industry for nearly twenty years and has published many user manuals and technical documentation in that time. She has always had a love of writing fiction but has never pursued publication in that genre until now.

Hopefully it is the beginning of a long new journey with Lady Lancaster and the Garden Society girls. Certainly historical romance (especially the scandalous kind) is more fun than writing technical documents!

This author happily resides in Tehachapi, California (near Bakersfield - home of her Alma-mater!) with her family.

Catherine writes for Entangled Publishing's Scandalous historical line and is thrilled to be part of their family of writers!

Author's Giveaway
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10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm not big reader on Historicals, but I wouldn't mind reading this one.

Mimi Smith said...

Ha, breaking the "rake" I so agree it's a power thing! The fantasy...

Mims

Unknown said...

How do you pick what kind of book you are going to write?

Unknown said...

Felicia, I think the story really picks you. In my case, once I fell in love with my characters and their stories, the historical event and mystery was picked for them.

Chaotic Karma said...

This sounds like a wonderful read

~Veronica Vasquez~

Kai said...

I love it when the heroine leaves the rake totally speechless. I like the excerpt.

Unknown said...

I love reading different genre's of books so having some historical view will be great.. sounds fabulous.

Unknown said...

I think from the small excerpt I've seen it will be wonderful to read. Thank you for the chance.. ;)

LAWonder said...

I love historical fiction! Thank you for your generosity!

Unknown said...

hope to win :)