Review of If He's Tempted!

Ok this is way more delayed than I wanted it to be, but I'm finally getting to my If He's Tempted review!

About the book:

Publisher: Kensington Books

Expected Publication Date: April 2, 2013

My source for the book: NetGalley.com

Genre: Historical Romance

Description:

New York Times bestselling author Hannah Howell returns to her beloved Wherlocke family and the story of a love destined to heal old wounds…

Lady Olympia Wherlocke has the gift of foresight. When Lady Agatha Mallam asks Olympia to locate her brother so he can rescue her from an arranged marriage, she knows exactly where to find Lord Brant Mallam, Earl of Fieldgate. What happens next is something she never envisioned…

Since his betrothed died, Lord Brant Mallam has drowned his sorrow with wine and women. His dissolute ways have only emboldened his calculating mother. But with the help of the enchanting Olympia, he concocts a daring plan to end his mother’s devious designs for his sister. While each step in their bold scheme works to perfection, the sins of the past could unravel a growing desire that neither Olympia or Brant can control…

 WHAT I LIKED:

Let me start by saying that I adore Hannah Howell's Highlander novels. They were some of the first historical romances I ever read and I fell in love with her writing style. I knew she'd branched out into other sub genres of historical romance, but had never given them a try. Then this book popped up in NetGalley and I knew I had to check it out.

This is the latest in the Wherlocke-Vaughn series, I believe book five. The book started off surprising me with the supernatural angle. It's subtle but I loved it. The interactions between Olympia and Brant were so much fun and the style was what I had come to expect from Hannah's other books. All too often authors start to feel too formulaic once they've put out a significant number of novels, but I can count on Hannah Howell to keep me entertained.

I spent a good deal of the book wanting to throttle Brant's mother and thumb Brant himself for letting things get so bad. That being said, it was a fun ride and when I'd finished this book I immediately bought all four of the previous Wherlocke-Vaughn novels to read.


WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:

I knew going into this book that it wasn't the first, but my rule of thumb is if I'm able to understand 80% of the plot when diving into a mid-series book, the author has done their job. This sort of fit into that category. It's my fault for not starting with the earlier books so I was fully caught up on the characters. I was a bit confused at times but overall still enjoyed the books thoroughly.

My only other complaint was to my wallet. Once I'd finished this book, I HAD to buy the others :D


OVERALL VERDICT: 5/5 Blue Duckies!

Hannah Howell is one of my go-to authors for a fantastic historical romance. I highly recommend starting at the beginning of this series before reading this book, however. If you're looking for well written historical romance with wonderful characters and a bit of a paranormal twist, don't miss out on these books!

Interview with Christine Steendam + GIVEAWAY!!

Hello lovelies! Today I have the pleasure of hosting one of my fantabulous friends during her Heart Like An Ocean Blog Tour!!! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the interview with this amazing author and then be sure to check out her book!


Welcome to the Heart Like an Ocean Blog Tour. It is running from March 1st-27th and will feature a variety of blogs and posts. Please take a moment to visit the the next tour stop.

Don't miss the rafflecopter at the end of the interview lovelies!

Thank you so much for joining me, Christine!! When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I kind of always knew, but I was told it just wasn’t a realistic option. When I got married and had a kid it opened that door back up to me and I began to seriously pursue it.

I'm glad you ignored whoever told you it wasn't a realistic option! What has been the most difficult part about being a writer?

Finding the discipline to actually do it! Sometimes I’m really good and will write 1500-2000 words 5 days a week, and then sometimes I’ll go a week without writing anything.

OMG I thought I was the only one who did that haha! Who are your favorite authors?

Orson Scott Card, Daniel Keyes Moran, Carmen DeSousa, and I’m finding so many more new and fantastic authors every week!

Ooo. fantastic authors! What authors inspire you?

The indie authors that are making a name for themselves. I’m just now starting to discover the work that goes in to getting yourself out there. To name a few I’d say MJ Kane, Carmen DeSousa and you (your fan base is amazing and so loyal!).

Aww thank you <3 That means the world to me! Are you a plotter or a pantser with your writing?

Pantser all the way. I love the journey of discovery, never knowing what my characters are going to do or say next.

Me too! What type of books do you like to read?

A little of everything. I love sci-fi, drama, crime, romance, historical, upper YA, fantasy. Basically any genre.

That's awesome and definitely opens you to a ton of fantastic authors. What do you like to do in your free time?

Free time? What’s that? Lol. I like to read and beta read for other authors but my favorite thing to do is ride my horse. If I can get an hour or two away from my son and all the things at home that’s where you’ll find me.

LOL I know, free time is elusive in our business! Where is your favorite place to vacation?

There’s a ranch about 2.5 hours outside of the town I live in. That’s my favorite place in the entire world. When I’m there I can forget about life and just spend some time with family, friends, my horse, or with the characters in whatever book I’m working on.

Wow, that sounds simply amazing and I must admit I'm just a tinge jealous you live so close to a ranch lol. If you were stuck on a desert island and could have only three things, what would they be?

My favorite book, a notebook, and a huge box of pencils. I figured since you said things, my husband didn’t count ;)

LOL! Love those answers!! Why did you choose to write a historical romance?

I didn’t. It chose me. I always thought I’d write sci-fi or fantasy.

Haha, that's awesome then! Sometimes it just works out that way :) What has been the most fun about working on your books?

I love it when I throw in a character that is supposed to be a nobody and they take matters into their own hands and decide that they are gonna be important. To me that is just the most exciting and thrilling thing about writing my books. In Heart Like an Ocean Matt and Julie were those characters.

OMG that happened to me with my book!! A character that was supposed to be a very minor role ballooned into one that will end up having his own book lol. Isn't that funny how it happens like that? What has been the hardest scene for you to write?

I can’t write endings. Absolutely cannot. At least not in the first draft, and sometimes not even in the second draft. Originally Heart Like an Ocean went on for another 2 or 3 chapters until it finally came to me how it was supposed to end.

Definitely sympathize with you there. Endings are so scary for me, so final you know? Do you have any favorite characters?

I love James, he’s so conflicted and unsure. Obviously I love Senona, her transformation from girl into woman is what makes me love her story so much. And Brant, he’s just tons of fun.

Can I say that I adore the name Senona? Such an awesome name! I love your title, Heart Like an Ocean. How did you come up with that?

When I think of the ocean I think of freedom, how nothing controls it and it’s so vast. But I also think of how it’s so easy to look at the surface and see only that, and have no idea what’s going on beneath. That is Senona, free but still complicated, conflicted, and so much more going on beneath the surface than one might think.

The romantic in me just sighed big time. Love that reason <3 Tell us more about Senona and her personality. Does her free-spirited nature get her into trouble since it’s so out of the norm for that time period?

It seems to get in the way everywhere she turns, in love, in family, the only place it doesn’t seem to interfere is with her friends.

Well now I'm definitely dying to read this book! Did you find you had to do a lot of research to write a book written in the 1600’s?

So much more than I had anticipated. A couple days before the ebook was released I was emailing my publisher saying “quick, we need to change something!” because I realized I had made a mistake. I did hours upon hours upon hours of research and I still made sure that I didn’t get too involved in the historical aspect of the story, otherwise it would have been so much more!

LOL! I can only imagine the research you had to do! I commend you for taking it on because part of why I love writing paranormal/dark fantasy is I can make up my own rules much of the time :) Having to maintain historical accuracy would be such a challenge for me. Why did you choose to have Brant be a privateer?

I wanted Brant to be dangerous, but still somewhat respectable. A privateer is employed by the government, so even though he is his own man, there is still a sense of legitimacy to him, which is important for the storyline.

That's exactly what I picture him as when I think of a privateer lol. Is this part of a series? If so, what can we expect from future books?

I really don’t know yet. I wrote it so that it could be a stand alone, but there is room for more books. I guess it’ll depend on if the characters start whispering in my ear again, or if the readers want more. But, if I were to write more I’m thinking of maybe delving a little more into James’ life… or maybe go back and tell Brant and Catherine’s story from before.

I'm so happy you have left the possibility for a series because something tells me I'm going to want more after reading this! What's next for you?

I’m currently in the editing stages of a contemporary romance set on an Alberta ranch. Cowboys, horses, a bit of intrigue, what’s not to love?

*GASP* You said the magic word: cowboys!! I'm a BIG sucker for cowboys <3 Write faster lol! Anything else you want your readers to know?

If you haven’t already check out Lindsay’s book. It’s fantastic :) Thanks, Lindsay for having me.

Aww you're making me blush!! *huge hugs* Lovelies, definitely check out Heart Like an Ocean!! Christine, it has truly been a blast having you! I can't wait to do my review for your book!

Heart Like an Ocean...Buy it Now!

In a society where she doesn't belong, Senona Montez, a strong-willed and free-spirited woman refuses to follow the path expected of a Don's only child.

On the eve of her marriage to a stranger, she saddles her horse and flees everything she knows, only to discover the petty concerns of society did not prepare her for the harsh life on the open sea. She finds an unlikely protector in a reckless privateer, Brant Foxton.

Straddling the worlds of independence and privilege in 1600's Europe, this captivating man challenges her in ways she never thought possible, shows her what living to the fullest really means, and allows her to follow her heart wherever it leads. 

Buy it Now!

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Excerpt

Spain-1666

Senona looked around the room full of swirling dresses of so many shapes and colors. It was like a dream and left her overwhelmed and unable to tear her eyes away. Tonight she was a princess in her new dress with her hair curled, cascading in loose waves down her back. Tonight she was perfect.

Browsing the room, this time in search of familiar faces, Senona spotted Caton Amador, and Isidro Amato. The boys, although older, were her friends and a welcome relief to the overwhelming nature of her surroundings. She made her way around the perimeter of the room in their general direction.

Isidro was never very serious about anything and enjoyed teasing Senona, which annoyed her to no end. Caton was much more subdued and quiet, at least around her. Although they were not as close as they once had been, the families remained good friends, and the three of them spent many hours riding around the countryside or playing games in the garden. When they were younger, Isidro and Caton had been her constant companions, helping her sneak out of tea with their Madres or rescuing her from lessons with her tutor. Now they never voluntarily saw each other, but due to their families’ relationship, they found themselves together often enough.

“Senona, my Chica! You are a picture of beauty, as always,” boomed Isidro’s obnoxious and teasing voice.

Caton turned to look at the young girl. “Leave her alone, Isidro.”

“Come on, Caton. She’s glad to see us.”

Caton frowned but said nothing, turning his attention back to the pretty girl standing next to him. Isidro seemed to accept that as permission to continue, and he smirked mockingly at Senona, beckoning her. The small flock of girls that surrounded the two boys giggled, causing her to blush and become hesitant and uncomfortable. She had never seen the boys in this environment, and she quickly questioned her decision that she belonged with them.

“It’s okay, Isidro. I just wanted to say hello.”

“Well then, run along. There must be some of your friends around.”

Senona forced a smile and turned to Caton. “Hello, Caton.”

He barely acknowledged her with a brief glance and nod in her direction, and then returned to ignoring her. Unsure of how to deal with Caton’s rejection, she walked away, her eyes burning with angry tears that threatened to spill over. Why was he being so rude? Not even so much as a hello, as if he were embarrassed to be associated with her.

As she pushed her way through the crowd, she heard one of the girls laugh. “Caton, I do believe you hurt her feelings.”

Caton’s deep, unmistakable chuckle cut through the din and his voice was all she heard. “She’s a silly, strange girl. I would rather not encourage her.”

Senona expected this behavior from Isidro, but from Caton? She had always thought he was honest and simple, but his actions tonight had shown her otherwise. She had been a fool to think that these older boys were her friends.

Escaping into the shadows, she hid from the sneering glances and mocking laughter that seemed to follow her wherever she went. She had thought that tonight would be different, but nothing had changed. She was just a strange little girl.

The night was a blur, a blur of swirling skirts and obnoxious voices. To nearly everyone she was invisible. Even her Madre and Padre, who had never been overly affectionate towards their daughter, seemed to have completely forgotten her existence. But that wasn’t so different from normal. They weren’t very affectionate people ever, even towards each other.

At the end of the night, Senona lay in bed, her new dress hanging in her wardrobe, mocking her. She had realised tonight how far she fell from society’s standards, her own parents’ standards. Any illusion she had of being a princess, of being perfect for one night had been shattered. But that didn't really bother her. The truly odd thing was that she felt a weight lifted from her shoulders. Perhaps she didn’t have to be that way. Perhaps now she had the freedom to do as she wanted. It wasn’t as if anyone cared about her anyway. She was just a strange little girl.

Meet Christine!

Christine has been writing stories since she could put pen to paper and form words. Now, fifteen years later, her debut novel is released and her second book is in the works.
Christine has spent the better half of her life owning and working with horses, and these four legged companions often find their way into her stories. After all, no work of women’s fiction would be complete without a horse or two--In her opinion at least ;)
She currently makes her home in the center of the world—no, really. Look at an atlas. 

Connect with Christine:

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Review of Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks!!

Hello lovelies! I had the amazing privilege of getting to read and review Maya Banks' upcoming novel, Highlander Most Wanted and let me tell you, I did the serious happy dance when my request was approved. I freaking ADORE her highlander series (well, pretty much anything by Maya) and this was no different. Shall we get to the review?

About the book:

Publisher: Random House - Ballantine Books

Expected Publication Date: March 19, 2013

My source for the book: NetGalley.com

Genre: Historical romance

Description:

Maya Banks, the New York Times bestselling author of erotic romance, romantic suspense, and contemporary romance, has captivated readers with her steamy Scottish historical novels, perfect for fans of Julie Garwood. In Highlander Most Wanted, a reclusive woman content to live in the shadows shows a Highland warrior the true meaning of love.
Genevieve McInnis is locked behind the fortified walls of McHugh Keep, captive of a cruel laird who takes great pleasure in ruining her for any other man. Yet when Bowen Montgomery storms the gates on a mission of clan warfare, Genevieve finds that her spirit is bent but not broken. Still, her path toward freedom remains uncertain. Unable to bear the shame of returning to a family that believes her dead or to abandon others at the keep to an imposing new laird, Genevieve opts for the peaceful life of an abbess. But Bowen’s rugged sensuality stirs something deep inside her that longs to be awakened by his patient, gentle caress—something warm, wicked, and tempting.

Bowen seizes his enemy’s keep, unprepared for the brooding and reclusive woman who captures his heart. He’s enchanted by her fierce determination, her unusual beauty, and her quiet, unfailing strength. But wooing her will take more than a seasoned seducer’s skill. For loving Genevieve, he discovers, means giving her back the freedom that was stolen from her—even if it means losing her forever.

 WHAT I LIKED:

Where do I begin? Maya Banks always writes such rich characters, I'm immediately drawn into her stories. I made the mistake of starting this book at 1am when I couldn't sleep thinking I'd just read a chapter or two. The next thing I knew, it was 3AM and I had to be up in 4 more hours. Still, it was so hard to put the Kindle down and I even snuck in some reading time before work. This picks up shortly after Never Seduce A Scot and I'd recommend reading that first. You'll understand this book just fine without it, but Highlander Most Wanted does reference events from the first book so you'll enjoy this more with the whole story.

One thing I love about this book is the heroine isn't physically perfect. Just as Eveline in Never Seduce A Scot was deaf, Genevieve has had her face disfigured in such a way that it inspires strong feelings of pity or disgust in most people who meet her. As a writer myself, I'm guilty of focusing on physical perfection. However, Maya does a beautiful job of crafting strong heroines who overcome their physical ailments and find true love. To do this believably in a historical romance is even more commendable. In addition to the scar, Genevieve is battling the emotional toll of having endured physical, emotional and sexual abuse, but through it all she's a very strong woman who you feel can truly overcome any obstacle, particularly with sexy Bowen.

The plot is intriguing, though in some ways not as exciting as some of her other highlander books. Bowen is everything you'd expect in a sexy highlander and certainly does not disappoint.


WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:

There was very little I didn't like about this. In a very few places I wish things had picked up the pace just a little bit and there's a conflict throughout the book involving Genevieve and the McHugh clanspeople that I thought could have used a bit more wrapping up. I didn't feel like the conflict was completely resolved but it's hard to explain without giving away spoilers.


OVERALL VERDICT: 5/5 Blue Duckies!!

Maya Banks is without a doubt one of my favorite authors. She's one of the rare few who can write steamy contemporary, exciting romantic suspense, and sexy historical highlanders and do it well. You can always count on her books to deliver amazing characters, interesting plots, and rich descriptions that yank you into the story and make you sad the story has to end.

Interview with Katherine Bone + GIVEAWAY!!!

Happy Monday my lovelies! I know Mondays suck but don't worry, I've got your back :) Today I have another fantabulous author joining me on The Lindsay Show!! Please welcome the lovely Kathy Bone, here to talk about her romance novels :) Monday's are always better with a little romance, right?

Stick around after the interview and leave a comment for your chance to win a copy of Kathy's historical romance, Duke by Day, Rogue by Night!!!

Leave your email address so you can be contacted to collect your prize!

Interview

Welcome Kathy!! I'm so glad you could join me today :)

Hi, Lindsay! I really appreciate the invitation to join you today! Woot! :)

It's such a pleasure to have you! First of all, I can't wait to read your books. I don't read enough historicals and I'm so interested in Duke by Day, Rogue by Night. But I'm getting ahead of myself :) When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve written poetry since I was in my early teens. But after reading The Flame & The Flower by Kathleen Woodiwiss, something ignited within me, a burning desire to write something just as memorable. To create a book that celebrated courage and the adventurous journeys of two people falling in love. To give readers hope that love does conquer all.

I've read that book! Great book and I can see how it would light that fire in you! What has been the most difficult part about being a writer?

Rejections. Negativity. Doubt. Writing fills a void. It’s an extension of oneself, don’t you think? But along the way to publication, there’s a period of experimentation that is oftentimes a harbinger of the dreadful rejection letter. There isn’t any help for it. The BEST in the business go through it. But to move forward, every writer has to develop a thick skin. That process can be painful. So not my favorite thing, but neither is being keelhauled. Arrrr!!!!

LOL trust me, I feel your pain! Do you like to plan your scenes out or do you just wing it?

Instead of wielding a cutlass, I LOVE to storyboard! I’ll meet with brainstorming partners, jot down specifics, ponder the plot, create a storyboard with characters likenesses and a full chapter template, and then use sticky notes to determine vague plot points. Then, I’ll write. I’m actually a planster, a cross between a panster and plotter. As an artist, (I went to art school) having visual references for my characters is a great boon to my muse. It may take time to get a storyboard put together, but while I’m doing it, I’m also thinking about story arc and characters the entire time. So worth it!

Ooo storyboards are a new one! I'd love to check it out sometime, I've never really tried to storyboard. What do you like to do in your free time?

Free time? I laze about the Black Pearl with a jug of rum in hand, listening to a pirate’s lullaby… “Yo ho, me hearties, Yo ho!” Muahahaha! Actually, when I do have spare time, I love to read, of course, knit and quilt, though I rarely have time to do so anymore. I used to aspire to be a copy of Martha Stewart, making my own jam, etc… Don’t have time for that nowadays and my rogue appears to miss the homemade goodness. Oops! (Pirate!)

LMAO you're awesome, seriously awesome. Where is your favorite place to vacation?

I love the sea! The Black Pearl under my feet, riding the waves, rum in hand… oh, sorry I digress. In truth, I love family around me, the breeze ruffling my hair, listening to playful waves crashing against the shore. Building sand castles in the sun. But my ideal vacation would be a trip to England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Oh! I’d love to walk where Jane Austen walked. Visit the hills of my ancestors and hear the bagpipes blow. Explore the crags and enter haunted castles too. Heehee!

I'm going to have to join you on the Black Pearl sometime! Can I share Captain Jack? Please? :) You’ve written both a contemporary romance and a historical romance. Why did you choose to write these genres?
Historicals are my first and forever love. I cut my reading teeth on Historicals in fiction and non-fiction. History is one of my favorite things all round. But writers need to experiment in order to broaden their wings. So when I heard that HQN Mills & Boon was having a 2011 New Voices contest, I decided to go pirate and give writing contemporary a try. Boy, was turning Captain Jack and my historical muse off ever hard! In the long run, I managed to make the adjustment and learned to love contemporary romance too. Not without pulling hair and shooting undead monkeys, mind you.

I love it! If you ever need to turn off Captain Jack again, feel free to send him my way ;) Was it hard to write a historical romance and then to write a contemporary romance?
You want to know the really strange thing? It isn’t hard at all to turn off the voices. I actually have no problems working on different projects at once and no problem telling storylines apart. Woot! I’m either really lucky or really insane. LOL!!! :) 

I think I already know the answer to this but I'll ask anyway :) Which genre did you like writing best? Do you have plans to branch out to other genres?
It goes without saying that Historical Romance is my favorite genre, especially the Regency/Victorian period. As for branching out… I do have a Post Civil War/Western/paranormal book and a Regency/paranormal book I want to shop around. ;)

Ooo I'm so intrigued now! I must find out more about these other books. And hah! I was right :D I’ve heard historicals often require a great deal of research, but your contemporary involves Italian culture. Did you find you needed to do a lot of research for your books?
Yes! I first starting writing Post Civil War Westerns. I researched Dakota Sioux Indians, the Civil War, places like the Black Hills & Virginia, Civil War era costumes, the Military, Forts, etc… for years. That book hasn’t sold yet. Then I decided I could also take my love of pirates to lesser known locales like the English/Cornish coast where piracy didn’t end until 1835. All in all, I’ve been researching history for the past 20 years in different genres. As a former military brat/wife, however, I also had access to European locales. (We lived in Italy for 3 years!) So it was very easy to take my passion for all things Italian and weave them into Lost Treasure, Captive Princess.

OMG so jealous you lived in Italy for 3 years! But that must've been a huge help in Lost Treasure, Captive Princess. Now I'm dying to read your books knowing how much research you put into them!! What has been the most fun about working on your books?
The best part about writing is living the book through your characters! I love pirates and I get to live among them when I write too, as well as speak the jargon. I get to take part in the Vision Quest & the Sun Dance, experience war, ballroom dramas, sea battles, and espionage. I hear villains’ inner thoughts and get to help alpha heroes win the day. That isn’t half bad for a day’s work, is it? The downside? Not getting to wear the fabulous Regency fashions or actually board the Pearl.

I couldn't agree more! What has been the hardest scene for you to write?

Ack! Those would have to be sex scenes. You see, my muse isn’t just one imaginary friend, but a choir full. When things are going great… Hallelujah is their chorus. When things are going bad… boy, do I get “the devil made you do it” looks. Turning off my muse when I need to close the door, isn’t as easy as it sounds. LOL! Sex scenes should be sensual, stirring, emotional additions to your characters’ lives. Creating a powerful scene like this takes big kahoonas and finesse! If only…

LOL I've had that same exact problem. Our muses should learn to cooperate more! Tell us about your historical, Duke by Day, Rogue by Night. How did you come up with the premise for it?
My love for pirates dates back to Fern Michaels Captive Series, Johanna Lindsay’s Mallorys, Kathleen Woodiwiss, Rosemary Rogers, Bobbi Smith and more. Loved the old Errol Flynn and Tyrone Power epics! Gregory Peck in Captain Horatio Hornblower, which Ioan Gruffald masterfully recreated not long ago, holds a very special place in my heart. Pirates of the Caribbean and Captain Jack Sparrow made epic tales of piracy popular again. Soon to follow, authors like Jennifer Ashley, Katharine Ashe, Shana Galen and Michelle Beattie brought literary piracy back into vogue. So my love of piracy has been long-winded. LOL! But when I saw Master & Commander and discovered a little known fact about Admiral Nelson, he never went without his tea, even on board ship—during battle—I knew I’d found gold. So. What if? Admiral Nelson created a team of mercenaries, nicknaming them Nelson’s Tea, code for first sons from every tier of life, least expected of espionage, in his quest to defeat France and Spain. Percival Avery, Marques Stanton, future Duke of Blendingham, Captain Henry Guffald, and Lord Garrick Seaton were born. Duke by Day, Rogue by Night, is Percy’s story, a cross between Master & Commander meets The Scarlet Pimpernel.

All I can say is wow. You do know you've now pushed back my review schedule right? Because I HAVE to read this book. You have a contemporary romance coming out on March 4 called, Lost Treasure, Captive Princess. Tell us more about it please.
Lost Treasure, Captive Princess, began as a submission for HQN Mills & Boon Presents, which seemed like a fantastic way to include my beloved alpha heroes in a modern day story. Gian-Paolo Montovanni is an Italian Prince forced by parliament to produce a wife and heir or chance losing his title and throne. I adore Italian men! They’re charismatic, generous and oh! so tall, dark and handsome! After having lived in Italy for 3 years, L’Italia seemed the obvious setting for my book. It also didn’t hurt that I went to Italian Language School in Monterey, CA. and I’ve been to many Italian palaces and cities. Royal jewelry has also been inspirational in my historical research. So, what if? An American jeweler has seen a long-time missing emerald necklace, copies it, and puts it on the market, only to discover that it’s a piece of history one man cannot do without? Fireworks!!!! Bada Bing, Bada Boom! 

Here's the blurb for it:

Gian-Paulo Montovanni, an Italian prince, must produce an heir. But before he can do that, he must locate his mother’s emerald necklace, an engagement piece stolen twenty years earlier. In order to get the original, Gian-Paulo allies himself with an American jeweler who has reproduced the necklace in elaborate detail. Suspicious of her involvement, he lures her to Italy to finalize the deal. But the American puts on the necklace, forcing Gian-Paulo to pretend she’s his chosen princess. Thrust into public chaos, he must participate in wicked deceptions if he’s to achieve the one thing he wants most in the world, ensure his mother’s legacy lives on forever.

Abandoned by her mother as a child, Carolina Beugre wants to open a jewelry shop in downtown Atlanta but she must sell her greatest creation in order to fund the store. She accepts the first offer for Grace, the 20 karat emerald necklace recreated from one of her uncle’s silent auction pieces. The exchange is scheduled on a tiny provincial island during a masque ball. But her actions set off a chain of events that lead to a fake betrothal to a man she doesn’t know. While she’s refashioned for the role, payment for the gems is held hostage. Now Carolina stands to lose everything, to include her freedom. Captive, but not defeated, Carolina discovers the necklace’s history, which reveals a connection far greater than either of them ever dreamed.

Make it come out sooner! I'm dying to read that sooner lol. Are either of your books part of a series? If yes, what can we expect from future books.

Duke by Day, Rogue by Night is the first book in the Nelson’s Tea Series. I’m working on book two now, The Rogue’s Prize, which is Captain Henry Guffald’s book. It’s set to be a May Crimson Romance release. Redeeming the Rogue, Lord Garrick Seaton’s book, will hopefully follow sometime at the end of 2013.

Lost Treasure, Captive Princess, is a standalone story. But should my contemporary book generate a good response, I have two other contemporaries plotted and ready to write.

Yay for the historical series and more potential contemporaries!! Well, we are sadly out of time which isn't fair because I'm having so much fun. Before you go, what's next for you?

I’m finishing up The Rogue’s Prize for Crimson Romance, me hearties!

I cannot WAIT to read Duke by Day, Rogue by Night so I'm all ready to read The Rogue's Prize when it's out! Thank you so much Kathy, it has been a blast!

Thank you for allowing me to parlay with you today, Lindsay! One lucky commenter will win a copy of Duke by Day, Rogue by Night. “Yo ho, the goodness, Yo ho!”

Duke by Day, Rogue by Night...Buy it Now!

Constance Danbury is fleeing an arranged marriage to lecherous Lord Burton, a man who has blackmailed her father and is nearly twice her age. Her escape takes her aboard a merchantman bound for Spain, where she hopes an aunt will help her procure funds to save her father’s dwindling reputation. But fate intervenes. Constance is captured by a pirate with a wit and stubbornness to match her own, and a secret he’ll do anything to keep.

Nobleman Percival Avery is a member of Nelson’s Tea, an elite group whose members are first sons from every tier in society. Undercover, he disguises himself as a pirate to infiltrate the gang of cutthroats responsible for his sister’s death. But when his vessel attacks a merchantman with valuable cargo, Percy is forced to choose between vengeance and saving the life of his commander’s niece, Constance Danbury. Mutiny is sure to obliterate his well-laid plans. It also aligns him with the one woman sure to see through his disguise. Forced to play the fop by day to outwit his enemies, he masquerades as a rogue by night in order to avenge his sister’s death – and to win his true love’s heart.

by Katherine Bone

“Duke by Day, Rogue by Night is a rollicking romp of a pirate romance in the classic style. From ship deck to London ballroom, Katherine Bone’s story is packed with intrigue, and the disguise of her rough and dangerous hero as a town popinjay positively delights.” – Katharine Ashe, author of Captured by a Rogue Lord

“Katherine Bone is an author after my own heart! Duke by Day, Rogue by Night is a sexy, adventurous romp guaranteed to keep you reading into the wee hours of the night.” – Shana Galen, author of The Rogue’s Pirate Bride

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Meet Katherine!

I'm addicted to history and romance! Raised an Army brat, I had the great fortune to marry an officer and travel the world. After raising four children and putting down roots, the muse came calling with abandon, complete with swashbuckling adventure and mayhem. And as I anticipate my debut release, my greatest hope is that my stories resonate with you, dear reader.

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