Thursday, 11 September 2014

Author Interview and giveaway: Samantha Grace

Today I interview author Samantha Grace. Welcome!

1. Tell me about yourself.
My husband and I have been married for 18 years and recently had our anniversary. We have two children—a 16-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter—and two pets (dog & cat). I have a very funny family and we laugh and joke a lot. I decided to follow my dream of becoming a writer six years ago. It was the only thing on my bucket list that I would have truly regretted never accomplishing. Now I’m a multi-published author! It blows my mind sometimes, but in a good way.  

2. Tell us what In Bed with a Rogue is about?
“In Bed with a Rogue” is about two people who wouldn’t normally associate but come together for the betterment of their families. Helena must maintain a sterling reputation if she has any hope of making a better life for her sisters once she finds them, and an association with the roguish Sebastian Thorne is the last thing she needs. Nevertheless, she can’t ignore his cries for help when he is attacked by footpads outside a tavern in Whitechapel—a dangerous part of London where she is searching for her sister Lavinia who is rumored to be working in a brothel. When her compassion wins out over good sense and she rescues Lord Thorne, her life becomes intertwined with his. She thinks Sebastian is going to blackmail her, but in reality, he sees an opportunity to help each other. He will search the brothels for her if she will sponsor his sister’s reentry into Society. Helena and Sebastian form an alliance that soon seems to be headed toward a more permanent partnership, as long as no one learns Helena’s secret. 

3.  Sebastian got jilted in book 1, has this changed him?
That’s a good question. I think it makes him reevaluate life and creates a short-lived crisis in his confidence. Ever since Sebastian was 16-years-old, he’s had ladies propositioning him. He’s handsome and charming, and he saw an opportunity to use his strengths to help his sister improve her standing in Society in “One Rogue Too Many”. If he had been able to marry Lady Gabrielle, a duke’s daughter/sister, Eve’s reentry into Society would have been a sure thing. When his plan failed, he felt he let down his sister and mother, and he loves them a great deal. He doesn’t wallow for long, however. He has always been a fighter and resilient, so he continues forward with his head held high. He has two goals that are very important to him: make life better for his sister and mother, and continue his father’s work with homeless soldiers, which his father couldn’t complete due to him suffering from PTSD.  

4. Is it more fun to write about a widow like Helena, or someone not married?
It depends on the heroine. Of course, I love every one of them, but some have a little sassier personalities, like Lady Gabrielle and Lady Vivian. I had fun writing about both ladies. Helena, however, I really admired. She has spunk, but it was a more mature version. She’s been through a lot in her lifetime, too. I do love the freedom widows have that debutantes don’t. It allows for different situations, because Helena doesn’t have anyone to answer to. Even though she was married and is not a virgin, she still has an innocence about her. I like that Sebastian helps her see sexual relations can be pleasurable and playful and bring a couple closer together, and he begins to see sex as a way of expressing love and devotion. 

5.  What makes these two so perfect for each other?
Their values are the same. They love their families and will do anything to make their lives better. Their backgrounds aren’t that far apart either. Helena is a blacksmith’s daughter and Sebastian’s father was an officer in the military. Sebastian’s father only became nobility because the King granted him a barony for his service in the Irish Rebellions. Helena is also a challenge for Sebastian, and he is not one to give-up. I think another man probably would have become discouraged, but he is determined and patient, which helps him get the girl. 

6.  What are you working on right now?
I recently turned in the third book in my Rival Rogues series, “A Good Rogue is Hard to Find.” I’m happy about completing a story for Eve Thorne, Sebastian’s sister, and excited about where the series is headed next. I’m expecting a chance to write a few more action scenes, which I love. 

Thank you to Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell for inviting me to be here today. I’m looking forward to chatting with everyone. I’m curious about readers’ preferences. Would you rather read about a widow or a debutante in a historical romance? 




To connect with Samantha…

Bio:
Historical romance author Samantha Grace discovered the appeal of a great love story when she was just a young girl, thanks to Disney's Robin Hood. She didn't care that Robin Hood and Maid Marian were cartoon animals. It was her first happily-ever-after experience and she didn't want the warm fuzzies to end. Now Samantha enjoys creating her own happy-endings for characters that spring from her imagination. Publisher's Weekly describes her stories as "fresh and romantic" with subtle humor and charm. Samantha describes romance writing as the best job ever.
Part-time hospice social worker, moonlighting author, and pilates nut, she enjoys a happy and hectic life with her real life hero and two kids in the Midwest.

Soucebooks Casablanca
Historical Romance
September 2, 2014
ISBN: 9781402286612
$6.99/£4.99
Mass-Market Paperback

He’s the Talk of the Town
The whole town is tittering about Baron Sebastian Thorne having been jilted at the altar. Every move he makes ends up in the gossip columns. Tired of being the butt of everyone’s jokes, Sebastian vows to restore his family’s reputation no matter what it takes.

She’s the Toast of the Ton
Feted by the crème of society, the beautiful widow Lady Prestwick is a vision of all that is proper. But Helena is no angel, and when Sebastian uncovers her dark secret, he’s quick to press his advantage. In order to keep her hard-won good name, Helen will have to make a deal with the devil. But she’s got some tricks up her sleeves to keep this notorious rogue on his toes…





33 comments:

  1. I like both, a little bit of variety is nice :). Great giveaway, the book sounds really good!

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    1. Thank you! I enjoy variety, too. I think I might become bored with writing if I had to recreate the same characters. :)

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  2. LOVE the sound of this one! Sebastian and Helen seem like they're going to go toe to toe a bit and that always makes for a fun read:)

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    1. Thank you, Jenny! I hope you enjoy it if you decide to read it. I had a lot of fun with the characters. :)

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  3. If the heroine is strong, smart and witty, I really don't care if she is a widow or a debutante.
    Thank you for the giveaway.

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  4. What a pretty cover. Congrats on 18 years! That's wonderful!

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    1. Thank you! I'm definitely lucky with my hubby. Sourcebooks has given me some fantastic covers!

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  5. Thank you for the interview :)
    I look forward to reading about Eve :D

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  6. Thanks for the interview. The book sounds interesting and I confess I love stories is whitechapel. Plus if it's 2 different characters it's always intriguing.

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    1. I love going to different settings beside the typical Regency balls. It makes researching a lot more fun. :)

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  7. This sounds like such an interesting romance! Sebastian and Helen linked in so many different ways. I can almost feel the heat!

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  8. Thank you for the great interview and the giveaway! :)

    ~Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum

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  9. Congratulations on your 18th year anniversary!

    Sebastian's character development is my kind of redemption, nothing beats humbling a cocky ladies man

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  10. Yay for two people who challenge one another!

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  11. Great interview and congrats on the 18th anniversary! If the story is a good one, I don't care if it's about a debutante or a widow. It's all about the story for me.

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  12. Enjoyed the Q & A. Enjoyed the book and look forward to Eve's story.

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  13. Yeah, I think sharing the same (or very similar) values is VERY important and the key to a great relationship. Lovely interview!

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  14. I think it just depends on the story! I like both story lines!
    I like the more mature widow in some story's.
    And I like the Debutante too!

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  15. A lot of guests this month on your blog, B! Thanks for an interesting review!

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  16. I like both, but I would rather read about a debutante in a historical novel. Thanks for having the giveaway.

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  17. Happy belated 18 year anniversary, Samantha! We're nearing our 3 month mark. LOL I'd personally rather read about a debutante than a widow, but like the author said, it really depends on the character.

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  18. I haven't read many with a widow. I think it might make for a little diversity. :)

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  19. Both are fine but I'd prefer to read about a widow.

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  20. Congrats on anniversary and thanks for the interview :)

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  21. I love the idea of a book with a widow "a certain age" for a change. An older woman deserves love, too.

    Please enter me in the giveaway I adore Ms. Grace's novels.

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  22. Congrats on your anniversary, and In Bed With A Rouge sounds delightful.

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  23. Ooh, question three is a good one. I would expect him to be bitter but he seems to keep his priorities straight.

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  24. I love when two love interests challenge each other and make each other better. This sounds awesome!

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  25. Too bad I missed out on the giveaway. LOL. Buuut great interview ladies! Good luck everyone with winning!

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  26. Pretty dress alert!

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