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…
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