Please help me in welcoming my guest star, er, author today, New York Times Bestseller, Grace Burrowes. She’s also the only author who made me actually like <Ella shudders> Victorians.
She is also giving away a copy of her book Once Upon a Tartan. Please leave you email to win.
Ella: Grace, thank you so much for being here today. I am a huge fan of your books.
Grace: Ella, it’s a sincere pleasure to be here AND to say, “LIKEWISE!!!”
Ella: Thank you. I can’t tell you how much that means to me. For anyone who didn’t know, Grace was kind enough to give me some wonderful cover quote for The Seduction of Lady Phoebe. Now back to Grace. Tell us a little about yourself and what prompted you to start writing.
Grace: I’m second to youngest in a family of seven children. What does that have to do with writing? For one thing, it means you have a lot of opportunity to observe human relationships early on, and it means if you don’t hone your verbal skills, you’ll get lost in the noise and bustle of a large family. Then too, if you are being ignored in that large, busy, family, writing is an artifact that says you’re real, your experiences happened, and they’re worth memorializing.
Ella: What have you found most challenging about the historicals and what do you love best about the genre?
Grace: Historicals have a wonderfully loyal following, and there are many terrific authors who belong on the historical reader’s keeper shelves. That said, historical accuracy is a tough call. The detail that I toss in for authenticity might work for some readers and not for others. The compromises I make regarding language (sleeve buttons were cufflinks in the Regency, and fizzle meant to, um, pass gas), will work for some readers, and not for others. I want to make the choices that keep the greatest number of readers happy with the story, and it’s sometimes hard to know which choices those will be.
Ella: You’ve got Darius out, which is the first book in your Lonely Lords Series. If anyone hasn’t read it, they should. Grace has dealt with a sticky issue very deftly. Can you give us a hint of which book comes next and a little about it?
Grace: Sure! Darius’s sister, Leah Lindsey, is a damsel in need of a swain, posthaste, and Nicholas Haddonfield (hence the title, “Nicholas”) has a soft heart where damsels in distress are concerned—and yet, Nick seeks only a marriage of convenience. Leah eventually figures out why, and it leaves her even more in love with her husband than ever—and him with her.
Ella: Oooh, that sounds like a wonderful story. What’s happening with your Scottish Victorians?
Grace: The second book in the series, currently titled, “Once Upon a Tartan,” comes out in August, and this couple—Tiberius Flynn, Earl of Spathfoy, and Hester Daniels—are among my favorites. Tye is an English earl who likes naughty talk—in Latin. He’s come to snatch his niece from Hester’s care, but forgets to disclose that until AFTER he’s fallen in love with Hester. Oops.
Ella: That is a rather large oops. I’m guessing she doesn’t take it at all well. Thank you, Grace for coming on. I’m thrilled to have you here.
Grace: Ella, thanks for the invite, and best of luck with Lady Phoebe. Does she have a pre-order link up yet???
Ella: Yes I do!!! She is on Amazon in the US, UK and Germany, and on the Kensington and iBookstore. The links are on this blog under My Books or click here https://ellaquinnauthor.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=20&action=edit.
Here is an excerpt from Grace’s new book, Darius.
Chapter One
“If one knows precisely where to inquire, one hears you provide favors to a select few ladies in exchange for the next thing to coin.”
William Longstreet—the Fourth Viscount Longstreet, no less—delivered this observation without so much as a quaver to his voice. His veined hands were rock steady, and his tone cordial as he held his glass out to his host. “Just a touch more, perhaps? The wind is bitter, even for November.”
And Darius Lindsey, veteran of more unnerving moments, stiff beatings, and bad luck than any earl’s younger son ought to have endured, took his guest’s glass to the sideboard and filled it with another finger of cognac—a scant finger.
Lord Longstreet was known as a shrewd politician, capable of quietly negotiating compromises between embattled factions in the Lords. He’d sent around a note asking to make a call privately, after dark, and Darius had accepted out of curiosity.
A curiosity he was apparently going to regret at length.
Darius crossed his arms and leaned back against the sideboard. “You’re repeating rumor, my lord, and slanderous rumor at that. Just what did you come here to say?”
“Blunt.” Lord Longstreet’s faded brown eyes gleamed with humor. “Suppose you’ve learned to be, and that’s all to the good. Excellent libation, by the way, and I notice you aren’t keeping up, young man.” Longstreet raised his glass with gentlemanly bonhomie, while Darius wanted to smash his drink against the hearthstones—not that he had the coin for even such a small extravagance of temper.
“You needn’t confirm or deny these rumors,” Lord Longstreet went on, shifting a bit in a chair more sturdy and comfortable than elegant. “I have no intention of recalling the information or where I came by it once I leave you tonight.”
“Gracious of you, when you’re repeating the kind of insinuations that can get a man called out.”
“Involving as they do, the honor of several ladies,” Longstreet rejoined. “If one can call them that.”
Darius didn’t rise to the bait. Tonight was not a night when he was expected elsewhere in the wee hours—thank a merciful God—and in deference to his guest’s age, Darius had for once built up the fire to the point where his quarters were cozy. This also resulted in more illumination cast on threadbare carpet, scarred furniture, and a water stain high up on the outside wall.
“Ah, good.” Longstreet’s amusement was in evidence again. “You don’t rile, and you neither gossip nor disparage the women. This comports with your reputation as well.”
To read more, or buy any of Grace’s books. Please go to www.graceburrowes.com
Great to meet you, Grace! Congratulations on the new release. Love those sexy covers and I love that you named them.
Great interview ladies. Grace already knows how I feel about Darius, ad nauseum. Nicholas was a wonderful book; but he’s a little too randy for me! Now Ethan..ahh another lovely lord. I love these books Grace!!
Tweeted
I forgot to mention that we’re giving away an ARC of “Once Upon A Tartan!”
Karyrader, I think marketing got tired of naming Grace Burrowes books, but turns out the single name title is a problem. If you go to Amazon and search on “Nicholas” in books, you end up with a bunch of Nicholas Sparks titles. Same with my other lords. For that reason, we’ll be adding subtitles.
The things they don’t tell you in tadpole author school….
Nancy, welcome! Ironic that it’s the guy with the white marriage who’s too randy, at least by reputation. Glad you like Ethan, and am waiting to see what you think of little bro Beckman.
HI Grace! Congrats on your latest release. I have & love all your Windham series books. Can’t wait to read this new series.
Glad you’re enjoying reading the books, Linda, because I surely do enjoy writing them–more and more. Makes me wonder why I went to law school when there’s all this fun to be had writing books.
Grace,
Thank you for all the wonderful writing that you do. All your books have become favorites of mine and have made it to my keeper shelves (note the plural!). I am currently reading Darius’ story, and I think I am in love with him myself. I cannot wait to read Nicholas’ story. Keep up the wonderful work!
Sandy, just when I think, “Well, maybe it’s time to take a break–recharge the old imaginative batteries with few months off…” An idea will come stumbling into my mind: What about a Scottish Victorian Christmas story? The Scots have terrific New Year’s traditions… and the idea of letting myself go bookless loses all charm.
Hi Grace, bravo for your new release “Once upon a tartan”. What will be the next intrigue! I loved reading “Lady Eve’s indiscretion” . I would love to read this new series, because I can start with the first one then go on…thank you for the giveaway Grace! nlaverdure88@videotron.ca
Darius is the first in the Lonely Lords, and for the Scottish Victorians, we’re only on the second book. I can’t see the Scot Vics stretching to eight books, but never say never…
Hi Grace. Congrats on the new release. I read the excerpts of Beckman on your website and am hooked. Thanks!
Beck is a sweet, sweet guy who has been through much. Then too, he’s the spare, and that’s a thankless role. Good thing Sara has plans for him…
Thank you for such a great interview, and excerpt from “Darius”. I absolutely love reading Historical Romance, and Graces’ books are great favorites of mine. “Once Upon a Tartan” sounds really lovely, and I would love to read it.
Diane, sometimes a hero just marches up and grabs the book by the covers. This hero, Tiberius, did that for me. He’s imperious, determined, and sometimes even difficult, but my, my doesn’t he fall hard and fast? And in Latin.
Sometimes cover shots for historical novels get the clothing all wrong. I see you have cleverly removed that possibility on Nicolas, by presenting him bare-chested. Nothing to argue with there. 🙂 I LOVE Victorians. I find the latter years to be such a contradictions between Modern advancements while the people still clung to the rigid social and religious mores. Telephones and electric refrigerators began to make their way into wealthy houses. The foundations for Quantum physics were conceived, X-rays for teeth exams. And the aspirin was created but not marketed properly, so it was ‘discovered’ again in the next century.
But I like the earlier years as well, because I know what’s coming and how soon their lives will change.
Liza, I love your comments. Thank you.
Liza, you put your finger on a problem I have with when I’ve placed this series. In 1850 most people in the UK still lived on the land, country houses had no gas lighting, the London sewers were still a horror, and hoop skirts hadn’t yet become fashionable. There’s a tendency to think of the Victorian era as the 1880s–gas lighting, Jack the Ripper, bustles, and bowler hats. I had a hard time convincing my editor that such gestures would be l like confusing disco with a 1950s sock hop.
Bridegroom, the first book in the series, was a Publishers Weekly best book, which suggests readers are becoming more sophisticated about the entire Victorian period, both it’s variety and its depth. Bodes well for those of us who enjoy it!
Sounds good Please enter me for the giveaway too!
Marilyn (ewatvess@yahoo.com)
Will do, Marilyn. There’s a giveaway of Darius going on today over at Sia McKye’s blog, too.
I’ve been looking forward to Darius! I’ve probably read every review I could find of it. 😀
AquarianDancer at gmail dot com
Karin, for the first few days after this book came out, I was head down, hands over my ears, waiting for the hoots and rotten fruit. The premise is a departure from my usual big family frolic, and sometimes, readers don’t like it when you change your game on them.
Darius is getting a BETTER reception than his more proper hero-brethern. Wow! Happy is me, because the rest of the Lonely Lords all take a leaf from Darius’s book, even when they have family around them.
I loved Darius. This was a great interview. Thanks for the chance to win the new book.
Lady Vivvie says you have great taste in heroes–I say so too! Thanks.
Interesting interview…Congratulations on a new release. Looking forward to reading it! I love historical fiction!
I do too, Leanna, but also love historical autobiography, and biographies that rely heavily on period sources. So much reading, so little time!
Well now here are two of my very favorite authors ever in one interview !! And on my day off too! Great interview, ladies!!
I adore the Windham series and I am looking forward to your new series as well. And Darius is a fabulous book!! I stayed up all night to finish it and it was well worth it. Can’t wait to read Nicholas!
louisa@louisacornell.com
Darius LOVES it when women stay up all night to spend time with his story. I stayed up a few nights writing it, too.
Grace your books are on my MUST BUY when released list. I have always loved every book you’ve written, and I’ve read them all! (well the ones released) Congrats on a new book!
Brittanyg@gmail.com
Brittany, I’m glad to know the books are working for you, and Darius isn’t just a new series, he’s the flagship book in a new publication schedule too. The plan is a book a month for the next year, and we’ll see what that does for readership and sales. Fingers crossed (when they aren’t typing the next book).
Hello Madam authors!
That was a great interview Ella 🙂
I am looking forward to “The Seduction of Lady Phoebe” ;D
I’ve read the first four ARC’s of these lonely lords, and I can safely say that the fans are in for a treat! For the life of me I couldn’t choose my favorite! I fell in love with all of them, but I’m not surprised.
From your first book, THE HEIR, I knew that your novels would bring me many hours of pleasure and joy. They are smartly plotted and populated with heroes and heroines of substance who make me want rub elbows with them and spend endless hours in their company. Your books make me think deep thoughts about human nature, make me laugh at small and big things, and stay with me long after the story is told…*sigh*
You know what they say, if you build them they will come, so you just write them, and we’ll be ‘gobbling’ them down!
“Once Upon a Tartan” has been on my wish list ever since you announced it [for that matter, all your books are either on my wish list, or on my keeper shelf]. I would be happy as a ‘pig in doo-doo’ to win this one!
BTW: I would be remiss if I didn’t invite both of you to b2b. Just let me know if you have the time and I’ll make room.
Best to both,
Mel
http://www.bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.com
Greetings, Mel! You are the first person to complete the first four Lonely Lords, and I’m glad you find them all up to snuff. I kinda like Gabriel… but Ethan is dear, and Beckman windsome, and Nicholas so very deserving of an HEA.
I’m happy to drop in at B2B ANY time. Maybe in anticipation of Tartan’s release this summer (that way, you can have some giveaway copies, right?)
What a great interview, ladies. Ella, when I saw Grace’s comments on your bookcover, I cheered for you!!
Grace, I absolutely love your books. I have to stop whatever I’m doing at the time to read one when it comes out. Darius was lovely!!!! Can’t wait for the others in the series, which I saw, will be released monthly.
Monthly? And the next Scottish book is nearing release?
How can you write so fast? And keep the quality at such a level?
Never mind. Just keep ’em cooming! :>)
Thank you so much, Barb. I was thrilled that Grace liked it.
Barbara, the trick is, I’m NOT writing quickly. I started writing when my daughter left home eight years ago. What fun, what fun… I had twenty completed manuscripts before all the “When are you going to try to get those published?” comments prodded me to pitch to an editor.
The first person I pitched is still publishing my books, and these Lonely Lords are the books she’s chosen from m personal slush pile as having the most commercial promise. And then too, I don’t own a TV or have children underfoot.
If all you do is write 2000 words a day (Ella can do more than twice that), you WILL end up with four books a year. By that reckoning, I’m a few manuscripts BEHIND where I could be.
I just right fast. Which is a good thing since I hate being under a deadline.
Ah, that is, -coming-!
Terrific interview! LOVE Grace’s books. Realy looking forward to this one!
Thanks for the Giveaway! MsChris1161@aim.com
Hello, Christina! I must keep writing so you will have things to read on the plane when you fly back to see your sister, right?
Loved the character of Nicholas in Darius and now after reading the above interview I am intrigued about why he wanted a marriage of convenience and why Leah would be okay with that. Hmmmm.
Kathy, I first realized Nicholas had problems of the marital variety when I wrote a book for Axel Belmont, whom you met in “The Virtuoso.” Nick wouldn’t tell me WHAT his problem was, and he seemed like such a sweet guy… he is a sweet guy, and he has a sweet guy’s problems. Until May…
What a great post! I enjoy your books, Grace! You have a lovely balance of historical detail and interesting characters! I look forward to reading more of them.
Thanks Lana. It’s hard to know which details to leave in, which to leave out. One reader’s “gee, that’s interesting,” is another readers, “TMI.” Glad the stories work for you.
The characters are where my stories start, Lana. I hope for twists, like the use of pennyroyal to calm the tummy, which is historically based, but mostly I tramp around in my head, haranguing my characters: WHAT is your problem, my lord? Why won’t you tell me what’s wrong?!
Grace,
I have goosebumps just thinking of what Ethan went through in his young life. He just might be my fave, but then I think of Nicholas, the gentle giant, and my heart sings for him and his lady love. Oh, but Darius!!! What a hero he turned out to be!!! And I just finished with Beckman and wanted to pull him to my bosom. LOL!
Told you I can’t choose!
Let’s have you on sometime in June, OK? I’ll send you an email shortly.
Mel
Will await your summons!
Wonderful interview, ladies! I look forward to reading Darius and Nicholas.
Now, what about Ethan, Beckman and Gabriel? It’s THEIR series too! (KIDDING. There are so many cool books headed for the shelves this summer… going to be a great summer for romance).
Thank you.
You know how much I love your books Grace……..
Yeah, I do, and appreciate that. Thanks for stopping by!
Loved the excerpt! Great interview too.
I like that excerpt too! This is a book where the premise itself is sort of a spoiler, but what the heck. If the premise doesn’t appeal, then this is probably not the book for you, etc.
I think I’m going to love the lonely lords series, although I don’t know if it can surpass the Windhams. I’m really looking forward to a new book from Grace every month, and I’m anxious for Ethan’s story, in particular.
Any particular reason why, Bonnie? Ethan is another hero who’s path I haven’t seen traveled very often in the Regency romance world. He’s another one who makes me a bit nervous, to be honest.
Grace, I’ve read Nicholas’ story, and the little bits about Ethan make me want to know his story. Kind of like in Darius’ story, I wanted to know Trent’s story. They were secondary characters in those books, but they called to me. Strange, I know……
I can’t wait to read Grace’s upcoming books. Nicholas was one the character I would love to read more about. I’m excited about reading his book next month.
My email is ninoskasua@gmail.com
Nino, Nick is a dear, stubborn, somewhat confused guy. He was my first attempt at a beta hero, and yet, he turned up alpha when it was all said and done. The author gets so little say in these things…
Thank you for interview. 🙂
Thank you for the giveaway. I love Grace’s books. linda@tuttomorso.com
Thanks for stopping by, Linda!
I loved this blog and the teaser of Darius! I’m looking forward to reading it. You mentioned in another blog that you’re from central PA, so am I but now live in FL; so when I read your blogs, I feel like I’m going home. Thanks! 😉
I was born in Bellefonte hospital, and wouldn’t know it, Nick inherits the Bellefonte earldom. Nora Roberts does that–tucks in a small, subtle mention that only the local will get. I only know that because I live a couple miles from her. Cool!
wouldn’t YOU know it
Great stuff as usual! Thanks Grace for getting me reading again. I had not finished a book in over six months when I picked up The Virtuoso at the library, because my copy was autographed. I enjoyed it so much I picked up two other books and finished them within a week. So, thanks again and best of luck with the new series.
Julee J, you might also enjoy Meredith Duran, Kristin Callihan, Jo Bourne, Carolyn Jewel.. they all have what I think of as authentic, distinctive historical voices (though Carolyn also writes smokin’ hot paranormals).
I’m enjoying Darius right now very much (chapter 4) and I look forward to reading more Grace Burrowes.
Hence the brief comment. You have your priorities straight, Maria.
I’m just started The Soldier today 🙂 After reading a couple of your stories, I am now looking forward to reading all your books.
Soldier is a reader favorite, Catslady, at least for those who aren’t so smitten with Westhaven, they can’t appreciate his brother every bit as much.
Sorry, for the typo. that should have been “I’ve”
Big congrats on the new release! That was a fabulous interview. I can’t wait to read! Historical romances are my absolute favorites!
annah.schoonover@live.com
Mine too, Annah and I suspect they always will be.
Tye and Hester sound like an interesting couple, Grace. LOL I recently finished your two Windham prequel novellas and absolutely enjoyed them!
bmndshuler(at)hotmail(dot)com
Marcy, I was hesitant to take on the Georgian era, but found it very congenial. Ladies fashions were gorgeous, though I prefer the Beau Brummel look for fellows. Much prefer it.
Loved the excerpt and I’m excited about this new series. I’m looking forward to reading Darius and the rest of the series. 😀
Thanks, Barbara. They’re a bit different from the Windhams, not as cozy, but the Windhams have plenty of cameos, and one book, Douglas, is the prequel to the entire Windham series.
I always enjoy reading the interviews you do Grace as I’m always learning something new about you. I’m jealous of the fact that Mel has already read the first 4 Lonely Lords books but since I’m behind in the Windham series I’d better just shut up and read. loo I need to get a little notebook or a tiny pocket calendar to carry in my purse where I can write down when a new book I want to buy and read is due out.
You and me both, Molly! I see titles–The Quotable Mark Twain–and think, “I want that!” I think Amazon has a wish list feature for people like us.
Hi Ella and Grace!
I want to send a thank you to Mel for letting me know about your interview today! The first book I read by Grace was The Heir and after reading it I decided Grace’s books should come with a warning that “These books are addictive and be warned if you read one you’ll want to read them all!”
I’m a little behind because I just started reading Darius and and I already told my husband that there better be lots of baseball games on TV this week-end for him to watch because I plan on finishing it before I cook for him! As long as he’s watching a game he won’t realize that he’s getting hot dogs for meals until I finish it!
Grace, I was wondering where you get your inspiration for your characters because they are always fully developed that as a reader you end up feeling like you’ve actually met them and become personally involved with them and holding your breath until the very end and finally being able to understand their vulnerability and strengths as well as what made them who they are.
Jeanne, a character often tromps into my head giving up one piece of information: Nicholas Haddonfield was opposed to genuine marriage with any female, but he’s promised his dying father he will wed. Then I go knee-crawling to my imagination for the reasons, for the wound that caused this decision, for the trauma, the mistake. the wrong turn.
A romantic hero or heroine is living with old answers to older questions. At some point in their lives, out of sheer self-preservation, they made some choices–I will not fall in love, i will not dance, I will never display my feelings, I will always be the best–and those choices are no longer serving the purpose intended.
We ALL do this, and in that universal, “been there, done that” feeling, we can connect with these characters. Everybody dated a jerk/witch. Everybody let down a friend. Everybody went to the wrong party. Spent too much. ETC. My inspiration is in the human capacity for err, and the equally human capacity to grow beyond those mistakes, into a more lovable and loving person.
I love Grace’s work….and these covers are absolutely gorgeous. Your one author who makes me glad for a rainy day! ; ) (Great interview, Ella!)
Thanks, Christi. I’m glad you liked it.
The art department at Sourcebooks is VERY talented, but my goodness, it’s hard to stand out in the romance market without breaking a genre rule. Delicate balances everywhere you look.
Hello Ladies!
I wanted to say how much I enjoyed “Darius” and that I’m eagerly looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Darius was such a truly GOOD man and I loved the way his relationship with Vivian was so caring and affectionate. He’s become one of my favourite romantic heroes 🙂
(I’ve written a rave review for All About Romance which should be posted soon, by the way:))
I also wanted to say how much I liked “The Bridegroom Wore Plaid”. I love a good, angsty romance, and you are one of my (very few) go-to authors when I want to read a story that, while ending happily, rips out my heart and stomps on it a few times along the way. Ian and Augusta’s story brought a lump to my throat quite a few times, and I’m really looking forward to the sequel.
Thanks, Ella, for giving me the chance to get all gushy with one of my favourite authors!
Nice interview!
I’m not a huge Victorian fan, but your book has me curious. I’ll have to check it out.
Congratulations on your latest release!
Grace, did the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s member Darius have any influence on your Darius? Both name and pivotal role in leading off a darker series? Plus Darius is wonderful, perhaps even nudging out The Soldier from top fav of all your works. Thank you for hours and hours of enjoyment, escape and respite.
I love that you named the books. It makes you fall in love with them before you even read them. Congratulations on the new release!
Mary
Thank you so much, Mary. I’m so pleased you like the names. I was really lucky to have been able to keep two of my three titles.
I’m looking forward to all your upcoming books.
jmcgaugh (at) semo (dot) edu
Great interview, Ellen. Grace was my absentee roommate at Washington Romance Writer’s retreat. So unfortunately, I did not have the pleasure of meeting her. I will have to tag her for an interview for The Regency Inkwell and WRW’s website. Best regards, M. Perez
Hi Lina, I got to meet here for a nanosecond at Nationals last year.