By Donna MacMeansAnna has lit the strategically-placed scented candles.
Cassondra is pouring ample quantities of wine and spirits.
Tawny brought massage oils and Cindy has her crop (and assorted leather goods). We’ve stocked the lair for a launch party of major proportions and this party has a theme:Cassondra is pouring ample quantities of wine and spirits.
SEDUCTION!
Although April 7th is the official release date of THE SEDUCTION OF A DUKE, reports have that it's on the shelves so we're celebrating the release - and maybe sharing a few tips to bring that party home.
You see in this book, the sequel to THE EDUCATION OF MRS. BRIMLEY, my heroine has a unique problem. Francesca Winthrop, America's richest heiress, believes she's in love but not with the man her mother
has arranged for her to marry - the penniless arrogant new Duke of Bedford (who you may recognize as William Chambers, Nicholas's older brother.) Francesca has no desire to marry a stranger and she certainly doesn't wish to leave her home and move to live overseas. Her mother hastily speeds the nuptials in anticipation of Francesca's attempts to escape. She's trapped, but she learns her father negotiated a loophole in the wedding contract. She can return home with her children, but of course, that means she first must become pregnant.
has arranged for her to marry - the penniless arrogant new Duke of Bedford (who you may recognize as William Chambers, Nicholas's older brother.) Francesca has no desire to marry a stranger and she certainly doesn't wish to leave her home and move to live overseas. Her mother hastily speeds the nuptials in anticipation of Francesca's attempts to escape. She's trapped, but she learns her father negotiated a loophole in the wedding contract. She can return home with her children, but of course, that means she first must become pregnant.William believes the lightning - fast wedding suggests his fiancee is carrying another's bab
y and is need of a husband. He can't really complain. He's securing enough money through this wedding to pay his father's debts and keep his family from financial ruin and humiliation. But he'd like to know if he truly is the father of his firstborn - so he decides to hold off consummation of their vows until he kno
ws for sure. But then he never anticipated the extreme measures Francesca will take in her mission to seduce a duke.
y and is need of a husband. He can't really complain. He's securing enough money through this wedding to pay his father's debts and keep his family from financial ruin and humiliation. But he'd like to know if he truly is the father of his firstborn - so he decides to hold off consummation of their vows until he kno
ws for sure. But then he never anticipated the extreme measures Francesca will take in her mission to seduce a duke.Is it getting hot in here?
Fortunately, Francesca has a courtesan's journal to guide her in her efforts - but how about you?
What tips can you give my poor heroine to bring the arrogant duke to his knees?
In Newport, Rhode Island, Francesca kept bees as a hobby. So in that spirit, I'm offering four prizes to be awarded throughout the day: A sampl
er of Burt's Bees products, a copy of THE 
EDUCATION OF MRS. BRIMLEY, and two copies of THE SEDUCTION OF A DUKE for either your best seduction tip (which can be demonstrated on any of the available cabana boys) or sharing your opinion of the best seduction scene you've ever read in a romance. Let's talk seduction!
112 comments:
Wow, Donna, seems like we've been waiting an eternity for the sequel to Mrs. Brimley. I can't wait to read Francesca and William's story. In fac, I'm making a Border's run tomorrow and if they don't have TSOFD on the shelf I may have to burn the place down!
Favorite seduction tip -- if your lover's an artist (as Dr. Big was back in the day), serving as his model is great foreplay.
Hey, what's up???? I got the rooster???? Yay, me!!! Okay, he can help me burn down Border's tomorrow if they don't have your book, Donna!
Another writer whose seduction scenes are incredibly powerful and well-crafted is Nora Roberts. I do love how she's managed to sustain the passion between Dallas and Roarke through all those In Death books!
My colleague and I are re-reading the first three In Death books and taking them apart to see how Roberts balances the suspense with the romance in what, I understand, was initially going to be a trilogy.
Oh how strange - this post shows up for me as being "April 1" which so confused me :P
Hey Jo! Well be a little patient with Borders as the official release date is next Tuesday, but I think Borders is one of the stores that releases the books a few days early.
I didn't know Mr. Big was an artist! What was his favorite medium - besides of you, of course *g*?
Limecello, I think it's a time zone difference. I went in and changed it so it's showing the right day/date even though it's still April 1 here on the west coast.
Anyone do any good April Fool's tricks today?
LOL Limecello - perhaps eblogger is playing an April Fool's joke on you.
Hmmm... maybe because I WROTE the blog on April 1st the date carried over.
Ok, so this isn't seductive as one would normally thing - and I'm sure a number of other comments will have great/better scenes/books than what I can come up with, so I'm going to talk about something I just discovered tonight.
The blog, The Art of Manliness. Some posts I enjoyed were "3 Man Killers: Sex," "Three Phrases Men Everywhere Stumble Over — Yet Women Long to Hear," and "The Unclassified Laws of Etiquette." I have to admit I started wondering if all the writers were married and where men such as the ones posting could be found. It's nice to see there are romantics and "nice guys" out there who are real. Yes, there are points of contention, etc - but over all, I'm glad to have found. So, my comment/plus is seduction in the little things. Like a man who treats his spouse/significant other well, respects and cares for her, and knows how to say "thank you," "I'm sorry," and "I love you."
Jo and Donna - no idea. Maybe blogger did want to conduct it's own April Fools joke on me - as nobody else did. In fact, I checked the site a number of times after midnight (my time) and I see this was posted at 12:05 - yet it didn't show up (for me) until after Jo made her first three comments.
Very strange! Blogger got me - and on PST even! (PDT?)
I can't comment on best seduction in a romance book. But I know a thing or two about arrogant guys. They tend to go for one of two ... modes, if you will.
Mode 1.
He wants a toy. She should be hot, dumb, and most of all, accessible/available.
Mode 2.
It's a little more complicated. The arrogant guy is often baffled and intrigued by the Strong Independent Woman(tm). It's a razor's edge to walk though. Because for the arrogant guy, he's having to balance the thrill of the chase (for a strong woman) with the "is it really worth the hassle" factor. Because when an arrogant guy meets a strong woman, there will be hassle. He very well may bail after the "conquest." But your question was about seduction of the arrogant guy, not keeping the arrogant guy.
-- P226, who at one point in his life was a pretty arrogant guy.
Limecello - I think you're right, it's the little things that seduce a woman, a kindness, a thoughtful gesture. Do you think it works for a man the same way? Do the little things count? Or does the woman have to make a grand gesture?
Okay, Donna, I'll try to be patient with Borders, but they've annoyed me quite a bit lately. I may switch to Barnes and Noble!
I hope, hope, hope it's there!
P226 - at one point? *g* Sorry, couldn't resist *g*
Well, my arrogant hero is married to the heiress so he can't very well dump her (this is afterall an historical), but his arrogance comes into play in that he thinks he can resist her. She makes that very difficult.
LOL, Dr. Big was pretty good at oils, but with me he just did pencil sketches. Never got around to doing the oils; that's why it's a seduction tip!!
Donna, I got this book today. It is, indeed, on the shelves! Congratulations. I'm looking forward to reading it.
Jo, congrats on grabbing the rooster!
Limecello -
FWIW - I posted, according to my wall clock at 12:25. As you and I are in the same time zone, the post wouldn't have been up at 12:05 so your sanity is still in tact *g*.
Donna - haha, maybe it's me being stressed- or the guys I'm around, but I feel like it has to be a "grand gesture." The ones I know are a bit thick, and don't notice the "little things." Or even say thank you. And I'm not talking even about lending a pen or holding open a door, I'm talking about providing a meal, etc.
... This is making me think I'm surrounded by jerks. >.<
Yay Nancy! Where did you find it? Give me the scoop!
I suppose it would definitely take a "grand gesture" to entice a jerk - but then, would you really want to *g*?
Limecello sounds like you need a change of venue!
Well, my arrogant hero is married to the heiress so he can't very well dump her (this is afterall an historical),
"Dump" can mean many different things. Arrogant guys know all about those. After all, the "dump" is more of a cognitive decision than a physical one. And there are varying degrees of it. Everything from "I'll not speak to her" through "I'll speak to her if there's something in it for me" and on through everything below "I want every waking moment with her."
The strong independent woman angle would still probably apply. I'm telling you. That's a perplexing condition to the arrogant dude. I know of what I speak. :)
Then from experience...How did your strong independent woman manage to seduce you? Limecello wants to know (grin).
Congrats on the GR, Jo.
Congrats on the new release, Donna. I'll have to see if the book is on the shelves yet. I loved "The Education of Mrs. Brimley" and I can't wait to read William and Francesca's story. I think Francesca can use some of the massage oil Tawny brought and use that to seduce William. Nothing beats a sensual massage.
At the moment with the kids all up through the night and toilet training through the day seduction in my house goes like this:
me-'Honey are the kids asleep?'
him-'Yep'
me-'Are you tired?'
him-'Exhausted'
me-'Want to be more exhausted?'
him-snore snore snore...
me-'Okay then I'll just go read another book at least someone's getting something around here.' sigh.. one day things will get back to hot and heavy,until then it'll just be heavy. ;-)
Jane - Good idea! I never thought to research the timeline on massage oils. I imagine they were taboo in England during Victorian times - which would make them all the more alluring and seductive. I must admit Francesca does find a way to get her hand's on William's bare skin - but without the amazing sensuality of oils. Hmmm...maybe in the next book (grin)
Natalie - you're too funny! Of course once things again get hot and heavy there's the possiblity of even more late night feedings (witness the picture in the blog).
BTW - that picture of the baby is supposively made of marzipan. I suppose sweets would be seductive, but biting into that little one kind of creeps me out.
Ooooh Seduction - one of my favorite topics!!! I'm almost as excited about seeing all the tips and ideas today as I am to get my hands on Donna's book! Woot. I love the sound of this book and know its going to be as sexy as it sounds!!
So- favorite seduction technique. Honestly... (scary, huh? *g*) Bare, raw honestly of telling the guy what it is you want. I love reading (heehee, we're talking books, of course)about a heroine who straight up tells the hero how to flip her switch.
Of course, I'm kinda liking Jo's idea, too. Now to write a artist hero. hmmmm....
*sigh* that was supposed to say Honesty, not honestly.
Oopsie
Congrats, Donna!! (and 23 comments @ a little after 12 CST?) I'll be looking for this one ASAP!
So, seduction tips...Wine with dinner...a bowl of liquid chocolate sitting next to a bowl of large ripe strawberries...
Yep...hmmm...(note to self pick up berries on the way home in the morning!)
Tawny - I like that. Honesty on the part of both parties is definitely sexy. I like it as well when the heroine has enough gumption to say what she wants.
Unfortunately, Francesca hasn't the experience to know what she wants, or how to get it - hence her utilization of the courtesan's journal. Now what do you suppose she found there?
I follow the old adage that the best way is thru the stomach. I find most men to be simple creatures at heart.
Glad to see the followup to Mrs Brimley is finally here.
Suz - I love the sound of strawberries in chocolate! Not sure how seductive it would be. Unless my dh finds the sight of me gobbling them up really sexy. It's not like I'd leave any to feed him (grin).
Speaking of strawberries and chocolate - have you tried that dipping chocolate that comes in a small tub. You nuke it for a minute or two and then the chocolate hardens almost instantly on the strawberries? Good stuff. Really good stuff.
Hi Seton!
I know it seems like it's taken a long time - but there was that matter of the invisible heroine that demanded to be in a book (grin).
I think you're correct. The way to seduce a man is often by filling his stomach. I just wish I wasn't seduced in a similar fashion - maybe then I wouldn't be on this constant diet!
Donna...remind me the next time I talk to you in person to actually describe the use of strawberries and chocolate in seduction...(this is a pg blog after all)
:)
Suz - I should realize that the woman who delivers babies for a living would have the inside track on seduction. VBG
Better email me with the specifics so I can put it in the next book!
Well, as I've thought about it, and I need a "special" scene at the end of my current MIP...(which I'm getting close to writing)...maybe I'll just put it in there. (Course maybe it will need whipped cream instead of chocolate as it is an historical western).
Any ways....I think I saw a bowl of strawberries and chocolate in the Lair's fridge.
Yes - Beaucoup de chocolate all over the lair. Strawberries, grapes and angel food cake (for the devil's work *g*) in the fridge. I saw Joannie loading several cans of whipped cream in there as well, but she wouldn't confess what she planned to do with them.
Joanie and whipped cream? Around cabana boys and gladiators and hockey hunks? Uhm, why does that make me nervous?
Hi Donna...congrats on the new release!
I "think" it was Miranda Neville's debut book in which the heroine disguises herself as a man and wears breeches (not sure if that's the exact term for the period). The hero finds her mode of dress alarming, appalling and very sexy. Sometimes, it's the unexpected things, like a woman in breeches, or a woman who can out shoot, out ride, and beat a man at his own game that will push a man's buttons. Also, I think the bathing ritual opens up all kinds of possibilities.
If I were writing a contemporary romance, the seduction would have to include a jar of Nutella. :)
Jen
Well done Jo maybe he has some great seduction ideas
Congrats on the release Donna I ordered it last week and I got a great birthday present when I got home from work today it has arrived hows that I have it here in Australia already I normally have to wait at least another week.
I am so excited I can't wait to read it.
Now you have me thinking great seduction ideas dress in a sexy nightie cook him a fantastic dinner soft music in the background a great massage lots you can do.
Have Fun
Helen
Yay Donna! So glad the date is finally here and we can read about Francesca and William! Gorgeous cover too. Hope the Amazon pigeon is in racing mode, to bring me the book super-fast.
For me, the best seduction scenes come out of the unexpected - as they often do in life! Fun and playfulness are as sexy as deliberate seduction. Like that scene with the paintbrushes in Mrs Brimley.
Our Tawny writes great seduction scenes *g*. Looking forward to getting her latest - Coming on Strong - too. Beth writes great sexual tension and fun into her seduction scenes (just a reminder to everyone that Dillon in A Not-So Perfect Past is taken ... by me!)
The ultimate seduction technique, is The Look. *sigh* Gets to me every time.
This sounds like a fun book! And personally, I think a seduction is much more fun when chocolate is involved. :)
Oh wow, I so don't want to go to work today! I want to stay in the lair and play. I cancelled my Amazon order for Donna's book because...................
I picked it up at the grocery store last night! Guess what I am doing when I get home this evening.
I am not very learned in the art of seduction but as far as seduction in books, I've read a lot! I am in Tawny's camp about the honesty thing, the heroine just telling it like it is goes well. Since we have a heroine that hasn't been there before and an arrogant hero that might have a tendency to not pick up on "the little things" I am anxious to see what tricks there are in that book.
A lot of seemingly accidental touching maybe? Just making physical connection often, "the looks" with lowered eye lashes, basically flirtation in the extreme. Guess I will find out tonight!
Go, JoMama! Um...you and the GR may need to go easy around the Borders today. I hear the po-po are onto BOTH of you!
Donna, sadly I only have seduction tips that work on my dh these days, in my old and long-married state. Back in the day, I think I had quite a bag of tricks, but I lost it. Or maybe I gave it to Goodwill along with the infant and toddler clothes. *g*
I launched a Campaign of Seduction in college on the aforementioned dh that I do recall. We were in summer session at college and every day for a week, I wore a miniskirt. Then I sat catty-corner in front of my prey - er, now-husband - crossed my legs, and let my shoe dangle from one foot as I swung my leg in a mesemerizing fashion. Since I was young, thin and rather hawt then, it worked like a charm, even on my thick-as-a-brick dh!
It took planning and strategy, though. I had to borrow clothes from my younger sister and plan the wardrobe for the whole week. It worked, though. Come Friday, he was MINE! *eg*
Hey, congrats, Jo!
Donna, I cannot wait for this story--and I am coveting that corset in a big way. Gorgeous!
Too many good seductions to choose from, so I'll go with the funniest I can think of. Remember Grandma Mazur from the Stephanie Plum books, when she brought home a date? Her pink hair, all those polyester clothes, and the man's ability to stay awake past eight pm--I still laugh thinking about it. That will be me, chasing my husband around when I'm ninety.
Hooray! Congrats Donna! I was just in the bookstore and didn't see 'Seduction' but I'll keep watching for it!
Ha--seduction at chez Marlowe has been seriously neglected as of late. Have we both managed to stay up later than the teen? Can we both stop working? Okay then!
Now I"m beginning to view this as a challenge! Will watch the blog for amazingly creative ideas!
PinkPeony - LOL on the requisite bathing ritual. A group of other writers and I did a study of historical debuts one year. Every single one had a nude swimming or bathing scene in the first three chapters. It's become something of a joke with us - but it is certainly an excellent way to seduce!
Which reminds me that I heard some sounds of seduction by the hot tub in the lair, not sure who the Gladiators caught back there. Anyone confessing?
Hi Helen - Glad you mentioned music. Any recommended tunes to faciliate seduction?
Gosh VA - I thought it was the hockey puck (grin).
Don't forget you and Cassondra had a hand in this book. Hope the result meets with your approval.
Michelle - You're so right. It's no wonder that chocolate is a staple on Valentine's Day. Got any tips on creative use?
Dianna - Bless you, sweetie! Hope you enjoy it. Be sure to let me know, Okay?
LOL Caren - Good thing it only took a week - the poor guy was probably woefully behind in that course after ogling your mini-skirted self all week VBG.
Now for me - as my dh and I lived about 250 miles apart, most of my seduction strategy arrived in the form of perfumed letters. By the time we were physically in the same city - he was mine.
Gillian - Thank you for that. Good reminder that the not-so-subtle scent of Ben Gay can be a siren's call at some point in one's life (grin). May we all live so long and continue to practice the art of seduction.
(Sounds like a toast to me - everyone lift a glass...or an aluminum can.)
LOL Donna, you know me too well - a hockey puck (especially a signed puck *g*) works very well! As does a signed jersey, a signed photo - yes, I'm a puck bunny! *g*
I'm sure your book will be great! And it brings back fond memories!
YAY! Another Donna MacMeans book! I can't wait!
Jo Mama caught the Rooster! Let him drive the getaway car after the Borders caper.
Seduction scenes, hmm? Anyone read Tempt the Devil by La Campbell? HELLO! It is one long seduction scene! Should have come with a set of oven mitts. Any scene in that book is guaranteed to get things going in the right direction.
Sometimes its all about setting the scene. Cover the bed with satin sheets, a big fur throw (faux fur please, very plush)feather boas, silk scarves. Drape the bed in sheer fabrics in pinks, reds and lavenders. Pillows of every shape, size and fabric - heap them on the bed. Create this lovers' den. Light the room with candles some in simple holders, some under colored globes. Have plenty of scented oils available. Soft music - Barber's Adagio for Strings and other great music instrumental only.
Get the picture?
Hi Deb - This could be a dire state! A romance writer needs inspiration, know what I mean?
Here's a tip that worked for me. When I first started writing, I was intimidated by writing the big sex scene. So I practiced by writing my husband letters about all the things I wanted to do when he got home, then slipped the notes into his suit or briefcase or gym bag - whereever he might stumble across them unexpectedly.
I must say the results were very much expected (and appreciated).
Louisa - Sounds like you're describing the environs in the back cave of the lair - is that where you've been, you naughty girl? All that setting needs is the hero (and chocolate *g*)
Music for seduction?
There's a great baroque cd...Duets for Violin and Piano, that is very sexy. Especially when played in candle lit room.
Another loverly seduction can be a full body massage. Warm scented oils...(music and candle light is a must). The hero you plan to seduce, stretched out naked in the bed...
Did you know that relaxing a man allows for better blood flow to the ...er....well, let's just say if you've never taken massage lessons, you really should consider them!
What a fun blog, Donna! I can't wait to get my copy of the new book. I'm patiently waiting for Amazon to send it, but I may have to go out and hunt a copy RIGHT NOW. All these suggestions here are giving me some great ideas. Ideas for writing, of course! I'm supposed to go out this evening with some other writers, but I may end up staying home to do some, er, research. wink wink
Congratulations on your new release day, Donna!
This book sounds H.O.T! A seduction technique that works for me, (on the DH, of course*g*) is to wear a blouse that's just the tiniest bit translucent, the illusion of see-throughness (like the word? I invented it*g*) makes husbands er...happy.
For more virtual party fun (and the chance to win free books), check out www.myspace.com/romanceauthors
Karin Shah
STARJACKED
Available now!
Samhain Publishing
Francesca and William's story sounds wonderful. Congratulations!
A seduction scene which is a favorite would be set in Italy, on a wonderful and scenic balcony with light music playing and a variety of culinary delights.
Suz - Blood Flow is good - very good! I'm beginning to see why those medical romances are so very HOT! It's not just the cute uniforms, it's the specialized knowledge those gals possess (grin)
Hi Susan - research is good! And I'm sure PJ will be happy to cooperate. Those writer friends will miss you, but surely they'd understand.
Hi Karin - Aha! You've stumbled upon one of Francesca's techniques. Of course, translucent blouses were not the rage during Victorian times, but she manages a sexy equivalent.
oh my gosh! Awesome blog! :)
Favorite seduction scene in a romance would have to be from "The Raven Prince" by Elizabeth Hoyt. They are in the bordello? For some reason, I could re-read it over and over!
J.R. Ward's books are all pretty naughty too...Loved Zsadists seduction scenes! :)
Traveler - A love scene set in Italy sounds fabulous. Hmmmm...guess I better go there in the name of research. (Isn't it wonderful how research covers so many wonderful experiences?)
In the meantime, I think AC knows all about those Italian lovers, especially those in Venice. You did note the gondola pulled onto the beach?
RachieG - I loved Raven Prince! Her non-traditional hero was so very sexy - even when he was swearing at...everything (grin).
Okay - time for the first prize. Let's give away a copy of Seduction and it goes to...
Seton!
Seton - if you go to www.DonnaMacMeans.com and send me your contact information, I'll get that out to you.
Zooming through here on my way out the door to the nearby bookstores. Will stop by later and report on whether I found the book or not.
Donna, CONGRATULATIONS, on the release of your second book with such a luscious cover.
Hey, what's up, Rooster? You went over to Jo-Mama's house?
Congratulations, Donna! I'm actually on my way out but plan to look for the book while I'm running errands.
I'll be back later for a massage from Sven.
Keira & Christie - I hope you find it! If not, Christie - I'll be seeing you in a couple of weeks in sunny Orlando for the RT convention. We can swap books for autographs then!
Sorry, the only seduction tip I have is "show up naked, bring beer."
Unsubtle, but generally effective.
I'm looking forward to your book! Yeah! Just a few more days!
LOL Ms. Hellion - It works - that's what counts!
Ahem...and should you wish to practice that philosophy...Sven is waiting in the back with massage oils at the ready.
Donna, here's the breakdown. I found the books at Barnes & Noble and Borders, but not at Target yet, though they said they have it on order and they did carry your first.
Tawny, I took a picture of the Target bookshelf with yours proudly displayed there. Will post a link when I download my camera.
How about a tip on how NOT to seduce? Rose stem in teeth by man, like Steve Wozniak on Dancing with the Stars, will generate gales of laughter, not waves of desire.
Good morning, Donna!
Congrats on the release! It sounds like a smokin' hot read, so I'll be prepared! And speaking of seduction techniques, maybe I'll share it with the DH. It's always fun to find authors we both...ahem...enjoy. :-)
Keira - LOL - Got it
Rose bouquet in hand - check
Rose petals spread across the bed - check
Rose petals sprinkled in bath water - double check
Single rose clasped in teeth - Reject!
I think the same rule hold true for the chocolates (grin)
Rats, rats, rats...wish I could dash out and check out the book on the shelves. Instead I'm checking out tax returns - nothing seductive about that!
Susan - Ha Ha - I can't even get my own dh to read my books. He keeps promising, but alas...
I think it's because there's no pictures (grin).
PRIZE ALERT
Time for another prize. This time I'm giving out the Burt's Bees sampler pack and it goes to...
Ms Hellion
Congratulations! Now pull on some clothes and collect up those beer bottles and send the mailing info to www.DonnaMacMeans.com (grin)
Heh to your rose decisions, Donna. What a handy guide, to be sure.
Congratulations to Seton and Hellion for the prizes.
Congrats to Seton and Ms Hellion
Music there is certainly a lot to choose from I would go for perhaps Rod Stewart's Have I Told You Lately That I Love You or Barry White's Can't Get Enough Of You Love the choices are endless.
Sorry you can't get out and check the bookstores out Donna I am just over the moon that I have it already here in Oz
Have Fun
Helen
Woot! I won a prize? This day is finally turning around! Thank you!
Yay! Congrats on the release of The Seduction of a Duke, Donna! I'm heading out tonight in search of it *g*
There's a fabulous seduction scene in Tawny's April release, Coming On Strong - actually, there are a few great seduction scenes in that book :-)
Congrats on the new release, Donna! I'm looking forward to being seduced by another one of your fabulous stories. :)
As for setting up seductions I'm woefully out of practice but I seem to recall afternoon naps frequently leading to afternoon delight. (grin)
Nancy, where did you find Donna's book? It hasn't shown up here yet but I'll be in Charlotte this weekend.
Woohoo, Donna! Congrats on the release of THE SEDUCTION OF A DUKE! I love the premise. It looove seduction scenes. What woman doesn't want to be seduced? There are so many great scenes but one that I thought brilliant was in Julia Quinn's When He Was Wicked, where the hero tells the heroine everything he's going to do to her. Shivers!
Can't wait to read yours, Donna! I wondered if William would get his own book.
Congrats, Jo!
I just finished working in the yard, so seduction is the furthest thing from my mind. :) But I wanted to swing by and give a big WOOHOO on your latest book release, Donna. I really like the rich colors on the cover, and I'm going to check the shelves at the bookstore here in the next few days -- perhaps a reward for getting my own work done.
Hi, Donna,
Congratulations on the early release
of your TSOFD!
I was going to write down a listing
of all the seduction hints being
offered today. I decided to wait
until the end of the day and print
out a copy. (It's so much easier!)
Thanks for the response to P226
re arrogance! I was contemplating
the same thought when I saw your
comment! Sorry, P226, just could
not resist the thought!! LOL
Pat Cochran
(AC snaps steamy, dripping crop) AHEM! WHO moved my gondola? Not to mention Ermanno, my gondolier?!?! (grumbles to self) Can't a Bandita get a foot massage and a dip in the hot tub without someone absconding with her transportation???
Oh well... CABANA BOYS! Roll out the industrial sized maragarita blenders! Nothing less will do for Donna's fabulous launch!
Oh, and Aunty's secret seduction trick is to talk dirty... Not longshoreman nasty, just a wee bit risque, heavy on the double meanings. ;-)
Can't wait to read your latest, Donna!
AC
Congratulations, Donna! Your cover is gorgeous and the story sounds fabulous! I can't wait until I'm holding your new book in my hot little hands!!
Seduction?? Huh?? Sorry, I'm brain dead from meeting deadlines. But I do love a man who shows up with food. :-)
Way to go, JoMama! Better keep those matches out of reach!
WooHoo on Barry White, Helen. I do love the sound of his deep voice. I have the Rod Stewart CD around here somewhere -
But I have Suz had the right of it with the piano and violin instrumentals for my Victorians.
There's still more prizes to come so grab an umbrella drink and stick around (grin).
Beth, I think you write a good seduction yourself. You know, when you think about all the sex we banditas sell - we'll have to trade in our bucket boots for mini-skirts and stilettos (grin).
Hi, Donna! Woohoo! Congrats on The Seduction of a Duke! Another gorgeous cover! And I love the premise of the story :)
As for seduction, uh, not much experience there, but it seems that attitude is everything--that and determination. So it seems that Francesca's got both in spades--sooner or later, poor William's going to tumble ;) Seriously, it's very seductive to have someone intent on you and on seducing you--the focus on getting to know you and on fulfilling your heart's desires is very winning!
Congrats on the GR, Jo!
PJ - Good Point! If you're already in bed, well - one tends to do what comes naturally.
Somehow I'm not sure my snoring would prove seductive (grin) but heroines never snore - right? Hmmm...that might be kind of fun...
Congrats Jo on nabbing that rooster!
Sorry I am running late today, I spent the day with my sister and we went out to lunch!
To me seduction would be for the man to fix a candle lit dinner and him plan it and fix it. I think I could get into this.
Christine - That kind of runs with Tawny's comment that honesty is extremely sexy. Gives me shivers as well.
Yup - needed to give William a heroine to bring him to his knees and Francesca fits the bill.
Hi Trish - It sure was a beautiful day for working in the garden. Spring is really here - I can tell because the rabbits have been eating the tops off my newly emerging plants (grumble, grumble).
Hi Pat! If you want some truly unique seduction hints, you'll have to read The Seduction of a Duke. It was a lot of fun to write (and even more fun to research VBG).
Oh AC - You naughty miss! I must admit I tend to run heavy on the suggestive commentary myself. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.
Kate - So it's not just a man's heart that's discovered through the stomach? LOL - food or reservations, either will get my attention now and more attention later.
Reporting in from my Border's run. The rooster drove the getaway car, just in case, as Caren said, the poleese were lurking.
BUT . . . drumroll . . . not necessary. I captured SEDUCTION OF A DUKE. It was right there on the shelf in all its beautiful golden cover glory.
No matches needed.
Rooster's viewing the experience as a training exercise!
Okay, I am trying to read two books at once, the Banditas are burning up the pages and my brain cells at the same time. I have Tawny's book in the bedroom and Donna's in the living room, let us just say this house is HOT!!!
I have to tell this, I happen to know an arrogant male personally, when we met he was all macho and not sure I could "handle" him, yada, yada, yada. He said something to the effect of kissing me but didn't think the paramedics could get to me fast enough. My friend Barbara (yes, that Barb, the one that wouldn't let me stay home that night either) was watching all of this and for once didn't say a word, finally I said really?, put my cell phone on the table, looked him in the eye and said, I have references, go for it big boy. The man just about swallowed his teeth and Barb fell out of her chair laughing. What I didn't know at the time (him and Barb had been friends for years) was way more than once he would tell women he had references and I beat him to it. We have been together over 3 years now. I am not real sure on who seduced who though.
According to my husband, guys are easy. All that's necessary for seduction is removal of clothing.
Of course, guys always SAY they are easy, but it rarely works out that way. A glass of wine never hurts.
Donna, I have your new book on preorder, but it hasn't arrived yet. Soon, I hope!
I have it on good authority that high heels, a fancy necklace and nothing else is another never-fail method of seduction.
Yay Jo on the successful buying expedition.
Dianna - that house of yours should be on fire! LOL on your handling of the arrogant beau. See - goes right up there with what P226 said about strong independent women.
Treethyme - I wonder what women used to broadcast seduction before the invention of high heels ...when were high heels invented anyway?
My heroine discovers the seductive power of wine, but perhaps not in the manner you might anticipate!
Fichen1 - Yes - I think attitude is everything. Francesca definitely has determination. Thanks for the kudos on the cover. Berkley does a great job!
VIrginia - You know - after planning, fixing, and (most importantly) cleaning up after so many meals, after so many years - someone else doing that relatively simple task goes a long way. I think more men should realize this. I'd even forgo the candles for the consideration.
It's PRIZE TIME. Let's go with another copy of THE SEDUCTION OF A DUKE. And the winner is......
PJ!
Congratulations! You know the drill. www.DonnaMacMeans.com
I have one last prize to give away tonight which is a copy of Mrs. Brimley. So let me know if haven't already a copy.
Hi Donna, I just got through cleaning up the mess from the meal I just cook, no suduction for me tonight or any night I think! I don't have a copy of Mrs. Brimley and would love to read it.
AWESOME! Thanks, Donna! Off to email you my address. :)
I've not read Mrs. Brimley,would love
to have a copy!
Forgot to send congratulations to Jo
on catching that wily rooster fellow!
WTG, Jo!!
Pat Cochran
Hi Donna! Congratulations on the early release! I have two Bandita books to pick up now on my next Borders run! :-)
My favorite seduction trick is John Coltrane. Music to fall in bed to!
Pat - Your TBR pile is getting out of hand. I sent you a copy of The Education of Mrs. Brimley last May
(grin).
Virginia - I was going to try to hold out till midnight, but I have to say I'm exhausted. So you get the copy of Mrs. Brimley. Please go to www.DonnaMacMeans.com and send me your contact information and I'll get that out to you
Everyone - thanks for playing along with me and for all the seduction tips. Here's a recap of the prizes awarded. If you haven't already done so, please go to www.DonnaMacmeans.com and send me your contact information
Seton - A copy of The Seduction of a Duke
Ms Hellion - a Burt's Bees Sampler
PJ - A copy of The Seduction of a Duke
Virginia - The Education of Mrs. Brimley
Donna,
I can guarantee that my TBR stack
is totally out of hand! In fact,
last summer when Hurricane Ike came
to visit, we had to pack away my
TBRs in storage containers so as to
avoid possible water damage. Some
may still be "in storage!" I'll
have to search out Mrs. Brimley and
read the book immediately. Thanks
for helping me keep track of my
TBRs! LOL
Pat Cochran
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