Wednesday, October 28, 2009

LORRAINE HEATH RETURNS TO THE LAIR

by Suzanne Welsh

We love to visit with repeat offenders...er... our favorite return guests, so please pull up a chair, pillow or cabana boy and get comfortable as we welcome NYT bestselling author and my dear friend, Lorraine Heath back in the Lair to discuss her newest release, MIDNIGHT PLEASURES WITH A SCOUNDREL, which just recieved 4 stars from Romantic Times magazine!

Suz: MIDNIGHT PLEASURES WITH A SCOUNDREL is the fourth in your Scoundrels of St. James series. While each is a stand alone book, each one has built upon the first and gives us a glimpse into the lives of Feagan's kids. In this story we get to see the life of James Swindler, the famed detective of Scotland Yard. (And one of my favorites.) Can you tell us about James and what he brings to the book that's different from his brothers and sister?

Lorraine: While Luke, Jack, and Frannie were favorites of Feagan's and spent a good deal of their youth under his care, James was a little bit older when he was brought into the fold and he skirted the edges of Feagan's world, never really feeling as though he belonged. He never embraced Feagan as the father figure that the others did because he had quite a strong father figure in his childhood, who we catch glimpses of during the telling of his tale. He considered leaving Feagan's den of thieves, but he'd fallen instantly in love with Frannie and couldn't bear the thought of never being in her company. Of course, as readers learned in Surrender to the Devil, Frannie was not his destined love.

Here is an introduction to Swindler and how he came to be part of Feagan's brood:

From the Journal of James Swindler
A darkness hovers inside me. It was born the day I watched my father hanged. A public hanging, with a festive air in the streets, as though I alone understood the loss, as though the object stolen was worth destroying both his life and mine.
I had been born a mere eight years earlier, and with my arrival had come my mother's parting from this world. So it was that with my father's death, I became an orphan with nowhere to go and no one to take me in.

Within the jubilant crowd of curious onlookers were two lads who recognized my plight-the tears streaming down my dirty face while others jeered and laughed no doubt telling my story. My father had told me to be strong. He'd even winked at me before they placed the black hood over his head. As though his standing on the gallows were a prank, a bit of good fun, something we would laugh about later.
But it wasn't a prank, and if my father is laughing now, it is only the devil who hears.

I was not strong that day. But I have shown strength ever since.

The lads comforted me as boys are wont to do: with a slug on the arm and "stiff upper lip, mate." They invited me to tag along with them. Jack was the older, his swagger one of confidence. Luke was wide-eyed, and I suspected it was the first hanging he'd ever witnessed. As we made our way through the teeming throng, their nimble fingers pilfered many a coin purse and handkerchief.


When darkness descended, they led me through the warren of the rookeries to the door of a kidsman who went by the name of Feagan. He had little use for the likes of me until he'd gathered the precious booty from his workers. Children all. Only one girl among them. A girl with vibrant red hair and gentle green eyes. Her name was Frannie. Once I realized that Jack and Luke had brought me to a den of thievery, I lost all enthusiasm to stay. I had no desire to belong to a place that was certain to lead me straight to the gallows. But I had a stronger desire not to lose sight of the young girl. So I remained.

I became very skilled at ferreting out information, helping to set up swindles. I wasn't as talented when it came to thievery. I was caught on more than one occasion and took my punishment as my father had taught me-with stoicism and a wink.
As a result, I became far too familiar with the fact that the legal system was not fair, and often innocence was the cost. I began to pay close attention when justice was meted out. Why was one boy given ten lashes for snitching a silk handkerchief while another was transported to a prison colony in New Zealand? How was evidence obtained? How did one determine guilt? More importantly, how did one prove innocence?

In time I began to work secretly for the Metropolitan Police. I did not fear the shadows or the darker side of London. Even when I worked openly for Scotland Yard, I traveled where others had no desire to tread.

I drew comfort in knowing I never arrested an innocent. Depending on the severity of the crime, I often sent the culprit on his way with a mere slap on the wrist and a warning that I was watching, always watching. Of what importance is a stolen bit of silk frippery when a man might have lost his life in the street? I was far more concerned with-and fascinated by-the grisly crimes.

They appealed to the darkness hovering inside me, and so it was that they garnered my ardent attention . . .

And eventually led me to her.


Suz: Mmmm...I love a hero who has his own sense of honor and justice! (See why he's my favorite?) What kind of heroine did you choose for Swindler? Why?

Lorraine: Ah, you give me far too much credit. I don't choose the characters; they choose me. For Swindler, I simply saw a particular scene (which readers will probably identify when they read it) and knew that the woman reflected in it belonged to Swindler. She worked for him because her strength was not always readily apparent, but more because neither was her goodness. She was complicated and it took someone with Swindler's skills at deduction and mystery-solving to figure her out.


Suz: Swindler and Eleanor both know the other isn't being honest with them, yet without confronting each other on this fact, they still manage to fall in love with the other. Why do you think this worked for them?

Lorraine: Because their hearts were honest with each other. And while each one was deceiving the other in order to gain something, or to further a goal, what they saw in the other person was a soul mate, a kindred spirit. What I loved about this story was the challenge it presented to me as a writer to show that the deceptions were only on the surface while the attraction was true and deep. It couldn't be ignored, even as each character fought it, knowing that it would in all likelihood lead to his or her downfall.

Suz: In MIDNIGHT PLEASURES James takes the time to show Eleanor the sites of Victorian London. Which was your favorite part of his courtship?




Lorraine: I enjoyed all of his courtship, although my favorite moment wasn't exactly courtship. It was when he was standing outside in the streets, watching as she brushed her hair in the window. Did she know he was there? Did her seduction begin at that moment? I think perhaps it did. Although I also enjoyed the balloon ascent. Not that I would ever travel through the air in a wicker basket.

Suz: I loved both those scenes, too! There is one member of Feagan's kids who hasn't had his story yet, William Graves. Will there be one for him, or is MIDNIGHT PLEASURES the last of the Scoundrel of St. James series?

Lorraine: Unfortunately, William Graves is still a bit of a mystery so when I pitched his story to my editor, it wasn't very compelling and another group of characters snatched her attention so I'm writing their stories now. However, because the new trilogy is set in the same time period, William Graves will continue to make the occasional appearance (as will the other scoundrels) as I continue to work out his true story. I know that it gets frustrating for readers when a character is left behind, but it's very difficult to write a story for a character when I don't know what that character's story is. James Swindler was much more complicated than I'd imagined but I always knew the most defining moment of his life was when his father was hanged. I'm not yet sure what defined William Graves, although I have begun seeing snatches of his story so I'm hopeful that it won't be too far in the future.

Suz: What is next for your historicals?

Lorraine: I am writing the stories of three brothers, and I'll leave it at that for now until I get book 1 finished, except to say that it is another Victorian set series. Because the brothers' widowed mother was married twice and provided each husband with an heir, the oldest brother is an impoverished earl, the middle brother, as the second son to her first husband, has no title but is a soldier returning from the Crimean War, and the youngest brother is an immensely powerful and wealthy duke. So the hierarchy in the family is slightly skewed, which creates undercurrents for devotion and resentment. It's a very complicated but intriguing-at least to me-family dynamic. They are extremely competitive and their playing field is the boudoir, where title, wealth, and position have little influence. They are judged solely on their ability to pleasure the ladies, and each has the goal of gaining a reputation as London's greatest lover. Okay, guess I didn't leave it at that, did I?

The first 2 books, presently untitled, will be released in October/November 2010.

Also an anthology that I contributed to in 2006, My Heroes Will Always Be Cowboys, was originally released in trade, but will be released in mass market paperback in February. My contribution, "The Reluctant Hero," was nominated for a RITA so I'm thrilled the story will be available again.

Suz: A competition in the budoir? Now that's my kind of competition! Can't wait to read about these three brothers. As our readers know, you also write under the pseudonym Rachel Hawthorne. What's going on in your YA world right now?





Lorraine: The 4th Dark Guardian novel-SHADOW OF THE MOON-will be released March 23, 2010. The heroine, Hayden, is new to readers. Because of her ability to experience other Shifters' emotions, she's run away to a winter resort populated only with humans, but the elders send Daniel, who was introduced in FULL MOON, to find her and bring her home because her full moon is approaching and she can't face it alone. Daniel is new to her pack, and no one knows much about him. He confuses her because she can't feel his emotions-and for the first time in her life, as she begins falling in love with him, she wants to know what someone else is feeling. But as their lives are threatened by an ancient enemy, she will begin to suspect that Daniel isn't all that he seems. Unlike the others, this story takes place during the winter so it provides a little different setting and it also brings more of the Dark Guardian history to the forefront. While books 1-3 dealt with the Shifters battling the worst of mankind, the Dark Guardians have always been in existence to protect against ancient paranormal enemies. In this story, we get a glimpse of one.

It's been interesting to see how much email I'm receiving from adult readers who are really enjoying the series. It's definitely targeted for an older teen and is a bit sensual (although how can it not be when Shifters can't transform while wearing clothes ) but it appeals to adult readers as well, which has been very satisfying to realize. For more on the Dark Guardians, readers can visit www.rachelhawthorne.net.


Suz, (with a wink and knowing smile): Any other news on the Lorraine Heath front?

Lorraine: I'm celebrating the fact the Midnight Pleasures with a Scoundrel is my 25th novel-not counting any anthologies or YA novels. To celebrate that achievement here with the Romance Bandits, I'm giving away a $25 gift certificate to amazon, Borders, or B&N-winners' choice-to one of today's lucky blog posters. And for a chance to win another gift certificate, enter the contest at my website http://www.lorraineheath.com/. It closes Oct. 31, with the drawing held Nov. 1.


Suz: CONGRATULATIONS on this mile stone! We're always happy to have you here and enjoy celebrating your good news.

So, dear readers and friends, Lorraine and I want to know, of all the stories you've ever read by any author, which character are you still waiting--hoping--the author will one day write a story about?

108 comments:

limecello said...

Hi Lorraine!

Unknown said...

Missed him by a feather!

limecello said...

Loved the interview - and you are one busy lady, Lorraine!

As for a character whose story I want... the remaining Travis brother's story - in Lisa Kleypas's contemporary stories.
I'm sure there are more, but my mind is blanking. I want want want Hawk's book for Nalini Singh's Psy/Changeling books... but I know that one's coming. In two years. *cries*

Congratulations on the new release! Great title :)

Anna Campbell said...

Hi Lorraine! Always lovely to see you here. You're an honorary Bandita! I'm a bit blogged out today but I'll be back tomorrow. New book sounds fabulous!

Anonymous said...

Lorraine,
you've written some of my favorite books. This last series of yours is really good !! So far my favorite was dodger's story (I have a real thing for bad boys). My copy of book #4 hasn't arrived yet, but hopefully soon (I'm in France so I almost always get my books late).
I've enoyed reading your contemporaries too, I hope you plan to write more one day !

As for characters whose story I'm looking forward, well there is Teddy Beaudine from SEP Lady be Good. She's writing the book right now and after all these years I can hardly wait !!

Jane said...

Hi Lorraine,
Congrats on the new release and on the milestone. I'm hoping that Loretta Chase will someday write Peregrine and Olivia's story.

Buffie said...

Hey, Lorraine is here again! It is always so much fun when she is here.

The new release sounds fabulous and I must say that picture is holy smokes - HOT!

The character whose story I really want to read . . . well, it's early in the morning and I can't remember his name, but he is the brother in Debra Mullins' JUST ONE TOUCH. As soon as I read that book, I emailed Debra to ask when his book would be out and at the time she wasn't sure if he would have a book. A few years later, and I am still waiting. I sure hope she writes his story.

Buffie said...

Limecello --- YES, YES, YES on Hawk's book. Dying to read his story!

Carol L. said...

Hi Lorraine,
I can't wait to read about James Swindler. Hopefully William will tell you his story and eventually we'll read it. I can't wait to read about the brothers . I have enjoyed so many of your stories.Congrats on your milestone. s for a character I'd like to have his own book ? I don't know.I'll have to come back because there are a lot of secondary characters who call to us. :)
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com

Carol L. said...

Sorry,
Just wanted to come back and say what a fabulous cover that is. :)
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com

Andrea said...

Hi, Lorriane! Congrats on your newest release, and I'll be celebrating by picking up my own copy today!

I would like to read Jenny's and Jeremy's stories from your Rogues & Roses series. And I'll add William Graves to that list, too. ;) I also hope that Victoria Alexander will write Becky Shelton's story one day.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Good morning, everyone! Congrats limcello on grabbing the GR this morning. Make that fella behave, okay?!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Virginia...better luck next time! hehehe

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Lime, I'm looking forward to the Travis vrother's story by Lisa Kleypas, too!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Anna C! I bet you'retired, after the book launch party yesterday! Which I had to miss... :(

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey, Emmanuelle!

Dodger was such a good bad boy, wasn't he? That was such a scrumptious book...but I guarantee, Ms. Lorraine has a few twists and turns y'all won't see coming in Midnight Pleasures !

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Good morning, Jane! I'd love for Loretta to write that book, too!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Buffie!

Hey, Lorraine is here again! It is always so much fun when she is here.

The new release sounds fabulous and I must say that picture is holy smokes - HOT!
..
I can guarantee you will love Swindler's story!!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey, Carol!

I'm hoping William Graves tells Lorraine his story...it would be a shame if all of Feagan's kids get a book and the healer of the group didn't, wouldn't it?

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Andrea!

Even though I got a sneak peek at Midnight Pleasures I'll be celebrating Lorraine's newest release by buying a copy for my keeper shelf, too!

Lorraine said...

Oh, Suz, we must have passed in the night! I was determined to get the rooster but I went off to bed a little after 2.

Hello, Bandits! Thanks so much for welcoming me here! It's always a treat to visit with you.

Lorraine said...

limecello: I can't wait for Joe's story! I recently read Smooth Talking Stranger. I'm loving Lisa's contemporary series.

Lorraine said...

Anna: Absolutely can NOT wait to read Captive of Sin. It's my reward when I finish my revisions. Congrats on all the great reviews it's getting.

Lorraine said...

Emmanuelle: Thank you for having MPWAS on order and for enjoying my contemporaries. I have a couple of stories that have been nudging me so we shall see what 2010 brings.

Lorraine said...

Hi, Jane & Buffie. It's so great to see you here.

Carol: I'm with you on William. He's trying my patience but hopefully he'll soon reveal his story.

Lorraine said...

Andrea: A bit of good news. I'd felt as though I'd written myself into a corner with Jenny Rose but she has been sharing her story with me of late--naturally she waits until I'm in the middle of writing another story--so I am anxious to return to her. Now if only an editor will be interested in the story.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Morning, Lorraine!

Sorry I didn't get the post up sooner, but I did manage to get it up between birthing babies this morning! Geesh, I'm so happy November is almost here...and that means I can re-read Swindler's story!!

Virginia C said...

Hello, Lorraine!

I am in love with your wonderfully seductive and touching romantic tales.

No specific character from a book, but one that has yet to be written. A woman past the first bloom of youth, who is beautiful from the inside out. Someone who has lived to provide care for others and has now come full circle. Still hopeful, still dreaming, sensible but sensual, and deserving of her own "happily ever after".

gcwhiskas at aol dot com

Kelly said...

I'm really looking forward to this one, Lorraine, as I've loved the whole series. The references to Oliver Twist, both subtle and direct, are a truly unique and captivating element!

As far as characters I want to see stories about, Erin McCarthy started a contemporary series with The Pregnancy Test and You Don't Know Jack, but never wrote the stories of the 3rd & 4th roommates - I'd love to see that! And the brother that appears at the end of Christina Dodd's My Fair Temptress - I want that story!

Lorraine said...

Suz: Do people not have babies in November?

Virginia: What a lovely character.

Kelly: Working in the Oliver Twist references has been a lot of fun.

Fedora said...

Hi, Lorraine! Congrats on your latest! I love it when an author gets the chance to tell all the stories of the characters introduced (or at least all the ones who are significant to me!)--I just finished reading Nora Roberts' Born in trilogy, and I know I would have been left hanging if I'd not had the chance to read them straight through. As for stories yet to be told, I know there are some that aren't coming to mind--the quiet friend, or the "other" sibling, or the jilted ex... I always want to know what happens to them!

Congrats on the GR, Limecello!

Trish Milburn said...

Lorraine, you know I love your writing. I finished Moonlight not long ago and am looking forward to reading books 2 and 3 in the Dark Guardians series. I love YA paranormal books.

Huge congrats on the 25-book mark!

I can't think of a character right off, but I still wish there was a sequel to Robin McKinley's novel Sunshine. Maybe someday she'll write it, and I'll gobble it up.

Hellie Sinclair said...

This will probably be weird...but do you all remember The Windflower? I always wanted Cat to fall in love and get married.

elainec said...

I can't wait to read MPOAS. I found it last night at Target. It took trips to two stores to find it. I've enjoyed the whole series. Swindler's early life was so sad, but better than being hanged or transported.
Hope it does well.

Unknown said...

Hi Lorraine,

I have loved reading the first three books of the Scoundrels of St. James series. I'm very much looking forward to reading the last book in that series. I would like to know if you plan to ever finish the Rogues of Roses Series.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Lorraine! Welcome back! *pulling up a cabana boy, per Suz's orders* Ahh, nice comfy seat here. Think I'll stay awhile.

I'm so intrigued by your characters. Anna Campbell was talking about compelling characters over on Writer's Revenge today, so it's on my mind. They all sound incredibly compelling.

I have to agree with Limecello, though, you are one busy lady! (BTW, Congrats on nabbing the GR, Lime!) YA, this series, the new series, the RWA Board. Jeepers, woman, when do you sleep? Grins.

HUGE congrats on the 25-book-mark and the re-release of the novella. That's awesome.

As to characters, I'm hoping William will pull up a bench one dark night and tell you his story and how he met his lady love. I LIKE him. Grins.

There are a bunch of the Bandit's books that have secondary characters I'd like to know about. There's a character in Hank Phillipi Ryan's series that I'd like to see get her own story...

Otherwise I'm drawing a blank. I'm so "I'm in the cave" brain dead right now that all I can think about is just how much c-4 I'm going to need for the next scene. (Yes, I'm blowing things up. Grins.) Oh, and how to get a yacht to Belize. Bwah-ha-ha!

Suz, thanks for having the always-wonderful Lorraine back again! And Lorraine, glad you could be here.

Cabana boy, thanks for the nice seat. *VEG*

Elisa Beatty said...

(Beg pardon if this repeats...I typed it once and it disappeared).

Congrats on book 25! I've been a fan since your early books. My keeper shelf is very small, since I live in a shoebox-sized house, but Sweet Lullaby, Texas Destiny, and A Rogue in Texas are all on it. (And I'm really a Regency reader!)

Good luck on the next 25!

Brandie said...

Hi! Congrats to you! Twenty-five books is a great accomplishment. I know the new series will be awesome and can't wait to purchase them as i have done the past 25 :)

One story I have been waiting for is Juanita and Spence story from The Outlaw and the Lady.

Brandie

Becke Davis said...

Hi Lorraine! You and Anna got a double sale from me yesterday, when the mailman did NOT drop off my preordered new releases. I was too impatient to wait for today's mail, so I ran out and bought them last night.

Finished Anna's in the wee hours of the morning and, once I can force my eyes open, I'm looking forward to reading yours, too!

Sandy Blair said...

Hi Lorraine,
Great blog! (And great questions, Suzy.) I just wanted to let you know I found 3 copies of Surrender on the next to bottom shelf in our Alberston's two days ago! I was so excited to find them they're now at eye level.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Sandy said: I was so excited to find them they're now at eye level.

Gotta LOVE your writer friends, don'cha? I admit to doing this ALLLLL the time w/ Bandita books, Bandita guest's books, etc. Face out, schmace out. I'm makin' sure my pals get noticed!

Go you, Sandy!

Nancy said...

Hi Lorraine, Suz, and Banditas!

I'm soooo excited MIDNIGHT PLEASURES is finally here! One of the stories I've been waiting for is James's -- and the other is William's.

Of course, then there are all those new books in the other series I read that are yet to be on the shelves. :)

A pleasure to see you, Lorraine, as always! Congrats again on the new release!

Light,
Nancy Haddock

Janga said...

Congrtulations on the new release, Lorraine, and on the 25th book. I love the Scoundrels books and can't wait to read Midnight Pleasures. i have to wait til I can get into the city this weekend. These have been my favorites of your books since the Texas trilogy, which is on my all-time fave list. I hate to see the series end, so I'm delighted to hear we may get another. The new series sounds like fun reads.

Count me among the Loretta Chase fans eager for Perigrine and Olivia's book. Loretta has gone from saying "yes but who knows when" to saying "soon" on that one. Yay!

I'm also really looking forward to Sebastian Gray's story from Julia Quinn's It Happened in London. His story, Ten Things I Love About You, will be out next year, so not long to wait for that one..

mille said...

Hi Lorraine. LOVED your last book and can't wait to read this one.

Unknown said...

Congrats lime on nabbing the rooster!

Hi Lorraine, what a great post! Congrats on your 25 book. My mind is still drawing a blank on a character that I would like to come out in another book. I switch around types of books so much I have troble keeping up with all the characters. With series I always just try to wait until the next one comes out. Sometimes thats hard because is a while in between books and you forget until you get back in the story. Thanks for being here today and sharing.

Lorraine said...

Flchen: Thanks for the congrats!

Trish: Hope you’ll enjoy DG2&3. Looking forward to being in your neck of the woods in a few weeks and catching up in person.

MsHellion: I didn’t read that book. Who wrote it?

Elaine: Appreciate your diligence in looking for MPWAS. Hope you enjoy it.

Patsy: Yes, I do hope to finish the Rogues and Roses series.

Jeanne: You naughty girl! Enjoy the cabana boy. Yes, I suspect William’s story does require a dark night, with a bit of rain. Mmm. . .I’m actually starting to see it. And good luck blowing things up! Sounds like fun.

Elisa: Thank you for being such a fan! I wish I could get those early books re-released. Maybe someday.

Brandie: I would love to write Juanita and Spence’s story. If the market will just turn back around to Texas-set historicals.

Becke: Thanks for the double sale with Anna’s book. I’m sure I’ll be up until the wee hours once I start reading Captive of Sin. I’ve loved her other books.

Sandy: Another favorite author of mine! Thanks for moving the books to eye level. You’re the best.

Hey, Nancy. So great to see you here. I’ll have a chat with William, let him know you’re waiting. Of course I’m waiting, too – for your next release.

Janga: Thanks so much for being a fan. Ah, the Texas trilogy. I so enjoyed writing about those brothers. Hope I’ll have a chance to continue the series someday.

Mille: Thank you so much!

I’m off to write for a bit – will return shortly to snag the cabana boy.

Hellie Sinclair said...

The Windflower was written by Sharon & Tom Curtis (writing as Laura London). Published in 1984.

http://www.likesbooks.com/windflwr.html

I'm not the only one wanting a sequel. *LOL*

cheryl c said...

I always wanted Julie Garwood to write a story about Quinlan from THE WEDDING. He was "interested" in the heroine's sister Faith. At the end of the story he says to Faith, " Tell your mother I will be coming back. She has something I want." So, does he go back? I have to know! ;-)

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Welcome back to the Lair, Lorraine!! It's always GREAT to have you here -- just ignore the scattered rice and wilted flowers, we had quite the party yesterday.

BIG THANX Suz for luring Lorraine back for a visit! Midnight Pleasures sounds WONDERFUL, but I'd buy it based on that beautiful cover alone.

25 BOOKS?!?! WOW! I'm in awe.

There are lots of books with secondary characters I'd LURVE to see (including a few of my own) but the first one that springs to mind is the younger sister in Donna's Trouble With Moonlight.

AC

Helen said...

Congrats limecello have fun with him

Lorraine I am waiting for this new book to arrive with my order hopefully early next week I love your books they always give me hours of pleasure you are an autobuy author for me and I wouldn't miss one of your books.
Congrats on the 25th book way to go.

As for characters that I would love to read their stories I too would love Jenny and Jeremy from your Rogues and Roses series and I too am being patient waiting for Hawke's story from Nalini Singh. I am sure ther are many more I would love to read about as well and can't think of them at the moment.

Thanks Suz for inviting Lorraine back today always love your interviews.

Have Fun
Helen

Pissenlit said...

Lorraine, congrats on the 25th novel!

Ya know, I've always wanted That Idiot Ivan to have his own story, even if only a short story, from Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan Saga. Hee! I love Ivan! :)

Minna said...

There was this miniseries by Leanne Banks. It was about these three millionaires who had grown up in the same orphanage. It's been so long time ago since I read these books... Anyway, there was this one character, a computer geek whose story I would love to read. Hey, I like nerd stories.

peachy_pam said...

Hey Lorraine, I can't wait to read your new book! I always look forward to each of your books before they are released!

peachy_pam said...

I am glad I finally figured out how to comment here again!

pjpuppymom said...

Hi Lorraine! Congratulations on your 25th book. That's a whole lot of wonderful reading!

Like Andrea, I've been waiting forever for Becky Shelton's story (from Victoria Alexander).

There are also a couple secondary characters from Julie Garwood's medievals whose stories I'd love to read.

pjpuppymom said...

CherylC: I asked Julie Garwood a while back if she was ever going to write Quinlan and Faith's story and she told me not to give up hope so...don't give up hope! We might get their story yet! :)

Nancy said...

Lorraine, welcome back! What a fabulous excerpt.

Characters I'd like to see reappear? I'm not hoping on this one because the character's creator, Gordon R. Dickson, has died, but Hal Mayne, hero of The Final Encyclopedia, is my favorite Dickson character

Miles Vorkosigan is coming back next year. And I MISSED Bujold's reading at DragonCon. Aack!

Michael from Patricia Rice's The Marquess, though I know that wish is unlikely to come true.

A.C. Crispin's Exile trilogy is interrupted, and I'd love to see her finish it.

And Lord Peter Wimsey. But Sayers, alas, is also gone, and the sequel, written from her unfinished fragmented draft, just didn't cut it for me.

Nancy said...

Limecello, congrats on the rooster. Virginia, better luck next time.

Nancy said...

Jeanne wrote: all I can think about is just how much c-4 I'm going to need for the next scene. (Yes, I'm blowing things up. Grins.)

C-4? Can I blow something up, too?

Looks like another Duchesse "boom" book. *sigh*

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Virginia C!

Still hopeful, still dreaming, sensible but sensual, and deserving of her own "happily ever after"...

That sounds like a great book to me. I love heroines who aren't young, but still wanting their HEA!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Kelley!

The references to Oliver Twist, both subtle and direct, are a truly unique and captivating element!..

YES!!!!! Another Dickens person who gets the whole OLIVER twist, (yep, the pun was intended) about these books!!!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Lorraine... I thought we'd had this conversation about baby boom times before. Consider the math of the problem...nine months before JULY...it gets cold, people start snuggling...all the way through the end of October. Nine months before NOV...It's March...warmer weather...more outdoor time, less indoor snuggling. The baby boom slows down until the week after Christmas. There 's still babies being born, just not so many the nurses can't get a breather!!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Fedora!

or the jilted ex... I always want to know what happens to them! ..

Wow, I've never wanted to know, except in Lisa Kleypas' Devil In Winter. Hmmm...I might have to think about that from now on!

catslady said...

I wish Jean Auel would finish her Earth's Children Series with Ayla - I think it's been over a dozen years since it started. I've already had to reread the series and am going to have to again lol.

Great interview!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Trish!

My daughter picked up Moonlight at the annual Buns & Roses Tea this year, and was surprised to know it was also written by Lorraine! She said, she doesn't care for vampires much, but LOVES Werewolves!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Ms. Hellion,

I always wanted Cat to fall in love and get married.

Isn't it amazing how we have one character whose story we would love to see? For me, it's Joanna's brother Nicholas in Saving Grace. I know he marries Clare at the end of the book, but truly that is just the beginning of their romance, don't you think?

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Elaine!

I found it last night at Target. It took trips to two stores to find it. I've enjoyed the whole series...

Wow, that's dedication!! But well worth the effort, IMHO.

Jessica said...

I love your books, not only the ones written under Lorraine but Racheal as well!!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Patsy!

The Scoundrels of St. James has been such a great series, hasn't it? We really need William's story to complete the experience!!

Hey, we could start a chant...WE WANT WILLIAM, WE WANT WILLIAM

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Jeanne!

I have to agree with Limecello, though, you are one busy lady! (BTW, Congrats on nabbing the GR, Lime!) YA, this series, the new series, the RWA Board. Jeepers, woman, when do you sleep? Grins. ..

There are those of us who believe one of two things are possible... 1)Lorraine actually has 36 hour days while the rest of us have 24 OR 2) she has a time slowing machine that slows the rest of us down and allows her to work at super speed!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Elisa!

but Sweet Lullaby, Texas Destiny, and A Rogue in Texas are all on it...

I so miss seeing Lorraine's westerns! I'd love to see her revisit Texas!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Brandie!

One story I have been waiting for is Juanita and Spence story from The Outlaw and the Lady...

Wouldn't that be great? I'd love to see that one, too!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Becke!

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who picks up a favorite author and spends the entire night reading it. (Which comes in very handy on the nights when I'm not busy at work.) Prepare yourself for another all night reading session!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Ms. Sandy Blair!!!

Love to see my CP pop here...Uhm, don't you have a new time travel story coming out in the MAMOTH BOOK OF TIME TRAVEL ROMANCE in early december? Y'all this is the best short story you will read all year called MACDUFF'S SECRET and y'all have to read it!!!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Nancy H!!

Glad to see you popping by the Lair, too! Hope you're enjoying cooler weather down there!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Janga!


I'm also really looking forward to Sebastian Gray's story from Julia Quinn's It Happened in London. His story, Ten Things I Love About You, will be out next year, so not long to wait for that one..
..

This is a book I'm looking forward to reading, too!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Mille, welcome back to the Lair!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Cheryl!

I always wanted Julie Garwood to write a story about Quinlan from THE WEDDING. He was "interested" in the heroine's sister Faith. At the end of the story he says to Faith, " Tell your mother I will be coming back. She has something I want." So, does he go back? I have to know! ;-)..

OMG!!! Yes...poor Faith has been waiting quite a while!!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey AC!

No need to thank me, I adore having Lorraine here...plus I get to read her book before everyone else...BWAHAHAHAHA!!! Such perks to being a Bandita!!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Helen!

Thanks for enjoying the interviews, I love doing them. And I can't believe y'all have to wait so long to get books down there in Oz. It would make me crazy!!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Pissenlit!

Uh is his name really, That Idiot Ivan?

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Peachy Pam,

We're glad you found out how to comment here again, too! We hate losing a Bandit Buddy to the woes of technology!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey PJ and fellow JG fangirl!!

Glad to hear Julie said not to give up hope on Quinlan and Faith's stories...uhm, could you ask her about Nicholas for me...I try not to stalk her, really I do!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Nancy!

Why do I get nervous when you and the Duchesse start playing with C-4 in the lair? (Just don't start shaping critters like Bill Murray from Caddy Shack, okay?)

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Catslady!

Glad to see you popping up here today!

Donna MacMeans said...

Hi Lorraine!

Just wanted to say how much I love the fabulous creativity of your stories! Who would have thought of setting stories with Faegen's brood -- well you did, obviously (grin). Very, very cool. Love the cover as well.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Jessica!

I've been trying to convert my Twilight reading friends at work into reading Rachel Hawthorne's Werewolf books. I keep telling them, they'll love them more!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Donna!!

I think that's one of the coolest parts of the books, (besides the hot heroes and great stories), that Lorraine took beloved characters from a classic and successfully made a hit series out of them. Genius, sheer genius!!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Okay...off to make three-cheese chicken penne pasta for dinner...be back in a bit!

peachy_pam said...

Lorraine I also meant to say CONGRATULATIONS on your 25th book!

Anna Campbell said...

Wow, we've had another huge party in the lair today! Lorraine, I told you you were an honorary Bandita! Thanks for saying you're looking forward to reading CAPTIVE OF SIN! We seem to be release buddies at the moment. I couldn't ask to be in better company!

Oh, I'd love Loretta to write Peregrine and Olivia's story. And there was an absolutely gorgeous minor character from the Lion's Daughter who I always thought would grow up to be like Indiana Jones. I think his name was Percival - he was the intellectual young boy who the hero was tutoring. He was fantastic! And still on the subject of Loretta, who writes some of the best secondary characters around, I don't think he's a hero type but I'd love to revisit Padji from The Sandalwood Princess. He was SOOOOO cool!

Anna Campbell said...

Lorraine, I must have missed this. Your 25th book???!!!!! WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!!!! Congratulations indeed! And here's to many more!

Louisa Cornell said...

Way to snag the bird, Lime!

Hello Lorraine!! 25 books and counting! YAY !!!

I do so love your books. I have truly enjoyed my time with the Scoundrels and this next series sounds fabulous!

I've always thought the young lord engaged to Lucy Weston in Bram Stoker's Dracula would make a wonderful romantic hero. What sort of woman would it take to heal that wound? What sort of man might he become because of all he saw and did?

Pissenlit said...

Suzanne - Uh is his name really, That Idiot Ivan?

Hee hee hee! No, more like Captain Lord Ivan Vorpatril(if I remember correctly). He's Miles Vorkosigan's second cousin. He tends to be referred to as "that idiot Ivan" a great deal. I think somewhere near the beginning of The Warrior's Apprentice, Miles tells Ivan that he thinks he was around 14 before he realised that Ivan wasn't his middle name. :D

Nancy said...

Pissenlit--I remember that scene from The Warrior's Apprentice! Ivan would make a good lead character. He has matured over the course of the books. Acquitted himself fairly well, as I recall, in A Civil Campaign.

Did you know there's a new Miles coming out next year? Squee!

Nancy said...

Suz, I don't know how to shape critters out of plastique. But I wouldn't be surprised if someone around here did. :-)

Lorraine said...

Ah, Suz, you're so funny. Time slowing machine. Yeah. That's what I have. Although I've had my share of emails from you at 2 in the morning.

Thank you all for letting me visit today, for visiting with me, and for all the wonderful posts. The Romance Bandits is my favorite blog. There's always a party here.

Appreciate all the enthusiasm for Midnight Pleasures. It's been fun hanging out with you all today.

Will try to get back soon!

Pissenlit said...

Nancy,
Yeppers, I can't wait for the next Miles Vorkosigan book!! I am totally going "EEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!" in my head right now. :D

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Although I've had my share of emails from you at 2 in the morning....
Yes, but I SLEEP during the day, that's what we vampires do, you know!

Karilyn Bentley said...

Hi Lorraine,
Loved your post! Have to go get your latest!

cheryl c said...

PJ, thanks for giving me a little spark of hope that Julie Garwood will write the Quinlan/Faith book that I am wishing for!

Lorraine, I forgot to congratulate you on your 25th book. That is an amazing accomplishment! Do ya think you've got 25 MORE in ya?;)

Cassondra said...

Hello and welcome back Lorraine!

I'm so excited to read of this release, and Congratulations on your 25th novel! What a wonderful milestone!

I will tell you that your excerpt, the one from the journal, completely captivated me. I now MUST go and get this series. In particular, this book. The complexity of your characters--it is elusive to this writer and it is lifeblood to this READER. I want to be able to do that. I'm hoping you didn't do it quite so well in your FIRST novel as you do in your 25th, because that means that one day, maybe, I'll be able to pull that off.

As to characters whose stories I still long for...there are many. The first one that comes to mind is Beth Patillo's debut novel. It included a character named Crispin. And I still want Crispin's story. She wrote it, but it never was released, and so I've never read it. But I still want to.

Gosh, that was a long time ago. She's moved on to other things and other genres. But I still want to go back to that world.

Amazing what a great book will do--the world it creates, and the way that world stays alive inside the reader. *sigh*

jo robertson said...

Hi, Lorraine, welcome back to the Lair. I've read all of the Feagan books and have been waiting for Swindler's story.

Nancy said...

Pissenlit, Bujold read from that book at DragonCon. And I MISSED it!

Too much happening at once. I got confused. :-(

Mari said...

Hi Lorraine. I think it is the authors who for whatever reason have written only one book that make me crazy for another book in the series. For example, I really loved Passion, by Lisa Valdez, and its the only book she's ever written. The same with to Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. An amazing book, but she never wrote another and doesn't do interviews.

BTW Lorraine I didn't know you wrote YA and I will check them out!

Addison Fox said...

Hi Lorraine!

It's always wonderful to see you in the Lair.

I love, love, love the Scoundrels and am so excited we've finally gotten Jim's story (my favorite!!) Although....Dodger was certainly yummy, too :)

I am so looking forward to Dark Guardian #4!!

Addison

Laurie G said...

I'd love to have Cassie Cooper's story, the twin sister in Lori Wilde's book Charmed & Dangerous.
I also agree with Loretta Chase's Olivia & Peregrine...just finished her book Your Scandalous Ways!!

Dina said...

Hi Lorraine,

I actually don't have a character that I am waiting for, I've read so many great books, but I just havn't foused on just one.

Thanks
Dina