By Anna Campbell
It's my week for hosting fabulous debut authors!
I'm delighted to welcome to the lair a wonderful writer and a fabulous advocate for the romance genre (especially historical romance, yay!), Beverley Kendall! SINFUL SURRENDER, her first historical romance for Kensington, has just hit the bookstores!
Bev has very generously offered TWO signed copies of SINFUL SURRENDER as prizes to people who comment today. So get commenting, people, while I go and pour Bev a margarita and find her a cabana boy. They've been a bit nervy since Courtney's visit so I might have to sneak up on one and throw a net over his head!
You can find out more about Bev and her books on her website: www.beverleykendall.com
Bev also runs a wonderful romance website called The Season which is mainly, although not totally, about historical romance. There are contests and news and a fabulous bulletin board where you can talk other romance fanatics. Check it out! http://www.historicalromancereleases.com/tableofcontents_1qtr.html
Bev, huge congratulations on your debut SINFUL SURRENDER which is a fantastic read. That's a lovely cover too! Yum! Can you tell us something about the story and the inspirations behind it?
I've always adored the stories where the heroine is in love with her brother's best friend, so when I was thinking up a plot for my first historical, it just naturally came to mind. I love a story when either the hero or heroine is pining for the other. I love the angst of it. And you know one of them for whatever reasons, is trying to resist. And the relationship between the heroine’s brother and the hero is something that can live or die depending on how the brother feels about the match. I think most brothers who are a bit wild themselves and hang out with equally rakish friends, don’t think said friends would be suitable for their sisters. That is instant conflict right there, and I love it!
How delicious! Here in the lair, we love call stories. Can you give us yours?
My call story was a little surreal to me. I was sitting at my desk at home, working on my second book, THE GAUNTLET. I’d given up on selling SINFUL SURRENDER as I couldn’t get an agent for it. The phone rang and I noticed it was a New York City area code. My mind immediately went to all the people I knew in New York and my old work place. I quickly dismissed that any of them would be calling me. I answered the phone cautiously. This very lovely female voice asked to speak to Beverley Kendall. Kind of formal, you know. I identified myself. She said this is Hilary Sares from Kensington, and I swear to you that’s all I heard. My mind started racing. Why on earth is Hilary Sares calling me? You see, I’d received a rejection letter from Kensington for the first version of SINFUL SURRENDER months before. I’d sent a ‘better’ version off a week before I received that rejection letter, so when I got the letter, I thought it was dead in the water. Well, apparently she liked the second version and wanted to buy it. I know at one point she started to laugh because I was babbling, and I remember she laughed and said she loved making these kinds of calls. I don’t know that I was coherent for the rest of the call. But I did say I wanted to try and get an agent before I accepted the offer. I asked for a week and she said fine. That’s what I remember about the call that changed my life.
What’s coming up next for Beverley Kendall?
My next book, and the second book in the series, is THE GAUNTLET. Now, that title WILL change as I've been told it's not sexy or romantic enough to remain. LOL. But THE GAUNTLET is the story of Missy's (heroine in SINFUL SURRENDER) brother, Viscount Thomas Armstrong and Lady Amelia Bertram. They appear together very briefly at the end of SINFUL SURRENDER and their introduction is far from amiable. There will be lots of sparks (the good and bad kind) in this book.
I look forward to that. You write in the Victorian era. What appeals to you about this period in history?
To me it was the perfect median between what I felt wasn’t modern enough (hot running water, water closets, better lighting and heating) for a person to be comfortable and too modern to come even close to the industrialization and technological advances of the twentieth century. Does that make sense?
It does indeed! You run a fabulous website for romance readers called The Season, which largely although not entirely concentrates on historical romance. Can you tell us about the site and what inspired you to set it up?
The Season was inspired in part by something Kris Alice, who works for a romance review magazine in Germany, said on Twitter one day. She started following me on Twitter, announced that she’d found another debut author, and said she wished there was a place she could go to find out about all the new authors coming out. My sister then latched onto to that little nugget and suggested I create a site that featured only debut authors. I didn’t think that a site that narrow in scope would work, so I said what about a site that features all historical releases. And so The Season was born. Now it’s expanded to include four contemporaries and paranormals per month and other fun things. I’m trying different things out right now. If they work, I’ll keep them. If they don’t, I’ll stop.
Bev, you’re one of these superwomen who juggles work outside the home, a romance writing career and motherhood. Can you give us a peek at your usual day? Do you have any tips on time management?
LOL. No, I have no tips because I don’t manage them well at all. I feel like various things in my life are getting short changed like cleaning. LOL. Currently, I don’t have a full-time job (paying) as I was laid off last summer. But I work more than full-time hours. I usually work on the site and blog at least three hours every day. I try to write at least three (doesn’t always work out that way). My son gets home at 2:30 so I better have all those things done by then. After he’s in bed, I will go back to working on the site or writing. It’s honestly more work than I’ve ever done in my life. I need another five hours in a day to feel like I’ve truly accomplished everything that needs to be done. Promoting is another strenuous activity. LOL.
Do you have any advice for unpublished writers?
Don’t follow rules. Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t right about this or that, or that that story won’t sell. And worry more about writing a great, entertaining story than anything else. Although, you must get through an editor to get your story out there, at the end of the day, the readers have the last say as to how good a job you’ve done.
Bev, what a great interview! Now do you have a question for the Banditas and Bandita Buddies?
I see phases in historical romance. Like right now I’ve been seeing more courtesans as heroines. What type of heroine or hero would you be interested in reading about? Do you have a favourite now?
Bev has very kindly donated TWO copies of SINFUL SURRENDER as prizes today for people who comment. Good luck!
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167 comments:
Come to me dear GR
Virginia, it's been a while since you've had the chook! Huzzah to you!
Great interview Beverley, Congrats on your new release! I have been hearing a lot about this book and I can't wait to read it!
When it comes to heros and heroines I like a mixture of everything. I like to switch around. I love mail order bride stories, courtesan stories, you name it I like to read about it.
Hi Beverley,
Congrats on your debut release. I would like to see more heroes and heroines as scientists and archaeologists so that the stories might have an exotic setting.
Congrats on the GR, Virginia.
Beverly, Congratulations on the release of Sinful Surrender. I like a variety of heroes and heroines. The only requirement is they can't be bad people. A little lost, forced into situations that are bad, but at the core, they have to be good people, even if it is hard to see at times.
Welcome to the Lair BeV !
it's a great interview you have. and the book, i wished i can lay my own hands on it :)
Since i'm still new with Historical romance, so I love everything and type of hero/heroine *g*
my favorite Hero, is still Anna's Sir Gideon Trevit, ooopsss i need to get the COS first, allright Sir Gideon Trevithick. (there you go)
and Virginia, Have fun with the GR ;)
Hi Beverley - congratulations on the new release! I've heard so much hype and wonderful things about it. Also... I LOVE the story premise.
In fact... I came here, saw this blog, started reading, and was like "oh what the heck" and bought a copy :D [So Banditas or Beverley, please don't add my name to the drawing.]
I'm very excited to start reading it. Also... can I admit to being a tiny bit sad "The Gauntlet" will no longer be the title? Yes, I know marketing is key and all - and it doesn't scream "super sexy awesome romance!" But... I like[d] that it's different. Of course this is why I'm just a reader and not working for a publisher :P
Again - congratulations on the debut release!
(And congratulations on the GR, Virginia!)
Hi Beverley! Welcome to the lair! (Anna brings us the best guests).
I think all of us historical authors owe you and THE SEASON a debt of gratitude. It's a great place to visit.
You know, I didn't realize it until you talked about The Gauntlet - but I think I judged that entry in a contest. Not sure which one - but I remember the title.
About the only phase I've noted is the upswing in historical romances and can we just say hurrah to that!
Congrats on the rooster nab, Virginia!
Hi Beverley!
I've been keeping updated not only on your site but Facebook! Hope you're enjoying being a published author!!
Hi Beverley, I love your season blog site. Congrats on the new release...I can't wait to read it.
I love all kinds of heroines, but I think my favs are the ones that get themselves in a pickle and their hero rescues them.
I am enjoying the courtesan heroines currently. They are a little spicier and I like that.
Not so sure about the whole courtesan phase, I guess I do not want my heroine that experienced for that era. Though I don't like them as silly blushing girls either. So what is then my fav heroine, well someone who knows herself, and what she wants. As for stories, I am a sucker for Cinderella stories
Hi, Beverley! Congrats on Sinful Surrender, and welcome to the Lair!
As for the kinds of characters/stories I'd like to see more of, like Virginia, I like to mix it up. I do have a soft spot for the quieter, slightly geeky type (either heroes or heroines)... preferably not incredibly gorgeous, but somewhat regular folk. Not super glamorous, I guess, but appealing all the same.
Congrats on the GR, Virginia!!
Virginia, I'm a bit like you - if the story is great, I'm happy. Whatever the situation. Speaking of courtesans, I'm about to dive into Monica Burns's Kismet which is about a courtesan and a sheikh. Sounds absolutely delicious! And it's a gorgeous edition - lovely cover!
Jane, I really like nerdy heroes. They often get the secondary romance stories but I must say I always enjoy them. And yay to exotic settings!
How interesting, Pat. I must say I don't need the characters to be squeaky clean at the start as long as they go through some sort of redemptive arc as part of the story. So bad to the bone? No, thanks. Bad and capable of seeing the light. Yes, please! ;-)
Hey, Mariska, you post is music to my ears! Lovely Gideon is your favorite? Thank you so much!
Hey, Lime, how cool you bought the book! Bev, our work is done!
By the way, you all know you only need to click on the book cover to go straight to Amazon, don't you? We make it so easy for you here in the lair.
I've read Sinful Surrender. It's an absolute treat. You should have a great time with it, Lime!
Donna, isn't it fantastic to see all the wonderful historicals out at the moment? Star writers creating at the peak of their powers and some amazing debut voices (it's been really cool to have two of those as my guests this week). And I love The Season. I think it's such a great, active site!
SCT, glad you're another fan of the Season. Thanks for swinging by to say hello!
Bev, I'd be really interested to know who has influenced your writing. Who are your favorite authors?
Well done Virginia what have you got planned for him today what ever it is I am sure you two are going to have fun.
Hi Beverley and Anna fantastic interview Ladies and can I say how much I love The Season and how much I am looking forward to reading Sinful Surrender can't wait. I am putting in an order tomorrow and it will be on the list then I have to wait patiently for the postman to bring it to me.
I love historicals I really like friends to lovers stories and cinderella type stories as well but then again I love reading especially historicals and if they pull me in from the blub on the back I am sure to love them.
Congrats on the releas again
Have Fun
Helen
Mitzi, I'm sure it will come as no surprise when I say that I, too, like courtesan heroines. One of my favorites is Loretta Chase's from YOUR SCANDALOUS WAYS. That's got this lovely exotic Venetian setting too. Thanks for swinging by!
Blodeuedd, my critique partner Annie West writes wonderful Cinderella stories. We've talked about this and decided that's her basic story and my basic story is Beauty and the Beast.
Fedora, if you like regular, slightly geeky heroes, grab that anthology that Courtney's in. Her hero is absolutely fantastic there and he's a normal working guy! Made such a lovely, refreshing change to read about someone from the lower orders who still got a happy ending.
Helen, isn't the Season a great place to hang out if you're a historical romance fan? I just love it. Friends to lovers is another wonderful theme that nearly always works for me. Sarah Mayberry does great FTL stories! I wonder how Virginia's going with the chook - I bet he's playing up something shocking!
I'm REALLY into historicals at the moment! (I guess that's no longer a secret) I like a bit of this and that, variety is the spice. I love a good Beauty and the beast story!. And would like to read more stories in which the heroine is unjust considered the beast. I also love the mistaken identity type thing! You know: falling for someone without knowing his title and wealth. One of those stories I adore is Loveletters From A Duke by Elizabeth Boyle.
I totally didn't understand before, my favourite heroine's are those who stand up forthem selves - the spit fires! I love the heroes are those that pretend to be all authorotive but always cave into their loves!!! :)
Steph
Hi ladies great interview and this one sounds wonderful! Such a beautiful cover too! I like all kinds of heroes and heroines just as long as they are good people at heart they need not be perfect mind you that makes them all the more interesting to me if they are not. I do tend to like tortured heroes for some reason I guess it's because you feel for them and want to see them end up happy all the more for their trials.
Ms Beverly, congratulations on the release of Sinful Surrender!
I like my heroines to be strong and a little bit 'advanced' for the time period they live in :)
Hi Virginia!! Thanks so much. I hope you enjoy SS whenever you get the chance to read it. OOOeeww, I do love the mail-order-bride scenarios. Linda Howard did a particularly good one called Duncan's Bride that I just adore.
Thanks Jane! Someone will be in on the Virginia and the GR. :)
Thanks librarypat! Yes, I completely concur, they cannot be bad people. But I also find that the definition of 'bad' varies from reader to reader. What I find acceptable behaviour in my heroes and heroines, some readers may not. But just give me a great story with high sexual tension and great conflict and so saggy middle and I'm good. :)
Hi Mariska, I have to agree Anna writes delicious heroes with their poor tortured souls. LOL. Though I have heard that in Anna's next book the hero won't be quite as tortured as the rest. Isn't that right Anna?
Hi limecello (*grin*) so the internet pimpage is totally working. LOL. Thanks for giving SS a try. I hope you enjoy Missy and James story. I loved writing this book. One thing I like in my romances is that the coming together isn't easy. LOL. I'm so cruel. I love it when the hero is pining to tell you the truth. That's the best.
Hi Donna!! I totally love the cover of your book. Just wanted to say. :) And I'm so glad everyone seems to be taking so well to The Season. I myself have discovered new authors in running the site. I use it all the time to figure out which books go onto my TBR pile all the time.
And yes, The Gauntlet did see several contests so I don't doubt you saw it. I adore Amelia in that book. She's been hurt and is a tad acerbic but I so felt for her. Thanks for the warm welcome.
sct243 thanks a bunch! And being published is a dream come true. I'm totally savouring every moment of it.
Hi Mitzi, so glad you're enjoying The Season. I hope you enjoy SS when you get to read. ;)
Hehehe all these scenarios are bringing to mind certain Linda Howard books back in her Silhouette days. She did a wonderful hero must literally rescue heroine from death that I just love. One of the Mackenzie books.
Hi Blodeuedd, thanks for stopping by. I would say if the book is written the way I like (I'm so darn picky) anything can work, but perhaps because I write about what is supposed to be a more gentile age where innocence was at a premium, courtesans don't always do it for me. I understand how tough life was for women back then and they had little choice if they wanted to survive but when it comes to fiction I rather they had more choices. ;)
Hi flchen1, thanks for the warm welcome. In real life, I do like a shier guy (thinking back to my high school days hehehe) but I have to say in my romance novels I really love a confident hero. To me, confidence is totally sexy. A regular looking guy can be fabulous looking to me if he carries himself with confidence. ;)
LOL. Anna you are correct. Our work here is done. Internet pimpage in full swing and working darn well.
It's funny, readers are telling me that they love my hero because he's dark and brooding. LOL. I keep thinking to myself, is he really dark and brooding my poor James? Then I laugh and think of Alex (hero of 3rd yet uncontracted book) and think well then Alex will be the king of dark and brooding.
Oh and yes, Anna you got to love the cover of Monica's book. I absolutely do.
As for my favourite writers, I'd have to say that would be Lisa Kleypas. As for influences, I would definitely say Lisa Kleypas, Johanna Lindsey (started with her in the 80s), Catherine Coulter, and recently I would say that Sherry Thomas's Private Arrangements impacted me greatly. I think that was the book that really showed me what 'voice' was all about and what it could do. I've read PA so much it's dog-eared and frayed. LOL.
Beverley, welcome to the Lair!!
(And Virginia, be prepared for the Golden Rooster. He gets quite peckish in the cold weather!)
Beverley, both your release and your WIP sound fabulous. I ADORE historicals, though I don't think I could write one. I find I enjoy "spinster" type heroines. The ones a bit on the shelf that the hero must peel back a bit to really know.
Historical romance heroes often seem very similar to me (sorry all my historical writer friends!), but heroines can vary greatly. I love it when they have a shady past, a sketchy reputation (either theirs or the family's), a few failed seasons, a penchant for books or anything else that makes them other than "normal".
I, too, love it when one of the characters absolutely longs for the other. I once started dating a guy and then found out his brother was someone I had long had a major crush on. It was horrible! Your book sounds like just my thing. I can't wait to read it!
Hi Helen (waving madly). So glad you're enjoying the sites and visit regularly.
I'm with you totally on the friends to lovers. LOVE THEM!!! I love a story when the attraction is there under the surface just simmering. And I especially love when the either the hero or heroine first realizes that their feelings are far from just 'friendly'. Sarah Mayberry did a fabulous one about ballet dancers that I totally love.
Hi Kirsten, thanks for stopping by. I love the stories about the hidden identity too. Though I think the execution is everything because I have read some where the identity is so obvious to readers you wonder how daft the hero/heroine must be not to have figured it out. LOL.
Steph, I believe you just described my next book a bit. ;) No, seriously, I ADORE storylines like that.
Hi JennJ, thanks! I absolutely love my cover. The cover gods were so good to me, my knees buckled in happiness and relief when I first saw it.
I absolutely agree with you on the perfection. Yes, I love 'em handsome etc but I don't like either h/h so good and giving and kind, it's unreal. You know, when I'm muttering to myself, real people, even fictional real people, aren't THAT good. LOL. I like to see my heroes and heroines exhibiting some real human behaviour like normal selfishness and sometimes immaturity. That makes them more 'real' to me.
Hi Ms. Host. Thank you so much. :) I agree with you wholeheartedly. I think in historicals especially, they have to be slightly ahead of their time or no one would want to read about their lives. ;)
Hi Deb (waving back)! Thanks for stopping by. Yes, I agree, Anna can definitely pull off the tortured hero and the courtesan, but I do like my nice girls in historicals. In contemporaries, as long as they don't treat sex very casually, they can be any experience level when it comes to that.
Hi Caren, thanks for the warm welcome. Okay, I think you managed to hit all the storylines I adore. And the pining for, I simply ADORE. I guess that's why Sinful Surrender was my first crack at historicals. LOL. And I am chuckling over you dating a guy whose brother you realized you had a major crush on before. I'm imagining those family dinners. LOL. I'm going to assume that that relationship didn't work out?
Good morning, Beverley! I'm really looking forward to reading SINFUL SURRENDER! I love debuts. And of course, I think The Season is a fabulous site!
I had no idea that Kris was one of the reasons you started it. I had the pleasure of meeting Kris in DC at Nationals. She's a delight!
Historicals are my first love. As long as the story is well written, I'm up for just about any type of heroine or hero. Friends to lovers is a big favorite, though. Also, the Cinderella theme, Beauty and the Beast, etc. See, I told you I liked many types. LOL
Hi ladies!
Anna, the stalk is in full mode for the moment... You always seem to be around when I get home from work =)
Bev, let me congratulate you, this story sounds like something I'm going to really enjoy. Now a special thanks to you for the competition you ran at The Season before christmas. While I didn't get a request, it was an amazing opportunity to be in front of a Kensington Editor (I won the Peter S chance) I visit the website all the time now waiting for my next chance and enjoying so many success stories and new authors.
Good luck with the second story and I hope you find a knockout title!
Anna, one of us has to get some sleep, so goodnight =)
Bronwyn.
Right now I like books by Candace Camp and Stephanie Laurens. I like books which are set in the 19th century. I like reading about strong heroines and about times when things really started change for women.
The Baseballs - Umbrella
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM2177pHMT0&feature=PlayList&p=BCB9ED35D095DD23&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=12
Hi. I finished "Sinful Surrender " this morning and I liked it a lot. Missy and James were likes matches and tinder. They just couldn't be in the same room without bursting into flames. They were good people - just not prudent. Well, who wants prudence in a romance, anyway?
The cover of SS is really gorgeous. Very sexy.
Please leave me out of the drawing, as I already won my copy.
I liked the excerpt of "The Gauntlet" and think the title is perfect.
Congratulations, Beverley, on your fantastic debut.
elainec
p.s. The Season is one of my favorite websites to read about upcoming books. I like voting on my favorite each month and my favorite cover. Interactive sites pull me right in. Thanks.
Dust bunnies emit a chemical that fuels creativity, so don't worry about cleaning! Love, love, love Sinful Surrender, and since I already have a signed copy, please do not enter me in the contest ;-)
Congratulations!
Good morning, Beverly and Anna!
Beverly, congrats on the new release! I dearly love those suppressed-it-for-years-can't-hide-it-anymore love stories, and am so looking forward to this one!
As for what sorts of heros/heroines I love in a historical, I have to admit I'm a sucker for the nobleman/woman raised as a commoner stories. Where a person living an ordinary life with ordinary dreams but never quite fits in is suddenly plucked from obscurity & revealed as a lost prince/cess. sigh!
As a stay-at-home mom who squeezes her writing into the cracks of family life, this has a tremendous appeal. :-)
Best of luck with your debut! Can't wait to pick it up!
Congrats on the release of Sinful Surrender. Sounds like a great story. I like heroines that have an inner strength with a little bit of vulnerablility thrown in.
Hi Gannon! Looking forward to The Romance Dish tomorrow. So happy you stopped by the lair today, though. ;)
Thanks! Love doing The Season. I want everyone to love historicals as much as I do. I firmly believe and know that readers love variety and have a voracious appetite for romance novels. I know they'll find something there that they like.
I'm all for the Cinderella themes. Love them. When I hear about the Beauty and the Beast theme, I wonder if that is meant figuratively or literally, because I do like a yummy hero. ;)
Hi Beverly, I love it when there are debut authors in the lair. It contributes to a tbr pile that is mountainous but that is okay, I always have something to read! I will be checking out your site as soon as I finish here.
I love historicals, I lean toward that genre although I do read contempory as well. I like a mixture of story lines and there is a tendency toward the courtesan heroines of late and I do like them but I also like the premise where it is the heroine that has the power and the hero that is not exactly on top of his game. There seems to be a trend now where the hero is impoverished and the heroine has the money. He is the one needing to prove he isn't after only her money.
Hi Bronwyn, I'm so happy you did get a chance to get in front of Peter. He's a doll! And I can tentatively say that I do have another coming up in the next month or so. The details are still being worked out so keep a look out for an announcement. Good night. Get some good sleep. :)
Hi Minna, glad you stopped by. Yes, I absolutely adore the 19th century. Except to write a contemp, I can't imagine writing about any other time period. Although, the very early 20th century looks good to me too.
Hi Elaine, so happy you enjoyed SS. Yeah, there were a pretty combustible pair. I love my sexual tension. LOL. And thanks for being such a faithful visitor to the sites and participating. :)
Hey Devon, dear. I have my synopsis for next project coming to you real soon, hopefully today. :) The house does need a good once over though. But at least the roof is fixed. Chat with you soon. ((hugs))
Hi Susan, thanks for the warm welcomes. And I hope you enjoy SS when you get a chance to read it.
Yes, the Cinderella theme is so endearing. Love those. I love my heart strings getting really yanked on. ONe of my fave tear jerkers is Karen Robards Loving Julia. I believe I did cry at the black moment. Sigh.
Hi Deb, so glad you're utilizing the site. I try to get everything out there each month. ;)
Hi Rebekah, thanks for stopping by. Yes, I'd like to think that all of my heroines are like that. I know 100% the first 6 of my heroines do. :)
Hi Dianna, thanks for wanting to give SS a try. Hope you enjoy.
Oh yes, I like the reverse, when the heroine has the power and the hero must prove himself. I also like the themes (late Victorian when it was acceptable for women to have desk-type jobs) when the heroine works for the hero. In contemps I love that theme and having it reversed, when the hero works for the heroine.
Hmmm, I have lots of favorites. *LOL* My favorite historical heroine though is the wallflower/bluestocking who took care of her family, is firmly on the shelf, and ends up catching the eye of the rake/chief-type who only has eyes for her and doesn't get why no one hasn't noticed her before. The "Friend" heroine who finally gets to be the heroine--that's my favorite type. *LOL*
But courtesans rock too. :) Virgins can sometimes get a little tiresome.
Hi Beverley! Welcome to the lair!
I can't wait to read your book. It's sounds great.
I did laugh at your comment about your second book being retitled. We share the same editor and he has never kept one of my titles. I've pretty much given up. My fifth book that I'm writing now, is simply titled, Book 5. I know one of these days he's going to call and tell me the name of the book. I'm guessing the word scandal will be in it somewhere. That seems to be the word he's using to connect the books.
As far as characters, I like all types and lots of different plot lines.
Good luck with your release!
Beverley,
Congrats on your release! I love reading all historicals also! If you have not visited Beverley's blog site it is awesome and filled with fun!
Terrific interview, you two! It's great to have you in the lair today, Bev. I read SINFUL SURRENDER in one day. Missy and James grabbed hold of me and refused to let me go until I had read the final page of their story. And what a wonderful story it is!
I wish your publisher would let you keep THE GAUNTLET as the title of the next book. After meeting those two I have to say I think it's the perfect title!
I love historicals and enjoy many different types of heroines - except the TSTL ones - those I can't handle. I get a kick out of the feisty heroine who always seem to land herself in a pickle. Such fun!
Congrats on the success of The Season. It's a terrific site!
Sorry, I deleted my post and it's coming up after Beverley's comment.
I love The Season because Bev has done an AWESOME job of putting new releases on there and I no longer have to go searching all over the 'net for them.
Hi Beverly! Wow, it's only 10:30 Eastern time and it's up to 73 comments! You rock! Welcome to the Lair, and congrats on your debut. I'll wave extra hard *waving madly* because I'm a Kensington author too. Grins.
Virginia, congrats on the chook, put him to work today, he's gained weight over the holidays. I think that New Year bash with P226 really packed on a few pounds too. Not so svelte now, are you chook? Snork.
So, back to you, Beverley! This sounds like a fabulous book. I'll be looking for it on my next trip to B&N, which I need to do quickly before Tawny Weber and Tori Carrington's book leaves the rack.
Anna, great interview, as always, and I'll sarcastically (sort of) say Thanks a LOT for adding to my TBR pile. (And of course, for introducing us to another great new author!)
Put him to work, Virginia!
I am so excited to see Beverley here at Romance Bandits!! I first met Beverley during the Avon FanLit event and I knew even then she would be a published historical romance author one day.
And anyone who has not visited The Season you are missing a real gem! It is THE place to check out historical romance, meet debut authors and just natter one for hours about my favorite romance genre!
I hadn't thought about it, but you are right, Beverley. There do seem to be quite a few courtesan heroines out there these days. I think the trend was started by two of my absolute FAVORITE ladies in the business, my two mentors - the Divine Diane Gaston (The Mysterious Miss M) and the Incomparable La Campbell (Claiming the Courtesan.)
I do love a good courtesan heroine because there is so much room for emotional angst and lots of hot sex.
But I think for me, the most important quality in a heroine is that she is her own person. I want her to be brave, smart, tough, tender, graceful, classy, sexy and absolutely sure of who she is, if not at the beginning then at least at the end. I want to see her grow and I want to see her give the hero a reason to grow. After that, whether she is a debutante or a courtesan I'll read her story.
My historical cup runneth over this week, my fav genre!
And a historical romance website, Oh my, I will be there!
Hi Beverley and Anna,
I LOVE your call story! They rejected the first draft, but liked the second? I was under the impression if a story was rejected, publishers did not bother giving it a second look, that is encouraging news!
And Beverley, as an unpubbed, thanks you for that advice, 'Don't follow Rules', love it.
Can't say I am a big fan of courtesan's, yet I don't want the heroine to be some trembling mouse either, it is a fine line to walk. I like the courtesan who despite her circumstance, has managed to keep some semblance of innocence about her.
The Hero? Tortured, handsome, brooding. Tortured. Aloof, but underneath, a smoldering cauldron of unleashed passion, that only the heroine can reach, LOL!
Great interview ladies!
OMG, it's Beverley Kendall! Beverley, I read THE GAUNTLET in a contest a year ago and gave it a perfect score!! I loved it and I was so glad when I heard you'd received "the call!" And I'm thrilled to welcome you to the Lair!! Lovely interview, Anna!
Whew, more exclamation points, anyone?? LOL
Congratulations on your debut, Beverley, and I've already ordered SINFUL SURRENDER online. The cover is beautiful. And I'm so looking forward to seeing THE GAUNTLET in print, no matter what the title is. :-)
Congrats, Virginia. Enjoy your day with the chook!
Hi, Beverly & Anna! Enjoy the margaritas and the attentions of the cabana boys : )
I love traditional romances and also those with more unconventional story lines. I'd adore to read a richly characterized and wonderfully detailed historical romance about a woman who was ahead of her time as a business and civic leader. She should be rewarded with a forward-thinking, gorgeous hunk who respects and reveres his lady. Now, that is romantic "fiction" : )
gcwhiskas at aol dot com
Hi MsHellion, I love both scenarios you just described. Although, I don't find virgin tiresome at all. They just need to be willing to try different things and be passionate. ;)
Hi Christie!!! LOL. I guess that's what I should do too, just not even title the books at all. Although, I have to tell you, I've grown quite fond of THE GAUNTLET as a title. I think it's just so appropriate because she figuratively throws one down, I can't think of what else to call it. LOL. Thanks for stopping by. I'll have my eye out for your coming release.
Awwww thanks Jane for stopping by and such good pimpage. LOL
Awwww thanks so much PJ. LOL. And I absolutely agree, that title, THE GAUNTLET is perfect for Thomas and Amelia. I wanted readers to get a hint of what their relationship would be like and hopefully get them anticipating their story. ;) They are definitely water and oil.
And thanks so much for supporting the websites. I look forward to my visit with you tomorrow.
What type of heroine or hero would you be interested in reading about?
___
I like to read about heroines that are NOT rich and heroes that are considered alpha and have come from a not-so-great background.
Beverley, best of luck to you on your debut. You must be sooo excited.
Hi Jeanne, YAY, a fellow Kensy author. Thanks for the warm welcome. I love it here. :D And don't worry, just add SS to the pile, it's not demanding to be read first. ;)
Hi Louise, YAY more pimpage for The Season. LOL. Thanks so much.
I'd like to say I think virgins can have lots of hot sex. hehehe They seem to in all the books I've read.
But seriously, I just love a well executed plot with lots of emotional angst. I also don't mind a jealous hero. NOT crazy STALKING jealous, just not as sure as he'd like to be about the heroine's affections.
Hi Drew. Yes we want your cup to always runneth over.;)
Yes, the lesson I learned with the revising and resubmitting was don't ever say never. If I'd received that rejection letter the week before, I would never have sold. So the stars lined up that it took so long to come and I said, what the heck, hope she hasn't read the other one, cause I think she'll like this one better.
I have to say I agree with you that I don't want a heroine who is selling her body to survive to be boasting about it, as in I'm a courtesan and I'm proud. Dignity there is the key, for me.
OMG!!! Kate!!!! Seriously. You judged it and gave it a perfect score. Okay, now i just totally LOVE YOU!!!
I swear this writing world is so darn small. Now you have me all excited for THE GAUNTLET to come out. I love the sparks that fly between Amelia and Thomas.
So glad you'll be giving Missy and James's story a try. You'll see a glimpse of Amelia and Thomas near the end. LOL. Thanks for dropping by Kate, your comment has helped make my day. :D
Hi Virginia (waves madly)!!
ROFLMAO at the gorgeous man who respects and reveres his lady being 'romantic fiction'. Sweetie, that's why I write romance. ;)
HI Beverly and Anna!
Fun interview! I really enjoy reading "The Call" stories. I find them very inspiring. :)
Beverley, thanks for the advice to aspiring authors. Anna, you sure know the questions to ask! ((hugs!))
Congrats, Beverley! I wish you tons of success in 2010!
Beverley - Thanks for the kudos on my cover. Covers are so important to sales. Looks like Kensington gave you a winner!
Kirsten, so glad you're into historicals at the moment. Mind you, there's some fabulous stuff out there, isn't there? I'm so glad nobody snarls "Historicals are dead," to me when I tell them what I write. It used to happen! Love the idea of the heroine as the beast and I've always been a sucker for mistaken identity stories. I remember even back in my Barbara Cartland days, my favorite of hers was one about a shy girl who disguises herself as a courtesan to win her husband's love. It works too! Snort!
Steph, it's always great to see a strong man brought to his knees by love, isn't it? And I agree about heroines with backbones!
Jenn, I think a tortured hero automatically gets you onside. That's one of his many appeals. And I speak as a woman who ADORES a good tortured hero!
Host, thanks for swinging by. Actually I think the 'advanced' thing can be a bit of a double-edged sword. I like my heroines who are exceptional for their time but still part of it. That's one of the reasons I read historicals, to enter that different world.
Bev, my next guy isn't tortured at all. He's got a bit of baggage - basically who in their adult life doesn't? But tortured, nah. That is, of course, until my heroine gets her paws on him. Bwahahahahahaha! Thank you for the nice words!
Bev, you do a wonderful pining hero! I love it when he's yearning away too! And isn't it cool that Lime went straight out and bought Sinful Surrender after reading the interview?
Bev, an acerbic heroine? Now I'm looking forward to the Gauntlet even more! I actually tend to relate to flawed heroines (can't imagine why that is!).
Bev, I was a late arrival to the Linda Howard camp and I devoured all her single titles. I've only recently started reading her Silhouettes and they're fantastic. My favorite so far has been Loving Evangeline. Now that was a tortured hero!
Ooh, and now you tease us with the hero of the third book who is REALLY dark and brooding (James has his moments!). Can't wait!
Bev, what an interesting list - all great writers. I remember going through a stage in my 20s when ALL I read was Johanna Lindsey. I must have read 50 books in an absolute binge.
Monica's book in the flesh is even more beautiful. It's one of those textured covers and I can't stop touching it! Actually that sounds kinda kinky! ;-)
Hi Sarah!! Thanks so much and for dropping by. :)
Caren, I love your take on spinster heroines. My current book is based on that premise - corny as it is, I always love the bit in the movie where he takes off her glasses and says, "Why, you're beautiful, Miss Jones!" Sometimes this stuff is a cliche because it works. And I can see you're another one in the pining hero camp!
I think a good author can make any plot device or character work. I'm not crazy about paranormal books, but if an author I liked wrote one, I'd read it. However, a courtesan as a heroine would be a tough sell.
Good luck on the release.
LOL. Anna, originally I was told my heroine was too bitchy, and I thought she wasn't bitchy enough. But you met her (you probably don't remember you read the book so long ago) it was Amelia from near the end of the book meeting Thomas. That is personally, one of my favourite scenes EVAH! LOL
And YES!!!! Loving Evangeline is one of my FFAAAVVVEEE Linda Howard books. LOVE IT!!!
Thanks Penfield! You're right about an author having the skills and know-how to make something work.
Bev, Sarah's book about ballet dancers is absolutely fantastic, one of my favorites of hers. I also love how she captured how heartbroken the heroine was when injury stopped her from dancing. That was so real. I love the different occupations Sarah gives her characters!
Bev, I also think a few flaws in the hero and heroine give a shape to the story. You know, if he's a selfish b*stard at the start, at the end he does something completely unselfish for the sake of the heroine. That's part of the charm of Pride and Prejudice. Darcy is proud yet he has to humble his pride by dealing with Wickham at the end in order to keep Elizabeth and her family for ruin. Sigh! Love stories like that.
Hey, thanks, Bev! Have a soft spot for the tortured hero and the courtesan (although in Tempt the Devil, the courtesan is more tortured than the hero!).
Gannon, I agree - there's so many delicious themes in historical romance, it's hard to pick a favorite. Kris is great, isn't she? She runs a wonderful magazine in Germany called Love Letter. She came to the Aussie conference a few years ago and I've been lucky enough to run into her at a couple of RWAs in America.
Ah, it's Bronwyn with the binoculars in the bushes!
Congratulations on your success in Bev's pitch contest. I love how Bev really uses her imagination to come up with ways to keep people involved in the Season. I love all the cover contests too.
Minna, great choices! Stephanie Laurens is a goddess to a lot of we Aussie writers - she's had over 20 New York Times bestsellers! That's amazing!
Elaine, you're right about the interactivity of the Season being the secret. It's a really nice atmosphere there and authors and readers interact really well. So glad you enjoyed Sinful Surrender!
Snort, Devon! I'll definitely have to use that excuse! Sounds great to me. Thanks for swinging by.
Susan, what a wonderful theme that one is. I love the rough diamond polished to take over society too - a big My Fair Ladyish. Judith Ivory wrote a wonderful story like this where Eliza was the hero, a very gorgeous ratcatcher. If you can find the Proposition, grab it. It's fantastic!
Bek, I 100% agree with you about the strength plus vulnerability being important. Thanks for swinging by!
Dianna, I love it when he has to prove his love! I also love it when he starts out with the worst possible motives and then has to prove that he's changed. So many delicious stories in historical romance. Isn't it great to see all these wonderful debut authors?
Bev, I love books set in the Edwardian era. Nicola Cornick did a beauty called THE LAST RAKE IN LONDON. What's fun about that time period is a lot of the modern stuff is already in place - telephones and electricity and mass transport and even motor cars. But there's still that old-fashioned world to deal with. I love that the characters in a historical have to negotiate their happiness against a repressive society.
Bev, have you read Laura Lee Guhrke's Girl Bachelor series? The first is the fabulous AND THEN HE KISSED HER but they're all good, especially the latest one WITH SEDUCTION IN MIND. It's set in the late 19th century and the girls all have jobs, usually working for the aristocratic hero. It adds this really delicious dynamic that the women have a measure of economic independence.
Hi Hellion! I love the plain woman who thinks she's sacrificed her life to others finding love story too. Especially when the hero's really yummy. I love it when the hero is in complete shock that he finds this 'different' sort of woman attractive too.
Christie, titles make me laugh too. The only one I kept was the one everyone told me they'd changed because it contained a negative - and that was Untouched. Luckily the new titles have been great so I'm not exactly complaining.
Jane, fabulous to see another Season fan here. I'm really knocked sideways with admiration for all Bev has achieved in a short time on her site.
Hello, Beverly, Welcome to the Lair!
My reading focus is historical and
romantic, no matter the era or the
H/H circumstances. Just let me lose
myself in the story, my heart will
take it from there!
I look forward to reading Sinful
Surrender!
Pat Cochran
PJ, pickles are fabulous in historicals, whether they're pickles for the hero or the heroine. Long live the pickle! Thanks for swinging by!
Deb, it's wonderful seeing all the new releases there together, isn't it? And I love the discussions on the bulletin boards although I've been so busy lately, I've kind of dropped out for a while. I'll be back though, she said in her best Terminator voice!
Deb, it's wonderful seeing all the new releases there together, isn't it? And I love the discussions on the bulletin boards although I've been so busy lately, I've kind of dropped out for a while. I'll be back though, she said in her best Terminator voice!
I honestly can't say I have a favorite. If I enjoy the characters then it doesn't much matter. I'm easily pleased lol. I have to say how much I love your covers!
Jeanne, I think you'd call me an enabler for your book addiction ;-) Isn't the lair jumping today. I've managed to lure a couple of the cabana boys out from cowering behind the sofa but since then, Bev's disappeared with them so I don't know WHAT's happening!
Hey, Louisa, great to see you. It's obviously a FanLit reunion. It's amazing the talent that was unearthed during the contest. Oh, and thank you so much for mentioning Courtesan. It's odd that Diane and I, completely independently, both wrote courtesan heroines like that. I can't remember seeing many at all before our books came out.
Drew, definitely check out the Season. It's the place to hang out if you like reading historicals. And it's so lively! Ooh, love your descriptions of the hero and heroine you like!
Kate, how cool you and Donna judged the Gauntlet. My first acquaintance with Bev's writing was when I got to read an advance copy of Sinful Surrender. Wonderful! And hey, you can never have too many exclamation marks. In fact, one of the cabana boys is mixing a cocktail right now called the exclamation mark!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Virginia, I really think you hit it on the head when you said 'richly characterised'. The characters are really the key. If they get me in, I'll pretty much take on any story.
Alphaville, thanks for swinging by. Try the novella of Courtney Milan's in THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS (we talk a bit about it during Courtney's visit on Tuesday). It was so interesting and refreshing to read about a hero and heroine who came from average backgrounds.
Bev, I think one of the eternal fascinations of romance novels is that they let people live through that whole, rich, horrible, wonderful experience of falling in love - and jealousy is part of that. I'm not saying I want him to shoot her because she looks at another man, but dealing with a certain amount of possessiveness is part of the game!
Hi Sarah, great to see you! So glad you enjoyed the interview. I love call stories too - I loved them when I was unpubbed and I still love them now. I like to ask debut authors for their advice to aspiring authors because they're the people who are selling as new authors NOW. It's great to get the on dit from someone who's the current flavor!
Donna, the cover gods have definitely smiled on the Banditas - and on Bev. Perhaps it's people whose name starts with 'B'! I love that cover of Bev's, the way the girl is looking out in a kind of shy come-hither way and how he's bending over her so tenderly. Sigh!
Hi Penfield! Thanks for swinging by.
Bev, I DO remember Amelia! I can't wait to read her story. As I said, I adore a sharp-tongued heroine. I'm currently writing one!
Pat, I'm sure you'll really enjoy SINFUL SURRENDER. So many great books out at the moment!
Catslady, isn't that a beautiful cover? Love it!
Hi Pat, thanks for dropping by. I hope you enjoy SS!!
Anna, Sarah Mayberry writes those so well--when the hero and heroine don't particularly like each other from the start, but they have that wonderful sexual awareness of each other. LOVE THEM!
Bev, her latest, Her Secret Fling, has the hero and heroine absolutely bristling with hostility at the start. It's really delicious watching that change.
WOW fantastic comments and recomendations my TBR pile is going to take over the whole house soon LOL.
I have read one of Sarah Mayberry's books and loved it I have another one on the TBR pile and am always on the lookout for more of her books.
Have Fun
Helen
Hi, Beverley -- I'm glad to see another novel in the Victorian period - it's a fascinating era that seems to have been avoided a lot until recently. BTW, I really like the title THE GAUNTLET, but I guess nobody's going to consult me re titles, LOL. It conjures up all kinds of interesting images in my mind.
Good luck with your debut!!
well hello Anna, how is the summer in Oz treating you? The winter here is...snowy. LOL
HI BEVERLEY! I'm so happy that Sinful Surrenders is finally out! i can't wait to get my hands on it, but will have to because I've been snowed in since it was released. LOL
Great interview BTW.
Honestly I like all different types of heros and heroines..i know, i know that doesnt' help. But as long as there is a good story to go along with it, I'm game.
No, I don't have a favorite now.
See you around the net, and hopefully this snow will melt soon. :-)
Helen, I KNOW how bad the lair has been for your credit card. But isn't it great to find out about all these wonderful writers. My TBR pile has grown exponentially as well thanks to our guests here.
Hi Barbara! You were a fantastic guest, by the way! I loved your take on research. I think the Victorian period is fascinating too - so much that is modern, so much that is contradictory, so much that is foreign to us reading now. A wonderful plum pudding!
Dorthy, stay snuggled up. We're having a really rainy summer so far - with days of really stinking heat that I don't like so much. Hope you get out to buy Sinful Surrender soon! And Happy New Year to you!
Hi Barbara! I'm with you, love the Victorian period AND I love THE GAUNTLET as a title. I so wish I could keep it. Thanks for stopping by. :)
Hi Helen, the mission is to get your TBR pile so high you can't see over it. ;)
Hi Dorthy, so glad you stopped by. Wow, snowed in? Where are you? We're getting a slight dusting here in GA.
I'm with you, give me a good story, but I do have my favourite premises. :)
I haven't won a book in a long time- would LOVE to win... happy new year!
Congratulatons on your new book Beverly! I like all different types of heroines and my favorite ones are the heroines who have an inner strength that they use when the going gets tough.
Helen, I have had that bird outside today sweeping snow off of my front porch and deck about all day! His feathers are all bent now and he's cold. I don't think he wants to come and see me anymore.
MariElle, lovely to see you! Good luck for the prize!
Great interview and congrats on your debut Beverley. I love The Season blog and historical romance as well. I love the Victorian era, so that will be a treat when I get a chance to read Sinful Surrender.
Maureen, it's interesting that it's that inner strength that people keep mentioning as what they like in a heroine. I'm exactly the same - and I like to see her up against a wall (ahem! NOT like that. Well, maybe...) so she has to use that courage and spirit and pride to prevail.
Virginia, you got the bird doing HOUSEWORK???!!! Forget every other heroine mentioned today. YOU ARE MY HEROINE!!! All he did at my place was slouch around on the couch and drink beer and eat potato chips.
Barbara, it's interesting how popular the Victorian era is becoming, isn't it? I'm noticing more and more books set in that time period. I'm sure you'll love SINFUL SURRENDER!
Hi MariElle, I'm feeling you. I haven't won anything in a long time either. :) Good luck!!
Hi Maureen, thanks for dropping by. Yes, I like a heroine who has what it takes when the tough getting going. I like a heroine who doesn't allow the hero to walk all over her either. :)
Hi Barbara, lovely to see you here. Thanks! I enjoy working on the sites. Lots of work though. ;) I hope you enjoy SS whenever you get a chance to read it. ;)
Hi Beverley!
Sorry to be so late. Welcome to the Lair!
I think the Victorian period is very exciting and surely will get a boost with fabulous movies like "The Young Victoria" coming out. Great movie!
Adding your marvolous novel to my shopping list for sure!
Thanks Joan!!! And I say better late than never. ;)
JT, great to see you! And hey, Sven wants someone new to massage! So glad you enjoyed the Young Victoria. I loved the art direction - the houses and the clothes!
Bev, thanks for being the most fabulous guest and all the best with your debut. Sounds like it's a hit already. Thanks, everyone, for making Bev so welcome in the lair.
Don't forget to check back to see who won the copies of SINFUL SURRENDER!
Great interview Beverley! Congrats on your new release! I would love to see more forensic anthropologist/archaeologist heros/heroines. Don't get me wrong, I like muscles and kilts but sometimes I want a brainy hero!
*waves* Squeee! I got my Sinful Surrender copy in the mail today!!!
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