Monday, February 7, 2011

Tiffany Clare Is Here to Seduce Us!

by Anna Campbell

Hey, guys, I have a HUGE treat for you in the lair today. Tiff is well known to most of you as she's a diehard member of that exclusive club THE BANDIT BUDDIES!!!

It's always wonderful to celebrate the successes of one of our own. Tiff's debut THE SURRENDER OF A LADY is a luscious book about passion in the harem and we had huge fun last September when she came to visit us for her launch. Now I'm delighted to bring her back to took about her second book, THE SEDUCTION OF HIS WIFE.

THE SEDUCTION OF HIS WIFE is garnering rave reviews everywhere. Fellow Bandit Buddies, the Romance Dishes gave this book a rare five star review and said:

Tiffany Clare has penned another superb and masterfully crafted romance. THE SEDUCTION OF HIS WIFE has all that I love in a book: humor, suspense, sigh-inducing romance, and fan-your-face, sizzling sex scenes. Ms. Clare's first book, THE SURRENDER OF A LADY was a bold and daring story, and her latest book is equally as entertaining. If you've never read a Tiffany Clare book, run to your nearest bookstore. You don't know what you're missing!


Romantic Times chose THE SEDUCTION OF HIS WIFE as one of their February Top Picks (congratulations, Tiff!) and said:

The second chapter of Clare’s trilogy is as bold and alluring as this exciting newcomer’s first book. Clare takes a “second chance at love” romance, twisting the theme into a highly sensual tale of passion and suspense. But there’s also humor, created by secondary characters, and love to round out a tantalizing read.

You can find out more about Tiff's books at her website: www.tiffanyclare.com

And Tiffany has been VERY generous with prizes on the blog today, as you will shortly see! And by the way, aren't these some of the most gorgeous covers EVAH? That purple one for THE SECRET DESIRES OF A GOVERNESS is exquisite.


Tiffany, welcome back to the lair! Huge congratulations on all the buzz for THE SEDUCTION OF HIS WIFE.

Anna, Thank you SOOOO Much for having me here. I love the Bandits' blog. Everyone here is so friendly and made of awesome that I’m offering up three copies of THE SEDUCTION OF HIS WIFE.

See, guys, I told you she was generous! Tiff, I adored your debut THE SURRENDER OF A LADY. Now I’m dying to read THE SEDUCTION OF HIS WIFE. Can you tell us about this story?

THE SEDUCTION OF HIS WIFE is my twist on the MOC (Marriage of Convenience) trope.

I absolutely love stories where the couples marry for political alliances or simply because their parents have made arrangements (since their infants were in the cradle) to marry someone else's kid (also in the cradle, or maybe not even born yet!). There is something about two people who don’t necessarily want to be married finding common ground. And hopefully, finding love.

Also, did I mention that I based my hero on Alan Rickman, looks, attitude, all around hotness? Yeah, totally thought I SHOULD share that tidbit of information.

(ANNA: Snork! Yeah, I think you definitely should share that! What a gorgeous photo!)

Here’s the back cover blurb:

AN INCONVENIENT SCANDAL...

Emma Hallaway has not seen her husband in twelve years—and that’s fine with her. As a young girl, she’d agreed to a simple marriage of convenience, allowing her to pursue her private passion for painting. And though unknown to the rest of polite society, Emma is now one of the most daring and sought-after artists in London. However, when her secret is threatened to be exposed, Emma is forced to open her heart—and her home—to a total stranger: her husband…

AN UNEXPECTED SURPRISE...

Richard Mansfield, Earl of Asbury, is all too familiar with danger. As a matter of fact, it is hard on his heels when he returns to England. Still, even he is shocked to learn of his wife’s scandalous double life as an artist. But once he sees the vibrant grown woman she has become—so passionate, so strong, and so alluring—his undeniable attraction to Emma stuns him. Suddenly Richard is determined to turn their sham of a marriage into a true and lasting love. But how exactly does a gentleman seduce his own wife?

You can read the first chapter here: http://www.tiffanyclare.com/bookshelf/the-seduction-of-his-wife/#excerpt

I was fascinated to hear about the research you did for THE SURRENDER OF A LADY. Did you come across any unusual or surprising facts when you were researching THE SEDUCTION OF HIS WIFE?

For Seduction I relied upon previous research I did on the opium trade for Richard’s background. A lot of English gentlemen participated in the Opium trade through Asia (and more specifically, China) during the mid Victorian period (prior to the second Opium Wars). Don’t worry, Richard comes to his senses and is trying to get out of the opium business and find something much more morally appealing.

I sort of just do research as I go along in a book (so long as I know the time period, culture and place—unlike my harem romance where I did a lot of ‘pre-research’). For THE SEDUCTION OF HIS WIFE, I needed a manor for my earl. I actually chose Haddon Hall (and made a few changes to the interior and the general layout of the land) but doing that research helped me ground my setting and build the characters and story from it.

I also looked at a lot of art. More specifically of the female form. I based a lot of the images Emma painted on Delphin Enjolras’s paintings.

This painting is the image she gave to the Duke of Vane. Yes, my heroine gave a nude of herself to her dearest friend. Did I mention that Emma stayed faithful to her husband in his twelve-year absence because she’s totally, completely in love with him? Aren’t you even more interested in reading her story now?

Something I had to think a lot of about before and while writing this book is making my heroine independent and not dependent on her husband’s fortune. I wanted her to be Richard’s equal in all things and I wanted Richard to see and adore this trait in his wife (once he finds out her secret). I had a lot of fun exploring Emma’s artistic side and learning about her desire to excel and succeed in something of her own making.

Haddon Hall is actually one of my favorite old houses. Great choice! Your third historical romance THE SECRET DESIRES OF A GOVERNESS comes out in late May 2011. It sounds deliciously gothic! Can you tell us about this story?


Best sum up I’ve had for this book (from my amazing critique partner, Elyssa Papa) is: Beauty and The Beast having babies with JANE EYRE.

Elliott has been my favorite hero to write to date. He’s dark, brooding and tortured. Made into a beast by his unfortunate past. He’s really hard not to love because you want to give him a big hug and tell him it’s going to be all right. I’ll tell readers (you can find out for yourself when you read the book) that he has a disability not obvious to the naked eye; one that he is deeply ashamed of. Abby (Emma’s baby sister) runs off to Northumbria to carve her own path in life as a governess. When she firsts meets her new employer, she wonders at her sanity in leaving her sister’s home. Worse, she never expected a man to consume her thoughts so thoroughly as Lord Brendall has.

Elliott, The Earl of Brendall, isn’t expecting the young tenacious spitfire that comes into his and his son’s life, to tempt him into things he knows he cannot have. But when his governess does the impossible and teaches his son, as no other governesses in the past have been able to achieve, he can’t help but fall for her, even realizing that all the women in his past have taken their own lives because they wanted to escape him.

Ooh, can't wait. And I love Ely's description. Sounds delicious! What’s next for Tiffany Clare?

This and That! :) I’m going back to my musical roots and classical music training for the characters in my newest story! There might just be a composer and a musical prodigy working together. :) But nothing is firm yet!

I’m sure this last year has been a whirlwind with two books out and a third in the wings! Can you share some highlights? Have there been any surprises along the way?

There is so much going on that I don’t know how I’m still sane—though that is arguable! Did I mention, in the midst of my crazy schedule I got a puppy in October? (Isn’t she gorgeous—her name is Scarlett—as in O’Hara—my husband said ‘only you could find a dog that was exactly like you in animal form’—I’m an Aries what can I say and Scarlett knows what she wants and how to get it.) Puppies are like babies, you have to get up in the middle of the night to take them out, you get little sleep, you are exhausted and your brain always hurts and then edits come in when you so aren’t ready but you have to do them, and the kids want attention (always when I’m on the phone with a friend or busy working) and my husband is like, when is it going to be ‘me’ time! I’m also the President of my local RWA chapter this year. I’m coasting day-to-day. But it’s good coasting. I’d be bored if I wasn’t this insanely busy.

Oh, she's a darling! On a more writerly note, do you have any advice for unpublished writers?

It’s a tough market right now. Just believe in yourself and push till you get what you want! And then keep pushing to keep what you want most!

Tiff, do you have a question for our Banditas and Bandita Buddies?

Working women seems to be a common theme in all my books. I had my harem girl (a true courtesan), an artist, a governess, I’m working on a musician, and how cool that in writing this blog, I finally figured out what my ‘thing’ was! I totally write about women who are independent. Okay, back to my questions, readers: What do you think of working women in historical settings? Do you have any favorite jobs a woman might take on? Favorite historical romances with working women?

P.S. I’m giving away three copies of THE SEDUCTION OF HIS WIFE. Please comment for your chance to win.

Wow, Tiff, THREE BOOKS???? That's wonderfully generous. Thank you! OK, everyone, get commenting! And good luck!

We have an AHA Go Red pin for one commenter today.

The healthy heart tip for February 7th is: Make a date to volunteer at a local charity. Giving back is a healthy habit that will boost your mood and beat stress.

Romance Writers of America and the American Heart Association have partnered to raise awareness of heart disease in women and encourage you to join us in wearing red on February 4, National Wear Red Day. Visit Go Red for Women to learn how to fight heart disease.

And just in case you missed it...

Sign up for the Go Red Better U Program and receive two free romance e-books.

From Feb 1 through May 31, 2011, receive one free romance e-book when you sign up for the American Heart Association's Better U Program and one after you complete week six of the program. And look for the Eat Smart for Your Heart limited edition magazine (that features this offer) on newstands and in a grocery store near you.

Go Red for Women is trademarked by the American Heart Association, Inc. Romance novel downloads provided by Belle Books.

157 comments:

mariska said...

:)

Unknown said...

I'm always looking for something good to read.

Deanna said...

Hi Tiffany, welcome back.

I'm a huge fan of working women in historical settings. I'm particularly fond of governess stories, so you've definitely got me there!

I'll look forward to May.

Mariska, congrats on the chook.

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Mariska, watch out for him at the moment. He's been on a rampage!

Anna Campbell said...

Candese, in that case, look no further than Tiff's books! Thanks for swinging by.

SiNn said...

wow 3 Tiffany ! honestly ic ant think of one book ive read with a working woman in it least as far a s historicals go besides Tiffs first book and i loved it deff will be coming back for more and more of working women

Anna Campbell said...

Deanna, I've got to say I snicked about the working women question. Yeah, my girls work, especially the courtesans! Actually I don't think I've written a book where they don't work. Verity is a courtesan, Grace was a sheep farmer before she went broke, Olivia is another courtesan, Diana is an estate manager and Antonia in my new one is a companion to a rich girl. Actually, no, I lie - Charis in COS doesn't work, unless you count chasing Gideon as work!

Anna Campbell said...

SiNn, so glad you're a fan of Tiff's books. Yeah, THREE books is amazingly generous, isn't it? Jane Eyre she's a governess although that might be historical now but wasn't when it was written. I've read LOTS of governesses, especially when gothics were in style. Gothics would be nuttin' without a good old governess to be terrified by the sinister master.

June M. said...

I like when women work in some way in historical romances. I think that one other career that women worked was as writers. This could either be newspapers or books. Most books have had the women using an alias of a man's name to hide their identity. I think this could definately be used in one of your books.

I am looking forward to reading this book. I have tried to find it at my local bookstore but have not found it yet. BTW, I love the cover for your next book SECRET DESIRES OF A GOVERNESS. Purple is my favorite color and I think it is a dramatic color also.

Hellie Sinclair said...

I'm very excited to read the Alan Rickman book, Tiff! :) You know me and my love for Alan!

I can greatly see that you write heroines who are independent--i.e. just like you *LOL*--because I tend to write my heroines to be self-deprecating and neurotic (just like me!).

I don't know if this heroine necessarily counts as a "working woman", but she was independent--she was the heroine of Betina Krahn's The Last Bachelor. The way she showed him what woman's work was really about and just how many rights a woman had in the Victorian era--I *LIKED* her. She left an impression.

Happy 2nd release, Tiff!

Anonymous said...

Hiiiiiii Tiffany!!! <3 Oh my gosh - the purple cover. Hadn't seen that one yet. Knew the title though... Right - and congratulations on the new release and top pick :D
Working women in a historical setting... gah. I know more about waaaay historical. Like, BC. Priestesses you know, so I'm not so on the up and up of what a woman could or might to do "your target" rime period. Erm, I've read a few of the Girl Bachelor books by LLG. Secretary seems to be a popular one, and of course just finished S1 of Downton Abbey.

Oh and of course - no need to enter me in the drawing - I've already got a copy of the wonderful TSoHW :D Just wanted to say hiiiii

Anna Campbell said...

June, isn't that purple cover breathtaking? So rich and sensual. I love the other two but that one? Hubba hubba! Actually you're right about heroines being writers - one of my favorite historicals ever is And Then He Kissed Her by Laura Lee Guhrke and she's a writer (and a stenographer as it's set in the late 19th century). Actually the Wild Marquis by Miranda Neville has a female bookseller. Lots of working gals!

Anna Campbell said...

And I write heroines who are courtesans because...

Ahem!

I don't think I want to follow that theory through, Hellion. Isn't it great to have another book by Tiff to celebrate? We've had this spot booked ever since she last visited.

Betina Krahn does a great line in working heroines, doesn't she? There's a wonderful plant collecting heroine in The Book of True Desires too. That's a fab read!

Anna Campbell said...

Hi Lime! See you're an LLG fan too. Actually all those girls work, don't they? I remember a lovely one where the heroine sets up a patisserie and the hero has cherished a tendre for her every since they were teenagers. Big sigh! I hadn't thought about ancient priestesses, but you're right. I loved Christina Phillips's debut FORBIDDEN where the heroine is a Druid priestess in love with a Roman soldier.

Okie said...

Hello, Ladies! Tiffany, Congratulations on the release of The Seduction of His Wife :)) Can't wait for The Secret Desires of a Governess!! Absolutely Love your book covers.

Jane said...

Congrats on the new release, Tiffany. I loved your debut. I do enjoy reading about working women in historicals. Some of my favorites were Miranda Neville's "Never Resist Temptation" and Laura Lee Guhrke's "Secret Desires of a Gentleman." Both of the heroines in these books were pastry chefs. I also enjoy books where the heroines are spies like in Jenna Petersen's Lady Spies trilogy.

Landra said...

Congrats on the chook Mariska! Be careful my Little Debbie Nutty Buddies went missing after his visit!

Funny this post showed up tonight as I was just looking into reading your books Tiffany. Now it is definitely my next Nook purchase on the coming payday :).

As far as working women in historicals, I love it. My favorites so far are: Bryony (a doctor) in Sherry Thomas' Not Quite A Husband. Francis from Mary Balogh's Simply series as a teacher and singer. Victoria in Christie Kelley's Scandal of the Season as the caretaker of a home for orphans. I also enjoyed Diana in Anna Campbell's My Reckless Surrender.
So as you can see, I am not partial to the kind of work they do, but enjoy the fact that historical women are working. LOL!

Anna thanks for having Tiffany back!
@Tiffany, can't wait to devour each one of your books. I mean devour as I tend to inhale at least one historical a day!

Anna Campbell said...

Okie, I think Tiffany's been slipping extra tips to the cover gods. Those covers are so gorgeous, aren't they?

Anna Campbell said...

Ooh, Jane, I hadn't thought about the lady spy books. There's a whole subgenre of those, isn't there? I can see you like a pastry chef as a heroine - I wonder if they ever have a bun in the oven! Oh, dear, must stop the bad jokes!

Anna Campbell said...

Slush, one historical a day? How lucky are you? I'm deep in deadline cave right now but I've promised myself two whole days of reading next weekend and I'm going to be inhaling historicals too. Thanks for mentioning Diana!

Thea said...

Your Surrender of a Lady was very good - and it was different. I'm on the fence about my heroes being involved in opium trade, but you worked it quite well into the story. You really had me to the end wondering how you'd get the HEA, but you did it! Can't wait to read this new book! I love Alan Rickman! esp when he's slightly BAD! t

Anna Campbell said...

Thea, isn't that a gorgeous photo of AR? I think he's such a sexy man. And he's got a gorgeous voice - imagine him whispering sweet nothing in your ear! So glad you loved Tiff's debut. I thought it was daring and really wonderful.

Hellie Sinclair said...

Well, duh, laAnna! you write courtesans because you're a sexy woman who loves a good time (usually with a broody male *LOL*)

Anna Campbell said...

Ooh, 'broody', I love it!!!! You crack me up, Helly!

Camille said...

Hi Anna! Hi Tiffany!! Can't say I've had the pleasure of reading your work yet Tiffany- I love governess stories and working women in my historicals :D

"Beauty and The Beast having babies with JANE EYRE" totally sounds like it's going to be MIND BLOWING!

Anna Campbell said...

Camille, I loved that Jane Eyre/BATB description too. I'm lining up at the bookshop to get that one! You'll love Tiff's books!

Unknown said...

Love the covers!!!! Congratulations on your 3rd book coming out soon!

I think that photography would be a good career for a woman in history. She can work without others knowing it is a 'she" who is the photographer artist. She would also have another take on things she sees around her. One that she has to keep to herself. Sometimes that's the beauty of it.

Kimberly

Sheree said...

"The Seduction of His Wife" sounds great! Also, you've got the most beautiful covers!

I like reading about heroines who have jobs, who would only be with the heroes if they want to and not need to. I know that in those days women assure their own futures via marriage, but it's fun to read about other ways, other sources of income.

Anna Campbell said...

Kimmie, what an interesting idea! Actually I love it when a writer takes something technological from the time and makes a story out of it.

Anna Campbell said...

Sheree, it always adds an extra dimension when the woman isn't financially compelled to marry the hero, isn't it? Mind you, it adds an extra dimension when she is (love arranged marriage stories myself!).

Unknown said...

The covers are devine !!! Tiffany congrads on the book ;) cant wait to read them .. i havent yet had the pleasure of reading any of your work,, but would love to ;)
Working woman :) of all types in the historical settings sounds like a real challenge..

I have to admit I have only found this genre as of late and i must say I am intrigued ;) look forward to new discoveries in your work
kat
kittee_cat@bigpond.com

Anna Campbell said...

Kat, you've only recently discovered historicals? What a lot of treats you've got ahead of you! We have lots of wonderful historical authors both as Romance Bandits and as our guests. Hang around here, kid, and we'll give you the lowdown! Oh, and I definitely recommend Tiff's books - especially if you like a sexy read!

Shikibu said...

Hello!
I love historical romances and would love to be entered in this draw if international entries are allowed. :) Can't resist the blurb and pretty cover!

Hmm.. I've never really took note of whether the women are working or not in those historicals that I've read, so it doesn't really matter to me, having a job or none (just give me a good story).

But I suppose those with jobs usually tells of their independent (and maybe stubborn) character. Like the heroine Anna from Elizabeth Hoyt's The Raven Prince. She works as a secretary for the hero. Love that book!

Nas said...

Hi Anna, Hello Tiffany,

Congratulations on the release of The Seduction of His Wife. It seems to be one hot read. I've been introduced to this genre recently by a very famous author who writes hot reads relentlessly.

Working girls, well I liked Emma Harte(Woman of Substance) as a kitchen maid sneaking out to meet with her boss's son.

BTW, I liked the covers of your books!

Anna Campbell said...

Fancy, the draw is open to international visitors as well (we get lots of Banditas from all over the world!). Good luck!

Anna Campbell said...

Ooh, Nas, Emma Harte is the quintessential working woman, isn't she? In fact, I think her work was more important than her love life in that book! Loved the story of her rise from rags to riches and all the drama on the way.

Anonymous said...

Great interview. I'm a seamstress so I always enjoy reading about modistes. --Sylvia

Book Chatter Cath said...

Hi Tiffany and Anna =]

Wow Tiffany some great characters you've got yourself there....I love to paint so I'm particularly intrigued by Emma and Richards story, but they all sound equally great;0
Oh and isn't Alan Rickman's accent dreamy?!?!!

cbcowley@gmail.com

Kim in Baltimore said...

Aloha, Tiffany! Gorgeous covers!

Indeed, you have a theme of working women. If it wasn't for these "working women", we wouldn't be here today, reading blogs and books from other working women!

A tidbut I learned recently at a luau - prior to the European contact with Hawaii, women didn't cook! But as Hawaiians began to accept Western ways (and change their laws), women took on more "traditional" roles of Western Society.

mariska said...

I think i haven't read any historical romance books with working women. They usually wealthy and no need to work :) or they used to work (Anna's Grace was a sheep farmer before she went broke :)

Congrats on your book ! Love all the covers, especially the purple one !

Christine Wells said...

Hi Tiffany, welcome back to the lair! Great to see you. I'm just peeking out of the deadline cave to say congrats on a new release. This sounds fabulous. I love long estrangement MOC stories!!

Thanks for having Tiffany today, Anna:)

Back to the grindstone...

Helen said...

Whoo Hoo Mariska have fun with him

Tiffany
I have your first one on my TBR pile and I am dying to read it but I have been so busy helping to organize the next Aust Romance Readers convention being held at Bondi Beach here in Sydney next month that I have really gotten behind in my reading :(.
I am trying very hard to read at least one book from every author who is going to be at the convention.
I do like reading about Ladies who work in historicals I read one a while ago and cannot think of the name or author (just got home from work brain dead) and she was an interior designer and the fun she had designing other people houses.

Anna thanks for inviting Tiffany back today.
Tiffany I really love the sound of these books and I know I am going to love them when I get a chance to sit down and read them.

Have Fun
Helen

Tiffany Clare said...

How cool is it to wake up to 40 some comments!

Happy Rooster catching, mariska!

candese, there are a ton of good books that have released in the last couple weeks! Happy reading!

Thanks, Daz! Did you read the Gurhrke books? Her last series was working women and they were great!

Maureen said...

Congratulations to Tiffany on her new book and I think it's wonderful that she highlights working women in a time where women had so few opportunities. I have read stories of courtesans, artists, authors, governesses that I can remember. One of my favorites is from Liz Carlyle, her first book, My False Heart I think it is about an artist heroine.

Tiffany Clare said...

SiNn, so glad to read that you loved my harem romance! Hope you enjoy this one, too!

Anna, I think chasing Gideon was definitely work! :)

June, thank you for the kind words! And you know, you are right, I could totally use a writer in my favor, and I'm actually already thinking about that for a future book :) Purple is also my favorite cover--hence the purple website :) I've been very fortunate with covers! Hope you can find Seduction soon at your local bookstore!

Tiffany Clare said...

Hellion! I totally feel your love for Alan Rickman! He's just all man and hotness and I would like to lick him! Yes, I judge my men on lickability! LOL

I'll have to look for that Krahn book! And Ha! Heroines just like me, okay, maybe a little! Thanks for the happy release shout out!

Ah, thanks limecello! It's great to see you over here! Isn't the purple cover beyond beautiful? I really didn't think they could top the previous covers, but they so did!

And for historical women working, another thing in medieval times, was the women would help tend to the wounded--there were lots of skirmishes, so I consider that working!

Tiffany Clare said...

LOL! Anna, don't answer that question, whatever you do!

Okay, I'm pulling the Krahn, I actually have that one on my TBR list.

Okie, thank you! I can't wait for Secret Desires to come out too! I adored writing that book, because I adored Elliott soooooo much!

Jane, I love spies, too! Especially when it's the woman spying! Nicole Jordan and Celeste Bradley both had spy series (both men and women spying, too)!

Slush, thank you so much for your intention to devour! :) And I think you don't realize just how many working women there are until you sit down and think of the books you read :) They are everywhere!

Anna, shhh about those bribes to the cover Gods! It's totally a secret :)

Thea, so great to read that you loved Surrender! That was such an interesting book to write. I totally didn't think I could make it into a proper HEA because I kept thinking I was writing straight fiction through the course of that book! So glad I worked it out, no one deserved an HEA more than Jinan!

Tiffany Clare said...

Hellion, how can you not love a broody man!

Camille, I totally can't take credit for coining that! My critique partner sometimes knows my books better than I do!

Kimmie, Nola, oh, that would be a great career for a Victorian lady. I wonder when the first photos came into existence . . .

Sheree, good point! Emma was obligated to marry Richard, but she made a TON of money on her naughty paintings! There is this scene in the book I adored writing where Richard laughs about how lucrative his wife has and is pretty much like wow, my wife is a match for me in so many ways. Now, picture that with Alan Rickman's voice. Think I might swoon right now.

Tiffany Clare said...

Katrina,

You are in for such a fantastic ride if you've only just discovered historicals! OMG there is so much awesome out there! SO MUCH! I feel the need to start listing awesome authors! I certainly hope you've had a chance to devour Anna Campbell's books! OMG, very hard to not start listing the hundreds of awesome historical writers. Pulling self away from the keyboard.

Tiffany Clare said...

Fancy,

International entries are DEFINITELY welcome! The Raven was such a great book. I love Hoyt's work.

Nas Dean, My books are definitely fan worthy :) I like my romances hot, hot, hot!

Sylvia, I seamstress! That would be a great heroine job.

Cath's Chatter: It's TOTALLY dreamy. I would love to hear whispered sweet nothings non-stop from that man. I admire painters. I wish I could paint (my stick figures are terrible) but I do appreciate art a great deal!

Kim, so the men used to cook? That is pretty awesome. My hubby cooks most of the time in our house. Out of convenience mostly (he works from home, I get home late from the day job) so it makes sense for him to start dinner early (for the kids)!


mariska, thank you! Emma's sister, Grace in this book is actually quite well off (her husband died and left her a rich woman) so she doesn't actually work. There is a secondary romance in this book with her and Richard's associate, Dante :)

Tiffany Clare said...

Christine, thank you for stopping in! Long estrangements are awesome! I kept my characters away from each other for 12 years (I had to debate this time frame and make sure it worked) because I wanted both my hero and heroine to have grown up and wanted them to know exactly what they wanted in life (Without the other).

Gillian Layne said...

Tiffany, congratulations on your new release and the five star review. :)

For working and/or independent heroines, I enjoyed Laura Lee Gurke's Girl Bachelor series.

Great interview!

Tiffany Clare said...

Helen, Good luck with the convention. That's A LOT of work! Hope you enjoy the books! And the interior designer sounds awesome and interesting!

Maureen, My False Heart is one of my favorite romances of all time! That book was so beautiful!

Tiffany Clare said...

Thanks, Gillian! and the LLG books are totally awesome! I've been a fan of hers for a while :)

Jeannie Lin said...

I definitely enjoy working women in historical romances. The comments reminded me of Sherry Thomas' disappointment when she learned that a governess was not a female governor. I like ones professions that are outside the usual since this of course means the heroines that hold them must be unique as well. I loved Courtney Milan's This Wicked Gift where the heroine ran a lending library and Lisa Kleypas' Suddenly You has a heroine who's an author. Maybe I just like bookish jobs!

sheila said...

Beautiful covers, can't wait to read them.

Linda Henderson said...

I think most of the ones I've read about have been a governess or maid of some type. Since not all women were born into wealth a lot of them had to work. I enjoy reading how life was for women in the past.

Tiffany Clare said...

Jeannie, nothing wrong with the bookish types! And those are two great books. Lisa Kleypas has all kinds of working men that I adore reading about in romance! And let's not forget to mention your 'warrior' heroines. Such strong women in their own right.

Thank you, Sheila. Hope you enjoy them!

Linda, I have to agree. I think I would actually have suited living in the past (so long as I was well off! LOL)

pjpuppymom said...

Congrats on your newest release, Tiffany! I loved your first book and can't wait to read this one...which I will do as soon as my local store has it in stock. They're notoriously slow about getting new books on the shelves. I'm giving them this week then I'll be ordering online. A girl can only wait so long, y'know. ;-)

Laura Lee Guhrke's Girl Bachelors are the first working heroines that came to mind. I loved that series!

I also wanted to say that you've been blessed with some of the most beautiful covers I've seen lately. Really gorgeous!

Tiffany Clare said...

Thanks for stopping by, PJ! I hope you adore this book as much as the last. And there is no denying the cover gods love for me :)

Gannon Carr said...

Good morning, Tiff! As you know, I absolutely LOVED The Seduction of His Wife! And the fact that you used Alan Rickman as your inspiration...genius. *g*

I'm a big fan of working women in historicals. Artists, authors, courtesans...you name it, I like it.

I'm really looking forward to Abby's book---loved her in TSOHW. And didn't you mention that Clive Owen was your inspiration for Elliott?! Oh, yes!

You have truly been blessed by the cover gods, because your book covers are some of the most gorgeous, luscious, eye-catching ones out there.

Andrea said...

*waving* Good morning, Tiffany! Congrats on your latest release! It sounds amazing. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I loooooove your covers. Especially the next one as I love purple! Beautiful.

I love working women, too! I think perhaps a governess is my favorite because there are a lot of opportunities for her and the hero to be alone (as long as that's who she's working for). And I love me some tension!

Kirsten said...

Tiffany! Congratulations on BOOK 2! I can't believe you've come so far so quickly. What an absolute stud you are. :-)

So I loved your interview, but what I'm REALLY interested in is your puppy. LOL. What kind is he? He looks a little like my baby Roscoe, who is Havanese + Coton de Tulear. He's six months old now and is getting a little less puppy-ish, but is still the cutest thing ever. :-)

Kirsten said...

Oh yes, working gals -- I happen to love the old, historically in-accurate books where the girl's got some masculine job, like sailing. When I wrote historicals, my gals were always secret sailers.

And I agree the Andrea -- the purple cover is amazing!

gamistress66 said...

The current & upcoming releases both sound great. Now only to figure out how to find time to read them ;) While it's hard for women to be employed in many areas in historicals, it can be nice to see. I also like the idea of an independant herione rather than one just waiting to be rescued from the drudgery by the hero. An appreciation that has grown (I think) with age & an appreciation for my own independant nature :)

Susan Sey said...

Wow, I'm so impressed & intrigued by the blurb for Seducing his Wife! I'm in love with the idea of independent women, so I think this is going to be a must-read for me.

Can't wait to pull it off the shelves!

Unknown said...

Great interview! Thanks for the giveaway!!!

jenalang@live.com

Tiffany Clare said...

Gannon, so nice to see you over there! How could I not eventually use Alan Rickman for inspiration? He's a God amongst men! And yes, Clive Owen is the inspiration for Elliott :)

Adrien Brody is the hero I'm writing now -- the composer.


Hi Andrea, Waving right back at you! I totally think there needs to be more governess books :) I heart them!

Tiffany Clare said...

Good morning Kirsten,

Thanks for the congrats! A stud, eh?
Scarlett is a Cava-Poo. A Cavalier King Charles mixed with miniature poodle. And yes, you can all be extremely jealous, because she does NOT shed!
Scarlett will be six months on the 13th  The cat in the picture (Billy The Cat) is 13.
And sailors?! Talk about ambitious. I’m a girly-girl, so I have to save masculine jobs to the men, unless of course I’m reading someone elses tough job woman! (I’m the kind of girl who won’t take out the garbage ‘cause that’s man’s work LOL.)


gamistress66,

Thanks, gamistress66, hope you love them! I know how you feel about time. I have so little of it these days, too! And nothing wrong with an independent streak in a woman!

Hi Susan,
Hope you love it!


Jena, Your welcome!

Kirsten said...

Oh, I adore a Marriage of Convenience story! Learning to love someone for who they really are = The best.

I like working woman. They are usually intelligent and not afraid to speak their mind. They stand up for themselves, what's not to love about that.

I like artists, very passionate people. The wallpaper designer. Again creative.

I also liked Partyplanner & Bookshop keeper. Plus the writer of political songs, very funny.

And I'm sure there were many more occupations that I can't think of right now that worked really good.

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

I like the working woman in historicals, especially when the work involved is off the wall for that time period. They were so confined as to what they could do without censure. I am doing my best to remember the title but one that I did enjoy (I just have a terrible memory) the heroine was a song writer. Gah! I so hate it when my brain cells take a vacation without me.

Minna said...

What do you think of working women in historical settings? I prefer a working girl to some iddle member of nobility.

Let The River Run - Carly Simon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cv-0mmVnxPA

Gary Moore's Over the Hills and Far Away
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLfNWH_wDIQ

Lady Leigh said...

I have enjoyed Madeline Hunter's 'The Rarest Blooms' series where the women all contribute toward the household. Some of them do outside work as well.

And I have to echo the comment that the cover God's smiled down on you ;-) Just gorgeous!

Louisa Cornell said...

Nice catch, Mariska! As La Campbell said - watch him carefully, the GR has been especially roguish lately!


Hello Tiffany !!!

Congratulations on this newest book. I thoroughly enjoyed your first one and I am looking forward to reading The Seduction of His Wife. And that purple cover is ESPECIALLY gorgeous. I do like purple!

I really like the theme of working women in your books. It was especially difficult for women to break into the arts during the Regency. The role of artist, be it painting, music or theatre, was such a provocative thing. Men in those fields were known to be tortured, rude bohemians. Women were thought to be women of easy virtue and scandalous habits. It was especially difficult as artists depended on the patronage of the wealthy to survive. They were considered servants, often wore the livery of the houses they served (Mozart, for example) and were treated as servants no matter how talented. Beethoven was one of the first to defy this mold and it didn't go well for him.

I wish I could remember the name of the book in which the heroine was an interior designer. She fully intended to make her living at it and she was well on her way. She designed a room for the hero, a man she saw as a terrible womanizer, and did it in the style of a seraglio complete with stuffed camel. Now I will go nuts until I remember the name of the book!

jo robertson said...

Welcome back to the Lair, Tiffany, and thanks for celebrating your second release with us! Your covers are so colorfully brilliant; you must be so proud of them. Lovely!

I enjoy stories about independent women, especially in a time period when women had few/little rights and had to find a way to nurture and develop their abilities.

Seduction of HIs Wife sounds delicious!

Anna Sugden said...

Welcome back Tiffany - this sounds like a fab series!

I always enjoy books about independent women. Being of the generation who had to fight to be taken seriously in business, I like to see other stubborn *g* women fighting to be the women they want to be.

The fun with historical settings is that it adds to the problems they face!

RFTC Blog said...

Hi Tiffany, welcome back. I can't wait to read this book and the next. I loved the The Surrender of a Lady and The Seduction of His Wife just looks so good. BTW, I love all of your covers, especially The Secret Desires of a Governess.

catslady said...

Oh gorgeous covers, all!

I like to read about independent women. I want to think they marry/get together for love and not monetary reasons. I think any profession will do.

Elyssa Papa said...

Hi, Tiff and Bandits!!! Great interview...let me tell you, Tiff looking at various pics of Alan Rickman was so hard. ;) I love all of Tiff's books, and TSOHW is amazing. Romantic, sexy, and aweomse...yes, please. :)

And, Anna, THE SECRET DESIRES OF A GOVERNESS is just your type of book. Elliott may be one of my favorite heroes, ever. It is so delicious! And it really is Beauty and the Beast having babies with JANE EYRE. :)

Please don't enter me in the contest as I have the book already.

Janga said...

Congrats on the new release and all the good news, Tiff. As I've said since my first glimpse of your covers, they are gorgeous. The puple one is particularly spectacular.

Like others who have posted, I'm a fan of LLG, who has used heroines who work in her Bachelor Girls books and in others. Her latest has an interesting treatment of a working woman. Other favorites are writer Sara Fielding in Lisa Kleypas's Dreaming of You, dance hall performer turned wedding planner Letty Potts in Connie Brockway's The Bridal season, and dress shop owner Susanna Weber in Eva Ibbotson's Madensky Square.

Elyssa Papa said...

And, oh, love Tiff's independent heroines. Maggie Robinson is working on a new series--and her first book features a heroine who works at a newspaper. And I also love Guhrke's Girl Bachelors, particularly AND THEN HE KISED ME (I hope this is the title!).

Cassondra said...

Hi Tiffany!

Welcome back.

I'm so pleased for your three-in-a-row launches! Way to become a huge star!

Your books have always intrigued me. I have the first one in my TBR pile. Alas, I haven't touched that pile in two months.

It's calling to me.

And I don't know what kind of spell you work to get those covers, but they are stunning!

Tiffany Clare said...

Kirsten, That is totally the best. I love it when two people are almost forced to get to know each other. Falling in love is just a huge reward!


Hi hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna,

I feel you on the terrible memory! LOL Is that a contemporary set novel? If it's historical, I totally want to know the title! Or Author!

Hello Minna,
You and me both, though the nobility can learn and do a lot of good since they have lots of money they are sitting on! I do like the romances where heroes/heroines are helping out orphanages, the poor, etc.


Thanks, Lady Leigh!

And which series is that by MH? I have read most of her books. Must look for those.


Louisa,

Great to see you online! The fun thing about writing Emma as a painter was that no one knows what she does (she'd have a lot of flack from society if they every learned about her nudes)!

I think for Beethoven there was much more than defying the mold that didn't go well with him. He was known to have 'moods' and to be surly especially to the aristocrats.

Hi Jo,
Thanks for having me! I'm very proud of my covers. What more could a girl ask for? Do you think we like independent women so much in our historicals because we all strive to be a little independent in our day to day?

Anna Campbell said...

Sylvia, I'm fascinated by the fashion of the past - the detail and beauty of the craftsmanship blows my mind. So I can see why seamstresses would have you interested. I read a coupld of wonderful Rosalind Lakers years ago (I'm not sure if she's popular in America, she's an English writer of family sagas with a strong romantic plot) based on fashion. One was about a ribbon embroiderer (yes, there was such a job) and one was about a girl who went to work for Charles Worth in Paris in the 19th century. Fascinating historical detail.

Anna Campbell said...

Yes, I'm back and you gals have been partying all night without me! I need a margarita pronto, cabana honcho!

Anna Campbell said...

Cath, I always love books about artists. I'd love to be able to paint - lucky you that you have that talent!

Anna Campbell said...

Kim, how fascinating about women not cooking in pre-colonial Hawaii! I've just been reading a book about Captain Cook's journeys and the Pacific cultures are absolutely fascinating.

Anna Campbell said...

Mariska, I've definitely read a lot of historicals where the girl is rich enough not to have to work. I love reading about the whirl of high society too!

Anna Campbell said...

Good luck, Christine! I can't wait to read your latest masterpiece. We'll send in Sven to give you a massage later on today. Although he's become rather fond of removing his clothes which might mean he's more distraction than it's worth!

Modokker said...

Yeah i like to see women working in historicals but as to jobs i'm not sure. I read a Julie Garwood last week the heroine did the heros books. He thought his brother did them. lol It was great when it came out the heroine did it.

You have some awesome covers btw.

Lisa B
modokker at yahoo dot com

Anna Campbell said...

Helen, was the book about interior designers one by Deb Marlowe? Good luck with all the ARRC organization. It's a huge job and thank you for taking it on! So looking forward to coming to Bondi in March.

Anna Campbell said...

Tiff, hello! Thanks for taking over just as I retired to bed. We're on shifts here. Everybody really leaped to welcome you which is lovely.

I agree with you about the Laura Lee Guhrke books. Mind you, she's writing 1890s when there were more careers open to women than in the Regency.

Anna Campbell said...

Maureen, I'm a HUGE Liz Carlyle fan. I think she's one of the best writers out there at the moment. I've actually got her very first one on the bookcase - haven't read it yet. I'm running out of her backlist so I'm rationing myself.

Anna Campbell said...

Tiff, I think there were daguerrotypes, an early version of the photograph, in the 1840s. There's actually a photo of Chopin not long before he died. Doesn't look well, poor chap. Not sure if it's the photographing technique or him!

Anna Campbell said...

Tiff, I had exactly the same reaction to knowing that Kat was virgin territory (snicker!). And thank you for mentioning my books! Mwah to you!

Anna Campbell said...

Gillian, lovely to meet another LLG fan. I just read her The Wedding of the Season and loved that too. There's such charm in her writing, isn't there? I smile a lot when I read her books.

Anna Campbell said...

Wow, Jeannie! Is this your first visit? Lovely to see you and huge congratulations on all the buzz your debut book Butterfly Swords is getting! I love that you really broke out of the mold when it comes to setting! I adored Courtney Milan's This Wicked Gift - it was also nice to have a hero who wasn't an aristocrat too. One of the best novellas I've ever read. Oh, you're right about LK - I love that book where she's the writer!

Anna Campbell said...

Thanks for swinging by, Sheila! They are gorgeous covers, aren't they? Especially the purple one. Me WANTS da purple one!

Anna Campbell said...

Linda, I think that's the magic of a great historical, isn't it? That you can put yourselves into the life these women led. Actually there's a lovely Julia Quinn where she's a maid - very Cinderella story.

Blodeuedd said...

I am totally thinking of the wrong thing when I hear working girl..anyway, yes work away, I do like a good governess plot :)

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Miss PJ! So great you're another Girl Bachelor fan. I'm going to review And Then He Kissed Her on the Dishes in the very near future - looking forward to reading it again!

Anna Campbell said...

Gannon, that was an absolutely wonderful review you gave Tiff. Did you see I quoted you in the intro? I can't imagine anyone reading that review and not rushing to buy the book!

Anna Campbell said...

Andrea, I think the governess has been a staple of romance since at least Jane Eyre! As you say, lots of opportunities for...togetherness! Snork!

Anna Campbell said...

A stud? Tiff, have you ever been called a stud before? LOL!

Kirsten, the puppy is gorgeous, isn't she? Yes, I'd like to know a bit more about her too.

Anna Campbell said...

Gamistress, that's a really interesting take on the growth of the independent heroine. Actually I must say I still rather like knights in shining armour although I particularly like it when it's a Pretty Woman kind of rescue where she rescues him right back. I often have that in the back of my mind when I write my books. I think if he rescues her, usually she rescues him too, even if it's just from a lonely life.

Anna Campbell said...

Susan, I've got Seduction waiting for me (oh, dear, if only that were true! Snort!). It's my reward for getting my current deadline out of the way.

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Jena, great to see you. Thanks for saying you enjoyed the interview! We always love having Tiff in the lair!

Anna Campbell said...

Kirsten, I don't think you can go wrong with a good marriage of convenience story! I've read them all my life and the theme never gets old.

Anna Campbell said...

Ooh, Dianna, a female songwriter? That sounds interesting. Let us know if you remember the title - I'd be interested to read that. Actually I've read a lot of books where the women run the estates which basically makes them businesswomen although they certainly woudln't have called themselves that. The Australian wool industry was basically set up in the early 19th century by Elizabeth Macarthur who was left alone for years while John was in England. She was an entrepreneur by any other name but definitely wouldn't have considered herself as such.

Anna Campbell said...

Minna, I don't mind it if they're idle and then find something that stops them being idle!

Anna Campbell said...

Leigh, I adore the Rarest Blooms series (in fact I'm giving away hardcovers of Ravishing in Red on my website right now, I love it so much). Can't wait for the last instalment! Madeline Hunter is fantastic. Kat, I hope you're reading this - she's definitely one of my recommendations.

Anna Campbell said...

Wow, a stuffed camel? I GOTTA read this book!!!! Louisa, there was that stigma about women displaying themselves in public, wasn't there? There's another Madeline Hunter where the heroine is an opera singer and it causes no end of conflict with her aristocratic suitor.

Anna Campbell said...

Jo, I think the fact that it was tough for women to forge an independent path is one of the things that makes these stories interesting.

Anna Campbell said...

Anna, that's exactly my point. The whole independence thing creates problems for our characters and that's how we get great stories going!

Anna Campbell said...

Danielle, wasn't Surrender just the bee's knees? So luscious and sensual!

Anna Campbell said...

Catslady, I think because most of us pride ourselves on our independence, we relate more strongly to a heroine who has a goal beyond a comfy life for herself with nothing to do all day except eat chocolates and read Minerva Press novels. Oh, dear, that now sounds rather nice - perhaps that can be become my new ambition!

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Ely, great to see you here. And five stars for that fantastic description of governess. You had me at hello with that! Can't wait to read it! Tiff, write faster!

Anna Campbell said...

Janga, how could I have forgotten Connie Brockway's bridal planners? I adore those books. And speaking of lovely Elliotts, there's a gorgeous one in the first one of those. One of my fave sorts of heroes - the stick in the mud who finds himself becoming mighty flexible for lurve. And no, I don't just mean in THAT sense, you naughty minxes! Love Eva Ibbotson. My favorite of hers actually has a Russian countess becoming a maid to keep the family going financially. Gorgeous book - A Countess Below Stairs. Read it!

Anna Campbell said...

Ely, you must swing by when I review And Then He Kissed Her at the Dishes. I think it's going to be March.

Anna Campbell said...

Cassondra, when I was putting this post together, I kept stopping to stare entranced at those covers, especially the purple one. That's one of the nicest covers I've ever seen. Hey, you, attack that TBR pile!!!!

Anna Campbell said...

Modokker, I'm always a sucker for that Remington Steele plot. One of my fave romances ever is Loretta Chase's MR. IMPOSSIBLE. Everyone thinks the heroine's brother is the hieroglyphic genius whereas in fact it's our heroine. Lovely stuff!

Anna Campbell said...

Oh, Karyn, you made my day. My year. MY CENTURY!!! I had SUCH a huge crush on Ranelaw when I wrote that book - seriously Beatlemania stuff. I wanted to have his babies! I'm so glad you're enjoying it!!!!!

Anna Campbell said...

Blodeuedd, well, I wrote some working girls who were...working girls! Actually Tiff's first WG is a WG!!! LOL!

Pat Cochran said...

Hello, Tiffany and Ms. Anna,

It's difficult thinking of women's
working situations of today in
historical settings. Men of those
days would not have "allowed"
women to be physicians, chefs, or
architects! In fact,weren't many
of the first secretaries men?

Pat Cochran

Anna Campbell said...

Pat, absolutely secretaries were men in the early 19th century. It was considered quite a prestigious position, from what I can gather.

Nancy said...

Mariska, congrats on the bird!

Tiffany, welcome back and congratulations on your second release. I read Surrender of a Lady and thought it was very wrenching--in a good way.

I love books that have a lot of historical detail or are inspired by historical events, and yours fill the bill.

Tiffany Clare said...

Thanks, Anna,
You are totally right. It does add to the problems and conflict already in the book.

Hi Danielle, Great to see you here! Don't tell anyone, but Secret Desires is my favorite cover, too! Hope you love this one as much as the last!

Catslady, thank you! Though Emma and Richard do technically marry for monetary reason, they are both successful in their time apart and it's all about the love when they finally do get together!

ELY! HELLO! Yeah, that was such tough work in research. Searching for all those pictures of Alan Rickman... God, I love my job.

Still laughing about the B&B having babies with JE! It's my favorite one sentence summary EVER!

Hi Janga, so wonderful to see you here! And thank you!
I'm definitely going to look for some of those books! I've read all of the LK! And most of the LLG's!


Hi Cassondra,

Thank you for having me back. You ladies know how to throw a party here! The back to back releases has been a lot of work, but I love it and would do it over and over again! And no worries, I feel you on the ginormous TBR pile that just grows and never diminishes!

Thanks, Modokker.
An accountant heroine! Love it!

Karyn, Yup, exactly. That voice of his can melt a girl to a gooey puddle of love :) Thanks for the well wishes.

Anna Campbell said...

Nancy, I really respond to a book where the historical detail feels right (sometimes I don't know enough to tell!). Really adds an extra dimension to the story for me. Glad you enjoyed Surrender!

June M. said...

One of my favorite historical romances with women working is Sabrina Jeffries new book "How to Woo a Reluctant Lady". The h is an author of gothic novels, and refuses to use an alias to hide behind.

Another book that used the gothic author career was Samantha James "The Seduction of an Unknown Lady", but she did use an alias. I really liked this book also.

Thanks for the giveaways! Hopefully today will be my lucky day, since this is my first time visiting this site.

Anna Campbell said...

June, that Sabrina Jeffries sounds delicious. Makes me think of Sylvester by Georgette Heyer where the heroine writes a gothic novel in secret and casts the hero as the villain. Of course, it all comes out as a major scandal!

Hey, your first visit? Wahoooooo! Here, have a margarita and a cabana boy. If you can't juggle both, drop the margarita! We have great fun here - please don't be a stranger! And good luck in the draw!

Hellie Sinclair said...

I read a Julie Garwood last week the heroine did the heros books. He thought his brother did them.

Castles, right? I loved that heroine. She made two sets of books for the nunnery. *LOL*

Donna MacMeans said...

Hi Tiffany -

I love those lush covers! The cover gods have definitely been good to you.

I like historical heroines who have an occupation because it's hard for me imagining a life without one. I have a hard time relating to a heroine who just exists.

Granted, paying occupations for women were difficult in some historical time periods - especially when working was frowned upon. But if you wanted to eat, you had to find a way to pay the butcher.

These sound fabulous, Tiffany. I'll be watching for them.

Anna Campbell said...

Donna, I agree with you about needing to give my heroine something to keep her occupied rather than shopping and parties.

Tiffany Clare said...

Blodeuedd, I doubt you were the only one thinking it ;)

Pat, what a great point! I think most jobs that would be considered women's jobs nowadays were not always so!

Nancy, so glad to read that! I do try to pepper in lots of detail. I love settings. One of my favorite things to write!

June, I haven't read an SJ in ages!I loved all her earlier works. I must pick that one up! Glad to see you here on your first visit!

Hellion, this is the part where you tell me 'You haven't read a Garwood yet?' *hangs head in shame* I have them all. I swear. Including that one. I will one day hit those books on the TBR!


See, blog readers, I totally have a TBR issue! LOL

Tiffany Clare said...

Hi Donna, Thank you so much!
Hope you enjoy them.

Dear commenters, I will be out for a few hours (celebratory dinner for my other life (the day job) and a recent acheivement). But I will be back this evening to respond to anyone else who wants to leave a comment and join the fun! Thank you everyone for making this a great day!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

WElcome back, Tiffany! I loved The Surrender of a Lady. But then I seem to love "surrender" books. :)

Before I scrolled down to the artwork, I was wondering what could be so scandalous about a woman artist, besides the lady being a working woman. After seeing the picture all I can say is wow, I dare say that would be some major scandal!

Working women in literature, huh? Well in medieval times the woman worked not only in her caste as the chastain, (not sure if I spelled that right,) but in helping their serfs or tennants.

But Regency to Victorian working women? I think I'd love to see some in architecture. One who redesigns a falling down estate perhaps? Or plans to refurbish a slum area of London?

Anna Campbell said...

Suz, that painting's a bit on the naughty side, isn't it? Definitely scandal material! So glad you loved Surrender! Both of a Lady and of Lacy Morgan! Sheesh, all this surrdendering going on, I'm thinking a white flag is going to be the fashion item of the year! LOL!

Terry Blain said...

You just have to choose the right job that fits the time frame of your story. In KENTUCY GREEN, set in 1794, the heroine supports herself as a seamtress.

Anna Campbell said...

Terry, as you say, there have always been working women - the question is coming up with something that suits your heroine, her place in society and the era. In farming families, the women and children were always out in the fields as labor, for example.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Tiffany! Not much I can say that hasn't been said, but WELCOME to the Lair! Grins. :>

Anna, thanks for all the wonderful guest you bring to the Lair, especially Tiffany.

Congrats on your latest, it looks hawt!

Anna Campbell said...

Jeanne, I just told Tiff she was one of my fave guests. And I've lured her back to the lair to talk about Governess when it comes out. Wahooooo! And also, hasn't she been so wonderful and generous giving us three books as prizes? Excellent stuff!

chey said...

I like stories with women who work in historicals.

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

Tiffany Clare said...

Hi hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna,

I feel you on the terrible memory! LOL Is that a contemporary set novel? If it's historical, I totally want to know the title! Or Author!

It was historical Tiffany, I enjoy contemps but historical is my first love. I am still trying to find the brain cells that are holding that title and author.

Barbara E. said...

I enjoy independent women who have careers or do fulfilling work in historicals. I've read stories with women who write novels, who run a family business, run a detective agency, a shipping business, schools, etc. I like the woman who secrety writes novels, that's always fun.

LilMissMolly said...

I love historical fiction and I love strong woman - professions don't matter. Although I might not remember the title (maybe "The River Knows") but Amanda Quick had a book where the heroine ran a bookstore. She was wonderful and smart and sassy. Just my kind of heroine!

Anna Campbell said...

Chey, lots of fans of women who work. I LIKE it!

Anna Campbell said...

Barbara, the woman with the secret career is ALWAYS fun, isn't it? Which is one of the reasons I'm so looking forward to reading Seduction. The romance novel writing heroine is a staple of the genre and she's always great!

Anna Campbell said...

Molly, I think as 21st century women, we appreciate it when our heroine exploits her talents and works hard for a living. I must check out that JAK - I love her books but I don't remember reading that one.

Hellie Sinclair said...

Tiff, I have read ALL of Julie Garwood's books. She's why I wanted to write historicals (yet I don't--I realize the irony)--Julie and Jude Deveraux...

Tiffany Clare said...

Hi Suzanne,

Thank you for having me back! I'm so glad to read that you loved Surrender! And there is nothing wrong with a little surrender!

And yup, very scandalous! Wouldn't' have it any other way! And the redesign of an estate maybe in mid/late Victorian period, would be totally awesome!






February 7, 2011 4:09 PM
Blogger Anna Campbell said...

Hi Terry, I totally agree about choosing the right job for the time period!

Jeanne,
Thank you so much! For all the lovely comments. And yes, and for anyone inquiring there are four full love scenes plus some ;) and by plus some I mean all naughty bits!

And yes, Anna has totally lured me in for my next release!


Hi chey,s with women who work in historicals.

February 7, 2011 5:40 PM
Blogger hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

Tiffany Clare said...

hrdwrkdmom,

I'm dying to know the title, all the more knowing it's historical!


Hi Barbara E., After reading all the romance readers that love reading about women writing, I think I have a naught writer formulating in my mind!


Hi LilMissMolly! I have a bunch of Amanda Quick on my TBR, I should dig them out in short order!

Thanks for making this such a great day everyone!

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, guys, thanks for a fabulous day in the lair. And thanks to Tiff for being such a tirelessly responsive guest! We've all had huge fun - well, maybe not the cabana boys, they've been run off their feet!

Don't forget to check back to see who won the THREE copies of SEDUCTION OF HIS WIFE!

Unknown said...

Congrats on your new release. I also enjoy working women in historicals. I love governess stories. Also you find seamstress, maids, courtesan and a little of everything in historicals. I love the independant women.

Anna Campbell said...

Virginia, I think the independent woman really appeals to we modern types (snork at myself as a modern type - in my dreams!). Thanks for swinging by!

Tiffany Clare said...

As you can see, was having difficulty editing my responses last night. Ignore the stuff that's not supposed to be in my last response.

Virginia, thanks so much for stopping by! And I have to agree with Anna, we want independent heroines because we ourselves are independent in society!

Carol L. said...

Hi ladies,
I loved The Surrender of a Lady Tiffany and look forward to your next, The eduction of His Wife. Your covers are beautiful and I agree the purple one, amazing. :)I love when the heroine is a working woman. It shows her independence. I agree it's much more entertaining to have a working heroine. Strong and independent are more to my liking when reading.
Carol L
Lucky4750@aol.com

Tiffany Clare said...

Carol, so great to read you loved my first book! May this book do the same for you! Thank you for stopping by!

BADklv said...

Hey Tiffany, congrats!

I just read The Spy Who loved her and I loved, loved, loved the heroine. She was an independent woman who worked in an orphange. Loved it!