Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Tiffany Clare Shares Her Brilliant Debut!

by Anna Campbell

It's my great pleasure to introduce a debut author who is no stranger to regular visitors to the lair (because she IS one! We love it when Bandita Buddies make good!).

Tiffany Clare's debut historical romance THE SURRENDER OF A LADY is a scorching hot, clever, intensely sensual, emotional rollercoaster of a story. I read the tempestuous, dramatic story of Lady Elena Ravenscliffe and the man who has never forgotten her, Griffin, Lord Rothburn, in one sitting and then said:

Dazzling, daring and different! Exotic and erotic! THE SURRENDER OF A LADYwill have you turning the pages until you finish, no matter how late it gets. Tiffany Clare is a brilliant new talent in historical romance.

I wasn't the only person bowled over by Tiffany's debut. The reviews have been amazing, including a Top Pick from Romantic Times Book Reviews!


RT said:
Debut author Clare bursts onto the scene with a unique, unforgettable, sensual love story sweeping from the harems of the east to staid Victorian ballrooms. Watch out for this sizzling new talent to rise to the top.

You can find out more about Tiffany and read excerpts from her books at her website: www.tiffanyclare.com

Because Tiffany loves us (she must!), she's very generously giving away...wait for it...FIVE BOOKS TODAY!!! And I'm throwing in a bonus Anna Campbell opus for good measure! So make sure you comment! And don't forget that if you click on the book covers, you can go straight to Amazon and order this fantastic debut!

So without more ado, HERE'S TIFFANY!

Tiffany, huge congratulations on the release of your brilliant debut THE SURRENDER OF A LADY. Can you tell us about this story?

I can’t thank you enough for having me here! It’s very exciting to be blogging with you wonderful gals! THE SURRENDER OF A LADY is about a woman, who’s sold into slavery by her no good husband, to pay off his debts. To be reunited with her infant son, she agrees to become part of a harem where her favors will be sold to the highest paying bidders. She reinvents herself as Jinan, a Turkish princess, and never expects the only man she ever loved to find her in the harem. Nor does she ever expect him to bid for her favors for three months. Rothburn is a man broken and learning to live life one day at a time. His fall started when the one woman he loved married another. It’s been ten years since Elena slipped from his grasp and he’s been on a long road to recovery from opium addiction. When he sees her on auction, he knows he can’t walk away from her again, and he knows he’ll never be able to walk away again, despite the end of their contract looming.

Back cover blurb:

THE PRICE OF PASSION…


Sold. With one word, Lady Elena Ravenscliffe’s destiny changes forever. Forced into Constantinople’s slave market to pay off her late husband’s debts and save her son, Elena reinvents herself as Jinan—a harem girl adored by the rich lords who bid on her favors. But one man instantly sees through her façade.


…IS COMPLETE SURRENDER

Griffin Summerfield, Marquess of Rothburn, let Elena slip through his fingers years ago. When he recognizes her on the auction block, he pays an outrageous sum to possess her even if it is for a short period of time. But when his deadline looms, Griffin will risk all in a desperate bid to make her his—and his alone…

The research for this story must have been fun – I speak from experience because of my courtesan books! Can you tell us some of the surprising and interesting things you unearthed and what resources you found particularly inspirational?

Oh, there was a lot of reading and research for this book. I knew nothing of the time period, the setting I had chosen, and the cultures of the Middle East and East. There was a lot of surprising information I uncovered . . . One thing in particular: Women of all cultures were sold into harems. Fathers with beautiful, nubile daughters, rich men who seized women in wars, pirates who stole women on the high seas, all seeking the a sultan or emperors favor. That was a major source of inspiration for the story. I thought to myself, why not sell my English beauty into a harem? She could be well sought after if this wasn’t your typical harem.

And yes, that was something I had to change. In the harems of the Ottoman Empire, the only man allowed inside the harem women’s quarters was the Sultan or his eunuchs (who were de-manned, so to speak). So I needed a reason for Amir (Jinan’s owner) to not follow this ‘rule.’

I uncovered that the sons born to sultans did not have an easy life. There were often death plots and attempted murders towards those in line for the ‘throne.’ Those not directly in line for the ‘throne’ were kept like prisoners in the dark and survival was slim, and madness common. I mention it very briefly in my book that Amir did not have an easy life growing up and despises how harems work. This is why he won’t impregnate (and thereby be forced to marry) his harem girls. I made his mother English, so he would ‘understand’ Jinan/Elena ‘culturally.’

I also did a lot of research on the opium trade. In the mid-Victorian era, England controlled much of China, and subjugated the population by giving them easy access to addiction—opium (it was banned in England at this time). It took me a long time to figure out Rothburn’s character because I was so focused on Jinan.


One thing I knew was that he had fallen into a dark life. Just think of the type of man he would have had to be to slowly kill off another nation. It’s justifying in a sense that he fell victim to the drug. With the life he led, there is nothing that can shock him (including seeing an English woman on auction in an Ottoman Prince’s harem), nothing that can intimidate him, and most certainly nothing that he won’t take if he wanted it bad enough. He admits freely that he is a man driven by one addiction or another.

Oh dang, this was a question about research, not the psychoanalysis of my characters!

Anyway, that’s just a few of the things I found out. There were many, many more. But I don’t want to bore anyone.

Tiff, I found all that absolutely fascinating! Thank you for sharing it. Here in the lair, we love call stories. Can you tell us yours?

It started with an email. My agent thought she’d tease me with a message that said something like, ‘today is going to be fun,’ then make me suffer a few hours before she called to give me the news that we had an offer! The best part of that was that no one else had offered, which meant drawing up interest to get other editors to respond with either a rejection or another offer. There was bidding for the book. It was full of much tenseness and silent squeeing for a few weeks. Actually, it was the most intense two weeks of my life, but it was totally awesome when St. Martin’s came in with a final offer! I’ve been very blessed with an awesome house, awesome covers, and awesomeness all around. You’d think, as a writer, I could find another adjective! :) But, really, it was totally awesome!

You’re an active blogger with the Vauxhall Vixens (and a regular visitor to the Bandits where we love to see you!). Do you think your web presence has helped your writing career?

I have no idea. I feel a little more connected to the internet romance community as a whole because there are a number of people I’ve met and gotten to know over the years online, but I’m not sure how that translates into helping my career (aside from meeting my amazing critique partners who kick my ass when needed). I’m still a baby in the industry; maybe I’ll have an answer in a few years :)

Can you tell us about your writing journey?

There were lots of ups and downs. It’s not an easy path; you have to really, really want it to help you get past the rejection and deal with the slow pace the industry moves at. For me, I needed writing partners. People—and now my dearest friends—who I was accountable to daily for word counts and finishing the next scene, chapter, and finally the book! I always wanted to publish my first book, but once I got over that (I thank God every day that it wasn’t published), I continued to write, and a few books later… Jinan came along!

What’s coming up next?

THE SEDUCTION OF HIS WIFE. A marriage of convenience and reconciliation story. Emma and Asbury married 12 years ago when they were both incredibly young, she 15 Richard only 19. Richard felt stifled and longed to explore the world and make riches of his own, so he left after their wedding night. Emma grew up, found her passion in life (her art) and she doesn’t really know what to think of her husband’s return…


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?


Wow, Tiff, that sounds fantastic! I can't wait to read it! Thanks so much for giving us some insight into your work! Do you have anything you'd like to ask the Bandits and Bandit Buddies to get conversation started?

What are your favorite tropes in romance? I’m giving away THREE copies of THE SURRENDER OF A LADY, ONE copy of Maggie Robinson’s MISTRESS BY MISTAKE and ONE copy of Courtney Milan’s TRIAL BY DESIRE (North America only).

For our faithful non-American visitors ONLY, I'm giving away a signed copy of the Australian edition of CAPTIVE OF SIN with that wonderfully over the top cover!

So it's a positive plethora of giveaways today! How can you resist? Get commenting people - oh, and please tell us when you comment where you're from so we know which section of the draw to put you in. Remember that's FIVE books to share among North American readers and a bonus CAPTIVE OF SIN for non-American readers! Good luck!

157 comments:

Deanna said...

Congratulations on the debut, Tiffany. I'm looking forward to reading the book.

Barbara E. said...

One of my favorite tropes in romance is the reconcilation - so I've got to read The Seduction of His Wife. Some other favorite tropes are the roguish rake and the good girl spinster, long time secret love of best friend, neighbor, friend's brother, etc., and marriage of convenience.

gamistress66 said...

Congrats on the release and wonderful reviews. It sounds interesting, particularly set in such a unique setting. Thanks for the little inside info on that world. :)

I don't really have any favorite trope. I enjoy mixing things up some and my mood influences my reading choices somewhat as well (though I do pretty much stick to historicals). (US)

Kirsten said...

Hey Tiff, CONGRATULATIONS!! I can't believe it's already here -- wasn't it just yesterday that we found out you'd SOLD?

(ha! probably feels like forever to you!)

I love seeing a harem story on the shelves again -- that was my favorite trope for many years! I was a HUGE Bertrice Small fan and did lots of research into the Ottoman Empire with the intent of someday writing a harem story. (Didn't one of the Sultan's brothers grow up in an actual cage? And then all the other brothers died, and cage-boy had to assume the title, but he was insane? I seem to remember something like that...)

Anyway, congratulations!! I'm thrilled for you -- oh, and before I forget -- LOOOOOVE those covers! :-)

Unknown said...

well done Daz have a good day with GR
Congratulations on the book Tiffany.... sounds really interesting.... don't think I have read a book with a harem in it..... and Seduction of his wife sounds good too. I love rougish rakes especailly when they go all soft after meeting the right lady... mind you I love any book when it has a HEA

Sheree said...

Congrats on your debut release! Especially with such a great setting. I like the reconciliation stories, like in "The Surrender of a Lady", as well as older-woman-younger-man, friends-to-lovers, enemies-to-lovers, etc. even secret baby as long as it's done well. I'm not picky in that way.

Love those harem pictures!

ironss[at]gmail.com (USA)

PinkPeony said...

Hi Tiffany & Anna!

Congratulations on your debut!
Love the harem premise and your research sounds really interesting too. I'm a sucker for reunion/past love stories and secret baby stories.

Donna MacMeans said...

Hi Tiffany - I love having you on this side of the blog (grin). LOVE those covers! Like Kirsten, I remember thoes Beatrice Small stories. How fun that you brought the harem back to the book shelves.

Favorite troupes? I love them all. One of my favorites is time-travel though I haven't seen a lot of those lately.

Daz - congrats on the rooster nabbing. Tiffany, congrats on nabbing that brass ring!

Fedora said...

Ooh, congrats on your brilliant debut, Tiffany!!

As for favorite themes, friends to lovers, second chances, redemption, and plain Jane gets the hero, especially without the benefit of a fairy godmother and/or magical transformation whereby her fabulous gorgeousness is unveiled to the world. (It's much more satisfying to me when the hero comes to appreciate her inner beauty after getting to know her...)

Congrats on the GR, Daz!

SiNn said...

Congrats on the debut! and taht cover is simple yet beautiful great post

honestly I love them all Histroicals r like an odl friend who i visit alot when im sick or just need a change but I read time travle and paranormal and steam punk and well all of it really

im in the USA

mortalsinn@yahoo.com

Christine Wells said...

A warm Bandita welcome, Tiffany! Great interview as usual, Anna:)

I've ordered Surrender and am eagerly awaiting it. Several little birds told me how fantastic it is. Love the richness of your setting and both hero and heroine sound like amazingly intriguing characters. Can't wait!

As for tropes, I love reunion stories. All that history seems to ratchet up the tension a notch or five! Adore marriages of convenience, too so it sounds like your books are right up my alley. Btw, great title for the second book. That's conflict, right there, isn't it?

Congrats on the rooster, Daz!

Helen said...

Well done Daz have fun with him today

Whoo Hoo I love the sound of this book Tittany I am soo looking forward to reading it and your second book sounds awesome as well YAY.

I love Cinderella stories and Friends to Lovers and Beauty and the Beast stories you know what I love them all I get so lost when I am reading they take me on wonderful adventures around the world (and this one is going to take me into a harem) into the past and into the future what a fantastic past time reading is.

Tiffany huge congrats on the release and Anna thank you so much for inviting Tiffany along today as a guest.

And for anyone who doesn't I am from Sydney Australia LOL and Anna I already have a signed copy of your fantastic book.

Have Fun
Helen

Tiffany Clare said...

I'm sorry I don't ship internationally. I've learned my lesson from past contests. It's VERY expensive to ship from Canada. Because Canada Post not only sucks, they like to gouge Canadians... But, my North American friends (Canada and Mexico, too) please, comment away!

Daz, you snagged that rooster bright and early! Congrats! Glad you are looking forward to reading the book! Enjoy!

Tiffany Clare said...

Barbara, Wouldn't you know it, I'm writing a blog on reunited lovers right now for another site! LOL

That is definitely one of my favorite tropes in romance, too!

gamistress66: I have to admit, my reading consists mostly of paranormals! But I do enjoy me some great historicals when the mood strikes and sucks me back into the past!

Tiffany Clare said...

Kirsten, you know, when my friends sell and then there book is on the shelf, it feels like it was just yesterday that they announced the news. Experiencing it first hand has been a LONG wait! LOL
And yes, one of the princes grew up confined and mistreated only to become Sultan.

barb, hope you love both books! Rothburn isn't much of a rake, he's got other . . . issues :) Asbury (Seduction of His Wife) isn't much a rake either, but he definitely falls hard for his wife when they are back together. Jeeze, I've written three books and am just realizing there isn't a rake to be found. I must correct that, pronto!

Tiffany Clare said...

Sheree, great to see you here! Oh! Enemies to lovers, those are a lot of great fun!

PinkPeony, Secret baby stories are more popular than I thought... there might (sort of in a strange way) be one in The Secret Desires of a Governess (May 24, 2011) Happy reading!

Tiffany Clare said...

Donna,

Ah, thanks! I like being on this side of the blog too. It's pretty exciting. And everyone keeps telling me about these Bertrice Small stories. I really must get me some and read them!

I love time-travel too. I read all the old Karen Marie-Moning's... time traveling back to medieval Scotland...they were great fun!

Tiffany Clare said...

flchen1, yes, I love plain Jane stories too. I don't think there are enough of them out there! I've already got one of them up my sleeve, maybe it'll sell sometime in the future ;)

SiNn, you are a well rounded reader. I read a bit of everything, too!

Tiffany Clare said...

Christine,

Glad you are excited about the books. And yes, the second title is awesome--my lovely editor came up with it, because I suck at coming up with titles and she totally rocks. But can I also say how much I LOVE my third title: THE SECRET DESIRES OF A GOVERNESS.

Helen,

Thank you so much for stopping by! I love getting lost in a good story too. Especially if it can sweep me off my feet and take me right through the doors of the setting. I love to feel transported for a few hjavascript:void(0)ours and so wrapped up in the characters that I feel like I'm there.

Tiffany Clare said...

Oh! And I must say, I did not provide the pictures *bad author, smacks hand* that was the very lovely Anna Campbell. She made the post simply gorgeous!

I will say, I have many of those pictures in my research folder, though. Art is the easiest way for me to add texture to a scene, colour, scent, texture, etc. I'm sure that only makes sense to me, but a picture really is worth a thousand words when doing research (even if these are mostly idealized drawings from the Orientalists).

Maureen said...

Congratulations on your debut story Tiffany! It sounds like an exciting and intense story. Marriage of convenience stories are one of my favorite types. I think it's because I like seeing the couple work out their problems within a marriage which makes me believe in their HEA.

Dianna Love said...

Congratulations Tiffany!!! Your book sounds very interesting. I love reading historicals and can't wait to get a copy of yours. Fascinating setting and premise. That's a great cover, too, by the way. I can't remember seeing yellow used so dramatically. It's just stunning.

Best of luck with this release. I can only imagine that it will do very well.

Anna Campbell said...

Guys, just back from my photo shoot in Melbourne and absolutely wrecked. Will be here big time tomorrow, I promise!

DON'T FORGET TO SAY WHERE YOU'RE FROM WHEN YOU COMMENT SO WE KNOW WHICH DRAW TO PUT YOU IN!!!!

Tiff, welcome! Lovely to see you here and congratulations on THE SURRENDER OF A LADY. It's brilliant!

Caroline said...

Congratulations on your debut, Tiffany, you must be thrilled. I'm totally captivated by this story and look forward to reading it. I've never read a harem story before so this sounds very different and exciting to me.

Best of luck with all your endeavors. BTW: I'm in Kentucky.

Bronwyn said...

Hi Anna and congrats Tiff!!

My fave trope would have to be beauty and the beast and stories where the hero comes to the aid of the heroine and sweeps her off her feet as well as away from the villian/s.

Good luck with the release and with the second title.

Anna, I can't wait for the magazine to come out so we can see the pics! I hope you had some time to relax in Melbourne and didn't work too hard =P

Bron
Don't put me in the draw, I have all of Anna's books and I'm international =) Just wanted to comment.

Laurie G said...

Your book sounds great Tiffany. I want to know how Griffin and Elena work things out!

My favorite themes are: marriage of convenience, lost love and beauty and the beast.

I'm from the USA.

Unknown said...

Hi Tiffany
I don't mind that there isn't a rake as long as there is a happy ever after

Unknown said...

Congrats on the release!!

Thanks for the contests too!

chirth7@yahoo.com

Janie Mason said...

Congratulations, Tiffany! I admire all the research that must have gone into writing your debut novel and look forward to reading it.
Favorite troupes? I like friends to lovers stories and reluctant heroes.
Central Ohio (GO BUCKS!)

Tiffany Clare said...

Maureen, I agree. It's nice to see a couple work out their relationship 'issues' and make it work. I think everyone that has been in a relationship 'gets it' so to speak.

Dianna, thank you for the compliments. And I am totally partial to my yellow cover, it is rather dramatic, even with a heroine who is decapitated on the cover :)

Thanks Anna! have a great sleep, I'm just starting out my day, though I do wish I could sleep a few more hours.

Caroline, Glad I can intrigue those not familiar with harem settings (I wasn't all that familiar, either, till I started researching.

Bronwyn, I adore B&B stories! My third book, Secret Desires of a Governess is kind of like a B&B mashed together with Jane Eyre.

Laurie, Rothburn and Jinan are totally a lost love/reunited lover theme.

barb, I'm totally about the HEA's!

Christine H! Thank you! Good luck!

Tiffany Clare said...

Janie,

For all the marriage of convenience stories, that is totally Courtney Milan's Trial by Desire, so if you don't win it here, definitely look for it on the shelves!

And thanks for commenting, Janie!

Mason Canyon said...

Just wanted to say congratulations on the release Tiffany. I love the cover of your book. That would make a beautiful painting to hang over a fireplace in a library. Best of luck.

Mason
Thoughts in Progress

Tiffany Clare said...

Thanks, Mason. I've been very lucky with all my covers. I think Secret Desires is the prettiest (I've only seen it up on Goodreads so far, but it will be published soon)!

lgm52 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Minna said...

Beauty and the Beast stories are my favorites.

Finland

lgm52 said...

Good reading, I've no doubt! Love those covers, too....Can hardly wait to read the book(s)! I love time-travel, long-time secret love, etc...
(I'm from Illinois)

Meljprincess said...

I enjoy beauty and the beast, second chances, wrong bed, etc.

Congrats on your debut, Tiffany! I saw SURRENDER in Borders the other day and made my husband stop and look at the cover. I told him it's one of the most beautiful covers I've ever seen! The story appeals to me but I couldn't get the book that day. If I don't win I'll get it next visit. I came over from Facebook and I live in the USA.

Meljprincess AT aol DOT com

pjpuppymom said...

Hi Tiff! Great having you here in the lair as a visiting author! How cool is that? :)

As you already know, I love, Loved, LOVED The Surrender of a Lady. It went straight to my keeper shelf. Now I'm counting the days until I can read The Seduction of His Wife.

I don't have a single favorite trope. There are so many that I enjoy. Time-travel, marriage of convenience, friends to lovers, reunited lovers and many more. For me, the most critical element is a well-written story. Beautiful writing will draw me into most any trope.

Daz, congrats on nabbing the GR!

Amanda.Walker317 said...

Congrats on the debut. Can't wait to read!

Amanda.Walker317 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Ooh! You're giving Mistress by Mistake away! Thanks so much for the plug, Tiff (and I'm giving away copies of SOAL on my website contests this month, so the affection is mutual---Tiff is a great, great critique partner. I truly don't think I'd be published w/o her).

I love the illustrations on this blog post. I got very interested in the orientalist school of art--beautifully romanticised visions of harem life that were, of course, entirely conjectural. But gorgeous anyway.

I'm very fond of the reunited lovers story---working on one right now and have one coming out in January. The Cinderella trope is fun too---who doesn't want to be rescued from a life of drudgery by a handsome, rich prince?

Oh, and don't enter me---I've got all the books, LOL.

Tiffany Clare said...

Minna, definitely popular! Who doesn't love the tortured hero and the heroine who tames him?

lgm52, Thanks for stopping by, good luck with the contest!

Meljprincess, good luck with the draw! And thanks for the lovely compliment. It's one of the most beautiful covers I've seen, too!

PJ! Thanks for stopping by, and yes, I know how much you love this book. I hope you love the second, too!

Amanda.Walker317, thanks for stopping by. Good luck with the draw!

Tiffany Clare said...

Maggie, XXOO! Love you, too! And how could I not give away a brilliant book like yours and Courtney's!?

Christie Kelley said...

Welcome Tiffany!! How exciting to see your book in print!

I haven't read a harem story in years so I really have to get out and buy this book! I can't wait to read it.

Gannon Carr said...

Hey, Tiffany! THE SURRENDER OF A LADY is on my list---can't wait to indulge in a long day reading.

Like Inara, I love a harem story. Bertrice Small was a favorite of mine for years---she writes some steamy harem romances.

Oh, I love a good reconciliation story, friends-to-lovers, marriage of convenience, rake and the spinster....the list goes on and on. As long as it's an engaging story, I'm in.

Jennifer D. said...

Hello,

Congrats on your debut book! My favorite tropes are reunion stories, marriage of convenience, secret babies and Romeo/Juliet class wars. I'm not too picky regarding the plot devices as long as the story / characters grab my interest. The only thing I really shy away from is vamps / shape shifters (which is against the tide today, I guess).

PS - I'm from the US

Deb said...

Congrats, Tiffany, on your debut novel and any and all future novels! I think the premise and the setting are unique and intriguing.

My fave trope is the girl next door grows up and the hero has that BAM! moment where he realizes she's now a woman. Really, I love those stories best.

Janga said...

Hi, Tiff! Congrats again on your debut, on the RT review, an on your first time as a guest author with the Banditas. I find it exciting but also a touch surreal to see friends from drabble days celebrated on blogs with books on shelves at B & N and BAM. LOL!

Reunion and redemption are my favorite themes, although I can be seduced by almost any trope in the hands of the right writer.

Elyssa Papa said...

Hi, Tiff!!! It's so awesome to see you on Bandits. It seems like only yesterday we were talking about how much we wanted to nab the Golden Rooster. ;)

SOAL is fabulous!!! You know how much I love it!!!

As you know, I'm a total sucker for Beauty and the Beast trope and the wallflower trope. And, because of you and Maggie, I've liked reunited lovers trope more. :)

Don't enter me in the giveaway either! I already have the book.

Hellie Sinclair said...

Hi Tiff! I'm still stalking you! *waves* Great interview, ladies!! Bandits always give the best interviews. :)

Favorite tropes: 1) Beauty and the Beast; 2) the Rake and the Wallflower or Jock and the Geek; 3) the Florence Nightengale scene. There is something about nursing someone back to health that makes you fall in love with them--and if they happen to have amnesia or something, all the better.

The Florence Nightengale doesn't have to be the whole book either to work. You can have a Beauty and the Beast set up going--total Pride and Prejudice--but then somehow he gets injured and she makes him soup, and voila, they like each other. Love it. Total sucker for it.

And I'm not against a Hero Riding in on a White Horse scene either. The dramatic rescue is often appreciated too.

Hellie Sinclair said...

Dangit, how can I forget my favorite of the favorite tropes: reunited lovers. Damnit.

*beasty look of disgruntlement* I love reunited lovers.

Tiffany Clare said...

Christie Kelley,
It is exciting! It still doesn't feel completely real. Hope you love it.
Gannon Carr, may you love it as much as PJ! I love me some steamy romance, I ought to get myself on that bandwagon of those who have read Small... I do have Kadir on my tbr somewhere... I'm a huge shifter fan. Any kind of shifter :)

Deb,
Thanks Deb. Hope you get a chance to read and love the setting! And that is a great trope. It's almost related to the plain Jane, because the hero has just been blind all along!


Janga, Hope you are feeling better today. Thank you for visiting and for the congrats. It is surreal seeing your friends on the shelves at the bookstore, but it's also a really great feeling inside!

Unknown said...

Tiffany, WOOOOOT on your release!

I'm stopping by the bookstore this afternoon (sitting at Panera working at the moment) and this is on the list. And actually, the second book looks absolutely outstanding.

We're so proud of you!

Unknown said...

Oh, I should answer the question.

I have to say that old flames/reunited lovers is a big one for me. There's always stuff to forgive, and that makes the angst and personal growth curve for the characters believable for me.

Anna, great interview, btw.

Unknown said...

Daz, congrats on the rooster!

Anna Carrasco Bowling said...

Star-crossed lovers, beauty in the beast and disguise (particularly heroine as male) will always catch my attention. Hm, and pirates.

Definitely have a look at some of Bertrice Small's harem stories. I would recommend her debut title, The Kadin.

elainec said...

Hi. I think one of my favorite themes is friends to lovers. There's usually a lot of background and understanding in those novels. I like that.
This new work sounds interesting - different from my usual reading. The cover is outstanding!
Good luck with it, Tiffany.
elainec

Anna Sugden said...

Congratulations on your debut! So glad we can help you celebrate it here in the Lair!

Your books sounds fascinating and one to add to my TBR mountain. Being of Persian descent, I always think 'there but for the grace of God'! I'm always fascinated by different settings, so this sounds right up my street.

I love reunion stories and marriage of convenience and best friends to lovers.

RFTC Blog said...

I absolutely adore reconciliation and friends to lovers stories. I just love it when the hero and heroine have known eachother for years. I feel that they have more chemistry since there is a backstory. I also enjoy anything that has a strong alpha male.
Congrats on the release Tiffany. I can't wait to read this and your next book. Two of my favorite themes!

jo robertson said...

Hi, Tiffany, it's so great to see a Bandita Buddy here as a guest. Congratulations on your debut book. It sounds wonderful. I love a tortured hero and you've certainly put Rothburn through his paces. What a great story line.

catslady said...

Congrats - I love debut authors and books - just something about that "first" lol. If I like the voice and thus the characters, I don't care what the theme is. I also adore the cover - reminds me of another book from a very familiar author here (grin).

Unknown said...

Hi Tiffany! Best of luck to you on your new novel. Beautiful cover, by the way.
To answer the question, I don't have a favorite trope.

Thanks,
petalsontheriver at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

Congrats on your book release. I love paranormals and just recently began to read more historicals. I saw this on FB and had to come over and comment.

Thanks for the great contest. I am in Kentucky, the United States.

Tonya
tonyacallihan AT hotmail DOT com

Trish Milburn said...

Tiffany, huge congrats on your new release! Those are some gorgeous covers, and the stories sound wonderful.

Favorite tropes, huh? I have to say I'm a big fan of the friends-to-lovers story line. I have one of those in the works for the trilogy I'm currently working on. Right now, though, it's a secret baby story. Speaking of which, back to writing.

Anna Campbell said...

Righto, I'm BAAAAACCCKKKK! Looks like there's a party going on in the harem!

Daz, congrats on the rooster!

Anna Campbell said...

Barbara, love your list of tropes. I love all those. When it's well done, I must say I love hatred into love too. All that conflict and passion - ooh, la la (forgive the French - my first French edition comes out today!).

Anna Campbell said...

Gamistress, I loved Tiff's debut (think that's obvious!). I think you will too!

Anna Campbell said...

Kirsten, I'm with you on the harem stories! I love a good Harlequin sheikh! My favorite author Dorothy Dunnett uses the harem trope in a big way too. Fabulous. I did a lot of research into the Ottomon Empire too! One day I'm going to do something about that in terms of a book.

Anna Campbell said...

Barb, the HEA is certainly my FAVORITE trope! LOL! Love that sigh of contentment I give at the end of a great romance.

Anna Campbell said...

Sheree, what an interesting list. Actually I was thinking about my favorite tropes and I think a lot of the fairytales are up there for me. You know, Ugly Duckling, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and my fave, Beauty and the Beast.

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Jen, love your choices! I'm so excited that Tiff's book is at last out and people can see what all the fuss is about!

Anna Campbell said...

Donna, there was a brief flurry of time travels last year. Pamela Palmer did a couple, for example, under her other name Pamela Montgomerie. That seems to have died off now, which is a pity. I love a good time travel too. Fish out of water is another of my favorite tropes and you don't get any more FOOW than a time travel!

Anna Campbell said...

Hiya SiNn! Yeah, it's a gorgeous cover, isn't it? I bet Tiff was happy dancing the first time she saw it!

Anna Campbell said...

Ooh, Christine, I forgot the marriage of convenience trope! LOVE that! All that sexual tension when the hero and heroine are forced to worked out their differences and usually under one roof! Yum!

Anna Campbell said...

Haha, Helen! Sydney? Really? Snort! Actually I think you should live at the Tim Tam factory and be their resident taster!

Anna Campbell said...

Tiff, the other thing I've noticed about Canada Post is that they're glacially slow when it comes to deliveries. It's taken up to a month to get stuff to my Canadian readers. It's only about a week to everywhere else I send to.

Anna Campbell said...

Tiff, I love those Karen Marie Moning Time Travels too. And she had some bodacious covers!

Anna Campbell said...

Tiff, so glad you like the illustrations. I had a lovely time looking at luscious art (some of it a little saucy for exposure on the front door of the lair!). I agree with you about art being inspirational. I love the luscious sensuality of so many images of harem life (most of them completely imaginary as they were painted by Western artists who'd never been inside an actual harem!). There was a wonderful exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney a few years ago called Orientalism that was full of beautiful pictures like this. I was in heaven!

Minna said...

Of course I like Beauty and the Geek stories, too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8Rngy90Q14

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Good afternooon Anna and Tiffany! What a great interview, ladies!

Your book sounds scrumptious, Tiffany. Just the thing for warming my upcoming fall and winter months. Hmmm, am thinking this will be on my birthday wishlist.

Anna Campbell said...

Maureen, great to meet another marriage of convenience fan!

Anna Campbell said...

Dianna, thanks for swinging by!

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Caroline, great to hear you now! I'm hoping Tiff's book sets up a new fashion for harem stories!!!

Annie West said...

Hi Tiffany. Congratulations on your sale and your second book and your success all round!

I remember Anna raving about your book and deciding I just had to get my hands on it - sounds a real treat. Thanks, by the way, for the gorgeous pics with the post too - I loved them.

I'm a sucker for marriage of convenience stories and Cinderella and yes, reunion stories, especially when the separation has been a long one. So you can see I'm grinning in anticipation of both your stories!

Anna Campbell said...

Bron, lovely to see you here! The Melbourne trip was really full on which means I'm taking a bit of time to start firing on all cylinders this morning! My plane was late in, went straight to the hotel for a room service dinner, early breakfast with an old work colleague (perhaps I should phrase that as previous work colleague - 'old' sounds a bit prejudicial!) and then a whole day of shooting at this gorgeous house in Fitzroy. Then all the travel to get home! Phew! Definite flying visit!

Anna Campbell said...

Laurie, you picked my faves too!

Anna Campbell said...

Barb and Tiff, I've only just written my first real rake - I don't think they're de rigeur, as they say in the best Regencies ;-)

Anna Campbell said...

Thanks for swinging by, Christine!

Anna Campbell said...

Oh, Janie, the reluctant hero! You're so right! I'd forgotten that one but I always love it when the guy discovers his inner alpha/knight in shining armour!

misskallie2000 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anna Campbell said...

Actually, Tiff, I think you could make an argument for Jane Eyre as already being a Beauty and the Beast story!

Anna Campbell said...

Tiff, got Courtney's Trial by Desire on the TBR pile. I loved her Proof by Seduction.

In fact, if you guys aren't contested out (ha ha, as if!), I'm giving away Proof by Seduction as part of my current website contest. Really easy question: http://www.annacampbell.info/contest.html

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Mason, thanks for swinging by! You'll love Tiff's book!

misskallie2000 said...

Congratulations Tiffany. I have fallen in love with all your books and I know I will have to wait for them all to be published but I will wait. lol.
I love romance and adventure set in the 1800's the best but love all romance stories. I also love mystery and suspense with romance. I enjoy reading the making up parts the best, when one or both are fighting against love. I also love falling in love stories when each is searching to find the right path.
Thanks for stopping by to chat with us.
I am from USA

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Anna Campbell said...

Minna, I personally don't think it gets any better than a great BATB story!

Anna Campbell said...

Hello, LGM! Lovely to see you here - here have a margarita!

Tiff, have you noticed EVERYBODY loves the cover?

Anna Campbell said...

Hiya Mel! Great to see you. That yellow really takes the eye, doesn't it? You'll love Tiff's book!

Anna Campbell said...

PJ, I was so happy when I saw you loved The Surrender of a Lady as much as I did! Aren't we lucky that we've got so many wonderful romance tropes to choose from? Personally, I love a great buffet!

Anna Campbell said...

Amanda, happy reading! Thanks for swinging by!

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Maggie, I was excited when Tiff featured your wonderful Mistress by Mistake too! Another fabulous read! I think you girls must inspire each other to be naughty - both are tssss hot!

Aren't those pictures luscious? I had such fun picking them!

Anna Campbell said...

Christie, Tiff's book is luscious. And isn't it wonderful to feature one of our Bandita Buddies as a guest? Love it!

Anna Campbell said...

Gannon, I think both you and your distinguished colleague PJ hit the nail on the head - anything works if it's done well! There's even a few tropes that don't particularly appeal to me but in each case, I can point to books where the author overcame my prejudices by telling a really fantastic story.

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Jennifer, great to see you.

Tiff, thank you for bringing so many new faces to the lair. We love having new people for the cabana boys to torture...uh, take care of. (Actually the torture generally involves cushions, feathers and lots of margaritas so it's not too painful!)

Anna Campbell said...

Oh, Deb, I'd forgotten that trope. You're right - those stories are lovely!!!!

Anna Campbell said...

Actually, Janga, I think all my stories are redemption stories at heart - because of course, that's what BATB is. The Surrender of a Lady is both a reunion and a redemption story so it's right up your alley!

Anna Campbell said...

Hello, Miss Ely! Lovely to see you. Isn't SOAL gorgeous? I just loved it!

Anna Campbell said...

Snort, Helly! The soup trope? Yeah, I love it!

Anna Campbell said...

WHOOOO! That beasty look is seriously scary.

Anna Campbell said...

Cassondra, it does bring a tear of pride to the eye when a Bandita Buddy manages to emerge from the margarita haze to become a star, doesn't it? Love it!

Anna Campbell said...

Cassondra, thank you for saying you enjoyed the interview. I could have gone on and on! We'll have to have Tiff back for the launch of her next book so I can probe further!

Anna Campbell said...

Anna, noticed Bertrice getting a lot of love today. I must check out her books. Thanks for swinging by! Here, a margarita with your name on it.

Hold on, a margarita has Margarita's name on it!!! Oh, dear, I'm getting confused!

Anna Campbell said...

Elaine, Sarah Mayberry does some of the best friends to lovers books I know. If you haven't already, you should check her out!

Anna Campbell said...

Anna, it was such fun reading a book with such an exotic setting. It took me back to my earliest days of reading historical romance when you could go anywhere - Russia, the Middle East, France, Italy! You name it.

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Danielle, great to see you here! You'll love Tiff's book! I can't wait to read the second one myself!

Anna Campbell said...

Jo, oh, poor Rothburn really does suffer! Love it ;-)

Anna Campbell said...

Catslady, clearly yellow is the new black! ;-) Yeah, I love a great debut too! There's something special about that first time - and I'm just waiting for Tawny to dive in and take advantage of that line!

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Petals, lovely to see you here! Good luck in the draw!

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Tonya, great to see you here. Hey, we should set up a special section of the lair bar for the newbies today! Fantastic stuff! Thanks for swinging by from Facebook!

Anna Campbell said...

Trish, thanks for sneaking, blinking at the light, from the deadline cave! Isn't it great to have Tiff as our guest today?

Anna Campbell said...

Minna, beauty and the geek stories are great! I hope to write one one day - actually my next story is kinda beauty and the geek, now I think of it.

Anna Campbell said...

Suz, we know you love a good hot read (can't wait for Lacy to hit the stands so I can read it!). You'll love Tiff's book!

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Annie, great to have you here. Yes, I DID rave about Tiff's book, didn't I? I felt very lucky getting such an early peek at it!

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Miss Kallie, thanks for swinging by. I think the upshot of Tiff's question is that we all love a great romance, whatever the trope!

Anna Campbell said...

Phew, caught up! Might go and have a cup of tea to celebrate!

chey said...

Do I have to choose just one? I've narrowed it down to 2nd chances and timetravel

Tiffany Clare said...

Holy Crap, the blog exploded while I was at work! I'm just in the midst of dinner w/the kids now that I'm home... but I will respond to everyone!

Ely, you rock, that is all!

Hellion you can stalk me all you want. I like having a stalker (if it's you). And a man on a powerful horse present a very, uh... verile image! LOL Yeah, no complaints here. . .

Anna Campbell said...

Ha ha, Chey! No, no points will be taken off your score if you mention more than one trope!

Anna Campbell said...

Tiff, a lot of them are me responding to people. But on the other hand, a lot of them are NOT! ;-) You're a hit, my friend!

Tiffany Clare said...

Cassondra, Thanks! Glad you like the sound of the next one, too! Lots of fans of reunited lovers. I visit that theme often in my writing :)

Anna Carrasco Bowling, How can we not love heroines dressed as men! Jo Bev wrote a great one. I can't remember the title, but it was a Malloren book. I believe I already have Kadin on my TBR. Just haven't gotten to it...

elainec, That's what I love about friends to lovers/reunited lovers stories, too! There is some understanding between the characters already.

Anna Sugden, Thanks for having me here. This is a fantastic visit! I totally hear you on the TBR mountain... mine is in the uh . . . hundreds or so. Hope you enjoy the book when you get through your mountain of books :)

Danielle Gorman,

Wishing you luck on the book win! And I love me some Alpha men. A lot. All my guys have been alpha's to date... Can't seem to help myself.

jo robertson, Thank you! Yes, my hero and heroine are pretty tortured. I like doing some damage to them, and then fixing it so they are really deserving of their HEA :)

Tiffany Clare said...

catslady,
I'm glad you love debut authors! I hope you enjoy my book! Yes, the fab Anna Campbell had a beautiful cover, too! I'm definitely partial to yellow! LOL

petals, No favorite trope! Just a lover of romance! Glad to hear/read that! Best of luck on the draw!

Tonya Renee Callihan, Thank you. And, I'm a HUGE para fan, but historicals hold a fond place in my heart, too! Thanks for stopping by!

Trish Milburn, Thank you, and I am totally in love with ALL my covers. St. Martin's has done so wonderfully on them! And yay for friends-to-lovers themes!

Tiffany Clare said...

Anna! YAY, congrats on French additions! Love those Parisians...

writing Dorothy Dunnett's name down now and yay on exploring the Ottoman empire! It's rather fascinating.

Also, I did much happy dancing when I first saw the cover. I was totally in shock by its gorgeousness!

Tiffany Clare said...

Minna, I love that Beauty and the Geek! makes me snort and think, yeah, I could use me one of those right about now!

Suzanne Ferrell, Thank you! Anna did an awesome job with the questions! I certainly hope you find it scrumptious, and the location and tension between the characters can totally keep you warm during the winter months ;)

Marg said...

Love the idea of such unusual settings! Will definitely add to my TBR list!

I am an Aussie reader!

Jill said...

Congratulations Tiffany!!
I love new authors...I hope the debut is a fantastic success for you. I'm looking forward to reading it.
Jill
Romance Direct (AU)

Tiffany Clare said...

Annie West, Thank you! Anna is totally the queen of the pics for this post! I totally didn't think to include them. LOL! Cinderella are so much fun. There really aren't that man of them (at least not that many I can think of)... huh, I think I'm going to go on the look out for them! And my marriage of convenience... 12 years is definitely a long time to be separated but Emma and Asbury definitely work things out!

Anna, it's hard not to think of STD's when talking rakes. I'm going to have to make a safe sex kinda guy... with some French skins in his trouser pockets and all! LOL

Tiffany Clare said...

Anna, love your thinking on JE being kinda like B&B... but I do love my CP (Elyssa Papa's) description of my third book. She says, it's what you would get if B&B had babies with JE! LOL

Anna Campbell said...

Tiff, actually I think you'd really like Dorothy Dunnett. She wrote a wonderful series, best read in order, featuring Francis Crawford of Lymond with much derring do and adventure in the 16th century (and angst - lots of angst!). The first book is the Game of Kings and I highly recommend it.

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Marg, great to have some more Aussies on the blog! Don't forget readers outside North America go in the draw for a signed copy of CAPTIVE OF SIN!

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Jill, lovely to see you! I bet you sell lots of Tiffany's book through Romance Direct!

Kaetrin said...

I like friends to lovers, reunited lovers and where the hero rescues the heroine (and she rescues him right back in true Pretty Woman style!).

I'm in Australia - Hi Anna! *waves*

Sheree said...

Did I mention how much I like the cover of "The Surrender of a Lady"? The drape of the gold fabric is very sensual. Of course, I love Anna's "My Reckless Surrender" as well so maybe it's the color. Still, a very nice cover.

Anna Campbell said...

Kaetrin, how cool you mentioned the Pretty Woman connection. I often thing of that in connection with my books. Yeah, he rescues her. But she's also rescuing him! Love that mutual thing going on! Good luck with the contest!

Anna Campbell said...

Sheree, Sherry Thomas had a very nice yellow cover too about the same stage as mine came out. I love that colour and it looks fab on a bookshelf!

Pat Cochran said...

Welcome and Congratulations, Ms.
Tiffany. One glimpse of the cover
of TSOAL and I knew I'd seen it
before. I recently received a
package from Maggie Robinson and
one of the colorful bookmarks was
for your book! I love the "trope"
for this tale! I'm of an age that
was exposed way back in the day to
harem stories. I'm glad to see the
theme return. I look forward to
reading The Surrender Of A Lady!

Pat Cochran

Pat Cochran said...

Forgot to say that I am from
Texas in good ole USA!

Pat Cochran

Anna Campbell said...

Pat, like me, it seems you have fond memories of harem-set historicals! I remember a couple with that setting when I was on a bit of a Johanna Lindsey craze many years ago! Thanks for swinging by!

Louisa Cornell said...

Good on you, Daz !! Enjoy your day with the Golden One!

Tiffany !!!! Late to the party, but from the looks of things you have NOT been lonely in the Lair at all. Which is as it should be!

HUGE CONGRATS, SWEETIE !!

You have certainly come a long, long way since our AvonFanLit days !! I am so thrilled and proud for you!

This story had much success on the contest circuit and rightfully so. The characters are so intriguing and the story definitely sounds fresh and new! Can't wait to read it!

I love a good Beauty and the Beast story.

And a fish out of water story is also good as well - a hero completely out of his depth in his situation and the heroine who seeks to smooth his way and falls in love in the process.

And a good redemption story is always sigh-worthy when it is well-done.

And the opposites attract trope is another favorite. Slightly Dangerous by Mary Balogh comes to mind.

I am afraid when it comes to historical romance I am a complete glutton. I love them all!

Unknown said...

Congrats on your new debut book, sound fabulous and what great reviews. I love reading authors debut books. What a great giveaway! I love friends to lover stories and secret love. I like to switch around so I am game for about any kind of story! USA

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Louisa, isn't it great to have Tiffany's book out on the shelves at last? I've been dying for the rest of the world to read this wonderful story! You'll love it!

Anna Campbell said...

Virginia, thanks for swinging by! Secret love is another great one!

Tiffany Clare said...

misskallie2000, ahhh, hope you love All my books!


And Anna, I know! Everyone adores the cover! The just keep getting better! By far, though, THE SECRET DESIRES OF A GOVERNESS (MAY 24, 2011) IS THE BEST! No lie!

Tiffany Clare said...

Anna, as long as those Cabana boys are feeding me grapes a la Cleopatra style, we are good ;) And probing, eh? And only tea to celebrate? I'm loving me some Argentinian Malbec! LOL

chey, I always say, the more the merrier :) As many tropes as you love is all good! Especially of the happily ever after variety!

Marg and Jill! Thank you for stopping by! This is fantastic fun! Next time, I promise, international readers/blog commenters totally welcome! AC can quote me on that!

Tiffany Clare said...

Kaetrin,nothing wrong with heroine rescuing hero right back. Makes them equals!

Sheree, the yellow is totally the new black!

Anna and Sheree, yes Sherry Thomas had a great cover... Like beautiful! I was totally jealous ;)

Pat Cochran,
Thank you! Maggie is totally awesome! Love her to death! Glad you got a bookmark! And seriously, there is no 'age' for harem stories. You just got to open up your heart to love them, no matter your maturity :) or mine, for that matter :) Enjoy the book!!!!

Tiffany Clare said...

Louisa Cornell,

Never late to the party! And these gals are totally awesome! Thank you for the kudos! God, AvonFanLit days. A nightmare and a blessing, eh? Enjoy the read! And nothing wrong with loving all tropes!


Virginia, Thank you! I love readers who read debuts! Actually, I've always read debut authors. There is something fresh, new and shiny about them that makes their writing sometimes raw and new to me. That first discovery can be amazing!

Anna Campbell said...

Karyn, definitely not too late! You'll LOVE Tiff's book - it's right up your alley with just that element of the dark that you really respond to. Snorted at your choice of romance trope. Yeah, I think I like that one too!

Tiffany Clare said...

Karyn, Thanks for stopping by... and I agree with Anna, I totally love your trope too! LOL

Caroline Kelly said...

I look forward to seeing the Australian version of this book available through my local bookstore.

My favourite trope involves the term, "casual acquaintance," when referring to work colleagues/family members/neighbours engaging in illicit acts.