I had the pleasure of meeting Ella at RWA’s National Conference in Atlanta this summer. She is a very active member of The Beau Monde chapter, of which I am considerably new. She is a delightful person, vivacious, gregarious, and all around friendly. I welcome her and you. Be sure to comment for a chance to win one of her magnificent titles.
Kathy, thank you so much for having me on your blog today.
Ella Quinn
When Kathy told me she’d rather have me write something about my book, rather than do an interview, I have to admit I froze. I can give you the blurb, and an excerpt, which I will do, but what else would you be interested in? Then I thought, what is different about my books, and I harkened back to a recent conversation I had with another Regency author, who said to me, “No one is writing books like yours.” What does that mean? My books are traditional Regencies, but with the bedroom door (as well as the parlor, carriage, cottage, etc) wide open.
One of the things I love about authors such as Georgette Heyer is that the customs and mores of the time play a large role in her books. What always frustrated me was the lack of sex. Granted she wrote in a much different era, but nevertheless, when I began writing I wanted to remain true to the customs and satisfy my need for a spicier read. I think, at least I hope, I’ve accomplished that goal.
Research helped a great deal. Did you know, for example, that during the Regency over 50% of births took place in less than 9 months of the marriage? Or there were plays featuring female characters masquerading as men? This was also a time of political and social progressive thinking. All in all, it gave me a lot to work with.
How do you like your Regencies or other historicals?
I’m giving away either a copy of either The Temptation of Lady Serena the 3rd book in my series The Marriage Game or, the first book, The Seduction of Lady Phoebe, to one commenter who says she wants the book.
The Seduction of Lady Phoebe
Blurb The Temptation of Lady Serena:
Ella Quinn’s bachelors in The Marriage Game series are charming and cunning when it comes to the ways of love—until the right woman captures their unsuspecting hearts…
Custom-made gowns…nights at the theater…and a host of eligible bachelors. Accustomed to living a quiet life in the Scottish Borderlands, Lady Serena Weir has never had any of these luxuries. But when Serena’s brother demands she finally have a Season in London, she’s thrust into a glamorous world she’s only dreamed of…
Robert, Viscount Beaumont remembers all too well what it feels like to be in love. That is why he must keep his distance from Serena. He’s only felt his pulse stir the way it does now when he made the mistake of loving the wrong woman once before. Yet the more he strives to resist his feelings, the nearer he is to falling under Serena’s seductive spell…
Excerpt of The Temptation of Lady Serena
The ladies completed the first of their shopping and returned to St. Eth House. Phoebe followed Serena up to her parlor,
The Temptation of Lady Serena
sat down at the small writing table, took a sheet of paper, and dipped the nib of the quill into the standish.
“Now then,” Phoebe said, in an efficient tone, “tell me what you want in a husband. What must you have to make you happy in marriage?”
“You make it sound like shopping.” Serena grinned. “Are you really going to make a list?”
Phoebe’s lips tilted up. “Of course. There is a reason it’s called the Marriage Mart, you know. It’s very much like shopping, although choosing a husband is more frustrating—and enjoyable—at the same time.”
Serena sat on the small chaise. “I’ve never seriously considered the question of what I would like.” She paused. “The attributes with which he must be endowed.” Thoughts jumbled, then fell into place. “Very well. Sufficient fortune to support a family. A country estate. Kindness. He shouldn’t want to rule me. I realize that, under the law, he is allowed to do so, but I could not bear it.”
She glanced at her cousin. “It would be nice if he were handsome. Though, if he met my other requirements, I could overlook that. Superior understanding. I could not abide being married to a stupid man. A sense of humor is important. As long as he is a gentleman, I don’t care about his rank. And I want a love match.”
Phoebe put her pen down. “I should warn you, the heart is an independent organ. It is very difficult to tell it whom to love and whom not to. We must hope yours chooses wisely.”
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The Temptation of Lady Serena available through Kensington. Other buy links:
Amazon Canada – http://amzn.to/13OW4Fn
Amazon US – http://amzn.to/1ckTNY3
Amazon UK – http://amzn.to/198ENaV
Kensington – http://bit.ly/1b6z328
The Seduction of Lady Phoebe is available for pre-order.
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Thank you so much for visiting, Ella. I know we’ll stay in touch. The Beau Monde chapter is a fabulous venue for us Regency authors. It was wonderful meeting you and having you stop by.
Until next time . . . Kathy L Wheeler
I’m so glad you came by, Ann!
Thank you, Toni. The more I research, the more I find men and women haven’t changed much, though social rules certainly have.
Thank you so much, Lana. I’m just glad they start releasing next month.
I think this is interesting as well. Everyday I’m surprised at the news and how American Society makes sex seem dirty and unnatural. I wonder how the people who coll romance “smut” think they were conceived. But going back in history shows that it wasn’t just us, but other cultures as well. I think that’s why I love period romance. We find ways to take the rigidity and turn it into something we believe it was meant to be. Eeek! my soapbox.
Wonderful post. Thank you!
Thank you Kathy and Ella.
Ella I would definitely be interested in a copy of one of your books so thanks you for giving us this opportunity.
As for your post, I find that fascinating that 50% of births happened within 9 months! It makes sense though as we have never ceased to be human and that most primitive part of us is natural. I agree that the spicier flare in the bedroom is much more interesting and true to character for then and now. Thanks so much for sharing with us today.
Wonderful post, Ella! Can’t wait to read Temptation! Nice excerpt!
Kathy that so nice of you to say!
Thank you so much, Celia. I love the cover as well!!
Ella has all the makings….I think she’ll go far, don’t you?
GREAT post – very interesting to hear a writers thoughts just flow! LOVE the cover and look forward to your wild (and spicy) success!
You’re right Alicia! That’s always the catch! Thank you so much.
hahahahahahaha. So literal, you are!
Oooh, I like the idea of putting a little more sizzle in Regencies. Your books sound wonderful, and I would love to have one. (I noticed in your post you said you would give away a book to one commenter who said they wanted one, not that many remembered to say it :-)) Thank you for sharing an interesting post!
They certainly offer more entertainment. Actually, my husband is reading one of my favorite Regencies right now, Something About Emmaline, by Elizabeth Boyle. Be interesting to see if, not only he FINISHES it, but reads BETWEEN the
sheetsuh…lines too!Thank you so much Calisa!! I’m so glad you liked it!
Thank you so much, Lauren. And than you for all your help on it. It wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you!
Thanks.
Thank you so much, Lyn!! I can’t wait for the first release next month!
Hi Ella and Kathy. I love the cover! Wonderful excerpt. Great job.
What a lovely website, Kathy. Nice!
Wonderful post Kathy and Ella. I love the idea of a traditional regency but with bedroom door open. The Temptation of Lady Serena is going to be a fantastic book! I LOVE THE COVER!
Love the excerpt, Ella! I’m about to start reading your books. Can’t wait to sink my teeth into them!
Lyn
Good point, Ann! someone deserves to get some, somewhere, sometime…
I agree with you, Ann!
Thank you, Sandra. I really love that cover!
Thank you, Callie. But I think there were ladies who we would think of as more modern. For example, the real life Lady Phoebe Stanhope, left Polite Society to live in a cottage when she wasn’t traveling around Egypt and the Levant. There are also accounts of a few ladies fighting duels. Part of the problem is that many letters and other material concerning some of the more daring behavior was burnt by their children during the Victorian era.
Thanks, Callie. That is so true. It’s all about balance, isn’t it? Which changes over the years for readers.
Yay!!!! Thank you. Teeny glitch in the system. The official error is referred to “Operator Error”. That would be, Me. Thank you for trying again.
Thank you for stopping by, Liza!
Oh look we can comment. The boards said I couldn’t.
I tweeted!
Hi Ella & Kathy,
Good article. What I like about today’s Regency stories is the extra ‘oomph’ in the bedroom, but also how the heroine is usually anything but your typical ton lady of years ago. Today’s readers want more ‘modern day’ thinking of its heroines and it’s a fine line between being historically accurate and pleasing the reader. Best of luck with your books;. Very excited for you!
Great post and excerpt, Ella, and a truly beautiful cover!
I’m with Ella. I want more sex in real life but when that doesn’t happen I certainly want the beloved characters to get some. Plus reading spicy romance helps set the mood.
Thanks, so much Collette. I’m glad they are coming out so close together, but it’s a lot of work.
Another fabulous interview, Ella!
I’m thinking I’m going to have a wonderful fall, snuggled up your books, a cup of coffee or tea, and Ayva in my lap.
I for one am very grateful for your historical research expertise.
Thank you, Andrea!!
Great excerpt.
Thank you so much for stopping by, Barbara!!
I’m thrilled to have you! These look like excellent reads, I’ll be picking up my copies.
Loved the post, Ella and Kathy. I’m still a fan of Georgette Heyer’s work, Ella, although I agree with you–I’d like a bit more heat in the romance. For all she was historically accurate, I’m sure the couples then were more ‘interactive’ than portrayed. LOL. Your research seems to show that.
I would love a copy of your book.
Tweeted and shared.
Hi Kathy!! It was great meeting you at Nationals, and I’m thrilled to be on your blog!
That was a fun, informative post, Ella! Thanks for sharing.
Welcome, Ella.