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We have lots of stuff to giveaway to you all and we are bringing our 30th birthday in style. =)
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Monday, May 20, 2013
Interview + Giveaway with Samantha Grace
Welcome to our Virtual tour stop of Samantha Grace's Lady Vivian Defies a Duke brought to you by Sourcebooks.
First of all, thanks so much for inviting me to be a guest at Book Lovin’ Mamas today. I’m looking forward to chatting with readers!
Hmm… This question is a tough one. I’m pretty open about a lot of things, so I’m not sure if there’s much left that readers don’t know, or would find interesting. But I’ll give it a shot. (1) I’m a little on the clumsy side, but I have great balance so it rarely ends with me getting hurt. My hubby says I can’t walk a straight line because I always end up bumping into him. I think he gets in my way! (2) I tend to embarrass myself in a grand fashion, like the time I walked out of the ladies’ room with the back of my skirt tucked into my hose just as a big conference was letting out at the hospital where I was working. (3) I went “swimming” with dolphins on our last vacation and it wasn’t very fun. Maybe because there was no swimming involved. Mainly it was just doing silly things like dancing with a dolphin (i.e. gently holding his flippers) while posing for pictures. But I guess it beats dining with sharks!
2. What does a typical writing day look like for you?
I’m not sure I have typical days anymore. Often something comes up that needs my immediate attention, so my plans have to be adjusted. I feel like I’m flying from the seat of my pants half the time. But on a slow day, I start out checking my email, FB, & Twitter. I comment on and promote the writers’ blog I manage, Lady Scribes. Then I start on my list for the day. I set goals for myself on what I need to get done, such as “Write a synopsis for next book”, “Critique two chapters”, “Finish chapter fifteen”. I have to take a break about every 20-30 minutes to stretch, so I use that time to throw laundry in the washer, pay a bill, etc.
3. Tell us a little bit about "Lady Vivian Defies a Duke", and why readers should check it out?
Here’s a short summary:
THE NAKED TRUTH
Lady Vivian Worth knows perfectly well how to behave like a lady. But observing proper manners when no one is around to impress is just silly. Why shouldn’t she strip down to her chemise for a swim? When her betrothed arrives to finally meet her, Vivi will act every inch the lady—demure, polite, compliant. Everything her brother has promised the man. But until then, she’s going to enjoy her freedom…
A REVEALING DISCOVERY
Luke Forest, the newly named Duke of Foxhaven, wants nothing to do with his inheritance—or the bride who comes with it. He wants adventure and excitement, like the enchanting water nymph he’s just stumbled across. When he discovers the skinny-dipping minx is his intended, he reconsiders his plan to find Lady Vivian another husband. Because the idea of this vivacious woman in the arms of another man might be enough to drive him insane—or to the altar.
I love romantic comedies, and this book reminds me of a Goldie Hawn movie (Seems Like Old Times; Private Benjamin; Foul Play). You have the sweet, adorable girl-next-door who gets herself into hot water time and again only to come out victorious in the end. If you’re a reader who likes lighter romance novels with heart, this story was written with you in mind.
4. What was the easiest and hardest scene to write in "Lady Vivian Defies a Duke"?
The easiest scene had to be the opening when Luke comes across Vivian at the spring. I enjoyed the banter between them. The hardest scene had to be when Vivian and Luke were in church and then at the picnic later. I rewrote it seven times before I submitted it to my editor. I don’t know why I struggled with it, but something was just off for a time.
5. Tell us some characteristics of Luke Forest and why readers will fall head over heels for him?
Although he’s a duke, Luke is humble. He has a great sense of humor and doesn’t get upset easily. What I like most about him is how accepting he is of other people, maybe because he has empathy after going through his own ordeal. He knows what it’s like not to measure up to expectations, so he doesn’t impose strict expectations on others. I love how he not only accepts Vivian for who she is, but he encourages her sense of adventure. I think readers who like a passionate, romantic, and truly decent guy could easily fall in love with Luke.
6. What kind of character is your favorite to write and your least favorite to write?
I enjoy writing all kinds of characters. Just as each person is different, I love trying to create a distinct personality for each character in my books.
I guess if I had to pick a least favorite character to write, it would be a very prim and proper one, unless I can take it over the top and make him or her funny. I like characters that go against stereotypes and traditional roles. They’re more interesting to me.
7. What kind of research did you have to do for "Lady Vivian Defies a Duke?"
Most of my research was on marriage contracts during this period, although I did a little research on the search for the Antarctic too.
8. Fun Question: If you travel back in time, what era would you travel to and why?
Not as far as one might think. I would love to see the twenties. I love the lively music and dance. The clothes were awesome! And it was a time when we began to see women bucking tradition. We were on the cusp of change and that seems exciting to me.
9. What is up next for Samantha Grace?
I’m working on a new series called Rival Rogues, and I’m having a blast writing it. It’s about a friendly rivalry between two gentlemen who’ve been competing against each other since they were boys at boarding school. When their attentions turn toward courting the same young woman, their rivalry ceases to be a game, however. One gentleman will take desperate measures to win her heart, and the other will have to face the aftermath of losing the lady and learn the true meaning of love.
10. Do you have anything specific you want to tell your readers?
I love to hear what readers have to say, so I’d like to ask what kind of characters are their favorite to read. And I’d like to give away a copy of Lady Vivian Defies a Duke to one reader today. (US and Canada only.)
Lady Vivian Defies a Duke
(Beau Monde #4)
by: Samantha Grace
Publishing Date: 5/7/13
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Historical Romance
Description:
Lady Vivian Worth knows perfectly well how to behave like a lady. But observing proper manners when no one is around to impress is just plain silly. When Luke Forest, the newly named Duke of Foxhaven, arrives early to visit his bride-to-be, he catches Vivian acting most unladylike—in her chemise. Though amused by her unconventional ways, Luke hadn't planned on marrying such a sprightly and opinionated lady. He'll just have to find her another husband. But can he stand to see the vivacious woman in the arms of someone else?
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Purchase at Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound | Chapters/Indigo | Kobo | Sony | Sourcebooks | Discover a New Love
Samantha Grace is the author of several Regency romance novels. Publisher's Weekly describes her stories as "fresh and romantic" with subtle humor and charm. She writes what she enjoys reading: romantic comedies about family, friendship, and flawed characters who learn how to love deeply.
Samantha is a part-time hospice social worker, moonlighting author, and full time wife and mom. She enjoys life in the Midwest with her husband, two witty kids, and a multitude of characters that spring from her imagination.
One paperback copy of Lady Vivian Defies a Duke
Giveaway is OPEN to U.S. and Canada Residents ONLY.
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18 comments:
Great cover- sexy man. Bad boys are my favorite.
I like characters who make mistakes but learn from them.
Congrats on the new release. Lady Vivian Defies a Duke sounds fantastic. Can't wait to read it to see more of Vivian and Luke. Is this the last book in the Beau Monde series?
I have been loving this series & can't wait to read this one! Love your cover art, too! Thanks for the great interview & chance to win!
Looks really good. Will any of the secondary characters might
get their own novel, if they deserve one?
I definitely like bad boys with a sense of humor and feisty, smart, and fun heroines.
Hi, everyone! I'm so sorry I'm late in responding. I worked my day job and I ended up working a 10 hour day. Then I couldn't leave a comment from my phone. Blasted technology! But thank you so much for stopping by today. :)
Sheila, bad boys are always popular. A man that will give a woman a run for her money. Gotta love him!
Maureen, I love characters who aren't perfect, but I definitely want to see them learn from their mistakes. Having them repeat the same mistakes over and over makes me want to shake some sense into them. :D
Joanne,
Yes, this is the fourth book. The order goes: Miss Hillary Schools a Scoundrel (1st), Lady Amelia's Mess and a Half (2nd), Miss Lavigne's Little White Lie (3rd), Lady Vivian Defies a Duke (4th). But each story stands alone, so you don't have to read the other books to understand any of the others. However, most people have said they liked reading them in order. :)
Thank you, Sharlene! I had an amazing cover artist for these books. I count myself very lucky! :)
Thanks, divavixenqueen! I had a lot of fun writing this story. In this particular book, some of the secondary characters have already had their story. Drew and Lana play matchmaker for Luke and Vivian. Drew is Luke's brother, and he met his soulmate in Miss Hillary Schools a Scoundrel.
I don't know if any of the other secondary characters will end up with a story. Sometimes they surprise me and let me know they have a good story to tell. Then I have to write it. :)
Hi, Barbara!
I looove a man with a sense of humor. Someone who can keep me on my toes and surprise me with his wit is at the top of the list for me. :)
Sounds like a great read!!
Thanks for the chance to win!
Thank you, Natasha! :)
Meghan,
My husband is my inspiration for every book I write. I didn't know what it meant to be loved well until he came into my life. :)
PUUUUUURR SAMANTHA!! LOVE YOUR BOOK!
Oh this sounds like so much fun! I've become a sucker for romantic comedies lately.
Hotcha12,
Hahaha... You just made my day. :)
Hi, Brooklyn Ann! I love romantic comedies, and I've had a blast writing them. :)
I love a spirited regency romance. Especially when the heroine is the on who defies convention. The cover caught my attention but the blurb reeled me in.
Hi, I just read the short description of your book and I find it charming! looks like an amusing summer read! I would love to get a chance to read and review your book, in exchange I will publish my review on Goodreads etc..Gorgeous cover!
You must be a very happy person and have a good sense of humor to write a story like this one! thanks for the iveaway!nlaverdure88@videotron.ca