Blurb:
Amidst murder and betrayal, destiny and hearts collide when scandal forces a nobleman and a gypsy to marry in this Regency Romance.
Half Romani, half English noblewoman, Evangeline Caruthers is the last woman in England Ian Hamilton, the Viscount Warrick, could ever love—an immoral wanton responsible for his brother’s and father’s deaths. She thinks he’s a foul-tempered blackguard, who after setting out to cause her downfall, finds himself forced to marry her—snared in the trap of his own making.
When Vangie learns the marriage ceremony itself may have been a ruse, she flees to her gypsy relatives, declaring herself divorced from Ian under Romani law. He pursues her to the gypsy encampment, and when the handsome gypsy king offers to take Ian’s place in Vangie’s bed, jealousy stirs hot and dangerous.
At last, under a balmy starlit sky, Ian and Vangie breech the chasm separating them. Peril lurks though. Ian’s the last in his line, and his stepmother intends to dispose of the newlyweds so her daughter can inherit his estate. Only by trusting each other can they overcome scandal and murderous betrayal.
Half Romani, half English noblewoman, Evangeline Caruthers is the last woman in England Ian Hamilton, the Viscount Warrick, could ever love—an immoral wanton responsible for his brother’s and father’s deaths. She thinks he’s a foul-tempered blackguard, who after setting out to cause her downfall, finds himself forced to marry her—snared in the trap of his own making.
When Vangie learns the marriage ceremony itself may have been a ruse, she flees to her gypsy relatives, declaring herself divorced from Ian under Romani law. He pursues her to the gypsy encampment, and when the handsome gypsy king offers to take Ian’s place in Vangie’s bed, jealousy stirs hot and dangerous.
At last, under a balmy starlit sky, Ian and Vangie breech the chasm separating them. Peril lurks though. Ian’s the last in his line, and his stepmother intends to dispose of the newlyweds so her daughter can inherit his estate. Only by trusting each other can they overcome scandal and murderous betrayal.
Excerpt:
Armstrong’s Ball Scene
Noticing the numerous pairs of eyes watching him escort Miss Caruthers onto the polished floor, a wry smile touched Ian's lips. “I haven't danced with any other ladies this evening. No doubt the rumormongers are hissing envious conjectures as to why I've asked you.”
She shot him a startled look before glancing around the ballroom. “Why did you?”
“To see if what I'd heard was true.”
Ian watched for a reaction.
She opened her mouth then closed it. They waltzed around the dance floor for a few moments in silence. The string quartet was quite satisfactory. Ian allowed the lilting strains to soothe his troubled spirit.
“What did you hear?” Miss Caruthers’ soft question reminded him of his purpose.
“That you are an excellent dancer.”
It was true. She moved with natural grace, following his lead, all the while holding herself in a most proper stance. He had to acknowledge she was a superb actress. Her gaze remained fixated on a spot above his left shoulder, except for one brief instance when she'd flicked her cobalt-blue gaze upward, and unintentionally met his eyes.
“Is that all?” she asked softly.
He'd never seen eyes that dark blue before. “All?”
“You've heard nothing else about me?”
Her eyes held the perfect combination of trust and innocent curiosity. So convincing was she, that when their gazes fused, a peculiar jolt stabbed the center of his being. What was it? Something foreign, tantalizing, rousing from dormancy and flickering to awareness.
Startled by his train of thought, he stiffened. Good God, now he was waxing sentimental poppycock. Even so, he continued to stare into her seemingly guileless eyes. How could someone so jaded appear so innocent? He couldn't very well tell her what he knew, now could he?
“Is there something else you would have me know?”
Furrowing her smooth brow, she stared at him. “No.”
Was that confusion in her eyes? She looked away first. That irked him.
Man, control yourself. She's not even flirting with you.
He could better understand Geoff's fascination now. Miss Caruthers was skilled in her art. Most skilled. He would have to guard himself well. He sensed her siren's allure, the tentacles of desire winding their way about his reasoning, holding him in an imperceptible, yet impenetrable grip. It was almost as if she'd cast a spell, bewitching him.
What drivel. He was having difficulty concentrating, though, too aware of the voluptuous woman in his arms, their bodies moving as one to the music. No wonder the young blades were lined up, waiting for the smallest morsel of attention from her. Ian could almost believe she was as diffident and unsure of herself as she pretended. Both qualities were designed to stir the primitive male.
He tamped down the protective response she roused in him with her seductress's wiles. “You truly are an exceptionally graceful dancer,” he murmured in her ear.
“Thank you, my lord.”
His nostrils flared at her intoxicating perfume. He tilted his head a bit closer to hers and drew in a deep breath. Something citrusy. Maybe orange blossom? And lightly floral. Lily of the Valley. He recognized the scent. A myriad of the graceful, nodding white flowers blanketed the grounds near Somersfield's pond.
Ian ignored good sense and drew her lush form closer. Her décolletage and his height advantage gave him an excellent view of her ample cleavage. A diamond pendant was nestled in the valley between her creamy breasts. It gently caressed the sloping mounds as she swayed in time to the music. He imagined his finger doing the same.
Blood rushed to his loins. He'd been too long without a woman. Not since Amelia. . . . Damn, had it really been eight months? He caressed Miss Caruthers’ spine with his thumb. One slow stroke. She shuddered. Was that a gasp? Perhaps she wasn't as poised as she affected.
Excellent.
It was better to catch her off guard if he was to succeed with his plan. Why then, didn't his scheme of vengeance fill him with the same sense of satisfaction it had before meeting her?
Noticing the numerous pairs of eyes watching him escort Miss Caruthers onto the polished floor, a wry smile touched Ian's lips. “I haven't danced with any other ladies this evening. No doubt the rumormongers are hissing envious conjectures as to why I've asked you.”
She shot him a startled look before glancing around the ballroom. “Why did you?”
“To see if what I'd heard was true.”
Ian watched for a reaction.
She opened her mouth then closed it. They waltzed around the dance floor for a few moments in silence. The string quartet was quite satisfactory. Ian allowed the lilting strains to soothe his troubled spirit.
“What did you hear?” Miss Caruthers’ soft question reminded him of his purpose.
“That you are an excellent dancer.”
It was true. She moved with natural grace, following his lead, all the while holding herself in a most proper stance. He had to acknowledge she was a superb actress. Her gaze remained fixated on a spot above his left shoulder, except for one brief instance when she'd flicked her cobalt-blue gaze upward, and unintentionally met his eyes.
“Is that all?” she asked softly.
He'd never seen eyes that dark blue before. “All?”
“You've heard nothing else about me?”
Her eyes held the perfect combination of trust and innocent curiosity. So convincing was she, that when their gazes fused, a peculiar jolt stabbed the center of his being. What was it? Something foreign, tantalizing, rousing from dormancy and flickering to awareness.
Startled by his train of thought, he stiffened. Good God, now he was waxing sentimental poppycock. Even so, he continued to stare into her seemingly guileless eyes. How could someone so jaded appear so innocent? He couldn't very well tell her what he knew, now could he?
“Is there something else you would have me know?”
Furrowing her smooth brow, she stared at him. “No.”
Was that confusion in her eyes? She looked away first. That irked him.
Man, control yourself. She's not even flirting with you.
He could better understand Geoff's fascination now. Miss Caruthers was skilled in her art. Most skilled. He would have to guard himself well. He sensed her siren's allure, the tentacles of desire winding their way about his reasoning, holding him in an imperceptible, yet impenetrable grip. It was almost as if she'd cast a spell, bewitching him.
What drivel. He was having difficulty concentrating, though, too aware of the voluptuous woman in his arms, their bodies moving as one to the music. No wonder the young blades were lined up, waiting for the smallest morsel of attention from her. Ian could almost believe she was as diffident and unsure of herself as she pretended. Both qualities were designed to stir the primitive male.
He tamped down the protective response she roused in him with her seductress's wiles. “You truly are an exceptionally graceful dancer,” he murmured in her ear.
“Thank you, my lord.”
His nostrils flared at her intoxicating perfume. He tilted his head a bit closer to hers and drew in a deep breath. Something citrusy. Maybe orange blossom? And lightly floral. Lily of the Valley. He recognized the scent. A myriad of the graceful, nodding white flowers blanketed the grounds near Somersfield's pond.
Ian ignored good sense and drew her lush form closer. Her décolletage and his height advantage gave him an excellent view of her ample cleavage. A diamond pendant was nestled in the valley between her creamy breasts. It gently caressed the sloping mounds as she swayed in time to the music. He imagined his finger doing the same.
Blood rushed to his loins. He'd been too long without a woman. Not since Amelia. . . . Damn, had it really been eight months? He caressed Miss Caruthers’ spine with his thumb. One slow stroke. She shuddered. Was that a gasp? Perhaps she wasn't as poised as she affected.
Excellent.
It was better to catch her off guard if he was to succeed with his plan. Why then, didn't his scheme of vengeance fill him with the same sense of satisfaction it had before meeting her?
Collette thanks so much for stopping by. So, why don’t you tell us a little about yourself?
Thanks so much for having me here today!
I’m a part-time teacher and adore dachshunds (I have 5). I’m also a bit of a rock hound and bird nut. I’m been married for 30 years...gads, that’s a long time, and I love, love, Cadbury Milk Chocolate.
How did you get started writing?
I’m a part-time teacher and adore dachshunds (I have 5). I’m also a bit of a rock hound and bird nut. I’m been married for 30 years...gads, that’s a long time, and I love, love, Cadbury Milk Chocolate.
How did you get started writing?
I literally sat at my computer in February 2011 and started writing my first book, Highlander’s Hope. I had time with my teaching schedule and my youngest had graduated from high school in June 2010 and was off to college. The timing was right, I guess.
What was the inspiration for your book?
What was the inspiration for your book?
There’s a scene in the book, The Banbury Inn scene, which popped into my mind one day. I wondered if I could write an entire novel around that scene. I did, though the first draft was way too long.
What’s the one genre you haven’t written in yet that you’d like to?
What’s the one genre you haven’t written in yet that you’d like to?
Medieval for sure. I’ve got ideas for a historical paranormal trilogy, a time-travel, and even a contemporary. I have to get the books written about the secondary characters in my first three books first though
Are there any genres you won’t read or write in? Why?
Are there any genres you won’t read or write in? Why?
I don’t read or write horror.
So, what are you working on right now? Got any releases planned, or still writing?
So, what are you working on right now? Got any releases planned, or still writing?
I just finished The Earl’s Enticement, the third book in my trilogy. I
have a stand alone I’m writing next, then am going to start on a Highlander Saga.
Alright, now for some totally random, fun questions. Favorite color? Cobalt or royal blue
Alright, now for some totally random, fun questions. Favorite color? Cobalt or royal blue
Favorite movie? Don’t have one, though I do love the Disney classics!
Book that inspired you to become an author? Truthfully, no book inspired me to become an author. I did read a lot of romance and fell in love with Kathleen Woodiwiss’s The Flame and the Flower.
Alright, you have one superpower. What is it? Oh, a superpower! Hmm, the ability to get everything done ten times faster than I do now! There just aren’t enough hours in the day.
That’s kind of boring though. How about time travel? Then I can go back and see what was really going on during the time periods I write in.
You can have dinner with any 3 people, dead, alive, fictitious, etc. Who are they? Jesus, Jane Austen, and Benjamin Franklin.
Last question: Which of your characters are you most like and how/why?
Alright, you have one superpower. What is it? Oh, a superpower! Hmm, the ability to get everything done ten times faster than I do now! There just aren’t enough hours in the day.
That’s kind of boring though. How about time travel? Then I can go back and see what was really going on during the time periods I write in.
You can have dinner with any 3 people, dead, alive, fictitious, etc. Who are they? Jesus, Jane Austen, and Benjamin Franklin.
Last question: Which of your characters are you most like and how/why?
Everyone tells me, Yvette from Highlander’s Hope, reminds them of me, but I don’t think she’s like me except for her hair and eye color. I deliberately make my heroines totally different than me, though bits of my personality slips in. For instance, all my heroines love dogs. I do too.
That’s all from me, thanks so much for taking the time to stop by!
That’s all from me, thanks so much for taking the time to stop by!
Thanks for hosting me today! It’s been a pleasure.
Collette will be awarding a $25.00 Amazon gift card and an ecopy of Highlander's Hope, the first book in the series, to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. So the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.
October 14: The Most Happy Reader
October 14: The Most Happy Reader
October 15: Bunny's Review
October 17: Andi's Book Reviews
October 18: Reviews Unleashed
October 21: Love Saves the World
October 21 SECOND STOP: Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
October 22: Writing Novels That Sell
October 23: Book Reviews by Xunaira J.
October 24: Rachel Brimble Romance
October 25: Buried Under Romance
October 28: Stitch Read Cook
October 29: Queen of the Night Reviews
October 31: Punya Reviews...
October 31 SECOND STOP Books and Other Spells
November 1: It's Raining Books
November 4: Dawn's Reading Nook Blog
November 5: Sharing Links and Wisdom
November 7: Journey with Books
November 8: Long and Short Reviews
Author Bio and Links:
A life-long Oregonian, Collette Cameron was born and raised in a small town along the northern Oregon coast. Today she makes her home in a rural community, 30 minutes west of Portland. Her Victorian farmhouse sits on a one-acre certified wildlife habit, interspersed with a plethora of gardens: English, rose, butterfly, rock, water, and of course, vegetable.
A voracious reader of romance since her teens, she even named her daughter after a heroine in her favorite romance novel. An enthusiast of times gone by, and anything related to romance, she writes Historical Romance, with a dash of inspiration, a pinch of humor, and a liberal portion of suspense.
Having dabbled in interior decorating in her youth, Collette returned to school, graduating summa cum laude from Oregon State University, and went on to obtain her Master's Degree in Teaching. She is member of Romance Writers of America, Rose City Romance Writers, The
A voracious reader of romance since her teens, she even named her daughter after a heroine in her favorite romance novel. An enthusiast of times gone by, and anything related to romance, she writes Historical Romance, with a dash of inspiration, a pinch of humor, and a liberal portion of suspense.
Having dabbled in interior decorating in her youth, Collette returned to school, graduating summa cum laude from Oregon State University, and went on to obtain her Master's Degree in Teaching. She is member of Romance Writers of America, Rose City Romance Writers, The
Beau Monde, and Love Faith and Hope, Inc., and a whole slew of other author/writer groups.
Some of Collette's favorite things include unique blends of coffees and teas, trivia, Cadbury Milk Chocolate, inspirational quotes, and scented candles. Her Christian faith, husband, three adult children, and five miniature dachshunds round out her life quite nicely! When she's not teaching or writing, she enjoys amateur photography, bird watching, gardening, interior decorating, rock-hunting, boating or fishing on the Columbia River, and reading of course.
To connect with Collette, please visit her website or Blue Rose Romance.
She can also be found on:
Some of Collette's favorite things include unique blends of coffees and teas, trivia, Cadbury Milk Chocolate, inspirational quotes, and scented candles. Her Christian faith, husband, three adult children, and five miniature dachshunds round out her life quite nicely! When she's not teaching or writing, she enjoys amateur photography, bird watching, gardening, interior decorating, rock-hunting, boating or fishing on the Columbia River, and reading of course.
To connect with Collette, please visit her website or Blue Rose Romance.
She can also be found on:
Book Trailer
I love that excerpt.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview thank you. I'm a fan of Disney classics myself.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I always get a warm, fuzzy feeling when I watch them.
DeleteExcellent interview! Highly recommend Viscount's Vow. You won't be able to put it down.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joanne. We authors always love hearing that!
DeleteThanks for the chance to win. :)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Sally. Good luck!
DeleteNice interview, thank you.
ReplyDeleteKit3247(at)aol(dot)com
It's nice to see you here today, Rita.
DeleteThanks so much for hosting today. It's a wet, gloomy day here. The birds flitting around my feeders are sweet, and there's a squirrel gathering walnuts for the winter.
ReplyDeleteIt's a gloomy and drizzly day here. Kind of depressing...or romantic if you've got the right book, boy, and chocolate combo!
ReplyDeleteandralynn7 AT gmail DOT com
It's all about perspective, isn't it Andra?
DeleteGreat interview. Thanks for sharing it and the giveaway. evamillien at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteGreat interview!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win!
natasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com