What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write A Duke Is Always Intrigued?
I have always had a vivid imagination that allowed me to create these different worlds or scenes and sometimes those stories inspire me to put them on paper in the hope that others will enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed creating them. While creating this series, I wanted to include a Scottish duke and when I introduced him in book two of the series, A Duke Always Has a Secret, I knew Ian had to have his own story. His character developed more in book three, A Duke Always Breaks the Rules. Ian was a fun character with a strong personality. When writing A Duke Is Always Intrigued, I wanted Ian to meet a lady that was just as bold and vivacious as he was. Emma was a perfect match for him, and I loved writing their story and seeing their love unfold.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of A Duke Is Always Intrigued, what would they be?
This was a hard one for me. I suppose I would pick Sharp Dressed Man by ZZ Top for Ian. I can just picture him wearing his kilt and looking very stylish.
The other song that I would pick is really more for both Ian and Emma, I’ve Got You Under My Skin by the great Frank Sinatra. I think it sums up how Ian feels about Emma. No matter how much he tries to resist her, he simply can’t get her out of his mind. She is just one of those ladies a man has a hard time resisting.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Regency romances have always been my favorite since I was a teen, staying up long into the night reading by flashlight. The first romances I read were by Barbara Cartland, and I have been an avid reader of the genre ever since. I also enjoy contemporary romances with strong male characters and a bit of danger. While regency is my favorite to read as well as to write, I am exploring other genres.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
There are so many great authors of the genre out there and my list is incredibly long, but here are a few in my queue. Secrets of a Duke’s Daughter by Samantha Holt, A Wager with a Duke by Tamara Gill, and The Heiress Bride by Madeline Hunter. I am also rereading the Effington family series by Victoria Alexander.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
I love the beginning scene where Ian and Emma meet. It set the stage for her personality and was just a fun scene to write. I also love the ending. I don’t want to give too much away but Ian shows us how far he will go for the woman he loves, and I can’t help but find him totally swoon worthy.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
While I would enjoy writing in a secluded quiet library with soft classical music playing in the background, my sweet dog Monster laying at my feet begging for Cheetos, and a cup of hot English breakfast tea steeping before me, that is not my life. Instead, I find myself squeezing in writing time between my dogs barking constantly, my kids visiting from college, and my husband inquiring about the next book’s progress.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Striving for perfection is ok, but don’t let yourself get so hung up on everything being perfect and being successful that you don’t take chances, or you pass up on an experience because you are afraid of failing.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
When I write it’s like being transported to a different world or a different time. It’s my escape and that is what I would want for my readers, to have an escape from their everyday lives, to smile or laugh and develop a love for the characters.
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