Thursday, July 28, 2011

Author Interview and Giveaway with Miranda Neville

I am ubber excited to share with you guys this great interview I did with an amazing author and a fast favorite of mine. She WOW'd me with her book 'The Dangerous Viscount' , which featured a Virgin hero, and now, it looks like another Virgin will make themselves notable in outstanding fashion with her latest book!
Please enjoy my chat with the lovely, Miranda Neville:

About The Author:

"I grew up in beautiful Wiltshire in southwest England. During my misspent youth I devoured the works of Georgette Heyer, Jean Plaidy and any other historical novels I could lay hands on. As a result I attended the University of Oxford to study history, ignoring all hints that economics might be a more practical subject. I spent several years writing catalogues of rare books and original letters and manuscripts for Sotheby's auction house in London and New York. Much of my time in this job was spent reading the personal correspondence of the famous. This confirmed my suspicion that the most interesting thing about history is people. I'm also a sucker for a happy ending: I howled in the back of geography class when I was supposed to be learning about German coalfields because I hated --HATED -- the end of Gone With The Wind. I still haven't forgiven Margaret Mitchell.
A few years ago I decided to write an historical romance. How hard could it be? Wrong. Several manuscripts under-the-bed (or deep in the hard drive) later, HarperCollins bought NEVER RESIST TEMPTATION, published in 2009 by Avon Books.
I now live in beautiful rural Vermont with my daugher Becca, a college student and confirmed drama queen, and two cats who are never on the right side of any door."Source

 Find Miranda Neville onlineWebsite | Blog | Facebook | Twitter


About the Book:


Being kidnapped teaches Miss Celia Seaton a few things about life

LESSON ONE

Never disrobe in front of a gentleman ... unless his request comes at gunpoint.

LESSON TWO

If, when lost on the moors, you encounter Tarquin Compton, the leader of London society who ruined your marriage prospects, deny any previous acquaintance.

LESSON THREE

If offered an opportunity to get back at Mr. Compton, the bigger the lie, the better. A faux engagement should do nicely.

LESSON FOUR

Not all knowledge is found between the covers of a book. But an improper book may further your education in ways you never guessed.

And while an erotic novel may be entertaining, 
the real thing is even better


Get Your Copy Today:

The Interview

RJ: Hello Miranda! Welcome back to Not Another Romance Blog! Congrats on the release of your latest historical, The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton (Book 3-The Burgundy Club series, July 26th, 2011, Avon)! How excited are you for this book’s publication? Does this book have special meaning to you?
MN: Tarquin, the hero of The Amorous Education, has been with me a long time. He was the hero's best friend in my first book, a work that will never see the light of day. I still wanted to write Tarquin's story so I transferred him, with some tweaking, into the Burgundy Club. I'm very excited that his book is finally appearing after such a long journey.

RJ: Why don't you tell me and the readers a little bit about what they will find when they crack open The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton?
MN: Tarquin is a dandy and a society leader who can be quite rude, especially to debutantes. He needs to be brought down, so I stripped him of his clothing and his memory and left him at the mercy of one of his victims. The story is about how Celia discovers the heroic and lovable man beneath the social polish. Along the way to HEA they overcome hunger, villains, interfering relatives, lost treasures and their own views of themselves and each other.

RJ: This release is the latest book in the Burgundy Club series. During your last visit to this blog, you told us about the premise of the series, but as time goes on I think the series begins to grow and change as well. What changes or notable additions to the series can you remark on?
MN: Each installment of the series has turned out differently. The Wild Marquis has a strong mystery as background; The Dangerous Viscount is purely a relationship book, without external subplot. The Amorous Education is a combination of the two but with a different flavor - a sexy romp. Each is very much its own book but tied together by recurring characters.

RJ: Did you pick up any interesting tid-bits while researching for the book and/or did you incorporate any unique elements in your story?
MN: Celia's "Amorous Education" comes from The Genuine Amours, a naughty novel. This is a real book, dated 1796, and all the quotes are from a rare volume I discovered in the British Library in London. Celia learns a lot from Tarquin, too!

RJ: Tarquin Compton is the most fashionable dandy in all of London, but who is the man behind the smartly cut waistcoat? Tell us more about his character. And tell us about the woman who brings him to his knees. How do they work as a couple?
MN: I had to ask myself, what makes a man a dandy? The story of his childhood and the uncle who influenced him is revealed in the book. A big part of Tarquin's emotional journey is rediscovering the person he was before a youthful tragedy, and balancing his own desires with gratitude to his mentor. Celia, on the face of it, is his opposite: unfashionable and socially awkward. But she has a snarky humor blended with courage that brings out the best in him. I hope by the end readers will be in no doubt of this unlikely couple's happiness.

RJ: I love strong main characters, but having amazing secondary characters gives a book that extra “umph”. Give us the scoop on a notable secondary character in The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton. What’s their name, occupation, and a random fact about them?
MN: Diana and Sebastian, the couple from The Dangerous Viscount, play a part in the book, as does Diana's sister Minerva. There's one new character, the mysterious and charming Countess Czerny, whom I think quite intriguing. She's a potential rival for Tarquin's hand and something of an adventuress. Don't worry, Celia has another admirer too. Equal opportunities for jealousy! Fact: Countess Czerny buys her clothes in Paris.

RJ: In a small paragraph, write the blurb to your life as it is-but exaggerated to how you ideally wish it were.
MN: I grew up in England and moved to New York City to work at Sotheby's auction house. After my marriage I moved to Vermont where I still live. I have one beautiful daughter who has never left her room untidy in her entire life. I now write romance novels which flow from my pen without the slightest effort. (Guess which bits aren't true.)

RJ: What makes a good romance to you and who are your favorite authors?
MN: All I want is a pair of likable and convincing characters whose story I can enjoy as they wend their way to an emotionally satisfying HEA. I love smart people, clever dialogue and humor. On the other hand Patricia Gaffney's To Have and To Hold is one of the best romances I've ever read and there's not much humor there. With so many authors I adore, I will restrict myself to a handful of the very best: Loretta Chase, Eloisa James, Madeline Hunter, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Mary Jo Putney … I could go on for hours!

RJ: What projects are you currently working on and what do the readers (and me!) have to look forward to next from you?
MN: I'm in the middle of revisions for Confessions from an Arranged Marriage. The heroine is Minerva Montrose and the book will appear in April 2012.

RJ: Picture this: Some major motion picture studio buys the film rights to The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton and want to make it into a movie. They bring you in as a consultant (since you wrote the book and everything-LOL). They ask you to come up with an ‘ideal’ cast list. Which actors would make that list?
MN: Richard Armitage! Without him as Tarquin, the deal is off. For Celia I envision Cate Blanchett: not conventionally pretty but stunning and with a strong personality.
--

Miranda's Question:
Summer's the traditional time for lazing in a hammock with a good book. What are you planning to read? One commenter will win a copy of The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton to take to the beach.


~*~GIVEAWAY DETAILS~*~
Miranda has generously offered to giveaway a copy of 'The Amorous Education of Celia Seton' to (1) one lucky commenter! All you have to do to be eligible to win is answer Miranda's question above in the comments below! The giveaway will end on August 11th and the winner will be announced and contacted shortly thereafter.

34 comments:

  1. right now I'm reading Kissing Comfort, next on my TBR list is Savor the Danger and of course The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton! sounds like a great read I love historicals!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Congratulations to Miranda on the release of The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton. It sounds fabulous! Right now I'm reading
    "Guarding a Notorious Lady" by Olivia Parker and next up is "Secrets to Seducing a Scot" by Michelle Marcos.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Next week Donna MacMeans has Redeeming the Rogue coming out. I'm really looking forward to reading it.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your book sounds so good and I'd love to read it.

    Oh, I'm planning to read lots of books! I got one today, The Memory Palace, which is a memoir about a woman growing up with a mentally unstable mother. Another one I plan to read before too long is the newest Megan Chance historical, nonromance, City of Ashe. I've got a couple of m/m romances coming too!

    Thanks for the giveaway,
    niteofblu at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Right now I am reading Larissa Ione's Demonica series (I just found these a couple of months ago and just got the last of the series so now I am reading them all in order). It's anyone's guess what I will be reading next.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm looking forward to reading your and Victoria Dahl's new release It's Always Been You (both of which I don't have on my TBR yet). I do have a couple of books on my TBR that I am planning to read soon, unless I get distracted by the other 70 or so books I have - Kaki Warner's Heartbreak Creek and Meredith Duran's A Lady's Lesson in Scandal. Ahhhh...so many books, so little time. ;)

    abbydillon16 AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  7. i have a whole slew of books in my TBR pile i just keep buying and buying i cant help myself and in sept i am having 3 days by the lake for fishing and there is a hammock so i normally pack at least 10-15 books hahaha just in case im in the mood for one thing over the other. i bought some of yours recently there on my pile as well. congrats on the release of The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton im excited bout it

    babydoll82959307(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  8. My TBR list is HUGE! Right now I am reading When You Dare by Lori Foster. I have Karen Rose's You Belong To Me next up and then..I haven't gotten that far!
    jepebATverizonDOTnet

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hello, Miranda! I affectionately call my TBR pile "the avalanche"--one day it's gonna get me ; ) Two of the books that I plan to read very soon were written by you, and I'd love to add the third book! I have been fascinated by the "Burgundy Club" series from the beginning. I was captivated by Juliana and her book shop from "The Wild Marquis". Sebastian, "The Dangerous Viscount" is beyond delicious! I recently purchased these two books, and I would love to add "The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton"! I would then indulge in one long, lovely session with the entire series ; )

    US Resident, GFC Follower, Subscriber

    gcwhiskas at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I have have a huge TBR pile to get too (& your book is on list too of course) that it's sometimes pretty hard to decide just which one to pick next & of course there's always that new one being released that further confounds the issue ;)

    Congrats on your release; I quite enjoyed the 1st 2 and am looking forward to finding that hammock, a cool drink & some time to read it :)

    gamistress66 (at) aol (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Tarquin! Tarquin! Tarquin! (I'm reading the icehouse scene right now)

    I have a towering TBR pile as well but the next one is a YA (I like to switch around genres).

    I also can't wait to read Minerva's story! What about the Montrose boys (poor Will!)? Will they get their HEAs as well?

    ironss [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  12. My TBR pile is huge, so I'm definitively looking forward to hanging out in the hammock with a book or two. Some of the books in my TBR pile are:
    Primal Law by J.D. Tyler, Till Dawn with The Devil by Alexandra Hawkins and Hands of Flame by C.E. Murphy.

    marieimy (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I've read some great books this summer including Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison (probably my favorite book of the summer) and The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa. The one goal I did have though, I'm not going to accomplish. I wanted to finish Karen Marie Moning's Fever series (I've got three books to go), but I just haven't had the time.

    Best wishes on the new release. I'd love to read it.
    jen at delux dot com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Miranda, your book sounds fantastic. LOVE the lessons--that grabbed me from the get-go. Currently, I'm reading Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, but I saw someone mention Olivia Parker up there, and I gasped. What! She has a new release?? ::runs to B&N immediately::

    ReplyDelete
  15. Your book sounds great.. I have a large TBR pile right next to my recliner and continue to add to it.. Right now I am reading Dakota Cassidy's accidentially Catty.. I am hoping to widdle down my pile, but I know I will be hitting the bookstore and will be adding to it, sometimes I think it grows over night on its own.. Good luck and congrats on your new book! Take Care
    Chris

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi Miranda,

    I'm currently reading A Lady's Lesson in Scandal by Meredith Duran. After that, I have six books to my immediate TBR Pile:
    1. Tamed by a Highlander :: Paula Quinn
    2. Lady of Seduction :: Laurel McKee
    3. The Taming of the Rake :: Kasey Michaels
    4. Pleasure Me :: Monica Burns
    5. When Passion Rules :: Johanna Lindsey
    6. Amorous Education :: Miranda Neville (which I will purchase if I don't win!)

    Long-term, I have another 120 +/- books on my TBR Pile of older books that I will get to eventually.

    So you can see that my summer relaxation is all about reading Historical Romance!

    Cheers,

    Laura T
    heartoftexasbooks[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I am right now, in the middle of Jennifer Ashleys series. Madness of Lord Ian, Isabellas wedding & next, Lord Cameron. Love his character. So far, loving the series. Unpredictable characters. Fun, laughter, naughtiness out the ying yang! LOL Such fun. Loving it. I read somewhere that the first line of your Celia Seaton is "Take off your clothes." Is that right??? LOLOL Love it. I always adore books that start off with the good stuff! hehe Ever read A Ladys Pleasure by Renee Bernard? Wonderful start. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Wow! All these comments - and suggestions to pile up my TBR!

    @ Deborah - I don't know either of those (off to look them up). Hope you'll give Celia a try

    @ Maria - both Olivia and Michelle are great, aren't they?

    @LilMissMolly - Donna's new book is definitely on my list, too

    @ Terri C - really interesting choices, a little off the beaten path

    @June - There's nothing like sinking your teeth into a series, is there?

    @ Rosie - You've got some great selections there. I seriously HEART Meredith Duran!

    @ Lindsey. 10-15 books? Hope you've got a good strong man to carry your luggage! This is where the e-reader comes in handy.

    @ Nothing says summer like a good suspense novel (or a historical romance, hint hint)

    @Virginia I'm so happy you've enjoyed the Burgundy Club and hope you think Celia is a worthy addition. I loved revisiting Diana and Sebastian while I was writing it.

    @ Gamistress - A cool drink, a hammock, and a good book sounds perfect, right now. TGIF!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Rita - you give such a great party. I'm getting caught up though (which I could say the same for my TBR)

    @Sheree I've been thinking about the other Montrose boys. Right now I feel like a change of scene, but I may well write a story for Will later …. I have some ideas.

    @ Mariee - Get to work on that TBR pile! Bet you're missing some gems.

    @Alyssia Outlander is such a great book, though I'll admit I prefer my reads a little shorter so I can through more! Isn't Jamie divine?

    @ Christine - what madness affects us that we can't help buying new books? Never mind! Long may we remain uncured

    @ Laura - You've got some seriously good books to get through before you get to mine. You won't be able to put them down so shouldn't take you more than a couple of days, as long as you don't eat or sleep! Good luck with the drawing

    ReplyDelete
  20. Lisa - you are right about the first line, though I should warn you it's not quite what it seems! But there is pleanty of naughtiness!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Congrats on your new release! Well, I certainly plan to read your book! :) And I can't wait to get my hands on Jennifer Ashley's new book The Many Sins of Lord Cameron. I love that series!

    claudigc at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Great interview!!!

    My list of books to read this summer is HUGE!!
    Of course Miranda's book is on my list ;) Can't wait to get my hands on it!

    I've also got on my TBR pile:

    All About Seduction by Katy Madison
    Unclaimed by Courtney Milan
    A Little Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl
    The School for Brides by Cheryl Ann Smith
    Love Drunk Cowboy by Carolyn Brown
    Rebel by Julianne MacLean
    and about 10 others!! LOL

    ReplyDelete
  23. I'm about to start Victoria Alexander's Desires of a Perfect Lady
    Others I have lined up are The Duke's Night of Sin by Kathryn Caskie
    Magnolia Wednesdays by Wendy Wax
    An Unlikely Countess by Jo Beverley
    A Hellion in My Bed by Sabrina Jeffries

    ReplyDelete
  24. Well now on my TBR list for summer are the first two novels of the Burgundy Club series. Can't wait to read all of them :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. I also have a Huge TBR pile. I recently finished:
    Pleasure Me by Monica Burn
    Kissing Comfort by Jo Goodman
    and am currently reading:
    Never Resist Temptation by Miranda Neville!!
    at the front/top of the TBR:
    Notorious by Nicola Cornick
    The Irish Warrior by Kris Kennedy
    The Return of Black Douglas by Elaine Coffman

    sallans d at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Right now I just started Silk is for Seduction by Loretta Chase.
    mce1011 AT aol DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi Miranda,

    Thank you for such an interesting and enlightening interview. Like you, I too grew up in England, London to be precise. It's always nice to meet a fellow Brit!!!

    Having recently broken my hip, I've been doing a lot of reading. My husband got me from the library today "Passion Becomes her by Shirlee Busbee.

    On my TBR pile, I've Vicky Dreiling's "How to Seduce a Scoundrel" and Diane Gaston's "Gallant Officer, Forbidden Lady"

    Thank you for giving us this opportunity.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thank you for the contest! I am an avid reader of Historical Romance (England). I've learned more history of England from reading these books. I'll make notes as I am reading the books, then look them up on puter. It's amazing how much research author's do for their books..............love it!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi Miranda and Rita!

    Great interview, thanks for sharing with us today! :-)
    Congrats on your new release!

    On my nightstand right now ~

    1. A BORROWED SCOT by Karen Ranney
    2. CONFESSIONS OF AN IMPROPER BRIDE by Jennifer Haymore
    3. THE BRIDE WORE SCARLET by Liz Carlyle
    4. A SECRET MISTRESS by Mary Balogh
    5. DEVIL'S OWN by Veronica Wolff

    Have an awesome day!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hi Miranda, thanks for sharing with us today! I have read some good books this summer but I have been waiting for Yours and Vicky Dreilling's How to Seduce a Scoundrel! Super excited to read them both!

    evjochum[AT]aol[DOT]com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Miranda, congratulations on the release of your book. I am looking forward to reading it. I love a cheeky, spirited heroine who takes love into her own hands.

    Currently I am working my way through the Black Dagger Brotherhood series (not all at the same time), have not started but am planning to read A Perfect Kiss by Melody Thomas, The Winter Rose by Jennifer Donnelly and Outland by Diana Gabaldon. I do try to vary the genres I read to keep things fresh.

    Cambonified[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  32. More terrific books. Hope you all find lots of time to read

    @Claudia Thanks. Jennifer Ashley's series is awesome

    @Aislynn I guess you're not planning on going to work this summer. Good for you!

    @ Brigett That Victoria Alexander is on my pile too

    Yay for BecM! Hope you enjoy them

    @Di Great list - and not just because I'm on it. I'm really looking forward to Monica, Nicola and Kris's books.

    @Maureen. Snap. I'm in the middle of Silk is for Seduction and loving it. Plus it has the most gorgeous cover. Love that pink

    @Diane. I had no idea you were a Brit too! Time to read is the one advantage of an injury!

    @joanne - How great that you follow up on the stuff you read in historical romance. You are right: we work hard to get things right and it's nice to be appreciated!

    @Dalila - Nice little pile you've got here. I'd be tempted to stay in bed.

    @ Johanna. I'm looking forward to Vicky Drelings book, too. She's such fun.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Planning to read Maggie Robinson's Mistress by Marriage when it comes out!

    ReplyDelete
  34. I am planning to read a lot of Pride and Prejudice retellings! :-)

    justforswag(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete

 

Site Beautified by Barbara ~ Back To Top