Hello Lovelies!
Super excited to share with yall a special guest piece with a debuting historical romance author! Not only does this author have amazing taste in old classic movies, she's also on of the sweetest authors I've ever 'met'. She keeps my twitter stream interesting and now she's about to give my blog some of her amazingness.
Theresa Romain
About The Author:
About the Book:
TWO SISTERS…
Julia Herington is overjoyed when her stepsister, Louisa, becomes engaged—to a viscount, no less. Louisa’s only hesitation is living a life under the ton’s critical gaze. But with his wry wit and unconventional ideas, Julia feels James is perfect for Louisa. She can only hope to find a man like him for herself. Exactly like him, in fact…
ONE CHOICE…
As the new Viscount Matheson, James wished to marry quickly and secure his title. Kind, intelligent Louisa seemed a suitable bride… Until he met her stepsister. Julia is impetuous—and irresistible. Pledged to one sister, yet captivated by another, what is he to do? As Christmas and the whirl of the London season approach, James may be caught in a most scandalous conundrum, one that only true love, a bit of spiritous punch—and a twist of fate—will solve…
Get Your Copy Today:
Guest Post
Hi, Rita and readers!
Thank so much for inviting me here to kick off the blog tour for SEASON FOR TEMPTATION. This is my debut historical romance, so it’s my first stop on my first blog tour. So, let’s talk about firsts.
Putting firsts into a story is a useful tool for authors—and I’m not just talking about *that* kind of first. In real life, you can learn a lot about people when you see what they do in a new situation.
For example. On my first date with Mr. R, I wasn’t sure it really was a date at all. We had agreed to meet at a sports bar and play one of those electronic trivia games, because we both liked trivia. I also liked Mr. R, but that was my little secret.
I tend to be a shy person, so on this is-it-or-isn’t-it-a-date, I coped with my nervousness by:
- making dumb jokes,
- talking really fast, and
- answering all the trivia questions about parts of the skeleton, so Mr. R and I won the game.
The first meeting of characters in a romance can be just as revealing. As readers, we know that the hero and heroine will wind up together, but each journey to that happily-ever-after is unique. Sometimes it begins with love; sometimes the first impression is more like hate (but, you know, the lusty kind). Or sometimes…well, sometimes the whole situation is just embarrassing.
SEASON FOR TEMPTATION has the embarrassing kind.
The story begins when James, Viscount Matheson, journeys to meet the family of his new fiancée of convenience. He got engaged in a hurry because of a family scandal (embarrassment number 1), but he knows little about his betrothed (embarrassment number 2).
Let’s see how he feels, shall we?
[Excerpt from Season for Temptation]
"The clock on the drawing room mantel ticked away the seconds loudly, and James drummed his fingers on his knee in time with it.
Perhaps it was excitement that caused his every nerve to feel on edge. A man should feel excited to meet his fiancée’s family, shouldn’t he? Certainly not nervous, though. Not when that man was a viscount, accustomed to the sharp eyes and sharper tongues of the ton.
But ever since Lord Oliver had written to approve James’s suit of the Honorable Louisa, James had felt nervous, as if something might go awry and upset his swiftly laid plans. Now that he was in the Olivers’ drawing room, his feeling of anxiety grew even stronger."
Oh, James. James, James, James. You realize you’re screwed, don’t you? You know things are about to get more awkward, right?
[Excerpt from Season For Temptation]
"… a young woman burst into the room at a half-run. She was muttering loudly, her expression harried and the bodice of her frock askew.
“Curse and drat that girl, drat her. I knew she hadn’t left her music in here, but where could it be? We’ll never find it before the vi–”
As her eyes roved the room, she froze in mid-word upon seeing James. Her mouth dropped open. “Urr.”
The clock on the drawing room mantel ticked off four endless seconds as James stared at her, still too surprised to speak, and she stared back with wide blue eyes.
The young woman spoke first. “Well, I’m embarrassed. I don’t know what to say.” She glanced at the doorway with an expression of longing. “Could I go back out and pretend this never happened?” "
Voilà! Embarrassments numbers 3 and 4, since the feeling is mutual.
And that’s the first meeting between James and Julia—his heroine, though he doesn’t know it yet. She’s also the stepsister of his fiancée, though he doesn’t know that yet either.
After this unexpected first meeting, things do improve. James realizes that his fiancée’s family is every bit as odd and friendly as he could wish, and he begins to enjoy himself even with the shadow of a scandal still looming over him.
Of course, this peace doesn’t last long. As you might have guessed, I like to embarrass my characters, and there aren’t many things more embarrassing than falling in love with the wrong person.
We’ve all had our share of awkward firsts, I’d bet. Comment and let us know about an awkward first date or first meeting that you had! I’ll give away a copy of SEASON FOR TEMPTATION to one random commenter.
This is just the sweetest book! I really, really enjoyed it, and can picture people curling up with a cup of tea or cocoa savoring every word this fall.
ReplyDeleteHm. The first meeting with my husband was mortifying. How can I say this with class when I was definitely not classy? I "broke wind" quite audibly in his presence, which kind of ruined my attempt at appearing to be a sophisticated city girl.
Maggie, thanks so much for the kind words about the book! And thanks for sharing your first meeting story, too. I LOVE IT. Obviously it didn't keep your husband from being interested--and you never know, maybe it was your bodily function that won him over! I can just imagine him thinking, "Yeahhhh. A girl who can get comfortable is much better than those fussy sophisticated chicks." :)
ReplyDeleteHi Theresa! Thanks for the lovely interview and congrats on the release of your first book! Love the sound of it and the blurb. When I met my boyfriend ffor the first time it was at a friend's party and we were chatting casually when he mentioned that he is working as an electrical engineer and I groaned because my dad and brother are both electrical engineers, too, so I thought, no, not another one! But I totally meant it in a good funny way but he misunderstood and thought I didn't like his profession. We resolved that misunderstanding the second time we met. :)
ReplyDeleteHi, Claudia--thanks for stopping by! Your first-meeting story makes me laugh. Poor guy, he probably thought he'd impress you with his job, and instead he got a groan. Glad you sorted it out on your second meeting!
ReplyDeleteHi Claudia, you are a new author for me and would love to win and read this book. I am always looking for new books and authors to read.
ReplyDeleteI think that any first date is difficult. I can't think of anything that really stands out. I have not been on a date in 17 years so don't remember anything specific.
I love the cover of this book. I love the white dress, the white sheets, and backround.
christinebails@yahoo.com
GFC & blog follower: Chris Bails. Having issues with posting from google account
Congratulations on your debut release! It sounds like a fun book.
ReplyDeleteMy embarrassing first happened several years ago with someone I wanted to date who was a friend. He had invited me to meet his parents and a group of their friends. I bought a new outfit to make a good impression and thought I had removed all of the price tags....in my defense I removed 3 price tags from the outfit. Needless to say there was another tag hidden in the underarm section of the blazer that I had missed. I spent the whole night walking around with a price tag (a la Minnie Pearl)under my arm and I'm one of those people who also waive their arms when they talk. It wasn't till we were going home that my friend finally told me about the price tag showing. I was mortified and was never comfortable around him or his family again. Needless to say we never dated after that.
Hi, Chris--isn't that cover lovely? The Kensington cover gods (aka art department) really smiled upon me. Thanks for being so open to new authors. As a new author, I'm very grateful!
ReplyDeleteI agree, first dates are nearly always stressful. I know I was stressed on my first date with Mr. R, and I wasn't even sure it was a date. (Though maybe that was part of the problem.)
Maria--ack, what a story! I can easily imagine doing the same thing, because really, who would expect 4 tags on one outfit?? Hope you were able to stay friends, at least!
ReplyDeleteHi Theresa
ReplyDeleteAlways thrilled to meet a new author, the excerpts sound really interesting so I'll be sure to look out for this book.
As for embarrassment, I'm a one woman disaster, when I'm not putting my foot in my mouth I'm falling over or dropping things. So really there's too many to list.
Congrats on your upcoming debut release, Theresa. Luckily I have never had any weird first dates. Besides the regular awkward silences or lulls in the conversation, nothing worse happened.
ReplyDeletejanie1215 AT excite DOT com
Beebs--we are secretly the same person. I made a comment on Twitter a few days ago that if I actually WAS blind as a bat (instead of the next closest thing), I'd probably be better off, since bats have their own form of sonar to keep them from smacking into things. Me, I've got nothing. Except bruises, of course.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the excerpts! There's a longer excerpt on the "Books" page of my website, if you want to see how James and Julia power through their awkwardness.
Hi Theresa,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you on your new release. I love the cover art and the title.
My awkward moment happened several years ago when I was still working. I told my boss that I was sick and that I needed to go home. Around 5pm, my doorbell rung and my daughter let in my boss and his wife who had stopped by to see how I was feeling. There I sat fully made up, with electric rollers in my hair ready for a night out on the town. My boss said to me "I thought that you were sick". Trying to think up an excuse quickly, I said "Oh, I am. The reason I look like this is because I always feel better when I'm done up". The look that passed between my boss and his wife was like "Yeah, right!!!".
I felt really bad and did come clean. I told them that I'd needed the extra time to get ready and, apologized for lying. They did see the funny side of this, and were okay about it. I learned my lesson then about never lying.
Thank you for this opportunity. I love finding new Authors and, I adore historical romance books with a passion. I love being swept away to another time and place where people lived, laughed and were finding their way to each other.
dpd333 AT aol dot com
Hi Theresa!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, thank you for sharing with us today! Thank you Rita for inviting another wonderful guest. I'm liking the sneek peek, this definitely sounds like a 'must-have' book!
The cover of your new debut book is lovely! Were you able to pick it out yourself or was it pushed on you? Regardless, it's wonderful for a debut cover!
Embarassing moments happen to me all of the time! The one that really sticks out right now is when I was first introduced to my son's future father-in-law.
To make a long story short I threaten to 'slap' the white out of his hair!!
How embarassing for me and my family. You could've heard a pin drop!
First off, we were all joking around.
The FFIL took it all in stride and was laughing his head off. Me, I just wanted the floor to open up and swallow me.
Needless to say I was on my best behavior for the rest of the evening.
After my little moment of 'fame', he did give me a big hug and thanked me for a wonderful evening.
Wishing you the best on your new release!
DNodrog3(AT)aol(DOT)com
Oh Theresa
ReplyDeleteIt was really very bad of you to tempt me with more teasers and then make me wait 2 weeks.*g*
Loved the excerpt and I can't wait to read more about James and Julia.
ROFLMAO!
ReplyDeleteDiscovered your blog and your interview with your brother, everyone should check that out.
*genious*
I don't have any moments to share but would like to be entered in the giveaway anway.
ReplyDeleteniteofblu at gmail dot com
ALL My first dates are awful. I seem to be struck dumb & come off as incredibly stupid. IF there is a second I seem to unfreeze.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Hi Theresa! Excited about your debut novel! I refused a lei from this scary looking guy at the Honolulu airport many years ago and ended up marrying him!
ReplyDeleteOh, you are all so wonderful! Thank you so much for stopping by. Let me catch up with all these fantastic stories...
ReplyDeleteJane--glad your first dates were pretty good! I think awkward silences are unavoidable. That's why Mr. R (who is almost as shy as me) suggested trivia at a sports bar. There's always something to talk about when you're answering questions about the human skeleton...right??
Diane--oh, cringe! There's nothing quite like getting busted by a boss. (Er, not that I know that feeling.) Thanks goodness they were good sports. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I second everything you say about historical romance. There's something so fascinating about other times and places, isn't there?
Dalila--thanks for the kind words about the cover (and the book!). Authors rarely have a say in the covers of their books, and I was no exception. But I was absolutely thrilled by it! If you look closely in the woman's hand, she's holding some holly. This is actually considered a Christmas release, though the Christmas elements don't dominate (some scenes in the middle of the book).
ReplyDeleteSo you threatened to slap the white out of someone's hair?? I think there's more to that story! But I'm glad it ended well, for everyone's sake. :)
Beebs--yay, thanks for checking out the excerpt! I'm glad you liked it. I post occasional teasers on my Facebook page too.
ReplyDeleteWasn't my brother a good sport to blog with me? He even let me keep in his *genious* comment. That's all raw and unfiltered typing.
Rita, your word verifications are awesome. To post that last comment, I had to type "rustrous." Sounds like a historical term for some really unflattering shade of brown. "Dear me, Lady Smith is wearing her rustrous silk again."
ReplyDelete*ahem*
Terri C--thanks for stopping by! I think you're fortunate not to have any embarrassing stories to share. :)
marybelle--ohhh, yes, the tongue-tied feeling. I know it well. I'm sure you're your own harshest critic. That's great that second dates are more fun for you!
ReplyDeletemrsshukra--you made me laugh out loud! That sounds like a great story. How on earth did he go from "scary-looking guy at the airport" to "husband"?
ReplyDeleteMy most embarassing date was years ago. The guy was walking me to the door at my apartment complex. As we were walking through the dark parking lot I accidently stepped on a ketchup pack that someone had dropped. It squirted all up the front of our legs. I was so embarrased I wanted to die! He just laughed so it was not that big of a deal but I was young and wanted everything perfect. We went out for another month or so before it ended but I never forgot that first date! Horrible! Never step on a ketchup packet!!!!! LOL!
ReplyDeleteIt takes me a while to be comfortable with someone new, so when I meet them I'm either very quiet or if trying not to be I may stick my foot in my mouth. It's better to stay quiet for a while.
ReplyDeletesallans d at yahoo dot com
Good morning, everyone! I'm so excited to see more comments this morning!
ReplyDeleteJohanna--we've all heard of the "ketchup packet under the toilet seat" joke, but I had no idea it would work while walking, too. Your date was sweet to laugh it off, but I can definitely understand how that would color a whole date (literally, in this case).
Di--I love it. Yes, the eternal dilemma: be quiet, or possibly put foot in mouth? I'm always struggling with that one too. Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteMy first encounter with my husband didn't make him think I am dorky (which I am) it made him think I was a bit of a bitch! I stopped by my friend's dorm room and threw the door wide open. I mean, why not? I had to make an entrance. I wasn't my fault that my future husband was standing behind the door because he had stopped by to drop off a birthday cake. I probably could have been more polite when I realized someone was behind the door but I wasn't. I was secretly too embarassed to admit what I had just done. So, I made a huge noise about how he shouldn't stand behind the door and then I swept out of the room (very loudly) and slammed the door! Not the best first introduction!!!
ReplyDeletejepebATverizonDOTnet
Jen B.--so did you actually clock your future husband with a door? Ouch! (Though I've got to agree, that's not the best place for someone to stand.) That makes a great first meeting story. How did the second meeting go?
ReplyDeleteTheresa - Yes, I did actually hit my future husband with the door! We often laugh that it was a good thing he had already put the cake on the desk! That would have been a mess. Our next couple of meetings weren't much better but at least there weren't any doors involved. We did eventually become the best of friends. I even set him up on a date with a friend of mine about a year and a half later. That's when I realized I was in love with him. We actaully decided to get married before we were even officially dating. I just love that story....
ReplyDeleteJen--the thing with the cake? That is EXACTLY what I thought! :)
ReplyDeleteYour story is like a wonderful romance novel in itself--I love it! Thanks so much for stopping by.
Hi Theresa, is the title of the song ONE HAND, ONE HEART from West Side Story?
ReplyDeleteNow it begins, now we start
One hand, one heart;
Even death won't part us now.
I have not had an embarrassing moment when it comes to dates, knock on wood! Now that I've said this, though.... :-)
ReplyDeletejustforswag(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
mrsshukra--yes! Good ear, especially since I mangled the lyrics a little to suit my own purposes. You receive...um...35 bonus points. One of these days, I'll think of something those can be used for!
ReplyDeleteChelsea--that's great! You must have a gift for dealing with a could-get-awkward situation. James and Julia could use a few pointers from you.
ReplyDeleteWOW!
ReplyDeleteThose excerpts really hooked me!
Rita, thanks for this intro to Theresa Romain. If I didn't stop by today I would have missed on some fun ;)
AWESOME question, so here's my first:
My (now husband) co-worker took me on our lunch break to McD's and walking back he said: "You know what? I spoke to Liz this weekend (his best friend) and she told me that I'm in love with you...I think she's right...I can't stop talking about you. I make her sick...talking about you..." You could have knocked me over with a feather!!!
This week we're celebrating 11 married years and 16 years since he told me he loves me.
Mel
www.bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.com
My awkward moment was when I set my now husband up on a blind date with me and my ex-fiance. By the end of the week-end, I broke off the engagement and got married 9 months later. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Theresa! You are a new author to me and I adore the cover for "Season for Tempation". To answer your question, I have to say I haven't experienced any awkward or embarrassing date moments. All those are experienced in books :) There was a time when a guy friend texted me to let me know he liked me...and that was awkward. I didn't know how to respond as I didn't feel the same.
ReplyDeleteCambonified (at) yahoo (dot) com
Mel--so glad you enjoyed the excerpts! Thanks for sharing your beautiful story about your husband. That was quite an eventful lunch hour!
ReplyDeleteLilMissMolly--oh, my. That sounds like a scene from a movie. I guess you knew the right one when you saw him!
ReplyDeleteNa--welcome! Isn't that cover a beaut? I was so thrilled when I saw what the Kensington art department had come up with.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I'd much rather experience embarrassment in books than in real life (though unfortunately, I usually do both). But that's VERY awkward when a friend wants to move things to romance and you're not feeling the same way. Hope you were able to stay friends?
I am LOVINg all these fab comments. No such thing as TMI when you're around fellow romance fanatics. This is such an interesting question, that I just had to butt in and add mine:
ReplyDeleteback in highschol, we went on an end of the year trip to six flags. Lots of Juniors and Seniors went, and I was one of maybe 4 freshman. As we all boarded the bus and got ready to leave, I see the majority of people are sleeping. i find this hilarious, so I turn in my seat to take a picture and I didn't notice that a cute Junior was watching me like "WTF?".
The next day was the last day of school, but i didn't go and texted with my friend that did. She told me she was roaming the class rooms (because at this point, homeroom and classes don't matter) and sitting next to the cute Junior and he had asked "who was your friend with the camera". I started freaking out and telling her how cute I thought he is and how i wanted to get to know him. My friend acted as a mediator (without my consent) and he ended up getting my number from her and we texted back and forth.
He asked me out about a week or two later, and before that, we talked everyday on the phone and through text. I said okay, but last minuet I chickened out and came up with a horrible lie that even i wouldn't believe. He had went down to the local mall/moie theater and had to go all the way back home. i felt so bad. I felt even worst when I ran into him at a movie rental store that i went to that day and it was obvious that I lied.
Talk a bout AWKWARD!
Rita--hello there, you fantastic hostess, you! I think it's hilarious that you took pictures of sleeping people...and that THAT got the guy's attention. That's too bad it didn't work out. See the comments above--you aren't the only one who's been busted. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, everyone, for all these wonderful comments! I love these stories. We're not alone in our awkwardness, are we?
ReplyDeleteI'm heading out of town for a long weekend (14 hours in a car with a toddler--try not to be too jealous). I'll come comment when I can, and I'll be back in full force next Tuesday.
Until then, please keep stopping by, because I know our lovely hostess Rita plans to leave this giveaway open until 10-4 (the release date of SEASON FOR TEMPTATION).
Thanks again!
Congrats on your new release! Sounds like a wonderful read. Love reading authors debut books, will have to look for this one.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your debut. The story sounds intriguing and I like the cover.
ReplyDeletepenfield716(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
Virginia and Kim--thanks very much for stopping by, and for the kind words!
ReplyDeleteoh, I love that cover!=)
ReplyDeleteand the excerpts are great!=P
I suppose that time when my friend tried to make me go out with her brother! I didn't now how to tell her that i really didn't liked him at all!=/
awkward!o.o lol
Monikarw--yikes, that IS awkward! Hope you found a way out of that situation. Thanks for your comments. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, all, for such a fun discussion! First meetings are awkward, exciting, promising...all of the above?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the interest in SEASON FOR TEMPTATION! We're closing up the giveaway now, and Rita will notify the winner!