Winner, winner…Diane!!!
Ahem. Look at this cover! Isn’t it amazing? In fact, if you want to read more from Ashlyn, who’s a delightful person as well as fabulous writer, visit her at the Dashing Duchesses, where she’s written a post called “A Topic of Considerable Cheek.” But until then, read this delicious excerpt and her 5 Fun Facts about A MOST DEVILISH ROGUE! Welcome, Ashlyn!!!
A Most Devilish Rogue
Ballantine Books
August 27, 2013
Years ago, when Isabelle Mears was still a young miss too infatuated to know better, she surrendered her innocence to a dishonorable man. Though ruined and cast out from society, she has worked hard to shelter her illegitimate son, Jack. Having sworn off men in her quiet but dignified life, Isabelle is unprepared for the deep longing that rips through her when a handsome stranger rescues her rambunctious six-year-old from the pounding ocean surf. George Upperton is a man in trouble with debts, women, and a meddling family. He is, by all accounts, the last gentleman on earth Isabelle should be drawn to. But loneliness is a hard mistress, and caution gives way to desire . . . even though Isabelle is convinced that happiness can’t be found in the arms of such a devilish rogue. Only when Jack is kidnapped does Isabelle discover the true depth of George’s devotion—and how far a good man will go to fight for the woman whose love is all that matters.
5 Fun Facts about A MOST DEVILISH ROGUE:
1. I developed a crush on the hero while writing my first book. George is present on page one of my debut A Most Scandalous Proposal as the hero’s best friend, but he really came into his own about the middle of that book. He decided to start stealing scenes with his smart mouth, and I knew I’d have to write a story for him just to shut him up. And yes, I am attracted to smart-mouths.
2. Unlike so many romance novel heroes, George is NOT much of an equestrian. How often do you get a description of the romance hero riding a charger into battle or simply writing his favorite horse through Hyde Park? You won’t find George doing either of those things. In fact, he has trouble handling Buttercup, a placid mare suitable for a child.
3. I borrowed his family name from a Canadian woman bobsledder (Helen Upperton). I got the idea for the first book somewhere in February 2010. I was busily jotting down notes while the winter Olympics played in the background. I heard that last name, wrote it down, and eventually adopted it for George.
4. My hero and heroine invent a game that actually exists. At one point, the hero and heroine invent a version of two-handed whist. The game I have them ‘invent’ really exists, in Quebec anyway, where it’s known as neuf à deux. Kids usually learn to play it before they move on to harder games. I have no idea if it exists in Regency England, so I had my hero and heroine invent it together. (And yes, in the book, they play for forfeits…)
5. When I got my cover art, I added extra description of the hero’s, um, assets. Couldn’t resist, but I’m not sure anyone could.
Ashlyn Macnamara writes Regency romances with a dash of wit and a hint of wicked. She considers this writing gig her midlife crisis, but figures it’s less risky than rock climbing or skydiving. When not writing, she looks for other excuses to neglect the housework, among them knitting, reading and wasting time on the internet in the guise of doing research. Despite her insistence on looking toward the past, she can be found on Facebook and Twitter. She also likes to play at being a Duchess from time to time.
