Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Tracey Devlyn to the blog today to chat about her newest book
Tracey, can you please share with us a little about yourself
I’m a small town girl who transplanted to the big city – or at least the suburbs!—several years ago. For the last eight years, I’ve been managing human resources for an environmental agency near Chicago. My adorable rescue Doberman keeps me youthful and my awesome husband keeps me grounded. J
Have you always wanted to be an author? Nope. The writing bug did not hit me until about six years ago. It never once occurred to me that I might have the chops to write a novel. Not long after I scrounged up the courage to put pen to paper (literally), I knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing? My laptop and a quiet room is all I need to write. Every once in awhile I’ll light a candle, but I do that less and less these days. As for a typical writing day—I generally write for about three hours in the evenings and for 16-20 hours on the weekends. I have quite a few other things that vie for my time when I’m not at the day job, like email, marketing, publicity, website management, street team activities, social media, etc. I stay busy!
Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?
Because I have a strong suspense element in my stories, my plots tend to be a little more intricate than most historical romances. So, I’m constantly connecting the dots, both with the external suspense element and the romance. The most rewarding? Honestly, it’s all rewarding to me. I love the process of writing the books—even when it’s hard. I love interacting with readers. And I love the supportive nature of the romance community.
Can you please tell us about your latest book?
Checkmate, My Lord is the second installment in my—take a deep breath—historical romantic spy thriller Nexus series. That was a mouthful, wasn’t it? J Those of you who have read my debut, A Lady’s Revenge, will recognize Lord Somerton’s name. He was the heroine’s guardian in ALR and is now the hero in Checkmate. Somerton, aka Sebastian Danvers, is ruthless, dedicated to his country, attracted to his murdered agent’s widow, and is a magnet for a seven-year-old girl who likes to natter on about horses.
How did you come with the idea for this story?
Good question! Somewhere along the way it became obvious that book 2 in the series would be Somerton’s and it would have to take place in the country. Pairing him up with an organizing widow, who’s being forced to spy on him, a spymaster, seemed even more fitting.
Can you share with us your current work in progress?
Thanks for asking! Right now, I’m going through developmental edits for book 3, A Lady’s Secret Weapon. ALSW is Ethan deBeau’s story and will be available October 2013.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
I have so many! The authors that hooked me on romance forever are: Virginia Henley (The Raven and The Rose—first romance I ever read), Johanna Lindsay, Lisa Kleypas, Christina Dodd, Eloisa James, Mary Balogh, Christina Feehan, Kresley Cole, Adrienne Giordano—those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head.
Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style? There is one book that has affected my writing more than any other. Unfortunately, I have lost the name of the author and book. Believe me, I’ve tried to find it in my mound! But the historical author set the story in Italy. The hero and heroine were married and his Italian family refused to embrace his new English wife. The part that shocked me and has stayed with me so many years later was the brutal sexual assault against the heroine. Yes, very ugly, but the author somehow pulled it off. Now, I have no plans to go there, but what I took away from that story was – keep your readers guessing. Shock them, make them laugh, make them cry. Make them remember.
Open your book to a random page and tell us what’s happening.
Chapter Six. In this scene, Sebastian enters his study to find Catherine waiting for him. The night before, he over-imbibed and sent her a note, asking her to join him in the morning to discuss a potential business arrangement. Unfortunately, he has absolutely no recollection of sending her the note. Needless to say, the unflappable Lord Somerton is feeling a little off-balance.
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
Let’s see. Books queued up on my Kindle right now are: Starters by Lissa Price, The Blood Gospel by James Rollins & Rebecca Cantrell, and The Heiresses #1 by Allison Rushby.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I love connecting with readers! Please stop by at any of these haunts and say hello!
TraceyDevlyn.com | Dangerous Darlings Street Team | Newsletter
Twitter.com/TraceyDevlyn | Facebook.com/AuthorTraceyDevlyn | LadyJanesSalonNaperville.com Goodreads.com/TraceyDevlyn | Discover a New Love
Thanks again for allowing me to hang out today on Books-n-Kisses!
Hugs,
Tracey
Available February 5, 2013
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A desperate mother falls in love with the spymaster she’s forced to betray.
THE STAKES ARE HIGH, THE PLAYERS IN POSITION…
Catherine Ashcroft leads a quiet life caring for her precocious seven-year-old daughter, until a visitor delivers a startling ultimatum. She will match wits with the enigmatic Earl of Somerton, and it’s not just her heart that’s in danger.
LET THE GAMES BEGIN…
Spymaster Sebastian Danvers, Earl of Somerton, is famous for his cunning. Few can outwit him and even few dare challenge him–until now. After returning to his country estate, his no-nonsense neighbor turns her seductive wiles on him–but why would a respectable widow like Catherine risk scandal for a few passionate nights in his bed?
REVIEWS:
“Devlyn’s seamless writing will entice readers and keep them eager for the next installment.” ~ Publishers Weekly, STARRED review
“Devlyn delivers an emotional, powerful read.” ~ RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
“Devlyn’s edgy and sexy series is gaining momentum, and historical-romantic suspense fans, particularly those who enjoy Brenda Joyce, will delight in this.” ~ Booklist
“Love the characters, lots of mystery, murderers, spies and lots of romance!!!!!!!! CHECKMATE MY LORD is an edge of your seat exciting read!” ~ Fresh Fiction
Thank you for the interview and the book excerpt. I love the premise of this book and look forward to reading it and more of your work. Thank you for the chance to win 🙂
Christy, Thanks so much for stopping by. Good luck with the draw!
Nice interview and random scene.
Thanks, bn100
Congratulations on the release of Checkmate, My Lord. It looks great and I’m looking forward to reading it:)
Thanks for stopping by, Maria!
I think Checkmate, My Lord sounds like a great adventure and I’m looking forward to reading it.
Barbara, Checkmate–as well as the rest of the Nexus series–is an adventure! Hope you like spine-tingling moments mixed with your adventure. 🙂
This is the first I have heard of this series. I need to catch up,,,cause it sound like one I would get lost in really quick!
Thanks so much!
I love smart characters! and having a child in the mix can bring out their soft sides.
I didn’t realize this was a recent thing for you, well done to get published! I enjoyed your first book and am looking forward to what you come up with next. =)
Great interview! Thanks for the giveaway
Love the cover of the book.
Looking forward to reading Checkmate, My Lord.