Simon: I’m not married, but I am rather taken by Angelica, a ravishing green-eye beauty with chestnut-colored hair. Though, I must admit, she is as alluring as she is maddening.
Mr. D: Readers would like to know the hero behind the heroine. Can you tell us a little bit more about yourself? Scholar? Artist?
Simon: I’m of common birth and had aspired to be ennobled by my King for my naval successes. I have elevated myself in the merchant class, currently commanding 14 privateer ships. Most of my education was learned on the decks of warships, and my achievements have been attained by the tip of my sword—though I do write and read extensively, and have amassed wealth. As for an artist…let’s just say that I’m well versed in the carnal arts.
Mr. D: Where did you and Angelica meet? What convinced you she was THE ONE?
Simon: We met outside a convent at midnight where she knocked me off my feet…literally. Thereafter, she simply took my breath away anytime she entered the room. And ultimately, this incredible woman stole my heart.
Mr. D: If she were to call you her hero, how would she describe you?
Simon: I think she’d find many reasons to dislike me. At least at first. But neither of us can dispute our emotional connection, or our intense mutual attraction.
Mr. D: On the first night you met Angelica were you most like:
Simon: I don’t know who they are, but on the first night I met Angelica, I’m afraid I’d have to say I kept to my rakish nature. Upon seeing her beauty in the moonlight, I was undone, losing all sensibility and reason. For the first time in my adult life, I acted on impulse. I survive based on instincts. On well thought out plans. And it isn’t as though I’ve never seen a lovely face before. Yet, upon meeting her, I found myself acting completely out of character. Again. And again.
Mr. D: when you hear the work “ball” what do you think of:
Mr. D: How long have you been a hero and what advice would you give to heroes in the making?
Simon: Hero is not a word that one can use to describe oneself. I believe that there is a selfless quality that comes with the word. Giving of oneself in battle, or in love. I feel that Angelica is the truly heroic character, (though I can’t say why without giving anything away), and I love her for that. I can only hope that all of my selfless acts are perceived as heroic by her.
Mr. D: Okay, you know I have to go there…Jules de Moutier, the hero in A MIDNIGHT DANCE is in UNDONE and asked you whether you “sampled Angelica’s charms” while you were on the sea voyage with her…Did you?
Simon: Mr. D, the kindness I’ve afforded you will surely come to a violent halt, if you continue to follow that line of questioning. Have I made myself clear?
Mr. D: Yes!!! Absolutely! Just get that sword away from my neck and back in its sheath!! Simon, you are clearly an alpha male (as I’ve just personally witnessed), strong, a commander of hundreds of men, yet some say you have a hidden vulnerability…
Simon: I’d like to deny it, but I do have some difficulty trying to master my emotions towards Angelica, who is clearly out of my reach. A son of a fisherman is not a suitable husband for a woman born into privilege—no matter how untamable the allure and emotions are between us.
Mr. D: Simon can you share with me something about Angelica that her readers would be surprised to know?
Simon: I wish I could, but she’s a rather mysterious beauty with many secrets. You’ll have to read the book and find out what they are. Let me say, that I had the devil’s own time just trying to learn just her full name.
Mr. D: Simon thanks so much for coming here today.
Simon: You’re most welcome. May I ask you a question or two?
Mr. D: Given your hand is on you sword, I would have to say, I’d love to be interviewed by you…
Simon: Good…I understand that you and Lila are of different opinions as to who would play us if this book were made a play.
Mr. D: Simon, I’m smart enough to know that despite that sword drawn on my throat, there’s no disagreement between Lila and I! That said, I’m happy to hear what the readers have to say.
Maintaining her ruse as a commoner, and trusting no one has kept Angelica safe. But a chance encounter with a handsome stranger lands her right where danger lies. Now, this sinfully handsome man with arresting blue eyes and a polished manner thinks he’s saved her life, when in fact he’s placed her in great peril. She’s intent on keeping him and everyone else at arm’s length. Yet, the smoldering attraction between them is difficult to deny. And impossible to ignore . . .
As commander of a number of privateer ships, Simon Boulenger dresses and speaks like an aristocrat, and has obtained wealth. But he is still not a noble. Or an officer in the King’s Navy. His lifelong dream to elevate himself from his station of birth and attain a respectable place in society is dead. Worse, he’s ensnared in a deadly scheme, and must get out. But how is he to stay focused on his dangerous mission when the mysterious beauty has him utterly intrigued? He can’t afford the distraction any more than he can resist the carnal hunger she stirs. Simon soon discovers that she’s not only a passionate soul mate, but a woman born into privilege. A woman he can never have. But they’re in too deep. Their hearts are at risk . . . as well as their lives.
