Brilliant but rumored mad, Michael Layward, the impoverished Duke of Wyverne, has no success courting heiresses until widowed Lady Stratton takes up his cause—after first refusing his suit. Caroline Graves, the popular Countess of Stratton, sits alone at the pinnacle of London society and has vowed never to remarry. When Michael—her counterpart in an old scandal—returns to town after a long absence, she finds herself as enthralled with him as ever. As she guides the anxiety-ridden duke through the trials of London society, Caroline realizes that she’s lost her heart. But if she gives herself to the only man she’s ever loved, she’ll lose the hard won independence she prizes above all.
I can touch my elbow with my tongue. It’s not a very useful talent, unfortunately. If I got to pick my own secret talent, I’d much rather have a photographic memory.
2. Is there a song that really reminds you of your book?
There is! I usually don’t associate music with books, because I don’t play music while I write. But for TO CHARM A NAUGHTY COUNTESS, Diana Krall’s recording of “Glad Rag Doll” seemed to suit the heroine perfectly. The song is about a woman who remakes herself hoping to be loved—and in a way, that’s what the heroine Caroline does too. After a desperate marriage and widowhood, her goal is to become the queen of London society, and any imperfections or problems that might interfere with that have to be ignored.
3. What was the easiest thing about writing this book?
Getting into the head of the hero, Michael. He’s an eccentric duke with no social graces, and he doesn’t particularly care. I t was fun to write a character who always said exactly what was on his mind!
4. Is there a word you love to use?
There are words I use waaaay too often while I’m writing, but I try to weed them out while I’m revising. In TO CHARM A NAUGHTY COUNTESS, the most fun word I got to use was “defenestration.”
5. Any real or imaginary pets?
No pets, because my husband is allergic to all warm-blooded creatures (well, except humans). This is very disappointing for our daughter, who would love to have her own petting zoo. Instead, she keeps a stuffed-animal menagerie of everything from dogs and cats to lambs and unicorns.
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Mary, thanks for hosting me! This was a fun interview. 🙂
Love it! I got to learn a new word today! lol Thanks for the chance to win. 🙂
Elizabeth, thanks for stopping by! “Defenestration” doesn’t come up too often but it’s pretty fun when it does. 🙂
Learned a new word and a bit of history with that favorite word – read about it in Wikepedia – Thanks! Words can be such fun – I don’t use it often but I love the sound & the history of ‘Trebuchet’.
I wind up checking a lot of word origins as I write, DI–and I agree, the history behind many of them is really interesting.
I call my sons Boy-o often! LOL My 14 yr old son loves the word kerfuffle! 🙂 Yes, I am raising them right. Bookworms!
Kylan, it’s so fun to hear other people’s favorite words. Kerfuffle is a great one! 🙂
i call my kids sweeties all the time so that would be a word i use alot denise smith
That’s a great word to use a lot, Denise!
I have a habit of calling everyone honey.
That’s sweet of you! *rim shot*
“Seriously?” Use that a lot.
Life must bring you many surprises. Good ones, I hope!
I use the word absolutely a lot.
You’re in good company! Did you see this video of Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen? That’s one of IM’s favorite words too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCMCifwQVC8
Love the secret talent, and of course I had to see if I could do it. (I can’t). 😀 My favorite word is omnipotent.
Everyone has to try it out sometime. 🙂 Little Miss R tried it yesterday! She came pretty close.
Love your secret talent ! But how do you ever do it ?!!! (of course I tried !)
Ha, thanks! My shoulders can shove really far back. I’m not sure that’s how human shoulders are supposed to work, but it does make for a good party trick.
I often say:”How quainr”. Yes for real !
Spoken like a true historical romance reader. 🙂
not a word, a phrase “Bete Noire” for something you really dislike.
Ooh, that’s a good one. I haven’t heard that in a long time.
I really enjoyed the interview. Love your books, and would love to win this.
I really don’t have a favorite word to use.
Thank you, Diane!
I don’t think I have a favorite word.
You are welcome to “defenestration.” It’s a good word.
While I have loved Defenestration since I first heard it in high school history (Thank you, Mr Butler 🙂 ) it isn’t one I can use often – no matter how tempting it is to demonstrate some days. 😉
The last few days have been perfect for using “Really??”.
Thanks for a great interview ladies!
Sounds like a dramatic week! I hope you are not driven to defenestration, no matter how tempting. 🙂
I can’t really say that I have a favorite word.
Thanks for the great interview!
Thanks for stopping by, Anita!
My favorite word has to be `cornucopia`. Ever since I saw this commercial that used the phrase `cornucopia of awesomeness` I try to stick that in somewhere lol
Ha! Now I’m wondering what that was a commercial for? That phrase would have caught my attention too.
It’s not a favorite word, but I hear myself using the word “really” a lot. I am working on expanding my vocabulary. Haha! 😉
I know I overuse some words too. Clearly we need to read more books, right? What better way to expand one’s vocab? 😉
I use Wow a lot.
My favorite word for when something impresses me!
Gosh — that may be the word I have been using a lot lately!
I’ve been using “Awesome” a lot lately!
There are too many wonderful words to limit to one favorite!