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Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Guest Post with Author Katharine Ashe and Giveaway


Today I am so excited to welcome author Katharine Ashe to the blog. Katharine is currently on tour promoting the release of her new book In The Arms of a Marquess. Also, Katharine is my very first guest to the blog and I hope you all will give her a very warm welcome.

Katharine Ashe: Danielle asked me to say something about how I came to write a second chance love story for IN THE ARMS OF A MARQUESS. I'm excited to!

But first, with the utmost respect to my lovely hostess, may I alter the term a bit? May I instead call this a "love lost" story? It sounds more dramatic.

You see, I like drama in books. No, I don't like it. I adore  it. Like Danielle, I am a complete sucker for a delicious love story. And I'm especially fond of a certain kind of love story, the kind that tears your heart out as you read and hurls it about the room then returns it to your chest with a big crash! while you weep tears of sorrow, fear, laughter and -- ultimate -- joy. Then it does that all over again. A bunch of times, until you're a soggy heap of gratitude for the delectably torturous roller coaster ride you've been on. Graphic, I know. Apologies for that. But I wanted to make sure we're all on the same page, the page that paints a story of love so deep and powerful, and so beset by forces that seek to keep the lovers apart, that there's no reading it with dry eyes and a heartbeat slower than the gallop of an Ascot contender.

That is my favorite kind of love story, so that is the kind I endeavor to write. IN THE ARMS OF A MARQUESS turned out to be impossible not to write like that. You see, it's about a girl and a youth who tumbled into first love...passionate love...forbidden love...only to be torn apart. The details of that tearing apart destine their reunion seven years later to be fraught with misunderstandings and mistrust, but also unquenchable desire, and -- this time -- danger.

But how exactly did I come to write the second chance story of these young lovers?

I first met Miss Octavia Pierce at the age of fifteen sitting in a chair with her long legs thrown over the arm like a thorough hoyden, reading and Atlas of the World. Immediately I knew she would travel. So travel she did, to the East Indies, a land of wonder and magic that fed her adventurous soul.

Shortly thereafter I met Lord Ben Doreé on a snowy night in the corridor of a country greathouse that I was writing. In that scene in the first book of my Rogues of the Sea trilogy (SWEPT AWAY BY A KISS), that hero told his lady that the work he did upon the sea saving others -- noble, honorable, perilous work -- had a wealthy patron. And (here's where it gets weird) there was Ben standing behind me while I wrote, telling me he was that patron, he the powerful man of mystery behind that noble work. And he said he wanted Octavia -- a girl whose heart matched his perfectly -- to be his heroine.

Yes, romance authors are nuts. But I swear to yo that is how it happened.

Well, I told Ben in no uncertain terms that Octavia was only fifteen and he had to wait for her to become a lady. He wasn't even twenty anyway, far too young to think of a life-long love (Oh, how naïve I was!). He suggested they meet upon the verge of her womanhood, three years later. (Impatient man.) So I told him if he met her too soon, he would lose her for a while after that. That's just how I do things. He glowered. (I'll admit I cowered a little. He's the dark and dangerous type, you know.) Still, I don't think he believed I was really going to do it.

I did it. Because when lost love -- powerful, passionate, undying love -- is re-found -- gloriously, crashingly -- the very stars collide.

I do love drama.

Do you have a second-chance story in your past? Young love rediscovered, or a change to a more satisfying career, or simply starting a gray day over again so that it ended up sparkling?


She had never forgotten him...

Miss Octavia Pierce is witty, well off, and shockingly unwed. Still, she is far too successful in society to remain on the shelf forever, and her family has hopes that Octavia will finally make the perfect match. What they do not know is that years earlier Octavia was scandalously tempted by the one man capable of sweeping her off her feet-the man now known as the Marquess of Doreé.

A third son, never meant to inherit, Lord Ben Doreé has abandoned his past and grown accustomed to his illustrious new position of wealth and power. But he has never forgotten Octavia, and now she desperately needs his helps in a most dangerous, clandestine matter. Although she claims she has put the memories of the passion they shared behind her, Ben is determined to once again have her in his arms-and in his bed.

**Giveaway**
Thanks Katharine for such a wonderful post. Everyone, Katharine and Harper Collins will be giving away a $25 Amazon.com gift certificate to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. So make sure to check out all of Katharine's tour stops to increase your chances of winning.

*Must answers Katharine's question above
*Must leave and email address
*You don't have to be a follower, but it is appreciated
*Open until August 26th

43 comments :

  1. While I like the idea of a gray day turning out sparkling, no such luck. I tend to re-discover myself in the workforce every 10 years or so. Still working with children, but I take a new direction.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  2. Good morning, ladies! Thanks, Danielle, for hosting me today. It's lovely to be here!

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  3. marybelle, it's wonderful that you're able to shift directions in your career every so often so that you're able to keep it alive. And I admire you greatly for working with children -- what a gift.

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  4. Katherine: I'm so glad you didn't let a 15 yr old be the object of such passion (albeit was a long time ago when 21 was verging on old to be single) And you're more brave than ...er mentally disturbed if you withstood a glower. lol!!!

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  5. Margaret, thank you. I don't think Ben actually intended for the romance to begin *at that moment*. He's the dark and dangerous type, but definitely a man with exceptional morals. ;)

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  6. My only second chance has been to due to a Tornado destroying my home. I lost everything and had to start over...a second chance at love..I love to read about them..Thank you for the Chance to win..lprater@modweldco.com

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  7. I had a second chance with my husband. We were having a lot problems due to both of our families interferring. It was actually quite hard to avoid them since I still lived with my parents and my future in laws lived right next door. My husband and I wound up going seperate ways. I was completely heartbroken and literally ran away to the Navy, since that was the fastest way to get away from everyone. Sometime during school, he and I started talking again. After I found out where I was going to be stationed, we decided that we would get married. That was about 23 years ago.

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  8. I cant think of a single good answer to any of the parts of the question! But I love <3 reading about you and Ben! And I seriously cant wait for this book. Hope you are enjoying your tour! :-)

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  9. leisa, wow, a tornado! It's so true that second chances are sometimes thrust upon us by forces beyond our control. I'm glad you got away safely!

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  10. Ora, what an amazing story, and congratulations on 23 years with your fellow!

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  11. krazymama, thanks! Since second-chance stories often come upon the heels of real suffering (witness leisa and Ora above), I'm kind of glad for you! :)

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  12. Thank you Katharine...My daughter and I were not at home at the time and we were very lucky...sometimes thing happen and you just move on..

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  13. I love to read about second chance stories! I haven't really one of my own though. Thanks for the interview!

    claudigc at msn dot com

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  14. I don't know if I have second chance story in my life. Only thing I did was move half way around the country and ended up marrying my husband and best friend. Enjoy reading about second chance stories.
    GFC follower
    skpetal at hotmail dot com

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  15. First off thanks for hosting Katharine, Danielle! Hello again Katharine! How are you?

    I am going to have to say a second chance at love but its not with a past love but with a new one. I didn't think I would find love again after my daughters father was killed in 1999. And a chance meeting in my favorite chat room online lead me to my husband. We chatted for a month before meeting in person and never imagined how much we had in common even though our signs were SO different me a Scorpio and him a Gemini. I took the darkness I had from loosing someone I had loved and brought the light back into my life. We have been together 11 years and married 4 this month. Our anniversary is this Friday!

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  16. i forgot to post my email address sorry...

    tsimon7275@gmail.com

    its been a long week!!

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  17. I don't hink I've had second chances, but have had several direction changes (started off headed toward nursing, but ened up in computer programming), then my job went offshore & now have to find a new direction.

    sallans d at yahoo dot com

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  18. Early congrats on the new release Katharine!!! GORGEOUS, GORGEOUS COVER.

    Second chances are my favorite types of stories whether it's a couple who were separated due to unforeseen circumstances or a husband and wife falling out of love with each other, but one or the other is determined to make their spouse fall in love with them again. *ramble over*

    As for me, romance books and I have found our second-chance. I discovered them at 14 but got burned out by 17. At 21, I rediscovered them and we've been together ever since. :)

    _____
    Kati R @Romancing Rakes
    romancingrakes (at) gmail(dot)com
    GFC stalker, er follower =)

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  19. Hi, Claudia. Thanks for stopping in today! :)

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  20. Jean, that sure sounds like a second-phase story, if not "chance" -- LOL. I love hearing about long-time loves, best friends wedding... makes me all teary, in a good way! :)

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  21. Wow, Tina, that's a beautiful second-chance story! Congratulations on 11 years! :)

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  22. Di, sometimes life does that, doesn't it? Even when we're not necessarily ready. I've had that, too, and sympathize. But I wish you the very best finding your new direction, and that it will feel like an adventure -- at least most of the time! :)

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  23. Hi, Kati. So nice to see you here! I'm happy to admit that I had the same sort of second-chance relationship with romance. Rather than burning out per se, I actually just got distracted into reading all sorts of other things (and a little bit convinced that I shouldn't be reading popular fiction, too -- yeesh!). But I found my way back. I'm so glad you did too! :)

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  25. My second chance has come in the form of Salem College. At the age of 32 and scared to death, I went back to college to finish my B.S.B.A.! It’s quite a picture - My little girl and I sit and do our homework together. Heaps of books & binders & papers are scattered about the table.
    I wish dearly that this second chance (of sheer will power, I might add) wasn’t so intimidating! Being a mommy, student and wife is sometimes a bit much. There are times when I don’t even know if I will hold the title of “wife” it the middle of the stage when I will receive my degree. The Lord only knows & time will tell.
    But here is what I do know – my romance books tells me stories of enduring love that goes through many different stages and if it is real…..there is always a happy ending!

    May all of your second chances be blessed…..,for I can’t wait to be IN THE ARMS OF A MARQUESS! :o)

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  26. Off topic a bit...Katharine...Have u had a chance to make the Masa'aa? Tina ;)
    Forgot to add my name earlier too lol

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  27. Hi, Julie. You're amazing to be pursuing this adventure. Kudos to you, ma'am, and the best of luck to you this semester. It's so true that with each step we take we don't know if we'll fall or end up running. I have a sneaking feeling, though, that you're going to end up running all the way to that stage with the diploma! :)

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  28. I haven't yet, Tina, but I'll let you know when I do! :)

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  29. I have not had any second chance or do overs yet. I would like to go back to school and one of these days but untill then I'm happy! Thanks for sharing with us! Love your books Katharine!!!!!

    evjochum[AT]aol[DOT]com

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  30. Hi, Johanna. It's so good to "see" you, and thanks so much. :)

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  31. I moved away from my family and friends last year, and was fortunate enough to find a job and be able to transfer back this year! I left the other area New Year's Eve and arrived here New Year's Day! That's a second chance... and one that's turning out very well!

    Robin D
    robindpdx (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  32. Yay, Robin! I'm so glad to hear your second chance story has a happy ending. Congratulations and best of luck to you. :)

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  33. I don't have a second chance story but I've always found second chance love stories fascinating. I like it when couples are able to make it work the second time because they've become more mature and understanding.

    angeldream3[AT]gmail[DOT]com

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  34. I don't have a second chance story but I do love reading them. This books sounds great and I love that Avon is doing the Kiss and teal and donating to the Ovarian Cancer Awareness fund. I know I will be buying some of the various titles.
    manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com

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  35. This book sounds great! I do love this kind of stories 'cause I'd like to think love can conquer distance and time and have a second chance!;)


    monika_retivow(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  36. Katharine- I believe opportunities for second chances exist every day. Whether it is rediscovering something about yourself that you had forgotten, or seeking that next career change or letting go of past hurts, everyday is a second chance.

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  37. Not personally, but, hey, they make great stories! :-)

    justforswag(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

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  38. There was this gorgeous nerd in high school. We were friends but ran with different groups who did NOT mix. Met him at the 10 year reunion and boy did we mix. Still mixing.

    dukediva32(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  39. Great post! I do have a second-chance story but not about romance ..my second chance was when my mother talked me into going back to school after many years (over 10) and getting my MBA..I was scared to go back and afraid I would not fit in or might not do well but my classmates were nice and I did very well ...was a happy occasion when I finished my second degree.

    junegirl63(at)gmail(dot)com

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  40. I'd like to have a second-chance story; a gray day turning out sparkling, but unfortunately thats not happeed yet.

    ruby95660[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  41. I like reading about second chance love stories than to live through one.

    ironss [at] gmail [dot] com

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  42. No second chance stories for me, but I DO love to read about them. I just love the way you worded this, Katherine: "Because when lost love -- powerful, passionate, undying love -- is re-found -- gloriously, crashingly -- the very stars collide." It made me sigh. :-)
    castings at mindspring dot com

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