Jul 27 2011

Beverley Kendall, All’s Fair in Love and Seduction

Please join us in welcoming today’s Guest Chef, Beverely Kendall, as she interviews the hero from her latest novella, All’s Fair in Love and Seduction.

She hopes to gain his affections

For Miss Elizabeth Smith, sharing her first kiss with the charming Lord Derek Creswell is nothing short of a dream come true…that is, until she is spotted by one of the most influential gossips of the ton. With scandal nipping at her heels, to avoid total social ruin, Elizabeth must present a fiancé by the end of the Season. But when the viscount proves reluctant, Elizabeth is forced to employ a seduction of a different sort…

He is determined to ruin her

Viscount Derek Creswell believes Elizabeth set out to trap him into marriage. After all, her sister attempted the very same thing with his brother six years before. Now the delectable Miss Smith expects a betrothal and a ring, while Derek finds her ruination infinitely more appealing…

But as Derek sets out to seduce only her body, Elizabeth is intent on claiming his jaded heart.

ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE & SEDUCTION – $1.49

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The Season – $.99

Today, I’m sitting down with Lord Derek Creswell, my hero of All’s Fair in Love & Seduction. What’s become apparent to me over the course of this book is that Derek has trust issues. Sure, they’re probably considered normal for a man in his particular circumstance, but nonetheless, I believe they need to be explored so we can better understand him and he can better understand his true feelings for Elizabeth Smith.

Me: Derek, anyone with eyes can see that you are attracted to Elizabeth and since you are the one who ‘compromised’ her, why you are so reluctant to do the right thing by her. Why are you running?

Derek (affronted): I believe the term ‘running’ is a slight exaggeration. Yes, I readily admit that she is quite beautiful and holds a certain physical attraction to me—

Me (interrupting): Only physical?

Derek (looking slightly uncomfortable, clears his throat): Yes, only physical. How could it be anything else for a woman who not only tried to trap me into marriage but continues to lie to me?

Me: She’s lying to you? About what?

Derek: Don’t pretend you don’t know. You wrote the book. She’s lying about who she is.

Me: And who is she claiming to be and who is she really?

Derek (gives me a sharp look): She claims to be Miss Elizabeth Smith but she’s really—

Me (interrupting again): Miss Elizabeth Smith.

Derek (narrowing his gaze): You know what I mean. She’s a member of that family. She’s related to that woman who almost ruined my brother’s life.

Me (chastising): You hold her responsible for what happened between your brother and her sister six years ago?

Derek (staring at me, his expression inscrutable.): I condemn her because she’s trying to do the same to me.

Me: And if she is in fact guilty of this, what do you intend to do?

Derek (angles his head slightly toward me and is silent for long moments): I intend to make sure she gets exactly what she deserves.

Me: And what is that?

Derek: I will ruin her for real.

Me (aside to the audience): The only person who will be ruined is Derek—for any other women but Elizabeth. Men must always learn this the hard way.

Obviously, Derek, like many heroes, is a man in deep denial of his true feelings. But he will learn. What about you? Do you like a hero who fights his feelings or is pretty transparent throughout the book? Comment and enter to win a $15 eGift Card and a Grand Prize entry for the December 17^th drawing for an iPad 2.

Beverley Kendall has lived on two continents, in three countries, two provinces, and four states. She stopped her nomadic existence and settled in Georgia with her young son. All things artistic feed her creative passion, but none more than writing. Readers can visit her at: www.beverleykendall.com, follow her on twitter: @beverleykendall, friend her on Facebook or on her review site and blog www.TheSeasonForRomance.com

Tags: All's Fair in Love and Seduction, Beverley Kendall, Guest Chef, historical romance, novella

by Darcy Crowder

42 comments

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Darcy Crowder - July 27, 2011 - 12:45 am

Beverley – I loved the interview! And I love Lord Derek. I just finished reading All’s Fair in Love and Seduction, and you guessed it…I loved it. LOL. Seriously, it was a great read – and I’m looking forward to the next one.

As for heroes, I think it depends on the guy. Sometimes it’s a lot of fun to see the hero know he’s in love half way through the book and see how he tries to hide it. Then again, those strong, silent, stubborn types can be very dreamy…

Marilyn Baron - July 27, 2011 - 5:24 am

Beverley,
I loved this interview with Derek.Your sense of humor really shines through. It sounds like a wonderful read. In this case, he’s a hero who fights his feelings and it will create a lot of conflict. Thank you for guest blogging with us today.

Tami Brothers - July 27, 2011 - 7:22 am

Hi Beverly! This does sound like a fun book. Derek is too fun and I want to read the book just to see him fall…does that sound really bad of me???

I do like to see heroes fall in love, then have to hide it from not only the other person but from themselves. I think those are the best ones (IMO).

I also love to read about the heroines who do the exact same thing.

Thanks a ton for sharing the interview with us today. LOVE it!

Tami

Linsey Lanier - July 27, 2011 - 8:02 am

Oooh, these sound like a couple of spunky characters. Thanks for sharing your new release, Beverly. I think I like both kind of heroes, but Derek sounds intriguing.

Christine - July 27, 2011 - 8:27 am

I love the book blurb!! Wow! Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy. I prefer conflicted men who just don’t get that they really do want to be with the woman they refuse to admit that they care for and love.

Karen H in NC - July 27, 2011 - 8:48 am

Loved the interview with Derek. I like a hero who fights his feelings…but not for too-o-o-o long. He’s gotta own up to them sometime.

I read All’s Fair and loved it. Can’t wait for your next one tohit the shelves. I know you’re still working on it. When is the proposed publish date?

Maxine Davis - July 27, 2011 - 9:23 am

Beverly,
Can’t wait to read All’s Fair in Love & Seduction. And loved your interview – yes, you put him in a corner!

The Season Blog - July 27, 2011 - 9:24 am

[...] other news, I’m still on tour and today I’m over at Petit Fours and Hot Tamales interviewing my hero, Viscount Derek Creswell (prideful, stubborn man!) and giving away a $15 eGift [...]

Bev - July 27, 2011 - 9:33 am

Hi Darcy, thanks so much for having me on the blog today. And also thanks for the kind words about the novella. Derek and Elizabeth were just fun to write, period. LOL.

I’m with you, I like them both although I tend to lean more towards the heroes fighting it–or one of them fighting it.

Sally Kilpatrick - July 27, 2011 - 9:48 am

Great interview–especially the “you wrote the book!” I like heroes who think they are unworthy for some crazy reason or another, the tortured type, I suppose.

Debbie Kaufman - July 27, 2011 - 10:17 am

Love, love, love the interview. Stinkin’ cute! Poor Derek, now I’ll have to read for the satisfaction of seeing the two-by-four of reality smack him up side the head so he can see things straight, LOL!

JOYE - July 27, 2011 - 10:20 am

I like to read about all kinds of heroes. It depends on the story as to if I want them tobe transparent.

Marjana - July 27, 2011 - 10:27 am

There so many heroes that I love that usually “fights his feelings” but one I can think is Derek Caven(by LK)

Julie - July 27, 2011 - 11:47 am

It depends on what my reading mood is, I suppose. But there’s never a bad time for an angsty and tension-filled personal struggle.

catslady - July 27, 2011 - 11:59 am

I am really enjoying hearing all about your newest book. I enjoy heroes with angst and not being too transparent lol.

Bev - July 27, 2011 - 12:28 pm

Hi Marilyn. Thanks for the warm welcome. I love these interviews with my characters. I love having fun with them like that. My humour tends to be a bit dry, like my characters’. LOL

Bev - July 27, 2011 - 12:30 pm

Hi Tami (waving madly)! No that’s not bad of you at all. I love to emotionally torture mine a bit–ok a lot. LOL.

And oh yes, I love it when their in complete denial with themselves. When they fall, I want them to fall HARD–both heroine and hero.

I’ll be back when I get off from work.

Kim - July 27, 2011 - 1:12 pm

Hi, Bev – I enjoyed the interview. I like a man who puts up a bit of a fight, so his fall is that much harder.

Pam Asberry - July 27, 2011 - 1:30 pm

Loved the interview, Bev! Personally, I take my heroes any way I can get ‘em. But Derek is quite endearing. Poor Derek.

Sia Huff - July 27, 2011 - 1:59 pm

You’re right, Bev. Derek does need to learn a lesson. Sounds like Miss Elizabeth is just the one to show him the errors of his ways.
I look forward to reading All’s Fair In Love & Seduction. Glad you’re with us today.

Susan Laura - July 27, 2011 - 2:04 pm

I actually prefer my hero to have a bit of angst. More drama to work with!

runner10 - July 27, 2011 - 2:15 pm

I like for the characters to be comfortable admitting their feelings. Be honest and upfront.

StacieDM - July 27, 2011 - 2:55 pm

Hi Bev!
I like a hero who has issues. I like them dark and angsty. That usually means they aren’t comfortable with expressing their feelings. I love when they finally realize they love the heroine. It makes their HEA even sweeter.

Danielle Gorman - July 27, 2011 - 3:27 pm

I loved this interview. I can’t wait to read this novella. If only I could find the time…I like heroes who recognize their feelings early but I don’t like it when they become transparent about it. I like when my heroes are angsty.

Susan - July 27, 2011 - 3:27 pm

Beverley,
I’m looking forward to reading this one just like I did the others. Please make me a winner-if not I’m a sure buy!

Quilt Lady - July 27, 2011 - 3:31 pm

I love reading about all types of heros and it all depends on the mood I am in as to what I want to read. This book sounds really good and I will be looking for it.

Jane - July 27, 2011 - 3:44 pm

Congrats on the new release, Beverley. I like it when the hero fights his feelings and he finally comes to point where he just can’t deny it anymore.

Jackie - July 27, 2011 - 4:11 pm

Enjoyed dropping by today and reading your interview. The book is already on my to buy list.

Na - July 27, 2011 - 4:38 pm

Hi Beverley,
I heard a stubborn man needed a good sense talking and I rushed quickly over to help! I have a hunch and believe that Elizabeth is a special woman and can do this work by herself. It may take some time and seduction though.

I really enjoy characters interviews, because I get to get a real feel for their personalities.

Rosie Nguy - July 27, 2011 - 5:45 pm

I think a balance between the two would be good, although lately I like a hero who knows his own feelings before the heroine just because it’s not done as often as the hero-in-denial.

Sandra Elzie - July 27, 2011 - 8:25 pm

Hi Beverley,
Sorry I’m late to the party, but I enjoyed the fun interview and the book sounds fabulous.

Good luck on sales!

kim h - July 27, 2011 - 8:32 pm

congrats on the book, i like it when they tell their feelings and open up an dcommunicate with us

Bev - July 27, 2011 - 8:32 pm

Sandra, I’m late for my own party. Thanks for stopping by.

Hi Na, I love those interviews too. And truly, my heroes aren’t nearly as dour as they first come across. Dark and brooding with a wry sense of humour is how I think of most of them.

Hi Jackie, I hope you get a chance to read.

Jane, it’s all about that fall. I absolutely love it–and I like them to suffer just a wee bit.

Bev - July 27, 2011 - 8:34 pm

Thanks, QuiltLady, I hope you enjoy.

Hi Susan (waves madly). Congrats again on your Harlequin sale!!! Very excited. I hope you enjoy the novella. I’m told it’s an appetizer to An Heir of Deception. Tell me what you think.

Danielle, you don’t have to tell me about finding time to read. Sigh. I wish I had more of it.

Bev - July 27, 2011 - 8:47 pm

StacieDM, yep, I hear you. I love the alphas and I love the quiet deadly betas. Give ‘em a very dry dry wry sense of humour and I’m set.

Runner10, to me my ‘fighters’ are being honest and upfront. They truly believe they don’t have any ‘real’ feelings for the other. The fun for me is their true realization.

Susan, I’m all for angst in my romances–not so much in real life.

Hi Sia! Yes, Derek is a stubborn one as I said. What I love about Elizabeth though is she doesn’t set out to teach him a lesson. He manages that all on his lonesome.

Diane Sallans - July 27, 2011 - 9:51 pm

We know there’s going to be an HEA, the fun is how they get there. I like both, it’s fun to mix it up.

librarypat - July 28, 2011 - 1:34 am

Have read the first two books and have been looking forward to this one.
Actually I like both types of heroes. It depends on his situation and back story and the type of heroine he is dealing with. It is a bit more fun when they are falling for the heroine, but are in full denial. Men can be so stubborn.
I really need to decide what e-reader I am going to get (NOOK is currently the preference) and just do it. There have been several books I have really wanted to read this past year that have been released in e-format only.
I hope the release of ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND SEDUCTION is going well. I really enjoy The Season For Romance and try to get to it every night.

CrystalGB - July 28, 2011 - 12:56 pm

I like a man who fights his feelings throughout the book. It makes for a more interesting story and when he realizes that he loves his heroine and admits it there is that “aah” moment.

Beverley - July 28, 2011 - 4:53 pm

Hi ladies! I fell asleep very early last night (lack of sleep does that to one). I want to thank everyone for commenting and their well wishes. I especially want to thank Darcy and the ladies of Petit Fours and Hot Tamales for having me. I had a great time and had a blast doing the ‘interview’ with Derek.

LSUReader - July 28, 2011 - 7:54 pm

I enjoy seeing characters have true emotional growth. I read All’s Fair earlier this month and really liked seeing how Elizabeth and especially Derek grew and understood and admitted their feelings. I’m looking forward to the next in this series. Thanks for visiting.