Today’s special guest is romance author J R Salisbury and we’re chatting about her new historical Victorian novel, Seduction of a Duke.
During her virtual book tour, J R will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too!
Bio:
J R Salisbury divides her time between the U.S. and U.K. with her aging Yorkie, Rocco.
When in the U.K. she finds herself shrouded in history, making an author’s imagination come alive.
J R writes Victorian era and Scottish historical romance with perfectly imperfect heroes and strong, sassy heroines.
Welcome, J R, please tell us about your current release.
You never know when cupids arrow is going to strike…
Lady Cora Keats, the only daughter of the Duke of Dover is not only beautiful, she’s confident, self-assured and sometimes a wee bit outspoken. She knows one day she’ll have to marry and settle down – her father constantly reminds her. Cora has other plans – she doesn’t want to marry…at least not now. She’s grown into an independent woman with an occupation few women dare pursue. She cannot…no she will not give up a successful business for a man. Not even if he’s an obscenely handsome duke who shares her interests. Sebastian Steele, Duke of Hightower was sought after by all the young women. Tall, muscular and stunningly good-looking, the former rake has quietly begun his search for a wife. Drawn by Lady Cora’s uniqueness and confidence he realizes through all their bickering there is something more lying beneath the surface.
Can these two opposites put aside their differences and work together for the greater good or will pride and stubbornness rule?
What inspired you to write this book?
I was watching an old movie (My Fair Lady) and something clicked in one scene. I knew I had to start the book with that scene but with a different twist.
Excerpt from Seduction of a Duke:
It hadn’t occurred to him until now that he might have marred his chances at placing Apollo with The Duke’s trainer. Lady Cora surely wouldn’t have that much influence over her father. Or did she?
Perhaps if he paid as little attention to her for now, it would allow him time to judge her reaction, or lack of it. Apart from the horses at Tattersall’s he hadn’t done anything to slight her. At least he couldn’t think of anything he might have done.
“We were just discussing The Duke of Liverpool’s up and coming stallion,” Allgood said. “He’s got great potential.”
Lady Cora’s lips pursed, as though she desperately wanted to say something, but was holding back. Was it because her father told her to be on her best behavior, or did she merely think her father’s stable far superior? She was a hard woman to read. It wasn’t that she wasn’t appealing or even a gorgeous woman; there was just something about her he hadn’t been able to quite put his finger on.
“Tell me about this young stallion you feel needs use of my trainer?” Dover asked. “From what Allgood has told me he had great potential and suddenly lost interest. Perhaps he’s bored. It’s been known to happen.”
“I’ve thought of that. It came about suddenly about two or three races ago. He lived to race, and then all of a sudden, he lost interest, like you said. I’ve tried changing riders with no luck. I’m too close and can’t look at him objectively.”
The Duke nodded thoughtfully. “Yes, I can see where that could happen. Allgood says he was orphaned, and you raised him yourself?”
“Yes, which is why I need to step back from his training.”
“Viscount Ellsworth has an excellent trainer from what I understand. Perhaps that would be the best course for your stallion,” Lady Cora said.
Sebastian’s neck snapped around to look at her. Her face was a mask, and her voice was full of distain. “I’m sorry, my lady, but you would know this how?”
“It’s an age-old problem with thoroughbreds. If they aren’t stimulated, they grow bored. They’re hot blooded, just like Arabians.”
“Or he could be in some discomfort?” Dover added.
“I’ve had him thoroughly check by two veterinarians. Everything has been done.”
“Maybe you should just accept the fact that this stallion of yours isn’t as born for racing as you think, Your Grace,” Lady Cora murmured.
Sebastian bristled at her malicious remark, but remained stoic, ignoring her, not wishing to harm his fledgling relationship with her father. He held the key to putting in a good word or even a recommendation to his trainer.
What exciting story are you working on next?
I’m working on the fourth installment of the Love & Devotion series which will revolve around Cora’s brother Augustus and Sebastian’s sister, Beatrice from this book.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
In high school.
Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I am fortunate I to be able to write full time. I treat it as a business and set aside time for the business end, and the writing.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I have too many ideas! I would have to write 24/7 to write even a fraction of the ideas.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a young girl, I wanted to be a jockey (I ended up too tall for that). In high school it changed – I wanted to pursue writing, songwriter. I wanted to be the next Carole King or Janis Joplin
Links:
Website | Amazon | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Thank you for being here today, J R.
Enter to win a $15 Amazon/BN GC – a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks for hosting!
Thank you for hosting Seduction of a Duke!
Thank you for hosting Seduction of a Duke!
The cover looks so pretty
Sounds like a great book.
What was your inspiration in writing this book?