132 Responses to “Time for Temptation: Q&A with Lisa Kleypas”

1. 

   Tinaviel says:

   September 28th, 2009 at 10:42 am

   OH MY GOD, THE LEO SPOILER. Was that what was in the missing scene? Or is it something that comes later? I am excited to read this, to say the least.

   Onto more cerebral gushing: Lisa, I want to second how much I love the aspects of social history that get worked into your novels — and how much historical research goes into that! I really love the idea of you doing a future series in Gilded Age New York. If you ever do get around to that, I should hope we get cameos from certain heroes and heroines in ‘Again The Magic’… [wink]
2. 

   Christabel says:

   September 28th, 2009 at 10:42 am

   Hello Lisa, just popping in to say that I adored TMAT- Harry and Poppy were well worth the wait- I know Leo & Beatrix’s stories will be too As much as I’m looking forward to your Friday Harbour series, what do you have planned on the historical front after the wonderful Hathways? Much love!
3. 

   Michelle Willingham says:

   September 28th, 2009 at 10:49 am

   Lisa, I devoured Tempt Me at Twilight and I think I blurted out on the last line of the epilogue, “Oh, NO! You did not just do that!!” Talk about sequel-teasers!

   I’ve been waiting for Leo’s book for a while now and I just love Kev and Cam. You do such great heroes. Can’t wait to read the next one!
4. 

   Tinaviel says:

   September 28th, 2009 at 10:54 am

   I just realised my original comment didn’t contain my feelings on TMAT — I adored it. And one of the things I appreciated most was the aspect of Poppy you mentioned — that her strength lay in the fact that she was strong and rational and resilient. Too often I find it hard to relate to heroines in novels I otherwise enjoy because being ‘strong’ seems to have become synonymous with being combative instead of forthright. That your heroines often choose the latter path is what sets them apart for me — what transforms them from placeholders into truly admirable characters a reader can empathise and even identify with.
5. 

   limecello says:

   September 28th, 2009 at 11:08 am

   Ahhhh loved this interview – hi Lisa- thanks for visiting with us today! You’re one of my favorite authors and Tempt Me at Twilight is the next book I’m buying Normally I avoid all sorts of spoilers but I couldn’t resist- loved all the quotes and one liners, and I’m *especially* excited that this book is more light hearted. :X I have nothing of substance to say, just that I adore your books – congratulations on the new release, and good luck with your deadline! Heh. *squee!*
6. 

   Lisa Kleypas says:

   September 28th, 2009 at 11:09 am

   Good morning dears! Thank you so much for starting my day off with a smile . . . actually, that Leo spoiler has nothing to do with the missing scene. But Leo’s book, Married By Morning, will start out with exactly what occurred (at the end of Chapter Twenty-Three in “Tempt Me”)

   Tina, I SO appreciate that–thank you! I make a real effort to color the historicals with research, and I love it that you noticed the details!

   Christabel, I have no idea yet about future historicals. I might want to make a return to the Regency time period, since I haven’t done that for years . . . the thought is certainly tempting.

   Michelle, thank you! I’m not one of those writers who claims that the characters speak to me, or I see them on a blank wall or something (I should be so lucky *g*) . . . but that last scene with Leo and Catherine absolutely jumped out of my mind. And if Sybil wants to put it up, I’ll give her part of an unedited scene from MBM to post in another week or two!
7. 

   Sybil says:

   September 28th, 2009 at 11:22 am

   k sorry, I will try and stop messing with the post because EVERYTIME I edit it I mess up the format. Like I said lisa it busy typing away and will be in and out. I will play the part as best I can *EG* without giving out misinformation or stuff I am not allowed to say.
   .
   haaaaaaaaaa
   .
   Speaking of what did you think of that cliffhanger? Beyond evil? Bad? or just right? LOL what I should be doing is typing up my review of this so we can go talk about her while she is here and she can do that ‘should I look, should I not look…’ author thing.
   .
   For me I am not sure, two things in books I HATE are romance triangles and cliffhangers this year I have read two books I would rec (A Hint of Wicked and Temp Me at Twilight) but I think the cliff does give it an air of PART ONE of PART TWO. Before anyone gasps in horror this is nothing I haven’t told Lisa already.
   .
   Tinaviel: regarding the ‘missing scene’ turns out I need to go back and read it because I so remember it differently sez lisa but no the Leo spoiler was new to me as well.
   .
   Christabel: LOLOLOL I am of course not Lisa and you did notice my gap – I forgot to mention the new contemp series… I think I should do a post on it vs editing this again cuz ACK the spacing is driving me mad. BUT good Lisa Kleypas fan you are for knowing the 411 on Friday. And geeze I thought I was greedy… already wanting more on the next historical. ::I bow to you::
   .
   Michelle Willingham: HEY you
   .
   Tinaviel: I thought the book was good as well. Maybe we need a discussion thread or should we do it here? LOL I notice while putting this together some people thought Poppy wasn’t drawn out enough, where I would agree she isn’t ‘in your face kickass’ I thought she was a smart heroine. And used her brain to get her way.
   .
   She went into her marriage knowing Harry was a manipulative bastard, who at one point she did ‘want’ but most of all WANTED her. And she might have been ashamed to admit it, Poppy was attracted to that. MB didn’t fight for her, if he had stood up in that chruch and said NO she is mine – I think maybe… Poppy might have gone with him at that point.. maybe… because at the point yes she wanted a simple life in the long run. But she wanted what any woman wanted.
   .
   Poppy wanted a man who wanted her and wasn’t afraid to fight for her – dirty if he had too.
   .
   Of course I have had a hella long time to think about this and could be completely off my nut
   .
   Lisa! I knew you couldn’t resist coming out to play a bit here and there but really I have already type this up so…. LOL
8. 

   Liviania says:

   September 28th, 2009 at 11:33 am

   And I still need to read Seduce Me before I can read Tempt Me. But the little excerpts sprinkled thoughout are wonderful, and the Rutledge sounds like an actual hotel name.
9. 

   Christabel says:

   September 28th, 2009 at 11:35 am

   Sybil- LOL- lurve Lisa’s contemps but I’m forever loyal to my first love- which are Lisa’s historicals! And Lisa, not to sound demanding- but I’ll settle for a promise never to stop writing historicals *g* I was sooo desperate for TMAT, I DHL’ed it from Amazon… The winning feature after Harry’s villainous (mechanical genius) ways was the hotel setting- it was original and incredibly interesting! Will definitely check out your research reading to further fuel my Harry & Poppy daydreams
10. 

    Kim says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 11:52 am

    I really enjoyed TMaT. The family dynamics of the Hathaway family never get old. You’ve done such a great job portraying the character growth of Leo. He’s gone from such a dark character in the first book to a witty rogue in the current one. His verbal wordplay with Merripen and Miss Marks is always amusing. I especially liked that Rutledge blended right in with the Hathaways. With his dysfunctional background, he could have avoided getting to know Poppy’s family, but instead, he thrived in that loving environment. I have one quick question: Will we see more of what happened in Rutledge’s childhood when you write about Ms. Mark’s background? You carefully avoided any description about when Rutledge met Catherine for the first time. Will this be in the next book? (For some reason I’m unable to separate this post into paragraphs – sorry).
11. 

    Tinaviel says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 12:01 pm

    Sybil – I think that Poppy was well-drawn… her nuances were just a bit more shown, and not told, than your average heroine. With her you kind of have to read between the lines a bit — but it’s obvious that her driving characteristic is that she’s a very loving girl, with a deep capacity for feeling, very classy and refined yet geeky (in a good way) with a sense of humour, and though she’s predominantly sensible, I think she has more of a romantic side than her longing for serenity would let her admit. There was that one scene near the end, also, where Amelia got her to admit that her need for normalcy was driven by a need to feel secure, and a need to be able to predict things around her in an effort to safeguard herself against the same tragedies and uncertainties that had already befallen the family. /long-winded psychoanalysis

    I also agree with you in that the cliffhanger makes TMAT and MBM seem kind of like a pair — just like the first two in the series. This also makes me really excited to find out more about Bea’s book, though I suppose I must bide my time for that one. (For now, I’d settle for knowing whether Beatrix is supposed to be ‘the beast’ — because of her wildness and kinship with animals — or whether we’ll be treated to a more ‘beastly’ hero. Gotta love those beastly heroes )
12. 

    Lisa Kleypas says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 12:35 pm

    limecello, thank you dear, and I hope you’ll enjoy the book!

    Kim, thank you! I think it is one of the best aspects of doing a series, that you can show a long and very developed character arc from book to book . . . I’ve never had a character who changed so visibly and so much as Leo. I think Sybil was the only person in the world who liked Leo and rooted for him after Mine till Midnight. I myself felt sorry for him but thought he was exasperating and fairly disgusting. Usually when you read that a hero was a rake or badly behaved in the past, you never actually see it! But as Leo got better in “Seduce Me,” I think you could see more of his real personality coming through.

    And yes, there is much more about Rutledge and Catherine in MBM, so a lot of questions are cleared up.
13. 

    Lisa Kleypas says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 12:41 pm

    Sybil, I love your comments about Poppy, because that is exactly what I was trying to convey . . . obviously Harry was a bastard for what he did, but on a certain level, Poppy was inwardly pleased that he wanted her enough to fight for her! I think Harry says something about how Michael only wanted her if it was easy, but Harry wanted her any way he could get her. About the “parts one and two” aspects of the books . . . it is so tricky to write books that are connected but hopefully stand on their own . . . there is certainly more of an ensemble feeling in the Hathaway books than other series I’ve done. And as you know, it’s been nearly impossible to keep Leo from overshadowing all the other characters in this series!
14. 

    Lisa Kleypas says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 12:42 pm

    Tina, right now I’m envisioning Beatrix with a “beastly” hero . . . very big and broody and sexy!
15. 

    Sybil says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 12:44 pm

    Lisa Kleypas sez:
    “I think Sybil was the only person in the world who liked Leo and rooted for him after Mine till Midnight”
    .
    That is her nice way of saying she thinks I am nuts or slightly off… but hey I called it!
16. 

    Tinaviel says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 12:51 pm

    Lisa, everything I’ve heard so far about Bea’s book seems tailor-made to exactly what I would have wanted for it to be the most. I LOVE the idea of a rough-around-the-edges, brooding giant of a hero. Fits in well with what she goes around telling owls she wants in a man, anyway [grin]

    One last obnoxious question, at least for a while: I love what you’ve done with Leo, and I admit to being one of those people who wondered how you’d ever redeem him (and oh, I should have had more faith, because his story can’t come fast enough now). I especially love that what made him that way in the first place was a real tragedy that gives him believable motivation for having lost any semblance of the sweetness and gallantry he had when Laura was alive. So I’ve really been wondering whether we’re finally going to ‘hear her voice’ in any flashbacks in MBM. I mean, I know a lot of people are leery of focusing in too much on a first love, but since she is such an integral part of why Leo now is the way he is, I was just wondering
17. 

    Lynne Connolly says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 1:12 pm

    You’re one of the writers who does consistently readable, interesting work. I want to hate you, because you’re talented, beautiful and successful, but I just can’t, and long may you continue. Thanks for the great reads.
    Anyway. Do you enjoy switching genres? Do you find it refreshing?
18. 

    Rowan Ainsley says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 1:19 pm

    I have loved all of your historicals, and devoured TMAT. And I can hardly wait for Leo’s book. Having said that, I also have loved all of your contemporaries, and right now I am devouring Smooth Talking Stranger for the nth time, this time in audiobook format on my iPod. So I have to ask, will there be another Travis book featuring Joe, the youngest brother?
19. 

    Sandy (Strlady) says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 2:06 pm

    I just picked up Poppy’s story in Audio (love that the Hathaway series has been available in Audio which is how I read much of my books lately) and I just can’t wait to dive in. Just last wek I finished Sunrise which put me in place to just run with the next installment! It’s always a pleasure to read your work.
20. 

    Lisa Kleypas says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 3:03 pm

    Tina, no question is obnoxious, and that’s a really good one–I had to devote a lot of thought as to how much to reveal of Laura. I didn’t want to detract from the very real feelings she and Leo shared, but at the same time, I didn’t want that to overshadow or lessen what he has with Catherine. So Leo definitely talks about Laura to Catherine, which is normal and natural, but I chose not to do any flashbacks in which she has actual dialogue. And in terms of comparisons, I try to make it clear that Leo would fall in love with a very different woman when he is a man of thirty, than he would as a boy of eighteen, and he knows that.
21. 

    Lisa Kleypas says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 3:14 pm

    Lynne, thank you, I’m especially flattered with such words coming from you! I know you write in different genres, so I wonder if you have the same feeling, that switching really improves your work in ways you don’t necessarily expect. It has made me a lot more conscious of my writing voice, and the challenge has been really invigorating. One surprise has been that I have to research contemporaries as much as historicals, because the world is constantly changing, and there is so much I don’t know about. I will admit, I have a really tough time “flip-flopping,” alternating between historical and contemp, so now I’m trying to write them in groups of two or three.
22. 

    Lisa Kleypas says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 3:16 pm

    Rowan, thanks, I’m so glad to hear that. And I have to tell you, I’ve been sincerely surprised to have so many people ask about Joe! I never had plans to write about him, but after all the interest, I will definitely be leaving the possibility open. In the meantime, I’ve already contracted to write a contemporary series set in Friday Harbor, part of San Juan Island which is right off the Washington state coast.
23. 

    Lisa Kleypas says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 3:20 pm

    Thanks Sandy dear!–I haven’t listened to the whole thing, but I’ve listened to parts, and the narrator Rosalyn has a lovely voice. I think she did a great job with different voices . . . there are some group scenes, and you can tell exactly who’s saying what. You’ll have to let me know if you like it, or how it is to hear the love scenes with a real British accent!
24. 

    Marie says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 6:28 pm

    Love your books, Lisa. You’re the only writer I stalk the book store for. Thank you for such brilliant, loving, funny, and lovely stories.
    So… any chance of an excerpt? hehe.
25. 

    Michelle Willingham says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 6:32 pm

    Lisa–you said,
    “I’m not one of those writers who claims that the characters speak to me, or I see them on a blank wall or something (I should be so lucky *g*)”

    I was wondering about that. For me, in my own writing, it gets harder with each book. I think we keep raising the bar, and sometimes I stare at that mocking blank page and think to myself–shouldn’t I be getting better at this? Why do I feel like I’m getting dumber? Shouldn’t I be able to create dazzling characters that leap off the page? And then I smack myself, get a grip, and keep going.

    What are your personal writing hurdles, now that you’ve done so many books? (For me, aside from always over-complicating the plot, it’s self-plagiarism –I have my own pet phrases and words that I have to keep editing out.

    **One compliment–you have some amazing similes in your work, and I admire the detail and texturing you put into your story.
26. 

    Michelle Willingham says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 6:32 pm

    ::waving at Sybil and Wendy::
27. 

    Marie says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 6:32 pm

    Sort of spoiler*****

    Who else could imagine Harry stomping his foot and pouting like a 5 year old when he says, “I will not be left.”
    Leo was wonderful comic relief.
28. 

    Tinaviel says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 6:51 pm

    Michelle’s comment reminded me of something else I would like to ask! Lisa, one thing that impresses me mightily about your novels is that you’ve done so many heroes that are the stuff of legend to so many readers — Derek Craven, Marcus and St. Vincent, Merripen, Zachary Bronson (probably my personal favourite), Logan Scott, the Bow Street Runners — that they might as well be grouped together and called a pantheon. And a lot of them have the quality of being self-made in common — that they pull themselves up from nothing to become successful without the benefit of blue bloodlines, something which is a LOT less frequently done than it ought to be. That being said, do you ever feel pressure in coming up with new heroes since you’ve done so many awesome (and intense!) ones? Do you ever find yourself trying consciously not to repeat any of your old heroes (IMO you do a great job of making them all quite unique)? Finally, have you ever thought about doing a historical hero that was neither aristocratic nor self-made — someone further down on the social or financial spectrum?
29. 

    Tinaviel says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 6:56 pm

    **I guess Merripen could be seen as an example of that last bit (though he did come into an inheritance at the end — so I guess my question still stands )
30. 

    Sybil says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 7:06 pm

    Marie: I will post a Married by Morning ‘Raw and Unedited’ excerpt in a week or two. We are giving Poppy a little while longer to shine before I start to pimp out Leo ::coughmorecough::

    WHAT? A bit of random trivia I think Devil in Winter just might be my most posted about book on TGTBTU. LOL that is sort of OCD of me *G*.
31. 

    Sybil says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 7:10 pm

    Tinaviel
    St. Vincent is Lord St. Vincent… as he says to Evie “besmirched though it is, the title is now yours to share” and he is in line to be a Duke
32. 

    Sybil says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 7:14 pm

    I don’t think I have ever read Where Dreams Begin, although I do have it. I do adore Because You’re Mine. A book I don’t think gets near enough love.

    There was another ‘self made man’ in the wallflowers… first book Simon Hunt was I think.
33. 

    Lisa Kleypas says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 7:59 pm

    Marie . . . LOL, thank you, and I promised Sybs an excerpt, so she’ll put one up here fairly soon!

    Michelle . . . yes, you put it perfectly . . . it does get harder, and then sometimes you lock into something wonderful, and it seems so easy, and you think “Well, now I know what I’m doing.” And then the next book you have to pry out of your brain word by word. But you’re doing what all the really great writers do, which is to question and challenge yourself! And you’ll just keep getting better and better. And I’m laughing about the self-plagiarizing, because I think we all do it. I’ve said before, my characters all have hyperactive eyebrows that resemble caterpillars with ADD. Thank you so much re my similes . . . it’s hard to be fresh with those, isn’t it?
34. 

    Lisa Kleypas says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 8:10 pm

    Aw Tina, now I’m glowing, you are so nice! My heroes and I appreciate it *g*. I actually never worry about how to come up with new heroes, as much as I worry about putting a minor character into a lead role. Because readers have expectations, they often feel they know a particular character, and then when you expand the character and make him (or her) more dimensional, they don’t always like the directions you choose. And I sincerely deeply hate disappointing my readers–I never want anyone to regret buying one of my books.

    But back to creating heroes and characters . . . it is so helpful when you give them a vivid background. Harry locked in the hotel room as a child, for example . . . that is one of those experiences that shape a person forever . . . so Harry turns the isolation into a defense, and clings to it as an adult. And Zachary Bronson–I never forgot the image of him as a professional fighter on the street corner, fists up, ready to take on anyone who challenged him. About more “ordinary” heroes . . . it’s one of the things I’m going to try with the “Friday Harbor” series next year! I keep thinking “sexy guys with boats” . . .
35. 

    Marie says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 8:15 pm

    “Sexy guys with boats” LOL!
36. 

    Lisa Kleypas says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 8:17 pm

    Syb, I hope you’ll like Leo’s book! I don’t know what you’ll think about it. Now that I’m combing through it and getting to the end, I think Leo’s turned out to be an interesting character, not as much like Sebastian as I thought he might be. He’s a little younger, more “tarnished” and more sarcastic, and having a close family makes him different too.
37. 

    KristieJ says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 8:17 pm

    Sybil – what??? No mention of Derek??? Anyway – I just love the whole Hathaway family. I just started this one today – read it through breaks, read it through lunch and as soon as I got home. I’m not far into it yet, but I can already tell I’m going to love it.
    And Lisa, like Sybil, I would SO LOVE to see you write a book set in the US – if not in the West, I’d still be very happy with one set in New York – after all, you already have McKenna and Aline there *g*.
    And I also loved the spoilers for Leo and Beatrix ’cause of course I had to read them.
38. 

    Marie says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 8:19 pm

    Because You’re Mine was great… and Where Dreams Begin…Lady Sophia’s Lover…Stranger in my Arms… *cue happy sigh* …
    And I’m gone.

    Every single Kleypas book, I truly love them all.
39. 

    Nikki H says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 8:27 pm

    This is a great interview, and just leaves me impatiently waiting for Leo’s story. I remember how devastated I was when I read about Leo’s loss–it was so real for me. So I can’t wait. And I absolutely loved TMAT. Everything about it was perfect. I especially was enamored of Dodger. I could just see him hopping and skipping and escaping from Poppy and crawling up into Catherine’s lap and nestling his head in her shoe.
40. 

    Linny says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 8:38 pm

    Thanks Lisa and Sybil! All the spoilers, quotes and questions above was fabulous. I’m still waiting for “Tempt Me” to arrive in the mail and I admit, it’s purely to get a catch up on Leo and Miss Marks. I have HUGE expectation for MBM, cannot wait, so any additional tidbits would be much appreciated! BTW. Seduce me at Sunrise is one of my fav historicals and ALL my fav heroes are from your stories (Derek, Sebastian, Kev). You’re my favorite historical author and I do hope you plan to do an Victorian Era New York series. What I love most about you is that you never disappoint your fans, or seem to dragged out the release of a much awaited couple like some authors do (because it’s not the ‘right’ time or they need to sell a dozen books pulling characters out of the air before they get to it!). Sorry, if I sound a bit cynical. As a reader, its nice to be able to rely on you to deliver on what you promise. Though the only time I’ve ever had a bit of a check was when the implied Cam/Daisy story didn’t happen…but I looooved Mathew Swift so I got over it quickly. Though I’m curious as to why even have that kissy scene, did you change your mind? Finally, I’ve since gotten into Paranormal romances…do you have plans for this genre?
41. 

    Lisa Kleypas says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 8:45 pm

    Kristie!!! (Lisa, blowing kisses) Yes, Derek was the first self-made hero I ever wrote, and he paved the way for all the others (and looks like Richard A), so he deserves to be mentioned. And if I could write American-set historicals, that’s EXACTLY how I would do it–I would use Aline and McKenna and Gideon Shaw as a launching point. Maybe even have the Bowmans in there. I swear, if I can ever get to a point at which readers could go there with me and feel comfortable (and buy the books), I’ll do it.
42. 

    Sybil says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 8:53 pm

    LOL Kristie *g* go back and read under Lisa’s response in the interview to my question”When is Jake getting a book?”

    I mention him there

    And Lisa I promise to only tell you what I think if you ask.
43. 

    Sybil says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 8:55 pm

    I did mean to put a last name in the interview when I posted it. “When is Jake getting a book?” should have been Jake Valentine… just in case anyone was wondering
44. 

    Lisa Kleypas says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 8:55 pm

    Marie, you’re so sweet–thank you!!!

    Nikki–a kiss for you from Dodger! *g* I’ll confess, he still can’t leave Miss Marks alone in “Married By Morning.” Which makes him the only recurring animal character in any of my books. Hee!

    Linny, you’ve made my night, thank you so much!!! About the Cam and Daisy story . . . well, I have a couple of different versions of it, and I guess basically it got very complicated because I was leaving Avon at the same time that I was plotting the book, and it was a very difficult situation for both sides. It was the breakup of a sixteen year partnership, so you can imagine how tough it was for everyone. And this was probably my weakness as a writer, but I wrote two versions of a Cam/Daisy outline that my editor and I couldn’t agree on. (And she was and is a talented editor, btw.) So I started from scratch, came up with Matthew Swift, and we both thought it would work. And I truly came to adore Matthew, and thought (hoped) the book ended up being right for Daisy. So I ended up with St. Martins, and Cam ended up with Amelia! I’ve always been sorry I couldn’t make it work for Cam and Daisy . . . but Amelia and the Hathaways definitely needed him, and I can’t imagine the series without him now!
45. 

    Rowan Ainsley says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 8:56 pm

    Thanks, Lisa. I have always been intrigued by Joe in the series, always the one in the background, under cover of radar, so to speak. After his brush with death in STS, his story seems a natural to me. I hope you can take him up at some point.

    I am excited to hear about the Friday Harbor series. I have such fond memories of visiting there in the late 70′s when my boy friend (now my husband of many years) would go up for visits to the lab. He was on the faculty at UW, I was in grad school there. We attended a beautiful wedding there. Quel romantique!
46. 

    Lisa Kleypas says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 8:57 pm

    Linny, forgot to say . . . I love love love paranormals, but I’ve never come up with any ideas that I think would contribute to the genre. In other words, I would just be paying homage to all the truly amazing paranormal authors and being ridiculously derivative *g*
47. 

    Sybil says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 9:03 pm

    Oh good god. Please don’t do that. NO PARANORMALS.

    Did I ever have you sign in blood you would never leave historicals? ACK.

    I wanna hear the audio TMAT if it is any good.
48. 

    KristieJ says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 9:13 pm

    ROTFL – But Sybil – you didn’t even capitalize his name!! And I quote – “of a derek character”. But I see you CAPITLIZE Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent. See – I see the slight to Derek and The Cravenators.
49. 

    Rowan Ainsley says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 9:14 pm

    BTW, Lisa, you are talented enough that you could succeed in writing romances in whatever setting you chose. And I predict that most, if not all, of your loyal readers would follow you there. I know I would.
50. 

    Sybil says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 9:49 pm

    kristie, kristie, kristie… LOL so picky
51. 

    Pam Pellini says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 9:50 pm

    I enjoyed Poppy and Harry’s story, they make a great couple. She sees right through his manipulative ways and calls him on it, which makes her understand him I think and see there’s more below the surface. I love how Harry falls right off when she’s not initimidated by him like everyone else, and becomes fascinated with her chatter, doesn’t quite know what to make of her but sure knows he wants more.

    Now after that cliffhanger ending, Lisa, I sure wish these two had come out back to back. I suspected something happened with Leo and Cat when he all of a sudden returned to London after the wedding. Can’t wait even more now for it, so for now will have to be teased with that excerpt – soon please. And I was rooting for Leo all along with Sybil, knowing he just needed more time to get past losing Laura. Love his sarcastic wit and baiing Cat.

    I’d love to see you do a setting in Victorian era NY one day.
52. 

    Linny says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 9:54 pm

    Thanks for the responses Lisa. It’s nice to understand the Cam/Daisy thing, it’s always been this niggling little ‘why?’ in the back of my mind – do not ask me why! Now I have ‘closure’ Scandal in Spring was perfect! In reference to other comments, and an american historical, I also would love to hear from McKenna and Aline. So if you could go there, I’m sure we’ll follow and buy. And before I forget to ask, any chances of Derek’s sons coming to life, not sure I neccessarily want to read about Derek as a older gentleman, but also can’t help but wonder what his offsprings are like? Gosh, maybe you can do a reversal from americans going to british shores and have Derek’s son go to the States, I think the oldest one was in shipping right…? *** mind already excited by the idea*** And calm down Sybil! But I do know what you mean, when I need a good shot of historical, it’s nice to know I have Lisa to look forward to. And Lisa, I don’t think you could be ridiculously derivative if you tried, and I’m sure you’ll weave your own special magic if you find the right spark in any genre. I was asking because I was curious if you ever considered it, paranormals take ‘suspending your disbelief’ to another level…who knows where it could take you? Thanks for your continual supply of happy drugs – oh, I mean novels.
53. 

    Pam Pellini says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 9:58 pm

    Yes, forget paranormals, I need more of LIsa’s historicals. And I see Lisa mentioning how all others followed my favorite DEREK, the original! LOL
54. 

    Sarah says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 10:01 pm

    Thanks for this great post, Lisa and Sybil! I really enjoyed Tempt Me at Twilight, particularly the glimpses into the family. I thought Poppy and Harry had a great romance but I have to admit, you have me dying for Leo and Catherine’s story, and I didn’t even like Leo for a long time. He was a character I definitely had to warm up to.

    So, you’ve mentioned your historicals, but when will you have a new contemporary romance coming out?
55. 

    Lisa Kleypas says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 10:18 pm

    Rowen, thank you . . . I certainly hope so, I would love to help nudge historicals into new directions!

    Pam, I wish they’d come out back to back too . . . as a reader, I always hate waiting, which is probably why as a writer, I always put excerpts out as early as possible. Wasn’t it Carrie Fisher who once said “instant gratification takes too long?” *g*

    Linny, I have thought about writing stories for Derek’s sons, but they just have too much to live up to . . . and I don’t want to think about Derek getting older . . . but I do so love the idea of American historicals. Thanks for your kind words about the paranormals . . . I will admit to having a few private little vampire fantasies (but don’t tell my husband!)

    Sarah, I’m so glad you enjoyed TMAT–thank you! I will be starting the Friday Harbor series after I finished Beatrix’s novel “Love In The Afternoon,” and I am very excited about the challenge. I’m in the fun part of planning right now, just gathering ideas and trying to decided what would be interesting.
56. 

    LACHUNDRA says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 10:40 pm

    Lisa K, let me start by saying that I absolutely your books. SUDDENLY YOU was the first thing I’d ever read of yours and from that point on, I was hooked. Of your many fabulous heroes, I have 3 favorites (I can’t pick 1 no matter how hard I try). They are Jack Devlin, Marcus Westcliff, and of course the devilously sexy Sebastian St. Vincent. While it doesn’t seem likely that we will see Jack again *sigh* will you be working on any novels that will include any of the Wallflower series heroes? Maybe a new generation of Wallflower women. I’d love to see how Sebastian would deal with eligible bachelors courting his daughters.
57. 

    LACHUNDRA says:

    September 28th, 2009 at 10:50 pm

    BTW, I loved Tempt Me At Twilight. Summer 2010 is looking further and further away
58. 

    Marie says:

    September 29th, 2009 at 6:13 am

    Thank you for being so generous to give us excerpts and little tidbits. It really is appreciated!
59. 

    canny says:

    September 29th, 2009 at 1:05 pm

    Hi Lisa, Thanks so much for sharing tidbits from Married by Morning. I must tell you I love, love, love the Hathaway series, even more so than the Wallflower series. I just have one question for you, which I hope you can answer, why does Cat’s relationship with Harry have to be kept a secret? I know this would be revealed next summer, but I’m just dying to know!!!!
60. 

    Marial says:

    September 29th, 2009 at 8:42 pm

    Lisa Thank you so much for visiting. You are one of my favorite authors. I’m sure I’m not alone in my sentiment that I eagerly look foward to each book that you write!
61. 

    Meg says:

    September 29th, 2009 at 10:19 pm

    Wow. That Leo spoiler was just…WOW. Naughty boy. *blushes wildly* Thank you, Lisa! I can honestly say you’ve probably made my year with all the juicy tidbits you provided! I’ll be scouring the internets for that MBM excerpt, by the way ;D TMaT was simply excellent. Thus far, Poppy’s the Hathaway sister I can most relate to…the babbling when nervous, the need to feel safe as the ultimate motivation, the incandescent beauty…well, maybe not the last one. xD I’m loving what’s been done with Beatrix, also. In “A Hathaway Wedding” especially, Beatrix seems to have developed almost a streak of cynicism. The character could easily have turned into a Mary Sue or a Disney Princess-esque caricature that talks to animals, but instead she seems to have deep-seated emotional issues stemming from quite a bit of loss and abandonment in her life. I can’t wait to see how a big, broody beast of a hero and our wild-child Beatrix will hook up. *bounces up and down excitedly* By the way, count me in as someone who was always rooting for Leo, mostly because I knew he had to shape up…we couldn’t possibly put up with Obnoxious!Drunkard!Leo! for the entire series, lol! I love Leo as he is now…he’s always trying to give orders to people, Cat included, and assert himself as an aristocrat and it never goes over well. I wonder who Leo’s competition for Cat’s heart will be, other than a love-struck ferret named Dodger?
62. 

    Meg says:

    September 30th, 2009 at 11:27 am

    Ooooh, I got another one! Leo and Marks should totally have a Titanic-esque scene where he gives her a necklace and she tells him to draw her wearing it and he’s like “sure” and she clarifies that she’ll be wearing *only* the necklace and he’s like WOOHOO…okay, I’ll stop.
63. 

    Linny says:

    September 30th, 2009 at 9:37 pm

    I’m more thinking that Miss Marks catches him in the act, wrongly assumes he’s making fun of her, grabs the illicit drawings and wacks him across the head with it, outraged. Leo tries to defend himself and they end up tussling on the floor…things could get hot and steamy at that point. (hehehe) Ah well…however Lisa does it, it will be good and I CAN NOT WAIT – I’m so impatient for MBM, even though I’m still tragically tapping my feet for the TMAT to arrive in the mail! To keep myself sane, I re-read Seduce me at Sunrise and I already feel that Leo is going to be the most endearing hero and has the potential to be an all-time-favorite of mine. And if you’re reading this Lisa, I just wanted to say I like your response to Tinaviel re Laura dialogue/flashbacks, I’m glad you didn’t focus too much on Laura, we’ve heard so much in previous stories especially when she came back as a ghosty in book 1. I’m not sure I really want to read about the Ex…so I’m all for keeping it brief but enough to give us context and focus on the couple we’re really interested. But another question to Lisa, have you considered keeping an active blog on your website, a central place to go for updates on what you’re up to, a place we can badger you about to starting on those american historicals.;-) Finally, thank you for the Hathaway short story, I so didn’t expect it so it was a pleasant surprise. Any short story teasers to MBM will also be very much welcomed…gawd, the wait will be soooooo long.
64. 

    Michael says:

    September 30th, 2009 at 10:02 pm

    Lisa, I’m not sure if you’re still answering questions, but I have one about Love, Come To Me. Did you ever have any plans for the secondary male in the story, Damon Redmond? I found him much more interesting then Heath! You can always dust him off if you need a hero for an American historical
65. 

    Linny says:

    September 30th, 2009 at 10:09 pm

    In reference to your other comment Meg, I’ve not read TMAT so I’m not up with the latest on Leo/Miss Marks…but I sincerely hope that Leo has competition that will seriously give him a run for his money and a reality check before the pair are ‘Married by Morning’. After all those digs at Miss Marks, he deserves to be insanely jealous. Lisa, I hope you don’t make it easy for the lovable Lord Ramsay!
66. 

    Meg says:

    October 2nd, 2009 at 10:16 am

    Be prepared to read TMAT three times in row, cover to cover…in fact, you might want to devote an entire week to savoring this book xD You’re in for a treat, that’s for sure. I love your idea about them in a heated tussle…something tells me there will be a lot of heated tussles in store for those two. Something tells me they’ll fight just to make up sometimes In regards to the competition, I’m wondering if Cat’s aunt/grandmother/whomever tried to sell her to some creepy, lecherous old baron that became obsessed with her and/or abused her or something. That would explain her mistrust of men and her disguise, although that would be really similar to the plot of “Worth Any Price.” Or maybe it’s not an outwardly creepy guy at all but a charming, handsome man whose outer beauty hides a sociopathic heart. Someone who could be seen by Leo as serious competition at first…either way, it seems that she automatically hated Leo for a reason, so he must remind her of whomever she’s hiding from in some way.
67. 

    Tinaviel says:

    October 2nd, 2009 at 10:56 am

    Meg, this “charming, handsome man whose outer beauty hides a sociopathic heart” seen as serious competition sounds like Dr. Harrow from SMAS. Don’t forget that rumour that plagued Miss Marks in that book, as well, that she supposedly ‘squandered her favours’ to some man. This was a long time ago, but someone on another bulletin board was speculating that the man in question (whoever he is) may have forced himself upon Marks and she was the one who society blamed — that most certainly would explain why she doesn’t want men touching her. That would be my guess, and also that if this is the case the guy was probably a devil-may-care rake, which may be why she hates that type, Leo included…
68. 

    Meg says:

    October 2nd, 2009 at 7:36 pm

    Hi, Tina, this is Meg the Conqueress from the Eloisa James board, BTW… xD We’re just taking over the Internets with our speculating selves, aren’t we, LOL! And you’re absolutely right, my “charming sociopath” scenario sounds an awful lot like Doc Harrow…I hadn’t thought of it that way. I’ve often wandered myself if Miss Marks was the victim of some kind of sexual abuse, especially after she screamed “Don’t touch me!” to Leo when they first met and he was only trying to help her up. I kinda hope (for Miss Marks’s sake as well as my enjoyment of the story) that Mr. McVillain didn’t go all the way and actually rape her…that they just got caught in a really compromising position instead, although if that were the case, it looks like it would be all over the ton by now and wouldn’t be some huge secret. Looks like the Hathaways, particularly Leo, would’ve gotten the scoop by now. In general, I’m kind of turned off by the stories in which the hero isn’t the heroine’s “first.” Unrealistic? Yes, but it is a fantasy, after all If anyone can pull it off, it’s Lisa, though. Also wondering whether Leo marries Cat at the beginning or the ending of the book. Harry married Poppy to save her from scandal and they spent the rest of the book trying to figure out how to live like a married couple. Same with Evie and St. Vincent…those kinds of plots are always great, but I’ll leave it in Lisa’s capable hands. Needless to say, I can’t wait!
69. 

    Sybil says:

    October 2nd, 2009 at 11:35 pm

    I would rather they marry early in the book, which is sort of the vibe the title gives. LOL I prolly know too much to play the guessing game and sadly thinking about it… I don’t know much.
    .
    I.are.abused.
    .
    Sort of funny though Leo has four sisters he grew up with and took care of (if you reread MtM he was verra different pre-laura’s death) where as St. Vincent lost all four (IIRC it was 4) sisters when he was very young. Or at least 3 of them with one dying in childbirth.
    .
    But they grew up nothing a like and I can see Leo being reformed because at his core he is a good person. St. Vincent is a better person by being with Evie and in part for Evie.
70. 

    Linny says:

    October 3rd, 2009 at 12:05 am

    TMAT finally arrived…and yep, read it three times! Leo was as endearing as ever…

    Anyway, I sincerely hope that it was a case of Miss Marks wrongly assumed to have ’squandered her favours’, and I just don’t see her as a rape victim so I really hope that Lisa doesn’t go there. I’d like to think despite a troubled past, Miss Marks is made of sterner and smarter stuff than to let a sleazy man have his way with her. And I’m wondering if her dislike of men in general has something to do with her mother’s own behavior. I do hope that her ‘first’ experience will be with Leo, and I think it will be hilarious if our accomplished lover struggles to perform optimally in bed because he feels she’s judging him, or worst tries to instruct him with her limited knowledge. If I had a preference, I would hope he marries her mid-way through the book so we can get the full lead up and the aftermath. And I have to admit, I’m not sure entirely sure about the cliffhanger…but only because I hope they don’t get into the tender, I’m-so-vulnerable-and-you-are-the-man, mush, mush too prematurely. I love their attacking chemistry and I hope they drive each other nuts with secret and not so secret lust/longing for each other. I reeeeeeally really hope there is competition in some form, it doesn’t need to be a psychopath, and could just be someone so perfectly nice, dull and safe (someone Miss Marks feels she can fade into anonymity with) that he bores Leo to tears, but then discovers that he can’t stay away just in case the competition gets the upper hand. Nothing would be funnier than to have him sniping on the sidelines when the man comes to call on Miss Marks. Also I’ve always had this fantasy that she announces to the family during supper one night that she’s planning to retire from her position and marry, causing Leo spit out his wine or choke on his chicken, and maybe Merripen thumping the life out him to dislodge a bone. (lol) Ah well…all this crazed speculation, but that’s what you get Lisa for making me wait so long. (arrgh..)
71. 

    Meg says:

    October 3rd, 2009 at 9:43 am

    Sybil, that’s another interesting parallel! Having four sisters would give a guy an understanding of women…whether he uses his power for good or evil is another thing entirely! Linny, glad you’ve finally gotten to partake in Kleypas-y goodness like the rest of us! I guess if Cat was a rape victim, she couldn’t help that, but maybe she was just taken in by some guy that seemed like Prince Charming and he spread nasty rumors about her, even though I doubt it’s something that mundane. If she’s taken so much trouble to go into hiding, I imagine our villain is a powerful dude. I also wonder how Cat’s and Leo’s first time will play out…I can’t imagine Cat as a shrinking violet, either. We’ve seen her be vulnerable but I can’t picture her letting her guard down in that way just yet. She does wear those scandalous garters, though, so maybe she’s a tigress in bed Leo may be shocked. Although they’ll have their tender moments, I can’t see them ever really losing their love for bickering with each other, especially since it turns them on so. I love your “perfectly nice, dull and safe” competition scenario, I can picture maybe some nice man that works in the village or even on the estate as a blacksmith or horse master or something…someone Leo would have to see every day. I wondered for a while if Beatrix’s book would come after Poppy’s so that by the time Leo’s and Cat’s rolled around, Cat would no longer have a reason to stay at Ramsey House with both her charges married and settled. Then Leo would really have to step up. I suppose her past will take care of that, though. I adore your scenario…I can just picture Merripen giving him the Victorian version of the Heimlich Manuever xD
72. 

    Tinaviel says:

    October 3rd, 2009 at 11:07 am

    “some nice man that works in the village or even on the estate as a blacksmith or horse master or something” sounds like the kind of hero I (deep down in my heart of hearts) would love to see Beatrix get. Though replace ‘nice’ with brooding/beastly/etc.

    See, I have a feeling that if Miss Marks did get raped we would have had more foreshadowing by now… because it would be a really, really big deal. However, I would not be surprised if perhaps Villainous Dude With No Name had made the attempt, which would be terrifying in and of itself. Also, we do not yet know if the parties Cat is hiding from happen to be this man and his cronies, or dear old Grandma and Auntie (as LK mentioned to us on the other bb, Meg — and we really are taking over, aren’t we? ).
73. 

    Tinaviel says:

    October 3rd, 2009 at 11:13 am

    And Linny, that’s a good point that Cat had to live with her mother for so long (and Harry mentions he realised he was ‘fortunate’ for not having had to do so) — Cat is definitely the victim of an awful situation no matter which one we’re speculating about might be true — maybe her sternness originates in a fear of being vulnerable again?
74. 

    Meg says:

    October 3rd, 2009 at 11:32 pm

    Tina, my guess is that Mr. McVillain and his cronies somehow work for dear old Grandma and Auntie, or at the very least expect a nice little reward for finding Cat. All purely speculation, though Man, if Lisa comes back and reads all this, she’s bound to get a good laugh, hehe! Regarding Bea’s hero, I agree. I can see her with a dark, scary brooding recluse that lives in the woods on their estate and somehow they haven’t noticed, LoL. I wonder if her hero will be physically deformed (but still devilishly handsome) in some way, or only beastly on the inside?
75. 

    Linny says:

    October 4th, 2009 at 12:55 am

    Hey Meg, I do like the tigress idea…I think a shocked, excited and extremely pleased Leo would be very appealing. And I never really saw Leo to be anything like Sebastian, sure they both have a reputation as rakes…but don’t most heroes in historials? Maybe we’ll hear more of his bad behaviour and I definitely want to see his alpha instincts drawn out by Miss Marks. And I’m with you Tinaviel, I would have thought there would be more foreshadowing if it was going to be really really bad. Anyway, I get a little belly sick when I think it could go down that dark path. *** trying to blank mind *** I also want to crow on about how lovely the Hathaway book covers are. I’m not a cover-caring reader, but I’m already imagining Catherine wearing a luscious yellow-gold gown. And finally, I love love LOVE beauty-and-the-beast like themes. A sexy gruff Blacksmith with a mysterious past for Beatrix could be very intriguing. But if I had my pick of a beast, it would be a Prince/Duke with an un-pretty face (the a hot muscly body is mandatory), possibly scarred from some dreadful disease, maybe he’s been in one fight too many, he could even have a slight limp so he’s an awful dancer…But whatever it is, he’s an unsociable type, hangs out in his cold castle/mansion with no-one to love him. Conveniently, he could have a menagerie full of exotic animals, but somehow I feel there are enough furry friends crawling all about. Anyway, I have waaaaaay too much time on my hand, but that’s the great thing about Lisa’s characters, they’re so vivid they fuel the imagination.
76. 

    Linny says:

    October 4th, 2009 at 1:11 am

    Oh gosh…Meg when you put it that way, a dark scary recluse out in the woods…that could also reaaaally work. Maybe dodger found a new temporary home after escaping being a meal, he could be recuperating under Mr Beast’s bed…and our beastly man (with the hot body – still non-negotiable) has been feeding him. Following a trail of evidence, Beatrix could stumble onto his house and finds her injured pet…Our Beast could already a crush on Beatrix having watched her from afar for ages, and listening to her strange conversations to her pets…YES, this could completely work for me too…
77. 

    Linny says:

    October 4th, 2009 at 1:22 am

    And I hope Lisa is reading all our posts…maybe she will be moved to pity and give us more hints and snippets, she could write that little bit faster…and push the publishers to get the books out sooner. I pop onto this site quite often now waiting for the exerpt to MBM, so a date of some sort would be lovely. **** REALLY BIG TRAGIC SIGH *** I’ve not anticipated a historical quite like this ever, and though it seems like a swear word in this thread, I normally only read paranormals these days. But forget Nalini Singh and Kresley Cole…where is that Lisa Kleypas novel?!?!?
78. 

    Meg says:

    October 4th, 2009 at 5:43 pm

    Linny, she promised an exerpt “in another week or two,” so I have a strong feeling that this upcoming week might be the week! *crosses fingers* Anything later would be too cruel, but I’ll take what I can get And don’t worry about loving paranormals…romance novels are supposed to be an escape, and if paranormals do it for you, more power to you. I feel a little guilty sometimes because I generally don’t like contemporaries and/or books written in the first person, but then I realize that unless it’s for school, if a book’s just not doing it for me, I don’t have to read it! And I’m with you on the cover art anticipation…I usually dread looking at the inner covers of most romance authors because the hero and heroine look nothing like what I’d imagined them previously, but whoever does Lisa’s art is wonderful. Tina, I love your ideas! There’s just something about the “love from afar” scenario that sends my heart aflutter. Win and Merripen were kind of like that…even though he was literally by her side all those years, he could never touch her, and when he finally did…let’s just say that SMAS is my fave in the series so far, LOL! There’s also a series of novels by Alyssa Johnson that include love from afar…in “McAlistair’s Fortune” in particular, the hero is a mercenary/recluse (but not to the point where he’s irredeemable, of course) and he falls in love the with the heroine when he hears her laugh drifting to him over the hills. After that, he watched over her when she went on her walks through the countryside, and she never even knew. Of course, she finds out eventually. That was the sweetest thing I ever read, aside from Lisa’s books, and it could totally work for Bea’s story! I can’t picture it’s anyone she’ll meet at a ball…
79. 

    Linny says:

    October 5th, 2009 at 5:38 am

    Meg, out of desperation for something to read, I discovered Kresley Cole, her vamps and lykaes are to die for…You know she’s good when you can’t decide which hero or which couple you love more. That started my love affair with paranormals, couldn’t believe I wasn’t into them sooner. I don’t have many contemporary favourites (I don’t include paranormals) and I’m like you, I don’t like first person pov. As for covers, it’s a crime to get the hair colour wrong! And I soooooo loved Merripen and his devotion for Win, I could read another book on them and not get enough. Out of both the Wall Flower and Hathaway series, SMAS was the standout for me…the window cleaning thing, the nightshade poison thing…**sighing** No pressure Lisa, but I’m expecting that MBM to be as good if not better. But as for love-from-afar, Scandal In Spring was like that with Mathew Swift, it was my favourite after Sebastian’s book. I only wished I got to see a little more of Mathew’s actual love-from-afar-ness, back in the days when he dressed funny and came to dinner as an interloper. But anyway, I can never get enough of that theme, the whole unrequited love thing, wish writers would do them and do them well more often. Anyway, you’ve also intrigued me with “McAlistair’s Fortune”, sounds like my kind of story – I’m waiting for it to arrive now. If it wasn’t for Lisa Kleypas, I doubt I would be reading historicals. Though I loved Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series, she killed me with those awful Duke of Wyndham books…and to this day, I still want my money back…Back to Lisa though, I’ve another question, not that I expect you to get this far down the page and see it, but if you do…Besides that fact that you already write beautiful sex scenes full of emotion and sensitivity, I wanted to know if you plan to turn it up a few notches in future historicals…more specifically, will Leo and Catherine be burning up the pages? I hope so…
80. 

    nekobawt says:

    October 5th, 2009 at 2:57 pm

    am i the only one who’s a little tired of “tall, dark and brooding” heroes? why not someone full of fun and laughter? something along the lines of the hero from mary balogh’s “slightly scandalous”. i won’t deny the fun of the “beauty vs beast” theme, but why should the “beast” in question be the guy? beatrix has already been established as not quite tame, after all, and she does her share of brooding too (well, ok, if you could call it that), as seen in “the hathaway wedding” short story. i don’t know. just a thought.
81. 

    Linny says:

    October 5th, 2009 at 3:32 pm

    nekobawt, I believe we’ll be getting someone full of fun and laughter when Lisa presents us with Leo. He always makes me grin, and I’m expecting a whole lotta laughter there. And so funny your idea that maybe Beatrix being the actual beast, never thought of that. (lol) I have no problems with the female being unattractive to the general public for whatever reason. In fact I would want to read that book, I just love characters with imperfections. As for tall, dark and brooding men…they’ll never go out of fashion, and thank goodness for that. I do think we have too many hero’s that are dark haired though and never understood that fixation. But Tall is a must, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman never did it for me…
82. 

    nekobawt says:

    October 5th, 2009 at 5:14 pm

    yeeeeeah, i don’t think i’d characterize leo as “full of fun and laughter” so much as “full of snark for all occasions,” which is great fun to bring to the party, but after a while you just want to whap him upside the head; ergo, catherine marks. *big grin* leo’s definitely been showing some healing and growth since MTM, though. next summer can’t come fast enough.

    my ‘objection’ (so to speak) to “tall, dark, and brooding” has nothing to do with the “tall and dark” part. he could be 5’3″ with red hair and if he broods i’d be rolling my eyes. (actually, “short, red, and brooding” could be fun. *snicker* …but i digress.) i’m just tired of all the angst; if i’m in the minorirty, i can live with that. i’ll be haunting local bookstores next summer till/when leo and bea’s books come out and reading them 3 times in a row when i get them (er, if the past few hathaway books are any indication ), even if beatrix’s partner is Hulky McEmopants. i love me some hathaways. *cough*
83. 

    Tinaviel says:

    October 5th, 2009 at 6:04 pm

    Haha, I love me some Hathaways, too — and I really do love me some Hulky McEmopantses (both the brooding archetype AND that name!!).

    “I only wished I got to see a little more of Mathew’s actual love-from-afar-ness, back in the days when he dressed funny and came to dinner as an interloper.”
    THIS. Linny, I agree so much. I also agree with the utter disappointment in newer Quinn.

    Meg, I love your ideas too. I so totally want the hero to be a rough-cast, country-dwelling dude whose gruff exterior belies a huge capacity for emotion — a straight-up brooding peasant poet sort. And I am in love with Linny’s ideas for this whole reclusive love-from-afar deal. I’m thirding you guys — Lisa, are you still watching this thread?
84. 

    Linny says:

    October 5th, 2009 at 6:06 pm

    nekobawt, if you’re going to go down the “5’3″, red, and brooding” path you may as well add balding, a paunch and just to make it challenging, bad personal hygeine…You may be the only readership out there. And I didn’t quite get the lingo Hulky McEmopants, are you trying to say Beatrix’s man is going to be an oversize man with a butt too big for his pants? (lol) I can see Lisa trying to pull that one off. (OK, I’m just being silly and really digressing) Anyway, I’m never tired of angst, or any type of hero really, as long its well done. All fav heros just happens to be “tall dark and very much brooding”…I’m sure it wasn’t deliberate… If someone has to have a chip on their shoulder so we have conflict, it may as well be the man, especially since the whole fixing-a-man is an all time favorite. As for Leo, he is completely full of fun and laughter when you strip away the whole Laura thing, of course I wouldn’t say he was all sweetness and joy…But yeah, like the not-so-hot chicky, the sweet nice guy doesn’t get as much as a showing.
85. 

    Linny says:

    October 5th, 2009 at 6:27 pm

    Heya Tinaviel **waving** As you can see, I’m still clinging tenaciously to this thread awaiting the excerpt, I’ve tried to telepath all my demands to Lisa, but I’m getting nothing but a black screen in my head. Maybe Lisa is still listening, maybe she’s not…but wouldn’t it be lovely if after all our speculating she surprises us and still hits all the right buttons…In the meantime a full works love-from-afar burger with a recluse on top please…Ok, I’m really not well.
86. 

    Meg says:

    October 5th, 2009 at 7:54 pm

    Linny, I’ll definitely try Kresley Cole! The last paranormal series I read was the Twilight series after it became popular, so I should jump back in. I hope you like Alissa Johnson. She’s fairly new on the scene, I think. “As Luck Would Have It” is the first, then “Tempting Fate,” then “McAlistair’s Fortune,” and I think another book is in the works. Her relationships don’t have quite the depth of emotion/obsession/all-consuming passion of Lisa’s, but she does have her own unique, dry, sweet, and very funny voice. As to Beastly McEmopants, his only beastly traits will probably be his attitude and some kind of sexy scar. Which is completely okay. Sad to say, but Bea being courted by the Hunchback of Notre Dame wouldn’t exactly appeal to our deepest fantasies The Phantom of the Opera? Eh, maybe. Lisa, if you’re reading this, I just want you to know that I’m sure whatever you do with your stories will be wonderful, as usual. We speculate because we love.
87. 

    Linny says:

    October 5th, 2009 at 9:02 pm

    Meg, I have to laugh, we must have alike minds, in reference to nekobawt’s McEmopants, I also pictured Hunchback of Notre Dame hanging out with Beatrix. LOL – Oh and you’re in luck if you want to try Kresley Cole, the very first in her Immortals After Dark series is a novella, and is now FREE as a downloadable PDF from Amazon as a promo. It’s called “Warlord wants forever” and the link is found on the page for her latest “Deep Kiss of Winter” Amazon book page – Please note, Kresley is a little more explicit than Lisa, but for me Kresley strikes the perfect balance, really raunchy without going OTT and sex-mad. For me, the novella was one of my absolute favourites and I continue to begrudge it was not a full length book. I was won over immediately by the scene when Nikolai a human turned vampire General was storming a castle with his army and he kept getting distracted by a gorgeous Valkyrie checking him out from a tower (she’s imprisoned and full of attitude). So he’s busy fighting, killing things, all the while he can’t take his eyes of her…***sigh, what a man*** and the warlord vampire himself…** more sighs ** Her other novel, “A Hunger Like No Other” is one of my all time favourites…Kresley’s lykaes/werewolves are alpha hot….the tortured hero made the book edgier which some women had a problem with. It has one of the best wimp to warrior princess heroine development. I find Kresley snappy, hilarious and I’m completely engaged in every story. *** looking at my shelf of books *** There has been no failures so far. Oh she’s done historicals as well in the past, they were good but her paranormals just outshines them, it better suits her style I think. Every IAD hero is an all time favourite of mine, and yes, they are all broody and growl alot… I can go on and on…and on forever…but I should really just say I’m glad Lisa and Kresley keeps churning out the HEAs with lotsa laughs. Sorry about the Kresley raving…talk about going off topic, can’t help myself. Gosh…I’ve been up for hours…should be catching up sleep. Seeya!
88. 

    Meg says:

    October 5th, 2009 at 9:36 pm

    Thanks for the recommendation! I’ve been looking for something adequate to take the place of my “Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Angel” paranormal fix for quite some time; there hasn’t been anything like it on TV since. I’m getting a little sleep-deprived (or sleep-depraved) myself, lol! xD See ya later!
89. 

    Sybil says:

    October 8th, 2009 at 8:25 pm

    lololol Linny “REALLY BIG TRAGIC SIGH” poor baby
    .
    Hey Meg
    .
    For those wondering lisa is hard at work finishing up Married by Morning. When will I post the ‘raw and unedited excerpt’ dunno… soonish
    .
    I know, I. R. EVOL! But not really, Lisa mention she had a better one for me to put up than the one I already have. Soooo I am willing to wait a bit to pick. I know I know you want and you want NOW. Trust me. soon.
    .
    Sorry didn’t mean to drop out of the convo my migraines have been going wiggy (think it is stress and the rain in texas as of late) and the neuro is messing with my meds again to see if he can come up with something better to help. I will work my way back through the posts to see if there is anything to answer. No clue if Lisa will make it back to this post or not.
90. 

    Linny says:

    October 9th, 2009 at 2:08 am

    Hey Sybil, thanks so muchly for the update! I trust you will pick the best (my gosh I am so jealous) and wow us with it. Sorry to about your migraine, I hope reading back all the post won’t make it worst… Anyway, this has been a fun thread, a fab Q&A, and has refreshed my interest in the historical genre so again thanks for organising it. I’ve also been meaning to ask, all this chatter of american historicals has really put me in the mood for one. I was wondering if you could recommend any that you would consider to be of the same quality as Lisa’s work? I read your review of Never Love a Lawman, and your mention of slow paceness and my own reading of the prologue has made me a hesitant. I do prefer faster pace stories…I’m an impatient soul.
91. 

    Sybil says:

    October 9th, 2009 at 3:10 am

    You might want to check out our Great Western Drive Posts:
    http://goodbadandunread.com/tag/great-western-drive/
    .
    They will also link you over to Wendy’s blog aka the super librarian (she does some harlequin reviews here) and KristieJ fellow Lisa Kleypas fan. There are loads of recs there as we recently started pimping out our lurve of the western because we want it to come back.
    .
    Off the top of my head I would say check out Harlequin Historical if you haven’t, they have some GRAND authors. I touch on it here – http://goodbadandunread.com/2009/08/22/recs-put-up-your-dukes-get-down-to-it/. There is an antho (faster pace *g*) Cowboy Christmas that might be right up your alley with two of my fave HH authors Elizabeth Lane and Pam Crooks. I hae also enjoyed Carol Finch but she is more hit or miss. I have only started the the book so I can’t rec it either way yet but so far I am enjoying it.
    .
    Kate Bridges has another of her Alaskan set novels which are generally very good (just got it so again can’t say if it is good or not yet) but we do have a review on TGTBTU from Wendy for the last one.
    .
    And I talk about Cheryl St.John tons in the post, she has a novel coming out in Dec. I have started it and so far I am loving it.
    .
    Moving away from HH Pamela Clare’s Ride the Fire was reissued this year not so much a ‘western’ and it is somewhat violent (torture). The author does a great job of showing that people aren’t all good or bad. I have a review on the blog. LOVE love love the book. Would rec most of her historicals and RS don’t care for I think one of each.
    .
    Linda Lael Miller is reviewed here as well. I adore her old novel The Vow and think her new contemp trilogy Montana Creeds is some of her best in a while. As well as Sandy M as reviewed The Bridegroom her latest historical (I haven’t read it yet).
    .
    Never Love a Lawman is really really wonderful and has some of the BEST banter. As someone who loves Lisa Kleypas work I think you would really enjoy Goodman. NLaL is a ‘light’ book for Jo Goodman which isn’t saying much.
    .
    this is off the top of my head and I will think about it some more and I have a stack of books to review so I will look and see if any are westerns… let me know if older books are ok cuz honestly the best ones tend to be those
    .
    On another note for the person who was looking for a ‘lighter books’ you might want to try Jillian Hunter’s A Wicked Lord at the Wedding, Devil of the Highlands by Lynsay Sands (reviewed here a few times but not by me) or Karen Hawking’s newest series (I haven’t read this one).
92. 

    Linny says:

    October 9th, 2009 at 3:34 am

    Wow, you’re the best Sybil! I will comb through your post just now and find me some suitable western romance to distract myself as I wait for all things MBM-related.
93. 

    Meg says:

    October 12th, 2009 at 9:44 am

    Sybil, you can disregard my posts as nothing but a big ol’ speculation fest! ;D Hope your migraines get better soon!
94. 

    Sybil says:

    October 12th, 2009 at 12:19 pm

    LOL Meg isn’t that half the fun for readers? A long ass time ago I spent more time than I care to remember in X-Files Fanfic… I know ALL about the love of ‘speculation fest’. Tis fun. Play on
95. 

    Meg says:

    October 12th, 2009 at 1:17 pm

    Oh, yes, I know all about the X-Files love. Mulder and Scully were officially my first “ship.” Oh, to go back to junior high, when the world was cool and my only concern was whether Mulder would ever freakin’ kiss Scully already… As of now, I’m a huge Daniel/Betty shipper for “Ugly Betty” and I have been for quite some time. They got together in the Columbian version, why can’t they get together in the American version, darn it?! Oh, and you are EVOL indeed for taunting us with the promise of MBM goodness! ;D Can you at least tell us if the snippet you have is good?
96. 

    Michelle says:

    October 15th, 2009 at 12:00 am

    I just read ‘Tempt me at twilight’ and I can’t wait for some more Leo Marks action!!!
97. 

    canny says:

    October 20th, 2009 at 1:30 pm

    is the exceprt posted? thank you.
98. 

    molly says:

    October 23rd, 2009 at 7:10 pm

    I, too, am wondering when I can get my hands on that excerpt! So exited! AGH!
99. 

    Linny says:

    October 24th, 2009 at 6:58 pm

    I think my hair’s turned grey…We’re all so invested in MBM that after such a long wait, I only hope it’s super good to make the torture worthwhile.
    MEG: I finally got to reading McAlistair’s fortune (took FOREVER to arrive in mail) and overall the novel was a little too ‘sweet’ for me. For some strange reason, I didn’t care for Evie…also found McAlistair’s restraint kinda annoying. But of course I can see why it would appeal to those who like a sweet romance, I’m the insatiable sort and need more steam and desperate passion. Hope the wait for excerpt hasn’t been too excrutiating for you. Thankfully I’ve found a new distraction!
100. 

     Sybil says:

     October 24th, 2009 at 7:44 pm

     I have the excerpt and will format it tonight . Should we do a Sunday or Monday post?

     What is your new distraction linny? Did you read Kresley’s newest book or are you still on the older books? Yes sadly I am WAY behind…
101. 

     Linny says:

     October 24th, 2009 at 8:25 pm

     You’re again the BEST Sybil…*** Big hugs ***…I feel like I’ve finally been dragged out of a desert and given some water. CANNOT WAIT, my fingers are like jittery on the keyboard. Oh, my new distraction is that I’m finally formalising the plot to my novel – I’ve been playing at aspiring writer for a while now, it is so fun. As for Kresley’s latest, it sucks being in Australia, my books arrives weeks after everyone else. Deep Kiss of Winter was on pre-order and still hasn’t arrived *sniff*, Amazon is mega slow. But I’m beyond excited about a Wroth brother (still love Leo more of course). I’m also still waiting on “Never Love a Lawman” to arrive. Dammit, I blame you for my impatience on that one!
102. 

     Linny says:

     October 24th, 2009 at 8:39 pm

     Just re-read your comment Sybil…if you’re giving us the option, the the sooner the better. I vote SUNDAY!!! But of course, I never want to put pressure on poor migraine-infected you. It’s nice to know the big unveiling is no more than a couple of days away.
103. 

     Meg says:

     October 24th, 2009 at 8:48 pm

     *squeezes Sybil* Just post whenever you want! *cough*Sunday*cough* ;D I’m sooooo pathetically excited to get my hands on that thing! Linny, I’m sorry “McAlistair’s Fortune” wasn’t your cuppa tea. I hesitate to recommend books, especially romance novels, because, as we’ve talked about before, there are so many different nuances of writing, characters and plots that appeal to so many different people. I’m exactly the same way. I’ll read a book that has gotten five stars on Amazon over two hundred reviews and I won’t like it at all. A prime example is “Broken Wing” by Judith James. Everyone raved over it, and I couldn’t even finish the thing Not saying Ms. James is a bad writer, it just didn’t appeal to me personally. As to Alissa Johnson, I will say that I didn’t enjoy “McAlistair’s Fortune” as much as “Tempting Fate,” the one before it. That’s Mirabelle and Whit’s story, and it’s lighter and breezier than McAlistair’s. I agree, though…if I want steamy love-to-the-point-of-obsession, Kleypas is who I reach for every single time. I’m still waiting for the perfect moment to delve into paranormal romance, BTW. It’s on my to-read list, but my spare time lately has mainly been spent trying to teach my left-handed self how to crochet, hehe! ;D It sucks that your books are so late to arrive. I live in South Carolina and I’m foaming at the mouth if my stuff is a day late, I can’t even imagine how you must feel
104. 

     Linny says:

     October 24th, 2009 at 9:10 pm

     Hey Meg, just so you’re aware, I don’t regret buying McAlistair’s Fortune…I kind of expected it was going to be a sweetly one, and I was glad to indulge my curiosity. So I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend stuff. Gosh, you crochet? I’m not even sure I know exactly what that is..some kind of embroidery? Not for me, I wouldn’t survive doing more than a handful of stitches…well whatever it is you’re doing, I hope its big enough for you to survive the wait for the MBM release next year…hehehe. And trust me, if you’ve never tried reading a paranormal romance, it is sooooooooo worth diving in and giving it a go. Some amazing writers.
105. 

     Meg says:

     October 24th, 2009 at 9:42 pm

     Crochet is kind of like knitting except with one big needle instead of two. I’d probably do better with someone showing me how, but for now I rely on books and the internet. Right now, I’m surviving the wait by ( attempting) crocheting and reading MTM all over again. I can actually appreciate it better now that I know the direction the characters are headed. Like Merripen giving Win her medicine…so sweet! Leo was such a train wreck back then…he was so obnoxious and now I’m in love with him. I’m glad Cat is nothing like Laura so I won’t have the “does he love Girlfriend #2 b/c she reminds him of Girlfriend #1″ doubts I have with some novels where the heroine is the hero’s second love. Since romance novels really play up the idea that there is The One and nobody else for the hero/heroine, I’m usually not into “second love” stories, but Leo himself admitted in SMAS that he can’t even properly remember Laura…he was just a boy. Someone needs to take my LK books away from me so I don’t get tired of them, lol! Practically bouncing up and down out of my chair with excitement xD
106. 

     Meg says:

     October 24th, 2009 at 9:47 pm

     Oh, and when you write your novel, I’ll be the first to buy, read, and give it glowing reviews! I had a pact with a friend from college that we would write a romance novel together…she’d handle the plot and I’d handle the smut and cover art…so give me a heads-up.
107. 

     Linny says:

     October 24th, 2009 at 10:12 pm

     MEG: It’s great how useful the internet is for modern day self-education, providing you’re not so dopey and can’t filter the rubbish from the useful stuff. Last year I taught myself to swim using YouTube vids! (lol) Yep, I’m with you as far as the Ex and the current love. I don’t want to have ANY doubts that Cat is ‘The One’ for the older Leo…even an inkling would severely upset me. I do know what you mean about second loves…and the whole reminder of previous love? Definate No, No – not into the substitute theory. I like to think I’ve recovered from my LK re-reading frenzy…let’s hope this excerpt doesn’t get me started ALL over again. Oh BTW, it’s already on my mind that when the time comes, YOU will get MBM before me…how unfair!!!!!
108. 

     Linny says:

     October 24th, 2009 at 11:07 pm

     MEG: You know, I was so amused by all our speculating earlier on, and that’s the thing with us Romance readers, we’re incurable addicts. And we all have romance stories in our heads we wish our authors would write, may as well write them ourselves! That way we can’t complain it didn’t go according to plan. And I’m having so much fun I can’t recommend it more to anyone. If you and your friend have a plan then I say do it! Yes…I’m sure I will have fun with the SMUT…had hubby sniggering all the way through one of my amateurish attempt. Anyway, I really enjoy your insight to characters so if you have time then please drop me an email on linnywrites@gmail.com…and trust me, if I ever got something finished enough that it could be read, I certainly wouldn’t expect you to pay for it, I’d be more interested in getting your valuable critique! Anyway, sorry SYBIL, I’ve gone off topic. BTW, hubby also thinks I’ve lost a few marbles with my obsession with MBM…he’s like “It’s ONLY an excerpt…” *sigh* he just doesn’t get it…
109. 

     Rachelle G. says:

     October 25th, 2009 at 9:03 am

     I vote “Sunday” for the excerpt!!! I’m so eagerly anticipating it!! I’m practically boucing up and down with excitement to get this little tid bit about Leo and Cat. So please if you can post it as early as you can, that would be wonderful! Thanks
110. 

     Monet says:

     October 25th, 2009 at 12:52 pm

     Leo and Cat excerpt coming soon it looks like. I’m w/ Rachelle G – post it today! I’ve been checking this website almost everyday to read it.
111. 

     Nancy says:

     October 25th, 2009 at 3:55 pm

     Sunday, Sunday…my vote is Sunday!
112. 

     Meg says:

     October 25th, 2009 at 7:21 pm

     Linny, I dunno, I pre-ordered TMAT from Amazon, thinking I was being smart and that it would get here faster than if I took the chance of waiting until local stores stocked it. Wrong! Others were picking it up from their local Wal-Marts and I was still sitting here waiting for a paperback that I paid way too much for. Not that LK isn’t worth it, but still…I wouldn’t be so sure about me getting a hold of a copy before you, lol! If I wrote smut, then I’d have to write under a really clever pen name…even though my grandmother reads the smutiest of the smutiest, my mother’s still reluctant about my reading “The Flame and the Flower” and I’m 23! ;D To be fair, though, I think she’s uncomfortable about me reading the rape scene, so I understand. Great book overall, but that part grossed me out. I admire you for letting your husband read your work, because so many men just don’t get it…he might’ve been laughing on the outside, but inside he was thinking “Whoa, what a tigress!” ;D He’s pleased, trust me! Anyway, I’d be glad to critique your work, and I’m blushing that you think I’m qualified…I’m just a former English major so my second nature is character analysis…I can’t just enjoy something, hehe! Anyway, back on-topic…Leo/Cat, Leo/Cat, Leo/Cat…
113. 

     Meg says:

     October 25th, 2009 at 7:23 pm

     And is “smutiest” spelled with two “t”s or one? xD
114. 

     Linny says:

     October 25th, 2009 at 8:37 pm

     Meg, if I lived in the states, I wouldn’t bother pre-ordering unless it’s on super special. The only reason I do pre-order is because my book store can sometimes get it a week later in australia as well…and then they charge full retail! When that’s the case, it’s actually cheaper for me to buy them from overseas sites myself and suffer a slight delay. I also now avoid buying from amazon unless it’s a hardcover, I’ve found that hardcovers are always going to cheaper online and sometimes book stores don’t stock them because they’re afraid people won’t buy them and wait for paperback – at least that’s what they tell me about why it isn’t on the shelf!!!! But I’ve found an alternative site where you can get the books the same or slightly cheaper than Amazon and it sends worldwide for free, their mailage has also been overall efficient. It’s http://www.bookdepository.com . But for you I assume it won’t matter much being in the states. And I don’t care what you say, I have a crystal ball and I know you will get MBM before me. I think during the week of MBM’s release I will refuse to go online until I have my own copy. I normally don’t mind reading spoilers…welcome them in fact, but for MBM…I want to enjoy surprise and have it unravel before me…
115. 

     Meg says:

     October 25th, 2009 at 9:28 pm

     Thanks for the link! Well, I’ll tell you what…if that’s the case, I’ll read it first and tell you if it’s any good. I kid, I kid, just joking! ;D My local Books-A-Million is kind of hit or miss regarding putting out new titles, and as far as booksellers go, that’s about the only one we have locally (I live out in the sticks), so it’s better for me to generally order online as well. For used books that have been out a while, Amazon will have them for a few cents plus shipping, which is great, especially since I don’t care that it’s used as long as it’s in passable condition. But for new books like MBM that I have to get now, now, now, I’ll definitely try the site you mentioned. Plus, if you order online you don’t have to suffer the embarrassment of taking a book up to the register that has a cover full of boobs and gasping and dramatic wind blowing through hair, lol xD We’re lucky that Lisa’s covers are tasteful, especially her new ones. The glossy in-set, however, is appropriately orgasmic, hehe! If you don’t mind my asking, how much is your average straight-off-the-shelf retail paperback in Australia? Here it’s about $8.00 or so after tax, but our Canadian neighbors have it much worse–about $13 or $14 a pop! I know what you mean about staying spoiler-free…the excerpt is about the only spoiler I’ll allow myself, and the rest will wait until my brand new copy gets here. I wonder how “Raw and Unedited” our exerpt will be, since Lisa seemed to indicate she was about to send it to be publisher? The exerpt from TMAT was pretty different in the book than it was on here (a lot more steamy detail) but the premise was the same. And with TMAT, we were lucky enough to get a snippet on here and also a different one posted on her website, so I’ve been compulsively checking there, too. And I’ve taken the “Which Wallflower Are You” quiz about a million times. I’m Daisy every time, although I really want Evie, cause she’s my fave. *sigh*
116. 

     Linny says:

     October 25th, 2009 at 9:36 pm

     And Meg, I’ve already decided, if I ever have a need for a pen name, I will use my husband’s surname (don’t use it in real life). I don’t quite like his surname so I may as well associate it with my smutty writing. (hehe -I’m terrible) As for your pen name, remember not to make it sound like a man trying to disguise his name, every time I see a name like that I think ‘must be a man writing women’s romances’ and unconsciously/deliberately walk to the next isle…As for the smut I wrote and read to hubby, I was sniggering along with him…hehe. Regarding you writing “smutiest” stuff…maybe you should keep that spelling and just tell everyone you’re writing “smute”…and special kind of SMUT…lol. Being an english major would be fab for writing, I work in IT (Computer Science degree) and I often forget how to spell properly! And recently I’ve met aspiring writers who can’t formulate a proper email and don’t read books! I was even in a romance writing session once and when there was a show of hands of all the people who actually read romances, I was one of a VERY few…It was outrageous! I mean what is with that?!?!?! ANYWAYS, since I don’t see the much anticipated excerpt, I will cross my fingers for tomorrow…**continuing the chant *** Leo/Cat, Leo/Cat, hurry up Sybil!, Leo/Cat…
117. 

     Meg says:

     October 25th, 2009 at 10:20 pm

     LOL, I wonder how many men actually do write romances…and get published! I think “smute” is smut that is cute, sweet and endearing…like when Harry tracks down Poppy after she runs away from him and, after trying to be stern and lay down the law, he says “I’m sorry, Poppy. I tried to be gentle,” in reference to their first time together. I melted because I pictured him saying it in this lost little boy way. Smutty context, really cute execution. That’s the most recent (and least, er, graphic) example I can think of, but it’s safe to say Lisa’s cornered the market on “smute.” ;D And I am in awe of anyone that works in IT or has survived a Computer Science degree in general. That’s rigorous stuff. Well, to me anyway, since my math skills are for crap…I still count on my fingers. Have you noticed much outsourcing in your industry? It’s practical anyways, I’ve learned the hard way there’s not much you can do with a B.A. in English at the best of economic times, much less in the middle of The Great Recession. But I digress. Writing skills are still extremely important, though. I agree, I’ve read emails from administrators of companies, people that make six figures, that are littered with typos, serious grammar issues, etc. Your writing (and spelling) seems fine to me! I can’t believe that there were people in a romance writing workshop that didn’t actually read romances! What were they there for? I know, crossing fingers for tomorrow…***Leo/Cat, Leo/Cat, Leo/Cat***…
118. 

     Linny says:

     October 25th, 2009 at 10:25 pm

     Meg, it’s been a while since I actually go into a book store, but to answer your question on cost of a novel which of course varies with the exchange rate, TMAT would cost me out of pocket: bookstore= Just under $15 USD, online = $7.19 + a small fee for exchange. It is completely worth my while to wait since I have such a big appetite for books. Anyway, I can’t believe you made me do maths! I’m scared of numbers, still trying to figure out what that phobia is called. Oh yes, those rude covers AND tacky titles…sheesh, and thankgoodness I’ve grown out of mills and boons and harlequinn stuff (left them behind YEARS ago). I always wonder if the publishers are out to embarass us or that they just have bad taste! And I like my covers to be kinda hazy or shadowy if they’re not going to be discreet. I want to be able to read books on the train…But now that I’m 33 I’m a little less self concious about my romance books…Hey, the book I mentioned called “Dangerous men and adventurous women” really helped me get over myself for some reason. And dammit, I never did the test and just did so now…I’m a Daisy and that is so wrong. She’s sweet tempered and I am like evil! I’m not going to test the theory, but I assume selecting all the dreamy options gears you to her persona…oh well, if I had to pick a wall flower for me I’d pick the older sister, and I didn’t even like her as much as the others. I think it’s time for me check-out and be back tomorrow to check for excerpt…gosh please please please…let it be a long one. If it’s a tiny little thing I may need to go duck hunting…ok ok, I am sooo kidding, we all adore you Sybil.
119. 

     Linny says:

     October 25th, 2009 at 10:48 pm

     Meg, it would be a wrong assumption to think IT people mathematic genuises…I certainly am not! Maybe if you’re a hardcore geek then that would be the case. But those people usually are locked away in a dark room with the mushrooms…just kidding. I’m a Consultant and work with people not just machine/software..thank god. And there has been alot of outsourcing but I hear it mostly doesn’t work too well. And what am I talking about IT in a romance reading forum…??? Really sorry! Anyway, you seem like a very creative person so I’m sure you’ll use that energy to do something productive. Time for me to stop using excerpt fixation as a form of procrastination
120. 

     Meg says:

     October 25th, 2009 at 10:55 pm

     IT can be sexy, too! ;D You don’t seem evil to me…maybe feisty is the right word! Argh, I need to go to bed.
121. 

     Linny says:

     October 26th, 2009 at 7:52 pm

     Sybil, are you secretly trying to conduct some sort of online social experiment to see if you can kill us with the anticipation? Because I think it’s working…till tomorrow then…too tired to chant…all this teasing is exhausting.
122. 

     Meg says:

     October 26th, 2009 at 9:36 pm

     *Meg sighs deeply and re-reads the Leo/Cat scenes in TMAT for the 476th time*
123. 

     Rachelle G. says:

     October 26th, 2009 at 10:15 pm

     Eagerly awaiting MBM excerpt!!! I thought it would be posted by Sunday or Monday )
124. 

     Meg says:

     October 27th, 2009 at 7:04 pm

     *Meg sighs deeply and re-reads the Leo/Cat scenes in SMAS for the 582nd time*
125. 

     Sybil says:

     October 27th, 2009 at 10:00 pm

     I was close…

     http://goodbadandunread.com/2009/10/27/exclusive-excerpt-married-by-morning-by-lisa-kleypas-summer-2010/
126. 

     Rachelle G. says:

     October 27th, 2009 at 10:46 pm

     Thank you so much! It was a great excerpt
127. 

     Rachelle G. says:

     October 27th, 2009 at 10:46 pm

     And well worth the wait, may I add!
128. 

     Meg says:

     October 28th, 2009 at 9:28 am

     *Meg sighs deeply and…* Oh, wait COOL!!! It was a wonderful excerpt, thanks Sybil! And Lisa!
129. 

     Sybil says:

     October 29th, 2009 at 9:05 pm

     Have you voted for St Vincent yet?
     http://thebookbinge.com/2009/10/last-lk-hero-standing-final-round.html

     Go forth and vote!
130. 

     Sh@ says:

     November 23rd, 2009 at 2:22 pm

     Lisa Kleypas, I love your books! can’t can’t can’t wait for Leo and Marks HEA…summer 2010 seems so far away…
131. 

     Betty says:

     September 3rd, 2011 at 5:08 pm

     I know someone asked this already…but is Damon Redmond ever going to get his own novel? He was from Love, Come to Me. I thought I had read all of Lisa Kleypas’ books until this one was rereleased. I couldn’t put it down! I know Lisa appoligized for her earlier work, but this was one good ‘weakness’, as she called this early work. If this is ‘inexpereince’, then I guess half of the writers out there or in need of that so-called fault. But, about Damon…right after I finished the book, I went on the internet to find out if he had a story as well. I just couldn’t get enough of him.
132. 

     Faith says:

     February 18th, 2012 at 12:55 am

     I too would love to know if there was any chance for a Damon  Redmond story… I recently read Love Come To Me  and loved it …  I love all of your books….I just finished Christmas eve at Friday Harbor and it was awesome…. I am eagerly awaiting Rainshadow Road… Thank you for such wonderful stories…

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