Interview with Heather Boyd
What is one of your favorite things about writing?
That quiet moment when, with no distractions, my fingers are flying over the keys and the story seems to be writing itself.
When you’re brainstorming for a new story, what usually comes first for you, the plot or the characters?
My characters really drive my stories and control the direction. They are always the first piece of my writing journey, whispering what they want for their lives.
Would you tell us about your latest release?
Richard Hill, the Earl of Windermere, might desperately require a wife and heir, but thoughts of duty fly from his mind when he rescues Esme, Lady Heathcote, from the embarrassment of a failed affair. They usually never agree about anything. He’s never even kissed the vexing widow. But when the opportunity arises to whisk her away for a no-strings-attached rendezvous, Richard can’t imagine a better way to spend a moonlit evening.
Esme has never lacked for admirers, but having Lord Windermere’s company goes a long way to ease the pain of losing her suddenly betrothed lover. And when Windermere suggests an affair, Esme is intrigued by the blazing-hot connection even while knowing their relationship has no future beyond his house party.
But as with any temptation, it’s a bargain they’ll soon regret.
Reason to Wed is the seventh installment of the Distinguished Rogues series and releases December 8.
What are you working on now?
At the moment I’m working on a new series of books that will release in the second quarter of 2016. At this very early stage there are no firm book titles or series name chosen as yet. That will come later when I’ve finished the first draft of the first book and start work on the second story. What I can share is that the new series will boast dashing naval heroes, damsels in demand, and plenty of sexy time. I’m upping the heat for this series and love pushing the boundaries of regency era propriety. Keep watch on my blog for news of the series exact release date.
Do you have an excerpt from your latest release you would like to share?
One of the first scenes I imagined for this couple was the seduction scene and it remains a firm favorite to this day. Esme and Richard had formed an alliance but then slipped away from the ball he was hosting. They’d rarely ever been so alone with each other and their conversation develops slowly into desire. The following excerpt leads to the moment when Richard asks to make love to her, leaving Esme with the choice of denying him or satisfying her curiosity:
Richard eased closer a half-step. Esme leaned back into his chest. Cautiously, he slid one arm around her waist. The anticipation of holding her even closer yet caught firmly in his mind. From all he’d heard, all he’d seen of her character, Esme would not play games other than those of the erotic variety. For an affair, Esme would be a wise choice, and she was suddenly without a lover now that Meriwether was promised elsewhere.
He brought his free hand to her neck and stroked the backs of his fingers over her throat.
“Windermere,” Esme whispered in an annoyed tone. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“I think I’d like to make love to you, if you don’t mind.”
“I don’t think that’s wise,” she warned, but didn’t pull away.
“Don’t make up your mind that you won’t like something until you’ve at least tried it once.” He laughed softly. “Isn’t that what you told Lady Small to do earlier in the night?”
“Listening in?” she complained.
“I agree wholeheartedly.” He’d never so much as kissed Esme before and he was desperate to taste her suddenly. Richard bowed his head slowly and set his lips to her neck. He nibbled her skin as she shuddered. “You don’t have to say anything. Just let it happen.”
What three words would the hero of your story use to describe his love interest?
Adventurous, principled, meddlesome
What three words would the heroine of your story use to describe her love interest?
Arrogant, handsome, cheeky
Would you tell us about yourself?
I’m a regency historical romance author, indie published, and sole female in a testosterone fueled household. (Even the cat is male) I love old books, old furniture and houses and research — regency era of course.
Where can we visit you online?
You can find my website at www.heather-boyd.com, I’m on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HeatherBoydRomanceAuthor/ and
Name three fictional characters (not your own) that you find hot. They can be from books, movies, or TV.
Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch), Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and Wally (Jason Bateman in The Switch)
What is the last movie you watched?
That I loved? The Dressmaker with Kate Winslet, Liam Hemsworth and a host of amazing Australian actors. Revenge down under with a Singer sewing machine and gowns to die for. I actually fell in love watching this movie. Before the dressmaker I would have said Chris Hemsworth was the better brother, but now Liam shares top billing as hottest Hemsworth.
Spotlight: REASON TO WED by Heather Boyd
Book Seven, Distinguished Rogues Series
Release Date: December 8, 2015
Genre: Regency Historical Romance
Heat Rating: Sizzling
Richard Hill, the Earl of Windermere, might desperately require a wife and heir, but thoughts of duty fly from his mind when he rescues Esme, Lady Heathcote, from the embarrassment of a failed affair. They usually never agree about anything. He’s never even kissed the vexing widow. But when the opportunity arises to whisk her away for a no-strings-attached rendezvous, Richard can’t imagine a better way to spend a moonlit evening.
Esme has never lacked for admirers, but having Lord Windermere’s company goes a long way to ease the pain of losing her suddenly betrothed lover. And when Windermere suggests an affair, Esme is intrigued by the blazing-hot connection even while knowing their relationship has no future beyond his house party.
But as with any temptation, it’s a bargain they’ll soon regret.
Read an Excerpt
The hallway beyond the drawing room was filled to bursting with chattering guests and she moved smoothly through them, nodding and speaking occasionally to some. While she admired the elegance and comforts to be found in Lord Windermere’s home, she kept her eye out for Meriwether. She turned into the library, but the room was startlingly empty.
“Looking for me?” Windermere asked as he came to stand near. His gaze raked her from head to toe in the most gauche way.
Arrogant and presumptuous. “Hardly. You should pay more attention to your guests and the health of your servants.”
Instead of taking the hint that she wasn’t in the mood to talk, he caught her hand and raised it to his lips. His blue eyes danced with amusement. “I do love when you’re friendly. How have you been, Esme?”
She scowled at him and withdrew her hand to her side. “I’ve not given you leave to use my first name and I am not of a mood to spar with you. Go back to your other guests for amusement and send your butler to his bed. Anyone can see he’s on the verge of collapse tonight.”
“I already banished Oswin to rest.” He laughed suddenly. “Young Pip has assumed his duties until Collins comes up.”
“Just as well,” she replied, thankful for such sensible decisions at last.
“Only you would ever dare tell me what to do in my own home. I wanted to thank you for coming,” Windermere murmured. “But to convince everyone we’re not at odds, you will have to talk to me occasionally with a little less acid in your tone.”
“We’ve spoken as much as needed to quell any gossip.” She smiled at him. “Or was it your wish to have me chivvy you out of your mopes too.”
“I will say again you were right.” Windermere sighed and raked a hand through his dark, wavy hair. “You’re enjoying rubbing my nose in that business with Lady Bartlett, aren’t you?”
“Perhaps.” She smothered a laugh. He hadn’t wanted to believe he was being used until it was almost too late to extract himself from the connection. “You were so indignant that day, and after venting your pique at me, you charged down the street—on foot of all things, my man and your horse trailing after. I laughed for at least a whole day afterward. But I am sorry you were let down.”
He inhaled sharply, his jaw clenching before he relaxed and shook his head. “No, you’re not. You’re positively gloating that you were proved right about her.”
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About Heather Boyd
Bestselling historical author Heather Boyd believes every character she creates deserves their own happily-ever-after, no matter how much trouble she puts them through. With that goal in mind, she writes sizzling regency romance stories that skirt the boundaries of propriety to keep readers enthralled until the wee hours of the morning. Heather has published over twenty novels and shorter works. Catch her latest news www.heather-boyd.com. She lives north of Sydney, Australia, and does her best to wrangle her testosterone-fuelled family (including cat Morpheus) into submission.
Connect with Heather: Website | Facebook Page
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Thanks for sharing this fun interview 🙂
Thank you, Crystal!
Thank you for the interview!