Monday, January 26, 2015

What a Woman Desires by Rachel Brimble #AuthorInterview


From country girl to actress of the stage, one woman dares to live her dreams—but is she brave enough to open her heart…?

Monica Danes always wanted more than the village of Biddestone had to offer. After a failed courtship to a man of her parents’ choosing, she fled for the city of Bath and never looked back. Today, Monica is the undisputed queen of the theater—a wealthy, independent woman. But when she is called home in the wake of tragedy, Monica returns—intending to leave again as soon as possible.

Thomas Ashby has been a groom at the Danes estate since he was a boy—and has been enamored with Monica for almost as long. He knows he isn’t a suitable match for his master’s daughter, despite the special bond he and Monica have always shared—and their undeniable attraction. But now that she’s returned, Thomas has one last chance to prove himself worthy—and to show Monica a life, and a love, she won’t want to give up...



What was the first romance novel you read that made an impression on you?
I can’t remember its title (which is really annoying!) but it was a Harlequin Romance that I picked up in my local library. I must have been around 14 at the time and I remember being absolutely engrossed! It was most likely my first romance and although I had written short stories since I was about eight or nine, it was after reading this book that heroes came into play!

Do you plan all your characters out before you start a story or do they develop as you write?
I complete character sketch sheets for my hero and heroine (and villain, if I have one!) before I start a story to give me a good idea of who they are and their pasts. However, they ALWAYS change and develop from what I originally had in mind. I never fight these changes because the characters know themselves better than I ever would. Right??

Which authors have caught your interest lately? Why?
I recently discovered crime writer, Alex Grecian and I am loving his Victorian series. I can’t get enough of his books! I also recently read The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty and will definitely be looking up her backlist. Great women’s fiction J

How did you get the idea for this particular novel?
What A Woman Desires was written purely because of Monica Danes, my heroine. She appeared as a secondary character in the previous book, The Temptation of Laura, and was an absolutely dream to write. I fell in love with her and knew she deserved her own story. What A Woman Desires was one of the quickest books I have written and I really believe that was because I knew Monica so well. I wanted to explore where she came from and what happened to make her who she is today.

What is your favorite scene in your new release?
Ooh, there are too many to name! Monica and Thomas are very strong, fiery individuals and I adore their passion, which means their love and arguing scenes are my favorites!

Flirting Questions 
Which actor or book character do you have a crush on?
Thomas, my hero, in What A Woman Desires – he was inspired by Tom Hardy as he appears in Lawless. Yum!

Hey, baby! What’s your sign?
Aries

When was your last kiss?
This morning – kissed my husband before he left for work J

What’s an absolute no-no in a relationship?
Control – No one should control, or feel controlled in a relationship. Ever.

If you could take a romantic trip, where would it be?
I had most my romantic trip ever last summer and can’t wait to repeat it – my husband and I flew to Ireland for a Nora Roberts signing and stayed in the wonderful Ashford Castle. It was a weekend that I will never forget… sigh

Flirting Quickies: 


Boxers or Briefs? Boxers

Facial hair or clean shaven? Clean shaven

White wine or red? White

Coffee or tea? Coffee

Laptop or desktop? Desktop
Winter or summer? Summer
Cat or dog? Dog
City or Country? Country
Clubbing or candlelight dinner? Candlelight dinner
Backpacking or luxury hotel? Luxury hotel



Rachel Brimble at Ashford
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel lives with her husband and two teenage daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK. After having several novels published by small US presses, she secured agent representation in 2011. In 2012, she sold two books to Harlequin Superromance and a further three in 2013. She also writes Victorian romance for Kensington--her debut was released in April 2013, followed by a second in January 2014 and the third is released Jan 2015.

Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America, and was selected to mentor the Superromance finalist of So You Think You Can Write 2014 contest. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family and beloved black Lab, Max. Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England.

She likes nothing more than connecting and chatting with her readers and fellow romance writers. Rachel would love to hear from you!

Links:

2 comments:

  1. I'm here!! Been a manic day as I have been guesting on not one but two, release parties - so great to meet such fantastic romance readers :D I am here to answer any questions or comments...although with me being in the UK, I might have to get to some tomorrow. Thanks for having me!

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