Book Description:
A reclusive widow known for her scientific scholarship, Lady Ciara Sheffield is shadowed by rumors that she poisoned her husband . . . A rakehell rogue notorious for his devil-may-care antics, Lucas Bingham--the Earl of Hadley--is not accused of murdering anything--save
for the rules of Polite Society. The only thing they have in common is
seeing their names featured in the lurid gossip columns of London's
newspapers. Until an ancient manuscript draws them together.
Ciara needs a titled fiancé to quell the slanderous speculations which may
send her to the gallows. Lucas needs brilliant scholar to help his
elderly uncle decipher the secrets of the mysterious manuscript. So
when her friends urge her to accept the earl's proposal of a temporary
alliance, Ciara decides that she has no choice but to make a deal with
the Devil. And so begins a seductive dance of sinful pleasures and
hidden desires as the two of them waltz through the mansions of
Mayfair. Lies, intrigue, treachery, sex. They find themselves facing
slanderous whispers, unscrupulous relatives-not to speak of their own
simmering passions, which quickly ignite into dangerous flames. It's a
potent mix and the result may be explosive-and perhaps deadly-if they
don't watch their step.
©2010
Author Bio:
Cara Elliott lives and works in New York City.
Follow @CaraElliott_1 on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CaraElliott_1
Become a Fan of Cara Elliott on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cara.elliott1
Author Blog At WordWenches: http://wordwenches.typepad.com/word_wenches/
Q & A With Cara:
1. Please tell readers about your book.
The Circle of Sin is a new trilogy that revolves around a group of brilliant, beautiful female scholars who meet each week to share their knowledge and their friendship. I really enjoyed playing with the “chemistry” of pairing each of the three brainy heroines with heroes who were, on the surface, their opposites.
To Sin With a Scoundrel, the first book in the trilogy, features Lady Ciara Sheffield. She’s a reclusive widow and because of her expertise in chemistry, she been shadowed by rumors that she poisoned her late husband. When his relatives try to gain custody of her young son and his inheritance, her friends decide that she needs a rich and influential fiancé to help quell any scandal. The rakish Earl of Hadley doesn’t seem to be an ideal choice. A fun-loving, hell-raising devil with women, he is her exact opposite—but in science, there is an old adage that says “opposites attract . . .” I hope you enjoy their story!
2. Who or what inspired the writing of this book?
Several years ago I went to an museum exhibit called “From Revolutionaries to Romantics,” which featured a selection of Regency-era portraits from the National Gallery in London. The women on display were absolutely fascinating—they were painters, poets, scientists and explorers, to name just a few. But they all had one thing in common: in an era that did not encourage independent thought in females, they had all defied society to follow their passions. I knew right then that I wanted to write a series that captured the spirit of these unconventional heroines!
4. How long did it take to write this book?
I have a pretty disciplined routine for my writing, and set up a strict schedule (though sometimes I have to bribe the Muse with chocolate to get my quota of pages done!) So I usually can write a book in around four months.
5. What was the hardest part of writing this book?
Well, all writing is hard! It’s so easy to let yourself be distracted, especially with all the online sites vying for attention. So I have to be very tough with myself about not playing around with Google until I’ve done my writing for the day.
6. Do you have any writing rituals?
A hot mug of good, strong coffee laced with real cream is my “must-have” in the morning. I check my e-mail and Facebook, then pull up my file and get to work!
7. Have you written any other books?
To Sin With A Scoundrel is the first book written under my new “Cara Elliott” pen name. But I’ve written a number of Regency-set historical romances as Andrea Pickens.
So why the new name? Because my publisher and I are so excited about the new direction of my writing—which adds a sexy heat to the stories—that we decided it deserved a new name. I hope you enjoy it!
8. Any advice for aspiring writers?
Sit down and write! It’s that simple. I know, there are hundreds of good reasons not too. Life is complicated and it’s really hard to find the time. But the only way to learn and to polish your skills as you find your voice is to put words on paper (well, maybe not paper, but you know what I mean.)
9. What is your favorite author or book?
Oh, gosh, that’s SUCH hard question! I love so many writers and so many genres that my list would go on forever! In romance, I’m a big fan of Eloisa James, Loretta Chase and my fellow authors at Word Wenches (www.wordwenches.com), to name just a few And I also have a more extensive list posted on my website under “Diversions.”
10. What are you currently reading?
I’m teaching a seminar on historical romance at Yale with fellow author Lauren Willig, so “school” reading is keeping me very busy. We started with Austen Heyer, moved on to Woodiwiss and McNaught, and are now beginning Johanna Lindsey and Lisa Kleypas.
11. How do readers find out more about you and your writing?
Please visit my website, www.caraelliott.com, where you can find lots of information about me and my books, as well as a “Diversions” page where I have lots of fun research and “play” pictures posted.
5 Fun Facts About To Sin With A Scoundrel: http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/books_9780446541299_FiveFunFacts.htm
More Blog Stops Today:
http://www.masoncanyon.blogspot.com
http://www.mgpblog.com/
http://www.bridget3420.blogspot.com
http://www.myfoolishwisdom.com
http://www.saveyspender.com
My Review:
When the book started with an orgy, or debauchery for a better term, I really thought I was not going to enjoy this book at all. Boy, was I wrong.
A hot and steamy read from front to back, and yet all the while, a love blossoms that is soft and true.
I enjoyed Ciara's character very much. I, at first, was put off by Lucas ended up appreciating his character also. It is hard to enjoy a character playing the devil. Then with the love that blooms between Ciara and him, you find it hard to not like him, and rather enjoying his quick wit.
I believe this is a well-thought and well-written book. The tale flowed fairly easy making this a decent read!
It is a historical romance, so not everyone will be keen on the book due to the language, but I think it is still pretty good.
(3/5)
~I received a copy from Hatchette Book Group. I was not compensated for my opinion.~
Awesome interview!! And great review. This sounds like a book that I need to get my hands on! I have seen it circulate around blog land lately... and will be (Hopefully soon) getting it in my hands, lol!!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
Great interview. I started this one yesterday and am devouring it. Sometimes a good, cheesy historical romance is just the thing I need.
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