A warm
welcome back to Jayne Fresina, author of The
Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne, her latest Sourcebooks Casablanca
release. Jayne and Danielle did an interview to celebrate her book hitting
stores this month!
1. Hi
Jayne! The Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie
Vyne is the second book in your Sydney Dovedale series, set in Regency
England. Can you tell us a little bit about what inspired this series, and this
book in particular?
JF: I've always loved stories set in country villages - and that probably comes from listening to my father's colorful tales of his youth growing up in the country. He has a lot of great and hilarious stories! This second book in the series was actually inspired by my editor, Aubrey Poole, who was yearning for James Hartley to have his redemption story after he was a bit of a villain in the first book! (Yes, James, you were. Stop trying to deny it!)
JF: I've always loved stories set in country villages - and that probably comes from listening to my father's colorful tales of his youth growing up in the country. He has a lot of great and hilarious stories! This second book in the series was actually inspired by my editor, Aubrey Poole, who was yearning for James Hartley to have his redemption story after he was a bit of a villain in the first book! (Yes, James, you were. Stop trying to deny it!)
2. I
love the idea of a small town romance, set in the past! What elements of small
town romance did you bring to your historical romance?
JF: I try to fill my stories with characters that, for the most part, have a small town mindset. In the early nineteenth century these folk would seldom have the opportunity to travel far. Any journey of more than a few miles was an arduous, expensive, time-consuming prospect. So their view of the world was swayed by what they saw happening where they lived, on their doorsteps and their neighbor's doorsteps. They might read in the newspaper - if they could read - what was going on in the big world, but mostly what concerned them was far closer to home. I've tried to instill my stories with that intimate feeling.
JF: I try to fill my stories with characters that, for the most part, have a small town mindset. In the early nineteenth century these folk would seldom have the opportunity to travel far. Any journey of more than a few miles was an arduous, expensive, time-consuming prospect. So their view of the world was swayed by what they saw happening where they lived, on their doorsteps and their neighbor's doorsteps. They might read in the newspaper - if they could read - what was going on in the big world, but mostly what concerned them was far closer to home. I've tried to instill my stories with that intimate feeling.
3. One
of the things I loved in The Wicked
Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne is the humor! Your characters get into some
pretty hilarious situations. Tell us about one of your favorite funny scenes in
this book!
JF: One of my favorite scenes is when Ellie is trying to help James chose a bride. He's already announced his intention to pursue her and she is, naturally- considering their past - trying to put him off.
JF: One of my favorite scenes is when Ellie is trying to help James chose a bride. He's already announced his intention to pursue her and she is, naturally- considering their past - trying to put him off.
Excerpt :
“So I’m the best choice you could come up
with?” she exclaimed. “Are you that desperate?”
“For your information, Vyne, I
receive proposals often.”
“Of marriage? Or for you to go and
boil your head?”
“Just this very evening, I had a very
determined young lady attempt to stow away in my carriage, intent on forcing me
to Gretna Green, where she doubtless had very sinister things in mind for me.”
She laughed, a sultry sound that
shook him all the way to his toes again. He ought to be used to it by now, but
somehow he was never ready for the effect it had on him. Each time he heard it
was like the first. “You missed your chance with her, then. I wouldn’t go to
Gretna Green with you. Not for all the tea in China.”
“But your younger sisters are both
married before you,” he persisted. “Surely you’re anxious to wed before it’s
too late.”
Her eyes sparkled with a sudden blaze
of wildfire. “Too late for what? I’m younger than you, Hartley. Ten years
younger. Too late, indeed!” If he wasn’t very much mistaken, his words had hit
a soft spot. Interesting
“Men can wait,” he said. “Women have
a limited number of years before they lose their bloom. Not saying you ever had
any. On a bad day, when in one of your abysmal sulks, you look like the very
devil.”
She scowled, instantly proving him
right about both his statement and his previous guess.
“And
with your scandalous behavior, who else would have you?” he added, firm-lipped,
struggling not to laugh at her expression. “I, of course, am accustomed to the
sharp cuts of your tongue. There is no part of me you’ve yet to wound. That
makes me immune.”
“Me wound you?”
“Of
course. Do you deny—?”
“I
don’t want to marry,” she snapped. “I like my life the way it is, unfettered. I
can’t imagine making room for a man now.”
“What
about the count? Do you make no room for him?”
A
quick little swallow fluttered in her slender neck. “He is free to come and go
as he pleases. As am I. A husband is a permanent inconvenience. I’d much rather
see a man occasionally, when he’s in a good mood. Then, if he’s sick with a
cold and miserable, I can send him home again with a friendly word of caution
to stay away from drafts, and he is no longer my responsibility.”
She
had a sharply satirical eye, and if he wasn’t very much mistaken, that was a
wry curve pulling on the left corner of her mouth. She kept winding it back
again, determined to be cross with him, but the half smile was equally
determined to unwind, darkly entertained at his expense. He’d meant only to
tease her with his abrupt proposal of marriage, knowing how she had an aversion
to longer attachments—that string of brief engagements, entered into and
abandoned with equal haste, was evidence enough. But now that he’d begun to
discuss the thought aloud with her, it actually began to seem…feasible.
Perhaps it was the heat of the
room, the headiness of her perfume, the mischief in her funny half smile.
Hmmm. Her smile. He’d seen it many
times over the term of their unfortunate acquaintance, but there was something
about it tonight. Something that poked an insistent finger at his memory.
She had very nice lips. They were the
sort of lips that kept a man looking at them, wondering how they tasted.
“There are at least half-a-dozen
women here tonight far more suitable than me,” those naughty lips assured him
firmly.
“Oh?”
“Lady Southwold. Was that not she
just now?”
“Yes, it was she, and no, I’m not
going to marry her.”
“Why not?”
“You said yourself that she’s a
faithless hussy. Making overtures to your lover. Is that not what you told me?”
Her lashes lifted, and he basked in
the warmth of her gaze again. “Yes.”
“Then she’s not right for me.” He let
his hand slide a half inch lower down her spine. If she noticed, she kept it to
herself. He spread his fingers over the butter-soft muslin, already feeling a
sense of possessiveness. In all the years of their acquaintance, he didn’t
recall her eyes being that color. Where had she kept those eyes all these
years? Stashed them away deliberately?
Eventually
she tore their beauty away and surveyed the room over his shoulder. “That
woman, over there by the punch bowl. Miss Clarke, I believe is her name. Have
you met her?”
“No.”
He hadn’t even looked, too busy trying to think, searching his memory. What
were those lips and eyes trying to tell him that she was not saying?
“I
hear she’s a very good sort and would never give you any trouble.”
He
finally followed her gaze. “Too tall and thin. And nervous.”
“Nervous?
If you’ve never met her, how can you possibly—?”
“She
plucks her eyebrows almost out of existence, and her clavicle is so evident I
can only assume that if she eats at all, food never has a chance to cling to
her bones.”
She sighed. “And there is the
very pretty Miss Wilson, talking to her mama. There, by the plinth with the
large Grecian urn.”
“Grecian
urn? Is that what it is? I thought it was some sort of coffeepot.”
“Pay
attention, Hartley! The young lady beside it…”
“Plinth,” he muttered. “Isn’t that a
splendid word? Plinth.”
“James
Hartley, we are talking about Miss Jane Wilson.”
He
swept her around in a tight turn. “Her feet are too big. And she lisps.”
“Well
then, what about Lady Clegg-Foster’s daughter? I can’t recall her name, but
she’s a dainty thing and sings like a lark, so I’m told.”
He’d
make Ellie Vyne’s lips sing too, he thought, given half a chance. “The young
lady’s name is Rosalind. She chews her fingers.”
“You
mean her fingernails.”
“No.
She chews her fingers. I’ve seen the scars. God only knows what she’d do to a
husband once she runs out of digits.” He grinned.
She was still determined not to give
him a full smile, it seemed. “Lady Aynsbury’s niece in the yellow dress?”
“Doesn’t like dogs or horses.”
“Miss Walters, with the feathers in
her hair?”
“Eats with her mouth open.”
“Miss Gordon. Now what can you
possibly find amiss with that sweet little thing?”
“She’s too little. And too sweet.”
She gasped irritably. “And you’re too
fussy!”
“I’m
not surprised you’ve had so many broken engagements, Vyne, if you choose your
men with the same carelessness as you expect me to find a wife."
4. If
your two main characters, Ellie Vyne and James Hartley would make New Year’s
Resolutions, what would they be and why?
JF: Hmm. James would resolve to keep Ellie out of trouble. She'd resolve to try keeping herself out of it. I think failure is inevitable!
JF: Hmm. James would resolve to keep Ellie out of trouble. She'd resolve to try keeping herself out of it. I think failure is inevitable!
5. Do
you have any New Year’s resolutions this year?
JF: To stop procrastinating and stay better connected with friends and family!
JF: To stop procrastinating and stay better connected with friends and family!
6. Please
let us know what is coming next for the Sydney Dovedale Series!
JF: After Miss Ellie there is Lady Mercy Danforthe Flirts with Scandal - out in June. Those who read Miss Ellie's story will get a little introduction to Lady Mercy, but it's not imperative to have read the second book as the third takes place a dozen years later. Then Lady Mercy's best friend and lady's maid, Molly Robbins, gets her story! After that I am working on a second Regency series for Sourcebooks, which I am VERY excited about.
JF: After Miss Ellie there is Lady Mercy Danforthe Flirts with Scandal - out in June. Those who read Miss Ellie's story will get a little introduction to Lady Mercy, but it's not imperative to have read the second book as the third takes place a dozen years later. Then Lady Mercy's best friend and lady's maid, Molly Robbins, gets her story! After that I am working on a second Regency series for Sourcebooks, which I am VERY excited about.
7.
Anything else you’d like to add?
JF: I'd like to thank the readers who open my books and take the time to absorb themselves a while in this world I created. My only hope, when I began writing, was that I could share my creations with other people who would get some enjoyment out of them. Even if it was only one or two! And I love hearing from readers, so please don't hesitate to contact me through my website. www.jaynefresina.com or on twitter. I know I'm very lucky to have my books published and with that dream under my belt it's an incredible feeling to look forward to the future and another new year. Happy New Year to you all! I'd also like to say to my Dad, who turned 86 on January 2nd - Happy Birthday, Dad - and no, you are not allowed to read my books!
JF: I'd like to thank the readers who open my books and take the time to absorb themselves a while in this world I created. My only hope, when I began writing, was that I could share my creations with other people who would get some enjoyment out of them. Even if it was only one or two! And I love hearing from readers, so please don't hesitate to contact me through my website. www.jaynefresina.com or on twitter. I know I'm very lucky to have my books published and with that dream under my belt it's an incredible feeling to look forward to the future and another new year. Happy New Year to you all! I'd also like to say to my Dad, who turned 86 on January 2nd - Happy Birthday, Dad - and no, you are not allowed to read my books!
Thank
you to Jayne for stopping by—we look forward to you coming back for your next
books! Congrats on this latest release! To enter to win one of two copies of The Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne,
tell us if you have any New Year’s Resolutions this year, or if you don’t, tell
us why you don’t set them. Remember to leave an email address, open to US and Canada. Winners will be chosen on Monday, January 7.
THE WICKED WEDDING OF MISS ELLIE VYNE BY JAYNE FRESINA – IN STORES JANUARY 2013
When a Scandalous Lady…
By
night Ellie Vyne fleeces unsuspecting aristocrats as the dashing Count de
Bonneville. By day she avoids her sisters' matchmaking schemes and dreams up
torments for her childhood nemesis—the arrogant,
far-too-handsome-for-his-own-good James Hartley. Her latest prank:
"winning" the Hartley diamonds in a card game from James's mistress.
Steals from a Notorious Rake…
James
finally has a lead on the thieving Count de Bonneville, tracking him to a
disreputable inn. He bursts in on none other than the brazen, irritating,
nearly naked Ellie Vyne. Convinced she is the count's mistress, James decides
it's best to keep his enemies close. Very close. He must get those diamonds
back, and seducing Ellie will be the perfect bait.
It
Can Only End in a Wicked Wedding…
Praise for The
Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne:
“[The characters] banter and quibble with comic
perfection...” —Publishers Weekly
“Readers who adore wickedly funny, fast and sassy romances
will delight in Fresina’s latest. The naughty desire-in-disguise theme, coupled
with sharp, hilarious repartee, steals the reader’s heart...” —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
“Fresina brings a unique voice and perspective to the
1820s romance novel. Fans of Grace Burrowes and Amanda Quick will especially
appreciate Fresina’s intriguing characters and humor.” —Booklist
ABOUT
THE AUTHOR
Jayne Fresina sprouted up in England, the youngest in a family of four
girls. Entertained by her father’s
colorful tales of growing up in the countryside, and surrounded by opinionated
sisters— all with far more exciting lives than hers— she’s always had
inspiration for her beleaguered heroes and unstoppable heroines. Her next novel
in the Sydney Dovedale regency romance series, Lady Mercy Danforthe Flirts with Scandal, will be in stores in June
2013. For more information, please visit www.jaynefresina.com and
check out her blog: http://jaynefresinaromanceauthor.blogspot.com/.
To Purchase The Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne:
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a New Love
Thanks for letting me stop by!
ReplyDeleteI always love reading Jayne's interviews - warm,refreshingly honest and down to earth. My copy is about to arrive anytime - yipee!
ReplyDeleteWonderful interview, Jayne! I loved the snippet you teased us with. Definitely adding it to my TBP pile :) Congratulations on the release.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Jayne! I love the concept of small town romances set in Regency England. Brilliant idea! I look forward to reading the newest book in your series. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind comments! I had a lot of fun writing Ellie's story, so I hope people enjoy reading it.
ReplyDeleteYes, my resolution is not to volunteer for anything!
ReplyDeleteOh, what fun! And I love that you've blended the small town romance with the historical, and kept the fun of both. Congrats on a new launch in a lovely series.
ReplyDeleteGreat excerpt! Congrats on the new release! Will definitely have to check this one out!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your new release. Sounds great. I love the cover. My resolution is to enjoy life more and not worry so much about everything.
ReplyDeleteCrystal816[at]hotmail[dot]com
I really enjoyed the excerpt, and I made sure to put your books on my TBR.
ReplyDeleteAs for New Years resolutions, I don't tend to make them. I do have a goal for this year, and it is to be free, and let go of things that bring me down. I guess that actual is a resolution.
luvlott1981@yahoo.com
Oh, I really enjoyed your excerpt. It's nice to have a bit of humor. I always enjoy laughing and/or crying when reading. As to resolutions - less computer, more reading. So far I have been able to do just that and hope to keep it up all year! Congratulations - it sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeletecatslady5*at)aol.com
Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteHmm, I didn't make any New Year resolutions but I do have soem ongoing goals that I will bring into this year :) I want to play more outdoor sports.
Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com
One of my resolutions is to be a more patient parent. I have teens and sometimes I fail that one, but try hard.
ReplyDeleteNice interview. I'd like to read more books.
ReplyDeletebn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
Congratulations on your new release, Jayne! Loved the excerpt -
ReplyDeletenow I need to go and check out the first book.
My resolution this year is to make a dent in my TBR pile.
jtcgc at yahoo dot com
I just have a couple of resolutions - to continue with my weight loss and exercise program to reach my goal and to read at least as many books this year as I did last year, more if possible.
ReplyDeleteBarbed1951 at aol dot com
I love hearing all your resolutions!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds really amazing! I'm going to be looking out for it! Wonderful interview!
ReplyDeletejustforswag(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
Great interview and this book is definitely on my wishlist. I don't make resolutions because they are just too hard to keep them and even if you just slip up, you tend to get discouraged and frustrated. I do try to do things to be healthier, like continuing to try to eat better and exercise more, both to lose weight and to just be healthier. But I make these changes whenever, not for New Year's. For example, I quit smoking just over 2 years ago (Dec 11) and quit drinking soft drinks (except an occasional one without caffeine) sometime this past November. And I am continuing to try to be healthier and lose weight, but it is a hard battle sometimes :)
ReplyDeleteI agree June! I tried giving up coffee a few years ago and after suffering a headache for two weeks solid I caved! Perhaps if I resolved to gain 20 pounds this year it might be a resolution I could keep :)
ReplyDeleteGreat Interview!
ReplyDeleteMy resolution to get back to riiding my exercise bike I had hubby get me last summer. (I stopped in Sept when I got depressed over Grandma's passing). I can really feel the last few month, esp with the holiday eating, lol.
vickykerr(at)sbcglobal.net
Very excited to read this book as I read the first in the series and Ellie and James really hated each other. Plus, James really was an arse in the first book! I try not to make resolutions anymore as I don't want to be disappointed with myself a month or two later.
ReplyDeleteshardan01 at aol dot com
Congrats on the latest release!
ReplyDeleteMy New Year's resolution would be starting a new exercise regime and it's going great so far :)
chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com
Hopefully not too late to enter. Great post. Definatley looks like a good read. Congrats on the new release. This is a new author for me.
ReplyDeleteOnly resolution for me is too lose weight and add some excercise to my daily activity.
christinebails at yahoo dot com