Regan Walker's Best of the Regency with Collette Cameron!

Hello all! Regan here. It's time for the Best of the Regency! My guest today is bestselling, award-winning author Collette Cameron. Collette pens Scottish and Regency historicals featuring rogues, rapscallions, rakes, and the intelligent, intrepid damsels who reform them.

Blessed with three spectacular children, fantastic fans, and a compulsive, over-active, and witty Muse who won’t stop whispering new romantic romps in her ear, she still lives in Oregon with her husband and five mini-dachshunds, though she dreams of living in Scotland part-time.

Admitting to a quirky sense of humor, Collette enjoys inspiring quotes, adores castles and anything cobalt blue, and is a self-confessed Cadbury chocoholic. You'll always find dogs, birds, occasionally naughty humor, and a dash of inspiration in her sweet-to-spicy timeless romances. 

Collette has graciously agreed to answer some questions for all you readers, so now let's hear what she has to say...

My first question is one I ask all my Regency author guests: What made you decide to write Regencies?

First, let me thank you for having me as your guest, Regan. As for your question, my obsession with historical romances started as a thirteen year old when a middle-school friend, snuck me a Barbara Cartland Regency to read. Although I adore most genres of historicals, Regency and Highlanders are still my go-to-genres. So, it made sense to write about the time period I fell in love with as a young teen.

What is the first book you remember reading?

The first romance I remember reading that stuck in my brain and I never forgot the title was The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen Woodiwiss. I read that story so many times! I named my daughter Brianna after the heroine, Heather Brianna.

Fairytale or action adventure?

Fairytale because despite the conflict and hardships, there’s usually a moral to the story and a happily-ever-after.

Is there a blooper in your story?

Well, not so much a blooper in Passion and Plunder, as a relationship that needed further explaining, because some of the characters were related in more than one way. A couple of my readers were confused, and I blame myself for not explaining the relationship better.

I actually based the scenario on a real-life familial relationship of mine. My dad’s niece is also his sister-in-law. I call her my cousin, but I refer to her husband as my uncle because that’s how I first knew them. 

What is your most interesting quirk?

I’m not sure how interesting it is, but I have a quirky sense of humor that seeps into my stories.

I also will act out motions and facial expressions while I’m writing. I just hope my neighbors aren’t watching!

What will always make you smile, even on a bad day?

My dogs. And squirrels. Can’t help but love their antics.

Collette wants to know: Why do you read historical romances?  

GIVEAWAY! For all those commenting, note: 

Collette will be giving away a print copy of Brette: Intention’s Gone Astray to one lucky person (US Only). 

But you must leave your email (so she can find you) and be sure and answer the question!

Collette also wants to let us know about her brand new release! 

THE WALLFLOWER’S WICKED WAGER

A Waltz with a Rogue Novella  #5

He loved her beyond anything and everything—precisely why he couldn’t ever marry her.

A WOUNDED HERO

Love—sentimental drivel for insipid, weak, feckless fools.

Since an explosion ravaged Captain Morgan Le Draco’s face and cost him his commission in the Royal Dragoons, he’s fortified himself behind an impenetrable rampart of cynicism and distrust. Now destitute and shunned by the very society that once lauded his heroics, he’s put aside all thoughts of marrying and having a family. Until he risks his life to save a drowning woman. At once, Morgan knows Shona’s the balm for his tortured soul, but as a wealthy, titled noblewoman, she’s too far above his humble station and can never be his.

AN INTREPID WALLFLOWER

Love—a treasured gift reserved for those beautiful of form and face.

Scorned and ridiculed most of her adult life, Shona, Lady Atterberry believes she’s utterly undesirable and is reconciled to spinsterhood. She hides her spirited temperament beneath a veneer of gauche shyness, until a strapping, scarred stranger saves her life, and she can’t deny her immediate, powerful, and sensual attraction to him. Despite how ill-suited they are and innuendos that Captain Le Draco is a fortune-hunter, she cannot escape her growing fascination.

Two damaged souls searching for love.

Others are determined to keep them apart, and Shona is goaded into placing a wicked wager. One that sets her upon a ruinous path and alienates the only man who might have ever loved her. Is true love enough to put their pasts behind them, to learn to trust, and heal their wounded hearts?

Warning: This book contains one devilish, seemingly irredeemable rogue, an on-the-shelf wallflower who dabbles in wicked wagers, an unexpected and most enticing swim in a lake, a villainess you’ll want to shove into said lake, and a cast of captivating secondary characters with their own tantalizing romantic tales.

Buy the novella on Amazon.

Read an Excerpt:

“I’m truly sorry for your suffering, Shona.”

Captain Le Draco had used her given name.

Most impudent of him. Quite beyond the pale.

And she didn’t object at all.

“It must’ve been unbearably difficult for you.” Compassion rendered his voice husky and thick, and for an instant, Shona gaped, owl-like in amazement.

Except for the Needhams, Harcourt, and Alexa, no one had ever expressed any sympathy for her situation. She swallowed against the tangled knot constricting her throat, and blinked away tears she hadn’t realized had sprung to her eyes.

She wrapped his coat a bit tighter around her shoulders. “Thank you. It was quite awful at first. But the passage of time has helped. That, and being surrounded by people I know care for me.”

Seemingly of its own accord, her finger touched his marred cheek, the merest feathering over the rigid flesh. Brazen, that. And wholly invasive, and inappropriate, particularly since she’d known him all of twenty or thirty brief minutes.

Why did she feel this compelling need to comfort Captain Le Draco? To touch him? Such a powerful, overwhelming need that she kicked aside her usual shyness and reticence?

“What about you, Captain?” Her confidence hadn’t yet grown enough to address him by his given name too. “I imagine it’s been most difficult for you as well. Does it still hurt?”

She softly pressed her pads against the contorted flesh.

He seized her hand and held it to his ravaged cheek, his eyes closed, eyelashes trembling as if he were in pain or overcome by extreme sentiment.

“Yes.”

Keep up with Collette on her Website, Facebook, blog and Twitter.

Get Lost in a True Love's Kiss!

Once Upon a True Love’s Kiss

USA Today Best-selling author, Julie Johnstone, joins best-selling, award-winning authors, Katherine Bone, Collette Cameron, Jillian Chantal, Samantha Grace, Alanna Lucas, Lauren Smith, and Victoria Vane in this delightful limited edition, containing eight tantalizing kiss-and-tell stories. Meet dashing, wildly charming rogues, spies, pirates, rakes and their extraordinary, intrepid heroines as they whisk you along on sweet to sizzling romantic romps in these wickedly entertaining historical romances. 

READ A LITTLE, BUY THE BOOK

  

SHORT BIOS
JULIE JOHNSTONE - is an USA TODAY best-selling author who's living the dream creating worlds from her imagination. When not writing, she's chasing her precocious children around, cooking, reading or exercising.

KATHERINE BONE - is an Amazon #1 best-selling Historical Romance Author who writes about Rogues, Rebels & Rakes, aka Pirates, Lords, Captains, Duty, Honor, & Country & the happily-ever-afters every alpha male & damsel deserve.

COLLETTE CAMERON - is an Amazon #1 best-selling and award-winning Historical Romance Author who makes her home in Oregon with her husband & five mini-dachshunds. You'll always find animals, quirky--sometimes naughty--humor, & a dash of inspiration in her novels.

JILLIAN CHANTAL - is a 2015 RONE Finalist who loves her little slice of paradise on the gulf coast, a place that reminds Jillian daily that even though she loves the past, she needs the present. Air conditioning is vital for her survival.

SAMANTHA GRACE - is an Amazon best-Selling, RITA-nominated Historical Romance Author who enjoys creating happy-endings for characters that spring from her imagination. Samantha describes romance writing as the best job ever.

ALANNA LUCAS - is an Amazon best-selling author who believes that true love is the greatest source of inspiration. Alanna is always dreaming of her next travel destination, spending time w/family, & staying up too late indulging in her favorite past time, reading.

LAUREN SMITH- is an Amazon best-selling, award winning author who pens adventurous and edgy romance stories by the light of her smart phone flashlight app. She's a native Oklahoman who lives w/her three pets: a feisty chinchilla, sophisticated cat, & dapper little schnauzer. 

VICTORIA VANE - is an Amazon #1 bestselling and Award-Winning author of over twenty smart and sexy romances. She currently resides in Palm Coast, Florida w/her husband, two sons, a little black dog, & an Arabian horse.

AND NOW FOR THE JUICY DETAILS…..

ALEXA: How often to you get lost in a story?
ONCE UPON A TRUE LOVE’S KISS AUTHORS: All the time!

ALEXA: What is the first book you remember reading?

JULIE JOHNSTONE: When I think back to my younger years and the first book that I remember reading, or perhaps it's better to say the first book that left a huge impression on me, was Are You There God? It's Me Margaret. I know for a fact this was not the first book I ever read, but Judy Blume's character Margaret seemed to be going through things that I suppose I must have been at that time, and so when I recall reading early on in life, I don't recall my childhood stories, honestly, I recall stories that helped me as a young girl.

ALEXA: High Heels or Hiking Boots?

KATHERINE BONE: I prefer swashbuckling pirate boots!!!

ALEXA: What sound or noise do you love?
COLLETTE CAMERON: I grew up on the Northern Oregon coast and to this day, I love the roar of the ocean and the cry of seagulls. I live about 90 minutes from the beach now, and whenever I visit, a sense of sweet nostalgia always sweeps me.  

If I even hear seagulls on TV I get the same yearning. Fortunately, we have lots of family at the coast, and I make frequent trips to my hometown.  There's nothing line sipping a piping-hot pumpkin spice latte and walking on the beach early in the morning. 

ALEXA: What three things are, at this moment, in your heroine’s purse, satchel, reticule, weapons belt or amulet bag (whatever she carries)?

JILLIAN CHANTAL:

                1.    A hanky because you never know when you might have to wipe up some blood somewhere or bandage someone’s injury.

2.    An apple. For Socrates. Her horse is always ready for a treat.

3.    A pair of gloves for those moments when she has to behave like a proper lady which is not her favorite thing by far.

ALEXA: High Heels or Hiking Boots?
SAMANTHA GRACE: Hiking boots! No contest. I love the outdoors. 

ALEXA: What’s the first thing you do when you finish writing a book?

ALANNA LUCAS: Have a glass of red wine, then call my mom :-)

ALEXA: What’s your favorite fairy tale?

LAUREN SMITH: My favorite fairy tale is Sleeping Beauty. There's just something about the draw of a spell to make you prick your finger and then the dark fairy casting a spell of a 100 year sleep over the land while you wait for the price to ride through a forest of thorns to your tower *swoon.

ALEXA: How often to you get lost in a story? 

VICTORIA VANE: Every time I pick up a good book! I’ve loved books ever since I was a small child and have always been able to tune the entire world out whenever I read. Bombs could be falling on my head and I would never know if I’m reading a great book. I’m also a binge reader. Once I start, I don’t like to close the book until I finish. I have lost countless hours of sleep in my lifetime because I had to read “just one more page” or “one more chapter”!  It is my dearest wish for readers of my books to experience that same kind of immersion – to get totally caught up in my stories.

ALEXA’S GOTTA ASK: What books first drew you to romance? 

Author Katherine Bone fell in love with pirate romances by Julie Garwood, Johanna Lindsey and Fern Michaels.

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ALEXA: GOT A QUESTION YOU’D LIKE TO ASK YOUR FANS?
Once Upon a True Love’s Kiss authors would like to know what books first drew you to romance?

Folks, leave your answer below and YOU will be in the running for the drawing. Once commenter will receive an e-copy of Once Upon a True Love’s Kiss! Ladies, thanks so much for joining us today!

Note: Please leave an email address for notification. Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America addresses only unless specifically mentioned in the post. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants. Winners of drawings are responsible for checking this site in a timely manner. If prizes are not claimed in a timely manner, the author may not have a prize available. Get Lost In A Story cannot be responsible for an author's failure to mail the listed prize. GLIAS does not automatically pass email addresses to guest authors unless the commenter publicly posts their email address.

Get Lost in the Regency Era with Collette Cameron

Today I am pleased to interview Collette Cameron, bestselling author of Regency romances, some set in Scotland: the Castle Brides Series, Highland Heather Romancing a Scot Series, and Conundrums of the Misses Culpepper Series. Collette makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and five mini-dachshunds. Mother to three and a self-proclaimed Cadbury Chocolate chocoholic, Collette loves a good joke, inspirational quotes, flowers, trivia, and all things shabby chic or cobalt blue. You'll always find dogs, birds, quirky—sometimes naughty—humor, and a dash of inspiration in her novels.

Her motto for life? You can’t have too much chocolate, too many hugs, too many flowers, or too many books. She’s thinking about adding shoes to that list. 

Collette is giving away a copy of her eBook, Virtue and Valor, book 1 in the Highlander Heather Romancing a Scot Series so leave a comment! 

The book: 

Bartholomew Yancy never expected to inherit an English earldom and had no intention of marrying. Now, the Earl of Ramsbury and last in his line, he’s obligated to resign his position as England’s War Secretary, find a wife, and produce an heir. Only one woman holds the least appeal: Isobel Ferguson, an exquisite Scotswoman. Brought to Scotland to mediate between feuding clans, he doggedly woos her. 

Disillusioned with men pursuing her for her attractiveness, rather than her unusual intellect, Isobel has all but abandoned any hope of finding a husband in the Highlands. Not only does she believe Yancy no different than her other suitors, he’s a notorious rake. She’s been told he’s practically betrothed. Therefore, his interest in her cannot possibly be honorable, and so she shuns his attentions.

When Isobel is mistakenly abducted by a band of rogue Scots, Yancy risks his life to rescues her. To salvage her compromised reputation, her brother and father insist she marry him. Yancy readily agrees, but Isobel—knowing full well she’s fated for spinsterhood by refusing his offer— won’t be coerced into marriage. 

Can love unite a reluctant earl and a disenchanted beauty?

The interview:

1. What sound or noise do you love?

There are two actually. 

I grew up along the northern Oregon coast, and to this day, I love the sound of the ocean’s waves as they come ashore and the cry of seagulls overhead.

Oh, and a winter storm at the beach, as long as I’m all toasty inside is fabulous too.

2. What was the first story you remember writing?

That’s easy!

Highlander’s Hope is the first story I ever wrote, though the published version is about half the size of the original manuscript.

I wasn’t one of those writers who started writing stories at a young age, always thinking someday I’d give getting a published a shot.

For years I’d toyed with the idea of maybe writing a book; if I ever got around to it, but I didn’t have a box under my bed or stuffed in a closet full of half-finished stories or poorly penned prose from my tormented teens!

3. What is your biggest vice?

You’re assuming I only have one?

Well, most people are going think it’s my love for Cadbury Milk Chocolate or my obsession with dachsies (both are barely under control) but they aren’t my biggest vice.

No, my biggest vice is I’m a workaholic. I rarely take even part of a day to do something that’s not in some way related to my writing, and when I do, then I’m scampering around like a caffeine-high hamster doing yard or house work.

Or starting another project, which will stress me out because I cannot stand unfinished things!

A bit too much info? 

4. What’s the first thing you do when you finish writing a book?

Catch up!

I have a list that I keep adding too as I write so that I don’t constantly interrupt my flow.  By the end of a book, I have a week’s worth of to-do items on my list.

I also celebrate by going out to dinner with my family, or actually sitting down and watching TV.

5. Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it?

Both!

I love my coffee first thing in the morning, strong and hot! My favorite creamer is pumpkin spice, but *sigh* it’s only available seasonally.

Last year, hubby bought me 15 bottles to put in the freezer!

When there’s no pumpkin spice creamer available, I settle for crème brulee.  

I’m also a fan of tea though, especially in the winter when I’m garbed in an over-sized sweater and it’s freezing outside.

Moroccan mint green tea is a favorite.

6. What would you say is your most interesting quirk?

That would be my sense of humor.

When people first meet me, they think I’m very serious. I’ve even been accused of being unapproachable or stuck-up. We introverts, get that sometimes.

I don’t know why people assume introverts don’t have wicked senses of humor, but this one does.

I’m not talking about a foul or dirty sense of humor, but I’m a funny person with a sharp wit, and a gift for quick come-backs.

I can’t even keep my humor out of my historical, though if I’m totally honest, a few people haven’t “gotten” it.

I’ve always suspected those few either had undies on that were several sizes to small, or they hadn’t consumed sufficient quantities of chocolate in the last week.

7. What has been your most rewarding publishing moment?

Ah, that would be when I held my first print book in my hand. I know many, many people prefer digital books, and I understand the convenience of eReaders, the storage issue of print books, and the difference in cost between the two. But . . . I love books.Actual books, I can hold and smell, and bury my nose in.

8. What has surprised you the most about being published?

My unequivocal answer has to be the amazing support and encouragement of other authors.

I expected the industry to be a foray into hostility and cattiness, and I’ve found the opposite to be true.  Romance authors are amongst the most giving and generous people I’ve ever encountered, and I’ve made dozens and dozens of wonderful friends. 

Collette asks those commenting: 

Do you like feisty, unconditional heroines, or do they come across as bratty and spoiled sometimes?  

 

And now an excerpt from her story, Virtue and Valor:

“My lord?” Her tone indicated anything but respect and deference.

“I would be honored if you joined me in a game of chess, Miss Ferguson.”

Her pretty lips curled into a wide smile. “I had rather hoped you’d pick fencing. I would have enjoyed having a go at you with my sabre.”

“You fence?” A vision of her derriere in snug, white breeches sprang to mind. He really had become a lecher.

“After my parents allowed Adaira to learn, Seonaid and I insisted we have the same opportunity.” She turned and climbed the risers. The sway of her hips, even underneath the thick cloak, tantalized.

Isobel peered over her shoulder, a siren’s smile on her lips. “I suppose it’s only fair to tell you. I’ve never lost at chess.”

Confident little thing, wasn’t she?

Yancy released a hearty chuckle. He quite liked this unconventional morsel of womanliness. “Surely, when you first learned the game?”

“At seven.” Isobel shook her head and more silky strands spilled from the loose knot. She gave him a falsely honeyed smile.

“No. Not ever, my lord.”

She proceeded up the stairs, her voice floating back to him. “By the way, your lordship, if I win, I’m permitted to leave the keep without two escorts.”

Buy on Amazon. And keep up with Collette on her Website, her Blue Rose Romance blog, Facebook and Twitter.