MBA&M AND SOURCEBOOKS PROUDLY PRESENTS….
HISTORICAL ROMANTIC THRILLER AUTHOR,
TRACEY DEVLYN
CHECKMATE,MY LORD!
SO WITHOUT WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, WELCOME TRACEY!!
MBA&M: Good morning, Tracey, and welcome to My Book Addiction and More. Now, tell our readers a little about yourself?
TRACEY DEVLYN: Thanks so much for having me on My Book Addiction and More. I look forward to chatting with everyone!
I write historical romantic thrillers and my debut novel, A Lady’s Revenge, released last year. There are two other novels in the Nexus romantic spy series—Checkmate, My Lord hit stores this month and A Lady’s Secret Weapon makes an appearance in October.
As for me, I grew up in a small town in southern Illinois, but have been living in the Chicago area for nearly two decades. I’m married to a wonderful loving and supportive husband and we adopted an annoying, but sweet-hearted, red Dobe two years ago.
MBA&M: What made you decide to write historical romance with a bit of danger?
TRACEY: I’ve been a big fan of historical romance since I picked up The Raven and The Rose by Virgina Henley. Somewhere along the way, I started wanting to mesh the rough, dangerous edge of Medievals with the light, humorous Regencies. After reading several romantic suspense/thrillers, I got the urge to add a dash of death and dismemberment. J
MBA&M: What do you feel the allure of historical romance is to readers today?
TRACEY: Likely pure escapism. The Regency era is similar enough to modern times that readers can identify with the period, but different enough for readers to yearn for a whirl around the ballroom in a slightly aloof, gorgeous, insanely wealthy earl’s arms.
MBA&M: What was the inspiration for “Checkmate, My Lord”?
TRACEY: Readers met Lord Somerton, Sebastian Danvers, in my debut novel, A Lady’s Revenge. I knew I wanted to move Sebastian’s story to the country and then the idea of his beautiful neighbor spying on him—England’s greatest spymaster—came to mind.
MBA&M: What was your favorite scene to write?
TRACEY: One of my favorite scenes took place outside the churchyard, near a privy (outhouse). Readers will see Catherine’s motherly instincts kick in, Sebastian’s is in full spymaster mode, and one of the villain’s makes an appearance. It’s a suspenseful and oddly endearing scene.
MBA&M: Who was your favorite secondary character,and will they have a story of their own one day?
TRACEY: My favorite secondary character was seven-year-old Sophie Ashcroft. She’s a horse-mad, castle-building, full-of-life girl who has no concept of personal space. More than likely, she won’t have her own story, but she does make an appearance in A Lady’s Secret Weapon, where she commences torturing Ethan deBeau. You can catch a glimpse of her here. It’s her first love letter to her hero, Teddy.
MBA&M: What do you feel is the most important quality of an author?
TRACEY: Determination. It’s a quality that helped me get published, build professional relationship, and connect with readers. There are SO many more qualities that complement and bolster an author’s determination, though.
MBA&M: With the cyber world today so vast and you being a newer author, do you feel,it is easier for readers to connect to authors or harder than years ago? And, Do authors turn off their inner feelings to connect to so large an audience,with little privacy today?
TRACEY: Great questions. I think it’s TONS easier to connect with readers. By and large, writers are introverts. So, they might be a little shy in person. Social media provides introverts a means of connecting with readers that is comfortable. Plus, social media allows authors to touch readers in other countries. I’ve had Facebook conversations with a reader from Indonesia. Without the Internet, I would be connecting with a much smaller group of readers.
Privacy is a concern for everyone Internet—not just authors. Speaking from personal experience, I’m a fairly private person by nature, so much of my personal life remains behind closed doors. However, when it comes to my books/characters/writing career, or authors I’ve read and love, I’ll chat you up all day long!
MBA&M: What three words would you chose to describe “Checkmate, My Lord”?
TRACEY: Romantic. Thrilling. Endearing.
MBA&M: Please tell our readers where to connect to you and where they may find “Checkmate, My Lord”?
TRACEY: Readers can find me lots of places!
Buy Links:
Paperback Amazon | Barnes and Noble | B-A-M | Booktopia | Google | IndieBound | Powell’s | Sourcebooks | The Book Depository
eBook Amazon | Apple | All Romance | Barnes and Noble | B-A-M | Sourcebooks
MBA&M: Thank you for spending time with us and our readers today. Do you have anything else you would like to add?
Thanks again, My Book Addiction!
Hugs,
Tracey
What a fascinating and rewarding Q&A! Thanks again!
Online:
TraceyDevlyn.com | Dangerous Darlings Street Team | Newsletter
Twitter.com/TraceyDevlyn | Facebook.com/AuthorTraceyDevlyn LadyJanesSalonNaperville.com | Goodreads.com/TraceyDevlyn | Discover a New Love
In the Flesh Appearances:
Barbara Vey’s Reader Appreciation Luncheon
April 26-27, 2013
Book signing & Table Sponsor
Crowne Plaza Hotel – Milwaukee Airport
6401 South 13th Street,
Milwaukee, WI 53221
Romance Writers of America
July 17, 2013, 5:30-7:30 pm
Book signing – 400 authors
Atlanta Marriott Marquis
265 Peachtree Center Avenue,
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
http://www.rwa.org/p/cm/ld/fid=564
Thank you for spending some time with us and our readers today. What a fascinating and rewarding Q&A!
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CHECKMATE,MY LORD
TRACEY DEVLYN
Romancing history one defiant woman at a time
BRIEF SUMMARY OF CHECKMATE, MY LORD:
A desperate mother falls in love with the spymaster she’s forced to betray.
THE STAKES ARE HIGH, THE PLAYERS IN POSITION…
Catherine Ashcroft leads a quiet life caring for her precocious seven-year-old daughter, until a visitor delivers a startling ultimatum. She will match wits with the enigmatic Earl of Somerton, and it’s not just her heart that’s in danger.
LET THE GAMES BEGIN…
Spymaster Sebastian Danvers, Earl of Somerton, is famous for his cunning. Few can outwit him and even few dare challenge him–until now. After returning to his country estate, his no-nonsense neighbor turns her seductive wiles on him–but why would a respectable widow like Catherine risk scandal for a few passionate nights in his bed?
BUY LINKS:
Available February 5, 2013
Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN-13: 978-1402258251
Paperback Amazon | Barnes and Noble B-A-M | Booktopia | Google | IndieBound | Powell’s | Sourcebooks | The Book Depository
eBook Amazon | Apple | All Romance | Barnes and Noble | B-A-M | Sourcebooks
REVIEWS:
“Devlyn’s seamless writing will entice readers and keep them eager for the next installment.” ~ Publishers Weekly, STARRED review
“Devlyn delivers an emotional, powerful read.” ~ RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
“Devlyn’s edgy and sexy series is gaining momentum, and historical-romantic suspense fans, particularly those who enjoy Brenda Joyce, will delight in this.” ~ Booklist
“Love the characters, lots of mystery, murderers, spies and lots of romance!!!!!!!! CHECKMATE MY LORD is an edge of your seat exciting read!” ~ Fresh Fiction
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SHORT BIO:
Tracey Devlyn writes historical romantic thrillers (translation: a slightly more grievous journey Toward the heroine’s happy ending). She’s a co-founder of Romance University, a group blog dedicated to readers and writers of romance, and Lady Jane’s Salon-Naperville, Chicagoland’s exciting new reading salon devoted to romantic fiction.
An Illinois native, Tracey spends her evenings harassing her once-in-a-lifetime husband and her weekends torturing her characters. For more information on Tracey, including her Internet haunts, contest updates, and details on her upcoming novels, please visit her website at: www.TraceyDevlyn.com.
TraceyDevlyn.com | Dangerous Darlings Street Team | Newsletter
Twitter.com/TraceyDevlyn | Facebook.com/AuthorTraceyDevlyn LadyJanesSalonNaperville.com | Goodreads.com/TraceyDevlyn | Discover a New Love
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTraceyDevlyn/app_208195102528120 (Street Team)
http://traceydevlyn.com/contact/
http://Twitter.com/TraceyDevlyn
http://Facebook.com/AuthorTraceyDevlyn
http://www.Goodreads.com/TraceyDevlyn
http://LadyJanesSalonNaperville.com
http://CasablancaAuthors.blogspot.com
http://www.discoveranewlove.com
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GIVEAWAY ALERT!
(Sponsored by the publisher)
*Mailed directly to the winners from the publisher*
Thanks to Sourcebooks, we are offering 1 lucky commenter a print copy of “Checkmate,My Lord”. Sorry, open to U.S. residents only. No P.O. Boxes,please. Giveaway will run from today February 26 until March 6,2013.
*Please remember to leave a valid email address*
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE AND HAPPY READING!
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Don’t forget to check out “Our Thoughts” on this title. And if you get the chance,please leave a comment.
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Thanks everyone for visiting with us and our guest today!
Thanks for the giveaway. I agree with the statement mesh the rough, dangerous edge of Medievals with the light, humorous Regencies. I also think that combination is good.
Thanks, Joy! So glad to hear it!!
Your writing and this novel sounds captivating and special. Many thanks.
Aww, thank you, Pearl!!
I can't wait to get my hands on this book. I love historical spy romances <3!
Good luck with your release — I first heard about you at Discover A New Love and I wish I'd used by Monthly choice on you…
Glittergirl, what a nice thing to say! Good luck with the draw!!
So nice to see you come and reply to everyone Tracey! You are going to be exhausted after your blog tour!!
Determination, what a good choice of attributes. It applies to everything, and I for one am glad to live in a time when women can be determined and work for what they want. Glad you got what you wanted…being published!!
LOL – exhausting but a ton of fun, Lexi. I love talking with readers.
Agreed! Determination can help us through almost every aspect of life.
I hope you get to sit back with a nice glass of wine, or some enjoyable beverage…put your feet up and have a chocolate when its all over.
Isn't that what authors do all day, put their feet up and eat chocolate? Hahahaha!!!
I enjoyed the interview.
I've got this one on the wishlist!! Can't wait to get my hands on a copy. I love the cover, so pretty. Thanks for the chance to win.
mlawson17 at hotmail dot com
I love smart characters! I'm looking forward to seeing how these characters challenge each other.
sallans d at yahoo dot com