Five Things You Didn’t Know About Tracy Anne Warren
1. Tracy Anne’s first spoken word was kitty.
2. When Tracy Anne was a young child, she had an imaginary Japanese friend named Tennimoto. As an author, she now has lots of imaginary friends.
3. Tracy Anne’s favorite color is purple.
4. Tracy Anne has a minor in Spanish and spent a college semester studying abroad in Toledo, Spain.
5. Tracy Anne once worked selling ladies handbags in a major department store. She quit after one month and her aching feet thanked her.
Now you see, I didn’t know any of this about Tracy. Seriously, her favorite color is purple? What kind of color is that (Prince fans, please do not email to protest)? And imaginary friends, Tracy? Which child has those? This is a whole side of Tracy I never knew and I must say, I’m a bit shocked.(Bev says this with a VERY straight face)
Seriously though, I’m champing at the bit to read several books in January and Tracy’s AT THE DUKE’S PLEASURE is definitely one. I don’t know about you, but I LOOOVVEEE a hero who appears to be all about propriety, but is sooo not. I’ve already devoured the first three chapters in Avon’s Browse Inside on their website, and I can’t wait to get it so I can finish (foot tapping impatiently). In case you haven’t heard a word about it, here it is.
~~~
At The Duke’s Pleasure
Author: Tracy Anne Warren
Publisher: Avon Books
Pub. Date: January 12, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0061673429
384 pagesEdward Byron, Duke of Clybourne, has everything a man in Society needs…except a wife. Duty requires he wed, so he decides that a long-standing arranged marriage will do nicely. He knows his bride is beautiful, biddable and bright enough to run the his household and nursery. He expects his betrothed, Lady Claire Marsden, will be thrilled with his decision— unfortunately, she’s not!
Claire has longed for Edward since she was sixteen, but how can he expect her to agree to his proposal when he barely knows her and doesn’t love her? Nothing will convince her to accept a loveless marriage. And so she begins a battle of outrageous resistance, forcing Edward to learn that he must lose his heart in order to win his bride.
So, for those of you who haven’t yet read TEMPTED BY HIS KISS and SEDUCED BY HIS TOUCH, the first two books in the series, Avon Books is giving 2 sets away. You don’t HAVE to have read the first two books, but if you’re like me, if I know a book is part of a series, I kind of like to read them in order so I can get acquainted with the whole cast of characters.
~*~*~
Book One: TEMPTED BY HIS KISS
Release Date: February 24, 2009
Orphaned beauty Meg Amberley never planned to pose as Lord Cade Byron’s fiancée. Caught in a snowstorm, she takes refuge at his estate. Stranded together, Meg soon finds herself falling under Cade’s spell. When the roads clear, she intends to leave, but fate intervenes.
Haunted by his past, Cade Byron has buried himself in the country. Then Meg—with her lush curves—invades his house and his life. With her reputation compromised, he proposes a pretend engagement and a London season where she can find a husband.
But as their charade deepens, Cade can’t let her go . . . vowing to tempt her with a kiss that just may lead to forever.
~*~*~
Book Two: SEDUCED BY HIS TOUCH
Release Date: August 25, 2009
Lord Jack Bryon is famous for his impressive physique and wickedly seductive charm. He never has a shortage of female companionship, but he knowingly keeps them all at a certain distance. As the third son in a noble family, Jack’s place in society is secure, but he is not in possession of unlimited wealth. Perhaps this explains his reputation as one of London’s most gifted gamblers. Lord Jack knows the rules of the game, and he always comes out on top—until he takes on wealthy merchant Ezra Danvers. When Jack loses big and can’t afford to pay, he finds himself at the mercy of Danvers, who will forgive the debt on one condition: Jack must marry his daughter, Grace.
Grace Danvers may be 25 years old, but she is by no means a typical “spinster.” She believes herself to be too tall, and too plain, and has consequently dismissed the thought of marriage. She is a talented artist who lives a fulfilled life without a man. Grace would never agree to be the “prize” of a bet—which presents quite the challenge for Lord Jack. He must find Grace and make her fall in love with him, but never reveal his true motivations.
Do you have some questions for Tracy? Perhaps there’s another five or so things we don’t know about her. If so, ask away, she should be dropping by the blog today. Those pesky deadlines. I hope she can get away.
I’ve got to get these books!
Okay, two questions for Tracy. Most of us have a ‘keeper’ shelf, can you share at least one book on your keeper shelf? And what is at the top of your Christmas list?
Awesome! I have Tracey’s books on my to-read list. ^^
I have a few questions for Tracey.
1) Did you always want to be a writer or was it something you wanted later in life.
2) Is there any type of hero or heroine that you refuse to write about because you don’t like?
and finally..
3) If you could transport yourself back to any era and spend a season there what would it be, what season, and why?
Hi Tracy,
Congrats on the upcoming release of “At the Duke’s Pleasure.” Who are your favorite authors and what sub-genres of romance do you enjoy?
Good morning! My favorite color is purple, has been since I was a kid. If I knew how to stick my tongue out on the computer I would LOL.
I haven’t read this series yet but I do LOVE Tracy Anne’s books! Congratulations on the upcoming release!
Hi Tracy,
My question is:
Are you interested in writing stories that aren’t historical romances?
I’d like to ask Tracey what some of her all-time favorite historical romance novels are. Also, best of luck to you on your novels!
Thanks! 🙂
Hello Everyone! Thanks so much for stopping by to read a few fun facts about me and to find out more about my new Byrons of Braebourne series. Thanks as well to Bev for inviting me here today and to Avon for the great giveaway they are offering. Best of luck on winning BTW. You’ve all asked some really wonderful questions, so let me get to them:
Renee: Thanks for planning to give my new Bryons of Braebourne series a try! I’m an avid reader so, of course, I have a keeper shelf. One classic book that’s on my shelf is Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas. It’s a fantastic story. As for my Christmas list, I’m kind of hoping Santa might slip a Wii under the tree for me. Barring that, I’d love some new socks 🙂
Melissa: I appreciate you having me on your TBR list! Q #1–I’ve always made up stories since I was a little girl but it was in high school that I first got the writing bug. And no, I won’t say how many years ago that was 🙂 Q#2– The only type of hero that I wouldn’t write would be a man who would use rape or violence against a woman–that pretty much crosses a line with me. Otherwise, I love exploring all sorts of personalities and strive to come up with new and unique characters for each of my books. Q#3–If I could transport myself back in time, I would definitely go for THE SEASON in London during the Regency, just to see what it was all really like. And who knows, maybe I’d find my own gorgeous nobleman at Almacks or while out shopping on Bond Street .
Jane: Thanks for the congrats! I love reading romance and two of my favorite sub-genres are historical and paranormal. Yes, I know, complete opposites and yet they both sweep the reader away into a world of fantasy. Some of my favorite authors are Lisa Kleypas, Jane Feather, Kresley Cole and JR Ward.
Heather D: Go Purple!! After all, purple is the color of royalty so we’ve both got exquisite taste contrary to Bev’s earlier remarks 🙂 So glad you love my books–I hope you get a chance to try to new series. There are eight Byron siblings and they’re always getting themselves into one scandalous situation or another. So far in the series is second son, Lord Cade, who comes home in need of some definite TLC. A snowstorm brings him just the right woman to soothe his wounded heart. Irrepressible rakehell Lord Jack Byron is the third son and he lands himself in a real fix when Lady Luck turns against him. But then she smiles again by bringing him Grace Danvers–a woman he otherwise would never have noticed but who is ultimately his perfect match. And my upcoming book, At The Duke’s Pleasure, is about Edward Byron, the Duke of Clybourne! He thinks he’s got his life in order–until Claire Marsden shows him exactly what it takes to win a woman’s heart.
I hope you all have fun reading! Happy Holidays!
Hi Maureen and Sapphire! You both slipped in on me while I was busy answering earlier questions. Thanks for stopping by today and good luck on the drawing.
Right now, I really love writing historical romances and have no plans to move out of the genre. However, I’m always tinkering with story ideas so who knows what else may strike my fancy one of these days.
As for all-time favorite historical romances–I LOVE “Kingdom of Dreams” and “Something Wonderful” by Judith McNaught, “Wild Oats” by Pamela Morsi, “Years” and “Hummingbird” by LaVryle Spencer and “His Lordship’s Mistress” and “A London Season” by Joan Wolf–a pair of really old OOP classics that are worth hunting for!
Hi Tracy
Thanks for being here today, congratulations on your new release, I’m looking forward to reading it. I love the historical romance books.What is on your Christmas wish list? Do you have a tree up and is it a historical one? I would love one of them myself.
Penney
Merry Christmas
I’m looking forward to reading your upcoming release
Hi, Tracy! I also love the color purple. The cover of “At the Duke’s Pleasure” is gorgeous. How many cats do you have? What are their names? Have you ever given one of your characters any traits and behaviors that you have observed in your cats?
Hi Tracy! Can I just say Purple rocks! Bev is crazy! Question: Do you have a significant other? How did you meet them? I have been looking at Seduced to read…but now I must have them all! Especially At the Dukes Pleasure! Love that cover!
I have to admit, I’ve never heard of Tracy, but reading these blurbs makes me want to know Tracy!!! Thanks for telling us about her. Now I have to order her books!
~Phyllis~
Tracy, first I want say that I read all of your books and am big fan. My favorite book by you has to be His Favorite Mistress. So my question is out of all of your books that has been released so far, which one is your favorite and why?
Hi, Tracy!
Congratulations on the upcoming release of “At A Duke’s Pleasure.”
Purple rocks! At one time, I didn’t have any clothes that didn’t have purple in them. When I got married and my DH and I went shopping for some new clothes for me, he said “All I ask is that you pick something out that doesn’t have purple in it.” LOL!
I have to admit that I have never read any of your books, but after reading your excerpts, that is about to change.
Are you married/single with kids?
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
We share some of the same fav authors/books! Your books are being added to my list as we speak! They sound fabulous. Good luck with your new release too!
You said you started “really” writing in high school–care to tell us a little about the first thing you wrote? 🙂
Hi Tracy, I was wondering do you have a daily routine that you follow when your writing? How do you pick the names of your hero/heroine.
Hi Tracy,
As I said, I champing at the bit for Edward’s story. My question is about queries. I actually used your query of Husband Trap as the first template for Sinful Surrender. It’s actually what turned me onto your books because prior to that, I’d never read you. How hard was writing that query?
(And thanks so much for stopping by to answer questions during deadline time.)
Bev
Hi Tracy,
I have read 4 of your books already and I am hooked. I asked for the rest of your books for Christmas. I am such a big fan of yours. Thanks for the hours of fun. I really enjoyed reading
Byrons of Braebourne series and the first two book of the Trap series.
I have been a fan of Tracy’s books for a long time. I like the way she writes.
My question is Do you read your characters dialogue out loud to see if it would flow easily?
Hello Tracy!
I simply LOVE your books! Wonderful, wonderful stories…..so looking forward to the next one! Also, purple reminds me Scottish heather!
Happy Holidays!
Mary
Purple is not my all time favorite color, but I do like it!! I love your books, read many.
At the Dukes Pleasure sounds fantastic!! I love that purple dress on your cover, now who can say they don’t like purple:) Good luck with your new release!!
Happy Holidays, Judy
My question is what is your opinion on book trailers? Do you think they help in book sales?
Thanks.
I want to know how she came up with an imaginary Japanese friend when she was a child – and the name, too! Now that’s imagination.
Margay
I really love the cover of Seduced By His Touch, it’s so sensual. I’m looking forward to reading At The Duke’s Pleasure – sounds like a wonderful story. Speaking of purple, I used to hate purple, I wanted nothing to do with that color at all. Then one day I had a change of heart, and now I love it. It’s such a rich, vibrant color.
Hey Tracy!
I have to admit that I’ve read all three of the stories in the series (well does the short story in It Happened One Night count as a story in this series?) and I enjoyed all of them. I’m looking forward to popping open my copy of Edward’s book and having it reviewed on my blog. You are fast becoming another go to historical author for me so thanks for writing entertaining and engaging stories and keep up the good work!
My question for you is: What’s next on the writing schedule? Do you have another Byron book coming out soon or will there be something else for us to look forward to? I’m much too nosy for my own good but I must know!
I hope you have a great evening and an even better holiday!
-Rowena
Ugh, I’m sorry…I meant Four Dukes and a Devil anthology…it’s been one of those days!
Hi Tracy,
I haven’t had the chance to read your books yet, but they sound so good that I am putting them on my wish list!
Wow!! Thanks to all of you for stopping by today. I so very much appreciate all the lovely comments about my books. And for those of you haven’t tried me yet, please have fun reading. Not that all of you shouldn’t have fun reading because you should, but you know what I mean 🙂 I’ll do my best to answer everyone’s questions–hope I don’t forget anyone!
Penney–Hey girl, great to see you here!! Other than the Wii I’m hoping Santa may leave, I don’t have too much I want this year. Time is what I’d most love, but alas, that’s one thing that can’t be given. And I love Christmas trees and an historical themed one sounds gorgeous. Unfortunately though, my allergies don’t love pine trees so I don’t have one this year 🙁 I do have a beautiful lighted ceramic Christmas tree that my grandmother gave me years ago and a beautiful painted German Tin tree that I love putting up. I thought about artificial but with my deadline it was just too much the year.
JCP–Thanks for dropping by. Hope you love At the Duke’s Pleasure.
Ginger, Danielle, Cathy, Barbara–Yay, more purple lovers! Barbara, I’m glad you saw the light and are on team purple now! And yes, I was thrilled when I saw the cover for ATDP. Claire’s dress is such a glorious, deep purple–love it.
As for me, I’m currently single and have 3 very furry feline children named Christofur, Violetta and Georgianna. They all love showing off and I love showing them off, so if you’d like to see pictures, please visit my website at http://www.tracyannewarren.com. As for using them in my books, I’ve never modeled any of my human characters on them but they’re definitely the basis for some of the feline characters who show up on occasion.
Phyllis, Brynna–I always love discovering new authors, so thanks for discovering me! As for what I wrote in high school, I penned a number of short stories for a creative writing class I took and that’s really what got me hooked on wanting to be a writer. Right after graduation, I wrote my first novel–a time travel romance that is now buried in a black hole somewhere here in my house. No, it never sold but it was a good learning experience.
Marjana–Gee, that’s a tough question–which book is my favorite? Honestly, I love them all. If you’re pinning me down, I’ll admit I have a real soft spot for “The Husband Trap” since it’s my very first published novel and the first historical romance I ever wrote. I think “At The Duke’s Pleasure” is one of my funniest books–had lots of fun with that one! Then again, I love “Seduced By His Touch.” Jack was super yummy to write and Grace is a very complex, interesting woman whom I came to admire and love. Oh, please, don’t make me choose!
Danielle D–I do have a routine that I generally follow with my writing. I usually do email/business type stuff during late morning/afternoon, then I write in the evening. I’m a night owl and find I get my best work done when it’s quiet and I can really focus. As for picking character names, I have a couple baby name books that I love. Before I begin a new book, I usually have a good idea of the H/H and I start through the name book, making a list of the ones I like and that I think would fit the characters, then I start narrowing it down. It can be a tough decision sometimes, but always fun.
Beverley–Thanks again for asking me to be here with you today! And I’m delighted that my query letter for The Husband Trap helped you draft your own query letter for your debut novel Sinful Surrender! Congratulations again on your upcoming release!! And yes, learning to write a good query letter was a steep learning curve. I’d written queries for a couple mss before The Husband Trap, so I think I’d managed to hone that skill by the time I needed to write the one for THT. That said, I believe I spent a very intense week crafting that query. Irony is, I haven’t had to write another one since I got my agent with that letter! Not that I’m complaining mind you.
Toni–Hey there girl!! So great to see you here! And wow, thanks for asking for my books for Christmas. I hope Santa is good to you.
Joye–Ah dialogue, I know a number of authors who use the technique of reading their dialogue out loud. If it’s helpful, do it. When I write though, the scenes roll out in my mind like a movie, complete with pictures, action, and sound. I hear my characters speak, just like they would in a film or real life. Writing down what they say isn’t nearly as easy as taking dictation (I wish) but it allows me to capture speech patterns, emotional inflections and so on.
Mary, Judy–So glad you love the new cover, Avon did a great job, didn’t they?
Tracey D–So far I haven’t tried a book trailer, though I know others who have. I think it’s like other self promotion and falls under the old saying that advertising works half the time, but no one knows which half! Also, I think trailers tend to be pretty expensive so unless you think you have a mega hit out there, I personally would put the $$ and time into something else. With promo, I try to do what I enjoy and what I can afford, always remembering that the best promo is another new book! So no, I’m not convinced they help with sales. If I was, I’d be out filming one now! Then again, if your publisher offers to pay for one, say yes!
Margay–LOL. Honestly, I have NO memory of my imaginary friend, but my family (especially my sister) has teased me about it over the years. Apparently when I was three years old, I started telling my mother about some girl I was playing with named Tennimoto. My mother knew there were no Japanese children in the neighborhood that I could possibly have met and realized I’d made her up! I guess I was thinking up characters before I even knew what characters were. As for Tenni being Japanese, go figure 🙂
Rowena–Oh, I’m delighted you’re enjoying my new series and that you’ll be reviewing ATDP on your blog! Thank you! As for what’s next, I am writing the next book in the Byrons of Braebourne series–actually that’s my deadline book that I should be working on right now! It’s Mallory’s story and scheduled for release in September 2010. After that, I hope to be doing the next 4 Byron siblings–Drake, Leo, Lawrence, Esme–but nothing is scheduled yet.
Well, I thinks that’s all. Thanks again everyone for stopping by today/tonight! Good luck on the drawing and have the happiest holidays ever 🙂
Thanks Chris!!!
Merry Christmas.
I love series. Following a group of siblings and/or cousins brings so many factors in for plot development. You can just build on the family relationships. The “family” becomes a character itself.
You have done a great job answering everyone’s questions, some of which were mine.
Have a wonderful Holiday Season.
Tracy, I just love the covers to your books. They all look so sensual. Do you have input on how you want your covers to look, ie. hero and heroine have the right hair color to the story, or bare chested hero vs. couple?
These books look great. I’m crossing my fingers that I’ll get them. I swear that I’ve read at least one of your books but with my sieve-like memory, I can’t remember *hangs head in shame*
My questions: 1) flats or heels?
2) Do you do much research regarding clothes?
3) Have you ever worn garments like the ones that you describe in your books?
4) Have you ever been to the aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia?
5) One food that you would gladly never eat again?
Random? What do you mean? Oh, yes, my train of thought just doesn’t jump the tracks, sometimes it goes overland.
Hi Tracy,
Since this is a series, how many more books are planned that we can look forward to. I haven’t read either of these books yet, which is good for me because now I can read them all together and don’t have to wait 🙂 Sorry if you have already been asked this.
Hello LibraryPat, Armenia, Sewicked and Booklover1335,
Sorry not to answer sooner, but today has been really hectic what with Christmas almost upon us! I wanted to answer your questions though so I’m just going to get straight to them.
LibraryPat–Nice to see you here! And I’m having such fun doing a family series since you’re right that each story builds on the next. And it’s fun to see the various couples re-appear in later books and see what’s going on with them.
Armenia–My editor consults with me about any ideas I might have, but by and large, the decisions regarding the artwork and cover design are in the hands of the art director. The art department is the one who puts the covers together and I don’t have any say on the details, especially not whether the hero will be wearing a shirt or not 🙂 BTW–All my Byron heroes are bare-chested on the stepback covers, so check them out! So far, I think Avon has been doing a fabulous job on the covers and I’m thrilled with them! So glad you agree.
Sewicked–#1–Flats!! I like to be comfortable and gave up heels ages ago. #2-Yes, I definitely do research on Regency era clothes. I use a number of sources including English Women’s Clothing in the 19th Century by C.Willett Cunnington. It’s a wonderful reference. In fact, I was writing the other evening and needed an 1812 hat. I found a drawing for the most adorable Yeoman’s hat that Mallory will now be sporting! #3–No, I’ve never gone in costume. The corset sounds like a killer, though I’ve heard they’re supposed to be great for the posture. #4–Oh, I wanted to go to the Aquarium in Atlanta when I was there a couple years ago for RWA but I didn’t have the time. RWA will be going back to Atlanta again and I’m going to try to schedule in a visit since it looks fantastic! Are you from Atlanta? #5–Capers–They’re bitter and icky–hate ’em.
Booklover–Yes, you can start in with Cade and Jack’s stories, then be ready for Edward on Jan 12! It’ll be like a back-to-back trilogy! Have a great time with the stories! Also, there is a Byron novella in Four Dukes and a Devil about cousin India Byron and what happens when she demands a kiss from the devilish Duke of Weybridge.
Since there are 8 Byron siblings, I’m planning to write a novel for each of them. Book #4 will be released this September 2010. No publication dates have been set yet for the next 4 novels, but you can always visit my website at http://www.tracyannewarren.com and/or sign up for my newsletter to be kept up to date on the latest info!
Merry Christmas and Happy Reading!!!