I tell you, those publishers are so sneaky. After I finished Loretta Chase’s upcoming book, Last Night’s Scandal, and was sighing over how much I enjoyed it, I read the excerpt of Adele Ashworth’s July release, THE DUKE’S CAPTIVE, which was a teaser at the back of the book. From that point on, I was hooked.

I knew I had an egalley of the book on my eReader and instead of going to sleep at midnight like I should have, I started reading THE DUKE’S CAPTIVE. Needless  to say, I didn’t get much sleep. Eventually, though, I couldn’t stave off sleep any longer, but bright and early the next morning, I finished it. It was one of those books. That’s when I knew I had to have Adele on the blog and thank goodness, she generously consented to an interview. 🙂 Welcome Adele!

~*~*~


I loved THE DUKE’S CAPTIVE. I started it very late one night, read until about 3 am and then woke up the following morning to finish it. For me the hook was the revenge theme which you gave your own unique twist on that made for a compelling read. Can you first tell the readers a little about THE DUKE’S CAPTIVE and then how was it to actually write.


I’m thrilled you enjoyed THE DUKE’S CAPTIVE so much! (And I envy your ability to read a book – any book – so quickly! I’m the slowest reader on the planet, I think. 🙂

TDC is about Ian Wentworth, Earl of Stamford, Duke of Chatwin, who — in my last book — was kidnapped, chained to a wall in a dungeon for five weeks, and nearly died. This book begins five years later when he inherits a new title, lots of money, and decides hunt down one of his kidnappers who he thinks escaped justice, Viola Bennington-Jones, now the Lady Cheshire and widow of a baron. She’s just come out of mourning and he sets his goal on seducing her and ruining her socially and/or financially. But she knows some secrets of his, too, and when she learns that he’s coming after her, she fights back. Although this h/h appear briefly in my last book, this one stands alone, so there’s no reason to have read that one first.

I’ve never done a revenge theme book before, so in that regard, writing THE DUKE’S CAPTIVE was a blast. In every other respect it was pure and simply drudgery. Ugh. And I’m not sure why except that my muse decided to take a long vacation for some reason. I also got stalled in one particular scene (the seduction scene in the cottage where the hero tells all) because it was just so intense. I had to get it right — especially since the kind of vengeful love scene associated with it was a totally new thing for me.


This is the first book I’ve read of yours. Do all your books have the same intense emotional conflict and sexual tension?


I think so, yes. I don’t write humorous books, though I wish I could. 🙂 Some of my books are less emotionally draining than this one, and my previous heroes weren’t quite as Alpha-esque as Ian. But I do think I’m known for writing good sexual tension and characters that elicit strong emotions from each other and the reader.


Can I safely say that if not for your seven years as an flight attendant, you wouldn’t be the romance writer you are today?


That’s probably true, although it’s not because I came into contact with a huge number of “characters” which I did. I think it’s because as a f/a I had so much free time to read, read, read, especially on all those overnights. And because I had great seniority I was able to bid to work in the back of the plane, so when passengers were coming on board, I could stand in the back galley and read between my announcements. I must have read hundreds of romances in those seven years! Really, if you want to be a romance author, you have to be a romance reader first.


Your published novel, MY DARLING CAROLINE, which won the RITA for Best First Book in 1999, was recently released by Avon. Was that the first book you’ve had rereleased? How excited were you about the news?


I was thrilled (and kind of relieved) when Avon decided to reissue my Berkley backlist. Thrilled because those first three books had very small print runs, especially WINTER GARDEN, and relieved because STOLEN CHARMS introduces the heroine of WG, which connects with my last book, A NOTORIOUS PROPOSITION, which connects with my next book, THE DUKE’S CAPTIVE. It’s not necessary to read any one of these books to read another since they all stand alone, but it will be really nice when all are in print so those readers who do want to read them can. And WG, which so many people seem to want to read, is really, really hard to find now. By the way, both SC and WG will be re-released in the fall of 2011 — I think October and December respectively.


Selling the first book is probably one of the most exciting and unforgettable times in an author’s career. Can you tell us a little about the call that changed your life?


Okay, weird story. Like all writers, I had been trying to sell my manuscript (My Darling Caroline) for a long time. I hired an agent about a year before she sold it, and during that time she would call me frequently to give me updates on what editors were saying, and changes they thought I could do to make to make the story better. I got a couple of marvelous rejection letters where editors loved the book, but didn’t have room on their lists, and a couple of rejections where there were suggestions I could really use but they weren’t interested. And each time my agent would call and say something like, “Well, Pocket isn’t interested, but so-and-so over at Dorchester thinks you might be able to do such-and-such…” Anyway, this went on for about nine or ten months. I got very used to getting calls from my agent, re-writing chapters, taking stuff out and replacing, etc.

So, on this day, my husband was making cheeseburgers for lunch, and my six-month-old daughter was staring at me in her bouncy seat, wearing her pink onesie with the bright pink tulips (you remember this stuff when you finally get “the call”;) and just before we sat down for lunch, my agent calls. No problem, I’m used to getting work-on-chapter-whatever calls, right? So the first thing out of her mouth is a very bland, practical, “Well… Berkley’s made an offer…” And I yawn, thinking – seriously – what can they possibly want me to do with the manuscript now? It totally didn’t register for like a minute that she’d just told me that an editor actually wanted to BUY my book. The only thing I remember after her words struck me was my agent laughing at my incoherent babbling, and that my appetite had totally vanished. It was an awesome day. 🙂

~~~


The Duke’s Captive
Author: Adele Ashworth
Publisher: Avon/HarperCollins
Pub. Date: June 29, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0061474842
Retail: $7.99
384 pages

Vengeance would be his . . .

Ian Wentworth arrives in London with one goal: revenge. Now a duke of enormous wealth, he should settle down to the business of marrying and producing heirs. But nightmares of an ordeal from his past haunt him at every turn. All those he believes responsible have paid with their lives. All but one: Viola Bennington-Jones, the lovely Lady Cheshire. And he will not rest until he sees the tempting beauty suffer.

Viola keeps her secrets—and there are many—safe from society’s prying eyes. When she first spies Ian at a glittering ball, the rush of recognition immediately turns to panic. Does he remember the tender touches that once passed between them? Does he feel the electric passion that binds them still? Or does he blame her for the awful horrors her kin bestowed upon him? The enigmatic duke holds her captive: in desperate thrall to his powerful sensuality, her future—and her heart—in his hands.

Click to read the review.

~~~


What tropes do you find yourself instantly drawn to both in writing and reading?


That’s a tough question to answer, though I like most anything if the story stems from believable characters. When it comes to writing, I try to write what readers like to read, then put my own twists on them. I think even overused romance plot devices like secret babies and virgin widows can be made into great stories if the characters and their motivations are believable. And I like to try new things all the time. When it comes to reading, I love anything that has a mystery or thriller aspect.


What other genres do you read? Would you like to write in another genre?


When I actually have the time to read, I like anything by Dean Koontz, any Romantic Suspense, and I especially enjoy Harlequin Presents and Silhouette Desire because they’re shorter books and I can actually finish one in a shorter length of time. As for writing… I’m thinking of RS, or a Romantic Thriller, but until I have more time to finish the books I’m contracted to write, they’ll have to wait.


Can you tell us anything about your next book?


Well, I’m in the middle of writing it, so anything can change at this point. But it’s the story of Lady Isabella Summerland (first introduced in THE DUKE’S CAPTIVE) and Justin Marley, Viscount Durham, Duke of Westchester (first introduced in SOMEONE IRRESISTIBLE). He’s shy and retiring, a scholar and anatomist; she’s fun-loving, energetic and gregarious, and thinks he’s boring. The story centers around stolen ancient Egyptian jewels, a Marriage of Convenience, and the mystery of the death of his former betrothed. That’s it in a nutshell. And like I said, any of it could change before it’s finished. It should be published next year, probably just before STOLEN CHARMS and WINTER GARDEN. 🙂

I want to thank Adele so much for stopping by and doing the interview. And now that I’ve read THE DUKE’S CAPTIVE, I must go back and read A NOTORIOUS PROPOSITION. What about you, don’t you think that would be just the place to start even though THE DUKE’S CAPTIVE can absolutely stand on its own. Well I do and that’s why today Avon Books is giving away a copy of A NOTORIOUS PROPOSITION. Why not start at the beginning if you can, right? Just comment to enter to win. 🙂

Avonhistoricalstop picks
By Authors, Avon Books, Giveaways, Interviews47 Comments on Interview: Adele Ashworth ~ The Duke’s Captive

47 Replies to “Interview: Adele Ashworth ~ The Duke’s Captive”

  1. I think the cover of My Darling Caroline is one of the most beautiful covers I’ve ever seen! And now I see that The Duke’s Captive is just as beautiful! Can’t wait to read it and Adele’s backlist!

  3. I love all of your books and I have them all on my keeper shelf. Looking forward to reading The Duke’s Captive.

  4. Hi Adele,

    Great interview…love the little tidbits you drop about work. Looking forward to getting a copy of The Duke’s Captive in my hands. I’ve read all of your early works (MDC, WG, SI, WIP & SC) and loved them. Glad to see they are being re-issued. Gives the newer generation of romance readers an opportunity to read those oldies but goodies!

    And being the ever greedy-for-info-reader that I am, my question is about the next book: Do you have a title yet for Justin & Isabella’s book? I read someplace the tentative title was ‘The Duke’s Seduction’. Is that still a go?

  5. I *adored* WINTER GARDEN. I actually have 2 copies, I bought one extra in case something happened to my reading copy. I have been looking forward to THE DUKE’S CAPTIVE since I read a blurb of it last year, it sounds divine. I love revenge angles. I have not read A NOTORIOUS PROPOSITION yet. Best wishes.

  6. I really enjoyed reading this interview. I haven’t read any of Adele’s books yet and I’d love to start at the beginning.

  7. Wonderful interview, Bev and Adele. I just finished MY DARLING CAROLINE last week and enjoyed it! I think the cover is so romantic and beautiful. Congrats on the release of TDC; I can’t wait to pick it up as well as several others!

  8. Sounds like an interesting book — thanks for the heads up Bev.

    Adele — Congrats on the new release 🙂 Thanks for sharing some background info on your books. I haven’t had a chance to read any of your books yet, but would love the chance to “start at the beginning” 🙂

  9. Hi, ladies!

    Miranda, thanks for the comment on my covers! I’ve gotten a lot of feedback on my TDC cover, and most people respond that it’s gorgeous or way steamy. 🙂 I totally agree! I think Avon has done a marvelous job with this series so far!

    Karen H., being a greedy-for-inf0-reader is, I think, is an attribute you and I share. LOL. But as far as the title of the next book goes, I’ve never heard of The Duke’s Seduction! Actually, I’ve been calling it A Duke for Lady Isabella, but I suspect that will change. What I found amusing in your comment was that The Duke’s Seduction sounds like a title Avon would choose! I’ll have to keep that in mind when the PTB come asking for suggestions.

    And Scorpio… TWO copies of WG? LOL. You could probably make a bundle on Ebay if you want to give one up. *giggle* But I’m glad you enjoyed it so much!

    Anyway, thanks so much for all the comments, ladies! I’ll check in again later…

  10. Great interview Bev! I’ve read The Duke’s Captive and it blew me away. I’ve never read a book by Adele but I was totally impressed off of this one book. I can’t wait to read more by her.

  11. Thanks for the interview! I’ve read a couple of your books, and am looking forward to The Duke’s Captive.

  12. STOP IT! If you keep giving me these great titles to read, I’ll never be able to finish them all. Now, I’m itching to go to the store (or on line if necessary) to get all the back list AND The Duke’s Captive. These sound like the kind of books I adore. And Adele, I can’t write “humor” either. lol

    Great interview and terrific call story. All the best with your career! 🙂

  14. Love Adele Ashworth.. Totally sucks that my library only carried ‘Duke of Scandal’. I read it and instantly started itching for more… The whole revenge plot line is a favorite of mine. There’s this book by Johanna Lindsey called ‘Prisoner of my Desire’ and it is SERIOUSLY HOT! ever since that book, the theme of revenge (mostly through kidnapping) became a fav, and I am sure Ashworth’s revenge is sweet indeed.

    Love how she has flight attending to thank for writing. The best directions in life are the ones we can’t see coming.

    Best of luck Adele! and wonderful interview ‘the season’

  15. Both of these covers are so pretty that I just want to read them just because of their covers…LOL

  16. Great interview! I am sorry to say I have never read any of your books before but I would love to. They sound fabulous! Another author to add to by to buy list! Thanks so much for the chance to win!

  20. I love starting at the beginning and reading in order as new characters are introduced and old characters are mentioned. I’d love to win a copy of A Notorious Proposition.

  21. I am going to read The Duke’s Captive, but I would like to read A Notorious Preposition first so that I can be familiar with all the characters and the situations. Please I would really like to win the copy of A Notorious Proposition.

  23. I have read all of your books starting with Duke of Sin. This one sounds just as good.

  24. OH, oh this sounds so good. I am a stickler for wanting to start at the beginning of a series. I just don’t want to miss any characters and nuances from the story that may carry into the next book.

  28. Thanks for all the comments, ladies! I hope you all enjoy The Duke’s Captive, but keep in mind you DON’T have to read A Notorious Proposition first. The stories are totally separate, though reading ANP first might give you an insight to the hero/heroine’s motivations. Other than that, they can totally be read alone. The hero from TDC is the twin brother of the heroine from ANP, btw.

    Again, thanks for all the wonderful comments! I’m so glad that those of you who have read books I’ve written have enjoyed them! And don’t worry about Winter Garden being so expensive and hard to find; you’ll be able to find it easily enough next year. 🙂

    And thanks to Bev, for making me feel very welcome!

  29. Adele is one of my favorite romance writter EVER. I’m super happy she has a new book out !!

  31. Congrats on the upcoming release, Adele. I’m so happy to hear that Winter Garden and Stolen Charms will be reissued. I’ve been waiting a while to get my hands on your backlist.

  33. Can’t wait to read this one Adele, and I do like a good revenge theme. I agree with Karen, great to see those reissues coming out for those who missed those earlier titles, all favorites for me. Winter Garden not to be missed, one of my top alltime favorites. (Not entering contest, having all of Adele’s books).

  34. I was so glad when they reissued My Darling Caroline as my original copy is held together with rubber bands at this point. Fabulous cover on this reissue too. Hey, and who is that greedy person who has two copies of Winter Garden when I have none! Let someone borrow mine and it disappeared, which is why I no longer lend books! Can’t wait to read this newest one, Adele.

  35. Hi Adele!!! Thanks so much for dropping by and commenting. 🙂 Now I have to go back and read A Notorious Proposition. I love emotionally intense books and this one was sooo good. Hope to see you in Orlando.

  36. Hi Adele!

    It’s so nice to see you here at the Season! 🙂 Your new book THE DUKE’S CAPTIVE sounds wonderful, I love revenge stories. (I also read Harlequin Presents and they write alot of good revenge stories too!)
    It must have been fun to be a flight attendant, traveling and meeting all kinds of people from different places!
    I never thought about how flight attendants would spend their time while on a flight, but reading sounds like a great idea!

    Your next books sounds really good, with stolen ancient Egyptian jewels, a Marriage of Convenience, and a mysterious death. I will look out for it!
    And good luck with your new release, it has a very sexy cover!

  37. Nice interview! Congrats on the re-releases, by the way. I absolutely love the new covers for My Darling Caroline and A Notorious Proposition.

  41. Sounds like a good place to start. Even if books can stand alone, if they are interconnected, I like to read them in order.

  43. Hey Adele,
    I’ve never read any of your books but they seem great and I would love to read A notorious proposition. Best, Kirsten

  45. I haven’t read your books either, but it sounds like an intersting new series. Thanks for the giveaway.

  46. Thanks for the interview Adele. I love a hard hero who is out for revenge so this book really appeals to me. 🙂

  47. While I read the interview I was wondering why Ian was so familiar than it hit me that I read A Notorious Proposition, duh! I can’t wait to pick this novel up and see how his story unfolds. Great interview Beverly and Adele!! Oh, and Beverly, you MUST go out and read A Notorious Proposition although there isn’t much of Ian, it’s still an amazing novel. Really. 🙂

Comments are closed.