Debut author Tiffany Clare is joining us on the Blog today. I’ll be very brief with my introduction. There are two very good reasons you want to read THE SURRENDER OF A LADY. Reason number one…it’s a fabulous book. I could end it right there and say that alone is reason enough but I’m going to add in the second…which is Tiffany is a fellow Canadian. Okay, so you may not be a Canadian yourself but haven’t Canada and the US always shared a wonderful, supportive relationship. I see you all nodding your heads in agreement. And voila, I’ve given you two good reasons. š
But seriously, please extend a very warm welcome to Tiffany. She’s a fantastic writer and has written a heart wrenching first book.
Hi Tiffany, THE SURRENDER OF A LADY is your debut. What was it like finally seeing it in print, holding the book in your hand? Was it better than getting āThe Callā?
Itās kind of surreal to see it out there and available for purchase. As I type this, Iām still waiting for the release, but I remember getting my advanced readers copies (ARCs) and getting all teary eyed and excited. It still didnāt feel like it was real, like my book was going to be available for public consumption just a few months from that point. I donāt know if itās better than getting āThe Call.ā But itās pretty damn close š
THE SURRENDER OF A LADY is a dark book dealing with very serious and a somewhat disturbing subject matter. First tell us a little about the premise of the book and then what inspired the story.
Ah, you must be referring to the fact that my heroine is a slave. The book opens with her being sold to pay off her husbandās gambling blunders and then she finds herself in a harem (to save her infant child) where she will be taught to please men for the rest of her life.
Itās so strange reading and seeing Jinan ās book being called dark, Iām thinking Iām totally desensitized to whatās considered shocking and risquĆ©! LOL. To me the book just feels like a grand scale love story. Rothburn and Jinan are truly star-crossed lovers. They cared deeply for each other when they were younger and were more or less forced apart and then they get another chance to be together, only the time is all wrong, their lives are all wrong (at least Jinanās), but once Rothburn seeās Jinan again, there is no walking away from her.
I don’t know what inspired the story to form in my head, but once it was there, there was no not telling it.
THE SURRENDER OF A LADY Book Blurb:
THE PRICE OF PASSIONā¦
Sold. With one word, Lady Elena Ravenscliffeās destiny changes forever. Forced into Constantinopleās slave market to pay off her late husbandās debts and save her son, Elena reinvents herself as Jinanāa harem girl adored by the rich lords who bid on her favors. But one man instantly sees through her faƧade.
ā¦IS COMPLETE SURRENDER
Griffin Summerfield, Marquess of Rothburn, let Elena slip through his fingers years ago. When he recognizes her on the auction block, he pays an outrageous sum to possess her even if it is for a short period of time. But when his deadline looms, Griffin will risk all in a desperate bid to make her hisāand his aloneā¦
.
I believe that as writers, we write what we love but weāre also aware too, of the audience our stories are targeted to. Who do you believe THE SURRENDER OF A LADY will appeal to?
I think lovers of Anna Campbell will adore this. My publisher compares me to Mary Balogh and Stephanie Laurens in style.
The majority of your book is set in Constantinople/Isle of Corfu ( Greece ). Was the research of Constantinople and the Isle of Corfu particularly arduous?
Iām always the first to admit Iām geographically challenged. I knew nothing about that part of the world. I read a lot. Looked at tons of pictures and thank God they are both tourist destinations. There was a lot of information to be found and most of the tourist sights I went on had history about the place, too.
Can you give us your āCallā story?
My agent emailed me to say we had an offer on the table. It was the first offer and the first we’d heard back from editors. I was a bit shocked not to get any rejections first! There was much silent squeeing and happiness as the other editors/houses made their decisions as to whether they wanted to put an offer in for THE SURRENDER OF A LADY. Another house was interested, and bidding commenced.
I was a nervous wreck for the subsequent two weeks. I couldn’t tell anyone (because of the nature of bidding, the houses don’t know who they are bidding against, just another house) and I had to wait. I even got to talk to both editors before the bidding commenced. That was scary and exciting all at the same time. When St. Martin’s put in their final offer, we were glad to except.
Describe your perfect fictional romance hero.
I love Rothburn. Like, LOVE him. I would probably want to kill him in real life, because heās all domineering and has to have his way, but I thoroughly enjoyed writing him. It’s funny, I’ve not been able to replicate his character traits since writing this book. There is just something special about him that will have me loving him for the rest of my days, no matter how many characters I create.
You received a wonderful quote from Lisa Kleypas for your cover quote. In short she says, āThe Surrender Of A Lady is a riveting and spectacular debut by an exciting new author.ā What does a quote like that mean to a debut author?
The world! It’s an authors every dream getting quotes from the authors they love most. Lisa Kleypas is my favorite historical romance author. I know I cried when I saw the quote come through from my editor. I kind of stared at the screen dumbfounded and teary, goosebumps along my arms and all. Having other authors basically endorse your work shows book buyers (and readers) that someone who is known and loved believes in your work.
February 2011 will see the release of your second book, THE SEDUCTION OF HIS WIFE. Can you tell us a little about that book?
My marriage of convenience turns into so much more when my hero decided to make a reappearance in my heroines life.
Back cover blurb:
AN INCONVENIENT SCANDAL
Emma Hallaway has not seen her husband in twelve yearsāand thatās fine with her. As a young girl, sheād agreed to a simple marriage of convenience, allowing her to pursue her private passion for painting. And though unknown to the rest of polite society, Emma is now one of the most daring and sought-after artists in London. However, when her secret is threatened to be exposed, Emma is forced to open her heartāand her homeāto a total stranger: her husbandā¦
AN UNEXPECTED SURPRISE
Richard Mansfield, Earl of Asbury, is all too familiar with danger. As a matter of fact, it is hard on his heels when he returns to England. Still, even he is shocked to learn of his wifeās scandalous double life as an artist. But once he sees the vibrant grown woman she has becomeāso passionate, so strong, and so alluringāhis undeniable attraction to Emma stuns him. Suddenly Richard is determined to turn their sham of a marriage into a true and lasting love. But how exactly does a gentleman seduce his own wife?
Where on your blog tour are you off to next?
A ton of places, a couple not even listed yet (toward the end of October), but I’ll have those dates confirmed soon.
Thursday September 30th, Interview at Novel Thoughts & Book Talk
Friday October 1st, Interview at Lovestruck Novice
Monday October 4th, Interview at Romance Writerās Revenge
Tuesday October 5th, Interview at Vicky Dreilingās Blog
Wednesday October 6th, Interview with Anna Campbell on Romance Bandits
Thursday October 7th, Blogging on Lila DiPasquaās Blog
Wednesday October 13th, Interview on Seductive Musings
Thursday October 28th, Blogging on Sarah Macleanās Blog
Links can be found on my website here:
http://www.tiffanyclare.com/news/
Tiffany has generously offered an autographed copy of THE SURRENDER OF A LADY to one lucky commenter.
Welcome, Tiff!!! Congrats on the new release and to many, many–dozens of print runs. I’m gone most of the day (first day at the new job) but I’m 100% certain everyone will make you feel like a princess today. š I’ll be back tonight.
Thanks for having me here, Bev!
I would love to be a princess for the the day š Brings me back to my childhood when I wanted to actually be a princess!
And congrats on the new job! I’m sooooo happy for you!
Congratulations Tiffany on your debut story! It looks marvelous and I have seen many great reviews.
I love the cover of this book. It just draws me in & makes me want to give it a try regardless of the description. Luckily that sounds god to. The next book looks Fabulous as well. It’s already on my to watch for titles list.
Congrats on the new release and here’s to hoping for more in the future! I like how you love Rohtburn but would maybe want to kill him in real life LOL Your book sounds fantastic, love exotic settings! They don’t come nearly often enough.
Congrats on your debut story, Tiffany’s book caught my eye a few weeks back when I was on the publishers website and placed it as a must read when I read the except.
Unfortunaley when I was at my local bookstore they haven’t received any of her books. I prefer to support my bookstores as we only have 3 in the city where I live and had them check to see if they scheduled to receive stock of this book. They are scheduled and the manager of the Coles store I frequent keeps a list of the books I am looking for and places a copy behind the counter for me when they arrive. I can’t wait to read The Surrender Of A Lady, Congrats again Tiffany : )
Congrats on the release, Tiffany! I hope copies of The Surrender of a Lady will fly off the shelves!
Bev, please don’t include me in the giveaway. I’ve already read an advanced copy of this book (gave it 5 of 5 stars in my review) but I’ll be heading to the store today to buy a finished copy for my keeper shelf.
Maureen, Hope you get a chance to read it! Thanks for stopping by!
Kandace, glad you like the sounds of both books! Hope you enjoy them.
Camille, what can I say, as a fantasy I’m like hubba-hubba come to momma, but in real life, I’d get easily annoyed! LOL
Claudine, Coles? Are you in Canada? There is a bit of delay for Candian stores. I know you can order them in and the store will call you when it’s ready for pickup! Glad you have a great relationship with them. I’m so sorry you are having trouble getting a copy!
PJ! Thanks for stopping by here! I’m glad you loved Surrender of a Lady so much you’ll be getting another copy! š One without mistakes in it!
Congratulations on the release, Tiffany. I’m looking forward to reading TSOAL!
These both sound like fun reads! I’m going to have to keep an eye our for them. Congratulations!
Congrats on your new release. I love your book covers. Just beautiful. Your book sounds wonderful.
Congrats on the release. I can’t wait to get my hands on this. I can’t wait to find out more about the characters and why they couldn’t be together in the past. These are my favorite type of stories.
This book looks relly great. I love that Rothburn is there to save Jinan after he lost her the first time. She has had a hard life with her husband and has learned to adapt to her situation to help her son. I think both of these characters have a strong character and I cannot wait to read about how they develop their relationship again. Congrats on the release and thanks for the giveaway.
Surrender of a Lady sounds like it will be a fun read. The plot is one of my favorites. And since I’m a huge fan of Anna Campbell, Mary Balogh and Stephanie Laurens, I’m sure to enjoy your writing too.
THE SURRENDER OF A LADY sounds very interesting.
Congrats on your debut Tiffany!!!! I cannot wait to read The Surrender of a Lady! I’ve heard great buzz about it and its on TBR pile!
Enjoyed reading the comments. I am always looking for new authors ro read. Your book sounds really good and I have added it to my TBR list
Deb H! Thank you! Enjoy the read š
J, hope you can snag a copy to read!
Sue Brandes, Hello! The covers are simply divine! Thank you for the compliment. My publisher did a fantastic job!
Danielle, Thanks for following me around on my blog tour! I love familiar faces.
Congratulations, Tiffany! How exciting! I’m looking forward to your debut and I love the cover. If I hadn’t read this post about you I’d buy the book for the back blurb and cover alone. I’m so excited! A new author is always a joy to find. š
Stephanie M, I have to admit, I totally have a thing for star-crossed lovers and reuinions. I hope the love between the two is very satisfying to you! Thanks for stopping by.
Heather W, I think this book is totally up your alley! Happy reading!
Marjana Kaly, I hope you get a chance to read and enjoy it.
Jamie, is your TBR as scary and falling over as mine? Enjoy the read!
Joye, I love finding new and new to me authors, too! Thanks for putting me on the TBR!
Mel K, Thank you so much! Glad you liked the interview! Bev asked me some really great questions!
I can’t wait to read this book! It sounds wonderful!!!
Hello,
Congrats on your first book! I can only imagine how exciting it is to become published. The book sounds great, I’m looking forward to reading it. I enjoy discovering new authors and stories.
The first is always the sweetest. Enjoy your debut and all the great buzz surround the book!
oops…that should have been “surrounding” not surround…ugh, I hate typos!
Congrats on your first book. Sounds like a great story.
Congrats on the new release! It sounds great š
Congratulations on your debut. Is the majority of the book about life in a harem or is it mostly about the hero and heroine?
Congrats, Tiffany! SoaL is one novel I’m very excited about!
Hi Tiffany,
Congrats on your upcoming debut release. I love the cover of your books. I’ve never really had a harem fantasy but I’ve always liked reading sheikh books. How did you come up with the harem idea for this book?
Wooooo…looks like a great read!!! Nice cover too. Congrats!!!
Valerie
in Germany
Tiffany – I’m so excited about your first two books! Congratulations!
I always love finding a new author and fortunately the great booksellers at my local Waldenbooks are already holding a copy at the check out for me to pick up after work today of The Seduction of a lady. They also love to have authors come in for book signings so if your ever near southern RI be sure to let me now and I’ll have them get in touch with you!
Congratulations! This book sounds great!
for some reason my borders didn’t have the book in stock! i was running around like a chicken with its head cut off looking for it. so after a while i said forget it ill just order it. and i did. ETA is NEXT week! cant wait to read it. the book has been on my must find/read for months! (love amazon)
Ah, I love star-crossed lovers.
Hi Tiffany, Congratulations on the release of your debut book. I’ve been reading a lot about and it sounds like a very interesting story. I’m also looking forward to your next book. Love the covers of both books….beautiful.
I love debut stories (so many books of the heart) and if it is considered dark that’s ok with me. It sounds like a wonderful story. And I agree that it’s a gorgeous cover – very eye catching!
I enjoyed the post. The books sound great and the covers are beautiful.
Congrats on your new release! What a gorgeous cover!
Ahhhh Tiffany, your book sound delicious!!!!!
uhm…meant SOUNDS delicious
Congrats on your debut book! It sounds awesome.
Ooooohhhhh! This book sounds wonderful. Apart from the fact that I love the blurb, all you needed to tell me was Lisa Kleypas AND Anna Campbell. These two ladies’ books already grace my keeper shelves.
š Congrats on the debut!
Jennifer L, Thanks for stopping by!
Jennifer D.,
It’s pretty exciting to get published. A very stressful, long process.
Scorpio M., I’m loving the buzz for this book. Thanks for the sweet words!
Rebekah E., Thanks! hope you love it!
Raelena P., Thanks!
Kim, Thank you! Half the book is about her time in the harem (roughly 1/4 of the book by herself and growing as a character). Her ARC is rather ‘huge’ for lack of a better work. The hero and heroine are together for more than half her time in the harem and the last half of the book, where it moves to Italy. It is definitely a romance.
mrsshukra, Thanks! I know you are excited! I’m seeing you everywhere, thank you for offering another familiar face on my blog visits š
kimmie lange, Thanks! I’m rather partial to the covers myself š I have only read a few sheikh novels, and totally LOVED them! I saw a picture with a woman wearing harem garb and had an epiphany, I guess you could say.
Valerie, Thanks! hope you love the book! Also, the book is totally available in Germany (on amazon) š
Jeanne Miro, Thank you! I hope you love both books! YAY on having your copy on order! I hope you love it! Right now I’m only doing book signings in Ontario (home province) but I will post all my signings on my website for future releases!
chey, Thank you! Happy reading.
Julie, So sorry you couldn’t find it at Borders!!! Thank God for Amazon! Happy reading, Julie!
congratulations on your debut book – I love the cover too!
Hi Tiffany!
I loved reading your post. Your new book looks so wonderful. I really like the harem girl plotline. That looks like fun, and it’s quite original, or is it darker than it sounds? I love how it is set in Constantinople/Isle of Corfu ( Greece ). I really like exotic locations!
Your follow up book THE SEDUCTION OF HIS WIFE looks great! I love stories about artists and painters, I also love reunion stories.
Good luck with both books and I will definitely be looking out for them!
willaful, star-crossed lovers is definitely one of my faves!
Karen H, Thank you! Hope you love the books!
catslady, Yes, we are all writing the book of our heart. I think that goes for every book we write, or at least I hope!
Tracey D, Thank you!
cories5, The covers are definitely popular.
Aemelia, delicious indeed! Hope you love it!
Estella, thank you! I’m totally partial to the awesome š
Brynna, I’m a HUGE fan of Lisa Kleypas. I’ve read more of her books than any other single author. I’ve adored her for almost as long as I’ve been reading romance and since finding her books and gloaming the backlist š
Stephenia, Thank you!
Hi, Sandra Lynne. It’s dark if you aren’t me š Like I said–totally desensitized! though reviewers haven’t mentioned the ‘darker’. I do sell my heroine into slavery, make her a sex slave and off screen, I guess she’s bought by others, but readers don’t see or read that. They read her being bought by Rothburn. I totally loved writing exotic locations! I have a special fondness for artists. I was a music major before realizing I needed an actual job to support myself š So I have a soft spot for the arts.
Congrats on your new release! I’m always looking for a new author and your books sound just like my style! I’m really looking forward to reading one!
LilMissMolly, Thanks for stopping by! Glad these are something to your style! Happy reading!
Your book nsounds fabulois!
Super congrats on your debut release!! I’m a huge historical fan, can’t wait to read it!
Congrats on your book release! The covers are beautiful except I wish the model’s heads weren’t cut off! Thanks for the giveaway.
Thank everyone for stopping by yesterday and making it a great day! I hope you all get a chance to read and love the book!
Best,
Tiffany Clare
Tiffany, your book sounds so good. Best of luck with it! Love the cover, by the way.
I thought i had posted already.Congrats on the new release. Sounds like a very interesting read and I look forward to it.
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com
lovely, love the sounds of this book, all the best for its release!!
Both books sound wonderful. The stories have elements that are a bit different than most and the path to HEA is anything but simple and straight. I look forward to reading them both.
Congrats on the debut! The blurb sounds interesting and I’m definitely gonna add it to my TBR pile… š
Congrats on your debut, have it on my wishlist. I do like marriage of convenience, so I have my eye on your next book, also.