Congratulations to The Duchess Hunt ARC winner J. Stevenson of California!
New Obsessions…
The History Channel has a new show Vikings, and I have to admit, I’m completely, utterly obsessed. I’ve always had a weakness for Vikings, and have devoured many-a-Viking-Romance—Sandra Hill, Johanna Lindsey… those ladies really know how to bring a powerful, ruthless Viking to his knees.
But the show has one thing the books don’t and that’s a half-naked Travis Fimmel, who plays the main character, Ragnar. We all know I’m a historical slut, so when a show can combine my love of history with some half-naked Vikings, I’m SO there.
*Spoiler Warning*
There are a few story-telling aspects of the show that I’m struggling with—the main one being Ragnar’s disloyalty to his wife, Lagertha. She’s only given him one son, you see, which means she’s failed miserably in Viking baby-making department. From the story-telling aspect, it would have been nice to see why having more sons is so important to our hero. Is it a Viking thing, or is he just being a jerk? If he were being pressured to have more sons due to his (recently) elevated position, for instance, then I might understand. But it just seems to come out of the blue, which makes the writer in me very unhappy!
So, needless to say, I don’t expect a happily ever after for Ragnar and poor Lagertha, but then again, the show isn’t a romance (unfortunately!), so one must be prepared for heartbreak!
Filed under Uncategorized
New website and giveaway!
I have a brand-new website designed by the very talented (and patient!) Vibeke Courtney at Dreamforge Media! Check it out at: http://www.katemckinleyauthor.com
And to celebrate, I’m giving away a signed ARC of The Duchess Hunt by Jennifer Haymore! All you have to do to win is hop over to the “extras” page on my website and fill out the form. One winner will be drawn on April 30th, 2013.
THE DUKE’S DESIRE
Simon Hawkins, duke of Trent, is no stranger to scandal. Rumors and innuendo have darkened the House of Trent for decades, and it has fallen to Simon to restore his tattered family name. He lives by a strict code of honor, but when he is called home to investigate his mother’s disappearance, the distinguished duke will tangle with temptation. For there waits the only woman he has ever loved-and the last woman he should desire . . .
Sarah Osborne has spent her life dreaming of Simon’s touch. But dukes do not long for lady’s maids-or so Sarah believes, until a stolen kiss sparks a passion that could be her ultimate undoing. As the couple begins a forbidden romance, a cunning enemy plots to destroy the duke and everything he loves. Now, caught in a blackmailer’s web, Simon faces an agonizing choice: sacrifice his family’s future or break Sarah’s heart.
Filed under Uncategorized
Inspiration thy name is Paul Marron!
A few days ago, I was skimming through some random Regency Romance titles, when I stumbled upon this delicious gem of inspiration.
One quick Google search later and this sexy hunk had a name—Paul Marron! I’ve heard his name before—my bestie, Jennifer Haymore, has had him on several of her Grand Central covers, but I had no idea how versatile he was!
I borrowed this collage from the Realms On Our Bookshelves blog:
He can be anything you want–a vampire, a Highlander (in a kilt—yum!), a sword-wielding warrior, a mercenary…and in every scenario, he’s shirtless and glistening. Yeah. That’s inspiration. You’re welcome.
Filed under Jennifer Haymore, Monday Inspiration
Author Photos–The Good, The Bad and The Ugly!
I took my “official” author photos yesterday, and I thought it might be interesting to share the process with everyone. My best friend and brilliant stylist, Kristen Blonn, did my hair and makeup just for the occasion. She spent FOUR hours highlighting my hair, blow-drying, and doing up my makeup. She’s a true artist. I’m telling you, I don’t normally look like this.
So after all that prep work and over 100+ pictures, there are maybe two decent pictures in the whole bunch. Two. To help you understand why I’m having so much trouble picking one, I’ve posted a few of the shots below…
(These pics are coming out a bit grainy and I’m not sure why. I’ll have to figure that out later).
Here I am “fluffing” my hair like Kristen instructed me to do.
Blinking is not a super great look for me.
Here I am itching my nose. Classy, I know.
This one is great, except, uh…what’s up with my right eye?! It looks…droopy.
This is my pretty face. Tell me it wouldn’t make an awesome author pic! The pink background really brings out my immaturity.
And finally, one that might be decent if we can fix the lighting. It looks a little blown out.
And this one is okay too, except my head is tilting to the side and back a little too much.
So, that’s done and I’m so relieved. I hate taking pictures, I really do. It’s right up there with going to the dentist or doing laundry. Holding that fake smile is a special kind of torture and I’m SO glad it’s over. Phew!
Filed under Updates
Quick update!
I’m here! I’m alive! I’ve been swamped with deadlines, but now that novella #3 has been turned in to my editor, I can rejoin the world! Whew.
And in the spirit of fun, this is the unofficial blurb for the as-yet-to-be-named third novella:
Bold and adventurous, Gabriella Weatherfield has a bevy of suitors…and all of them, quite frankly, bore her to tears. Until, at her best friend’s house party, she is introduced to the handsome recluse, Nicholas Montgomery, coldly known as the “unseducable” duke of Somerset. During a night of fun and revelry, Gabriella’s friends challenge her to a dare…with nothing but her irresistible charms; she must win a kiss from the duke!
Nicholas is secretly intrigued by Gabriella, but when he overhears the reckless beauty accept a scandalous dare involving him, it’s a temptation he simply can’t ignore. Someone needs to teach the vixen a lesson and he’s just the man to do it. Trouble is, Nicholas craves more than just a kiss–he hungers for Gabriella, body and soul. But when she discovers his painful secret; a secret he has been keeping his entire life, he is forced to make a choice that could mean certain ruin or losing Gabriella forever.
I don’t have a firm release date yet, but I believe it will be out in the fall/winter of 2013. Woot!
Filed under Forever Yours, Updates
