Kate Noble is back to chat about her newest release Follow My Lead!
Tell us a little about your fourth book, Follow My Lead.
Hi Mandi! Thank you so much for having me on the blog – I love it here. It’s like home. A naughty, naughty home.
Follow My Lead is the story of Jason Cummings, Duke of Rayne – last seen being irresponsible in The Summer of You. Well, he’s grown into his responsibilities since inheriting his title. As such, he’s intent upon marriage – because “it’s what’s next.” But being a duke, and a young one, he’s the biggest catch of this or any other season, and he’s pursued to the point of distraction. So he seeks refuge at the male-only Historical Society. Male-only, that is, until Winnifred Crane shows up, demanding entrance.
Winn is a woman of ambition – and her ambition is to be recognized as a historian. Too bad the Historical Society doesn’t admit female members. Therefore, she challenges the head of the Society to an unusual dare: if she can prove the authorship of a certain painting, she’s in. But, the proof is all the way across Europe.
Jason gets mixed up in Winn’s adventure because he’s tasked with taking her and her entourage (family friend Totty, and quasi-fiance George) to Dover, where he’ll drop them off for their ship to Calais. But when Jason sees Winn boarding a different ship, all by herself, he runs after her. And ends up wrapped up in her journey as a sort of impromptu reluctant guardian. (She’s just as reluctant to have one, FYI.)
But as they make their way across the continent, they are forced into each other’s company. They get to know one another, and begin to rely on each other. And maybe – just maybe – fall a little bit in love…
Much of this book takes us out of London on a little adventure through the continent. I love "road trip books" although this consists of boats, coaches and by foot ;) What inspired you to make this couple "rough it" for much of this book?
I had the good fortune to spend a bit of time in Germany, Bavaria specifically. It’s absolutely *packed* with history from the early 1800s. I knew immediately I wanted to set a story there.
And I love a good road trip romance – one of my favorite films of all time is It Happened One Night. So, boom – road trip romance through Germany. But a road trip isn’t very interesting if it all goes according to plan – it’s the times when things go awry that you learn the most about your characters. Hence, the ‘roughing it.’
Also, I have to admit to exercising a karmic hand with a certain amount of glee. As Jane’s annoying brother in The Summer of You, Jason wasn’t exactly up to heroic standards. Even though he’s matured by leaps and bounds now, I still put him through the ringer every chance I got.
The sex scenes in this book are more plentiful and a little more descriptive than in your previous books. Was this a conscience decision or did Jason and Winn just need that bedroom time? (By the way, Smexy approves) ;)
Hah! I was talking to a friend who laughingly suggested I advertise this book as “100% more sex!” as it has twice as many sex scenes than my previous works.
Honestly, it wasn’t a conscious choice – it was what was right for the characters. Winn and Jason are both grown up, and they’ve been sharing personal space out of necessity the whole of the journey, so their relationship pretty quickly moves past the shock of a touch, the intimacy of a kiss. Besides, at the age of 30, Winn doesn’t really feel like she has an overwhelming need to protect her virtue, and her academic curiosity is stronger than her fear. As for Jason, well… he’s a guy. It’s sex. He doesn’t require a lot of persuasion.
It seems much research went into this book and you have a nice Readers Letter at the end of the book, which lets us know what is fact and fiction within the book. Do you enjoy researching and is it a lengthy process?
I enjoy research – it’s a wonderful ‘in’ into the writing process, gets the juices flowing with ideas and scenes, borne out of morsels from the era. That said – yes, a LOT of research went into this one, and that had more to do with the setting than anything else. I’ve spent several weeks in Germany and Austria (thanks, sis, for getting stationed there!) but since my previous books were all set in England, not to mention that most of what I read is set in England, this was still outside of my literary comfort zone. But I am incredibly pleased with how it turned out.
What is your favorite scene or moment in the book?
I’m really in love with the bonfire scene. It’s where Winn and Jason, fueled by beer and firelight, reveal their cores to each other – who they are and who they wish to be. (Plus, what happens after is awesome.)
We briefly meet Sarah Forrester in this book, who will be the heroine in your next book, If I Fall. Any hints for her or the book?
Poor Sarah! I felt terrible having to break her heart, but it’s all for the best. Although, when she first comes back to London, with the reputation of “The Girl Who Lost a Duke,” she might not agree with me on that score. She has a lot to overcome.
Do you have plans to attend any book or reader conferences for the remainder of 2011?
I’m going to be at the RWA Nationals in New York in June! I love New York City in the summer (I lived there for a number of years, and miss it so much!) I can’t wait to hang out with friends (authors and non) and get the chance to interact with readers and writers alike. (And Smexy! I get to hang out with Smexy, right?)
No RWA for Smexy this year. However – Fun Fact – when I met you at RWA in D.C a few years ago, you were the very first author to sign a book for me:)
Do you listen to music as you write? Any bands or songs ever inspire you?
I listen a great deal to soundtracks as I write – anything with lyrics can get very distracting. (No lie: one time I was listening to the Beatles as I wrote and I found my hero saying, “yesterday. All my troubles were so far away.”)
But I do draw a lot if inspiration for emotion from more popular music. For instance, in The Summer of You, Jane’s feelings for Byrne can be summed up by Untouched by the Veronicas. In Follow My Lead, the song Sometime Around Midnight by the Airborne Toxic Event will forever been entwined in my head with Jason.
What is your favorite meal and cocktail?
My boyfriend makes an awesome chicken. A whole roast chicken, with fingerling potatoes and broccoli.
My boyfriend also makes a mean Gin and Tonic.;)
Also check out Kate’s adorable book trailer for Follow My Lead. I love it.
Thanks Kate!!
Today, Kate is giving away a copy of Follow My Lead.
To enter, just leave a comment. Open to US/Canada through May 7th.
I’ve never read one of Kate’s books, but this one sounds great! Thanks for the interview and giveaway.
I loved The Summer of You and can’t wait to read this one!
I adore Kate’s books. They are truly special and I can’t wait to get this one. Thanks for the interview and giveaway.
I have this book on my wish list and I can’t wait to get it! Thanks for sharing today! Great post!
Great giveaway!!!
vidishamun@gmail.com
Oh I love that this has a different setting than England. It really gives a whole new feel to a historical romance. This one sounds like fun. Thanks for the interview and giveaway.
Great interview :) I am so gonna read one of her books, just wondering about which one ;)
Not eligible for the give-away, but I did like the interview. And the book sure sounds interesting.
Thanks so much for the interview and giveaway. I have been wanting this book. The cover is beautiful and the story sounds amazing.
GFC: June M.
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com
i enjoyed your interview. Have been reading wonderful things about your books and love that you have such an unusual heroine.
Wow Kate, I can’t wai to read this book. I loved “Compromised” and I just know that this book will be even better. I don’t mind going on a little road trip from London to the Continent. Also, love that fact that you have added more sex scenes. The colors and cover of your new book are amazing.
I enjoyed your interview and appreciate you giving us the opportunity of winning this book.
Oh I have never read one of her books yet. I also like the romance books where they travel.
I love Regencies that take place outside of England and ones with older heroines. I’d love to win a copy.
Kate, this plot sounds awesome and can’t wait to get my hands on it. Keep up the great works!
I never read one of her books before but that trailer was awesome! Definitely made me more interested in reading the book :)
Hi Kate. Great interview. Follow My Lead sounds wonderful. I love the cover.
I would love to read this! Ooo I can’t wait to read the sex scenes ;)
This is a new author for me, but I really like the sound of this book. I’d love to read it.
seriousreader at live dot com
I am super excited to read it! I just recently discovered Kate Noble, and can already tell she is going to be right up at the top of my favorite authors! I can’t wait to ge tmy hands on “Follow My Lead”!
Really enjoyed the interview. Winn sounds like my kind of heroine. I like that she goes after what she wants. Thanks for the great giveaway. I would love to read this book.
user1123 AT comcast DOT net
Awesome interview. I would love to win a copy of ‘Follow My Lead!’
Fun interview!! Looking forward to reading this one.
This in new for me. I can’t wait to read them. Thanks smexy!
Hi everyone! Thank you Smexy, so much for having me over today. (Boo that you won’t be in New York though!)
Great interview! I love Kate’s style of writing and so want to win a copy of this.
joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com
Very entertaining book trailer! I am hooked. :-)
castings at mindspring dot com
This sounds so good. Please count me in for the giveaway!
Please count me in. Thanks for the giveaway.
I have read and LOVED Kate Noble’s first 2 books. Would love to win Follow my Lead! Please enter me. Thanks for the giveway Smexy! Love your site & reviews :)
Great interview!
I’d love to win a copy, please count me in.
marieimy (at) gmail (dot) com
I have never seen a happier more carefree cover. I need this to cheer me up during a bad work day!
I’m not much for book trailers, but that one’s really charming! I’ve been meaning to read Kate Noble for ages.
This book looks great. i have seen this a few different places and it looks great. count me in on the giveaway. would love to win. thanks for the giveaway.
christinebails@yahoo.com
Hi Kate and Smexy.
Follow My lead sounds like a great book, I’d love to read it. It also sounds like I’m gonna have to go out and find Summer of You, too.
bessieinthewell@yahoo.com
I can’t wait to read this, it really sounds good.. Loved the interview..Thank you for the great giveaway…
Oh I’m wanting to read this one. I needs it! ;)
Sounds great – I definity want to read some Kate Noble books.
I love road trip stories, Follow My Lead sounds fantastic. The cover is lovely, I love the laughing, delightful heroine and the colors are beautiful.
Guh. If I didn’t want to read this book already, I REALLY do now! Fabulous interview!
I want it, Kate’s last two books are top reads for me. Like a good road romance
This book looks great!
I haven’t had the pleasure of reading any of Kate’s books, but I know how much you love them. Please enter me for the giveaway!
hangingwithbells@gmail.com
Fabulous interview and I’ve read so many great things about this book!
This book sounds uber cute!!!
I’ve read some of the author’s other books and really enjoyed them. I would love to read this one :) Thanks for the giveaway!
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
Hi Kate,
I’ve read all three of your previous books and was already looking forward to this one also. I have “Follow My Lead” on my Wish List but it would certainly be fun to win a copy instead!
Also….the promo video is super cute and really highlights the fun of your writing. Great job
Laura
heartoftexasbooks at yahoo dot com