May: Shana Galen is an author that I discovered by taking a chance on a book that sounded like my kind of story. A man and his wife are both top spies, neither knowing about the other’s activities or secret identity. I ended up to be the one with a surprise in store, as Shana Galen’s Lord & Lady Spy ended up being one of my favorite books of 2011. I’ve gone back into her back-list and found some treasure, including a trilogy that was not yet complete.
It’s been a long time in the making, but The Rogue Pirate’s Bride is finally available, and today I’m excited to ask Shana some questions about her new book, writing, and I might sneak some other stuff in here too. Let’s get going on the questions!
This book is the third in a trilogy, can you share a bit about the series and how they tie together?
First of all, thanks so much for having me. I’ve been a fan of the blog for a long time.
The Sons of the Revolution series is about three brothers separated as children when their chateau is attacked during the French Revolution. The Making of a Duchess focuses on Julien, the eldest brother who escaped with his mother, and his search for his two lost brothers. The Making of a Gentleman is the story of Armand, one of Julien’s twin younger brothers, who has been imprisoned for twelve years. And this last book finally brings all three brothers together by introducing Bastien, who is Armand’s twin and who survived by signing on with the captain of a pirate ship and has now become a pirate himself.
This is the third brother to be featured (and find love), what can we expect in Raeven and Bastien’s story?
I write fast-paced adventurous stories, and since a large part of this novel is set on ships there are quite a few sea battles, naval skirmishes, and tense moments. It’s also a book about revenge. Bastien is avenging the death of his mentor by a Barbary Corsair, and Raeven wants Bastien dead because he killed her fiancé. So the book is really about two people who are enemies, a pirate and an admiral’s daughter, and how they overcome that adversity and fall in love.
I love your cover, and how ready this heroine looks to head into battle. All of your heroines that I’ve read are strong women. Are strong heroines something you always find yourself gravitating towards?
I love my cover too! Readers might note that it doesn’t match the tone of the first two covers in the series because Sourcebooks re-branded me with Lord and Lady Spy. So The Rogue Pirate’s Bride reflects the style I’ve always had—adventurous historical romances—more accurately. The writing and the story is still the same. My editor fought hard to get this cover just right, so I’ll let her know you love it.
I do find myself gravitating toward strong heroines or heroines who develop strength through the challenges presented in the book. My grandmother influenced me a lot as a child. She’s ninety-three now and was pretty revolutionary for her time. She studied to become a doctor, when women really weren’t even encouraged to work outside the home. She faced a lot of criticism and discrimination for her choices to pursue medicine. I always wanted to grow up to be like her, and I think I put a lot of the qualities I admire in her in my heroines.
What was your inspiration for this heroine Raeven?
I would have to say Eve Dallas of the JD Robb In Death series. Eve is sexy but also really tough. She never backs down from a fight. She has her vulnerabilities too. Eve’s vulnerabilities aren’t the same as Raeven’s, but I was intrigued by the idea of writing a heroine who was hard yet soft. And as the daughter of a British admiral, Raeven is pretty much the opposite of a French-born pirate who’s been known to challenge the British Navy.
You know, I love a pirate. I can’t help myself! So I’ve been excited to read about the marquis de Valére since reading the first book in this series and see him in action, and of course see how he comes to find his true love and (hopefully) his brothers too! What is something we need to know about Bastien?
Bastien is the typical youngest child in that he’s charming, used to getting his way, and a risk-taker. Most things in his life have come easily to him, so when this beautiful woman turns up and his standard lines and flattery don’t work on her, he’s intrigued and annoyed. She isn’t swayed by his smooth talk, and she might be the first person he’s met who he can’t charm. Raeven forces Bastien to be honest with himself and with who he is and who his past has made him.
You always write such interesting and unique characters. The terribly tortured Armand (Bastien’s brother) is my favorite of the leading men you’ve written about. So I wonder, of all the men you’ve written about, who is your favorite and why?
Armand is definitely not my favorite. He was a very difficult character to write. My favorite hero is Freddie Dewhurst from Pride and Petticoats. He was funny and charming and just so easily outraged. I had a lot of fun writing him, and that’s one reason he got a cameo in Lord and Lady Spy.
The creative process is a unique thing to each person, and I can’t help asking about yours. Do you have any must-do rituals, snacks you crave, or other quirks that are yours during the writing process?
I think I used to have quirks and rituals, but now I have a toddler, so basically I have to write whenever I get any spare time. I can’t afford to wait for the right ambience or go through any rituals. I will say that it probably helps that I’m not much of a plotter. I pretty much start a book with just a general idea of where it’s going and let the characters tell the story. That writing style makes it a little easier for me just to sit down and start writing as soon as I have a free moment. I don’t have to find my outline or plot the next scene, etc.
Some of my favorite novels have come recommended to me by authors, so I’ve got to ask. What is your favorite book (or books) of all time?
Pride and Prejudice, of course. That was the first book I read that really awakened me to the Regency period. I also like all of Julie Garwood’s historicals, especially The Secret. And Marsha Canham is one of my favorite writers. I adored her The Wind and the Sea.
Finally, may I pry and ask for a hint as to what we can look forward to next from you?
Oh, absolutely! I have a new series launching in Fall 2012 about three glamorous courtesans in Regency London. They get mixed up with some dangerous diamonds and some equally dangerous men. The first book is titled When You Give a Duke a Diamond. In the middle of that series, I’ll also release another Lord and Lady Spy book, which is tentatively titled True Spies.
Thank you so much for having me today. I’ll be checking in all day in case readers have any comments or questions.
THE ROGUE PIRATE’S BRIDE BY SHANA GALEN – IN STORES FEBRUARY 2012
Revenge should be sweet, but it may cost him everything…
Out to avenge the death of his mentor, Bastien discovers himself astonishingly out of his depth when confronted with a beautiful, daring young woman who is out for his blood…
Forgiveness is unthinkable, but may be her only hope…
British Admiral’s daughter Raeven Russell believes Bastien responsible for her fiancé’s death. But once the fiery beauty crosses swords with Bastien, she’s not so sure she really wants him to change his wicked ways…
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shana Galen is the author of five Regency historicals, including the Rita-nominated Blackthorne’s Bride. Her books have been sold in Brazil, Russia, and the Netherlands and featured in the Rhapsody and Doubleday Book Clubs. A former English teacher in Houston’s inner city, Shana now writes full time. She is a happily married wife and mother of a daughter and a spoiled cat and lives in Houston, Texas, where she is working on her next regency romance series! For more information please visit www.shanagalen.com, like her on Facebook, or follow her on Twitter.
Today, we have two copies of The Rogue Pirate’s Bride to giveaway. To enter, leave a comment or question for Shana. Contest open to US/Canada through February 17th.
Thanks so much for having me today. I’ll be checking in off and on all day and this evening.
Shana,
Your books are on the top of my Wish List. I have to read some of the ones I already have before I sneak, I mean bring, any more into the house. My poor husband keeps building bookcases and I fill them immediately. We have run out of room for them.
A fast paced story is what I like. As with your favorites, Julie Garwood is one of mine. She was the first romance author I ever read and I devoured her historicals. They were certainly a good introduction to the genre.
I don’t think there have been enough pirate stories written. Admittedly the real thing was anything but good and noble. They tended to be a pretty blood thirsty lot. However, this is fiction and you can write one as the good guy and make it work. It sounds like this one will work very well.
LORD AND LADY SPY really got my attention when it cam out. Again, spies can be romantic or underhanded villains. Isn’t it great to be the author and make these characters just who you want them to be.
I hope the release of THE ROGUE PIRATE’S BRIDE goes well. I look forward to reading it and all your other books, the ones out now and those in the future.
Thanks for stopping by librarypat. I had to sneak two books in yesterday, but now that I have an iPad, I get most of my books as ebooks and he never sees them!
Thanks so much for the lovely comment.
I cannot wait to read THE ROGUE PIRATE’S BRIDE. I am on book buying lock down right now. Since I got my Nook i cannot read enough!!
This is top on my list!!
Deeanna Gist mentioned you on her FB page once, and I am hooked!!!
Crystal
Deanne is awesome, crystal. I love her books. I bought two new books yesterday, so I’m on lock down too. Good luck with the giveaway!
I am so enamored of your writing and I have been itching to get my hands on both Lord and Lady Spy and Rogue Pirate’s Bride! Can’t wait to see what you come out with next!
Thanks so much, Lora! I can’t wait to see what i come out with next too. I’m eagerly waiting to see the cover for my September book.
Hello Shana! I have to say that one of my favorite tropes in romance is the enemies to lovers storyline. I adore when the hero and heroine start the story as rivals. I enjoy the bickering and arguments. It usually leads to explosive and passionate encounters.
Congratulations on the new release. It sounds like a story I will love.
Stacie if you like arguments and bickering, this is the book for you. I wasn’t even certain at times how I was going to get these two together! Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks for taking the time to give us some insight into your new release. I have not read Lord and Lady Spy or The Rogue Pirate’s Bride yet. However, they are both on my MUST READ list now. Lord and Lady Spy was referred to me by a friend, and now I’m just as equally excited to pick up The Rogue Pirate’s Bride. I’ll be looking for the previous books in this trilogy as well as other books you’ve previously written. I’m actually new to this particular genre, but am quickly becoming addicted. I can thank that same friend for that as she’s the one who pointed me towards the historical romance genre.
Millie, I came late to the genre, relatively speaking, in that I didn’t read romance until the middle of my college career. It’s strange to be thrust into a world where everyone talks about Lisa Kleypas and Nora Roberts and Julia Quinn offhandedly, and you have no idea who those authors are! I remember having a huge MUST READ list. Actually, I still have a huge MUST READ list! Thanks for putting me on yours.
Hi Shana. Your book sounds great. I love the cover.
Thanks, Crystal. I love the cover, too, especially that she’s holding the sword.
Your pirate book sounds exciting!
I am looking forward to the next book in Lordy and Lady spy series… Really enjoyed reading the first one….
Thanks, May. I’m looking forward to writing the next one.
This looks like a great read. This would be my first Shana Galen book, I have added it to my wishlist too! Thanks for hosting. Please enter me, I am an old GFC follower. Beverly bevsharp@desch.org
Hi Beverly, I’m thrilled you’re willing to give me a try. Good luck with the giveaway.
I’ve been hooked since Lord & Lady Spy! I love that she gets to hold a weapon on the cover.
Julie, I love that Raeven holds the sword too–and I’m glad Lord and Lady Spy hooked you :-)
this definitely sounds like a series id like to read more then once. would also like to start reading all previously released books. thank you for interesting interview and look forward to reading many more.
Thank you, Beth. So glad you dropped by!
Hi Shana, Please don’t think that I’m stalking you, only I’m desperate to read “The Rogue Pirate’s Bride”. I love your books, and to win this would be the icing on the cake.
How many more blogs will you be appearing on to promote your book “The Rogue Pirate’s Bride”.
Thank you for another opportunity.
Diane, I don’t think you’re stalking me! I’d miss you if you didn’t show up. Sorry to say I’m at about 17 more blogs, so we’re only about halfway done. Lots more opportunities to win books, and you’ll know more about me than you ever wanted to!
Ah, thanks Shana. I guess that I’m going to be kept busy visiting all your blogs, and learning more about you. lol :-)
Yay for the new book (on my TBR list) and double Yay that we’ll be getting True Spies next year. Thanks for the interview and giveaway.
Thanks for stopping by LSUReader. I’m so glad I’m on your TBR list :-)
I enjoyed reading your interview made me so curious about the book
Thank you for hosting this giveaway
Louis
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com
Bwahahaha! My plan is working, Louis! Seriously, thanks for stopping by.
love the cover…can’t wait to read!
Thanks, Kathy. My last two books have had really awesome covers. I’ve been lucky!
I didn’t realize you had written Lord and Lady Spy. I f’loved that book so much. I have a bad tendency to not notice the authors names for a couple times, but I recognized the name and then cover. As discussed in the review for The Rogue Pirate’s Bride, you write an amazingly strong female character with human flaws that seemed to work in her favor rather than against.
Now that I know who are (literally) and reading this interview, Bride will be on my list for spring break. Your grams sounds like my godmom, whose 78 and did quite a few defiance acts when women didn’t do that. (In the late 60s, ‘she sold her husband’ for one thing. He wanted a divorce; she didn’t, but she did divorce on the caveat that she get a boatload of money and a good chunk of his holdings after 20some years of marriage. And she had her own business by then, too.) Strong women tend to spiral out into family and I think that’s part of what seems to inspire a lot of writers.
Hellcat, I’m so glad you recognized me :-) Love that your grandmother “sold” her husband. Good for her for getting what she deserved.
I absolutely loved Lord and Lady Spy, which means you’ll be an auto-buy for sure.
And yep, Mama sold her husband to the highest bidder, as she puts it. He also said she couldn’t make a profit in her restaurant the first year (she did). Defiant women when it wasn’t “in” for the generations seems to be a lot less rare than society things. Sometimes you gotta shake the assumptions.
Just looked up your books on amazon and found the making of the duchess on sale for kindle! Bumping you up on my tbr pile.
Yes, The Making of a Duchess is on sale for $1.99. I don’t know how long that sale will last. Thanks for bumping me up :-)
I really enjoyed the books I’ve read of yours so far and I need to fill in the missing gaps and I’m so looking forward to this one too. I love pirates and want to read more.
Thanks, catslady. Love seeing your name pop up. I’m so glad you stopped by.
Ooooh three courtesans in regency England! That sounds great, and since it’s from you I know I will love it!
And I have to give you credit for being able to write with a toddler around. I can’t get anything done!
Thanks, Lexi. It’s not easy. Fortunately I have family reasonably close, and on other days, the house is just a mess!
loved the other books, and can’t wait to read this one!
Thanks so much, Sara.
Congratulations on the book! I enjoyed the interview. The book sounds very good.
Thank you, BN100 :-)
Great interview. I was wondering about if the books need to be read in order. I have #2 in my TBR pile but want to know if there is a back story in the first book and if it would help understand/follow to read them in order?
Thanks so much for the giveaway. Congrats on the release!!
June
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com
June, they don’t need to be read in order, but Armand from THE MAKING OF A GENTLEMAN does make an appearance in THE ROGUE PIRATE’S BRIDE. Still THE ROGUE PIRATE’S BRIDE can totally stand alone.
I loved Lord and Lady Spy so I went out and found the first two Sons of the Revolution books. I really enjoyed them and I can’t wait to read this one..I love sexy pirates. :D
Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks, Paula! You rock! Good luck with the giveaway.
I am so glad you interviewed here. Now I won’t have to chance coming across your books. There is just something about a pirate I can’t resist. Thank you for the interview and introduction to your work.
I’m pretty glad I’m interviewed here too, Debbie. It’s such a thrill to be at Smexy Books. Pirates are definitely hard to resist ;-)
Great interview, I enjoyed reading it! A question I have for Shana is, what scene are you most excited for readers to read in The Rogue Pirate’s Bride?
Thanks for the giveaway!
Winnie, that’s a great question. I think I’m most excited for readers to read the scene where Raeven sneaks on board Bastien’s ship in order to steal her sword back and ends up in quite a compromising position.
Thanks for the giveaway. I would love to read this book. It sounds very good.
Thank you, Victoria. Good luck with the giveaway!
Great interview Shana! I’m really looking forward to reading this trilogy and excited about your upcoming projects! I would love to read about three glamorous courtesans in Regency London… sounds fabulous!
yadkny@hotmail.com
Thanks for stopping by, Yadira, and good luck with the giveaway.
Thanks for the interview, that was fun reading. Not entering the contest though, I live in Europe.
Aurian, thanks for taking the time to comment, even though you’re not eligible.
And I want to say thank you to Smexy Books for hosting me. I’m so honored, and I had a great time!
I devoured Lord and Lady Spy! This one has been on my radar for awhile. Thanks for the awesome giveaway!!!
Molly, thanks so much for saying that. It totally makes my day!