Elizabeth Hoyt interview + giveaway

Several years ago a friend of mine told me that I HAD to read this author she’d just discovered. She sent me three of this authors books, it was the Prince’s trilogy by Elizabeth Hoyt. I was instantly hooked on her. Then I got to meet her at RomCon, and bonus she had a new series coming out. From the moment I began reading her latest series I couldn’t get enough of it.

I’m super excited that we have her on the blog today to talk about her and what else her latest series, and most especially her newest book Scandalous Desires.

 

TBRG: Who has been the biggest influence on your writing?

EH: Gosh, it’s hard to narrow it down to one person. The narrowest I can get is three: Stephanie Laurens, Lisa Kleypas, & Christina Dodd.

TBRG: What is the one thing your readers would be the most surprised to know about you?

EH: I’m violently allergic to cats…which is just as well, otherwise we’d have cats as well as dogs and we already have three dogs!

TBRG: Where is the one place you have always wanted to go, a place on your bucket list?

EH: India

TBRG: What was the first romance book that you read?

EH: The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss

TBRG: Who are some of your go to authors, and what are you reading right now?

EH: Nalini Singh, Eloisa James, Jim Butcher, and Eileen Dreyer are on my “Must Buy Immediately or Die” list. At the moment I’m reading Swept Away By a Kiss by Katherine Ashe.

TBRG: If you weren’t writing and keeping us in books (thanks for that by the way), what would you be doing?

EH: Not anything special, that’s for sure. I have no marketable skills besides Making Things Up. I’m singularly fortunate to be able to make a living at it!

TBRG: What is your guilty pleasure?

EH: lox

TBRG: Who is on your playlist when you are writing?

EH: Coldplay, Adele, and Dido.

TBRG: Where do your ideas/characters come from?

EH: my imagination

TBRG: Are you a planner or a fly by the sear author?

EH: Both, depending on how much time I have to plan!

TBRG: How did you come up with the Maiden Lane Series?

EH: I think (it’s hard to remember the germ of an idea!) that I started with a guy running around in a mask (the Ghost of St. Giles) and then I started reading about the gin laws during this time period (early Georgian) and all the social problems gin drinking caused and I thought it would be an excellent time in which to set a series.

TBRG: Tell us about the series?

EH: The Maiden Lane series takes place in Georgian London during a time when gin was like crack cocaine—it was cheap, widely available, and addictive. A lot of the series is set in St. Giles, a wretchedly poor part of London, but there’s also aristocratic families in the series and even some middle class people. I hoped to create a vibrant world with lots of possibilities.

TBRG: What do you want us to know about this book?

EH: Unlike most historicals, my hero and heroine aren’t titled. In fact, they’re middle-class (Silence, the widow of a ship’s captain) and lower class (Charming Mickey O’Connor, a pirate who began life as the son of a whore.)

TBRG: The heroes in this series aren’t your typical regency heroes, what made you decide to have these men as your heroes?

EH: I love the aristocratic hero, but there’s sooo many other heroes to love, even in historical romance. The self-made man (like Mickey O’Connor), the saint (Winter Makepeace) and the social outcast (Lazarus Huntington, who is an aristocrat, but not your usual one.) There’s just so many stories I want to write about these interesting characters and new ones you’ll read about in upcoming books. I have to give kudos to my editor (Amy Pierpont) for never once blinking an eye when I told her I wanted to write about, for instance, the manager of an orphanage!

TBRG: Mickey and Silence aren’t what a reader would expect in a historical romance, were they easier of harder write?

EH: A bit of both. When you have a hero who isn’t an aristocrat, I think the author has to work harder to show why this man is hero material. And, of course, Mickey starts out as an anti-hero. 😉 Silence seemed easy on the surface, but it took me several drafts to shade in her character and why she is who she is.

TBRG: Using 3-5 adjectives describe Mickey and Silence.

EH: Mickey is ruthless, charming, and unpredictable. Silence is stubborn, strong, and very loving.

TBRG: At the end of Scandalous Desires you reveal who the Ghost of St. Giles is, did you always know who it was?

EH: Of course! 😉

TBRG: What are you working on now?

EH: I just finished the first draft of Thief of Shadows (out July 2012) and I’m plotting book 5 of the Maiden Lane series, Lord of Darkness.

***Because I love this book and this series so much I’m giving away one copy of the book. All you have to do is tell which of her books is your favorite. Contest rules apply. Open to US and International***

 

Can a pirate learn . . .

River Pirate ‘Charming’ Mickey O’Connor has lifted himself from the depths of the slums to be the King of St. Giles. Anything he wants he gets—with one exception. Silence Hollingbrook has been haunting his dreams ever since she spent a single night in his bed.

That the only true treasure . . . 

Once Silence was willing to sacrifice anything to save the man she loved. Now a widow, she’s finally found peace when Charming Mickey comes storming back into her life with an offer she can’t refuse. But this time she won’t be the only one paying the price for his sins.

Lies in a woman’s heart?

When his past comes back to torment him, Mickey must keep Silence safe from a merciless enemy, while wrestling with the delicious hold this widow has on his heart. And in the face of mounting danger, both will have to surrender to something even more terrifying . . . true love.


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51 Comments

  1. ClaudiaGC

    I adore Elizabeth’s books! I have to admit when her first book came out years ago I was a bit wary of it. I think it was because of the setting in Georgian times. But an excerpt of The Serpent Prince got me so hooked that I read the book and loved it! So, I read the first two in the trilogy and luckily the first book of the Soldier series was already published, too. I kicked myself a bit why I waited so long to read her books. 🙂 And I have to say the Soldiers books are my favourite books by Elizabeth, especially To Seduce A Sinner. I love it how broken Jasper was and that only Melisande could truly heal him. But the Maiden Lane series is so unique and well-written, too. I’m really looking forward to reading Mickey’s story!
    Thank you for the interview and giveaway!

    Reply
  2. heatherzilla

    I have been looking forward to Scandalous Desires ever since I finished Wicked Intentions. I wanted to know more about Silence and Charming Mickey!

    My favorites are Wicked Intentions and To Beguile a Beast.

    Reply
  3. Kim in Hawaii

    I suspect Elizabeth has many marketable skills! A favorite? Wicked Intentions.

    Reply
  4. margaret whelehan

    I love Elizabeth!! I fell in love with her books from the very begining. I cannot wait for the next one!

    Reply
  5. Eva P.

    I have a series favorite, not just a book 🙂 the first books I read of yours was the Legend of the Four Soldiers, just loved them all! Thanks for providing such great entertainment!

    Reply
  6. kim57

    I LOVE all of Elizabeth’s books, but my favorites are the first one that I read, To Seduce a Sinner, my favorite Prince’s book, The Serpent Prince, and the first Maiden Lane book, Wicked Intentions. I am beside myself excited about Scandalous Desires!

    Reply
  7. erinf1

    I haven’t had the pleasure of reading any of Elizabeth’s books. I have to admit, I’ve been hearing such wonderful things about this book, I’ve added it to my wishlist. Thanks for the wonderful post and giveaway!

    Reply
  8. Linda

    My fav is The Raven Prince which also happened to be the 1st EH book I read. I especially liked the humor (the scenes with the dog!). After reading it I immediately starting looking (& buying) all Elizabeth’s books.

    Reply
  9. KellyM

    I loved Wicked Intentions—that’s my favorite. Can’t wait to read Scandalous Desires.

    Reply
  10. Tiffany Upperman

    I would have to say Wicked Intentions has been my favorite book so far!!!

    Reply
  11. Sara Watts

    I’d have to say To Seduce a Sinner is my favorite!! 🙂

    Reply
  12. Gail Nichols

    I am new to Ms.Hoyt’s books. I really would love to start reading them.

    Reply
  13. Elizabeth Hoyt

    Hello, All!

    I’m so glad you tried my books despite the Georgian setting, Claudia! Jasper is still one of my personal favorite heroes.

    Hope you like SD, Heatherzilla!

    Kim, Kim, Kim. You’ve MET me. Seriously, NO marketable skills. I can curl my tongue…but I doubt anyone will pay me to do it. 😉

    Glad you like my books, Margaret!

    The Legend of the Four Soldiers was a fun series to write, Eva.

    LOL! Glad you have THREE favorites, Kim57!

    Hope you like my books when you try them, Erin.

    THE RAVEN PRINCE is still many readers’ fav, Linda. I’m so glad you enjoyed it.

    Hope you like SD, Kelly!

    I’ll try and stop by again tonight.

    Reply
  14. Lucero Guerrero

    I have been waiting for “Scandalous Desires” since I read about Mickey the first time!! I think he can be my fav. but if I had to pick one her other books I would pick To Seduce A Sinner with Jasper Lord Vale ! I love him!

    Reply
  15. Shazia

    Any book I’ve read of Ms. Hoyt’s, I enjoy. However, my top favorites would have to be The Raven Prince (because it was the first book I read by her) and Seduce a Sinner (loved Jasper and Melisande’s story).

    Random: but in regards to the contest entry, I don’t have a twitter :/ but I do have a facebook 🙂

    Reply
  16. Tammi Cole

    I discovered Elizabeth’s books by accident, but was pleasantly surprised with her writing style. I devoured Wicked Intentions, but found Notorious Pleasures a bit harder to get into, probably because I was more interested in Silence’s story. Very much looking forward to her next installment!!!

    Reply
  17. Samra

    Oh I can’t wait to read Scandalous Desires (and find out who the mysterious Samaritan aka the Ghost of St Giles is!) Sadly my home country doesn’t have your books although I read all the ones I could get my hands on while in college in Massachusetts 😀
    My favorite one would have to be… To Beguile a Beast because frankly I’m a sucker for tortured heroes

    Reply
  18. May Pau

    I was always interested in Mickey ever since the first book. Didn’t like Silence’s first husband at all… Thought that he didn’t deserve her… Can’t wait to read it!

    Reply
  19. Tammi Cole

    @Samra I have already figured out who the Ghost of St. Giles is 🙂 I just need confirmation!

    Reply
  20. Tammi Cole

    @May I didn’t like Silence’s first husband either! Worthless!

    Reply
  21. Christine

    What a hard choice!! I have loved every book I have picked up by Elizabeth, but I am going to say Wicked Intentions, but a very close second would be Seduce A Sinner…

    Reply
  22. Edea Baldwin

    I can’t choose between books 1 and 2 of the “Maiden Lane” series….they’re both my favorites! I can’t wait to get my hands on book 3, and I am thrilled to learn that more books are planned in the series.

    The Ghost of St. Giles is so intriguing. I have ideas about his identity, and I can’t wait to find out for sure.

    Reply
  23. ChandaP.

    My favourite is The Serpent Prince! I can’t wait to get my hands on Scandalous Desires!!

    Reply
  24. Rita de Canha

    Very difficult to make only one choice but if pushed have to say The Raven Prince 😉

    So looking forward to reading Scandalous Desires! Love reading your books, thank you so much!!!

    Your far far away fan *lol*

    Reply
  25. Louise Partain

    I have always enjoyed your writing. I also appreciate that you tied up the loose ends in your first series with The Ice Princess and made it available to your readers.

    I’m a definite fan of the time period so I was interested in where you set it — St. Giles. I can hardly wait to see what happens to Winter and I am hoping that you have a book for the mysterious Asa planned as well.

    Counting the days!

    Reply
  26. Linda

    I love historical romance series and probably read 3-4 books a week. And three of my all time favorite series are Elizabeth’s, including Maiden Lane. My favorite book of all is The Raven Prince. I love Edward and I love Anna; I must have read this book 8 times. Just can’t get enough. Keep going, Elizabeth, your characters, sense of romance and lush and credible historical settings are unrivaled. Thanks for all you do.

    Reply
  27. shauna

    I absolutely adore anything you write Elizabeth!!! I’ve read Raven Prince probably 5 times by now and have enjoyed all of your books since then….I love your settings and your characters and your stories. Keep up the great job!

    Reply
  28. aurian

    O I am very much intriguid by this series. I have to admit, I read the first book, and just did not like it all that much. But my best friend is a big fan of yours, and has all your books so far. I like it, that you are going somewhere else with your stories, so I will try again 🙂

    auriansbooks at gmail dot com

    Reply
  29. Lora Patten

    I think the only one I have ever read is To Taste Temptation, but I’ve read so many different books by so many different authors I could very well be wrong on this one. This is the only one I KNOW that she wrote 😉 Would love to read more and its time I went to the library again 🙂

    Reply
  30. Sabrina

    Gah! What a cruel thing, to ask for a favourite book! 😉 I have never been more chuffed than when I discovered Elizabeth’s work! She is talented beyond measure and I only wish I could do something as brilliant. I suppose (if you bend my arm,) I’d have to say that The Raven Prince holds a special place in my heart (Edward..swoon!) That series was my first taste of her work and I was hooked evermore! Thanks to you for this interview and Elizabeth for her magnificent works! 🙂

    Reply
  31. Anne W

    I’m so excited learn that the identity of the Ghost of St. Giles will definitely be revealed in “Dangerous Desires.” I made a guess and I’m anxious to see if I am correct! Only days now until this much anticipated book arrives!

    I read the Legend of Four Soldiers series first, then backwards to read the Prince series. And, of course, now the Maiden Lane series which is my favorite. I can’t pick a favorite book because each has brought me hours of reading enjoyment and is just a chapter in the ongoing story for me. I’ve a feeling that may change with “Dangerous Desires” because I fell hook, line and sinker for that pirate the moment he walked onto the pages. Now I want to learn everything he’s been hiding.

    Thanks for a great interview and to Elizabeth Hoyt for the gift of such wonderful books.

    Reply
  32. Sheila

    To Seduce a Sinner…..anything with sinning in the title is a go for me!

    Reply
  33. Sue P.

    Loved The Legend of the Four Soldiers series and adore Maiden Lane series. Probably the most recent one I’ve read is always my favorite – so right now it’s Notorious Pleasures.

    Reply
  34. Debbie

    cannot wait for Mickey and Silence’s story!

    Reply
  35. donna ann

    hard to pick just one of hers as a favorite though if I have to pick it’s between To Seduce a Sinner & Notorious Pleasures (sorry can’t pick just one, I’ve enjoyed them all too much to be able to do that) 🙂 Looking forward to Scandalous Desires (which could then become my favorite)

    Reply
  36. Larisa

    For me it isn’t just one book by EH, it is favorite hero & heroine. First EH read and favorite heroine is Melisande. Favorite hero is Captain Isaac Wargate, but Mickey O’Connor might change that.

    Reply
  37. eli yanti

    i haven’t read elizabeth hoyt’s book but i’ve read a full review of scandalous desires and i like it 🙂

    Reply
  38. Landin

    My favorite book of all from EH is most definitely The Raven Prince,it was my first from her and still hold a place in my heart!

    Wonderful interview ladies! I really enjoyed it and thank you for running this contest!

    Reply
  39. Whitney

    Honestly my favorite book so far has been the Ice princess,I know it was short but it was amazing!

    Reply
  40. catslady

    It’s hard to choose between Wicked Intentions and her Prince trilogy!!! I need to read more of her books!

    catslady5(at)aol.com

    Reply
  41. Diane Sallans

    I haven’t read Elizabeth’s books yet – but I’ve recently seen some glowing comments so I better start!

    sallans d at yahoo dot com

    Reply
  42. Bella

    I love Wicked Intentions the best,awesome story,awesome characters and just all around great!

    Reply
  43. Telly

    Hmmm…this is a tough one….I guess I’ll have to go with to seduce a sinner!

    Awesome interview!

    Reply
  44. Jen Takacs

    My favorite is The Serpent Prince, followed closely by The Leopard Prince.

    Reply
  45. Lillian J. Walker

    Enjoyed all I’ve read to date. Keep up the good work

    Reply
  46. AprilR

    Great post. I adore all of your books. WICKED INTENTIONS the introduction to this series was awesome.waiting to get this one. So Scandelous Desires will tell who the ghost is? Okay….awesome….Keep up the great work/writing.

    Reply
  47. Rosie

    The Raven Prince and The Leopard Prince compete for Hoyt favorites. They’re both on my keeper shelf, and they are both wonderful.

    Reply
  48. jeanette8042

    My favorite out of all her works is Wicked Intentions! She has such great writing!

    Reply
  49. Laurie G

    To Desire a Devil- Reynaud and Beatrice’s love story Beauty and the Beast retold!!

    Reply
  50. Kendra Edens

    Oh my gosh! I just saw the making of the cover of this book on YouTube last night. Apparently the back of the book has a QR code on it that takes you to the video. One of the authors on Twitter posted about it, so I watched it. How fascinating! I absolutely loved a behind the scenes snippet.

    I have scandalous desire on my TBR list. Can’t wait til I make my way to it! Sounds like it will be terrific!

    Reply
  51. Kim

    Congratulations on the new release. I’ve only read one Elizabeth Hoyt book and that was the first book in the Maiden Lane series.

    Reply

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