I’m so glad to have one of my good pals on the blog today. She’s Maggie Robinson, author of fabulously sexy historical romances. Maggie is on a whirlwind blog tour for her latest Kensington Brava release, Mistress by Marriage.
Maggie’s books are wonderful reads. As The Romance Dish said, “you’re always guaranteed sassy wit and sizzling sensuality when you pick up one of Maggie’s books.”
I’m going to turn the blog over to my friend now, as she gives us the inside scoop on her new book.
I had the pleasure of meeting Vanessa and her charming husband at the Romance Writers of America convention this June in New York City. They are sometime-writing partners, which absolutely flabbergasts me. I cannot imagine writing with my husband. In fact, he’s never read a word of what I’ve had published so far. (That’s a total of five novels and two novellas under my two writing names.) He’s just not at all romance-y, although he can be very thoughtful. We are total opposites when it comes to most things. He’s a jock—I only care about where the jockstrap goes. 😉 In fact, we’re a little like the characters in Mistress by Marriage (Brava, September 2011). I won’t say he’s as unyielding and rigid as Edward if he won’t call me flighty and temperamental like Caroline.
Marriage is a mysterious venture. It’s hard enough when the couple have similar backgrounds and goals. When you throw complete strangers at each other, there’s bound to be trouble. Because I am evil, I had my methodical, proper Baron Christie fall hopelessly in the thrall of unsuitable, improper Caroline Parker at a ball, and they’ve both paid for it for six years. When Mistress by Marriage opens, they’ve been separated for five of them. Edward has bought a house for his estranged wife on Jane Street, London’s most exclusive neighborhood for courtesans. He wants a divorce. So does Caroline.
A divorce was hard to obtain, hideously expensive and reputation-ruining in Regency times. It was far more common for people to live apart and wish each other dead, LOL. So I faced legal challenges as well as emotional ones. Once Edward discovers things were not what they appeared to be, he realizes his grounds for divorce don’t exist. His honor and heart are at stake. He wants Caro back. But does she fall into his arms? No, that would be too easy and end the book well before page 278.
Desperate times call for desperate measures, so at last Edward reads one of Caroline’s naughty novels. (Did I tell you she writes lurid gothic romances? Do you think this means I want my husband to read my books?) He alters one of her plots, expecting a happy ending. Uh, no such luck. But don’t worry, by page 278 everything is more than okay. Defrosting “Cold Christie” was one of the most fun things I’ve done as a writer. He’s baffled by love—it does not fit into his logical worldview. And even though Caroline writes romances, she doesn’t think she deserves love, but Edward is happy to prove her wrong.
I have a friend who says “There’s a lid for every pot.”
Do you believe there’s someone out there for everyone? How did you meet your partner? I have a signed copy of Mistress by Marriage for one commenter.
Vanessa, here. Be sure to check out Maggie’s website, which includes excerpts and details on all her books. And don’t forget to answer her question for a chance to win Mistress by Marriage!
Vanessa Kelly Author 
Well, I certeanly hope so!;)
I haven’t met the one yet, but, I’d like to think I will some day! Hopefully soon!;)
this book sounds great! I’ve heard wonderful things about it!:)
Thank u for the giveaway, Vanessa!;)
I hope the book lives up to those wonderful things. It’s my favorite of the 3 Mistress books. 🙂
This sounds like such a fun read!!! Its going on my “Must Get” list!!!
Betty, a lot of it IS fun, altho some are calling it a “romangst.”. I know I had fun writing it.
Oh, and YES… I do believe there is somone for everyone…. sometimes more than one someone.
I’ve been single for a number of years. I’m still hoping that there’s another lid out there for my pot (so to speak) lol. My girlfriend uses the same saying. And I’m a hopeless romantic so I have to believe it as well.
Hopeless romantic here too. I should know better though, LOL.
Count me in the hopeless romantic category as well, Sheila!
Good morning, ladies! Vanessa, thanks so much for letting me ramble on, not that I’m an expert on marriage. Although I have been married a looong time, LOL. I haven’t quite broken him in though, so it may be hopeless. We met through friends who tried to fix us up for years before we relented. We were married six months after our first date.
My youngest daughter has been pretty allergic to serious relationships, but she met the greatest guy (also through friends). The other day she said something like “I wasn’t looking, but here he is.” I think that might be the key. 🙂
Hi Maggie! Thanks so much for being my guest blogger today!
Sounds like you’re an expert to me, especially since you and your guy are still together, despite the fact that hubs isn’t entirely broken in. But maybe that makes for an added dash of spice, eh?
I think your daughter is right. I had pretty much given up on finding the right guy and was happily living the life of a single gal in the big city, when I got together with Randy. The rest, as they say, is history!
Off to get out my pjs and back to revising my next book. See y’all later in the day!
Hi Maggie,
I hope this time i’ll will this book =D
Until now i’m still single but I do believe that there is someone out there for everyone. it’s just about a time and if the time comes, they will suddenly appear without we can expect
Eli, good luck with the book and the man! 🙂
Is your friend named Jenny, too? My friend Jenny says the same thing. And, yes, I do believe on that adage. It’s all about fitting together easily without forcing one over the other. It just takes some longer than others to get it.
Now I’m going to take off before it looks like I’m stalking you today. I haven’t been blogging in a while. I think I miss it.
Santa, stalk away, LOL. I haven’t wandered around the blogosphere much myself lately.
My friend is Nancy. I love your description–so true.
Hey, Santa! You go right on stalking us!
Maggie: Oh, I like what ur daughter said!=)
okay, so I’ve officially stopped looking!;) LOL
let’s see! Wish me luck!!!:D
and have a wonderful weekend everyone!:)
Let me know how it works!
And I just want to say that I know u shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover, but this on it’s just.. WOW!:P I love it!;) LOL
Thanks! And thank you to Alan Ayers (the artist) and Kristine Mills-Noble, the cover designer. I have been so lucky with my Brava covers. So gorgeous. They’ve converted me to being a clinch-aholic.
I have them all framed in my writing room, too. My husband is horrified. He wonders where everyone’s clothes are, LOL.
Kensington does great covers. I have mine framed too, Maggie!
I believe that there is someone for everyone. My husband and I are going on 23 years in October.
I was curious why you chose Edward for the name of your hero in this book. I don’t recall that name used a lot for heros in historicals. The few I have read books, all the Edward’s have been considered cold in the beginning of a book.
LOL. My Edward is cold at first too. I don’t really like the name myself, but it’s period-appropriate and it fit him. It means “wealthy defender”, and that’s what he ultimately is to Caroline. I try not to have my Regency heroes named something too modern. Edward arrived in my head–super tall, dark, rangy..and he was simply Edward. Most of my characters turn up with names already attached to them. (Hey, I might be crazy)
I really like the premise of your book. Sometimes the ‘lids’ & ‘pots’ just don’t recognize one another… and need to take a closer look!!
I agree! I’m always a sucker when I hear about people who’ve known each other for years & discover they’re meant to be together.
I believe there is someone for everyone. I have tried a couple lids and they didn’t fit. I keep hoping “my” lid will come along. I can’t wait to read the book. It sounds like a terrific read. One to get lost in quickly.
macladie25 at yahoo dot com
I hope you find your way out, LOL. Although Jane Street is a fun place to be. 😉
Melanie, my mother used to say that you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince. She was right!
How I met my man.
I was 27 and had given up on finding a man for me. My friend decided she wanted to go out one Friday and dragged me with her. I was pouty because I didn’t really want to go. We ended up at our favorite bar and wouldn’t you know met the man of my dreams. I am so glad my friend made me go with her or I might still be single today. Now 48 years old and still with the man of my dreams. Another story of I wasn’t looking, but here he is!
Loved the excerpt.
Great story! Sounds like the beginning of a romance novel, LOL. And you got the REAL happy ending.
Hi! Mistress by Marriage sounds very interesting and fun 🙂
I do believe there is someone for everyone….even if that someone has total opposite character. I’ve been with my significant part for 15 years and we had our ups and downs but love is what holds us together.
I really do think opposites attract. Of course to stay together, you have to find something in common…but love is that glue, isn’t it?
I really do think opposites attract. Of course you have to find something in common to stick together, and love is that glue!
Oops, sort of double post. But I’m impressed with my memory when the first one didn’t look like it went through, LOL.
I’ve always been convinced that there are several possible someones for everyone out there, since I’m not a believer in the “one true love only” school.
I met my delightful hubby at a party at a friend’s house. Turned out that he was dating someone else at the time, but a few months later that friend organized a double date and the rest is history!
Yay! Yeah, I think there’s a whole concept of “starter” marriages out there. I definitely think you can fall in love and marry more than once.
I loved reading, “you’re always guaranteed sassy wit and sizzling sensuality when you pick up one of Maggie’s books.” What a hook! Wit is one thing, but sassy wit? You got me!
I think that there CAN be someone (and oftentimes more than one someone) out there for everyone, if they make room in their hearts. The possibilities are endless. (To me it is like having children or siblings: you love them all in different ways.)
My husband was a friend of the family (as he knew our neighbours quite well) while I had a boyfriend. As soon as my BF and I broke up, my husband zoomed in. My hero (of 30 years now)!
Aww, thanks! And aww to your personal love story too!
Great love story, Elaine!
I hope so too. It would be nice to think that there’s someone out there for every single person….
I think there is – in fact, I tend to think there’s more than one!
I think of the whole generation of young men who were lost in World War I. There were a lot of young women without their lids. 😦
I want to hope that there is someone out there for everyone. I met my husband through my brother knowing him and introducing us.
Now you know that’s a popular romance plot with the guy falling for his friend’s little sister!
I do believe there is someone for everyone too. It might take a while to find them, but they are out there and when you do, lots of happiness…and frustration, lol 🙂
Congrats on the new book! It sounds fabulous and lots of fun, love the cover as well 🙂
Lisa, Maggie is a fabulous writer, and this book looks great.
Lisa, I’m singing “Somewhere out there…”
Aw shucks, Vanessa. Thanks!
I met my husband when I was 16 and he was 19. That raised some eyebrows, but we knew as soon as we met that we were meant to be together. Everyone said that it was a phase and that as we got older we would change. Well, we did change, but the love never did. Six children and 17 years later and we are still going strong. People said we were crazy for having 6 kids also. Obviously, the opinions of others didn’t make a difference.
I absolutely believe that there is someone meant for a person. My husband and I couldn’t be any more opposite in many things, but it works because we balance each other out. Fate also can have a hand in the way you meet your special someone. I nearly missed meeting my husband, but decided to go out with a group of friends last minute. Another friend of mine had locked herself out of her house. She was friends with my husband, so he picked her up and they ended up at the same place I was, waiting for her parents to get home. She introduced us and the rest is history. 🙂
So sorry! I got involved in my response and realized that I forgot to mention that I am looking forward to reading this book. I have heard good things and have it on my “to-read” list. Can’t wait to have the opportunity to crack the cover and jump in.
Kendra, what a great story! Like something out of Jane Austen, with the young heroine.
Yep, in the good old days that 16 year old might have been married off to someone old enough to be her grandfather! 19 is nothing, LOL.
I’m not sure — I certainly hope so, but wonder if possible for it to be (or if so, for them to actually be able to find each other among so many others & possible distance). I haven’t found my someone (or if I did, I haven’t realized it) but keep hope alive that it may happen someday (or perhaps lifetime). In the meantime there’s family & friends who show me that it is possible & romance books to help keep the dream alive 😉
Absolutely, gamistress! You have a great attitude – the love of friends and family is just as important.
Oh, I definitely thing you can be totally happy w/o a man. Don’t want anyone to mistake me on that. But men do have their uses. 🙂
Hi Maggie and Vanessa,
I’ve been stalking Maggie on her blog tour. I’ve loved all the excerps of “Mistress by Marriage” and would love to read the whole book.
I met my husband when I was dating his friend. We’ve been together for 41 years now. He’s the total opposite of me, but we chug along nicely. Now, I need to keep my fingers crossed that my daughter will find somebody. I know he’s out there somewhere, so he better show his face soon. lol
Thank you for another opportunity, fingers and everything else crossed.
Good luck, Diane! And congrats on your long and happy marriage!
What Vanessa said! And I’m thrilled to be stalked, LOL.
Of course, I meant “excerpts”.
I can only hope there is someone out there for me…I don’t know at 53 I almost give up….but I love to read about women who find their soul mate…I would love to read your book..Thanks for the chance to win!!!…lprater@modweldco.com
Leisa, I didn’t get together with my husband until I was 40, and I have friends who didn’t find their soulmate until they were in their fifties. Never stop looking for love!
Again, what Vanessa said!
Hi Maggie and Vanessa!
Very nice interview Maggie, thank you for sharing!
I read the book LORDS OF PASSION which had your story, “Not Quite a Courtesan”. I knew then that I would be reading anything you wrote.
Your series, The Courtesan Court, is wonderful!
I just need to get my copy of MISTRESS BY MARRIAGE…….*wink-wink*….then when you release MASTER OF SIN I would of read all of them! YAY!!
I am a strong believer that there IS someone for everyone.
You never know when, how or who, but they’re out there.
I believe in HEA for everyone, it’s written in the stars.
I met my hubby in the fifth grade. We had the same classes on and off through junior high and high school. Started dating in high school and for me…..LOVE!! Hubby, I had to bribe! LOL!!
We eloped after graduation because of major family issues. Both set of parents thought we were all wrong for each other and boy, did they let us know about it. The hassles and arguements were way too much for us. We understood, but we were in love. We knew we were meant for each other. Ahh yes, young love, amazing what you think you know at the age of seventeen. Now, 33 years later, married life has been a wild, crazy and happy one for us. We have our ups and downs, but who doesn’t? We’re still going strong and plan on making it for lots and lots more years together!
Have an awesome day ladies!
Such a GREAT story, Dalila! So glad you and hubby followed your true path to love.
Dahlia, thank you so much for your kind words about my books! And you belong to an exclusive club–not only are you high school sweethearts but elementary school sweethearts. I love it!
Oops, I’ve got flowers on the brain, Dalila! My daughter is a gardener and is in the process of digging up a zillion dahlias, LOL.
I hope there’s someone out there for everyone and I’m still searching but hopefully I find that special someone one day.
Jeanette, I truly believe that if we open ourselves to love, it will find us.
What Vanessa said AGAIN! (She’s just so profound today *g*)
Yes, I do believe there is someone for everyone. I haven’t met my special someone yet.
It’s not easy to meet new people these days, but I have tons of friends who met their soulmates later in life. Lord knows I did, acquiring two almost-grown stepsons to boot!
Good luck, Terri! And Vanessa, that’s just cheating. 😉
I do believe there is someone out their for everyone. It is your choice if you deciede to find them or not. I meet my hubby in high school. We were high school sweethearts and got married 3 months after we graduated from college.
Very nice, Sherie!
Congratulations! I’m kind of glad I didn’t marry my high school boyfriend tho–never would have met my husband!
I think there’s more than one person for everyone. Sometimes it depends on the time of one’s life. A guy who may be perfect for me when I am 25 may not be the right guy for me when I’m 40 or vice versa. Everyone grows emotionally and through life experience so we may not be the same person we were. I think that there are many possible mates for a person and many routes to happiness and contentment.
Of course, I’ve been with the same man for 15+ years so perhaps my perception is a bit skewed
Very wise words. Sometimes we evolve at different rates and in different directions. Just because one relationship doesn’t work, doesn’t mean another won’t. Gotta keep your heart open!
Hope you both grow with each other!
It’s nice to think that there is some one for everyone, but it’s probably that there are more than one that are pretty good. If there was only one, what are the odds that the two people would meet during the right period of time, and how about when one partner of a great couple dies and the survivor goes on to connect with another great partner.
Diane, I love hearing when people find happiness a second–or even third–time!
It is absolutely lovely to think there is someone out there for everyone– and I sure hope there is! I haven’t find mine, yet, though 🙂
Chelsea, I think there is! I’m ever optimistic.
Hang in there, Chelsea – I bet you will!
Being a hopeless romantic, i definitely believe that there is someone for everyone although i have yet to meet my special someone.
Hope your special someone turns up when the time is right!
What Maggie said!
i would like to think there is someone out there for everyone and considering how big the sea is, it is not too hard to believe. I also believe it’s important to know what you want or else when you do meet someone you won’t even realize that person is the one! It takes two people who are fully committed to make a relationship work and to accept everything about them, their quirks, perks, and yes, weaknesses. We all have them and accepting them can enrich a relationship and give it a healthy balance. When it comes to serendipity, I say it’s half luck and half will. Good luck everyone on finding their happy ever afters.
I think luck plays a huge part. I think of the movie Sliding Doors–a few seconds can make all the difference.
Well said, Na!
I’m so close to falling asleep (I finished a book today!), but I wanted to thank all of you for leaving such thoughtful, heartfelt comments. If I could wave a magic romance wand, you’d all be sprinkled with HEA dust. Vanessa, thanks so much for hosting me here today. Hope we meet again in person soon! XO to all!
Thanks so much for being here today, Maggie! You are an awesome guest! XO
And congrats on finishing the book!!
Maggie –
I’m so glad that Vanessa invited you over today and I apologize for “arriving” so late in the day. Are you sure you didn’t actually marry my husband? Unfortunately his idea of romance is buying me a new iron or broom for Christmas so I’ve tried to get him to read your books. He hasn’t taken the hint yet!
We actually met when he was in the Navy during Vietnam. He was stationed at NAS Cecil Field in Jacksonville, Florida and was out on a trip to the beach during one of his few days off with 2 friends. I had picked up two friends from work and we were headed to another friends whose husband was also in the Navy to a Tupperware party when this car with three “guys” started following us! We got to the house and I tried sneaking inside leaving my two girlfriends to fend for themselves. They pulled me back and introduced me to these “guys”! I quickly excused myself and went inside while they stayed to talk.
That week-end I met them to go to another friends party and who did they have in tow? That’s right – the same three guys who they had invited to “join” us at the party. Once there he asked me to dance and it wouldn’t have been polite to say no. We’ve now been married for 41 wonderful years!
When we had children I wanted to stay home with them but still needed to help support the household so guess what! I became a Tupperware Sales Manager for 15 years so I could work nights and still be home with them when they were small and never miss any of the school and after school activiites!
Oh, I love it, Jeanne. You guys were literally sealed with a kiss. Who know Tupperware was so romantic, LOL. Great story!
I’m a firm believer in there’s someone for everyone – possibly more than one even! 🙂 I met my hubby at work – he was seated next to me and made me laugh every day. We used to chuckle how there were all these rumour about us but nothing happened right at the start – we were just friends. However, by the time the rumours died down and no-one cared anymore it was a different story. We’ve been married nearly 13 years now.
I keep hearing such wonderful things about Mistress by Marriage – I can’t wait to read it! 🙂
hankts AT internode DOT on DOT net
After 2 marriages ending in 2 divorces, I could be pessimistic and say I don’t believe there is someone out there for everyone. On the other hand, since I read romance novels of the historical variety, I could be optimistic and say there is someone out there for everyone…I just haven’t met my someone yet! Great post Maggie. Can’t wait to read this book!
I don’t think I believe there’s someone out there for everyone, it seems too much like believing there’s only one soul mate or something for you. I’m not religious, and I don’t really believe in fate so I like to think that you make your own choices and nothing’s predetermined but I still hope that everyone will find someone. Mistress by Marriage sounds awesome! But is the giveaway international??
Kaetrin and Karen, thanks for commenting!
Jess, Vanessa picked a winner already & I’ve addressed the package. ;( BUT anytime you see me anywhere, I always am open to sending books beyond the US. My post office people see me walk in and they automatically hand me customs forms. Sometimes I think I’m the sole support of the US Post Office–you know it’s in financial trouble, but not because of me, LOL. Several times a year I send things to my contest entrants/newsletter members, and I even have to fill out a custom form for bookmarks!
Oh and Kaetrin, I’m kind of with you on the fated lover thing. I just think there are people out there who might not be perfect, but you can lead a perfectly happy life with.
Oops, that was Jess. Still early. 😉