Lady Revealed - a Tenacious Trent Novel

Jerrica Knight-Catania has tagged me in a blog hop so here is some information about my upcoming release, Lady Revealed...

1: What is the working title of your book? Lady Revealed

2: Where did the idea come from for the book? It is the fifth story in the Tenacious Trent’s series which began two years ago and it is now time to tell Julia’s story.

3: What genre does your book come under? Historical set during the Regency Period.

4: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition? Hmmm, this is always difficult. I think Amy Adams as Juliette Mirabelle a/k/a Julia Trent, but I can’t settle on any one actor for Drake Fenton, Viscount Acker.

5: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? Viscount Acker wanted Juliette the moment he saw the ballerina perform, but she isn't who he thinks she she.

6: Is your book self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency? Pubbed under the Night Shift umbrella.

7: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? 2 months but the editing process has taken over twice that. Keeping my fingers crossed that I meet the end of July deadline.

8: What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? I have no idea.  There are many historical authors that I would love to compare myself to, but I know I am not even close, so I will leave it at that.

9: Who or what inspired you to write this book? Oh, I am not sure, to tell you the truth.  The idea for the series was formed when I wrote the first novella, Compromised for Christmas, which was part of four book, twelve story anthology written with my critique partners. From that the Tenacious Trents were born.

10: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? It is different from what I’ve read before. The story begins at the ballet in Milan, Italy where the hero and heroine meet and it continues in England with my heroine still wishing to dance but finding out she is not really Juliette Mirabelle.

Here's an excerpt:

                Acker took a step closer to Juliette. “I will if you dance for me.”

She stared up into his eyes. “I have a performance tonight.  I cannot tire myself.”

“A waltz instead.” He wanted to hold her and remain close to her, if not closer, and the waltz was the only thing he could think of to bring her into his arms, without simply pulling her there.

Juliette bit her bottom lip and her eyebrows furrowed. “I’ve never waltzed before.”

How could she come to be the age she was, be a dancer and not yet waltzed? Of course, even though it was popular in Vienna, it was still frowned upon by many in London who considered it an immoral entertainment.  “I’ll teach you.”

Acker lifted her left hand and placed it on his shoulder before grasping her right and slide his hand about her waist. Neither wore gloves and his warmth enveloped her cool touch. 

“Have you at least seen a couple waltz?” he asked before they began.

Juliette nodded.

He blew out a sigh. Though he knew well enough how the steps moved, he wasn’t at all certain he could teach. “It is a three step dance,” he began and stepped out.  “Follow my movements.”  She stepped out as he had, and brought her next foot over when he put his feet together.  He then stepped forward yet Juliette did not move immediately and was pressed against his body.  She quickly matched his movement, her face turning a lovely shade of pink.

They repeated the steps a few more times and Juliette adjusted quickly, much to Acker’s disappointment. He rather enjoyed having her pressed against him.  So much sensation from touch was usually lost through the layers of clothing a gentleman was required to wear, but her dress was not thick and as he wore only his shirtsleeves. 

Soon he began executing turns and Juliette adapted to each movement.  She was a dancer after all so he shouldn’t be surprised.  He twirled her from one end of the room to the other in complete silence. They did not need music nor did they need to speak.  Their eyes were locked and the sway of her body was a perfect match for his. He drew her closer and closer until they were practically one, in perfect harmony with each other. 

As the moved down the room, Acker guided her toward the settee.  He slowed as they came to the sitting area, dropped her hand and pulled her against his body.  She brought her other hand up to rest on his shoulder and didn’t try to pull away. 

Acker gently tightened his hold and lowered his mouth to hers.