We want to thank THE LEGENDARY LORD author Valerie Bowman for agreeing to answer our Top 10 Romance Questions!
Question 10: What is your favorite romance book and why?
Judith McNaught’s Once and Always. I’ve read it SO MANY TIMES. It’s my favorite because I’m completely in love with the hero, Jason Fielding. *swoon*
Question 9: Your books are set in the Regency Period. What attracts you to that historical period?
The fun of it! The Victorians seemed quite dour and sad, but the Regency was full of parties and happiness and good times. A perfect setting to place happily ever afters. What’s not to love?
Question 8: How do you spend your time when you are not writing?
Reading, watching reality TV or PBS, and spending time with my family including my 1 year old Schnauzer, Huckleberry.
Question 7: Your newest book is THE LEGENDARY LORD. What can you tell us about this book?
This book has been a long time coming. The hero, Christian Forester, Lord Berkeley, has been a character in the Playful Brides series since the beginning and he’s finally getting his story. Just like all the books in the Playful Brides series, it’s inspired by a famous play. This one was George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion. Christian asks the beautiful, betrothed belle of the Season to help him find a wife. Guess what happens?
Question 6: THE LEGENDARY LORD is sixth in your Playful Brides series. Do you think a reader needs to know any background from the prior books before reading THE LEGENDARY LORD?
Nope. All the books are standalone and can be enjoyed individually. I always ask a new reader to read each book to ensure that if there are any questions that need to be answered (from the other books), they are worked out before the book publishes.
Question 5: Christian Forester, the hero of THE LEGENDARY LORD, has a bit of a problem in that women have seen him more as a friend than a romantic hero. Why do you think readers will fall in love with Christian?
Christian is sooo lovable. He’s an introvert, quiet, a bit shy, intelligent, kind, loving, giving. My kind of hero! I loved writing his character because so many heroes are bold and charming. Christian is more of the best friend who you slowly (and perhaps unconsciously) fall in love with. One of my favorite romantic comedies is Win a Date with Tad Hamilton. I see Christian as being like the Topher Grace character in that movie.
Question 4: Sarah Highgate, the heroine of THE LEGENDARY LORD is willing to marry a man she doesn’t love to please her family. Why do you think woman are sometimes willing to give up personal happiness to please others?
I would like to think in 2016, Sarah would never do such a thing. But in 1816, it was not something you could easily do, get out of an engagement to marry someone you love vs. someone your parents have chosen for you. Sarah was deeply loyal to her family and knows what her duty has been since birth. She’s horribly torn when she discovers she’s fallen for the wrong man.
Question 3: Your books are often known for their humor, but I greatly admire the deep emotions in them. How do you approach the balance between humor and emotion in your books?
I write the books I would want to read and for me that’s funny but also with some angst thrown in for good measure. I really spend time trying to capture both, make sure they’re both there.
Question 2: What can readers expect from you after THE LEGENDARY LORD?
I’m working on the final books in the Playful Brides series. Never Trust a Pirate comes out in Spring 2017. It’s about Cade Cavendish, who readers met at the end of his twin brother’s book, The Irresistible Rogue. The series will definitely end with Delilah Montebank’s story (after she grows up, of course).
Question 1: What is the one word you would use to describe THE LEGENDARY LORD?
Fun! << I hope all my books can be described that way, actually.
Thank you so much for having me, Sheila!
We got a preview copy of THE LEGENDARY LORD and the Top 10 Romance Books review can be read here.
To celebrate its release, we have been lucky enough to get two (2) copies of THE LEGENDARY LORD to giveaway to readers. Enter below and we will choose two winners on November 7th. Sorry, US addresses only.
I look forward to reading another of Valerie’s books.