I’m so so thrilled to host the fabulous Tessa Dare on the blog today!!!
I’m a huge fan of hers, and I absolutely cannot wait for the launch of her Spindle Cove series…beginning in September with A NIGHT TO SURRENDER (out in September!)! As an aside, Tessa’s also just plain awesome, and so I’m always happy to have her here! I had originally asked her to do Eleven Questions, but the mega creative brain that is Ms. Dare resisted the assignment…and turned it into something even better.
So, without further blathering…I present, Tessa Dare’s Eleven Scandals to Start When Postponing a Guest Blog (and other titles that don’t rhyme)
I feel sooo scandalous. I was supposed to write this blog for Sarah weeks ago. How did it come to this?
Scandal One: Procrastination.
Yeah, I procrastinate. A lot. Sometimes several times a day. Especially when it comes to blogs. I have updated my own blog about… 6.5 times in the past year. I have no excuse.
Scandal Two: Overconfidence.
But when our lovely and talented hostess Sarah kindly asked me to come guest blog in April, I excitedly said YES! Even though I secretly know I have this procrastination issue. (see confession the first.) I am always filled with good intentions!
Scandal Three: Indecision.
So unsuspecting Sarah sent me this fun list of eleven questions for the blog, and I promptly seized up with paralysis. Because they were all CHOICES. “Alpha or beta?” “Small town or big city?” Picture me weeping, wanting to just answer “Um..Er…Both, depending…I think!” to just about every one. (Unless one of the options is Darcy. Darcy wins everything. Q: Darcy or Wentworth? A: Darcy. Q: Darcy or chocolate? A: Darcy. Q: Darcy or…a brand new barouche!? A: Give me door number one, Monty.)
Scandal Four: Inherent suspicion of favorites.
This is a side note, really. But in my strange mind, I’m convinced any question resembling “What is your favorite ____?” is just sticky with the devil’s fingerprints. Why must I choose? No really, why??? I think I fear karmic backlash. Like, if I declare to the internet that my favorite meal is sushi and coconut milk, I’ll find myself shipwrecked on a desert island next week. “Good news! You get your favorite meal EVERY DAY!” (I am, however, willing to risk being shipwrecked with Darcy. See point four.)
Scandal Five: Forgetfulness.
It’s really cool how this trick works. It’s almost effortless. If you’ve procrastinated in the proper way, diligently, after just a few weeks—poof! You suddenly just forget! It’s almost like you never agreed to do it! Except…
Scandal Six: Contrition.
I did agree to do it. And when Sarah wrote to gently remind me, I of course profusely apologized for my lameness. But then I only made matters worse with…
Scandal Seven: Prevarication.
In my repentance, I may have offered to do a special blog giveaway—of a puppy, or a kidney. I must confess, I had no real intention of giving away either. Oh, the shame is piling deep…
Scandal Eight: More Procrastination.
I waited yet a few more days…
Scandal Nine: Lust.
And then last night, when I thought to myself, “I should sit down and write that blog for Sarah now.” I realized it was after midnight, and therefore zomg! release day, and I decided to download Eleven Scandals first. Because by now, after hearing from what seemed like everyone else on the planet how wonderful it is, I was practically drooling for it. Could. Not. Wait.
Scandal Ten: Greed.
And you can guess what I did next. Read.
Scandal Eleven: There isn’t one, because I’m still reading. And I’m up to the point where they’ve made out in the park, and SHHHHH. Nobody better talk to me.
Except that I’m sure Sarah will post this long after I’ve finished, so now we can talk! Wasn’t it GREAT??
And I will give away…. Um, a book and coverflat? They are way prettier than a kidney! And come perfectly housetrained.
Seriously, thank you, Sarah, for the invitation and your extreme patience. And congratulations on such a wonderful, romantic book.
I think all I’m missing now is a conversation topic. I know!
Simon v. Darcy. Discuss! Who is the starchiest at the outset? The best groveler in the end? (um, since I haven’t read the end yet, I’m just assuming on Simon’s part here…) Who would win in a cage match? Who would look better spear-fishing on a desert island?
Oh, boy am I afraid of *this* topic. But, it’s guests choice…so discuss! We’ll choose one commenter on Monday to win a copy of One Dance With a Duke and the STUNNING STUNNING cover flat of A NIGHT TO SURRENDER!
LATE BREAKING NEWS: Tessa’s also giving up a precious ARC of A NIGHT TO SURRENDER!
Thanks for coming over to play, Tessa! xoxo
June 9th, 2011 at 9:07 am
Hey, look! I’m here!
So I obviously wrote this post way back on the night/morning of Eleven Scandals release, before I’d finished the book – and I am utterly gobsmacked at what a prescient discussion topic I chose, despite my general flakiness as a guest blogger.
And I would now put forth that I would pay ungodly sums of money (perhaps give a kidney) to see a Leighton v. Darcy cage match. And though it pains me to say it, I do think Simon might actually … urk, win. He does get a lot more experience with the fisticuffs. Yes. And in my mind’s eye, he looks very, very good throwing a punch, or taking a punch, or slamming someone against the wall… *sigh*
Er, what was I saying?
Also? I would say this: Darcy could have taken a good lesson from Simon, which is — babies are the BEST accessories for the arrogant hero in need of redemption. Just think, if he just could have contrived to let Elizabeth see him holding a baby, Darcy might not have even needed to write that long, long letter! Seriously, can any woman resist Big Man Holding Tiny Baby? I can’t. In fact, shh… I may have probably written a scene like that in A NIGHT TO SURRENDER.
Speaking of ANTS. Here is the one redeeming factor about my guest blog being late and posted later. I have obtained better prizes in the interim. My editor just these week sent me a few print ARCs of A NIGHT TO SURRENDER, so why don’t I give away one of those instead (or in addition to, if you haven’t read ODWAD)? So much better, no?
June 9th, 2011 at 10:18 am
You are the sweetest! Thank you, Tessa, for all the lovely nice things you said here, and may I add that I am incredibly jealous of the winner of this contest? I cannot WAIT for A NIGHT TO SURRENDER!
As for the cold hero + tiny baby phenomenon…it does yank at the heartstrings, doesn’t it? There’s something remarkable about the way that moment can just strip a hero to his gooey, wonderful core. And make you want to have babies with him.
June 9th, 2011 at 10:23 am
Oh, look – a reply button! Sarah, your blog is the shiniest. And has the nicest, most talented host.
I feel like I haven’t said nearly enough nice things yet. I just adored Juliana and Simon’s story. I really felt for both of them and was so happy they were able to find love with each other.
June 9th, 2011 at 9:56 am
Thanks Tessa for a very fun and entertaining interview. I always love a good giggle. I’ve read most of your books and, Sarah’s 9,10 and 11 books also. I love you authors who make my life so much more bearable and I now enjoy going to bed, no not that tsk tsk tsk – I mean to read!!!
The art work on your cover is simply breath taking. So much thought must have gone into it. I can’t believe how much the colors of the dress and bedding co-ordinate so beautifully together. The man eye candy is delicious too. I also love the ribbon as a shout out to Ovarian Cancer.
June 9th, 2011 at 10:21 am
Isn’t this cover STUNNING, Diane? I can’t get over it…and I’m not a little bit jealous of that beautiful purple!
I’m also thrilled that Avon’s taking on Ovarian Cancer in September…all the books out that month have that ribbon…and I’m planning to read every one!
June 9th, 2011 at 10:02 am
Still laughing about the 11 scandals even while typing!! :)
I have to say I can relate to many of them! Thanks for a good start to the morning!
Best,
Tracey
June 9th, 2011 at 10:04 am
Diane, thank you so much for stopping by, and for the cover compliments! This is my favorite cover, and I can’t stop looking at it.
And thanks for mentioning the ribbon! The teal ribbon means the book is part of a special September campaign with Avon Books and the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. The goal is to raise awareness of the early signs of ovarian cancer, since the disease can be very difficult to detect. It’s such an important topic, and I’m honored that my book happens to be part of the campaign. In a few weeks, I’ll be in New York learning more about it from the OCNA representatives.
June 9th, 2011 at 10:08 am
Tracy, thanks for coming by! I’m glad someone else can relate. Really, thank you. :)
The book I was so preoccupied writing at the time (A WEEK TO BE WICKED, comes out in 2012) can be summed up by the phrase: “The road to Scotland is paved with good intentions.” I put a lot of my own flaws into the hero. :/
June 9th, 2011 at 10:26 am
I’m glad I’m not the only one to participate in (suffer from?) scandals one, five, and eight. I think I’m going to have to vote for Darcy on everything. With time and numerous rereads Simon may edge him out for some things. Unfortunately, he’s going up against 20+ years of Darcy love cemented with the wonderful Colin Firth incarnation.
June 9th, 2011 at 10:28 am
LOL! I don’t blame you, Amber. Colin Firth wins. Always. Maybe even in a Firth/Darcy cage match.
June 9th, 2011 at 10:34 am
I think the solution here is clear. Colin Firth must play Simon in the 11 Scandals movie. Leighton doesn’t *have* to be blond, does he?
June 9th, 2011 at 10:28 am
What a great interview. I loved 11 Scandals and can’t wait to read your next up, Tessa! I’ve gotta go with Simon on this one, though. Somehow I just can’t picture Darcy in a cage match. Not that I wouldn’t be willing to watch :O)
June 9th, 2011 at 10:40 am
Yeah, Darcy does seem rather dignified to be in a cage match, doesn’t he?
Once, while I was feeling very zany on Twitter, I decided that the next high-concept historical romance series should be Gladiator Dukes. It would be one part Spartacus, one part Pride and Prejudice, and one part that awesome scene in Bridget Jones Diary where Colin Firth and Hugh Grant “fight” in the street.
I may have to revisit this idea.
June 9th, 2011 at 10:41 am
uh…yeah. you need to revisit that. For the record, in the second book in my new series, I have a gladiator duke, so…big fan.
June 9th, 2011 at 10:45 am
SERIOUSLY?? Oh, I can’t wait to read that. The Gladiator Dukes are ALL yours.
My new series is completely dukeless, actually. Just an earl and lowly viscount.
June 9th, 2011 at 10:58 am
Well, to be frank, he’s not precisely a gladiator. I mean, there are no cage matches. But he’s massive. And not afraid to use his hands. If you know what I mean. And I think you do.
June 9th, 2011 at 10:42 am
In other questions, why on earth aren’t their more movies made from of romance novels? The characters are there, the plot is there, the VIEWERS are there…what on earth, Hollywood?
June 9th, 2011 at 10:36 am
Both you and Sara are on my auto buy list!! Can’t wait for Night to Surrender.
June 9th, 2011 at 10:46 am
Thank you so much, Alisha!
June 9th, 2011 at 10:39 am
Ooops, in my excitement I forgot to say who I think would win the fisticuffs and, have to go with Simon. I love that name.
I had to laugh at your kidney remark. Actually, one of my sister’s had a kidney transplant 3 weeks ago and, I’m pleased to say that she is doing really well. Thank God for donors.
June 9th, 2011 at 10:43 am
Oh my goodness, I’m so glad your sister is okay! I hope I didn’t offend with the kidney comment.
But yes – Thank God for donors. Mr. Dare used to work in Intensive Care, and saw first hand so many times the bravery of families willing to donate and how much it meant to recipients.
June 9th, 2011 at 10:44 am
Tessa, love this! Especially the procrastination confession as I suffer from that as well. Can’t wait for your new series!
Hmm, regarding Darcy v. Simon, that is tough! I think Simon is more starchy at the beginning and, really, he has a right because he IS a Duke. But both get some good groveling in at the end. : )
June 9th, 2011 at 11:09 am
Oh, yay. A fellow procrastinator!
I think you’re absolutely right that Simon’s title adds an extra layer of starch. And also, we have to consider that Elizabeth, while not a high society girl, was also not the public scandal that Juliana was.
June 9th, 2011 at 10:54 am
Ok so after reading this post I’m going to have to drop everything and read Eleven Scandals. I Keep hearing how great it is and this does it.
oh and yes, Darcy does trump everything.
June 9th, 2011 at 11:09 am
Excellent! Yes, you must read it … NOW. It’s so good.
June 9th, 2011 at 11:03 am
Enjoyed your guest post, Tessa, and I can so relate since I am a huge procrastinator myself. I can’t really comment on the Simon Vs Darcy contest since I’m a bit behind on Sarah’s books. I’m currently enjoying Ten Ways to be Adored.
June 9th, 2011 at 11:11 am
Another procrastinator! I would suggest we all meet up and form a club, but we’d just put it off… :)
You will love 11 Scandals when you get to it. And I particularly loved how well Sarah worked the first two couples into the story, so you get to see them all again!
June 9th, 2011 at 11:12 am
Tessa,
Love your writing and always look forward to more. Enjoyed your ‘interview’ today and enjoyed the fact that procrastination came up twice. LOL.
Keep them coming.
And – I will be putting Sarah’s Eleven Scandals on my ‘to read’ as well.
June 9th, 2011 at 11:25 am
Thank you, Linda! Definitely check out Eleven Scandals. You hardly have to take my word for it. The Internet is covered with (entirely deserved) praise for this book.
June 9th, 2011 at 11:21 am
I love you now, even more, Tessa! And so glad to see you’re back online. Do you realize how hard it is to stalk…er, follow you when you’re not HERE?? *grin*
Sadly, I’m so far behind in my reading that I haven’t been able to read Eleven Scandals. In fact, I only just moved Ten Ways into second place. *hangs head in shame* Some time by the pool ought to rectify this travesty.
Anyway, if you suggest Simon could win, I’m likely to believe you. Your knowledge of and admiration for Darcy is absolute.
(Oh, and knowing how much you love Colin Firth, I thought of you when I recently saw “Hope Springs.” Have you seen it? He was swoon-worthy for certain. And so witty. *sigh*)
June 9th, 2011 at 11:39 am
How have I not seen that?? Thank you so much for telling me. I know what’s next on the Netflix queue! I have my own travesty to rectify…
June 9th, 2011 at 11:31 am
Hi Tessa, Please don’t worry, I was not offended. Mr. Dare would know first hand how hard it can be for some families to consider donation.
June 9th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
Oh, good. I’m glad. “Unintentional offense” could well be added to my list of sins!
June 9th, 2011 at 11:49 am
I absolutely love all your books and can’t wait for A Night to Surrender. I also love Eleven Scandals too. I think my boys were happy when I finished the book so I wouldn’t growl at them anymore. I love that I got so caught up in the story that I lost track of time.
I think Simon would win too.
June 9th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
Thank you, Ora! I have *definitely* done that growl with my own children. Can completely sympathize.
June 9th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
Two of my favorite authors, on the same blog? I’m LOVING this. Something else I would love would be the ARC of Tessa’s new book. After all, I have Sarah’s new book next in my TBR pile, and I need something wonderful to read on the plane to National.
Would it help if I bounced up and down like Shrek’s Donkey? “Pick me! Pick me!”
Again, thanks for the funny blog post, and I’m crossing my fingers!
June 9th, 2011 at 2:10 pm
*tosses Donkey a waffle*
Thanks so much, Julie!
June 9th, 2011 at 12:23 pm
Oh I love that cover! I’m so looking forward to reading Surrender when I can get my hands on a copy. Both of you are on my autobuy list. Congrats on finally getting your blog entry submitted Tessa. :)
June 9th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
Thanks so much, Laura! I love this cover so much. And the autobuy is such a compliment, I can’t tell you.
June 9th, 2011 at 12:30 pm
Oooh, I’m a huge fan of Tessa Dare and can’t wait to read her new book!!!! Thanks for the giveaway.
June 9th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
Thanks for coming by, Jennifer!
June 9th, 2011 at 1:29 pm
This book looks sounds so good!! Thanks for the great review!
Hollybwright at comcast dot net
June 9th, 2011 at 2:12 pm
Thanks, Holly!
June 9th, 2011 at 6:43 pm
I love fun interviews like this! Thanks for the laughs :)
As for Darcy or Simon…hmm…like its been mentioned, Darcy (well, Colin Firth) has had twenty years to race ahead but I don’t think it would take long for Simon to catch up!
Gorgeous cover and really looking forward to it! Love the purple and the awareness that Avon is doing for the month! Also can’t wait until Dec and Sarahs new book :)
June 10th, 2011 at 12:17 am
Glad it made you laugh, Lisa! I agree, the Darcy-love is pretty deeply entrenched in my psyche. It would take a lot to displace him. But imaginary cage-matches help spice things up from time to time. :)
June 9th, 2011 at 7:31 pm
Um…between Darcy and Simon I would have to choose…Thornton. Mmmm. Armitage. And I don’t blame you for your eleven scandals, Tessa, because I am guilty of those all the time. Look! I’m causing scandals one and eight right now.
June 10th, 2011 at 12:19 am
Oh, hooray! A comrade in scandal. LOL, Thornton is pretty darn hot. Its been wayyy too long since I watched North and South, I think.
June 9th, 2011 at 7:48 pm
love the blog post :) I must admit to suffering through some of the same scandals — particularly #1 and it’s related fall out — on various occasions ;) though this may have been worth the wait ;)
I’d take Simon over Darcy hands down (or up my dress) any day. Though Ralston would give Simon a run for his money.
June 10th, 2011 at 12:10 am
Lol! Hands up your dress!!
Well! Love that!
June 10th, 2011 at 12:21 am
As Sarah said, she writes heroes who know how to use their hands! ;)
June 9th, 2011 at 9:02 pm
Hi Tessa! Great to see you here, and I loved this blog! And hilarious topic. I agree with you that nothing melts your heart like a guy holding a baby. Don’t make me choose between Darcy and Simon! What I loved about them both and what won me over was their willingness to make the BIG GESTURE-Darcy by tracking down Lydia and Wickham and arranging for the wedding and Wickham’s commission at his own expense, and Simon creating a scene at the Northumberland Ball and then humbling himself and getting on his knees before Juliana. ::Sigh::
I love the cover of your new book Tessa, and can’t wait to read A Night to Surrender!
P.S. Sign me up for the Procrastinators’ Club! ;)
June 10th, 2011 at 12:16 am
I agree, big gestures are SO important! And these are excellent examples. Great comment!
June 9th, 2011 at 9:25 pm
Darcy is my all-time favorite hero, so for me Darcy wins every time. That has been the case since I read P&P in jr. high, and it holds true today.
June 10th, 2011 at 12:13 am
Ah, I remember the first time I read P&P as a teenager. Do you remember being just absolutely, utterly gobsmacked when he proposed? I think I was just as annoyed and irritated as Elizabeth! It’s one of those books I regret I’ll never have the chance to read for the first time again.
June 9th, 2011 at 9:54 pm
What a fun blog…definitely worth the wait! :)
I’m also part of the choir, but I’ve got to put in my 2 cents regarding the beautiful cover for Tessa’s new book. I’d pick it up for that alone. Can’t wait for Septemeber.
June 10th, 2011 at 12:10 am
Thanks so much, Angie! I’m a little antsy for September, too – but I have a feeling it’ll be here before I know it!
June 10th, 2011 at 12:06 am
Hey, everybody – sorry to disappear for a while! Had library shift tonight. Going to go and reply now…
Thanks so much to Sarah and everyone for making a prodigal guest blogger feel so welcome!
June 10th, 2011 at 12:39 pm
Even though Darcy was quite stuffy, I have to say that Simon was more so. Both were great at grovelling.
June 11th, 2011 at 12:09 am
hehe. i love the interview. im still chuckling! :) the cover is absolutely beautiful! and to answer your questions..darcy, darcy, darcy! i loved p&p. the book was awesome and i watch the movie all the time. :P
June 12th, 2011 at 12:57 am
I absolutely love Tessa Dare! I have all her previous books and her writing style is so easy to enjoy and love. I can’t wait to read this new series!
June 12th, 2011 at 3:06 am
Darcy!!! need I explain? Even wanted to name my cat after him… but my friend beat me to it. Oh well, he’s still mine ;)
June 12th, 2011 at 8:24 pm
Tessa and Sarah -
What a fun interview! I’m sorry I was late checking in but my 2 year old grandson came to visit for a few days so my schedule got totally out of control!
Tessa, your books are always keep me reading to find out what is going to happen next and I can’t put the down. My husband knows that once I start it’s going to be a left-over type of week-end!
Sarah – I love your Rules series and hopefully there will be many more to come.
Sorry I don’t have time to praise you both more but the laundry that I didn’t get done (note: grandchild) is calling to me from the other room!
August 11th, 2011 at 3:09 am
[...] I’m beginning with an oldie but a goodie…ten either/or questions on romance! Those of you who are readers of my blog will know that for the launch of Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke’s Heart, I hosted a few dozen of my favorite authors for Eleven Questions, where I forced them to pick between popular romance archetypes and tropes. We had a great time…and if you have a chance, you should head over and read some of the AMAZING replies (including Tessa, Miranda & Katharine!) [...]