The Amazing Cara Elliott is YOURS

SCANDALOUSLY YOURS

The Hellions of High Street, book 1

Forever, Hatchette Book Group

Proper young ladies of the ton-especially ones who have very small dowries-are not encouraged to have an interest in intellectual pursuits. Indeed, the only thing they are encouraged to pursue is an eligible bachelor. So, the headstrong Sloane sisters must keep their passions a secret. Ah, but secret passions are wont to lead a lady into trouble . . .

The eldest of the three Sloane sisters, Olivia is unafraid to question the boundaries of Society-even if it does frequently land her in trouble. Disdaining the glittery world of balls and courtship, Olivia prefers to spend her time writing fiery political essays under a pseudonym for London's leading newspaper. But when her columns attract the attention of the oh-so-proper Earl of Wrexham, Olivia suddenly finds herself dancing on the razor's edge of scandal. With the help of her sisters, she tries to stay one step ahead of trouble . . .

However, after a series of madcap misadventures, Wrexham, a former military hero who is fighting for social reform in Parliament, discovers Olivia's secret. To her surprise, he proposes a temporary alliance to help win passage of his bill. Passion flares between them, but when a political enemy threatens the earl's young son, they must make some dangerous decisions . . . and trust that love will conquer all.

Read a little, Buy the book  

CARA ELLIOTT…on CARA ELLIOTT…

I started creating books at the age of five, or so my mother tells me. And she has the proof—a neatly penciled story, the pages lavishly illustrated with full color crayon drawings of horses and bound with staples—to back up her claim. I have since moved on from Westerns to writing about Regency England, a time and place that has captured my imagination ever since I opened the covers of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.”

I have a BA and an MFA in Graphic Design from Yale University and now my work as a writer lets me combine my love of the printed word with my love of art. I’m very fortunate in that research for my historical novels allows me to travel to lots interesting destinations around the world—however, my favorite spot is London, where the funky antique markets and used book stores offer a wealth of inspiration for my stories.

ANGI asks CARA…

ANGI: How often to you get lost in a story?

CARA: Just about every day. I know this may sound crazy, but after a long day of writing, I unwind with a book! I’ve been an avid reader all my life (my mother had to come and take away the flashlight I used to read under the covers after my bedtime when I was in elementary school.) I either read right before going to sleep, or on the exercise bike while I do my daily workout. I’m lucky in that I can read AND work up a sweat . . . and not just because I’m reading about some hunky hero, ha, ha, ha.)

ANGI: What’s the first book you remember reading? 

CARA: I can tell you the first book that left a vivid impression on me—The Fabulous Flight by Robert Lawson. It was so inventive and imaginative, and the characters and plot totally enthralled me. I think it make me realize early on the very magical power of storytelling.

ANGI: What’s your favorite “love” word?

CARA: Hmm—how about a phrase: “You inspire me to believe I can be better than I think I can be.”

ANGI: LOVE IT !!!

ANGI: What’s your favorite fairy tale?

CARA: I can tell you what my LEAST favorite one is! When I was four or five, my mother took me to see a cartoon film of Hansel and Gretel, thinking I would love it. Well, for some reason the witch really frightened me ! I cried so hard, she had to take me home . . . maybe that’s why I’ve never had the urge to write paranormals!

ANGI: What do you like about the hero of your book?

CARA: Lord Wrexham was such a fun character to create! Honorable and duty-minded, he takes his civic and family responsibilities very seriously, so he considers himself  a very disciplined fellow, ruled by reason and self-control. Which is why he’s totally flummoxed to find himself attracted to the headstrong, opinionated Olivia. His head keeps telling him it’s all wrong, but his heart—not to speak of the rest of his body—disagrees! Letting his whimsical, playful side slowly break free from his own preconceptions was something I really enjoyed doing.

ANGI: Is there a playlist you’d recommend for reading your latest release?

CARA: Beethoven’s Third Symphony would start it off—it’s called the Eroica Symphony, (Eroica mean “Heroic” in Italian) It’s the perfect music for Wrexham, who’s nicknamed the Perfect Hero!

ANGI: What sound or noise do you love?

CARA: The sound of the surf rolling up against the beach on a moonlit evening.

ANGI: Fairy Tale or Action Adventure?

CARA: Action Adventure! (I’ve always been a tomboy)

ANGI: What was the first story you remember writing?

CARA: Ha, ha! See the Gotta Ask below!

ANGI: What’s your favorite movie of all time?

CARA: Oh, no fair! I can’t pick just one. Here are three (I’m a sucker for to-die for heroes!) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade; The Princess Bride; Bringing Up Baby.

ANGI: What is your biggest vice?

CARA: Lindt Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt (though wave any type of chocolate under my nose and I’ll start to froth at the mouth!)

ANGI’S GOTTA ASK: You mention that you began writing westerns at the age of 5. What's your favorite western movie or book and can you tell us why?

CARA’S GOTTA ANSWER: Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry.  It’s just such a wonderful, sweeping saga about Life—it’s all about friendship, dreams, loss, love, adventure, heartache, discovery, adventure, laughter and tears. The characters are beautifully drawn, the storyline is gripping, the writing is lovely—it’s always going to be on the keeper shelf.

FIND CARA

Contact  Website   Facebook  Twitter  @CaraElliott_1  

Goodreads Pinterest    Word Wenches   Previous GLIAS interviews

UP NEXT for CARA:

SINFULLY YOURS

The Hellions of High Street, book 2

Forever, Hatchette Book Group

Feb. 2014

read an excerpt

PASSIONATELY YOURS

The Hellions of High Street, book 3

Forever, Hatchette Book Group

March 14

read an excerpt

PREVIOUS RELEASES by CARA

THE LORDS OF MIDNIGHT

Too Wicked to Wed, Too Tempting to Resist & Too Dangerous to Desire

THE CIRCLE OF SIN

To Sin with a Scourdrel, To Surrender to a Rogue & To Tempt a Rake

CARA is giving away a copy of Scandalously Yours (e-book)

U.S. Readers only.

Note: COMMENTERS are encouraged to leave a contact email address to speed the prize notification process. Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America addresses only unless specifically mentioned in the post. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants. Winners of drawings are responsible for checking this site in a timely manner. If prizes are not claimed in a timely manner, the author may not have a prize available. Get Lost In A Story cannot be responsible for an author's failure to mail the listed prize. GLIAS does not automatically pass email addresses to guest authors unless the commenter publicly posts their email address.

DON’T FORGET to FOLLOW us on Twitter #GetLostStories or LIKE us on Facebook to keep up with all our guest authors and their prizes. Join me next week when I host Cheryl Reavis. And come back tomorrow when Jillian hosts Barbara Barrett.  ~Angi

CARA WANTS TO KNOW: The three sisters in my series are really close friends and confidants. How about you? Do you share your secrets with your sister(s)? Or a special BFF sister-in-spirit? What’s one of the things you love most about her? I don’t have any sisters, but I love my BFF because she always makes me laugh whenever I’m feeling really down.

Celebrating Historical Romances

The Get Lost in a Story crew sends our CONGRATULATIONS to the

BEAUTY AND THE BOUNTY HUNTER
Lori Austin

Cathleen Chase is no killer—but as Cat O’Banyon, she is a ruthless bounty hunter who always gets her man. Catching one lowlife after another, she continues her search for the only man she really cares to locate. The one whose voice she will never forget; the man who murdered her husband. She’ll stop at nothing to find him.

Penguin Group USA, Signet

Claire Zion, editor

Con artist Alexi Romanov taught Cat every trick she knows.  He is a master of deceit, disguise, and desire. He’s difficult to trust, and even more difficult to resist, but he has news she can’t ignore. The man she’s after has placed a bounty on her head. To get him before he gets her, she’ll have to team up with Alexi again....

And just like before, the two of them together are nothing but trouble. 

MULTIPLE CHANCES through Rafflecopter to win an autographed copy of Lori Austin's BEAUTY AND THE BOUNTY HUNTER. (north America) Start by leaving a comment.

website

BRIDE BY MISTAKE
Anne Gracie

Penguin Group USA

Berkley Sensation

Wendy McCurdy, editor

Eight years ago, Lieutenant Luke Ripton made a hasty wartime marriage-in-name-only to protect a young girl from a forced union and left her protected in a remote mountain convent. Now, Luke is Lord Ripton, but he has been unable to obtain an annulment. Which leaves him no choice but to collect a wife he doesn't want.

For eight years Isabella has waited like a princess locked in a tower, dreaming of her handsome, dark-eyed prince. Her dreams are shattered when Luke reveals himself not as a prince, but an autocratic soldier, expecting her unquestioning obedience, which is something Isabella's fiercely independent nature will not tolerate.

website

DEFIANT
Pamela Clare

Charged with a crime they didn’t commit, the MacKinnon brothers faced a death sentence until they agreed to serve the British Crown in the colonies and take up arms against the French. Allied with the Indian tribes who lived beside them in the wilderness, the Scottish Highland warriors forged a new breed of soldier… 

Penguin Group USA

Berkley Sensation

Cindy Hwang, editor

Major Connor MacKinnon despises his commander, Lord William Wentworth, beyond all other men. Ordered to rescue Wentworth’s niece after the Shawnee take her captive, he expects Lady Sarah Woodville to be every bit as contemptible as her uncle. Instead, he finds a brave and beautiful lass in desperate peril. But the only way to free Sarah is for Connor to defeat the Shawnee warrior who kidnapped her—and claim her himself. 

Torn by tragedy from her sheltered life in London, Lady Sarah is unprepared for the harshness of the frontier—or for the attraction she feels toward Connor. When they reach civilization, however, it is she who must protect him. For if her uncle knew all that Connor had done to save her, he would surely kill him. 

But the flames of passion, once kindled, are difficult to deny. As desire transforms into love, Connor will have to defy an empire to keep Sarah at his side.

MULTIPLE CHANCES through Rafflecopter to win an autographed copy of Pamela Clare's DEFIANT. (International) Start by leaving a comment.  

website

A LADY NEVER SURRENDERS
Sabrina Jeffries

When the youngest Sharpe sister hatches a plan to gain marriage offers, the straight-laced Bow Street Runner Jackson Pinter knows he'll do whatever it takes to ruin her scheme... 

Simon & Schuster, Pocket Books

Micki Nuding, editor

Lady Celia Sharpe hopes that if she can garner offers of marriage from several eligible gentlemen and show her grandmother she is capable of gaining a husband, she can convince Gran to rescind the marriage ultimatum for her. And if that plan doesn’t work, at least she’ll have a husband lined up.

But Bow Street Runner Jackson Pinter seems determined to ruin her plans by disapproving of every suitor she asks him to investigate. It’s only when she and Jackson work together to solve her parents’ murders, plunging them both into danger, that she realizes why--because the only man he wants her to marry is himself!

MULTIPLE CHANCES through Rafflecopter to win an autographed copy of Sabrina Jeffries's A LADY NEVER SURRENDERS. (north America) Start by leaving a comment.

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THE RECRUIT
Monica McCarty

Scotland’s King Robert the Bruce is retaking his kingdom from the invading English. To win, he’ll need all the grit and courage of his elite band of warriors, the Highland Guard, men who fight without fear and love without limits.

Random House Group

Ballantine Books

Kate Collins, editor

Fiery, aggressive, and bold, Kenneth Sutherland is a true champion—skilled with any weapon and driven to win. Now Kenneth is ready for his greatest challenge: joining Robert the Bruce’s secret army to fight among the elite. Kenneth’s best chance to attain that honor is by winning the Highland Games. Focused and prepared for victory, he is caught off guard by a lovely wisp of a woman—and a stolen moment of wicked seduction. Her innocent arousal and her shameless hunger fire his blood. He will win his place in the guard—and in Mary of Mar’s bed.

The ruggedly handsome hero-in-the-making stirs a heart that should know better. Mary vows that her surrender will be sport only—no promises, no heartbreak, just one night of incredible passion. Nothing, she swears, will persuade her to give up her hard-wrought independence and put her fate in the hands of another powerful man. But with every gentle touch and heart-pounding kiss, Kenneth makes her want more. Now Mary wants his heart. But is this determined champion willing to surrender everything for love?

website

A ROGUE BY ANY OTHER NAME
Sarah MacLean

What a scoundrel wants, a scoundrel gets . . .

HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books

Carrie Feron, editor

A decade ago, the Marquess of Bourne was cast from society with nothing but his title. Now a partner in London’s most exclusive gaming hell, the cold, ruthless Bourne will do whatever it takes to regain his inheritance—including marrying perfect, proper Lady Penelope Marbury.

A broken engagement and years of disappointing courtships have left Penelope with little interest in a quiet, comfortable marriage, and a longing for something more. How lucky that her new husband has access to such unexplored pleasures.

Bourne may be a prince of London’s underworld, but he vows to keep Penelope untouched by its wickedness—a challenge indeed as the lady discovers her own desires, and her willingness to wager anything for them . . . even her heart.

Previously on GLIAS
website

TOO DANGEROUS TO DESIRE
Cara Elliott

Can a Flame from the Past be Rekindled?

Grand Central Publishing, Forever

Lauren Plude, editor

Long ago, Sophie Lawrance chose prudence over passion, rejecting a rebellious young rogue for the sake of her family-no matter the ache it left in her heart. But after a specter from her father's past resurfaces, threatening to destroy all she holds dear, the desperate beauty knows there is only one man whose shadowy skills can save her.

Or Is It Too Dangerous to Play with Fire?

Cameron Daggett is a man of many secrets . . . and many sins. He's never forgotten the pain of losing Sophie. But now, with a chance to win her back, Cameron sets aside his anger and agrees to help Sophie save her father's honor. Together they embark on a perilous masquerade, leading them to a remote country estate near the sea. There, they must battle a cunning adversary-and their own burning desires. Will they be consumed by the flames? Or can they prove that true love conquers all?

MULTIPLE CHANCES through Rafflecopter to win an autographed copy of Cara Elliott's TOO DANGEROUS TO DESIRE. (U.S. only)Start by leaving a comment. 

Previously on GLIAS
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WEDDED IN SIN
Jade Lee

The dazzling wedding fashions of A Lady’s Favor dress shop are guaranteed to make any girl the talk of the ton. But the brides aren’t the only ones falling in love… 

Penguin Group USA

Berkley Sensation

Kate Seaver, editor

With her parents murdered and her inheritance stolen, all Penny Shoemaker has left is her job designing handcrafted shoes for A Lady’s Favor dress shop. But that’s not enough for her to support herself or her young brother. Her only chance to regain what is rightfully hers rests with a strange but brilliant gent with a weakness for damsels in distress. 

Samuel Morrison is a dispossessed younger son searching for his place in the world. When Penny’s predicament literally lands at his feet, he sets his keen detective skills to solving her mystery. But she fills more than his time—she fills his heart. How can a lost man solve the mystery, win the girl, and create a life not only for himself, but for her as well? The answer may be just a favor away...

MULTIPLE CHANCES through Rafflecopter to win a digital copy from Jade Lee's backlist. (International) Start by leaving a comment. 

Previously on GLIAS
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Congratulations to all the nominees for the RITA® in the

HISTORICAL category!

~ ~ ~

JOIN US tomorrow as RITA® week 
continues with the CONTEMPORARY SINGLE TITLE ROMANCE category. 

Don’t forget to FOLLOW us on Twitter #GetLostStories or LIKE us on Facebook.

MULTIPLE CHANCES through Rafflecopter to win
NORTH AMERICA DRAWING
*an autographed copy of Lori Austin's BEAUTY AND THE BOUNTY HUNTER
*an autographed copy of Sabrina Jeffries's A LADY NEVER SURRENDERS
*an autographed copy of Cara Elliott's TOO DANGEROUS TO DESIRE

INTERNATIONAL DRAWING through Rafflecopter (separate)
*an autographed copy of Pamela Clare's DEFIANT
*a digital copy from Jade Lee's backlist

Start by leaving a comment.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE HISTORICAL MOVIE?
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cara Elliott!

Get Lost in This Story…

Kate Woodbridge has spent most of her life sailing to exotic ports around the globe, acquiring an expertise in botany, along with a few less ladylike skills. So when a deathbed promise to her parents brings her to London to seek a reconciliation with her grandfather, the imperious Duke of Cluyne, she feels like a fish out of water in Polite Society. Her outspoken views and fiery temper tend to set off sparks—especially with the arrogant Conte of Como.

The man has a knack of getting under her skin, And if he gets too close, he might uncover her scandalous past . . .

A devil-may-care rogue, Marco finds Kate a tempting target for his flirtations. But when murder strikes at the duke’s country house, he suspects she’s hiding a dark secret. He has his own clandestine reasons for helping to prove her innocence . . . which leads them on a perilous journey from London to the glittering ballrooms of Vienna.

Sumptuous pleasures and gilded lies. The city is aswirl in decadence and deception, and they find themselves waltzing on a powderkeg of hidden passions and dangerous desires. For Kate and Marco must duel with a deadly villain—and confront their own explosive attraction.

Today it is my pleasure to host historical author Cara Elliott! Welcome!  Cara, would you like to take a moment to introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your writing?  

I began my writing career at age five with a number of lavishly illustrated Westerns, which were lovingly preserved for posterity by my first fan (Thanks, Mom!) As you can see, I believe in immersing myself in the mood and character of my stories!

I have since moved on to Regency England, an era that has fascinated me ever since I picked up a copy of Jane Austen’s Pride And Prejudice. (Sorry, no picture of me in my ballgown and tiara!)

Books have always been an important part of my life. I’ve always been a voracious reader, and I’ve always had a very vivid imagination . . . so much so that I think at times it worried my parents that I was so happy in my own little world, drawing pictures and creating stories. My teachers will also tell you that I was the class history geek, even in grade school. I don’t really know why, but I have always been fascinated with the past.

As an undergrad at Yale, I majored in art and went on to get a MFA in Graphic Design. So storytelling got put on the back burner for a while. But The Muse kept whispering in my ear, and one day I sat down at the keyboard . . . and realized that writing is what I love.

I hope you enjoy my books!

Thanks so much, Cara!  And our thanks to your mom for the fabulous visuals!  Now, let’s dig in and get to know you even better...

Heather:  How often to you get lost in a story?

Cara:  Almost every day. I’m an avid reader and always have a book going.

Heather:  What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in?

Cara:  Oh, I read all sorts of genres—lately I’ve been trying steampunk and some Noir crime. But I have too say my favorite books are historical romance and historical mysteries.

Heather:  What was the first story you remember writing?

Cara:  It was a Western, featuring cowboys and horses. I was five years old and my mother lovingly preserved it in her scrapbook.

Heather:  Who’s your favorite villain?

Cara:  Sethos in the Amelia Peabody books by Elizabeth Peters. He’s such a rakish rogue, but of course turns out to be a hero by the end of the series because he’s redeemed by the love of a worthy lady!

Heather:  What’s the first thing you do when you finish writing a book?

Cara:  Unwrap a BIG bar of chocolate. My current favorite is Lindt dark chocolate with a hint of sea salt.

Heather:  What do you do to unwind and relax?

Cara:  When I’m not glued to my keyboard, I really enjoy being outdoors—walking, biking running, golfing (my game is not exactly up to par, but I find walking a lovely course is a great, relaxing way to think about plotting and my characters!)

Heather:  What soundtrack or playlist do you recommend for your current release?

Cara:  Handel’s Music for Royal Fireworks was one of my favorites tracks when I was writing the scenes set in Vienna!

Heather:  Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it?

Cara:  Coffee in the morning to jumpstart the day, and then tea in the afternoon, both with a generous splash of light cream (my decadent indulgence, but a girl’s got to have a few, right?)

Heather:  What is your favorite cheese?

Cara:  Oh, I’m a total cheese freak. I love all sorts of varieties, and am always willing to try a new taste. I was in Wales this past summer and had a ball sampling all the local artisanal ones.

Heather:  What sound or noise do you love?

Cara:  Ocean surf splashing over sun-kissed rocks

         

Heather’s GOTTA ASK – Cara’s GOTTA ANSWER  J

So, in “To Tempt a Rake”, your characters travel to Vienna of 1814, where you’ve said the parties were wild and the pastries decadent…  Tell us the most interesting thing you learned about Vienna at that time during your research and did you use it in your book?

Cara:  I discovered LOTS of fascinating things while researching the history of the Congress of Vienna. But one of the most fun little facts was that an Austrian by the name of Herr Stuwer was the world’s foremost expert in fireworks, and his displays were renowned throughout Europe as being really spectacular. He apparently designed an amazing “over the top” program for Prince Metternich’s outdoor Peace Ball—imagine dancing in lantern-lit gardens under a night sky ablaze in shimmering colors! So of course I couldn’t resist setting one of the final scenes in TO TEMPT A RAKE at the party

GOT A QUESTION YOU’D LIKE TO ASK YOUR FANS?

Are you a wild party person? Or do you prefer a quiet dinner with friends?

WILL YOU HAVE A DRAWING FROM THOSE LEAVING COMMENTS?**

Yes, Grand Central will offer a copy of To Tempt A Rake as a prize.

Thanks so much for being with us today, Cara!  Where can your fans learn more about you on the web?

Cara:  You can find me at http://www.caraelliott.com/. One the home page I have links to follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

**Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North American addresses only. If an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) is available, the author may utilize that option for International participants. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.