First I would like to welcome Natasha to CEWTNK! It is so nice to have you on my blog today and for the rest of the week :) Natasha will be around to answer questions this week so please leave plenty of them for her to answer in your comments below! Now I just finished Grey's Lady and let me tell you this book is for my spicy followers out there. Those ladies and gents who like a romance with a lot of bedroom action that's not usually found in romance novels. This is definitely not your mom's romance book :) So I've asked Natasha a few questions about why she likes to write and then you have my review on this smoking novel along with the details of the giveaway! So without further ado lets get to know a little bit about Natasha and her newest hit Grey's Lady!
Grey’s Lady is the story of two people who have given up on love. Yet they are empty and unhappy inside so they find solace in using sex to gain power. Grey uses his wealth and sexual skill to make women appreciate him. Beth uses seduction to gain the excitement of conquest over the type of gentlemen that excite her yet is forbidden to her.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Who is your favorite book heroine?
What is you favorite mystical creature?
What were some of your biggest challenges at the beginning of your career?
Where are your books available?
What can we expect from you in the future?
Where can we reach you and become informed of updates?
Website: http://natashablackthorne.blogspot.com/
Blog: http://natashablackthorneblog.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @Nblackthorne
Book Trailers: http://www.youtube.com/user/Natashasromancevideo
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Author-Natasha-Blackthorne/100002385587652
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4878430.Natasha_Blackthorne
Shelfari: http://www.shelfari.com/authors/a3557879/Natasha-Blackthorne/
Library Thing: http://www.librarything.com/profile/Natasha_Blackthorne
So I had the honor of reviewing this sorchingly hot book! Lets take a peek at my review!
I’ve always enjoyed historical romance books. A trip into the past is a great escape from the everyday hum drum of modern society. I understand that times were very different back then, but a small detail concerning those beloved novels has often bothered me. Why are the women always virgins? Yes..I’ll agree that probably a good 70 percent of women back then did the right thing and waited for marriage, majority of that percentage being the upper class. But what of our exceptions? Every generation has them, the liberal or independent women that society frowns upon because they choose to live by their own rules. I often wondered if I were given the opportunity to journey into the past, if I could conform to the rules of times. Certainly not! Beth couldn’t either and Blackthorne’s brilliant novel Grey’s Lady has filled one of the voids in my heart for the perfect historical romance. Our heroine, Beth is one such a lady who takes fate into her own hands, who doesn’t allow a man to dictate anything to her, and who marches to her own tune. It is this saucy young woman who approaches an unprepared and slightly jaded Grey and asks politely for a ride home in his carriage. Shocked, but not misunderstanding her intentions as far as “a ride” goes, he wholeheartedly agrees. But little did either of them know that a simple erotic carriage ride could turn into so much more. Both untrusting and determined to steer the relationship, they agree to meet one more time. Beth was in it for the one time thrill, but finds herself unable to resist the temptation of seeing him again. Grey was just about to pack it up and leave, figuring he would regret only having her for an hour for the rest of his life, when she appears out of the blue beckoning him to come to her. He is determined that this time he will define their relationship and he will not allow Beth to slip through his fingers again. Beth is determined to exercise him out of her system once and for all and return to her uneventful existence. But their hearts have other ideas. The fire between this two burns bright and the sex scenes in this book are absolutely intense. I kept expecting my fingers to be scorched by the pages. Not only was this book incredibly erotic, it also was interestingly enough, romantic. So if you like your historical romances with a little bit more sizzle than sweetness, this is the book for you. My only regret was that it wasn’t longer! I remember finishing it up and going noooo! This one’s a page turner ladies and definitely leaves you wanting to be Grey’s Lady!!!!
How old were you when you first realized you wanted to write?
I was six when I first had a strong urge to put stories down in print. Before that I had made stories with pictures but in learning to read and write my imagination transferred to that.
Picture books are a great start! LOL..Most authors have an unusual story or way that they come up with their ideas for books…Do you have one?
The best way for me to come up with ideas is to study history.
Grey’s Lady came after I read a book on male-female sexual interactions in Revolutionary and Federalist Philadelphia. In a quiet moment, Grey, the hero, “showed” me the story through his perspective. He was staring out the bookseller’s windows at the rain and the gray sky. He made eye contact with Beth, the heroine and in that moment she touched him deeply with her sadness that mirrored his own feelings that he was disconnected from.
Grey is wealthy, powerful merchant prince from New York City who is visiting Philadelphia. He’s a millionaire in a time when millionaires are rare in the United States. He’s also a very duty-driven, emotionally controlled person. As the owner of a vast shipping company, he’s in control of his whole immediate world. He keeps his life free of messy emotional entanglements.
Beth is a dutiful sister and aunt who works hard in her half-brother’s struggling ship. But she’s so bored and feels out of place there. She’s a really impulsive, sensually driven young woman who needs something more from life than just being a good girl. Yet she doesn’t find the men around her to be the kind of man she wants. Dynamic, enterprising men excite her. She’s excited by power. Yet she has been raised to believe these gentlemen are her social betters and thus unattainable.
Grey’s Lady is the story of two people who have given up on love. Yet they are empty and unhappy inside so they find solace in using sex to gain power. Grey uses his wealth and sexual skill to make women appreciate him. Beth uses seduction to gain the excitement of conquest over the type of gentlemen that excite her yet is forbidden to her.
When they come together, their attraction is irresistible and explosive. The question becomes can deep sexual intimacy work a miracle and lead to the opening of their hearts? Can they save each other from their isolation, from their auto-suppression of their true selves?
This was a wonderful read! I was asking myself those very questions as I was reading!! What was your biggest influence that steered you towards writing? There was no influence. It was just an urge that was there, a driving force.
Do you see yourself writing in another genre?
I can see myself possibly writing women’s historical fiction. However, I think I will always want to explore relationships in those time periods at the their most intimate level.
Has your family been supportive?
My husband is very supportive of my work as a writer. He always has been.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I am married to a wonderful guy. I am a total history nerd, I love to read, literature, romance, psychology, and bits of everything else. I love cats and I live with a very neurotic but sweet calico.
I spend most of my day surrounded by music. I like Old School R&B, New Wave, Soft Rock from 70&80s, 90s jazz-funk/dance, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, disco and funk, oldies from the 40s-60s, Baroque and Classical, Reggae, Folk, Blue Grass, old style country and western. Mostly when it comes to music I like it all it just depends on my mood.
I don’t watch much TV but do I enjoy watching period movies on Netflix, British Comedies or series like Dark Shadows, Twin Peaks or original series Star Trek. I like all genres of emotional, character-driven movies. I have been into a real Film Noir phase lately. I have been watching the AMC series Mad Men lately and loving it.
Who is your favorite book heroine?
I love Jane Eyre.
What is you favorite mystical creature?
I think cats are mystical creatures and I love them.
What were some of your biggest challenges at the beginning of your career?
Learning to work with my own processes.
How do you feel about reader comments?
I love them. Please feel free to contact me and let me know what’s on your mind.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Accept that writing is a craft and study it with as much dedication as any artist applies to learning the craft side of their work. Get into touch with other writers and submit your work for critique. Accept and honor your own creative processes and realize that no one creates quite the same. Realize the difference between the creative and expansive side of writing and the craft, editing side of writing.
Where are your books available?
From Total-e-Bound and Ellora’s Cave.
The second book in the Carte Blanche Series will be coming out from Total E-Bound Dec 26, 2011. It is titled White Lace and Promises and is the sequel to Grey’s Lady. It gets into more depth about the inner demons that trouble Beth and Grey and how they come truly together and overcome them. Here is a sneak peak at the beautiful cover art April Martinez designed for it: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMhHC9mub2DbgK3bvqZhTtQsyYq_ouvay6U7olkcIhmCii23A4kc9bZiJRmZXTm77_BQgbxOaBFzuvxdw4qBIdfPQXwdT-RIuZlL6mGjIvQOA4wvJFRIix2x_WuBr-p18_gElXX9pDSeh/s320/WhiteLaceandPromises_800.jpg What can we expect from you in the future?
The third book in the CB Series is a full-length novel titled Alex’s Angel and it is scheduled for release Feb 28, 2012. It is set in Philadelphia, PA 1793.
Here’s a short blurb for it:
In the wake of a devastating epidemic, sheltered Emily Eliot finds herself alone, making her own decisions for the first time. When desperation leads her to sell her virtue, she walks straight into trouble.
Enter one gorgeous, golden haired gentleman bent on protecting her…Alexander Dalton came to the Blue Duck Tavern seeking to lose himself in sexual pleasure. Yet when he saw the delicate and vulnerable young woman, he couldn’t turn away. But he needs her to believe in him a lot more than she needs his protection…Alex’s charming smile hides a dark secret that could destroy their chance at happiness.
Will their passion burn them up or bring them together?
The fourth book in the CB series is a full-length novel titled Emily’s Seduction and it is scheduled for release April 23, 2012.
I also have a full length novel set in the English Regency that is scheduled for release from Total E-Bound April 9, 2012.
Where can we reach you and become informed of updates?
Website: http://natashablackthorne.blogspot.com/
Blog: http://natashablackthorneblog.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @Nblackthorne
Book Trailers: http://www.youtube.com/user/Natashasromancevideo
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Author-Natasha-Blackthorne/100002385587652
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4878430.Natasha_Blackthorne
Shelfari: http://www.shelfari.com/authors/a3557879/Natasha-Blackthorne/
Library Thing: http://www.librarything.com/profile/Natasha_Blackthorne
So I had the honor of reviewing this sorchingly hot book! Lets take a peek at my review!
I’ve always enjoyed historical romance books. A trip into the past is a great escape from the everyday hum drum of modern society. I understand that times were very different back then, but a small detail concerning those beloved novels has often bothered me. Why are the women always virgins? Yes..I’ll agree that probably a good 70 percent of women back then did the right thing and waited for marriage, majority of that percentage being the upper class. But what of our exceptions? Every generation has them, the liberal or independent women that society frowns upon because they choose to live by their own rules. I often wondered if I were given the opportunity to journey into the past, if I could conform to the rules of times. Certainly not! Beth couldn’t either and Blackthorne’s brilliant novel Grey’s Lady has filled one of the voids in my heart for the perfect historical romance. Our heroine, Beth is one such a lady who takes fate into her own hands, who doesn’t allow a man to dictate anything to her, and who marches to her own tune. It is this saucy young woman who approaches an unprepared and slightly jaded Grey and asks politely for a ride home in his carriage. Shocked, but not misunderstanding her intentions as far as “a ride” goes, he wholeheartedly agrees. But little did either of them know that a simple erotic carriage ride could turn into so much more. Both untrusting and determined to steer the relationship, they agree to meet one more time. Beth was in it for the one time thrill, but finds herself unable to resist the temptation of seeing him again. Grey was just about to pack it up and leave, figuring he would regret only having her for an hour for the rest of his life, when she appears out of the blue beckoning him to come to her. He is determined that this time he will define their relationship and he will not allow Beth to slip through his fingers again. Beth is determined to exercise him out of her system once and for all and return to her uneventful existence. But their hearts have other ideas. The fire between this two burns bright and the sex scenes in this book are absolutely intense. I kept expecting my fingers to be scorched by the pages. Not only was this book incredibly erotic, it also was interestingly enough, romantic. So if you like your historical romances with a little bit more sizzle than sweetness, this is the book for you. My only regret was that it wasn’t longer! I remember finishing it up and going noooo! This one’s a page turner ladies and definitely leaves you wanting to be Grey’s Lady!!!!
Loved the Book! So I know your asking, how can you get a chance to score your own copy? Well very simple! You must be a GFC follower and ask Natasha a question along with leaving your email in the comment section!
+2 for each additional question
+1 for following Natasha on twitter @Nblackthorne
+1 for following Natasha's blog http://natashablackthorneblog.blogspot.com/
12 comments:
Dear Nikki,
Thank you so much for the warm welcome and for showcasing Grey's Lady so beautifully. It's looks great. :)
Natasha
Hi, Natasha.
Great interview answers and thanks for the giveaway!
MJB
msmjb65 AT gmail DOT com
And Now I'll post again with the info I should have had in the first one!
GFC follower for CEWTNK as MJB
GFC follower at Natasha's blog +1
Question: I have loved Jane Eyre since I read the book in 7th or 8th grade. What makes her your favorite heroine?
MJB
msmjb65 AT gmail DOT com
Hi Natasha.
It was wonderful to meet you and learn about you & your writing style. My question is: Who is your favorite hero?
GFC Follower for CEWTNK as Nay Nay
reneebennett35 at yahoo dot com
GFC Krystal Larson Do you listen to music when you write? Do you prefer strong female characters...or is it easier/better to write about the weak-kneed type in romance novels? Why did you decide to write in this genre? Thank you for the awesome chance to win! edysicecreamlover18@gmailDOTcom
Do you have a particular schedule with your writing or do you write when the whim strikes you?
Thanks for the great interview and the giveaway. It sounds like a great book. Thank you for stopping by my blog also.
ejcoppersmith at yahoo dot com
Wonderful giveaway and interview, Nikki! Love the book description.
The book sounds great. How many books do you have planned in the CB series? Will the characters reappear in other books (other than Grey and Beth being in book 2)? How did you choose the time period and setting for your books? Do you have any other time periods or locations you would like to write about? Are there any other genres you would like to write?
GFC follower of CEwtNK and Natasha's blog: June M.
Twitter follower of Natasha: JuneAnnM
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com
GFC SexxyBlogger
Twitter SexxyBlogger
Question: what is the concept behind your book?
mslowman@gmail.com
Good morning everyone (well, it is morning where I am at),
Hello Leanore, thank you for stopping by.
Thanks everyone, for all the wonderful questions.
MJB asks: I have loved Jane Eyre since I read the book in 7th or 8th grade. What makes her your favorite heroine?
I sympathize with her because she’s suffers being the odd one. She’s unwanted, unappreciated and unloved. Yet she doesn’t become bitter. Instead she looks to how she can make a positive difference in the world and she cultivates her own inner world through her art to compensate for what she cannot find in the outer world. She lives by her principles even when it costs her the intimacy with the man she loves. I admire her for the way she looks at the world and people. She doesn’t go by surface appearances but looks deeper. She sees deeper into Rochester and sees the truly unique and loving and loyal man he is at his core, beneath his bitter, hardened exterior.
She is uniquely herself without excuses.
NayNay asks: Who is your favorite hero?
Dr. Yuri Zhivago is a favorite hero of mine for many of the same reasons Eyre is a favorite. He suffers with being odd and being sensitive but he does not let hardship turn him bitter or hard, he becomes more attune with the nuances of life, more humane. He creates beauty in the midst of ugliness.
Krystal-larson asks three questions:
1.Do you listen to music when you write?
Yes, I do. I have a huge stack of cds by my computer. I listen to a very eclectic mix of music. What I listen to depends on my mood.
2. Do you prefer strong female characters...or is it easier/better to write about the weak-kneed type in romance novels?
I don’t have a set preference for my characters. I take them as they come to me. Some characters are willful and strong. Some are willful and seem strong on the outside but inside they are hiding deeper fears and insecurities. Some characters are shy or easily shaken but then the story needs to give them a good reason to step out of their comfort zone and face the challenges that the world gives them. The story needs to press them to find their courage. But one thing I think heroines always share in a Romance is the courage to love.
3. Why did you decide to write in this genre?
I find history endlessly fascinating because it is the story of people and their preferences and their hypocrisies and all the little nuances of humanity over the ages. I like to explore people at their deepest levels and what gets deeper or more basic than sex. It is the place where it is hard to hide who we truly are from another person.
Romance Girl asks: Do you have a particular schedule with your writing or do you write when the whim strikes you?
I work on my writing everyday. But other than that I don’t have a set schedule. I find writing to be consuming, if I have nothing else going, then I am writing or I am thinking on my writing or doing research. If I have scenes in my head then I am feeling a lot of pressure to get those scenes into text.
June M asks five questions:
1. How many books do you have planned in the CB series?
I have six that I know of. I am currently writing number five, along with some other projects.
2.Will the characters reappear in other books (other than Grey and Beth being in book 2)?
Yes, they will. These are characters who are interconnected by family and business associations.
3. How did you choose the time period and setting for your books? I wanted to write something about the United States in it’s early period.
Philadelphia is a natural choice because it was the Athens of America in this time. Boston is my favorite city in the Colonial and Revolutionary periods. But Philadelphia has a certain panache in this Federalist/Jeffersonian time period that the Carte Blanche Series takes place in. It is a city filled with beautiful houses hidden behind garden walls and bricked sidewalks lined with shade trees. It is also a city known for its elegant ladies. It is a sophisticated city, very different in mood from the commercial New York City and the still quite Puritan Boston.
I could totally see Grey leaving New York City with its business mentality and coming to Philadelphia and feeling a sense of freedom and release to let his hair down in a way he does not do back home.
4. Do you have any other time periods or locations you would like to write about?
I have an English Regency romance published with Ellora’s Cave titled Waltz of Seduction and I have an English Regency scheduled for release by Total-e-Bound on April 9, 2012. I would also like to explore some stories set in the American Colonial era.
5. Are there any other genres you would like to write?
I always enjoy historical family sagas and women’s historical fiction. But for now I am concentrating on Erotic Historical Romance.
Sexxy Blogger asks: What is the concept behind your book?
The concept behind Grey’s Lady is out of something ordinary something extraordinary may develop. There are other concepts there as well. Surrender to love can heal our incorrect adaptations to the hurts that life heaps on us.
Natasha
Good morning. Thanks for a great interview and review.
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