Duchess of Sin on Tour

Author Laurel McKee is on a virtual book tour through Friday, Dec. 10, telling about her latest release, DUCHESS OF SIN.

Here’s a brief synopsis of the book: Blonde and beautiful Lady Anna Blacknall is in the mood for mischief. Entering Dublin's most notorious den of vice, she finds herself in the arms of a mysterious, emerald-eyed Irishman. And although he is masked, his tender kiss is hauntingly familiar.

Conlan McTeer, Duke of Adair, has come to Dublin to fight for a free Ireland. But he's suddenly reunited with the young Englishwoman who had once claimed his heart, and his passion turns from politics to pleasure. When their sizzling encounter brings danger to Anna's door, she must decide where her loyalties lie-and quickly. For someone will do whatever it takes to destroy Conlan . . . and anyone he dares to love.

Thanks to Laurel, Anna, and the good folks at Hachette Book Group, I have 5 copies of this intriguing book to giveaway. Be sure to check the guidelines at the end of the post for the giveaway.

Laurel tells how this second book in her “Daughters of Erin” series came about.

A while back, I read a book by Paul Collins called Sixpence House: Lost in a Town of Books that stated that a writer’s characters can no more take over a story than an eggplant can take over a kitchen.  I had to laugh at the image of a bossy eggplant marching into my kitchen (and I sort of wish it could take over in there, because I’m a terrible cook), but I have to disagree about the characters.

Sometimes we’re lucky enough to meet a character who comes so vividly to life in our imagination that their story must be told—and they insist it has to be told their way!  One such character for me was Lady Anna Blacknall.

Anna was the sister of Eliza Blacknall, the heroine of my first “Daughters of Erin” book, Countess of Scandal.  When I started writing that first novel, I knew Anna would have her own story, but I wasn’t sure yet what it would be.  Then I really “met” her, and she was so many things that I wish I could be: blond, tall, extroverted, a good card player.  Even worse—she was really nice.  She practically sat down by my desk and told me what her story would be.  I just had to find the right hero for her, and he presented himself as the dark, strong, mysterious Duke of Adair.  A good match for the passionate and rebellious Anna, and the two of them were more than a match for me.  She told me their love story, and I just had to keep up and write it all down just as she wanted. 

Writing Duchess of Sin was a wild ride, and I was so sorry to say goodbye to Anna and Conlan at The End!  (Luckily we’ll see them again in the third book, Lady of Seduction.  You can also find excerpts and historical background on the books at my website, http://laurelmckee.net.)

A bit of background on Laurel. She lives in Oklahoma with a menagerie of two cats, a Pug, and a bossy miniature poodle. She loves dance classes, collecting cheesy travel souvenirs, and watching the Food Network-even though she doesn't cook. Writing as Amanda McCabe, her books have been nominated for many awards, including the RITA Award, the Romantic Times BOOK Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the Booksellers Best, the National Readers Choice Award, and the Holt Medallion.

Now for the giveaway guidelines. To enter the giveaway, send an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) to me with the subject line reading, “Win DUCHESS OF SIN.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. The contest is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only and no post office box addresses can be accepted. In addition, Hachette is advising winners that they will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if they win the same title in two or more contests, they will receive only one copy of the title (or one set in the case of grouped giveaways) in the mail. (Winners here have always be great about letting me know if they have already won the book somewhere else so another winner can be selected. However, this announcement is something that has to be passed along from Hachette). And, just so you know, I don’t share the mailing information or use it for any other purpose. I have 5 copies of DUCHESS OF SIN to give away. The deadline to end this contest is 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 21.