The lovely Lila (and she is—as are her kids and her adorable husband—they have cornered the market on cute) writes about fairy tales. I am living mine.
What, you say? Do I have princes and frogs and gnomes in my life? Of course. Doesn’t everybody? Seriously, the fact that I’m now a published author is as spectacular a fairy tale as ever was. I’ve toiled in my tower since 2003, and this year debuted with Maggie Robinson’s Mistress by Mistake from Kensington Brava and Margaret Rowe’s Tempting Eden from Berkley Heat.
Yes, there are two of me, one slightly naughtier and darker, as befits a walk on the wilder side of the forest (that would be Margaret). I’ve been enormously fortunate, and Maggie just sold two more books to Brava. That will bump up the total of MR/MR books to ten in the next couple of years. Surreal! Don’t tell me not to believe in happy endings—this is the sweetest way possible to ride into the sunset. I’m a little (oh, hell, a lot) older than the usual debutante, and I’m having the time of my life.
Brava is releasing the anthology Lords of Passion in December, and I’m thrilled to be sharing the title with romance legend Virginia Henley and Kate Pearce. My story in it, Not Quite a Courtesan features prim bluestocking Prudence Thorne, who loses her sense but discovers her sensuality in the arms of adventurer Darius Shaw. In January, the second Courtesan Court book, Mistress by Midnight comes out. My hero Con will do anything to get his childhood love Laurette back into his bed, even blackmail her into becoming his mistress. Back-to-back books! Both will also be featured alternate selections for the Rhapsody and Book of the Month Clubs.
I’ll give away an ARC of LOP today, as well as a copy of Margaret Rowe’s edgy, erotic Tempting Eden to a random commenter. To win, just click on over to the books page on www.maggierobinson.net, read the short excerpt of NQAC, and tell me what Pru’s romantic fantasy is. What’s yours?
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To win you must:
1. Answer Maggie’s questions below in your comment.
2. You MUST be a follower/subscriber of Lila DiPasqua’s blog (through Google Friend Connect).
3. Winner will be selected from a random commenter on SUNDAY.
NOTE: The more you comment on the posts during the month-long PRINCESS October Blog Party, the more points you earn toward winning a signed copy of the next in the sexy Fiery Tales series, THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED…plus SIGNED copies of Nora Roberts’ BLACK HILLS and Eloisa James’ A DUKE OF HER OWN!
Ways to increase your odds of winning are found at the very bottom of this blog.
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Good morning, Lila and friends! Thanks so much for having me here. I’ve been wrestling with my newsletter mailing list this Monday morning, so my fairy tale is a little ragged around the edges—there must be a wicked witch in the works, LOL.
Great to see you here, Maggie!
Everyone, enter this contest, you do NOT want to miss Maggie or Margaret’s books! She’s genius!
Good morning ,Maggie I have to say I loved Temping Eden.It was the first book I read of yours and it certainly won’t be the last.An awesome read. :” a vision came of him robed, riding an Arabian stallion, flashing a scimitar. And in the next second, she was beside him, veiled and warm from the desert sun. There would be sugared dates and roasted lamb at the oasis, and long lovemaking in a silken tent beneath a brilliant moon. They would whisper hours into the night, the gentle breeze beyond rattling the palm leaves”My fantasy has been to be… Read more »
I’m also a follower through GFC under Lucky47.
Carol L.
I’m a subscriber to Lila’s newsleter as well.
Carol L.
Hi ladies!
Maggie, it’s so great to have you here. I’m so glad our paths crossed and I got to meet you in person! Tiffany is right! Do enter this contest. A Maggie/Margaret book is a fantastic prize!
Hugs,
Lila
This comment went astray so I’m posting it here for her. Make sure you leave answers to Maggie’s questions here on the blog so we can include your name in the draw. 🙂
Cynthia vonHentschel
Making love to Mr. Shaw in a silken tent under a brightly shining moon.
Hi Maggie! Excellent post. Um, so I don’t forget: 1. Arabian nights (SOLD! Now, does your travel agency provide the good looking man with nice arms and scimitar?). Though if I’m completely honest, I’ll take anything with an alpha male and distant locale (non U.S.), especially if said alpha male has an accent.
I’ve got a couple of books of yours from Nationals, I think. That excerpt just moved them to the top of the pile. Thank you!
Tiff’s my critique partner–that’s what I pay her for, LOL.
Thanks so very much, Carol! Ah yes, a man in a kilt. My husband has Scottish ancestry, and we once purchased a bolt of cloth in Edinburgh–he was thinking pants, I was thiking kilt. Guess what—we use the fabric for a Christmas tree skirt, LOL.
Cynthia, I’ll enter you on my website contest too.*g*
Yay, Noelle! It’s always hard to figure out which excerpt to put up. Glad to know it worked! I love Darius and Pru—they were a blast to write.
Here is Pru’s fantasy: Instead, a vision came of him robed, riding an Arabian stallion, flashing a scimitar. And in the next second, she was beside him, veiled and warm from the desert sun. There would be sugared dates and roasted lamb at the oasis, and long lovemaking in a silken tent beneath a brilliant moon. They would whisper hours into the night, the gentle breeze beyond rattling the palm leaves. My fantasy has a Mr. Darcy-like hero.
Maggie what a great post. I guess we all have fantasy’s that change with age. I loved Pru’s idea of romance beneath the desert sky, her hero riding in on the Arabian stallion flashing that scimitar. It sounds very Rudolph Valentino – great last name for romance too. I am eagerly putting your book’s release on my calendar! My fantasy revolves around cowboys. Someone tall, broad shoulders,his eyes piercing blue that can see right to my heart. He raises his hand touches the brow of his Stetson and says Howdy ma’am. OY my knees would just melt.
Nan
mbreakfield, you can’t go wrong with Mr. Darcy! Tell me, Colin Firth or Matthew Whateverhisnameis?
Nan,did you read Jo Goodman’s recent historical Western? So, so good.There is something about a guy in broken-in jeans with a large…belt buckle. 😉
Hi, Maggie! You and your books are fabulous. I’m totally dittoing what Tiff said. If you haven’t read Maggie’s books before now, do so now!
As for romantic fantasies, I love any book that has a bathtub scene. I blame THE ENGLISH PATIENT. 😉
Pru’s fantasy:
“a vision came of him robed, riding an Arabian stallion, flashing a scimitar. And in the next second, she was beside him, veiled and warm from the desert sun. There would be sugared dates and roasted lamb at the oasis, and long lovemaking in a silken tent beneath a brilliant moon. They would whisper hours into the night, the gentle breeze beyond rattling the palm leaves.”
As for my own fantasy, I can’t really think of anything right now 🙂
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Throuthehaze, you can keep your fantasy secret! Those are the best kind anyhow. Thanks for commenting.
Ely, kisses and so many thanks. I have the best crit partners ever.
Pru’s Fantasya vision came of him robed, riding an Arabian stallion, flashing a scimitar. And in the next second, she was beside him, veiled and warm from the desert sun. There would be sugared dates and roasted lamb at the oasis, and long lovemaking in a silken tent beneath a brilliant moon. They would whisper hours into the night, the gentle breeze beyond rattling the palm leavesAs for mine i’m not 100% sure as i have so many 😛 But if i had to pick it would be a man coming to my rescue 🙂 Fan on Facebook +3Joined newsletter… Read more »
Pru’s fantasy is:
a vision came of him robed, riding an Arabian stallion, flashing a scimitar. And in the next second, she was beside him, veiled and warm from the desert sun. There would be sugared dates and roasted lamb at the oasis, and long lovemaking in a silken tent beneath a brilliant moon. They would whisper hours into the night, the gentle breeze beyond rattling the palm leaves.
My fantasy is a cowboy in chaps , tight jeans, a cowboy hat and boots.
I am a new follower. A vision came of him robed, riding an Arabian stallion, flashing a scimitar.And in the next second, she was beside him, veiled and warm from the desert sun. There would be sugared dates and roasted lamb at the oasis, and long lovemaking in a silken tent beneath a brilliant moon. They would whisper hours into the night, the gentle breeze beyond rattling the palm leaves.I would say for me on an island alone with a beautiful beach & sunset & lots of fruit. I just got your Mistake By mistake book. I love all your… Read more »
Thanks to MR/MR, as a ‘newbie’ writer, I found your blog post very encouraging.
Lila, I am looking forward to your month long blog party and to reading your newest release. Great job!
Carina Hawker
Pru’s fantasy:“a vision came of him robed, riding an Arabian stallion, flashing a scimitar. And in the next second, she was beside him, veiled and warm from the desert sun. There would be sugared dates and roasted lamb at the oasis, and long lovemaking in a silken tent beneath a brilliant moon. They would whisper hours into the night, the gentle breeze beyond rattling the palm leaves.” My fantasy would be to go out to a beach or boat and have a candle light dinner. also i wanted to have music to dance to i would wear a beautful white… Read more »
Pru’s fantasy:“a vision came of him robed, riding an Arabian stallion, flashing a scimitar. And in the next second, she was beside him, veiled and warm from the desert sun. There would be sugared dates and roasted lamb at the oasis, and long lovemaking in a silken tent beneath a brilliant moon. They would whisper hours into the night, the gentle breeze beyond rattling the palm leaves.” And as for my fantasy….. Gerard Butler in a kilt and brandishing a sword. He sees me, his eyes sparkle and a cheeky smile plays on his lips. ‘Ah, Me Lady’ he whispers.… Read more »
What a wonderful post, Maggie. I haven’t read your books but this excerpt has me adding your name to my list of must-have authors. It’s always such a treat to find a new author. As for Pru’s fantasy – so very Rudolf Valentino – “…she was beside him, veiled and warm from the desert sun. There would be sugared dates and roasted lamb at the oasis, and long lovemaking in a silken tent beneath a brilliant moon. They would whisper hours into the night, the gentle breeze beyond rattling the palm leaves.”
Carolyn
Elizabeth, a damsel in distress! Always a popular plot. Who doesn’t want Prince Charming to ride up ans sweep us away? Crystal, Yeehaw! Nothing like a sweet home on the range with your man. Kats, you and I share a similar fantasy—that private island where one’s every need is tended to. Jeez, I’m starting to get inspired here, LOL. Carina, I feel so lucky! I truly believe if you stick to it, you’ll be successful. It took me a good (or bad, actually) three years of writing before I knew what I was doing. I got my fabulous agent in… Read more »
Hi Maggie dear! You write the most unforgettable stories, thank you! And who better to start Lila’s party! Pru’s fantasy: “a vision came of him robed, riding an Arabian stallion, flashing a scimitar. And in the next second, she was beside him, veiled and warm from the desert sun. There would be sugared dates and roasted lamb at the oasis, and long lovemaking in a silken tent beneath a brilliant moon. They would whisper hours into the night, the gentle breeze beyond rattling the palm leaves.” I am living my fantasy: to live in Hawaii with the love of my… Read more »
Aloha, Mrsshukra! It’s just another day in Paradise for you, isn’t it? I’m so glad you’re living your fantasy too. Fairy tales can come true. 🙂
Her fantasy is to have Mr. Shaw come riding up on a horse dressed as an Arabian with a flowing robe, flashing a scimitar. They would next be dining on sumptuous foods while spending a little carnal time together getting hot and heavy….wooo…fan me down.
My fantasy is a high powered businessman taking away all my life stresses while romancing me–ala Pretty Woman–minus me being a prostitute of course.
I’m a GFC follower.
joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com
Hi, Maggie! Here’s Pru’s fantasy: “Somehow Pru could not see this man at the center of domestic tranquility, surrounded by dogs and children. Instead, a vision came of him robed, riding an Arabian stallion, flashing a scimitar. And in the next second, she was beside him, veiled and warm from the desert sun. There would be sugared dates and roasted lamb at the oasis, and long lovemaking in a silken tent beneath a brilliant moon. They would whisper hours into the night, the gentle breeze beyond rattling the palm leaves.” My fantasy has always been set in the American Old… Read more »
Pru’s Fantasy:
She was picturing poor Mr. Shaw as some sort of Desert Sheikh–complete with scimitar and an oasis.
My own Fantasy?
Um well its silly but I’ve always wanted to believe that ‘love at first sight’ is possible? I just want to be going about my day and suddenly a guy passes by me or I see him in a store I’m always at and its like kismet. I won’t be embarrassed and unable to form a word, I won’t turn so red I feel faint…it will just magically work out somehow.
Lexie C (USA)
GFC follower!
Lexie.Cenni(@)gmail.com
Happy Blog Party! 3rd attempt to post (ACK!). Here we go.
Pru’s fantasy is to have her robed “vision” approach riding an Arabian stallion. When she is suddenly “beside him” I think this means he must have scooped her up and placed her on the saddle in front of him….. and they rode off together to their silken tent” Sounds pretty hot!!
That’s my new fantasy (they change daily!)..LOL!
Pru’s fantasy: “a vision came of him robed, riding an Arabian stallion, flashing a scimitar. And in the next second, she was beside him, veiled and warm from the desert sun. There would be sugared dates and roasted lamb at the oasis, and long lovemaking in a silken tent beneath a brilliant moon. They would whisper hours into the night, the gentle breeze beyond rattling the palm leaves.”
Mine: on the beach; still sandy but with warm ocean water nearby.
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Joder, you made me laugh. Pretty Woman is the ultimate Cinderella story.
Sheree, another beach girl! Yes! Love in the dunes…
Kathy, yes, you may borrow Pru’s fantasy today. 🙂
Lexie, I shouldn’t tell you, but my husband and I disliked each other at first sight, but we’ve been married a long, long time.
Virginia, I too like the strong silent type. (I married him after I stopped disliking him—see above*g*)
Hi Prue’s erotic fantasy is Darius robed, riding an Arabian stallion, flashing a scimitar. And in the next second, she is beside him, veiled and warm from the desert sun. There would be sugared dates and roasted lamb at the oasis, and long lovemaking in a silken tent beneath a brilliant moon. They would whisper hours into the night, the gentle breeze beyond rattling the palm leaves. Yummy excerpt, I LOVE that Darius is an importer of erotic pieces. My own erotic fantasy is an Indiana Jonesey type. We’re both Metal Detectorists and ater a hard day digging at a… Read more »
Prue’s fantasy is of Mr. Shaw robed, riding an arabian horse, with a scimtar in hand. She is hot and veiled and somehow they end up in a silken tent surrounded by yummy foods. They end up making love all night long underneath the moon!
My fantasy? I’m not telling to naughty to write about! LOL!
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Pru’s Fantasy ” a vision came of him robed, riding an Arabian stallion, flashing a scimitar. And in the next second, she was beside him, veiled and warm from the desert sun. There would be sugared dates and roasted lamb at the oasis, and long lovemaking in a silken tent beneath a brilliant moon. They would whisper hours into the night, the gentle breeze beyond rattling the palm leaves”
and My fantasy would be a Highlander with the Scottish accent and all.
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Maggie — what a wonderful excerpt, I’m hooked! 🙂 Pru’s fantasy works for me 😉 “Somehow Pru could not see this man at the center of domestic tranquility, surrounded by dogs and children. Instead, a vision came of him robed, riding an Arabian stallion, flashing a scimitar. And in the next second, she was beside him, veiled and warm from the desert sun. There would be sugared dates and roasted lamb at the oasis, and long lovemaking in a silken tent beneath a brilliant moon. They would whisper hours into the night, the gentle breeze beyond rattling the palm leaves.”… Read more »
Mindy, sounds like you have to write that book. 😉
Gamistress66, thanks so much! There’s a fair amount of hot stuff going on between Pru and Darius all thru the story.
Johanna, I’m all for naughty fantasies!
vhubler, I need to go back to Scotland for “research.” The last time I was there, I had no plans to write…road trip!
Thanks everyone for stopping by! And a great big thanks to Maggie/Margaret for being such a lovely guest! I *have* to get my hands on LOP and read the rest of Not Quite a Courtesan. Loved the excerpt!
Hugs,
Lila
Hi, Maggie, wow, that was quite the excerpt! I so enjoyed it.
All the talk about fantasies has me thinking of my own over-the-top fantasy of engaging in some delicious romps with Dr. McSteamy, Gerald Butler, Jack Hughman and Daniel Craig in that exact order for a few hours of unbridled lust letting…lol. Sigh, it’s wonderful to have fantasies, isn’t it. Romance writers, especially historical romance authors are the best at creating perfect escapism.
Thank you, Maggie/Margaret and Lila for being one of ‘those’ authors that write the stories we all can completely lose ourselves in.
Mary
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(it posted my comment when I wasn’t even done yet >___>) Hi Maggie! Hi Lila!! here I am trying out my luck… Pur appears to have a desert fantasy of Shaw with “a vision came of him robed, riding an Arabian stallion, flashing a scimitar. And in the next second, she was beside him, veiled and warm from the desert sun. There would be sugared dates and roasted lamb at the oasis, and long lovemaking in a silken tent beneath a brilliant moon. They would whisper hours into the night, the gentle breeze beyond rattling the palm leaves.” My fantasy?… Read more »
Hi Camille! Great to see you! Best of luck…Oh, and your fantasy brings to mind pages 165-179 in my first book in the Fiery Tales series, AWAKENED BY A KISS (out now). It, too, involves a library, a desk—and a very hot hero named Nicolas. 😉
Hugs,
Lila
Hi Lila 😀 thanks for replying- I forgot to mention I already have your book and I’ve read it er-more than 5 times now LOL And omgosh yes it does! Have to say my favorite story is Elisabeth’s and Tristan’s (who’s my fave of your heroes though it’s hard to choose!)
xoxo
*crosses fingers and toes*
Hey Maggie,
Even using the cloth as a Christmas tree skirt still begs the question of either “What’s under the kilt” or “What’s under your tree ” lol lol
Carol L.
You’ve put a big smile on my face–thanks to your lovely comment, Camille! I’m sooo delighted you enjoyed the book that much. Hugs!
Carol L—LOL!!!!
It sounds like such a good read, Maggie. Would love to check it out 🙂
Pru’s fantasy: a vision came of him robed, riding an Arabian stallion, flashing a scimitar. And in the next second, she was beside him, veiled and warm from the desert sun. There would be sugared dates and roasted lamb at the oasis, and long lovemaking in a silken tent beneath a brilliant moon. They would whisper hours into the night, the gentle breeze beyond rattling the palm leaves.
My fantasy is any man who’s your courageous “knight in shining armor” type!
Have a lovely day!
Stephanie
http://thestephanieloves.blogspot.com
Great Post Maggie! I think it is awesome that you are getting to live your dream.I’ve had the chance to read Tempting Eden and quite enjoyed it. Definitely not your run of the mill historical. I am looking forward to more of your work as Maggie and Margaret. I loved the excerpt! Already wanting to read more about Pru and Mr. Shaw… she was imagining him as an Arabian Knight complete with robe, horse, sword, oasis, and siken tent. Hmm well I do a lot of reading so have a lot fantasies lol. One of which involves being whisked away… Read more »
My Darcy would have to be more Colin Firth-like. I never quite got Matthew MacFadyen as Darcy.
Can I have Pru’s fantasy as my own, because that one is pretty fantastic! I would love to long lovemaking under a moonlight night with lots of stars (and great food) and heartfelt whispers in the quite of the night are the BEST! Minus any bugs, critters, creepy crawlies…did I mention that I could never actually sleep outdoors even if it is in a fabulous tent because of that? I think that’s why it’s such a great fantasy…not to mention the fantastic lovemaking bit 🙂 Congrats Maggie! I can’t wait to read your short story in Lords of Passion. I… Read more »