Gillie Trewlove knows what a stranger’s kindness can mean, having been abandoned on a doorstep as a baby and raised by the woman who found her there. So, when suddenly faced with a soul in need at her door—or the alleyway by her tavern—Gillie doesn’t hesitate. But he’s no infant. He’s a grievously injured, distractingly handsome gentleman who doesn’t belong in Whitechapel, much less recuperating in Gillie’s bed . . .

Being left at the altar is humiliating; being rescued from thugs by a woman—albeit a brave and beautiful one—is the pièce de résistance to the Duke of Thornley’s extraordinarily bad day. After nursing him back from the brink, Gillie agrees to help him comb London’s darker corners for his wayward bride. But every moment together is edged with desire and has Thorne rethinking his choice of wife. Yet Gillie knows the aristocracy would never accept a duchess born in sin. Thorne, however, is determined to prove to her that no obstacle is insurmountable when a duke loves a woman.

About the Book

When a Duke Loves a Woman
by Lorraine Heath

Series
Sins For All Seasons

Genre
Adult
Historical Romance

Publisher
Avon Books

Publication Date
August 21, 2018

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Interview

Have you read anything that made you think differently about fiction?

The first romance I ever read, I read by mistake and it made me realize I had judged romance incorrectly. As a result, I’ve been more open to reading all sorts of romance sub-genres as well as reading other genres. I’ve pretty much stopped judging books by their covers or having any pre-conceived notions of what I’ll find between the covers.

What are the ethics of writing about historical figures?

I try to remain true to the times, to portraying people as they were then, but I also think it’s important to keep current day sensitivities in mind.

How do you select the names of your characters?

They usually just come to me as they are. Sometimes when I’m struggling with a character, I’ll realize that his/her name isn’t correct. And I might have to step back and take some time to think about what the name should be. I have a book of baby names that I bought when I first started writing. It’s torn and tattered, but I still use it when I’m searching for the right names.

If you didn’t write, what would you do for work?

If I wasn’t writing, I’d probably be an event coordinator. I love coordinating the Buns & Roses Romance Tea for Literacy each fall. This event benefits the Richardson Adult Literacy Center and we have romance authors come in each year to host tables during a Sunday afternoon tea. You can find more information about it at bunsandroses.org

Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?

I do not go in search of my book reviews but if one is sent to me, I’ll read it. I try to remain neutral, because reviews are people’s opinion or experience with the story and we all tend to bring our biases with us, even on a reading journey. I’ve had stories that some readers have loved while others have hated—and everyone is entitled to their own experience with the story.

What was your hardest scene to write?

At the time, every scene seems hard as I strive to ensure it accurately portrays the characters’ feelings but probably the most challenging was the heroine’s reveal in WHEN THE DUKE WAS WICKED because I was very conscientious regarding the sensitivity of the issue and wanted to ensure none of my readers who had experienced what Grace had were hurt or offended by the scene.

Do you Google yourself?

I do not. I’ll either see a lot of good stuff and get a big head or a lot of bad stuff and begin to doubt myself. I once took a yoga class where the instructor preached that we should keep our focus on our own mats and not worry about what was happening beyond our mat, so that’s become my philosophy: to concentrate on my writing and not get caught up with other distractions.

What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?

Wine, which would be quite the sacrifice because I truly enjoy a nice glass of wine.

What is your favorite childhood book?

The Witch of Blackbird Pond.

What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

Turning off the stories, characters, dialogue when I go to bed. I often wake up in the middle of the night with dialogue or a scene running through my mind and I have to get up and write it. I have a very strange sleep schedule.

Does your family support your career as a writer?

Absolutely. My husband long ago took on the responsibility of grocery shopping and helping out around the house so I’d have more time to write. My boys have always been encouraging.

If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?

I would have begun reading more at an earlier age. I’ve always loved writing and spent a good deal of time writing, but I never was much of a reader. One needs to read to improve as a writer.

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

About three months to get the draft into place but it takes considerably longer to get the story polished. Because I don’t outline before I start writing and am not always certain where the story is going to take me, the revision process is generally more involved than it might be for someone who does outline.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

I have a degree in psychology, so I understand people deal with things differently. I have no doubt some people struggle with their writing, but I just push ahead.

Tour Wide Giveaway

To celebrate the release of WHEN A DUKE LOVES A WOMAN by Lorraine Heath, we’re giving away three paperbacks copies of Beyond Scandal and Desire!

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to US shipping addresses only. Three winners will each receive a paperback copy of Beyond Scandal and Desire by Lorraine Heath. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 8/31/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copies out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address. Duplicates will be deleted. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

About Lorraine Heath

LORRAINE HEATH always dreamed of being a writer. After graduating from the University of Texas, she wrote training manuals, press releases, articles, and computer code, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she not only became hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She’s been writing about them ever since. Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards, including RWA’s prestigious RITA. Her novels have appeared on the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists.

This promotion is brought to you by Pure Textuality PR.