Kathy: This tour celebrates the 25th Anniversary edition of My Heart's Desire. How has your life as a writer changed since the first publication?
AK: There’s been an enormity of change in my writing world since the 1991 publication of My Heart’s Desire. The biggest change, of course, is the onset and growth of the Internet. I no longer have to carry around baby naming books (which caused my entire neighborhood to think I was perpetually pregnant.) in order to find the perfect names for my characters. I no longer have to buy obscure out-of-print reference books and wait months for them to arrive in order to continue telling my story. I can look up details at the drop of a hat, determine their authenticity, and implement them. I can email quick questions to my consultants and get answers ASAP, rather than playing phone tag. The list goes on and on. The things that never change are the heart and soul I put into each book, the human element that bring my characters to life, and the mental energy that conjures up plot. So the process changed, but the creation stayed the same.
Kathy: What made you decide to add "new author content"?
AK: After 25 years of my devoted readers’ enjoying Alex’s and Drake’s story, I wanted to give something back by making this anniversary edition special. So I added a piece of myself to the equation. I shared behind-the-scenes stories of the writing of My Heart’s Desire, together with some fun antics that I hope you’ll all grin over!
Kathy: Historical romances require an extra special brand of research. What's your favorite method to research this time period?
AK: My very favorite research method was my trip to England, where I visited all the places my characters lived in, loved in, and traveled to. There’s nothing like the wonder of firsthand experience, and some of the natural beauty of London and the surrounding shires have stayed the same, as have the historical wonders. I truly reveled in it.
Kathy: What first drew you to romances?
AK: I’ve read romances since I can remember. I loved the beauty, the emotion, and most of all, the happily-ever-after. Transitioning into writing those kinds of stories (with a mix of my other love—mystery suspense) was a natural step, and I’ve never stopped feeling blessed for having that chance.
Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?
AK: I’m currently writing suspense thrillers, and I’m totally into doing so. I get to write the same strong characters, the same complex plots, just with more emphasis on the suspense and less on the romance. But relationships are and will always be a huge part of my novels, no matter what those relationships are or what genre I write in.
Kathy: Tell us about your book.
AK: As the cover of My Heart’s Desire states: “Never were there two more unlikely people to fall in love”. Lady Alexandria Cassel stows away on a merchant ship to seek adventure and to escape the boredom and expectations of her first London Season. And Drake Barrett, the Duke of Allonshire, just happens to be the captain of that ship as he valiantly attempts to escape the hypocrisy of that very same aristocratic world. An electric meeting. A combustible courtship. A battle at sea. A deserted island where they’re stranded together. And a threat on their lives that could end it all. Alex and Drake go through all that and more as they find something in each other they never expected. Oh, and you’ll also meet Drake’s sister, Samantha, who has a book of her own being re-released with new author material in October.
Kathy: Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why?
AK: I could never choose a favorite character. I love them all (or hate them!), each for different reasons. If I didn’t, I couldn’t put my heart into writing them.
Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for this story?
AK: I’d read so many stories set in Regency England with traditional heroines. I had the persistent desire to write an independent hellion with a mind of her own and a plan to match it. And I had a pretty good idea of how she’d meet her match—one who turned out to be the love of her life.
Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?
AK: I’ve been telling stories in my head since I was two, and reading since I was three. I’ve been writing since I could hold a pencil. I always dreamed of being a published author. I did everything I could to make it happen. Again, I feel very blessed that my dream came true (and continues to!).
Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?
AK: Daphne du Maurier, Robert Ludlum, Jane Austen, and Dorothy Parker.
Kathy: What are you currently reading?
AK: Nora Roberts’ novel The Obsession.
Kathy: Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us?
AK: I love crossword puzzles and Sudoku. Actually, I love word games in general. I also love old movies, especially watching them with my family. I’m a diehard New York Yankees fan, and I watch every one of their games, win or lose. Most of all, I play with my Pomeranian, Mischief, who demands every second of my time. It’s like having a toddler all over again. I absolutely adore him (even if he does try his hardest to keep me from writing)!!
Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry.
AK: Ice cream, ice cream, ice cream, and ice cream.
Kathy: Do you have plans for future books?
AK: My first excitement will be in October with the re-release of Samantha, the sequel to My Heart’s Desire. Sammy made a huge splash in Alex’s and Drake’s book, and she’s off to live her own unique and romantic adventures. Simultaneously, I’m continuing to write my suspense thriller Forensic Instincts series, so I’m one busy writer!
Kathy: What's your favorite thing about being an author?
AK: Doing what I love and getting the wonderful reactions from my readers. I’m so grateful for both those gifts.
****************************************************************************
Review
MY HEART'S DESIRE by Andrea Kane
Lady Alexandria Cassel scorns the ton and all it stands for so she
decides to leave England just before her first Season and visit her
father who is working in Canada. Perhaps there Alex will be free to find
her heart's desire. However, she continues her unconventional plan in a
most unconventional manner. Taking no extra clothing, let alone a
servant, Alex pens a hasty note to her mother, and stows aboard a
Canadian bound ship. What she doesn't realize is that Captain Drake
Barrett of said ship happens to be Lord Cairnham, one of the most elite
members of the ton, who also holds that society in disdain.
As Duke keeps his identity quiet, Alex charms the rest of the men and slowly begins to melt Duke's icy heart. A happy ending however will be made more difficult by secrets, as well as Duke's treacherous younger brother, Alex's cold father, an upcoming war, and a ship caught in the crosshairs.
As Duke keeps his identity quiet, Alex charms the rest of the men and slowly begins to melt Duke's icy heart. A happy ending however will be made more difficult by secrets, as well as Duke's treacherous younger brother, Alex's cold father, an upcoming war, and a ship caught in the crosshairs.
Although I primarily read cozy mysteries now, when MY HEART'S DESIRE was first published I was mainly reading romances. I'm actually surprised I had not read this book as I love Regencies as much as paranormal romances (my mainstay 25 years ago). A lot has changed since this book was first written, but I am pleased to stay this novel has stood the test of time. MY HEART'S DESIRE is a fun read with characters you love, danger, and laughs too.
MY HEART'S DESIRE is an exciting trip back in time. Fraught with danger and desire our couple face adversity and each other with determination and love. The writing is crisp and clean, the is plot interesting, and the characters are well developed. MY HEART'S DESIRE is a fun read that reminds me why I enjoy reading romance novels.
My Heart’s Desire by Andrea Kane on Tour September 2016
Book Details
Genre: Historical Romance
Published by: Bonnie Meadow Publishing LLC
Publication Date: September 20, 2016
Number of Pages: ~ 402
Series: Book 1 in "Barrett Family Series"
Purchase My Heart’s Desire at: Amazon Barnes & Noble or Add it to your reading list on: Goodreads
Synopsis:
Lady Alexandria Cassel scorned London's frivolous social whirl, seeking adventure as a stowaway aboard a merchant ship. Drake Barrett was the vessel's powerful captain—and a cynical duke who disdained a noble's shallow life. At sea he revealed neither his origins nor his wealth, and to Alexandria he was simply a man who made her cool reserve fly with the winds… whose desire for her was as wild as the ocean they sailed.
Caught in the crossfire of war, they were shipwrecked on an idyllic island, where they tasted perfect passion… and tenderness. But Drake dreaded the day of their rescue—when his love would discover that the virile man she adored was at the pinnacle of the aristocracy she despised. Hardly did they suspect the base treachery that would soon threaten them… and the dangers each would brave to join forever their hearts and lives!
Caught in the crossfire of war, they were shipwrecked on an idyllic island, where they tasted perfect passion… and tenderness. But Drake dreaded the day of their rescue—when his love would discover that the virile man she adored was at the pinnacle of the aristocracy she despised. Hardly did they suspect the base treachery that would soon threaten them… and the dangers each would brave to join forever their hearts and lives!
Read an excerpt:
"WHAT DID YOU DO WITH MY CLOTHES?"
No storm could be as fierce as the one that raged in Alexandria’s flashing eyes as she faced Drake across the cabin. Her expression was murderous, her small hands clenched at her sides, her tone lethal.
Drake closed the door behind him with a firm click. “By ‘your clothes’ I presume you mean that dusty gown and shredded chemise you discarded on my cabin floor?” He leaned nonchalantly against the wall, regarding her with amusement.
Alex was too angry to be shocked at his casual mention of her undergarment. “You know damned well what clothes I mean!”
“Now, now … such language, my lady. I am truly shocked.”
She looked as though she might strike him.
“I demand that you return my things at once!”
His brows went up. “You demand? Careful, princess, your snobbish airs are showing. Remember, on this ship the only one who demands is me.” He crossed the room, ignoring her as if she were no more than an annoying child.
She stepped in front of him, blocking his way.
“Did you want something, my lady?” He paused, studying her livid expression. She was as transparent as glass, her anger and exasperation clearly evident on her beautiful face.
Drake grinned. “Your clothes are no longer with us.”
The color in her face deepened. “What?”
“They were torn from your adventure.”
“Liar!” she shot back. “There was no reason for you to discard them … at least not for the reason you just gave.”
Her accusing tone made him chuckle. “You are quite correct, princess. The real reason is that I cannot have you parading around in your finery. My men are already lusting after you quite openly. We wouldn’t want to further intoxicate their senses, now would we?”
“The only one on this ship who has treated me with any disrespect is you!” she retorted.
“Then be grateful that I have limited you to men’s attire. Perhaps you will be safe from my lecherous advances.”
Drake moved away, and Alex turned her back as he took off his shirt and tossed it carelessly onto the chair. Tossing his breeches next to his shirt, he put an end to her torment by climbing into his berth.
The cabin was silent. Drake could sense Alex’s presence nearby, and he knew instinctively that she was not in bed.
“Princess?”
He heard her jump. “What is it?”
He cleared his throat. “Is there some problem?”
“No … yes …” She paused. “May I use your basin and some water to wash the dirt from my face?”
Drake smiled in the darkness. “Go right ahead. And, princess … if you can find your way around in the dark, help yourself to one of my shirts. They are clean and more than large enough to protect your modesty.”
Again, silence. Then, “Thank you, Captain.”
Her bare feet padded across the room. Drake listened to her opening the heavy chest, taking out one of his shirts, and slipping it on. Splashing sounds told him she was washing, followed by her soft footsteps as she returned to her cot. Then a thud and a cry of pain.
Drake was out of bed in an instant, moving toward the sound of her choked cry.
“Alexandria? What is it?”
“I walked into the cot,” she whimpered.
“Are you badly hurt?”
In truth she was not. It had been a sudden painful blow, yet already the pain was subsiding to a dull throb. But it was more than she could withstand after her emotionally taxing day. Hot tears filled her eyes, spilled down her cheeks. Try though she would, she could not control the sobs that shook her.
“I’m sorry,” she gasped. “I never cry … and it is not that bad a bruise … I just can’t …” She shook her head helplessly, covering her eyes with trembling hands.
There was no forethought. Drake reacted instantly, pulling her into his arms.
“Shhh,” he soothed, pressing her head against his chest. He felt her tears drenching his bare skin, her narrow shoulders shaking. “It’s all right, sweetheart … don’t cry,” he murmured, raising her chin with his forefinger, wishing he could see her face. He stroked his other hand down her back, pressing her closer to him.
They became aware of each other at the same moment. He was totally naked. She was clad only in a thin white shirt. She needed comfort. He needed more.
No storm could be as fierce as the one that raged in Alexandria’s flashing eyes as she faced Drake across the cabin. Her expression was murderous, her small hands clenched at her sides, her tone lethal.
Drake closed the door behind him with a firm click. “By ‘your clothes’ I presume you mean that dusty gown and shredded chemise you discarded on my cabin floor?” He leaned nonchalantly against the wall, regarding her with amusement.
Alex was too angry to be shocked at his casual mention of her undergarment. “You know damned well what clothes I mean!”
“Now, now … such language, my lady. I am truly shocked.”
She looked as though she might strike him.
“I demand that you return my things at once!”
His brows went up. “You demand? Careful, princess, your snobbish airs are showing. Remember, on this ship the only one who demands is me.” He crossed the room, ignoring her as if she were no more than an annoying child.
She stepped in front of him, blocking his way.
“Did you want something, my lady?” He paused, studying her livid expression. She was as transparent as glass, her anger and exasperation clearly evident on her beautiful face.
Drake grinned. “Your clothes are no longer with us.”
The color in her face deepened. “What?”
“They were torn from your adventure.”
“Liar!” she shot back. “There was no reason for you to discard them … at least not for the reason you just gave.”
Her accusing tone made him chuckle. “You are quite correct, princess. The real reason is that I cannot have you parading around in your finery. My men are already lusting after you quite openly. We wouldn’t want to further intoxicate their senses, now would we?”
“The only one on this ship who has treated me with any disrespect is you!” she retorted.
“Then be grateful that I have limited you to men’s attire. Perhaps you will be safe from my lecherous advances.”
Drake moved away, and Alex turned her back as he took off his shirt and tossed it carelessly onto the chair. Tossing his breeches next to his shirt, he put an end to her torment by climbing into his berth.
The cabin was silent. Drake could sense Alex’s presence nearby, and he knew instinctively that she was not in bed.
“Princess?”
He heard her jump. “What is it?”
He cleared his throat. “Is there some problem?”
“No … yes …” She paused. “May I use your basin and some water to wash the dirt from my face?”
Drake smiled in the darkness. “Go right ahead. And, princess … if you can find your way around in the dark, help yourself to one of my shirts. They are clean and more than large enough to protect your modesty.”
Again, silence. Then, “Thank you, Captain.”
Her bare feet padded across the room. Drake listened to her opening the heavy chest, taking out one of his shirts, and slipping it on. Splashing sounds told him she was washing, followed by her soft footsteps as she returned to her cot. Then a thud and a cry of pain.
Drake was out of bed in an instant, moving toward the sound of her choked cry.
“Alexandria? What is it?”
“I walked into the cot,” she whimpered.
“Are you badly hurt?”
In truth she was not. It had been a sudden painful blow, yet already the pain was subsiding to a dull throb. But it was more than she could withstand after her emotionally taxing day. Hot tears filled her eyes, spilled down her cheeks. Try though she would, she could not control the sobs that shook her.
“I’m sorry,” she gasped. “I never cry … and it is not that bad a bruise … I just can’t …” She shook her head helplessly, covering her eyes with trembling hands.
There was no forethought. Drake reacted instantly, pulling her into his arms.
“Shhh,” he soothed, pressing her head against his chest. He felt her tears drenching his bare skin, her narrow shoulders shaking. “It’s all right, sweetheart … don’t cry,” he murmured, raising her chin with his forefinger, wishing he could see her face. He stroked his other hand down her back, pressing her closer to him.
They became aware of each other at the same moment. He was totally naked. She was clad only in a thin white shirt. She needed comfort. He needed more.
Author Bio:
With her signature style, Kane creates unforgettable characters and confronts them with life-threatening danger. As a master of suspense, she weaves them into exciting, carefully-researched stories, pushing them to the edge—and keeping her readers up all night.
Kane’s beloved historical romantic suspense novels include My Heart’s Desire, Samantha, The Last Duke, and Wishes in the Wind.
With a worldwide following of passionate readers, her books have been published in more than twenty languages.
Kane lives in New Jersey with her husband and family. She’s an avid crossword puzzle solver and a diehard Yankees fan. Otherwise, she’s either writing or playing with her Pomeranian, Mischief, who does his best to keep her from writing.
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