Vicky Dreiling: Fictional Families and Friends

One of the things I loved best when I first started reading historical romances were the friends and family members in the books I read. I remember how much I liked the wise grandparent or the loyal butler in the books. I especially enjoyed the interaction of family and friends. It’s little wonder that these special characters started showing up in my own books.

In What a Reckless Rogue Needs, Colin Brockhurst, Earl of Ravenshire and Lady Angeline Brenham have known each other all of their lives, but their relationship turned more than a little frigid years ago after an incident at a ball. In modern terms, we would call them frenemies. But once a year, their close families meet at a house party and neither are able to escape each other.

I had so much fun creating the various members of their families. I especially had fun with Colin’s twin step-sisters who are always into mischief. How could I not adore his sweet stepmother, and Angeline’s shy little sister?

Colin’s wily father, however, is one of my favorites. He’s determined to see his roguish son settle down with a wife. His methods may seem a trifle unreasonable, but his heart is in the right place.

I can’t ignore the furry family members. The twins have a pug puppy named Hercules who is in desperate need of training. Naturally the twins help him create even more havoc.

Not everything is fun and games. Beneath the surface, Angeline’s family is dealing with issues they find difficult to discuss openly. Unbeknownst to the parents, Colin and Angeline band together to help each other. Along the way, they fall madly, deeply in love.

Do you enjoy reading about families in historical romance novels?  Do you have a preference for certain family members such as grandparents, aunts, brothers, and sisters? Do these family members enhance your reading enjoyment?

Leave a comment telling me what you like about fictional families for a chance to win one copy of WHAT A RECKLESS ROGUE NEEDS (US Only please).  

Vicky Dreiling is a confirmed historical romance junkie and Anglophile. Frequent business trips to the UK allowed her to indulge her passion for all things Regency England. Bath, Stonehenge, and Spencer House are among her favorite places. She is, however, truly sorry for accidentally setting off a security alarm in Windsor Castle. That unfortunate incident led her British colleagues to nickname her “Trouble.” When she’s not writing, Vicky enjoys reading, films, concerts, and most of all, long lunches with friends. A native Texan, she holds degrees in English literature and marketing.  Visit her at: http://www.vickydreiling.com/

*** Vicky's winner is Laurie G! Please email totebag@authorsoundrelations.com with your mailing info.***