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.***

Vicky Dreiling: The Rules in Regency England

The idea for HOW TO SEDUCE A SCOUNDREL originated the afternoon my daughter and I watched the movie He’s Just Not That Into You. The vulnerability of the couples negotiating the complicated modern dating scene really grabbed me. After seeing the movie, I recalled that controversial how-to book The Rules. I bought a copy and to my surprise, I learned that The Rules is based on the advice of a grandmother who received numerous proposals back in 1917. When I read that, I just couldn’t resist writing a Regency-era version.

In HOW TO SEDUCE A SCOUNDREL, my hero Hawk reluctantly agrees to be the guardian for his best friend’s sister Lady Julianne for the season. Hawk and Julianne have known one another since she was a little girl. But in the year since he last set eyes on her, Julianne has undergone a subtle womanly transformation, and she’s acquired a bit more polish. Hawk is a bit taken aback at first, but he’s determined to think of her as his ward. After all, a friend’s sister is forbidden. He has no idea that Julianne is determined to win his heart.

Matters go awry when Hawk denies his attraction to her after a steamy waltz. Julianne is at first heartbroken, but soon she’s angry that he would toy with her. Determined to get even, Julianne secretly pens a pamphlet advising young ladies how to entice determined bachelors to the altar. Needless to say the notorious pamphlet creates quite the scandal.

I had a blast writing HOW TO SEDUCE A SCOUNDREL. It was especially fun to watch Hawk try to deal with his growing attraction to Julianne. But best of all, I loved their happy ending.

Thanks for stopping by to visit with me!  I will give away a copy of HOW TO SEDUCE A SCOUNDREL to one commenter US & CA only.

Vicky Dreiling is the bestselling author of HOW TO MARRY A DUKE and HOW TO SEDUCE A SCOUNDREL. She’s also a historical romance junkie, anglophile, and yes, she really did set off an alarm in Windsor Castle.  To learn more about Vicky’s books and listen to her playlists, visit her website: http://www.vickydreiling.com/index.php