Lorraine Heath (In Want of a Viscount, A Tempest of Desire) | Forced Proximity Interview
Massage addictions, no trope temptations, and more!
I’m still a little bit pinching myself I got to speak with THE Lorraine Heath, one of the first historical romance authors I read, an author whose deep backlist gave me equal parts terror and delighted anticipation. Not a day goes by without me thinking about The Duchess Hunt (hence my phrasing of the first question on my list, which Ms. Heath knocked out of the dang park).
Please enjoy the following interview, and make sure to pre-order your copy of her latest, A Tempest of Desire, out Christmas Eve!
Forced Proximity: Thanks so much for agreeing to do an interview! Please introduce yourself, as if you’re auditioning for a duke who has put an ad in the paper for a wife.
Lorraine Heath: Thank you so much for inviting me. And what an intriguing first question. Here’s my attempt at it:
My Dearest Duke,
You would find that I will make an excellent wife. During the daylight hours, you will be able to do as you please because I’ll be in a cave frantically writing about love and romance. I have already told a little over 80 stories. During the evening hours, I shall be all yours. Except when I’m on deadline—you will see me hardly at all during that time. I will call upon you to assist me with dialogue and historical facts. We will go on many adventures searching for the ghosts in your ancestors’ closets. I’m sure we will find some hidden gems regarding your legacy. All fodder for my work. I don’t cook, clean, or grocery shop. I spend most of my hours in sweatpants and t-shirts. You may dress the same, ensuring you have a cozy and comfortable existence. I look forward to being your bride.
With all sincerity,
Lorraine
Editor’s note: additional thank you to Lorraine Heath for fully playing along with my silly get-to-know-you prompt. If the duke won’t have you, it’s his loss 1000% over
How would you explain your latest book to a non-romance reader?
In Want of a Viscount is the story of an ambitious American woman struggling to keep her factory open. She comes to England searching for investors but is sidetracked when she becomes intimately involved with a viscount.
How would you explain it to a regular reader of romance?
American Leonora Garrison has come to England in desperate search of investors to keep her family business afloat but instead finds surprising pleasure when she visits an exclusive ladies’ club and dares to kiss a stranger, who leaves her yearning for more. With a libertine for a father, Viscount Wyeth, more commonly known as Rook, vowed to live his life above reproach, with nary a hint of disgrace.
Until one night, he takes a mysterious beauty into his arms, a lady who tempts him to cast his sterling reputation aside in favor of more wicked pursuits.
When fate reunites the couple, they are torn between desire and duty. Leonora may want the viscount, but she needs a stakeholder not a lover. When caught in a compromising situation that places everything they hold dear at risk, they must determine how best to win. However, in this scandalous game, nothing except love takes all.
What’s something you wish you knew at the beginning of your writing career?
When I was offered my first contract it was for 1 historical book. Three months later, I had a second contact for 1 historical book and thought I was well on my way. I turned down an invite to write a novella for an anthology and didn’t pursue an opportunity to write contemporaries for Harlequin when they expressed an interest in me doing so. Had I realized at the time what a rollercoaster ride a publishing career can be, I would have pursued those other avenues rather than having all my eggs in one basket.
What has surprised you about writing professionally?
The readers. Their devotion to the romance genre and its authors. Their excitement. They truly serve as an inspiration every time I sit down to write.
What’s your writing routine, if you have one? How do you find yourself at your most creative?
I usually begin my day with a cup of tea at my computer, catching up on email or working on graphics or my website. Then I write for a few hours. But I like to write mostly late at night, when the house is still and quiet. I’ll put on a thunderstorm CD, dim the lights, and write.
What hobbies do you have outside of work that aren’t literature-related?
I’m a massage addict. I also enjoy going to casinos, traveling, and trying new restaurants.
Which of the Chessmen couples would you most like to be forced into proximity with? Why?
That’s a tough one. I like them all. But if I had to choose, I’d probably go with Knight and Regina from The Notorious Lord Knightly. I’d love to talk writing with Regina and watch Knight’s devotion to Regina.
What’s a book you’ve read recently and loved?
My Season of Scandal by Julie Anne Long. Although to be honest, there isn’t a single JAL book that I haven’t loved. She’s so poetic. There’s a beautiful rhythm to her stories.
Is there a romance trope that’s an auto-read for you? What about one you’re suspicious of unless a favorite author tries it out?
I don’t really pay attention to tropes when I’m searching for something to read. I do read blurbs but I don’t identify what the trope might be. I just envision the entire description.
What’s a misconception about traditional publishing that early career writers often have, and what’s the truth?
That careers blast off with one book. Certainly that has been known to happen but for most writers it’s a long game, publishing book after book after book, picking up a few more readers with each release. You have to be persistent, dependable, and patient.
What else do you want readers to know about you and your work, if anything?
Next up is A Tempest of Desire which will hit the shelves on Christmas Eve. It involves a hermit hero who lives on an island and a hot air balloon riding heroine who gets caught in a storm and ends up on the island—with no way to get off it until the storm ends. Oh, and there’s only one bed.
Thank you so much again to Lorraine Heath! Find her online on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and her website.
Next week, I’ll be recommending books with politics at the center (because clearly all of us LOVE election season) (sidenote… are you registered to vote? You better be!).
What should I be reading next? Let me know in the comments!
I won a free book from Lorraine Heath years ago, and I still remember my (brief) interactions with her. She's so kind and gracious! I'll be putting the new book on my TBR list.