Guest Author and Giveaway with Miranda Neville...........

Today I would like to welcome author Miranda Neville to Book Junkie. She is here celebrating her latest release, The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton, a historical romance novel being released by Harper Collins on July 26th. Please give Miranda a warm welcome, enjoy the interview and don't forget to enter the contest!!

1. If someone were writing a story about Miranda Neville what would your blurb say?
“A woman of surpassing genius.” No, seriously, I’d like to be described as a writer of entertaining and sexy historical romances that are a little out of the usual in their approach, but deliver the emotional satisfaction and happy endings that readers crave.

2. Can you tell us a little about your newest release THE AMOROUS EDUCATION OF CELIA SEATON that isn't in the blurb?
I have to say that I adore the blurb for this book, and that hasn’t been so for all of them. But it’s only a tiny sketch, a teaser for a nearly 400 page novel. Tarquin Compton is a dandy, the most fashionable man in London and one who holds terrible power in the social realm. Celia is one of his victims so when she finds him robbed, helpless and amnesiac, she can’t help taking a little revenge. But Tarquin is a very different man when he’d stripped of his snooty persona (not to mention his fine clothes). Tarquin and Celia share an idyllic few days, despite the discomfort of being lost in the wilderness. The real trouble starts when they return to “civilization” and the constraints and rules of society have to be faced, as well as their own conflicted feelings.

3. What was your inspiration behind the creation of THE AMOROUS EDUCATION OF CELIA SEATON?
Inspiration comes from many different places, but I can give you one example. Much of Celia’s “education” comes from a bawdy novel which is about the only thing that wasn’t stolen from Tarquin. I used a real book for this, a volume I discovered in the rare book collection of the British Library. I was researching early erotica and when I read this particular book I had an idea. Historical romance heroines often learn about sex from unspecified erotic books. I decided to do the same thing, but use a genuine text from the period. It fitted quite well into the barebones of a plot I already had in my head.

4. What was your favorite scene to write in THE AMOROUS EDUCATION OF CELIA SEATON?
If I have to pick one, it’s when Tarquin catches a fish and together they figure out how to cook it. It was one of the earliest scenes that entered my head for the book: it shows the dandy hero completely out of his element, yet managing to do what’s needed at that moment: provide breakfast when they are starving. It’s the moment when Celia thinks this is a man she could love.

5. Are there any other genres you want to tackle?
Right now I’m very happy writing historical romance. But never say never. I can imagine I might try a contemporary at some point. My writing is on the lighter side so it wouldn’t be suspense.

6. If you could trade places with one of your characters, would you want to and who?
I am, of course, always in love with my current hero, so any of my heroines. Much as I love Celia and Tarquin, I have a sneaking fondness for the couple in my previous book, THE DANGEROUS VISCOUNT. Diana is fabulously well-dressed (unlike me) and Sebastian, the bookworm-turned-hottie, is the kind of guy you’d want to be married to in real life.

7. What accent is sure to make you swoon?
I have an English accent myself, but I go for the low, sexy ones. In my mind all my heroes sound like Alan Rickman, Richard Armitage or (going back a way) Richard Burton.

8. What was the most challenging thing you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of your comfort zone?
I’m ashamed to say I stick to research books. No galloping horses or burning buildings for me! That early erotica I mentioned. Wish I could call that challenging but I enjoyed every minute of it. Biggest problem was suppressing my giggles in the silence of the library.

9. Please share with us something that readers would be surprised to learn about you.
That’s a tough question, because, like most writers, I lead quite a boring life. You know, get up, sit in my PJs and check email, pound out my work count for the day. I eat everything except eggplant and I prefer fruit to chocolate (a fact that could get me thrown out of the romance writers’ union).

10. How can the readers stay in touch with you online?
I’m on Facebook and I love to chatter on Twitter. I also love getting emails, which you may send me through the contact page on my website.

11. If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?
A good romance leaves me with that satisfied “aah” feeling as I finish the last page (and often have to read it again, right away). What is it about a book that makes you go “aah”?

Being kidnapped teaches Miss Celia Seaton a few things about life

LESSON ONE

Never disrobe in front of a gentleman ... unless his request comes at gunpoint.

LESSON TWO

If, when lost on the moors, you encounter Tarquin Compton, the leader of London society who ruined your marriage prospects, deny any previous acquaintance.

LESSON THREE

If offered an opportunity to get back at Mr. Compton, the bigger the lie, the better. A faux engagement should do nicely.

LESSON FOUR

Not all knowledge is found between the covers of a book. But an improper book may further your education in ways you never guessed.

***GIVEAWAY***

Miranda and Harper Collins will be giving away a $25 Amazon.com gift certificate to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Open Contest

To Enter: Just answer Miranda's question above and leave your e-mail!!

Ends July 22