Amie says:
I love the Internet. When I started writing, finding writers for support was a little of a chore. There were a few local writers’ groups, but still then not everyone was equally supportive of all genres. But the Internet changed all of that. Now I have wonderfully supportive friends all across the country and beyond. Which brings me to today’s guest. Rachel Brimble is here all the way from the UK to tell us about her latest release. See how great the Internet is? So welcome Rachel and The Temptation of Laura…
From Rachel:
A little about The Temptation of Laura…
Laura Robinson has always been dazzled by the glamour of the stage. But perhaps acting and selling one’s favors are not so different—for Laura must feign pleasure with the men she beds to survive. Now, with her only friend at death’s door and a ruthless pimp at her heels, escaping her occupation seems impossible. Hoping to attract a gentleman, she attends the theater. Yet the man Laura captivates is no customer, but a rising star and playwright…
Adam Lacey has been driven to distraction since the moment he saw Laura. She is his ideal leading lady come to irresistible life—and so much more. Certain they can make the perfect team on and off stage, he is determined to win her heart—and discover her story. But that is precisely what Laura fears. And she has no idea that Adam harbors shameful secrets of his own. Will the truth free them to love—or destroy all their dreams…?
A little about Rachel Brimble…
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
I’ve been writing obsessively for about ten years and now write contemporary romance and romantic suspense for Harlequin Superromance and Victorian romance for eKensington. I am lucky enough to be a stay at home mum to two teenage daughters which means I get to write every day as well as being there for my family. I am a lucky lady!
When I’m not writing, I like to read, knit, watch TV and socialise with friends and family – one of my favourite things to do is walk the beautiful Wiltshire countryside with my husband, kids and beloved black Lab.
What compelled you to write The Temptation of Laura?
The Temptation of Laura is the second in my Victorian romance series with eKensington. Laura was a secondary character in the debut (The Seduction of Emily) and it soon became clear she had a story of her own. The Temptation of Laura is set in and around Bath’s theater world and was a joy to write.
It has a darker feel than your typical Victorian romance because I love writing about the working class rather than the gentry. There’s no reason people struggling against poverty can’t find true love, after all!
How did you become interested in writing?
I’ve loved stories since I was a very young girl and when I was about six years old, I can remember my teacher asking me to stand up at ‘carpet time’ and tell the class a story. I used to make it up on the spot! I guess it was inevitable, I’d grow up to be an author.
How has your environment/ upbringing colored your writing?
Where I live and my memories are an integral part of my writing – as I write for the US market yet have lived in the UK my entire life, I think I bring something different to the genre. All my books are set in the UK and the characters are British so I write completely from what I know.
Most of my settings and/or premises are drawn from my childhood memories/experiences or a topic that fascinates me. The Temptation of Laura became an obsession when I read more about Nell Gwynn, a prostitute, turned actress, turned king’s mistress – what a story!
What advice would you give to writers just starting out?
Write! So many aspiring writers wait for inspiration to strike or want the big time immediately. This just doesn’t happen! You have to treat your writing as a job and sit your butt in the chair and get the words down. A crappy first draft can be edited, a blank page can’t.
Also, be aware of just how much marketing and promoting is involved – you need to let readers know your book is out there. Very few publishers help with this side of things now and writers must incorporate time into their schedules if they want to sell books.
Describe your writing in three words.
Emotional
Intense
True
What has been your highlight of your career to this point?
The highlight of my career came in 2013 when I was offered a further three-book contract from Harlequin Superromance for more contemporary stories, as well as a further two-book contract from eKensington for more Victorian work.
A second contract offer from both publishers gave me the confidence to go forward and believe that I can actually write!
What is your top writing career goal?
It would be a dream come true to make an independent living through my writing – that’s the top goal
What’s next for you?
I have just started writing book five of my Templeton Cove series with Harlequin Superromance. This is a contemporary romance set in a fictional UK seaside town and revolving around two characters who were secondary in book 3 (What Belongs To Her).
Where can we find you on the web?
Here are my links – I am Twitter obsessed so if you want to know what I’m doing (throughout the day!), that’s the best place to find me.
20 fun facts about Rachel Brimble
Birthday?
April
Favorite color?
Red
Favorite animal?
Dog
Siblings?
Older brother
Favorite drink?
White wine
If you were a jelly bean flavor, what flavor would you be?
Strawberry
Favorite Author?
Nora Roberts
Favorite Book?
The Tudor series by Philippa Gregory
Favorite dish?
Chicken satay
Ice Cream flavor?
Coconut
Favorite Season?
Summer
Dream Vacation?
Maldives
Favorite TV show?
Scandal
Pet peeve?
Prejudice
Favorite Place to Write?
Outside in the sun (rare in the UK!)
Favorite Superhero?
Superman
Cat or Dog?
Dog
Favorite Candy Bar?
Snickers
Favorite guilty pleasure?
Reality TV
Favorite vacation spot or place you’d like to visit but haven’t yet?
A log cabin in North Wales where my family and I go every year
amie louellen 
Hi Amie!
Thanks for having me here today – I’m looking forward to chatting with your readers :)
Here’s a question to get us talking – if you could go back in time, which era? Why?
Rachel x
That’s a toughie, Rachel! Asz a history major in college my favorite professor once said, “the good ol’ days are right now.” Of course he also ruined my image of the “American” cowboy by telling me all the parts that are not American. Just the boy. Usually! LOL
LOL! As a uninformed Brit, I didn’t realize that either :)
One of these days, I’ll write a cowboy story, better get my research right!
Rachel x
From the chaps to their saddles most every part of the cowboy has Hispanic origins. But they are all American to me. Sorry, Dr. Faulk! :)
LOL!!