Tuesday, May 13, 2014

MEET HEROINE: Olivia (THE DRESSMAKER’S DUKE by Jess Russell)

  
Welcome to RWA/NYC’s Heroine Blog Tour.
 
This week, we are interviewing Heroines from New York’s Leading Romance Authors.  Some are candid, some are funny, all are wonderful.  We know you’ll fall in love with each and every one of them.  
(Psst--watch for their Hero’s interview next month!)
 
  


 
Q:  First impressions count so what are you wearing?  What do you look like?
 
Ah, do not look upon me now. Unfortunately, I am in reduced circumstances. I usually favor simple yet, exceptionally well-made gowns, but today, I am in a faded old kerseymere. The cuffs and hem turned one too many times.  I have been told by many I am beautiful, but honestly, I have not the time or funds to devote to my person. Indeed, I sold my only mirror just the other day. Bread is more filling than beauty.
 
 
Q:  Are you a girly girl or a tomboy?

I would say neither, really. I have worked for my living so I have had no time to indulge in frivolity. (Heavens. I sound like a drab old hen!) Do I like beautiful things and comforts? Yes. Would I ever turn down a steaming hot bath? Never.


Q:  What do you do for a living?  Do you like it?


I am a dressmaker by necessity. I enjoy designing, but you try sewing row upon row of rice-sized beads with only a stub of candle for light. Oh, to be on the seashore, painting …now that is my idea of bliss.


Q:  Tell us your story. 

My greatest fear is becoming a kept woman.  I have escaped that fate once already and vow never to be owned by any man.  Rather than make money in the boudoir, I choose to clothe the women who do.  But this lofty duke will not take no for an answer. Dear God, will his raw passion overwhelm my hard –won scruples? Could we be the perfect fit?


Q:  Describe the Hero of your story.  Is he a Mr. Darcy or a Christian Grey?

I am hoping he is a bit of both, but if I had to choose, I would have to say Mr. Darcy.


Q:  Just between us, what do you like best about your Hero?

Seeing him off-balance. He has so many beautiful layers beneath his hardened shell. I want to taste all of them.


Q:  Do you prefer the bedroom door open or closed?

Cracked open a few inches. I am sure if I give you a peek you are quite capable, and often better, using your own imagination. Though I am not adverse to you pushing your way in if you can’t contain yourself.


Q:  What TV show best describes your relationship with the Hero – Scandal or Game of Thrones?

I am sorry, I do not watch this TV. I certainly try to avoid scandal, though I did see a very fine production of Sheridan’s “School for Scandal.”


Q:  If your story is made into a movie, what actress do you want to play you?

Humm…As far as looks, possibly Jillian Anderson with dark hair, and then add Emma Thompson’s sense of humor. One can have all the beauty in the world, but it is nothing without humor. And frankly, my humor and wits have served me far better than my beauty.


Q:  Tell us about your author.   

Jess is an actress and artist as well as a mother. Rhys’s and my (Olivia’s) story is her debut novel entitled, The Dressmaker’s Duke. (I am very fond of the title as it implies I have the upper hand!)  We will make our “come out” in the early summer.  Jess is working on her second book presently called, MAD FOR THE MARQUESS. Lord Devlin is imprisoned in a private madhouse by his father. Anne Winton, nurse, must save him from the devils that surround him but, more importantly, she must save him from himself.
 
  

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