This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Grace Grahme will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Welcome to It's Raining Books. Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?
I’m a romantic. Not in the ultra-gushy ‘Hallmark’ way, but in an optimistic, looking on the bright side of life, believe in the power of love way. I like happy endings. Therefore- I like romance and I write romance.
What research is required?
My books are set in the late 90s- so that’s fun to go back to that time and NOT have all the conveniences or hassles that mobile phones and our connected society have brought.
Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.
In book 1, the main female lead is definitely an idealized version of myself… but in book 3, the main male lead is definitely more me. It was fun to write that- and have him be the character who grows the most- especially after in books 1 & 2, it’s the woman who has the growth arc.
Do you have any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?
I have a celebratory drink- typically a kir royal after finishing each book. (anyone remember Romancing the Stone?) But that’s about it- I’m boring that way.
Are you a plotter or pantser?
Plotser. I work from an outline, but it’s relatively high level and I allow my writing and characters to figure out how they get from point a to point b.
Look to your right – what’s sitting there?
My super cute, but annoying and demanding, rescue dog Scamp. He had a bad puppyhood, so he hates strangers. Which is bad because at 5lbs of fluffy whiteness, everyone wants to love on him.
Anything new coming up from you? What?
So many things! Now that book 3 of my contemporary steamy billionaire book is released, I’m finishing up a Christmas novella and putting the finishing touches on my first romcom, also a Christmas story that’s going to be in a series with nine other authors. It’s WEIRD to be listening to Christmas music in June and July to get in the mood. And I’m scared to death I can’t be funny. But I’ve had fun writing it at least!
Do you have a question for our readers?
I’d love to know what a reader does before they decide to buy (or download on KU) a book. I’m guessing 1- cover catches your eye, 2- you read the blurb. Then do you check out the reviews? Do you do the ‘look inside’? What makes you click in the end? And how much does price impact your decision?
Can a ruse of a royal relationship result in a real romance?
Philip has a problem.
Namely, his relationship to the throne.
Well, that and paparazzi hounding him, plus family obligations on steroids.
Years ago, the notoriously private Earl of Arburne and Glasgow’s #1 most eligible bachelor decided relationships were impossible with his unique pressures.
So he avoids anything serious. Hell, he avoids dating at all.
When he lands in yet another tabloid headline, he has the brilliant (or brilliantly stupid) idea to give the tabloids what they want.
A romance.
No one needs to know it’s fake.
But when he enlists beautiful, bold, and outspoken Anna McDonnell, his best friend’s little sister, he finds himself with a whole new set of troubles.
Anna’s rules for their ruse make their arrangement feel far from pretend. Counterfeit feels more and more like something authentic.
And in the realm of royalty and public scrutiny, anything real and pure can’t survive.
Philip has a problem.
Will this liason be a love-match or will their fling fall flat?
Fairly Royal is the page-turning third book in The Fair Series of contemporary billionaire romances. If you like bold heroines, billionaire heroes, and plenty of steam, then you’ll adore Grace Grahme’s royal romance.
Read an Excerpt
“You’re taking Anna on a date?” Janet sounded disbelieving.
Phillip smiled. He could always count on her to get to the point. Anna was like that too.
“Yes. Do I have to ask your permission?” he asked her brother.
Robert looked amused. “Anna can make her own decisions, but we were surprised when she told us.”
“I’m more surprised you’re taking her to the opera, and she still said yes.” Janet opened her laptop. “If there’s a second date, may I suggest you take her someplace she’d enjoy?”
“What would you suggest?”
“Something fun and active. Maybe a game or a hike. She’s not one to sit still.”
“Noted.” Phillip jotted the advice down in the notebook as other council members filtered into the room.
“Robert may not be nosey, but don’t think you’re getting off that easy with me. This conversation isn’t over,” Janet whispered, leaning over to him.
He nodded. She was the first person he’d need to convince about his interest in Anna.
The meeting ran shy of an hour, and Janet did an excellent job of keeping the group on track, with it ending on time, and the attendees filtered out of the room, leaving him alone with Janet.
“What’s going on with you and Anna?” she asked.
He gave her a look that deterred most people from asking questions, but she sat waiting with a pleasant expression.
“Are you being nebby?”
“I’m shameless, I know. You’ve known her forever, and you don’t date. Why are you going out with her now?”
“Can’t I change my mind?”
“Not without weighing the pros and cons for ages. You’re not spontaneous.”
“That’s something I like about Anna. Perhaps watching my best friend fall in love with an amazing woman made me realize that I’m missing something. Perhaps it even made me envious of the happiness he’s found.”
Janet’s face fell.
“Phillip, you said we were only friends.”
“And we are. Or perhaps this is all a big ruse to get me out of the constant speculation by the tabloids.” Her expression didn’t ease, and he tried a different tack. “I thought you’d be happy that I’m moving out of my comfort zone.”
“I am. I just want to make sure you know what you’re doing.”
“Are you worried I’ll hurt her?”
“I think she could eat you alive. She’s not meek. And, she’s not comfortable.”
“I’ll attempt to hold my own. I might surprise you.”
“You could be full of surprises if you’d give yourself the freedom to try.”
“Perhaps this is my way of trying. Anna makes me want to try new things.”
“I look forward to seeing that. I want to see you happy.”
“I am happy.”
“No. You’re content. You could be so much more.”
“I am not content.” Her words struck a spark of anger in him. She had no idea.
“Then you’re not happy either. If Anna gives you a chance for that, don’t let it get away.”
“What’s Robert’s opinion of me taking his sister out?” He diverted the conversation to something safer.
“He was surprised. But he thinks that you could be good for each other.”
“How so?”
“Anna’s impulsive, and you aren’t. You could balance each other well, like Robert and I.”
“True.”
“And he said he could still skewer you with his foil if necessary, so avoid being unkind.”
About the Author:
Writing allows me to live vicariously through my characters, escape to worlds and experiences I might never have, and my characters always have a witty response or a perfect retort. (no more 5 hours later having the thought of 'that's what I should have said!')
I'm an avid coffee consumer and adult beverage fan. I love catching up with my friends on Marco Polo and working out at they gym. I avoid cleaning, cardio, and carbs- unless it's an emergency.
I carve out writing time by starting my day at 515am. Which unfortunately means I'm in bed earlier than I'd like. And I still don’t get my to-do list done!
WEBSITE: https://www.gracegrahme.com
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FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/grace.grahme
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BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/grace-grahme
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21284522.Grace_Grahme
FAIRE'S FAIR, Book 1, 99¢ through July 1: https://www.gracegrahme.com/booklink/2559361
FAIR PLAY, Book 2, 99¢ through July 1: https://www.gracegrahme.com/booklink/2559360
FAIRLY ROYAL. discounted price of $2.99 through July 5: https://www.gracegrahme.com/booklink/2559359
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting!
ReplyDeleteA great interview. The perfect book for this romantic.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview and excerpt, Grace! I do like you said and either the cover, the author or the title catches my eye and I read the blurb. I don't usually look at the reviews themselves, but if I'm not sure about a book and I haven't read anything by the author, then I do look at the star rating. But mostly, I love to read and I know whether I want to read a book or not by the blurb! Thanks so much for sharing Fairly Royal with me and have a fabulous day!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the interview.
ReplyDelete