ALAINA CLAIBORNE
by MK McClintock
Historical Romance
Trappers Peak Publishing
www.MKMcClintock.com
5 autographed copies will be given away on Friday, February 1, 2013!
About the Book:
How far would you go to avenge your family and save the one you love?
In nineteenth-century England, Alaina Claiborne had a loving family, a cherished friend, and devoted servants. She spent her days riding across the grassy hills of the English countryside, joyful and at peace.
Then tragedy strikes and her world is forever changed. Searching for those responsible is her only focus . . . until she meets Tristan.
Tristan Sheffield, a man of many talents, searches out those who don’t want to be found. His past is filled with secrets and deeds he would rather leave deeply buried. However, when his life unexpectedly entwines with Alaina's, he soon discovers they share more than a mutual desire to catch a murderer.
On their hunt for a man driven by greed, Tristan and Alaina find that love is the greatest weapon against evil, and they'll stop at nothing to survive.
Exclusive Interview with the Author!
1) What scene or bit of dialogue in the book are you most proud of and why?
I don't have a single favorite scene in the book. There are too many which play a role in the development of the relationships and outcome. I do like this bit of dialogue as it helps to lay the initial foundation for Alaina and Tristan's relationship.
“I know someone is there, so show yourself immediately.”
It took no further prodding. A man stepped out into the clearing not more than fifteen feet away from them with his horse’s reins in his grasp.
“My apologies, my lady, but I was unaware anyone else frequented this spot. I did not mean to frighten you.”
Tristan took a leisurely perusal of her person—from the flaxen hair to the sun-kissed cheeks over a creamy complexion to the sensible riding boots. She’s a remarkably fetching woman.
“You did not frighten me,” she huffed. “And furthermore, I happen to come here often. So if anyone is trespassing, sir, it is you.” Alaina felt her senses heighten when the man began to slowly look up and down her body. She wondered if she ought to demand that he stop. Was that approval in his eyes? she wondered. No matter, he is deplorable to be staring at me in such a manner. Who is he? I will admit he is handsome. Very well, if I am to be completely honest, he is sinfully handsome. The man continued to look at her with startling amber-colored eyes. His eyes possessed the look of liquid gold—very unusual and almost pretty. Listen to me, she scolded herself, this man is a stranger and he is trespassing. Rid him from my mind and be on my way.
She was just finishing the lecture in her own head when he spoke.
“I’m sure you’ve now had plenty of time to determine whether or not I plan on attacking you and taking you off into the woods, but I assure my lady that you are in no danger from me,” said the stranger.
“That remains to be seen, sir,” she responded curtly. “Who are you? This land belongs to Lord Melbourne, and you most certainly are not him.”
His lips quirked into a smile, and he found her feistiness charming. He admired her beauty and bravery and continued to enjoy himself by humoring her.
“I am Tristan Sheffield, my lady.” He bowed gallantly, the devilish grin still firmly planted on his mouth.
“I am not familiar with your name. You are visiting?”
“Not precisely.”
“Pray tell then, what exactly are you doing here?” Her impatience and curiosity warred with each other.
Ignoring her question, he asked one of his own. “I have revealed myself to you, so I think it only fair you supply your name as well.”
If it will get him out of here, she thought.
“Lady Alaina Claiborne, and you are still trespassing.”
2) Considering a book from the first word you write to the moment you see it on a bookstore shelf, what’s your favorite part of the process? What’s your least favorite?
Favorite? Definitely the writing. I enjoy seeing the characters progress and the story unfold. Sometimes it's as much of a surprise to the author as it is the reader. Least favorite? It used to be the editing, but now that has become one of the best parts because I have the opportunity to connect with the characters on another level. I no longer have a least favorite part of the process, because I know it’s all necessary to the success of the book (but I’d still always rather be writing).
3) Who’s your favorite character in the book and why? Who was the most fun to write?
Alaina is my favorite. She overcame a great deal and is flawed, but she is also strong and I appreciate how her character evolved. The most fun to write? Tristan and his two fellow agents because of their bits of dry humor.
1) What scene or bit of dialogue in the book are you most proud of and why?
I don't have a single favorite scene in the book. There are too many which play a role in the development of the relationships and outcome. I do like this bit of dialogue as it helps to lay the initial foundation for Alaina and Tristan's relationship.
“I know someone is there, so show yourself immediately.”
It took no further prodding. A man stepped out into the clearing not more than fifteen feet away from them with his horse’s reins in his grasp.
“My apologies, my lady, but I was unaware anyone else frequented this spot. I did not mean to frighten you.”
Tristan took a leisurely perusal of her person—from the flaxen hair to the sun-kissed cheeks over a creamy complexion to the sensible riding boots. She’s a remarkably fetching woman.
“You did not frighten me,” she huffed. “And furthermore, I happen to come here often. So if anyone is trespassing, sir, it is you.” Alaina felt her senses heighten when the man began to slowly look up and down her body. She wondered if she ought to demand that he stop. Was that approval in his eyes? she wondered. No matter, he is deplorable to be staring at me in such a manner. Who is he? I will admit he is handsome. Very well, if I am to be completely honest, he is sinfully handsome. The man continued to look at her with startling amber-colored eyes. His eyes possessed the look of liquid gold—very unusual and almost pretty. Listen to me, she scolded herself, this man is a stranger and he is trespassing. Rid him from my mind and be on my way.
She was just finishing the lecture in her own head when he spoke.
“I’m sure you’ve now had plenty of time to determine whether or not I plan on attacking you and taking you off into the woods, but I assure my lady that you are in no danger from me,” said the stranger.
“That remains to be seen, sir,” she responded curtly. “Who are you? This land belongs to Lord Melbourne, and you most certainly are not him.”
His lips quirked into a smile, and he found her feistiness charming. He admired her beauty and bravery and continued to enjoy himself by humoring her.
“I am Tristan Sheffield, my lady.” He bowed gallantly, the devilish grin still firmly planted on his mouth.
“I am not familiar with your name. You are visiting?”
“Not precisely.”
“Pray tell then, what exactly are you doing here?” Her impatience and curiosity warred with each other.
Ignoring her question, he asked one of his own. “I have revealed myself to you, so I think it only fair you supply your name as well.”
If it will get him out of here, she thought.
“Lady Alaina Claiborne, and you are still trespassing.”
2) Considering a book from the first word you write to the moment you see it on a bookstore shelf, what’s your favorite part of the process? What’s your least favorite?
Favorite? Definitely the writing. I enjoy seeing the characters progress and the story unfold. Sometimes it's as much of a surprise to the author as it is the reader. Least favorite? It used to be the editing, but now that has become one of the best parts because I have the opportunity to connect with the characters on another level. I no longer have a least favorite part of the process, because I know it’s all necessary to the success of the book (but I’d still always rather be writing).
3) Who’s your favorite character in the book and why? Who was the most fun to write?
Alaina is my favorite. She overcame a great deal and is flawed, but she is also strong and I appreciate how her character evolved. The most fun to write? Tristan and his two fellow agents because of their bits of dry humor.
4) Series like these always fascinate me because I want to know where the author is going and if he/she even knows where they’re going. So do you? Do you have it all plotted out in your head until the end or are you winging it as you go?
I have it mostly planned out down to character names. I know where they're from and what their main conflicts and struggles will be. What will surprise me most is how they will overcome their conflicts, and how the relationships will evolve. I prefer to keep those things a mystery to even myself—makes the writing process much more interesting.
5) What's up next for you?
I'm working on the third book of my Montana Gallagher Series and once that goes to editing, I'll begin working on the next British Agent Novel.
About the Author:
MC McClintock is an over-worked entrepreneur, baker of decadent desserts and all things chocolate, photographer of beautiful places, and most importantly, a writer.
She dreams of a time when life was simpler, the land rougher, and the journey more rewarding. With her heart deeply rooted in the past and her mind always on adventure, McClintock will always call Montana home.
McClintock is a member of Romance Writers of America, Montana Romance Writers, Hearts Through History Romance Writers, and Women Writing the West.Visit the author online at: www.MKMcClintock.com.
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ReplyDeleteawesome! looking forward to reading this! Awesome Author
ReplyDeleteThanks for the interview, Love to read your book.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book, I can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteLove the sound of this. Can't wait to read about Tristan and Alaina.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post and the opportunity.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
Thank you so much FBF! I can't believe I won! Thank you again.
ReplyDelete