The time it was about Anything But a Duke

I still consider myself somewhat new to the historical romance genre.  I’ve been a casual reader for a while, but I’ve found myself requesting more and more and more.

One of the series I’ve really enjoyed is the Duke’s Den books by Christy Carlyle, so when Avon contacted me and asked if I wanted to read the newest in the series and interview the author, I couldn’t wait.

Before we get to Christy’s answers, let’s check out the book!

Title: Anything But a Duke (Duke’s Den #2)
Author: Christy Carlyle
Pages: 368
Publisher: Avon Books
Pub Date: April 30, 2019
Find it: Harper Collins | Indiebound | B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

Self-made man Aidan Iverson has seen more closed doors in his thirty years than he’s ever cared to count. As a member of the elite Duke’s Den, he has all the money he could possibly need, but the one thing he can’t purchase is true power. If roguish Aidan can’t buy his way into society’s hallowed halls, he’ll resort to a more extreme measure: marriage.

Brought up to be a proper lady, the only thing Diana Ashby desires is to be left alone to the creation of her own devices. But when her dreams are crushed, she must find another way to secure the future of her invention. Knowing his desire to enter her world, Diana strikes a deal to arrange Aidan’s marriage to the perfect lady—as long as that lady isn’t her. She doesn’t need any distractions from her work, particularly of the sinfully handsome variety.

As Diana and Aidan set out to find him an aristocratic match, neither are prepared for the passion that ignites between them or the love they can’t ignore.

In the Duke’s Den, can happiness ever be a winning prospect?

Sounds good, right?

1. Which came first: the plot line or the characters?

In this case, the characters were really clear to me before I fully figured out the plot that would allow me to tell their story. Aidan became very clear to me as I wrote the first novel in the series, A Duke Changes Everything. He was a great counterbalance to that novel’s hero, but I was eager to tell his story. Although Diana didn’t appear in that first book, I already knew about her as I was writing it. As soon as I imagined the Duke’s Den, I envisioned a lady inventor who would appear before them.

2. Why do you love Diana and Aiden and why should we root for them?

I love Diana and Aidan because they both possess a quality that I aspire to, which is an unwavering belief in their own abilities. They’ve faced challenges, experienced tragedies, and been underestimated by many people, but they never give up. I hope readers love their tenacity as much as I do.

3. Without spoilers, which scene was your favorite to write?

Hmm. I think it would have to be a tie between two. One involves moonlight and rain and an unexpected encounter. The other features a hammer, metal, and teamwork. They’re very different scenes, and the characters are at very different points in their journey, but they’re both experiences that I doubt Aidan and Diana would ever forget.

4. Which romance tropes are your favorite to read?

I’m so easy when it comes to romance tropes. I love them all: enemies to lovers, second chances, marriage of convenience. But friends to lovers has a special place in my heart. I love the banter and familiarity of friendships that develop into something more.

Speed {ish} round:

1. You find out that you’re being published for the first time. Describe the next 5 minutes.

Unforgettable. Thrilling. Overwhelming. I will never forget that moment and I don’t think I’ve ever been as giddy in my life since.

2. What three things would you take to a desert island?

Pencils and a notebook to draw or write in, and a Kindle to read lots of books for as long as my battery holds out.

3. You can only read one book for the rest of your life. What is it?

Wow. I thought about this one for a long time and it brought lots of smiles as I remembered favorite books. Everything considered, I think it would have to be Pride and Prejudice. It gives me everything—laughter, tears, great lessons, and an unforgettable romance.

4. What is the one thing about publishing you wish someone would have told you?

It’s a marathon not a sprint. I don’t think I’ve ever used that phrase before, but it immediately came to mind. What I mean is that it doesn’t all happen at once. Even now, after being published for few years, I am continually learning and striving to grow as a writer. There are new challenges every year and new opportunities too.

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Fueled by Pacific Northwest coffee and inspired by multiple viewings of every British costume drama she can get her hands on, USA Today bestselling author Christy Carlyle writes sensual historical romance set in the Victorian era. She loves heroes who struggle against all odds and heroines who are ahead of their time.

A former teacher with a degree in history, she finds there’s nothing better than being able to combine her love of the past with a die-hard belief in happy endings. website | twitter | instagram | facebook

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Huge thanks to Avon Books for the invite and to Christy for taking the time! Anything But a Duke releases today!