Monday, April 7, 2014

Meet Lord Jack Harwick and author Lindsay Downs



Please give a warm welcome to Lord Jack Harwick from To Love a Lady by Lindsay Downs today as we sit down and see what makes him/her tick.

Q: So tell us about yourself. What got you in the crosshairs for your author?
We first met in the first book in the Countess for the Crown series, Don’t Cross the Countess. I was a common retired soldier but due to my assistance in bringing several traitors to justice I suddenly found myself elevated to a peer. After taking the title I went to look after my newly acquired estate but the repairs took so long I didn’t return for over a year. Then Lindsay got me involved in bringing a murderer to justice. It was during this period I was reacquainted with my mate but before anything could happen she was sent to the country by her parents.

Q: What was it that drew you to your mate?
I had known Lady Cara Wexford for several year prior our eventual meeting in the beginning of this book. I’d always wanted to meet her but as a commoner and she the daughter of a peer knew it would never happen. She first caught my attention when as a your lady I’d spy her galloping astride along Rotten Row long before gentlemen were out and about. I knew someone with that much courage and bravery would suit me quite well. I also knew, because of her hoydenish behavior, any other gentleman would have quashed her enthusiasm for life.

Q: A little naughty fun, where was the wildest place you seduced your partner(s)?
With a powerful duke, duchess, Cara’s godmother, not to mention her parents keeping a close watch over us we couldn’t even exchange an innocent kiss.

Q: What was one of the most embarrassing thing your author did to you in To Love a Lady?
One afternoon, to assist with invitations to the engagement ball, Lindsay had Cara, excuse me Lady Wexford, run out the front door and wrap her arms around my neck. Normally this wouldn’t seem so horrible except her mother, the countess, saw but fortunately no one else did. This would have been considered compromising her which would mean we’d have to marry, except we were already engaged. So other than a dressing down by the countess and a promise to behave this is the worst thing which happened.

Q: Anything else you would like to add?
I’m so happy to have finally been allowed by Lindsay to find my one true love. Thank you.

Thank you Lord Jack Harwick for joining us on 'Meet the Character' day here at Dawn’s Reading Nook Blog. Please find To Love a Lady by Lindsay Downs at Secret Cravings Publishing starting on April 14, 2014.



Blurb-
Lord Jack Harwick, a former common soldier who is now a baron, is enamored of Lady Cara Wexford, daughter of a powerful earl and goddaughter of the mighty Duchess of Umbria. Despite his feelings, he is afraid to approach her, because he fears she will not want a commoner.
Complicating matters, a peril raises its ugly head, threatening harm to Lady Wexford. Lord Harwick does all he can to protect her, but will it be enough? Will Jack’s actions be able to save the woman he loves? And, will Jack’s quest to win Lady Cara’s heart come to fruition or disaster? Will his love for her bring the couple to the altar, or to ruination?
Excerpt-
“Lord Jack Harwick, Baron of Wakefield, may I present Lady Cara Wexford, daughter to the Earl of Harford,” he announced.
“Lady Cara, it’s a pleasure to formally make your acquaintance,” Jack spoke, giving her a bow befitting her status.
“As I yours,” she replied, giving him a slight curtsey.
“Now, Wakefield, might I suggest the both of you take a stroll onto the veranda so you can discuss the question Lady Wexford has. Her Grace said she’d be more than pleased to act as chaperone since the Countess isn’t present.”
“Thank you, Your Grace,” Jack said, then glanced to the glass doors leading to the terrace. Spying the duchess waiting, he turned to Lady Wexford and offered his arm.
“M’ lady, the Duchess awaits us,” he said with a grin.
Stepping out onto the balcony, Jack cocked his head left then right, amazed to see the area was empty of guests taking in the cool evening air. He wondered if this was the doing of either the duke and or the duchess. Whomever arranged it knew what Cara wanted to talk about was either very private or they wanted her and him to have seclusion.
“M’ lord, I can assure you with all confidence it wasn’t my suggestion to have the veranda vacant of guests. I believe it’s the doing of our chaperone, who is also my godmother. She seems at times to be overprotective of me.”
“M’ lady, I can understand her concern, especially given my previous life, that of a soldier,” Jack said, hoping the simple explanation was the easiest.
“Lord Harwick, over the past week I watched as you were observing me riding on Rotten Row even before the sun rose. I find it interesting a gentleman such as yourself hasn’t approached my parents about my untoward, unladylike behavior.”
“M’ lady, why would I want to stifle your enthusiasm for doing and being who you are? I find it refreshing, considering most of the young ladies available for marriage. Don’t get me wrong, many are pleasant to converse with but aren’t what I’m searching for in a wife,” Jack said, hoping his words weren’t driving her from him.
“I must say it’s nice to hear a gentleman admit what attributes he’s looking for in a wife. But how do you know we’d suit, m’ lord?”
“I don’t, but first please, I’m still getting used to being referred to as m’ lord. If you can find it within yourself, you have permission to use my Christian name.” Jack paused on hearing the opening notes of a waltz starting. “In regards to if we can and will get along, might I suggest we take this dance and discuss it?”


Bio-
What does it take to be a bestselling author? Determination, skill, talent, luck or taking a risk with a venture into a totally new genre. For me it was a little of some and a lot of the others.
In 2008 when I got two books published I thought it was due to skill; little did I know it was more luck than anything. Over the next three years I wrote, submitted, got rejected. I then did what I tell everyone who asks; I wrote some more. I didn’t give up.
More on a dare than anything I tried my hand at a regency, one of the most difficult genres because of the rules, which I might add I broke almost every one. Within two days of its release the book was on a best seller list and stayed there for two months.
Turns out it is all of the aforementioned.
After two failed marriages, one from divorce while with the other died unexpectedly I decided upon retirement to move. That opportunity came in September 2012 when I migrated to Texas.
For me, as a multipublished author, it was one of the best things I’ve done to date. Now, every day I can write, creating stories to take my readers to places they can only dream about.
I’m also a member of the Published Authors Network (PAN) by the Romance Writers of America (RWA).
Where you can find me-
                                    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Regency-by-Lindsay-Downs/421654731286944
Twitter- @ldowns2966
Lindsay Downs-Romance Author- http://lindsaydowns-romanceauthor.weebly.com/


Links to my books


1 comment:

Lindsay said...

Thanks you s much m' lady for having Lindsay and I on your blog.

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