Spotlight & Giveaway: The Good, the Bad, and the Duke by Janna MacGregor

Posted November 29th, 2018 by in Blog, Spotlight / 111 comments

Today it is my pleasure to Welcome author Janna MacGregor to HJ!
Spotlight&Giveaway

Hi Janna and welcome to HJ! We’re so excited to chat with you about your new release, The Good, the Bad, and the Duke!

 
Hello everyone! I’m so delighted to be here today. I hope everyone is ready for December.
 

Please summarize the book for the readers here:

When Lady Daphne Hallworth is accidentally left home alone for the holidays, she uses the time to work on her dream-opening a home for unwed mothers. But her quest isn’t problem-free: She’s in a battle to win the property for the home against her brother’s best friend-turned-enemy, Paul Barstowe, Duke of Southart. And that’s not all: someone has stolen her personal diary, which holds secrets that could devastate her family. Daphne has always harbored private feelings for the man her family scorns…though perhaps striking a bargain with the handsome Duke will solve both their problems?

Paul, long considered good for nothing, aims to open a hospital to honor his brother and restore his reputation. So when a conflict over the land brings him straight into Daphne’s life, they make a deal: He will help her find her diary if Daphne can change her family’s opinion of him. But before he can win her family’s affection, he has to win hers first. Maybe love was the answer to their family feud all along?
 

Please share your favorite line(s) or quote from this book:

This is Paul speaking after Daphne declares they shouldn’t be in a carriage alone together without an appropriate chaperone.

“You just kissed me senseless out in the cold and you’re worried about a chaperone? Let me answer for you. I find you inside a gaming hell, arguing with the establishment’s majordomo, and honing your acting skills by impersonating a serving wench. I think it’s safe to say that neither of us is really worried about a proper escort.”

 

Please share a few Fun facts about this book…

  • Believe it or not, I’ve wanted to write this book from the very first page I wrote of The Bad Luck Bride, the first book in the Cavensham Heiresses series. Paul, the Duke of Southart, would not leave me alone. Through three other books, he demanded, then charmed his way into his own book. He was such a delightful character to write-both good and bad, hence the title, The Good, the Bad, and the Duke.
  • There is a dinner scene in the book where Daphne introduces Paul to her twin niece and nephew, Margaret and Truesdale. The four-year-olds are so confused with how to address Paul as a duke-His Grace, Her Grace, or simply Grace. It was a fun scene to write and since I’m such a huge baseball fan, I found the Abbott and Costello skit, Who’s On First, great inspiration.
  • When they were much younger, Paul gave Daphne a heart-shaped rock. It’s a sweet scene, and I got the inspiration to use this when my son told me how he proposed to his wife. You guessed it-he gave my daughter-in-law a heart-shaped rock.

 

What first attracts your Hero to the Heroine and vice versa?

I love a yummy bad boy turns good romance. There’s only one word that comes to mind when I think of Paul-redemption. How could someone so dissolute and self-centered become a hero in his own story? Easy, by becoming the man we all knew he could be. Ever since Daphne was a little girl, she believed in Paul. That’s why she fell in love with him. Redemption romances are my favorite, and I was so lucky that Paul made the perfect hero for this story.

 

If your book was optioned for a movie, what scene would you use for the audition of the main characters and why?

The perfect scene for an audition is when Daphne kisses Paul to keep from being discovered in a gambling hell. A known rake, he’s completely befuddled by her pureness and determination. Take a peek.

“Southart? Is that you?” A different man crept closer.

Paul’s eyes widened. “I’d recognized that snake’s hiss anywhere. It’s Martin Richmond from The Midnight Cryer.”

“The gossip rag?” Her throat tightened in a panic.

There were ways of having one’s reputation ruined that were self-inflicted and couldn’t be avoided-like running a home for unwed mothers. However, to have it revealed she was outside the Reynolds gambling hell with the Duke of Southart while prostitutes serviced their clients was another matter. The future of her home would be in jeopardy-even before she purchased it. With her reputation in tatters, no one would seek her help. Nor would anyone associate with her if they thought she was watching or God forbid, if they thought she was involved in such salacious activities.

“Don’t hide your little dove from me,” Richmond drawled coming closer. “Not after all the nights we’ve shared together at the Reynolds.”

“What shall we do?” Panic laced her words.

“You could walk away, and I’ll try to engage him. Stay close by though.” His brow creased after he said the words. “That’s a bad plan. Another man might stop you.”

“You could kiss me.” The words just escaped, but she didn’t have time to disavow them. Quickly, she jerked at the velvet hood of her cloak until her face was hidden.

“I beg your pardon?” Paul slowly drew away, and the shock in his eyes was almost laughable if they weren’t in such dire straits. “What did you say?”

“Kiss me,” she pleaded.

“You want me to defile you in order to protect you from ruin?” He dipped his head slightly, then shook it. The gesture either meant he would deny her, or hopefully, he was trying to make sense of what she was asking. “That’s your plan?”

She drew back and studied his face. His eyes were half-lidded. The lines of his mouth had softened, and his lips had parted.

“Southart, did you hear me?” The man’s voice grew more insistent.

For five bold heartbeats, she refused to look away from his gaze. On the sixth beat, she made the mistake of glancing at his lips once again. Full, wide, and perfectly formed, they mesmerized her, and she lost her count. Time stood suspended refusing to move like an early morning fog holding tightly to a moor.

Oh God, she didn’t have time for such silly musings. Without wasting another half-second, she wrapped her arms around his neck and brought his lips to hers.

Any other rational woman would have run away rather than kiss the Duke of Southart, a known libertine, and a man her family hated. But when his mouth touched hers, she thanked the heavens.

It was a stroke of good fortune that tonight she’d lost every common sense she’d ever possessed.

 

Readers should read this book….

I hope readers will pick up this book for the sheer joy of watching two lonely people find love when all odds are against them. Particularly this time of the year we all want to share goodwill with others and look forward to a new year and a new beginning. That’s what Daphne and Paul’s story represent-plus who could resist Home Alone meets the Regency!

 

What are you currently working on? What other releases do you have in the works?

I’m currently working on the Cavensham Heiresses Book no. 5 entitled Rogue Most Wanted. For your readers familiar with the Cavensham family, this is Lord William Cavensham’s story. William is a man determined not to marry, who ultimately meets his match with Thea, a peeress in her own right. It comes out June 25, 2019. I’m also writing book six, tentatively entitled, The Wild, Wild Rake.
 

Thanks for blogging at HJ!

 

Giveaway: Reader’s choice of a digital or paperback copy of The Good, the Bad, and the Duke plus a holiday candle and swag! US and Canadian entries only.

 

To enter Giveaway: Please complete the Rafflecopter form and Post a comment to this Q: If you were accidentally left alone for the holidays, would you chase after your relatives’ car or would you wave them goodbye and settle in for a nice bubble bath and a great holiday read?

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Excerpt from The Good, the Bad, and the Duke:

This is the scene where Paul discovers Daphne has been left alone in London to celebrate the holidays.

Daphne sat motionless like a porcelain doll. Her brother’s desk had captured her full attention. For some inane jealous reason, Paul wanted to bash it into pieces.

“Where exactly are your brother and his wife?” He ignored the gingerbread and tea on the side table. Instead he sat beside her on the sofa.
“They’re not here,” she said.
“That’s evident, sweetheart. If Pembrooke were here, there wouldn’t be any way he’d allow me to be alone with you like this. Hell’s fury is like a slap from a kitten’s paw when compared to your brother’s wrath.”
She refused to look at him. Instead, she continued her study of the desk.
He moved closer to her and rested one arm behind her on the sofa’s frame. “When will they return?” She scooted toward him, and he wanted to cry out in triumph. Daphne Hallworth was comfortable enough with him to lean against him. Gently, he nuzzled the side of her head with his nose. Loosely twisted in an elegant chignon, the midnight black hair threatened to fall in waves. The hairpins had lost their moorings from the sea of black curls. It was wicked, but he nudged the pins again.
He never claimed to be a saint.
When a couple of pins slipped free, the rest followed surrendering the fight. All that glorious hair fell in ripples around her shoulders. Her lavender scent rose to greet him.
She turned and blinked slowly. “I can’t say.”
Unable to resist such beauty, he twisted a handful of hair around his fist, then released it. Like a soft silk river, streams of black ran through his fingers.
Her enchanting eyes widened, and her breathing grew rapid. He wanted to kiss her senseless, but he wrestled his self-control back into some order. He had other concerns, though none as pleasing as her sweet, sensual kisses.
“Sweetheart”-he continued to nestle his nose against her head in hopes of lowering her guard- “you’re lying.”
He must be losing his touch with enticing women as she bristled and her back straightened.
“I’m not lying,” she protested and gave him her undivided attention.
Well, maybe he hadn’t entirely lost his ability in the charm department. Her interest in the desk had waned.
“Of course, you’re not,” he agreed. “I’d call it…an economical use of words or, perhaps, a concise confabulation, a vague vernacular, or a penurious parlance. Each has a nice poetical ring to it.” He trailed his forefinger down her nose.
She pushed his finger away. “You’re calling me dishonest.”
“I would never say something that vile.” He shook his head. “Well, maybe I would, but certainly not about you. Let’s say you’re lacking terminological exactitude when you answer my questions. That has a nice refined quality to it, wouldn’t you agree?”
Her skin was returning to its normal creaminess after being out in the cold, but her cheek color was high. She’d be glorious to make love to, that he had little doubt. The thought of all the things he could teach her about pleasure made him exhale in longing. He scooped up another handful of black silk. He could only imagine the frenzy he’d experience if he had her in his bed for a week. A month, and they’d have London in flames.
He pushed the pleasurable thoughts aside as he needed to determine why exactly Daphne found the Reynolds so fascinating that she had to visit it alone.
“Moonbeam, there’s not a single footman in attendance, not a single maid swooning at my feet, and the ubiquitous Simms is nowhere to be found. Now, if the staff is having a Christmas party downstairs, I say let’s join the festivities.”
She gracefully stood, and the defeated slump of her shoulders wrenched an emotion free from the middle of his chest. But it had to be his imagination. He didn’t care about anything but himself. With a huff of breath, he dismissed the odd feeling.
She walked across the large expanse of the study and stared through the French doors that led into a small courtyard surrounding a magnificent fountain. Daphne’s father had commissioned the piece years ago. It brought forth fond memories of warm spring days. He and Alex had played for hours in the fountain as boys. Where had Daphne been? They should have included her. But she’d always been with Alice, reading, painting, embroidering, and all the other things girls did with one another.
As he studied her silhouette framed by the door, he experienced an epiphany. Alice had been closer than just a sister; she had been Daphne’s best friend. Just as he mourned Robbie’s passing and the loss of Pembrooke’s friendship, she’d lost Alice.
Without second-guessing his decision, he made quick work of reaching her side. He took her hand and led her back to the fire. She sat without his encouragement, and he joined her on the large navy brocade settee that faced the fire. He laced his fingers with hers. She turned her attention from the fire to him and exhaled-the sound poignant.
Something changed between them in those minutes. Like the stars in perfect alignment, his understanding grew that they both struggled in their losses, and they shared that bond together. Only she was pure, and he was nothing but wicked. God, he shouldn’t soil her beauty or pureness with all the sins he’d committed.
“I’m humiliated to speak of it, but you deserve an answer,” she said. The defiant tilt of her chin brought forth memories of her as a hoyden, one who no matter the sacrifice would do what she thought was right-no matter the consequences. She was a woman who would do as she pleased.
He found her beguiling and exceedingly desirable.
But oddly, there was a slight change in her demeanor. She could have been staring at a gallery portrait of a stuffy ancestor, one in the long line of his family, and wondering whether to leave it or store in the attic. The lack of emotion took him aback. It had to be his imagination, but her normal vivaciousness and the ever-present sparkle in her silver eyes had dimmed-just a smidgen.
“Just so there’s no misunderstanding later, I’m not leaving London or this house,” she challenged.
“And you’re telling me this why?” Such an illogical reaction, but he placed their interlaced hands on his thigh. The need to touch her, feel her warmth was overpowering.
She stared at their hands for a moment. “This morning, my family left to celebrate the holidays without me. Both my mother and brother thought I traveled with the other. Even the servants didn’t realize I was left alone.” Her voice so soft, he strained to hear the words.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
 
 

Book Info:

A lady with a noble mission. A duke looking for redemption. A forbidden love that cannot be denied-The Good, The Bad, and The Duke by Janna MacGregor.
Book Links:  Amazon | B&N | iTunes | kobo | Google |
 
 

Meet the Author:

Janna MacGregor was born and raised in the bootheel of Missouri. She credits her darling mom for introducing her to the happily-ever-after world of romance novels. Janna writes stories where compelling and powerful heroines meet and fall in love with their equally matched heroes. She is the mother of triplets and lives in Kansas City with her very own dashing rogue, and two smug, but not surprisingly, perfect pugs. She loves to hear from readers. She is the author of the Cavensham Heiresses series, which includes The Bad Luck Bride, The Bride Who Got Lucky, and The Luck of the Bride.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | GoodReads |
 
 
 

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111 Responses to “Spotlight & Giveaway: The Good, the Bad, and the Duke by Janna MacGregor”

  1. Sonia

    I would wave them goodbye and enjoy a warm bubble bath with candles and a bottle of wine.

  4. Linda Farabaugh

    Wave goodbye and settle down with a good book . Take a bubble bath and make a cup of hot chocolate and after the bubble bath. Snuggle under a warm blanket and read a bunch of great books I wanted too for awhile.

  5. Diana Tidlund

    I’d settle in with my cats and read in the tub
    Literally it’s what happens every day , I get in the tub and read and the 4 cats are there with me, one sits in the sink , one sits on the toilet seat , one sits in the towel cabinet and one (Binx) actually gets in the tub with me every day !

    • Janna MacGregor

      Hi Diana! I can just imagine your kitties. Binx sounds like a real character. There’s a cat in The Good, the Bad, and the Duke named Rufina that steals the scene. I bet Binx is just like that, too! XO!

  7. John Smith

    “If you were accidentally left alone for the holidays, would you chase after your relatives’ car or would you wave them goodbye and settle in for a nice bubble bath and a great holiday read?” The bubble bath and the read sound lovely!

  8. Melissa Ruel

    Bye kids! Have fun with Dad! My side that we live near doesn’t celebrate so they would be going to his side anyway. I’d be in a bath or curled up with hot chocolate and a book.

  10. Cyndi Bennett

    I wouldn’t worry about being ” left behind”..I’m a resourceful woman , and I’m sure I can find things to do to occupy myself…

  12. Chasity

    I would chase my relatives down!! I don’t want to be alone on the holidays!!

    • Janna MacGregor

      Hi Chasity! I totally understand that feeling. But I might give them the old “lift an eyebrow” look to let them know I wasn’t amused! LOL! XO!

    • Janna MacGregor

      Hi Susan! *big wave* I’d do the same with a smile on my face! LOL! I’d love to have a little snow as I settle in with all those great books including a holiday one (or perhaps two!) XO!

  15. Anna Katharine Koehler

    I would wave at them and go back into the house and take a hot bubble bath and settle down and start reading.

  16. erinf1

    do a happy dance, wave good goodbye and grab my kindle with a cup of hot cocoa 🙂 thanks for sharing!

    • Janna MacGregor

      Hi Erin (I hope I spelled that right. It’s difficult to tell!) I love that you’d wave goodbye. Frankly, I would too! LOL! Thank you for stopping by! XO!

  18. Cheryl C.

    I would chase after them because Christmas is all about family. I would take a book with me, of course!

    • Janna MacGregor

      Hi Cheryl! Oh, that’s so sweet and romantic! I’d definitely have to take a book along! Though I love mine, sometimes you just have to get away! XO!

  21. laurieg72

    I’m content on my own so I would let them drive away. I’m not a bubble bath person but I would take a long hike then shower and read, while a fire burns in the fireplace.

  22. Candace Nagy

    I’ve never been good at waiting lol, I’d probably track them down.

  23. Eileen R

    I would wave goodbye and settle in for reading and more reading. It would be nice to have all that time to myself

    • Janna MacGregor

      Hi Joye! I’d do that, too. Plus, I’d make certain I had the latest releases and my favorites rereads just in case I got snowed in! XO!

    • Janna MacGregor

      Hi Joye, I hope this isn’t a repeat answer. My first one didn’t go through! I love to read too especially if there’s a nice snow and I’m cuddled up and warm inside the house! XO!

  26. Margaret Murray-Evans

    Read and watch old movies. Hang out with the cat, bake cookies, then eat them with a cup of hot tea. Bye, bye!

  27. Amy H

    It would depend on where they were going and who they would be seeing. In all probability I would chase after the car!

  29. Bettie Papajohn

    I would definitely wave goodbye, go get a snack with French vanilla cappuccino, and then settle down for a good read. I’d enjoy the time reading without having to justify or explain myself. I’d enjoy the time not having to do the everyday chores necessary when everybody’s home.

  31. clickclickmycat

    I would help them pack their car because I could not get rid of them fast enough. I would love it. Being alone.

  32. eawells

    I think iti’s an age thing. But at the age I currently am I would settle in and enjoy the peace and quiet.

  33. Cherie J.

    Are you kidding! I can’t remember the last time my hubby and kids let me have some peace and quiet. I would use the time after I finish rejoicing to relax and catch up on my reading.

  36. Janie McGaugh

    It would depend on the circumstances. Generally, though, I’d want to spend the holidays with my family.

    • Janna MacGregor

      Hi Janie! I totally would agree that it depends upon the circumstances. The holidays are friends and family time (with reading time, too!) XO!

  37. Jenny Simon

    I’d wave goodbye, go to my sewing room and either listen to audiobooks or watch Netflix/Acorn until it was time to nap. Lather, rinse, repeat.

  39. nancy j burgess

    I’d wave them goodbye and settle in for a nice bubble bath and a great holiday.

  42. Nicole (Nicky) Ortiz

    I would wave goodbye and enjoy the holiday
    Thanks for the chance!

  44. Diane Sallans

    I’d have a lovely holiday by myself without the long car ride! Plenty of quiet to read & snack on what I want, when I want it!

  49. Patricia B.

    Being left home alone would be a wonderful opportunity. I could operate on my own schedule, relax, read as long as I wanted, eat when and what I wanted (and pay for it later), and not have any phone calls asking me to do something because they were told I would be out of town. My husband and I have gotten involved in too many activities and really have no time to ourselves. Having time completely to myself would be a wonderful gift. My only regret would be missing those I was to visit.

    • Janna MacGregor

      Hi Patricia! I totally understand that. I think so many of us over commit these days. It’s hard not too. But I love your plan! Enjoy your holidays. XO

  50. Linda Herold

    I could handle waving good-bye! Then I would celebrate on my own with a good book, hot tea, and snacks! I would still have my 2 cats with me!

  52. Janna MacGregor

    Thank you to everyone who left a comment! I had a blast here today. I hope you all get a chance to read THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DUKE! Happiest of holidays, everyone! XO!

  54. isisthe12th

    Bubble bath and a good read sounds amazing, but Christmas! I would run after them. Thank you

  55. Jaime Minter

    I’d wave them goodbye and do what I wanted for a few days! It would be amazing! Thanks for the chance!

  56. Jaime Minter

    I’d enjoy the alone time to do whatever I wanted for a few days!

  59. Cassandra D

    I would wave them goodbye and settle in for a nice bubble bath and a great holiday read.

  60. Terrill R.

    Pre-kids, I would probably wave them down. After kids, I might take advantage of some quiet time for a little while until I couldn’t stand it any longer. Then I would join them.