Spotlight & Giveaway: The Revolutionary and the Rogue by Blake Ferre

Today it is my pleasure to Welcome romance author Blake Ferre to HJ!

Hi Blake and welcome to HJ! We’re so excited to chat with you about your new release, The Revolutionary and the Rogue!

Please summarize the book a la Twitter style for the readers here:

An officer of the French Republic falls for his enemy, an English aristocrat, and their entanglements in government affairs—and each other—could cost their lives.
 

Please share the opening lines of this book:

Perrin de Vesey hastened his steps on the slick Parisian cobblestone, wondering if this nighttime endeavor was a terrible mistake. He raised the crinkled missive in his gloved hand nearer to his eyes. Not that it was easy to read in the low-lit street to begin with, but the thick fog looming around him only worsened his ability to make out the words. Though it was just a bit of folded paper with a crimson wax seal, its contents ignited a newfound spark in his chest.

Please share a few Fun facts about this book…

• The names Perrin de Vesey and Henri Chevalier were inspired by the lead characters of The Scarlet Pimpernel: Sir Percy Blakeney and Citizen Chauvelin.
• The book is set in November of 1793. At this time, the new French Republican calendar had been established, renaming the month as Brumaire (for the misty month). Instead of seven days in a week, there were ten.
• During this period of time, men and women were called citizens instead of Madame or Monsieur. Aristocrats were stripped of their titles.
• Supporting character, Aquila ‘Quill’ Fitzroy uses similar phrases and mannerisms to Sir Percy’s foppish persona in The Scarlet Pimpernel. You’ll notice him saying “La!” and “Sink me!” to emote surprise.
• Although the prisons were overcrowded and not particularly nice places to be during the French Revolution, there were still some kindnesses offered such as courtyards where the prisoners could roam during the day. The Conciergerie prison still stands today. Visitors can view sample cells and walk through the women’s courtyard.

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

Henri is initially drawn by a need to protect Perrin. His soulful, saddened green eyes immediately grab Henri’s interest.

Perrin finds himself embraced by Henri’s strong arms and powerful frame. Having been on his own for the past year, he longs to be held again.
 

Using just 5 words, how would you describe Hero and Heroine’s love affair?

Dangerous but unable to resist.
 

The First Kiss…

When Perrin catches Henri sneaking out of his house late at night, Henri struggles to form a decent excuse. As Perrin mocks his pathetic attempts to explain himself, Henri stops his taunts with a kiss. Though neither wants to admit to liking it, they both melt at the contact.

Without revealing too much, what is your favorite scene in the book?

I love when Henri and Perrin finally come to terms with their feelings and laugh about the heated skirmishes that brought them together.

“When I first met you, I never expected something like this would happen,” Perrin rasped. “You stabbed me.”
Not expecting that comment at a moment like this, Henri laughed. Indeed, they’d hated each other. “You smacked my head on the cobblestone.” He sucked in a deep breath that raised his chest, lifting Perrin’s head.
“You have a habit of barging me into walls and fences,” Perrin retorted, bringing an onslaught of memories to Henri’s mind.
“You bit off my buttons. Come to think of it, tried to bite me.” Behind the theater, when Perrin had been enraged over Henri’s protection.
“Not my best moment.” A true glimmer of regret glistened in the aristo’s eyes.
“What a pair we make.” Henri stroked the curve of Perrin’s ear. “A revolutionary and a rogue. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t resist you.”

If your book was optioned for a movie, what scene would be absolutely crucial to include?

The first steamy moment has one of my favorite lines. It speaks to the danger of their affair, and just how far they’re willing to go to be together.

Unspoken words crackled around them, the room unbearably warm. Perrin cursed their positions as their chests heaved in unison.
A low grumble rolled through Perrin’s throat. He didn’t know if it was out of frustration or something else. “That kiss still burns on my lips. But I fear you’ll lead me to the guillotine.”
Chevalier’s jaw dropped, but no words came out.
“Oh yes, you will.” Perrin stroked the strands of dark hair that had tempted him. The texture was silky, unlike Perrin’s tangled mane. The flame in Chevalier’s eyes was too strong a beacon. A siren he couldn’t resist. “I hate you for meddling. For standing in my way. Damnation. I shouldn’t want this.” Perrin let out a gravelly huff, lowering his mouth to Chevalier’s.

Readers should read this book …

While the threat of the guillotine looms at every moment, there is a blend of quirky humor, fanciful characters, and steamy romance woven within the story.

What are you currently working on? What other releases do you have planned?

My next work in progress is a story about the spies of King Louis XV. I’m also working on some paranormal romances as well.

Thanks for blogging at HJ!

Giveaway: A $10 e-gift card to the Ripped Bodice

To enter Giveaway: Please complete the Rafflecopter form and Post a comment to this Q: If we had 10-day weeks like the French Revolutionary calendar did, what do you think a modern work week would look like?

 
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Excerpt from The Revolutionary and the Rogue:

Perrin’s face was darkened by shadows. Tiny embers glowed at the bottom of the fireplace, hidden beneath thick, crackling logs. Henri savored the remaining warmth as it tickled his skin.
For five years, Henri had been alone in the world. Now that he was back in Paris, he found himself unable to voice his newfound concerns over the Revolution, making him feel all the more alone. Yet in Perrin, he’d found someone who might care for him. Someone who wouldn’t judge him for his fear of blood, nor demand he take joy in the guillotine’s wrath. Henri nearly laughed at the fates. An aristocrat.
“Tell me what’s happened. What roused this fear in you?” Perrin softened his voice.
Kindness. The fundamental nature of Perrin contradicted everything Henri had once believed about aristos.
“I don’t understand how it turned into such a mess. I’ve only been back a month, but I can’t stomach the executions. You asked me once if I believed the Terror was working, and the answer is no. But I don’t know how we can stop this wild rage it has cast upon the city.” He exhaled the words in a rush, finally accepting his feelings.
Perrin grazed his fingers along Henri’s chin, drawing it up so that Henri couldn’t escape the depth of his eyes. “And there’s the man I thought I might find behind the cockades and tricolored sash. A man made stronger by his compassion.” He lifted his chin and gently trailed his lips over Henri’s.
They didn’t have time for this. Couldn’t…and yet… Perrin’s warmth, that cleansed scent of sandalwood, the dripping water on his bare skin. Henri’s thoughts muddled.
Perrin drew his lips away. “I’m beginning to see the real pieces of you, and I want more.”

Excerpts. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
 
 

Book Info:

Perrin de Vesey knows pain. As a member of Crimson Rose, a secret club for men who love men, he’s taken the vow “to stand and shield.” Standing together during these perilous times is the only thing keeping their necks from the guillotine. Now their leader is using the club to rescue wrongly accused traitors. After losing a past lover to an unjust execution, the decision to support this treasonous cause is easy…until a devastatingly handsome Committee Officer complicates Perrin’s whole world.

Officer Henri Chevalier hates aristocrats. But the man he finds while investigating Crimson Rose is more than just wealthy and fancily clothed. He’s a rogue that could take him to the heart of the uprising and stop it before it starts. His plan to get close to Perrin and steal his secrets backfires, though, when Henri finds himself falling for the damned aristo and his dangerous smile. His heart is even more conflicted as he learns the truth behind their cause…and the truth his own people have been hiding.

Together they must make the choice—to stand and shield at any cost—and their love might be the deadliest weapon in all of France.
Book Links: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Goodreads |
 
 

Meet the Author:

Blake Ferre is a historical romance author whose revolutionary rogues and spangled spies find love and humor in unexpected places. A great admirer of the fashion and artistry from the eighteenth century, her stories weave in details of these luxuries, while also questioning the struggles hidden behind their production.

Blake spends her free time painting and playing with her dogs and bunnies. She’s a theatre enthusiast and equally enjoys trips to the symphony. Before turning to writing, Blake competed as an amateur ballroom dancer. After suffering injuries that made it difficult to compete, Blake soon found herself spinning stories. It was during her first trip to Paris and Versailles that the fantasy worlds in her head truly came to life. She vividly pictured historical characters stepping onto the cobblestone streets.
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