Once my heroine Gemma Lancaster heard about the Battle of the Lords that went down a few weeks ago, she became very insistent on having a very civilized *thank you very much* chat with fellow independent lady Miss Rose Wellesley, the (clearly) most important character of How to Play the Game of Love, by Harmony Williams. Beware, it gets a tad steamy, but it’s just a tease. If you want the actual play-by-play (and I KNOW you do because whew!) pop on over and pre-order your copy today! (OK, but do it, because it’s SO good.)
Introduce yourself!
Hello! I am Miss Rose Wellesley, the heroine (and most important character) in How to Play the Game of Love. Ignore Warren. His contribution to the novel is not important. In fact, the only thing he manages to do is plant himself in my path and stop me from falling in love with a man of my choosing. With an arranged marriage looming over my head, this week is my last chance to find a husband I can love. (Not Warren.)
So delighted to make your acquaintance Miss Wellesley! I am Miss Gemma Lancaster. This Warren person sounds very frustrating indeed. Men! Why must they be so vexing?
How long have you known your hero?
Before I attended Lady Dunlop’s Week of Love party, we’d never met. Little did I know that I have met his dear, sweet mother, who is a friend of the family.
Oh intriguing! It sounds like he did not take after her.
What was your first impression of him?
He was dressed in nothing but his shirtsleeves and trousers, hefting a valise over his shoulder. I mistook him for a servant. He warned me not to invite him into my room, advice I took to heart.
*waves hand in front of face* Well. That certainly. Is… Whew did it just get hot in here? Moving on!
What is the worst party game you have been forced to play?
We were subjected to a myriad of games during the Week of Love. Since I was paired with Warren for the majority of them, it’s difficult to choose the worst. (He’s so competitive and turns everything into a war!) I must say that Proposals was a singular torture. It’s hard enough to dodge a marriage proposal when the gentleman is not trying to prove he is the best at it. Also, Warren cheated.
Scoundrel! Men do tend to get in a tizzy about proposals. Not that I would know from personal experience or anything. Except that I do, and they do.
What is your favorite part of house parties?
The ability to sneak away for a ride. I spend so much time acting the proper, demure debutante that the feeling of flying over the fields, at one with my horse, is like removing a too-tight corset and being able to breathe again.
Best feeling in the world, am I right ladies? But I know what you mean, society can be so restrictive. At times so much so that it can be overwhelming.
You are happiest when …
When I’m in love, of course.
Aw, well I guess this is actually the best feeling in the world. Though I maintain removing a corset is an extremely close second.
What is your biggest fear?
That I’ll enter into a cold, loveless marriage like that of my parents.
*Shivers* Terrifying. Lucas, my husband, had the same fear.
Your hero is the kind of person who …
Thrives on a challenge, whether that challenge is to win a parlor game or to change my mind when I tell him that he is the last man I would ever dream of kissing.
Hmm, sounds like he could be kind of fun to have around?
Which trait of your hero’s do you find most admirable?
He is rather protective. Even if that has led to some…misunderstandings, he makes it known that he cares about my well-being, which is nice. And he is respectful.
The dream! Protective but respectful men are the best men. At times Lucas’ protective urges try to get the best of him, but I simply remind him that I am quite capable and he relents. It seems like you and I are of similar minds on that!
Which most maddening?
The way he discards propriety, much the same way he discarded the clothes he wore when we first met.
*Opens fan. Waves it about* Whew I might need a play-by-play of this first meeting! *blushes*
If you had a motto, what would it be?
Love conquers all.
Always.
Complete this sentence: Love is….
Love is like walking on air.
It is most certainly NOT the raw, hot sensation that twists my chest whenever I am subjected to Warren’s company, never mind that he dominates most of my thoughts.
No never!*leans closer* But really, I am going to need some more details.
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You want the details? You can actually get them 🙂 Get your copy of How to Play the Game of Love and check out Harmony’s site at www.harmonywilliams.com.
When Miss Rose Wellesley’s father threatens an arranged marriage, she knows she’d better settle on a choice quickly or end up having no say in who she marries. Fortunately, she’s garnered a rare invitation to Lady Dunlop’s “Week of Love” house party, an annual affair notorious for matchmaking. Her plans to expedite a proposal would go smoothly if not for the brash younger sister she must chaperone, her outspoken, disagreeable best friend, and the bullish Lord Hartfell who seems determined to dog her every step.
Lord Hartfell embodies every last thing Rose dislikes in a man. He’s domineering, tenacious, argumentative, and a little too casual with his nudity for her tastes. Worst of all, Rose can’t seem to get him—or his kisses—out of her mind.
Rose is determined to find a more appropriate husband, even if her heart disagrees with how unsuitable the stubborn lord is…