Author Override: Darcy Burke

Author Override is the place where authors take the reins and take you on a journey into their world. Some may allow you into their private writing dens. Others may take you along with them on research trips or interviews. Whatever the case may be, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride because here you’ll get an in-depth look into an author’s musings.

Darcy Burke

Thank you for having me here today! I’m thrilled to share the first three books of my Secrets and Scandals series with you: Her Wicked Ways, His Wicked Heart, and To Seduce a Scoundrel. Two more books, and probably a novella, will follow—I keep meeting new characters whose stories are just begging to be told.

The second book in the series, His Wicked Heart, was dubbed “Regency Fight Club” by my critique partners, and Anna Campbell describes it as “Cinderella meets Fight Club,” an analogy I just love. I’m not a fan of boxing so I was surprised to write a book with a hero who loves it so much. And then I went on to write another pugilistic hero in To Seduce a Scoundrel, aka Regency Fight Club Part II. For both heroes, fighting is a coping mechanism and provides each with something they need at a specific time in their lives. Here’s a snippet from the first time Jasper, the hero of His Wicked Heart, fights:

Enders launched forward, fists flying. He moved differently than the men Jasper was used to sparring with at Jackson’s. He caught Jasper in the face, but Jasper moved quickly and deflected the man’s subsequent blows. Pain raced up Jasper’s cheekbone, jolting his senses, but with it came a vibrant, jubilant sensation.

Jasper’s feet were light, his hands charged with violent intent, his chest thundered with his elevated heart rate. He answered Enders’ attack with a vicious cut to his jaw. Jasper’s knuckles stung, but he barely noticed over the exhilaration making his heart pound. With distinct clarity, he saw the glow of the street lamp illuminating their fight, the yelling crowd, the flash of respect on Sevrin’s face. God, he felt alive.

In some ways, writing fight scenes is like writing love scenes. There’s a lot of stage direction, and, at least for these books, a lot of emotion. I listened to particular songs or types of music when crafting the fight scenes—Gravity Kills, Metallica, Green Day—just like I listen to specific music when I’m writing a love scene. (American Idiot just doesn’t set the right tone for smexytime.) I also tend to write fight and love scenes in a single sitting. Other scenes I can stop and pick up, but I guess I can’t leave a character hanging when they’re wrapped up in something physical!

Author Bio:

Darcy Burke wrote her first book at age 11, a happily ever after about a swan addicted to magic and the female swan who loved him, with exceedingly poor illustrations. An RWA Golden Heart^® Finalist, Darcy loves all things British (except tomatoes for breakfast, or any other time of day, actually) and happy ever afters.

A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her devoted husband, their two great kids, and three cats. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. She’s also a fair-weather runner, and her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge. Visit Darcy online at http://www.darcy-burke.com, follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/darcyburke, or like her Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/darcyburkefans.

I’ll assume, since you’re romance readers, you like to read the smexy scenes. What about fight or action scenes? Do you have favorite historical romances that contain a lot of action? One lucky commenter will receive an ebook of Her Wicked Ways in the format of their choice.  Please be sure to leave your email address in the comment, so we can contact you!

It’s hard to be respectable, when you’d rather be wicked…

Jasper Sinclair, Earl of Saxton, made a bargain with his devil of a father to marry in one month’s time. But instead of shackling himself to an acceptable debutante, he indulges his baser needs. He joins a fighting club and pursues a delectable woman who may not be what she seems. Soon he finds himself battling addictions that threaten his already wicked heart.

Orphaned seamstress Olivia West wants the chance to lead an honest, respectable life, but the arrogant Earl of Saxton launches a daunting campaign to make her his mistress. Destitute and desperate, she agrees to one night with the dangerous lord, hatching a scheme to take his money and keep her virtue. However, Jasper uncovers her deception and vows to claim what he's owed—not his money, her.

ARC Review: To Seduce a Scoundrel by Darcy Burke

3.5 Feathers

To Seduce a Scoundrel

by Darcy Burke

Lady Philippa Latham must marry soon before her parents scandalize society and make it impossible to marry well. Who better to help her select her possible groom then Lord Ambrose Sevrin? Sevrin may have the worst reputation in the ton but Philippa has experienced nothing but honorable and even noble behaviour from him from their first very unlikely meeting as he saves her reputation and ensures her safety as great cost to his own. Philippa knows there is more to Sevrin then what popular gossip dictates and she can't help but become fascinated by him nd his delicious kisses.

This is my favourite book by Darcy Burke so far. Each book just keeps getting better and better and I really enjoyed this one.

I think what set this book apart from the others was the heroine Lady Philippa, she was briefly in His Wicked Heart and I am glad she has got her own story. I liked that she wasn't afraid to go after what she wanted, and it was a refreshing change to have the heroine in pursuit. Sevrin as well was in His Wicked Heart and though they are an unlikely couple I think they were very good together, Sevrin was unexpectedly honorable after hearing all about his reputation, and Philippa was unexpectedly wicked!

The only thing that I didn't really like was that I felt the book dragged a little bit towards the end. The beginning of the book was great, it really pulled me in, but I found as the book went on it started to feel a little long winded.

A great read with a gorgeous tortured hero and a surprisingly plucky heroine, I can't wait to read Ms Burke's next book. 

*ARC provided by author

Review: Her Wicked Heart by Darcy Burke

 

Her Wicked Heart

by Darcy Burke

Jasper Sinclair, Earl of Saxton has made a bargain with his father the Duke of Holborn, he will marry someone he approves on within the year. The last month is now approaching, but he still hasn't chosen his bride, all he can think of is Miss Olivia West, a poor seamstress whose mother was a notorious actress and courtesan. Olivia refuses to go down the same path as her mother, but with no money and seemingly no prospects it is getting harder and harder to say no to Jasper's advances, that is until hell comes from very unexpected quarters...

After having read Her Wicked Ways I was intrigued to see what would happen with Jasper, he seemed as cold as his father, but would have unexpected moments of kindness. In this book you get to see underneath the mask and see how compassionate he is and I really liked him. Olivia was also a good character, practical and tough after taking care of herself for since she was 14.

The only problem I had with this book was that I just didn't see them as a couple. They had great sexual chemistry with culminated in some really good steamy scenes, but I didn't feel the love. They spent most their time not really trusting each other and Jasper was rather horrid to Olivia, and Olivia kept lying to him, not the basis for a great relationship.

But overall I did enjoy this book and I can't wait to read the next book about Jasper's friend the Vicious Viscount, Lord Ambrose Sevrin.

*review copy provided by author

 

Review: Her Wicked Ways by Darcy Burke

 

(More like 2.5 feathers!)

Her Wicked Ways

by Darcy Burke

Lady Miranda Sinclair has been sent away from London to the country with strict distant relations for her scandalous behavior, in the hopes it will tame her. However, her first act in Wooden Bassett is to kiss a highwayman as he robs their carriage...not the best of starts. Mr Montgomery Foxcroft, Fox to all those who know him, has had to resort to desperate measures to keep his orphanage safe, and has become a highwayman. But it doesn't seem all the bad when he steals a kiss from a beautiful young lady.

 There were a lot of things I did like about this book, the writing was good, the story was interesting and there were cute orphans, but for me it was ruined as I couldn't stand the heroin, Miranda, which in turn made me question the hero's, Fox's, taste (and yes intelligence).

 I could see what Ms Burke was doing with her, when she first arrives in Wooden Bassett she is a spoiled and arrogant Duke's daughter who judges everyone on appearance and what they have, and I grant by the end of the book she has vastly changed for the better. But despite her growth as a character and despite understanding some of their decisions she makes....I still couldn't stand her.

 But, despite not liking the main character I did enjoy the book and the hero, despite his questionable taste in women, was adorable and sexy. How can you resist a man who works night and day to keep cute orphans safe?

 Miranda's brother Lord Saxton was also an interesting character and I know the next book is about him and I am looking forward to reading it!

*Review copy provided by author

 

 

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