1–What is the title of your latest release?
2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
An Arab-American woman unexpected inherits a rundown English castle and immediately clashes with the duke who lives there and insists the castle is rightfully his. Lots of angry kissing ensues in this classic enemies-to-lovers story.
3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
I wanted a heroine from America and a duke from England because I really wanted to set up the clash between American ingenuity and English tradition.
4–Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?
Absolutely!
5–What are three words that describe your protagonist?
Raya is smart, fierce, and determined.
6–What’s something you learned while writing this book?
I learned a lot about the causes of the decline of the great English estates, which often serve as the setting in many in historical romances. Nearly half of the grand homes have been demolished because the owners couldn’t afford the upkeep.
7–Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
Both! I usually go back over what I wrote yesterday before writing for today. When the first draft is ready, I send it out to critique partners to get their thoughts. While they read, I go back over the first draft and polish the manuscript.
8–What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
I’m a sucker for old fashioned popcorn popped on the stovetop. The secret to having the popcorn come out tasting like it’s buttered is to pop it with a mix of avocado oil and ghee.
9–Describe your writing space/office!
It’s a proper office right off the main foyer in my home. It has a couple comfortable stuffed chairs (mostly for when one of my sons wants to come in and chat), a wall of overflowing bookshelves, and a desk in front of the window, which allows me to track all of the neighborhood goings-ons!
10–Who is an author you admire?
There are far too many to name, but the list includes Sarah MacLean, Joanna Shupe, Sophie Jordan, Jo Beverly, Kennedy Ryan, Isabel Allende, Anthony Shadid, Anna Quindlen and Alice Hoffman.
11–Is there a book that changed your life?
Not really.
12–Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)/Or, for indie authors, when you decided to self-publish.
“The call” is a really a series of firsts for me. I was walking into my mom’s house when my agent called and told me I had my very first book offer, which was for a digital-only publishing contract. I was in the grocery store when my agent called to tell me I’d sold my first hardcover historical mystery. And I was sitting in my office writing when my agent emailed to tell me that Avon/Harper Collins wanted to publish my historical romances, print them in mass market paperback, and put them on store shelves.
13–What’s your favorite genre to read?
It’s a mix. Historical romance (of course!) historical mysteries, historical fiction, commercial fiction, thrillers, and women’s fiction.
14–What’s your favorite movie?
My favorite movie to rewatch is Something’s Gotta Give, because it’s a feast for the senses. I love Diana Keaton, the plot is fun, the fashion is great, and the settings (the beach house!) are spectacular.
15–What is your favorite season?
Fall! I love that first slight chill in the air, the leaves turning, and the return of cozy clothes.
16–How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
It depends. I usually take the day off and then indulge in a mix of activities that can include afternoon tea, lunch out, going to a museum, shopping, getting a massage or a mani-pedi. The most fabulous birthday I’ve ever had was in 2020 when my husband and I were in London and went to high tea on Piccadilly.
17–What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
I’m always a sucker for Project Runway!
18–What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
I like a mix, including Arabic, Thai, and Indian.
19–What do you do when you have free time?
I read or go to a yoga class. Or meet up with my sister, or a friend, for shopping and have lunch out, or any of the indulgences listed in the answer to question 16.
20–What can readers expect from you next?
The second book in my Sirens in Silk series, which doesn’t have a title yet, which will have strong Persuasion (by Jane Austen) vibes.
THE DUKE GETS DESPERATE by Diana Quincy
Sirens in Silk #1
Diana Quincy returns with a steamy affair between an Arab-American woman who inherits a run-down castle in the English countryside and the duke who asserts the castle is his, in the first book in a brand-new Victorian historical romance series.
Anthony Cary, Duke of Strickland, inherits his spendthrift father’s title and can finally restore the family castle to its former glory. But at the reading of the will, Strick is stunned to learn that his father has secretly disentailed him, leaving the family manor—home to twelve generations of dukes—to Strick’s American stepmother. Everyone knows Strick detests the dowager duchess, and when she dies mysteriously, damning rumors start to surface.
When Raya Darwish unexpectedly inherits her glamorous late cousin’s castle in the English countryside, she clashes with the charismatic young duke who insists the castle is rightfully his. The estate is practically bankrupt, so she must find a way to work with the duke in order to save both of their futures.
The two cannot stand each other, but mutual disdain soon gives way to desire. When questions arise about how her cousin died, Raya cannot help wondering if Strick’s sudden unbridled passion for her is part of a scheme to get his castle back…
Romance Historical [Avon, On Sale: September 26, 2023, Mass Market Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780063247499 / eISBN: 9780063247512]
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About Diana Quincy
Bestselling author Diana Quincy is a former television journalist who decided she’d rather make up stories where a happy ending is always guaranteed.
Diana grew up all over the world as the daughter of a United States Foreign Service Officer. Since her 2013 debut, Diana’s books have landed on annual “Best of” lists in Library Journal and The Washington Post.
Diana is now happily settled in Virginia, but still gets the itch to explore far-off places. When she’s not bent over her laptop, Diana reads, practices yoga and plots her next travel adventure.
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