What is the title of your latest release?
THE REBELLIOUS COUNTESS, The Scandalous Sisters Book 2
What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
Society may be run by the men of the ton, but six scandalous sisters are determined to take it by storm one gentleman at a time—and this time Elias Drake will be down on his knees begging the countess to take him back.
How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
I knew a certain gentleman needed to be rescued from French custody. My research revealed Mont St. Michel was used by the French to imprison political prisoners during the 1800s and when I looked it up on-line, I fell in love. As a romance writer you can’t asked for more than that.
Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?
I would probably hang out with ‘Hag’ the tavern owner more than most of the characters in The Rebellious Countess because let’s face it, she’s the closest to my age (and even she’s not that close.) But also, I’m married so Elias is a no-go, and Hag is a kick-ass-and-take-names kind of woman. Together we’ll raise Máira to follow in our footsteps.
What are three words that describe your protagonist?
Innocent scandalous seductress–Máira’s willing to try anything once.
What’s something you learned while writing this book?
The history of the abbey at Mont St. Michel fascinates me and learning about how it was used as a monastery, a place of pilgrimage, a prison, and how many times it was taken because of its strategic location is fascinating.
Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
Both, otherwise, I may miss holes in the story. It’s amazing how many aha moments you can have.
What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
While writing I eat pepitas with a coke or water. A York Peppermint Patty if the scene is frustrating me.
Describe your writing space/office!
We just moved, and I love my new office. I have a built-in bookcase-desk combo, but I need more shelves. (Readers understand there are never enough shelves.) I have windows overlooking the woods on the backside of my desk and to my right is a screen porch overlooking a lake. Behind me sits an eight-foot craft table full of all kinds of goodies.
Who is an author you admire?
Answer: Oh my gosh there are so many. In the historical genre, I first fell in love with Eloisa James and then Julia Quinn. Connie Brockway is another wonderful storyteller and Sarah MacLean. But really, I could list twenty talented women and continue on and on with more. I do tend to mostly read the works of female authors.
Is there a book that changed your life?
Margaret Atwoods A Handmaid’s Tale. I found it to be the most gripping piece of fiction as a teenager. The potential a modern society turning on women horrified me then and continues to do so today.
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.
This is my second series traditionally published and this time I got an e-mail directly from my publisher. I wasn’t expecting it since it was over the holidays and the fact that Tanya Crosby-Strahley was working and reached out herself was a total shock. The best kind of shock a writer can receive;)
What’s your favorite genre to read?
That’s hard to say because I am a ‘mood’ reader. Vacation-historical romance or non-fiction history of where I’m at. If I’m just chillin’–I go to cozy mysteries—preferably the really funny kind. If I’m angry—romantic suspense. There has to be some bad guys meeting their maker.
What’s your favorite movie?
It has been my go-to for decades now. (That’s really scary to say.) The Rundown with Dwayne Johnson. I love an alpha-male who can laugh at himself.
What is your favorite season?
Summer—I love water sports. The sign of Aquarius suits me.
How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
Leaving the winter and going to an island. Not that I get to do that as often as I’d like, but yeah relaxing in paradise—preferably Kaua’i.
What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
This may disappoint some, but people from Kansas City will understand—right now some people may be groaning—New Heights with Travis and Jason Kelce. #1 podcasts views ever—thanks Tay-Tay.
What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
I love Japanese Grills/Hawaiian pokes. I could eat it every day.
What do you do when you have free time?
In the summer I kayak, swim and do water aerobics with a fabulous group of women. In the winter I hike, redo antique furniture, carve and paint. Anything crafty and I love it.
What can readers expect from you next?
I am currently working on THE WANTON WIDOW’S CHRISTMAS WISH, a Christmas novella from The Scandalous Sisters series. Some fans wanted to see Lady Phoebe Drake’s story continue with Mr. Joshua Forrester from THE RUINED DUCHESS, and to be honest, I wanted to see those two together as well. Happy Reading!
Warmest regards, Helene
THE REBELLIOUS COUNTESS by Helene Matheson
Society may be run by the men of the ton, but six scandalous sisters are determined to take it by storm one gentleman at a time.
Máira Blair married for love, her honeymoon trip with the Earl of Dorset is a dream come true—until reality turns it into a nightmare. Máira wakes up to discover her husband isn’t an earl, but the captain of a pirate ship and what was supposed to be her honeymoon, is a voyage bound for war-torn France. If that isn’t enough to disparage her husband’s character, he abandons her in the middle of a French port where she must find a way to survive as she defends her virtue and her life. Just when she’s convinced of what kind of rogue she married, the pirate transforms into a hero on a quest to save her and the missing Earl of Astley.
Sir Elias Drake married for convenience, he needed a Scottish bride to complete his mission. He can resist his desire for his beautiful wife, especially after she discovers his true identity. Except Máira Blair was more than he bargained for. He needs her skills, cherishes her compassion, and is tormented by her passion, which only makes him want her and the life their marriage represents more.
It will require both of their talents to rescue the Earl of Astley, and it will take more than a war to defeat their hard-won love—if they can escape.
Romance Historical [Oliver-Heber Books, On Sale: August 19, 2025, Trade Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9781648399787 / ]
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About Helene Matheson
Helene Matheson is the pseudonym for Amazon bestselling author Kym Roberts.
After following her childhood dream to serve and protect, Helene retired from public service and began a new dream—creating happily ever afters. First publishing in mystery and romantic suspense, she decided to add her love of travel and history to her personal oeuvre. From the first page to the last, Helene promises to take you on a journey to the Scottish Highlands that will arouse your imagination and capture your heart.
When she’s not writing or researching her next regency romance novel, she can be found rummaging through antique stores, estate sales, and flea markets looking for that next piece of inspiration.
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