1–What is the title of your latest release?
AN HEIRESS’S GUIDE TO DECEPTION AND DESIRE
2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
A quirky heiress/crime columnist reunites with her former fiancée to search for a missing actress in Victorian London. Banter and hijinks follow.
3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
I studied Victorian England in grad school and had wanted to set something in that era for a while. This series was the perfect opportunity to do that because of how much crime journalism and the middle class expanded in this era.
4–Would you hang out with your heroine in real life?
Absolutely! Caro would be loads of fun and we could talk about our cats together!
5–What are three words that describe your hero?
Sexy, Repentant, Smitten
6–What’s something you learned while writing this book?
I didn’t use it but I learned that the first sports club in London with an indoor swimming pool was founded in the 1860s.
7–Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
I usually wait until I’m totally done but I’m thinking about changing my process for my next book.
8–What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
Kind of a health nut instead of a foodie, but I just discovered what’s basically a Pumpkin Spice Smoothie at a nearby shop and I love it. And it’s good for you!
9–Describe your writing space/office!
I had been writing in my bed for the last couple of years because it’s better on my back, but I just got a new reclining chair to switch it up. Unfortunately, my cat, Toast, is a creature of habit and is rebelling against the new setup. Hopefully, I’ll get her to adapt soon because it’s hard to write with a protesting cat in the background.
10–Who is an author you admire?
I am in awe of Sherry Thomas’s work. Whether it’s romance or mystery she is phenomenal. And she’s not even writing on her native language. Her prose and characterization are exquisite.
11–Is there a book that changed your life?
I read Jane Austen’s Emma at thirteen and I don’t think I’d be where I am today if I hadn’t. It set me on the path to looking for more books like it, which led me to Regency Romance. Twenty-three years later I published HOW TO DANCE WITH A DUKE, my first Regency Historical.
12–Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)
I was at work, at an academic library so I missed my agent’s first call but got an email from her that said CALL ME! I did and she told me that Holly Ingraham (nee Blank) at St. Martin’s had made an offer for How to Dance with a Duke. We accepted, and the rest is history!
13–What’s your favorite genre to read?
Romance – I bounce between historical and contemporary with a soupcon of paranormal on special occasions.
14–What’s your favorite movie?
The Thin Man
15–What is your favorite season?
Autumn
16–How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
It’s in January not long after the winter holidays so it’s usually pretty low-key. I think I like dinner with friends and family best.
17–What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
I recently watched Slow Horses on Apple TV and it was delightful. Based on the series by Muck Herron about a team of sidelined MI-5 agents working to investigate a case they’re not meant to be involved in. Funny, satirical, and suspenseful. Pretty much my catnip.
18–What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
I adore Thai but my most frequent is Tex Mex, which is my comfort food.
19–What do you do when you have free time?
I like to knit, embroider, and cross-stitch when I have downtime.
20–What can readers expect from you next?
The third book in the Scandalous Ladies series, A SPINSTER’S GUIDE TO DANGER AND DUKES, comes out in March of 2023. I can’t wait to share Langham and Flora with the world!
AN HEIRESS’S GUIDE TO DECEPTION AND DESIRE by Manda Collins
Former lovers become reluctant allies in this delightfully witty historical rom-com from the bestselling author of A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem—for fans of Evie Dunmore, Enola Holmes, and Netflix’s Bridgerton!
England, 1867: As half of the writing duo behind England’s most infamous crime column, Miss Caroline Hardcastle has quite the scandalous reputation. It may have cost her a fiancé, but she would much rather bring attention to crimes against those ignored by society than worry about what the ton thinks of her.
After Caro’s dear friend is kidnapped, however, she has no choice but to work with Lord Valentine Thorn, the same man who broke her heart. Worse, when her actions put her father’s business at risk, a marriage of convenience may be her only solution . . . but can she trust Val to stand by her? Or will their past repeat itself?
Val—the new Viscount Wrackham—is in an untenable position: His father is demanding he find a respectable bride to secure the succession. Yet the only woman he’s ever loved, Miss Caroline Hardcastle, is notorious for behaving improperly. And she’s never forgiven him for his youthful transgressions, missteps made in the name of familial duty, but ones he still regrets to this day.
As they grow closer to unmasking the culprit, Val sees an opportunity to show Caro he’s a changed man. But can he convince her to give their love a second chance—before death does them part?
Romance Historical [Forever, On Sale: September 27, 2022, Mass Market Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9781538736180 / ]
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About Manda Collins
Manda Collins grew up on a combination of Nancy Drew books and Jane Austen novels, and her own brand of historical romantic suspense is the result. A former academic librarian, she holds master’s degrees in English and Library & Information Studies. Her novel Duke with Benefits was named a Kirkus Best Romance of 2017. She lives on the Gulf Coast with a persnickety cat named Toast and more books than strictly necessary.
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