When I wrote the first book in the Marriage Mart Mayhem series, THE ELUSIVE
WIFE, I had no intention of making it a series. Writing a book set in the
Regency period was a new effort for me, since up to that point I had written books
set in the old west. I thought delving into something different, while still
historical—my love—Regency seemed like a good choice.
I’d read numerous Regency romance novels over the years and was fascinated with a
lifestyle so very different from my own, and the characters I had previously
written. Imagine spending the bulk of your time changing clothes, going to balls,
and afternoon teas.
But since I tend to write heroines who are a bit different, my main female
characters in the Marriage Mart Mayhem series are unique to their time.
Not so very different that they would be scandalous in Society, but set apart
enough that they give their heroes some trouble. We love to give the men trouble,
right?
Once my editor finished with the editing process of THE ELUSIVE
WIFE, she suggested that two of my characters in that book Drake, the Duke of
Manchester, and Lady Abigail (his sister) might make for interesting stories. I
agreed. Then once I got started on the idea of a series, I added in all the other
sisters so the series will eventually have seven books.
Writing a series is fun, but also a lot of work. Since I was writing family
members, I had to make sure their ages were correct in each book. I started a
spreadsheet with the year each book was set, the names of the characters in the
family, their love interest, and as time went on, the names and dates of birth of
their children.
One of my favorite characters, and I’ve had many readers tell me it was their
favorite character, also, is Penelope, the Duke of Manchester’s wife. Because of
the type of character she is, I managed to get her into a couple of other books in
the series. She is always good for a laugh.
In my latest book in the series, THE HIGHLANDER'S CHOICE, I took my heroine out of
England and sent her to her best friend’s wedding in the Highlands. One of the
things about my series is I like to change things up a bit. The first two books in
the series are set in London, during the Season (THE ELUSIVE
WIFE and THE DUKE'S QUANDARY). The next two books take place in the
countryside (THE LADY'S DISGRACE and THE BARON'S
BETRAYAL). The next two in the Highlands, (THE HIGHLANDER'S
CHOICE – July release and THE HIGHLANDER'S ACCIDENTAL MARRIAGE –
November release.) The final book will take place during the Regency period, but
in America.
Although they are a series, all of the books can be read as a standalone. I try to
incorporate humor into my books, even when I’m dealing with a dark subject (THE BARON'S
BETRAYAL). That book also had another two of my favorite characters, the
butler, Ellis, and a dog, Argos.
It’s fun to watch my characters make an appearance in different books, and in some
cases, have their children appear. Once the series ends, it seems like I’m saying
goodbye to a family I’ve grown to love and enjoy.
But by then it’s time for the next family.
USA Today best selling author of The Elusive Wife, Callie Hutton writes both
Western Historical and Regency romance, with “historic elements and sensory
details” (The Romance Reviews). She also pens an occasional contemporary or two.
Callie lives in Oklahoma with several rescue dogs, two adult children, and
daughter-in-law (thankfully all not in the same house), and her top cheerleader
husband of thirty-eight years. She also recently welcomed twin grandsons to her
ever expanding family. Callie loves to hear from readers, and would welcome you as
a “friend” on Facebook. You can contact her through her website.
If you would like to keep informed on sales, contests and new releases, sign up
for her newsletter or join her street team, Callie’s Cohorts, where fun, gossip,
contests, and general mayhem lives and flourishes.
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The Scottish Highlands, 1815
Lady Sybil Lacey is every inch an English woman. She's horrified her best friend
is wedding a barbarian Scot. For aren't Scots naught but brutish, whiskey-swilling
lechers? So to find herself secretly attracted to the tall and devastatingly
handsome Scottish laird of Bedlay Castle is quite disconcerting...
Liam MacBride is convinced that English ladies are silly sassenachs who think of
nothing but social events and clothes. So why is he intensely drawn to Lady Sybil?
All they do is quarrel...until loathing turns into undeniable lust.
A tempestuous, fiery romance between an English lady and a Scottish laird cannot
end well.
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