Lydia Drake | Red Riding Hood Meets the Glittery Underworld of Moulin Rouge!

1--What is the title of your latest release?

THE DUCHESS AND THE WOLF

2--What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?

Red Riding Hood meets the glittery underworld of Moulin Rouge!

3--How did you decide where your book was going to take place?

Susannah makes her first appearance as a side character in Cinderella and the Duke, and I knew that I wanted her as a protagonist. I also knew she wouldn’t be at all like Julia, my first main character. Susannah is very shy and dreamy, not a mover and shaker in society. I knew she’d want to get away from all of that—she would actually hate being married to a duke with the eyes of the ton on her. Since I had already written her as a talented musician, I decided that she’d seek her path to freedom through her music. That, in turn, led me to the idea of her living a double life as a debutante by day, nightclub musician by night. Everything flowed from there.

4--Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?

Absolutely! Susannah’s forward thinking, very sweet, and artistic. She’d be a great friend.

5--What are three words that describe your protagonist?

Idealistic, strong, compassionate.

6--What’s something you learned while writing this book?

I had to do a little research on classical music to find the composers and pieces Susannah would have played for her audience. There’s a lot of incredible music in this world!

7--Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?

I try to wait until I’m totally done. If something isn’t working at the front of the book, I often find the key to the problem as I’m writing. If I stop and go back, I never quite make it to the finish line.

8--What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?

I had some great New York pizza last night, so let’s go with that!

9--Describe your writing space/office!

Currently it’s my couch, but I’ve finally gotten a proper desk set up for myself. I just need to find the perfect writer’s chair!

10--Who is an author you admire?

Naomi Novik. She writes excellent romance and fantasy. It’s wonderful to find both in one author.

11--Is there a book that changed your life?

Like many a nerdy kid, I became totally hooked on Lord of the Rings when I was in middle school.

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.

I remember when my agent told me Entangled wanted several books from me, not just one. I was so excited, and then so nervous! I hoped I had a second book in me.

13--What’s your favorite genre to read?

Either romance or fantasy, though there are some really excellent horror novels out there of late.

14--What’s your favorite movie?

Right now, probably Amadeus.

15--What is your favorite season?

Summer! Even with the mosquitos!

16--How do you like to celebrate your birthday?

I’m at the point in my life where I like to do it as quietly as possible.

17--What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?

I finished Succession. It’s filled with the most horrible characters, but I loved it.

18--What’s your favorite type of cuisine?

Italian’s hard to beat.

19--What do you do when you have free time?

Take my dog for a walk. Or a swim! He loves jumping in the lake.

20--What can readers expect from you next?

My next book, THE GOVERNES AND THE DUKE, comes out this December! If you’ve ever wanted a Regency comedy with Gothic romance, this could be the book for you.

THE DUCHESS AND THE WOLF by Lydia Drake

Susannah Fletcher has everything a young lady could desire: wealth, the attentions of well-to-do duke, and a reputation as spotless as an angel’s petticoats. Yet, she would throw it all away for one opportunity to perform her music on stage–scandalous as that may be. Which is precisely when the rich and menacing “Wolf of Mayfair” makes her an offer she couldn’t possibly refuse…

Born on the streets of London, Rafe Winters knows only ruthless ambition. But he’s missing one thing: respectability. It’s within reach…if he can draw the polished aristocrats to his establishment with a classically trained musician, and just a soupçon of mystery—like the flame-haired Susannah. Of course, he’ll have to make it worth her while. After all, he’s not a complete beast.

Now Susannah performs in a red cloak as the enigmatic “Red Duchess,” and all of London is entranced—along with Rafe. He promised her he’d do everything to protect her reputation on stage. But off-stage, the wolf is waiting for Susannah to stray from the path and into his arms. No matter the risk…

Romance Historical [Entangled: Amara, On Sale: September 18, 2023, e-Book, ISBN: 9781649375018 / eISBN: 9781649375018]