What is the title of your latest release?
A LADY’S DANGEROUS SECRET, the first book of the Scandalous Secrets series.
What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
Lady Charlotte Tipton is an unexpected London debutante with a dangerous secret. To save her life, will she make the practical choice and marry a duke or take a risk on the dashing Captain James Hughes?
How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
I had just reread Jane Austen’s novels, so I was in a Regency mindset when I started to think about a story. Given the drama that occurs during the London Season for the ton (the upper echelon of Regency-era English Society), I set A LADY’S DANGEROUS SECRET in London. I love subplots, so readers will find that other locations, including countries, are mentioned in the book. There will be plenty of twists and turns that incorporate these places in the subsequent Scandalous Secrets books.
Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?
Definitely. Lady Charlotte Tipton is intelligent and resourceful. She also has grit. Plus, she’s unconventional for her time given that she had a rather hands-off upbringing, which allowed her to learn about subjects and skills usually reserved for gentlemen. These characteristics and experiences all come in handy as she maneuvers the scandalous secret with which she is faced. I would love to hang out with her.
What are three words that describe your protagonist?
In addition to the previous question’s answer, I would also describe Charlotte as clever, independent, and determined.
What’s something you learned while writing this book?
How much my emotions at the time of writing play into the way characters are portrayed. I learned through the writing process that it’s best to separate the two (or try my best to do so).
Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
I dictate first since it’s the best way for me to get the stories into writing. I’ll then edit the dictation as I’m writing the story.
What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
Truffles. They make any dish decadent.
Describe your writing space/office!
The outdoors! I love going for walks in the woods and dictating my stories. At home, my desk is in front of a large window, which is perfect for daydreaming or productivity depending on the day.
Who is an author you admire?
Diana Gabaldon. I admire the dedication to historical detail in her books and her crossover from scientist to wildly successful fiction author.
Is there a book that changed your life?
The Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton. I read it in school and recall it as the first book that had a strong emotional impact on me. It made me appreciate the power of writing.
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 was absolutely floored. I had spent several years writing A LADY’S DANGEROUS SECRET in spurts as a hobby and stress-reliever. Partway through writing it, I realized I should try to publish the book. I had no idea though if I would ever see it published, so I was ecstatic when Oliver Heber Books expressed interest regarding my inquiry.
What’s your favorite genre to read?
Historical romance and historical fiction. I also enjoy historical nonfiction (you can see a theme). Recently, I’ve gotten into romantasy.
What’s your favorite movie?
Cruel Intentions.
What is your favorite season?
Spring. I love flowers and new beginnings as well as the anticipation of summer.
How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
Travel! I wish I could travel more often. I’m someone who loves to see new places as opposed to returning to the same ones.
What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
Given my current focus on Regency romance, I really enjoy The Country House Podcast. The hosts take a deep dive into country houses in the UK and all over the world. It makes me even more excited to continue writing in this time period.
What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
Seafood. I love all things beach-related.
What do you do when you have free time?
Travel, hike, garden, read, and go to the beach.
What can readers expect from you next?
The second book in the Scandalous Secrets series, A LADY’S RUINOUS SECRET. I’m really excited about the next installment. It involves a scandalous deal that will change the lives of two characters introduced in A LADY’S DANGEROUS SECRET.
Lady Charlotte Tipton has a dangerous secret.
After the Incident, she finds herself in London, a reluctant debutante vying for a titled husband as if her life depends on it…because it does. Luckily, her aunt knows just the man: an older duke in need of an heir. Unluckily, no matter what Charlotte does, her thoughts are consumed by the dashing stranger she met at a ball without a title to his name—Captain James Hughes.
James detests the ton, but he is stuck in London seeking the widow who murdered his man of business. The only way his sole aristocratic friend will aid him is if he attends the events of the Season. Much to his dismay, one woman continues to catch his eye—Lady Charlotte Tipton.
Danger follows Charlotte, and James always seems to be there at just the right time. Plus, an undeniable attraction has blossomed between them. Given the choice between practicality and her heart, one matter remains: How will Charlotte save herself?
Although Hazel Haas was a voracious reader and loved creating stories in her mind, she did not grow up wanting to be an author. Once she had a successful career, she realized something was missing. Hazel decided to write down the stories that danced in her imagination, and her creativity was unleashed. Tales of historical romance and intrigue followed, and the result was pure joy. Hazel had found the missing piece to the puzzle.
When Hazel is not meandering through the woods and envisioning her stories, she loves to read, hike, garden, go to the beach, and travel. She always prefers the unmarked paths. Hazel has a soft spot for exploring castles and country houses, where you will find her gazing adoringly at their plasterwork ceilings. She lives on the East Coast of the United States with her husband and son.
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