Meet Genella deGrey, author of 'The Art of Temptation'

What was the inspiration behind 'The Art of Temptation'?

In my historical paranormal romance, Remember Me, the heroine, Gemmah Parker is a psychic – Valerie Hempstead, our heroine in The Art of Temptation, is one of Gemmah's clients. Her story, not to mention her character was so vivid in my mind, I just had to follow her on her adventure.

Which character is most like you?

Hm. That's a tough one because, as there is a tiny bit of me in all of my heroines, I suppose I could say that the part of Valerie that is most like me would be her decisions. I've been known to make a wrong judgment or two in my life, and when faced with a life-altering decision, I find myself very timid.

What was your favorite scene to write?

Ooo, another tough question. In February of 2001, I had the pleasure of visiting Venice, Italy, and I can't tell you how much I miss it! So because of that, I would have to say that the scenes I'm fondest of are the scenes in Italy. Jon & Monty shocked Valerie at every turn with their flirting, but that taught her, rather harshly, lessons about how the male mind works, which she will recall and appreciate later.

One particular favorite scene in that section of the book is when they were floating down the canal the day after the Shadow Ball, hung over and partied out from the night before; laughing and regretting it when their heads rebelled with pain. The end of that scene trips the domino that starts the chain reaction in Valerie's journey, so it is significant to me in that way as well.

What kind of research did you need to do for this book?

I delved into the history of the Moulin Rouge so that I could weave my fictional characters around that truth. I also learned that there are a few different versions written about the history of the Cancan itself, so I ended up taking points from each to create my fiction. I learn about history, absorb it like a sponge does liquid, when it's something interesting, and not just names, dates and places.

Please tell us about some of your published works.

I started out reading historical romance, and fell in love with it so much that I could do naught but write them as well. That being said, as stated on my website, I write sexy historical romance novels. My stories will take you through the centuries of human history and intersect real historical characters, places and events with my fictional characters. I start out intending on writing under the historical banner, but sometimes, the plot takes a turn and I end up with sub-genres. For instance: Oasis of Eden is an historical with a sci-fi twist. Remember Me (mentioned above) is historical, paranormal, angels and demons. Sins of the Flesh (related to Remember Me) is erotic historical angels and demons. Masterpiece is an erotic historical, mythological (Greek). Cat and Mouse (general release Jan 2014) is erotic historical – with what I call an introduction to spanking.

So it's hard to nail down just exactly what I write because the plots in my books determine the heat levels.

On what other projects are you currently working?

I'm working on a related book to Cat and Mouse called, The Best Kind of Scoundrel (working title) that takes place in New York City, in 1912. The hero is a secondary character from Cat and Mouse (that I just fell in love with and had to write his story) and our heroine is trying to break into the news journalist game that is entirely dominated by the male sex.

You like to visit haunted places, including graveyards and battlefields. Where are some of your favorite "haunts"?

Any place that is old and haunted really. Tombstone, Arizona, at least for me, has the most paranormal activity I've ever witnessed and I love visiting there. If I venture into a graveyard, I like to begin in the oldest part. I sit in awe of the dates on the headstones. I don't know why. Sometimes, and we really aren't sure how, but there are entities still hanging around sometimes. This is another thing that utterly fascinates me.

Have you ever had a ghostly encounter?

Several. :)

You love music. Who are some of your favorite artists?

Danny Elfman, whom I just adore, is a genius. From his early days in Oingo Boingo to his movie scores, I love it all. There's even an Oingo Boingo tribute band called Dead Man's Party that, when I can, I go see. In addition, there are several bands I follow that haven't hit the mainstream yet. Incendio, Smoking Time Jazz Club and Laura Graf.

If someone were planning a trip to SoCal, where would you recommend they visit?

If you've never been to Disneyland, that would be one suggestion. Knott's Berry Farm is another favorite spot. We have some of the best Mexican restaurants, IMHO, and I'd probably drag you to La Tolteca for the most amazing salsa ever (I've been known to do that, too!) Tours of working film studios are always fun (Warner Bros., Universal, Sony, etc.) Griffith Observatory is cool; many movies (I'm sure you'll recognize the location once you see it) have been filmed there. And, if you come during the summer, you can go to the awesome Hollywood Bowl, our open-air, modern concert theater. Not only do they host your usual suspects, but they also have outstanding, off the beaten path entertainment. A favorite of mine is Warner Bros. presents Bugs Bunny at the Symphony, where you can watch the cartoon while a live orchestra plays along.

What is something readers may be surprised to learn about you?

There's really nothing strange or interesting about me that isn't already out there. Sometimes I wish I had a secret life, but I don't. :)

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Yes. At the end of my blog tour, that spans from July 15 – September 30^th, I'll be giving away three goodie grab bags from author swag gathered from the Romance Novel Convention in Las Vegas in August. The three winners will be chosen at random from the commenters on all blog sites during the tour. So follow along and leave comments! The reader who comments on each blog will have that many more chances to be drawn!

If you love sexy historical romance, please stop by my website www.genelladegrey.com and sign up for my [terribly infrequent] newsletter and/or register your email address and get pinged when I blog.

Thank you so much for your time!

Thank you! I had fun!

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Born and reared in Southern California, Genella deGrey longed to be your typical blonde, tanned, surfer girl but failed miserably. Unable to sit idle without falling asleep, she embarked upon several artistic endeavors. Makeup and set dressing for the entertainment industry, Resort Enhancement for The Walt Disney Company and writing sexy historical romance top the list of her favorite activities.

Genella has a keen interest in the spirit world. She loves wandering around in graveyards, traveling to battle fields and other haunted destinations, the older the better. New Orleans is one of her favorite places to encounter the supernatural, as is Tombstone, AZ.

Links:

Twitter: @GenelladeGrey

FB: Genella deGrey Books

Website: www.genelladegrey.com

Amazon buy page for all books: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00ATTE19S

BLURB:

With the proper motivation, even the innocent can learn The Art of Temptation

The Art of Temptation. A sexy historical romance about the opening of France's most infamous cabaret, the Moulin Rouge!

 

After seven failed seasons, Valerie Hempstead decides to take her fate into her own hands, and a tour of the continent is just the thing. Accompanied by a female cousin, and the girl’s childhood companions--all of whom live fast and for the moment, Valerie is about to discover more about life than she anticipated.

Travis Elijah Colin Wade, the son of no one in particular, has just been handed a vast amount of money and a large country estate and, of all things, a bloody title. However, he's not at all pleased about leaving his care-free bachelor days behind. Determined to spend some of his money and relax before assuming his duties for Queen and country, Travis goes abroad. Little does he know that he is about to be utterly swept away by the seduction of innocent surrender. 

Read an excerpt:

“You should save your kisses, for they are very fine indeed. They mustn’t be squandered on just anyone.” His head fell forward seeking her touch and his voice turned into a whisper. “You would not want someone to think you were in love with them when you weren’t, would you?”

A tiny hiss of laughter escaped her lips and she continued caressing his head. “A few silly kisses doth not a declaration of love make.” Her voice matched the tone of his. “Believe me, I ought to know,” she murmured mostly to herself while she toyed softly with his hair.

“Perhaps, but what if the gentleman had deeper feelings for you?”

“Me?” she chuckled. “Highly improbable.”

Travis languidly opened his eyes. Dare he say what was in his heart? The word love on the tip of his tongue demanded to be voiced. His arms slipped around her waist and he took a breath, about to spill his thoughts. Thankfully, he caught himself before that could happen. “Do you discount all the flowers and love notes your admirers send you?”

Just before she rebutted, Valerie’s other hand dove into his hair. Travis nearly moaned.

She murmured next to his ear. “You speak of flowers from strangers, impromptu love notes which were composed alongside a few emptied glasses of brandy. Silly when one considers them declarations, really. Wouldn’t you agree?”

His eyelids were awfully heavy, and an echo from the back of his mind voiced that he’d like to be put to sleep like this every night, after a good solid few hours of lovemaking, of course. She was speaking so softly he had to concentrate to keep focused. As her words drifted past his sensitive ears, he could feel every syllable and intonation of her thoroughly feminine voice. The way her S’s slipped from her tongue in high-pitched whistles alone was enough to entice him to make love to her. He shivered slightly at the sensation. He didn’t dare nod in response to her call for agreement lest her hands cease their ministrations. “I suppose so.”

“I’m glad you agree, because that is what I think of kisses.” She briefly pressed her lips to his. “Kisses are but a handshake. There is nothing which could make me fall in love with you were I to shake your hand—nor by kissing you,” she whispered against his mouth and then kissed him again.

With the help of his intoxication, Travis’s eyelids drooped shut. He was so aroused by her tiny kisses it was as if she had been stroking his cock for an hour. In his mind’s eye he saw Valerie, in a fine gown, entertaining a table-full of guests in the elegant dining room at Sutton Court. In his daydream, she turned to him and smiled—a silent, seductive invitation her to bed. The vision made his breath catch. It was brilliant. God, but he wanted to drag her upstairs without further delay and show her just how he felt. On the verge of doing so, she spoke.

“And besides, I am in love with Spencer.”

Buy it on Amazon

    

Genella will be awarding a large goodie grab bag comprised of 'author swag' gathered from the Romance Novel Convention in August 2013 to three randomly drawn commenters during the tour. Follow the tour for more chances to win.