Today I have Sarah M. Anderson on the blog . . . along with historical erotica author, Maggie Chase. Read our little quickie interview to find out who Maggie is, plus learn a bit about their newest releases, including some excerpts! 😃
TheBookQueen: I guess the cat – er, author – is out of the bag. You’re Maggie Chase! Or Maggie Chase is you! However you want to look at it, you’ve been juggling two different writing careers this year. I’m exhausted just thinking about it! What made you decide to write under Maggie Chase? Have you learned anything from the experience, good or bad?
Sarah: Well, it’s all Victoria Dahl’s fault (I dedicated His Topaz to her for a reason!). She wrote The Harlot, which was a historical western where the townsfolk assume the heroine is a whore, but she’s not. I loved it but when I was finished I thought…needs more harlots! So from there I had the idea of an exclusive brothel, The Jeweled Ladies—possibly the finest west of the Mississippi—run by and for women. Women who did prostitute themselves, but who did so of their own choice. I wanted to show historical sex workers in a positive light—they were business-savvy women with agency, operating outside of the lines that boxed women in the post-Civil War era in.
I live near Hannibal, MO, and there was a brothel there called Lula Belle’s back at this time and those women were the richest women in town. Plus, they significantly reinvested their profits back into other local businesses. The town got through some lean times because of harlots. So that’s what I wanted to reflect in this story—sex for money not with shame, but as an economic advantage.
But of course these are romances! So I had to set the world up so that my Jewels, as the doves are known, often worked for a few years, saved up their money and then went on to establish themselves as wives, mothers and/or businesswomen. Miss Ebony White, for instance, is saving all her money to open her own dress shop.
After that, I just had fun with the pairings. Miss Emerald Green and her two loves, Raymond and Hank, came first (even though they’re now the second book in the series). I’d never written a m/m/f pairing before and it was so much fun!!
TBQ: Bless you, Dahl, for the inspiration! Also, I'm 1,000,000% here for sex positivity in the form of sex worker positvity in a romance. We definitely need more of that in the genre -- and society -- to be honest. But that's a discussion for a different day.
Your books under Anderson tend to be contemporaries, often categories, with cowboys and billionaires (oh my!), while you publish historical erotica as Chase. Do you prefer writing one over the other? (I know, I know, that’s like asking about a favorite child, but I’m gonna do it anyway!) What’s hard – or even what’s fun – about writing each of those books?
Sarah: I’d come through a Desire that had been difficult to write and I was feeling burned out on billionaires who can’t figure out how to use a condom. So in the historical world of the Jeweled Ladies, no one gets pregnant if they don’t want to. So there was the fun of researching period-appropriate birth control that went beyond French envelopes! (You can read specifics of this research in His Diamond!). It was just so much fun to write different pairings—like the interracial f/f Her Ebony—that I’d never get to write for Harlequin. I still love the Desires—in fact, the next series that starts in April is called The First Family of Rodeo and it’s been an absolute blast to write. But having the chance to write whatever I want, whenever I want—in any combination I want—has been great. I don’t get stuck in a rut!
TBQ: I'll have you know I legit snorted my drink when I read "billionaires who can't figure out how to use a condom". 😂 There seems to be a lot of them running around romancelandia, isn't there? I love that writing under Chase has given you the opportunity to write new things; as a reader, I can promise you we always appreciate being able to find something different, especially from a favorite author!
Speaking of new: Tell us a little bit about your upcoming releases – under both names, of course. I also know that you’ve been republishing your old Samhain titles. Any plans for more self-pub titles like that series?
Sarah: Yeah, I’m a little nuts. This summer was wild because I was working on four completely different books at once—His Diamond for Maggie Chase, His Best Friend’s Sister for Desire (April, 2018), The Sheriff, which is the last book in the Men of the White Sandy, and a sekrit project that’s not a romance at all. I love variety but…that might have been too much at once!
I am rereleasing the Men of the White Sandy, with refreshed titles and covers. What was once Mystic Cowboy was just released as The Medicine Man. Masked Cowboy is now The Rancher and will be out in…early December? Nobody is now The Shadow (January) and Clarence is now The Medic (February). The new book, The Sheriff (March) is—shockingly!—about Sheriff Tim. He finally gets his book! I’ve also gone back over the books with a fine-toothed comb and updated a few small things.
I’ll have another Maggie Chase book, Her Steel, out…sometime between the New Year and March. I don’t have a firm date on that but if you read His Diamond, you’re going to be asking, WHERE IS HATFIELD!? Trust me on that one. 😃
Oh, and I have a Desire out on Nov. 1, Twins for the Billionaire! And NotMy1stRodeo.com, which was also with Samhain, is being put back out by Entangled, so look for my novella Something About a Cowboy at the end of November.
WHEW!
TBQ: GOOD LORD, WOMAN, ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL YOURSELF? I mean, your readers will love you for all those goodies, but pace yourself!
I am ridiculously happy to hear Sheriff Tim is getting a book. I should probably reread the series before he comes. Just because.
So should we expect a third pen name next year when you start writing paranormals, too? 😉 Ha, as if you don’t have a million things on your plate already! But on a more serious note: is there any genre, or type of story, that you’ve always wanted to write but haven’t yet had the chance to?
Sarah: Well…remember that not-romance? I’ve been working on it for a while (read: two years!) and I’m still not sure it’s going to come together but picture Bridget Jones’ Diary (the book, not the movie) crossed with Rosemary’s Baby and…you still won’t get close to the weirdness that is this book. So I honestly don’t know if there’ll be another pen name or not—but three is my ABSOLUTE limit! I thought I could juggle two but I keep crossing the streams and it’ll be so much easier if everyone understands that I write both Sarah M. Anderson cowboys and billionaires AND Maggie Chase historical erotica.
I’m never going to write nonfiction. I like to learn and read, but I tend to borrow the truth and bend it to my needs. I stand by that. NO nonfiction for me!
TBQ: Ooh. Well, best of luck to the not-romance project! And I think we'll be just fine without nonfiction from SMA. I mean, not that you couldn't rock it, of course! But why leave the fun of romancelandia, right? 😉
Before we wrap this up, time for the fun part of the interview: what awesome book(s) have you read lately? And is there an upcoming title that you’re desperately waiting for?
Sarah: I am waiting on the newest Hoyt (as are we all!), Duke of Desire. And for our summer library reading program, I branched out and tore through Rebecca Zanetti’s Sin Brothers series and the Scorpius Syndrome books—and Storm Gathering, the most recent Scorpius book, came out last month and I haven’t had time to get it! (Revisions, let me tell you. They’re a thing!)
TBQ: You can never go wrong with Hoyt. NEVER. Jen loved DoD, and I'll be reading it soon, I hope. Waiting on the last two books from Overdrive. Zanetti is on my list as well!
Thanks so much for stopping by Sarah/Maggie. Do you have a question for the readers?
Sarah: Yes, I want to know
Do you read pen names of your favorite authors writing in different genres or do you just stick to the tried and true? Who’s your favorite author who writes in multiple genres?
Publisher: Sarah M. Anderson; 2 edition (October 16, 2017)
Series: Men of the White Sandy, 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
The White Sandy Reservation needs a doctor, and Madeline Mitchell needs to do a little good in the world. It seems like a perfect fit, until she meets the medicine man, Rebel Runs Fast. As far as Madeline can tell, Rebel’s sole mission is to convince her patients that modern medicine can’t help them. And the fact that he makes her heart race every time he looks at her only irritates her more.
Rebel swore off the white man’s world–and women–years ago. But he’s never met a woman like Dr. Mitchell. She doesn’t speak the language, understand the customs, or believe he’s anything more than a charlatan–but she stays, determined to help his people. He tries to convince himself that his tribe doesn’t need her, but when patients start getting sick with strange symptoms, he realizes that he needs her more than ever.
Note: This book was previously published as Mystic Cowboy
Finalist in the 2014 Booksellers Best Award contest and the 2014 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence contest
Rebel swore off the white man’s world–and women–years ago. But he’s never met a woman like Dr. Mitchell. She doesn’t speak the language, understand the customs, or believe he’s anything more than a charlatan–but she stays, determined to help his people. He tries to convince himself that his tribe doesn’t need her, but when patients start getting sick with strange symptoms, he realizes that he needs her more than ever.
Note: This book was previously published as Mystic Cowboy
Finalist in the 2014 Booksellers Best Award contest and the 2014 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence contest
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The Medicine Man Excerpt:
“We’re glad you came,” Rebel offered, hoping to make peace.
“We?” She pivoted, and suddenly, Rebel found himself looking at Madeline.
“Me. I’m glad you came.”
Slowly, the smile developed like an old-fashioned Polaroid. Free from Dr. Mitchell, Madeline was beyond beautiful. It took everything he had not to step up, take that angelic face in his hands and kiss her. “Thank you for your help,” she said again, each word coming out precisely measured.
“Anytime,” he said. “Glad to do it.” For you, he silently added.
She held his gaze for a moment longer, and then, in a heartbeat, Madeline was gone.
“Will you be gracing the clinic with your presence tomorrow?” Dr. Mitchell said, putting the desk between her and Rebel.
That was it—the sign that he should not kiss her. Not tonight anyway. “Not if you don’t want me to.”
She bit her lip, and he saw her. Madeline. Madeline wanted to see him tomorrow, no matter how much he irritated Dr. Mitchell. Who would win? “No,” she finally said with crushing certainty. “I do not want to see you tomorrow.”
Second nature. She probably didn’t even know she’d done it.
But he did.
Publisher: Maggie Chase (July 6th, 2017)
Series: The Jeweled Ladies, 5
Genre: Historical Erotica
Cynthia Hobbs is in trouble. Considered spoiled and vain by the townsfolk of Brimstone, she’s hiding a secret—a sister who needs constant care. When her father informs Cynthia that she has to marry the slimy vice president of the bank—and her sister is part of the deal—Cynthia grows desperate. The only person who’ll help her get enough money to escape town with her sister is the madam of the Jeweled Ladies—who recommends Cynthia sell her virginity to the highest bidder.
One night will solve her problems—if she can go through with it.
Cam Douglas wants to go straight—there’s a horse ranch waiting for him. But he needs cash, so he takes one last job—this time, robbing the bank in Brimstone. He visits the Jeweled Ladies for an alibi but somehow winds up buying a virgin at an auction, which is a great alibi. He has no intention of forcing the girl, but when Miss Diamond insists on being deflowered, he’s far too much of a gentleman to say no to a lady.
Cynthia never dreamed she’d enjoy this night, but Cam is a rogue with a heart of gold. He gives her a night of steamy memories and then they part ways. But as she and her sister make their escape from Brimstone under cover of darkness, a rider takes them by surprise. It’s Cam, with a gunshot in his shoulder and a posse on his tail. If she protects him, they all might be caught. But she likes him, much more than she should. Can she risk her heart—and her sister’s safety—for a rogue?
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His Diamond Excerpt:
Cam traced the line of her neck before moving down her shoulders, where he stroked over her exposed skin. Little shivers of pleasure coursed through her. “Will you tell me why you need to be ruined? Why you need the money?”
Cynthia almost did because somehow, she knew he would understand that her reasons made sense in their own way.
But that was not part of the deal. “I can’t.”
The buttons at the back of the elaborate dress began to give. It had been too snug in the bosom, despite her tightest corset and the best that the Jewels had been able to do in letting it out. Lady Ruby had insisted that having Cynthia's breasts pushed up this high was a good thing, but oh, how sweet it was to draw a deep breath as the bodice gave.
He made a humming noise as cool air touched her back. If this was seduction, she decided she liked it. She liked it quite a bit.
“Have you been kissed before, my darlin’ girl? Had a sweetheart who touched you in a stolen moment? Given your heart to some cad?”
She thought of the few times she'd been cornered—including ones by Beau Haughton. She thought of all the suitors her father had turned away, attractive young men of her station who could’ve made her a good husband. “I don’t think it counts if I didn’t want to be kissed, does it?”
His hands stilled, one flat against her spine. “No, it doesn’t.”
Unexpectedly, he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her back into his bare chest. She could feel his skin against hers, warm and sensual and almost too much. That hard, hot length of him—the part of him that he would somehow put inside her—pressed against her hip.
She almost sighed with the pleasure of it. Her! Cynthia Hobbs! Perhaps she was a wanton at heart and just hadn’t known it until this very moment.
Publisher: Harlequin Desire (November 1, 2017)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Seducing the Single Mom
Widowed mom Sofia Bingham needs a job—fast! Her babies won't feed themselves. Working for real estate tycoon Eric Jenner is the perfect solution. But her childhood buddy is all grown up now…and tempting as hell. Surely one unforgettable night of passion wouldn't hurt? After that, they can go back to being all business!
But Eric doesn't agree that they should put their red-hot romance on ice. He can't deny his connection to Sofia's adorable twins—or his consuming desire for their mother. What will it take to convince her that he's playing for keeps?
Widowed mom Sofia Bingham needs a job—fast! Her babies won't feed themselves. Working for real estate tycoon Eric Jenner is the perfect solution. But her childhood buddy is all grown up now…and tempting as hell. Surely one unforgettable night of passion wouldn't hurt? After that, they can go back to being all business!
But Eric doesn't agree that they should put their red-hot romance on ice. He can't deny his connection to Sofia's adorable twins—or his consuming desire for their mother. What will it take to convince her that he's playing for keeps?
Where to Buy*:
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Twins for the Billionaire Excerpt:
“Ms. Bingham?”
Sofia looked up and the air rushed out of her lungs. There he was. She’d seen pictures of him in those impossible-to-miss articles, but there was something unexpected about Eric Jenner in the flesh that shook her.
That smile, at least, hadn’t changed. But the rest of him? Eric Jenner was now over six feet tall, moving with an easy grace that projected strength and confidence. He was simply breathtaking in a way she hadn’t ever associated with him. His hair had deepened from bright copper to a rich burnished red, although his skin was still tanned. She almost grinned. Bronzed redheads were such a rare thing that it only made him all the more special.
One thing was certain—he was not the boy she remembered. His shoulders were broader, his legs more powerful as they closed the distance between them. And his eyes… When she lifted her gaze to his, he stumbled to a stop, his brow quirking and she knew he recognized her, even if he didn’t know from where. Something in her chest loosened and she could breathe again because she knew it was going to be all right.
She hoped, anyway.
Then the realization broke over his face. “Sofia?” He took a step forward before pulling up short. “I’m sorry,” he went on in a completely different voice. “You look like someone I used to know.”
She became aware that they were standing in the middle of the reception area and that, while no one was openly staring at them, a lot of people were paying attention to this conversation. She clutched the strap of her handbag harder. “It’s good to see you again, Mr. Jenner,” she said because she did not want to presume anything at this point.
His face lit up and dang if that didn’t make her smile. “What are you doing here? And when did you get married?” He paused and looked at her again. A warm heat flushed her cheeks. Great. Blushing.
It only got worse when he said, “Wow. You really grew up.”
Award-winning author Sarah M. Anderson may live east of the Mississippi River, but her heart lies out west on the Great Plains. She loves to put people from two different worlds into new situations and to see how their backgrounds and cultures take them someplace they never thought they’d go. Sarah won the 2012 RT Reviewer's Choice Desire of the Year award for A Man of Privilege. The Nanny Plan was a 2016 RITA® winner for Contemporary Romance: Short.
Sarah spends her days having conversations with imaginary cowboys and billionaires.
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Who is Maggie Chase? Writer, reader, crafter—Maggie has told a lot of different stories a lot of different ways, but the Jeweled Ladies series marks her first foray into historical western erotica. Maggie passionately believe that every single person deserves their own happily-ever-after and her stories reflect that hope on the page. Sign up for her new-release newsletter at http://bit.ly/maggiechasenews to get the latest on her sexy cowboys, Jeweled Ladies and tough lawmen!
Where to Find Sarah:
Do you read pen names of your favorite authors writing in different genres or do you just stick to the tried and true? Who’s your favorite author who writes in multiple genres?
Enjoy!
Until Next Time,
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