Today we have an interview with Addie Jo Ryleigh author of The Duke’s Temptation.
Why do you write historical romance (or historical novels if appropriate)?
I fell in love with historical romances when I was still young and impressionable. After that they just stuck with me. It is what my mind gravitated to when I started my writing journey. It is also what always filled my head and wouldn’t be silenced until I put it on paper.
What is your favorite historical period and why?
My favorite historical period is the Regency but any time near to it is a close second. There is just something about the elegance and propriety of the period that is just asking to have a rakish hero swoop in and tempt the spirited heroine. A single brush of glove-less fingers holds so much power because of the rules it may break.
What is your favorite scene in this book?
One of my favorite scenes is when Gabe begins to lower his guard around his daughter, Phoebe. At her very adorable insistence, he finds himself unable to resist taking her for a ride on horseback. His time 
alone with her infectious nature shows the man Gabe has hidden behind the shell his father created and slowly begins to melt his resistance to be her father in earnest.
What, aside from writing, do you like to do best?
When I’m not writing, I typically have a book in my hand, or at least my iPad with various eBooks at my disposal. But on those days when I venture from behind the covers of a book, I love to take pictures. Some of my favorites are candid photos of my children or the special ones that capture the perfect mischievous look that sums up their entire personality. But I’ll take a picture of about anything that makes me smile. Even lovey dovey squirrels. (See the sweet little heads peeking out from the nesting box?)
About The Duke’s Temptation
Gabriel St. James, Duke of Wesbrook, desires any birthright other than being the son of a hideous man. Unfortunately, Gabe knows the exact moment he became like his father—a night that has haunted him for seven years. Resigned to his future, he is unprepared when his illegitimate—and more importantly unbeknown—young daughter appears on his London doorstep. With no one to care for her but him.
Lady Elizabeth Blakely has loved only one man—her brother’s longtime friend, Gabe St. James. Not even his rakish and, oftentimes, wicked behavior dissuades her. Yet it all seems hopeless as he continues to overlook the woman she has become.
When Elizabeth learns Gabe is in need of assistance with his daughter, she seizes the opportunity. Gabe, less than thrilled with the situation—mostly due to his fierce desire for his best friend’s sister—has no option but to concede. Besides, a more sinister threat lurks; someone is blackmailing Gabe with his darkest secret. Through it all, Gabe vows to resist Elizabeth, no matter how tempting.
Sometimes it’s better to surrender . . .
Buy Link: http://amzn.com/B0161EFLCK
Excerpt:
When they’d set off, Gabe at first held himself rigid, not exactly sure how to handle the closeness. But, as Brutus’s large hoofs ate up the ground beneath them and the steady motion moved through him, Gabe’s arms started to relax. The awkwardness melted away with the help of Phoebe’s incessant prattling.
He’d have to be a complete pile of rocks to keep from echoing her sentiment.
“Faster, Papa!”
He chuckled at her daring nature. “Sorry, pet, I’m afraid Brutes will have only one speed today . . . slow.”
He couldn’t see her face, but he could feel her disappointment. However, being a determined spitfire, she quickly bounced back.
“Can we go fast tomorrow?”
A desire to be her hero almost had him promising anything. Luckily, his good sense prevailed. “Not tomorrow. Someday when you are older I promise we will ride as fast as you want.”
“Can we catch pirates?”
“We can capture all the pirates in England if you wish.”
About Addie Jo Ryleigh
Addie Jo lives in the same cold winter and hot summer area of Minnesota where she was born and raised. Sharing in the raising of her three extremely rambunctious (but loves them anyway) boys is her very understanding husband that so graciously enabled her to fulfill her dream of writing. Keeping Addie Jo company while she writes (besides her wonderfully loud children) is her yorkipoo, Bella, who is never far from Addie Jo’s side.
Addie Jo has always had a love and passion for romance books and became engrossed in historical romance (particularly Regency) soon after graduating from Lurlene McDaniel’s young adult books. Currently, Addie Jo reads any genre that has a great emotional story that keeps her reading into the early hours of the morning.
Social Media Links:
Twitter: @AddieJoRyleigh
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AddieJoRyleigh
Website: www.addiejoryleigh.com
You have such a beautiful website Caroline. Thank you for allowing me to share The Duke’s Temptation with you.
Thanks for the complement, Addie Jo and for being my guest.