Uncovering a Treasure of Romance

To me, great characters have always been the heart and soul of any book I  read so I am always looking for new, exciting characters to get to know. What could be more fun to discover than a book with a determined pirate in search of more than just buried treasure and a beautiful widow disillusioned by love and living a lonely existence in the country? Today's guest in My Writing Corner is Canadian author, Luanna Stewart, who brings us just such a romance.

She says she has been creating adventures for her imaginary friends since childhood. As soon as she discovered her grandmother's stash of romance novels, all plots had to lead to a happily-ever-after. She now writes full time, concentrating on sexy romantic suspense, steamy paranormal romance, and spicy historical romance.

  

Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Luanna has recently returned to the land of her birth with her husband and her two spoiled cats. She says that when she's not torturing her heroes and heroines in her books, she can be found in her kitchen baking something delicious. 

Her newest book is Love & Turmoil:

Six months after burying her wastrel husband, Lady Arabella Woodbridge has resigned herself toa lonely life in the countryside with only her two adopted nieces for company. Being a young, respectable widow is – frustrating. Then the charming and wickedly handsome Samuel Payn takes up residence in the neighboring manor house.

Retired explorer and occasional pirate Samuel Payn is on a two-fold mission – retrieve buried loot, and locate the father who abandoned his mother to a life of poverty. But a gang of murderous villains is also after the buried treasure. And someone is threatening to tear apart the lovely widow’s family.

Will Sam’s single-minded determination to uncover his true identity threaten Arabella’s happiness - and his life?

Of course I want to know more about these intriguing characters, so let's ask them some questions:

Lady Arabella, tell us a little about your current life.

          After living comfortably as the wife of a country squire I’m now in somewhat straightened circumstances. My late husband’s death—the idiot had no common sense. I warned him again and again to avoid those men. Be that as it may, his death forced me to leave my home and take up residence in a small rented cottage on the estate of an old family friend. Fortunately the small inheritance from my grandmother allows me to employ a cook-housekeeper and her husband, our coachman/gardener. I’m also able to provide a governess for my two nieces. My hope is that they’ll choose more wisely than did I when it comes to choosing a husband. Marrying for love was not a wise decision on my part.

What is it you want most in life right now?

              I would dearly love for that annoying relative to leave us alone! Mrs. Fagg seems to think she has some rights when it comes to Maddy and Nancy, my darling nieces, but I’ll not put up with her interference. If only I had some word that my father, the Earl of Dexter, was on his way to offer assistance. I can think of nothing else while this threat hangs over our lives.

What do you like about Samuel Payn?

              Mr. Payn is a handsome man but I know nothing of his character. He appeared suddenly and seems to have led the life of a nomad. His eyes sparkled with humour the one time we conversed, as well they should have given what we’d been discussing. It’s a wonder he didn’t—actually he did laugh in my face, the bounder. Still, he has agreed to help with the Fagg problem.

What is it about him that worries or frightens you?

              Mr. Payn is a man of secrets. After surviving my late husband’s addiction to gambling and lies, I have no patience for anyone who conceals the truth. There is too much at stake to put my trust in a man who’s past is shrouded in mystery. Plus, I fear his ability to make me forget the danger we’re under. His kisses—well, that’s neither here nor there. Suffice to say I’ll not be swayed by his tender regard.

And what about Mr. Samuel Payne? Let's hear more from him. Samuel, why have you given up life as an explorer?

              I was damned tired of insects that feasted on my blood. To say nothing of the spear carrying natives who objected to my existence on this planet. Adventuring is a young man’s game requiring strength and fortitude that I’m now lacking. To be successful you need to jump in without thinking too much about the consequences. I started thinking too much. Primarily about how much it would hurt to have one of those spears stuck in my belly. I had no need to lead expeditions for the money – my coffers were well filled.

Why are you looking at settling in the country?

              I’d been sailing around foreign lands for too many years and I realized it was time to return to the land of my birth. I’d like to buy an estate to manage, perhaps try my hand at farming. But first I need to find the bastard who seduced my mother. I need to make him pay for the heartache he caused. I’ll do my best to ruin him as he ruined my mother’s life. And as soon as my travelling companion arrives, we’ll retrieve a few trinkets we’d buried for safe keeping.

What draws you to Lady Arabella?

              The lovely Lady Arabella is a damsel in distress and I’m just the man to ease her worry. She’s also a widow who misses the marital bed, if that one kiss was any indication. While I’m in residence at Sir Reginald’s estate I’ll do my best to lessen her loneliness. Did I mention her beauty? Or her lush curves? Or the way her stare feels like a physical caress? Oh, yes, I’ll enjoy my time here.

What troubles you about her?

              I’m not troubled by Arabella so much as I’m troubled by my reaction to her. I’m supposed to be in the area for only a short while, but even after that one astounding conversation, that one embrace, that one delicious kiss, I’m questioning my plans to leave. To leave her. Damned inconvenient.  

These two characters make me want to immediately start reading their story! Here are the buy links where you can pick up a copy of Love & Turmoil:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

BookStrand

And here is how you can get more information on Luanna Stewart:

Website:  http://www.luannastewart.com/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Luanna_Stewart

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Luanna.Stewart.nau

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/luannastewart/

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14104212.Luanna_Stewart

Amazon Author Page:  www.amazon.com/author/luanna_stewart

              

Thank you, Luanna, for introducing us to your great characters and bringing us their story!
Any comments or questions for Luanna?