Virtual Book Tour & Giveaway for The Viscount's Vow by Collette Cameron

Join author Collette Cameron on her Virtual Book Tour for The Viscount’s Vow, presented by Goddess Fish Promotions from October 14 – November8, 2013.  Please leave a questions or comment for Collette as she will be awarding a $25.00 Amazon gift card and an eCopy of Highlander's Hope, the first book in the series, to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.  Please be sure and leave your email address with your comment in case you are the winner.  You can follow the rest of Collette’s tour here, the more stops you visit, the better your odds of winning.

The Lure of a “Gypsy” as a Heroine

by Collette Cameron

In historical romances there’s something undeniably appealing about a gypsy heroine. That’s why I choose to have a part gypsy heroine in The Viscount’s Vow.

Gypsies, or Roma as they preferred to be called, are perceived as being mystical and exotic, and unfortunately, are often wrongly stereotyped as being dishonest and debauched. A people of strict cultural and moral expectations, the women are vibrant, bold, and fiercely loyal. And yes, it’s true, they seem to frequently have a sixth sense, though the whole fortune telling, palm reading bit is not a depiction of a typical Roma woman.

A gypsy woman does often have an affinity for nature though, along with a knack for healing. Her warmth and unpretentiousness is refreshing when compared to the rather stuffy and often cold denizens of higher classes.  

Romance readers enjoy a strong, independent heroine, and a knife wielding gypsy who can defend herself certainly is that. Uninhibited and proud of their femininity, Roma women exude a sensuality that is often mistaken for promiscuousness. However, in contrast to popular belief, a gypsy is expected to maintain her virginity until she is married.

So, think about it. A beautiful, sensual, confident woman who embraces her sexuality, yet maintains a high moral code—what man can resist that? Especially men who’ve been raised in a more restricted, reserved (repressed) environment. 

They’re doomed.  But it’s a delicious fate.

I thought it would be fascinating to have a heroine who was part Roma and part British aristocracy. Imagine the internal and external conflict! Vangie embraces the things she loves from both her heritages and disregards those she finds too restrictive. It makes her very alluring, and Ian, poor sot, doesn’t stand a chance.   

The Viscount’s Vow
By Collette CameronA Regency Romance

Publisher: Soul Mate PublishingRelease Date: September 3, 2013

Genre: Historical Romance
Length: 292 Pages

Add to Goodreads

About the Book:

Amidst murder and betrayal, destiny and hearts collide when scandal forces a nobleman and a  gypsy to marry in this Regency Romance.

Half Romani, half English noblewoman, Evangeline Caruthers is the last woman in England Ian Hamilton, the Viscount Warrick, could ever love—an immoral wanton responsible for his brother’s and father’s deaths. She thinks he’s a foul-tempered blackguard, who after setting out to cause her downfall, finds himself forced to marry her—snared in the trap of his own making.

When Vangie learns the marriage ceremony itself may have been a ruse, she flees to her gypsy relatives, declaring herself divorced from Ian under Romani law. He pursues her to the gypsy encampment, and when the handsome gypsy king offers to take Ian’s place in Vangie’s bed, jealousy stirs hot and dangerous.

At last, under a balmy starlit sky, Ian and Vangie breech the chasm separating them. Peril lurks though. Ian’s the last in his line, and his stepmother intends to dispose of the newlyweds so her daughter can inherit his estate. Only by trusting each other can they overcome scandal and murderous betrayal.

Buy Link:  Amazon  

Excerpt: Wedding Reception Scene

“You didn't eat much, wife.”

They were alone on the dance floor. Ian deftly twirled Vangie around his aunt's smallish ballroom, mindful of the interested eyes watching them.

Stealing a glance at the smiling and nodding onlookers, he suppressed a frown. He felt like a curiosity on display at Bullock's Museum. He wished others would take to the floor, so he could dispense with the devoted bridegroom facade.

The twelve courses at dinner had been tortuous. His wife hadn’t taken more than a dozen bites nor said as many words. He'd tried to eat the succulent foods Aunt Edith had gone to such efforts to have prepared, but his anger made everything dry as chalk and every bit as tasteless.

“I'd not much appetite, my lord.”

He chuckled. “Don't you think you might address me by my given name, wife?”

“Why?” she asked pertly. “I've known you but four days, certainly not long enough to be so familiar with you.”

He lowered his head, breathing in her ear, very aware every eye in the room was trained on them. He'd give them something to gossip about. “Because I want you to, wife, and you did promise to obey.”

He nipped her ear.

She jumped and a tiny yelp of surprise escaped before she clamped her lips together. Her eyes were shooting sparks again, only this time they were directed at him.

“What's my name, wife?”

“Please, don't call me that. I too have a name, as you well know.”

Drawing her closer, her breasts pressing against the breadth of his chest and cresting the edge of her bodice, he murmured, “Indeed, but Evangeline sounds . . . angelic, and we both know you're no such thing.”

“Pardon?” She stiffened, trying to shove away from him. “I don't under—”

His head descended again. “Say it, or I'll trace your ear with my tongue.”

He grinned as her breath hissed from between clenched teeth. She stumbled, her fingers digging into his shoulder and hand. A very becoming flush swept across her face.

“Will you cease?” Her worried gaze careened around the room. “We're being watched.”

Voice husky, he said, “Say my name, sweeting.” Giving her a gentle squeeze, he started to dip his head, caressing her elegant neck with his hot breath.

“Ian, your name is Ian,” she gasped breathlessly, twisting her head away.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

A life-long Oregonian, Collette Cameron was born and raised in a small town along the northern Oregon coast. Today she makes her home in a rural community, 30 minutes west of Portland. Her Victorian farmhouse sits on a one-acre certified wildlife habit, interspersed with a plethora of gardens: English, rose, butterfly, rock, water, and of course, vegetable.

A voracious reader of romance since her teens, she even named her daughter after a heroine in her favorite romance novel. An enthusiast of times gone by, and anything related to romance, she writes Historical Romance, with a dash of inspiration, a pinch of humor, and a liberal portion of suspense.

Having dabbled in interior decorating in her youth, Collette returned to school, graduating summa cum laude from Oregon State University, and went on to obtain her Master's Degree in Teaching. She is member of Romance Writers of America, Rose City Romance Writers, The Beau Monde, and Love Faith and Hope, Inc., and a whole slew of other author/writer groups.

Some of Collette's favorite things include unique blends of coffees and teas, trivia, Cadbury Milk Chocolate, inspirational quotes, and scented candles. Her Christian faith, husband, three adult children, and five miniature dachshunds round out her life quite nicely! When she's not teaching or writing, she enjoys amateur photography, bird watching, gardening, interior decorating, rock-hunting, boating or fishing on the Columbia River, and reading of course.

To connect with Collette, please visit

www.collettecameron.com or http://blueroseromance.com/

She can also be found on:

Facebook:  http://facebook.com/collettecameronauthor

Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/colletteauthor/

Google+:  https://plus.google.com/110459897284342875390/auto

LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/pub/collette-cameron/60/17a/667

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/Collette_Author

Don't forget to leave a questions or comment for Collette as she will be awarding a $25.00 Amazon gift card and an eCopy of Highlander's Hope, the first book in the series, to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.  Please be sure and leave your email address with your comment in case you are the winner.  You can follow the rest of Collette’s tour here, the more stops you visit, the better your odds of winning.