Limited Time #EbookSale: My Unfair Lady by @kathrynekennedy

From today until April 25th only, My Unfair Lady (A Library Journal Editor's Pick) will be part of Nook's 500 Under $5 Sale, with a promotional price of $1.99 across all platforms (ie: Amazon, Google Play, etc.). I wrote this book with a comedic edge that has many readers laughing out loud. That said, it includes all the passionate romance you will find in all of my books. If you haven't read this one yet, and have a sense of humor, now is the time! http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-unfair-lady-kathryne-kennedy/1100202485?ean=9781402229909

Check out the German cover of MY UNFAIR LADY by Kathryne Kennedy!

Wunderbar!

Just the answers...

I've been asked some interesting questions over the years, and thought I'd share a few answers here today:

Fairytales often inspire my stories, and my favorite is Cinderella. There’s something so satisfying in having the heroine transform herself on the outside, to match her true beauty on the inside.

I would have to say that My Fair Lady is *one* of my favorite musicals. I also love Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and Hello Dolly, and Yentl (my favorite song is Streisand singing “Papa can you hear me?”).

I do spend a lot of time on research, and I try to be as accurate as possible, but I’m only human, and luckily so far I don’t think I’ve made any goofs. :}

It might be interesting for you to know that my book, My Unfair Lady, actually inspired the Relics of Merlin series. The entire time I was writing it, I kept thinking how unfair it was that men inherited the titles, but if titles were based on magical ability, it might even things up for the women. And so the Relics series was born. The fourth book in the series is currently on hold, as I received an amazing opportunity to write a new series with Sourcebooks Publishing (the largest female-owned publisher in the industry). Set in the Georgian era (back to research!), it’s also an alternate historical reality, where seven mad elven lords have found a way into the world of man, and have taken over England using their magical scepters. The first book in The Elven Lords series, The Fire Lord’s Lover, which is about a half-elven hero (picture Legolas in Lord of the Rings) and his assassin bride, was released in August 2010. A bit more intense than the Relics series, it stretched my imagination in unbelievable ways.

Another time period I would love to write about one day is ancient Egypt. I’m fascinated with mummies and pharaohs and tombs…and a lot of women were powerful back then. Imagine what would happen if the magic of their gods was real? My mind boggles.

I don’t listen to music or anything while I’m writing. It might just be me, but I have to imagine myself in the story, and then I tell my reader what I see. And I’m not sure if I really know what I’m doing yet, but some days I think I do. :} But I do hope my writing has improved, since practice is supposed to do so…and I spend a lot of time practicing.

My Interview with Summer Wine Lee from MY UNFAIR LADY

The streets of London are busy, the clatter of hooves and the rumble of carriages over cobblestone mingling with the calls of costermongers and flower girls. I knock on the door of a tidy little brownstone that smacks of new wealth with none of the sophistication of the landed aristocracy. A girl with wild green eyes and black hair, dressed in a gown of clashing colors that makes me think she’s half gypsy, opens the door.

Maria: Well, what do ya’ want?

Author: Er, I have an appointment with Miss Summer Lee.

The girl’s eyes narrow as she studies my modern clothing suspiciously, but before she can say another word, a voice calls from the parlor.

Summer: Oh, do stop being so tiresome, Maria. Let the lady in and bring us some tea.

The black haired girl humphs, but allows me inside, and I try not to gawk too much at the antiques that surround me as she leads me into a smallish room with dark green velvet drapes heavy enough to feel oppressive. I blink while my eyes adjust to the light, and study the girl sitting on the chaise. While Maria had made me think gypsy, Summer Lee made me think of a forest fairy, with her diminutive stature and golden coloring. I had to remind myself that although I knew Summer well, I was a complete stranger to her, so I resisted the urge to hug her, and instead sat on a lovely velvet wingback chair.

A: You asked to see me?

S, nods eagerly: Oh, yes. I need your help.

A, smiling: I think you can manage whatever life throws your way, Summer. You don’t need me.

S: But I do. I’m terribly confused, you see, and it’s all your fault.

A, squirms a little, but refuses to feel too guilty: You’re in a bit of trouble. But I have every confidence you’ll figure everything out.

S: Tarnation, if it weren’t for that man, I’d agree with you.

A: I assume you mean the duke?

S, throws her arms up in the air: Who else? Not that I’m complaining about hiring him, mind. He managed to turn the outside of me into a lady, leastways.

She did look charming. Her hair had been swept up in an elegant back bun, with perfect spiral curls falling across her cheeks, a fringe of hair on her forehead softening her elfin features. She wore a dress of ivory satin, edged with lace around the neck and hem, with a full bustle swelling behind her. Embroidered slippers peeked from beneath the lace of her gown, and a stunning pearl choker circled her throat. I sighed as I looked down at my worn tennis shoes and denim-clad legs.

A: You’re now as lovely outside as you are on the inside.

S, scowling: Ha. You know darn well what terrible thing I did—

Fortunately, Maria chose that moment to enter the parlor, bearing a tea tray glittering with silver and china, which she set down with a clatter. The hem of her purple and green striped skirt lifted, and out ran the tiniest Chihuahua I’d ever seen. The little dog barked at me once, then cocked her head at my shoelaces, a wicked gleam in her eyes, and promptly bounced over and settled herself at my feet, chewing on the ends of the strings gleefully. At the same time, the bundle of fur on Maria’s shoulder uncurled itself to reveal a little monkey, gazing at me curiously.

A, smiling in pure delight: Chi-chi! India, you little scamp. You’re both even cuter than I imagined.

M, frowning in confusion, and then shrugging: Summer, the duke is waiting in his carriage for ya’. And ya’ know how he hates to be kept waiting.

S: He’s more than an hour early. She huffs. Oh, botheration, tell him I’ll be right there. Looks at the tea tray and me regretfully. Do you think you can come back so we can have a proper talk?

A: I’m sorry, Summer, but I don’t think I can manage this again. It’s…difficult to come to you. I start feeling woozy, and kinda hazy around the edges.

Summer bounds to her feet, silk skirts swishing, and grasps my hand.

S: But wait. You have to tell me what happens. What am I going to do?

A: I wish I could, Summer. But the truth is, I just don’t know.

S, brown eyes flashing gold: Tarnation, how can you not know?

A: Because my characters always take over the story, Summer. I have no idea what you’re going to do next. The room shimmers and fades and Chi-chi lets go of my shoelaces with a startled yelp. But don’t worry. I promise you’ll have a happily-ever-after. I write romances, after all.

Comparing Summer Wine Lee to Eliza Doolittle

Since My Unfair Lady was inspired by Shaw’s Pygmalion (and the movie, My Fair Lady), I was asked to compare my heroine, Summer Wine Lee, to Eliza Doolittle.

First, a little bit about My Unfair Lady. Raised in a Wild West mining town, Summer knows she’s an unacceptable bride for her fiancé’s knickerbocker family. So she goes to London to hire a sponsor to turn her into a lady. The Duke of Monchester reluctantly takes on the task, and Summer’s penchant for carrying a knife in her boot, picking up stray animals, and not knowing the least thing about acceptable polite society, makes his job difficult. When the duke starts to fall in love with her just the way she is, it becomes nearly impossible. But they are both determined—even when things get more complicated when it becomes clear that someone is trying to kill the duke.

There are a few similarities between Summer and Eliza. They are both products of their environment, their speech and mannerisms determined by where they were raised. Eliza in the East end of London, with her cockney speech and crude behavior. Summer in the untamed west, with her uncultured speech and masculine pursuits. They both have indifferent fathers, men who are more concerned with their own happiness and pursuits than they are with their daughters’. But in Summer’s case, she wants to become a lady, and Eliza was pretty much bullied into it. Summer couldn’t be bullied into anything.

But I think this aspect of their character is also a product of their environment. Eliza is a product of the Victorian attitude that men are superior persons. That their needs are more important than a woman’s. Whereas, Summer pretty much raised herself. She made her own rules, and although her father’s opinion is important to her—perhaps too much so—in her every day life she’s used to making up and following her own rules. Because of this, I have a tendency to think of Summer as more similar to Annie Oakley. A girl who can compete in a man’s world. Who can ride and shoot and fight with the best of them.

Although Eliza has compassion, I think this is one of Summer’s strongest traits. Especially her compassion for injured animals. She picks up quite a menagerie, which provides for some humorous moments in My Unfair Lady, and also allows us to glimpse Summer’s fears and insecurities.

The way Summer interacts with men is different from the way Eliza does, as well. Summer trusts her instincts, knows a good man when she sees one, despite what persona he chooses to reveal to the rest of the world, and acts accordingly. She doesn’t fear men, doesn’t see them in the role as her protector, or her superior. She considers herself an equal and treats them accordingly. I think this allows her to see beyond the surface of a man, and in many ways, get closer to him on a more equal footing. Eliza never views herself as an equal to Henry Higgins, even after she is successfully transformed into a lady. Perhaps this is why there is no happily-ever-after for the two of them. And why the author left it open as to whether she goes off with Freddie, or stays with Higgins.

This is why I love writing romance.

In My Fair Lady, Eliza does come to respect and stand up for herself. Summer has always done so. But in many ways, I think Eliza is more accepting of her true nature. Summer has a long journey before she even begins to understand herself. And her hero is going to help her toward that realization, not bully her into it.

Top Ten Reasons Why My Hero is Irresistible

Reason Number Ten:
Byron, the Duke of Monchester, my hero in My Unfair Lady, shares the same name of one of the most romantic English poets from the late eighteenth to early nineteenth century, who wrote She Walks in Beauty and Don Juan. Byron has some similar qualities to the English poet: He’s handsome, has had numerous love affairs, and is infamous for being a little bit ‘bad’. But unlike the poet, my Byron meets his soul mate, and is redeemed from a life that might have become dissolute.

Number Nine:
He was taught how to fight by his Chinese gardener. The discipline of Kung fu has made his hands lethal weapons…and yet he can still manage to touch a woman with gentle persuasion.

Number Eight:
Despite the fact that my heroine can take care of herself, Byron is constantly putting himself between her and danger. His bravery and perseverance can only be admired, especially when my heroine, Summer Wine Lee, keeps managing to get them into one scrape after another.

Number Seven:
Byron is like chocolate. Melt-in-your-mouth smooth and creamy, with a dark undertone of rich sweetness that makes you crave even more.

Number Six:
He has a thick head of golden blond hair, piercing blue eyes, a mouth so perfect it will remind you of a statue of Apollo, and above that masterpiece a nose that seems slightly crooked, saving him from being extraordinarily handsome to just boyishly so. Of little-bit-less than average height, my heroine never gets a crick in her neck when she kisses him.

Number Five:
He’s a man of contradictions. He appears bored, arrogant and completely jaded. And yet he helps Summer rescue baby foxes, allows her tiny dog to scuff up his boots with her pointy little teeth, and tolerates a monkey’s hug of affection.

Number Four:
It’s hard to resist a man in a cravat, a white lawn shirt…and only a button flap to separate my heroine from heaven.

Number Three:
He loves Summer because of her faults, not in spite of them. My heroine has hired him to turn her into a lady, and he desperately tries. But for a man bored of London society, her mannerisms are completely intoxicating. A visit to Paris to purchase Summer a new wardrobe turns into a chaotic involvement with her knife, the fitter, and silk drapes. A trip to the races turns into a match of wits involving Prince Albert. A jaunt in the country results in a bullet to his shoulder (not that this was the first time he’d been shot since he met Summer). Despite it all, or because of it all, Byron is having the best time of his life.

Number Two:
He has a wicked sense of humor. See Number Eight, Five, and Three above. He will desperately need it.

And the Number One reason why my hero is irresistible:
Byron knows how to pleasure a woman in bed, because really, after all is said and done…

Sharing News and New Reviews

Just giving a shout-out today to an RWA chapter, some reviewers, and…Thailand!

BENEATH THE THIRTEEN MOONS recently received some very kind reviews:

I am always amazed by the depth and breadth of writing that Kathryne Kennedy offers to readers. Her ability to create new worlds that are realistic and believable with characters of immense depth astounds me. Here is a master storyteller who continues to improve with each book. I loved this book and the sub-themes that echo around humanity no matter where you live.
http://www.onceuponaromance.net/BeneathTheThirteenMoons.htm

Not being a great writer myself, I wish I could write exactly how wonderful and magical this book was but I hope if you are a fantasy fan you pick this up. This is one of those books that will be with me forever, and one that I could read again and again.
http://www.bookchickcity.com/2011/01/book-review-beneath-thirteen-moons-by.html

Volusia County Romance Writers awarded MY UNFAIR LADY third place in their historical romance category, and sent me a lovely certificate.

Grace Publishing in Thailand recently purchased the foreign rights to THE FIRE LORD’S LOVER. Hopefully, I’ll receive a few author copies and be able to share them with you all.

It’s always wonderful to receive good news! Thanks a million for letting me share it with you!

Eloisa James and...MY UNFAIR LADY!

http://bnreview.barnesandnoble.com/t5/Reading-Romance/Twice-Told-Tales/ba-p/3049;jsessionid=4A756624658D0AE6DB1B3EB83CEDB842

I'm thrilled that the fabulously talented author, Eloisa James, included My Unfair Lady in the article she wrote above for Barnes & Noble's Review column titled Twice-Told Tales. Eloisa introduces her wonderful Cinderella re-telling, A Kiss at Midnight, and also talks about other new twists on old classics, such as Lisa Kleypas's Love in the Afternoon and Sherri Browning Erwin's mash-up of Jane Eyre, Jane Slayre. I'm flattered to be in such fine company, and by Eloisa's very kind words about My Unfair Lady.

I love to hear from my winners...

I received the sweetest letter from the winner of my last cameo contest:

From: s
Subject: Re: Cameo Contest for My Unfair Lady--Winner!
To: "Kathryne" kathryne_kennedy@yahoo.com
Date: Thursday, March 11, 2010, 6:40 AM
Hi Kathryne,
The cameo came yesterday, and it is just beautiful! It is so delicate and pretty, and I just love it. Thank you so very much.
Linda

Win tons of books at Barbara Vey's Romance Blowout Party

http://www.publishersweekly.com/blog/Beyond_Her_Book/31505-3rd_Anniversary_Party_Romance_Blowout.php

Win a copy of MY UNFAIR LADY among tons of other books. Pick up great new recipes from my fellow Casablanca authors! View some great eye-candy. Join the fun today!

Worth the wait...

some more very nice reviews for MY UNFAIR LADY:

"Ms. Kathryne Kennedy has written a hilarious book with the spin of My Fair Lady. She has included more disruptions and comical happenings than seems possible in one book. Her characters are well developed and likeable. The events that take place follow an interesting plot and the outcome was hilarious. She introduced many surprises and kept me entertained." http://theromancestudio.com/reviews/reviews/unfairladykennedy.htm

"There was so much to like in this story I hardly know where to begin. As I came across each scene that made the story special I thought “I have to include this”, “I have to include that.”"
http://loveromancesandmore.blogspot.com/2010/02/my-unfair-lady-by-kathryn-kennedy.html

We have a winner!

Congratulations to Linda E. from Canyon Lake, Texas! She was my lucky newsletter subscriber #832 who won a hand-carved cameo pendant from my third contest for MY UNFAIR LADY.

Thank you, Linda, for being such a loyal reader. Enjoy!

Only a few days left to enter to win a genuine cameo!

I love doing contests. It’s a great way to spread the word about my books, and since I do jewelry as prizes, I get to shop for sparklies. It’s a win-win for me. :}

I can’t be sure how many readers I’ve actually garnered from doing my author contests, but I love that I can reward my readers for their loyalty to me and my books. I have readers that have been signed up for my newsletter for years, and I’m always excited when the random number generator picks their number.

I have a contest for a Victorian cameo running on my website now for my latest release, my Victorian romance, MY UNFAIR LADY. (It’s an easy one to enter…I’ve posted a copy of it below.) With my RELICS OF MERLIN series, it was easy to choose the prize, since each magical relic was spelled in a specific jewel. For my new series, THE ELVEN LORDS, I wasn’t quite sure what to choose. There are no magical jewels in these books (although there are magical scepters), so I just kept thinking, what would be a perfect prize for romance readers?

Two words. Chocolate. And diamonds.

So how about chocolate diamond jewelry for prizes? Oh, yes, I had a great time shopping for those! I’m only sad that the first book in the series, THE FIRE LORD’S LOVER, isn’t scheduled for release until July 2010. But since I always do promotions months in advance, I’ll be able to start those contests after I award the winner of the cameo for MY UNFAIR LADY. Gotta love contests. :}

Warmly, Kathryne

THIRD cameo contest for MY UNFAIR LADY Help me launch the December 2009 release of my Victorian romance novel, MY UNFAIR LADY! The prize for this THIRD contest is a large handcarved Italian genuine shell cameo pendant set in precious metal. Entering is easy! Just sign up for Kathryne Kennedy's newsletter at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KathryneKennedy/

A winner will be randomly chosen using RANDOM.ORG. Existing newsletter subscribers are automatically entered. Your information will be kept confidential. Contest ends February 28, 2010. Void where prohibited by law. You must be 18 years or older to enter. No prize substitution permitted. This contest is subject to all federal, state and local laws and regulations.

More lovely reviews for MY UNFAIR LADY...

"MY UNFAIR LADY captivates from start to finish. Wonderful humor abounds as these unlikely pair encounter one another and Summer's enthusiastic energy breaks through all conventions. Sexy yet sweet, MY UNFAIR LADY is a romance for all those readers who cherish the magic of innocence as well as the logic of the passionate heart."
http://www.bookilluminations.com/rev_my_unfair_lady.html

"I really enjoyed this book. It was a great love story about opposites attracting...I also loved the last chapter, I actually laughed out loud a few times."
http://randiromancereader.blogspot.com/2010/01/review-my-fair-unlady-by-kathryne.html

"I give this book an awesome A, and rate this book mature for 18 and up. The few sex sense in this book are quite descriptive. But enough about way I think go read the book and see for yourself just how good the book is. Happy reading!"
http://intunewithbooks.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-unfair-lady.html

Kathryne Kennedy will take you on a wonderful journey of make-over, love, and scorching romance.
http://thisbookforfree.com/?p=1247

"Neither Summer nor Monchester are cookie cutter protagonists. They both embrace their flaws, and in Summer's case, they tend to bite her in the butt...I enjoyed MY UNFAIR LADY and was firmly rooting for Monchester to win the day."
http://romancereaderatheart.com/pubsandpromos/2009/dec09/MUL_KK.html

Congratulations to Judy C. from Holden, Louisiana!

She's the lucky winner of the Night Owl Romance blog contest. I received a very nice email from her after I mailed her the prize:

From: JUDY C Subject: Cameo Necklace
To: kathryne@kathrynekennedy.com
Date: Saturday, January 9, 2010, 3:25 PM

Kathryne,
I am glad you gave me your email. I just received your package in the mail today. The Cameo necklace is so pretty!! I really
like it!! I will enjoy wearing it!! It looks like an antique. Thanks so much for the contest and great prizes!!
Thanks again, Judy

MY UNFAIR LADY receives more lovely reviews...

I would like to sincerely thank the following readers for taking the time to post reviews for MY UNFAIR LADY:

"One of the most enchanting historical romances I've read this year." ~Martina Bexte, Book Loons Reviews: http://www.bookloons.com/cgi-bin/Review.asp?bookid=11890

"I think this book is very well written and I lost myself in the pages as I imagined myself moving along with the characters as if I was one of them. I quickly found myself finished with this book and wishing it would continue." ~The Book Tree: http://thebooktree.blogspot.com/2009/12/book-review-my-unfair-lady-by-kathryne.html

"If you're looking for a romantic read and a quick escape - this will surely hit the spot!" ~Starting Fresh: http://startingfresh-gaby317.blogspot.com/2009/12/book-review-of-my-unfair-lady-by.html

"It made for some great escapist reading and it was a joyful ride. I will definitely read another of Kennedy's books" ~Jenny Loves to Read: .http://jennylovestoread.blogspot.com/2009/12/review-my-unfair-lady-by-kathryne.html

"If you enjoy reading a good historical, you have to read My Unfair Lady. It's one that leaves a glow in your heart and a smile on your lips." ~Sia Mckye: http://siamckye.blogspot.com/2009/12/my-unfair-lady-review.html

"With My Unfair Lady Kathryne Kennedy delivered another beautiful, sparkling and emotional story with unconventional, but lovely and lively characters. Her books are unique and in a league of their own, I am already craving for her next story!" ~Marissa's Book Lair: http://dream-mistress.blogspot.com/

"My Unfair Lady is a charming story about a girl who's trying to fit society's expectations so she can marry the man she wants, and the man who tries to help her, but eventually shows her that she's great just the way she is. Perfect for an evening in." ~Drey's Library: http://dreyslibrary.blogspot.com/2009/12/226-my-unfair-lady-by-kathryne-kennedy.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DreysLibrary+%28drey%27s+library%29

"I really enjoyed this book. It was an interesting take on Pygmalion and My Fair Lady. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a sequel to a non-Jane Austen book." ~Books Like Breathing: http://bibliophile23.wordpress.com/2009/12/09/my-unfair-lady-kathryne-kennedy/

"This is a fast paced, page turning, truly delightful story. It is sensual, but very entertaining. I would highly recommend this book."
Reviewed by AAR
"This is one of those rare historicals that will make it to your keeper shelf, but not stay there long! You’ll be rereading it, and telling others to read it. Fans of fun, witty, deeply engaging stories will find MY UNFAIR LADY a prize!"
Reviewed by Wendy Keel
http://mybookaddictionandmore.wordpress.com/2009/12/07/my-unfair-lady-by-kathryne-kennedy-a-review/

"Acceptance is a theme that prevails throughout and one Ms. Kennedy develops beautifully...a fun, fast paced read. One I enjoyed enough to finish in one sitting." ~Musings of a Bibliophile: http://www.bibliophilemusings.com/

"Overall, reading this book was a hilarious and wonderful experience, and an unforgettable escape from reality." ~ The Life (and Lies) of an Inanimate Flying Object: http://haleymathiot.blogspot.com/2009/11/review-my-unfair-lady.html

"My Unfair Lady was a fun read. It was a journey of love, trust and acceptance. Beautifully written." ~Anna's Book Blog: http://annavivian.blogspot.com/2009/11/arc-review-my-unfair-lady.html

"My Unfair Lady is a remarkable tale of love and acceptance." ~Romance Book Wyrm: http://romancebookwyrm.blogspot.com/2009/11/my-unfair-lady-kathryne-kennedy.html

"This Victorian romance will win you over faster than you can say the “Rain in Spain!”" ~Love Romance Passion: http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-my-unfair-lady-by-kathryne-kennedy/

"My Unfair Lady is a very fun read with charming characters who can laugh at themselves with delight so that you take pleasure in their story while being pleasantly entertained, which for me has become this author’s trademark." ~Sandy M, The Good, The Bad, and The Unread: http://goodbadandunread.com/2009/11/30/7552/

Some more wonderful reviews for MY UNFAIR LADY

"I knew from the minute that I met Summer as she was trying to hide her little dog under her skirts that I was going to like her...This was a very fun take on My Fair Lady. If you are a fan of that romance - you should pick up a copy of My Unfair Lady."
http://booksandneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2009/12/my-unfair-lady-by-kathryne-kennedy-book.html

"I kept hoping there could come a way for them to be together, although even I despaired at a happy ending. Some things just looked to insurmountable to overcome. I couldn't believe the surprises that were in store as Byron and Summer each fall more and more in love with each other. Overall, I found My Unfair Lady to be a charming read."
Reviewer: Robyn Roberts Overall Rating: 5.0
http://www.onceuponaromance.net/MyUnfairLady.htm

Last chance to win: http://muchcheaperthantherapy.blogspot.com/

That's right! This is my very last blog post before I crawl back under my keyboard and immerse myself in my next book. Stop by http://muchcheaperthantherapy.blogspot.com/ post a comment, and be entered to win an autographed copy of MY UNFAIR LADY. Good luck!

Guest Blog and Giveaway on Anna's Book Blog: http://annavivian.blogspot.com/

Come join me on Anna's lovely blog where I talk about my inspiration for My Unfair Lady, (or, exploring the Cinderella complex.)
http://annavivian.blogspot.com/
Again, leave a comment & be entered to win my book!

My favorite Chihuahua story, sure to make you smile: http://bibliophile23.wordpress.com/

http://bibliophile23.wordpress.com/
Join me today on the wonderful blog, Books Like Breathing, where I tell my favorite story about my two little Chihuahuas.