Welcome, Theresa Romain, Debut Regency Author!

October 5th, 2011 | 63 comments »

***Note: we have our winners! Thanks to all of you who welcomed Theresa so warmly.  Beebs won a copy of Theresa’s book. Yay, Beebs! And the winners of the two tea packages are Tanja, who came up with those answers about McVitie’s Digestive Biscuits right away, and Betty Hamilton, who won the second tea package given to a commenter chosen at random. Congratulations, ladies! 

I’m thrilled to have my fabulous friend Theresa Romain here with us to celebrate the release of her first novel…drumroll, please…the Zebra Regency historical Season for Temptation!

I love a romantic tale in which someone is caught between duty and passion. A handsome viscount named James must choose between two sisters: Julia, the outgoing one, and Louisa, the shy one he’s betrothed to already. What’s he going to do? Who’s he going to choose?

You’ll have to read this scintillating story to find out!

Meanwhile, since I’m a big fan of tea, and tea is a big part of any Regency lady’s lifestyle, I thought I’d ask Theresa what her tea-drinking habits are…and to share a few delicious tidbits from her book.

Take it away, Theresa!!!

Kieran, thanks so much for hosting me today! I’m delighted to visit about tea and the release of my debut, SEASON FOR TEMPTATION—which have more to do with one another than you might think.

When I started thinking about tea, my first thought was, “oh, I’m actually a coffee drinker.” But that’s only somewhat true. Coffee is my morning drink. Coffee gets my day started. Coffee is for work. But tea…tea is for fun.

Tea to me is the drink of coziness, and it’s what I like in the afternoon when I need a little extra boost.  I love Celestial Seasonings Bengal Spice tea, which is an herbal blend that smells like gingerbread in a cup.  For black tea, I like Bigelow’s Constant Comment, which is another sweet and spicy blend.

Since I drink tea to warm up and wake up, I associate tea itself with fall and winter. When I see the leaves of our Autumn Blaze maple turning flame-red, and when the wind starts to blow chilly instead of hot (because there is ALWAYS wind in the Midwest, where I live), then it feels like tea season.

I like to wrap my hands around a big mug of scalding tea and sip at it slowly.  This has two benefits:

1) it keeps my hands warm, and

2) no one else in my family can take it away and drink it themselves.  (In our house, making tea is apparently a specialized skill that only I possess, but drinking tea is a skill everyone has.)

So you see that, for me, tea has lots of associations with leisure, comfort, and family power struggles.  And it’s the same way in the first chapter of my romance debut.

SEASON FOR TEMPTATION is a lighthearted Regency-set historical romance featuring family scandals and a love triangle.

What? Lighthearted scandal? A lighthearted love triangle?

Well…yes. The hero, James Matheson, tries to save his family’s reputation by making an engagement of convenience with the serious Louisa. But when he travels to the country to meet Louisa’s family, he falls into a very inconvenient love with her impetuous stepsister and closest friend, Julia.

In this love triangle, all three people mean well. All are very devoted to their families, and all do their best to act nobly despite their own feelings.

Since it’s a romance, you know it’ll end well. But how does it begin? Well, I promised you tea. The first time James meets Julia, she offers him tea to smooth over the unconventional way her family has greeted him. Let’s see how it goes:

*          *          *

She laughed softly as she poured out two more cups of fragrant dark tea.

“Heavens, we are coming at you all wrong. I am so sorry, my lord. The only explanation I can think of is that we are out of practice in receiving Louisa’s fiancés.” She smiled at James. “Milk or lemon?”

James blinked. Surely she hadn’t just said what he thought she’d said. “Er…have there been many?”

“Many what? Lemons? I suppose so. We all like them prodigiously.”

“No, fiancés.” He held his breath waiting for her answer.

Julia looked puzzled for a moment, regarding the tea tray as if looking for the fiancés in question. Then understanding broke over her face.

“No; you’re the one and only, which I would have thought you’d have known. But it is so much easier to throw Louisa to the wolves than to blame the whole household for our topsy-turvy welcome. Especially since that option includes my own poor greeting.”

She laughed, and James let a relieved breath whoosh out of his lungs. He settled against the sofa back again, considering this thought process.

No, it still didn’t make any sense to him, but the distraction was delightful. After a moment, he gave up and just chuckled. “Miss Julia, your logic is impressive. Lemon, please, and one sugar.”

*          *          *

There you have it. In any century, tea heals all wounds. At least for a few minutes, anyway.

Thank you, Theresa, for sharing some time with us! I wish you tremendous success with your first book, and I hope someday we can share a cup of tea together at a writers’ conference!

Okay, dear reader friends, in honor of Theresa’s debut, we’ll be giving away a signed copy of Season for Temptation to one commenter. Here are two questions to get you started: 1) What do you like best about love triangle stories? and 2) Have you ever been caught in one?

Sssshhhh, don’t tell, but I have!! <ggg>

And in light of James’s and Julia’s tête-à-tête over the tea tray in Season for Temptation, Theresa has another question you might like to consider: “Has tea (or coffee, or any other non-alcoholic drink) ever helped you get through an awkward situation?”

Pipe up to win!

And there’s more…

I mentioned on Facebook that I have another prize to give–

To the first commenter to tell me 1) where McVitie’s Digestive Biscuits were first produced, and 2) why they have such an unusual name, I’m going to send you a box of Theresa’s two favorite teas–Constant Comment and Bengal Spice– as well as a Regency-inspired porcelain tea rest so you can feel all ‘la-di-da’ when you squeeze those steeped tea bags. :>)

I’m also going to throw in a package of my favorite Pepperidge Farm Gingerbread men cookies and some of Theresa’s favorites: McVitie’s Digestive Biscuits! I had a choice: plain or chocolate covered? Take a wild guess which kind I got!

***Note: Since someone already won the tea package–good for you, Tanja!!–I’m going to give away another identical prize to a random commenter who visits today.  :>) 

Theresa’s Bio & Buy Links!

Theresa Romain holds degrees in psychology, English literature, and history, an impractical education that allowed her to read everything she could get her hands on.  She has worked, interned, and translated for libraries and universities, all of which fed her love of books and her fascination with the past.  She lives with her family in the Midwest and lives online at http://theresaromain.com. You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter.
Order Theresa’s book: AmazonBarnes & NobleIndieboundPowell’s

Order ebook: Kindlenook

Category: News 63 comments »

63 Responses to “Welcome, Theresa Romain, Debut Regency Author!”

  1. Tanja H

    1. Mcvities were first produced in Edinburgh, Scotland.
    2. The name derives from the high baking soda content, thought to aid in digestion.

    And coffee is my distraction of choice. It takes a long time to make and that gives everyone time to think, before they speak.

  2. Kimberly Kincaid

    Oh, this looks fantastic, Theresa! Thanks for sharing it with us, Kieran :) Love triangle stories are wonderful– the suspense of “who will it be” is such a great hook, and it keep readers glued to the pages.

    I’ll be heading out to the bookstore to discover which sister your viscount ends up with, Theresa! The cover is gorgeous. I’m excited to read this!

  3. Ora

    I have never been in a love triangle, however I do like reading and watching them. I enjoy the awkward situations they find themselves in.
    For me it depends upon why I need to relax. The majority of the time I drink hot green tea regardless of the season, however when I am really stressed I enjoy Sangeria to help ease the tension.
    I have already bought the e-book this morning just because of what Kieran Kramer said. I hope you have a huge success with your debut book.

  4. Beebs

    Hi Ladies,

    I love love triangles, the suspense of waiting to find out how they’re going to untangle things and get the right people together. Then the satisfaction when everything works out. *sigh*

    I’m a coffee addict but only in the mornings now, otherwise I don’t get any sleep.

    Tea is the beverage for any crisis and pretty much is only served in emergencies in my house. But when I do drink it, it has to be strong enough to stand to stand the spoon upright, proper Irish tea.*g*

  5. Vicky Dreiling

    Congratulations Theresa! Your cover is beautiful. Enjoy the ride!

    Kieran, I’d rather see a reader win, so don’t enter me in the drawing.

  6. Sharon Wray

    I also adore triangle love stories, as well as a hot cup of tea in the afternoon. Congratulations, Theresa! A book with that cover has to do well!

  7. Gail Nichols

    No,I have not been caught in a love triangle.But,on some level it has to be flattering for a woman. I wouldn’t mind being caught in a love triangle with Hugh Jackman & Gerard Butler:)

  8. Betty Hamilton

    Theresa, welcome!! I LOVE your new book’s F/C… its beautiful. I am looking forward to reading it. Love triagles are fun to read about as there is usually so much energy in them. Usually some friction and tension and then the final “happily ever after”.
    The only love triangle I was ever in was when my (then) hubby was “dating” his 15 years younger secretary….. classic, right? It all worked out for the best though. I decided he wasn’t worth the effort and they have now been married over 25 years.

  9. Kieran

    Oh, Betty! That’s too bad!! The one I was involved in wasn’t at all a serious matter. When I lived in Scotland my junior year in college, I had gone out on a few dates with one boy named Alastair, but when his best friend Stewart walked into the pub and said hello, within five minutes of meeting him, I wanted to drop Alastair and go out with Stewart!!! I felt horribly wicked for thinking that way, but Fate intervened…Alastair told me shortly thereafter that he was moving to England, and guess who stayed in Glasgow? Stewart! I wound up dating him the entire year. I do remember how bad we both felt about it at first, although Stewart did tell Alastair, who said he understood & gave us his blessing, which was nice.

    Thanks, everyone, for visiting!!! Theresa is a GEM of a person and writer, so I really appreciate your company here today.

    XOXO

  10. Sue P.

    Love triangles, although usually pretty clear who should be getting together of the three. Wish there were more with it two males, one female. Always seems the other way. This sounds so much fun when it’s two sisters involved. Can’t wait to get my hands on it and of course, would love to win it from you! And no, sadly, I’ve never been caught it a love triangle. Tea is my beverage of choice, hot or cold. And although as not helped me through an awkward situation, it has helped comfort me in bad times.

  11. Gayle C

    Looking forward to reading Theresa’s SEASON FOR TEMPTATION, and since Kieren is one of my favorites writers I had to stop by. Congratulations on Day 2 of your debut Theresa.

    I like tea in the afternoon too, and my seasonal favorite is Celestial Seasons Gingerbread Spice.

    As for love triangles, well geometry was never my strong suit, and I was a twit when I was younger. Do I really have to say more. :)

  12. Floria - Think Flow Design

    Love triangles, yes sadly been in a few. Earl Grey is my favorite. I can’t wait to read the book and the cover is lovely!

  13. Theresa Romain

    Kieran, thanks so much for hosting today’s tea party! And thanks to everyone who’s dropping by to say hi! Wow, this is such a fun group. :)

    Tanja H–are you a trivia buff, or a McVitie’s buff? Either way, I’m right there with you. I hadn’t thought of coffee as giving people time to think before they speak, but you’re absolutely right. Good advice for any time, not just coffee time!

  14. Theresa Romain

    Kimberly–thanks so much! Hope you enjoy SEASON FOR TEMPTATION! I like love triangle stories too, but I’m a total bleeding heart and never want anyone to get stuck with an unhappy ending. I hope I’ve given all my characters the ending that will make each of them happiest. *fingers crossed*

  15. Theresa Romain

    Ora–thanks so much! Wow, that’s lovely of you. Hope you enjoy the story. There are definitely some awkward situations in it. :)

  16. Theresa Romain

    Beebs–tea as the drink of crisis? That’s a new one on me! But since people often find it calming, maybe that makes it the perfect drink for stressful times.

    How do you make a proper Irish tea? “Strong enough to stand up the spoon” sounds like something I’d love!

  17. Theresa Romain

    Vicky–thanks so much! Looking forward to your next in spring!

  18. Theresa Romain

    Sharon–thank you! The Kensington cover gods were really good to me. :)

  19. Theresa Romain

    Gail–ha, good point! And good suggestions, too. :)

  20. Theresa Romain

    Betty–ack, I’m so sorry. Real-life love triangles aren’t usually so much fun as they are in books. I do love how romances always end in that “happily ever after”, no matter how many wringers the characters have been through. Hope you enjoy!

  21. Melanie Friedman

    Hello Ladies!

    I loved the post, looking forward to the book (it’s on its way to me as we speak), and speaking of tea, I agree with Theresa and have been having it most nights, but my guilty pleasure lies with Sweet Apple Chamomile Herbal Tea from Celestial :)

    I see that early bird Tanja won, so CONGRATS on the win;)

    The best part of the love triangle stories is the angst, but more often it’s the humor that draws me in.

    And boy have I EVER been caught in one! It turned out to be the best thing that EVER happened to me, because I ended up married to the guy ;)

    Theresa, I wish you oodles of success!

    Melanie
    http://www.bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.com

  22. Theresa Romain

    Kieran–a GEM? Right back at you with interest; you are so sweet. Thanks so much for hosting me! Not long until IF YOU GIVE A GIRL A VISCOUNT comes out–I’m really looking forward to it!

    Your love triangle sounds like a romance novel in itself: Scotland, pubs, best friends, and fate. I’d definitely read that story! Glad Alistair took the news well.

  23. Theresa Romain

    Sue P.–you know, you’re right; love triangles ARE usually two women and one men, at least in historical romance. Maybe that’s because men held pretty much all the power and money at the time? A woman would have to be very wealthy or unusually independent to form a love triangle around herself. Of course, that would make her story all the more fun to read!

  24. Theresa Romain

    Gayle C–oh, I wish you WOULD say more. Sounds like there are some interesting stories there! :)

    Thanks so much for stopping by! I will have to try Gingerbread Spice; I love sweet and spicy drinks in fall. (I even put Pumpkin Spice Coffeemate in my coffee this morning–first time I tried that, and it’s realllllly good.)

  25. Theresa Romain

    Floria–thanks for the cover-love! Earl Grey was the first black tea I ever tried. I think I was motivated by Captain Picard’s “Tea. Earl Grey. Hot.” That first sip with the bergamot oil on top is delicious, powerful stuff.

  26. Florina - Think Flow Design

    It’s even more heavenly with lots of sugar and cream, real cream.

  27. Anna

    Mmm, I adore tea. I’m a darjeeling girl myself. Loose and first flush, if possible. Mmm. But I’ve given up all caffeine (and fizzy drinks and alcohol and chocolate and a whole slew of other tasty delicious things) recently in an experiment. I miss tea terribly. I’m not a chamomile person, but that’s what I’m allowed these days. It’s so not the same.

    The book looks like a lot of fun. Can’t wait to get a copy!

  28. Theresa Romain

    Florina–I never tried it with sugar and cream. That sounds delicious with the citrusy flavor! (Oops, and I’m sorry I mis-typed your name last time.)

  29. Theresa Romain

    Anna–I am wishing you willpower! I’d miss all those things too. Chamomile is a nice herbal blend, but it doesn’t have a strong flavor. Can you wake it up with a flavored creamer, maybe?

  30. eli yanti

    Hi Theresa,

    I love triangle stories but never been caught in one =D

    i should say i prefer tea then coffee because i can’t sleep if drinking coffee =(

    is this international giveaway? if not, so don’t count me ;D

    love your cover book and looking forward to read your book

    eli_y83@yahoo.com

  31. Kim

    Congratulations on the new release. Love triangles add an emotional element to the story. This plot works well in a romance, because while the characters may traverse a tortured path, there is always a HEA. Thankfully, I’ve never experienced one.

    As for tea, no it’s never helped me.

  32. Na S.

    Good Morning! What I like best about love traiangles it that it evokes a lot of emotions from people, both good and bad. It can bring out a lot of responses and it allows them to realize if that person is what it. I am drawn to emotional books and a good love triagnle will have the people involved take a closer look at themselves and at what they really want :) I haven’t been inolved in a love triangle. If I can help it I’ll live them through books. Bring on the angst, the heartache and the love.

    Congratulations on the debut of your book, Theresa! Season of Temptation looks like a great read. As for the cookies, Kieran I’m guessing you got the chocolate covered kinds!

  33. Theresa Romain

    eli–Sorry, yes! I’m willing to ship internationally. Thanks for stopping by.

    Sleep is precious–I’d stick to tea, too, if coffee kept me awake at night!

  34. Theresa Romain

    Kim–I think you’re exactly right. I’m willing to read lots in a romance that I’d never want to go through in real life (secret baby, anyone??), because I know it’ll work out ok in the book.

  35. Theresa Romain

    Na–I can guarantee you she got the chocolate kind. :)

    I love this: “If I can help it I’ll live them through books. Bring on the angst, the heartache and the love.” You’re so right. In books, I’ll take it all. In real life, I’d prefer just the latter!

  36. May Pau

    Love triangles in books are terrific! So many choices and decisions! Not so much in real life though… Especially if you don’t want to hurt anyone!

  37. Lora

    The thing I like about love triangle stories the most is that I am NOT in it! I have been involved in a love triangle and it didn’t necessarily start as such. It was more that an unfaithful wife decided to use me as “bait” to tempt her husband into becoming just as “guilty” as she was and so she could continue her encounters while he was otherwise occupied with me. Unfortunately for her and rather fortunate for me and him is that he and I became best friends and eventually fell in love and she came to the conclusion that she had destroyed her marriage long before she brought me into the picture. Now everything is all said and done and her ex and I have married, it all seemed kind of ridiculous in retrospect because when you can look back at ALL the facts and put them into perspective it all makes sense that things came out like they did. However, when you are caught up in the day to day when you are actually LIVING IT, it is a wonder some people maintain their sanity. The three of us now get along great but as you can imagine it wasn’t the case when she would become jealous of our friendship and ability to converse about any topic when she wasn’t capable of being honest with him. Just as a disclaimer however, I don’t necessarily condone infidelity. I am a firm believer that if you are in a relationship with one person and you are faced with another, finish one before starting another, it is much less complicated and better for everyone involved! We can’t necessarily control who or when we fall in love but we can exercise some control over HOW we handle it ;-)

  38. Theresa Romain, Historical Romance Author

    [...] second foodie post is up at the blog of bestselling author Kieran Kramer. We’re focusing on tea, sympathy, and shenanigans. I’m offering a book; Kieran’s [...]

  39. Lora

    Oh and in regards to tea or coffee, I prefer coffee if I am in need of a caffeine boost in the mornings and early afternoon. If I’m in need of something soothing, relaxing or warming its tea I turn to. I love almost all varieties of tea from herbal to loose leaf, and depending on which I am drinking it is either honey and lemon as condiments or milk (or cream) and sugar, although there are a select few that I sip straight from brewing (Bigelow’s orange spice is one of these that is great without the addition of anything). Definitely going to say you got the chocolate biscuits!

  40. Theresa Romain

    May–you’re right! I didn’t want to hurt any of my characters, because they all mean well. Hopefully they all wound up as happy as possible.

  41. Theresa Romain

    Lora–oh my goodness, what a story. It must have felt awful to feel used, but that’s wonderful that you’re all now getting along. You wound up with a happily ever after in the end!

    Infidelity is a really hard thing to handle in romance novels. I didn’t want my characters to cross that line, but they do become very conflicted.

    As for tea, I’ll have to try Bigelow’s orange spice! It sounds great, like Constant Comment.

  42. Kieran

    Thanks for stopping by, everyone! It’s so great to read your stories and learn more about you!

    :>)

  43. Beebs

    Hi Theresa

    I like my tea really, really strong so if I’m making it with loose tea, it’s an extra spoonful or two in the pot and if I’m using teabags I just leave the teabag in the cup, my sister does the same.*g*

    My brothers inform me that this is not Irish tea, it’s builder’s tea.

    I have no idea where that term comes from but I’m guessing it’s something to do with men and the tea being strong. *rolls eyes*

  44. Diane Sallans

    I only like love triangles if I don’t like the person who looses; if I like all three characters, I feel bad for the one that is left out in the end (that’s if they really cared about the object of their affection).
    Never been in one myself.
    A cup of tea or coffee is always a handy thing to occupy your hands, or offers an opportunity to pause & sip, if you are in an awkward situation.
    ps – I’d pick those chocolate covered cookies too

  45. Jane

    Congrats on your debut release, Theresa. I don’t have any experiences with love triangles. I think it’s too much trouble for all the involved parties.

  46. Theresa Romain

    Beebs–I’ve been drinking builder’s tea and not even knowing it! I always leave the bag in the cup, because I want lots of flavor. It really helps with herbal tea blends; I think those come out too weak otherwise.

    Wait, does builder’s tea need to be drunk black, or can it be sweetened? Maybe I’m not a builder after all.

  47. Theresa Romain

    Diane–yes! I’ve absolutely used coffee or tea as a cover for those “I don’t know what to say” moments. Or as Tanja mentioned above, making it and sipping it can give a person time to think before speaking.

  48. Theresa Romain

    Jane–thanks for the comment! Yep, there’s a definite consensus today that love triangles are pretty crazy in real life. I’ve never been in one either–maybe that’s why I wanted to write about one!

  49. Jeanne Miro

    Hi Kieran and Theresa!

    I must admit that I think stories with a twist or a love triangle story really catch my interest and usually keep me looking forward to turning the pages to just find out what happens next?

    Call it luck or just plain good sense but fortunately I’ve never been caught up in one because I probably would have felt like a “third” wheel being dragged somewhere I didn’t feel comfortable being.

    I love your giving away tea as a prize! I must admit I drink a good hot cup of hot black coffee in the morning. My family knows to not even talk to me when they see me with my mug in my hands until the cup is empty. I’m one of those people who need to be fully awake before I’m addressed in full sentences!

    Now in the afternoon or evening it’s a different story when I sit with a nice cupa. Sometimes it’s Earl Grey and other times its Constant Comment. Hot during the summer and iced for the summer. Talk to me then and I’m mellow and smoth just like the tea I’m drinking! Kieran, I have an inkling that you picked chocolate for the covering on your biscuits! What else goes better with a great cup of tea?

    Theresa, Congratulations, Season for Temptation sounds wonderful and I love the title! In fact every season deserves a little temptation and what better way to celebrate than to read a story of temptation while drinking a great cup of tea.

  50. Linda

    I usually don’t like love triangle stories; I prefer when the hero/heroine are have only 1 love interest rather than be torn between 2.

    I’ve never been in a relationship much less a triangle!

  51. Theresa Romain

    Jeanne–”every season deserves a little temptation.” How right you are! And I’m the same way about coffee; I’m very groggy until I finish my first cup (and on rough days, the second too).

    I usually take it just barely sweetened, but when eggnog shows up in grocery stores, I like to add that. It’s like making your own eggnog latte, only it’s not $4.50 a cup!

  52. Theresa Romain

    Linda–fair enough! There’s usually enough going on in a romance novel that one love interest is all there’s time for. :) In my debut, I wouldn’t say there’s more than one *love* interest, though there definitely is a triangle. And it definitely does get complicated!

  53. Robin D

    I like getting to know the characters in the triangle, and the humor of what happens… I have been involved in love triangles before. Hot tea always makes things better! The book looks very good!

  54. Beebs

    I drink mine white with no sugar but my brothers, big strong men that they are, have theirs with lots of sugar.

    I presume this is to boost their energy for all that hard work. *g*

  55. Mia Marlowe

    Loved THE SEASON FOR ROMANCE! It’s a brilliant debut, Theresa!

    I take my tea iced. Equal parts Lipton and Bigelow’s Plantation Mint. Total refreshment!

  56. Mia Marlowe

    Oh, crumb! I meant THE SEASON FOR TEMPTATION. There’s plenty of romance in it too!

  57. Theresa Romain

    Robin D–I think you’re right about hot tea making everything better. And the characters in romance novels would definitely agree!

  58. Theresa Romain

    Beebs–ha! No doubt that’s what they’d say! :)

  59. Theresa Romain

    Mia–thank you so much! (And The Season for Romance is a lovely blog, so that name’s just fine with me!) I hadn’t thought of mixing tea flavors. A hint of mint–that sounds delicious.

  60. Beebs

    Squeeee!

    Thanks Kieran and Theresa, I’ve been dying to read this since Theresa posted a teaser a couple of weeks ago.

    MWAH! MWAH!

  61. Theresa Romain

    Congratulations to the winners! And thanks so much, everyone, for such a fun day talking about love and tea!

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