Excitement, Adventure, History, Romance!

JEAN ROSS EWING

If you love British-set historical romance,

you've found the right author!

I was born in England and lived in a Georgian house in the English countryside while I was growing up. Except for some basic wiring and plumbing, the house hadn't been remodeled since 1820. When we moved in, there were still stone sinks, and servants' bells, and wooden shutters on the windows. Sounds romantic? It was! (It was also cold.) Now I write romance about my native land, while exploring the fascination of heroes.

Q: How did you sell your first romance?

A: I wrote my first Regency novel at the end of 1992. I've always loved the Regency period, and I wanted a story that was fast-paced, witty, resonant with history, and with a hero to die for. I sent the manuscript to Zebra, who offered me a two-book contract. That book was published as the award-winning Scandal's Reward in August 1994.

Q: How many novels have you published so far?

Q: Tell us about ILLUSION!

A: My first long historical, ILLUSION, was a lead title from Berkley, my new publisher. It's an outrageous, provocative, sexy adventure that sweeps from London to Paris in the troubled Spring of 1815. Readers meet Nigel, Marquess of Rivaulx, a jaded, cynical rake who is sworn to celibacy, and Frances Woodard, a professional courtesan trained in the ancient erotic techniques of India. Frances turns up in Regency England, "shadowed in mystery and the scent of frankincense," and it's a wild ride! When they are caught up in a multi-layered adventure filled with hidden enemies, intrigue, and danger, Nigel is forced to risk everything, even his sanity, while Frances willingly offers a perfumed world of exotic sensuality, which most romance heroines, or even heroes, would never dream of entering. Can Nigel resist her? Don't miss this one!

Q: So it was a departure from your Regencies?

A: Though classified as 'sweet,' my Regency Rewards were also passionate, action-packed, and intricately plotted. Beneath a page-turning, adventurous romance, I like to touch on all kinds of deeper themes: echoes of myth and fairy tale that resonate in my heart; real issues of honor and courage, compassion and integrity; deeply felt emotions. Each book is in some sense a soul's journey. But I also love humor and wit, and sometimes my humor has a wickedly ironic edge. My goal is to create an enjoyable and memorable time for my readers, with just a hint of healing tears and laughter. Primarily my books are for fun, but in the most satisfying way possible! My historicals are sexier, longer and more complex than the Regencies, but they still reflect all those same passions.

Q: What came next?

A: My second long Regency historical for Berkley, FLOWERS UNDER ICE, set partly in the Scottish Highlands. Dominic Wyndham believes he has nothing to live for until a passionate young woman from the Highlands insists he help her on an urgent quest. Dominic agrees, on one wicked condition! FLOWERS UNDER ICE garnered a "starred" review from Publishers Weekly, as well as cover quotes from Mary Jo Putney, Jo Beverley and Mary Balogh. It's a story filled with my own love for Scotland.

Q: Where do you live now?

Q: What have you learned about writing romance?

A: Never give up! Work hard. Remember it takes luck as well as talent, and we must each find our own unique path. Write with conviction, passion, integrity, and courage. Never be afraid to follow your own vision. And believe in heroes.