Tina Gabrielle Interview

The Artful Seduction by Tina Gabrielle

Amazon Best-selling author Tina Gabrielle is an attorney and former mechanical engineer whose love of reading for pleasure helped her get through years of academia. She often picked up a romance and let her fantasies of knights in shining armor and lords and ladies carry her away. She is the author of adventurous Regency historical romances from Kensington and Entangled Publishing.

Tina Gabrielle Profile Photo

I am so glad you could join us here at Romance Junkies. To start, will you please tell us a little bit about your current projects?

First, I want to thank Romance Junkies for having me. Thank you!

My new Regency historical romance, AN ARTFUL SEDUCTION, will be released on June 20, 2016. It’s the first book in my Infamous Somertons series, and the following two books will be released in 2016-17. An Artful Seduction is an enemies-to-lovers story with a twist. The fine line between high society and the lower classes is crossed when Grayson, the Earl of Huntingdon and a renowned art critic, targets Eliza Somerton, daughter of the art forger who humiliated him in front of the ton. But Grayson’s plans for finding the elusive mastermind gradually give way to desire for this strong, feisty woman who’s kept her family together since her father deserted them…

I loved researching art history and art forgery while writing this fast-paced story!

 

When was the moment that you knew you had to be a writer?

For as long as I can remember, I have loved books and dreamed of becoming a writer. I was also an avid reader as a teenager. I spent many nights reading in bed well past midnight to finish a book, only to start another. I know my mom was aggravated waking up a tired teenager every morning! I wrote my first book when I was sixteen. I remember typing furiously on the family computer, only to get frustrated when I was interrupted by one of my siblings. I thought the book was the greatest ever written, a Jackie Collin’s spin off, and believed it was my ticket to instant fame. How little did I know!

Since then, I obtained a J.D. in Law and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. During my long commute and lunch hour, I’d often think of untold stories of heroes and heroines that I yearned to write about. I started writing books, only to be pulled away by work and family, but I kept trudging forward, learning as I wrote. After multi-publishing for a law journal, I have finally fulfilled my dream of writing fiction.

 

Who gave you the one piece of writing advice that sticks with you to this day?

My father, although he was never a writer, gave me wonderful advice that applies to anything. “No matter how many times people tell you that you’re not good enough, or smart enough, or how many times you get knocked down, never give up on your dreams.” He was an only son of immigrants and grew up during the Great Depression. His dream was to own his own restaurant and he accomplished that when he was alive. He’s in heaven now, but I often think of his advice when life throws me a curveball.

 

Describe the “perfect” hero. What about the “perfect” hero for you?

For me, the perfect hero is a man who is confident enough not to be intimidated by an intelligent woman.

 

What are some of your favorite pastimes? Do you have any hobbies or collections?

I love to swim laps. It’s a great workout, but I also find it relaxing. There’s something about having that time to myself in the water that’s therapeutic. I’ve plotted entire novels while swimming the breaststroke. I also love to play with my two daughters and watch their soccer games and swim meets.

 

When it comes to food, are you the adventurous type who will try anything once, or do you prefer to stick to tried and true foods and recipes?

Adventurous! My ethnic background is Armenian, and I grew up on the Mediterranean diet and love all types of food. I especially like to try foods from different cultures. I enjoyed the food and wine festival at Disney World’s Epcot center and had fun tasting food from many countries. The rule in my house for my daughters is to try a different food at least twice, not just once. Sometimes it takes a second try! If they still don’t like it, then they don’t have to eat it. So far, they take after me and are adventurous with food. My husband was raised on meat and potatoes and is much more conservative.

 

What is the one modern convenience that you cannot do without?

A computer. Without it I’d be writing by hand or heaven forbid—a typewriter!

 

What is your idea of the ideal romantic evening?

One sticks out in my memory. My husband arranged for my in-laws to watch our daughters, secretly packed me an overnight bag, and took me to an overnight bed and breakfast in the quaint town of New Hope, NJ. We spent a day walking, even rode on a historic steam train, and had dinner at a small restaurant overlooking the water. It was a perfect romantic evening!

 

How do you describe yourself? How would your family and friends describe you?

I’m friendly and like meeting new people, but at the same time, I’m a bit shy if I have to walk into a party without knowing anyone. I have a lot of empathy for people and watching the news upsets me at times. I’m loyal to my friends and family. I’m determined, or stubborn, depending on how you look the situation. I’m hard working, but I do best when I’m busy.

 

What is your favorite comfort food?

Hmm. How do I pick just one? My comfort foods are a bit unusual. I love making my own hummus. I can finish a batch with pita while watching my favorite TV show. I’m a writer who also loves chocolate.

 

What is your favorite season? What do you love about it?

This one’s easy—summer because I grew up going to the New Jersey shore every season. I love the sand, surf, ocean, and boardwalk. It’s relaxing and fun. We take our young daughters every year and I relive my childhood through them.

 

What project are you working on next?

I’m working on the third and final book in my Infamous Somertons series. The Regency romance series launches with AN ARTFUL SEDUCTION on June 20, 2016. The following two books will be released in 2016-17. They will be the stories of Amelia and Chloe, the remaining two daughters of the infamous art forger of the ton.

 

Any place we can find you in person or on the net this month or next?

I’ll be at the Romance Writer’s of America National Conference in San Diego and attending the literacy autographing on July 13, 2016 from 5:30-7:30. Hope to see you there! You can also learn more about what I’m working on, join my newsletter, and enter free monthly contests at www.tinagabrielle.com

Best,

Tina Gabrielle

 

Thanks again for blogging with us!

 

Author Bio for Tina Gabrielle

Amazon Best-selling author Tina Gabrielle is an attorney and former mechanical engineer whose love of reading for pleasure helped her get through years of academia. She often picked up a romance and let her fantasies of knights in shining armor and lords and ladies carry her away. She is the author of adventurous Regency historical romances from Kensington and Entangled Publishing. An Artful Seduction is the first book in the Infamous Somertons series, and the next two books will be released by Entangled Publishing soon!

Publisher’s Weekly calls her Regency Barrister’s series, “Well-matched lovers…witty comradely repartee.” Tina’s books have been Barnes & Noble top picks, and her first book, Lady Of Scandal, was nominated as best first historical by Romantic Times Book Reviews. Tina lives in New Jersey and is married to her own hero and is blessed with two daughters. She loves to hear from readers. Visit her website to learn about upcoming releases, join her newsletter, and enter free monthly contests at www.tinagabrielle.com

 

You can also find Tina at:

 

 The Artful Seduction by Tina Gabrielle

An Artful Seduction

By Tina Gabrielle

 

His lust for revenge will be his downfall…

London, 1815. Eliza Somerton has a dangerous secret. As the daughter of the infamous art forger who duped half the ton, she’s rebuilt her life under a new name. But when an old forgery goes up for auction, her father’s enemy, Grayson Montgomery, outbids her and presents her with an unimaginable choice: help him find her father or he’ll ruin her.

For years, Grayson, the Earl of Huntingdon and one of London’s top art critics, has sought justice. His well-laid plans finally come to fruition when he learns of his enemy’s beautiful daughter. But Eliza possesses a sensuality and independent spirit that weakens his resolve, and as the heat between them sizzles, what started as revenge soon blossoms into something sinful…

www.tinagabrielle.com

 

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