We have winners! The four winners of an ARC of Beguiling the Beauty as chosen by Random.org are:
#120: JulieM
#44: Terrie
#95: secohen
#257: scigirlcindy
Random.org has also given me a winner for the grand prize, an ARC and a bounty of beauty products made by Sherry Thomas: comment #161, JennyB!
Winners, please email me at sarahATsmartbitchestrashybooksDOTcom with your mailing address.
You can also try again to win an ARC at Sherry's Facebook page for the next 72 hours – and, whoo hoo! All of Sherry's backlist is on sale digitally for $3.99 right now!
- Not Quite a Husband by Sherry Thomas * $3.99 * A | BN | K | S
- His at Night by Sherry Thomas * $3.99 * A | BN | K | S
- Private Arrangements by Sherry Thomas * $3.99 * A | BN | K | S
- Delicious by Sherry Thomas * $3.99 * A | BN | K | S
Also: you guys are full of the good beauty advice – and I can't believe I needed a reminder to start using sunscreen on more than my face and neck, but I totally did. So thanks.
Sherry Thomas has a new book coming out on May 1, 2012, which you can preorder online now ( A | BN | K S ). Those of you who are Sherry Thomas fans are anticipating this one greatly – I know Carrie S has had this book on preorder since February at least.
So when Sherry asked if I'd like to do an ARC giveaway, I said HELL to the YES and then proceeded to ask her all sorts of nosy questions about the book. Behold! The Interview and Giveaway (-inator™)! There's ARCs and homemade Sherry Thomas beauty products to win up in here. Have a read while Sherry tells us about the book.
Sarah: So, tell us about this here book. And pass the lip balm?
Sherry: Beguiling the Beauty is the first book in the Fitzhugh Trilogy, which revolves around–surprise!–the three Fitzhugh siblings. The eldest sister is the titular beauty in Beguiling the Beauty, the middle brother will be the one Ravishing the Heiress in the second book, and the youngest sister is scheduled to wear the veil in Tempting the Bride.
(The trilogy is actually a 3.5-ology, as I am contributing a novella about a significant secondary character from book 2 to Midnight Scandals, a self-published anthology that also features Carolyn Jewel and Courtney Milan, available late summer 2012.)
Now back to Beguiling the Beauty, which is my contribution to the overpopulation of dukes in Romancedom. This particular duke, in present-day terms, would be described as an evolutionary biologist–but since my book is set in 1896, he is just a plain, old naturalist.
Our naturalist duke has a not-so-minor obsession with a certain beauty he's only seen from afar. This obsession bugs the ever-loving daylight out of him because he believes the twice-widowed Mrs. Easterbrook to be a money-grubbing, husband-dishonoring slut. (And you can't really blame him, as her first husband railed against her in front of the duke shortly before the man died broke and under suspicious circumstances–read, suicide.) The duke avoids Society because he isn't sure whether, even knowing her to be this money-grubbing, husband-dishonoring slut, he can trust himself around her light-bending beauty. But he's getting old–almost 29, that is–and has promised his stepmother that after a lecture at Harvard University, he will look for a wife in London, where he is certain to run into Mrs. Easterbrook.
This stresses him out. So, during the lecture at Harvard, when he is asked about the evolutionary aspects of beauty, he uses what he believes to be Mrs. Easterbrook's sins as a cautionary tale, little knowing that the beauteous Mrs. Easterbrook happens to be sitting in the audience, having a massive, “Oh, no, you didn't” moment.
One thing leads to another. Before the duke knows it, he's on a transatlantic ocean liner having a hot-and-heavy affair with a mysteriously veiled woman, falling for her–as SB Sarah would say–like whoa and damn. But she disappears at the end of the crossing.
Later, as it is wont to do, all hell breaks loose.
And, oh, I almost forgot, there are dinosaurs in this story. (And you thought it couldn't get any better!) (Okay, only dinosaur fossils, but still.) 🙂
Sarah: Are the dinosaurs dukes as well? Do the dinosaurs have a titled class system?
Sherry: The dinosaurs involved, being mere plant-eaters, were prolly outside the titled system. Mere landholding gentry.
Sarah: What is Ms. Easterbrook's reaction to her beauty? Does she struggle with it? What animal is she based on?
Sherry: Err, she is like the cetiosaurus she dug up when she was sixteen–really a very sturdy character. She aims to deal with her beauty on practical terms, i.e., she recognizes both that it is quite advantageous to be drop-dead gorgeous and that her beauty is not necessarily a representation of her soul. But she does suffer a slight bit of insecurity at times, wondering who she is, or would be, if she didn't look as she did.
Sarah: For readers who have enjoyed your books in the past, what do you think will appeal to them about this one?
Sherry: I frankly have no idea. It doesn't have reunited lovers, long separations, gourmet cooking, spies, or super-duper angst. 🙂 So I will flatter myself shamelessly by relating what my critique partner told me, that reading Beguiling the Beauty is kind of like reading, in her words, “a really good Loretta Chase book.”
Squee!
I'd tried to write a Loretta Chase book with His at Night, which was my take on Mr. Impossible. His at Night didn't come out anything like a Loretta Chase book. Beguiling the Beauty is actually me remaking Judith Ivory's Beast–the ocean-crossing, the unseen lover, and whatnot. So if by trying my hand at Judith Ivory, I arrive at Loretta Chase, hey, I'll take it.
Sarah: What was the first scene or character you started with when you began this book?
Sherry: When I started out, I actually meant to rewrite Judith Ivory's Beast with only the sexes switched around, i.e, instead of a much older man who is somewhat odd to look at & a little lame (literally) seducing the much younger, rather wild, and extraordinarily girl he is set to marry, sight unseen, on an ocean crossing, I would have a much older woman who is somewhat odd to look at and a little lame (literally), seducing the much younger, rather wild, and extraordinarily beautiful man she is set to marry, sight unseen, on an ocean crossing.
I wrote ten pages and couldn't go on anymore. So I said, shove it, I'm writing something else. I'm just going to have a man who offends my heroine horribly, accusing her of all kinds of crimes of the heart she's never committed, and doing it in such a way that is impossible for her to defend herself publicly. So that's when she conceives the idea of making him fall in love with her as revenge. But of course, it goes all wrong and she falls in love with him instead.
But then I had to figure out why the hero would say such things about her to begin with. And whenever I have a conundrum like that, my answer always ends up being: Of course, he's been in love with her since 4EVA! 🙂
(Let me assure potentially concerned readers that when I am inspired by other books, the end results usually bear as little resemblance to the original as a peacock does a T. rex. Yes, there is some common DNA, but mine is a totally different animal.)
Curious? I hope so, because we've got 5 advanced reader copies of Beguiling the Beauty to give away.
And because Sherry Thomas is 68% pure evil, she's also offered “a collection of my homemade beauty items. Lip balm, solid body butter, bath bombs, and maybe even a scrub or two” to one lucky winner as well as an ARC. (I've received tins of Sherry's lip balm. It's super soft and very awesome.)
We will pick 5 winners from the comments at random to win. Standard disclaimers apply: I am not being compensated for this giveaway. Not even with body butter, which sounds really kind of awesome. You must be over 18 and dressed like a sphinx to win. Void where prohibited. Open to international entries, even though the shipping can be a bit slow. Head On: apply directly to the forehead. Some theories exist that suggest if the reader is not directly observing this giveaway, it may cease to exist.
So, tell us, since this book is about beauty and beguilement, what's your best beauty or fashion tip? What's one thing you do that never fails to make you feel awesome and spiffy? Share, and you're entered to win! Comments close in 48 hours, so bring on the beguilement!
I love Sherry Thomas so very, very much.
As for beauty tips, I’m one of the last people on earth to give beauty tips. I live my professional life in scrubs, and at home I’d rather be in the garden than anywhere else. But in the spirit of the question, when I paint my nails I suddenly feel transformed into someone a little more… well, just a little more not me.
Makes you feel awesome and spiffy. Put two metal spoons in the freezer, let them sit while you drink your coffee and then take them out and press them to your eyes. Instant wake up call and if you have bags like I do it helps perk them up and makes you look less like a bassett hound.
I swear by using moisterizer ! I use that and chapstick daily , and thats almost all for me, make-up wise. I enjoy wandering the cosmetics aisle, but I hardly ever purchase a thing. It is just enjoyable enough to look…lol.
I wouldn’t have thought of the Mr. Impossible connection on my own, but now that I’ve heard it, I can see how the roots could be there. Sherry Thomas is one of my absolute favorite authors. His at Night was lovely and Not Quite a Husband is a go-to book for me—I love it. The thought that a new Sherry Thomas is weeks away with two to follow in short order? Be still my heart! As to beauty products? Uh-oh. Not my strong point. So, just this, be kind and generous. I don’t think any amount of beauty products can counter an unpleasant personality. The most beautiful faces I know are those that can’t help but reveal inner beauty.
I can’t wait to read this! I love it when heroines put heroes in their places.
My beauty tip…hmm…Smith’s Rosebud Salve from Sephora is amazing and smells great too! Personally, I feel most confident when I’m wearing a figure-flattering dress and some killer heels. I love shoes.
Thank you for such an appetizing excerpt of your book and a fun interview. I haven’t read any of your books yet Sherry, but can tell you that you’ve definitely been added to my “wish list”.
The first thing that came to my mind when you asked for a beauty tip was “nothing but a gorgeous smile to light your face up and make the people around you smile too”. Also, my one beauty item that I never go out without is mascara.
Thank you for such a wonderful contest.
Sugar! At 85 my grandmother still had a lovely complexion. I asked her what she used and she said once a week wet your face and spread a small handful of sugar on it in a circular motion and rub gently. As the sugar melts onto the skin, apply a bit more pressure. When completely melted leave on for a minute or two, rinse off and voila! the best exfoliant in the world. Fast forward twenty-five years and walk with me into a well-know dermatologist’s office. His advice for the best and cheapest exfoliant? Sugar! Try it, your face will be smooth, wrinkle free and you will feel like a goddess!
Love Sherry Thomas’ stories.
I love Sherry Thomas books! U almost never wear makeup, so mascara makes me feel like I’m really spiffed up
Exfoliation!! A great homemade one – olive oil and sugar. Silky skin that glows.
I love eyeliner! I don’t goop it on, but I am always wearing just a little bit of it. My favorite is Dior’s waterproof intense brown.
Sounds like an interesting book! I don’t have any particular beauty tips, though I’d echo a comment above about smiling. A genuine smile will, in my experience, make any face brighter.
I always have my toenails painted. On Saturday, I got took off the goth black, and painted them lavender in honor of the early spring.
The best beauty tip I can offer is that we are all beautiful, no matter what. Even when we first wake up in the morning on day 9 of the camping trip and have had no coffee. Beauty is in your heart, not on your face.
Sherry Thomas is one of the most awesome people writing today. Not just because she is a great writer, she is a great person as well.
Now, off to iron my sphinx costume and apply some Head On.
I don’t wear much makeup, but my beauty tip is lanolin lip gloss in the morning. It lasts for hours and keeps my lips from getting those annoying and painful cracks.
This sounds great. It’s going to the top of my to-be-read list!
I am a sucker for new products, so if I’m trying something new—lipstick, moisturizer, whatever—it usually makes me feel good. That’s why I love the free gifts with purchase. So many new little trial-size samples to try out.
My beauty tip? Since I don’t do makeup, I have to go with ignoring what the tag says and wearing clothes that fit and make me look and feel good.
amazing, fun, interview 🙂
hm… my beauty tip, wear high quality clothing that fits you no matter what “size” the label says or what “size” you think you are. Fitting clothing always looks better than clothing you “can get” yourself into.
My beauty tip: Let your hair air dry if you can. The heat from the blow dryers and curling irons magically turns hair into straw.
Can’t wait to read these upcoming books!
Beauty tips: #1 – use eye pencil to outline eyes in charcoal or black eye pencil as close to the lashes as possible smudge it a bit. It opens the eyes up tremendously. Make it a bit thicker on the upper outside corner that gives you a glamorous look if you’re having your picture taken, especially. Tip #2 – remove your makeup every night with Albolene (you can get it in the drugstore). Wipe off with tissue. It’s cleanses and you don’t need soap. Best thing since sliced bread and hardly costs anything! I love it and use it every night without fail.
Oil-cleansing method. Does it work? It works as well as anything else and it’s cheaper.
http://simplemom.net/oil-clean…
I never feel more girly & pretty than when I have my nails painted and am wearing heels 🙂
Great interview. I can’t wait to read this series!
Beauty Tip: Be kind to the image you see in the mirror. Tell her she’s beautiful! Because confidence is sexy.
I am so excited to read this book! I have my degree in anthropology, so it’s always amazing to find books involving an evolutionary biologist! I always make sure to have a face wipe or spritz to make sure my face feels clean and fresh – Sephora has some great ones 🙂
I am not much of a make-up wearer, but I love nail polish. I always have my toe nails painted, it makes me feel girly.
I can’t wait to read this book.
I had this discussion the other day with friends, wherein it was determined that I need to hand in my woman card. I don’t carry a purse, I don’t wear makeup or perfume as a rule. BUT. When I remember, or I need an extra boost, I do a couple of things: I wear my hair down and do something with it, and I put on mascara.
That was a delightful interview. I’m really excited for this series of books now. 😀
My hair is not-red-not-brown-not-blond, and it somehow goes poorly with my skin tone. I look tired and washed out until I color my hair just a couple shades darker. I used to go full-on gothy black, but as an adult, I’ve found that a nice chestnut brown on my head makes all the difference in the world. I’ll go out bare-faced with darker hair; it improves the look of my skin that much.
(Also, sunblock and a slightly tinted lip balm…no gloss.)
I’m more of a wash and go kind of girl than anything. I don’t really like to have to fuss with myself, but I usually don’t leave the house without some eyeliner, mascara and at least some gloss on my lips. My tip, I guess, would have to be … highlight your best features.
Oh, exfoliate your lips! Lots of people exfoliate their faces, but forget their lips. A little honey & sugar or olive oil and sugar on a wash cloth works. During winter I prefer the Vaseline and old toothbrush method. Adds a little extra moisture.
I think I’m going to have to re-read His at Night now. (Oh the burden…) 😉
My beauty tip’s credit actually goes to a high school acquaintance who sat next to me in Advanced English. She was dressed up one day and everyone was asking her if she was supposed to go on some big music trip/concert that afternoon, which she denied (wasn’t a music student). I told her she looked awesome anyway, and she laughed, telling me that before she got out of bed, she knew her day was going to suck: she had gotten her period, she was expecting really bad test results in Trig, etc. but her habit when she was expecting a horrible, no good, very bad day? Wear her prettiest clean outfit so that at least people would compliment her all day and wonder what cool things she was getting up to. Said it was the best pre-emptive strike against letting herself be miserable and it always worked like a charm.
This book sounds wonderful!
My beauty tip: moisturize and sunscreen. Every day.
Oh my lord, I have no chance to win here—I don’t do beauty.
No, really. I make sure I’m clean—both person and clothes—and that’s it. No makeup, no hairdo, no…anything.
Rats.
I never go without chapstick. Specifically Nivea Smoothness. And to look extra spiffy? Mani & Pedi polish! In bright pink
I think I’ve found a new author to read! Hmmm…beauty tip. If you knew me, you probably wouldn’t ask. But in the spirit of the giveaway, I’d have to say that eyeliner and mascara are the quick and easy way to make it look like you give a s**t when you obviously don’t. I can skip the rest of the beauty regimen (and often do), but I always feel more put together when I’ve slapped on some eyeball enhancement.
Heading to the library website now to check our all Sherry’s books. Beauty tip(s): Don’t ever smoke, or quit immediately. I’m a nurse and if you put me in a room with 100 women I’ll pick out the smokers for you; it ages you quickly. Use the best sunscreen you can afford and use a very light hand with the make-up. Foundation blended into your moisturizer, mascara, line the inside of your eyes and a mid-range lip color. You look maaaahhhvvvaaaalous!
Extremely curious! Thanks for offering us the chance to win an advanced copy 🙂
My beauty tip would be to always clean your face even if you wore just minimal make up that day – your face is what people see first, so you should take extra care of the health of your facial skin.
What always makes me feel good no matter what is a great hair day. Fabulous hair is the best accessory!
I’m very excited about this series.
My #1 beauty tip is to use sunscreen every day.
Pick me! Pick me! (Jumps up and down…) I can’t WAIT to read Sherry Thomas’ new book!
Beauty tip for those who are still wearing fragrance: I once worked for a woman who told me the only places to spray or dab fragrance on are behind the knees and in the inside of the elbows. The scent in question will work with your body heat to make you deliciously nice to be around, and will not announce your presence from fifty feet away. Bonus beauty tip: Moisturize. Daily. Your skin will thank you.
I loved His At Night. Looking forward to the new one!
I have insane wavy/curly hair, so my beauty tip is for my curly-haired sisters, and it’s basically to use shampoo without sulfates and not to wash your hair every day. Sulfate-free shampoo is pretty easy to come by these days, and the result is that my hair is softer and curlier and less frizzy, plus all I really have to do is run a comb through it and it looks okay. (I am LAZY when it comes to my hair.)
Thanks for the giveaway. The book sounds interesting, and I loved getting the author’s thoughts on her approach to it.
My best beauty tip is that good moisturizer is essential. Makeup can only do so much if your skin isn’t in good shape.
Having recently had one for the first time in my life, I second the “good haircut.”
If you happen to be in a play wherein you play a man, admire what a gorgeous man you make. Then make sure and wipe off the man-make up before you run into the guy you like. Not that I’m speaking from personal experience or anything.
I’ve never read any Sherry Thomas, but this looks delectable. I’ll keep my eye out for it!