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!
A new outfit always does it for me.
I cant remember the last interview I enjoyed more. Never read Sherry. But she is hilarious!! And her book sounds loverly!!
Foundation, without question foundation. I have a horrendous red-head blochy skin, but add some foundation and I have that perfectly flawless milky white skin of a romance heroine. 😉
Beauty tip? Uh… I’m pretty hopeless. Lip gloss, I guess. But I definitely want this ARC!
Wow, I didn’t know she tried re-writing books she loves. What a great idea. It really helps that I love every book she mentions in the interview. Sherry is awesome.
Hey, remember me? I reviewed “His at Night” for the RT challenge. I gave it an A. Does that up my chances of being randomly picked? Oh, if only fate would be so kind. Sigh, I guess the new carpeting can wait awhile longer, cause I’m not passing up a Victorian naturalist/veiled lady written by Sherry Thomas for anything.
Everyone has already posted my “beauty” secrets! Baby oil – BEST eye make-up remover ever. Never leave the house without mascara. And nothing can make my day like someone (male) complimenting my toes.
I’ve never read anything by Sherry Thomas, and now I’m wondering why not. This sounds intriguing!
Beauty tip: Sleep! Sleeping well always makes me much happier and it shows on my face. Also I shower every morning and try to let my hair dry by itself. That’s partially me being lazy though.
And now I’m off to research Sherry Thomas’s backlist. Thanks for the insight into the upcoming book!
I haven’t entered a contest in a while, but for Sherry Thomas? Hell yeah!
My beauty tip is yoga, or tai chi, or any other meditative exercise routine that improves posture and balance (not to mention blood flow). You feel better and you look better. Also, don’t spill hot chocolate on your shirt; that’s a bad look.
An afternoon nap before a big night out.
Always, always curling my eyelashes. If I do nothing else make-up-wise, I still curl my eyelashes.
White eyeliner, especially the nyx jumbo eye pencil in milk. Use it on the inner corner of your eyes and on the brow bones as a highlight. And you can put a little in your cupid’s bow and blend to make your lips look fuller.
My fashion tip (for guys): blue jeans and a formal dress shirt. The jeans’ll feel comfortable, and the shirt looks classy.
And this is sort of a fashion tip (albeit a private one) for women: something extremely sexy underneath a covering/old garment that can be ripped off/shed with one simple motion (like a bathrobe that can be slipped off, or an old dress with a velcro seam can be literally torn off). Your guy will certainly appreciate the sudden contrast!
Moisturister with sunscreen and moisturister at night and lipstick everday. I don’t feel dressed without some lipstick or lip gloss.
Spiffy? I’m lucky if I manage to avoid scary. But I do like my fun jewelry and shoes.
BTW, I’d like to tell you how much I adore Sherry Thomas, but I don’t want her taking out a restraining order on me. I have all of her books in paper and e format, and re-read them frequently. The ebooks for the new series are already pre-ordered. Yay, Sherry! ? ? ?
Zits always ruin your day, if you see one popping up, a drop of pure tea tree essential oil will zap that puppy asap. If you want to get rid of it super fast, mix baking soda and a bit of water for a paste, apply lightly to affected area, wait 5 minutes, rinse and then apply the tea tree oil. The baking soda paste helps take the top off. Also, cant wait for the book!
I forgot the best beauty tip I ever got. It was from an esthetician who said “Your face stops here…” while holding her hands palms down at her nipple line. Truth.
Makeup / beauty tips:
Always wear more eye makeup than a drag queen.
When “recycling” makeup (by caking it on and then “forgetting” to remove it before goig to be so you have a nice smokey eye of laziness the next day), be sure that, if doing so before getting the Golden Hammer from a one night stand who will act
Makeup / beauty tips:
Always wear more eye makeup than a drag queen.
When “recycling” makeup (by caking it on and then “forgetting” to remove it before going to be so you have a nice smokey eye of laziness the next day), be sure that, if doing so before getting the brown chicken/brown cow from a one night stand who will actually be staying for brunch, before you let the one nighter see you in the morning, rub under your ees to remove the smeared mascara that now gives you the appearance of having two black eyes.
Try not to run out of a hotel room at 8 am clutching last night’s ball gown over your half-hooked strapless bra and barring your shoes and Spanx. You’ll only run into families at that time.
These words I give you from my vast experience. You’re welcome.
My beauty tip is for people who have minor problems with pink eyelids. For me, Lemon-Aid by benefit helps to reduce that color and makes putting on eyeshadow much easier.
That second glass of a nice oaky chardonnay or a dark creamy microbrew always makes me feel scintillating!
I’m looking forward to this unique story. The interview was great, really informative and funny!
I’m with Yulia29 for eyebrow tips – professionally done unless you’re a master plucker!
Beauty tip? Um…. moisturize? I hate makeup, so not that. Um… Exfoliate every few months? Sunscreen because nothing says ugly worse than basal cell melanoma.
How about: learn to live with it, you are not ugly.
Except for that sphinx costume. That’s kinda… uh…. Could use some makeup.
I’m primarily a science fiction reader. Romance is my occasional little something something on the side. I read everything written by Sherry Thomas the second I can get my hands on it. I love her characters, her wit, her smart and lovely prose, the way she twists and bends those genre tropes… she’s amazing.
My beauty tip? Smile. It’s free, it’s easy and makes you and everyone around you feel good 🙂
I’m with staplegun… maybe I’m low maintenance, but taking the time to shave my legs properly makes me feel quite the lady 😉
Sounds like an awesome book.
The best thing to cheer myself up and feel perky and beautiful is to go for a stroll in Home Depot. 🙂 Really-try it sometime. 🙂
Great interview! Sherry Thomas + dinosaurs – what’s not to love?
beauty tip: I rarely wear makeup. but I am all about the lip balm. My favorite is Dr. Pepper Lip Smackers by Bonnie Bell. A hint of color that makes my lips look natural but BETTER. I’ve also heard it’s a good dupe for Clinique’s cult favorite Black Honey. (Not sure about that as I’ve tried it at Sephora and it was too goopy for me).
As soon as I heard “ocean-crossing” “veil” and “sex” I immediately thought of Ivory’s BEAST. OK – it was really “ocean-crossing” but I hate to jump to conclusions – except when they’re right!
Its about bloody time this book (series) got here! ;-0 I too have used Sherry’s lip balm (I have the bath bomb too but as I take baths never, I’ve yet to use it) and it is totes fab. I keep it on the bedside table…
As for beauty things that make me feel fabulous – pedicures. I have horribly, ugly, scaly feet w/callouses and other yucky things. A pedicure always makes me feel fantastic, just sitting back & having someone rub and scrub and scrape the concrete soles of my feet is pure heaven.
Sherry, I am SO EXCITED for this series!!!
love, love, love Sherry Thomas and I am so looking forward to this new series. My beauty tip is to be around people who make you laugh, wear sunscreen and be willing to forgive imperfections in yourself and others.
Thanks for the interview!
I always feel extra awesome right after I get rid of my ‘stache fuzz. Of course my DH claims he sees no difference, but I feel way more beauteous! I am so excited for this book to come out….
Hmm, I have never read a book by Sherry Thomas yet, but this sounds like fun.
I don’t really have beauty tips. If I wear mascara that is already something. I’ll have to go with Jaclyn Davidson about the shaving your legs. Oh, and wearing a nice swirly summer skirt (if it ever gets warm enough for that!) always makes me feel good.
Dukes and Dinosaurs!!! Count me in. Best beauty tip – sunscreen lots and lots of sunscreen. Need to feel spiffy—never leave the house without a smile, nothing you do will make you more attractive than simply smiling at people.
I can’t wait for this book. I know it will be great!
I’m not much for wearing make-up but my main beauty tip would be sunscreen – your skin will thank you later. And a pedicure. I love fancy feet 🙂
This is the best author interview I have ever read! Thank you SB Sarah and Sherry. I am quietly squeeing over here in fangirl delight at getting to comment on a post by Sherry and having a chance to win her homemade beauty products! (Did I mention I have all her books? And that the bath scene in Delicious is probably the hottest thing I have ever read??)
I feel generally spiffy if I take a long shower, take care of all the landscaping, put lotion all over, take time to dry and style my hair and put on a spritz of perfume. For extra armor at work, I put on dressy clothes for work so I look more professional.
I’d love it to be mascara because then you might be able to see my eyes behind my glasses, but my eyes do not like makeup at all & will let me know it for days afterwards, no matter how well I clean the makeup off.
So I’d have to say: wearing a good bra that fits properly. It looks great & feels fantastic.
Buxom lip gloss makes me feel extra spiffy! Sounds like an awesome book…I’d love to have a copy. Thank you for the chance to win this book!
A few dabs of concealer under my eyes immediately makes me feel more confident.
Best beauty tip imo would be getting enough sleep, which is pretty hard for most people.
Late to the party, as I spent half the day doing my beauty regimen (yeah, right). I’ve been patiently waiting for this book forever. Seriously, very patiently waiting. Receiving an ARC would be a great way to reward all that waiting (and I’ve done it SOOO patiently).
I use Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Eye Gel. Works great on the steamer trunks under my eyes.
OMG I want to win/read this SO bad. I’d say my best beauty tip would be the use of a flat iron on my hair. Other wise it’s the same texture as the heroine’s hair in the upcoming Pixar feature Brave.
I think dry shampoo has to be one of my most exciting discoveries. Oh man, and the Burt’s Bees cuticle cream. That stuff rocks. What helps me the most when I’m having an off day is eyeliner and heels. Dressing up just makes me feel more productive sometimes. Also bubble baths – I have to save my paperbacks for when I can read in the bathtub.