by Tiny Duncan, author of Da Silva’s Mistress (Harlequin Presents Extra, January 2010)
When Amy invited me to blog about Da Silva’s Mistress on i heart presents I was thrilled. The next question was: what should I talk about?
Obviously, I had to touch on the fact that this is my debut novel. As many of you know I sold as a result of the 2008 Instant Seduction competition. After several sets of revisions and a lot of hard work my dream came true when I received ‘the call’ in March 2009 from my lovely editor, Lucy Gilmour.
Since then there have been many exciting moments. Seeing my cover for the first time. Then—swoon—holding my very own book in my very own hands (and, yes, they were shaking). And, dare I admit it, going online and googling myself <g>? How cool is that?
Even cooler was finding, completely by accident during the above-mentioned googling sessions (yes, I did look more than once), a review of my book by Romantic Times. Thankfully—phew—they gave it a 4 ½ Star Rating. Deep down I was worried that Lucy had made a mistake and that nobody apart from friends and family would like my book.
And then, this month, I went into my local Kmart to see my book on the shelves. Yes, on the shelves, alongside great authors like Sandra Marton, Miranda Lee and Anne Mather who I’ve been reading and admiring for years. People must have thought my husband and I were completely mad because we both had stupid grins on our faces as we madly took photos.
So, what is the book about?
If you haven’t read it here is the back copy blurb.
“Merciless Luca da Silva makes it his business to keep his friends close—and his enemies closer. And the next item on the tycoon’s agenda is revenge! Believing the da Silva family name is under threat, the powerful Italian goes straight to the source—beautiful Morgan Marshall.
Luca doesn’t trust innocent Morgan, but her delectable curves have his body working overtime. So what better way to keep an eye on her than to make her his mistress? And where better to seek vengeance than between this billionaire’s very own silk sheets…?”
Luca da Silva is an Alpha Hero to his fingertips. He is gorgeous and sexy and rich. He is also a man of honour who is protective of those he cares about. In Luca’s case it is this protective instinct that gets him into trouble. His guilt over a long ago car accident drives many of his decisions at the start of the book and makes him act in ways that he normally wouldn’t.
For me that is one of the most endearing and appealing qualities of the alpha hero. That beneath his sophisticated and arrogant exterior he is just a man. No matter how strong he is, or thinks he is, things that have happened in his past still have the power to shape his future, just as it does for the rest of us.
What about you? Outside of his looks, money and sex appeal what do you think are the most endearing qualities of an alpha hero?
Hi Tina – welcome again, and congratulations on the publication of Da Silva’s Mistress. Bet you’re still up in the clouds!
For me, honesty and integrity are right up there with the ‘big three’ you mentioned. If a man doesn’t have those qualities, he doesn’t appeal to me at all.
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Tina, congratulations on your first book! I can’t wait to read it!
Well done, Tina.
The delight in seeing your first book on the shelves will be one of your most memorable moments to look back on! That is, when you get way past your seventh published novel.
Quote: “What about you? Outside of his looks, money and sex appeal what do you think are the most endearing qualities of an alpha hero?”
Answer: his vulnerable side – every man has one! Find the key, turn the lock and enjoy!
Congrats on your debut, Tina!
I find the inner strength of an alpha hero appealing, their innate honour and loyalty.
Yum
First off, congrats on your sale, Tina!! What a wonderful experience!
There are so many endearing qualities to those alpahs…But I think I like it most when that big, hard man is undone by love. How can you not enjoy that??
Congrats on a fab debut – I loved Da Silva’s Mistress
Regarding an alpha’s endearing qualities, I’d have to include loyalty, reliability and faithfulness.
Hi Tina,
First of all, I want to congratulate you on your awesome accomplishment of being noticed in the ‘08 Presents competition and then published! I haven’t read DaSilva’s Mistress yet, but it is definitely in my near future. And way to go with your RT review. I subscribe to that magazine and read the review. Talk about great beginnings! I have so many Presents books that those reviews do play into my buying decisions – or else I’d have to add an addition onto my house. Sometimes though, I must admit I do weaken, go wild on the eHarlequin site and buy, buy, buy.
Alpha Males? Hmm… I love most of them but not the ones that are too mean and intractable. A bit of stubborn is fine but not a steady diet of it. Some ‘Hero kindness’ throughout the story rather than tacked on as an afterthought at the end is also a must for me. It makes for a more immersing read.
Cheers and Keep on Writing
Ann
Hi Tina,
What a fab post! So nice to hear your excitement at all of your ’1st’ moments, it must be a complete thrill to actually see your book on the shelves.
As for endearing qualities in an alpha, it makes me melt when an all action alpha shows his secret soft side – when he holds a baby tenderly, carries the shopping, or takes care of the heroine if she’s feeling under the weather. For me, it’s all about being 90% alpha and 10% marshmallow in the right hands!
Congratulations, Tina. What a thrill it is to see your books on the shelves! And Luca sounds wonderful
Congratulations Tina on your first novel and winning the contest. The stuff dreams are made of!
Alpha heroes most endearing qualities?
Hmm…has to be when they accept they’re
wrong and need to make amends. A real
Alpha does the right thing, even when they
risk heartbreak. They’re not afraid to show
the woman they love their true self.
Christine.
Tina, congratulations on the publication of your first book.
Just finished reading it and I loved it.
And I like everything about an Alpha hero.
Hi Christina,
Thanks for the welcome and congratulations. Yes, I’m still in the clouds but I have to come down to earth soon for the current wip. And I agree…honesty and integrity are definite musts.
Tina
Hi Caitlin,
Thanks for the congratulations. Can I offer you my own for your recent sale. There’s no better feeling, is there?
Tina
Hi Francine,
You are so right. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the feeling of selling that first book and seeing it on the shelves. And I love your answer about your favourite alpha qualities. That vulnerability really opens our hearts as readers.
Tina
Hi Nicola,
Thanks for the congratulations. Inner strength, honour and integrity are very appealing and definitely sexy. I agree…yum!
Regards
Tina
Hi Maisey,
Thanks for the congratulations; it certainly is a wonderful experience. Congratulations on your first sale too. And, yes, I love it when a big hard man is undone by love.
Tina
Hi Joanne,
Thanks for the congratulations. I’m really glad you enjoyed the book. Loyalty, reliability and faithfulness are definite musts for a sexy alpha.
Tina
Hi Ann,
What a lovely post. Thank you for the congratulations and I do hope you buy the book. I know what you mean about buying…my house is stuffed full of books not only those to be reader but those “keepers” that I just can’t throw away.
Stubborn is good in the alpha…particularly if it unravels. And being able to see the good side of the hero is very important.
Tina
Hi Joanne,
Thank you for the lovely comments. Each and every one of those 1st’s have been something to savour. And I love your comment about 90% alpha and 10% marshmellow…watching the hero come undone by the heroine is a definite heart melter.
Tina
Hi Kate,
Thanks for the congratulations. I did feel a bit like an idiot taking photo’s of my first book on the shevles but it was a magic feeling. Luca is definitely deliscious.
Tina
Hi Christine,
Thanks for the congratulations. My first sale defnitely was a dream come true. I agree totally with your comments re the alpha male. I see his ability to do the right thing (even at the risk of his own heart) an integral part of his honour code.
Tina
Hi Anne,
Thanks for the congratulations. I’m really glad you enjoyed the book. And you’re right, why beat around the bush? Everything about the alpha male is what makes us love them.
Tina
Protectiveness – oh yes! And intelligence…the ability to come up with the right answer in record time and act!
Tina, congratulations on the release of your very first Presents!! I’m midway though and just loving the characters and story. Here’s to many, many more!
Robbiex
Congratulations on the publication of your first book Tina! Even thought it’s a l-o-n-g time ago I still remember what a thrill that was. Enjoy every minute of this special series of ‘firsts’
As for the alpha hero, I have always said and I’m sure I’ll continue to keep saying that for me the alpha hero always must have a central core of honour that drives all they do. That explains and makes understandable their actions. Without that core of honour a hero ain’t a hero for me
I have your book on my TBR pile – it’s the time to read it that’s the problem!
Kate
Hi Tina
Congrats on your debut and great review, very exciting. I read your novel last month, found it to be a very enjoyable read!
Re alpha hero quality – I like an alpha how shows humour, even if it just a glimpse.
Hi Tina,
Congratulations on your first book. Loved the characters. I read it all the way through, which is rare for me these days. Well done. Will there be anymore?
Hi Tina, congrats on the release of your first book. I’m off to buy a copy as it sounds brilliant. Well done and congrats again.
Yours,
Jane
http://www.janeporter.com
Hi Robbie/Kate/Janette/Romance Writer/Jane,
Sorry for not responding to your posts earlier but I was away for a long weekend and had a problem with the laptop.
Thanks for the congrats and your comments re Alpha males.
For those who have read the book thanks for the kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
My next book Her Secret, His Love-Child will be out in the US in May. I hope you enjoy it just as much.
Regards
Tina