The Real Hollywood Trivia Interview with Romance Novelist Hazel Statham, author of Lizzie's Rake

The Real Hollywood’s Book Chat has one exciting Regency Romance Novelist visiting today. Hazel Statham, author of Lizzie’s Rake starts us off with an excerpt from her book and then her interview.

Would appreciate your comments and check out the free prizes at the end of the interview. Enjoy!

EXCERPT FROM LIZZIE’S RAKE!
“Indeed you have, my dear,” he said earnestly, and she raised her eyes quickly to his face. He moved away as if the look discomfited him and there existed a silence between them, only the stamping of the horses’ hooves as they moved restlessly in the stalls invading the moment.

Suddenly turning and coming to stand before her, St. Ive asked quietly, “Do you still think of me as an intruder, Elizabeth? Am I still not welcome in your home?”

“Maxim…” she began, and would have turned away, but immediately his arm detained her, drawing her back to face him.

For a long moment his searching gaze devoured her face until, tilting back her chin with his free hand, he bowed his head and kissed her. As the gentle kiss turned more demanding and he drew her tightly to his chest, he became aware that her soft lips remained frozen beneath his and she held her delicate frame rigid within his embrace. The fear in her eyes cut through him and immediately he released her from his arms.

“Why?” she demanded, the instant she was set free, bewilderment heavy in her voice.

“Why?” he repeated softly, almost as if he spoke to himself, a slight smile on his lips, and after the briefest hesitation he said flippantly, “Because you have rain on your face, my dear.”

“Odious, detestable man,” she cried angrily, running out into the night, not even pausing to take up her lantern.

He stood watching as the dark downpour devoured her.





ABOUT THE BOOK
Can a rake reform his ways and truly love? Lizzie's head tells her one thing, her heart another.

Infamous rake and Corinthian, Maxim Beaufort, Earl of St. Ive, finding himself in possession of a property in Yorkshire, is unprepared for the changes it will bring into his life.

Irresistibly drawn to Elizabeth Granger, the former owner’s daughter, he attempts to help the family, finding himself filling the role of benefactor.

When the house is razed to the ground, he arranges for temporary accommodation for Elizabeth and her siblings on his estate and when Elizabeth rejects his proposal of marriage, he is nonetheless determined to win her over.

However, events and his reputation conspire to thwart his efforts and his course is one fraught with dangers.

Trust does not come easily and determined to protect her heart, Elizabeth struggles to resist her own longings. At times, their difficulties appear insurmountable but the earl is widely known as ‘The Indomitable’ and the name was not lightly earned.


Hi Hazel Statham

Welcome to The Real Hollywood Blog,

Thank you for inviting me. It’s a pleasure to be here.


RH: If your book were sold for movie rights which actor/actress would you want to play the main character?

I would like a young(er) Timothy Dalton to play Maxim, Earl of St. Ive. He is suave, erudite and charismatic in equal measure.

Elizabeth is a little more difficult to cast but perhaps Keira Knightley would slip nicely into the role. She can in turn be feisty and gentle and this encapsulates Elizabeth’s character.

RH: Who would you want to play the supporting characters?

Matthew Macfayden would suit Maxim’s friend, Tony, admirably and perhaps Shia LaBeouf could play his brother, Peter.

RH: If your book was already sold for movie rights tell how it felt to be approached by Hollywood and what the journey has been like.

Well, my book hasn’t been sold for movie rights, but this is how I would feel if it had. Every moment from beginning to end would be a ‘pinch me’ moment. I would be absolutely amazed that they had read my book, let alone wanted to make a movie of it. Of course, it is then a nail-biting time waiting to see how it is received by the viewing public.


RH: Who is your favorite actor and/or actress?

I have no firm favorite. There are several I enjoy but not one that stands out above the rest.

RH: Is there a movie you could watch over and over again?

It’s not a movie, although several movie versions have been made over the years, but I have watched the BBC’s 1982 version of ‘Jane Eyre’ over and over again. It’s the version that remains truest to the original work.



RH: Who is your favorite author? What books have you read by this author?

I have several favorite authors but the most longstanding is Georgette Heyer and I have all of her books (far too many to list here).

RH: What is next on the horizon for you?

I have just heard that Avalon is taking ‘The Portrait’ and they also have another manuscript under consideration. These are the last two of my completed manuscripts but I also have a current work-in-progress.

RH: Where can my readers find your website?

www.hazel-statham.co.uk

I thank you being sharing your book with The Real Hollywood Blog and I wish you continued success on your virtual book tour.

Again, thank you for inviting me. It is very much appreciated.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hazel lives in Staffordshire, England. She started writing at fifteen and has written on and off ever since. She has always been fascinated by history and writes mainly in the Regency and Georgian eras, although she has had a short Medieval story published. When she was a child, she often told herself stories and this just progressed to committing them to paper to entertain family and friends. There have however, been gaps in her writing years where marriage and employment intervened, but now that she no longer works, she is able to return to her first love and devote her time to writing. She had her first two novels published in 2005.


She has been married to her husband Terry since 1969 and they have a grown daughter and beautiful grandson. Apart from reading and writing historical novels, her other ruling passion is animals and until recently, she was treasurer for an organization that raised money for animal charities. She currently shares her home with two lovely yellow Labradors named Lucy and Mollie, who are her constant companions. They are real sweeties, but it’s not always easy working at the computer with a large Labrador trying to get on your knee!


The LIZZIE'S RAKE VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR '09 officially begin on June 1 and will end on June 26. You can visit Hazel's blog stops at www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com during the month of June to find out more about this great book and talented author!

As a special promotion for all our authors, Pump Up Your Book Promotion is giving away a FREE virtual book tour to a published author or a $50 Amazon gift certificate to those not published who comments on our authors' blog stops. More prizes will be announced as they become available.