A Tale of Romance, History, and a Dash of Whisk(e)y
A Conversation with USA Today Bestselling Author Caroline Lee
Caroline Lee discusses her love for romance, childhood reading habits, favorite authors, and her aversion to certain genres in this insightful interview.
USA Today bestselling author Caroline Lee has woven tales of romance that have enchanted readers across the globe. Her journey into the world of romance literature began long before she ever put pen to paper, back when her fourth-grade teacher frowned upon her love affair with romance novels, prompting her to shroud them in paper jackets. Little did she know then that she would one day be the creator of those very stories.
Residing in the charming state of North Carolina, Caroline lives out her own happily-ever-after alongside her husband, sons, and the delightfully named Princess Wiggles. Her path to literary success is sprinkled with quirks and anecdotes, like her self-taught typing skills acquired only a few years ago, which, as it turns out, might not have been entirely correct, much to the amusement of her fellow authors.
Caroline’s literary tastes are as diverse as her storytelling prowess. From indulging in Ruby Dixon’s futuristic romances to crafting her own historical love sagas, she immerses herself in the worlds she creates. But her love affair with literature dates back to childhood, where she voraciously consumed historical fiction, captivated by the notion of journeying through time within the pages of a book.
Amidst her literary endeavors, Caroline finds solace in the company of old literary companions, revisiting cherished tales like catching up with dear friends. Terry Pratchett’s whimsical narratives and Tessa Dare’s swoon-worthy romances hold a special place in her heart, each rereading akin to a warm embrace.
Yet, even a literary luminary like Caroline has her literary blind spots, notably the absence of a certain time-traveling epic from her reading repertoire. Despite her affinity for Scottish romances, she confesses to sidestepping the Outlander series, citing a discomfort with the temporal twists that characterize the genre.
Caroline Lee’s journey from avid reader to beloved author is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling. With each novel she pens, she invites readers into worlds brimming with passion, humor, and the occasional dram of whiskey, leaving them eagerly awaiting the next chapter in her literary odyssey.
Caroline Lee’s infectious humor, heartfelt storytelling, and unapologetic love for romance literature make her a beacon in the literary world.
What do you read when you’re working on a book? And what kind of reading do you avoid while writing?
I like to read in the genre I’m writing, to keep the “tone” correct in my head. For instance, right now I’m binge reading all of Ruby Dixon’s scifi romances, which are written in first-person present tense…and it’s really hard to sit down at my computer and write historical romance in third-person past tense!
What kind of reader were you as a child?
Voracious, of course! I discovered historical fiction in the second grade, and I loved this idea of being transported back in time. Blew my mind. Then I discovered historical romance sometime around the fourth grade—I was really into knights and Vikings and medieval Scotsmen—and I never looked back. Granted, the books were a little spicy for a kid my age, but my mom went to bat for me against anyone who told me they were inappropriate, and now I feel the same way about my kids. If they want to read something “too adult” for them, we talk about it, and more often than not, I agree to it. Books are how we explore our world, and each kid is different!
Which writer would you want to write your life story?
…Someone hilarious.
What books do you find yourself returning to again and again?
I’m a big believer in re-reading favorites. It’s like…visiting with old friends, right? Granted, you know how the story goes, and you know which part is going to make you laugh or melt, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t experience it again and again. I have books I read yearly! I’ve read all of Terry Pratchett’s books, and all of Tessa Dare’s, and so many others, over and over again, because they bring me joy.
What books are you embarrassed not to have read yet?
My choice of books is for me, because they bring me joy, so I’m not going to worry about what other people think I should have read. That said, there are books in my genre I just don’t have much interest in reading, and it’s easier to pretend like I have, rather than trying to explain why I haven’t. <glances around> Outlander. I’m just not a fan of time travel (it makes me anxious) and when people find out I write Scottish, they assume I’m a big fan.
EDITOR’S NOTE
The Duke’s Deceitful Governess by Caroline Lee is a delightful concoction of romance, humor, and intrigue that captivates from the very first page. Lee weaves a tale of unexpected love between two characters who couldn’t be more different yet find themselves drawn together in the most charming of circumstances.
Rourke Lindsay, once known as Blackrose’s Blade, is a man burdened by his past and the physical scars it has left behind. Forced into the role of a duke after a life-altering injury, he finds himself at odds with his newfound responsibilities, especially when it comes to his unruly niece and nephew.
Enter Sophia Cuny, a governess with a secret past of her own. Determined to keep her true identity hidden, Sophia takes on the challenge of taming Rourke’s mischievous wards, all while trying to resist the undeniable pull she feels towards the brooding duke.
What unfolds is a delightful romp filled with witty banter, steamy encounters, and heartwarming moments that will leave readers both laughing and swooning in equal measure. Lee’s characters leap off the page with their charm and complexity, drawing readers into their world and leaving them rooting for their happily ever after.
But The Duke’s Deceitful Governess is more than just a love story. It’s a tale of redemption, forgiveness, and the healing power of love. As Rourke and Sophia navigate the treacherous waters of their pasts, they learn to trust not only each other but also themselves, discovering that true love has the power to conquer even the darkest of secrets.
With its perfect blend of humor, romance, and suspense, The Duke’s Deceitful Governess is a must-read for fans of historical romance. Caroline Lee has crafted a masterpiece that will leave readers eagerly anticipating her next book.
