Harlequin February Spotlight….Q&A with Author Maisey Yates, author of The Last Di Dione Claims His Prize

THE LAST DI SIONE CLAIMS HIS PRIZE 

by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

Maisey Yates 

“I want that painting. It is my last Lost Mistress. My Lost Love.”

Alessandro Di Sione is renowned for being cold and unsentimental, but even he can’t deny his grandfather’s dream of retrieving a painting steeped in royal scandal. Yet the key to its return is the outspoken Princess Gabriella.

While traveling together to Isola D’Oro to locate the mysterious painting, Gabby is drawn to the man tortured by guilt from his past. Her innocence makes her untouchable, as Alex is convinced his Di Sione blood is tainted. But could their passion be his salvation?

 

 

THE LAST DI SIONE CLAIMS HIS PRIZE by Maisey Yates

• What is your favorite part about writing about a royal scandal?

I think what like most about stories about the rich and powerful is how public interest shapes their behavior. And then how behind all of that, they have the same feelings and fears that we do. If a bit more lavish of an existence while having them.

• What was the first book that made you cry?

Probably Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I remember staying up all night reading that book and having to go to work at 6 that morning, with no sleep and red rimmed eyes.

• How long do you spend researching before beginning a book?

I tend to dive right in. Sometimes there are things I need to know before I start, but I’m big on googling as needed so the info never takes over the romance.

• How do you select the names of your characters?

Sometimes I read name lists. Sometimes if I have sibling groups I look at certain types of names (Irish names for a recent group of brothers) and other times the names just appear and they’re RIGHT.

• If you didn’t write, what would you do for work?

My back up plan is to win The Voice. I’m practical in all ways.

• Do you believe in writer’s block?

No. I believe in days when I don’t want to work. And sometimes those days win. But sometimes I write through them even if it feels dry. What I feel isn’t necessarily the truth.

• Do you believe opposites attract?

I do. I think that little bit of mystery you can’t ever quite figure out in the other person keeps things exciting. And also you can kind of bolster each other’s weaknesses.

• What is your favorite thing about Valentine’s Day?

Going out to a fancy dinner! I love nice restaurants, particularly farm to table type places or restaurants with an emphasis on local foods.

 

 

About the author:

 

MAISEY YATES is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband—whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit.

In 2009, at the age of 23 Yates sold her first book. Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever-afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. She divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere and light, sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard. She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.

 

 

 

 

 

Stay tuned for more from these authors…