(Note from Amanda: One of the not-so-fun aspects of deadlines is not having enough time to read! I have a TBR mountain growing in my living room. But after RWA I felt the need to read a romance, so I ran to the bookstore and treated myself to a pile of even more new books. One of them was Judith James’s Libertine’s Kiss, which I had read such good things about and which has a Restoration setting–I love the Restoration! I brought it home and devoured it in one weekend. It’s one of those absolutely gorgeous books I want to run around yelling about to all my reader friends. Then I ran to the computer and emailed Judith begging her to visit the blog, and she kindly agreed to do an interview today, despite currently residing in Deadline Hell. Comment for a chance to win a signed copy, and for more information you can check out Judith’s website here…)
“Heartrendingly beautiful…there is really nothing out there quite like this.” –All About Romance, DIK Review
Amanda: Welcome to the blog, Judith! I am so excited you were able to be here today. Tell us about Libertine’s Kiss…
Judith: Thanks so much for inviting me here today, Amanda! Libertine’s Kiss tells the story of two childhood sweethearts, William de Veres and Elizabeth Walters. William, the handsome son of a hard-drinking cavalier and a stern Puritan mother, was abandoned at an early age to a brutal school system and a predatory tutor. He soon discovers the escapes of poetry, literature, sex and alcohol, and the defenses of a sharp sword and a lacerating wit. By the time he graduates he is thoroughly debauched. As a titanic struggle erupts between Parliament and King, William takes up arms in the Royalist cause and pursued by Cromwell’s men, finds himself seeking shelter from a sober young Puritan woman in a cottage deep in the woods.
The Civil War has cost the once high-spirited Elizabeth Walters her best friend and her father, leaving her unprotected and alone. She flees and unwanted marriage, seeking safe haven, but what she finds there is something she never imagined. Despite William’s gratitude and promise to aid her, Elizabeth never expects to see him again, but the Restoration of Charless II to his throne will bring her to the attention of both William and the King. Can a debauched Court poet and notorious libertine convince the wary Elizabeth he is capable of love, and can a promise long forgotten and a friendship forged in the past help two lonely people find themselves and each other? These are the questions asked by Libertine’s Kiss.
Amanda: What was the inspiration for this story?
Judith: While researching my previous book, Highland Rebel, which takes place 2 years after the death of Charles Stuart, I came across the poetry of John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester, as well as a first edition (1680) of bishop and historian Gilbert Burnett’s account of Rochester’s conversations with him while on his deathbed, which Burnett attended. I started researching the Restoration for a possible story based on that character and I fell madly in love with the time period, which I’ve always been interested in since I read Antonia Stuart’s biography of Charles II several years ago. The neglect of the Restoration puzzles me as there was so much going on with politics, religion, philosophy, and thought. The Restoration Court was filled with a host of colorful characters and was one of the most bawdy, hedonistic and lively courts in history. In terms of literature and science it rivaled the Elizabethan period. Women had more freedom during this period than they would for many years to come and there is so much room to develop characters and so much interesting material. John Wilmot exemplifies the times. Tall, dark, and handsome, a renowned rake, Court poet and wit, he wrote fearless and ferocious satirical verse that was profane, sometimes pornographic, and often very funny. Unfortunately, his lifelong promiscuity and early death make him unsuitable for any kind of happy ending, but his character and the things that shone about him made me ask–what if? That question led to Libertine’s Kiss and the Earl of Rochester was the inspiration for William and speaks through him with his poetry.
Amanda: The setting is so vivid and beautifully drawn, I was totally drawn into the Restoration world! Did you come across any good research sources for this book?
Judith: Thank you! I have a bookshelf full of Restoration sources. The diaries of John Evelyn and Samuel Pepys, and the memoirs of the Compte de Grammont are colorful, entertaining, and full of interesting eye witness accounts. Grammont is very witty, Sam is often unintentionally funny, and Evelyn is fairly serious, but his account of being attacked by highwaymen, Sam’s breathless description of the fire of London and how they escaped, and Grammont’s delightful anecdotes about the courtiers (he knew everyone) give a fascinating firsthand look at the life and times. For a more general view, I found Restoration London by Liza Picard very helpful, as well as Social Life in England from the Restoration to the Revolution by William Sidney and Daily Life in Stuart England by Jeffrey Forgeng. Of course I also read most of Wilmot’s poetry and some biographies of him, Charles II, and Oliver Cromwell.
Amanda: We always have to ask here–what is “risky” about this book??
Judith: Ah! Of course you do. 🙂 I think I did take a few risks with this book, although I wasn’t thinking of that at the time! So far they seem to have been fairly well-received. An obvious one was making the hero a poet and actually using Rochester’s and other 17th century poetry as part of the story. At times it even serves as dialogue or commentary. The story is also bookended by Spenser’s 16th century Faerie Queen. I really felt I was off the beaten track a few times with that and it made me anxious when I thought about it. My poor editor! To say Rochester’s poetry is satirical is putting it mildly. It is profane, angry, bitingly funny, and achingly jaded, and at times pornographic, every bit as complicated as the man himself.
Another was making the character as true as possible to a 17th century libertine, while still writing a love story. I would like to make a note here! I do peek on the boards now and then when I should be writing, and I see some reviewers making comments about certain behaviors on William’s part that might be off-putting to some romance readers. They are being careful not to reveal plot points, but some who read them have inferred that means William was abusive to Elizabeth. I even saw mention of forced seduction, etc. These are things no hero of mine has ever done or ever will do. William is never deliberately cruel to Elizabeth, they are childhood friends who love and respect each other, but he is true to his nature and honest with her about that.
The last risk was mixing in a fairytale element that carried over from their childhood games. Mixing poetry, fairytale themes, a dedicated libertine who drinks and “swives” along with royal personages and other real historical figures as secondary characters was a little risky I think. Did it work? I guess that’s for readers to decide…
Amanda: And what’s next for you?
Judith: Well, you might guess from my library collection and enthusiasm for the period I’ll be spending much of my time in the 17th century over the next little while! I’m currently working on The King’s Courtesan for late April of 2011. It tells the story of Captain Robert Nichols, a soldier who came to Elizabeth’s aid, and Hope Mathews, a minor courtesan to the king. I have one more book for HQN after that, but I’ve yet to decide what it will be about. If you have any suggestions, I’d be glad to hear them! I’ll be popping in and out throughout the day and look forward to any questions or comments you might have. Thanks again for having me here today!
(Another note from Amanda: If you’re intrigued by the life of John Wilmot after reading this, I’d suggest a look at the Johnny Depp movie Libertine! And don’t forget to comment for the chance to win a copy of Libertine’s Kiss…)
Aloha, Judith!
Your cover is gorgeous – did you get to keep the beautiful necklace?!?!
Only in my dreams, Kim 🙂 But I did frame the cover and it hangs in my study.
Childhood sweethearts driven apart by war – I’m already sniffing in sympathy. It must have been a terrible dilemma for people living through it – we know that Charles II was eventually restored to the crown, but they didn’t. For all they knew Puritanism could have gone on in some form for ever.
Bravo, Judith. Libertine’s Kiss is exactly what I love best about historical romance, mixing history, very human characters and the incredible and emotional journey they take us on. After reading this, I had a lovely sated feeling, and am looking forward to more.
Any chance of Tudor era stories in the future?
These days my history knowledge comes from the historical romances I read so I am glad when I see an author loving and taking care with their research so that I am being “taught” correctly!
I dimly recall the movie with Robert Downey and Michelle Pfeiffer called Restoration that I seem to remember crying about in the end. I am looking forward to a romance HEA.
Hi, Alison
It did tear families apart, just as I imagine such conflicts do to this day. Many of those who could chose to leave the country rather than get involved. You make a very interesting point about the Restoration. Cromwell had established a powerful military dictatorship respected throughout Europe at the time of his death. If his son had been half the leader he was there may never have been a Restortion. Fortunately or not, depending on your point of view, his son had little interest in the military or in ruling England and without the history and tradition of monarchy behind him he just walked away. Curious to think what England would be today if it had continued as a Puritan dictatorship or republic
I’ve recently read a couple of series of HF novels set during the Cromwell/Royalist civil wars, told from both sides of the conflict. John Wilmot was a character in one of them – first I’d heard of him. I’m so excited to learn about this novel. Thanks for the giveaway.
lcbrower40(at)gmail(dot)com
Anna, thanks so much! I love the blurb and cover for your Orphans in the Storm and look forward to that 🙂 I also love your wild and crazy kitties!!
Hello Amy, I do try and get the period and facts straight but I also take some fictional license. When I deviate though I do my best to acknowledge and explain in the author notes. The movie you describe, Restoration, is one I loved. My next book King’s Courtesan works through an idea that first took hold while watching it.
Hello Linda!
There were two John Wilmot’s, father and son. My main character William is inspired by both of them.
I’m just waking up here and stumbling around looking for my morning tea, and there’s already been activity here! 🙂 I am sooo excited Judith is here today, and looking forward to hearing more about these books…
Hi, Judith, welcome to the Riskies. I’m so glad Amanda invited you, because this does sound like a wonderful book. The review quote is wonderful! I’ll bet that warmed the cockles of your heart.
Hi Judith,
LK has been very well received. I am very keen to see how you finesse a true libertine’s nature against a love story of childhood mates. Thanks for a lovely post.
jenma76 at hotmail dot com
This sounds wonderful, all the best for your release, this time period is not explored near enough in romance novels for my taste!
Good morning, Amanda I hope you enjoyed your tea, I have a weakness for chai.
Diana thank you so much! Yes that review came from a very tough reviewer which made it all the sweeter. I’m still smiling. Being invited to visit here by Amanda was also an unexpected and delightful surprise 🙂
Wow a book based on one of my very favorite poets! I have long loved Rochester’s poetry and feel it is often overlooked because of John Wilmot’s libertine lifestyle.
I’ve always thought the Restoration would be a glorious setting for a romance and the possibilities for intrigue are endless. I can’t wait to read this one!
Thank you, Scorpio. You’ve put your finger on the pulse.I hope you enjoy how it all plays out.
Karyn, I couldn’t agree with you more and given all I’ve put into research and my interest in the period I expect to be writing more 17th century stories.
Hey Judith! I have a friend in the “Blog-a-sphere” that said the following of LK:
“From the first paragraph, Judith James creates an environment that can be visualized. “Thick oily mud squelched under his feet, gulping greedily at his ankles and clutching at his boots…” was the sentence that grabbed my attention. Rather than a simple description, this paints the space the hero is walking through. I appreciate these visualizations and commend Judith James’ skill… I appreciate Judith James making Elizabeth, while a victim of domestic violence, resourceful and strong enough to leave her situation. The author made appropriate, tasteful and believable choices for her characters. Judith James is definitely a talented author, and I appreciate writer who explores these subjects with grace and sensitivity.” To that I will add that ALL of your books have us, the reader really FEEL and SEE the story that you’re telling. When I read, it’s like watching a movie. I picture it all. The characters, main and secondary…the places, the voices, smell…all my senses are engaged. Authors like you are rare. You know, the ones that do what that commercial for CALGON says “…take me away”! …and keep me there for quite a while.
Winning your signed copy will make my year!
Wow! Thanks, Melanie. I’ve never seen that review before. I think I write that way because I am very visual myself. I have terrible eyesight. As a child, before I got glasses, I would wave at mailboxes and walk by friends, but when I read certain books I could see in my head as clear as day and like you said, just like in a movie. Now when I write I tend to see my scenes this way too. So maybe what seemed a burden growing up (they were ugly thick glasses with horned rims and I was called four eyes) was actually a blessing.
Welcome, Judith! I always find this period so bogged down in Victorian romanticism about the merry monarch and the lace-bedecked cavaliers vs. the stern roundheads etc etc that I feel it’s almost impossible to get at the truth. Charles II himself is such an enigmatic and fascinating character–what are your conclusions on him?
I have read some historicals set in the Restoration period in the past, but can’t think of anything recent. I think it’s a great period of history to set a romance in and I’m looking forward to reading Libertine’s Kiss.
Congratulations on your new book Judith. I have enjoyed your stories and this looks like another very good story. Do you consider your heroes wounded?
This book sounds wonderful! I love reading about the Restoration era, but there just isn’t enough out there… so thank you, Judith, for writing this one. I’ve read quite a bit of Rochester’s poetry, as well as a biography (and I’ve seen the Johnny Depp movie, which was pretty depressing…). Such a fascinating character. Can’t wait to read the book!
Hi Janet,
That’s a fascinating question about a fascinating man. Charles is a secondary character in Libertine’s Kiss who gets a fair bit of “air time”. I don’t want to say too much because his character is examined in some detail. I would say this, from the author notes “King Charles was certainly one of the foremost rakes and wits of his time.There is still much debate about his record. Was he canny or lazy, a great political survivor or a self indulgent wastrel, an astute monarch with his finger on the pulse of his people or a jaded and dissolute rogue? It seems he was all of the above, and quite ruthless when protecting his own power and family too. What is not in doubt is his addiction to women, and his large collection of mistresses, most who were content to share him, and were sometimes seen happily relaxing with he and his wife. He had at least sixteen illegitimate children, all of whom he was proud, of, and he saw to their supervision and education, and awarded them lands and titles titles and lands.
Despite his infidelities he sat for over a day by his wife’s bed side when she was delusional and ill, chatting with her about imaginary children that the poor queen could never had. Unlike Henry VIII before him, when his advisors pressured him to divorce his barren wife, he adamantly refused. He was certainly one of Europe’s most amiable and informal monarchs, and was well loved by most of the populace at the time.
You are absolutely right that he was a very complex character and in the story I try and show him as one without judging for good or ill.
Thanks Louisa,
I am sure you’re right.I think his language offended many scholars too as well as his atheism. Given his distaste for hypocrisy and pretentiousness, and the fact his poetry was definitely not written with an eye to pleasing critics or making a living, he probably would have found it all somewhat amusing.
Thanks, Barbara,
The 17th century has always been one of my favorite periods. cavaliers, musketeers, Highland rebellion, The Merry Monarch and the Sun King, pirates, highwayman, I could go on and on 🙂
Hello Maureen,
Yes to some extent I gravitate to the wounded hero. I tend to prefer conflict within my characters rather than conflict between them. I like them to be partners who help each other heal and grow.
Thank you, Barbara. I think the movie really was depressing and for me it became a bit of a morality play and failed to show the glory that was Wilmot,despite his sordid end. (Johnny Depp was so him though 🙂 I love Etheridge’s quote ““I know he is a devil, but he has something of the angel yet undefaced in him,”
Sounds like a great book. So much of historical romance fiction is set in the Regency Period or the medieval time period. It tends to be what we expect and we forget how much else is out there. It is so nice to have something from a different time come available. Each era had its own special characteristics and characters. I am more than ready to explore the Restoration Period, meet new people, see a different social structure, and find out more about the political and social forces in the country at this time.
I am really looking forward to this book. I hope you have more set in this time period planned.
I am glad I am not the only one with a giant TBR mountain that still goes out and buys more books. We know why we do it. My poor husband doesn’t understand. Yes I have all these wonderful books to read, but this new one is just so good I need it now.
Hi Judith,
I just started your book last night, having found an earlier review at All About Romance (http://likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookReview.pl?BookReviewId=8023). How wonderful that you’re here today!
I’m loving every word so far–your “risky” combination of history, poetry, and fairy tales is totally working for me!
I especially love how you’ve incorporated Spenser’s Faerie Queene into this story, and how accessible you’ve made it. I remember reading it in college, and the poet’s deliberately archaic language really made it a challenge.
I look forward to discovering Rochester’s poetry–and I’d love a signed copy of your book!
hi i like the blog very much.
William the court peot sounds incredibly romantic. And I would love to read his story.
A belated welcome, Judith. Your book sounds so intriguing–another for the TBR pile!
Hi Library Pat, I like that name! I have a HUGE TBR pile that’s been sitting for months. The book I’m working on now is connected to Libertine’s Kiss and I expect the next one will also be a Restoration era story. You might also want to check out Highland Rebel which takes place after Charles death during the brief reign of his brother James II and the first of the Jacobite rebellions lead by Bonnie Dundee. Cat Drummond is a force to be reckoned with and her stay in London takes her to court and the seedier side of London in disguise.
Hello Kristian,
You have my sympathies. I wanted to use it for the fairy tale element and the connection to Queen Elizabeth but I have to admit it was tough going at times, and I often referred to a study guide. The sections about Britomart thankfully were amongst the most reader friendly and to me the most interesting.I loved the whole idea of a female warrior heroine written in Elizabethean times
Good morning prernatutors. Thanks for the kind words 🙂
Hi Kirstin,
I found him very sexy but I like bad boys.
Thank you, Elena. It’s been a great pleasure to be here and I’ve enjoyed all the interesting comments 🙂
I’d just like to say thank you to all those who took the time to drop by and say hello and wish you all the best. Special thanks to Amanda. I have three of your books on my TBR for when I get this next one finished. By the way did you know that Countess of Scandal is recommended by Lynn of AAR on a thread discussing historical romances for people who left the fold and want to come back to something good? Thanks so much to Risky Regencies for hosting me and good luck to everyone in the draw
Thanks for the heads-up of the mention of my “Countess”!! I will have to go find it (I’m usually much too scared to read any comments about my books, LOL)
Thanks so much for being here today, Judith. I cannot wait for “The King’s Courtesan” to appear on the shelves!
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I’ll try again.
Beautiful cover, just as gorgeous but in a different style as ‘Broken Wing’. I’m sorry to say that though I read and much enjoyed ‘Highland Rebel’ as well, it’s cover was sadly forgettable.
I’m so impressed with the diversity of settings of each of these stories, and am very much looking forward to LK. The term restoration makes me think of the Robert Downey Jr. movie of the same name – was it part of the research? *g*
Hi M. Medallion does some great cover art and that was done by Arturo Delgado. I also got very lucky with Mike Rehder from HQN. Unfotunately authors seem to have very little influence re covers so it does come down to luck. As for the movie Restoration, no it wasn’t part of the research, but strangely enough it was on television the day the book was released and it gave me some ideas for my next one.
I hope to see an announcement for the winner of the draw tomorrow, though it might take me a day or two to send it out. Earl is coming for a visit Saturday and it’s time to batten down the hatches. All the best