This is a busy week with so many aspiring writers off at the RWA conference in Orlando, so we’re very lucky to have historical romance superstar, Eloisa James, here with us in the jungle. Welcome, Eloisa! It’s Eloisa’s turn to answer the question of the day: What is the one thing you know now that you’d wish you’d known “then”…
I wish I’d known that historical readers are very, very interested in historical accuracy. I had to rewrite Potent Pleasures (my first book) between the hardcover and softcover, to take out the errors that were driving people crazy. My hero lost his pajamas.
Note from Julie: Hmmm…how many people think the readers really just wanted Eloisa’s hero to be naked in bed?
Eloisa has a brand new book on the shelves this week! Be sure to check it out! You know how I love a great “fractured” fairytale story…but then, who doesn’t?
A Kiss at Midnight
Miss Kate Daltry doesn’t believe in fairy tales… or happily ever after.
Forced by her stepmother to attend a ball, Kate meets a prince… and decides he’s anything but charming. A clash of wits and wills ensues, but they both know their irresistible attraction will lead nowhere. For Gabriel is promised to another woman—a princess whose hand in marriage will fulfill his ruthless ambitions.
Gabriel likes his fiancé, which is a welcome turn of events, but he doesn’t love her. Obviously, he should be wooing his bride-to-be, not the witty, impoverished beauty who refuses to fawn over him.
Godmothers and glass slippers notwithstanding, this is one fairy tale in which destiny conspires to destroy any chance that Kate and Gabriel might have a happily ever after.
Unless a prince throws away everything that makes him noble…
Eloisa’s also giving away a backlist book to a lucky person in today’s comment thread! US shipping only. Winners to be announced on Wednesday.
Check out our previous ONE THING posts:
Jill Shalvis
Mary Jo Putney
Susan Crandall
Tanya Michaels
Kathy Garbera
Lori Handeland
Carrie Lofty
Claudia Dain
Carly Phillips
JoAnn Ross
Ally Carter
Brenda Novak
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold nearly thirty books to three publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her husband, daughter, spoiled dachshund, enormous guinea pig and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
ANOTHER WILD WEDDING NIGHT
Hard to Hold
Love Me If You Dare
Wild For Him
Subscribe to Posts 
Comment
Eliosa A Kiss at Midnight sounds like a great read, I just finished my last college course looking forward to catching up on the reading that I want to do
Comment
congrats on the new book. sounds very “charming”, can’t wait to read it!
Comment
Not only is the book already on my ereader, but yesterday the postcard for it showed up in the mail and is sitting right here.
It’s a Cinderella story, of course I am going to get it and read it!
And really, I would have made him lose his jammies too!!
Comment
Sounds like it is going to be fun story.
Hope everyone enjoy this beautiful day!
Comment
Sounds good to me–I’ll be adding it to my “to read” list. I always find something new and interesting in the One Thing postings.
Comment
Welcome Eloisa! I like your name, maybe because its similar to mine.
Your new book sounds great to read… I will be adding this one to my TBR pile.
Comment
This sounds so good! I love Cinderella stories :)
Comment
Hi Eloisa,
Enjoyed your previous books and your cover is beautiful.
Comment
Welcome to the Jungle!! Woo Hoo!! It’s so great to have you here.
If anyone here hasn’t read Eloisa James you’re missing a real treat. She is m’avelous, d’alings, simply m’avelous!
Have a great day all,
Cher
Comment
Congrats on your new release! It sounds like a fabulous read!
Love your books!
Comment
That is very interesting. As a historical lover, I agree. Although, I would never correct an author. As they say “all mistakes are my own”, etc.
The new book sound great!
Comment
Beautiful cover… sounds like a great read!!!
Comment
lol I can be lenient on simple things but I do like most of my historicals to be pretty accurate – I like to think I’m learning while having so much fun reading a wonderful story.
Comment
Hi everyone!
Thank you to those of you who have picked up Kiss (or are thinking of doing it)–I really hope you love every page!
And LOL re Julie’s comments — you’re right! I should probably change my One Thing: “I wish that I had known that heroes always get under the sheets starkers.” :)
I’m writing from the air, and may not have internet again today. If anyone has a question, please shoot me an email or tag my facebook fan page.
In fact – PLEASE do go to Facebook fan page and click “like”! On August 4, my publisher is giving one e-reader and a $50 gift certificate to one of my fans. Please give it a shot to win!
OK, my computer power says it’s in desperate straits so I have to shut down…
hugs, Eloisa
Comment
Can’t wait to read this new book!! Very excited for it!
Comment
Welcome, Eloisa! I will have to check out your books :)
Comment
It was a great read. It was the first book I read on the Kindle that my husband got me for my birthday.http://www.plotmonkeys.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/happy-applause1.gif
Comment
Comment
Of course we’re interested in historical accuracy.
Congrats on all your success Eloisa!
Comment
Reading your new book right now. Loving it!!!!
Comment
Congrats on the new release, Eloisa.
Comment
Comment
I really appreciated the Author’s note at the end of A Kiss at Midnight. It points out that the book is not a historical, but a fairy-tale. Why did I appreciate it? Because I’m Russian, and was a bit irritated by the way Eloisa presented the Russian characters. I haven’t read a single romance with Russians that I didn’t cringe over. But this one I can easily forgive and forget just for the Author’s note.
Comment
Comment
Can’t wait to read the book! Been waiting for it since reading the excerpt. :)
Comment
Anytime Eloisa James on a book cover, it’s a sure thing I’m gonna be spending some cash! And, yes, heroes are always better when they’re starkers!
Comment
Congrats on the new release! It sounds wonderful. I love fairy tale retellings, especially romances.
So once the hero lost his pajamas, what did he wear? Anything? :)
Comment
I loved Potent Pleasures both with and without pajamas and I know I’ll love Eloisa’s new book too!
Comment
Just finished Kiss yesterday and really liked it! And I really appreciate historical accuracy, but am not so precise with my own knowledge of it, that I don’t let a lot things slide. I was a bit confused at the beginning of this one, expecting Georgian, but really liked the fairy tale Regency feel as well :)
Comment
I can’t wait to read your newest book!! I’m going down to the store tomorrow
And I also agree with Julie, its true that pajamas isn’t the correct terminology, but most people probably just wanted the hero to be named.
Comment
I just had hip replacement two weeks ago and it’s killing me that I’ve had to mail order your latest, Eloise…Can’t wait to get it in my hands…should arrive Monday! Best of luck with it! And thanks for your faithful posts about your Pairs adventures…
Comment
I should totally have A Kiss At Midnight in my hands today, but I got overly excited when I was buying it online and forgot to click the final confirmation page.
Grrr! I should be getting it on Monday or Tuesday. The following morning will probably be rough getting up.
Comment
Comment
I can’t wait to read A Kiss at Midnight. I love the cover, it’s beautiful.
And yes, I think everyone just wanted to have the hero naked in bed, forget the pajamas, LOL. I’m happy for historical accuracy, but as long as the story’s a good one, I’m not that picky. I would never complain, especially since I’m not a historical expert anyway.
Comment
While I enjoy historical accuracy, I’m not a historical expert so sometimes I don’t even know what’s accurate and what’s not. Can’t wait to read the new book!
Comment
I’ve been waiting patiently for this book! can’t wait to read it!
Comment
Kiss at Midnight was great fun! I read it in just a few hours, couldn’t put it down. As for the “One Thing” you wish you had known when you started, I will admit that the number 1 thing keeping me from attempting to write a romance of my own is the daunting task of historical research. My daughter could be an excellent beta reader, but I don’t know if I’m up to the task. Maybe I need to create my own personal fairy tale and just write!
Comment
Kiss at Midnight was wonderful. The “one thing” that I liked about the setting was the fact that it could have been in any number of historical periods in English history; that may have been more difficult than giving defined dates. Since this tale was timeless, it was appropriate to have the period be timeless as well. Beautiful re-telling of the tale.
Comment
I already read A Kiss and loved it! I am a huge fan of rewritten fairytales, and this was no exception, It was funny, and heartbreaking and I really enjoyed it! Thanks Eloisa!
Comment
I can’t wait for the book to come out. I usually have to wait longer than most as I like audio books. The whole multi tasking idea
Comment
A Kiss At Midnight sounds wonderful! It’ll be one of the first books I buy when my kindle arrives.
Comment
A Kiss at Midnight was MARVELOUS! I devoured every word–and I’m one of those sticklers about historical accuracy–and this had both the flavor of being “historically accurate” (though a year was never really given) and a fairy tale. I think Kate is my favorite EJ heroine–she’s strong, she’s witty, she’s worthy of a happily ever after. If you haven’t rushed out and bought this book, what are you waiting for?
Oh, and I learned about a dozen new vocabulary words! I *LOVE* Eloisa James’ novels!
Comment
Comment
Hi Eloisa,
I got my postcard in the mail yesterday for A KISS AT MIDNIGHT.
I am also a historical reader that appreciates the facts to be on target with the time period. I understand that the story is a work of fiction but I like to know that everything else is historically correct.
Congratulations on your new release.
Comment
I LOVED A Kiss At Midnight. As a new writer, I’ve come to appreciate historical accuracy in the books I read, especially details that would enhance the story.
Comment
Thank you so much for the chance to win a copy of your new book. It sounds great.
Betty
Comment
Can’t wait to read “A Kiss Before Midnight” the excerpt has been very tittilating. I am glad to find out I am not the only person to have a “miss” when writing something historical. Talk about feeling embarrassed.
Ciao,
Ardee-ann
Comment
I don’t think I’m super picky about historical accuracy, but I admit learning more about different eras is a draw for someone who enjoys history like I do. So, thanks for taking off the pajamas!
Comment
Theresa
Comment
Comment
Comment
I’ve heard about people getting heated over things like that! But perosnally, I don’t know that much about History so a lot of things probably just slip right passed me! LOL
And yea for hero sleeping naked ;-)
Comment
I recently purchased A Kiss at Midnight and so far I am loving every page! Highly recommend it.
Comment
Considering I’m a HUGE fan of Eloisa James read almost all of her books, I can’t wait for this new one. And the fact that it’s inspired from Cinderella is jut icing on the cake. I’m excited!
Comment
I wish I could have gotten “A Kiss At Midnight” at the RWA Literacy signing on Wed. but you were sold out by the time I got to you. I will be buying it at the store Thursday.
Comment
I’m looking forward to reading this. I loved your duchess’s series.
Comment
Cant wait to read this…next on my list!!
Comment
I prefer my reading to be realistic fantasy meaning all characters must bathe regularly, treat their spouses and servants well. Not always present in reality centuries ago.
Comment
“A kiss at midnight” is fabulous!
Comment
ME!! ME!!
I love your cover. And your book sounds lovely.
Comment
Eloisa, “I wish that I had known that heroes always get under the sheets starkers.” reminded me that my hero always kept his socks on. I glad he did, because he had cold, icee feet.
Congrads on your new book. Looking foreward to reading A Kiss at Midnight.
Comment
Comment
Comment
A Kiss At Midnight sounds like a fabulous read! I love books that take spins off of regular fairy tales like Cinderella. Congrats on the release!
Comment
Thanks so much for being here today Eloisa, it really was an honor having you visit the jungle!
Comment
wow, im impressed with so many romance readers knowing such historical details well enough to make a fuss! i better get on the ball and further my education by reading more romances!
Comment
One of the things I love the most about Eloisa’s books is how historically accurate they are! Especially, I love the author’s notes at the end that explain it all.
Comment
Comment
I love your previous series and can’t wait to get this one!
Comment
Sounds like a great read!
~Nicole
Comment
I haven’t heard of your book before now,but it sounds delightful.I’ll give it a try
I’ve always loved to read romance stories, they’re just so happy and funny,so I’m pretty sure I’m gonna love it 
Comment
Julie, My question is how many of the readers wanted to “SEE” Eloisa’s
hero naked? Hands up, readers, and we’ll let Julie count ! (Can you see
me waving my hand ?)
Pat Cochran
Comment
Comment
I just finished A Kiss at Midnight- it was wonderful…. different, original, romantic- a fantastic twist on the Cinderella story. I particularly loved Henry the fairy-godmother and the 3 “rats”!
As for historical accuracy- it IS important to me as a reader, but I do not need to feel that I am actually reading a history book (and believe me, I read PLENTY of those)- it just has to be relatively correct. A couple pet peeves of mine- established authors with grammical /spelling/ massive factual errors. I don’t like seeing “nauseous” rather than “nauseated”, or referring to someone as the “duke of blah” instead of the “Duke of Blah”. For one thing, it makes me wonder if anyone even bothered to edit or proofread it :)
Eloisa- Congratulations on A Kiss at Midnight, it was truly, wonderfully enjoyable!!!
Comment
Loved the blurb about your new book. I will admit you are responsible for my return to historicals. I had burned myself out on them and your books brought me back. I’m now reading historicals again.
Comment
I have found myself totally discounting the whole book based on historical inaccuracy. Then again, when it’s bad enough for me to do that, there are usually other issues with the book.
As a writer, I found that I had to take some poetic license and had my lead order an Elizabethan court gown and receive it the next day. It was important for pacing, but I grimace when I think about it. With hand stitching all all components and details, it would take at least a week (even if the whole staff of that particular draper were working around the clock).
@ Pat — *raises hand*
Comment
Congrats on the book. Know you are glad to be back in the States. Good luck with the move.
Comment
Just got it from BN! And I loved getting the postcard in the mail :)