Review & Interview: The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl by Gina Lamm

Today, we welcome author Gina Lamm.  She joins us today to promote her new book, The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl.  Enjoy her interview after my thoughts about the book.

Publisher: Sourcebooks
Date of publication: March 5, 2013

An avid gamer, Jamie Marten loves to escape into online adventure. But when she falls through an antique mirror into a lavish bedchamber—200 years in the past!—she realizes she may have escaped a little too far.

Micah Axelby, Earl of Dunnington, has just kicked one mistress out of his bed, and isn’t looking to fill it with another—least of all this sassy, nearly naked girl who claims to be from the future. Yet something about her is undeniably enticing…

My thoughts:
I have read a lot of regency romance, but I haven't read too much in the way  of romances that involve time travel.  The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl is a nice combination of both.  Jamie is a musician who is into gaming and computers.  She is mysteriously sucked into a mirror and ends up in London, 1816.  She finds she has been brought there by a witch to be a love match for Micah (Mike) Axelby.  The two are well matched and the romance was very sweet.  The problem is that 1816 society stands in the way of their HEA.  While I was happy with how it was resolved, I wish there was a little more resolution regarding Mrs. K.  Maybe in the next book?

When I read historical novels, I always have certain questions that constantly run through my mind. Things like: Did women shave their legs? How clean was everyone, really?  So, when these things came up for Jamie, I had to laugh. Having a 21st century perspective on 19th century living was one of the things I liked about the book.  I definitely recommend this quick and engaging read.  The next book, Geek Girls Don't Date Dukes, comes out in October.  I look forward to reading it!

I’d like to thank the ladies from the TBR pile for having me today!

Kari& Autumn: What inspired you to become a writer?

Gina: Well, it’s kind of simple, really. I love stories, and being creative is a part of my brain that I can’t shut off. I like to make things. So when I started reading ebooks, I started to go broke! I decided I’d write something for fun, just to kill some time between book-buying bouts. I ended up with a story that turned into a full-length novel, and then I was hooked. I wanted to see if I could make it as a writer! So far, so good. 

Kari& Autumn: Where do you come up with the ideas for your books?

Gina: I love having a jumping-off point. So when I find calls for submissions, I usually brainstorm to see if I can come up with something related to what they’re asking for. I don’t always write these stories, but they’re great brain exercise! In Stephen King’s ON WRITING, he says you should write what you like. I take that advice to heart, and I always try to insert my favorite pastimes, hobbies, and loves into my stories.

Kari& Autumn: What exciting projects are waiting in the wings?

Gina: Ooh, that’s a fun question! Well, coming up in the fall of this year will be the sequel to THE GEEK GIRL AND THE SCANDALOUS EARL. It will tell the story of Leah, Jamie’s best friend, and her journey through time to find love. It’s called GEEK GIRLS DON’T DATE DUKES, and it should release around October of 2013.

Kari& Autumn: Who is your favorite literary character and why?

Gina: I don’t know if I can pick one favorite, but I’ll try! I admire authors who can make their characters really, truly human, but so relatable. Even when they do incredibly frightening things. I have to go with DOLORES CLAIBORNE, the title character from Stephen King’s masterpiece. I’ve never been able to find a book with voice and characterization so clearly done well. It’s my favorite of all time. A truly human story, even though it’s scary! Of course, I have plenty of favorite romance characters too. Duchess from THE WYNDHAM LEGACY by Catherine Coulter is a good example.

Kari& Autumn: Just for fun, if you could be any animal, what would it be and why? I’d be a bird. 

Gina: Something like an osprey, I think. Predator who can fly and lives by the sea. If I’m an animal I’d rather do the chasing than be chased!

Thank you, Gina!

About the author:

Becoming a magician proved to be less interesting than Gina Lamm had anticipated when she was six, so in her adult life, she’s turned to writing.

This belly-dancing, wisecracking, marshmallow-addicted mother of three energetic fur-children loves nothing more than penning funny, emotional tales of love, lust, and entertaining mishaps.

Married to a real live superhero, she and her family live in North Carolina, surrounded by tobacco farms, possums, and the occasional hurricane.

Website: http://www.ginalamm.net

twitter username:

GinaLamm