I met Jessica through the Apocalypsies (a group of debut authors whose books all hit the shelves in 2012), and as soon as I saw her book cover, I knew I had to read it. Because seriously--that's one of the prettiest covers ever. And once I read it, I knew I had to have her on the blog to give all of you a chance to get acquainted with this book too. It's atmospheric, romantic, and suspenseful. What more could you want? Here's a peek at BORN WICKED:
Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave.
Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word...especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.
If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood—not even from each other.
Jessica chose to be interviewed by that sly minx Giselle, the French pink sock monkey. Let's meet today's guests.
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| Giselle |
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| Jessica Spotswood |
Before we get to the interview, it's time to reveal the gorgeous cupcake my hubby made in honor of Jessica's book. In the book, Cate is very drawn to her garden--it's the one place where she feels free to be exactly who she is. It's also where she runs into Finn, so ... yeah. So, to represent the garden (and in homage to that stunning cover), my hubby made Jessica a rose cupcake. Without further ado, I give you the rose cupcake and Jessica vs. Giselle.
1. I believe a girl should be able to describe herself in a single word. Naturally, the word I’d use for myself is “perfect.” What word best describes you?
Cheerful. I’m pretty revoltingly optimistic.
2. As long as you aren't optimistic about stealing my boys or my shoes, we'll be fine. A common misconception about sock monkeys is that we adore socks. This is foolishness. Speaking only for myself, I adore Jimmy Choos and diamonds from Tiffany’s. What are a few of your favorite things?
Tea, books, theatre, Bananagrams, Betsey Johnson, wine, cookies, twirly dresses, and the sound of bells chiming the hour
3. I approve of the twirly dresses, Betsey Johnson, and the wine. Many crave my approval, but few are clever enough to win it. What are you willing to do to win my favor?
How do you feel about Betsey Johnson? I’m not opposed to bribery – I mean, friendly gifts! A girl needs a closet full of pretty dresses.
4. You'd give me your Betsey Johnsons? *examines perfect pink nails* I suppose that might suffice. If I was a dessert, I’d be a French macaron. Strawberry, of course. Why? Because I am French and pink and altogether lovely. What kind of dessert best describes you and why?
Cardamom cookies are my favorite. They are like sugar cookies, but with added sass. I like to think I am sweet, with added sass.
5. That may be true, but just remember that nobody out-sweets or out-sasses moi. Even if you did just give me all of your Betsey Johnsons. I understand you write stories. Please tell me why the hero of your book would be my perfect boy toy for a day.
Finn Belastra is extremely loyal; he’d do anything for the people he loves. He’s not the type to back down from a fight, but he’d try to negotiate his way out of it first. He’s a scholar and a book-lover and a hell of a kisser. Honestly, he’s more the marriage type than the boy-toy type. But he’d tell you he’s already taken.
6. *laughs* Darling, once they meet me, no boy is already taken. You Americans love your movies. One day, when Hollywood tells the story of my life, it will be called Gone With The Perfect Pink Monkey. If your life was a movie, what would be the title?
Love & Sunshine (I told you: optimistic! That’s how I signed all my notes to friends in high school.)
7. Love & Sunshine? It's like I've fallen into a 70's sitcom. The theme might be lovely, but the decor is hideous. Who buys orange couches and green shag carpet? *shudders delicately* Pink? Or some lesser, inferior color?
Pink! I have pink highlights at the moment.
8. Of course you have pink highlights. Every girl who isn't born a natural pink spends her life trying to add it in. *peers at perfect pinkness in a mirror* I love fairy tales. If I was a fairy tale character, I’d be Snow White. The fairest in all the land. Which fairy tale character would you be and why?
Beauty from Beauty and the Beast – because she has an awesome library.
9. *sniffs* Does that library come with books devoted to moi? Because otherwise, what's the point? I am, of course, a fashion trend setter. (Glitter eye shadow? Six inch heels? Retro gowns making a comeback? Yes. You may thank me with your undying adulation.) If you were to start a trend, what would it be?
Crazy colorful Betsey Johnson dresses, all the time.
10. I am addicted to all things French—baguettes, macarons, Chateau Lafite, moi … the list goes on and on. What is your favorite thing from France?
Pink champagne!
11. *beams* You may add a case of that to the Betsey Johnson bribe, and in return I will show you how to make those pink highlights permanent. A smart woman always maintains an air of mystery. Often the art of being mysterious involves doing the unexpected. What is the most unusual thing you’ve ever done?
If I told you, it wouldn’t be mysterious anymore, would it?
12. Touché. I also believe a smart woman always gets the last word. Any last word you’d like to leave with my readers?
Deplorable!
Thank you, Jessica, for the entertaining interview! To learn more about Jessica, visit her site. To purchase your copy of BORN WICKED, head to Indie Bound, Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, or Amazon.
Of course, the fun isn't over yet! Jessica has offered to give a signed hardback copy of BORN WICKED to one lucky winner. The contest is open to North America and you have until 8 p.m. central time Tuesday, April 17th to enter. To enter, simply fill out the form below.
Good luck and happy reading!
