After closing the book on a contented sigh, I began to ponder the author's take on the love triangle. This prompted me to contact the gorgeous Dawn Halliday and ask her to guest post on the topic and I hope that at least in this case I was eloquent. I'm happy to say that she accepted too. Although, she may have worried about what she was getting into if she witnessed my fangirl happy dance....
Releasing August 4, 2009The Earl of Camdonn is consumed by his passion for beautiful Highland lass Sorcha Stewart. Cam draws her into a secret world of erotic bliss—until Sorcha’s fierce loyalty to her clan leads to an arranged betrothal of her father’s choice. Cam watches in despair as the object of his desire is torn from his arms only to marry his childhood friend, Alan MacDonald.
Alan, newly returned to Scotland from England, marries the innocent and enchanting Sorcha, thinking he’ll be the one to introduce her to the pleasures of the flesh. But Cam, driven mad by jealousy and desire, abducts Sorcha on her wedding night. And as Alan fights to claim what is his, he is lured into a triangle of forbidden passion…
(or…what was I thinking?!)
My first two New York-published books (A HINT OF WICKED, writing as Jennifer Haymore, and HIGHLAND OBSESSION, writing as Dawn Halliday) center around emotional love triangles.
I had no idea people had such strong opinions about love triangles when I first started writing these books. I had no clue that some people love love triangles and other people hate them. It was naïve of me, I suppose, but I just thought a good story was a good story, and people wouldn’t go into the books with any preconceived notions about how they’d feel about them.
Eek. How wrong I was!
But let me go back. I want to tell you about how these books came about…and about my thoughts on love triangles.
A HINT OF WICKED came first. When I first think of story ideas, part of my goal is to get my hero and heroine into a seemingly unsolvable situation…and then I didn’t want to resort to clichés or tried-and-true formulas to get them out of these situations. I want to resolve the problem and have a happy ending, but I search for that hint of bittersweetness. No pain, no gain, right? The idea of the love triangles evolved from that goal more than any plan to write a love triangle story.
When I started both books, I knew which of the heroes the heroines would choose in the end, but getting to the point of starting was a challenge in the case of A HINT OF WICKED. When I was plotting that book, I went back and forth at least a hundred times! Would it be Tristan? Garrett? BOTH!? After talking to my husband, my agent, my editor, and anyone who would listen, the answer became clear, and once I sat down and started writing, I knew how it had to end.
As for HIGHLAND OBSESSION, the original goal was a ménage ending, but once I started exploring the characters, I realized pretty quickly that they would never realistically survive in such a relationship! Too much pride and possessiveness on the part of the hero! I ultimately think HIGHLAND OBSESSION is really not as much of a love triangle book as A HINT OF WICKED is, because it is clear very early on who the hero and heroine are. I think HIGHLAND OBSESSION is mostly a story about how two strangers grow to trust and ultimately love each other.
I think love triangles have always been around and will continue to be around forever. Look at history—Helen of Troy, Henry VIII, Cleopatra. And even more recent—Jennifer Anniston, Brad Pitt, and Angelina Jolie… Can you think of one?
Tell me about a real-life love triangle (famous or your own) and I’ll enter you in a drawing to win a copy of HIGHLAND OBSESSION.
**Contest Closes and Winners will be Announced on July 31st**
Visit Dawn Halliday at her website for more information on new and upcoming releases.
Also Check out her alter-ego - Jennifer Haymore
Available Now!CAUGHT BETWEEN DUTY AND DESIRE…
Sophie, the Duchess of Calton, has finally moved on. After seven years mourning the loss of her husband, Garrett, at Waterloo, she has married his best friend and heir, Tristan. Sophie gives herself to him body and soul…until the day Garrett returns from the Continent, demanding his title, his lands—and his wife.
TORN BETWEEN TWO HUSBANDS…
Now Sophie must choose between her first love and her new love, knowing that no matter what, her choice will destroy one of the men she adores. Will it be Garrett, her childhood sweetheart, whose loss nearly destroyed her once already? Or will it be Tristan, beloved friend turned lover, who supported her through the last, dark years and introduced her to a passion she had never known? As her two husbands battle for her heart, Sophie finds herself immersed in a dangerous game—where the stakes are not only love…but life and death.
57 comments:
Hi Dawn and VFG!!
What an AWESOME question!!
I love your books by the way. Twice the Night was a favorite and I have "A Hint of Wicked", waiting to be read!!
How about Diana Princess of Wales, Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles? Now there is one for record books! lol
Thank you so much for the giveaway..
Best to you both.
L
Hi Dawn and VFG!! Well, I've never really had a love "triangle" but my husband did snatch me away from my ex-boyfriend, lol. Does that count?
I happen to like the love triangle theme in romance. I think it makes the hero--who will ultimately win the girl--work harder for the prize. He has to prove to the heroine, and the reader, that he is in fact the better man.
HIGHLAND OBSESSION sounds like a great read. I'm with Barbara, I think the hero will work harder for his prize when there's a triangle involved.
As far as triangles: King Arthur/Guinevere/Lancelot;Prince Charles/Princess Diana/Camilla Bowles; Elvis Presley/Ann Margaret/Pricilla Presley.
And on the lighter side: Aladdin/Jasmine/Jafar; Beast/Bell/Gaston; Prince Charming/Cinderella/evil sisters
i knew girls in college who were great as keeping a could of guys juggling. i cannot do it! i tried it once and ended up pissing off both guys. and i could have kept them as friends if i have handled it differently.
spvaughan yahoo com
Highland Obsession sounds great - Sexy Highlanders are my kryptonite!
A funny triangle: In 2005 I traveled to Uganda. While there, we visited a girl's school. The girls were introducing themselves, and one young lady told us she was President Bush's wife! We told her he was alread married - her reply: "I'm his 2nd wife!"
Lea, Oh yes! I forgot about them--*definitely* one for the record books. Never understood Charles on that one...
So true, Barbara! All the characters have to work so hard, especially that winning hero, to prove to the world (and to the heroine) that he's the right man for her!
Armenia, Ooh! I forgot about Elvis! That's a great one!
Hodgepodgespv, LOL! I couldn't do it, either. I had one experience in high school that I completely messed up. Ugh--glad those days are over!
LOL, Patti! I wonder if we should inform President Bush that he has a second wife in Uganda!?
Thanks for your responses, everyone, and thanks for having me, VampFanGirl! :)
Hi VFG and Dawn Highland Obsession sounds amazing I can't wait to read it! And the cover has me drooling on my keyboard lol!
This is a really great question love triangles are very dramatic aren't they. I had a bit of one with my now husband. When we first got engaged one of his ex's decided she wanted to try to get him back grrrr. Some dramatic moments there but he didn't want her back thank God tho I was still mad that she tried to cut in again, but I won though in the end! So all was well. ;)
Real life love triangles hmmm well most of the ones I know about have been mentioned but there was the famous one with Liz Taylor and Richard Burton if your a fan of the classic older movies like I am. Liz started a very torrid affair with Burton while on the set of Cleopatra (kind of ironic considering the real life triangle by the real Cleo, Mark Antony and Ceaser lol.)At the time she was still married to singer Eddie Fisher.
Hi VFG and Dawn!!
I so been looking forward to this one of yours too! I so reach out trying to feel that cover BG
Dawn, for me as a reader, I love these triangles! I love the reading challenge of finding out who wins at the end and more so how it happens! I've read both menages that the triangle worked at the end and some that didn't. I think its totally the story of its own that's told. Its like, this is there story and any other ending wouldn't be right because it wouldn't be their story anymore! So I love that you write what the characters tell you. I hope you keep writing these fab reads!
I so love many of your ebooks as well with EC. With all you're writing now for NY, you still writing ebooks as well? Again thanks for all you do!
Highland Obsession sounds like a great read..I have a hint of Wicked in my TBR pile.
A famous love triangle Jennifer Aniston,Brad Pitt,Angelina Jolie.
elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net
Hi Dawn and VFG!! I'm so looking forward to this book as well!!
Well most of the famous triangles I could think of have been mentioned and it is probably best if I don't mention the real life one involving my little sister, her husband (now ex husband) and her boyfriend (now husband)..........did I type that outloud??? LOL Shhhhhhhhh she will never know I shared that...I HOPE! :)
WOW famous love triangles. I think Scarlett OHara, Rhett and Wishey Washy I think his name was Ashley!
Hi Dawn and VFG!
Great post and review! Love triangles....hm.....I have to say when one of my best friends told my mom he could steal me from my now hubs. What was he thinking? When I wanted him, he didn't want me. When I was unavailable, he thought he could snap his fingers, and here I'd come. Sadly not true. Lesson learned.
Dottie :)
Dawn - I just wanted to drop by and say hi. You've turned me onto triangles - I absolutely loved A Hint of Wicked and I'm ready for your next book.
Hey VampFanGirl!!! Hope all is well with you honey!!
great job at getting Ms. Halliday/Haymore here!! I have a copy of A Hint of Wicked and now after this... I think that is what I will be reading next!! I had no clue until I waltz into your place!! LOL!!
Oh, Ms. Dawn, your books sound very "thought-provoking." I am not about real life love triangles, I hate to see people hurt. I would be one where I want everyone happy. But I do love my stories with them. They make for the mind to really seek the truth of the story, who really loves who. Thanks so much for coming here!! And allowing us to see this side of the story!! I hope everyone had a great weekend!!!
Hi Dawn!
it was great meeting you at RWA!
Love triangles...love them! I think it's the deep emotional angst they can produce, that entices me.
I'm currently in a love triangle...:) It's me in the middle of Bran, my paranormal hero, and Lord Wallingfor, my historical hero. (Hey, I can live vicariously, can't I?)
Oh, and guess what I read on the train ride home...Highlander Xmas! Girl, your novella was FAB!!!
No need to enter me. I'm the proud owner of Wicked already, and I've got Highland Obsession on order. First to be read, too once Velvet Haven edits are handed in!!!!
VFG, you cannot believe how envious I am that you've already read it! You hussy you!!!
I would love to read this book!
love triangle: Heather Locklear & Richie Sambora & Denise Richards
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
Hi, I just wanted to let you know I really enjoyed a Hint of Wicked! I hope I win so I can try your book by your alter ego.
I have never been in a love triangle, but I do like to read about them:)
Hi Dawn and VFG! What a fun post and giveaway!!
Hmm..I can't think of any real life love triangles. One of my favorites in a book is Victoria/Max/Sebastian in Colleen Gleason's Gardella series:) I love a good triangle!
I recently won A Hint of Wicked and can not wait to get it and start it!!
Hi VFG and Dawn,
One love triangle I can think of is from the S.J.Day's series. Eve, Reed and Cain make one sexy/messy triangle.
Please count me in.
cindyc725 at gmail dot com
This one is older... Jen, Brad and Angelina!
Thanks
Sarah
believedreamcourage (at) gmail.com
I was dating a man I'd known since kindergarten and had come into my life a long time later, but met the man I married during that time. I can't say it was much of a triangle, since I knew really quickly I wanted to marry the other guy, but it was surely awkward while it lasted
gibbylet21 (at) hotmail (dot) com
Hi Dawn, loved A Hint of Wicked. For me, in any love triangle, eventually a choice has to be made; I can't see how you can give your all and be committed over time, otherwise.
I can remember two ex-boyfriends who tried to get me involved in a triangle afterwards, but I passed. Never could do the juggling act dating when young.
I can't wait to read Highland Obsession, love the cover!
Hmm famous love triangle. Sienna Miller, Jude Law and his affair with the nanny.
JennJ: Oooh, the gall of that woman! Good thing your husband had some sense. ;-)
Hi Caffey! I agree—I love love triangles, no matter the ending, as long as they resolve in the “right” way. I’d love to write more ebooks, and I plan to when I have the time.
Hi Elaineg8: Oooh, thanks for picking up A Hint of Wicked! I hope you enjoy it!
Blanche, Oh my! I hope she’s happily married to hubby #2—as long as there are no regrets, I’m all for that happy ending. (And I promise not to tell her you shared ;-)!)
Malleycc, Oh yes! Scarlett, Rhett and Ashley. I admit when I was younger I had a thing for Ashley, but now I’m all about bad boy Rhett, lol…
Dottie, Ha! Too bad, too late! What is it with people who don’t know what they want until it’s too late? Oh well, his loss!
Greta, thank you so much! You’re the best! ((smooch))
Hi Cecile, thanks for stopping by! I am so thrilled you’re going to give AHOW a try! I hope you enjoy it!
Sophie!!! Squee! So exciting to see you here. It was great meeting you, too! And I’m totally blushing at your kind words about the novella (blush, blush…). Thank you!!
Throuthehaze, Oooh, I forgot all about the Heather Locklear triangle! Good one!
Mari, thank you so much! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed A Hint of Wicked!
Mandi, That love triangle sounds great! I haven’t read Colleen yet but she’s in my TBR. I can’t wait. And I hope you enjoy A
Hint of Wicked!
I Heart Book Gossip, Ooh, You’ve already read SJ’s books—I just met her at RWA, and she was lovely. More books for the TBR…
Sarah, thanks for stopping by. Jen, Brad and Angelina…I’m *still* reading about this one at the grocery store! Geesh!
Alexandrea, That’s one thing I noticed about my real-life love triangle, too. Super awkward! But it’s good you knew who you wanted (Kind of like Sorcha in Highland Obsession!).
Pam, Oh, thanks so much! I’m so glad you liked A Hint of Wicked. And your real-life approach to love triangles is very wise. I, unfortunately, was not so wise when I was younger...
Mariee, Oh yeah! Jude Law and the Nanny. All I can say about that one is poor Sienna…
Thanks, everyone, for stopping by! And thanks again, VFG! It was a blast! :)
I have never been involved in a love triangle. When I think of a love triangle I think of King Arthur, Guenevere and Sir Lancelot.
heatherzilla(at)care2(dot)com
Mary D
zenrei57 (at) hotmail (dot) com
Hi there :) I loved your review and now I would so love getting a hold of Dawn Highland Obsession (plus the hunk who posed for the cover *blush*)!
Okay, well - one of the most famous if cheesey love triangles that comes to my mind is ARCHIE ANDREWS, BETTY COOPER AND VERONICA LODGE!
Have a beautiful week and thank you for a fun contest :)
Way back in the days of yore, I had invited a guy to a office party and we hit it off and decide to go together to another party at a friends house the next day.
Another guy that liked me presented me with a rose and asked me for a date the next day. I told him no.
That night, both of these guys are at the party and spent the night vying for my attention.
Thanks!
1bmore @ gmail . com
As a fan of history and the HBO series the Tudors, my fav love triangle was between Henry 8th, Katherine and Anne Boleyn. Not only was it a love triangle, but all of the political intrigue, and rammifications on the country, religion...has to be one of the most powerful true stories.
Highland romances are my absolute fav kind of stories. Through in a love triangle (which I also love) and I am in booklover heaven. So when I heard about this book after reading A Hint of Wicked I knew that it was going at the top of my wish list. Can't even begin to tell you how excited I am about this book, and eagerly counting down the days until it's release.
Congrats!
:) Loved A HINT OF WICKED, so delightful. :)
I think my Favorite love triangle (right now) would have to be from HBO'S TRUE BLOOD...Bill, Sukey, and Sam. :) I'm not a fan of Bill and would love for her to be friendlier to Sam!! :D
rachie2004 @ yahoo (dot) com
This looks like a great one..and I love scottish romances and <3 triangles!! :)
I guess my favorite of "will she, won't she?" would have to be Stephanie Plum from the Evanovich books. I'm totally for Ranger, but Morelli has his strong points.
lyoness2009 AT hot mail *dot* com
I don't know if this is a love triangle but Jennifer Aniston, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. The book looks like a great read. Love historical romances. Thanks.
How about LeAnne Reimes, her estranged husband, and her former co-star that she's been carrying on with. Thanks for the giveaway!
Ok I'm really going to date myself but a famous love triangle was Elizabeth Taylor/Eddie Fisher/Debbie Reynolds.
That one then evolved into Elizabeth Taylor/Eddie Fisher/Richard Burton.
southrngal(at)gmail(dot)com
Scarlett O'Hara, Rhett Butler, and Ashley Wilkes are my favorite love triangle (Gone with the Wind)!
I like triangles sometimes, but not others. Ashley was a total wimp, so Scarlett couldn't possibly have ended up with him, but if both guys were wonderful, I'd be disappointed if the heroine ended up with the one I didn't want her to end up with. A bad ending to me ruins the book.
Oh man, love 'triangle' dosn't even come close! A friend of mine was in a love SQUARE! Don't even get me started on that LOL
people are still talking about the Pitt/Jolie/Aniston triangle.
madamerkf at aol dot com
I'm a big fan of the George Harrison/Eric Clapton/Pattie Boyd love triangle. That's the one that gave us Layla and Wonderful Tonight. Yummy :)
I've read A Hint of Wicked - put it down as my best historical of the year so far. Can't wait to read this one. Which is interesting, since I usually hate love triangles. I'm also really looking forward to the Christmas anthology with Cindy Miles and Sophie Renwick - I lovelovelove Cindy's books and loved Hot in Here as well!
My life is pretty drama free and I don't keep up with celebrities, so I regret to say that I don't have any love triangles to share. I did however just finish reading Liek Water for Chocolate, and there was a love triangle in that book!
oheeyore at hotmail dot com
One love triangle would be Prince Charles/Princess Diana/Camilla Bowles.
erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net
Hmm...
Would Jennifer Aniston/Brad Pitt/Angelina Jolie count as one?
clarkmurdock@yahoo.com
heatherzilla, I have always been obsessed with the King Arthur love triangle(s), but I always wanted them to have a happy ending. Maybe that's subconsciously why I wrote these books. Hmmm... :)
Mary, I know, isn't he yummy!? The cover gods were smiling on me when they brought him into my life! And Archie, Betty, and Veronica!! Love it!
Belinda, Oooh, they were fighting over you! How fun!
Booklover1335: Thank you, and I hope you enjoy HIGHLAND OBSESSION! I am also a big fan of the Henry VIII love triangles. I love that period, too, and would love, love, love to write a book set in the 16th century.
RachieG, Oh, thank you SO much! Now, I've never seen True Blood, but I've heard people talking about it A LOT. I'm thinking I should try it out!
Lyoness2009, I'm a big Stephanie Plum fan. But see, I'm all for constant, steady, good-guy Morelli. Ranger is a leetle too scary for me! LOL!
Thanks, Joy! I hope you like HO if you decide to pick it up!
Sunny View: LeAnn Rimes...that's a new triangle, isn't it? Hmmm...I wonder what's going on there!
Barbara, I agreee--the heroine has to end up with the right guy, otherwise it's completely frustrating, isn't it? You know, I've felt that way with a lot of TV Show endings in which the characters who've had all this sexual tension for years and years on the series don't end up together. GRR!
Chelsea, A love SQUARE! My second book, HIGHLAND SURRENDER, has "sort of" a love square in it. The only thing is...the two guys are not in love, lol, so I'm not sure if it completely qualifies! I'd love to hear your friend's story! ;-)
Wendy, I know--it's amazing how people are talking about that one still, years after the fact.
Hi Lori, Thank you so much! I'm so thrilled you enjoyed A HINT OF WICKED! I'm so excited about the upcoming anthology--it's been so much fun collaborating with Cindy and Sophie--they're both absolutely awesome!
Amanda, That's right! I think I read that book years ago. I remember being sad! Did you like the ending?
Erma, That triangle will definitely go down in history, I'm sure of it!
Thanks for your responses, everyone! So much fun to read!
This books sound great! Another new author for me :)
I hate to say it, but the one that keeps coming to my mind would be Jon and Kate, plus whoever might, or might not be, involved with them. I am not a fan of the show or the way she is with her family. That being said, I don't feel like I can go to any store or watch TV without something coming up about them!!
Thanks~
Amy M
What's REALLY bad is when you have an internet romance with two people you don't even know.
A friend of mine fell in love with a man online and discovered he was the husband of one of her high school girlfriends!
Me and ice cream and cookies are a memorable triangle!
theyyyguy@yahoo.com
I thought of Elvis, Pricilla and Ann Margaret.
kngmckellar@hotmail.com
Hmmm...since most of the famous ones are taken I'll do a personal one.
I had a very best friend in college who married a WONDERFUL guy. While working at a hospital she found herself attracted to a married doctor who was flirting with her. I told her not to worry about it because a little flirting never hurt anyone. Next thing I know she's leaving her WONDERFUL husband for this cheating doctor who of course never left his wife. So much for my bad advice. LOL
Thanks!
pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net
I've unfortunately been part of a love triangle. Once a boyfriend was cheating on me. He never admitted it but I found out from reliable sources. Since she thought nobody knew, I arranged for her and her best friend to overhear someone talking about how he had cheated on me with someone else (not her).
I was also the other woman once. I use the term loosely because they weren't married but sort of engaged. As in they hadn't made it official but were going to when he returned from being stationed overseas (with me).
I have heard that Jennifer/Dawn's book A Hint of Wicked is awsome though!
lynda98662 at yahoo dot com
How about Mia Farrow, Woody Allen adn Soon Yi Previn?
I want to win this!
delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com
Bella, Edward, and Jacob from the Twilight series have a pretty serious love triangle going on!
wordsmoveme at gmail dot com
Without naming names, a guy I knew was going out with two different women. In the end he didn't get either one of them.
wandanamgreb (at) gmail (dot) com
i know some real life love triangles, i'll call the guy, the midget, and the girls his giants. there are at least two of the girls fighting over the midget.
the infamous Bollywood love triangle involving Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor will be made into a film tentatively titled The Secret Life of Karina.
sorry for the boring comment. no triangles in my life and I'm oblivious to the world of the rich and famous! I look thru People magazine and don't recognize a soul!!
This book sounds great!!
Thanks for the giveaway!
email in blogger profile.
Both books sound AMAZING!
When I was a teenager, I didn't realize I had two boys vying for my attention. Oblivious... I just liked being flirted with and flirting in return. I suppose I was a bit of a tease, giving them both the impression they had a chance. Anyways, these two boys had it out one day, a wrestling match to see who would get to ask me out. Luckily my husband won :)
Congrats on your releases!
Modern day drama....Brad Pitt chose to dump his beautiful wife Jennifer Anniston for the gorgeous Angelina Jolie....Scorching hot!
Barbara Rawe
tykelly1@yahoo.com
I found out that the boy I was dating was married and had a little girl. I told him to get lost.
A FRIEND OF MINE(SHARRON) CAUGHT HER HUBBY IN BED WITH HER COUSIN AT THEIR CAMP!
SHE IS 59 & ABOUT 300LBS!
HER HUBBY & THE COUSIN OLDER THAN HER.
SHE HELD THEM BY GUN POINT ALL NIGHT UNTIL HER DAUGHTER GOT THERE IN THE MORNING.
HER DAUGHTER WAS SPEEDING ON THE WAY THERE & TOLD THE COPS SHE WAS SPEEDING BECAUSE: HER MOTHER WAS HOLDING THEM BY GUN POINT.
SO, THE COPS FOLLOWED HER THERE & ARREST SHARRON.
SHE HAD NEVER BEEN IN TROUBLE WITH THE LAW IN ALL HER LIFE...SHE JUST SNAPPED.
SHE GOT 5 YEARS PROBATION & IS STILL WITH HER CHEATING HUBBY.
THE COUSIN IS FAR FAR AWAY NOW & WILL NOT DARE COME BACK AROUND.
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