Ex Libris

Today I have the pleasure to welcome to Ex Libris the author duo behind one of Entangled's latest Scandalous saga: Nancy Fraser and Patti Shenberger who pen the McCade Legacy series and who stopped by today to give you all the info about the books and characters in the series, so take a seat and get to know  the McCades and their friends and lovers. :-) 

Meet the McCades … or How to Create a Series Out of a Single Idea!
by Nancy Fraser & Patti Shenberger 

Many years ago (we’re definitely dating ourselves), we were at a writer’s conference in Washington, D.C. Patti had an editor pitch and wanted my input. The story idea was about an 1860’s riverboat gambler (think Maverick and a young, less-jaded Mel Gibson) who is content with his unattached, free-wheeling lifestyle. Enter the heroine, a woman from the future who accidentally finds herself in 1866 Mississippi and in the arms of a man she’s hated her entire life! The more we delved into what would make these two tick and click, the more we realized there were options for a number of delightful characters, and at least another two or three books. At that point, we decided … why not write this together? Neither of us had ever written as a team, but we were willing to give it a shot! We started with an ever-evolving family tree, an outline of who we wanted to feature and then began writing.

In addition to the initial characters of Matthew McCade and Miracle (Miri) Johnson, we introduced Matt’s cousin and best friend, Jackson (Jake) McCade. The moment Jake took hold of our imaginations we knew he needed his own book. The original story sold back in 2007. Unfortunately, that incarnation is no longer available. We do intend to re-issue the book later in the Legacy as a prequel with new scenes and new characters. It will be the next-to-last book and will lead up to the dramatic, heart-wrenching ending of the series.

Now that we’ve found a home with Entangled Scandalous, the series is already contracted for books two and three, and outlined for five additional full length novels (including the prequel). We purposely chose the time period and setting because there aren’t a lot of historical romances in the post-Civil War era, and we wanted to give those survivors a voice. After so much turmoil, it was invigorating to create a bit of romance out of the ruins of war.

We’d like to share with you a few tidbits from the current book, and some insight into the next two.

Book 1 of the Legacy Series: (available now)

Hero: Jackson (Jake) McCade, 28, six-foot-one, medium brown hair and as hunky as all get-out. After having had his heart stomped on, he’s a confirmed bachelor. (And we all know how that goes!) He’s the current owner of the River Maiden, the best darned paddle-wheeler to ply the Mississippi! Above all, he’s a McCade, which makes him trustworthy, compassionate and loyal.

“What could you have possibly been thinking to dress yourself up like a boy and make off with property belonging to Franklin Beaumont? Your father’s reputation as a shrewd businessman with important contacts is legendary. He’ll not stand by and allow someone to steal from him, even his willful daughter.”

Heroine: Felicity Beaumont, 20, five-foot-four, chestnut hair (which she cuts off with a hunting knife in the opening scene), violet eyes and as beautiful as a freshly-grown rose. Felicity is full of compassion and takes it upon herself to free her father’s illegally indentured slaves by selling family heirlooms and booking passage for them north on Jake McCade’s boat, a plan that doesn’t work out nearly as well as she’d hoped.

“I’m truly sorry about that, Jake McCade, but Mrs. Porter’s Finishing School for Young Women failed to offer a course in the art of pleasing a man.”

Some of our recurring supporting characters:

Matthew McCade, Jake’s cousin and business partner. When he married and settled down, he and Jake traded businesses. He took over running Jake’s hotel in Vicksburg and Jake took over the River Maiden.

“You got it all wrong. Jake’s not interested in some rich man’s daughter. Now, if it were the man’s neglected wife…”

Miri McCade, Matt’s beautiful wife. Pregnant when the story begins, she gives birth to a bouncing baby girl named Molly! (Hmm … we smell a new series set in the 1890s!)

Virginia McCade, Matt’s mother, Jake’s aunt, and the very picture of a gracious southern belle. Virginia deals out wisdom with a firm hand and is the keeper of the family secrets.

Joseph Johnson, Miri’s father and a favorite of ours. He’s always teasing Jakey-boy and driving both Jake and his son-in-law Matt crazy.

“The only teats I’m thinking about stroking is the ones on these three ladies here in my hand.”

Zack McCade, another cousin who just happens to be a drop-dead-gorgeous lawman.

Suzanne Martindale, M.D., an anomaly for the time period, a female physician and surgeon.

“I’ve sworn an oath as well, Marshall McCade, a Hippocratic oath to protect my patient. And, under the circumstances, I’d say my oath takes precedence ten times over.”

And, a sneak peek at Books 2 and 3:

Book 2 of the Legacy Series: The Lawman’s Agreement (working title) – Fall, 2013

Hero: Marshall Zack McCade, 30, six-foot-two, dark brown hair, with a sexy Cajun accent!

“I’m not a machine you can turn on and off at will. I have a tendency to become aroused every time I kiss you, cher. So, if we have to schedule our lovemaking, we may also have to rethink our kisses, both for our audience and ourselves.”

Heroine: Dr. Suzanne Martindale, 26, five-foot-seven, blonde hair, extremely long silky legs that go on forever, and sexually astute (much to Zack’s pleasure).


And, Book 3 of the Legacy Series: The Barrister’s Temptation (working title) (Spring, 2014)

Hero: Tanner Carmichael, 26, six-foot, brown hair, warm brown eyes, and he’s a lawyer.

Heroine: Cassie Maguire, 21, five-foot-two, auburn hair, amber eyes, and daughter of saloon/brothel owner, Fancy Maguire.

Book 3 favorite quote so far (and subject to final editing, of course):

Miss Lillie (one of the brothel’s working girls):

“You can forget old Sam. He lasted about as long as a pint of whiskey in a five-handed poker game.”

We hope you’ve enjoyed our insight into the McCade Legacy series, and welcome your comments.

Nancy Fraser has been writing since she was a child, most often on walls and with crayons or (heaven forbid) permanent marker. Since first becoming published in 1996, Nancy has received numerous five star reviews for her futuristic, time travel romance. She's also published in short contemporary, historical romance and vintage historical romances set during the Golden Decade of Rock & Roll (1955-1964). When not writing fiction, Nancy likes to spend time with her grandchildren and is excitedly awaiting a new addition to her grand-family in July, 2013.




Patti Shenberger has been writing since she could put pen to paper. An active member of the Romance Writers of America, along with her local chapter, the Greater Detroit RWA, she currently serves as the Chapter President and the Booksellers Best Award contest chair.

Patti lives in Michigan with her husband of over thirty years. She's a mom to a grown daughter and son, a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law, and her first grandchild is due in August. Rounding out the family are two fur babies, a cat and dog.

When not writing, Patti can be found reading, traveling with her husband, or spending time with friends.

GIVEAWAY RULES:

As part of a tour-wide giveaway the authors are offering one lucky winner the chance to not only name the hotel which will appear in the second McCade Legacy novel, but will also have their name used as a character in the book as well! The winner will also receive a copy of and a copy of the second book when it becomes available.


To be entered just fill out the Rafflecopter form below and tell us: Which character sounds like he/she could become your favourite based on the introductions/quotes above?