Guest Author, Sophia Nash & Giveaway’s!
by sue on Mar.01, 2010, under Book Chat
Check out Borders.com for all of Sophia’s wonderful Historical books, click here - Happy Romance!
Sophia Nash, Secrets of a Scandalous Bride (Feb. 23, 2010)
Setting: London – Regency era
Subgenre: Historical Romance
Hero: Rowland Manning, a hero masquerading as a villain.
Heroine: Elizabeth Ashburton, a widow in the dowager duchess’s secret club—or is she?
One sentence summary:
When Elizabeth Manning is forced to confront the devil from her past, her friends in the dowager duchess’s club can not help her, and she turns to a most unwilling hero . . . Rowland Manning, the most ruthless, enigmatic man in all of England.
Scene you like most and would never cut:
At the end of Chapter 18, Elizabeth reveals that she has done something to make Rowland feel more like he is part of the rest of humanity—not as apart as he thinks. Advance readers mentioned how heart-wrenching it is.
Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying:
“Let someone else do it.” Elizabeth never stops to think things through. She just steps into the breach and does the right thing at that moment. She is a classic heroine, yet she deplores her rash actions, never considering that real sin occurs when someone has good intentions but ultimately fails to act.
Your hero, is he a boxer or brief kind of guy:
Nothing gets between Rowland Manning and his breeches.
Ancillary character you had the most fun with:
“Ata” or Merceditas St. Aubyn, the Dowager Duchess of Helston, and her stalwart first love, Mr. John Brown have appeared in all of the books in the series. Ata is the name of my French great grandmother. She was a 4’11 ball of fire who loved to laugh and who was saddled with an overbearing 6’2” aristocratic husband. I inserted touches of her life in the series—such as the canary in the gold cage, and her love of riding. Readers will learn Ata’s fate in this story, and the last widow, Sarah Winters’ destiny, too.
Your heroine’s favorite hobby:
Cooking.
Your hero’s favorite hobby:
Not eating.
What you think readers will like best about this book:
The hero in the story, Rowland Manning, was the villain in the last book, “Love with the Perfect Scoundrel.” There was something so mesmerizing about him while I was writing that story that I knew he had to be a hero underneath it all. Rowland is larger than life, and he makes the biggest changes in any book I’ve ever written. I love his jaded wit, his reluctance to play a gallant hero, and his story arc. Elizabeth Ashburton is the only woman brave enough to take him on, and to be worthy of him in the end.
Also, for those curious about the writing process: I had originally thought that the end of the story was about 100 pages earlier than it turned out to be. And my favorite part of “Secrets of a Scandalous Bride” is those same last 100 pages.
Reviews: Booklist and Library Journal have each given the book a *starred review.* “Expertly spiced with deliciously subtle sense of wit, deftly seasoned with a superbly nuanced cast of characters, and featuring a plot brimming with lusciously sensual romance and a dash of dangerous intrigue, Secrets of a Scandalous Bride, is Nash’s best book yet.~Booklist
The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet:
I’ve had many ask me to write stories for Rosamunde’s brothers from “A Dangerous Beauty.”
What’s next:
I’m delighted to report that I’m working on a brand new, exciting series for Avon/HarperCollins! The first book will be out next year. Readers may check for updates in the coming months at www.sophianash.com.
I’m plotting a number of stories for this new series, and I’d love to hear about readers’ favorite plotlines. For example, do you favor stories that feature: a second chance at love, tortured heroes or heroines, alpha/beta males, Cinderella, governess, secret baby, Beauty & the Beast, or any other type?
There must be prizes! One book to 5 random readers commenting on this blog—winner’s choice of title.
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Winner’s Announced on Borders True Romance Blog! | trueromance
March 7th, 2010 on 8:54 pm[...] - Sophia Nash - 5 winners: Natalies Mama;PamP;Veronica Franco; Shakera; [...]
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About Sue & Borders True Romance Blog
Sue G - Borders True Romance Host - Borders Romance Buyer, reads romance. For her JOB. No, really. You can email Sue at sgrimshaw at bordersgroupinc dot com.
Borders True Romance Blog is a community, developed for you, the romance reader, to find out more about the books you love; the authors who write them & where to buy them :) Borders.com
Previously published as Wishes No Matter How Fast You Run. . .The newborn baby boy is beautiful, perfect, and hers for the asking. All Kate Summers has to do is agree to one condition--she must disappear from Boston and never breathe a word about the adoption to anyone. Or How Far You Go. . .Fifteen years later, Kate has built a good life for herself and her son, Jon, in Hopewell, Oregon. Still, she is haunted by the fear that he will somehow be taken away. Then Daegan O'Rourke arrives in town and strikes up a friendship with her and Jon. But Daegan has his own past to hide--one with shocking ties to hers. A Killer Will Always Find You. . .Someone is watching Kate, watching her son, and is willing to go to any lengths to claim him. And the one man Kate is tempted to trust has dangerous secrets that could change her world forever. Soon the past Kate thought she could outrun will explode, unearthing a legacy of lies and treachery, and a fury powerful enough to kill. . .
Friend Feed
March 8th, 2010 on 10:08 am
I love a story with a strong male who discovers his harsh demeanor keeps others at a distance. The rogue ia my favorite and that word seems to be coming up a lot lately. Reminds me of an old TV show, Maverick. I like knowing all the different sides of characters and relish exploring how they’ll get out of troubles and difficulties. Secrets of a Scandalous Bride has a hero who holds himself above the rest and dabbles in mischief knowing plenty of women want to catch his eye and play with his fortune. When he decides to be captivated and bows down to play the game, the story unfolds.
March 5th, 2010 on 1:56 pm
Count me in; I loved 2nd chance stories.
Natalie’s Mama
March 2nd, 2010 on 10:15 pm
i gravitate toward books with alpha males and/or tortured hero/heroine.
i’ve liked all your books; started with Dangerous Beauty.
Looking forward to your new one.
March 3rd, 2010 on 4:16 pm
Jess W,
So happy you’ve enjoyed the series. Hope you like SECRETS OF A SCANDALOUS BRIDE!
March 2nd, 2010 on 1:55 pm
Hi Sophie - I’m a fan of the tortured hero/heroine and beauty and the beast…and if you can combine those two - wowza! I love a story that lets the beauty of the spirit overcome the glitz of an outside wrapping. Especially the handsome hero with some devious beauty plotting to catch but only has eyes for the wallflower that soothes his savage beast.
March 2nd, 2010 on 2:18 pm
Hi, Cybercliper.
Loved your comment: “Especially the handsome hero with some devious beauty plotting to catch but only has eyes for the wallflower that soothes his savage beast.” Isn’t that always a delicious story line?
March 2nd, 2010 on 11:54 am
Hi Sophia. I like tortured heroes, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, and governess stories.
March 2nd, 2010 on 1:44 pm
Hi CrystalGB,
I’ve always loved the governess stories, too. I think it’s because governesses were, for the most part, neither of the servant class or the aristocrasy. They were usually gently bred but in a class by themselves in most households and it was probably a somewhat lonely position in which to be.
March 2nd, 2010 on 9:19 am
It’s hard to pick a favorite theme but I am definitely partial to Beauty and the Beast, strong Alpha male types.
March 2nd, 2010 on 1:47 pm
Hi Isabel,
Thank you for commenting. You mentioned some of my favorite plot lines too.
March 2nd, 2010 on 3:14 am
I like reunion stories. That way the story can move on from the first meeting and the development of the relationship which can take up a chunk of the story. I prefer an established history and deep emotions already in place.
March 2nd, 2010 on 1:50 pm
Hi, Sue A.
Reunion stories can be fabulous. The only thing that can bog it down is if there is too much argument/bad feelings about the past or if there is too much of the dreaded misunderstandings which can drag a story down. But Mary Balogh wrote some wonderful reunion stories such as The Constant Heart.
March 2nd, 2010 on 1:09 am
Hi Sophia. I tend to go for the marriage of convenience, second chance at love themes; also beauty and the beast, flawed characters. Congrats on the new release, have been wanting to read his story.
March 2nd, 2010 on 1:52 pm
Pam P,
Thank you so much for commenting, and I hope you enjoy Rowland Manning & Elizabeth Ashburton’s story!
March 2nd, 2010 on 12:35 am
I enjoy stories where the hero gets to rescue the heroine - although I like the heroine to be capable, there are some things you just need a hero for! I like it when the heroine gets to rescue the hero right back - though usually this is a more “emotional” rescue and the hero’s is usually more “physical” - eg, Heartless by Mary Balogh.
March 2nd, 2010 on 1:58 pm
Hi, Kaetrin.
Oh, I loved Mary B’s HEARTLESS! And I agree with you completely regarding the appeal of a a co-rescue. Indeed, SECRETS OF A SCANDALOUS BRIDE features this prominently in the plot. It is one of the things I like the best about the story. Gone are the days when women were allowed to be wilting flowers saved by the hero. I think readers far prefer strong heroines such as the everyday heroines women must be today!
March 1st, 2010 on 11:48 pm
i love reunion romances especially if the hero/heroine are already married. there’s something really romantic about an estranged couple finding spark in their relationship again and getting a second chance at love.
March 2nd, 2010 on 12:29 am
Hi, Michelle.
Yes,that concept can be very powerful if written well! Thank you for taking the time to comment.
March 1st, 2010 on 11:31 pm
Congrats on ur new book! I like stories on 2nd chance love n also when the woman saves her man 2 live happily ever after
March 2nd, 2010 on 12:33 am
Vicky R.,
You touched on one story idea that I have always loved: when the woman saves the man. Indeed, this is featured in my new book just out! It’s the twist on the standard fairy tale of Prince Charming saving Cinderella. I love a strong heroine who not only saves herself but Prince Charming, too.
March 1st, 2010 on 9:13 pm
I like a lot of different types of stories like marriage of convenience, beauty and the beast, wounded heroes or heroines and road romances.
March 1st, 2010 on 11:18 pm
Hi, Maureen.
You’re the first to mention “road romances.” That is one of my favorites, too. The very first story I wrote, A SECRET PASSION, features this plot line!
March 1st, 2010 on 8:46 pm
My favourites are best/childhood friends turned lovers and beauty and the beast =)
March 1st, 2010 on 8:55 pm
Hi, Christinem,
Thanks so much for commenting. Do you have any particular titles you can recommend?
March 5th, 2010 on 5:52 pm
I just finished Promise Me Tonight two days ago and I aboslutely loved it. Heroine’s in love with big brother’s best friend, who tries to see her ‘only’ as a younger sister and but fails miserably. It’s totally worth reading!
March 1st, 2010 on 8:41 pm
Hi Sophia,
though I’m new to the romance genre, I’m loving my time playing catch-up. I lOve the “second chance at love” plotline but the “Beauty and the Beast” is probably my all-time favorite. especially when both of these are mixed together and the heroine is a little bit “bookish”, lol! Guess it’s sorta how I feel, being a librarian and all :”)
March 1st, 2010 on 8:54 pm
Hi, Veronica!
Oh, librarians are my favorite people in the world. I can’t tell you the number of librarians who have saved me throughout my life: in school when I was desperate for a great reading book or research, and now for the same. In fact one of my favorite places to spend an entire day? The best, biggest library in the world: The Library of Congress–only half an hour from my house. And all you have to do is give the research librarian a little scrap of information and minutes later the perfect book is handed to you. So, yes, I love “bookish” people too!
March 1st, 2010 on 8:22 pm
Shakera, oh, Shakera.
Your post really had me laughing! And I’ve got great news for you. You know when you said, “I like the idea of absolute trust the hero and heroine must place in somebody they don’t know all too well and would love to see how you’d portray such a situation?” Well, that is PRECISELY the story that I am writing right now. It is the first book in the new series. I was wondering if someone would hit on it–and you did! The only hint I can give you at this point is that it is the heroine who must place all her faith in the hero, and neither one of them is all that happy about it. She is a spitfire who is not “super skinny.” In fact, she is very ordinary in appearance. It is her strength of character that makes her beautiful in the end.
That said, if you are looking for a voluptuous heroine, you might like LORD WILL & HER GRACE–an older Signet Regency of mine. There is a scene with a busk that is…well, you might like it. And I’ll keep in mind your desire for a villainous woman with perky breasts! So glad you liked Rosamunde in A DANGEROUS BEAUTY.
Please keep in touch.
March 1st, 2010 on 7:28 pm
I loved “Dangerous Beauty” immensely. I happened across it when I was searching through the book store, saw the cover quote, and checked it out. I bought it soon afterward and read it.
I loved second chance at love, reunited love, marriage of convenience, and beauty and beast. I love many others, but those are the ones that popped into my head. I also like stories that remind me of screwball comedies and sweet romantic films of the past. Julia Quinn’s What Happens In London felt very much like an old romantic comedy, or Oscar Wilde meets 1930s screwball comedy with a spritz more of romance. ^^
March 1st, 2010 on 8:01 pm
Hi, Tiffany,
I agree with you completely! I read Julia Quinn’s newest and fell in love with the old fashioned screwball comedy aspects of it. And I LOVED the proposal scene (I won’t describe it because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone.)
I am delighted you liked A DANGEROUS BEAUTY. Out of all the alpha males I’ve written, I would say it’s a toss up between Rowland Manning and Luc St. Aubyn regarding my favorite hero!
March 2nd, 2010 on 1:43 am
I’m actually looking forward to your newest release, but have to catch up to it in the series. The cover caught my eye, and I was like “Sophia Nash has another book out?!?” So, congrats!
I’m also looking forward to your new series…and whatever tropes it may have. ^^
March 1st, 2010 on 7:17 pm
I enjoy most plot lines - I love the tortured alpha male, but also the witty, rakish rogue who falls for the smart lady who’s so not his type despite his best efforts not to, and the second chance at love for a bit older couple.
March 1st, 2010 on 8:26 pm
Barbara,
Thank you for your post. You described the type of story you like so well that I am guessing that you were describing a particular story you’ve already read. Am I right? I’d love to know the book you’re describing. It sounds excellent!
March 1st, 2010 on 7:13 pm
I Love, love, love Beauty and the Beast plot lines! Tortured heros who really only need the right woman to give them love….*big sigh* It just gives you that warm feeling when characters who really deserve an HEA receive it!
March 1st, 2010 on 8:29 pm
Chelsea B.,
And how would you feel about the reverse plot: Tortured heroines who really only need the right man to give them love?
I am intrigued that so many readers here like the Beauty & The Beast theme…
March 1st, 2010 on 6:01 pm
Sophia - awesome to see you here. I was lucky enough to see you and get Scandalous Bride when you were at Turn The Page Bookstore a week or so ago - I’m so excited to read this, as I’ve loved the series.
My favorite plots tend toward the Beauty and the Beast or Tortured Hero types. But I’ll take pretty much anything!
March 1st, 2010 on 8:04 pm
Laura,
Of course I remember you from the Turn the Page signing last weekend! Wasn’t it a lovely day? Such a beautiful, long drive in the country… I do hope you enjoy Rowland & Elizabeth’s story. Please drop me a line at sophia@sophianash.com and let me know.
March 1st, 2010 on 6:00 pm
I confess I’m a sucker for a forced marriage situation. The whole winning-the-girl in a game of cards aspect in “Never Romance a Rake” secretly appealed to me. It also provides a backdrop for some serious sexual business, I don’t care for dilly-dallying around the issue of sex. But shhh, don’t tell anyone; I’m supposed to be a feminista.
I like the idea of absolute trust the hero and heroine must place in somebody they don’t know all too well and would love to see how you’d portray such a situation. And also yay to the tortured heroine - almost every historical has a perfect heroine who merely acts as a catalyst for the hero’s self-discovery. I loved Rosamunde for this reason, she was such a strong female character.
Anyway, good luck on the new series, I avidly await the day I can get my claws on them.
P.S. Please have a volumptuous character in the next series! It seems recently every historical I’ve read features a super-skinny heroine with “small, perfect breasts”. The heroines are always small and perky and the evil mistresses are large and, well, evil. They make me feel guilty about my annoyingly large ones and hate nature.
P.P.S. Sorry for rambling. I will shut up now.
March 1st, 2010 on 8:24 pm
Shakera,
I got so carried away while reading your post that I didn’t respond in the correct box. See the response several posts above this one!
March 1st, 2010 on 4:59 pm
These look like some great books here! I tend to love the Cinderella type stories! Also love the tortured hero type stories! I read a little of everything so I like to switch around!
March 1st, 2010 on 8:35 pm
Quilt Lady,
I am a little like you, i.e. I like to read every type of plot line. And what fascinates me is how you can take one plot line, give it to a dozen different writers and each will create a completely different story. IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT by Stephanie Laurens, Mary Balogh, Candice Hern and Jacquie d’Alessandro was an anthology that proved that theory.
March 1st, 2010 on 4:36 pm
I enjoy friends to lovers stories.
March 1st, 2010 on 8:29 pm
Estella,
So do I! Thanks for commenting.
March 1st, 2010 on 4:10 pm
I’m a big fan of friend to lovers stories. I also enjoy Beauty and the Beast themes since I enjoy characters with imperfections.
March 1st, 2010 on 8:31 pm
Hi, joder.
Do you equally love men and women main charcters who have imperfections–or one over the other?
March 1st, 2010 on 3:52 pm
I tend to like the Alpha male, but combined with being the “bad boy” turned “reluctant hero” is one that is always appealing.
March 1st, 2010 on 4:53 pm
Hi, Donna.
The hero in SECRETS OF A SCANDALOUS BRIDE, Rowland Manning, is a “reluctant hero” of the first order! I hope you like his story…
March 1st, 2010 on 2:49 pm
I have a big weakness for the fairy tale themed books, especially Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella.
March 1st, 2010 on 3:13 pm
Cherie J.,
When you mentioned fairy tale themes, I immediately thought of another favorite author of mine: Susan Elizabeth Phillips. She writes hilarious contemporary romances. So many of them feature heroines with fairy tale features. I love her books!
March 1st, 2010 on 2:44 pm
Well, there isn’t much I don’t like, but I usually stay away from beta males and secret babies. Tortured, alpha heroes and second chances at love would rank numbers one, two and three. A HEA that has to be worked for is more satisfying.
March 1st, 2010 on 3:10 pm
Cynthia N.,
While most of my books feature alpha males, I don’t discount the appeal of a well-written beta male. I saw YOUNG VICTORIA last month and I have to say that I LOVED the movie. Albert is a beta male through and through in the film (although less so in real life according to many biographies.)I highly recommend that movie to everyone!
March 1st, 2010 on 2:20 pm
Hi Sophia,
I love your books!
I enjoy most types of plot lines.
March 1st, 2010 on 3:06 pm
Chey,
Thanks so much for commenting. I am so glad you like the stories in the series.
March 1st, 2010 on 1:56 pm
Hi Sophia,
I love the tortured hero types, all the way. Beauty and the Beast works for me too, the man scarred, either inwardly or outwardly or both.
The marriage of convenience has its merits as well.
All the best for your release!
March 1st, 2010 on 3:05 pm
Hi, Karyn.
I think what I love the most about Marriage of Convenience stories is that almost all barriers are removed from the hero and heroine so they have no choice but to interact. They have no rushed rendezvous, no chaperones, no chance meetings, etc. And they have no courtship before the vows. Yes, I’ve convinced myself. I’m definately writing a Marriage of Convenience story in the next series!
March 1st, 2010 on 1:47 pm
Sounds like a great book! I love Beauty and the Beast type stories
March 1st, 2010 on 3:01 pm
Raelena,
Do you have any good recommendations for Beauty and the Beast historicals or contemporaries? I haven’t found one in a long time…
March 1st, 2010 on 1:08 pm
I purchased SECRETS OF A SCANDALOUS BRIDE over the weekend. I haven’t gotten a chance to read it yet, but I hope to start it soon. Unfortunately, I have a book from the library that’s due back in a few days, so I have to finish it. LOL
For the most part, I like alpha heroes. Beta heroes can be too laid back, although I did like Quinn from THE KISS. It helps if the heroine sees that the hero shows some gentleness to his friend, sibling or even a pet, so that he’s not totally domineering. As for themes, I enjoy stories where the hero and heroine share a past, but for whatever reason, it didn’t work out. I enjoyed THE KISS for this reason.
I also like stories such as The Scarlet Pimpernel or Zorro, where the hero has a secret identity. I used to really enjoy the ward/guardian plot, but I think it only works now where there isn’t a huge age discrepancy. Romance authors used to describe immature 18 year old girls falling in love with 35 year old alpha men, but the age difference is hard to surmount. Last, a secret baby is difficult to pull off in a historical, since readers usually like virtuous heroines. If you write it, however, I’d read it.
Anyway, congratulations on the new release.
March 1st, 2010 on 3:00 pm
Hi Kim C.,
Oh, I LOVED The Scarlet Pimpernel. Did you see the movie version with Anthony Andrews and Jane Seymour? It alternates between comedy, intrigue, drama seemlessly.
Delighted to hear that you liked Quinn in THE KISS. He’s the most like Mr. Darcy in all my stories. I think that’s why so many people like him. I’ve always thought Mr. Darcy was a beta hero although there are many who would disagree with me…
Hope you love the grand finale of the widows club series!
March 1st, 2010 on 1:06 pm
I love Beauty and the Beast plotlines, and tortured heroes. *____*
March 1st, 2010 on 2:48 pm
Julie,
So far it looks like there is only one reader who said she didn’t like tortured heroes. I often wonder if duinrg difficult times readers prefer: (a) reading about someone who overcomes almost insurmountable problems or (b) light, frothy reads.
What do all of you think?
March 1st, 2010 on 12:57 pm
I can never get enough of historicals and really there are no sotires that I favor most, just depends what mood I am in
March 1st, 2010 on 2:51 pm
Amanda,
You know just what to say to an author of historicals! Do you favor any particular time period? Regency, Victorian, Georgian, old west, Viking, etc?
March 1st, 2010 on 12:19 pm
Hi, Sophia. I am a fairly new reader of yours and am looking forward to your new release!
I don’t like tortured heroest. I like an easy-going hero, for the most part, who falls in love with the heroine like a rock or even a ton of bricks have hit him! WHAM, out of the blue, what happened-type of falling in love. I like the storylines where the hero realizes the girl next door is no longer a pesky little kid, but has actually become a grown-up, pretty girl!
I like my heroines to be spunky, intelligent, and fun.
March 1st, 2010 on 12:47 pm
Deb,
I hope you like the new release! I like spunky, intelligent, fun heroines, too.
I’m curious about the readers writing in today. Do you only read historical romance or do you also like contempory, romantic suspense, and/or paranormal? When you find a story you like do you then go after the author’s entire back list?
March 1st, 2010 on 1:54 pm
I used to read contemps and a lot of Christian historicals (Gilbert Morris is a fave) until 7 or 8 years ago when I discovered Julia Quinn. I read very few contemps nowadays. When I find an author I like, I do buy all of the back list. (I’m looking for yours, too!)
March 1st, 2010 on 2:53 pm
Wow… I am honored! Let me know at sophia@sophianash.com if you can’t find the earlier Signet out of print stories. I see them going for outrageous prices on ebay at times.
March 1st, 2010 on 12:03 pm
Hi Sophia! Congratulations on your new release “Secrets of a Scandalous Bride”. Some of my favorite plotlines are a second chance at love, in love with the brother’s bestfriend ,or secret babies as long as not to much time has passed.
March 1st, 2010 on 12:34 pm
Hi Amber E.,
I don’t think I’ve read a historical which featured a secret baby, have you? I wonder why that is… Anyone have any ideas?
March 1st, 2010 on 7:14 pm
Hi Sophia! The only historical books with secret babies/kids that I can think of are Liz Carlyle’s “Two Little Lies” and “Three Little Secrets”.
March 1st, 2010 on 8:36 pm
I am going to have to put Liz’s books on my staggering to be read pile right away! Thank you for letting me know about these books.
March 1st, 2010 on 11:31 am
Aloha from Hawaii! All is good after the sobering warning that taught us all to be prepared.
Thank you, Sue and Sophia, for a fun interview. My favorite line, “Nothing gets between Rowland Manning and his breeches.” (Move over Brook Shields, here comes Rowland Manning).
My first response to your question about favorite plot lines is … Spies! I enjoy a story with intrigue, espinage, and service to country.
But then you shared your experience with visiting a female soldier at Walter Reed. I agree with you - women are more accepting of physical defects in men than vice versa. So I would like to see more of “accepting physical defects” plotlines.
I salute you, Sophia, for supporting military personnel and their families! I know first hand that you have done more than just visit soldiers at Walter Reed. I appreciate your efforts!
March 1st, 2010 on 12:15 pm
Hi Kim,
We were all so glad to hear that Hawaii was not hard hit my a major tsunami… I heard 100,000 people were evacuated. It must have been quite an effort.
Re the military: I see my father’s two well-worn helmets from WWII in my office every day. It reminds me what a cushy life I have and how much I owe to those (father, brother, cousins, friends and strangers) more courageous than I. I think that’s why so many of the heroes in my stories have a military past.
March 1st, 2010 on 11:13 am
I adore Tortured alphas! Dark and brooding. That is very hot.
March 1st, 2010 on 11:02 am
Hi Sophia,
I am new to your work but I just picked up SECRETS OF A SCANDALOUS BRIDE this weekend (from Borders of course!) based on Elizabeth Hoyt’s tweet! She was so excited about it that I just had to buy it. I’m sure I will love it. It’s next up on my TBR.
Anyhow, my favorite themes are reunited/second-chance love and I tend to like Beta heroes. Not an Alpha girl so much.
March 1st, 2010 on 11:13 am
Hi Scorpio M,
You’ll have to let me know if you like the heroine in SECRETS OF A SCANDALOUS BRIDE then! Please write to me at sophia@sophianash.com when you’re finished reading. So which was your favorite of Elizabeth’s Legend of the Four Soldiers quartet? Mine was TO DESIRE A DEVIL. How could I resist Reynaud, a classic tortured hero who endured capture, slavery, torture, and starvation ;). It goes without saying that Elizabeth Hoyt is one of my absolute favorite writers today!
March 1st, 2010 on 11:26 am
I will definitely let you know what my thoughts are!
My favorite of the Four Soldiers was Bk 2: TO SEDUCE A SINNER, it was just a gorgeous (and totally sexy) character study. But my most favorite Hoyt book & couple is Harry & Georgina from THE LEOPARD PRINCE. I can’t even count the ways I heart Harry
March 1st, 2010 on 11:35 am
I loved how the first bit of dialogue in THE LEOPARD PRINCE was about whales. It made me laugh because it was the last thing you would think to read on the first page of a romance novel. This is why I love Elizabeth Hoyt’s books!
March 1st, 2010 on 10:39 am
I love second chance at love stories. Those are always a good read.
March 1st, 2010 on 11:14 am
Hi Tia,
Yes, I’ve always thought having to wait for something makes it all the better when you find it.
March 1st, 2010 on 10:36 am
Hello! You are a new author for me…I’m putting your books in my amazon wishlist now!
I would say that my favorites would be the beauty and the beast, I like male character that thinks they are strong and powerful, only to be stood up to by a woman. I think a good coming of age and self discovery would be helpful in the gaurdian/ward scenerio, Or like Jane Austen’s Emma where they have been friends forever and realize they truely love each other.
March 1st, 2010 on 11:24 am
Michelle,
Many say “Emma” was Jane Austen’s most sophisticated story. And I think it’s Austen’s genius that made readers like Emma despite all her shortcomings. Do you think it is Emma’s ability to eat crow so gracefully in the end made her more appealing? I loved Emma! She is only second to Elizabeth Bennett in my book.
I think you are on to something regarding the ward/guardian comment. That said, I always think I have a firm grasp of the story line prior to starting a new book, but when I start the actual writing, the characters run roughshod all over my initial ideas…
March 1st, 2010 on 10:30 am
Hi Sophia!
I LOVE Beauty and the Beast,
Cinderella is my second choice,
& on number three Friends to Lovers.
Marriage of convenience to Love & Hate to Love are also great, You didn’t expect me to pick just one? did you
March 1st, 2010 on 11:26 am
Kirsten,
I have always wanted to write a Marriage of Convenience story. Mary Balogh wrote some beautiful ones for Signet’s traditional regencies line. Many of them are being repackaged in a 2 for 1 format now. Hooray!
Hint: I think this concept will be one of the plotlines in my new series!
March 1st, 2010 on 10:00 am
Well, I thought I knew what my answer was going to be, (Beauty and the Beast stories) but reading all these other views, I kept thinking, “Yes, that one’s good too. Definitely yes to ‘Romancing Mr. Bridgerton.’ Oh, who doesn’t appreciate second chance at love?” So, I guess I like them all! Just keep writing compelling characters and interesting plotlines, and I’m there!
March 1st, 2010 on 11:29 am
GSM,
I will try to keep writing the stories you love! I’ve noticed that no one has written “Secret Baby” as a favorite story line. Is that one you like? I always worry that some readers will get annoyed if the heroine doesn’t tell the father right away–even if she knows he doesn’t want a child. What do all of you think?
March 1st, 2010 on 9:59 am
for me it is the tortured & beauty & the beast — although, I really love them all.
Great post Sophia - thanks for blogging with us!
Sue
March 1st, 2010 on 11:02 am
Thank you for inviting me, Sue! I’ve been thinking about a twist/role reversal to one of the popular story lines mentioned today. It started when I was visiting returning female soldiers at Walter Reed two years ago and one of the women said she refused to think she would not find a hero who would love her the way she was–and that was why she read romance novels. It made me wonder if women were, in general, more accepting of physical imperfections than men. I don’t think so, but a number of women who I spoke to that day did, indeed, believe that. What do all of you think?
March 1st, 2010 on 9:33 am
I LOVE your books! Can’t wait to read this one! My favorite plot is the best friend/girl next door love
Cinderella is also a fun one!
March 1st, 2010 on 10:48 am
KristiBug,
So glad you like my books! The Girl/Boy Next Door stories are some of my very favorites too. There’s something about the longing that is so poignant. THE KISS was a Girl Next Door story that goes on for years and years… Thanks for commenting.
March 1st, 2010 on 9:14 am
Looks like another fabulous story, Sophia!
March 1st, 2010 on 10:12 am
April,
It’s so lovely to see you here! Your Book in a Week workshop has always helped my kickstart a new book–even if it ends up being a book in 9 months… Thank you so much for your brilliant advice!
March 1st, 2010 on 9:01 am
Can’t wait to read the book, so sorry to see the series end. What do you have in the works next?
March 1st, 2010 on 8:41 pm
Hi, Tehrene,
What is next? The working title of the next series is “Dukes Only.” It is about a group of dukes who are like a band of brothers. I don’t want to tell you too much about the series yet because it is still in the fragile formative stage. What I can say is this: These dukes jumped into the creative portion of my head about 9 months ago and have been rattling their cages, demanding for their stories to be told! No one is getting any sleep these days!
March 1st, 2010 on 8:20 am
Looking forward to your new book.
I love when friendship takes a twist and finds love.
March 1st, 2010 on 9:02 am
Hi, Denise.
You might like THE KISS - Book II in the series. This is a classic story of unrequited love. It chronicles a lifelong friendship that becomes something much deeper and more poignant. It’s a stand alone story that many readers claim as their favorite! It was also one of the hardest books to write in the series.
March 1st, 2010 on 7:30 am
Brava, Sophia! Only a true storyteller can shade a villain so well that he is mesmerizing in his wickedness, yet ultimately worth redemption!
I love “Beauty and the Beast”. Does it not touch on aspects of human nature which are far uglier than the cursed Beast? Does that make the love story even sweeter? To truly love someone is to love them with your mind, and see them in reality, and to soften that image by seeing them with your heart.
March 1st, 2010 on 9:13 am
Virginia,
I’ve always wanted to write a story with “Beauty and the Beast” themes. Ever notice how someone’s beauty fades over time if their character is flawed and how a plain or less attractive person becomes beautiful if their moral fiber is exceptional? I think because of this, one of the books in the new series will feature the themes you mention…
March 1st, 2010 on 6:47 am
You’re a new author for me. I enjoyed reading your interview. My favorite historical plot line is Little Orphan Annie with a ward/guardian attraction situation.
March 1st, 2010 on 9:18 am
Laurie G,
You are all giving me great ideas! The forbidden love between a ward and guardian can be a very tricky story to write. I have not used this plot line before.
Question for readers: What would be your sticking points for stories featuring this storyline?
March 1st, 2010 on 1:32 pm
Hi Sophia,
All your books sound great. Have not read them yet.
This is a neat way for readers to find out about Authors.
I like all types and it sounds like you keep doing different things, making real good stories.
Ward/Guardian-like it but you have to have a distance between them as the child is growing up. Like Daddy-Long-Legs, [BOOK was so much better than the movie.]
Or a nanny raising the child. Spends time with child daily. But not day to day modern times association. Must have that reserve and respect.
March 1st, 2010 on 8:47 pm
Hi, Janet.
You make a very good point concerning the ward/guardian plot line. There is no doubt about it: it is a very fine line. I think the only way I would feel comfortable tackling this one is if the ward was at least 21. But while others might be squeamish about an age gap of more than 10 years, that has never bothered me. I guess that is because my parents were more than 10 years apart and no one ever really noticed or discussed it. Age is really just a number. It’s what is in your heart that counts, right?
March 1st, 2010 on 3:31 am
Hey Sophia!
My favorite plot lines are Cinderella stories, sibling of hero/heroine’s BFF, tortured heroes, rakes who reform(but not all the way), “ugly” duckling, second chance at love. As you can see I’m really not too picky lol.
So excited to read Secrets Of A Scandalous Bride!
March 1st, 2010 on 9:25 am
Hi, Calila!
I think you might like the new release: SECRETS OF A SCANDALOUS BRIDE because it features a “rake who reforms but not all the way” you mentioned. The hero is truly almost beyond any chance of redemption. That said, the widows club series really is all about “second chance at love.” That said, my very favorite “sibling of hero/heroine’s BFF” story has got to be Julia Quinn’s ROMANCING MR. BRIDGERTON. Don’t you agree?
March 1st, 2010 on 2:48 am
Congrats on the new release, Sophia. I love tortured heroes and revenge stories so I would definitely enjoy reading a book featuring an emotionally scarred hero seeking to avenge a wrong.
March 1st, 2010 on 9:56 am
Jane C,
I love tortured heroes (and heroines)! I believe it’s because it makes the HEA all the sweeter, don’t you think? It’s what makes Cinderella’s story so powerful. By the way, have you seen Drew Barrymore in EVER AFTER? I just saw it for the first time this month and I loved it–especially the scene where she saves herself BEFORE the prince can!
March 1st, 2010 on 1:35 am
Oh, I absolutely loved “Love With the Perfect Scoundrel”! As for my favorite plotline, it’s definitely second chance at love. I prefer when the hero and heroine are older and wiser - going toward love with their eyes open.
March 1st, 2010 on 10:06 am
Hi, Cories,
I, too, like the second chance at love plotline–as shown in LOVE WITH THE PERFECT SCOUNDREL and most of the widows club books. And I will admit that I think it’s easier to write stories about “older and wiser” characters because they generally have more of a past to mine for a deeper story!
One of the things I most like about the heroine in SECRETS OF A SCANDALOUS BRIDE is that she was always trying to change–to become a better person. She has no clue that she is wonderful just the way she is. On the other hand, the hero does not want to change, which makes his transformation all the more powerful.