Happy Monday everyone! It's time to get started with this week's giveaway :) There are five identical book bundles ready to be won (please see picture below). I'll pick the winners at random today through Friday and post the results on my Facebook Page on Saturday. Please comment on the original post if you'd like to be included in this drawing - I will not be following shares. U.S. ONLY unfortunately - apologies to international readers.
Also: this giveaway is in no wa sponsored, endorsed or administered by Facebook. I hereby release Facebook of any liability.
To see the post, click HERE
Monday, January 18, 2016
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Saturday, January 16, 2016
Writing mistakes, positive characters and a bit about His Scandalous Kiss
I cannot believe that it's already been four years since my first novel, How Miss Rutherford Got Her Groove Back went on sale. Since then, I've had nine other releases, transitioning from ebook/print on demand, to full on print. There have been a slew of blog tours, giveaways and signings, during which I've learned a great many things. I've also grown as an author, becoming increasingly aware of what my strengths and weaknesses are.
When I wrote How Miss Rutherford Got Her Groove Back, the character point of views were dancing all over the pages. Why? Because I wanted the reader to know what everyone was thinking! I've since found other ways of achieving that goal. Of showing rather than telling and of taking advantage of the fact that the reader doesn't always have to know what everyone is thinking.
Writing dialogue is one of my favorite things to do, so this has now become my most important weapon. After all, it flows more naturally if a character talks about their emotions and thoughts rather than the writer explaining what they are - an obvious observation perhaps, but a trap that many aspiring authors often fall into.
But I digress...
When I initially started writing, my primary aim was to tell a good story. It still is. But with every book I've written, it has also become something more than that. Now, I want to tell a good story with strong characters who set good examples. I want flawed heroes and heroines who eventually make the right choices - selfless and honorable choices - that readers can admire. I don't want them to lie and keep secrets from each other once they decide that they might share a future - unless they have a REALLY good reason that can later be forgiven. Instead, I prefer honesty and trust, developing a solid friendship on which to build a romantic relationship later. Isn't that more realistic anyway? Tension can be external, compounded by insecurities and fear. In my most recent novel, The Earl's Complete Surrender, Chloe has just escaped a horrible marriage, so the last place she's heading for is the altar. Meanwhile, James' work as a spy/investigator for the king makes an attachment difficult since he fears risking other people's lives by association. In spite of the obvious attraction between them however, it isn't until they start working together that they begin thinking about sharing a future - once they realize how much they have in common and how well they click. Conversation is a great way in which to achieve this.
The same holds true for His Scandalous Kiss. Due for release on July 29th 2016 and inspired by The Phantom of the Opera, this story is all about overcoming insecurities and fear while putting the person you love ahead of yourself. It's about acceptance, change and the inevitable decision to risk it all in the quest for true love. The plot will take readers on a wonderful journey beneath the foundations of Thorncliff, allowing for an element of adventure. But at the end of the day, it is the romance that takes the lead in this book, offering a tortured hero and a kind heroine who are much to be admired.
When I wrote How Miss Rutherford Got Her Groove Back, the character point of views were dancing all over the pages. Why? Because I wanted the reader to know what everyone was thinking! I've since found other ways of achieving that goal. Of showing rather than telling and of taking advantage of the fact that the reader doesn't always have to know what everyone is thinking.
Writing dialogue is one of my favorite things to do, so this has now become my most important weapon. After all, it flows more naturally if a character talks about their emotions and thoughts rather than the writer explaining what they are - an obvious observation perhaps, but a trap that many aspiring authors often fall into.
But I digress...
When I initially started writing, my primary aim was to tell a good story. It still is. But with every book I've written, it has also become something more than that. Now, I want to tell a good story with strong characters who set good examples. I want flawed heroes and heroines who eventually make the right choices - selfless and honorable choices - that readers can admire. I don't want them to lie and keep secrets from each other once they decide that they might share a future - unless they have a REALLY good reason that can later be forgiven. Instead, I prefer honesty and trust, developing a solid friendship on which to build a romantic relationship later. Isn't that more realistic anyway? Tension can be external, compounded by insecurities and fear. In my most recent novel, The Earl's Complete Surrender, Chloe has just escaped a horrible marriage, so the last place she's heading for is the altar. Meanwhile, James' work as a spy/investigator for the king makes an attachment difficult since he fears risking other people's lives by association. In spite of the obvious attraction between them however, it isn't until they start working together that they begin thinking about sharing a future - once they realize how much they have in common and how well they click. Conversation is a great way in which to achieve this.
The same holds true for His Scandalous Kiss. Due for release on July 29th 2016 and inspired by The Phantom of the Opera, this story is all about overcoming insecurities and fear while putting the person you love ahead of yourself. It's about acceptance, change and the inevitable decision to risk it all in the quest for true love. The plot will take readers on a wonderful journey beneath the foundations of Thorncliff, allowing for an element of adventure. But at the end of the day, it is the romance that takes the lead in this book, offering a tortured hero and a kind heroine who are much to be admired.
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Fresh Review of The Earl's Complete Surrender
The Earl's Complete Surrender
Sophie Barnes
Reviewed by Linda Green
Posted January 12, 2016
Posted January 12, 2016
It is 1820, and James, the Earl of Woodford, has received his latest mission as a spy for the King. But this mission is much more close to his heart. He has been charged to discover the identity of The Electors, a group of ruthless, powerful men who shape the political landscape for their own gain - the men who murdered his parents when he was a boy. To achieve his goal, James must travel to Thorncliff Manor to find a book, which would be simple except for the myriad of people and social obligations involved in a house stay. And Woodford likes to be alone...until he sees her.
Lady Chloe Newbury is dipping her toe back into society after the death of her husband. Having suffered much abuse at the hands of that man, she is glad she is finally free. But her confidence and self-belief has been shaken. The only good result from her marriage is her discovery of the existence of a book, which would finally uncover who had murdered her grandfather, and Chloe is determined to discover it.
As Chloe and James are forced to work side-by-side, their undeniable chemistry is hard to ignore. But for two people who have sworn never to take a chance on love, can this adventure open their hearts to more?
With danger, scoundrels, betrayals and sizzling passion, THE EARL'S COMPLETE SURRENDER by Sophie Barnes is one of the most entertaining Regency romances I have ever enjoyed. A well developed plot with intelligent characters, plenty of suspense, and just enough twists and turns to make it interesting, this novel has it all. James and Chloe are lovable, frustrating and endearing, and as a reader you cannot help but wish they grab a chance at love together. THE EARL'S COMPLETE SURRENDER by Sophie Barnes is the perfect example of what a Regency romance should be.
Originally posted by Fresh Fiction
Harlequin Junkie Spotlight & Giveaway
Harlequin Junkie Romance Reviews has kindly invited me for an interview today. We're chatting about The Earl's Complete Surrender so come take a look and post a comment for a chance to WIN an ebook copy of my latest release!
Discover some random facts about this book, when the first kiss takes place and what I have in store for you later this year by clicking HERE
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