Never say never
Thanks for having me on your blog today.
In case you don’t know who I am, my name is Sandra Sookoo and I’m an author of romantic fiction spanning several genres and heat levels. I like to say my stories are an emotional journey with strong characters who don’t fit into pre-conceived molds, and all end with a kiss.
Today, I’m here to tell you, it’s a good rule of thumb in life to never say never. Back in the day, before I ever became an author, I exclusively read Regency romance. I couldn’t get enough of it and would stalk the used bookstores and grocery stores looking for books I hadn’t read before. There was just something about that simpler time, the pretty gowns, the manners, etc., that appealed to me.
Years went by and my favorite authors didn’t write as fast as I read so I moved on to other genres and other sub-genres of romance. Every once in a while I’d pick up a Regency but not with the frequency that I used to.
When I became an author, my strong suit was historical writing, but I never hoped to dabble in the Regency time period. There are plenty of authors out there who write plenty of wonderful stories in this world. I could never hope to compete, and frankly, I was a bit intimidated by the whole prospect.
I resisted. I fought off ideas, kicking and screaming. I swore I’d never write a Regency romance.
Apparently, my muse didn’t get that memo and disregarded that vow, because this year, I did write a Regency romance, and another and I’m currently penning my third. Maybe I wanted the challenge of it all, maybe I fell in love with the research or the possibilities. Whatever happened, I’m now playing in this neighborhood, and what’s more, I’m really excited about it.
Of course, I had to put my own little spin on the much-written world of the Regency period. Yes, my heroines are all strong in their own rights and don’t follow society dictates or rules overly much. Besides, in my Scandal in Surrey series, it really is all about the scandal… and the path to love.
I hope you’ll all check out Lady Parker’s Grand Affair. It’s book one in the above mentioned series. All the books are a little bit naughty, a little bit funny and a little bit heart-warming. You can find the book at Amazon, All Romance ebooks and Smashwords. Later it will be available on other digital outlets.
Here’s the blurb and a short excerpt:
Lady Parker’s Grand Affair
Order here: Amazon | All Romance | Smashword
She wants an affair…Maggie, Lady Parker desires a man, but she’s not willing to leave freedom in Surrey to find scandal in London. Widowed for years, she wants to conduct a big enough scandal that a gentleman might come calling merely to see if the rumors about her are true.
He wants a shot at Parliament…Stephen Tarkington is a self-professed rogue but if he had his way, he’d be a philanthropist. The only thing prohibiting his dream is his lack of sponsorship for a spot in Parliament. Marrying Lady Parker’s niece could solve his problem.
Sometimes the heart wants more…Imagine his surprise when he meets the widow and she’s not an old bird he can charm. She’s vibrant, sharp-tongued and enchanting to boot. Passion flares between them, and Stephen gives up on his plan… in search of a more pleasurable gamble.
Maggie is immediately drawn to the charming, handsome gentleman, but will a simple affair fulfill her needs? A scrape with public scandal will toss them into a situation that may just satisfy both of their secret desires.
Excerpt:
“Amanda told me your husband died some time ago. Perhaps you’d be willing to put yourself on the market? I would imagine you’d catch more eyes than an untried girl just out of school.”
“Don’t be silly.” She laughed, thoroughly amused, and alternately on edge, by his antics. “I’m well past marriageable age, even if I wanted another husband.”
“Then you are not looking for another match?” Stephen moved behind the bench and paused with a hand resting near her shoulder.
“I didn’t say that.” She thought back over her union to Robert and stifled a giggle. Over the course of time, she’d learned to love him, even had a child with him, but had it been an all-consuming passion that made her forget everything else? No. It had been a staid, even-keeled romance that hadn’t challenged her.
“But you did not agree either.” His chuckle sent shivers over her skin, chilling her even though the sun bore down. “Women like you deserve a man’s regard or, at the very least, the thrill of being chased.”
Maggie tamped a shiver. “Perhaps, the next time, it won’t be me who is pursued. Perhaps I’ll do the chasing.”
“Are you offering?”
Was she? Though she’d talked flippantly with Alfie about having one grand affair that would set tongues wagging, her stomach trembled. Did Stephen Tarkington fit the bill? “I might, if you promise to leave Amanda alone.”
“Ah, a better deal, eh?” His rich chuckle loosed more tingles down her spine. “Is it adventure you crave, Maggie?” He drew a finger down one side of her neck, glided it along her skin where her shoulder met and rested his hand there, his fingers lightly trailing over her collarbone.
She closed her eyes. Goose flesh lingered everywhere he’d plied his fingers. Tingles danced down her spine. Warmth seeped between her thighs. It had been a long time since she’d had a man’s interest. “I wouldn’t mind a bit of spice.”
“Spice is fine, or is it the scandal you want?” Stephen rubbed a fingertip along her collarbone and then traced the lace edge of her bodice, his touch the veriest of whispers over the top of one breast.
Would he dare to go lower and caress her aching flesh? “Scandal has come to mind once or twice.” Her head lolled on the opposite shoulder from where he played. She kept her eyes closed in order to fully enjoy the situation, one moment more before she censured him. “I thought that if I found myself in a big enough tangle I’d attract the attention of a like-minded gentleman.” Why was she telling him this, when he was but a stranger?
“For what purpose? A fling, an affair, or are you searching for more?” His finger, hot against her skin, dipped beneath her bodice and her shift.
Maggie whimpered. The weak heat of the spring sun couldn’t compete with the flames Stephen had awakened inside her. Being here in the garden, with his hand on her, was highly inappropriate. They could both be in terrible trouble if caught. Her lips curved with a grin. But then, she did just admit she’d like the scandal. “I want a grand affair, something that will burn so bright the English gossips will talk about it for years.”
“Why, sweet Maggie? Are you lonely?”
“I’m not sure.” Her breath caught. It took all her willpower to remain still beneath his touch, but oh, how she wished he’d give her more relief.
“Too bad.” His finger slid lower and brushed her nipple. Back and forth he teased the puckered tip, pebbling it into a frenzy of need.
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GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Sandra is offering up some book swag plus a $5.00 gift card to Amazon or Starbucks.
Read a book or have a coffee on me!
Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below for a chance to win.
Thanks for having me on your blog today! 🙂
Thank you so much for being here!!! Please come back any time 😀
Hi Sandra. I am staking you today. LOL. Loved this book! Those two were meant for each other. Cannot wait for the next one in the series to come out. If you haven’t read it give it a try. Good book.
Thanks Sue! So glad you enjoyed the book 🙂 The next one will release in December 🙂
Oh this sounds like something I’d love! I’m certainly going to check you out!
Hi Natasha and thanks! Hope you’ll find something interesting 🙂
I like your reminder to never say never! So true.
Absolutely Becky 🙂
I do enjoy romances set during the Regency and this looks like a good one.
Thanks Maureen! Hope you’ll check it out 🙂
Great post,I love your books:)
reginamayross@gmail.com
Hi Regina! Thanks so much 🙂
Hi Sandra, great post! I read some amazing reviews of your books on Goodreads and on different blogs. Which of your book would you recommend for a new reader?
Thanks for the chance to win!
Kanya 😉
kanyachhetATyahooDOTca
Hi Kanya! Thanks for checking me out. 🙂 Which books to start with? That depends on the genre. Drop me an email at sandrasookoo@yahoo.com and we chat talk about what you like!
Great interview – the excerpt was steamy 🙂 Loved it and it really made me want to read it. I haven’t read Regency in some time, but this is in my TBR!!
Thanks again
kerryjcj at verizon dot net
Thanks Kerry! Hope you like it. You can always find my other genre books at my website http://www.sandrasookoo.com 🙂
I love romance novels. I can’t wait to read this book. It sounds very good. Thanks for the giveaway. Tore923@aol.com
Thanks for coming by Victoria!
Hi Sandra! I’ve read some of your paranormal romance books but had no idea you were doing Regency romance – Squee!- I loved the humorous tone that Maggie and Stephen had going between them. Do you know how many books you will write for this series and can they all be read as stand alone books or do they tie in together some how? Thanks for the giveaway!
Hi Maria! Thanks so much for reading my books! And yes, there is some humor in Lady Parker’s book 🙂 I’ve finished the second book in this series (it will release in December) and I’m currently writing the third. In total there will be four books in the Scandal in Surrey series and yes, you can read them as stand alone novels 🙂
Thanks for the guestpost, your books sounds like fun! I also have a weakness for Regency romances, especially if the heroine is a bit older and not a debutante. I have put your series on my wishlist.
Thanks Aurian! All of my stories feature older heroines 🙂
Sandra –
I’m so glad I stopped by today and met you and can’t wait to find out even more about all your books!
Since I was blessed with only sons out of necessity I read a broad range of genres. My sons have grown and flown but my husband likes to read history and historical fiction as well as mystery and since he loves to discuss books over the dining room table I end up reading many of his books.
Even though I mostly read historical romance I can honestly say I’ve never found a romance genre that I didn’t like!
I loved that you said you like to write books that are “a little bit naughty, a little bit funny and a little bit heart-warming” which is the perfect type of book to read on a summer day! In Lady Parker’s Grand Affair I can’t wait to read more about what I’m thinking of as being a “north – south” set of wants! He was to have a seat in Parliament and she wants an affair! All I can say is this sounds like it will be really, really fun to read!
Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
PS: Are any of the characters in Lady Parker’s Grand Affair going to show up in a following book?
Hi Jeanne! In the three following books, the characters will be alluded to but will not be prominently featured as there will be other couples for you to fall in love with 🙂
Love the banter between Maggie and Stephen. This book sounds like a winner. Can’t wait to read it.
Thanks Joanne! Hope you’ll pick it up!
I thought that I would be a reviewer/blogger but I am. 🙂 I’m writing a story about angels/time travel and wow, I never thought I would do that either.
Great excerpt and post.
Marika
maw1725@gmail.com
LOL never say never Marka 🙂 You just *never* know! LOL
I loved that you said never say never. You have to follow your passion even if it wasn’t what you orginally thought you were going to do. 🙂
That’s exactly right Jennifer 🙂
I’ve been meaning to read a romance book lately, and I think I’ll start with this one! Sounds interesting and steamy, I like it ! Thanks for the giveaway, can’t wait to check it out !
Thanks Angy! Hope you enjoy!
I’m so pleased you broke your never vow & decided to write Regency. It’s a period I absolutely adore. I will be reading these.
Thanks Mary! I hope you like my series 🙂
“a little bit naughty, a little bit funny and a little bit heart-warming” sounds like a great read! A big clap to your muse, Regency romances are so nice!
Thanks Linda! I hope you’ll pick it up!
I think my daughter in law would love to get this book as a gift. That’s why I’m entering. The gift card is the cherry on top, to add to my money to buy a tablet computer.
Thanks Nora-Adrienne. Hope you’ll pick it up for her 🙂
Saying never say never is like cursing it into existance! But it’s so fun to watch/read the fight against it!
LOL well, I’m glad I lost the fight! I enjoy writing Regency–to my specifications 🙂
Enjoyed yr interview and excerpt. Never say never is a good policy> It always comes back to bite you when you do~!
Exactly! lol
I enjoyed the excerpt and post. The book sounds good.
Thanks for entering bn
Thanks for a super giveaway!
Thanks for coming out anash
Thank you Kelly for introducing me to Sandra and her novel, Lady Parker’s Grand Affair sounds like a book I would greatly enjoy 🙂
Sandra, which period drama or series is your favourite?
I haven’t read any of them….that I know of because I have read a lot of books. Lol! Thanks for the giveaway and can’t wait to read it.
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