Another Interview with Historical Erotic Romance Author: Sorcha Mowbray

Cover for LOVE REDEEMED, by Sorcha MowbrayPlease welcome Sorcha Mowbray back to the blog today! We’re celebrating her upcoming release of LOVE REDEEMED, which will be available on November 27th from Decadent Publishing.

*** UPDATE: THE WINNER OF THE EBOOK
COPY OF LOVE REVEALED IS:
JEAN!!
CONGRATS! ***

Blurb:

Love Redeemed (Book 2, The Market Series)
by Sorcha Mowbray

Brennan Whitling wants for nothing but the love of a good woman. He has a close family, good friends, and a successful textiles import business. But, a beautiful and elusive young woman he has only seen from afar haunts him. Until a chance meeting leads to far more than dinner.

Serena Freemont has only ever known the life of a prostitute. When an invitation to dinner by a handsome gentleman provides her an opportunity to experience life as a young lady, it’s too tempting to pass up. Much like the man issuing it. After a night of passion she must disappear or face his reaction when the truth is revealed.

To find happiness Serena must shed her past long enough to realize she is worthy of a future. To win her heart, Brennan must show her the redemptive power of love.

Excerpt:

“Are you all right, Miss?”

For a moment, for this moment, she was a normal young woman experiencing the attentions of a handsome young man. Heat crept up her cheeks as he held her hatbox out, and the burning had nothing to do with the sun. “I-I— Yes, I am. Thank you.” His blue-gray eyes seemed to bore into her.

“I am so glad. I was sure you were a goner there for a moment.” He flashed a brilliant grin liquefying Serena’s insides instantly. “Please let me introduce myself. I’m Mr. Brennan Whitling of Whitling Textiles Importers and Wholesalers.”

“How do you do, Mr. Whitling?” Serena allowed her lips to curve up ever so slightly. “I am Miss Serena Freemont.”

“It is a pleasure. Might I interest you and your”—he glanced around the bustling street as his grin faded in confusion— “chaperone in a cup of tea?”

A wave of horror swept over Serena. Chaperone? Harlots did not require one of those. “Oh, Aunt Henrietta is in the bookstore, and I fear she will be in there a very long time. I am certain she won’t notice if we slip off for a quick spot of tea.”

“Excellent! There is a lovely little shop just up the street.” A beautiful smile spread across his face, causing her pulse to quicken.

He escorted her up the block where they stopped at a quaint little teashop. They settled in at a table and ordered a pot of tea.

“What has you on Bond Street today, Mr. Whitling?” They sat in semi privacy at the back of the shop.

“Oh, I was visiting some of my customers and taking new orders. I am very glad I was there to help you, and by virtue of said assistance make your acquaintance.” Did his already deep voice grow huskier? Their tea service arrived, dispelling the moment.

“As am I. Landing on my backside in the middle of the street would have been rather embarrassing. But in truth, thank you for your assistance today, and now the tea.” She lifted her freshly prepared cup to her lips and took a dainty sip from the delicate china. Through lowered lashes, she watched his graceful movements as he prepared his own.

“It is my pleasure on both accounts. You seem familiar to me. Have we met somewhere before? A ball perhaps?”

Gotta have it? You’ll be able to buy it from Decadent Publishing on Nov 27th!

If you missed my previous interview with Sorcha, you may want to read it first for some background and to see where some of these follow up questions came from. Don’t worry, we’ll wait for you to read it and then come back…

So, now that you’re all caught up, let’s put Sorcha back in the hot seat and grill her with some new questions!

1. Last time you visited, you mentioned you had a minor in history in college and that you loved doing research. What are some of your favorite research resources?

I don’t really have particular books I go to all the time. I use the web A LOT mostly because it’s so handy.

2. What’s the strangest question you’ve had to get answered in the name of research?

Oh definitely the questions about sex toys. It’s fascinating to consider how long they’ve been around and in use. Our modern civilization does not have the corner on the kinky market. LOL! For the series I needed to use a dildo and well, frankly some of the materials used in early dildos was downright terrifying. For example wood. All I can imagine when I think of wooden dildos is a really awful splinter in the wrong place. *shudders*

3. Do you plan to make use of your discovery of the Victorian’s fascination with tattoos in your Market series?

No. Strangely, I have not tattooed any of my characters in this series. Maybe in a future book, if I write any more set at The Market, or in another Victorian era series.

4. Where did you get the idea for The Market as a high class bordello? What was the biggest challenge in accurately portraying life in such an establishment and still managing to write the story you wanted?

I needed a brothel and I love naming things in kind of obvious ways at times. It is rather like a meat market, and I just kind of went…oh! I like it! Also, I guess I like the idea of writing a story (or series of stories) that makes prostitutes more accessible as people. Yes, they sell their bodies for money, but they are people too. They have hopes and dreams, and long to fall in love just like anyone else.

5. You said before, your favorite type of hero was an alpha. How is the hero in Love Redeemed different from your typical alpha hero?

Oh, he came scary close to being beta. I remember at one point as I was writing it wondering who the hell this guy was and how did he wander into my damn story! Then his alpha tendencies came to light and I breathed a lot easier. I guess he’s a kinder gentler alpha than I am used to writing and liking. And that was hard to get used to. I kept reading the book and thinking, everyone is going to hate this story. Eventually I got to a place where I felt better about Brennan as my hero and so did Serena. 🙂

6. How would you describe your heroines? Do they have similar traits that drew you to them? Would they get along well together or would they dislike each other?

I don’t think they would dislike each other, but I am not sure they would get along famously either. Kat is rather bookish, and while Serena is intelligent she is more street smart. I mean, she likes a good book too, but not so scientifically oriented. I think all the heroines I write are strong women. Maybe not always in a blatant way, but every one has a core of steel that helps them survive all the things I do to them.

7. Do you find there are any recurring themes in your books that you seem to keep coming back to?

No. In fact, Love Redeemed (book two of The Market Series) was surprisingly different from Love Revealed (book one). And book three is different yet again. I guess the one common theme is that love really can conquer all, but that is such a broad theme and really, it generally applies to the whole genre of romance.

8. I have to ask, and I’m sure people out there want to know as well, will we get to read Madame Marchander’s book at some point?

Ha! Of course you will. She’s book three and it is with the publisher right now for review. I have to say she was something of a challenge to write, but I will save that conversation for later.

9. What next? More stories set around The Market or something new?

I’m actually working on a post-apocalyptic m/m/f/m romance. It’s in the super early stages…plotting, writing a scene or two to get a feel for everyone, etc. I also have a second short story in the One Night With A Cowboy series I hope to get edited and released in the next few months. But, I am not anticipating anymore Market books for now. Doesn’t mean forever, but I need a break from writing historical for a bit.

10. Are you excited about reading an excerpt at the Lady Jane’s Salon San Diego in November?

I am! I always love to share my work with readers, and to have the opportunity to do it in person is pretty awesome. Let’s just hope I don’t blush too much as I read. I’m actually pretty shy about reading the sexy parts. I suppose I’ll get better at it as I do it more often. LOL!

Sorcha Mowbray - scorching the sheets one page at a time.Sorcha Mowbray is a mild mannered office worker by day… okay, so she is actually a mouthy, opinionated, take charge kind of gal who bosses everyone around; but she definitely works in an office. At night she writes romance so hot she sets the sheets on fire! Just ask her slightly singed husband.

She is a long time lover of historical romance, having grown up reading Johanna Lindsey and Judith McNaught. Then she discovered Thea Devine and Susan Johnson. Holy cow! Heroes and heroines could do THAT? From there, things devolved into trying her hand at writing a little smexy. Needless to say, she liked it and she hopes you do too!

Be sure to connect with Sorcha Mmowbray online:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pintrest | GoodReads | Kindlegraph
She’s also got more dates for her blog tour listed under EVENTS on her website.


Love Redeemed Blog Tour Banner
At each stop of the blog tour, Sorcha will give away a copy of Love Revealed (Book 1 of the series). At the end of the 11 day tour, a grand prize of a $25 All Romance eBooks (ARe) store gift card and one copy of her back list will be given away to one lucky winner.

Rules (Cause you know there have to be rules!)
1. Winners of the individual blog stops will not be eligible to win the grand prize
2. One comment per stop will be eligible for the drawings (so be sure to answer my questions!)
3. The contest is open internationally
4. Commenters must include a valid email so they can be contacted (Just in the form is fine, don’t have to share with the world!)
5. Any prize not claimed within 48 hrs will be subject to forfeiture and a new winner drawn

YOUR TURN: Sorcha asks, “Do you prefer alpha heroes, beta heroes, or some combination thereof?”

Interview with Historical Erotic Romance Author: Sorcha Mowbray

*** UPDATE: THE WINNER OF THE EBOOK
COPY OF LOVE REVEALED IS:
TONI NOEL!!
CONGRATS! ***

Cover for LOVE REVEALED, by Sorcha MowbrayPlease welcome Sorcha Mowbray to the blog today! We’re celebrating her debut LOVE REVEALED which releases on February 3rd from Decadent Publishing .

Now, some of you MAY be wondering why I’m interviewing an erotic romance author here on my tame little blog. I’ll be honest, I don’t usually read erotic romance and I don’t think I could write it without dying of embarrassment. However, it’s a popular genre and when I first read this story, I was completely sucked in by it. The sex is hot, but the story is hotter. I was so excited for Sorcha when this story sold because now other people get to share the experience. There is nothing better for a reader than to share a good book or story. So here I am, passing along this one because even though it’s not my typical fare. It’s that good. And notice there on the cover… it’s just the first of a series!

All commenters (must be 18+ to win!) on this post today will be entered to win a copy of LOVE REVEALED.

Love Revealed
by Sorcha Mowbray

Blurb: Lady Katherine Drummond played by the rules of society, even after they turned on her. Shunned by her peers, she keeps up appearances by day but allows her true self out in the privacy of The Market. It is there in the arms of one man that she truly comes alive. So much so, she signed a contract to be his for six months. Despite never having seen his face and knowing him only as Sir, she fears losing her heart to him.

Lord Raymond Tarkenton, the Earl of Heathington, despises being one of the most sought after bachelors of the Ton. He could never ask a woman of his circle to submit to his sexual needs, and a mistress would never be an option. For now, one masked woman at The Market holds his undivided attention. When he realizes that his masked lover and Lady Katherine Drummond are one and the same, he must find a way to convince her that they are bound together by more than the straps at her wrist and the contract they signed. He must reveal himself and his love to her.

Gotta have it? Buy it from Decadent Publishing on Feb 3rd!

So, without further ado, let’s put Sorcha in the hot seat and grill her with some questions!

1. What drew you to writing Historical Romances in general and specifically to setting stories during the Victorian Era?

I have always been a lover of history (I totally blame my dad!) so when I started reading it was historical novels and then historical romance. For a VERY long time, it was the only kind of romance I would read. Needless to say, when I started writing it was natural that I wrote historical romance. Geek alert! I was also a history minor in college, so I love doing research!

2. What’s the strangest bit of historical trivia you’ve picked up in your research?

I think for me it was the Victorian fascination with tattoos. Winston Churchill’s mother had a snake tattooed on her wrist! It was shocking to think of aristocratic Victorians being tattooed.

These next few questions assume that time travel is possible. So, if you could go back to Victorian England:

3. What modern conveniences would you miss most? What would you miss least?

My computer/Kindle Fire/Smart Phone. I would be in serious withdrawal in the beginning. I find it hard to make a decision without one of them at my disposal. Kind of sad, I know. I think I would miss TV the least. I just don’t watch that much to begin with, and as long as I had books I’d be A-OK.

4. What would be the hardest for you to adapt to in the Victorian Era?

CORSETS! I have one that I love to put on and wear on occasion, but every freaking day? Yikes! I’d end up going without and get labeled a slattern or some other horrible moniker. Add to that the long dresses. I suppose as long as I was rich when I went back so I wasn’t actually trying to work in a corset and long skirts I’d survive. But, if I had to work like that? Forget it. Pants for women would happen a heck of a lot sooner than they did. LOL!

5. Where would you fit into the society? Where would you like to visit most?

I’d probably be middle class, though I would like to think I’d be the bluestocking aristocrat who carved her own path. I have always loved England. I think I would totally want to go there since America would likely be too rough and tumble for me. I can rough it with the best for a couple of days, but in the end I am totally a city girl.

6. What describes your perfect Romance Hero and do you find this varies across genres?

Alpha. I want a strong, decisive man who knows his mind and can act on it despite what others might think. Sort of a benevolent dictator type. He listens to everyone then makes what he believes to be the best decision for everyone. Now, don’t get me wrong I fully expect he will have to learn to defer to the lady in his life on occasion or all hell will break loose. LOL! No, this is a constant for me no matter the genre…even in real life. 😉

7. What advice would you go back and give yourself as a beginning writer if you could?

Don’t get distracted by other things! If I hadn’t set writing aside for five or six years I would have been published before now. I have a hard time focusing on something if I am not experiencing success, and at the time writing wasn’t really about getting published. Then it was…then it wasn’t. If I had been more consistent in working at it and approaching it as a business from the beginning I would have gotten to this point quicker.

8. Which comes first, the characters or situations that makes you realize you had to write this story?

Most times it is a scenario that occurs to me, but often the scenario includes at least a concept of the characters involved because I like character driven stories. I want to invest in the person on the page, not just drop H/h into a random scenario. Sometimes as I develop the character the story changes because I discover something I didn’t know about the character or they react totally differently to a situation than I thought they would.

9. What are some of your favorite reads?

I love the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, I totally love the Mallory’s by Johanna Lindsey. On the sexy side I loved The Irish Devil by Diane Whiteside, Simply Sexual by Kate Pearce, and A Touch of Sin by Susan Johnson.

10. What’s made your life easier and what have you found the most challenging as a writer?

Easier? Ha! Nothing about writing makes life easier. It is a labor of love. I give up time spent with friends and family in order to pursue a dream. There ain’t nothing easy about that. My real challenges come from balancing it all. I have a demanding day job, a husband, and now a second career. Anymore challenge and I’ll give up!

Sorcha Mowbray - scorching the sheets one page at a time.Sorcha Mowbray is a mild mannered office worker by day… okay, so she is actually a mouthy, opinionated, take charge kind of gal who bosses everyone around; but she definitely works in an office. At night she writes romance so hot she sets the sheets on fire! Just ask her slightly singed husband.

She is a long time lover of historical romance, having grown up reading Johanna Lindsey and Judith McNaught. Then she discovered Thea Devine and Susan Johnson. Holy cow! Heroes and heroines could do THAT? From there, things devolved into trying her hand at writing a little smexy. Needless to say, she liked it and she hopes you do too!

Be sure to visit Sorcha’s website (18+ please!), “like” her facebook page, and follow her on twitter @sorchamowbray. She’s also got more dates for her blog tour listed under EVENTS on her website.


YOUR TURN: Sorcha says, “I just want to say thank you to Kristen for having me visit today. Those were hard questions! I’d love to give one commenter a copy of LOVE REVEALED, so say hello, tell me I’m crazy (cause I am), or tell Kristen how awesome her Regency Primer Series is, just say something!”

Remember, all commenters today have a chance to win an ebook of LOVE REVEALED (must be 18+ to win!).