I met Sophie Jordan aka Sharie Kohler at the RWA Conference in 2007 in Dallas. I remember she was pregnant but cheerfully signing her books. I purposely sought her out because I had read her historical, TOO WICKED TO TAME. This book put her on my auto buy list and secured her place as one of my favourite historical romance authors.

Since then, I’ve read every single one of her releases and to date, she hasn’t let me down. I adored IN SCANDAL THEY WED.  If I was doing Top Picks back in April, this book would have made my list. Sophie just writes the kind of hero  and love scenes that keeps me turning the pages and wanting more. And the historical romance buying population must agree because IN SCANDAL THEY WED made the New York Times bestseller list!!! Congratulations, Sophie!!! Although Sophie has previously been on the USA Today bestseller list, this is the first time she’s made the New York Times.

So today, we’re not only celebrating the release of IN SCANDAL THEY WED but its HUGE accomplishment.  How are we doing this? Well, I have this fantastic interview I did with Sophie and she’s giving away autographed copies, not only of IN SCANDAL THEY WED, but her ENTIRE BACKLIST, which includes:

One Night With You
Too Wicked to Tame
Surrender To Me
Once Upon a Wedding Night
Sins of a Wicked Duke


Yep, one lucky commenter person will get them all. 🙂 Don’t you just love Thursdays?!!

~*~*~

New York Times Bestselling Author!

Hi Sophie, you’ve been an instant buy for me since Too Wicked to Tame and In Scandal in Wed doesn’t disappoint. Can you tell us a little about Evie and Spencer’s love story.


Thanks, Beverley! IN SCANDAL THEY WED is my twist on the marriage of convenience.

When Evie’s younger half-sister finds herself compromised and with child, Evie pretends the child is her own. She does this to a) save her sister from possible ruin, and b) stop her stepmother from dumping the child in a foundling home. And thus begins the tangled weave …

My hero, Spencer, shows up, fresh from the war, a few years later. His cousin (the child’s true father) died in battle, but not after securing Spencer’s promise to see to his child and the girl he left behind. Spencer is determined to honor his cousin’s deathbed request … only he’s half in love with the girl his cousin praised throughout the war … and believes her to be Evie. An assumption Evie doesn’t correct.

The marriage of these two characters is a sticky situation. Spencer believes Evie to be the girl his cousin loved and abandoned. Evie fears telling him the truth and losing her child when her subterfuge is revealed. And of course there’s the matter that she’s supposed to be a sexually experienced woman with knowledge of child labor. As the overlooked plain older sister, she’s far from that. This created for lots of great tension.

Evie, the heroine of In Scandal They Wed, is holding a pretty big secret from the hero? Is there a secret you’d deem too big for any of your characters to hide? What kind of secret would that be?

Well, Evie’s secret is a whopper, but well-motivated. She acted out of love and with the goal to protect others. I think a secret too big to hide is one that cannot be excused. A character with an unpardonable secret would be tough to redeem.

On the other hand, I actually think the bigger the secret the better. It heightens the drama and suspense in a book. Even a heroine-murderess running from the law could be sympathetic. As long as she’s blameless for her actions.

You also write paranormal romances under the name Sharie Kohler. How do you like that diversity?

It definitely keeps me on my toes! Seriously, I love all kinds of books. I would get bored writing in just one genre. By the time I finish one book, I’m chomping at the bit to dive into something totally new.

Okay, not only do you write historical and paranormal romances, now you’ll be writing YA paranormals for HarperTeen. Can you tell us how that came about?

Well, reading YA, I discovered YAs have romance in them more often than not. And I thought, hmmm. I know a thing or two about writing romance. 😉 So why not give it a shot? My first YA is called FIRELIGHT and will release this September. It’s definitely romance centered. Here’s the gist:

With her rare ability to breathe fire, Jacinda is special even among the draki—the descendants of dragons who can shift between human and dragon forms. But when Jacinda’s rebelliousness leads her family to flee into the human world, she struggles to adapt, even as her draki spirit fades. The one thing that revives it is Will, whose family hunts her kind. Jacinda can’t resist getting closer to him, even though she knows she’s risking not only her life but the draki’s most closely guarded secret.

See … romance, adventure and high-life stakes! Not that different than what I do in my adult romances. It seemed a natural fit.

New York Times Bestseller

Will you continue to write historical and paranormals? Will you have a new name for your YA paranormals?

Well, good news! I just signed on for three more historicals with Avon, and two more paranormals for Pocket. My YAs will release under Sophie Jordan. It can get confusing enough with two names! I didn’t want to add a third. I love writing in all three genres and don’t plan to stop any time soon.

Who and what kinds of books did you read growing up?

I read a lot and everything! From Sweet Valley High to Victoria Holt! I read everything by John Jakes. I think that’s where my love for the historical settings really started.

If you had to pick one, which author or books most influenced your decision to become a writer?

Yikes! I think the first time I started writing was in seventh grade. I’d just finished a particulary poignant Sweet Valley High where one of the characters actually died! It moved me so much and I started writing my own little teen drama. Soon, however, I was reading my mother’s romances and my stories got racier.

What’s coming up for you next? Can you share any part of the story’s plotline with us?

FIRELIGHT, my YA debut, hits shelves this September, as does MY SOUL TO KEEP, book four in my paranormal series from Pocket.

My next historical, however, is Marguerite’s book. Readers met Marguerite in both – SINS OF A WICKED DUKE and IN SCANDAL THEY WED. For quite some time I’ve wanted to write the story of a woman who only has a short time to live. I thought it would be particularly exciting in a historical setting. What would the very staid and predictable Marguerite do if she learned she has less than a year to live? You’ll have to read WICKED NIGHTS WITH A LOVER to find out. It releases this December.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell the readers about you or your book?

Well, I’ve been pretty long-winded, haven’t I? I think I’ve covered it all. I just want to thank all of you for your interest. If you haven’t read any of my work, I hope you’ll take a peek now.

Happy reading!
Sophie

Avonhistoricals
By Authors, Avon Books, Contests, Giveaways, Interviews81 Comments on Interview & Giveaway: Sophie Jordan ~ In Scandal They Wed

81 Replies to “Interview & Giveaway: Sophie Jordan ~ In Scandal They Wed”

  1. Great interview! In Scandal in Wed sounds like one great book – congrats on your place on the New York Times bestseller list 🙂

  2. Wonderful interview, Beverley and Sophie. I love the twist on ISTW! It sounds like a fabulous journey for Evie and Spencer!

  3. Thanks for the interview! I really enjoyed it. Sophie is an auto buy for me and has been for awhile. I can’t wait to read this story and find out what happens to the characters. And this is one of the best giveaways that I have ever seen. Someone is going to very, very lucky. 😀

  4. I bought a copy of In Scandel they Wed. I can’t wait to read it.

    Wonderful interview!

  5. I love to read how authors handle writing in different genres, and Sophie is juggling them beautifully! Great interview. 🙂

  9. I have read several of these and all were very well written and kept you on your toes! Can’t wait to check out the rest of them!

  10. Hi Beverley and Sophie,
    Congrats on your New York Times achievement.And the release of ISTW. Looks like another great Sophie Jordan read. Looking forward to this one and the December release. Enjoyed the post today and will say Good Luck to everyone. This is one fantastic prize, lmost like Christmas in May. 🙂
    Carol L.
    Lucky4750@aol.com

  11. Congrats on the making the bestseller list. Enjoyed the interview and am happy to hear that Margarite’s story will come out in December. Thanks for the chance to win Sophie’s backlog — what a prize!

  12. Okay, Sophie, I am hanging my head in shame as I admit that I have not read your work yet. However I am lifting it with a huge grin on my face and clapping my hands gleefully at the knowledge that – OMG, I can’t wait to grab one of your books and read it!!!! They sound absolutely amazing and I can’t wait to read your YA novel! Paranormal is a favorite genre of mine, so I will be thrilled to get my hands on your writing in that area. Also, In Scandal They Wed sounds soooo awesome! LOVE LOVE LOVE the cover too! Thanks, Beverly, for interviewing Sophie and bringing her books to shine to new readers such as myself! Great interview!!

  13. Hi Sophie,

    Great interview with lots of interesting stuff. Congratulations on the success of your latest book. Don’t have my copy yet but will get one soon and look forward to reading it. Your December release sounds really good to. It will be going on my BTB list today! Have to plan ahead you know. Great giveaway today too.

  15. Thank you, all! You humble me! It was a very exciting month. Hitting the NYTimes was totally unexpected. It was an amazing call to get from my editor … even if the phone went dead after she said, “I have super news!” and it took five minutes to reconnect again! LOL!

    Beverley, thanks for the fun interview! I’ll never forget your glowing face when we first met at RWA!
    So happy to be here meeting both new and old readers!! Okay, back to Marguerite’s book now …

  17. Amazing interview! The book sounds wonderful! Congrats on making the New York Times Best Seller List.
    *\^^/*

  18. congrats on become New York Times bestseller list 🙂

    I’m gonna be honest that i haven’t read any of your books Sophie. and this giveaways should be a PERFECT chance to start to dive into your romance world ! PICK ME !

  19. Good morning everyone! Sophie, congrats on making the NY Times best seller list! I really enjoyed your fantastic interview. I have to admit I’ve never read one of your books before, but after this interview, you’ll be on my auto buy list. Thanks so much for the great giveaway! Good luck everyone!

  21. Fantastic interview!! I am a huge Sophie Jordan fan and can’t wait to read the newest book:)

  22. Great interview Sophie. I’ve read all your books up to date, and somehow I missed that you wrote paranormal stories. How in the world have I done that??? Trip to the library later today, most definitely!

  23. Huge Congratulations, Sophie, on making the NY list. I admit to not having read you before, but your books sounds wonderful. i also enjoyed your interview.

  26. Huge congratulations Sophie on all of your success! You deserve it!! “One Night With You” is one of my favorite romance novels of all time. 🙂

  27. So very excited to hear that In Scandal They Wed has hit the NYT bestseller list !! Richly deserved Sophie! Love your books! Too Wicked To Tame is a particular favorite of mine. And I am going to check into your paranormals and YA’s. You are one busy writer!

  29. ISTW sounds like another winner! Congrats on making the best seller list. I’m looking forward to reading it and enjoying such an unusual story. 🙂

  31. Congrats Sophie on making the NYT’s Bestsellers list!

    Great interview Bev!

    ISTW sounds great and it will be interesting to see how they overcome such a big secret. Can’t wait to read it.

  32. I can’t tell you how excited I am to read In Scandal They Wed. I haven’t read any of your books (shame on me!) but that is so going to change! Congrats on the NYT Best Seller!

  33. Fabulous interview! These books sound awesome and I would love to read them! What a great giveaway! Please enter me! I haven’t read your books before! Love historicals!

  36. Hi Sophie ,Thank you for the great interview.I wanted to let you no how much i have enjoyed your books.I look forward to reading In Scandal They Wed.

  38. Great interview and now I’m so intrigued to read more, more, more!!! Thanks!

  40. Wow! What a generous giveaway. Thanks for the interview & the giveaway.

  43. Great interview! I always like hearing from the author! Great giveaway as well!!

  44. Dear Sophie,

    I’m a dingbat. I knew you wrote historical romance, but I had no idea you’re a PUBLISHED author! How messed up is that? I even have you on my FB friends list. Suffice it to say, I haven’t read any of your stories and would like to kick myself in the butt for spending far too much time living in my own little dream world, but I’m not that flexible (you know…to kick my own butt). I have a few select favorite authors and it sounds like you are about to join them. I sure hope I win! 🙂

    Sincerely,
    Lis’Anne Harris

  45. Hi Sophie!
    In Scandal They Wed sounds great! Can’t wait to read it! Congratulations on making the NYT Bestsellers list!
    And Sweet Valley High…don’t get me started lol! One of the greatest book series of all time, in my opinion.
    But your books are pretty great too! 🙂
    Congratulations again and thanks for the chance to win your awesome giveaway!

  46. Thanks for such a great interview and giveaway! I love the time period these books are based in and the heroines sound like ones you’d look up to and who can takecare of themselves. Congrats on being on the NYT bestseller list!

  48. Whoa, this is an amazing contest, thanks so much! Congratulations on making the New York Times Bestsellers list. 🙂

  49. I have read a number of your books and am looking forward to In Scandal They Wed.

  50. Wonderful interview! Your book covers are beautiful. You are a new author to me. I will be looking for your books.

  51. Hi Sophie! I’m halfway through reading Sins of a Wicked Duke (wow, wow, wow, thanks, loving it!) and look forward to reading In Scandal They Wed!

  53. Thank you ALL! I’ve enjoyed reading your comments. I recognize some of your names from around … FB and elsewhere! It’s great to have this opportunity to share a bit with all of you.

  54. I have a read a few Sophie Jordan books and this one I am dying to pick up. I love the whole misunderstandig plot line and I have a feeling this book will be on my top three fav of all time. I mean, how can you not love two people who are so selfless?! Another hero I will surely love. 😉

  55. Oh I absolutely love reading your books and Sins of a Wicked Duke is my next on the list! I’ll prolly start reading tonight or tomorrow and I can’t wait!

    I also love the Sweet Valley series. I started in reading Kids, then Twins, then High, then University in a span of 3 years. I think I started reading it when I was 10 LOL. I also read a lot of different genres and sci-fi is one of my faves. I started reading Michael Crichton and love him! And I also read YA!

    In high school, I started reading Harlequin Historicals and then discovered my love for historical romance! Now I have to read my dose of historicals at least 5 times a week (I re-read my faves all the time).

  56. I haven’t had a chance to read any of your books yet, but I’m definitely going to correct that oversight very soon. In Scandal They Wed sounds like a really sticky situation and I’m dying to see how Evie gets out of it without losing her baby or her man.

  57. havnt read any historicals in a hwile,. would love to read thiese, your style of writing is nice

  58. I haven’t read any Sophie Jordan books yet. Thanks for the interview and review.

  62. Hi Sophie,

    Nice to see you here at the Season! I really enjoyed reading your interview with Bev.
    Congratulations on making the New York Times bestseller list!

    What type of books do you enjoy writing more? Historical, or paranormal? Is one easier to write than the other?

    I really like the premise of your upcoming book, “Wicked Nights With a Lover”. It sounds like a very interesting story, a heroine finding out she only has a short time to live. I will look out for that book!

    Thanks for stopping by the Season and good luck with “In Scandal They Wed”!

  64. Hi Sophie (waves madly). I’m so looking forward to seeing you in Orlando in July. I can’t WAIT for Marguerite’s book. Congrats again on hitting the New York Times bestseller list. It was so well-deserved.

  65. Hi Sophie! Congratulations on your new release and on making the New York Times bestseller list. “In Scandal They Wed” was my first book I read of yours and will definitely not be my last. I loved it and can’t wait to read your backlist.

  66. Hi Sophie, congratulations on hitting the New York Times bestseller list! I’m sorry to say I haven’t read any of your works but I’m intrigued with the latest In Scandal They Wed. I love themes like this!

  67. I have not read any of your books yet, but they sound wonderful. I will definitely add them to my wish list.

  68. First, congratulations for making the New York Times Best Seller List.
    Your cover artists made wonderful use of color. They are all very nice.
    The YA field is such an exciting place right now. There are so many good authors contributing to it. I think a separate name there is probably a good idea. It is confusing to have an author writing under one name in several genre, especially if you are not aware. Also, you wouldn’t want teen readers to pick up your adult books until they are older.

    I like the story line of IN SCANDAL THEY WED. I can see someone doing Just what Evie does. I have also seen situations where a family member married a girl to save the family honor when the intended groom died. It didn’t happen in the US or England, but it does happen. In your story, it is a choice the hero makes (unlike the poor young man I met. The young lady wasn’t too happy either.). It sounds like Evie makes her decision for a variety of reasons. The truth sooner probably would have been a good idea. I look forward to reading this book.

  70. You’re a new author for me but not for long. Your works sound great and I look forward in reading them.

  71. Hi Sophie,

    I haven’t read any of your books, but I sure want to now! All three books sound like great reads.

  72. Hi Sophie,

    You are a new-to-me author, but I will definitely be putting you on my to-be-bought lists!

    Thank you, Beverley, for sharing!

    J

  73. Enjoyed reading the comments. I have read a couple of Sophie’s books and thoroughly enjoyed them.
    I like the way she writes-she has strong characters who are challenged and how they meet them makes for an interesting read. I like the dialogue too. Would love to win any more of her books.

  75. I certainly would love to read some of your books; they sound very enjoyable

  76. I would love to read your new book, Sophie! I think I have Wicked Sins of a Duke sitting somewhere on my shelf that I need to reread; I love your books!

  77. I’m really into historicals but must (shamefully) admit that I have never read a Sophie Jordan. Reading about: In Scandal They Wed, I realise I’ve been missing out big time.
    So please, count me in! Thanks.

  78. great interview sophie! i have yet to read your books so this is awesome. in scandal they wed sounds like my kind of historical romance. please count me in!

  79. I enjoyed the interview and thanks for this awesome chance to read a great collection of books by Sophie!

  81. Any book by Sophie Jordan promises to be a great read. Every one of her books I’ve read has been a real page turner and from the romance perspective, sizzling hot in all the right places.

    I find it fascinating that the inspiration for Sophie’s becoming a writer began in her early teens. That’s when most of us are just becoming conscious of the stories we read and relate to. Thanks for all your insights into writing, Sophie.

    LaRue

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