Fresh Fiction Blog | Heather Snow | Happily Ever After, Dead Ahead

SWEET ENEMY...A Veiled Seduction Novel ~ Book One

"Historical intrigue and heart-pounding passion make Sweet Enemy a great read. Romance fans will love it." ~#1NYT Bestselling Author JULIE GARWOOD

Geoffrey Wentworth, a war hero and rising political star, never wanted to be the Earl, but when his brother dies, he knows his duty—take up the responsibility for his family's estates. His mother's definition of duty differs from his, however, and can be summed up in one word—heirs. When Geoffrey rushes home to answer her urgent summons, he finds himself host to a house full of women, all vying to become the next Countess of Stratford. But his love is Parliament, where he wields his influence and reputation to better the lives of ex-soldiers, until a tempting houseguest and a secret from his past threaten his freedom...and his heart.

Liliana Claremont, a brilliant chemist, doesn't want to be any man's wife, much less a countess. If she had tuppence for every time she'd been told her place was filling the nursery, not experimenting in the laboratory, she could buy the Tower Bridge. However, when she receives a coveted invitation to the Earl's house party, she trades in her beakers for ball gowns and gladly takes on the guise of husband hunter—for the chance to uncover what the Earl had to do with the murder of her father.

Liliana believes the best way to get the answers she needs is to keep her enemy close, though romance is not part of her formula. But it only takes one kiss to start a reaction she can't control...

When I sat down to write SWEET ENEMY, my debut Regency historical with a touch of mystery, I knew I faced some challenges in getting my characters to a happily-ever-after. After all, the title implies that something stands between my hero and heroine that would make them enemies. I already knew what my mystery was going to be: My lady chemist heroine, Liliana, would be going undercover as a husband-hunter at a country house party to investigate her father's murder—and that she was pretty certain someone in the hero's family was responsible.

That's not just something a girl gets over just because the hero is handsome and gives her flutters in her tummy.

Then, just because I like a challenge (or am a glutton for punishment—you decide), I heaped on a little more. My hero, Geoffrey, is a war hero who is using his political influence to better the life of ex-soldiers. I knew my mystery was related to something that happened during the Napoleonic Wars, so I decided to make the secret Liliana is trying to uncover a treasonous one. Geoffrey would be devastated, both personally and politically, if it turned out he or someone in his family had been a traitor...and he would hate Liliana for bringing it to light and destroying everything he'd worked for.

Add in the fact that I gave Geoffrey a manipulative, deceptive mother and a gut-deep disdain for any woman even remotely like her, then had him view Liliana throughout the book as the most refreshingly honest woman he'd ever met? Well, you can imagine what would happen when he finds out she has been there under false pretenses all along...

So here I was now with all this great, page-turning conflict. But how in heavens was I going to get these characters from there to happily-ever-after?

Well, first I had to move slowly, and ignore all of those who said that readers would be impatient and who insisted there must be a sex scene earlier in the book. There was no way Liliana was going to just jump into bed with a man she perceived as her enemy. Nor would Geoffrey actively pursue a woman invited by his mother to a match-making farce of a house party. I couldn't force them into bed any sooner than was natural for their characters.

I had to carefully create situations that put them together, against Liliana's best intentions to avoid discovery and Geoffrey's best intentions to avoid marriage-minded females (which he believes Liliana to be). I had to mold them into characters who were so very different on the outside, but so utterly perfect for each other on the inside—characters who were so strongly bonded that when the truth came out and their hearts were torn in two, they could still find their way back to each other, to their happily-ever-after.

And the only way to do that was to make them friends first. I had to use what was within my characters' souls—their goals, their desires, their personalities, their passions—to help each other grow into a person they couldn't be without the other. And to my delight, rather than impatience, readers have found Liliana and Geoffrey's relationship refreshing:

"I adored both Geoffrey and Liliana. Their progression from slightly antagonistic and adversarial, to a true friendship based on mutual respect and admiration was a joy to read."~ Manic Readers

"The chemistry between these two was wonderful: their initial attraction packed enough spark to intrigue them, but what developed between them was much more than physical attraction. I guess what made me fall in love with SWEET ENEMY was that the hero and heroine got to know each other, and their love grew from the deep understanding and appreciation of the other's character. Their love was sweet and deep. And wonderful to read about!" ~Book Lovers, Inc.

"I loved the chemistry between both Liliana and Geoffrey. I liked that it was a slow build to a relationship. They didn't just hop into bed with each other within moments of meeting one another. In fact, they both try to stay away from the one another and in doing so they start to realize that there may be more to the other. Geoffrey and Liliana are both able to be themselves while around each other and it was refreshing to watch them slowly grow closer and then eventually to love one another." ~ Ramblings from this Chick

"The discovery of both Geoffrey and Liliana and their love for each other is slow, lovely and surprises both of them."~Maxine, Goodreads reader

Now, just because the romance develops slowly, have no fear that the story does as well...

"Readers won't be able to put SWEET ENEMY down. A fast paced plot and captivating characters make SWEET ENEMY a must read for all historical romance fans. Well deserving of the Perfect 10 rating, readers, myself included, will be eagerly anticipating another novel by this delightful author." ~ Romance Reviews Today

SWEET ENEMY does have a high sensuality rating, as well.

We all know that anticipation is one of the sweetest parts of a love affair. What do YOU anticipate the most when reading a romance? Two random commenters will receive a signed copy of SWEET ENEMY (open internationally).

About the Author: Heather Snow is a historical romance author with a degree in Chemistry who discovered she much preferred creating chemistry on the page, rather than in the lab. She is forever trying to wrangle her left and right brain to work together (some days with more success than others!), but if her two sides had to duke it out, left would win every time—which can be a creative challenge. Luckily, she loves challenges...she just goes about solving them analytically.

Heather lives in the Midwest with her husband, two rambunctious boys and one very put upon cat. She sincerely hopes you find her stories have just the right chemistry...

Please visit her at www.HeatherSnowBooks.com, on Facebook Facebook or on Twitter

SWEET ENEMY is available wherever books are sold and at these fine retailers.

Rainy Day Books (Heather's local Indie)

Amazon (Kindle Edition)

Amazon (Paperback Edition)

Books-A-Million Barnes and Noble Indiebound I-Book

Comments

I completely agree that anticipation is the best part of a book. When characters get together to soon there isn't much left. I like reading all the twists and turns a story can take before things are worked out.
(Wendy Hulbert 9:31am March 6, 2012)

The banter, the battle of minds and words. I am
a passionate person and I know that once banter
occurs there is a connection, your adrenaline
increases, you get flush. For someone to press
buttons (in a good way) they must intrigue you in
some way. There is a sexiness to it.
(Carla Carlson 9:32am March 6, 2012)

The passion, the excitment, the suspence of anticipating that first look, and that first kiss!
(Dawn Staniszeski 9:52am March 6, 2012)

It sounds like you made some smart choices in writing this story because it is getting wonderful reviews.

I also enjoy the anticipation, the witty banter, the battle of the minds, the first time they really "see" each other as someone special, and the first kiss.
(Cheryl Castings 11:43am March 6, 2012)

It sounds like you stirred the pot or maybe I should say plot and got a good chemistry mix in SWEET ENEMY.
(Anna Speed 12:10pm March 6, 2012)

The emotions... the push and pull between characters
(Colleen Conklin 12:21pm March 6, 2012)

Sounds like my kind of story!
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 12:34pm March 6, 2012)

@Wendy -- I so agree. It can ruin a great story when the romance is
resolved too early...then I lose interest. Thank you for coming by.

@Carla -- That's a beautiful way to describe the importance of banter--
you're right, it's so vital!

@Dawn -- Oooh, that first kiss. It's always so hard to decide where to put it
and how/why, because we know how important it is...

@Beth -- Yes, random touches...a great way to ease the characters into
that deeper relationship

@Pam -- Sounds like first kisses are winning the anticipation race by a
landslide!

@Cheryl -- I adore the eye-opening, the first time they see each other in a
new light. I think I like that better than the first kiss, even

@Anna- Ha! Than you :)

@Colleen -- so fun to create opposite characters and see how far they can
push/pull each other

@Linda -- HI LINDA! I'm so glad you love it! Thank you very much for
reading my debut :)

@Marjorie -- Thank you! I hope you love it :)
(Heather Snow 1:03pm March 6, 2012)

I like seeing how the characters grow and change. I'm looking forward to reading your book.
(G S Moch 2:28pm March 6, 2012)

Thanks for a wonderful post and congrats on the new
Release!!!!

I'm with you. I love the anticipation of a budding/building
romance. The first glances, the witty banter, the accidental
touches... Those thrill me so much more than them jumping
into bed right away. When done right, the thrill of
anticipation sustains the romance so much better than the
physical scenes. Thanks again!
(Erin Fender 2:31pm March 6, 2012)

I really liked the premise of this book. Looks to be a great
read.
(Cindy Hazelwood 2:44pm March 6, 2012)

I enjoy their overcoming obstacles in their path and getting to understand each other.
(Sue Farrell 2:50pm March 6, 2012)

I agree - don't rush things!!! The journey is fascinating!
(Felicia Ciaudelli 3:00pm March 6, 2012)

I anticipate watching new people meeting and getting to know each other, or in the case of a series (Stephanie Laurens Cynster series comes immediately to mind), learning more about the secondary characters in previous books as they get to tell their own stories.

Love your stuff!

Later,

Lynn
(Lynn Rettig 3:03pm March 6, 2012)

Your book and characters sound like an aphrodisiac.
(Alyson Widen 3:20pm March 6, 2012)

Sounds like a very interesting book-please put me in the drawing.
(Charlotte Padgett 3:25pm March 6, 2012)

Congrats on your debut release, Heather. I love the part where the characters finally act on the tension and attraction that has building for a while.
(Jane Cheung 3:55pm March 6, 2012)

It's all about the journey to me! Getting to know each other,
maybe not even liking each other to begin with, but then
something throws them together & they find mutual respect,
then that little spark grows from there. I think SWEET ENEMY
fits the bill!! Thank you.
(Robin Weiss 4:12pm March 6, 2012)

I anticipate watching two people dance around each other as they slowly become a part of each other's lives.
(Maureen Emmons 4:19pm March 6, 2012)

The first kiss of course and everything that leads up to that.
(Holly Sanders 4:49pm March 6, 2012)

I anticipate the moment when they realize the attraction. The
moment as they sample the first kiss, the give and take as
they realize they must mesh as a couple. I love to see how
couples overcome their obstacles and grow stronger as a
couple.
(Lenna Hendershott 4:51pm March 6, 2012)

I would love to read this book. It sounds very interesting.
The charaters will be fun.
(Mary Hay 4:55pm March 6, 2012)

I love how the characters meet, become attracted to each other, and find ways to or accidentally keep running into each other, fun encounters, then the flirting and brief touching. The anticipation builds waiting for their first kiss moment, and the thrill continues as they grow fonder of each other, until it builds and escalates into a strong, loving physical relationship and where that leads. I would love to read your book which sound great.
(Linda Luinstra 5:19pm March 6, 2012)

Congrats on your debut release!! Sounds wonderful!!
(Cate Sparks 5:43pm March 6, 2012)

Haven't had the chance to read this book yet, but great review and I'll
definitely check this out!
(Kaci Verdun 6:06pm March 6, 2012)

I enjoy watching how the relationship develops and seeing when the characters acknowledge their feelings as well as when they finally get together.
(Chelsea Knestrick 6:16pm March 6, 2012)

@Kathleen -- Yes, I love the sparks that those "accidental touches"
provoke :)

@GS Moch -- Thank you so much! I hope you love Geoffrey and Liliana's
story

@Erin -- I really tried to blend the two. Geoffrey falls first and once he
realizes that he can use Liliana's scientific experimental nature to bind him
to her, he takes her a little farther down the path of seduction each time
until she's addicted. So even each physical encounter between them
builds anticipation...

@Cindy -- Thanks! I love how readers are responding to my lady chemist
and her mystery :)

@Sue -- me, too, expecially when there are both strong external and
internal obstacles

@Felicia -- Love is a journey, isn't it? :)

@ Lynn -- Thanks Lynn! I love the Cynsters, and Johanna Lindsay's
Mallory's and Julie Garwood's...Oh, I just love series :)

@Alyson -- Thanks! There's definitely plenty of chemistry, both in and out
of the bedroom ;)

@Robin -- I do hope you love it!

@Maureen -- You're so right. It IS a dance :) Thanks for stopping by

@Holly -- and everything after it :)

@Lenna -- I adore the give and take, too, especially when there are real
obstacles in their way. Theyn they have to realize what they will have to
sacrifice to make it work.

@Mary -- Thanks! Hope you love it

@Cheryl -- lots of first kiss people here today :)

@Linda -- Thank you, Linda :)

@Cate -- Thanks Cate!

@Kaci -- Thank you. I hope you love it!

@Chelsea -- I, too, love the realizeation...when they have to acknowledge,
if only to themselves, that they are toast!

@Mary -- Yes, verbal sparring is always fun!
(Heather Snow 7:15pm March 6, 2012)

The leading up to the passion is exciting, the consummation of the passion satisfying, but the tenderness between them afterwards is what we all really wish we had in our lives!
(Diana Corlett 7:31pm March 6, 2012)

Sounds great! I always anticipate that "ah-ha moment". When they know they're sunk and there's not escaping the inevitable.
Good luck and happy writing!
(Tracie Travis 7:39pm March 6, 2012)

@Diana -- You're so right...it is all about tenderness in the end, isn't it :)

@Tracie -- Thank you! And Happy Reading :)
(Heather Snow 8:24pm March 6, 2012)

Hi Heather! I'm in the middle of Sweet Enemy and I love it. Can't wait for your next one!
(MaryAnne Banks 8:45pm March 6, 2012)

I like both,the banter helps to move the story along. Then the anticipation keeps everyone waiting for the chemistry to happen.
(Deb Pelletier 8:46pm March 6, 2012)

I usually anticipate how the romance is going to unfold. How they are going to meet, and just like a flower, not 2 are the same. Each one opens into something a little different. One party makes a romantic gesture that touches your heart. In other books, it's the plot itself that can stay with you. I have read books that have done that. I guess I might anticipate the unexpected, because I'm not sure if it's going to be the characters or the plot that are going to blow me away with each book. Congratulations on your latest book. I can't wait to read it and see how it unfolds!!
(Peggy Roberson 9:02pm March 6, 2012)

I like getting inside the mind of the characters and recognizing that we share that same excitement and breathlessness at catching a glimpse of a certain special someone - and that what the future holds is a mystery to be enjoyed as it unfolds.
(Beth Fuller 9:03pm March 6, 2012)

@Wilma -- Oh yes! The greatest anticipation of them all...how will they get
to the Happily Ever After... :)

@MaryAnne -- Thanks for letting me know! SO glad you're enjoying Sweet
Enemy. Sweet Deception will be out August 7--not too terribly long :)

@Deb -- Ah yes, the one-two punch. Saucy banter and sweet anticipation
:)

@Peggy -- Thanks, Peggy. I love the flower analogy. I hope you love how
Sweet Enemy unfurls :)

@Beth -- Yes, my favorites are the authors that really get deep in the
characters so that I can not only see what they are thinking, but feel what
they do :) Thanks for stopping by!
(Heather Snow 9:41pm March 6, 2012)

I anticipate the will they won't they part of the relationship as well as the
first kiss, which tells us so much about the couple! Thanks for the chance
to win.
(Maureen Hayes 9:42pm March 6, 2012)

I anticipate the moment they admit they love each other.
(Diane Sallans 10:07pm March 6, 2012)

I always enjoy the discovery of love whether it is at first sight or after a long friendship.
(Dolores Feagin 10:19pm March 6, 2012)

I like a reasonable conflict that is logically resolved as two apparently disparate people find common ground and hopefully, love.
(E Felder 10:35pm March 6, 2012)

In a story where one of both don't realize the depth of their feeling for the other, and the truth finally hits home, is my most enjoyable anticipated story moment.
(Lisa Kendall 10:37pm March 6, 2012)

I love the anticipation of the first kiss. It is just such a sweet moment. (Or a hot moment) I guess it depends on how it is written. But I like them both. LOL
(Patti Paonessa 11:11pm March 6, 2012)

@Maureen -- You're welcome! Thanks for stopping by!

@Diane -- Me, too, whether they admit it just to themselves or to each other. Sometimes just admitting it to themselves is the toughest part!

@Dolores -- isn't it always fun to watch friends realize that they love each other? Like Emma and Mr. Knightley :)

@E Feldter -- well, I like the word "disparate". :) Thanks for stopping by

@Lisa -- Yes, that!

@Patti -- Ha! Yes, both are very enjoyable to read...and write!
(Heather Snow 11:33pm March 6, 2012)

I think it's those little sneak peeks and then the meeting of the eyes with the intensity.Then it hits you, Ohhh, next step when you finally start the journey of the meeting of the lips. All else is Anticipation...Ahhhh. Sounds like Another wonderful book. Thanks
(Margie Gagarin 5:09am March 7, 2012)

1st off congrats on the release! what do I anticipate while reading a romance -- other than just the "hurray HEA" moment, I guess would be the getting to that point ;)
(d Kenney 9:15am March 7, 2012)

I've heard so many good things about Sweet Enemy. Can't wait to get to it on my tbr list :)

Anticipate?? Have to go w/ what a lot of others have said, The First Kiss. I can't wait to see how it will happen. Passionate, sweet, super dramatic.... Then it's always amazing to see how the kiss affects the hero.
(Sharon D 10:34am March 7, 2012)

The moment they discover what they feel is real and know they have found their
"home".
(Sandra Spilecki 10:43am March 7, 2012)

I always anticipate the first moment the meet or if it's a reunion, the first time they meet again. I want to see what they are each feeling and thoughts. Such a moment to anticipate!
(Na S 11:49am March 7, 2012)

The moment when they first realize that they love each other...
(May Pau 1:32pm March 7, 2012)

I anticipate enjoying the repartee between the hero & heroine. It's the verbal 'dance' I enjoy.
(Mary Preston 9:50pm March 7, 2012)

I like when each of the main characters starts to like the other, but aren't
sure yet if their feelings are reciprocated. However, we, the readers, DO
know that they like each other.
(Sharyn Lewis 11:18pm March 7, 2012)

I like the sex scenes but I love the journey the H/H take to get there. To me, the sex is only a small part of the total story...important but not THE most important factor. Can't wait to read this book. It sounds like the kind of story I love!
(Karen Haas 7:43am March 8, 2012)

I love the courting period where the sexual tension is at its MAX!:D Apart from that, I like it when the guy charms the girl, and being really protective/possessive of them. :)
(Chia Yet Peng 12:03pm March 8, 2012)

I anticipate when the hero finally realizes he is done for and succumbs to
the fact he is in love.
(Joy Isley 6:25pm March 8, 2012)

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