Fresh Fiction Blog | Heather Snow | My Lady Criminologist...

Lady criminologist, Miss Emma Wallingford, unknowingly finds herself tangled in the dangerous final mission of Lord Derick Aveline, a spy who also happens to be her long lost first love. But when deception, however sweet, is the name of the game, no one can be trusted. And every love—and every life—is at risk.

Hello! Heather Snow here and I am thrilled to be continuing my blog tour for SWEET DECEPTION here at Fresh Fiction. Thank you for having me back again! What I am doing for this tour is pulling back the curtain of Sweet Deception a bit, sharing a few of my favorite passages from the book each day while letting you in on the thoughts behind them. You can keep up with the stops (or go back and read ones you missed) either on my website or my Facebook page.

The past few days, I've shared quite a bit about my hero and how he literally rode onto the page, hijacked my story and immediately (and intentionally) got off on the wrong foot with my heroine—as those heroes are wont to do. So today, I thought I would start sharing some of the things I love about my Regency-era lady criminologist... Here's where we first hop into her viewpoint after she is challenged by the love of her life, who she hasn't seen in years, and who she'd thought she'd put behind her...

Emma Wallingford had never felt so riveted to one spot in her entire life. It was as if she were carved out of marble, much like the statues of the Greek scholars she'd so admired on her only trip to London. Move, Emma, you ninny!

What was this abominable awareness? Her logical mind told her it was only Derick. Yet her stomach fluttered, forcing her to amend that thought. Yes, it was Derick, but he was also . . . more. His hair was still black as night, thick and unruly, yet the lines of his face were more angular now, more chiseled. His shoulders seemed wider, his hips more narrow. His eyes hadn't changed, though. They still glittered like fiery emeralds and still gazed at her as if she were the bane of his existence, sent by Hades himself with the express purpose of bedeviling him.

"My—my lord." Billingsly, Aveline Castle's aged butler, brushed past her, his stooped form cutting through her line of sight, rescuing her from Derick's hard green gaze. Emma dropped her eyes to the floor, grateful for the moment to collect herself as the chaos of stammered excuses erupted around her.

His arrival shouldn't be such a shock to her—the entire village knew he was due today. Only she hadn't intended to come anywhere near Aveline Castle while he was in residence, but then Billingsly's note had arrived and—

Emma gasped. How could she have forgotten? She, of all people, didn't forget things like that.

Taking advantage of the continued distraction, she stepped forward and plucked the map from Derick's loosened grasp, berating herself for loss of focus. She spread it out on the table and resumed drawing the border she'd started. With dusk coming, time had become critical.

The voices around her stilled abruptly, and Emma could have sworn she felt Derick's gaze boring into her more surely than Archimedes' famed screw. Which was impossible, of course, as a mere gaze had no actual physical properties.

She didn't look up from her task as she said, "I'm certain Lord Scarsdale will agree that explanations can wait until after we find his missing upstairs maid."

I hope you can see a little about why I love Emma as a character. Here she is, reeling from the realization that feelings she'd thought long dead were very much alive, and yet she refuses to be pushed off task for long. Emma is stubborn, quirky, and rather brilliant (with the requisite ego that comes with a mind like that), so I had to think of something to offset that part of her personality.

If you'll notice, Emma's first thought is an admonishment, calling herself a "ninny". Like so many smart, capable women, she is incredibly hard on herself, and that makes her particularly vulnerable to the one man who'd always gotten under her skin. But since he is also the one man who comes to truly value her for everything that she is, it turns out not to be such a bad thing in the end! I hope you enjoy Derick and Emma's journey as much as I enjoyed writing it.

I'll be happy to give away a copy of my debut, SWEET ENEMY, the first book in this series. Please look out for SWEET DECEPTION, available now, wherever books are sold. To enter, simply leave me a comment and answer the question: What's the one thing in life you are most stubborn about?

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 lives in the Midwest with her husband, two rambunctious boys and one very put upon cat. Find out more or connect with Heather at:

www.HeatherSnowBooks.com
Facebook www.facebook.com/AuthorHeatherS now

Twitter www.twitter.com/HeatherSnowRW

SWEET DECEPTION Available NOW:

Rainy Day Books (my local indie) Amazon (Kindle Edition) Amazon (Mass Market Paperback) Barnes and Noble The Book Depository (free shipping worldwide) Books-A-Million IndieBound I-Books Walmart

Comments

Oh I love the covers for Sweet Enemy and Sweet Deception. I've had both on my tbr lists for a while now.. and hope to get to them soon :)
My husband is the stubborn one in the family. I'm usually really good at letting things go or giving leeway when needed. The hubby is so stubborn when he argues, if he knows he's losing the argument, will all of a sudden try to draw parallels to an argument he can win. The most frustrating thing ever, but I usually end up laughing at his obvious tactics lol
(Sharon D 9:31am August 13, 2012)

I'm really stubborn about my video and book libraries. They
are organized in certain ways, so only I can grab things off
them or put things onto them. No one else can touch them
because they don't know how it goes. Any but me touches
those shelves, and chaos erupts because then there are
discs, books and cases everywhere they don't belong. =p
Those shelves are mine haha.
(Samantha King 9:33am August 13, 2012)

British historicals are my favorites. Yours sounds wonderful!
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 9:42am August 13, 2012)

Oh, I so want to win this, I love these stories. The British historicals are so much fun to read and imagine what it was like, thanks for the chance [email protected]
(Linda Scarchuk 9:51am August 13, 2012)

I'm really stubborn about the way I organize my books and clothes.
(Roxana Perez 9:56am August 13, 2012)

Sounds like a great read. Congrats on your first book. The answer for me to the question - What's the one thing in life you are most stubborn about? My reading time, LOL. I have to read or I get twitchy.
(Carey Sabala 10:26am August 13, 2012)

I never want to give up on any project. Failure is not an option. Unfortunately, the smartest thing would be to give up on a doomed project and go on to a more successful project.
(Phyllis Lamken 10:30am August 13, 2012)

Sweet Enemy was terrific! I liked the concept of the book. Really enjoy having a smart heroine! Looking forward to reading the new book in the series!
(May Pau 10:36am August 13, 2012)

I adore the covers for your books!! Thanks for the excerpt!
(Cate Sparks 10:52am August 13, 2012)

I love the covers for "Sweet Enemy" and "Sweet Deception" too. The colors are so rich. Good luck with both books!
(Lori Yost 10:55am August 13, 2012)

Sounds wonderful. I cannot wait to start reading this new series! I love hisdtorical romances with all the twists & turns the characters need to go through to find their true love was always there just waiting! Thanks!
(Teresa Sullivan 11:05am August 13, 2012)

OH my...I'd love to win this...just the cover alone pulls you in...can't wait to read it!!!!!
(Bonnie Capuano 11:22am August 13, 2012)

I am very stubborn about forgiving people that have treated me badly. This looks like another great book!
(Julie Parrish 11:38am August 13, 2012)

When I have been hurt or scorned by someone I can not erase it from my mind and heart. When I see them, the pain is instantly back. So my stubborn heart and brain needs to just let go and forget and forgive!!
I can not wait to read your new book!! I would love to win!!
(Brenda Leon 12:06pm August 13, 2012)

I am stubborn overall....i never want to give an inch! Lol
(Stacy Wright 12:28pm August 13, 2012)

I'm NOT stubborn - NO - NOT at ALL - and I'm ALWAYS right about that!!! PICK ME!!! PICK ME!!!
(Pamela Faye Howell 12:56pm August 13, 2012)

I'm stubborn about finishing things. I don't like to leave anything I've started unfinished.
(Michelle Donaldson 1:05pm August 13, 2012)

I am stubborn on wanting a garden and pressing the rest of the family to help me with it since I am often away at work during much of the day.
(G. Bisbjerg 1:19pm August 13, 2012)

I'm usually easy going, but can be very stubborn when someone decides to pressure me into doing something I am not comfortable with or do not want to do.
(Anna Speed 1:25pm August 13, 2012)

I am most stubborn about protecting my children when I know they have been wronged even by the justice system-they are now 34-30-44 with children and even a grandchild of their own.
(Theresa Hurley 1:30pm August 13, 2012)

Needing help. It's like an instant reply for me. "Do you need some help?"
"No, thank you. I got it."
I can't help it! It's an inpluse! ;-)
(Chelsea Brooks 1:36pm August 13, 2012)

I am completely stubborn about keeping a lot of books once I have read them. I have a keeper shelf that is overflowing with paperbacks that I just can't part with.
(Cheryl Castings 1:37pm August 13, 2012)

Haha, I am most Stubborn on pretty much everything. My mother
and father have both said this many times. I don't think this
is a good thing however its who I am and I like being me ^_^
(Candice Duffey 2:11pm August 13, 2012)

Hi
I am the most stubborn about my quiet time. I spend a lot
of time with people both at work and with friends on the
weekend but at least once a week I need some me time and can
be very demanding about it. :)

Thanks for the chance
(Pam Brewer 2:38pm August 13, 2012)

I have been told (mostly by my husband) that I can be stubborn about a lot of things. But I am quite stubborn when it comes to doing the right thing. I was taught as a child that taking the easy way out of situations doesn't necessarily make them right.
(Michele Hayes 2:39pm August 13, 2012)

I'm a bit of a hoarder, I am most stubborn about having my stuff thrown away.
(Kathleen Bianchi 2:50pm August 13, 2012)

Hi Heather! Love your covers for Sweet Enemy and Sweet Deception. Thanks so much for the wonderful excerpt of Sweet Deception. The one thing that I am most stubborn about is standing up for my family. I am also very stubborn about not wanting to give or get rid of any of my books. Sigh...
(Cathy Phillips 3:27pm August 13, 2012)

My reading time. I completely ignore everything especially when it is a book I have been waiting on
(Sherri Stephens 3:27pm August 13, 2012)

Congrats on the new release, Heather. I'm sometimes stubborn in regards to my eating habits.
(Jane Cheung 3:29pm August 13, 2012)

I am most stubborn about cleaning... really not a fan.
(Colleen Conklin 3:35pm August 13, 2012)

I am stubborn about a few things, one of which is keeping many of my books--even once I've read them, on my many bookshelves. I hate to part with those in a series or those of my favorite authors (guess I'm a bit of a book hoarder). I'm stubborn about my reading time being interrupted, too!
Heather, you'd look nice on one of your own book covers...you are a beautiful girl and have the Regency-era look (from your photo shown). Keep writing those good books!
(Linda Luinstra 3:54pm August 13, 2012)

Congratualations on your new release, Heather. I'm stubborn about my book collection.
(Mary C 3:56pm August 13, 2012)

I JUST LOVE YOUR BOOKS THEY ARE FANTASTIC.. I WOULD BE
HONORED TO WIN THIS CONTEST FROM MY FAVORITE AUTHOR OF ALL
TIME. PICK ME!!! PLEASE I REALLY WANT TO WIN..
(Shelly Caggiano 4:03pm August 13, 2012)

I am usually laid back but will dig in my heels about spending money on
books. There is always room on the bookshelf fir one more.
(Lindsey Ekland 4:30pm August 13, 2012)

My kids, of course, and anyone messing with them. Might bring out a
few claws too!!!
The book sounds awesome. Congrats!
(Vicki Hancock 4:50pm August 13, 2012)

love historical romance; book sounds very good; adding to my tbr list. thanks for the draw
(Barbara Studer 5:03pm August 13, 2012)

Love your book covers. Would love to win your book. Thank you.
(Linda Hall 6:30pm August 13, 2012)

I am very stubborn about changing the way I organize. My books have to be all alphabetically by author and then by title and my clothes all have to be by color starting with tanks the working up to long sleeves. Can't wait to read this book.
(Emily Bowes 6:44pm August 13, 2012)

Stubborn---my husband would say it's my middle name---but I'm probably most stubborn about getting my own way about finances. I'd love to read your book.
(Sue Farrell 6:46pm August 13, 2012)

I'm stubborn about scheduling doctors appointments.

Congratulations on the release of Sweet Deception! :)
(Amy K 7:06pm August 13, 2012)

I would have to say I'm very stubborn when it comes to finances. I don't like to charge things on the credit cards. So if my husband wants to buy something I just tell him we don't need it and I don't give in.
(Rita Wray 7:12pm August 13, 2012)

I tend to be disorganized most of the time but when I do decide to organize something I can be stubborn about how it is done. I also can be stubborn about not taking any food into certain areas of the house. I hope you have a great day.
(Chelsea Knestrick 7:36pm August 13, 2012)

I'm the most stubborn reguarding the "mess" on the kitchen table. The "mess" is waiting for me to sort the magazines, the just delievered mail, new receipts, old receipts, and just cut-out newspaper recipes from each other and file them or just put them where they should have gone orginally. My hubby knows better than to even eye-ball the "mess". I'm touchy & stubborn that way! Can you tell that I'm a type A personality?
(Joanne Hicks 7:39pm August 13, 2012)

I'm stubborn about a lot of things, but please don't touch my favorite coffee mug.
(Mary Preston 8:02pm August 13, 2012)

Hi everyone! Thank you SO much for coming by and saying hello! Sorry I'm so late to the party, but I have 1 year old and 4 year old boys, so sometimes I can't even think about computer time until after their father gets home :)

Thank you all for the congrats and lovely comments about my story. And I LOVE how stubborn you all are! I found myself nodding quite a bit as I read through your comments. Both of my heroines are stubborn chits, and I must confess--at least part of their personalities come from me :)

Thanks again, and good luck in the contest!
(Heather Snow 8:11pm August 13, 2012)

probably when someone is trying to manipulate or guilt me into
doing something, I become rather stubborn not to do it.
(Diane Sallans 9:16pm August 13, 2012)

I remember those days...so long ago. Now I have 6 grand kids
and even they are 1/2 grown. I'm stubborn about having time
for me. I had to wait a very long time for it and now it is
MINE! Congrats on your book release.
(Mary Hay 9:18pm August 13, 2012)

Congrats on the new release! Love your books and smart heroines!
(MaryAnne Banks 9:28pm August 13, 2012)

Would love to win a copy of your book. I love stubborn, quirky
and brilliant women....probably because I'm a stubborn,
quirky, smarter than average woman. :-)
(Robyn Roberts 9:29pm August 13, 2012)

I'm stubborn about a few things; do I really have to name them all? Love the covers & the opportunity to win a book.
(Jessie Llewellyn 9:36pm August 13, 2012)

I love historical romance books and it is definitely more fun creating chemistry on paper than in a lab
(Shirley Younger 9:42pm August 13, 2012)

The one thing that I am most stubborn about is stupidity. I have to explain that a bit. When it's time to do something, think it through, then do it the right way and the most expedient way, so you don't have to do it again, or there are repercussions for what you do. That way it goes more smoothly, and you can get on to other things. In most cases, you can even come up with shortcuts, which will allow for more time. I hope that makes sense. I'm just not the type for, if you pardon the expression, half-assed anything, because I always give my all. I am looking forward to reading your book very much, and will have to look up the other books in the series. I noticed that the woman on the cover was wearing a green gown. Was that a coincidence?? It's a very provocative cover, and does the story line proud!!
(Peggy Roberson 9:48pm August 13, 2012)

Hi Peggy,

No, it wasn't a coincidence :) While I don't always have say in my covers, I requested the green dress and the publisher liked the idea. They did a lovely job...I adore it!
(Heather Snow 10:12pm August 13, 2012)

I must have time to myself everyday. Sometimes it's just a few minutes but sometimes it's a whole hour. I have to have it or I get very cranky!
(Jennifer Beyer 10:23pm August 13, 2012)

I'm stubborn about not being forced to do things I don't want (or feel it's right) to do.
(Janie McGaugh 11:32pm August 13, 2012)

History plus a lady criminologist? There's little I like better.
(Sigrun Schulz 11:56pm August 13, 2012)

I know I can be stubborn about some things, but I really don't know/can't think of any particular thing right now!! :)
I'd love to read you book.
(Penny Mettert 1:27am August 14, 2012)

Congratulations on your books. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, and I think this can be a form of stubborness.
(Kim C 1:05pm August 16, 2012)

Emma's first thought is an admonishment, calling herself a
"ninny". Like so many smart, capable women, she is
incredibly hard on herself, and that makes her particularly
vulnerable to the one man who'd always gotten under her
skin. But since he is also the one man who comes to truly
value her for everything astrosms.de that she is,
it turns out not to be such a bad thing in the end! I hope
you enjoy Derick and Emma's journey as much as I enjoyed
writing it.
(Live Talk 6:09am November 12, 2012)

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December's delights are here! Thrilling tales, romance, and magic await you.

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Heather Snow | My Lady Criminologist...

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