Monday, November 25, 2013

Guest Blog: Lena Hart: Finding Love in Threes - Writing a Series & GIVEAWAY!




She’d always known true love existed. But only for those who went after it…

When I first wrote Because You Love Me, I didn’t imagine it would be the first to what became a three book series. I just wanted to write a story about two lovers who found love again. In this first novella, we meet Jake and Sabrina who, like many couples, experience a moment in their relationship where trust is a large factor to their happiness. But their love for each other proved resistant to past mistakes and external noise. Jake isn’t willing to give up on them or their love and because of his determination, he and Sabrina eventually rekindled their love and find their happily ever after.

…for those who waited for it…

In my second novella, Because You Are Mine, I realized I had a story that essentially followed the same theme of two lovers finding love again. Unlike some series, I introduce two new characters with their own romantic turmoil and 12 years later, it would take fate—and a job—to bring these two back together. Here, Cara and Drake share a dark past and too many secrets but when their love for each other is reawakened, nothing—not even the darkest of secrets—can come between them.

…and for those who believed in the exquisiteness of forever after.

It wasn’t until my third novel in the series that I realized what I had been trying to get across in these three books. In Because This Is Forever, I pair up a hopeless romantic with a jaded “realist”. Though Mia and Nate eventually found their happily ever after, it hadn’t come without some heartache and practicality on both their parts. In their story, they rediscover each other. Mia learns that love isn’t a picture-perfect fairytale and Nate learns that there is no great risk or danger to falling and being in love. 

The “Because You…” series are stories about going after love, waiting for love, and ultimately believing in love. I wanted to write this series because I believe in second chances and each of my characters got the opportunity to rekindle, relive, and rediscover their love for each other.

What intrigues you about series? Do you love ‘em or hate ‘em? Leave a comment and one lucky commenter will be selected to win 1 of the 5 secret prizes being given away on this tour.

GIVEAWAY: I'll also be giving away a "secret prize" to someone who leaves a comment...be sure to put your email address in with your comment!

BIO:
Lena Hart writes sensual romances with a hint of mystery and suspense. Her bestselling debut novel, BECAUSE THIS IS FOREVER, was released October 2013.To learn more about Lena and her work, visit www.LenaHartSite.com or find her musing out loud at www.scatblogging.blogspot.com.

Continue on the Tour andScavenger Hunt here.

Find “Because You… series here:

18 comments:

  1. Hi Lena, I love both writing and reading series. If I enjoy a story, I want a sense of continuity. Sometimes previous characters come back in to say hi and that's always fun. I like a drawn out plot that goes down many avenues, resolved over a period of time in various books. Good luck with your series! The cover is stunning.

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  2. I want to win! Sounds like a wonderful story!
    jeanine.mcadam@gmail.com

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  3. Congrats on the huge sales of this book,, Lena! LOVE that cover!

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  4. Lena, I was grinning when I read your post. I can SO relate to the idea of starting a novel -- and having no idea that it would turn into a 3-book series (at my editor's request!) So I guess that puts me on the "I love a series" bandwagon.

    I would have to add, though, that as a reader, I love a spin-off ONLY if the author hasn't re-hashed the same plot conflict. I also prefer a spin-off or sequel that invents a protagonist who is essentially different from the previous protagonist (changing the name and hair color simply aren't enough to keep me reading a book.)

    Good luck with your novels! They sound fab. I'll be putting them on my TBR pile for sure!

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  5. Hi Lena,
    When I first wrote a story I thought it was going to be a single title, but it turned into a series of three.

    In my case I wrote about a family, and as I plodded along I realized there were two secondary characters who need their stories told.

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  6. Thanks for joining us today Lena! Finding love in threes strokes my OCD. LOL. Seriously though, this sounds great and I love the cover!!!

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  7. My first book morphed into an eight part series without my planning at all. Wonderful how characters can take over your life and your computer. I love to follow a character through the years and the generations....

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  8. Thanks RB4U for hosting me today! And thanks everyone who's commented so far. It has been journey with this series and those who plan to pick it up, I hope you enjoy! =)

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  9. Lena, I love stories of second chances at love. Your books sound great.

    carolyn4books@aol.com

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  10. I love reading and writing series. When you fall in love with characters or an author, a series is a perfect way to find more books to read.

    What a beautiful cover and thanks for sharing your stories! All the best!

    Melissa
    daringzoey at yahoo.com

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  11. I do like series books! I like to see how relationships grow from book to book.

    Thank you so much for the post and giveaways. I'd love the chance to win a secret prize, so fingers crossed. :-)

    Email: Lindsey8907 [at] yahoo [dot] com

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  12. LOL, I'm also planning a series of three!

    Lena, I think your brand of series is just charming. Long live second chances! :-)

    aoorooo at gmail dot com

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  13. Thanks ladies for your kinds words and encouragement! The secret prize winner will be announced on 12/1 so there's still time to get your friends over =)

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  14. Sounds interesting

    bn100candg at hotmail dot com

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  15. like series only if they're standalone

    bn100candg at hotmail dot com

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  16. I haven't read your books but I am definitely going to after reading all about them :) abbyswarriormom(at)aol(dot)com :)

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  17. You asked: What intrigues you about series? Do you love ‘em or hate ‘em?

    I love series, my preference being those that can also standalone. When I know a book that catches my eye is a part of a series, I like to get the others so that I'm immersed in the characters, plot, locations and theme. When there's cliffhangers and the next book(s) in the series aren't out yet, I don't buy the others until it/they are out.

    Belinda G
    belgre at comcast dot net

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  18. Congratulations Erika Messer! You're the winner of the 3rd secret prize, which is a copy of any one of my books from the "Because You" series!

    Thanks everyone who've commented!

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