It is my great pleasure to have Sophia Nash back with us. Today we’re celebrating her new release Love With the Perfect Scoundrel, book three in her Widows Club series. For those of you who haven’t yet read it, check out Andrea’s review – she loved it and gave it 5 stars. Today Sophia is giving away, a pearl necklace (in honor of Grace, the Countess of Sheffield), and a signed copy of one of her books-winner’s choice–along with an assortment of signed coverflats from various Avon authors to some lucky random posters. So join the discussion about Matchmaking from Hell.
Readers of the Widows Club series know the leader of the Barely Bereaving Beauties is A Matchmaker from Hell. Yes, in the first book, A Dangerous Beauty, Ata St. Aubyn sets up the wrong widow with the hero. In the second book, The Kiss, she sets up the hero with the wrong widow. Do you see a pattern here? Well, I’m happy to tell you all that has changed. The “often wrong but never in doubt” dowager duchess learns her lesson in the just released third book Love With the Perfect Scoundrel. The dowager finally sets up the right woman with the right man. Third time is the charm, after all.
Readers often ask who is the inspiration for this petite, feisty leader of the widows club. In the past I’ve been cagey. I’ve suggested Ata is modeled after my beloved 4’11” great grandmother with the same name. But in the interest of fairness and the odds of meeting her in the hereafter, I suppose I should finally admit that the dowager duchess’s, ahem, questionable matchmaking skills come from . . . me. Yes, I am a certified Matchmaker from Hell, responsible for approximately 100 very bad blind dates according to my husband.
His favorite date was the one I arranged between the unknown friend of a friend (UFOF) and a girl friend from work, who had just split up with her boyfriend of many years. The two seemed perfect for each other. She wanted Mr. Tall, Handsome (and Rich since her boyfriend had been a total moochaholic). And Mr. Tall, Handsome Money-Bags was looking for a “nice girl” (which I suppose I should have known is a code word for Twisted Sister.)
The date proceeded quite normally in the beginning, my girl friend explained the next morning over the water cooler. Everything went smoothly until he drove her back to her apartment and they started making out. At some point she left the room for a moment and when she returned he was lounging on the couch. . . wearing a baby blue polka dotted bra and panties. Apparently his gorilla body hair detracted from the overall effect.
I’m sorry to say my matchmaking reputation suffered quite a blow over that adventure. My husband told me I was not allowed to set up anyone else for 10 years as “penance.” The time has been served and if any of you want me to find you a date, please feel free to contact me. I’m ALWAYS willing to go the distance for my friends, and I really do want to crack that 0 in 100 batting average.
What about you? Have you ever tried to play matchmaker and failed?
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Marisa
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 5:58 am:
Hi Sophia, welcome back to RNTV , I’m so glad you could be with us today. I can’t believe this REALLY happened. It sounds like something out of a Ben Stiller movie. YIKES!
I’ve never set anyone up… BUT I have been set up by well meaning friends. 100% of the time I thought; do my friends really know me? I had one friend set me up with a dear friend of a friend’s cousin and it was quite disastrous. He thought a fun first date would be to go sky diving. I kid you not. SKY DIVING? with a person who fears heights? I think not. In any event, I went along with him and his friends, begged off from hurling myself from a 3 ton plane into the sky to plummet to earth and perhaps my death and decided to stay on the ground to watch. Well when the group finally landed I played the good cheerleader and told everyone how terrific they were and how exciting it was to watch (meanwhile I thought – are you crazy? didn’t your mama give you any sense at all?) Afterwards we all went out for lunch and he spent the entire meal flirting with the cute redhead who did jump out of the plane. After all they were so much alike, they both thought that the threat of imminent death was exciting. Needless to say that was our first and last date. I told my friend the next day, don’t you know any guys who like to go to the movies?
Stacy ~
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 6:50 am:
Hello Sophia. Great to have you back
I’ve only been on one blind date, and it wasn’t quite as bad as the polka-dot bra or Marisa’s skydiving disaster, but it did make me wonder why my friend thought we’d mesh. We were just so different, plus he had a rather moody and belligerent personality and had been in jail. And he was already planning to move all the way across country. Needless to say, we really didn’t have a lot to say to each other. It actually made me feel totally okay with being single LOL.
Michelle
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 7:36 am:
Hi Sophie
YIKES! Your poor friend (although it makes a good story now).
I haven’t set anybody up or been set up, but my mother is always “finding” nice men for me. I say finding, because they seem to literally be people she finds on the street.
In fact last week she came back from a course she’s been on…
“I found such a nice guy for you today, he’s intelligent, really sweet, a little bit stinky but..”
EXCUSE ME – did you just say STINKY??!!
What does it say about me, I wonder, that my own mother thinks a stinky guy would make quite a catch?
How depressing : (
sara hurt
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 7:46 am:
Hello Sophie and welcome back. COngrats on the release I am stoked about this series. I havent read it yt but plan on going to the book store and hope to get the first book. I love historicals.
My husband and I played match maker once and will never do it again, it almost ruined a friendship.
Maria Lokken
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 8:07 am:
Hi Sophia! So glad to have you with us today. I read Love With the Perfect Scoundrel and I LOVED IT. Congratulations.
Hmmm… blind dates, match making…
I hooked up two friends. After the date, he said, ’she was the one’, and she said, “there was no way she’d ever see him again”. I was then stuck with him calling me for weeks afterward wondering why she never returned his calls. Very awkward, and I never made another suggestion about people getting together again.
Andrea
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 8:09 am:
Good morning and welcome back to RNTV, Sophia!! Congrats on your newest release! As you can tell from my review, I loved LwaPS. In fact, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed ALL of the Widows Club books. And after checking out the “coming soon” on your website, I am DYING for Elizabeth’s book! I’m curious how you’re going to redeem a certain someone.
As for blind dates, I’ve never been on one nor set anyone up on one. Though, my parents met on a blind date and have been married for almost 37 years, so they do work occasionally.
Cindy
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 8:26 am:
I have never played matchmaker, but my friend did on me. It failed miserably. Lets just say my date was not what she described to be.
Miranda Neville
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 9:01 am:
Hi Sophia. Do you get the impression I’m stalking you these days? You are right, I am!
I can think of one couple I set up who married – very satisfactory. I may have tried others but I always go into denial about my failures.
Maureen
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 10:12 am:
What a funny story. I have never played matchmaker but it is so tempting when you know someone who is suddenly single.
Laura
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 10:17 am:
Sophia your series sounds wonderful. I am going to put it on my must read list. I have never set anyone up for a date, but my best friend set me up years ago with a close family friend. I had met him when we were teenagers, and I must confess, thought of him often, he was nice and quite cute to boot. We went out in are early twenties, I was working third shift at the time, and was always tired. We went to the movies, and I FELL ASLEEP! I was the date from hell. Oops! The chemistry just wasn’t there. I laugh about it now, I think he probably does too.
Sophia Nash
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 10:24 am:
Hi Marissa!
Gosh it’s great to be back here! Thank you so much for inviting me. LOVE the skydiving story. I’m with you–I would have stayed on the ground. While I like fast cars, fast horses, scuba diving, water skiing, snow-skiing, etc.– there’s something about the idea of plunging through the air with the possibility of a chute not opening that just does NOT do it for me!
OK, back soon to tell more horrible matchmaking stories. That’s why you invited me, right?
Donna
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 11:28 am:
Hi Sophie!! My favorite aunt Irene set me up with this guy who thought going to a wrestling match was a good 1st date… he got a huge erection fromt he excitement and told me how violence got him off….needless to say I never went out with him again…I couldnt’ wait to get home…
Donna
Sophia Nash
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 12:15 pm:
Donna!
Your blind date from hell takes the cake. The worst one I had was the one where I arrived at the restaurant to find not only my date, but HIS MOTHER, as well. He said, “I want to introduce you to my best friend.” She was very nice in between grilling me with questions about my high school, college, career path, and the number of children I envisioned. I think I flubbed the “potential wife” interview when I went to the ladies room and never returned.
Sophia Nash
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 12:24 pm:
Miranda,
I am so glad we both had books coming out this month. It is my chance to get to know you on the various bulletin boards! And can I add how much I love your cover? And your delicious story?
I was asking my husband to remind me about my, ahem, matchmaking failures since I, like you, tend to try and forget all about these mini disasters. He reminded me about the one where I set up this really funny male friend with a girlfriend — and we tagged along. My male friend was hosting us at a restaurant and he and my husband and I drove together. While we all waited for my girlfriend, the waiter came to ask for our drink orders and my friend made a big production of how we were to have tap water since he was not one of the idiots who was willing to pay ridiculous bottled water restaurant prices. Ten minutes later my girlfriend arrived and blithley ordered two back to back Perriers. I nearly died laughing. Needless to say, there was no 2nd date.
azteclady
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 12:25 pm:
Hi, Ms Nash!
Fancy seeing you here
I have set up only two couples. One dated for a while, the other is still married. I decided that was good enough and now refrain from matchmaking.
Best of luck with the new book!
Jan
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 12:27 pm:
Hello Sophie. I haven’t read this series but it sounds like fun. Yet another series to put on my wish list.
Hmmm…match making….I’ve been set up on some horrendous blind dates….*shudder*. And I chose to continue in my selective memory loss, thank you very much!
As for being the matchmaker….I did that accidentally. A few years ago I met a young woman on one of my chat loops who was going through some stuff that I had already gone through. She really just needed someone to talk to who could empathize. We’d been talking for a while online and on the phone and I was leaving for a week and would be completely out of touch (I was at camp). So, I asked my son, who had a lot of the same interests, if he wouldn’t mind being a nonthreatening male friend for her while I was in the woods for a week. He said sure, why not.
Sophia Nash
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 12:33 pm:
Hi, Laura,
Hope you like the books.
Did you ever find out what happened to your movie date? Maybe you’ll meet him again in twenty years and laugh about this!
But don’t listen to my advice. You’d think I’d learn. In fact, I have. It’s been years since I tried to fix two people up. The very last time was when my dearest college girlfriend visited and I had a dinner party and invited a blind date for her. I then had to endure 3 months of the guy calling and trying desperately to date my girlfriend, while she wanted nothing to do with him. The lightbulb went off: no more setting up friends.
cheryl c.
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 12:39 pm:
Sophia, I absolutely loved The Kiss, so I am really looking forward to this next book in the Widows Club series. I recently read an excerpt of Love With The Perfect Scoundrel, and I am completely hooked!
As for matchmaking, I stay out of it. Too much potential for disaster there!
Sophia Nash
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 12:45 pm:
Andrea!!!
Thank you so much for the heartwarming review. I am delighted you enjoyed the story. I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for Grace, who was so little understood in the first two stories–as well as her hero, Michael. I am having a wonderful time reforming the black-hearted Mr. Manning. There is something about those two last heroes that I like alot. And wait until you see who the hero is in the novella. I won’t spill the beans about his identity–but the heroine is Victoria Givan (who plays a small role in Love With the Perfect Scoundrel.)
And did you like little Attila the dog in the last story? I bring this up to tie into my last matchmaking story. It appears that my matchmaking skills transcend to all species. When I tried to set up a date with another dachshund for my own little pet, both dogs remained firmly in their owner’s laps and refused to move.
I’m beginning to wonder if I write romances to make up for all my bad matches. At least when I’m writing I can make everyone behave and fall in the love, and not do anything off putting. My next hero, Rowland Manning is laughing at me through the new manuscript pages right now.
Sophia Nash
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 12:46 pm:
Cheryl C.
So happy you liked The Kiss…I wonder which book you’ll end up liking the most. Everyone seems to have a different favorite so far!
OK-out for a carpool run and then I’ll be right back!!!
Miranda Neville
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 12:50 pm:
Hi back Sophia. Look forward to meeting you in person in DC. Talking of matchmaking, When Harry Met Sally (one of my all time favorite movies) has that great scene when Harry and Sally try and set up their best friends with each other and of course the friends fall for *each other.* So it worked out well but not entirely as planned.
orannia
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 2:08 pm:
At some point she left the room for a moment and when she returned he was lounging on the couch. . . wearing a baby blue polka dotted bra and panties. Apparently his gorilla body hair detracted from the overall effect.
I’m so glad that I put my glass of water down BEFORE I read that sentence Sophia! Hmm – I haven’t really been on any blind dates, unless you count being dragged to speed dating by my flatmate when I lived in the UK. At least each date was limited to 2 minutes at a time
As for matchmaking – definitely not. I wouldn’t even know where to start 
Jan – I just loved your story! It’s so sweet! Obviouly your son did a very good job at being supportive
Sophia – All the best for the release of Love with the Perfect Scoundrel
Buffie
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 3:47 pm:
SOPHIA!!!! {{hugs and kisses}} Oh my, it is so wonderful to have you back here with us. I have certainly missed you around here.
I have heard nothing but great things about Love with the Perfect Scoundrel (especially from Andrea). I can’t wait to have the time to dive into that book. I thoroughly enjoy this series.
As far as blind dates, I have only been on one. It was before I met my hubby. I think I was 15 years old at the time. My best friend of the time was dating some guy and both her and he decided to set up their best friends. I believe the guy’s name was Curtis (not really sure as it’s been a long time). But I have to say he reminded me of a Q-tip. Very tall, lanky, and a bush full of curly dark hair. Just wasn’t my thing!!!
Sophia Nash
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 3:56 pm:
Stacy,
You set up your blind date from hell story so well, it made me start “hearing dialogue”
Him: I’m moody & belligerent, so you better be funny and nice. Now.
You: Since I’m doubting dinner is an option, will you please pass the pretzels?
Him: I should introduce you to my parole officer since I’m skipping town…
Is that how it went?
Sophia Nash
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 3:58 pm:
Michelle!
Stinky? You’ve GOT to be joking! This is the best story yet. Did you tell her you’d go if she agreed to give him a bath every day for the rest of his life?
Sophia Nash
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 3:59 pm:
Hi Sara,
Great to hear from you. Hope you like the series!
Sophia Nash
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 4:06 pm:
Hi, Maria…
How are you? Will you and Marissa be at RWA this summer? You know it’s in my backyard…Let’s go do something really fun. Hmmm. This is going to be tough. Skydiving and bungee jumping are out according to your sister. And I am sad to say that the Capital Hill crowd can be a little dry–unless you like overhearing Appropriations Committee jumblese. Tour of the White House? Arlington National Cemetary? (Yes, it’s the best kept secret in town!) Paddleboating on the Potomac? Or berry picking in Virginia? You choose…
Andrea
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 4:08 pm:
Sophia Nash said: And wait until you see who the hero is in the novella. I won’t spill the beans about his identity…
Sophia, you’re such a tease!!! Okay, now I’m chompin’ at the bit to know. Can’t wait for July! And of course, I can’t wait for Mr. Manning’s reformation…
So much to look forward to!!
Sophia Nash
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 4:09 pm:
Cindy…
But you never know about those blind dates…I think the reason I keep trying to set people up is because I met my husband on a semi-blind date.
Sophia Nash
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 4:16 pm:
Ahhhhh, Jan!
What a story. The dowager duchess in my books would be beaming! I hope your son and your friend have a very long and very happy life together. This story makes my fingers itch to run through my rolodex and start matchmaking again. Maybe I should try the “cover my eyes and select 2 names blind” approach. I’m thinking they’d have a better chance in the end with my record…
Sophia Nash
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 4:23 pm:
Maureen and Miranda–
Yeah, I loved those scenes in “When Harry Met Sally”–some of the best ever! The interconnected phone scenes when the girlfriend is talking to Sally while the other guy is talking to Harry–are my second favorite series of scenes…
Hope you liked the series, Maureen!
Sophia Nash
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 4:33 pm:
BUFFIE!!!
How are you, my friend?
I think I dated the Q-tip guy, too. He was the one with the moist hands and unaturally small funny bone, right? Everyone’s dated that guy…. But seriously, it seems to me that the best thing I’ve heard of in today’s datingland is the speed dating thing. It sounds exhausting but you’d get to weed out the jailbird, the Q-tip guy, and even the wrestling fan. Then all you’d be stuck with is the closet ladies lingerie addict;-}
Let me know what you think of Grace and Michael’s story!
Sophia Nash
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 4:36 pm:
Andrea…
Well, you know it wouldn’t be ANY fun if I told you upfront who the hero is in the summer novella. How about a hint? Yes? Okay, you’ve met his relation in one of the books…AND, he’s the “Catch of the Season”–yes, the nicest, most intelligent, richest, most-impossible-to-catch duke in all of England.
Sophia Nash
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 4:41 pm:
Orannia,
I really want to know more about this speed dating phenom. Really, if I were single this would be so right up my alley–as long as everyone was required to pass a criminal background check, and psychological examination first. The one thing that would scare me is the internet dating scene. The whole idea of setting up a Starbucks chat with a stranger would really take courage. Have any of you tried it?
Kim
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 4:49 pm:
I finished Love With a Perfect Scoundrel and was intrigued by Rowland Manning. I look forward to his and Elizabeth’s story. Will he put in an appearance in your upcoming novella before he gets his own story?
Also, I have a miniature dachshund, too. You didn’t mention the breed in the book, but you did give a few hints, so I was hoping that was the dog that Ada received. They’re terrific little pets.
Karin
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 5:08 pm:
The only ‘date’ that comes close to being a matchmaking attempt was when my friend totally blindsided me. She said we were going to meet up with her then boyfriend to watch a movie. I was fine with being the third wheel since I was used to it and I had my car. Well, she hadn’t told me the boyfriend was bringing his roommate. Sadly the roommate was quite a bit shorter than me and we had nothing in common and nothing to talk about. The worst part was when my friend begged me to drive her down to their apartment after the movie so we could all hang out. Well, it ended up being me sitting in their living room watching the fish in the fish tank for hours and hours, stretching into the wee hours of the morning, while she was with her boyfriend and the roommate went to bed. The experience definitely put a strain on our friendship and my friend has never tried to set me up again. Thank goodness.
I have never tried to set anyone up.
Sophia Nash
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 5:25 pm:
Azteclady–
You have a VERY impressive record. I should have probably done what you did–just concentrate my matchmaking efforts on one or two people vs. the grapeshot-hit-as-many-targets-as-possible method. Hope you are doing well!
Sophia Nash
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 5:35 pm:
Hi, Kim.
Rowland does not make an appearance in the Four Dukes and a Devil anthology. He is far too busy plotting evil practical jokes on my muse. BUT, Grace, Michael, Ata and Luc do appear–in 2 short scenes. In fact, those scenes are some of my favorites. And like all my stories, each is a “stand alone” meaning they do NOT have to be read in any order. In fact, many people like to read them out of order!
What color is your dachshund? Mine is a red/brown short hair. There is a picture of Coco on my website in “The Muse Unleashed” section for this new book. Are these dogs not the most loyal, loveable, protective animals ever?
Sophia Nash
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 5:39 pm:
Hi Karin,
You have the patience of a saint. I’m not sure I could have been restrained from pouring a little fish-tank-water onto your roommate’s head when you saw her. All in good fun, of course ;-}
K. Nelson
on Mar 3rd, 2009
@ 8:05 pm:
Hello Sophia,
Love your name, btw. It was one of the names I had on my list of girl names. I just had a baby last year. I love the name Sophia as it just brings to mind the image of grace, sophistication, and beauty. In the end, we settled on Julie Claire which is so spunky and fitting for my little one, as it turns out.
Anyway, I’ve never played MatchMaker that I can recall but I have been the “victim” of matchmaking. Does that count? Actually, I got set up with a guy that proceeded to tell me that he was in love with me on the first date (before dessert even!) Followed by a guy that stood me up…not once but twice! Doh! After those two blind dates, I went on my own search for Mr. Right and boy did I find him. Now, happily married and baby in arms.
I love MatchMaker stories though. The world of dating is so harsh. I don’t wish it on anyone. I’ve so been there and done that.
I’m looking forward to checking out your book.
Sophia Nash
on Mar 4th, 2009
@ 11:02 am:
Hi K. Nelson,
I’m delighted you like the name. I swear that when I was growing up only little old grandmothers had that name. Now I see little girls with that name…and a lot of golden retrievers!
Yeah, you always know you have a live one when they say “I love you” on the first date. Can’t decide if that is more off putting than Mr. Stand The Girls Up.
Best wishes, and hope you like Love With the Perfect Scoundrel!
Sophia Nash
on Mar 4th, 2009
@ 11:03 am:
So Marissa & Maria…
Who wins the lovely loot? Packing it all up as we speak!
Thanks so much for inviting me to stop by…
Buffie
on Mar 4th, 2009
@ 3:57 pm:
Sophia, thanks for stopping by and chatting with us. It is so wonderful to have you back here!!! I miss you girl!
Marisa
on Mar 4th, 2009
@ 11:01 pm:
Hi Sophia, thanks so much for being with us! Sorry for the delay –
We put the names in a hat and the two winners are:
Laura and Cheryl C. Congratulations, please send your snail mail addresses to alphamail@romancenovel.tv and we’ll make sure Sophia gets them.
cheryl c.
on Mar 5th, 2009
@ 12:36 am:
Yay, that’s wonderful! Thank you so much! I sent you my info.
Laura
on Mar 5th, 2009
@ 8:34 am:
Oh Thank You, Thank You, Thank you! I’m so excited. I went on Sophia’s web page yesturday and enjoyed looking at all the fun pictures. Sophia, you seem like such a nice person. I can’t wait to get started on your books, and thanks again.
Sophia Nash
on Mar 5th, 2009
@ 11:35 am:
Congratulations CherylC and Laura!
Don’t forget to send your request re the book title you would like me to send you since it’s “winner’s choice.”
Thanks everybody for inviting me to join you!
Warmest wishes from Sophia