Pamela Brooks
Author of Hotly Bedded, Conveniently Wedded
About the Author
Works by Pamela Brooks
How To Not SUCK At Writing Your First Book: A Book On Writing For People Who Hate Writing (2015) 11 copies, 1 review
His Most Exquisite Conquest / Backstage with Her Ex / One Night Heir / Bound by a Baby (2014) — Contributor — 1 copy
Italian Proposals (The Venetian's Proposal / The Italian Doctor's Wife / The Italian Doctor's Proposal) (2007) — Contributor — 1 copy
Precious Gifts (Dr Blake's Angel / Instant Father Christmas / A Baby of Her Own) (2005) — Contributor — 1 copy
Imperfectly Perfect: How to get up from rock bottom, create habits to love yourself, and learn to maintain a growth mindset (2014) 1 copy
Associated Works
Surf, Sea and a Sexy Stranger [and] Strictly Legal — Author, some editions — 1 copy
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Legal name
- Brooks, Pamela Christine
- Other names
- Brooks, Pamela
Hardy, Kate
Rochford, Pamela
Chester, Lucinda
D'Arcy, Evelyn
Miller, Chelsea - Birthdate
- 1966-02-11
- Gender
- female
- Occupations
- writer
novelist - Short biography
- Pamela Christine Brooks was born on 11 Febrary 1966 in Essex, England, UK. She always loved books and could read before she went to school. She always knew that she wanted to be a writer, and her parents bought her a proper typewriter for her sixth birthday. (She's still a six-finger typist, though….) Her first stories were all about ponies or outer space, but then she discovered Mills & Boon when she was 12 and decided this was what she wanted to do.
Following a degree in English, she started work as an accountant, and hated every second of it! All the clients asked why she wasn't working in PR—so she went into marketing communications for the next 10 years. In between studying for two sets of professional exams, she continued to write short stories and novels. And her husband, Gerard, supported her every step of the way, even buying her first computer for her!
When her son, Chris, was born in 1997, she decided to go freelance so she could spend time with her baby. She became a health journalist and copy editor but never lost her love of romance. When she was pregnant with her daughter, her husband suggested combining her two loves by writing medical romances. She started reading them and was instantly hooked. (She claims they were her craving when she was pregnant!) At six weeks old, Chloë spent her first Christmas in the hospital with bronchiolitis. The only way she could cope was to pretend it was happening to someone else—so she started writing A Baby of Her Own in longhand at Chloë's bedside. Her agent liked the first three chapters. So did Mills & Boon. The final manuscript was accepted on Chloë's first birthday, and published on Chloë's second birthday in 2002, under the pseudonym of Kate Hardy. In 2008, her novel Breakfast at Giovanni's won the Love Story of the Year by the Romantic Novelists' Association.
She lives just outside Norwich in the east of England with her husband, Gerry, their son and daughter and two mad spaniels. When she isn't writing medical romances or health articles, looking after the children or raising funds for Chris's school and cancer research, Kate enjoys relaxing with the family—going to the beach, playing games, reading stories and watching films. She also loves cooking (but not the dieting that goes with it) and she reads a lot. She'd quite like to try rappelling, parascending and scuba diving, but as she's terribly clumsy, she thinks it's much safer to let her heroines do it for her…. - Nationality
- UK
- Birthplace
- Essex, England, UK
- Places of residence
- Essex, England, UK
Norwich, Norfolk, England, UK - Associated Place (for map)
- England, UK
Members
Reviews
Got the book from We Hear You, Harlequin's survey program. Lovely story. The title is stupid (it would be better if it were the other way around, but not much better), and for some reason although it's copyright 2008 the book is an ARC - white cover, floppy paper, and no publication info. That aside - the story is wonderful. I like both Bel and Alex; they're independent, clever, intelligent, nice, and have very interesting jobs. I'd love to have either job (though Alex's sounds like more show more fun). It's a girl-next-door story, with (of course) complications - the obvious ones of ages out of synch, plus one bad love affair and one bad marriage. And the usual romance stupidity (realistic, but still stupid) of 'Oh, I can't tell him/her that I'm falling in love - she/he might not reciprocate!' One amusing thing - I just finished a Harlequin from 2000, by a different author, that used the same Apache blessing as in this book. The sex is explicit and just a little clinical in language - technical terms for his and hers parts - but not so much that it turned me off. There are a lot of cliches used here - the aforementioned girl-next-door and secret feelings, plus family interference (positive - positively pushy, even), want-a-baby (with miscarriages), previous bad experience, etc., etc., - and I still enjoyed the story tremendously. I really like the characters, and even when they're acting out the romance cliches they stay real-feeling. Their mutual love of history rings a bell for me - both of their holidays sound wonderful to me, just as trips. I spent a lot of the last half of the book crying - it touched me deeply enough for that. I like - and I'll be looking for more from this author. For that matter, there might be three previous stories in this series - Alex has three married sisters. I'll have to hunt them up (another sign it's an ARC - no convenient series lists in the front!). Very nice. show less
Lovely, heartwarming Christmas story. Quinn has just moved into his new home when Carissa stops by to welcome him to the neighborhood. He's distracted because he's working on a new computer program, and isn't very friendly. Carissa is bright and cheerful, even in those circumstances. When she gets a chance she looks him up and discovers he's a computer guy, so she goes to ask him to help with a charity project. In talking to him she discovers that he doesn't like Christmas at all, whereas show more Christmas is her favorite time of year. She's determined to change his mind about the holiday.
I loved Carissa's enthusiasm for the season. She is determined to make Quinn see the magic of the season and sets out to convince him. She takes him to everything from light festivals to ice skating trying to show him how wonderful it is. As she gets to know him she discovers that Quinn doesn't talk about his past at all and wonders if that has to do with his dislike of Christmas. Carissa herself has known pain of her own, but deals with it by trying to do good for others.
I liked Quinn a lot. He has terrible memories of his childhood, which have really affected his adult life. He was abandoned by his mother and raised by his aunt and uncle, but always felt as though he was a burden to them. While he was in college he fell in love with a young woman who it turned out didn't care for him and broke his heart, adding to his feelings of being worthless. By the time he meets Carissa he has gotten in the habit of keeping everyone at an emotional distance. But there is something about Carissa that he doesn't seem to be able to say no to, and he finds himself doing things he'd had no intention of doing. I loved seeing him start to loosen up and have fun, even if he was still having trouble believing in her magic of Christmas. I also liked the way that he was able to get her to talk about her painful past and gave her the support and understanding that she didn't expect. I also loved what he did with that knowledge.
It was great to see how Carissa's determination started to break through Quinn's defenses. Thanks to her he got to see what loving families were like. I also loved seeing the attraction that built between them. Both of them had painful pasts, but Carissa is more open to seeing what might come of it. When their attraction gets the best of them, it scares Quinn and he tries to pull back. Carissa finally succeeds in getting him to talk to her about his past, but then lets him know that he needs to deal with his demons if he wants a chance at happiness with her. I loved what he did with what she told him, and the difference it made to his entire outlook. His final push to show her how he feels was really sweet and romantic. show less
I loved Carissa's enthusiasm for the season. She is determined to make Quinn see the magic of the season and sets out to convince him. She takes him to everything from light festivals to ice skating trying to show him how wonderful it is. As she gets to know him she discovers that Quinn doesn't talk about his past at all and wonders if that has to do with his dislike of Christmas. Carissa herself has known pain of her own, but deals with it by trying to do good for others.
I liked Quinn a lot. He has terrible memories of his childhood, which have really affected his adult life. He was abandoned by his mother and raised by his aunt and uncle, but always felt as though he was a burden to them. While he was in college he fell in love with a young woman who it turned out didn't care for him and broke his heart, adding to his feelings of being worthless. By the time he meets Carissa he has gotten in the habit of keeping everyone at an emotional distance. But there is something about Carissa that he doesn't seem to be able to say no to, and he finds himself doing things he'd had no intention of doing. I loved seeing him start to loosen up and have fun, even if he was still having trouble believing in her magic of Christmas. I also liked the way that he was able to get her to talk about her painful past and gave her the support and understanding that she didn't expect. I also loved what he did with that knowledge.
It was great to see how Carissa's determination started to break through Quinn's defenses. Thanks to her he got to see what loving families were like. I also loved seeing the attraction that built between them. Both of them had painful pasts, but Carissa is more open to seeing what might come of it. When their attraction gets the best of them, it scares Quinn and he tries to pull back. Carissa finally succeeds in getting him to talk to her about his past, but then lets him know that he needs to deal with his demons if he wants a chance at happiness with her. I loved what he did with what she told him, and the difference it made to his entire outlook. His final push to show her how he feels was really sweet and romantic. show less
How To Not SUCK At Writing Your First Book: A Book On Writing For People Who Hate Writing by Chelsea Miller
I don't want to read this. I just want to bookmark it.
And now I notice that this is the 666th book I've added.
It was the subtitle that leaped off the screen: "A Book On Writing For People Who Hate Writing". That, and, in the GR summary, the apparently random mix of CAPITALS for shouting, bold for emphasis, plus some italics for good measure.
So I went to "Look Inside" on Amazon, and it continues in the same excitable, baffling vein.
There may be some useful advice buried here - I openly admit show more I have merely skimmed the free portion - but I just don't get it. From those snippets, it’s more like a self-help, get-rich-quick book, than something about writing.
Who and Why?
The opening sentence is, "You picked up this book because you want to write one yourself, but you HATE writing and suck at it." How many people are in all three categories?
The hyperbole is staggering: "There are TONS of benefits you will continue to reap forever after writing your first book... You name it, and a book will open that door for you." Forever?! From your very first book? And any door? What about the several excellent authors I know who make no money at all, even after several books?
The good news is that once you've written your book and put it on Amazon, "you will be making passive income" (who wouldn't want that?) and "the people you love will look up to you". I hope those I love already do.
The Need to Learn
It makes the valid point that spoken language is almost instinctive, whereas reading and writing are modern accomplishments in evolutionary terms, and need explicit tuition. It then claims that "90% of your communication throughout the day is done verbally, by speaking." I doubt that is true for many people, and certainly not those under 30.
He then extrapolates that "no one, I repeat no one, is a natural writer." That's true in the sense we need to be taught the basic skills, but I think real creativity needs a spark of natural talent. However, this book seems to be more about writing non-fiction, so maybe creativity isn't as relevant. Actually, I think this book is more about making money – primarily for Chandler Bolt.
Money, Money, Money
Bolt’s GR author profile mentions catching the entrepreneurial bug. It mentions it before, and far more often, than anything to do with writing, and his other books are about that, rather than writing.
From my cursory look, money seems to be the motive for writing - and reading - the book itself. There's a list of four purposes for writing a book: the first is authority/credibility (which will bring money), the second is money, the third is networking (which will bring money). Only the fourth is passion. He lauds money a bit more, then goes on to say that the typical financial motive is not enough, and you should strive to find another reason as well.
81%!
I was left pondering a New York Times study quoted, that found 81% of people want to write a book. That may be true, but is it a good idea to encourage all those people to do so, on the basis of exaggerated hopes? show less
And now I notice that this is the 666th book I've added.
It was the subtitle that leaped off the screen: "A Book On Writing For People Who Hate Writing". That, and, in the GR summary, the apparently random mix of CAPITALS for shouting, bold for emphasis, plus some italics for good measure.
So I went to "Look Inside" on Amazon, and it continues in the same excitable, baffling vein.
There may be some useful advice buried here - I openly admit show more I have merely skimmed the free portion - but I just don't get it. From those snippets, it’s more like a self-help, get-rich-quick book, than something about writing.
Who and Why?
The opening sentence is, "You picked up this book because you want to write one yourself, but you HATE writing and suck at it." How many people are in all three categories?
The hyperbole is staggering: "There are TONS of benefits you will continue to reap forever after writing your first book... You name it, and a book will open that door for you." Forever?! From your very first book? And any door? What about the several excellent authors I know who make no money at all, even after several books?
The good news is that once you've written your book and put it on Amazon, "you will be making passive income" (who wouldn't want that?) and "the people you love will look up to you". I hope those I love already do.
The Need to Learn
It makes the valid point that spoken language is almost instinctive, whereas reading and writing are modern accomplishments in evolutionary terms, and need explicit tuition. It then claims that "90% of your communication throughout the day is done verbally, by speaking." I doubt that is true for many people, and certainly not those under 30.
He then extrapolates that "no one, I repeat no one, is a natural writer." That's true in the sense we need to be taught the basic skills, but I think real creativity needs a spark of natural talent. However, this book seems to be more about writing non-fiction, so maybe creativity isn't as relevant. Actually, I think this book is more about making money – primarily for Chandler Bolt.
Money, Money, Money
Bolt’s GR author profile mentions catching the entrepreneurial bug. It mentions it before, and far more often, than anything to do with writing, and his other books are about that, rather than writing.
From my cursory look, money seems to be the motive for writing - and reading - the book itself. There's a list of four purposes for writing a book: the first is authority/credibility (which will bring money), the second is money, the third is networking (which will bring money). Only the fourth is passion. He lauds money a bit more, then goes on to say that the typical financial motive is not enough, and you should strive to find another reason as well.
81%!
I was left pondering a New York Times study quoted, that found 81% of people want to write a book. That may be true, but is it a good idea to encourage all those people to do so, on the basis of exaggerated hopes? show less
Terrific book about two people who have been hurt in the past and are reluctant to risk their hearts again. I enjoyed seeing both Toni and Ben overcome their fears and open their hearts.
Ben moved to the small village of Great Crowmell for a fresh start. After finding out that his wife and the baby she carried belonged to his best friend, he needed to get away from the memories and the pitying looks. He has no interest in entering any new relationships.
Toni moved back to Great Crowmell to show more care for her grandmother and stayed after her grandmother's death. After a series of relationships with men who turned out to be selfish jerks, Toni no longer trusts her judgment and has sworn off men.
Ben and Toni got off to a rough start when he tripped over her therapy dog, Archie. After Ben comments about dogs not belonging there, and Toni snaps back, both retreat to their corners. Fortunately, neither one holds a grudge, and they clear the air the next day. Toni is a friendly and kind-hearted woman and wants Ben to feel at home in the village. After inviting him to dinner, where he gets to know both her and Archie, the beginnings of a friendship form. I loved watching Toni and Ben spend time together, getting to know each other, and sharing the hurts of their pasts.
Neither expected the sparks of attraction they felt. After an evening of Ben comforting Toni after losing a friend turned into much more, they had to make a decision. Do they allow past hurts to rule their lives, or take a chance and explore whatever is between them? I loved how they were open and honest about their wants and needs and decided to move their relationship ahead slowly. It was sweet to see the things they did together, from dinners to sightseeing to quiet movie nights. Their romantic weekend away was incredible.
Everything moved along quite nicely, then Toni became pregnant. I wanted to shake Ben, who let his past get into his head and cause him to make a boneheaded mistake. I ached for Toni, who suddenly felt her past happening all over again. Fortunately, Ben's idiocy didn't linger too long, helped along by an emergency with his sister's family. I loved Ben's big moment at the end, with his heartfelt apology and admission of his feelings. I didn't blame Toni for being wary at first and making him work for her forgiveness. The epilogue was fantastic, with a nice little twist at the end.
I loved the view of life in Great Crowmell. Like small towns all over, everybody seems to know everybody else and all of their business. I loved how quickly Ben felt at home. I would love to live/visit there myself, especially during their nineteen-forties weekend. Archie was another big part of the book. His obvious joy at being around people and ability to sense what they needed made him an excellent therapy dog. I loved how he turned Ben from an anti-dog person to a dog lover.
On a personal note, I loved Ben and Toni's trip to Vienna. Having been to the SiSi Museum, I agree entirely with Toni's love of what she saw. From their carriage tour to the concert to the pastries they ate, it all brought back wonderful memories. show less
Ben moved to the small village of Great Crowmell for a fresh start. After finding out that his wife and the baby she carried belonged to his best friend, he needed to get away from the memories and the pitying looks. He has no interest in entering any new relationships.
Toni moved back to Great Crowmell to show more care for her grandmother and stayed after her grandmother's death. After a series of relationships with men who turned out to be selfish jerks, Toni no longer trusts her judgment and has sworn off men.
Ben and Toni got off to a rough start when he tripped over her therapy dog, Archie. After Ben comments about dogs not belonging there, and Toni snaps back, both retreat to their corners. Fortunately, neither one holds a grudge, and they clear the air the next day. Toni is a friendly and kind-hearted woman and wants Ben to feel at home in the village. After inviting him to dinner, where he gets to know both her and Archie, the beginnings of a friendship form. I loved watching Toni and Ben spend time together, getting to know each other, and sharing the hurts of their pasts.
Neither expected the sparks of attraction they felt. After an evening of Ben comforting Toni after losing a friend turned into much more, they had to make a decision. Do they allow past hurts to rule their lives, or take a chance and explore whatever is between them? I loved how they were open and honest about their wants and needs and decided to move their relationship ahead slowly. It was sweet to see the things they did together, from dinners to sightseeing to quiet movie nights. Their romantic weekend away was incredible.
Everything moved along quite nicely, then Toni became pregnant. I wanted to shake Ben, who let his past get into his head and cause him to make a boneheaded mistake. I ached for Toni, who suddenly felt her past happening all over again. Fortunately, Ben's idiocy didn't linger too long, helped along by an emergency with his sister's family. I loved Ben's big moment at the end, with his heartfelt apology and admission of his feelings. I didn't blame Toni for being wary at first and making him work for her forgiveness. The epilogue was fantastic, with a nice little twist at the end.
I loved the view of life in Great Crowmell. Like small towns all over, everybody seems to know everybody else and all of their business. I loved how quickly Ben felt at home. I would love to live/visit there myself, especially during their nineteen-forties weekend. Archie was another big part of the book. His obvious joy at being around people and ability to sense what they needed made him an excellent therapy dog. I loved how he turned Ben from an anti-dog person to a dog lover.
On a personal note, I loved Ben and Toni's trip to Vienna. Having been to the SiSi Museum, I agree entirely with Toni's love of what she saw. From their carriage tour to the concert to the pastries they ate, it all brought back wonderful memories. show less
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Statistics
- Works
- 169
- Also by
- 9
- Members
- 924
- Popularity
- #27,776
- Rating
- 3.7
- Reviews
- 41
- ISBNs
- 643
- Languages
- 7
- Favorited
- 1