More Wicked Affairs

Merry Christmas, readers.

And here is a little present to finish the year. It is Book Seven in the Wicked Affairs series, which will be released sometime next year - around May or June, at this time. I'm actually planning to release two stories in this series: Wicked Scandal, which is the excerpt below. And Wicked Shades (Clarissa and Juliana's sister Audrina's story - you know, the one with the hot French husband.)

So here, we are at the Duchess of Pelham's grand ball at Grosvenor Square. You'll recognize some of the previous Wicked Affairs nobles who "hang" with the Wicked Affairs crowd.

"They say bad things happened in threes and London was rife with talk of the newest bad things to have happened.

The most tragic, of course, had been the shocking death of Louis Ederline, the old and perverted marquess, who owned more primitive erotic art than ought to have ever been made in the first place. He left behind an innocent young wife some speculated had never been deflowered by her ancient husband or at least deflowered in the traditional sense.

The second bad thing had befallen the favorite horse, Maid of Cadiz, in a race at Newmarket. Not only had the thoroughbred lost, she had lost spectacularly. And to an upstart at that. The winning horse was owned by the Earl of Archer, Charles Standifer, running a horse he had owned less than six months and with eighteen to one odds. His wife, Alizabet, had thrown herself into her husband’s arms after, to the shock of all.

The third bad thing was bound to happen sooner or later. Lady Lindley bore her bad luck stoically. Her long-time lover, Trenton James, the current Earl of Dahlingford, had ended their one-year arrangement amid rampant speculation and accusations. For over a week, the Tattler had been full of on dits regarding lying, cheating and certain other insinuations one could hardly countenance.
Unless one lived in London during the Season. Then anything was possible.

Rather than believe her grand fete would be ruined by death, debt and debaucheries, the Duchess of Pelham thought it might be a rather spectacular evening.

She saw her husband Randall VanLandingham across the room and shot him
her best smile. As he always did, he smiled back, one brow cocked and one hand braced against his hip. Other things happened in threes also."

Copyright 2016 by Eliza Lloyd

KOBO Queen For A Day!

One of the best things about writing is making a "list." Granted there are a lot of lists, but this one below is a little bit extra-special for me. It's over at KOBO. Since last night, All A Mistress Wants is at number 1 in the Historical Erotica category. This morning, The Darkness in the Marquess of Dane joined it at number 2!

Think of it, #1 and #2 in the same category.

So I'm putting on my own crown today. Seriously though, thank you readers for enjoying my books and parting with some hard-earned cash to buy them!

PS My bud, Monica Burns, was tied with me at number two!!

Sizzling Historical Romance Sale

Hi Everyone! Have you heard?

I'm part of the awesome Sizzling Historical Romance sale along with 35 other great historical romance authors - some of the best in the business, including the always fun Jade Lee, greats like Lila DiPasqua and Delilah Marvelle along with my friends Suzi Love, Lynne Barron, Victoria Vane and Lynne Connolly...and many, many others.

The best part, each book is only .99 cents. Take your pick. Enjoy them all.

The sale ends in a week so grab yours while you can!

Welcome to the Sizzling Historical Romance Sale.

Sensual, Spicy, Steamy and Sizzling Hot!

 36 Authors 

36 Stories

with Heart, History and Heat.

 August 14 - 20

these fabulous ebooks are on sale only $0.99 each

http://www.sizzlinghistoricalromance.com/

The Darkness in the Marquess of Dane

"One of best erotic romances I read this year! FAB. RUN TO BUY this DARK MARQUESS Totally 5 star+" Cerise DeLand

Some novels just deserve a new and updated cover. Here it is. Dar Albert always dazzles with cover art goodness.

Lucian Conover, the Marquess of Dane, hides a secret darkness.

For him, no offer is too low or depraved, but when the offer comes from one of the ton’s noble daughters, Miss Christina Turnbow, Dane is willing to entertain the iniquitous possibilities. Dane is not impressed by the pretenses of silly ton debs, but Christina has a ghost of a chance. She bears an uncanny resemblance to his dead wife.

Christina, already ruined by a slight scandal, and with her family on the brink of financial disaster, determines that she has one thing left to sell. And Dane is the only man who can afford her price.

Dane is lost in the darkness and only Christina brings him light. She must balance the needs of her family with the strange needs of the only man who can help her. Can she endure Dane's dark world? Can she do what no other woman has done? Love him.

More Best Books

In my last home, I had a room that I had transformed into a library. Well, then I relocated to a different state and regretted that I had a library. Books are about the most difficult thing to box and move. Bulky. Heavy. A total pain.

So, I decided recently to go through the books and make some hard decisions about what I had to get rid off - keep the hardbacks, get rid of the paperbacks. I just don't have the room anymore (and I don't ever want to move that many books again). Some went to a garage sale, some were given away and I think what I have left is the best of the best. I ended up touching each of the books-around 3,000-as I sorted through my paper friends.

What I have is the majority of those works by: Stephanie Laurens, Victoria Alexander, Virginia Henley, Eloisa James, Edith Layton, Lorraine Heath, Loretta Chase, Liz Carlyle, Lisa Kleypas, Jess Michaels, Julia Quinn, Amanda Quick, Sherry Thomas, Kathleen Woodiwiss, Madeline Hunter, Karen Ranney, Karen Hawkins, Julia Justiss, Rosemary Rogers, Diana Gabaldon, Mary Balogh, Elizabeth Hoyt... Should I take a breath and go on? Well, you get the idea.

There were several excellent books that I set aside to reread and I wanted to share those titles with you, in case you haven't read them or are looking for something new. Many of them are heavy on the sex, so be prepared.

I found that I have several "twin" stories that I really loved:

Tracey Anne Warren: The Husband Trap
Which sister really married the Duke of Raeburn

Virginia Henley: Ravished
The Hatton brothers-one good, one bad

Virginia Henley: Seduced
Antonia finds a way into Adam's life, disguised as a boy

And stories about the difficulties of marriage:

Sherry Thomas: Not Quite a Husband (Victorian)
A Victorian era woman doctor reconciles with her husband...the hard way, climbing mountains in India

Mary Balogh: The Secret Pearl
Denying love because of honor, Adam pines for Fluer while his wife scorns him

Eloisa James: This Duchess of Mine
Jemma wants a baby...only she must reconcile with her husband first, who is jealous of her chess partner Villiers.

And of course, rogues and hellions:

Loretta Chase: Lord of Scoundrels
Troubled Dain does all he can to prove he's bad only she doesn't believe him

Johanna Bourne: The Spy Master's Lady
The best British spymaster finds France's most alluring woman, the spy Fox Cub

Nan Ryan: Because You're Mine (Western)
He stole her family's ranch; she's determined to get it back and more

Susan Johnson: To Love Somebody
The wicked Darley seduces a married innocent

Kathleen Woodiwiss: The Wolf and The Dove (Medieval)
William the Conqueror rewards his favorite soldier of fortune with a castle, complete with fiery red head. 

By no means is this a complete list. I'm just looking forward to rereading each of these books again. As I said, they are like my friends. I hope you get to read some of them. Oh, and if you have read them, which ones and what did you like about them?

A Writer's Dream

I’m feeling philosophical today. Perhaps it is because of the new year. Perhaps it is because I have indigestion from eating a rare cheeseburger wrap instead of a medium.

Right now, at this very moment, I am under the tightest deadline of my career. What do I want to do? Write a blog post. Shoot me.

So what am I feeling philosophical about? Writing, of course.

You’ve all heard it said that writing is a lonely business. It is. The fact I’m sitting in my favorite burger joint alone is proof of that. I’ve also had to decline a family invitation from my sister because of the aforementioned writing deadline. Truly, it is FIVE-ALARM writing until January 20^th. (Update: I did meet my deadline but forgot to post this blog!)

So why do we do it?

Personal reward

I’m sure any artistic person will tell you that creating is one of the most gratifying experiences out there. I imagine most inventors will tell that to you as well. I’m no wuss when it comes to judging myself. I know when I’ve written something average, something good and something great. The averages are far and few between anymore; the goods are becoming easier and the greats are within reach.

Autonomy

I love controlling my life. Writing was always a hazy dream for me – something I wanted to do but no real ability, plan or purpose. One winter my husband had to spend an extended period of time away with his family so I broke out a pad and pencil, set up at my desktop computer - Dr. Pepper at hand - and started typing. LOL. The story was a sweeping saga, ala Kathleen Woodiwiss, except with a crappy plot, weak characters and an implausible finish. It will not see the light of day.

It isn’t possible for me to write full time yet. Think health insurance. However, I do see the distant light in the tunnel. I will be able to someday. The other thing that makes this possible is that so many tens of thousands of writers no longer have to wait for approval from a New York house. Isn’t that awesome? I love that I can put a good book together, have an artist bring my vision to life on a cover and publish it overnight. To have this much control makes me so happy.

My characters speak to me

Hard to explain this one. All of my main characters want to say something to me, and for sure, say something about me.

Imogene, my hard luck London orphan, is a study in perseverance and nerve. Nothing gets her down.

Dr. Keefe Pearson, my world famous archaeologist, is the woman I’d be if I were rich, beautiful and intelligent. Plus, I have always dreamed of archeology and discovery. It gives me a thrill to think about unearthing the Terracotta Army. Or sunken treasure ships.

This probably doesn’t describe every author, maybe just this one, but I don’t want to write emotions and thoughts that are impossible to believe. Yes, I may put them in odd situations but the genuineness must speak to me with a loud voice.

Will I die if I don’t write? No.

I’ve heard writers say they would die if they didn’t. I’m not so cursed. As long as I find joy in what I’m doing, I’ll keep doing it. I might even do it longer than that if I have readers continue to say they like my writing, laugh at my characters and cry once in a while. I suspect this is a lifetime vocation, though.

But if one day you hear I’m no longer writing, you'll find me on the water, looking for treasure. The moral of this story: Dream and DREAM BIG! And the other moral of the story is order prime rib next time.

Coming soon: Seven Nights of Sin Anthology

I love a good anthology. Seven Nights of Sin will release on March 14th, but you can pre-order now. Who's participating? Historical romance bestsellers Sabrina York, Victoria Vane, Hildie McQueen, Suzi Love, Lynn Connolly and Maggi Anderson.

Check out these tantalizing blurbs:

MY DEAR MR. FORRESTER by ELIZA LLOYD

He can't resist a woman in trouble. Will he ever learn?

Joshua Forrester is a man of the world, returning to London after receiving a wound in a Parisian duel. He's done it again - out to save all womankind. When will he ever learn not all women want to be saved? In London, he is reacquainted with a family friend and now widow, Char Dunlevee. He is charmed - and appalled. He knows her secret and is furious his friend, Char’s now dead husband, could have left her in such circumstances. He can save her, if she will only say yes to his proposal.

Char has other plans. Joshua would make a perfect husband—for one of her sisters. She doesn’t need to be saved. Seduced perhaps…? With one kiss, Char forgets her plans as she is drawn closer to the enigmatic and dear Mr. Forrester.

LUSCIOUS by SABRINA YORK

When Deveny Hargrove rescues a waif in a rainstorm in the middle of nowhere, he has no idea that she represents his long-awaited chance at vengeance. When she offers him her virginity—in an attempt to escape an unwanted society marriage—he has to agree. To his surprise, very little of his motivation stems from punishing her brother.

The fact is, Matilda Paddington represents his chance at revenge...or redemption…but his choice could destroy them both.

ONE SCANDALOUS NIGHT by MAGGI ANDERSEN

Can one night with a rake be enough for a lifetime? 

Miss Bella Lacey desires to accomplish two things before settling into an unfulfilling marriage to the man her father has chosen. First, she intends to inveigle a goodly amount of money for her orphans from a man of means, and second, to have one night of passion to help her endure the dreary years ahead.

When Derrick, Lord Eaglestone, a wealthy viscount with a scandalous reputation, agrees to donate to Miss Lacey’s charity, he has only seduction in mind. Little does he suspect that Miss Lacey has already chosen him to debauch her before she weds another. The lady has virtually fallen into his lap, but much to his annoyance, he finds himself reluctant to oblige her.

THE DEVIL YOU KNOW by VICTORIA VANE

When dealing with the Devil, it's easy to get burned…

Who can find a virtuous woman… Beautiful, respectable, and dutiful, Lady Diana Palmerston-Wriothesley has long resigned herself to her twelve-year loveless and childless marriage to a feckless husband…until his gambling pushes them to the brink of financial ruin.

Sometimes the devil is disguised as a gentleman… Viscount Ludovic, "The Devil” DeVere is accustomed to taking what he wants heedless of the cost, until he encounters a woman who won't be had at any price.

She found heaven in the devil’s arms... When Diana discovers a secret that shatters the carefully built façade concealing her private pain, she seeks aid and comfort from the most unlikely place…the devil's arms. But will a single night of heavenly passion damn them both forever?

UNDER A SILVER MOON by HILDIE MCQUEEN

The shadows of the past fall over Silver City, Idaho casting its darkness over a man and a woman attempting to start anew. 

When US Marshal Lucas McKade and new deputy of Silver City decided to settle down, he didn't consider how his presence could bring complications to the townspeople of his new home.  Against every instinct he seeks out apothecary owner Camille Johnston, a woman who calls to his basic nature to protect and to make his. 

Camille Johnston knows that eventually the secrets of her past will come to haunt, yet she hopes to keep things hidden as long as possible and enjoy her lonely but peaceful existence in Silver City.  The new deputy brings with him desires she'd thought firmly shut away.  A relationship of any kind comes with very dangerous consequences. 

A story of Lucas and Camille, who attempt to leave a past behind only to find true happiness, comes when they face it.

WHAT HE WANTS by LYNNE CONNOLLY

Love hides in unexpected places...

London businesswoman Annie Cathcart can’t bring herself to enter into another business arrangement masquerading as marriage. When her current landlord demands her hand in exchange for her continued use of the property, there is only one answer—she must find another house.  Upon inquiring after a property owned by the dashing Earl of Carbrooke, the last thing she expects is an indecent proposal. Forced to choose, should she risk everything she’s worked so hard for and trust a man she hardly knows —or sink back into her lackluster life?

Upon unexpectedly inheriting the Earldom of Carbrooke, Gerald Dersingham fears his carefree days are behind him—until a sensuous widow inquires after his former residence. Unable to resist the temptation to have one last liaison before settling down with the lovely but boring Lady Elizabeth, he offers her one night of passion in return for the lease, little knowing how explosive and far reaching the consequences will be....

PLEASURE HOUSE BALL by SUZI LOVE

Love revealed at a courtesan’s ball.

Brenton, Lord Mallory, attends his first courtesan’s ball in ten years to appease his concerned friends, though he’d rather stay home and read to his motherless daughters. To protect his friend, Lady Lillian Armstrong, Brenton hides her in a wardrobe, but his resistance, and years of self-imposed celibacy, shatters when her soft curves press against him. 

Though mortified that Brenton unmasked her at the scandalous ball, Lillian doesn’t regret their night together. But will the object of her girlish adoration still treat her as his best friend’s little sister, or will he now see her as a mature and willing woman?     

Release Day: The Frenchman's Widow

It's the new year and I forgot to make a list of resolutions. So let me make one now: I resolve to continue writing novels.

And... Here is the next one.

The Frenchman's Widow is book three in the Imogene Farrell series. I love this girl. She's a true changeling, masquerading as a boy and trying to stay alive in Victorian London. When her brothers are on the run from the law, she hides with Mary Fitzpatrick, an old friend of her deceased mother.

There, Imogene learns some of the ways of lady and what she doesn't know, she can mimic. Her old foes are still looking for her and when she is at her most desperate, Jack Davenport, sweeps into her life to rescue her. In exchange, she agrees to be his mistress.

It is no hardship for Imogene. She has loved him for the first moment they met.

But when Jack marries, he and Imogene separate. Imogene can't be the other woman in Jack's life and she can't trust the man Jack calls his friend - Geoffrey Shiffington. Without her brothers, Imogene isn't safe in London so escapes to Paris where fortune is more kind.

The Frenchman's Widow picks up five years later, when Imogene returns to London to attend her brother Charlie's graduation from King's College seminary. Unbeknown to her, Jack has helped Charlie with his education and his acceptance at King's. Jack also provided a suitable job for Danny at one his farms in Deal.

Jack really has been a god-send to the Farrells. Only Jack is still married. Time hasn't dulled Imogene's feelings for him. Accepting that Jack will never be hers, she sets about building a life for herself, her family and the tide of children who find their way to Imogene's door.

I should mention Dar Albert - she designed these series covers for me. And I JUST LOVE THIS ONE. It is so Imogene - showing her determination.

I hope you enjoy this novel. The final book, Lady Prescott's Confidential Matter, will be out next month, which you can pre-order now.