Spring will spring

 Hi all,

Hard to believe we are heading into spring already.

So, what's new? I've a few books coming out of their respective anthologies and those will be available as standalones. An Offer From the Duke is up but I am adding some new scenes. Usually, there is a word count limit for anthologies so sometimes I don't get to add all that I want for the first issue. Stayed tuned.

Also, Wicked Affairs, Book Eight, titled Wicked Flames will be the next anthology contribution to be listed as a standalone. I'm not sure if I will add more scenes to this story. It was less than 25,000 words to begin with and I'd need to add a huge volume of words to bring into a full novel. We'll see. Probably depends on my available time.

I'm also finishing up the last two books in the Infamous Forrester's series, involving twins Nicolas and Oliver Forrester. Books still unnamed but I'm getting close to finishing these. 

Thanks for hanging with me, friends and readers!

Here it is... Christmas already!!

 Greeting friends and readers,

Merry Christmas to you all. A special thank you to all of those you purchased and read my two Christmas anthologies: Snowflakes and Scandals along with Six Mistletoe Scandals. A great group of writers participated in these works. Hope you enjoy all of the stories.

As for Christmas, I cannot believe it is on our doorstep. I've had two Christmas present unwrappings - for the kids of course. It's strange how much more exciting Christmas was as a child. But maybe as an adult I am more appreciative of the 'Reason for the Season' - a Savior for mankind. Whatever your beliefs, I hope you find peace and prosperity in the new year.

Wicked Flames

 Hi all,

My next release is coming up:

This installment is part of the Snowflakes and Scandals anthology, set to release on November 12th. In keeping with the series’ blend of romance and suspense, Book 8, Wicked Flames explores the complexities of desire, reputation, and the choices that shape destinies—a must-read for fans eager to return to the Wicked Affairs world. And Anne VanLandingham is back to snoop and matchmake!

I really need some reviews, so if you have a chance, I would really appreciate it.

   

Christmas in July

Available now for Pre-order!

The new Christmas Anthology is available now for pre-order.

Six great authors. Six fun-tastic Christmas, Regency-era stories.

 

Missing Muse

Hello friends and readers,

Springtime is here again! While the days are bright and the weather perfect, I am finding very little motivation to write. Just spent the week with family doing Spring Break things that involved more sand than I really care for... :) But I do like the water, so I bore it cheerfully.

So, what's up with writing? I mentioned a few months ago I finished a new book for a publisher's series, which has some very specific characters and themes. I submitted it to that publisher at the end of January - and I've been depressed about it ever since. If I don't hear at the end of eight weeks, I'm going to do some rewrites on it. It will fit nicely into my Wicked Affairs series, but I do have to change a couple of characters.

I have my Wicked Affairs title ready, which I will tell you if/when I hear in the negative on my submission. Gah, I remember why I don't like to send my work off. Just the time it takes, the waiting, the doubts - and then if they say yes - a whole lot more waiting for a publishing date, etc.

Also, I've started a new Regency. I'm about 6,000 words in, but I'm thinking about changing my character traits. What I thought would be my hero's personality would be more interesting for a woman. Perhaps a bit tougher to write though... We'll see.

The Royal Pavilion Menu

Stumbled upon this today while doing research. A state dinner with the Grand Duke of Russia with an out of this world menu.

What's new?

 

Some updates:

Wicked Affairs – I am disappointed to tell you another year has gone by, and I didn’t get a WA book completed. They are in the works, but I can’t seem to get to THE END. Plus, I had a very interesting ‘idea’ session (meaning I just took a lot of notes) about the children of the WA couples and what a fun series that would be as they move into the Victorian era. Oh, the possibilities.

Infamous Forresters – Books Four and Five are moving right along. I was working hard on Oliver and Lavinia’s story since they had just walked off the boat in England as Love Me Once (Shelene and Roman’s story) wrapped up but Nick and Virginia’s story has been more compelling. Normally, romance is hard times than joy at the end… This is in reverse. They are experiencing a great amount of joy at the beginning of their story but their worlds are about to come crashing down. Nick and Virginia’s story is also set in several different (non-London) settings. That always means more research which I love.

Shot in the dark – Just today I submitted a story to a publisher! I haven’t done that in over six years since Ellora’s Cave closed. This is part of a series, so if the publisher doesn’t accept it, I’ll have to do some rewriting before I can publish independently. I’m trying to reach more readers. Hope this works out.

The Curse of the Weatherby Ball – I’ve got some ideas I am fleshing out here. I do like the idea of this series and want to keep it going.

Maggie Sloane – Another series idea here. Maggie was introduced in An Occasion to Sin. The idea is to have her hoping across Europe with two young men chasing her and she ignoring them while she solves mysteries. Still roughing this out.

That’s it for now!

New Project

It's been several years since I submitted a work to a publisher. However, I found one that is right up my alley. Right now, I'm preparing the submission which includes the first 50-pages or about 25,000 words so I've been cranking that out. My editor will need to do a pass before I turn it in.

I feel really excited about this. Before when I published with EC, it seemed like I could crank out the book because I had real deadlines. Four books a year was very doable. I would love to return to that kind of word production.

And my hero will be a character the likes of which I have never written!!

Wish me luck.

The Infamous Forresters Book 4 and 5 - Coming soon-ish

I just posted a new update on the Infamous Forrester's book pages, but thought I'd put it upfront so you can see what is coming...

Book Five - Oliver and Lavinia - who may or may not be lying about who she is. You met her in Love Me Once as Oliver's nurse while he recuperates from the wounds received at the mutiny aboard the HMS Victorious.

Book Four - Nicolas and Virginia Sinclair - who may or may not be about to ruin her reputation just so she can have a grand, passionate affair before she marries. Oh, and Nicolas may or may not already be married...

Nick and Ginny - free spirits of the Regency world

 "When life is easy and carefree, nothing seems impossible. Not the grand, passionate affair. Not the halcyon days of pleasure. Not the love that cannot be.

Nicolas Forrester and Virginia Sinclair had their glorious moment. Their sunburst. Their stars. Now they have ashes."

The fourth installment in the Infamous Forresters is getting close. I'm at 40,000 words and the chapters are tumbling out. I can barely keep up.

There are no secrets to be revealed, only tragic hurt that may be too difficult to overcome.

Regency Era Calling Card Cases

Sometimes research leads down a rabbit hole that makes you wonder, "why did I not know this?"

This snippet is from the Historical Hussies blog about calling cards, but I was intrigued because I'd never read anything about the actual carrying cases for those cards. And I am clueless why I never thought to look it up before.

Quality calling cards were made from a high-quality paper, often plain as ornamentation on a card was considered to be poor taste until later in the 19th century and they were engraved. They were kept in beautiful cases, which during the Regency era, were primarily of filigree, leather and tortoiseshell, but later in the century became more elaborate—ivory, tortoiseshell and woodwork.

Late in the Victorian era, they were sometimes painted with views of castles or scenery. A gentleman’s card case was slightly smaller than a lady’s since he had to carry it in his pocket.

Observation

 I'm writing Book Four and Book Five of The Infamous Forresters. Oliver's book (hopefully you are familiar with him if you've read Love Me Once) along with Nicolas's Book, who you've barely heard of...

So what is my observation? I've written these books thinking they were going to be about these alpha males (which they are) who conquered their worlds (which they have) but I have been pleasantly surprised by the women I have been writing.

As a whole, they are dynamic, independent women, toeing the line between propriety and their more than slight desires to be something other than what society wants them to be. And I love that the Forresters have been willing and are attracted to women who aren't the typical ton debutantes.

Nicolas and Oliver have been especially smitten. The words are just falling on the page!

Pics of Salisbury, England

The Infamous Forresters series and New Covers!

 Hi All!

It's been a busy week: finished a manuscript and turned it into my editor; revealed a new cover for this book called Love Me Once AND even more cover fun, I've had the Infamous Forresters covers revamped using #Romancelandia's favorite cover trope "The Clinch". It's always nice to see the Hero and Heroine locked in a passionate embrace!

Here they are!

Does Adam really love his mistress, Eloise? Or is she doomed to love a man who loves another?

Joshua has always had a soft spot for his neighbor's daughter, but Char has more than she can handle keeping her sisters from trouble. She doesn't need to be caught in Joshua's Forrester's web.

Roman Forrester is devoted to his country. But he is held captive by his long-time love Shelene Hightower. When will their stars finally align?

What am I working on now?

The last few months have been a challenge for us all, but I'm happy to say that my two contemporaries are done! I've just finished final edits for Pinnacle, which releases on September 15th. Just a reminder to pre-order because it is on sale until release day!

For the next twelve months, I have an ambitious goal. I'm working on four Regency novels. Gulp! Can I do it? I'm pretty sure because the stories are all about half finished.

So what are they?

I'm going to do two more in the Wicked Affairs series currently titled Wicked Ember and Wicked Shades. The protags have been mentioned in other books but I will surprise you with a later post (I've mentioned them before so if you're REALLY curious, you could probably find out.)

The other two are books in existing series. One in the Infamous Forresters and the other in The Curse of the Weatherby Ball. So this is a little surprise for you. I've had theses covers done for a while. Now, I have to say that for me, writing a certain novel is about working on the one that "takes" you in the moment. So, even though the covers are done for these novels, other books took me first.

Aren't these just beautiful covers? Dar Albert delivers again! I am especially in love with An Inadvisable Wager cover. I think it is my second favorite cover ever!!!! I'm right in the middle of writing a fantastic card game scene for this novel. Of course, they are at the Weatherby Ball so who knows what might happen.

As for A Wife Is Forever, I'm not sure that will be the final title, but I'll keep you posted.

So what do you think of my Regency surprises for the day?

Ooh, bestsellers!

It's always good to have a bestseller! And my Kobo readers have been especially good to me this week. Two of my historical erotica romance have popped up on the Number 1 list!

Have you read these books yet? The Darkness in the Marquess of Dane actually hit #1 twice in like 4 days, so that was cool. Two different series represented here: Birds of Paradise and Mad Duchesses.

Mad Duchesses series is complete with four books about widowed duchesses trying to find love. The Birds of Paradise series has one more book, with one chapter complete. This series has been fun, because the primary protags all have varied relationships. Check out the series pages on this blog for more info! Also please not that The Darkness in the Marquess of Dane is one of my most highly rated books, but be prepared, the heat level is pretty high! Ah, who am I kidding, so is One Last Night!!!

It's Release Day: Not Your Average Earl

AdisturbingletterfromIndia.Achildnothisown.LeoBennettisboundtoacceptthechild,assheislegallyhis.Hedidn'tbelieveinloveatfirstsight,butCelestehasbecomehisreasonforliving.Andthegovernesshasbecomeathorninhisside.

RoseStewarthasanunnaturalattachmenttothechild.Andshehasavalisefullofsecrets.LikebeingthedukeofMurton'sestrangedgranddaughter.It'snotasifshelies,shejustomitstellingthetruth.

HertroublesentangledLeoinabattleofwills,adeterminationtoreturnhertoherrightfulplaceinsocietyandthesilentstruggleofdeniedfeelings.AdisturbingletterfromIndia.Achildnothisown.LeoBennettisboundtoacceptthechild,assheislegallyhis.Hedidn'tbelieveinloveatfirstsight,butCelestehasbecomehisreasonforliving.Andthegovernesshasbecomeathorninhisside.

RoseStewarthasanunnaturalattachmenttothechild.Andshehasavalisefullofsecrets.LikebeingthedukeofMurton'sestrangedgranddaughter.It'snotasifshelies,shejustomitstellingthetruth.

HertroublesentangledLeoinabattleofwills,adeterminationtoreturnhertoherrightfulplaceinsocietyandthesilentstruggleofdeniedfeelings.A writer's favorite day! Yes, a new release is out today. Check out this cover.

A disturbing letter from India. A child not his own. Leo Bennett is bound to accept the child, as she is legally his. He didn't believe in love at first sight, but Celeste has become his reason for living. And the governess has become a thorn in his side.

Rose Stewart has an unnatural attachment to the child. And she has a valise full of secrets. Like being the duke of Murton's estranged granddaughter. It's not as if she lies, she just omits telling the truth.

Her troubles entangled Leo in a battle of wills, a determination to return her to her rightful place in society and the silent struggle of denied feelings.

I hope you enjoy this book and would love to have a review! Tell me what you think.

Not Your Average Earl Cover Reveal

Yes, it's here! This is Book Three in the Curse of the Weatherby Ball series. This is a non-erotica book - this series is more about families.

RELEASE DATE: 
March 27th! Available for Pre-Order Now!

These series covers are from the Killion Group! Kim also does such great work and super fast too...you know, because I never plan ahead!!!

The manuscript is with my editor now and a release date will be coming soon!

For the quick of eye, you'll notice this is book three (when in reality it is the second in the series to be released.) Sorry, I'm having a hard time with the second book getting done and have had the cover done for about two years!!! Sometimes a story's characters aren't ready to reveal themselves.

Anyhow, Leo Bennett is just an awesome guy.

Coming Soon: Not Your Average Earl

Coming Soon:

Book Two, in the Curse of the Weatherby Ball.

Not Your Average Earl

A disturbing letter from India. A child not his own. Leo Bennett is bound to accept the child, as she is legally his. He didn't believe in love at first sight, but Celeste has become his reason for living. And the governess has become a thorn in his side. 

Rose Stewart has an unnatural attachment to the child. And she has a valise full of secrets. Like being the duke of Murton's estranged granddaughter. It's not as if she lies, she just omits telling the truth.

Her troubles entangled Leo in a battle of wills, a determination to return her to her rightful place in society and the silent struggle of denied feelings.

Cover Reveal Coming Soon

Just a reminder, this series is an emotional, sexy read (but not erotica).

New Releases

Hi everybody! Once again I have been slacking on blog posts, but I do have good news for you. I've been very busy on the writing front. 2016 was a downer year what with all the goings on at my last publisher. I've got all my books back and republished, except for my Romantic Suspense series at Amazon.

So what's going on:

A Sleight of Hand is out and available at all retailers. This is Book 3.2 of The Body of Knowledge series. It is a novella and the second part of Eadan MacMurrough's love story. In the novella, The Trouble With Scots, we learned that Eadan's visions of Gellie Cabot have propelled him into a dream world where he lives in a place between death and life.

For all anyone knows, Gellie doesn't really exist.

Except Gellie Cabot was there that night. She was at the inn where Eadan was first stricken.

In A Sleight of Hand, Gellie is summoned to Dunbar Castle to use her gift to heal the dying earl. She's afraid of her gift because she cannot control it and she knows she might kill him.

Next will be A Mistress To Remember, Book Three in the Birds of Paradise series. I love this one, not only because of the beautiful Russian heroine, trying to establish herself and her sons within the ton, but also because she is a curious and warm lover to the Earl of Compton, a newly widowed man searching for comfort. The wicked Marquess of Dane is back for a couple of scenes. He is married to the earl's sister, Christina. I think you are going to like this one.

This cover is another one by Dar Albert. I absolutely love it. She just catches my vision when I describe the cover I want. And then does it ten times better.

It is currently in edits, so it should be a month or so until release day.


And I'm wrapping up A Wife Is Forever. I'm not sure this is the title I'm going with. This is Book Three in the Infamous Forresters. This plot is interesting. No spoilers yet.

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