Category Archives: books

A Feud Between Romantic Heroes and a Look Back at A Touch of Grace, Book 4 of the REALM Series + Upcoming Release of “Lyon in the Way”

Next month, I hope to release a new romantic mystery/suspense series. This one is from Dragonblade Publishers, so I thought I might revisit my very successful Realm series and some of what made that particular series so special. In this book … Continue reading

Posted in books, eBooks, excerpt, Georgian Era, historical fiction, Living in the Regency, marriage, Napoleonic Wars, Realm series, Regency era, suspense, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

When the First Book of a Series Becomes the Second: A Touch a Velvet: Book 2 of the Realm Series

When I first began to write the Realm series, I envisioned only four books, with the possibility of one or two novellas. However, the “best laid plans” turned into an eight-book series: one for each of the seven members of … Continue reading

Posted in book excerpts, books, British history, Georgian England, historical fiction, Living in the Regency, Napoleonic Wars, reading, reading habits, Realm series, Regency romance, romance, suspense, war | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Demoiselle en detresse, a Popular Story Telling Trope + the Anticipated Release of “Lyon in the Way” from Dragonblade Publishers

What does it mean to be a “damsel in distress”? In today’s culture, such a phrase will likely set off triggers of some kind or another. Please remember that I am 77 years old, and we never thought of “triggers” … Continue reading

Posted in book excerpts, book release, books, British history, Chaucer, Dragonblade Publishers, Georgian England, Georgian Era, hero, heroines, historical fiction, mystery, reading habits, Regency era, Regency romance, research, romance, suspense | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Demoiselle en detresse, a Popular Story Telling Trope + the Anticipated Release of “Lyon in the Way” from Dragonblade Publishers

The First Time I Wrote a Regency Romantic Suspense/Mystery: A Touch of Scandal, Book 1 of the REALM Series

In June, the first of my new five mystery/romance/suspense books for Dragonblade Publishers hits the shelf. A new book will follow every three months. The titles are Lyon in the Way, Lyon’s Obsession, Lyon in Disguise, Lost in the Lyon’s … Continue reading

Posted in book excerpts, books, British history, eBooks, excerpt, Georgian England, Georgian Era, historical fiction, mystery, peerage, publishing, reading habits, Realm series, Regency era, Regency romance, war, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on The First Time I Wrote a Regency Romantic Suspense/Mystery: A Touch of Scandal, Book 1 of the REALM Series

Examining the Character of John Willoughby in Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility”

John Willoughby is one of Dashwood family’s country neighbors in Devon in Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, but what do we know of the character. He and Sir John Middleton serve as bookends in the country society.  Willoughby literally sweeps Marianne … Continue reading

Posted in Austen actors, books, British history, Great Britain, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, Regency era, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

Falling into Easy Writing Traps: Do You Know These Rules?

 (image via 4 Common Academic Writing Mistakes and How to Fix Them from http://www.noodle.com) Falling Into Easy Writing Traps… 1.  The word “hold” is confusing to some. Essentially a person can hold a baby, a spoon, a smart phone, etc., … Continue reading

Posted in books, editing, Industry News/Publishing, language choices, manuscript evaluation, publishing, vocabulary, word play, writing | 8 Comments

Christmas in Regency England

Often times, the average reader or those not familiar with the early 1800s in England, think that Christmas was celebrated in the same manner as it is today, or at the very least something from the Victorian era. I once … Continue reading

Posted in Austen Authors, book release, books, British history, Church of England, customs and tradiitons, Georgian Era, reading, real life tales, Regency era, Regency romance, world history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Christmas Tales on Sale for Your Holiday Reading

These titles are on sale through Twelfth Night (5 January 2025). They are all set around Christmas or have a “holiday” theme. Grab them while you may. First, let us beigin with my Jane Austen Tales, which are set in … Continue reading

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Sudden Awakenings, a New JAFF from Amanda Kai + an Excerpt + a Giveaway

Thank you, Regina, for taking time out of your hectic schedule to host me today on Every Woman Dreams. So exciting to hear about your upcoming Regency Romances for Dragonblade mystery series associated with the Lyon’s Den Realm and your … Continue reading

Posted in book excerpts, book release, books, eBooks, excerpt, Georgian Era, Guest Blog, Guest Post, Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, publishing, reading, Regency era, Regency romance, Vagary, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Sudden Awakenings, a New JAFF from Amanda Kai + an Excerpt + a Giveaway

The Thames River Police + the Release of “Crime and Culpability”

When I was writing my short story “Order and Disorder” LOTS of research was required, especially information about the policing practices in Regency Era London. One of my discoveries was the River Thames Police…. In the 18th Century, importers docking … Continue reading

Posted in book release, books, British history, George Wickham, Georgian England, Georgian Era, historical fiction, Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, publishing, Regency era, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on The Thames River Police + the Release of “Crime and Culpability”