Jude Knight and UNDER THE HARVEST MOON #RegencyRomance

Jude Knight is here to talk about her contribution to UNDER THE HARVEST MOON, a Regency romance anthology written by nine members of the Bluestocking Belles and Friends. Jude has 5 Things she wants to tell you about the anthology and her own contribution to it, LOVE IN ITS SEASON. UNDER THE HARVEST MOON releases October 10, 2023 and is .99 cents till then. Take it away, Jude!

Five things about Under the Harvest Moon and Jude Knight’s story, Love In Its Season

1. Under the Harvest Moon is another Bluestocking Belles With Friends Collection featuring interlocking stories, where characters who are main characters in one story appear in other stories in the collection, and where every author shares the overall location and one or more key events. In this case, we set the stories in a fictional Cheshire market town around the time of the local harvest festival. We also had clues to a mystery scattered through the book.

2. Writing interlocked stories means a lot more collaboration than happens in other anthologies, which makes the job both harder and more fun. Readers seem to love it too, so we’ll keep doing it.

3. The heroine of Love In Its Season came out of the collaboration. Cerise DeLand said her heroine had been in the village six years earlier, at which time her sister had run off with the son of the local farrier. The young man had enlisted, and the pair had gone to war. I decided my heroine would be the sister of the young man. 

Back in the Regency era, craftspeople often trained their daughters in their crafts. I gave my heroine and the missing brother a deceased mother, which meant Gwen spent more time in the farriery with her brother and father than she otherwise might have. 

In the backstory my mind was spinning, her father’s mind had begun failing about the time the brother left, so Gwen had taken over more and more of the business and now was the farrier. And good at it.

4. The hero also came from the collaboration. Caroline Warfield asked if anyone had a soldier who might help to make sure that her hero made his way home, even though he was attempting to drown the horrors of war in copious quantities of alcohol. 

I offered my hero, and as I thought about him, he began to take shape. He needed an injury that saw him invalided out. He needed to have no particular home, so I made him an orphan who had joined up while still a boy. I wanted him to be an officer so he would be on equal terms with most of the other heroes in the collection, so I gave him some battlefield promotions. The rest of his backstory came as I wrote the story.

5. I have medical practitioners in the family, and my personal romantic hero was twenty years a paramedic, so I’m used to hearing grumbles and jeers whenever anyone in a movie or tv show is shot in the shoulder then gets up, uses the arm on that side, and recovers within a day or two. I wanted my hero to be too disabled to stay on the army but still able to help around the heroine’s house, particularly with her disabled father. 

My dearly beloved suggested an injury to the brachial plexus. Not a complete severing of this major nerve group, but sufficient damage that the arm is near useless and he has little movement in the hand. 

Blurb, Under the Harvest Moon

As the village of Reabridge in Cheshire prepares for the first Harvest Festival following Waterloo, families are overjoyed to welcome back their loved ones from the war.

But excitement quickly turns to mystery when mere weeks before the festival, an orphaned child turns up in the town—a toddler born near Toulouse to an English mother who left clues that tie her to Reabridge.

With two prominent families feuding for generations and the central event of the Harvest Moon festival looming, tensions rise, and secrets begin to surface.

Nine award winning and bestselling authors have combined their talents to create this engaging and enchanting collection of interrelated tales. Under the Harvest Moon promises an unforgettable read for fans of Regency romance.

Blurb, Love In Its Season:

The Battle of Waterloo lost Jack Wrath the use of one arm and ended his career in the cavalry. He has no place to go and nothing to offer. Gwen Hughes has a business to run and no time for romance. Under the harvest moon, two people who believe romance has passed them finally reach their season for love.

See Books2Read for links. Only 99c until publication on 10 October. https://books2read.com/UnderHarvestMoon

UNDER THE HARVEST MOON by the Bluestocking Belles and Friends

Rue Allyn joins me today to talk about UNDER THE HARVEST MOON, an anthology of nine novellas set during the Regency era. Rue will tell us about the novellas and the Bluestocking Belles who wrote them. Welcome Rue!

Five Important Things about Under the Harvest Moon

Hi Jana, thank you for having me on your blog today. I have a ‘five things’ list to present to your followers. The list is all about the novella collection, Under the Harvest Moon by the Bluestocking Belles with Friends

1. Let start with an explanation of what type of book Under the Harvest Moon is. Under the Harvest Moon is a collection of interlocking novellas by nine of the best authors in the business of writing romance novels. Why do I say ‘interlocking’? Because all of the stories take place in the same general setting, and characters in one story may have interactions with characters in other stories. We do have a central theme—soldiers returning from war—but the romance tropes represented are completely up to each author, and with nine of us you get quite a variety of tropes.

2. I wrote the third novella in the collection, A Harvest Blessing. What the description doesn’t tell you is that Thom first met his pseudo-fiancée during the siege of Badajoz when they each managed to save the other’s life. Of course, the war separated them, but Thom encountered her a second time on the docks in Dover. He’d hired the last carriage available, and she was dickering with the coachman to try to get a ride. Thom being the hero he is, offers to take her in the coach to her destination, which is a bit out of his way but not much. He even decides to ride up with the coachman to preserve the proprieties. So this story is very much about second chances. In love and with family, as Thom’s father did not want him to go to war, and their parting was contentious.

3. I think it important you understand who wrote Under the Harvest Moon. Many of the authors names are recognizable as rather famous and respected romance authors, for example: Collette Cameron, Cerise Deland, and Mary Lancaster among others. Some of us, like myself, are not so well known. However, it isn’t the individual authors that I think are so important. What is important is The Bluestocking Belles. There are eight of us. This time, one of us was not able to participate in writing the collection. As a group we make a lot of decisions about the collection before we invite our ‘With Friends.’ It is only fair and reasonable to have a rough story outline and a definite production timeline to present to guest authors, who may or may not have time to fit writing a novella for the collection into their busy lives. So before we even put our fingers on the keyboard to produce our personal novellas, we do a great deal of planning, discussing and deciding. All of that effort pays off with the production of best-selling award-winning collections. 

Under the Harvest Moon is our tenth collection, although I joined the group in 2018 and have only been able to participate in five collections. While I have some biases, The Bluestocking Belles collections are head and shoulders above most novella collections out there. Very few do interlocking stories as we do. Very few have all authors whose writing is of a very high caliber, regardless of how well known we are. And yes, while the quality of some stories is a bit better than others, every author contributes engaging well researched novellas. That’s the other thing about The Bluestocking Belles, we write historical romance almost exclusively in the Regency Era of England. Last and most important, we love our readers. If you would like to learn more about us join our FB group The Belles Brigade. We hold a virtual ‘brunch’ every Saturday at 1:00 PM NYT. The brunch is open to the public, so you can get an idea of how we interact with readers without joining a group or anything. We’d love to have you join in the conversation

4. For Under the Harvest Moon, much of our research focused on soldiers returning from war, since that was a unifying theme. Aside from the physical wounds inflicted on men in battle, a great deal of research has been done and continues to be done on the mental wounds war inflicts. PTSD is very real (and not solely a problem for military men and women). However, few people tend to think that PTSD and its sister conditions existed before WW1. Even then ‘shell shock’ was considered a temporary problem from which a soldier could recover. War has never been the glorious, wonderful thing that it was once made out to be. Touting the glory of war is nothing more than a recruiting tactic. As a veteran (I never saw combat), I can say that each and every volunteer soldier, sailor, marine, airman, etc. regardless of the era in which he or she fought—each and every one of them is a hero. The Bluestocking Belles share some of my regard for service men and women, so when one of us suggested returning soldiers as a unifying element in each story, we were all on board immediately.

5. Last, as a group we’ve got a pretty good sense of humor. When it came to having a blog, we couldn’t help ourselves. We created The Teatime Tattler, where twice a week, we post scandalous gossip about our stories and the stories of other authors. You might want to check that out too.

Buy Link: https://bluestockingbelles.net/belles-joint-projects/under-the-harvest-moon/

Blurb, Under the Harvest Moon: 

As the village of Reabridge in Cheshire prepares for the first Harvest Festival following Waterloo, families are overjoyed to welcome back their loved ones from the war.

But excitement quickly turns to mystery when mere weeks before the festival, an orphaned child turns up in the town—a toddler born near Toulouse to an English mother who left clues that tie her to Reabridge.

With two prominent families feuding for generations and the central event of the Harvest Moon festival looming, tensions rise, and secrets begin to surface.

Moonlight Wishes and Midnight Kisses by Collette Cameron

A scarred veteran with no future, Courtland Marlow-Westbrook wants to be left alone. Scottish heiress Avery Levingtone never stopped loving him and is determined to win his love again. Will these former sweethearts find happiness together, or will the wounds of the past keep them apart?

The Morning Light by Caroline Warfield

Adam Wagner is meant to save lives, not take them. He is haunted by Waterloo. The horror of it keeps him from those he loves. Meg Barlow doesn’t understand how Adam could turn his back on her so thoroughly, but she isn’t about to let him get away with it.

A Harvest Blessing by Rue Allen

All the battles are over, or are they? When Captain Thom Owen is forced into a false engagement, he must escort his pseudo-fiancée home to meet his father. Can an English vicar’s son and a French Comte’s daughter find love despite their differences?

Coming Home by Mary Lancaster

Old memories, new love

Home from Waterloo, Captain David Buckley contemplates settling down near his home town of Reabridge—only it is full of painful memories. The mysterious Lady Lorna falls literally into his arms, and he begins to understand the true meaning of love and home.

Under the Champagne Moon by Alina K Field

Fleur Hardouin’s heart longs for Captain Gareth Ardleigh, but she needs an advantageous marriage.

Gareth has promised to find Fleur—on behalf of another man.

Now he must choose between honoring a promise and trying to win the hand of the woman he loves.

A Quiet Heart by Elizabeth Ellen Carter

Widowed at Waterloo, where she also nursed the wounded, Veronica Petersham promised a dying man to bring his effects to a family in Reabridge. She falls ill just short of her goal, in the milking shed of kind and stoic Martin Bromelton.

Perhaps there is hope for the future after all and the opportunity to find love once more.

A Love Beyond Time by Sherry Ewing

Eight years ago, Hannah Pownall had her heart broken by a young lord.

Captain Brandon Worthington returns to the town of Reabridge to recover from the war and finds the girl he once loved still unwed. Can love at first sight be reborn after heartbreak, proving a second chance is all you need?

The Widow’s Harvest Hope by Cerise DeLand

The new Earl Barlow returns home from Waterloo, intending to live by his own rules. The woman he loved and lost years ago visits for the Harvest festival—and he plans to offer Vicky Wright what they both want. Can a lady who has lived by the rules throw them all away to seize her last chance for happiness?

Love In Its Season by Jude Knight

The Battle of Waterloo lost Jack Wrath the use of one arm and ended his career in the cavalry. He has no place to go and nothing to offer. Gwen Hughes has a business to run and no time for romance. Under the harvest moon, two people who believe romance has passed them finally reach their season for love.

Buy Link: https://bluestockingbelles.net/belles-joint-projects/under-the-harvest-moon/

Rue Allyn & WAIT FOR ME: Part of Storm & Shelter Anthology

Rue Allyn is part of a Regency anthology and shares a bit of her novella, WAIT FOR ME. The anthology is currently available for pre-order at a special price. Thanks for joining me today, Rue!

Rue Allyn’s newest novella, Wait for Me can be found in the Bluestocking Belles Collection, Storm & Shelter available for pre-order at a discounted price.

About Wait for Me: 

Enemies by nature—Esmeralda Crobbin, aka the pirate Irish Red, and Captain, Lord Brandon Gilroy have met before.

Fate trumps nature—When a fierce storm creates a chance encounter and forced proximity, Erstwhile pirate, Esmeralda discovers Captain Gilroy is more than a uniform stuffed with rules and regulations. Gilroy learns the pirate is a woman of serious honor and responsibility. Both love the sea with boundless passion, but can they love each other?

Excerpt: 

She landed with the expected splat but unexpectedly not in the mud. Whatever she'd tripped over had broken her fall and kept her breathing. The object was large, seemed to be covered in cloth, and as she pushed up into a seated position, she discovered it was rather lumpy. It also groaned. A very human sounding groan.

Good lord I've landed on a man. Well it might be another woman, but the size and shape of the body beneath her was more suited to a male. Aware of where she sat, she scrambled off, to lean over him, her knees sinking into the muck. 

She leaned closer and peered through the soggy light, feeling with her hands to locate his head and check for injuries. She found only a shallow bump on the back of his head. Thank heaven he lay on his back. The rain had kept his face clear of sludge, and beneath her palms his chest rose and fell. He was alive for now. But how long had he been here, and what caused him to be lying in the mud?

On that thought, his eyes opened. They were blue, though she couldn't see the exact color in the rainy dawn. They might have been gray.

He blinked rapidly. She fished in a pocket for her handkerchief. Damp as it was, it would clear his vision. She used the kerchief to wipe water from his eyes and face. She bent to place the cloth in her pocket, and when she returned her gaze to his, he glared at her. A very familiar glare. A glare that had haunted her for the past three years. Now I know fate is laughing at me. Before her lay the one man who hated her most in the world. The storm had placed him exactly where she would to trip over him then feel compelled to help him before she had any clue as to his identity. "By all that's holy, Lieutenant Gilroy."

"You! What are you doing here? Why am I lying in this muck with you atop me like a doxy? And my rank is now Captain."

Captain or not, she wasn't atop him, but accuracy seemed irrelevant at the moment. To put him in his place she stood. "I might ask the same of you. I found you lying here unconscious." He doesn't need to know I tripped over him. "I was checking for injuries just before you woke. Had I known it was you, I would have left you to drown in the flood. However, having gotten completely filthy attempting to aid a stranger, I might as well help you up." She held out a hand.

He lifted himself to a sitting position and looked at her hand.

As the rain began to patter again, his hesitation was completely unreasonable. "What's the matter? My hand is no dirtier than your own." She noted his lack of uniform. "You are or were a naval officer and cannot possibly be so fastidious that a bit of mud would deter you from accepting assistance."

Title: Storm & Shelter

Genre: Regency Anthology

Authors: Grace Burrowes, Mary Lancaster, Jude Knight, Sherry Ewing, Rue Allyn, Alina K Field, Cerise Deland, Caroline Warfield

Words: circa 200,000

Pages: 668

Release Date: April 13, 2021

ISBN:

9781733245029 (print)

9781393235842 (epub)

Blurb: 

When a storm blows off the North Sea and slams into the village of Fenwick on Sea, the villagers prepare for the inevitable: shipwreck, flood, land slips, and stranded travelers. The Queen’s Barque Inn quickly fills with the injured, the devious, and the lonely—lords, ladies, and simple folk; spies, pirates, and smugglers all trapped together. Intrigue crackles through the village, and passion lights up the hotel.

One storm, eight authors, eight heartwarming novellas.

Buy Links: 

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3kgRmLG

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3lZYHja

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3o0z977

Books2Read: https://books2read.com/u/b5k2pO

About Rue Allyn: 

Author of historical and contemporary romances Rue Allyn is insatiably curious, an avid reader and traveler. She loves to hear from readers about their favorite books and real-life adventures. Crazy Cat stories are especially welcome. Contact her at Rue@RueAllyn.com. She can't wait to hear from you. Keep up with Rue Allyn by subscribing to her newsletter and get a free download of one of Rue's books.

Find Rue Allyn On-Line:

Website~~https://RueAllyn.com

Facebook~~https://www.facebook.com/groups/RueAllynCrew/

Twitter~~https://twitter.com/RueAllyn

Amazon~~https://www.amazon.com/Rue-Allyn/e/B00AUBF3NI/

Goodreads~~https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5031290.Rue_Allyn

Pinterest~~https://www.pinterest.com/RueAllyn/

#NewRelease from Barbara Burke: COUNTERFEIT VISCOUNTESS

Barbara Burke joins me today for a look at the secondary characters in her new release COUNTERFEIT VISCOUNTESS. Is there anything more beautiful then a Regency romance book cover? I don't think so. Welcome Barbara!

Secondary characters are a menace! That sounds harsh, doesn’t it? But it’s true. You go along planning out a story with a perfectly lovely hero and heroine and then when you start actually writing it those so-and-sos who were just there to provide a little background colour start developing all kinds of endearing characteristics and demanding centre stage. It’s extremely frustrating and more than a little bit cheeky.

Actually in my newest novel, Counterfeit Viscountess, I’ve mostly been able to keep them under control. First of all, there’s my hero’s older sister, Eleanor, a widow quite in the habit of bossing poor Christopher around. Fortunately, he doesn’t mind, but I was surprised at how opinionated Eleanor turned out to be. 

Then there’s her son, Michael, whose shenanigans are indirectly responsible for the predicament Christopher and my heroine, Caroline, find themselves in. He wasn’t necessarily going to appear in the story at all and yet somehow he ended up saving the day – or at least that’s what he’ll tell you he did. 

Both of them may have a story of their own someday. Michael has to grow up a bit, but Eleanor could do with a little romance in her life as soon as possible. 

Finally, there’s Mrs. Winthrop. She was supposed to be quite a cranky old busybody, but she ended up quite delightful, at least in my opinion. Thank heavens she isn’t pestering me for a book of her own though. I’m not sure I could take it. And her puerile granddaughters would be horrified. Hmmm, it might almost be worth it just for that reason. They’re both very annoying young women.

Of course it’s not only the characters themselves who start demanding a starring role. When my daughter read my WWII romance, Not2Nite, she told me the story was fine, but I really ought to write one about Charlotte. Charlotte, a fairly minor character, was an aviatrix delivering planes to various air force bases across England and my heroine, Molly’s, cousin and flatmate. I shrugged if off until one of my very first reviews on Amazon said something along the line of ‘I want to read a story about Charlotte!’. I’m still mulling that one over. Charlotte, with her red lipstick and penchant for dancing the night away, is pretty cool. I just need to invent a hero worthy of her insouciance.

Actually, I guess I shouldn’t complain about them. Some of my favourite people are minor characters. They add depth to a story and convey information that’s often crucial for moving the plot along. Maybe I’m just worried about what kinds of monstrous secondary characters would appear in their stories if I ever let them take centre stage. I may lose control completely. It almost doesn’t bear thinking of. But what do I know? I’m just the author.

Blurb:

What happens when they both start wanting a real marriage?

Practical Caroline Saxon must travel to London for the season, when all she really wants is to stay in Ireland and breed horses. But a carriage accident leaves her unchaperoned at a posting inn.

Dashing Christopher Hawking just wants a bed for the night. He didn't expect to find it occupied by a beautiful woman or to be caught sneaking out of her room. In the light of day, a London-bound member of the ton finds them together. 

Attraction flares between the two in spite of themselves. But how will they save Caroline's reputation and calm the storm of the ton's gossip?

Excerpt:

When they were alone again and the tea distributed, Christopher and Caroline did their best to explain to Eleanor the events of the morning and the evening before.

Eleanor listened without interruption, contenting herself with the occasional raised eyebrow as her only commentary on the convoluted tale. When they had finished she turned to Christopher and remarked, "I must say, it seems quite foolish to have allowed Annabelle Winthrop of all people to discover you. She's a complete pea goose and she won't take kindly to Miss Saxon's appearance on the scene. She's been setting her cap at you forever."

"I didn't exactly do it on purpose," Christopher was stung to reply.

"On purpose or not, it's got you into a great deal of difficulty which could have been avoided if you had taken more care."

Recognizing the signs of temper on Christopher’s face, Caroline interjected quickly. "Indeed, Lord Saxon did everything he could. If not for his quick thinking, we would have already come to ruin. You really cannot blame him for the presence of Miss Winthrop in the same inn where we were staying."

"Nonsense, I can blame him for anything I wish. I've been doing it since he was a baby and very handy it's been as well. It's one of the only advantages of having a younger sibling."

The fond smile she bestowed on her brother precluded any sting Caroline, less used to the ways of siblings, might have imagined such a comment implied, as did Christopher’s bland acceptance of her outrageous assertion. Though she had watched, and frequently envied, the comfortable, if often fractious, interaction between the brothers and sisters she’d played with as a child, she clearly had much to learn about family relationships when adulthood was achieved.

“However, I suppose there’s nothing we can do about it now,” Eleanor conceded, magnanimously. “But mind, Christopher, I’ll expect you to take a great deal more care the next time you break into a respectable woman’s bedroom.”

Buy Links:

https://www.amazon.com/Counterfeit-Viscountess-Barbara-Burke/dp/1509231129

https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/counterfeit-viscountess/9781509231133-item.html?ikwsec=Books&ikwidx=3#algoliaQueryId=d1d2efaccdde2da6eee0e21206244c86

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/counterfeit-viscountess-barbara-burke/1136955014?ean=9781509231126

Author Bio:

Barbara Burke’s peripatetic life means she’s lived everywhere from a suburban house in a small town to a funky apartment in a big city, and from an architecturally designed estate deep in the forest to a cedar shack on the edge of the ocean. Everywhere she’s gone she’s been accompanied by her husband, her animals and her books. For the last ten years she’s worked as a freelance journalist and has won several awards. She was a fan of Jane Austen long before that lady was discovered by revisionists and zombie lovers and thinks Georgette Heyer was one of the great writers of the twentieth century. She lives by the philosophy that one should never turn down the opportunity to get on a plane no matter where it’s going, but deep down inside wishes she could travel everywhere by train. Ironically she now lives on an island that doesn’t have any trains at all.

Social Media Links:

https://www.facebook.com/Barbara-Burke

https://barbaraburkeauthor.wordpress.com/

authorbarbaraburke@gmail.com

A Look at WICKED WAGER by Beverley Oakley

Wicked Wager

By Beverley Oakley

♥♥ GiveAway ♥♥ 

Beverley is giving away a signed print copy of The Duchess and the Highwayman during the tour. Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Remember there is a chance to enter everyday so be sure to follow the Blog Tour. You may find the tour schedule and locations here https://goo.gl/XTRwwr

About Wicked Wager: Can innocence survive the machinations of a malevolent society beauty and a charismatic rake?

Two weeks before her nuptials to her cold, harsh cousin, virtuous Celeste Rosington finds herself in the arms of notorious libertine, Lord Peregrine.

The unexpected encounter is, at first, shocking, but as Peregrine’s charm weaves its magic, becomes a welcome distraction from Celeste’s troubles. Isn’t she already the subject of whispers due to her involvement in the mysterious disappearance of a wealthy plantation magnate? It was a role orchestrated by her demanding husband-to-be in which Celeste had failed spectacularly.

Nevertheless, Celeste has no intention of sacrificing all of her scruples for a man she knows is only toying with her. One kiss from handsome, charismatic Viscount Peregrine will surely be enough to give her the strength to fulfil her marital obligations?

But what if one kiss is not enough?

With her reputation in the balance, Celeste must navigate the treacherous waters of envy, intrigue and deadly secrets, unaware she’s the unwitting pawn in a wicked wager between a ruthless society beauty and delicious, dissolute Lord Peregrine.

Could Peregrine really be a party to such perfidious plans? Will his reckless charm be the final undoing of a young woman once respected for her virtue and piety?

Or will Peregrine discover that true love is more powerful than greed and ambition in time to save Celeste from the terrible fate that otherwise awaits her?

Genre: Georgian Historical Romance Buy Links:

• Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2Wz1Mtx
• all eBook formats: books2read.com/u/49WoqW
• Paperback: https://amzn.to/2Wz2jM3
• Large Print paperback: https://amzn.to/2WA22bI

~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~

Excerpt:

The last of the applause drifted away and for a few seconds the shrill cries of the orange sellers held sway. Rising from his ironic bow for the benefit of his companion, Lord Peregrine held back the red velvet curtain that had afforded them privacy so that Xenia could pass through and join the throng of theatregoers descending the sweeping staircase.

He saw that she had fallen into conversation with a club-footed general whose more than interested eye swept appraisingly over Xenia’s abundant assets, and once again Perry felt again the familiar heating of his loins that only Xenia could inspire with a mere incendiary glance. The contours of her sack-back gown, adorned with a row of bows the length of her stomacher, recalled the more lascivious of those thoughts he’d entertained for the past decade: what it would be like to undress her, layer by layer by layer. He could only imagine how many layers there might be, but the prize would be worth the exquisite torture of restraint. He’d not revealed quite how much her proposition tonight had taken him by surprise, and the fact he’d agreed fuelled him with an odd combination of conflicting sensations: raging lust tempered by the knowledge that he’d just sunk to depths of moral depravity that might make even his uncle squirm in his grave: seduce an innocent on the eve of her nuptials.

Except that Xenia maintained the young woman’s ingenuousness was a ploy. Still, Miss Rosington retained her standing in society as a paragon of virtue. What right had he to assume otherwise, just because it was convenient?

He was diverted by a squeal to his left. Xenia was moving ahead, caught up by the crowd, her head bent to absorb the admiration of her club-footed general. Peregrine meanwhile found himself unable to continue, due to the fact the young woman in front of him had snagged her skirts on what appeared to be a nail or splinter protruding from one of the supporting beams. No one could move until she’d freed herself, and as Peregrine was directly behind her it was incumbent upon him to act the gentlemen and so enable the rest of the pulsing crowd to forge ahead.

‘Please be careful, sir, it’ll tear and it’s the first time I’ve worn it,’ the young woman warned as he took a handful of stiff silk in one hand. ‘It’s my finest.’ She twisted her head round to address him.

As her lips parted, revealing a set of near perfect small white teeth, and her worried blue eyes bored into his, Peregrine felt a jolt of something unidentifiable plummet like a stone to the pit of his stomach. No, further than that, for without a doubt his groin was reacting with something akin to roiling hunger. And, surprisingly, with an intensity that exceeded the dull throb of ten years of wanting Xenia like a frustrated schoolboy. Close to, Miss Rosington was exquisite, her pale white and rose-blushed skin far more lustrous than when seen from a distance through opera glasses. Her powdered coiffure, dressed to fashionable heights, accentuated high, rounded cheekbones; and with growing excitement he followed the sweep of her graceful neck to a bosom that was rising and falling with surely greater rapidity than fear of what peril her gown might face. He liked to think that was so, as her candid look met his and the connection between them seemed like the sharp tug of some inner cord, forcing him forward, his hand brushing hers, nestled beneath a froth of silken furbelows, as they both reached for the undamaged silk petticoat, now released.

‘No harm done,’ he murmured as she drew herself up, her companion, the black-eyed viscount to whom she was affianced, returning to claim her, drawing her away with the barest of thanks.

All over in a matter of seconds, and at what cost? For while silk skirts and dignity had escaped with minimal damage, Peregrine was the first to concede, as he watched her graceful back with pounding heart and aching groin, that a great deal of harm had indeed been done.

~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~

About the Author:

Beverley Oakley is an Australian author who grew up in the African mountain kingdom of Lesotho, married a Norwegian bush pilot she met in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, and started writing historical romances to amuse herself in the 12 countries she’s lived as a ‘trailing spouse’ (in between working as an airborne geophysical survey operator, a teacher of English as a Second Language, and writing for her former newspaper).

Her Scandalous Miss Brightwell series was nominated Best Historical Romance by the Australian Romance Readers Association. She is also the author of the popular Daughters of Sin series, a Regency-era ‘Dynasty-style’ family saga laced with intrigue and espionage.

Under her real name Beverley Eikli, she writes Africa-set romantic suspense, and psychological historical romances. The Reluctant Bride won Choc-Lit’s Search for an Australian Star competition and her Regency tale of redemption The Maid of Milan was shortlisted in the Top Ten Reads of 2014 at the UK Festival of Romance.

Beverley lives north of Melbourne (overlooking a fabulous Gothic lunatic asylum) with the same gorgeous Norwegian husband, two daughters and a rambunctious Rhodesian Ridgeback. You can read more at beverleyoakley.com

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Lucy M. Loxley and HER HUMBLE ADMIRER

Regency Romance writer Lucy M. Loxley sits down today for an interview. Lucy's novella, HER HUMBLE ADMIRER, is up for a Rone award. Best of luck, Lucy!

Here's our interview:

Where did you get the idea for your HER HUMBLE ADMIRER?

I was part of a Sunday night writers group. This novel began as a writing prompt exercise our leader gave us one week, to take 20 minutes and pen a fan fiction. I’m a Jane Austen fan (Janeite) from way back, and I immediately began (curled up in my cozy chair) to scrawl a Regency-befitting protagonist I named Livia. I recall the amusement as we went around the group, reading our excerpts, and a few writers chuckled at the banter between my protagonists (that’s how I knew I was onto something). I was hooked, and although I’d never before written fan fic, I kept going with my draft for another eight months—fleshing out the story’s plot, love triangle, and supporting characters until it became the current novella.

What was the most difficult thing about writing this book?

Historical accuracy, especially in the most-fun-to-write scene, the dining scene at Duchess Jayne Asquith’s birthday supper in Chapter Three. Thankfully, my editor and publisher, Jude, (Uncial Press) is amazing and caught a few foibles/historical inaccuracies in my first submitted draft. She provided some wonderful resource links about what Regency-era Brits ate and the mores for who sat where at table that were fascinating to read and really fleshed out my scene. I’m most proud of the dining chapter and how it turned out, after the challenge of making sure the characters followed the Regency rules of decorum (which I was mostly unaware of as a modern American woman).

Do you have any unusual writing habits?

I get my best ideas around water—while washing dishes, swimming, in the shower, picnicking at lakes. There’s just something about water and my creative process!

Do you work on more than one book at a time?

Yes, I’m always working on multiple projects at one time. So many ideas, so little time! Plus, I love variety— of settings, characters, and genres. I always have a few stories cooking at one time, and sometimes poems, too.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I’m a certified pantser. I get an idea and run with it, 90% or more of the time. True, I end up doing a fair amount of rewriting later, but that, too, can be a part of the magical process of writing. I love that feeling of a character saying or doing something that surprises me, as I know it will also surprise the readers.

What do you hope readers gain from your stories?

An escape into a slower-paced landscape. Also, I hope readers find the riddles in the letters as amusing as the banter between the characters—all were great fun to write, which I think shines through in the book.

What’s your favorite time management tip?

Write when the rest of the house is quiet, either early in the morning or late at night. The fewer the distractions, the better.

If writing is your first passion, what is your second?

Hands-down: photography. Both writing and photography share a fascination with imagery and resonance. If I hadn’t decided to formally study writing and literature, I would have studied photography. I’m a shutterbug for sure.

If money were not an object, where would you most like to live? Why?

In a cottage by the sea. I don’t want a house that’s too big or I’d have to clean more often, taking time away from my writing. I like cozy, nook-like spaces, and then taking walks and wanders near the waves.

What did you want to be (occupation-wise) when you were a child?

A writer! Fancy that, as my protagonist, Livia, might say. Well, first I wanted to be an astronaut, but my aptitude for science is far less than what my six-year-old self thought. Happily, both occupations involve a huge amount of imagination, study, and release into the unknown.

What are two (or more) of your all-time favorite books in any genre?

Writing down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg (the first writing craft book I ever read, and I’ve read it numerous times since—it’s always great for energizing the Muse and includes fun exercises) and, from my fellow Regency author: any of Sabrina Jeffries’ historical heroines—they are amazing!

What do you like best about your hero in HER HUMBLE ADMIRER?

Sir James Dorchester is reserved yet thoughtful. He’s also a verbal wit more than a show-offy playboy, which I (and many readers) appreciate.

What do you like best about your heroine in HER HUMBLE ADMIRER? 

Livia Hightower is imaginative and romantic. She’s also a loyal friend, which is something everyone deserves in this lifetime.

How can readers reach you or find you online?

You can connect with me on Facebook at Lucy M. Loxley: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100015885510935 

Do you have an event coming up you’d like to tell us about?

I found out two weeks ago that Her Humble Admirer was nominated for a RONE Award from In D’tale Magazine. I was thrilled with the news. I’ll find out in the future if my novella won; keep your fingers crossed for me!

Is there anything we haven’t covered here that you’d like to tell readers?

Whether you’re a Janeite, a fan of historical fiction, or enjoy a sweet and romantic story that will sweep you away, give Her Humble Admirer a whirl around the ballroom floor (yes, there is, indeed, a Welcome Ball as well)!

Best of luck with the Rone awards, Lucy!

Blurb, Her Humble Admirer:

Livia Hightower is more than a little intrigued when the morning mail brings a most unexpected delivery.

Dearest Livia,
The call of the nightingale is but a sorrowful, plaintive psalm
Next to the sterling hue of my lady’s eyes, gazing mine.
It is signed simply Your Humble Admirer.

Again and again similar notes arrive in the post. Could it be a beguiling coincidence that they coincide with the arrival in the neighborhood of handsome Mr. Framingham? Surely Livia's childhood friend, James, would never indulge in such romantic behavior, especially when he openly distrusts whoever is sending the tender missives.

With each new note, Livia becomes more convinced that her future lies with the sender. If only she could learn who he is...

Excerpt:

“Miss Jones put on a lovely concert on the pianoforte at Lord Ballymore’s party. Simply grand,” announced Miss Anne Framingham, Mr. Framingham’s younger sister.

The seventeen-year-old’s frock was as golden yellow as her hair, a chemissette at the neck was trimmed with a frothy ruffle that Livia surmised must be the fashion in Bath, from where Anne and her sisters had recently returned. While her nervous hand smoothed the napkin into her lap, Livia wondered if her own dress, a robin’s egg blue, stood her in as good a stead.

Will he notice I’ve worn the diamond combs he complimented in his letters?

“I should think the pianoforte tedious were it not for harp accompaniment,” said the duchess.

“The bird in the corner cage is assuredly a popinjay!” said the duke in a surly tone from his seat at the table’s foot.

Around the table, eyes met and then quickly deflected to their plates. Although beautifully outfitted, the room held neither birds nor cages.

“Furthermore, I have named him Eddie and will brook no resistance on this matter,” his grace continued with insistence and a louder volume.

The poor man! The rumors must be true about his gathering confusion.

“I daresay Miss Jones’ renditions of ‘The Last Rose of Summer’ and the sonata by Pleyel were most heavenly indeed,” Anne persisted, the conversation progressing forward to the relief of all others present.

At the head of table, the duchess, the guest of honor, smiled at her niece with pity at her dim intelligence. It was the sort of smile that bared her upper teeth and none of the lower.

“I dare say she does play a fine Irish Air,” offered Mr. Framingham.

Livia thought it endearing that he supported his sister’s enthusiasms. She spooned up the last of her turtle soup and took a final nibble of venison as the servants cleared the dishes for the second course.

“Which is your favorite, Miss Hightower? Thomas Moore’s airs or Pleyel’s sonatas?” Mr. Framingham’s direct address sent a tremor through Livia. His tones were dulcet. She was quite pleased to have been seated at his left.

“To play, I find Pleyel’s sonatas quite divine.” Her heart beat a staccato as she dared a peek directly into his brown eyes. “But I must admit there’s something surpassing to ‘Oft in the Stilly Night.’”

“My favorite as well.” Anne beamed as footmen brought plovers’ eggs in aspic jelly. “That composition is of the utmost beauty.”

“It seems,” said Mr. Framingham, “that this is a topic of which you and my sister are of like mind.”

It would be lovely to have his sister’s approval, Livia thought, blushing as she dipped a spoon into the delicate egg. Perhaps on the ride home she would recommend Livia as a lady with the utmost musical taste. That couldn’t be at all hurtful to her cause.

“I should like to hear you play, if that would be agreeable.”

She turned and found Mr. Framingham’s fork lying unused on the linens, as if eating were the furthest thing from his mind. His smile was altogether hopeful and most endearing. She gently lay her spoon aside, lest she draw attention to his not eating.

Had anyone heard his forward invitation? It seemed unlikely, as Anne was already chatting with Sir Ian Marvel about her cutting garden, the duke and her father were discussing the shipping forecast as her grace had declared her great preference for Sir Walter Scott over Percy Bysshe Shelley.


Emboldened by her dinner companions’ disinterest, Livia replied, “I should like that very much.”


Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Her-Humble-Admirer-Lucy-Loxley-ebook/dp/B07595W9HD

Author Bio:

Once upon a time, Lucy M. Loxley was an English major at a small liberal arts college. Her favorite classes were Brit Lit and Women Writers of the 18th and 19th Centuries, where she encountered Jane Austen and the Regency period and promptly fell in literary love at first read. Since then, she’s taught high school and college (writing and history classes), studied photography, and significantly expanded her book collection.  She lives in the Mid-Atlantic but dreams of a pilgrimage to Austen’s haunts one day soon. Her Humble Admirer is her first Regency.

Lucy M. Loxley shares a favorite character

Today I'm welcoming Regency romance writer Lucy M. Loxley to my blog. Lucy has just released her first Regency, Her Humble Admirer. Here's Lucy to tell us a little about one of her favorite characters. Take it away, Lucy!

Introducing Sir James Dorchester!
By: Lucy M. Loxley

Introducing your hero is one of the pleasures of writing Romance. I find this particularly so in the case of a narrative where there will be a love triangle, as in my Regency novella, Her Humble Admirer.

While the following scene occurs in the first chapter, it is one of my utmost favorites. It began as a fan-fiction prompt for my Sunday-night writing group that soon turned into much more.

 “Sir James Dorchester,” York announced. 

“Just James?” She relaxed into the divan. 

“Well, isn’t that a fine welcome for a dear old friend?” But his voice smiled as he sank his lanky frame into the chair opposite. He nodded to York, who pulled the door closed behind him once more.

 “To what do I owe this mighty, mighty honor?” she teased, hearing the paper crinkle under her gathered skirts and trying not to move, lest he notice the hidden missive.

 “I’ve come to check on you.” 

“Check on me? Whatever for?” 

“With your bosom bow become Mrs. Morgan so lately, I figured you might be wanting for company. Isn’t Wednesday her call for tea?”

“Don’t remind me.” She allowed her disappointment to sound in her voice. 

“Dear friend, it is just as I thought.” He leaned forward and a strand of his dark hair fell across his high brow. “Our Livia is lonesome, and this incipient deluge is simply not helping.”

 Piqued, she sat straighter in her chair, “I most certainly am not lonesome. It’s this dreadful weather. That’s all it is.” 

“Oh, the rain. Just the rain, is it?” His green eyes sparkled. “Not even a wee bit…wanting for company, then?”

When I initially wrote this scene, there was a lot of exposition and descriptions of the grand home, some of which I kept, but what interested me most was what I love about Jane Austen novels: the witty repartee between old friends.

I recommend quickly flowing dialogue as in this scene which establishes Livia’s personality as well as her connection with James Dorchester.  As in real life, the friends jump lightly and with few if any transitions from one thought to the next.

I also interspersed body language for both characters. Within the first few pages, readers learn about James, his affection for his longtime friend, as well as the upcoming conflict: an out-of-town dandy and a secret admirer who has sent a letter that Livia doesn’t feel like sharing yet. So much so that she tries to hide the evidence, a defensive move that underscores the tension and excitement of this inciting incident.

Blurb, Her Humble Admirer:

Livia Hightower is more than a little intrigued when the morning mail brings a most unexpected delivery.

Dearest Livia,
The call of the nightingale is but a sorrowful, plaintive psalm
Next to the sterling hue of my lady’s eyes, gazing mine.
It is signed simply Your Humble Admirer.

Again and again similar notes arrive in the post. Could it be a beguiling coincidence that they coincide with the arrival in the neighborhood of handsome Mr. Framingham? Surely Livia's childhood friend, James, would never indulge in such romantic behavior, especially when he openly distrusts whoever is sending the tender missives.


With each new note, Livia becomes more convinced that her future lies with the sender. If only she could learn who he is...

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Her-Humble-Admirer-Lucy-Loxley-ebook/dp/B07595W9HD

Author Bio:

Once upon a time, Lucy M. Loxley was an English major at a small liberal arts college. Her favorite classes were Brit Lit and Women Writers of the 18th and 19th Centuries, where she encountered Jane Austen and the Regency period and promptly fell in literary love at first read. Since then, she’s taught high school and college (writing and history classes), studied photography, and significantly expanded her book collection.  She lives in the Mid-Atlantic but dreams of a pilgrimage to Austen’s haunts one day soon. Her Humble Admirer is her first Regency.    

Beverley Oakley and DEVIL'S RUN

Today I'm welcoming Australian historical romance writer Beverley Oakley to my blog. Ms. Oakley is truly a citizen of the world, having lived in so many different places. She's giving away an Amazon Gift Card, so be sure to enter the Rafflecopter at the end of this post. But don't skip over our interesting interview. Please welcome Beverley Oakley!

Devil's Run  Scandalous Miss Brightwells series

By Beverley Oakley

Beverley is giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Certificate to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Please use the RaffleCopter below to enter. Remember you may increase your chances of winning by visiting the other tour stops. You may find those locations here. 

BLURB: 

A rigged horse race - and a marriage offer riding on the outcome. When Miss Eliza Montrose unexpectedly becomes legal owner of the horse tipped to win the East Anglia Cup, her future is finally in her hands – but at what cost?

George Bramley, nephew to the Earl of Quamby, will wager anything. Even his future bride.
Miss Eliza Montrose will accept any wager to be reunited with the child she was forced to relinquish after an indiscretion — even if it means marrying a man she does not love.

But when the handsome and charming Rufus Patmore buys a horse from her betrothed, George Bramley, whose household her son visits from the foundling home, her heart is captured and the outcome of the wager is suddenly fraught with peril.

**This is book 3 in the Scandalous Miss Brightwells series, though it can be read as a stand-alone.

Amazon US | All other retailers

~*~*~*~*~*~

Excerpt: 

Chapter One

“And there’s nothing else you’d like, my dear? No?” Straightening after receiving a polite rebuff, George Bramley found it an effort to keep the syrup in his tone. His bride-to-be had not even looked at him as she’d declined the piece of marchpane he’d been certain would win him at least a smile.
Hovering at her side, he weighed up the advantages of a gentle rebuke, then decided against it. Until yesterday, he’d thought her quiet demeanour suggested a charmingly pliant nature. Now he was not so sure. In fact, suddenly, he was not sure of anything.

“A glass of lemonade, perhaps, my angel? Or a gentle stroll?”

“I would prefer to be left alone.” Miss Montrose waved a languid hand in his general direction, while she continued to gaze at the still lake beside which their picnic party had situated itself.

The languid arm-wave had not even been accompanied by a demure thank you as subtle acknowledgement of her gratitude that not only had Mr Bramley, heir to a viscountcy, stepped in to rescue Miss Eliza Montrose from impoverishment, he was prepared to treat her publicly as if she were as fine a catch as he could have made.

A soft titter brought his head round sharply, but the ladies behind him, bent over the latest Ackerman’s Repository, appeared occupied with their own gossip as they lounged on cushions beneath the canopy that had been erected to protect them from the sun.

Awkwardly, he looked for occupation as he continued to eye his intended with a mixture of irritation and desire—both lustful desire, and the desire to put her in her place.

The idea of the latter made him harden. She was beautiful, this quiet, apparently retiring, young woman who said so little, but whose eyes spoke such volumes. The afternoon sun glinted on her honey-gold hair and imbued her porcelain skin with a warm glow. The skin that he could see, at any rate.

He pushed back his shoulders. On their wedding night in six weeks, when he’d at last take possession of her, he’d rip that modesty to shreds. The skin she was so at pains to hide would be his, not only to see, but to caress and taste. When she was his wife, the beautiful, distant Miss Eliza Montrose would no longer get away with paying George Bramley so little attention. No, he’d have her screaming and writhing at his command. He would make her like the things he did to her; or at least, show him she did if she enjoyed harmony as much as she appeared to. None of this languid reclining like a half-drugged princess in his presence. He’d keep her on her toes, ready to leap to his bidding at the sound of his footstep. She’d learn to be grateful.

Feeling ignored and superfluous, he turned to his uncle’s detestable wife, Lady Quamby, and said with a smile, “Perhaps you and Miss Montrose would like to accompany me to the turret. Since you appear to have enjoyed this new novel, Northanger Abbey, so much, you might be interested to know there is an excellent view of the ruined monastery not far from here.”

He was just priding himself on being so attuned to the feminine inclination for pleasure, when Lady Quamby half turned and sent him a desultory smile. “Oh, I think Miss Eliza looks perfectly comfortable, and Fanny and I are having such a lovely little coze.” As if imitating Miss Montrose, she waved a languid hand in his general direction. “Why don’t you take Mr Patmore off to see it? The two of you can tell us all about it when you return.”

The fact that Miss Montrose didn’t deign to even speak for herself, much less glance in his direction, sent the blood surging to Bramley’s brain. By God, when he was married to Eliza Montrose, the limpid look of love so lacking now would be pasted onto her face every time he crossed her line of vision. She’d soon learn what was good for her.

He inclined his head, hiding his fury, and was on the point of leaving when Lady Quamby’s sister, Fanny —for he’d be damned if he’d accord the little strumpet the title of Lady Fenton—leapt up from her chair. She’d been poring over the latest fashions, but now she smiled brightly up at him.

“I’ll come with you, Cousin George. We’ll have an excellent view of the  children learning to row from the battlements. I told Nanny Brown she could take them in the two boats if they’d been good.”

Bramley stared down her liveliness. In fact, he was about to give up the idea of going up to the battlements altogether when his other guest, Rufus Patmore, suddenly rose and joined Fanny’s side with a late and unexpected show of enthusiasm.

“Capital idea!” declared Rufus.

George flashed them both a dispassionate look. He'd chosen to invite his betrothed, Miss Montrose—whose chaperone was currently tucked up in the green bed chamber nursing a head cold—to be his guest at his uncle’s estate, Quamby House, after receiving intelligence that Ladies Quamby and Fenton would be safely in London with their husbands and children. Instead, the brazen Brightwell sisters—as they’d infamously been called when he’d first made their acquaintance—had altered their plans, and were now in dogged attendance, reminding him as they always had, of some awful tenacious climbing plant, determined to find a foothold wherever they could in order to rise in the world.

Rufus, a last-minute addition and acquaintance from his club, Boodles, was here because he’d just purchased a horse from Bramley the night before. Now, Rufus was gazing at Lady Fenton, with the same dewy-eyed fondness George was used to seeing reflected in the eye of his uncle, the Earl of Quamby, who called the Brightwell sisters his precious rose-buds. To George, they were common dandelions! And now they had overridden Quamby House, the rambling Queen Anne manor house and estate that would have passed to George the moment his uncle quit this mortal coil, were it not for the snotty-nosed infant Lady Quamby had borne far too early in her marriage to George's uncle.

George shook his head. He’d changed his mind. Only, there was Rufus striding across the lawn, skirting the lake with Fanny at his side, and George didn’t want to be seen as petulant for having offered the suggestion in the first place. Or have his snubbed and ignored status so much on parade, since the two remaining ladies—Miss Montrose and Lady Quamby—had their heads bent together in deep discussion, with no apparent interest in seeking his company.

By God, he thought, clenching his fists as he set off after them at a brisk trot, they'd all rue the day they showed George Bramley so little respect.

Other Books in the Series: 
Book 1: Rake’s Honour

Book 2: Rogue’s Kiss

Book 3: Devil’s Run

Where did you get the idea for your new novel, Devil’s Run? 

Hi Jana, thank you for having me!

I got the idea for Devil’s Run after I’d introduced a character on the first page of the previous book, Rogue’s Kiss (which is Book 2 in the Scandalous Miss Brightwell series), where the heroine’s carriage knocks over a young woman who’s running away with her illegitimate child whom she doesn’t want to give up to the Foundling Home. This girl, Eliza, isn’t mentioned beyond that – though the child is chosen for a naming ceremony in that book – but I thought I’d pick up the story seven years later when Eliza discovers her child (due to it’s tiny sixth finger) is a regular in the household of a very horrible man who wants to marry her, and this provides the motivation for her to say yes. Only, matters get complicated when she falls in love with a visitor to the estate who’s come to buy a race horse from Eliza’s horrible betrothed.

Why did you choose this genre?

I’ve always loved historicals and as I’ve been reading social histories and the Classics (late 18th C and 19thC), since I was twelve, I have a thorough canvas on which to lay the plot idea. That means I don’t have to spend ages researching the time period, only particular aspects that are pertinent to the story.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?

I can’t decide if I’m a morning person or a night person. I go through stages where my habit is to be up at 5.30am or 6am every day for months, getting my work done, but then I switch to being a night-owl. What is most important, though, is that I get 7 to 8 hours sleep a night. I time it so I can have 8 hours, but usually wake after 7, and then I’ll brainstorm my Goal, Motivation, Conflicts for the various characters.

I think that comes from being a pilot’s wife for 20+ years, so I’m not used to routine. When my gorgeous husband is around, I’ll spend time watching movies and cooking and being with him, but when he’s away for 4 or 5 days at a time, I’ll write for many hours in the morning and evening. (I’m really missing him during such a cold Melbourne winter, as he’s away for 7 weeks in Singapore doing his Airbus endorsement.)

What do you want readers to come away with after they read your book?

I want them to come away feeling the things that are mentioned in my favourite reviews: multilayered plots with unexpected twists and turns, and multi-dimensional characters, some of whom readers love, and others they hate, (or love to hate). So I’d hope that Devil’s Run lives up to that.

Also, having written so many books, I’ve found that I appeal mostly to readers who are not looking for a conventional Regency romance and who aren’t upset when certain conventions aren’t adhered to, since I find that my characters can do some pretty heavy scheming to achieve their desired outcome. So I do try and make it clear what my readers can expect so I don’t get some who are disappointed because they were expecting everyone to be worthy and lovely with a perfect HEA.
I love writing series where the first few books can be read as stand-alones; so there’s often a Happy-For-Now which becomes a HEA in the next book since it gives me a chance to have an even more multilayered plot arching over a number of books. That said, in Devil’s Run, all the events are resolved in Eliza and Rufus’s story.

It was really fun to write, too, because it carries on from the first in the series (Rake’s Honour, which is permafree) where two beautiful match-making sisters, who’ve made rags-to-riches marriages, love to orchestrate the love affairs of the deserving couples around them. At first they don’t like my heroine, Eliza, who has just become betrothed to their awful cousin, George Bramley, and who seems cold and distant. But when she rescues their children from drowning, they decide they have to do whatever it takes to stop her marrying awful George and so they find her a really lovely alternative in noble, honourable, kind and gorgeous Rufus Patmore. The problem is that Eliza has decided she needs to marry George because she’s learned that her long-lost illegitimate son is a regular playmate of the children in George’s household.

Tell us a bit about you. Where do you live, and how long have you been writing?

Two years ago we moved into a house, which people describe as looking like Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies. It’s opposite a rambling, Gothic 19th century insane asylum and the view from my writing space is very inspirational. So is my writing space, itself, which I also use to make historical costumes. One of my favourites is a 1780s polonaise with panniers, while my most recent is a tudor gown and Anne Boleyn ‘French Hood’ I made for my daughter, as she wanted a Tudor Feast for her 16th birthday. I’m about to get started on Regency gowns for all three of us so we can attend the Jane Austen festival next year, in style. I’ll also start posting pictures of my creations (and their inspiration) on my Beverley Oakley FB page, including drone footage panning over the asylum, so if there are any interested costumers out there, stay tuned.

Do you have another occupation, other than writer? If so, what is it? Does it help you with your writing?

I do contracts during the year, so the pattern these days is, perhaps, a 3 or four-month contract with a month or two off, in between. They’re all writing related, so that must help. Mostly, they’re in communications, or as a content writer, sometimes in government, or in education. I’m not fond of routine, so change and contrasts suit me well. During my 20+ years as a pilot’s wife we’ve lived in Solomon Islands, Japan, Namibia, Botswana, Norway, Canada (where I worked on contracts around the world as an airborne geophysical survey operator) and now we’re in Australia which, with two children, makes life more settled for them. 

How do you think your life experiences have prepared you for writing?

I’ve become far more patient, resilient and accepting. After years of following my husband round the world, we settled in Australia and bought a house. Unfortunately, he broke his back two weeks before I gave birth to our youngest, so I had a toddler, a husband in a world of pain (all his vertebrae were sheared off when he fell off a ladder while we were renovating), and who couldn’t fly, and our eldest was – at that stage – often in her own little world before we discovered it was Aspbergers. (She’s 16, now, and hugely into science and Literature and today, really, passionate about certain causes and very clever, and she relates well, socially, but back then it was hard.)

So, today, in 2017, with my husband now well, and back flying (after pulverizing his wrist two-and-a-half years in a motorbike accident which had him once again in rehabilitation having multiple operations, and unable to work until last month) life’s fantastic yet I’m always prepared for something else dramatic to rock our foundations.

Do you have any pets? Are you cat person or a dog person? Or are you into totally different pets, like goldfish? What do you like best about your pet?

We have the most gorgeous Rhodesian Ridgeback called Mombo (named after the safari camp in Botswana where my husband and I met). He has the sweetest nature and I feel sure he’d defend me to the death if he could only work out who the bad guys were.


Thanks so much for having me, Jana.

My pleasure, Beverley!

~*~*~*~*~*~ Author Info: 

Beverley Oakley was seventeen when she bundled up her first her 500+ page romance and sent it to a publisher. Unfortunately drowning her heroine on the last page was apparently not in line with the expectations of romance readers so Beverley became a journalist.

Twenty-six years later Beverley was delighted to receive her first publishing contract from Robert Hale (UK) for a romance in which she ensured her heroine was saved from drowning in the icy North Sea.

Since 2009 Beverley has written more than thirteen historical romances, mostly set in England during the early nineteenth century. Mystery, intrigue and adventure spill from their pages and if she can pull off a thrilling race to save someone’s honour – or a worthy damsel from the noose – it’s time to celebrate with a good single malt Scotch.

Beverley lives with her husband, two daughters and a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy the size of a pony opposite a picturesque nineteenth century lunatic asylum. She also writes Africa-set adventure-filled romances starring handsome bush pilot heroes, and historical romances with less steam and more sexual tension, as Beverley Eikli.

You can get in contact with Beverley at:

website | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Goodreads

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