Happy Valentine’s Day, me hearties! Here’s my wish for you—hours and hours of historical romance and Happily-Ever-Afters.
Would you rather eat chocolate or read over 100+ Historical Romances? (Psst. You can do both!) So pillage and plunder your weasely guts out. Take what you can and give nothing back in this ONE-DAY-ONLY sale!
I love poetry and romance. One writer, always on my radar, has the most incredible tug on my heart and soul. Aye, just as 🏴☠️ Captain Jack Sparrow 🏴☠️ saved one shot not meant for you, Shakespeare wielded a mighty pen and made Valentine’s Day an everyday event for all of us.
I can’t believe it’s been a year since I’ve posted on my blog. So much has happened since then, much of it involving my Rogue’s illness, a move to make his life easier, and unpacking. I’m still knee-deep in boxes, with my beloved research books crying out for shelves to house them. I’ve also been writing and struggling to meet deadlines while happily awaiting the birth of our seventh grandchild. 😍
My, it’s been an eventful year and now I can happily announce that my next book in The Lyon’s Den Series from Dragonblade Publishing is finally here. Huzzah! 🎉
And now, without further adieu, I give you my next book baby, Truth or Lyon, the sequel to Pretty Little Lyon!
An indiscretion, a scandalous game of truth or dare, and the prize—a coveted kiss—threaten her future, but this is one game she cannot quit.
Spencer Wright-Smythe, antiquities hunter and Baron of Kilverstone has something of a rakish reputation. So when he’s introduced to Miss Porthenia Steere, she’s instantly on her guard, even though the attraction she feels is almost overwhelming. She resists his impudence as she’s determined to marry for love, to a man who’s good and true.
If only things were that simple. For Thenie has already set the cat among the pigeons by spreading a scurrilous rumor about herself in order to avoid a betrothal, and it won’t be long before all Society knows of her supposed indiscretion. Will her two younger sisters be hurt by her impulsiveness and prevented from marrying well too?
Then there’s the temptation of Spencer, who’s somehow always near. He challenges her to a game of truth or dare—if she loses, he’ll claim a kiss.
It’s hard to say no since she’s never been kissed before.
Since Pretty Little Lyon’s release, readers have contacted me to let me know how much they enjoyed Lottie and Septimus. Their unanimous verdict? They wanted more! And I can’t tell you how exciting it was to hear readers loved my two characters as much as I did. From the beginning, the seed of an idea had been ruminating in my mind about developing a series for Lottie’s three cousins, Parthenia, Augusta, and Delphi. I pitched the idea to Dragonblade and they loved it as much as I did. Huzzah!
Today, the first of the three books has arrived and I can’t wait to hear what you think about “Thenie” and her hero, Spencer.
I’ve been working on a new series and I’m so happy to be finally sharing it with you.
Welcome the first book in my Christmas for Ransome Series – To Sir Christmas, With Love! Based on The Pirate’s Yuletide Treasure short story, I’ve expanded the world of Captain Ransome and his wife Cassia, and why they go to a brothel in Canterbury to celebrate Christmas Eve every year.
Napoleon’s war still rages on the Continent, and Lieutenant Christmas Astley-Milne must return to sea. However, Chris is tormented that Emma Clavering, the woman he’s always loved, might marry another while he’s gone. There’s nothing for it but for him to propose before he leaves.
Emma accepts without hesitation. But as months turn into years, and nothing more is heard of Chris, must she also accept that he’s dead, or is he being held captive? The only way she can keep hope alive is to help bring prisoners of war back to England as part of a smuggling operation she runs with her cousin. It’s her dearest wish that Chris, wherever he is, is being treated well, and he, too, will eventually be returned safe and sound.
Finally, after five long years, her steadfastness is rewarded when Chris comes home just in time for Christmas. But he is not the same man who left her to fight the French. War has changed him, and he is wounded inside and out. Will anything, save a Yuletide miracle, be enough to thaw his heart?
From the workhouse to the British army, then captivity courtesy of Napoleon’s men, Lieutenant Daniel Barrett has never known the warmth or safety of a real home. But now, his training as a physician and loyalty to his captain, Sir Christmas Astley-Milne, have found him a temporary resting place. Having helped the wounded Chris escape to England, Daniel is sequestered at Milne Manor, caring for other soldiers who’ve returned across the Channel.
But it’s not the place he can call home, where he can settle with the wife and children he longs for. For what can he offer a good woman such as Ivy Martin, the daughter of Milne Manor’s stableman and his able medical assistant, for whom he’s formed a secret affection, when he has no money and few prospects? Once again, it’s time to move on.
However, just before Christmas, Ivy’s father is badly hurt, and Daniel finds himself comforting her—and kissing her under the mistletoe. This changes everything. Or does it, when he’s preparing to leave Milne Manor for London come the New Year?
And coming in January 2023, the extended novella of The Pirate’s Yuletide Treasure!
That’s right! You loved the short story so much that I created an entire series around it. Huzzah! And boy, has this been a joy to write. I hope you enjoy it too! 😍
Here’s a peek at the novella’s cover.
Isn’t this cover FANtastic? My cover designer, Dar Albert, was able to capture Cassia’s approach to Klaus Haus in Canterbury perfectly. 🎊
I’m going to continue to offer the short story for FREE as my gift to you. Yay!!! The books in the series will be available for #99ents each.
I’m happy to tell you that I’m having the best time writing these characters’s stories.
Here’s what one reader had to say about To Sir Christmas, With Love.
5 Stars! ✶✶✶✶✶ “As a prisoner of war in France, Chris endures hardships that would kill a normal man but thoughts of Emma is what keeps him alive. When he finally escapes and is brought home badly wounded, Emma is there waiting for him but both have changed. This is where the magic of Christmas occurs and two hearts are finally together again. I always enjoy Katherine Bone’s writing and this was no exception.”
It’s the day after Pretty Little Lyon’s book birthday. Huzzah! Thank you to everyone who purchased the book, read it, plans to read it, and/or left a review. I’m so thrilled to hear that readers are enjoying the great twist at the end. [No spoilers] And thank you to Dragonblade Publishing for the beautiful celebratory flowers. They made my day! ❤️
What do these have in common?
A nutty professor. The Rosetta Stone. An undercover investigator. A gambling hell. A brothel madam. Blackmail. Scandal.
Pretty Little Lyon
Enter the world of the most notorious gambling den in London, where matches are made… unusually. Welcome to the world of THE LYON’S DEN: The Black Widow of Whitehall Connected World, where the underground of Regency London thrives… and loves.
If you do not marry by Season’s end, I shall expose the seedy side of your father’s past, thereby damaging his reputation—and yours by proxy—condemning you both to a life of destitution and despair.
Who is sending Charlotta Walcot threatening notes? Why would anyone cast aspersions against her father, a mild-mannered professor of antiquities at Cambridge University? As for herself, although she has no plans to wed, why would that be of issue to anyone to save herself? Desperate to swerve the scandal that would destroy both her and her father’s reputations, Charlotta dares to venture into the Lyon’s Den, a gambling hall and house of ill repute in London’s fashionable Whitehall. There, she begs its owner, the mysterious Black Widow, Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon, to use her connections to identify her blackmailer.
But that is not the end of Charlotta’s troubles.
Obliged to attend her cousins’ coming-out ball, she collides with Lord Septimus Grey. After witnessing the delivery of another unpleasant note to her, Septimus offers his help. But how can Charlotta place her trust in him since he is the man who, years ago, stole her young and impressionable heart?
"A second chance at love, combined with a mystery, a disguised assistant to Dove-Lyon and a road to happy ever after, if they can only find their way." ~ 5 Stars Amazon Reviewer
"Katherine Bone has developed a wonderful tale of deception, a lost love, and an unexpected conclusion. I really enjoyed reading the “Pretty Little Lyon” and I believe you will, too." ~ 5 Stars Amazon Reviewer
"A fun, historical romance that is linked to the Lyon's Den World, a multi author series. All the books I've read from this "World" have been fun. Now we learn a bit more about the Lady herself.
Good fun." ~ 4 Stars Amazon Reviewer
These have been a trying two years for everyone and I haven’t posted many blogs because of it. But today, I’m happy to announce that I have another book up for PreOrder! (And keep reading to see how you can join the Historical Romance Easter Egg Hop.)
I’m so excited about Lottie and Septimus’s story! And I added a great twist to the end of this Pretty Little Liars meets Indiana Jones story that I know readers of the Lyon’s Den Series are going to love. The book also reads as a stand-alone so don’t worry if you haven’t read the other Lyon’s Den books yet. However, I hope you will check them out here. Lots of great stories waiting for you. PreOrder your copy of Pretty Little Lyon today! 📚
Enter the world of the most notorious gambling den in London, where matches are made… unusually. Welcome to the world of THE LYON’S DEN: The Black Widow of Whitehall Connected World, where the underground of Regency London thrives… and loves.
If you do not marry by Season’s end, I shall expose the seedy side of your father’s past, thereby damaging his reputation—and yours by proxy—condemning you both to a life of destitution and despair.
Who is sending Charlotta Walcot threatening notes? Why would anyone cast aspersions against her father, a mild-mannered professor of antiquities at Cambridge University? As for herself, although she has no plans to wed, why would that be of issue to anyone to save herself? Desperate to swerve the scandal that would destroy both her and her father’s reputations, Charlotta dares to venture into the Lyon’s Den, a gambling hall and house of ill repute in London’s fashionable Whitehall. There, she begs its owner, the mysterious Black Widow, Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon, to use her connections to identify her blackmailer.
But that is not the end of Charlotta’s troubles.
Obliged to attend her cousins’ coming-out ball, she collides with Lord Septimus Grey. After witnessing the delivery of another unpleasant note to her, Septimus offers his help. But how can Charlotta place her trust in him since he is the man who, years ago, stole her young and impressionable heart?
Excerpt
Miss Charlotta Walcot,
It has come to my attention that several Seasons have passed without you securing a husband when presented with the chance. And you call yourself a loving daughter. This cannot be borne. If you do not marry by Season’s end, I shall expose the seedy side of your father’s past, thereby damaging his reputation—and yours by proxy—condemning you both to a life of destitution and despair.
Take time to digest my letter, but do not tarry long. You can anticipate another missive each week that passes without news of your betrothal in The Morning Post. If you care for your father as much as you say you do and wish to prevent a scandal from darkening his door, especially when his work on the Rosetta Stone is made public, heed my words. Meanwhile, speak of this to no one, especially your cousins, the Misses Steeres. I am confident you do not wish to jeopardize their standing in Society.
I am watching. I am determined. Pray, do not doubt my intentions or dismiss this note as a mere threat. For if you do, you will experience misery and ruin the likes of which you have never known.
If you’d like a chance to win a $150 gift card this Easter, then join the Historical Romance Authors Easter Egg Hunt. Visit each designated website or Facebook page, hunt for Easter eggs, and then use this special sheet to match up the eggs with the authors. Go HERE to start the hop.
Ahoy, me hearties! My friend, Jenna Jaxon, is revealing the cover for her December 28th release of THE WIDOW WORE PLAID, and I’m helping her share the news! Congratulations, Lady Jenna! Read on to learn more about book six in The Widow’s Club Series.
The Battle of Waterloo made them widows, but each has found new happiness. And Jane, Lady John Tarkington, intends to keep her freedom, even if love—and one particular gentleman—are determined to claim her heart . . .
It is a truth rarely acknowledged—at least in public—that a wealthy widow is free to pursue a great many adventures. For two years, Jane has privately enjoyed her independence. Why should she remarry, even when the gentleman proposing is as wonderful as Gareth, Lord Kinellan? She entreats him never to ask her again. But as her Widows’ Club friends—now all joyfully remarried—gather at Castle Kinellan, Jane begins to wonder if stubbornness has led her to make a terrible mistake . . .
Kinellan needs a wife to give him an heir, and he wants that wife to be Jane. They are perfect together in every way, yet she continually refuses him. Just as he is on the point of convincing her, a series of accidents befall Gareth and point to an enemy in their midst. He has promised Jane a passionate future filled with devotion, but can he keep them both alive long enough to secure it?
Excerpt
Laughing together they approached the horses, who were quietly cropping grass. Kinellan adjusted the girth first on Penelope, then tossed Jane up and handed her the reins. He had just done the same for Hector, tightening the saddle before he slung the carry bag over the cantle when a shot rang out from the woods, kicking up dust right behind the horse’s hooves. Hector danced sideways, forcing Kinellan out into the yard. The pack slid off the saddle onto the dirt.
Jane’s head shot up. “What was that?”
Kinellan spun around, peering into the trees. “Hello! Who’s—”
A second shot smacked into Kinellan’s shoulder and he staggered backward into the spooked horse.
“Gareth!” Jane turned Penelope into a tightcircle, her attention focused solely on Kinellan, who had managed to move to the other side of the animal, putting that barrier between him and danger. Blood seeped from his shoulder, yet somehow he coolly scanned the woods for the intruder.
“Jane, ride out,” he called to her, not taking his gaze from the forest. “Down the path as quick as you can. Follow the trail back to the castle.”
“No. You’re wounded.” She stilled the dancing Penelope and unhooked her leg from the pommel.
“Stop! Don’t get down from the horse. You won’t be able to remount.”
Uneasily, she slid her leg back onto the saddleand gathered the reins.
Kinellan had moved toward Hector’s head and twitched the bush to release the reins. “I’ll be right behind you.”
“I’m waiting for you.”
Cursing, he turned the frightened horse and was ducking under its chin when another shot kicked up dirt and rocks directly beneath his feet. Hector reared, throwing Kinellan to the ground, then took off down the trail at a gallop.
Jenna Jaxon is a best-selling author of historical romance, writing in a variety of time periods because she believes that passion is timeless. She has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager. A romantic herself, Jenna has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise. She tries to incorporate all of these elements into her own stories.
She lives in Virginia with her family and a small menagerie of pets–including two vocal cats, one almost silent cat, two curious bunnies, and a Shar-pei beagle mix named Frenchie.
This weekend 30 Historical Romance authors are having a Halloween Hop with a $150 gift card prize going to one entrant (chosen at random) who hops from site to site and collects each author’s Halloween candies and treats!
Beginning today, 10/29 @8am and going until 11:59pm on Sunday, 10/31, the hop is a great way to find out more about these talented storytellers and their work too.
Or just hop to all 30 sites to “collect” the candy that each author has on their site. Send a list of authors with their matching candy to me, Heather McCollum. Put “Trick-or-Treat” in the subject line.
A FREE blast, that is! It’s the ULTIMATE HISTORICAL ROMANCE FREEBIE BLAST!
What’s a Freebie Blast? Easy – some of your favorite Historical Romance authors have banded together to share their free books, for five days only, from 8/15 through 8/19.
Five days with **FREE** books, so don’t wait – click on the link and pick up as many free books as you wish! (Note: Free books will be on Amazon and possibly a few different platforms. Not all free books are free on all platforms).
This year I’ve experienced a lot of ups and downs, but one of the things I am most proud of is writing my first Victorian Christmas book, A Sprig of Mistletoe. And today is the book’s birthday. Huzzah!!!
This book has everything I love in it: Christmas; orphans; inspiration from A Christmas Carol and The Man Who Invented Christmas; Charles Dickens; a heroine who wants to change the world, a Scrooge-like hero; and the Victorian Industrial Age. As part of the Miracle Express Series, it also includes steam engines. Trains were a huge part of my childhood. My grandfather longed to be a train conductor, but his mother advised him against the profession, preferring him to study music. ‘Grandy’ honored his mother’s wishes, received his doctorate in music, and taught organ and piano at East Texas State University. During his free time, however, he studied trains and their engines, planning adventures and vacations around them. I suspect in his lifetime he rode every steam train still in existence.
And so, me hearties, A Sprig of Mistletoe comes from the heart, and I hope readers will read this story and come away with the spirit of Christmas.
She’s unconventional . . .
Lady Catherine “Kitty” Egerton leads a quiet life in Hertfordshire riding horses, reading extensively to improve her mind, and entertaining one disappointing suitor after another. She desires to marry, but the men her father introduces her to detest a headstrong woman. Kitty wants to help the poor, and Christmas provides ample opportunities when women cannot join organizations that fund these efforts. When she’s invited to London to visit Field Lane Ragged School, it’s the opportunity she’s been waiting for. But she’s only allowed to go if she agrees to spy on her brother and his elusive friend—a key investor in the formation of a new Poor Law Union, a man who’s refused to visit their home in Christmases past. Kitty agrees because she has an ulterior motive: her dearest friend is in love with her brother, and the railway journey to London allows her time to play matchmaker.
He is not who he says he is . . .
Bartholomew “Bart” Fernsby inherited his wealth from a kind man who liberated him from the workhouse in Holborn. Sent to upper-crust schools, he received every consideration: lodging, food, clean clothes, except what he desired most—his mother’s love. But to whom much is given, more is required. Haunted by his parents’ deaths and a scandalous past, he’s determined to change other children’s fates by beating back the crushing blow of poverty taking London by storm. Putting his money to good use, he becomes one of the founding members of a Poor Law Union, which seeks to educate the poorest districts in the city, and enlists an old friend’s help to raise funds for Field Lane Ragged School. Another friend, Charles Dickens, has written A Christmas Carol, hoping the book will draw sympathy for the city’s poor and downtrodden. Bart purchases multiple copies for the Ragged Schools, but there’s only one problem—he hates Christmas.
Can Kitty’s love and a sprig of mistletoe mend Bart’s broken heart?
This Jane Austen blog brings Jane Austen, her novels, and the Regency Period alive through food, dress, social customs, and other 19th C. historical details related to this topic.
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A FREE blast, that is! It’s the ULTIMATE HISTORICAL ROMANCE FREEBIE BLAST!
Raisin' the Signal Flag 