Ruth Ann Nordin's Blog, page 59

Malcolm Jasper Has Been Replaced in His Wicked Lady!

After careful consideration, I have decided to replace Malcolm Jasper with another hero in His Wicked Lady.

Click here to reserve your copy today!

Since Malcolm made it abundantly clear he doesn’t want to be in this book, I have asked around and found out Dr. Westward will replace Malcolm.  If you read The Earl’s Stolen Bride, he was the gentleman who delivered Chloe’s baby at the end of the book.  This is the cover for The Earl’s Stolen Bride:

Book 4 in the Marriage by Deceit Series.

Chloe was the heroine.

Anyway, putting Dr. Westward in will change some things in the book.  I’ll point out some examples below.

Old Scene (with Malcolm):

In the ball scene where Regan took Malcolm by the hand and led him to the dance floor, this is what happened.

“I’ll tell you the truth. I just noticed you a moment ago. But,” Regan continued when Malcolm seemed ready to reply, “you’re a good looking gentleman, so I thought, ‘Why not dance with him?’”

Though a hint of red graced his cheeks, he said, “I don’t think you should be so bold. What if you get us into a scandal?” He glanced around them. “You’re fortunate no one noticed the way you hauled me over here.”

New Scene (with Dr. Westward):

“I’ll tell you the truth. I just noticed you a moment ago. But,” Regan continued when Dr. Westward seemed ready to reply, “you’re a good looking gentleman, so I thought, ‘Why not dance with him?’”

Dr. Westward clucked his tongue at her. “My dear lady, if you wanted to make this ball more interesting, you really should be more bold. What’s the point of being here if there’s no scandal?” He glanced around them. “Let’s do something to get everyone’s attention.” Then, in a very startling move, he pressed his body right up against hers and led her into a dance that shocked the whole Ton.

Malcolm (who won’t tolerate anyone messing with his reputation)

Old Scene (with Malcolm as the hero):

The butler came in with the tea and crumpets, and Helena waited until everyone had a cup before turning her attention to Regan. “I should explain how we do things,” Helena began. “We want to arrange a marriage for you with a gentleman who will be a best fit for you. We have quite a few questions to ask you. It’ll take an hour to ask them all. I hope you don’t mind, but we want to be thorough.”

New Scene (with Dr. Westward as the new hero):

The butler came in with the tea and crumpets, and Helena waited until everyone had a cup before turning her attention to Regan. “There’s no reason for us to arrange a marriage for you.  You and Dr. Westward were so scandalous at the ball the Ton is demanding you two marry.”

“Right,” Melissa Jasper (Malcolm’s sister) said.  “Because of what you two did, we have no role in this book.”

“Which is awful since the title of this series depends on us arranging marriages,” Helena agreed.

“This is not so,” Regan said.  “We are bending the rules.  For the sake of keeping the plot intact and preventing the author from massive rewrites, we’ll proceed with the arranged marriage.”

Old Scene (with Malcolm):

It wasn’t until his wedding day that Malcolm saw just who Lady Cantrell was. They’d already exchanged vows, sealing their fates together, when he lifted her veil.

He gasped and lowered her veil. Believing it’d been a trick of the eyes, he blinked a couple times, shook his head, and lifted it again. But it was still the same face that greeted him. And what more, the blonde had the nerve to wink at him.

“I bet you wish you’d taken the time to meet me now,” she said, a satisfied grin on her face.

He gasped again and put the veil back down. It couldn’t really be her. The lady from Lord Roderick’s ball. The one who’d brought her son over to his townhouse. It just couldn’t be.

He spun on his heel, went straight for his sister, took her by the arm, and practically hauled her out of the Duchess of Ashbourne’s drawing room.

Dr. Westward (whose favorite pastime is getting into trouble)

New Scene (with Dr. Westward):

It wasn’t until his wedding day that Dr. Westward saw just who Lady Cantrell was. They’d already exchanged vows, sealing their fates together, when he lifted her veil.

He gasped.  “It’s you!  The lady that scandalized the Ton with me at the ball.  I’ve looked everywhere for you, and here you are.” He picked her up in his strong, muscular arms.  “I have some ideas on how we can keep the Tittletattle writing about us for years to come!  Let’s see what mischief we can come up with!”

Without waiting for the others in the room to say anything, he whisked her off to their townhouse.

Old Scene (with Malcolm): 

Before Malcolm had time to ask Regan why she dared to come into his bedchamber, she opened the door and said, “You really didn’t think I had a key to get in?”

“I locked the door because I didn’t want you here,” he replied, feeling much too exposed, especially in the glow of the candlelight. She was, no doubt, going to be noting the differences between him and her first husband, and who knew if she’d find him lacking?

“This is our wedding night,” she said, not hiding the surprise in her voice. “Why wouldn’t you want me here? Aren’t you eager to get started on the children you want?”

“No. I can wait.”

“Malcolm, I didn’t think it was possible for a gentleman to be apprehensive about his wedding night.”

“I’m not apprehensive. I’m just tired. It’s been a long day. I need some time alone.”

New Scene (with Dr. Westward):

Before Dr. Westward had time to ask Regan why she came into his bedchamber, she opened the door and said, “You really didn’t think I had a key to get in?”

“That’s not what surprised me,” he replied, taking off the rest of his clothes.  “I’m just wondering why you’re using a key when the door was never locked.”

“Hmm…” She glanced at the key in her hand.  “I think the author forgot to edit that part out.”

“If that’s the case, I hope the author gets a good editing team because a big slip like that could take away from the steamy love scene we’re about to have.”

Taking a good look at his marvelous body, she threw the key aside and went over to him.  “If we make it hot enough, maybe they won’t notice.”

******

It’s changes like that which will make the story different with Dr. Westward in it.

Starlight Blogger Award!

I’ve been nominated for the Starlight Blogger Award by Rami Ungar The Writer.  (Thanks, Rami!)

Here the rules:

1. Thank the giver and link their blog to your post.

2. Answer the 3 original questions and then the 3 new questions from your nominator given to you.

3. Nominate your 6 favorite bloggers! In your nominees I would like for you to think at the light emanating from the stars the ones that truly touch your soul with their work, the ones that are the light for you a true STARLIGHT Blogger.

4. Please pass the award on to 6 or more other Bloggers of your choice and let them know that they have been nominated by you.

5. Include the logo of the award in a post or on your Blog, please never alter the logo, never change the 3 original questions answer that first then answer the 3 new questions from your nominator and never change the Award rules.

6. Please don’t delete this note:

The design for the STARLIGHT Bloggers Award has been created from YesterdayAfter. It is a Copyright image, you cannot alter or change it in any way just pass it to others that deserve this award.

Copyright 2015 © YesterdayAfter.com – Design by Carolina Russo”

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I’m going to do something a little different.  I’m going to take one of my characters and let them answer these questions.  Since I’ve been running posts about His Wicked Lady, I’m going to let Mr. Malcolm Jasper (the character who wants to be removed from my super awesome funny Regency) answer them.

Malcolm Jasper – Hero in His Wicked Lady (ID 17009622 © Zigf | Dreamstime.com)

Malcolm: I don’t want to be here.

Ruth: Oh, come on.  It’ll be fun.

Malcolm: I’m done with His Wicked Lady.  I refuse to be in it.

Ruth: Right now, we’re going to go through these questions.

Malcolm: Why?

Ruth: For fun.  Sometimes it’s okay to do something for the sake of having fun.

Malcolm: *sighs* Get on with it.  The sooner we get this over with, the sooner I can get back to packing so I can leave His Wicked Lady.

Ruth: You’re so cute, thinking you’re actually getting out of the book.  But we can argue this another day.  Right now, we’re off to the questions people are dying to know about you!

The three original questions:

1. If you could meet anyone throughout history, who and why?

King Solomon, king of Israel, who had the greatest wisdom of anyone who’s ever lived on Earth.  He could probably tell me how to get out of your lousy book, not to mention give me great financial tips.  He was wealthy, too.

2. What is your favorite book and why?

Inferno by Dante Alighieri because it gives me all sorts of great ideas of what to do with my cad brother-in-law, Logan, and my dimwitted author, Ruth.  I can write a book, too, you know.

3. Who is your favorite fiction character from any medium and why?

Romeo (from William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet) because there’s a hero who gets to die.  Oh, that I had such fortune in my own sad, sordid tale.

Now for Rami’s questions:

1. When was the last time you saw a scary movie? What was it, what did you think, and do you normally watch scary movies?

Well, in my time period, there are no movies.  We have the theatre.  The scariest play I’ve ever seen was “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare.  He was heir to the throne and could have had all the riches of his kingdom.  But instead of taking it, he killed himself, thereby losing all his fortune.  I didn’t sleep for weeks after that.

2. What are you dressing up for this Halloween? What are your plans for the holiday?

I’m not dressing up as anything.  I have no need to.  I’m perfect just the way I am.

3. What is something (book/TV show/comic book/movie) from your childhood that you still enjoy today?

I enjoy the first coin I was ever given.  I still have it safely tucked away.  Every time I look at it, I remember that my family didn’t start out with much, but with patience and hard work, we became wealthy.  It reminds me that what’s important is where we’re heading, not where we’ve been.

******

Now that I’m done with this blasted post, I’ll come up with three questions of my own for the next unfortunate soul who’ll be tagged.  (Sorry in advance.  My author is making me do this.  Feel free to send her all your hate email.  Or, better yet, leave a bunch of scathing reviews on all her other horrible books.)

 If you were a character forced to do something you didn’t want, what would be the best way to get revenge against the author?

2.  What is your most valuable piece of financial advice?

3.  What song best describes your life and why?

The poor bloggers I have to tag as part of this thing.  (This is what you get for being friends with Ruth.) *evil snicker*

Janet Syas Nitsick

Lauralynn Elliot

Dorothy Paula Freda

Rose Gordon

Melanie Nilles

Stephannie Beman

*I’d tag Joleene Naylor, but I see she’s already picked for this by Rami.*

Regan (heroine in His Wicked Lady) Responds to Malcolm’s Resignation Letter

Ruth: So after Malcolm sent in his resignation letter, Regan found out, and she’s not very happy.

ID 28998688 © Sergey Sukhorukov | Dreamstime.com

Regan: “Not happy” is an understatement.  I’m furious.  Let me at him, Ruth!  I got to knock some sense into him!

Malcolm: And people wonder why I sent that resignation letter?  Just look at her.  She’s wearing totally inappropriate clothes.  Look at her.  She looks like she belongs to a gang of bikers.

Regan: You have no concept of sexual desire, you dolt.  A lady can come up to you, wearing absolutely nothing, and all you can think about is your stupid investments.  I should be the one resigning from this farce of a book.  People are going to wonder why I wanted to marry him since he’s so unlikable.

Malcolm: *gasps* Unlikeable?  I’m completely likable.  Ask anyone.  Wait.  Ask anyone who matters.

Regan: I happen to matter, Malcolm, and yes, you are unlikable.  From the very moment we met, you’ve been difficult to be with.  I’ve had to degrade myself by pretending to actually care about investments.  But it’s gotten me nowhere.  You’re no closer to coming to my bed than you were when we married.

Malcolm: Pretending?  You mean you didn’t find that whole conversation about Mr. Raleigh’s shipping venture the least bit intriguing?

Regan: Some ladies fake it bed.  I fake it with dull conversations.

Malcolm: I am appalled.  Appalled, I say!

Regan: Not as appalled as I am!  When I suggested doing something fun to a certain part of your anatomy, you showed no interest in it.  You have the sexual desire of a cold fish. It would take me wearing a dress made of money for you to notice me.

Malcolm: That’s absurd.

Regan: It most certainly is not.  This is what you look like whenever something involves money:

ID 59046656 © Sabphoto | Dreamstime.com

Malcolm: *gasps” I demand you remove that picture at once!   I look nothing like that.

Regan: That’s exactly the way you are in this book.  You wouldn’t dare show such interest if I paraded in front of you naked.

Malcolm: Ruth, now you see why I want out of this book.  There is no reasoning with her.  All she cares about is sex.

Regan: Making love, Malcolm.  When a husband and wife get together, it’s called making love.

Malcolm: There is no decency in any of the things you want to do.

Joel Larson: You want to talk about decency?  I’ll teach you about decency.  Malcolm, when you post a picture of someone, at least make sure it’s not the beloved character from another series.  I am not Logan.  I’m Joel Larson, hero in Shotgun Groom, and the one character who made the Nebraska Series so much fun with my quick wit and fun personality.

Logan: Joel’s right.  That is not my picture.  This is me.

ID 53700165 © Artofphoto | Dreamstime.com

Logan: Way better, if I say so myself.

Joel: If you like the bored look, I suppose that works.  But that’s not the point.  The point is, the Larson family is practically a household name.  We are the centerpiece of all of Ruth’s books.  Malcolm, how could you not know you ripped off a picture of me?

Ruth: This is the picture Joel is talking about:

ID 19812969 © Jason Stitt | Dreamstime.com

Joel: Yes, that’s the one!  It originally showed up in the post where my brother Dave made a super lame ending to Isaac’s Decision.  Go on and check it out.  That was written back in October 22, 2011.  That was almost four years ago!  Words can’t describe how violated I feel to find out I’ve been used as another character.

ID 21939106 © Jason Stitt | Dreamstime.com

Malcolm: To be fair, no one even remembers who you are.  There hasn’t been a single Larson book out for what…forever?

Joel: His Convenient Wife just came out at the beginning of this year.  It featured Harriett Larson, my own niece.  I tended to her when she got sick after spending a night in a storm. I was in that book, you dimwit.  In fact, the Larsons have popped up in more than the Nebraska Series.  We’ve been in the Montana Collection (specifically in Boaz’s Wager) and in standalones like Catching Kent and His Convenient Wife.  Our first book came out in 2009 with Eye of the Beholder, and we’ll have another one out next year with Wagon Trail Bride, which begins the Pioneer Series.

Richard Larson: Joel’s right.  This means the Larsons will have shown up, in one form or another, in a total of three series and two standalones.  No other group Ruth’s written can claim that.  And to celebrate, I want to show the awesome cover Stephannie Beman made for my book:

The book where Richard Larson finally has his story!

Richard: I think I join everyone else in saying, “It’s about time!” I was beginning to feel like the forgotten older brother named Chuck on a popular TV show called Happy Days.  He was in a couple of early episodes, went to play basketball, and was never seen again.  But thankfully, I didn’t suffer the same fate.  Now that the book is coming out, it’s like Christmas!  

ID 59317164 © Zegers06 | Dreamstime.com

Richard: Except, my book won’t be out at Christmas.  It’s actually going to be out on January 3.  But you can pre-order through the links at this book launch page!  Then you don’t have to keep trying to remember when it’s due out.  It’s not on Kobo or Barnes & Noble yet, but hopefully, it will be soon.

Regan: Seriously?  Since when did this become a huge plug for someone else’s book?  I forbid you to spam your book on my blog post.  We were talking about His Wicked Lady.  You remember.  This book?  This is the book we need to be focusing on:

Malcolm: And she acts just like the way she looks on that cover through the entire book. It’s all “ooh, Malcolm’s nothing but a sex toy.” She doesn’t care a single thing about me as a person.

Regan: Then give me something worth caring about.

Malcolm: Money can buy a lot of nice things.

Regan: But it can’t buy happiness.

Ruth: Don’t you two worry about a thing.  You’ll find happiness by the end of the book.

Regan: I find that hard to believe.

Malcolm: It’s true because I still quit. Ruth will have to find another boy toy for you to play with.  *leaves*

Regan: Please let me use the bat to knock some sense into him.

Ruth: No, I can’t let you hurt him.  We’ll figure another way to get him to stop protesting his fate.

Updates

I was going to do a post on Regan’s (heroine in His Wicked Lady) response to Malcolm’s resignation letter, but my mind isn’t in the zone to do that kind of post today.   I’m going to do a standard update post.  The good news is, I actually got some stuff done. :) So I actually have something new to report.

A Groom’s Promise is now on pre-order at all the retailers!

Click here to reserve your copy today!

This will be out December 20.  At the moment, I have an editor working on it, which is pretty intense work since the timelines in both full-length stories in this anthology need to match up.  I will be posting a couple of my favorite scenes in the weeks to come.  (My To-Post List is outrageously long.)

I’m finished with the first draft of Wagon Trail Bride 

(Pioneer Series: Book 1)

Click here to reserve your copy today!

I finished it yesterday afternoon. :D

All is set to go for the January 3rd release date.  I’ve started bugging my editing about going over this, but it won’t be ready for them until Monday.  I have three more chapters to go over before it’s in second draft form.  (I usually edit a chapter a night while writing a book to help speed up my time to get things ready for my editing team.  I used to go through and edit an entire book in 1-2 days, but I don’t do that anymore.)

Anyway, I want to do a blog post where you guys can ask any of the Larsons (from any books) a question.

Richard and Amanda are featured in the book, but you can ask any of the Larsons a question.  The Larsons will be the one who answer these.  So far I only have one question, and I need more in order to make this post a good one.  I’m going to submit a form where you can send me your question if you’re too shy to comment under this blog post.  If you’d rather comment below, please do.

[contact-form]

Tomorrow I start The Marriage Agreement

(Pioneer Series: Book 2)

I haven’t made a Book Launch page for this one yet.  (I haven’t had the time.)  I am starting it sooner than I expected, so it’s possible it’ll be punished before August (which is where I currently have it set at).  The heroine in this one befriends Amanda while they’re on the trail, and when they’re in Omaha, they remain friends.  This is a marriage of convenience story.

If you’re interested, it is on pre-order, but at the moment, it’s only on iBooks and Smashwords.

I’m at Chapter Fifteen in His Wicked Lady

(Marriage by Arrangement: Book 1)

Click here to reserve your copy today!

And, as you’d guess, in chapter 15, Logan is doing something to annoy Malcolm, but it’s for Malcolm’s ultimate good.  Malcolm just doesn’t know it yet.  (And I’m sure if Malcolm was here, he wouldn’t be agreeing with me.)  I will do that post where the characters respond to Malcolm’s letter.  I promise.

I got a title for Book 3 in the Marriage by Arrangement Series.

Knowing the title of an upcoming book is always exciting to me.  Now I have to start looking for some pictures to send to my wonderful cover artist, Stephanie Beman.  The title is His Wallflower Bride.  (I don’t have a cover or description for it yet.  All I know is that it features two characters we’re introduced to in His Wicked Lady, and neither character is going to be at all happy to be matched together.)

As a side note: Book 2 in this series, Her Devilish Marquess, will feature Dr. Westward.  I should be starting that one next month.

I’m now at Chapter 8 in The Convenient Mail Order Bride

(Love at Chance Series: Book 1)

Click here to reserve your copy today!

I was originally going to make the title of the series be Colorado Series, but I changed it.  So if you thought the series title used to be something else, you’re right.  This book is due out February 21, and I’d say this is right on track.  The dynamics in this one is pretty interesting.  I’m not sure if the characters like each other or not.  LOL  Eventually, though, we know they’ll fall in love.  It’ll be interesting to see what the turning point is that makes this happen.

Resignation Letter from Mr. Malcolm Jasper (hero in His Wicked Lady)

Click here to check out the pre-order page!

Dear Mrs. Ruth Ann Nordin,

When I agreed to be the hero of one of your Regencies, I had no idea you would be casting me in such a bad light.

Malcolm who is not at all happy with me

Instead of seeming like a hero, others are likely to think I’m conceited and stubborn to a fault.  Given the fact that you’ve already humiliated me in Ruined by the Earl by making me lose the duel (and badly, might I add) to that dimwit Lo-Loga- ….  *sigh* I can’t even write his name.  That’s how abominable that vile creature, whom you forced to marry my dear sister, is to me.  Even to this day, I dare not speak his name aloud for fear stupidity will befall me.

Logan (aka Lord Toplyn), as Malcolm sees him

I thought this book was going to show me as I truly am.  Whether or not you choose to accept it, I am an important gentleman.  My time is worth money.  The very fact that I even agreed to show up in one of your books is an honor.  I could have said no.  I could have gone to White’s and talked about my next investment with Lord Steinbeck.  Lord Steinbeck doesn’t take time for just anyone, you know.  He only sees those he deems worthy of his attention, and those whom he chooses to speak well about often find their reputations improve that much more.

Lord Steinbeck who, according to Malcolm, is much too important for the likes of us

But instead of doing something worthwhile, I have been subjected to one bad thing after another.  You have subjected me to ridicule because of Lo-Loga-…that dreadful brother-in-law of mine.  In addition to that, I’ve wasted valuable time on your travesty of a book.  You have given me a wife whose favorite pastime is trying to get me caught in a scandal.

It’s bad enough she trapped me into marrying her when she knew full well I despise scandals of any sort.  Now she’s trying to distract me from my important business plans.  She keeps pestering me to do all kinds of things I’m too much of a gentleman to mention in this letter.  Honestly, Ruth, the bed is only for having children.  Nothing more.  Deal with it.

But all of that isn’t even the worst of it.  My new wife has been going around talking to that brother-in-law of mine, and you know those two are in cahoots together.  They’re determined to make me miserable.  Between the two of them, I’ll never get a moment’s peace, and this book certainly won’t have a happy ending.

Regan (aka Lady Cantrell) who Malcolm believes should have been a mindless bimbo in a sleazy romance novel

Given all these grievances, I have come to the conclusion this book won’t work out.  Either find another hero to replace me or stop writing this awful book at once.  If you decide to give me a role befitting my pristine reputation, I’ll be more than happy to be the hero in that one.

Sincerely,

Mr. Malcolm Jasper

P.S. Real literature is dead.  Jane Austen would be rolling in her grave if she knew you were writing these dreadful books.

***

Photo credits:

Malcolm – ID 21663285 © Inara Prusakova | Dreamstime.com

Logan – ID 19812969 © Jason Stitt | Dreamstime.com

Lord Steinbeck – ID 29258057 © Valua Vitaly | Dreamstime.com

Regan – ID 13495507 © Viorel Sima | Dreamstime.com

The Fun of Putting Together Characters Who Hate Each Other

I know.  I’m totally mean.  I love putting together characters who can’t stand each other and letting them take jabs at each other.  If you’ll recall, in Ruined by the Earl, Logan (Lord Toplyn) and Malcolm (Mr. Jasper) hated each other.

Where the rivalry began

In fact, at the end of the book, the two only agreed to get along enough in order for Melissa (the heroine in Ruined by the Earl) to have some peace.  Melissa, after all, was Malcolm’s sister and had to marry Logan.   So she’s really stuck in the middle of this.

Until now…

The rivalry continues…

We introduce Lady Cantrell (also known as Regan) who has, by marrying Malcolm, gotten in the middle of the rivalry between Malcolm and Logan.

I honestly don’t know if these two will resolve their differences or not.  Characters are often unpredictable.  I’ll think they’ll do one thing, and they’ll surprise me by doing something else.  So we’ll see how things play out in the course of His Wicked Lady.

What I want to do today is share the scene I wrote today.

Setting for the scene: Logan has come to visit Regan to offer her advice on how to get Malcolm to fall in love with her.  (Up to now, Malcolm hasn’t been happy with his new bride.) While Logan is trying to help her, Malcolm comes to the drawing room and interrupts their conversation.

And the scene continues below…

They looked up in time to see Malcolm coming into the room, rolled up parchment under his arm and a scowl on his otherwise handsome face.

“Why are you in my townhouse, and why are you touching my wife?” Malcolm demanded, striding over to Logan.

“First,” Logan began as he stood up, “this isn’t your townhouse. It’s hers.” He gestured to Regan. “Second, I was merely offering my comfort in this trying time of her life.”

“Trying time?” Malcolm asked.

“Yes. The poor thing is married to you. Her life will never be the same.” Logan bit into his scone and maintained eye contact with Malcolm, as if daring him to offer a rebuttal.

“It must be boring to lead the kind of life you do, Logan. Drifting from one thing to another with no real purpose. Meanwhile, the rest of us are engaged in important things.”

Logan raised an eyebrow and glanced at Regan as if to ask, He always has something important going on, doesn’t he? Regan stifled the giggle that rose up in her throat. The two of them really didn’t get along, but it was amusing to watch them engage in their banters, though she’d never tell either one that.

“As it turns out,” Logan began, “I came here to invite you both to a dinner party tomorrow evening. Melissa wishes to get to know her sister-in-law better, and I wouldn’t mind welcoming her to the family either. The fact that you’re coming along is a mere inconvenience I’m willing to bear. That is, unless you have something important to do. I wouldn’t want to keep you away from amassing a king’s fortune.”

“We’re unable to attend. Lord Steinbeck has already extended an invitation for tomorrow.”

Regan, who was biting into her scone, almost gagged on it. An entire evening with Lord Steinbeck? She’d rather stick a fork in her eye.

“I have an idea,” Logan said, his smile widening. “Why don’t you go to Lord Steinblech’s, and your lovely wife with come over to my place?”

This time, Regan wasn’t successful at hiding her laughter. She’d never heard Steinbeck referred to in such a way, but the name Logan came up with certainly fit. When Malcolm glanced her way, she covered up her laughter by coughing into a napkin.

Malcolm turned his attention back to Logan, “My wife wouldn’t dream of missing such a golden opportunity. Lord Steinbeck is very influential. He’ll be bringing Lady Iris.”

Logan grimace. “You mean the Duke of Hartwell’s daughter?”

“Yes. She’s got a pristine reputation and a lot of money,” he replied.

“She has a pristine reputation because she’s so ugly no one will go near her. As for money, all the money in the world can’t make up for her looks.”

Malcolm looked over at Regan and gestured to Logan. “You see how inconsiderate he is? Only a cad would refer to a lady like that.”

“Well, it’s true,” Logan said. “She’d be better off wearing a mask to the balls. Maybe then someone would touch her. Malcolm, if you ever need to restrain your baser desires, think of her.”

“Unlike you, I am a gentleman. I don’t have base desires.”

Logan smirked at him. “Sure, you don’t.” Then he turned to Regan. “So, will you be gracing us with your presence tomorrow evening?”

Before Regan could speak, Malcolm said, “She’ll be going to Lord Steinbeck’s with me. She’s my wife. Her place is by my side.”

“She can speak for herself.”

“Fine.” With an irritated sigh, Malcolm glanced over at her. “Tell him you’re going to Lord Steinbeck’s with me.”

Regan set aside the rest of her scone and rose to her feet. “He’s right, Logan. I’ll be going with him tomorrow.” Just as Malcolm turned to give Logan a satisfied smile, she added, “But I do want to visit you and Melissa. Would the day after tomorrow be all right?”

“That will be fine,” Logan replied. “I’ll let her know.” He bowed to Regan. “It’ll be a pleasure to see you then.” With a glance at Malcolm, he added, “We’ll just have to make the best of it with you there.”

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It was so much fun to write that scene, and yes, I will be bringing the not-so-lovely-to-look-at Lady Iris in another book, hopefully in this series.  We’ll see how things progress.  (I’m thinking Lady Iris can look attractive given the right makeover.)

I am not sure what to do about Lord Steinbeck (or, as Logan likes to call him, Lord Steinblech).  I’m not sure if he’s a hero or a villain.  Or a villain that will be a hero.

If you would like to reserve your copy of His Wicked Lady now so you get it as soon as it comes out, I’ll insert the links to where it’s available for pre-order.  This will be out January 9.

iBooks | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

It’s also up on Smashwords if you want to put it in your library.

Got My Publishing Schedule Through 2016

There is a lot going on, but it’s all good stuff. No one has to listen to me talk about septic problems today. ;)

I have been working on my publishing schedule, and this is where I am at…

Due out December 20, 2015!

My wonderful publisher, Parchment & Plume, is in the process of getting this up on pre-order.  When it becomes available on pre-order, I’ll let you know.

Due out January 3, 2016!

Wagon Trail Bride (Pioneer Series: Book 1)

I’m so excited about Richard Larson’s book!  It took me about three years to finally write this, but today I reached 44,000 words!  That means I’m less than a month away from finishing the first draft.

Personally, this is one of my favorites of everything I’ve written.  It’s a very emotional read.  I’ve cried several times while writing it, but there is a happy ending.  My publisher, Parchment & Plume, has agreed to put this on pre-order, too.  I’ll announce when that is up.

In the meantime, I am working on character thoughts on this book for the book launch page I’m doing.  Is there any Larson (Sally, Jenny, or Dave) that would you like to see chime in on this book?  I already have Richard and Amanda saying something.  I do have so Tom and Joel already saying what they think, but to be honest, Joel is a little self-centered and tends to pick on Tom…so he really doesn’t say a whole lot about Richard or Amanda.

This is already up for pre-order on Barnes & Noble and Smashwords.  It should be up on other sites soon.

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To demonstrate what a book launch page looks like, I have two already made!  (I’ll be working on book launch pages for the other books in this post as time permits.)

Due out January 9, 2016!

His Wicked Lady (Marriage by Arrangement: Book 1)

Here’s the book launch page for His Wicked Lady.

Now, I was wondering if anyone would like any other characters from any of my past Regencies to say something about this book.  If so, please comment below, and I’ll see what I can come up with.  (In case anyone is wondering, yes, this is the book where we find out who wrote the book Lord Edon’s been handing out since The Earl’s Inconvenient Wife.) ;)

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Due out February 21, 2016!

The Convenient Mail Order Bride (Colorado Series: Book 1)

I also got a book launch page for The Convenient Mail Order Bride.

Since I’m introducing all new characters in this series, I don’t have any past characters to say something about it….unless you want me to have a character from another one of my books say something about this one.  Also, if there’s anything else you’d like to see on the book launch page, or if there’s something specific you’d like me to mention the “About the Author” section, please comment below.

I’d like to make this a fun page to check out, so let me know if I can do anything to make it better.

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This is cut out May 8, 2016!

Her Devilish Marquess (Marriage by Arrangement: Book 2)

COVER COMING SOON

(Stephannie Beman, my awesome cover artist, is working on it.)

This one features Dr. Westward (the gentleman most known for taking off his shirt at a ball and decrying the hypocrisy of the Ton).  He made his debut appearance in The Earl’s Stolen Bride when he took care of Chloe’s younger brother.

This is already on pre-order at iBooks, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords.  It should be up on Kobo soon.

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This is due out June 5, 2016!

The Mistaken Mail Order Bride (Colorado Series: Book 2)

COVER COMING SOON

(Stephannie Beman is also working on this.)

This is the second book after The Convenient Mail Order Bride. The basic premise is that the woman who comes off the stagecoach isn’t the one who answered the hero’s ad, but neither one realize it until they’re already married.   I don’t know if this will be a comedy or not, but it has the potential to be.

At the moment, I only see it showing up on iBooks and Smashwords.  I need to tweak on the book description, but I probably won’t be able to do it until I start working on the book and have a better idea of what the characters want to do.

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This is due out August, 2016!

The Marriage Agreement (Pioneer Series: Book 2)

I’m working with my publisher to get this one going.  At the moment, I really don’t have anything to share about it except the month it’s due out.

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This is due out September 4, 2016!

The Accidental Mail Order Bride (Colorado Series: Book 3)

COVER COMING SOON

(Yep, Stephanie’s working on this, too.)

This is third book in the Colorado Series, and it features an overweight (think hefty) hero who has some scars.  Because of this, he is a recluse.  I asked people over at Facebook if an imperfect hero would appeal to them, and I got enough interest where I decided it’d be worth writing.  So thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts with me!

The bride who comes off the stagecoach was supposed to marry the hero in book 2.  Since there’s no one else to marry, she marries this hero.  (I’d like to think of this as a Beauty and the Beast type of book.)

At the moment, it’s only at iBooks and Smashwords.  I think Barnes & Noble and Kobo won’t show a pre-order that is a year out.  I want to say they’ll put the book up at nine months prior to release, but it might be six.  I’m still learning how this stuff works.

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This completes the entire list of books I have coming out next year.

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About the series with Stephannie Beman

A side note: Some have asked about the series Stephannie Beman and I have been working on.  While I was moving this summer, Stephannie had to deal with a death in the family and is still working some personal things out in her life.  At this time, we have put our co-written projects on hold.  In case anyone wondered about the books coming after The Stagecoach Bride, I wanted to address this while I was thinking about it.  (It’s much easier to work on covers than to do a co-written project.)

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Enchanted Galaxy Series due out in Novmeber 

I do still have Enchanted Galaxy Series coming out in November.  (The books are Royal Hearts, The Royal Pursuit, and Royal Heiress.) This turned into a romantic fantasy series instead of the fantasy romances I was planning on.  The reason I’m not focusing in on those books is because I love romance a whole lot more.  I mean, the fantasy is fun, but my heart is in romance.  So I’d rather focus on those.

Pre-Orders and Wattpad

I am about a month behind in everything except for my writing.  With my books, I am right on schedule, so that’s good news.  But I’ve been definitely struggling with trying to catch up with other areas.  If you sent an email or message and I haven’t replied, please send it again.  I’m not ignoring anyone.  It’s just with moving and having to fix up the new house, I’ve had a hard time keeping up with everything.  I seriously need more hours in the day. :P

Since I am having trouble juggling everything, I have decided to go back to pre-orders.

I don’t feel comfortable doing a pre-order on Amazon.  I know there are good reasons to, but I’ve heard of stories where authors messed something up with the pre-order and got banned from being able to do any more of them for a year.

The sad truth is, I’m not super organized, and I am prone to making mistakes.  I’ve had to go back and update things, shift things around so they are easier to understand, and after uploading a manuscript, I’ll catch something and have to go back and fix it.  And if you’ve ever watched my videos, you know I’m not eloquent at all.  I’m the type of person who trips and bumps into things.  Graceful is just not my way.

So I feel safer by just using Smashwords to do the pre-orders.  At Smashwords, if I goof up, I won’t get banned from being able to do more. It’s pretty much built in to be mistake-proof.   So the pre-orders will only be on iBooks, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble.  I think Smashwords will only let you put the book in your library.

Anyway, I really want to simplify my life as much as possible, and pre-orders will help me do that.   I’ll try to have some fun with them along the way.  It’d be nice to get creative.  But mostly, if I can get everything set up for the book before it’s due out, then I can focus on letting everyone know the book is available.  Otherwise, it takes me a couple of days to do everything.  That’s a couple of days I could work on emails, answering comments, checking out Facebook, and buzzing around other parts of the Internet.

So I’ll try to get things up soon with the pre-order stuff to keep you informed on what I’m doing.  What I also want to do is make it fun.  I want it to be entertaining instead of the “reserve your copy now” general message.

I’m on Wattpad.

Click here to go to my Wattpad page!

Okay, I’ve been on Wattpad for a couple months.  I started it because Smashwords was running a promotion for contemporary romances, and I was asked to join in on it.  I figured, “Why not?” I’d been tinkering with the idea anyway.

I was able to keep posting over there while in the process of moving, but it hasn’t been until now that I sat down to get the “follow me on wattpad” symbol off their site (with the help of my cover artist).  I have an Apple computer, and it doesn’t let me right click an image like the Windows computer used to.   My tech know-how isn’t my strong point.

I chose to put up the Across the Stars series for the promotion via Smashwords.  Right now I’m posting Catching Kent.  What I’d like to do is actually get a first draft up at some point. I’m still working up the courage to do this.  After going through some stolen books, it’s hard to do it, but I have had a few people help me find and remove stolen books in the past.  So I try to keep reminding myself you guys are looking out for me.  I’m not alone in this. :)

I can’t post anything that will go to my publisher.  Wagon Trail Bride and the rest of the Pioneer Series is off limits.  But I was thinking of posting The Convenient Mail Order Bride once I have enough written in the story.

If you are on Wattpad, I hope you’ll stop by and say hi.  Or let me know in a comment, and I’ll see if I can follow you.  I’m still learning the ins and outs of Wattpad.  On one occasion I had deleted a chapter in one of the stories and didn’t realize it until someone pointed it out.  I was able to get it back, but I still can’t figure out how I deleted it.  See what I mean about making mistakes? :D

Tentative Schedule for 2016

I had to submit some stock photos to my excellent and talented cover artist, Stephannie Beman, so I could reserve my spot on her calendar.  Okay, there were several spots because I want her to do all my covers.  Her calendar fills up fast.  The sooner I get things in far in advance, the easier it is to reserve my slots.  Doing this has been good because it forced me to map out a tentative schedule for 2016.

For those of you who’ve missed my historical westerns, you’ll be happy to see most of my books will be in that specific genre. :D

I am currently working on three series.  Two are historical western and one is Regency.  That being the case, I decided to focus in on the books that will fit in with them.   Ready for the line up?  Here we go…

Pioneer Series

Wagon Trail Bride: Book 1

When Amanda married Richard Larson, she had no idea he had secretly loved her for years.  Now she doesn’t know how to act around him. And worse, a young man from her past is the one leading the wagon train to Omaha, and he has plans for them to run off to start a new life elsewhere.

*This is to be published by my awesome publisher, Parchment & Plume.  I will hand it in around December 1.  When it’ll be published isn’t known yet.

The Marriage Agreement: Book 2

After the death of his wife, Jesse Palmer and Laura Rufus agree to a marriage of convenience so she can be step in and be a mother to his son.  But his mother-in-law and her parents are not at all happy with the arrangement and will do everything they can to annul it.

*I plan to have this in to Parchment & Plume around summer 2016.

Groom For Hire: Book 3

COVER COMING SOON

When asked to lead another wagon train West, a man makes an unusual request of Joe Otto.  He offers Joe money to marry his daughter so she won’t have to go on the trails without the protection of a husband.  Once she reaches her destination, Joe’s free to annul the marriage.  Since Joe can’t imagine loving anyone by the young lady he left in Omaha, this seems like an easy arrangement.  But as in other areas of life, few things are ever so simple.

*I plan to have this in to Parchment & Plume in late 2016.

Colorado Mail Order Brides Series 

His by Convenience: Book 1

(Stephannie Beman is going to modify the cover to reflect the new title.)

When Phoebe Durbin answers a mail-order bride ad, she doesn’t realize the groom-to-be didn’t write the ad.

*I plan to publish this in February 2016.

His by Mistake: Book 2

COVER COMING SOON

Eric Johnson has been writing to his mail order bride for months, and at long last, the day she’s due to arrive has come.  The only young lady who comes off the stagecoach must be her, so he takes her to the preacher at once.  The bride doesn’t realize she’s ended up in the wrong town–and with the wrong groom–until the preacher is done with the vows and turns to announce she’s now Mrs. Eric Johnson.   (This might be a comedy, but we’ll see.)

*I don’t have a publishing time frame for this yet, but I do plan to have it out in 2016.

His by Chance (Book 3)

COVER COMING SOON

Eric Johnson’s real mail order bride shows up later than expected, and she quickly learns he is already married.  Now Allie Jones is stuck in a small Colorado town with no way to leave.  She must either marry the only remaining bachelor or risk being sold to the saloon’s owner to be one of the soiled doves.  Seeing she has no real choice, she agrees to marry the bachelor.

Not being much to look at and overweight, Travis Martin is content to live alone, sheltered in the wooded area of the mountainside, free from the town’s endless gossip.  So that’s why  the last thing he expects is a preacher when there’s a knock on the door.  With great hesitation, he agrees to the marriage.  He can’t confine her to the saloon, but he knows the marriage won’t be a happy one for her, not when she could have had someone so much better.

*I hope to publish this in 2016.

Marriage by Arrangement Series

His Wicked Lady: Book 1

Helena, Melissa, and Chloe have started arranging marriages, but not all will go smoothly on the way to a happily ever after…

Mr. Malcolm Jasper prides himself on his immaculate reputation, and he’s decided it’s time to get married so he can start having children to leave a legacy to. Unfortunately for him, or maybe fortunately, he happens to be paired with Lady Cantrell, a lady who thinks the rules of the Ton are made to be broken.

* I plan to publish this in January 2016.

Her Devilish Marquess: Book 2

COVER COMING SOON

Helena, Melissa, and Chloe are still arranging marriages, but not all will go smoothly on the way to a happily ever after…

Dr. Derek Westward has been happy living his life doing everything possible to upset the Ton. Second to his occupation, it’s one of his favorite pastimes. Then his brother dies, and the worst thing imaginable happens. He inherits the title of a marquess. Now he has to secure the future of his family’s estate with an heir, and worse, he’s expected to be on his best behavior, something he’s been unable to do since childhood.

Miss Danette Everson has given up on ever marrying. At twenty-five, she’s resigned herself to spinsterhood, until her friend decides she’d be better off married. Before she knows it, she’s a bride. But her new husband isn’t the reputable gentleman she was hoping for. No, he’s got a horrible tendency to scandalize the Ton at every opportunity that presents itself. Surely, a pair couldn’t be more mismatched. Whatever were the three matchmaking ladies thinking when they arranged for her to marry the most devilish marquess in all of London?

*I hope to publish this in late spring 2016.

More to come in this series.  I just have no idea what the plots will be, so I can’t come up with a cover or title for them yet.  

Updates and Some Possible Titles for Future Titles

Before I begin, I want to point out a group on Facebook called Pioneer Hearts.

Click here to join

If you love historical western romances, there are other historical western romance readers and great authors over there.  I do belong to this group, but I don’t get to participate as much as I’d like to.  I have to limit my time on Facebook because I can get stuck over there for hours watching videos and reading jokes.  But there is a lot of activity in the group, and the administrators do a great job of keeping the atmosphere upbeat and positive.

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Now for my current works in progress….

Wagon Trail Bride is at the 30,000-word Mark!

(This is book 1 in the Pioneer Series.)

This is a huge deal because it means I’m at the halfway point.  Everything is flowing smoothly.  Let’s hope it keeps up.  This puts me on track to hand this in to my publisher in December.

I will say one thing about this book: it has several scenes that’s made me cry.  I’ve had to bring a washcloth to wipe my face while writing it.  But that is what makes the best historical westerns, in my opinion.  I tend to enjoy the tearjerkers more in romance when doing historical westerns.  I prefer humor in Regencies.  I know.  It’s weird.  But it’s how it works for me.  Anyway, the fact that I am crying so much while writing this story means it’s likely to end up being one of my favorites.

Malcolm Just Found Out Who His Bride Is!

(This is book 1 in the Marriage by Arrangement Series.)

Exciting stuff!  Long story short, he lifted her veil, saw it was the wicked lady on the cover above, and scurried out of the room to lament his fate.  This is where it gets really good.  To be fair to Regan (the heroine), she made an effort to let him know it was her, but he was “too busy” to be bothered with trivial stuff like that.  So he had it coming.

I’m almost at 20,000 words, which puts me on track for a January release.

The Convenient Mail Order Bride  will be Book 1 of the Colorado Series

I haven’t made much progress on this one since things have been flowing so well in the two books above, but I have decided this is going to be a part of a new series.  I’ll need to contact my cover artist to update the cover to reflect this.  I was going to make this a standalone until I came across a secondary character who is pretty much demanding his own book.

So this will be Book 1 in the Colorado Series.  I’ve been wanting to write a book set in Colorado.  I figured since so many of my series are based off the location the stories take place in, I might as well do it with this one, especially since I haven’t done Colorado books yet.

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This brings me to my final part of this post…

I’m brainstorming for titles for the next books in these three series.  Here’s the breakdown.

Pioneer Series

Book 1: Wagon Trail Bride (this is already set)

Richard and Amanda Larson’s Book

Book 2: The Marriage Agreement (this is already set and I have the cover)

Laura and Jesse Palmer’s Story

I introduce Laura and Jesse in Wagon Trail Bride.  Jesse loses his wife to childbirth along the trail, and this causes a lot of tension between him and his mother-in-law.  Laura will step in to be a mother for the baby.  So this is a marriage of convenience story.

I need a title (and cover) for Book 3

I’ll get the cover from Stephannie Beman.  She’s done the other covers in this post.  I love her work. :)

This is going to be Joe Otto’s story.  Joe is the man who pines for Amanda in Wagon Trail Bride.  What I got so far from his story is that he’s going to come across a situation where a young woman is going to be in a vulnerable situation, and he’s going to step in and marry her in order to save her.  This will be another marriage of convenience story.

Possible titles from a brainstorm are The Rescued Bride, A Bride in the Bargain, Bride for Sale…  Okay, that’s all I got right now.

 Marriage by Arrangement Series

Book 1: His Wicked Lady (this is already set)

Malcolm (Mr. Jasper) and Regan (Lady Cantrell)’s Story

Book 2: needs a title and cover (working on both)

Remember Dr. Westward from The Earl’s Stolen Bride?  He took care of Chloe’s brother after the other doctor refused to care for him.  He is the one who told her no decent lady would have him.  Well, his older brother (the Marquis of Doddsworth) is going to die, and he inherits the title.  With the title comes the necessity to marry.  He’ll want a lady who doesn’t mind being married to a gentleman known for upsetting the Ton, but (to make it interesting), he’s going to be paired up (by mistake) with a lady who does everything she can to stay out of the spotlight.  She’s a wallflower and well past her ideal marriageable age at 23 or 24.

So here are some possible title ideas: His Wallflower Bride, Her Devilish Marquis, Her Scandalous Marquis…  That’s all I got.

I don’t have any ideas yet for Books 3 and 4.  I’d like to make this series four books since the other Regency series have four books in them.

Colorado Series

(All of these are new characters.)

Book 1: The Convenient Mail Order Bride (this is already set)

Phoebe and Abe’s Story

Book 2: needs a title and cover

I introduced Eric in Book 1 of this series early on, and he’s expecting his mail order bride to come in.  But when she does, she’s going to be the wrong one.  I’m thinking it’s a mistake and neither side is trying to deceive the other.  The plot is not set in stone, though, and might change.

At the moment, though, I’m thinking The Wrong Mail Order Bride… That is all I got.  All day long, I haven’t been able to come up with anything else.  Maybe more ideas will come later.  I probably need to think outside the box.

But….

Book 3: needs a title and cover

I have yet to introduce this hero, but he’s going to be overweight and think himself undesirable to women.  I’m thinking of making the mail order bride who was supposed to marry Eric be the one who is stuck in town (after she finds out Eric married someone else).  She’ll need someone, so the hero in Book 3 marries her, but he doesn’t think she’ll ever be truly happy she had to marry him.

Possible title ideas: The Perfect Mail Order Bride, The Mismatched Couple, The Other Man’s Mail Order Bride, The Convenient Marriage…  I’m stumped again.

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I’ll have to keep coming up with ideas.  But if anyone has any, I’d love to hear them.