Heather Boyd's Blog, page 2

Goodbye 2024

Goodbye 2024. You were not always fun and a lot of hard work, especially emotionally, and your time is up.

There was writing done but I had a lot of down days too dealing with the aftermath of losing my mother and accepting the grief that will never go away.

On the writing front, I did less than my original plan, of course. No Ordinary Lady, the last Distinguished Rogues novel, came out in March (just after my mother passed) and I didn’t have the energy to promote it. I hope you heard about it and found some joy in the story.

Later in the year I began, and even finished a few, shorter works which suited my diminished attention span better. Miss Kimble Bites Back released in September. Once Tempted was published in the Snowflakes and Scandals Anthology which came out in November and I offered up an exclusive and new short story, Remember Me, for newsletter subscribers to devour along with some bonus epilogues.

I took a trip to Adelaide for a writers conference and caught up with the awesome Tamara Gill and her hubby. Adelaide, and particularly Glenelg, is a place I could happy relocate to one day. Such a cool laid back vibe. I need more of that in my life. LOL So Goodbye 2024. I hope to never have another year like you again.

Looking ahead. I have big plans for 2025. Most of which is not set in stone just yet but I hope you’ll stick around to read my upcoming books. My first release for 2025 will be Surrender Becomes Her on February 25. If you’re looking for me on social media, I will only be posting on BlueSky. Have had enough of Facebook hiding my posts.

How was your year?

The post Goodbye 2024 appeared first on Heather Boyd.

Christmas Day is done

Well, the pressies have been handed out, we’ve eaten too much which means Christmas Day is done in my neck of the woods for another year. (Not that I live in the woods). It was a quiet but really enjoyable day with my family. Not to hot, not too cold. Wishing my readers, author pals and future friends the very best for Christmas this year.

Merry Christmas to you all.

The post Christmas Day is done appeared first on Heather Boyd.

Miss Kimble Bites Back is Live!

OUT TODAY: MISS KIMBLE IS LIVE!

Gabby Kimble knew just who she wanted at the start of her first season. So why is she spending so much time with an allegedly wicked duke and defending him instead?

It’s Gabrielle Kimble’s first season in London, and like most young women, she’s determined to make a good match. She’s set her sights on marriage to a good man, someone handsome and witty and oh so charming. When the opportunity comes to speak privately to her choice at a ball, she takes a bold risk with her reputation—only to find herself in a deserted room and overwhelmed by the notorious Duke of Mamble! Gabby cannot deny the man has a presence, but why can she not stay away from an allegedly cruel duke?

Sebastian Spence, Duke of Mamble, knows precisely what society whispers about him behind his back and would normally ignore the disapproving stares aimed his way. However, when one bold debutant mistakes him for the most unexciting man in London, and declares her love for him too, their provocative encounter tempts him to set the record straight. Dancing with the wallflower once should have been enough to save Gabby from disappointment, but never in his wildest dreams did he imagine she could turn his head so completely. Does he dare trust her with his secrets, and his heart, when she’s clearly still in pursuit of another man?

A steamy regency standalone romance.

Grab a copy here!

Direct from the author

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

Apple Books | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Google Play

 

What reviewers are saying…

The writing is witty and sharp, the characters layered and lovable, their relationship honest and direct – not always a good thing for Gabby & Seb. Depth, chemistry and just a splash of steam. …I loved this tale start to finish – absolutely unputdownable. ~ Alexandra G, reviewer

Wonderful characters, misassumptions, sizzling chemistry & a twist at the end that had me totally surprised ~ JanB, reviewer

Theirs was a match destined to happen. Absolutely loved it. ~ MariaR, reviewer

Very well written, fast paced read. Full of love, romance, society, drama, misunderstandings, intrigue, light steam and twists. ~ RoseS, reviewer

Engaging characters and their dialogue and chemistry is spot on ~ Romance1, reviewer

The post Miss Kimble Bites Back is Live! appeared first on Heather Boyd | USAT Bestselling Author.

No more drama?

I was reminded this week that the southern Winter Solstice is almost here and that means 2024 is nearly half over. I’m not unhappy about that. The first half of the year has been too much for me. I’m craving a return to normal life where distractions are fewer. Write, release the book, go camping and then start a new book. I vote for no more drama unless it’s in my fiction!

Speaking of My Upcoming Fiction…

Since the demands on my time have been higher than normal lately, my attention span has suffered and I won’t have a new release until September. But I have four works in progress with different final length goals. Mostly standalone stories and one novel for the Scandalous Brides series. Shorter stories are easier on my overwhelmed brain and quicker to finish though so I’m enjoying them a lot more than working on the novel.

I have two nearly finished stories requiring the completion of edits and they will release later this year: one is Miss Kimble Bites Back and the other is for a Christmas Anthology (more on that soon) that I hope you will love.

Amazingly, I have one completed story ready to publish too…only its for an unannounced 2025 anthology. Looking forward to learning when the pre-order begins for that one.

I’m closing in on 60 published romances too. I never imagined writing so many when I started but I don’t imagine many authors ever do. I am blessed to have such an active imagination I think, and I hope they are still bringing joy and a good distraction to my readers.

Book on Sale

Exciting news! Forsaking the Prize, book 2 in the Wild Randalls series, eBook is on sale for 99c everywhere right now and the sale lasts until the end of the month. Grab it if you haven’t already got your copy.

 

The post No more drama? appeared first on Heather Boyd | USAT Bestselling Author.

WeWriWa #32: No Ordinary Lady

Welcome and Happy Sunday. Each week I’ve been sharing 10 sentence snippets from my upcoming release, No Ordinary Lady, and it’s time for another post for WeWriWa blog hop post. I switched to my heroine’s (Marian Trill) POV last week and will continue for a few more weeks.

If you missed last week, you can find that post here. Enjoy!

WeWriWa #32 Excerpt…

“I would have thought with the way his valet carried on about the shabby state of the inn that his master would have carried more upon him.” Uncle pursed his lips and glanced over at Billy. “Are you sure this is all of it, boy?”

Billy nodded vigorously and inched toward Marian, so she spoke for him. “He never felt a thing.”

Beatrice chortled. “Maybe he enjoyed having a strange little boy hold on to him for so long. Maybe Billy should run back and try again.”

Billy leaned harder into her side, and Marian put her arm about him. Beatrice could be cruel toward Billy and Marian scowled at Beatrice. “Leave him be.”

***

Thanks so much for reading my excerpt.

Don’t forget to visit the other authors taking part in WeWriWa, click the image below.

No Ordinary Lady
Distinguished Rogues #20

She’s nothing but a common thief…and her next target is the Earl of Scarsdale’s heart.

Orphaned as a child and left in her uncle’s care, Marian Trill has known only a life of crime. Criss-crossing the countryside, she aids her uncle and his small troupe of thieves in conning well-to-do travelers…until one handsome mark catches her eye. Marian has no business betraying her only family for this gentleman’s safety…just as she has no business following Danny all the way to his country estate to return a valuable ring he left behind.

Daniel, Earl of Scarsdale, is returning home after years of avoiding the inevitable—marrying his neighbor’s daughter. He’d hoped to wed for love, but having failed at that venture, it’s time he took his duties seriously, even if it means settling for a woman more to his mother’s liking than his own. He didn’t count on the beguiling thief he met on the road following him home—nor on his scheming granny inviting her to stay as her companion.

 

No Ordinary Lady is a steamy regency romance novel.

Learn more here

Add to Goodreads

Add to Goodreads

The post WeWriWa #32: No Ordinary Lady appeared first on Heather Boyd | USAT Bestselling Author.

WeWriWa #31: No Ordinary Lady

Welcome back to another post for WeWriWa blog hop. I’m again sharing snippets from my upcoming release. No Ordinary Lady is done, just waiting for the proof of the print edition, which I’ll be taking with me to the Australian Romance Readers Book Signing in March. I’m switching point of view to my heroine, Marian Trill, a kind-hearted thief who’s life is a bit more complicated than even she knows at this point. Surprises are coming for her, and for Scarsdale.

You can find the last post here. here. Enjoy!

WeWriWa #31 Excerpt…

“Did we get everything?” Marian asked as she joined the others after taking the long way to their camp so she couldn’t be followed. She glanced at the table and grinned. “Pocket watch, pearl-handled knife, and the rest of the coin he carried,” she noted with approval, dropping onto a log beside her uncle. But the second gold sovereign the fellow had given them was suspicious by its absence. But Marian knew better than to question her uncle about that. Uncle always put a bit aside for a rainy day.

“Yes, well done, everyone,” Uncle Crossman murmured as he pulled it all toward himself and began a careful inspection of each item. He tucked some away in his pockets, others were left out, but as he lifted the gold sovereign, his frown grew. “Was this really all he carried?”

***

Thanks so much for reading my excerpt.

I’ll continue sharing more of this upcoming release in the coming weeks but don’t forget to visit the other authors taking part in WeWriWa, click the image below.

No Ordinary Lady
Distinguished Rogues #20

She’s nothing but a common thief…and her next target is the Earl of Scarsdale’s heart.

Orphaned as a child and left in her uncle’s care, Marian Trill has known only a life of crime. Criss-crossing the countryside, she aids her uncle and his small troupe of thieves in conning well-to-do travelers…until one handsome mark catches her eye. Marian has no business betraying her only family for this gentleman’s safety…just as she has no business following Danny all the way to his country estate to return a valuable ring he left behind.

Daniel, Earl of Scarsdale, is returning home after years of avoiding the inevitable—marrying his neighbor’s daughter. He’d hoped to wed for love, but having failed at that venture, it’s time he took his duties seriously, even if it means settling for a woman more to his mother’s liking than his own. He didn’t count on the beguiling thief he met on the road following him home—nor on his scheming granny inviting her to stay as her companion.

 

No Ordinary Lady is a steamy regency romance novel.

Learn more here

Add to Goodreads

Add to Goodreads

The post WeWriWa #31: No Ordinary Lady appeared first on Heather Boyd | USAT Bestselling Author.

Sam or Dean Winchester

Calling all hopeless romantics! It’s the month of February and there’s so much going on I’m already exhausted! On the writing front I’m having a good year so far. I always write with noise– music but not radio. I find the talking interrupts my train of thought. But an old favorite tv series (streaming) works great as well. The writing fuel for January and February is Supernatural (for like the 100th time). Who do you favor, Sam or Dean Winchester or is it Castiel? Keep reading to find out my hero inspiration from the show.

The January word count was high and consistent over last month. I’m working on multiple projects at once and it feels really good to write that way again. I used to write that way in the beginning before I started overthinking things. I’m a writer who has to puzzle her way to the last page and I don’t do well with outside distractions.

Scandalous Brides series

The next story is coming along, not as fast as I’d hoped but progress is progress. Nash and Laura were being difficult in the beginning (with each other and with me too) but I think they turned a corner last week so now we can get to the good stuff…getting them into bed and the happy ever after they deserve.

Short is good too

I love writing short stories. A lot of authors don’t. My first published release was a short story and they are great for my motivation and my #1 achiever personality trait. They are quick and straightforward tales for me to tell and easy quick reads for my readers too. I got an idea for a story one morning in January and managed knocked it out in just two weeks. That might be a personal record for me. The story needs editing of course but that story is now in the bank for release later this year or perhaps next. Short stories are good for anthologies, too.

Author Collaborations

Speaking of collaboration, I’m organizing another Christmas themed anthology for release later this year. Should be great and will feature a lot of new authors I’ve not published with before. Keep your eyes peeled for details on the blog or the coming soon page on my website in the second half of the year.

Party Party Party

Valentine’s Day has turned into a commercial enterprise and a lot of people don’t buy into all of it. My hubby and I do very little on the day, but its always a good excuse to have another reason tell him I love him to death. On Valentine’s Day (really the day after for me), I’m headed to Collette Cameron’s Facebook Group for a party running from 12pm- 6pm US EST. If you’ve the time, I’d love to see you there.

So, Sam or Dean Winchester?

Personally, I’m Dean all the way. He’s hilarious.

The post Sam or Dean Winchester appeared first on Heather Boyd | USAT Bestselling Author.

WeWriWa #30: No Ordinary Lady

I’m sharing another excerpt from my upcoming release as part of the WeWriWa blog hop. A bit of time has passed since the last excerpt I shared and it will give you a hint of what’s coming. I’ve been waiting years to write a scene like this into a book) You can find the last post here. here. Enjoy!

WeWriWa #30 Excerpt…

A figure ran past his window, catching Daniel’s attention. When two more followed, running too, he grinned. Finally. Something exciting must be going on.
He rose and put his face closer to the dirty windowpane.
There seemed to be some sort of commotion taking place just out of sight.
A cheer rang out, reaching even the occupants inside the inn, who were on their feet and headed for the door the next moment. Daniel hurried to follow, his curiosity piqued, and eager for any event to enliven his stay.
A wall of people blocked his view of the ruckus in the narrow alleyway beside the inn. But over the din of noise, he heard a woman shouting in outrage. His smiled slipped. The sound of distress drew him farther into the melee.
The woman was incensed about something serious.
Daniel attempted to push his way to the front, not an easy feat at all since everyone wanted a closer look at what was going on, too.
“You can’t do this!”
“Oh, yes, I can,” a man answered. “Come along, gentlemen, don’t be shy. Who here needs a woman? She’s strong, healthy and has all her own teeth. How much will you offer for her?”

***

Thanks so much for reading my excerpt.

I’ll continue sharing more of this upcoming release in the coming weeks but don’t forget to visit the other authors taking part in WeWriWa, click the image below.

No Ordinary Lady
Distinguished Rogues #20

She’s nothing but a common thief…and her next target is the Earl of Scarsdale’s heart.

Orphaned as a child and left in her uncle’s care, Marian Trill has known only a life of crime. Criss-crossing the countryside, she aids her uncle and his small troupe of thieves in conning well-to-do travelers…until one handsome mark catches her eye. Marian has no business betraying her only family for this gentleman’s safety…just as she has no business following Danny all the way to his country estate to return a valuable ring he left behind.

Daniel, Earl of Scarsdale, is returning home after years of avoiding the inevitable—marrying his neighbor’s daughter. He’d hoped to wed for love, but having failed at that venture, it’s time he took his duties seriously, even if it means settling for a woman more to his mother’s liking than his own. He didn’t count on the beguiling thief he met on the road following him home—nor on his scheming granny inviting her to stay as her companion.

 

No Ordinary Lady is a steamy regency romance novel.

Learn more here

Add to Goodreads

Add to Goodreads

The post WeWriWa #30: No Ordinary Lady appeared first on Heather Boyd | USAT Bestselling Author.

WeWriWa #29: No Ordinary Lady

Greetings again. I’m sharing another excerpt from my upcoming release as part of the WeWriWa blog hop. This excerpt follows on immediately from the last post. You can find it here. Enjoy!

WeWriWa #29 Excerpt…

“Once every other year is more than enough time to spend in close proximity with my mother,” Daniel announced with a nod as the carriage rolled to a stop in a muddy inn yard. “By all reports, the estate has thrived without my personal oversight anyway. Secure lodgings for us.”
Daniel glared at Sunday until he exited the carriage and left him to the task of speaking with the innkeeper to secure rooms for the night for himself and his servants. But it was mostly so Daniel wouldn’t have to look upon Sunday’s disappointed face again.
Daniel had enjoyed his week’s long journey homeward. Sunday had not. They had meandered from London into Sommerset, visiting any friends within a reasonable distance from the main roadways.
Daniel had a lot of friend, and had an abundance of enjoyment in their company.
He’d ate well, slept sufficiently, and flirting with as many pretty women as possible.

And a little more of the scene…

His journey was almost at an end, but he wanted one more night more or less to himself.
Eventually, he got out of the carriage too and looked about the village of Wraxall. He had never actually stopped here before since it was so close to home, but would make the time to it explore now. He doubted he’d ever have leisure to do so again.
The night before he announced to his family that he intended to marry was his last night of complete freedom as a gentleman. After tonight, he would never be unencumbered by a source of guilt again.

***

Thanks so much for reading my excerpt. I’ll continue sharing more of this upcoming release in the coming weeks but don’t forget to visit the other authors taking part in WeWriWa, click the image below.

No Ordinary Lady
Distinguished Rogues #20

She’s nothing but a common thief…and her next target is the Earl of Scarsdale’s heart.

Orphaned as a child and left in her uncle’s care, Marian Trill has known only a life of crime. Criss-crossing the countryside, she aids her uncle and his small troupe of thieves in conning well-to-do travelers…until one handsome mark catches her eye. Marian has no business betraying her only family for this gentleman’s safety…just as she has no business following Danny all the way to his country estate to return a valuable ring he left behind.

Daniel, Earl of Scarsdale, is returning home after years of avoiding the inevitable—marrying his neighbor’s daughter. He’d hoped to wed for love, but having failed at that venture, it’s time he took his duties seriously, even if it means settling for a woman more to his mother’s liking than his own. He didn’t count on the beguiling thief he met on the road following him home—nor on his scheming granny inviting her to stay as her companion.

 

No Ordinary Lady is a steamy regency romance novel.

Learn more here

Add to Goodreads

Add to Goodreads

The post WeWriWa #29: No Ordinary Lady appeared first on Heather Boyd | USAT Bestselling Author.

WeWriWa #28 No Ordinary Lady

Hey people. I’m sharing excerpts for my upcoming release, No Ordinary Lady, as part of the WeWriWa blog hop. I’m almost done with revisions. If you are a regular reader of my work, you might remember the character Scarsdale from previous Distinguished Rogues books. He’s a bit of a scoundrel when it comes to women, however, he might have turned over a new leaf. At the end of Yours Until Dawn he claimed he was going home. However, Scarsdale has never gone directly anywhere in his life. He’s dragging his feet as usual and upsetting his valet. Enjoy!

WeWriWa #28 Excerpt…

“Turn in here,” Daniel Dawkin, Lord Scarsdale, called to his coachman as they reached a familiar crossroad.
“We could still go on,” his valet, Sunday Paul, murmured, looking hopefully toward the long, empty road ahead. “There’s plenty of daylight left.”
“No. We spend the night here,” Daniel said firmly.
“But home is only two hours away,” Sunday argued.
“Your ma will still be there tomorrow,” Daniel promised, patting the fellow’s knee. Daniel’s valet was more friend than servant and he was eager to reach home and his doting mother. Sunday was bouncing in his seat with impatience.
Daniel was less eager, although this journey home had been entirely his idea. “Cheer up. It’s just one more night.”

And a little more of the scene…

“You keep saying that every time we stop. Lady Scarsdale will be none too pleased by these delays of yours,” Sunday warned.
“Well my mother wouldn’t have known I was even coming home if you hadn’t written to warn them to expect us,” Daniel shot back. “I told you I’d take care of the matter of informing them.”
“By writing the night before we arrive?”
“My mother didn’t need weeks to prepare her litany of complaints for my arrival,” Daniel replied, his humor for Sunday’s grumbles evaporating. “I’m sure she has made an even longer list since I saw her last year in London now.”
“It’s been five years since you’ve been home to the estate. Maybe she’ll be happy to see you finally return,” Sunday suggested with a hopeful expression, because he must know that would be impossible for Daniel’s mama.

***

Thanks so much for reading my excerpt. Next week I’ll continue with more of this upcoming release but don’t forget to visit the other authors taking part in WeWriWa, click the image below.

No Ordinary Lady
Distinguished Rogues #20

She’s nothing but a common thief…and her next target is the Earl of Scarsdale’s heart.

Orphaned as a child and left in her uncle’s care, Marian Trill has known only a life of crime. Criss-crossing the countryside, she aids her uncle and his small troupe of thieves in conning well-to-do travelers…until one handsome mark catches her eye. Marian has no business betraying her only family for this gentleman’s safety…just as she has no business following Danny all the way to his country estate to return a valuable ring he left behind.

Daniel, Earl of Scarsdale, is returning home after years of avoiding the inevitable—marrying his neighbor’s daughter. He’d hoped to wed for love, but having failed at that venture, it’s time he took his duties seriously, even if it means settling for a woman more to his mother’s liking than his own. He didn’t count on the beguiling thief he met on the road following him home—nor on his scheming granny inviting her to stay as her companion.

No Ordinary Lady is a steamy regency romance novel.

Learn more here

Add to Goodreads

Add to Goodreads

The post WeWriWa #28 No Ordinary Lady appeared first on Heather Boyd | USAT Bestselling Author.