Suzanne G. Rogers's Blog, page 14
February 4, 2018
Where’s the Spice? Romance Novels with a Wholesome Flair
Note: This blog post is one I wrote exactly four years ago, prompted by a reviewer who complained about the lack of “heat” in my work. I thought it was worth a quick update and a re-run…
“Show me the money!” screams Cuba Gooding, Jr. in the film Jerry Maguire. In porn parlance, it’s called “the money shot.” Yes, romance novels are often associated with sex—an image promoted by torrid covers of shirtless men clutching panting heroines in the throes of passion.
Is there anything wrong with that? No, of course not. It’s all good fun; escapism had for less than the price of a movie ticket. I used to gobble up bodice-rippers when I was a hormonal teen. White lines would appear on the spine of the paperbacks where the particularly juicy scenes could be found. Sometimes, with historical romances, I would actually learn something other than intimate details of procreation.
In this topsy-turvy world, writing romance novels without “money shots” has actually become controversial. Unless the book specifies it’s Amish or Christian, some people expect a little friction between the sheets. Even if the story is categorized as Young Adult, readers often look for the spice…and get annoyed when it fails to materialize.
In traditional Regency romance (romance set during the British Regency from 1811-1820), no explicit sex occurs. The last few years have seen the rise of a more modern Regency romance; romances of a non-traditional sensual variety (ie: more “marketable”).
So why on Earth would an author swim against the tide of filthy lucre (money) and write what might be termed “clean” or “sweet” romance…especially considering reader expectations? Call me crazy, but personally I think readers should have choices. I don’t think novels and stories without explicit sex scenes need be antiseptic or anemic. In my romances, for example, my characters have physical feelings and thoughts. For me, the money shot is the kiss! I also tend to put exciting adventure in my stories…fisticuffs, sword fights, and escapes from death.
If you’re looking for a good time that doesn’t involve *ahem* “biology,” check out Clean Indie Reads. The blog features “flinch-free” fiction in a variety of genres. (Psst: several of the CIR authors are having an upcoming Valentine’s Day promo, February 11 – 14, 2018). Clean Reads (slogan All Story. No Guilt) is also a publisher I’ve working with in the past, which specializes in sweet romance and fiction in various genres.
I guess you could say “clean” fiction is now edgy. And I guess I can call myself a maverick.
~ Suzanne
January 31, 2018
New Audiobook Release • Ruse & Romance
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I’m delighted to announce the release of Ruse & Romance in audiobook format:
Unjustly labeled a flirt, Kitty Beaucroft is in need of a fiancé. Lord Philip Butler’s father wants him to settle down before he can become a landowner. With no intention of following through, Kitty and Philip enter into a temporary engagement as a means to an end. Unfortunately, someone knows the truth and is determined to expose them. Will the ruse turn into a romance before it’s too late?
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Narrated by the incomparable Helen Taylor, the recording is 4 hours and 43 minutes long. The book is available at Amazon HERE, and the audiobook can be purchased at Amazon, Audible, or iTunes. Have a listen, below!
https://suzannegrogersdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/ruseclip.mp3
December 26, 2017
After Christmas #sale • #99cents
I hope your Christmas was full of fun, family, and food! Stuff a few more presents under the tree (or in the Kindle) with countdown deals on three of my titles, available for 99 cents apiece. Don’t wait, because these countdown deals last only through January 1st, 2018.
~ Suzanne
“Love is the wisdom of the fool and the folly of the wise.” – Samuel Johnson
After her estate is entailed away, Jessamine Foster has no choice but to live with relatives who detest her. When her aunt gives her an ultimatum to leave, Jessamine accepts a position as companion to Lord Kirkendale’s sister—even though she’s been warned her predecessors can’t seem to resist the earl’s exceptional good looks. Can Jessamine manage to hold onto her job without losing her heart?
To honor a promise made to his dying father, Lord Kirkendale agrees to an arranged marriage to a woman he cannot love. Although he is resigned to a life without sentiment, the arrival of his sister’s new companion awakens a slumbering passion. Can he find a way to secure his own happiness without sacrificing his family’s honor, or will his broken promise result in the ruination of the person he loves most?
This hopelessly romantic, blush-free Edwardian-era romance is available HERE.
The daughter of a wealthy ice merchant, Miss Jillian Roring intends to marry for love. En route to her first season in London, however, a failed kidnapping sends her into the arms of the most jaded bachelor in England. When Logan and Jillian unwittingly violate the rigid rules of propriety in Victorian-era England, he is obliged to make her an offer of marriage. Because she aspires to be more than an obligation, Jillian refuses the match. Logan follows her to London to woo her properly, but his scheming ex-fiancée has other plans.
Can Logan convince Jillian that his love for her is real or will the cruel gossip and sharp tongues of London society tear their budding relationship apart?
This romantic Victorian-era tale set in 1899, England is available HERE.
A Gift for Lara • A Gift for Fiona • The Love Letters Series
Two stories of twin sisters whose letters go astray. This BOX SET contains A Gift for Lara and A Gift for Fiona.
A Gift for Lara: Lara Robinson wrote a love letter four years ago, but received no reply. Now the man to whom she gave her heart will visit Blythe Manor for Christmas. How can she enjoy the holidays knowing Miles Greystoke must despise her for revealing her feelings in such an unguarded fashion?
As an awkward youth, Miles fell in love with a kindred spirit…but his love was unrequited. Against his wishes, he’s now obliged to spend the holidays at Blythe Manor. Time has wrought changes in his physique, but his devotion to Lara Robinson has never wavered. He searches for the perfect present to show her how he feels, but nothing seems quite right…until he realizes the best sort of gift will embrace the true meaning of Christmas.
A Gift for Fiona: With one sister married and another soon to be engaged, Fiona worries she’ll be the last Robinson girl on the shelf. She pins her hopes on a handsome viscount, but his unexpected and public proposal to another girl hands her a stinging and demoralizing defeat. A new acquaintance awakens all her senses—until she realizes he’s related to the girl who stole her beau. On the heels of her humiliation, should Fiona instead consider marriage to a much older man whom she could never love?
Fiona’s unconventional, earthy looks and mischievous personality appeal to Rory Braithwaite much more than any other woman he’s ever met. Unfortunately, his sister has been the means of ruining Fiona’s happiness. Can he convince Fiona of his sincerity before she makes a mistake she’ll regret for the rest of her life…and his?
The Love Letters Series: Box Set is available HERE.
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Filed under: Clean & Wholesome, Edwardian Romance, Sale, Victorian Romance Tagged: A Gift for Fiona, A Gift for Lara, Countdown deal, Jessamine's Folly, The Ice Captain's Daughter, The Love Letters Series
December 24, 2017
Finding the Spirit of Christmas
Award-winning flash fiction to celebrate the season.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays! ~ Suzanne
Finding the Spirit of Christmas
As an increasingly heavy snow shower drifted down over the wintry country landscape, the dark outline of a rectangular-shaped portal formed. A well-dressed man stepped through the blackness, promptly skidded on a patch of ice and landed in a deep snowdrift. The man pushed himself upright, dismayed to find the moist snow clinging to his face and expensive clothes. He glanced back at the portal, but it had disappeared.
A voice rang out. “What are you doing out in the middle of nowhere, dressed like that?”
The man wiped crystals from his eyelashes so he could see. A very pretty woman stood on a path nearby, bundled against the cold.
“Um…I’m looking for something,” he said.
“In the snow?”
“No, er, that was an accident.” He shivered.
“Well…you’d better come inside before you freeze.”
The woman whistled just then and a fluffy tan dog came bounding over. The woman and dog began to walk toward a stone cottage on top of a hill, without looking back. The man turned up his coat collar, hunched his shoulders and followed.
A few moments later he was grateful to be inside, where a fragrant fire was crackling in the fireplace and the smell of baking gingerbread made his mouth water. The room was decorated for the holidays, with a cheerful evergreen garland hanging from the mantle. A fat Christmas tree, twinkling with lights, filled the corner next to the window, and the dining table was covered with a festive cherry red cloth.
“Why don’t you hang your wet things by the door?” the woman suggested.
The man found a hook for his coat, but when the woman went into the kitchen to check on the gingerbread, he used a spell to dry himself off. Nevertheless, his feet were icy cold, so he removed his shoes and sat next to the fire. The dog trotted over to curl up at his feet. The woman came out of the kitchen. She’d shed her outerwear and he finally got a good look at her. She had snowy white skin with cheeks reddened by the cold, and her heart-shaped face was framed by waves of nutmeg colored curls. He gulped.
“What’s your name, Detective?” she asked.
The man peered at her, startled. “How did you—”
The woman laughed and pointed to the badge hanging from his belt. “You’re a wizard detective. I’ve heard of them before.”
“The name is Nick.”
“Okay, Nick, I’m Christine. The dog is called Joy.” She handed him a cup of cocoa and sat down on the raised hearth. “So what are you looking for?”
“Ah…this is rather awkward, but the Spirit of Christmas has gone missing in my dimension. Our best wizards discovered a breach in the energy barrier…it’s kind of technical. Anyway, I’m here to find it.” He sipped the cocoa, savoring the rich flavor.
Christine frowned. “What does this Spirit look like?”
“It can take different shapes.”
“Wow. I guess you have your work cut out for you. Let me get you some gingerbread.”
“That would be great. This cocoa is really delicious, by the way.”
A few minutes later, Christine and Nick were sharing a slice of the fresh, warm cake. Nick balanced his plate on his knee. “Mmm. This brings back good memories.”
Christine put down her fork. “Once you find the Spirit, what happens next?”
“I ask her to come home.”
“And what if she doesn’t want to go? What if she’s tired of being neglected?” A sudden surge of emotion made Christine’s eyes sparkle.
Nick set his plate aside and pulled her to her feet. “Come home.” He wrapped her in his arms. “Things haven’t been the same since you left. I intend to love, honor and keep you in my heart forever, just like the day we were married.”
She looked into his handsome face. “You had to work hard to find me. I’m impressed.” A smile tugged at her lips.
“I went to every dimension on the map, but I never gave up.” Nick gave Christine a long, romantic kiss. “Tell me you’ll come home? Tomorrow’s Christmas Eve.”
Christine returned the kiss. “I’m afraid we’re snowed in tonight.”
“That’s too bad,” Nick said…but the twinkle in his eye said otherwise. At the same time, Joy’s tail wagged.
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Filed under: Flash Fiction Tagged: Christmas
December 4, 2017
Massive Holiday Ebook #Sale
[image error]Go HERE to glance through a huge selection of clean & wholesome, holiday-themed reads for your Kindle. Choose from Contemporary Romance, Christian Romance, Women’s Fiction, Historical Romance, and more.
I’m featuring my Love Letters series, A Gift for Lara and A Gift for Fiona, both available for $0.99 apiece.
Lara wrote a love letter four years ago, but received no reply. How can she enjoy Christmas when she discovers the man to whom she gave her heart is coming to visit?
A handsome new acquaintance seems to awaken Fiona’s senses… until she discovers he’s related to the girl who stole her former beau.
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Filed under: Clean & Wholesome, Sale, Victorian Romance Tagged: A Gift for Fiona, A Gift for Lara, Christmas, Holiday ebook sale, Kindle ebook Sale
December 3, 2017
Larken • #Free
[image error]Christmas starts early with a free Kindle download of my sweet Victorian romance, Larken.
Blurb: The sole survivor of a train accident, young Larken Burke is dubbed the Miracle Orphan. Four years later, however, her life is far from fortunate. Because of her emotional and physical scars, she believes she’s not marriageable. With little hope for the future, she agrees to wed a gentleman she’s never met. Unfortunately, his aloof manner proves difficult to bear.
Marked by romantic tragedy and the loss of his brother, Brandon King has forsworn marriage. Obliged to take in a ward, he advertises for a bride to raise the boy. Since the union is to be a marriage in name only, his criteria are youthful age, a certain level of intellect, good breeding, and that the girl shouldn’t be so ill-favored she would embarrass him in society. To his dismay, he gets more than he’d bargained for.
Will it take a miracle for Mr. and Mrs. King to fall in love, or is their marriage another accident waiting to happen?
Larken is free from Sunday, December 3 through Tuesday, December 5th! Go HERE for your copy, and enjoy!
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Audiobook is available for purchase HERE
https://suzannegrogersdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/larken-sample.mp3
Filed under: Clean & Wholesome, Free, Victorian Romance Tagged: Larken, Little Lord Fauntleroy, love & marriage
November 28, 2017
The Mannequin • Audiobook
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My clean and wholesome Victorian romance is now available in audiobook format at Amazon, Audible, and iTunes)
Blurb: When she was a poor country girl in a hand-me-down dress, Rosamund saved the Duke of Swanhaven from the brink of despair, only to fall in love with him. Now a celebrated mannequin for an exclusive London dressmaker, her glamorous life is empty without the man to whom she gave her heart. Can a beastly duke and a beautiful mannequin ever find a fairy tale ending?
https://suzannegrogersdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2015/11/mannequin-samp.mp3
Filed under: audiobook, Clean & Wholesome, Victorian Romance Tagged: Beauty & the Beast, love & marriage
November 24, 2017
Black Friday Countdown Deal • Spinster
[image error]Since it’s Black Friday, I thought I’d kick off the shopping season with a countdown deal on my clean and wholesome Victorian romance, Spinster. From Friday, November 24th through Thursday, November 30th, Spinster is $0.99 at Amazon (US & UK).
Blurb: Staring down life as an old maid, newly jilted Clare flees to a country home she’s inherited from her grandmother. She doesn’t count on clashing with her handsome neighbor, whose gentlemanly manners and education are at odds with his workingman’s image. As their relationship unfolds, however, she discovers the mysterious Meriweather Holcroft is not at all what he appears to be.
Excerpt:
At the dinner table that evening, Clare decided to broach the topic of her future to her family.
“You’ve been walking on eggshells around me since I was jilted, and I feel dreadful for causing you such discomfort.”
“Nonsense.” Her father’s voice was gruff. “You’ve held up remarkably well, all things considered.”
Her sister’s response was far more dramatic. “If it had been me, I would have taken to my bed for weeks.”
Lady Ladd gave Clare a sympathetic glance. “We’ve just been worried about you, dearest.”
“I know, and I love you for it. But you needn’t worry about me any longer.” Clare cleared her throat. “On Monday, I’m going away.”
“I concur.” Sir Andrew glanced up from his cucumber soup. “A holiday might be just the thing to take your mind off your troubles.”
“Yes, indeed, that’s a wonderful idea.” Lady Ladd seemed relieved. “Perhaps a few days in London will pick up your spirits?”
“If you’re going to Brighton, do take me along.” Nell’s expression was hopeful. “I’d love to go sea bathing.”
“I’m not going on holiday.” Clare paused to let a sudden rush of emotion relax its grip on her throat. “Grandmama left me her cottage just outside of Stroud and a reasonable income. I’m going there to begin a new life on my own.”
Her pronouncement was met with a long moment of shocked silence.
“No.” Her father finally erupted in protest. “Are you out of your senses? It’s not proper for you to live alone and unchaperoned.”
“Unchaperoned?” Clare’s laugh sounded bitter, even to her own ears. “Papa, we must face the fact I’m no longer a debutante whose reputation must be carefully guarded. Forgive me for speaking plainly, but I’m on the shelf. Your eldest daughter is a spinster.”
[image error]Download your copy of Spinster HERE, and have a wonderful weekend!
Filed under: Clean & Wholesome, Sale, Victorian Romance Tagged: love & marriage, Spinster
November 19, 2017
Plane, Trains, Automobiles? Audiobooks!
Are you heading to grandma’s house for the Thanksgiving holiday? Let a clean and wholesome audiobook carry you over the river and through the woods in an entertaining fashion.
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Listen free with your Audible trial, or get a reduced price if you’ve already purchased the e-book. Go HERE to choose from Larken (~ 5 hours), Jessamine’s Folly (~ 5 hours), The Ice Captain’s Daughter (3 hrs. 45 minutes), or Spinster (7 hrs. 20 minutes). The Mannequin (~ 6.8 hrs.) is coming soon!
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Filed under: audiobook, Clean & Wholesome, Victorian Romance Tagged: Jessamine's Folly, Larken, Spinster, The Ice Captain's Daughter, The Mannequin
November 18, 2017
Excerpt • Lady Fallows’ Secrets
[image error]As he and Sybil made their way toward the front of the shop, the door opened and a man entered. The newcomer’s gaze focused on her immediately and then flickered to Tom.
Sybil stiffened. “Come, Mr. Reeves, let me introduce you to an old friend. Afterward, I’m afraid you must hurry to catch your train.”
The strain in her voice led Tom to conclude this gentleman was not well-met for some reason. Since the man’s expression and posture radiated hostility, Tom guessed the fellow felt he had some sort of claim on her. A jealous suitor, perhaps? A feeling of protectiveness sprang up as he escorted Sybil over.
“Wally, please meet a new acquaintance of mine, Mr. Thomas Reeves.” She glanced at Tom. “Mr. Hancock is the headmaster of our local boys’ school, and an old friend of the family.”
Tom bowed. “It’s a pleasure.”
As Wally peered at Tom, his eyes narrowed. “Are you new to the area, Mr. Reeves?”
“I live in London, but I came down to see Mr. Ashley Pepper. Miss Pepper was kind enough to escort me back to the station so I wouldn’t get lost.”
“Reeves.” Wally’s nostrils flared as he spoke the name. “Are you related to Mr. Marcus Reeves, by any chance? He has an excellent boot repair cart in Cheapside.”
Tom had the utmost respect for any fellow who made his own way in the world, be it by the plow or the awl. Nevertheless, he couldn’t let Wally believe he’d gotten away with an insult—particularly not in front of Sybil.
“I’ve not had the pleasure of meeting the chap. My father was Indigo Reeves, the Viscount Fallows.” Tom sketched a showy bow, hoping the gesture would prove suitably annoying to the headmaster. “If you’ll excuse me, I have a train to catch.” He turned to Sybil. “Thank you for escorting me this far, Miss Pepper, but I can find my way from here.”
He cast a dark look at Wally as he left the shop, irked at the man’s boorishness. A spectacular beauty such as Sybil, even if she lived in the country, could do much better for herself than an oafish lout. Mr. Wallace Hancock was possessed of a rather ordinary appearance as well as an officious manner, and Tom found himself hoping she was not engaged to him—now, or in the future.
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Lady Fallows’ Secrets will be released on Friday, November 24th.
Pre-order your copy HERE.
Filed under: Clean & Wholesome, Victorian Romance Tagged: Coming Soon, intrigue, Lady Fallows' Secrets, love & marriage, mystery, pre-order
