Suzanne G. Rogers's Blog, page 31

Bits and Pieces from S. G. Rogers

S.G. Rogers:

What does a train wreck have in common with JANE EYRE, SENSE & SENSIBILITY, or THE PERILS OF PAULINE? Come find out in my guest post on Four Foxes One Hound!

Originally posted on fourfoxesonehound:

This week my choices are to have a guest author, review a book, or interview someone. I decided to feature someone who I consider to be a fabulous author, because she actually got me to read a genre that I’d never liked before. I first “met” S. G. Rogers through the Astraea Press social networks. She wrote a wildly popular book called The Last Great Wizard of Yden and I was amazed at her business savvy as well as her genuine willingness to help us newbies in the writing game. I didn’t read that book (someday I WILL rectify that!) but we featured each other on our blogs, liked each other on Facebook and all the other social media outlets. But since I don’t read paranormal or fantasy, I didn’t read the books I helped her promote.

It wasn’t until she released a novella called The Magical Misperception of Meridian

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Black Holes – Flash Fiction

In celebration of Halloween is my flash fiction piece, Black Holes, which was originally published in the online magazine Flashshot. Enjoy the holiday! ~ S.G. Rogers

The competition at this year’s statewide science fair was fierce, but I was determined to win. My entry was an awesome model of an earthquake-proof building on rollers. It had won first place at my school. Ultimately, I got edged out at finals by a freak of nature who mounted a presentation about the role of wormhole physics in developing a quantum theory of gravity. About ten seconds after he received the blue ribbon, the kid literally imploded and shriveled up into a fist-sized geodesic ball. It was then that I realized some people just can’t handle success.

Tagged: Halloween, horror flash fiction

Friday #Freebie #Victorianromance LARKEN

It’s a Friday Freebie! Pick up your copy of sweet Victorian romance, Larken, for your Kindle. If you enjoy it, feel free to leave a short review on Amazon, to help other readers discover the book. I’d appreciate it very much!

~ S.G. Rogers

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 un-marriageable. With little hope for the future, she agrees to wed a gentleman she’s never met. Unfortunately, his aloof manner proves difficult to take.

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 mail-order 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?

Excerpt:

“Wait! I’m to be married tomorrow?”

“Aye. Mr. King is leaving to pick up his ward directly after the ceremony. I don’t know where he’s traveling, but I understand it’s a long way off.” She tilted her head as she regarded Larken. “Are you doing this out of your own free will, lass?”

“Y-Yes. I suppose I am. Why?”

“It’s just that you’re such a pretty thing.” She shrugged and made a tsking sound as she headed for the door. “Oh, well, I’ll let you settle in.”

“I’m not to meet Mr. King tonight?”

“I’m afraid not.”

Mrs. Mason bustled from the room, leaving Larken nonplussed and slightly dizzy. Her feeling of disorientation was not helped by the fact she’d eaten nothing since breakfast, and very little then. Before she could even put down her reticule, James lugged her trunk into the room and set it at the foot of the bed.

“Would you like me to put your trunk someplace else?” he asked.

“No. I’m sure it’s fine right there.”

He grinned. “I thought you’d be different. We all did.”

“In what way?”

“You know. Plain. It’s a shame, honestly.”

“What do you mean?” She was taken aback. “Is Mr. King really that awful?”

“I shouldn’t have said anything.”

Go HERE for your free copy and enjoy!

Tagged: Larken

LARKEN • New #Victorianromance

is a Victorian romance, a melodrama, and a little bit of mystery in one book!

Synopsis:

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 un-marriageable. With little hope for the future, she agrees to wed a gentleman she’s never met. Unfortunately, his aloof manner proves difficult to take.

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 mail-order 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?

Excerpt:

A scant few minutes later, the clergyman pronounced them husband and wife, and invited Mr. King to kiss his bride. Her new husband merely brushed his lips against the back of Larken’s hand, and thereafter moved over to the registry to sign his name. After he put the pen down, he bowed to Larken and then strode from the chapel. He’d gone through the entire ceremony without looking at her once.

Larken signed her maiden name in the registry with trembling fingers. As she went up the aisle alone afterward, she could see pity in the faces of the onlookers…and still she felt nothing. The carriage brought her back to the house, where Mrs. Mason greeted her with a cheerful smile.

“You have my most sincere wishes for a happy marriage, Mrs. King. There’s wedding cake for you in your sitting room.”

“Thank you.”

For some reason, Larken’s legs were shaking as she climbed the stairs, but she grasped the handrail and managed to pull herself up as best she could. When she entered the sitting room, she noticed a small cake waiting for her on the table, along with a single plate, napkin, and a fork. The reality of the situation hit her, and she suddenly felt as if she’d just been the victim of a train accident for the second time in her life. Her bridal bouquet slipped from her grasp, and she sank into a chair just as the tears began to fall.

What have I done?

Larken is available for the Kindle at Amazon!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tagged: clean historical romance, melodrama, orphan

Charming New Cover for DUKE OF A GILDED AGE #Victorianromance

I’m pleased to unveil the sweet new cover for my historical romance, Duke of a Gilded Age! The parasol on the cover reminds me of the treasured pink parasol given to Belle by Wesley Parker’s mother. Although the pink tulle parasol has nothing to do with the plot, I’ve always adored such things. Therefore, I was delighted with the cover image, which could have been taken in Central Park, next to one of its many lakes. Plus, I like the girl’s “buttoned up” look, which fits Belle’s very prim and proper personality. Thanks for celebrating with me on Duke of a Gilded Age‘s new cover! ~ S.G. Rogers

Synopsis:

When American-born Wesley Parker inherits a dukedom in 1890, he must learn to be an aristocrat. Assigned to the task is his attorney’s daughter, prim Belle Oakhurst. As they travel to England together on a luxurious ocean liner, their tempestuous relationship encounters more than rough seas. Although Wesley is increasingly attracted to Belle, she is already engaged. While Belle begins to regret her hasty promise to marry, she is bound by honor and duty to keep her pledge. Furthermore, a thoughtless fabrication on her part threatens to expose her as a liar. Neither Wesley nor Belle can foresee that their voyage across the Atlantic will be fraught with peril, and will cost more than one man his life.

Excerpt:

On the descending elevator, Belle rode with a girl about her age dressed in a pretty white gown with a blue sailor suit collar. Blonde corkscrew curls were tied back in a light blue satin bow, and she had the air of being very wealthy and pampered…like a princess. Out of the corner of her eye, Belle noticed the girl staring at her parasol. As they stepped from the elevator, the girl stopped her.

“Excuse me, but I’ve been admiring your parasol. Wherever did you get it?”

Belle was slightly taken aback by the girl’s American familiarity. “Erm…it was at a department store called A. Constable and Company.”

“You’re English! I adore your accent. Some of my cousins are English, but I’ve never met them. Do you know, I’m—”

“Louise, come along! The cab is waiting,” called a woman standing near the front desk with a handsome young man.

“Yes, Mama!” The girl giggled. As she turned back to Belle, her curls danced. “My name is Louise, as you could probably guess. That’s my mother and elder brother. Perhaps I’ll see you again.”

Belle curtsied. “Miss Annabelle Oakhurst.”

Louise’s cornflower blue eyes grew wide and she quickly bobbed up and down in a semblance of a curtsy. “I forgot how you English have such lovely manners.” She giggled again. “Well, good-bye!” The girl hastened off.

Duke of a Gilded Age is available for the Kindle at Amazon.

Tagged: Duke of a Gilded Age, Gilded Age, Sweet romance, Victorian era England, Victorian era New York

#Kindlefreebie RUSE & ROMANCE #Victorian

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?

Excerpt:

“May I ask how you came to be alone with that scoundrel?” Philip asked.

“He followed me into the garden,” Kitty said. “I should have returned to the house right away, but he said my father gave him permission to speak with me. I thought if I refused, my father would be furious.”

“Why?”

“You wouldn’t understand. Your father has probably never asked you to do something you didn’t want to do.”

“You might be surprised. Try me.”

A sigh. “After I rejected Lord Gryphon’s proposal, my father threatened to send me to my grandmother’s house in the country. I’ve been labeled a flirt, you see, and my younger sister may be tainted by association.”

“We’ve just met, but I don’t think you’re a flirt.”

“Thank you. I’ve only ever wanted to marry a gentleman whom I cared for deeply. I haven’t met him yet, and now I’ve run out of time. I think I shall die cloistered so far away from London!”

“I understand a little more than you might think. You’re expected to sell yourself to the highest bidder, even if it’s a lout like Gryphon. As for me, my father has agreed to sell me some property, but only if I seem to be settling down. By some miracle I’m supposed to find a society girl who is desperate enough to marry the younger son of a marquess. These circumstances are not of our making, are they?”

“No. Perhaps you do understand me after all.”

Ruse & Romance is absolutely FREE on Friday, September 19 only at Amazon.

Tagged: Clean Romance, Ruse & Romance, Victorian England

#Kindle Freebie ICE CAPTAIN’S DAUGHTER & Audiobook Giveaway!

To celebrate the release of The Ice Captain’s Daughter in audiobook format, on Sunday, September 14th, The Ice Captain’s Daughter e-book is a Kindle Freebie at Amazon! In addition, if you leave a comment below, you’ll be entered to win the audiobook! I’ll announce the winner on Saturday, September 20th, so be sure to leave a comment before midnight, EST on Friday night. ~ S.G. Rogers

Summary:

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?

Excerpt:

A crashing in the woods nearby startled her into tripping on a felled branch. Moments later, her pursuer yanked her upright and slapped her across the face.

“That’s fer the trouble ye caused.”

His kerchief slipped with his efforts. Although her eyes stung with tears, Jillian peered at him. I know him!

“Sam Netherby, is that you?”

The man swore and jerked his kerchief up over his nose. Jillian pulled the twelve-inch steel hatpin from her beribboned cap and stabbed him in the shoulder with it. Sam howled with pain—and rage—as the hatpin protruded from his body.

“Witch!”

While he was preoccupied with his injury, Jillian took off running once more. A sudden gust of wind lifted her cap from her blonde hair and blew it into a tree. Not twenty paces later, another gunshot rang out. Something tugged at her skirt but she didn’t pause. British Bull Dogs have five rounds…and he’s spent four. Let’s hope the last one doesn’t find its way into my back.

She emerged from the woods and into a clearing. The rain had become a spring squall, complete with thunder and lightning. Jillian spotted a cottage beyond a rock fence, with a curl of smoke rising from the chimney.

“Help! Somebody help me!”

She sprinted for the stile—too late. Sam grabbed the gathered fabric on the back of her skirt and held her fast.

“Let me go!” she screamed.

He grabbed her around the waist and lifted her bodily back toward the line of trees. As she struggled to free herself, a deep, commanding voice rose above the storm.

“Step away from the lady at once!”

Tagged: 1899 England, audio book, Clean Romance

Review Copies • Sweet Victorian Tale RUSE & ROMANCE

I have in my hot little hands TEN copies of Ruse & Romance for anyone who would like to review it on Amazon. Although it’s only available for purchase for the Kindle, I have both Nook and Kindle copies available. For what it’s worth, my husband told me Ruse & Romance is his favorite of all my romances! Any takers? Leave a comment, below. ~ S.G. Rogers

Summary:

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?

Excerpt:

“Hello, Gryphon. It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?” Philip’s enthusiasm was noticeably contained.

“Indeed it’s been far too long. Will you join my little group in the corner? We’re having a lively debate about the French, and we’d welcome your opinion.”

“Thank you sir, but I must respectfully decline. Since Miss Beaucroft has promised to dance with me, I wouldn’t dream of leaving her side.” He lowered his voice, as if to impart a confidence. “Some despicable cad has made a nasty wager that she won’t dance tonight, can you imagine? I intend to make sure he loses his money.”

His plan stymied, Gryphon gave a curt bow and left in a huff. Philip merely laughed.

“You’re not afraid of him?” Kitty asked. “Lord Gryphon has the ability to savage your reputation as badly as he has mine.”

“I’m far too well-connected to let it bother me, and yet too low on the social ladder to have it signify one way or the other. I thank you, however, for your concern.”

Tagged: Clean Romance

Awesome New Cover for DANCING WITH RAVEN

Summary:

Tori Moss is no stranger to heartbreak. Raised by a foster mother since the deaths of her parents in a horrific accident, she’s poured herself into ballet. A disappointing audition sends her into an emotional tailspin, but it’s the strangely intriguing new guy in school who catches her as she falls. Although Tori and Raven seem to be nothing alike, they share an uncommon ability to see the sudden flood of demons pouring into Los Angeles. When she discovers a plot to bring about the Apocalypse, Tori must decide whom to trust. One wrong step will cost her everything.

Excerpt:

Movement on the driveway outside attracted her notice. A wraith had startled a wandering cat, who’d reacted by arching its back and hissing. Suddenly, Tori’s fear of demons was consumed by boiling anger. I can rid the world of a small bit of evil at least…with a silver blade. With the dagger in hand, she barreled downstairs.

The cat was up an elm by the time Tori left the house. The wraith had disappeared on the far side of the tree, looking for the best way to pursue the poor creature. Tori stepped on the wraith’s trailing plasma tail, which brought it up short. With a plaintive howl, it turned just as Tori drove the silver dagger into its center. Almost instantly, the spectral demon disintegrated. A cloud of demon vapor coalesced and disappeared with a tiny pop.

A rush of adrenaline shot through Tori’s veins, and she did a fist pump. “Yes!” She located the harassed feline as it crouched on a branch overhead, and gave it a little salute. “You’ll be okay now, kitty. Go home.”

Tori returned to the house, her mood elevated for the time being. Perhaps the boost was only temporary, but it was badly needed. Now all I have to do to stay sane is to destroy demons.

Available at big bad Amazon!

 

New Victorian Tale • RUSE & ROMANCE

A confirmed bachelor, a notorious flirt, and an engagement ruse leads to a near disaster in RUSE & ROMANCE, my latest Victorian novella. It’s available Monday, September 8th at Amazon.

Summary:

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?

Excerpt:

“May I ask how you came to be alone with that scoundrel?” Philip asked.

“He followed me into the garden,” Kitty replied. “I should have returned to the house right away, but he said my father gave him permission to speak with me. I thought if I refused, my father would be furious.”

“Why?”

“You wouldn’t understand. Your father has probably never asked you to do something you didn’t want to do.”

“You might be surprised. Try me.”

A sigh. “After I rejected Lord Gryphon’s proposal, my father threatened to send me to my grandmother’s house in the country. I’ve been labeled a flirt, you see, and my younger sister may be tainted by association.”

“We’ve just met, but I don’t think you’re a flirt.”

“Thank you. I’ve only ever wanted to marry a gentleman whom I cared for deeply. I haven’t met him yet, and now I’ve run out of time. I think I shall die cloistered so far away from London!”

“I understand a little more than you might think. You’re expected to sell yourself to the highest bidder, even if it’s a lout like Gryphon. As for me, my father has agreed to sell me some property, but only if I seem to be settling down. By some miracle I’m supposed to find a society girl who is desperate enough to marry the younger son of a marquess. These circumstances are not of our making, are they?”

“No. Perhaps you do understand me after all.”