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#Free • Ruse & Romance

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Ruse & Romance is free today, Wednesday, August 7th.

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?

Download Ruse & Romance at this Universal Link.

Paperback is available HERE.

Audiobook (4.4 hours) at Amazon, iTunes, or

Audible links by country:

US • UK • FR • DE

If you like reading about Kitty Beaucroft and her sister, Juliet, continue on with Rake & Romance, the second book in the series.

Blurb: Juliet’s plans to wed Lord Elbourne come to naught when she discovers he’s obliged to wed an heiress from overseas instead. To salvage her dignity, she enters into a ruse with the heiress’s brother, whom she views as a rake. Unfortunately, he’s also the most attractive man she’s ever met.

When Cody Gryphon first arrives in London, everyone seems to confuse him with his wicked cousin, Lord Gryphon, whom he hasn’t seen in years. His uncanny resemblance to the man doesn’t make it easier to establish himself. Nevertheless, Cody will do anything to see his sister Stephanie wed to Lord Elbourne, including entering into a temporary engagement with her romantic rival, Juliet. Although he intends to return to Texas as soon as his sister is wed, he finds it increasingly difficult to resist Juliet’s charms.

Can a rake and a debutante ever have their happily ever after?

Available wherever ebooks are sold. Click the universal link to find your favorite retailer. Paperback is available HERE.

Audiobook is available at Audible by market:

US • UK • FR • DE

Also available at Amazon and iTunes.

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Rake & Romance • Audiobook

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I’m pleased to announce the release of Rake & Romance in audiobook format, narrated by the incomparable Helen Taylor. Have a cocktail as you listen to an excerpt and watch the sun setting across the water. ~ Suzanne

Audiobook is available at Audible by market:

US • UK • FR • DE

Also available at Amazon and iTunes.

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Blurb: Juliet’s plans to wed Lord Elbourne come to naught when she discovers he’s obliged to wed an heiress from overseas instead. To salvage her dignity, she enters into a ruse with the heiress’s brother, whom she views as a rake. Unfortunately, he’s also the most attractive man she’s ever met.

When Cody Gryphon first arrives in London, everyone seems to confuse him with his wicked cousin, Lord Gryphon, whom he hasn’t seen in years. His uncanny resemblance to the man doesn’t make it easier to establish himself. Nevertheless, Cody will do anything to see his sister Stephanie wed to Lord Elbourne, including entering into a temporary engagement with her romantic rival, Juliet. Although he intends to return to Texas as soon as his sister is wed, he finds it increasingly difficult to resist Juliet’s charms.

Can a reputed rake and a debutante ever have their happily ever after?

Available wherever ebooks are sold. Click the universal link to find your favorite retailer. Paperback format is available HERE.

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#Freebie • The Mannequin

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Yes, The Mannequin is a Friday Freebie and available at a wide array of online bookstores.

sgrmannequin6x9As 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?

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Look for The Mannequin at your favorite bookstore HERE. Also in paperback at Amazon HERE, or at BN.com HERE.

Buy Audiobook on Amazon  HERE • iTunes HERE • Audible by country: US • UK • FR • DE

Take a jog through the woods while you listen to a short sample of Stevie Zimmerman’s superlative narration.

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Also For Your Consideration

MANNEQUINTWOFINALCOVEROn the heels of an unjust accusation, Grace flees from her country village to the anonymity of London. Although she intends to seek sanctuary with her cousin Joe Fiddick, she discovers he’s also suffered a setback and needs more help than she can offer. Desperate, she solicits assistance from Joe’s friend–the notorious rake, Lord Henley. Will the price of the handsome baron’s help be more than she’s willing to pay?

Grace Unmasked, Book Two of the Mannequin Series, is available at Google Play or your favorite bookstore HERE. Purchase the paperback HERE.

swirl-1333410_1920

scsfinalSkylar flees a family scandal in Boston, expecting assistance in society from her English relatives. Once her plans fall apart, however, she is obliged to earn money with her skills as a seamstress. Just when she’s given up on the notion of marriage, her path crosses that of a charming laborer who inexplicably sets her pulse racing.

When wealthy Joe Fiddick hits a patch of bad luck, he seizes the opportunity to do something meaningful by helping a neighbor and her pretty granddaughter with repairs to their cottage. As it turns out, he has more in common with the granddaughter than he realizes…and what they share spells disaster for their budding romance.

Will Joe and Skylar be star-crossed lovers or can the rift between them be mended?

The Star-Crossed Seamstress, Book Three in the Mannequin series, is available at Amazon and is part of the KU program. It’s also available as a paperback.

 

 

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Road Trips

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Are you planning any road trips this summer?

Back in the olden days (the ‘60s), whenever the family took a road trip, my mother would stock up on a bunch of things to amuse the kids.

Comic Books

In addition, I had a supply of favorite paperbacks. The problem was, I would always get carsick when I was reading. In addition, I read too fast, so I always ran out of reading material. You can purchase paperbacks on the road, of course, but a great many of the books are of interest to truckers. The covers don’t necessarily reveal the contents, which is why I ended up purchasing some X-rated books by mistake!

These days, you can download books on ereaders, which is a wonderful thing, especially if you are an avid reader. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy to loan your buddy or family member a great read.

In the last few years, audiobooks have also become increasingly available. The wonderful thing about audible literature is that you won’t get carsick from listening and you can’t read too fast. An eight hour book will last you eight hours, which is certainly long enough for a day’s drive or a cross-country flight.

Most of my books are now available in paperback format at Amazon HERE. I usually purchase paperbacks with my Amazon credit card points, so I feel like I’m getting something special for free. I also have many of my books on audio (Audible, Amazon, iTunes (HERE and HERE), with more on the way.

So, if you’re planning to travel this summer, be prepared to be entertained—one way or another.

~ Suzanne

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Jessamine’s Folly • #SALE

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From Thursday, May 16th, through Sunday, May 19th, Jessamine’s Folly can be yours for less than a buck. Go to this Universal Link to find your favorite bookstore and enjoy! ~ Suzanne

Excerpt:

Lady Amelie was perched in a window seat across the room. When she caught sight of Jessamine, her eyes widened and she shook her head. Confused, Jessamine took a few steps in Amelie’s direction, but she was quickly intercepted by her brother. In his black tail coat and white bow tie, Kirkendale was easily the most handsome man in the room.

“Good evening, Miss Foster. May I help you with something?”

The question seemed an odd one, and she wasn’t quite sure how to respond.

“I-I’m sorry, but I thought dinner was at seven.”

“And so it is. Why don’t you wait in the entry hall? I’ll ring for someone to show you to the schoolroom, where your meals will be served.”

Jessamine’s stomach dropped, and her face and neck flamed hot with embarrassment. She managed a curtsy and a murmured “Forgive the intrusion, sir,” before her retreat. Titters accompanied her exit, and as she paced outside the drawing room, she could overhear the aftermath of her inappropriate appearance.

“That was my sister’s new governess,” Kirkendale said. “She was lost.”

A lady’s voice reflected amusement. “For a moment, I thought she meant to dine with us! A governess may be a necessary evil, but she can’t be trusted to stay in her place. You’d best beware, Dallas.”

Jessamine gasped. Is that what they all think of me?

“You’re quite right, Miss Hightower,” said a man’s voice. “Every governess I ever knew tried to worm her way into marriage to the man of the house or to his son or brother.”

“You’d think the poor creatures would know better,” Miss Hightower replied.

Horrified, Jessamine backed away from the door. If Lord Kirkendale believes I will try to worm my way into his affections, he’ll be very sadly mistaken!

“She’s a companion, not a governess.” Lady Amelie sounded annoyed. “And since Miss Foster has only been at Knight’s Keep a few hours, I doubt she’s formed a design on Dallas.”

“Let’s not quarrel, dear,” Miss Hightower said. “It’s your birthday after all.”

Nobody mentioned it was Lady Amelie’s birthday! When Carter emerged from the room a few moments later with his empty tray at his side, Jessamine bristled at him.

“That was a nasty thing for you to do,” she whispered. “You could have warned me.”

“Well aren’t we all high and mighty? You asked for the drawing room and I showed you the drawing room. It’s not my fault you made a fool of yourself.” Chuckling, the footman ambled off.

“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, 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?

Audio book is available at Amazon HERE. iTunes HERE. Audible by country: US • UK • FR • DE

Also available in paperback at Amazon or BN.com.

Clean & Wholesome, Victorian Romance

Controlled Calorie Pumpkin Custard

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So, a friend of mine invited me to a potluck, with the caveat that she was following a low-sugar diet to lose weight. I offered to bring dessert and began looking for a low-calorie pumpkin-based custard recipe on the Internet. I wanted to find something that didn’t require any artificial sweetener, and I found what I thought was the perfect recipe.

It was a disaster.

If your idea of delish is eating pumpkin puree with a spoon, that dessert would be perfect for you. Therefore, I modified it into something reasonably tasty, without the cloying sweetness you often find in pumpkin pies.

Controlled-Calorie Pumpkin Custard

Fold a can of pureed pumpkin into four beaten eggs, stir in 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk, 2 tsps. vanilla extract, 1 tsp. vanilla, 2 tsps. pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 2 tsps. sugar. Be sure to use cooking spray on the inside of the baking dishes. I also use a squirt of cooking spray inside my measuring cup before I add the sweetened condensed milk, so it slides out better.

You can adjust the added sugar to taste, but this recipe as written comes out to just under 250 calories per serving. Best served cold, but I’ve eaten it warm because I couldn’t wait and it was good then, too. I’ve eaten it for breakfast as well as dessert because I’m a grown person and I can do what I like. 😉

Add a dollop or two of whipped topping, or for something really scrumptious, make a batch of vanilla sugar-free pudding and put a few tablespoons on top before you dig in. Of course, you’ll also be adding more calories, but the vanilla pudding makes for a really nice treat.

For another calorie-free treat, pick up my Victorian-era romance, Duke of a Gilded Age. The sweetness is built into the story, so it won’t go to your hips.

Blurb: 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.

Duke of a Gilded Age is available at this Universal Link or Google Play. Make a batch of pumpkin custard and dig in!

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Identical Cousins • Rake & Romance

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Back in the era of black and white television, The Patty Duke Show reigned supreme. The premise revolved around a rambunctious American girl (Patty Lane) and her identical, sophisticated Scottish cousin (Cathy Lane), who comes to live with her extended American family. Although the two girls resemble one another, they are polar opposites in terms of their tastes and personalities, thus leading to conflict.

The Patty Duke Show Intro

Perhaps my memories of the Patty Duke Show might have had a little to do with fashioning the premise for my Victorian novel, Rake & Romance. Inspiration comes from unlikely sources sometimes!

The cousins in Rake & Romance may resemble one another outwardly, but they could not be more different. Blackhearted Lord Gryphon is ungentlemanly in every respect whereas his cousin, Cody Gryphon, is everything worthy in a fellow–and a hero.

Like the first novel in the Beaucroft Girls series, a ruse is involved. Sweet and lovely Juliet isn’t quite as daring as her elder sister, however, and her efforts to create a creditable ruse don’t go quite as she plans.

Enjoy a sneak peek! ~ Suzanne

Excerpt:

Cody looked dashing and sophisticated in his elegantly tailored clothes, and Juliet was seized with an attack of nerves. Nevertheless, she cleared her throat and gave him a direct glance meant to convey a businesslike demeanor rather than one of coquetry.

“I’d like you to ruin me.” Despite her best intentions, her words were immediately followed by a blush. Why couldn’t she be more dispassionate?

His eyebrows rose. “What?”

“Just a little ruination, mind you. Nothing that can’t be hushed up in a few months or so.”

“I’m sorry, but I’m not understanding you at all.”

“You’re aware, of course, of the arrangement between Lord Moregate and your father regarding Stephanie and Lord Elbourne.”

“Yes. My father is quite keen on the subject.”

“What you don’t know is that Augustus has been widely expected to propose to me.”

“Actually, I’d heard rumors to that effect.”

Juliet’s eyes widened. “I hope Stephanie hasn’t heard those rumors!”

“Not of which I’m aware.”

A sigh of relief. “Good.”

“I’m sorry for any injury this arrangement has done to you. I can tell you’re quite partial to Lord Elbourne.”

“I am partial to Augustus, and would have accepted his proposal if he’d asked. But after a careful examination of my feelings, I can truly say I’m not in love with him.”

“You’re not?” His eyebrows drew together. “If your feelings aren’t injured, then what’s this about?”

“Once society learns Augustus has thrown me off, I’ll become an object of ridicule. I mean to publicly throw him off before anyone hears about his engagement to Stephanie. For that, I need you to ruin me…ever so slightly.”

He looked at her askance. “Won’t your reputation be forevermore tarnished?”

“I’d rather be a little tarnished than humiliated, Mr. Gryphon. An earl is about to pass me over for another woman. Do you really think my prospects will be improved by such a spectacular rejection?” She averted her eyes. “If I’m to be ruined anyway, I’d rather choose the method.”

“Have you no thought to my reputation?”

She waved her hands, dismissively. “Stephanie says you’re a rake, doesn’t she? Therefore, nobody will think less of you than they already do now. Amongst your male acquaintances, I daresay the rumor of a passing indiscretion would be well received. Besides which, you’re leaving for Texas before too long, so what does your reputation matter?”

“Of course.” He folded his arms over his chest. “For the sake of curiosity, what sort of ruination did you have in mind?

Blurb: Juliet’s plans to wed Lord Elbourne come to naught when she discovers he’s obliged to wed an heiress instead. To salvage her dignity, she enters into a ruse with the heiress’s brother, whom she views as a rake. Unfortunately, he’s also the most attractive man she’s ever met.

Cody Gryphon will do anything to see his sister Stephanie wed to Lord Elbourne, including entering into a temporary engagement with her romantic rival. Although he intends to return to Texas as soon as his sister is wed, he finds it increasingly difficult to resist Juliet’s charms.

Can a rake and a debutante find their happily ever after?

Rake & Romance is available via this Universal Link, Google Play, or in paperback format.

CLEAN & WHOLESOME HISTORICAL ROMANCE