What do you find interesting about your main characters?

Keelan MacDougall is a hot Scottish guy in a kilt… that’s pretty interesting to me! Margaret is feisty, brave, and not afraid to do what’s needed to protect her clan.

Where does the story take place and why did you choose this setting?

It takes place in Scotland in 1530. I’ve visited Scotland and fell in love with the land. I knew my first historical book had to be set there.

Share a little about the story behind the story.

When the Laird dies the Ferguson clan is afraid what will happen when the King finds out. Determined to keep the Laird’s sister Margaret free they devise a plan to have her act in her brother’s place. It’s not until the King sends men to their land they realize they have to take their plan a step further. It’s a hilarious story with poor Margaret doing quick costume changes and disappearing acts to play both the Laird and Lady of the house.

What is the theme or takeaway you want readers to think about?

I always try to put a lot of humor into my stories while also being true to my hopeless romantic heart. I hope they will suspend reality and enjoy the possibilities if this were a true story.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

I’ve been writing since I was a kid. I didn’t realize I could be an actual author until 2014 when I met a sister’s friend who was an Indie Author. She introduced me to the world and I never looked back.

Favorite animal?

Toss up between Otters and Horses.

If you could travel to any spot in the world, where would it be?

I love Ireland and Scotland but if I were to travel to a place I haven’t been yet I definitely want to go to Italy. I’d love to eat my way around their country, that sounds divine.

What’s next in your writing?

In this story you’ll meet Patrick. If I don’t write Patrick’s story my sister might shun me from the family. I guess I better focus on that project next.

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My C.K. O’Connor pen name has all of my Contemporary, Historical, YA books.

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My Cassidy K. O’Connor pen name has my Paranormal, RH, Fairytale Retellings

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What do you find interesting about your main characters?

     Lady Essington is a young widow with a unique opportunity to earn some money secretly writing about high society news. It sounds like it would be easy, right? It turns out to be a challenge as someone blackmails her!

     I love that Lady Essington is enterprising enough to take on a money-making opportunity as that would not have been common at that time. She was motivated to try and improve her financial situation but many ladies would have immediately tried to marry a wealthy man!

Where does the story take place and why did you choose this setting?

     This is a story set in Regency England, my favorite time period!

Share a little about the story behind the story.

     The story title is The Truth about the Earl.

     After the untimely death of her aged husband, young Lady Norah Essington was given the opportunity to write a weekly piece for the local society newspaper, detailing news, scandals and secrets of the ton that surrounded her – and all under a fictitious name. Delighted with such an opportunity, she began to do so with relish, only for a falsehood about her to be printed under that very same fictious name! Confused, Norah is horrified when letters begin to arrive at her door, demanding that she write what they tell her – or else suffer the consequences.

     James, Earl of Yarmouth, is disgusted with what he reads in society papers, particularly when one such comment is made about himself! Determined to put things to rights, he tries to discover who is writing such lies, only to find himself thrown together with Lady Essington in what is swiftly becoming a much bigger mystery. Will she be courageous enough to tell him everything? And what will James do when the truth finally comes out?

     Ah yes, writing about high society news and scandals might remind you of a famous Regency series on Netflix! This story is part of a list aiming historical romance anthology – Secrets, Scandals, and Seductions. Pre-order your copy today! Only $.99 for hours of reading pleasure!

What is the theme or takeaway you want readers to think about?

     Marriage was the best option for most young ladies during that time. There were few ways to earn money and even the unusual way that Lady Essington found has its dangers. Fortunately, this story is a romance wrapped in a mystery and she gets her happy ever after in the end.

     Amazing how opportunities for women have expanded over the last two centuries!

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

     Books will get you through anything in life! They have been my lifeline since 4th grade when I started reading 2-3 books a day. Yes, I was a book nerd and I still am. Then I realized that I could create stories too but didn’t do much with it until I was a (much!) older adult. It’s amazing how the world has changed to give us the self-publishing opportunity.

Favorite animal?

     My Westie, Duffy, and the Westies that preceded him, Buddy and Becca Boo. The love that dogs bring to your life is precious.

If you could travel to any spot in the world, where would it be?

     Italy to see the sights and enjoy the wonderful food!

What’s next in your writing?

     I have a new series coming out soon about governesses and companions – the loneliest ladies in Regency times!

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What do you find interesting about your main characters?

Both of my characters started as minor characters in a different story in this world. However, what makes them most unique, is that both of them have suffered from the vicious tongue of Society, and sought refuge by the ocean (although at different points in time). They are both grieving the loss of their sisters, who are assumed to have perished aboard a ship bound for America, and this connection breaks through Patrick’s self-imposed exile, allowing his heart to heal.

Where does the story take place and why did you choose this setting?

The story takes place at a lighthouse on the western coast of England. I chose this setting because the lighthouse is mentioned in previous stories in reference to Patrick. This location is also used as the port town from which their sisters sailed on the ill-fated ship.

Share a little about the story behind the story.

Patrick Flannery, my grumpy lighthouse keeper, was always supposed to receive his own story, but I hadn’t intended for the tale to take on such a melancholy tone. As I plotted out his story, the reason for his isolation developed into a psychosis that I hadn’t realized affected him (I love it when characters talk to you).

What is the theme or takeaway you want readers to think about?

Patrick faces a continual conflict between what he wants (Sarah) and what he deems is best for her (not him). Patrick’s growth and acceptance of his own value, is what convinces him to conquer this fear and proclaim his affection.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

When I was a child, my mother’s best friend was a writer, and I was fascinated by her. The idea of creating worlds by stringing together simple words was magical. I wanted to do the same thing.

Favorite animal?

Today it’s a cat, but that’s because he’s curled up on my lap purring.

If you could travel to any spot in the world, where would it be?

When I first began this series, I chose Wiltshire as the fictional location because I really wanted to visit Stonehenge, which is the actual location of that mystical spot. And while magic does not play a role in this particular world, I love knowing that secret connection behind the town’s name.

What’s next in your writing?

I’m working on the second book in a time-travel trilogy set in Elizabethan England, which combines my love of historical romance and the paranormal. I also intend to publish Alana’s story (Patrick’s sister) next March, as her pirate experience needs to be told.

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What do you find interesting about your main characters?

Sir Adam is a widower with a young daughter while Charlotte is a widow who never had children of her own. The two have a history—his wife was her best friend—but they were never on friendly terms with one another. The needs of the daughter require that they be civil with one another, and over time, their relationship changes. They’re smitten with one another but can’t admit it to themselves.

Where does the story take place and why did you choose this setting?

Cockington, Devonshire in 1840. I was looking for a village in England that was close to a larger town (in this case, Torquay) but far enough from London that travel there would be difficult. In order to keep the action in one place, it was important that it feel isolated and that the villagers thought they knew everyone’s business.

Share a little about the story behind the story.

After writing more than thirty-five novels, most taking place in Regency or early Victorian England, I realized I had never featured a baronet as a hero. I had also never featured a governess as a heroine. THE BRIDE OF A BARONET was the perfect vehicle in which to use those characters.

While researching something unrelated, I came across the mention of a bride contest, where a wealthy man had held a contest for unmarried women to compete for the honor of becoming his wife. He was too busy to court, and the contest was his way of arranging a marriage of what he thought would be convenient. As it turned out, he and his bride were quite happy.

What is the theme or takeaway you want readers to think about?

Unearthing secrets can lead to love! Our widower is understandably sad about having lost his wife, but by not learning more about what was happening in her life when she was alive, he was prevented from knowing what she wanted for him after her death.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

In third grade, one of our assignments was to write about where we wanted to live when we grew up. I wrote that I intended to write books in London, Rome and Paris.

Favorite animal?

An Olde English sheepdog! I had two growing up, Miss Muffett VIII and Muffin MacDuff Paddlepaws.

If you could travel to any spot in the world, where would it be?

Greece! I’ve been three times and look forward to going back. I love using various islands as settings for books but I have yet to see most of the mainland.

For a place I haven’t yet been—Sicily. I wrote a book that took place there in 1816 and absolutely loved doing the research for it, so I’m finally going there in March followed by a quick trip to Rome. I threw a coin in the Trevi Fountain when I was there several years ago, so I have to go back.

What’s next in your writing?

I’m working on the next book in The Heirs of the Aristocracy series, THE HONOR OF AN HEIR, and a novella for a Christmas anthology set in the Soho Club.

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Ready to Swoon?

Dive into Wartime with a Warrior by Emily EK Murdoch, and fall in love with a hero.

Just one of sixteen historical romances available in the Secrets, Scandals, and Seduction boxed set.

Releasing June 7th. Pre-order now!

What do you find interesting about your main characters? 

One of my favorite tropes in historical romance is mistaken identity; thinking you are about to meet one person, and then meeting someone entirely different. It’s such a fun premise, and not one that I have written that often – so I thought this was the perfect opportunity. 

Where does the story take place and why did you choose this setting?

I thought there was nothing more exciting and high stakes than mistaken identity during a war! The French and British have been at war so often, of course, so I chose a time that would tie into my Ravishing Regencies series. 

War is such a tense and difficult time; you are already wondering who to trust, who to believe, concerned about your safety. So bringing in a little romance and mistaken identity seemed the perfect next step!

Share a little about the story behind the story.

Barnaby Lewes, a British soldier, is waiting in an abandoned French manor house after arranging a secret rendezvous with his informant. Fred is late, and Barnaby is getting more and more concerned – but not half so concerned as he will be when Fred arrives…

What is the theme or takeaway you want readers to think about?

That love is sometimes found in the most unexpected of places.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

Erm…from birth?! My family love telling the story of when I was at nursery, so only about three or four years old, and I ‘made’ a book by demanding one of the nursery staff staple together some pages. I then ‘wrote’ using pens – just scribbles of course, but it was a sign of things to come!

Favorite animal?

Bears.

If you could travel to any spot in the world, where would it be?

Ooohhh…I would love to see the Northern Lights. I live just outside Bath, England, and sometimes if you go up to Scotland you can see them there – but so far, no luck. 

What’s next in your writing?

I have an exciting new family saga historical romance series that will start coming out in Summer 2022, as well as a few surprise secret projects that I cannot announce yet. Make sure you’re following me online for future updates!

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Introducing A.S. Fenichel, author of An Honorable Arrangement.

Exclusively available in the Secrets, Scandals, and Seduction historical romance boxed set.

What do you find interesting about your main characters?

Sarah Sommers is strong willed and determined to make her own way. feeling cheated of a proper family, she’s willing to go to extreme lengths to find the father she thought long dead.

The Honorable Lord Montgomery Witmore has never had much interest in marriage, though his mother is rather keen on it. His immediate plans are to deliver Miss Sommers to his uncle, her newest custodian, and gain a fine carriage in return. Meeting Sarah changes everything. 

Where does the story take place and why did you choose this setting?

In Regency England. They are on their way to a house party at the country estate of Montgomery’s Aunt and Uncle. 

Share a little about the story behind the story.

I love stories about women who have minds of their own and are brave. I also love stories where the hero loves that too even if he didn’t know it at the beginning of the book. That’s what you find in An Honorable Arrangement. 

Sarah has recently learned that her father is not dead, so she devises a plan to escape her escort and find the man who is her only family.

What is the theme or takeaway you want readers to think about?

That family is not always by blood. Sometimes the family we gather to us holds the strongest bonds.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

In my mid twenties I realized that the stories in my head might be entertaining to other people and I could write them down. It had never occurred to me before that.

Favorite animal?

I love them all, but I have a very spoiled cat.

If you could travel to any spot in the world, where would it be?

Spain is on the top of my bucket list. However, I love Italy very much and hope to go back soon. I also adore England and would love to take my husband to see all the sights.

What’s next in your writing?

Magic Touch is book one in the Witches of Windsor series. It comes out on April 19. I’m currently writing Magic Word, which is book two of the same series. This is a thrilling series about the witches' coven that protects Windsor Castle and the crown in nineteenth century England. The characters and setting are infused with magic and love with the melding of the “real” world and that of magic.

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Get to know Marianne Spitzer, author of A Hero for Amaryllis, one of sixteen exclusive tales in the Secrets, Scandals, and Seduction historical romance boxed set. Are you ready to fall in love? Click now.

What do you find interesting about your main characters?

My main female character’s strength under the most difficult circumstances and my main male character’s kindness.

Where does the story take place and why did you choose this setting?

It begins in Wisconsin and continues in a fort out West and then Montana. I wanted my female character to travel West, and the fort and Montana fit the story line. 

Share a little about the story behind the story.

Showing the strength we don’t realize we have until we need it. Amaryllis faces tragedy, fear, a forced move, peril, humiliation, and rejection yet finds the courage to face it all and overcome.

What is the theme or takeaway you want readers to think about?

Have faith. The best things can come from the worst times in our lives.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

In the 6th grade when I received an A for a story I wrote and my teacher told my mom she could see me as a writer one day.

Favorite animal?

Dog.

If you could travel to any spot in the world, where would it be?

Bavaria to visit where my ancestors come from. I spent a summer there when I was nine and I’d love to see it again.

What’s next in your writing?

I have several books coming out this year in different multi-author series. I also have a few ideas of single books floating around in my head. I always have more ideas than time, but I try to get as much writing done as I can. 

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Please welcome, Cat Cahill, author of Charlotte, one of sixteen historical romance stories available only in Secrets, Scandals, and Seduction. Pre-order your copy now for 99 cents!

What do you find interesting about your main characters?

Charlotte is about Mark Becker, a man who’s taken on a job to protect a runaway socialite, and Charlotte Montgomery, who’s run away to a small frontier town in Colorado to escape an arranged marriage. Charlotte is tougher than anyone expects her to be, and Mark surprises himself when he becomes invested in Charlotte as a person instead of just a job.

Where does the story take place and why did you choose this setting?

Charlotte takes place in Cañon City, Colorado in the summer of 1881. I love Colorado and its Old West history, and this book is part of my Brides of Fremont County series, all of which at least partially take place in Cañon City.

Share a little about the story behind the story.

I’ve always wanted to write a bodyguard story, and so this is it! There’s just something so romantic about falling in love with the man hired to protect you.

What is the theme or takeaway you want readers to think about?

Everyone is more than they seem to be on the outside . . .

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

Not until I was in my mid-20s. I’d always loved reading and writing, but had never thought of being an author as a career path for me.

Favorite animal?
Cats! (Don’t tell my dogs...)

If you could travel to any spot in the world, where would it be?

Oh, this is hard. Everywhere! I’m a travel addict. At current top of my travel bucket list: Alaska, Japan, Glacier National Park in Montana, and the South Pacific.

What’s next in your writing?

A lot more sweet western historical romance! I’ll be releasing the final book in the Brides of Fremont County series later this year. I also have books planned in my Crest Stone Mail-Order Brides series and the multi-author Last Chance Brides series.

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What do you find interesting about your main characters?

In “His Lady”, I’ve picked a topic that not many historical romances will not touch. I researched the drugs that were used back in the Regency era (they were referred to as poisons) and the effects they had on those users. This, of course, led to making my hero work for the Bow Street Runners because they were trying to stop Opium Trading. Both the hero and heroine (Wayne Nichols and Regina Taylor) are given a newly created drug and the effects throw them together in a scandalous situation.

Where does the story take place and why did you choose this setting?

This story takes place in Regency England, early 1800s. I chose this setting because I enjoy writing out-of-the-norm Regency romance, and when I saw the book cover, my characters started talking to me and I couldn’t ignore them.

Share a little about the story behind the story.

Okay, so here is the story behind “His Lady”. When I first had the idea for this story, it was several years ago (like 12, to be exact). I had started writing the story as a contemporary. The hero was an undercover detective, and he suspected the heroine of being a drug dealer. Then, when I was invited into the “Secrets, Scandals, and Seduction” boxed set, and I was looking through my unfinished stories and saw this plot, I challenged myself to turn it into a historical. I have to admit, I didn’t think it would work, but it did. I’m happy about the outcome.

What is the theme or takeaway you want readers to think about?

When you fall in love, don’t question your heart because it knows the truth.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

In 2005 I started writing. Back then I did it for fun. It took a few years – and a dozen more stories in my collection – before I realized that maybe I should see if I could get published. I found a publishing company who took me on in 2010 and by 2011, I realized I didn’t like the restrictions given to me by the publisher, so that’s when I became a self-published author.

Favorite animal?

I’m a dog lover.

If you could travel to any spot in the world, where would it be?

England. I’d like to visit the places I write about.

What’s next in your writing?

I have several more stories planned for 2023 (both historical and contemporary). I’m with a handful of multi-author series groups, plus I have a few series I’m still working on for myself.

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Pre-order your copy of The Letter Wife, for just 99 cents, one of fifteen historical romances available in Secrets, Scandals, and Seduction. On sale for 99 cents. Order now.

Get to know Christine Sterling, author of The Letter Wife

What do you find interesting about your main characters?

Both of my characters are honorable to the core. You make a promise, and you keep it. No matter how difficult it may be. Bass Pickett’s word is his bond and Emily Frost finds herself a people pleaser who can’t say no, so she is stuck with her decisions.

Bass is a strong dominant male and has little time for romance. He has a ranch to run and is more interested in expanding his herd than expanding his family. Of course, all it takes is one softly spoken young lass to put him off his game and regret a choice he made, but he feels honor-bound to keep away from Emily. After all, she is supposed to marry his brother.

Emily Frost is on the bad end of other people’s choices. A people pleaser to the core, she will do anything to keep the peace. After running away from home to escape the scandal caused by her father and brother, she feels compelled to make her new marriage work, no matter what. What she doesn’t expect is that her attraction to Bass grows the more time she spends with him.

Where does the story take place and why did you choose this setting?

My story takes place in the fictional town of Flat River, Nebraska. Set in the lower center portion of the state in Lincoln County, Flat River is based off North Platte and lies where the Platte River diverges into the North and South Platte Rivers.

I created this setting when I was crafting The Chapmans series. The need came about when I was writing my Pinkerton Matchmaker Series and needed to craft a backstory for a set of twin sisters. I needed somewhere close, but not too close. I settled on Nebraska, and this corner of the state has been featured in most of my books and series, so it made sense to place The Letter Wife in this location as well.

Share a little about the story behind the story.

I read mail-order bride romances for as long as I can remember. I found it incredibly brave that these women would travel across the United States to marry a stranger. Of course, more happily ever-afters appeared in books, than in real life, but the process must have worked, because the US is quite populated.

Most women would answer an advertisement in the paper, or solicit the services of a matchmaker. My thought was – what if a group of letters, enroute to their destination was lost? All these women who had written, seeking a better future, might never have a chance. So, I made the packet found by our hero, Bass Pickett who runs a ranch with his brother.

Since Flat River is such a remote town during that time in history, it would make sense that stumbling on a stack of letters like this would be like finding gold. My question was – what if that person who finds the letters realizes that the town needs more Christian women, and starts responding to the women?

These are the letter wives…

What is the theme or takeaway you want readers to think about?

My favorite trope is the opposites-attract romances. The tension between two people who are completely different makes for the most entertaining stories. I love the attract and repel dynamic and The Letter Wife certainly has a lot of that! I want people reading this book to understand that although you may think that because things work out a certain way, it could be because God has a bigger plan for you and your plans are not always His plans.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

Since I was seven. I would interview people and write their stories – with quite a bit of embellishment. I loved being able to disappear into a story and couldn’t wait to be able to tell stories of my own.

Favorite animal?

My Shih Tzu, Morgan. After that a sloth. Given Morgan likes to lay around all day and do nothing, I figure they are one in the same.

If you could travel to any spot in the world, where would it be?

Greece. Give me warm sand, blue seas and a clear sky any day.

What’s next in your writing?

I have two series coming out that also take place in Flat River – The Hartmans and The Flat River Matchmaker. I’m also branching out into contemporary romance and hope to reach a new group of readers with my plot-driven stories.

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