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. 

Social media links:

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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.

Social media links:

Website

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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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Today's interview comes from Lynn Donovan, author of Sweet, White Lies

Exclusively available in Secrets, Scandals, and Seduction. How do you capture a man's heart... a lady never tells.

Click here to pre-order now for 99 cents.

What do you find interesting about your main characters?

Emilia is resourceful and stubborn. Although she is living in 1883, a time when women did what they were told, she is determined to do things her way. I think it's funny how the plans that are made for her are exactly what she would have chosen if she’d been given the opportunity to say what she preferred. But because they were laid out for her, she rebelled mightily by choosing a random cowboy and lying about who he was. She never dreamed one little white lie would snowball and land her in a world of trouble with her parents, her friends, and the handsome cowboy.

Jasper, too, loves his independence. Although he respects his parents and will not go against their wishes, he obeys their instructions to attend a ball in which he is to meet his bethroathed by doing it his way, dressed as a rugged cowboy. Intrigued by the little vixen who tells him to play along and introduces him as her fiance, he soon learns she is the intended his parents had sent him here to meet. Now, he doesn’t know if he can trust one who lies so easily.

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

Salida, Colorado in 1883. I love this time frame. Salida is a beautiful town about an hour’s drive from where I live and has a rich history for fodder for a historical story. The railway came through there in this time which helps get characters from their far away ranches to town in less than a day, thus allowing my main male character’s parents to come be with him for his bethrothal.

Share a little about the story behind the story.

My initial thought was to have my female character be a rebellious young woman. She doesn’t trust her parents to arrange a marriage suitable for her and is looking for a way to get out of the agreement she assumes they have made. When she spies a handsome, rugged, and rather dirty cowboy at her birthday ball, she decides to tell her parents he is her secret courter and they are already engaged to be married. Thinking it will buy her time to get our of her parents’ arrangement and find someone she really can love and live with the rest of her life. But I knew the twist had to be that the dirty cowboy was the man her parents had made the arrangement with and now she wants to set things straight. But the cowboy, while amused by her antics, doesn’t feel he can trust her.

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

It’s hard to believe a liar even when they tell the truth.

One little white lie will lead to another and another until you are so entangled it will be difficult to get out of the mess you have made. The only way out is to tell the truth and set the record straight.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

I was in my twenties when I absolutely knew I wanted to be a writer. I took a creative writing class then and loved it, but while my babies were young and I worked full time outside of the home I couldn’t not fit it into my schedule. In truth, looking back over my life, I realize I’ve always been a writer. I was the kid who made up the story that we would act out. We played Mom and Dad, children, Cowboys and indians, etc. I wrote plays and coaxed my friends to act them out. I made hand puppets and entertained my friends with little puppet plays.

When I was 53, my life took a drastic turn and I found myself at home as caregiver to my mother with dementia and my special needs sister. I realized I had copious amount of time on my hands and thought, “Why not try this thing called writing?”

I published my first book the next year and now, 12 years later, have 70+ books published on Amazon. It is a career for me now and I love it!

Favorite animal?

I have 7 dogs, 1 cat, 12 chickens. But I love all animals! I can’t imagine life without some critter in my lap or in my house. The chickens are outside, of course. LOL I’m that person who goes to someone’s home and sits down to visit with the pet(s).

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

My bucketlist is to go to Europe. I’ve never been. I want to go, not as a tourist, but on the insiders track, visit real people, see how they live in that country and eat what they eat, help work in their garden, etc. My second, and more achievable bucket list item, is to take three weeks and drive from my home in Colorado to the east coast, drive up to Maine, have a lobster dinner, then head back on an interior highway so I can see different things from the way up. I want to take our time, stop when we want to, pull off because we saw something interesting, and get there when we get there.

What’s next in your writing?

I have a Time Travel Historical Romance I am publishing this year, 2022, and I have a Dachshund Cozy Mystery series I wrote half of last year. I will finish that series this year. I have some Multi-Author Series I will be writing in that will publish this year also. IF I can get everything written that I planned, it could be 20 books. But we’ll see and I’ll do what I am able. Nothing says I can’t push some of them over into 2023.

Social media links:

You can learn more about Lynn on her blog, follow her on Twitter @MLynnDonovan, Facebook Author page at LynnDonovanFGG and her website, LynnDonovanAuthor.com.

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For more publications by Lynn Donovan go to: Amazon.com/author/ldonovan

With 15 tales of romance included in Secrets, Scandals, and Seduction boxed set, this collection of sweet and steamy historical romance is a bargain for just 99 cents (get your copy here). Over the next few weeks, I'll be introducing you to each of the authors.

Today's interview comes from RL Ashly, author of Isle Celare.

What do you find interesting about your main characters?

Kessie Fox is an art restorer who is desperately in need of work. She insists on paying her own way. I enjoy a strong female protagonist.

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

Isle Celare is a fictitious island off the Pacific Coast. I thought it would be fun to create something different.

Share a little about the story behind the story.

I love the Pacific Ocean. It’s beauty and power is breathtaking. So, for this story, setting is important.

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

Being oneself. Having an adventure.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

In the fifth grade.

Favorite animal?

It’s a tie between dogs and cats. Dolphins are a favorite too.

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

Europe

What’s next in your writing?

I have three novels that I’m releasing this summer. I’m also planning on attending a writing conference soon

Exclusively available in Secrets, Scandals, and Seduction. How do you capture a man's heart... a lady never tells.

You know that moment when you realize the decision you made was not the best choice?

As I was manually tallying up the latest newsletter giveaway entries, I realized that this entire step of transferring the data to an Excel sheet (and double checking it) could have been skipped had I set up a Google form at the time I created my newsletter.

Head...desk.

However, it's too late now, and due to that incorrect choice, I've dedicated an entire session that I could have been editing (or writing) to this giveaway. As I'm toggling between the email replies and my Excel sheet, I'm thinking this task is something I could have passed over to an assistant, had I not been suffering from "do-it-myself" syndrome (but that's a whole other kettle of fish).

We'll call this a lesson learned for next time.

While I've participated in several boxed sets, I've never had the pleasure of assembling one myself. I probably shouldn't have made that my first task when I got the edits back for Horrified, but considering it does need to be assembled prior to loading it into the magical book making program (Vellum, for those of you who are curious), I decided to tackle that task first. 

The main concern I had was ensuring the reader was aware they were reading the next story in the collection, and not the background story running through the set. Therefore, I decided to use the covers that were originally attached to each story as the indicator of the next tale. I'm curious to see how this will look in paperback, as that will be printed in black and white, not the beautiful, bright colors on the covers.

I also fiddled with the chapter headings, changing them several times before deciding that each introduction section would also have chapter numbers. I must admit, I am in love with this cover, it fits more perfectly than I could have imagined. It just gives me the creeps.

 I was looking forward to beginning Chapter Two of my historical romance, because it's told from my heroine's POV (the Wiltshire Chronicles being my only series with dual POVs), but the difficulty I've found with showing both sides is that instead of writing one First Chapter, I have to write two, since each character must introduce themselves to the reader. Even though I have this story plotted out, I wrestled with how to portray her in the "second" opening.

Sarah was originally a side character that was introduced in A Perfect Plan as one of several young ladies who could be a potential wife for Benjamin, Lord Westwood. She's mentioned again, when her sister, Louisa, ends up with Alana Flannery on the ill-fated ship attacked by pirates in An Imperfect Scoundrel. At neither time was she portrayed in a good light. So, why would I give her a chance at happily ever after?

Because first impressions are sometimes wrong, and sometimes, the most trusted confident, shouldn't be trusted (cough, Alice Shirely, cough).

In Sarah's case, she discovered how fickle her friends could truly be, and when she was forced to resort to the very behavior of which they accused her, they destroyed her reputation. Mean girls, historical style. So, I gave her a second chance. I hope she doesn't muck it up.