Hello Dear Readers!

As I write, I'm sitting at my kitchen table, the winds outside my window high, the sky... the bluest of blue. Across the room, my husband lounges, offering little help as I ask him what to write. Tell them, he says, mischief winking in his eye, "that every time you say 'dear reader' I imagine a dear as a reader, horns and all, and that when these dear read the opening to your email, they feel seen. You know dears like books, and they appreciate that."

To which I rolled my eyes. Naturally.

But then I included the anecdote, so... I don't know... he wins, I guess. 🤣

I will also tell you that I'm currently researching satirical caricatures from the Regency period for one of the heroes in my Art of Love series that will start releasing in June. Critical readings of prints as an attempt to understand the Regency period fascinate me. There's the camp of analysts who say--misbehavior is rife in these prints, so obviously the Regency era wasn't as "pastel" a place as we think it was. Then there are those who note that the prints do not condone such behavior; they reveal it, publicly shame it. This, they point out, shows that the Regency was just as strait laced as we think.

But why can't it be both? I take the both route anyway. And my hero certainly uses his caricatures to expose the hypocritical underbelly of the ton. But he has fun with them too! Anytime I mention him drawing a man or woman passing pass (I've only done it once so far, but that's enough), I think of my six year old, for whom potty humor is the HEIGHT of comedy.

If you're interested in knowing more about satirical prints and Regency era political cartoons, check out my current read City of Laughter by Vic Gatrell.

I wonder if, with the age of digital newspapers, political cartoons are becoming extinct. What do you think?

Take a look at a new book!

Looking for a FREE steamy historical read? Look no further than Celeste Barclay's The Earl's Governess.

Also, check out Fenna Edgewood's latest, My So-Called Scoundrel! I love this cover with all the pretty spring green and the flowers! Makes me crave sunshine, as if I don't already crave sunshine 24/7. 😆

The final cover has been revealed for the Lords and Ladies of St. James anthology series! Peers and Parasols is up for pre-order now, and don't forget to visit the Penford Publishing website to grab your free printable reader log!

The books in the Wicked Widows multi-author series have begun to release! You can find the first two--Dawn Brower's Her Rogue for One Night and Lana Williams' To Bargain with a Rogue-- here!

Looking for more historical romance in KU? Check out this promotion to see if there's anything you haven't read yet!

Love is in the air with this collection of historical romance novels. Anything strike your fancy?

Needing something steamy in KU? Look no further!

I'm in a mood to swoon. How about you? Let's see if any of these make us weak in the knees! And they're free!

Looking for new releases? Here's a lot of 'em!

WHEW. That was a lot of haystacks to sift through in order to find your perfect next read. I hope you found it, though.

Happy reading,

Charlie Lane

~~~~~

Pre-order Scandalizing the Scoundrel

Pre-Order Dukes and Diamonds

A marquess and his mother's companion really shouldn't fall in love...

Pre-Order Portraits, Passion, and Other Pastimes