Hello Dear Readers!

So, as you know from a recent newsletter, I've been in talks with Mr. Jackson Cavendish to figure out who the heck he is and how his story's going to progress. He's a mysterious fellow even though he doesn't seem like it at first glance.

As I said before, I put fictional brothers Bax and Cass to work figuring him out for me, but they kind of made more of a mess. This is what it was like:

Cass: Jackson, my man, just, you know *makes rude gesture with fingers* with Miss Smith.

Bax: Cass! Don't listen to him Jackson. You should be methodical in your approach to wining Miss Smith. We are men of the mind, after all.

Cass: God, I'm booooored. Where's Ada? She's never boring.

Bax: Now, what have you tried to win her over? We'll make a list and see what's left that has not yet been attempted.

Jackson: Excellent idea. I've followed her about with puppy dog eyes.

Cass: *Groans*

Jackson: I help her when I can. I listen to her needs, including leaving her secrets in the past.

Cass: Sounds like a bad idea to me. The past part, not the needs part.

Bax: Do be quiet. Go on, Jackson.

Jackson: And I seduced her in a tower room in Paris. Several times. During a masquerade.

Cass: *perks up* What's that now? That has promise. Do tell. Leave no detail unsaid.

Bax: *ignoring his brother* Have you told her how you feel?

Jackson: Of course. The direct way is the most sure way. Except, it appears, with Miss Smith.

Bax: Then perhaps you should try ... not pursuing her quite so diligently?

Me: Wait, what now?

All three gentlemen: *ignoring their author* Oh yes, yes, that sounds like it has potential

Me: No. No no no no no. That's not how we do things he--

Jackson: Yes! So I'll just ignore her for a bit and see if my absence makes her heart grow fonder.

Me: Don't do that. That is a very poor idea.

Cass: Or if your absence makes her lust grow more acute.

Bax: There is that.

Me: No!

Gentlemen: *clink whisky glasses*

Me: Where'd you even get those?

These guys. Something tells me I'll have to wrestle control from their hands or who knows where we'll end up!

In other news, I'm in this series of anthologies that release starting late 2023! But the first one, Lords and Lace is up for pre-order now. The series is called the Lords and Ladies of St. James, and it has so many authors you love with some drool-worthy covers. These don't release until 2023-2024, but you can pre-order the first one now! (Just FYI my story is included in Dukes and Diamonds, it will fit into a new series I'm release in 2023, and it will feature ... a bathtub scene, an ardent duke, and lots of mutual pining!)

Finally, looking to enter a giveaway? This one's for $100 Amazon gift card and Christmas hamper!

Ready for some book recs?

Sophie Barnes is doing an advent calendar type thing, and Sealed with a Yuletide Kiss is only .99c right now!

Looking for strong heroines? Look no further than this collection!

Looking for Kindle Unlimited reads for November? Here you go!

Before I say goodbye for today, how about a little peek at one of my works in progress? Here's a short unedited snippet from Scandalizing the Scoundrel, a Cavendish Family novella:

***

When a man rode a horse like it was an extension of his own body, he likely managed other … physical activity with just such skill. One of the many reasons Freddy had decided to make London’s Golden Boy, the expert equestrian riding round the ring below, her paramour. She desired a skilled lover, and a vigorous one, and he promised much without saying a word.

He could hardly speak now, could he? Standing atop the giant horse, balancing as it took him in circles round Garrison’s Circus amphitheatre. Those in the audience attracted to his mesmerizing golden glitter leaned closer, breath held tight in their lungs, attuned to his every move and muscle flex.

Mr. Grant Webster entranced them all, and Freddy wanted more than silent promises. She wanted to be seduced. To do the seducing. Whichever, as long as her naked body laid alongside his at some point in the process. 

She put a palm to her cheek. Was it was burning bright as it felt? And with her inconveniently pale coloring, anyone nearby would know the direction of her thoughts. It meandered down the same crowded street traveled by every other woman in the amphitheatre.

Mr. Webster would take one of those woman off the path of desire and into the bed of fruition this night. As he did every night, so the gossips said.

And Freddy would make sure the lucky woman was herself. 

***

Happy reading!

Charlie Lane

Pre-order Scandalizing the Scoundrel