Katherine Bone's Blog - Posts Tagged "romance"
Duke by Day, Rogue by Night is Here!!
Happy Halloween everybody!
Who doesn't love an alpha male, especially if he's dressed as a pirate? An aristocrat portraying himself as a fop to keep his enemies and the ton at bay? Or men willing to forsake their place in society as first sons in order to serve England without falling under suspicion? Most anyone would find a rogue like this wildly exciting. But not Lady Constance Danbury. Her previous experience with pirates left her motherless and fearful of the sea. But when her father's reputation is practically in tatters and he must wed her to a lecherous lord with a penchant for abuse in order to replenish his coffers, Constance boards a ship bound for Spain in order to escape and plead for her aunt's help. What happens on that ship catapaults Constance into a den of intrigue and danger. It also brings her face to face with a man who cannot compete with her wildest imaginings— a duke by day, rogue by night.
While you masquerade in costume today, I hope you'll give the first book in my Nelson's Tea trilogy a try. It debuted two days ago and I'm still over the moon.
Enjoy the adventure, but don't forget to love a rogue.
Katherine
www.katherinebone.com
Who doesn't love an alpha male, especially if he's dressed as a pirate? An aristocrat portraying himself as a fop to keep his enemies and the ton at bay? Or men willing to forsake their place in society as first sons in order to serve England without falling under suspicion? Most anyone would find a rogue like this wildly exciting. But not Lady Constance Danbury. Her previous experience with pirates left her motherless and fearful of the sea. But when her father's reputation is practically in tatters and he must wed her to a lecherous lord with a penchant for abuse in order to replenish his coffers, Constance boards a ship bound for Spain in order to escape and plead for her aunt's help. What happens on that ship catapaults Constance into a den of intrigue and danger. It also brings her face to face with a man who cannot compete with her wildest imaginings— a duke by day, rogue by night.
While you masquerade in costume today, I hope you'll give the first book in my Nelson's Tea trilogy a try. It debuted two days ago and I'm still over the moon.
Enjoy the adventure, but don't forget to love a rogue.
Katherine
www.katherinebone.com
Duke by Day, Rogue by Night Excerpt
It's Giving Tuesday! I'm celebrating a wonderful compliment today. I was told my writing style reminded a reader of Georgette Heyer. Can it get any better than that? So while I do a moon walk, I thought I'd share an excerpt from Duke by Day, Rogue by Night. Enjoy! ;)
“Where are my clothes?”
“You’ll not be needing them,” he said.
She struggled to breathe. “What do you mean I’ll not be needing my clothes?”
Even before the question came out of her mouth, his meaning was clear. An abysmal vulnerability unlike any she’d ever experienced forced a heated blush into her cheeks. He stepped closer, looming above her like a hawk stalking prey. She shrank back, scurrying on her hands and feet until her back braced against the wall, intent on putting as much space between herself and the deplorable scoundrel as possible.
“Nothing can come between us, Constance, including clothes.”
His alarming grin proved he meant to ensure every word. Beads of sweat broke out on her brow as her mind labored for a response. Something wicked churned in her stomach as her mind labored over a memory, the sensation of the two of them without clothes, their bodies scandalously intertwined, his warm fingers, comforting touch, and his heart pounding underneath her ear.
“How do you know my name?” she squeaked, trying desperately to block out the condemning images.
“Did you honestly expect me to believe your lies about being Admiral Duncan’s daughter? The man died quite seasoned. His daughters most assuredly wed and bedded before you were born.” His penetrating gaze darted over her body. “How old are you?” he asked. “I wager nineteen — at most.”
He moved closer, his knee resting on the edge of the bunk. Reaching out to grab a lock of her hair, he added, “Too young to be Duncan’s daughter,” he continued, “and far prettier.”
Unsettled, she snatched back her hair. Indignantly, she spat, “You irritating simpleton! My age is of no consequence to you.”
“Yet you claim to be one of Admiral Duncan’s daughters. Who is the simpleton?”
“Are you calling me a liar?”
“If I must,” he said with a wave of his hand, acting as if the effort drained him. But it was the look in his eye that warned her not to insult him again.
She quivered. He stood and crossed the room until he was positioned by the door again. He leaned against it and crossed his arms over his chest, once again causing her eyes to feast on his toned, lean body. The black shirt he wore accentuated his weathered skin. His dark hair, mustache, beard, and eye patch emphasized the reticent set of his jaw. His hair flowed loosely about his shoulders. The red scarf around his forehead stood out like the blush of a cardinal attracting a mate. For the first time, she noticed a gold hoop in his left ear as he dropped his head to the side to observe her with disdain.
“Where am I?” Her voice cracked. She hated being vulnerable, hated herself for thinking the man slightly handsome.
His mustached lip curled upward as if he’d been waiting for such a cue. He stepped away from the door.
“You’re aboard the Striker. Don’t you remember?”
She turned away from him and gazed out the spacious window to replay the previous night’s events in her mind. Her heart raced as bone-chilling images proved she had much to be grateful for where he was concerned. She averted his gaze, hoping to hide the fear listing her heart. Indeed, she remembered all too well that pirates had stormed through her cabin door. She recalled the first time she’d set eyes upon him. She remembered Captain Collins and that heartless brigand, Frink, tearing at her clothes. A tear slipped out of the corner of her eye. Light and moist, it tickled her skin, reminding her of being weighted down by water. She remembered nearly drowning. She remembered hearing her mother’s voice. She remembered him.
“I remember … ,” she admitted, “you saved me from drowning.”
“And I brought you to my cabin,” he finished for her.
“Where’s Captain Frink? Is this his ship?”
“Do not worry your pretty little head about him. He’ll do you no more harm.”
“And Mrs. Mortimer?” Fear took hold when he did not answer. She only vaguely remembered her dearest governess being carried out of the cabin. What had happened to her? Had she been passed from one man to the next like a communal jug of rum?
He approached her slowly, sat down on the edge of the bed and leaned closer, making her heart flutter. “Mrs. Mortimer?”
“Yes,” she replied. “My traveling companion. Is she all right? Is she alive?”
“That crafty old witch is fine. She’s in another cabin.” He held up his hand when she began to ask another question. “Rest assured she is well.” He placed his finger on her lips to silence her when she tried to speak.
Constance brushed his finger away. “Why are we separated? Why aren’t you keeping us together?”
“What joy would there be in that for me?”
“Where are my clothes?”
“You’ll not be needing them,” he said.
She struggled to breathe. “What do you mean I’ll not be needing my clothes?”
Even before the question came out of her mouth, his meaning was clear. An abysmal vulnerability unlike any she’d ever experienced forced a heated blush into her cheeks. He stepped closer, looming above her like a hawk stalking prey. She shrank back, scurrying on her hands and feet until her back braced against the wall, intent on putting as much space between herself and the deplorable scoundrel as possible.
“Nothing can come between us, Constance, including clothes.”
His alarming grin proved he meant to ensure every word. Beads of sweat broke out on her brow as her mind labored for a response. Something wicked churned in her stomach as her mind labored over a memory, the sensation of the two of them without clothes, their bodies scandalously intertwined, his warm fingers, comforting touch, and his heart pounding underneath her ear.
“How do you know my name?” she squeaked, trying desperately to block out the condemning images.
“Did you honestly expect me to believe your lies about being Admiral Duncan’s daughter? The man died quite seasoned. His daughters most assuredly wed and bedded before you were born.” His penetrating gaze darted over her body. “How old are you?” he asked. “I wager nineteen — at most.”
He moved closer, his knee resting on the edge of the bunk. Reaching out to grab a lock of her hair, he added, “Too young to be Duncan’s daughter,” he continued, “and far prettier.”
Unsettled, she snatched back her hair. Indignantly, she spat, “You irritating simpleton! My age is of no consequence to you.”
“Yet you claim to be one of Admiral Duncan’s daughters. Who is the simpleton?”
“Are you calling me a liar?”
“If I must,” he said with a wave of his hand, acting as if the effort drained him. But it was the look in his eye that warned her not to insult him again.
She quivered. He stood and crossed the room until he was positioned by the door again. He leaned against it and crossed his arms over his chest, once again causing her eyes to feast on his toned, lean body. The black shirt he wore accentuated his weathered skin. His dark hair, mustache, beard, and eye patch emphasized the reticent set of his jaw. His hair flowed loosely about his shoulders. The red scarf around his forehead stood out like the blush of a cardinal attracting a mate. For the first time, she noticed a gold hoop in his left ear as he dropped his head to the side to observe her with disdain.
“Where am I?” Her voice cracked. She hated being vulnerable, hated herself for thinking the man slightly handsome.
His mustached lip curled upward as if he’d been waiting for such a cue. He stepped away from the door.
“You’re aboard the Striker. Don’t you remember?”
She turned away from him and gazed out the spacious window to replay the previous night’s events in her mind. Her heart raced as bone-chilling images proved she had much to be grateful for where he was concerned. She averted his gaze, hoping to hide the fear listing her heart. Indeed, she remembered all too well that pirates had stormed through her cabin door. She recalled the first time she’d set eyes upon him. She remembered Captain Collins and that heartless brigand, Frink, tearing at her clothes. A tear slipped out of the corner of her eye. Light and moist, it tickled her skin, reminding her of being weighted down by water. She remembered nearly drowning. She remembered hearing her mother’s voice. She remembered him.
“I remember … ,” she admitted, “you saved me from drowning.”
“And I brought you to my cabin,” he finished for her.
“Where’s Captain Frink? Is this his ship?”
“Do not worry your pretty little head about him. He’ll do you no more harm.”
“And Mrs. Mortimer?” Fear took hold when he did not answer. She only vaguely remembered her dearest governess being carried out of the cabin. What had happened to her? Had she been passed from one man to the next like a communal jug of rum?
He approached her slowly, sat down on the edge of the bed and leaned closer, making her heart flutter. “Mrs. Mortimer?”
“Yes,” she replied. “My traveling companion. Is she all right? Is she alive?”
“That crafty old witch is fine. She’s in another cabin.” He held up his hand when she began to ask another question. “Rest assured she is well.” He placed his finger on her lips to silence her when she tried to speak.
Constance brushed his finger away. “Why are we separated? Why aren’t you keeping us together?”
“What joy would there be in that for me?”
Down Time
I've been enjoying some down time since turning in the second book in my Nelson's Tea Series, The Rogue's Prize. What is your favorite thing to do when you want to relax?
Reading is my favorite pastime, other than knitting, quilting, and gardening. I used to can my own jam, spaghetti sauce, applesauce and tomato sauce, as well as peppers, pickle relish and salsa, but those days are gone. While I miss the yumminess of homemade goodies, so many other wonderful things have taken their place... like writing books, my ultimate passion. There's only so much time in a day, right?
And so, it goes without saying that during my own down time, I'm picking up my latest passion in another author's book. Lately, I've been rereading the wonderful books that have inspired me through the years. Authors like Shana Galen's Comte De Valere series, THE MAKING OF A DUCHESS, THE MAKING OF A GENTLEMAN and THE ROGUE PIRATE'S BRIDE. Wonderful characters fill these exciting action adventure romances. The amazing thing is, you know great books when you can't put them down after reading them for the 2nd time!!! Brava, Ms. Galen!
I've neglected to read as much as I should lately. My muse is hungry for sustenance, me hearties. So I'm pulling out all the stops, buying books for my Kindle, pulling out my favorite books from my shelf, digging into my TBR pile, and having the best time of my life.
Another fabulous thing I'm doing in the interim between Book 2 and Book 3 in the Nelson's Tea Series... I'm working on another project completely different from what I've published to date. It's an exciting story. The story of my heart.
So if you haven't picked up Shana Galen's books, I urge you to do so. You won't be disappointed, me hearties. But if you've also got favorites you've stored in your book shelf, grab one of those too. Nothing is more wonderful to the soul then returning to characters you've loved and still continue to be an influence.
Wishing you joy!
Blessings,
Katherine
Reading is my favorite pastime, other than knitting, quilting, and gardening. I used to can my own jam, spaghetti sauce, applesauce and tomato sauce, as well as peppers, pickle relish and salsa, but those days are gone. While I miss the yumminess of homemade goodies, so many other wonderful things have taken their place... like writing books, my ultimate passion. There's only so much time in a day, right?
And so, it goes without saying that during my own down time, I'm picking up my latest passion in another author's book. Lately, I've been rereading the wonderful books that have inspired me through the years. Authors like Shana Galen's Comte De Valere series, THE MAKING OF A DUCHESS, THE MAKING OF A GENTLEMAN and THE ROGUE PIRATE'S BRIDE. Wonderful characters fill these exciting action adventure romances. The amazing thing is, you know great books when you can't put them down after reading them for the 2nd time!!! Brava, Ms. Galen!
I've neglected to read as much as I should lately. My muse is hungry for sustenance, me hearties. So I'm pulling out all the stops, buying books for my Kindle, pulling out my favorite books from my shelf, digging into my TBR pile, and having the best time of my life.
Another fabulous thing I'm doing in the interim between Book 2 and Book 3 in the Nelson's Tea Series... I'm working on another project completely different from what I've published to date. It's an exciting story. The story of my heart.
So if you haven't picked up Shana Galen's books, I urge you to do so. You won't be disappointed, me hearties. But if you've also got favorites you've stored in your book shelf, grab one of those too. Nothing is more wonderful to the soul then returning to characters you've loved and still continue to be an influence.
Wishing you joy!
Blessings,
Katherine
Duke by Day, Rogue by Night Giveaway
There are 3 hours left in my Goodreads giveaway!!! I'm so excited that I've got 665 readers signed up so far! Sending a grateful shout out and a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you who've signed up for a chance to win an autographed copy of my debut historical romance. Percy and Constance's story takes readers on a wild adventure of love, mistrust, and betrayal. It's the first in a trilogy, The Nelson's Tea Series. The 2nd book is with editors now and I'm writing the 3rd as I write this post.
Your generosity and kindness mean so much to me, dear readers!!! To thank you, I'm including treasure (swag) with each book for my 3 lucky winners!
Good luck, me hearties!
Katherine
Your generosity and kindness mean so much to me, dear readers!!! To thank you, I'm including treasure (swag) with each book for my 3 lucky winners!
Good luck, me hearties!
Katherine
Week in Review & Interview Link
Happy Thursday, me hearties!!! How has your week been going so far? ;)
I've had a great week! My rogue is coming home after being gone to Poland on business all week and that's always a good time to bring out the rum. (Pirate!)
My oldest son, HS#1, has returned home after being on a tour of duty in Japan for over 2 months. We're all so happy he's back in the US, safe and sound!!!
Also, my youngest daughter, DD#2, presented her senior project to great reviews from her professors. She's passed muster!!! Yay!! Graduation from Auburn in a few weeks. Woot!!!
As for me, I've been interviewed by Nancy S. Goodman at the Rakes, Rogues & Romance blog. Nancy asked some great questions and I hope you'll stop by to check out the interview. One of the commentors won an Ebook copy of LOST TREASURE, CAPTIVE PRINCESS!
Here's the link:
http://rakesroguesandromance.com/2013...
I'm rounding out my day by going to spend time with my brainstorming partner. Lots to ponder as I begin work on Book Three in the Nelson's Tea Series. Garrick Seaton is such a tricky hero. Meanwhile, edits for THE ROGUE'S PRIZE have come in and I'm getting the book ready for production. Yay!!!
Have a great end of week and a fantastic weekend!!!
Blessings,
Katherine
I've had a great week! My rogue is coming home after being gone to Poland on business all week and that's always a good time to bring out the rum. (Pirate!)
My oldest son, HS#1, has returned home after being on a tour of duty in Japan for over 2 months. We're all so happy he's back in the US, safe and sound!!!
Also, my youngest daughter, DD#2, presented her senior project to great reviews from her professors. She's passed muster!!! Yay!! Graduation from Auburn in a few weeks. Woot!!!
As for me, I've been interviewed by Nancy S. Goodman at the Rakes, Rogues & Romance blog. Nancy asked some great questions and I hope you'll stop by to check out the interview. One of the commentors won an Ebook copy of LOST TREASURE, CAPTIVE PRINCESS!
Here's the link:
http://rakesroguesandromance.com/2013...
I'm rounding out my day by going to spend time with my brainstorming partner. Lots to ponder as I begin work on Book Three in the Nelson's Tea Series. Garrick Seaton is such a tricky hero. Meanwhile, edits for THE ROGUE'S PRIZE have come in and I'm getting the book ready for production. Yay!!!
Have a great end of week and a fantastic weekend!!!
Blessings,
Katherine
Edits!
Wow! I didn't realize I hadn't posted here in so long, me hearties. My sincerest apologies.
Edits. Edits. And more edits. That's what I've been up to these days. While I got my edits for The Rogue's Prize turned in on time, right after we drove to Fort Bragg to pick up our son and move his stuff back home until he moves to his next duty station, I also had the great privilage of watching my youngest daughter graduate from Auburn University!!! Great times! (Can I mention she graduated 3/100's away from Summa Cum Laude?)
Good vibes coming as I begin work on The Rogue's Surrender, the third book in the Nelson's Tea series. I'm just getting into it when...
Hark! What book on yon computer screen breaks? The Rogue's Prize. Yes, I got it back yesterday with the final read through in book format before the galleys come. This is an excellent way to read a book and totally get what readers will feel when they read the published version. I'm excited and busy, busy, busy too.
May has definitely turned into a whirlwind. Birthdays, anniversaries, you name it. They all come in May. But what fabulous experiences they are! And, I'll get to see the book cover for The Rogue's Prize! Woot!!!
So much to look forward to: swimming, getting in shape for swimming, writer's conferences and readers' luncheons, family time, and lots more.
What's in store for you this summer? A vacation?
Blessings,
Katherine
Edits. Edits. And more edits. That's what I've been up to these days. While I got my edits for The Rogue's Prize turned in on time, right after we drove to Fort Bragg to pick up our son and move his stuff back home until he moves to his next duty station, I also had the great privilage of watching my youngest daughter graduate from Auburn University!!! Great times! (Can I mention she graduated 3/100's away from Summa Cum Laude?)
Good vibes coming as I begin work on The Rogue's Surrender, the third book in the Nelson's Tea series. I'm just getting into it when...
Hark! What book on yon computer screen breaks? The Rogue's Prize. Yes, I got it back yesterday with the final read through in book format before the galleys come. This is an excellent way to read a book and totally get what readers will feel when they read the published version. I'm excited and busy, busy, busy too.
May has definitely turned into a whirlwind. Birthdays, anniversaries, you name it. They all come in May. But what fabulous experiences they are! And, I'll get to see the book cover for The Rogue's Prize! Woot!!!
So much to look forward to: swimming, getting in shape for swimming, writer's conferences and readers' luncheons, family time, and lots more.
What's in store for you this summer? A vacation?
Blessings,
Katherine
Woe! It's Coming!
Dudes and dudettes, did you see it? The Rogue's Prize has appeared on my Goodreads page!!! That means it's coming. It's like we can see the book's sails on the horizon.
I'm so jazzed!!!
Filled with swordfights, swashbuckling mayhem, deceit, misunderstandings, wit and verve (my specialty), adventure and romance, I'm so thrilled with this book and I just know it will resonate with you, dear readers. Can't wait for you to see what's happening on board the Dragon!!!
Blessings,
Katherine
I'm so jazzed!!!
Filled with swordfights, swashbuckling mayhem, deceit, misunderstandings, wit and verve (my specialty), adventure and romance, I'm so thrilled with this book and I just know it will resonate with you, dear readers. Can't wait for you to see what's happening on board the Dragon!!!
Blessings,
Katherine
Book Cover Reveal!
Hey gang, great things are happening. I just received ARC's of THE ROGUE'S PRIZE (digital version, of course) and got a peek at my book cover. Woot!!! May I just say that I'm in LOVE with it? I think you'll love it too.
DUKE BY DAY has Percy on the cover, posing as Thomas Sexton, his pirate disguise, with a blunderbuss pistol. I'd had it in my head that it would be great to have all 3 rogues in my Nelson's Tea Series on the covers, for continuity purposes. What I got was most unexpected, but truly divine!!! (You'll see what I mean as soon as the cover goes live, which I expect to be any day now.)
The art department at Crimson Romance has been extremely creative in helping bring my series to life. I'm fortunate to have had really great book covers, me hearties, and I know it!!! Book covers that differ from normal Regency romance covers, but reveal much of my characters. I hope that makes the books stand out in a good way.
So be on the lookout for the BIG reveal coming to a port near you. Keep your eyes on that horizon, mateys!!!
Blessings,
Katherine
DUKE BY DAY has Percy on the cover, posing as Thomas Sexton, his pirate disguise, with a blunderbuss pistol. I'd had it in my head that it would be great to have all 3 rogues in my Nelson's Tea Series on the covers, for continuity purposes. What I got was most unexpected, but truly divine!!! (You'll see what I mean as soon as the cover goes live, which I expect to be any day now.)
The art department at Crimson Romance has been extremely creative in helping bring my series to life. I'm fortunate to have had really great book covers, me hearties, and I know it!!! Book covers that differ from normal Regency romance covers, but reveal much of my characters. I hope that makes the books stand out in a good way.
So be on the lookout for the BIG reveal coming to a port near you. Keep your eyes on that horizon, mateys!!!
Blessings,
Katherine
Sail Ho!
THE ROGUE'S PRIZE book cover is live! As you can see on my Goodreads page, it's been added to my list of books. Woot!!!
You can't imagine my excitement, me hearties. My publisher's art department got this cover right. The heroine of THE ROGUE'S PRIZE, Lady Adele Seaton, is the only daughter of Earl Pendrim in a sea of six stalwart pirating sons. Redheaded and green-eyed, her fiery Irish temper and adventurous spirit warn she's a force to be reckoned with. And it's up to Captain Henry Guffald to tame her if he's ever going to achieve his objective ~ rescue Garrick Seaton, another member of Nelson's Tea who's been captured in Spain.
The book gets off to a rousing start when Adele attacks Henry's ship. I'm sure you can imagine what ensues. Or can you? I hope you'll give the book a try. ;)
If you'd like to read more about my cover reveal, check out my blog at: http://katherinebone.wordpress.com/20... or my blog post at Romance Magicians: http://www.romancemagicians.blogspot....
Have a blessed weekend!!!
Katherine
You can't imagine my excitement, me hearties. My publisher's art department got this cover right. The heroine of THE ROGUE'S PRIZE, Lady Adele Seaton, is the only daughter of Earl Pendrim in a sea of six stalwart pirating sons. Redheaded and green-eyed, her fiery Irish temper and adventurous spirit warn she's a force to be reckoned with. And it's up to Captain Henry Guffald to tame her if he's ever going to achieve his objective ~ rescue Garrick Seaton, another member of Nelson's Tea who's been captured in Spain.
The book gets off to a rousing start when Adele attacks Henry's ship. I'm sure you can imagine what ensues. Or can you? I hope you'll give the book a try. ;)
If you'd like to read more about my cover reveal, check out my blog at: http://katherinebone.wordpress.com/20... or my blog post at Romance Magicians: http://www.romancemagicians.blogspot....
Have a blessed weekend!!!
Katherine
Special Thanks to Reviewers!!!
There's nothing better than peeking at your Goodreads page and seeing another review has been uploaded for one of your books, me hearties! I wanted to take the opportunity today to thank each and every reader who's posted a review for either of my books so far. Your feedback and kindness has touched my heart in a very personal and gratifying way.
There are so many reasons to thank readers. First and foremost, thank you for buying my books. For years I dreamed of having one of my books published. Imagine my heartfelt joy to be able to share 3 of those books with you this past year. Readers make this writing business totally worth the job of sitting in front of a computer every day and churning out stories.
Writing is a solitary business. Though it's done mostly in a separate room, in a quiet space, or filled with soundtrack music from movies I love that help with setting, I'm never really alone. The characters from my books keep me company. And they're the BEST companions a writer can ask for. Why? Because all they ask for is to have their stories told so that they can share their adventures with you!
Adventure, romance, espionage, thrilling actions sequences, love triangles, rogues, rebels and rakes... who could ask for more these days, eh?
Thank you again for reaching out to me and for sharing your opinions. I cherish you all!!!
Blessings,
Katherine
There are so many reasons to thank readers. First and foremost, thank you for buying my books. For years I dreamed of having one of my books published. Imagine my heartfelt joy to be able to share 3 of those books with you this past year. Readers make this writing business totally worth the job of sitting in front of a computer every day and churning out stories.
Writing is a solitary business. Though it's done mostly in a separate room, in a quiet space, or filled with soundtrack music from movies I love that help with setting, I'm never really alone. The characters from my books keep me company. And they're the BEST companions a writer can ask for. Why? Because all they ask for is to have their stories told so that they can share their adventures with you!
Adventure, romance, espionage, thrilling actions sequences, love triangles, rogues, rebels and rakes... who could ask for more these days, eh?
Thank you again for reaching out to me and for sharing your opinions. I cherish you all!!!
Blessings,
Katherine
