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Blurb For My New Regency Romance

January 17, 2023 / Gigi Lynn

For Blog to show celbration — Celebrate my new romance with me.
Photo by DESIGNECOLOGIST on Unsplash

A new regency romance for you to read, An Honorable Man is with the editor! After that, it will spend a couple of weeks with ARC readers. ARC readers, as you probably know, receive a free copy of the novel with the understanding that they will read it in a timely manner and leave an honest review, for me on Amazon and Goodreads.

I plan to release this regency romance novel to the public in February.

Let me share the back of the book Blurb with you:

Beginning of blurb– Nobility and Honor are not always the same . . .
Lady Cecily Ballantyne is beautiful, refined, and . . . days away from being evicted. How can an impoverished, noble widow support her five-year-old daughter?

Mr. Nyles J. Hatton is successful, wealthy, and . . . common. He wants the impossible—to move into the exclusive sphere of the nobility.

But when Mr. Hatton overhears Lady Cecily ask a titled gentleman for help finding work, he proposes a better idea, the perfect bargain. Lady Ballantyne will transform Mr. Hatton so he can move among the ton, and he will provide a safe home for her and her daughter and position for which she is uniquely suited.

But what if she finds his rough honesty tempting? What if he finds her graceful courage irresistible? And who is it that threatens Cecily, determined to stop both her and Mr. Hatton from entering into society? –End of Blurb

What do you think? Are you ready to settle in with Cecily as she “makes over” Mr. Hatton?

Cover Reveal coming soon!

Three New Romances In the Month of November

December 12, 2022 / Gigi Lynn

Writing Romance–Fast

I tried something new and challenging in my Romance Writing life in November (Challenging myself is becoming a theme).

You probably have never heard of Nanowrimo, but for the last few years, I’ve been wanting to try it. Nanowrimo stands for National Novel Writing Month. This world-wide event is held every November–Yes, I’m sorry to say, it is in November.

When an author or aspiring author signs up for Nanowrimo, they accept the challenge to begin a new novel on November 1, and try to write 50,000 words by the end of the month. The idea is that by the end of the month, you will have finished a short novel. Think of it–a new romance novel in one month!

I want to tell you about my month long experience. First, let me say, I did not cheat. I planned start a brand new novel that has been percolating in the back of my mind for the last few months. The main character of this first in a new series is Angelica, or Angel as her family calls her, so I’ll use Angel as the working title for now.

Though I didn’t cheat, I also didn’t follow the rules exactly. I just could not begin Angel before I finished An Honorable Man. So, I spent the first 5-6 days finishing the last 11,000 words of this novel. I love it so much, I had a hard time moving on. I just wanted to go back and start editing so I can get it into your hands as soon as possible. But I held strong and kept writing.

So, even though I didn’t begin with the new work on November 1, I planned to write a whole new work in November. I would just start on the 6th. Then, the night before I started Angel, I had this idea for a romance novella. It came into my mind almost fully formed in terms of plotting and characters. I made a sudden departure from my plan and started writing a totally new romance novella.

This is Lady Evelyn’s story. It has some Cinderella elements and then turns into a forced marriage trope. The working title is Honeyed Moon. I worked through the bulk of the month telling the story of Evie and Cam (Lord Camden). I get chills when I think of this novella, which I do believe I will add to in editing. I think it needs to be a full length novel.

So, there I am on Thanksgiving day, surrounded by my family (all 37 of them). I’ve finished for former Work In Progress (An Honorable Man). I’ve finished the surprise Novella (Honeyed Moon). But I am still 5000 words shy of the 50,000 word mark.

So, after my family left, I went back to the original plan and began my new series with Angel and Ramsay’s story. I’m four chapters into that story.

Three novels in various stages in one month. I’m astounded, and tired. Mostly, I am so excited to bring these romances to you. In a perfect world, you’ll have one in January, one in March, and one in May/June. Cross your fingers for me. I’m working furiously.

Romance: Simple and Subtle Steps in the Dance of Love

October 31, 2022 / Gigi Lynn

Let’s Bring Back the Look (you know the one), the Gentle Touch, the Sweet Awareness?

Now, I really love a good kissing scene. Who doesn’t? But sometimes I feel cheated when a book or movie rushes right to that kiss and even hurries on past the kiss without giving me time to appreciate the romantic journey.

Does anyone else feel like we’ve left some sweet, important, fulfilling, delightful steps in romance behind?

A meeting of eyes, sigh! The brush of a hand, maybe even accidentally, oh my heart. (Who doesn’t love Mr. Darcy’s hand clench after helping Lizzie into her carriage?) Such small things, except they’re not. These too are the essence of romance.

And these things aren’t just for the meet cute or start of a new relationship. These are some of the signs of continuing love. This is one way that we nurture our relationships.

Do you remember the first time a love interest looked at you with special attention? Touched you? Held your hand? Put his/her arm around you? I hope you felt that thrill. I hope you still do. And I hope that in addition to the kissing scene, you love to read, or view, the simple steps in the dance of love.

So, hold hands, give a hug–and hold on for longer. Think about a feel those little, gentle touches. Don’t miss out on these lovely, simple, treasured Romantic gestures.

The Gypsy Witch: A Gothic Romance Short Story

October 24, 2022 / Gigi Lynn

This is another stretching myself, out of my comfort zone writing experience. I wrote a Halloween Tale. A clean/sweet Gothic Regency Romance Short Story. (It’s a longish short story).

And I loved it! I couldn’t stop writing. It was so fun.

It’s Free!! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Get The Gypsy Witch Free

Join Estella and Rory as they try to escape the clutches of the obsessed, spoiled rogue of a nobleman.

Critical Reader? I want to meet you!

October 17, 2022 / Gigi Lynn

It’s a commonly held belief that extensive reading improves writing. I’m not sure that’s always true. Mostly when I read, I suspend my disbelief and enter the world of the book. I ride along with the main character and just enjoy the experience. Reading is fun, and rewarding, and fabulous!

I’m not sure that kind of reading makes me a better writer, but I love it.

Now, when I buckle down and read critically (looking at structure, tone, character arc, plot development, etc.), reading probably improves my writing. I ask questions. How did this author build tension? What is the main character’s goal? How does the author establish that goal and build conflict? I watch to see if the beginning leads naturally to the next part, and to the next. Are there big leaps that leave me behind? Are the character’s actions consistent their personality?

Even though it’s fiction, is the world credible? Are the characters believable? Do they fit into the world?

(A little rant here. I struggle when I’m reading a historical romance and the heroine is–let’s be honest–a 21st century girl. Unless it’s a time travel novel. That regency, or Victorian lady may be forward thinking. She may be a maverick, but she still has to live with the mores and expectations of her time. Lizzie Bennett challenged and pushed against traditional feminine expectations, but she knew her world. She was an early 19th century woman).

Back now to critical reading. Are you a critical reader? Do you mentally “fix” the novels that you read? Do you have books you just cannot finish because of these kind of weaknesses.

If you are a critical reader, I really want to meet you. I want your input on my writing. I’m building a beta-reading team. If this is something that interests you , email me.

Halloween Romance Novella, Anyone?

October 7, 2022 / Gigi Lynn

It’s a dark, stormy night, and the students at The Phoenix House are telling stories around the fire. A sudden knock at the door starts a series of events that ends in murder.

The Novella is called Veiled In Mist, and it’s free this weekend, October 7-9, 2022.

I didn’t start out to write a Halloween story, but this book book ended up being part locked-room mystery, part adventure, but as always mostly romance. And it’s a perfect October read.

I admit, of all of my books so far, this has the most darkness. The girls in the school have experienced abuse in the past. (So a little trigger warning). When they hear about the return of their tormenter, each girl has to make a choice.

Lady Helen is smart, poised, a totally admirable character. She has a strong social conscience. The only problem is that her family has been disgraced. She’s hiding away from society. Helen wants to to be part of positive changes.

The Reverend David Jones, newly appointed Vicar is the perfect match for Helen, if only she’ll allow him to get close enough to get that romance moving. But he’s determined, we might even say stubborn.

When Helen is accused of murder, they have one day to prove her innocence and to discover the power of love.

Please enjoy Veiled In Mist, my treat!

Romance Novel for .99 Cents: Book One of the Illusions Series

October 7, 2022 / Gigi Lynn

Now that the Illusions series is complete, I have lowered the price of book one, The Secrets We Keep to .99 cents.

For the cost of a candy bar, you can have hours of enjoyment. Or you could splurge and buy both the book and the candy bar.

This is the first romance book I ever wrote. I still love it. I love Liza’s impulsive desire to save her father and Robert. It still tickles me the trouble she gets in, but her determination is so admirable.

And Robert, just home from the war, he’s trying to rekindle a romance with his neighbor and long-time friend. Why won’t she respond in a predictable way?

I hope you enjoy this Regency, Napoleonic war era Romance. (Please leave a review so others can find this delightful clean read).

Scary Romance Short Story?

September 29, 2022 / Gigi Lynn

Is it possible? If you’ve read a scary romance (story, novella, or novel), please tell me the title/author, especially if it was a good story.

My local library has a yearly scary story contest. The only rule is that the piece has to be eight pages or less.

I didn’t plan to write a scary story; it’s not really in my wheelhouse, but my all my fellow writers in my writer’s group were talking about it. Many of them write fantasy, science fiction, suspense, and horror-genres that lend themselves to a little scary. But someone suggested I try a gothic romance. I haven’t been able to forget about it since. Now I have four ideas, so I’m taking a little break from my latest novel and writing a few short stories. The only problem is I’m not sure I will be able to keep any of them to less than eight pages. So watch for a gothic story from me here on the site in October.

And, I’d love to read your scary story. If you’d like, I’ll post it here. Embrace the season with me and let’s all challenge ourselves to try something new!

Photo by Georgi Kalaydzhiev on Unsplash

How About a Little Sneak Peak?

September 2, 2022 / Gigi Lynn

In The Lies We Tell, when Amelia sees the young girls at the brothel, this refined lady acts in a way that is so outside her nature it surprised me. I wanted to explore what would make her unable to walk away from these poor girls. This question was the impetus to write my current Work in Process. Right now I’m calling it An Honorable Man. It’s a fun reverse Pygmalion story. Cecily (Amelia’s mother–And Amelia makes an appearance as a five year old) is helping Mr. Hatton make himself over so that he can enter into society.

I can’t believe how much I’m enjoying this story. Would you like a sneak peak?

I have a new page on the site. It’s called Free Romance Reads. If you’d like access, go ahead and sign up for my newsletter. You’ll get a free story, “One Stormy Day,” and I’ll give you the password to the page where I will be loading the first chapter of An Honorable Man. As time goes by, I will be adding other sneak peaks, deleted scenes, short stories and such.

I’m Teeming with Ideas for New Romances

August 22, 2022 / Gigi Lynn

When I first began writing, I had a character. Liza got into a mess, or she had to get her neighbor and father out of their mess. I had one book in my mind. Sometimes I worried a little that I would be a “one book wonder.”

Then Liza went to a ball and talked with a tipsy Amelia. I loved that scene. Amelia made an impression. She talked herself right into the second book. What a relief! And then toward the end of that first book, I met Sidonie. She was so engaging. Suddenly, I had a series. (I added two novellas somewhere in there too).

Then I had an idea for a short story, a prequel about Amelia’s mother. Except my short story wants to be a novel–I’m working on that now, a little more than half-way through. I do believe this will be the last book in this particular series. But did I only have one series in me?

person writing on a notebook beside macbook — Photo by Judit Peter on Pexels.com

I’ve discovered that there is something about writing, at least for me. The more I write, the more ideas come to me. I have three sisters that I can’t wait to write about. One of them needs to marry into money. Sometime soon I think I must do a spin-off series beginning with a book about Madeleine (The French agent that we meet in The Masks We Wear). I have a stand-alone knocking around in the back of my brain–a forced marriage, and some men recently returned from the war who meet once a week to play cards showed up in my brain and are waiting for romance.. The ideas just keep coming. I keep making notes and suddenly I have plans for the next year and a half. I can’t tell you how excited, and relieved I am to know that I have more than one book or one series in me.

I can’t wait for you to meet all the people who are now floating around in my brain just waiting to have their turn to tell their stories.