#romance

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We were talking about first lines today in the chat. These are the first lines from my last four books, which are down the cosy end of the spectrum but have plenty of plot (and also romance and always happy endings):

The Uses of Illicit Art: As had become his morning routine on the day the London papers arrived in the seaside village of Lovelly-on-Sea, Kit Whitely came into the bakery to collect a tray of tea and treats and take it across to share with Miss Edith Knight

The Use of Myriad Arts: It was the summer of the Great Stink, Parliament greatly regretted its riverside location, and Genevieve McAvey was attending a hanging.

Fair Haven: The pie smelled about right now

Domesticated Magic: Mateo was up well before the sun to dress in the formal robes …

69 — Is jealousy a gender role in your stories? Does it affect one gender or certain sexual preferences?

My characters express love in my stories in many ways, but jealousy (as most of the world seems to see it) is not one of those ways. In the most recent story where jealousy could have been a factor, the MC's two male lovers agreed that any bad behavior on their part might make her give them the boot. In reality, that part was too minor an issue to be addressed further in the story.

In that case, jealousy affected the males in the story, but it's a flaw built into the species. Any gender or preference can feel it when they see another as a personal resource, and fear losing that resource. It's simply a type of anger used to keep a bearer of a resource from straying …

Thoroughly Disenchanted by Alexandra Almond

Bounced off a couple of light books that weren’t the escapism I was looking for, a historical romance and a what-happens-to-the-heroes-after-they-win fantasy, both of which were perfectly fine, but were both contemporaries in disguise as is a current trend (the historical had young characters with completely modern attitudes in pretty dresses, the fantasy had tv, phones and coffee shops via magic, neither are what I read those genres for).

But then tried this one on a whim and enjoyed it (with a few minor quibbles), Australian debut author, cosy fantasy mystery with a sweet queer romance and a very pleasant set of MCs that I liked spending time with.

And it was only when I read the author bio at the end where she mentions her love of football that I twigged that she is my friend’s sister, because Australia is a very …

2412.22 — Do your characters ever stargaze?

Yes, [but...]

"What's wrong?" Streak asked gently. Always gentle, a good man indeed.

I looked steadfastly up at the stars. I'd had him fly me away from Home City to the edge nearest forest of the Wild, the Woodsea, to ensure quiet and a dark sky.

I glanced east and shivered. Night shine rose over the tops of the tall trees, bright blue white. I shivered and looked steadfastly up again. A wind in the trees rustled leaves, then quieted, then rustled and clattered again a few moments later.

I put a hand on his mouth, and looked at my loaner wrist chronometer. Digits glowed faintly green, as did the heartbeat. Radium not thaumlight, I'd learned. Totally mechanical, totally accurate to the heartbeat. I took a deep breath. "I taught you constellations. Do you see the Boxes and the Star Ribbon?" …

58 — A certain gender seems more susceptible to gaslighting and manipulation than another thanks to training or lack there of because of their gender. Have you used this (or observed this used) in fiction? How about that gender manipulating the manipulator because of their gender training?

It not only a certain gender, those buying fully into female gender roles, but any dominated racial, religious, or ethnic class or group can be manipulated. I've watched some old b&w era movies; you see this often enough. Even my main antagonist isn't above gaslighting, but she wants those people to eventually see through the illusions and understand the reasons they accepted them.

I think it would be cool to write a story where the gaslighter, having picked a victim, doesn't realize he's being gaslighted himself by a more wily manipulator, his victim, who instead picked him. If it gives you …

Content warning Book deals: SF&F erotica and romance

MELTING HER DOM’S HEART by Suzy Shearer

“This book was a page turner. The characters sucked you in and had you feeling right along with them.”

“Suzy Shearer keeps you wanting more throughout the whole book.”

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Barnes & Noble: bit.ly/41oWeXd
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Kallista Robins (52) met Alexander Harrison (55). She might be instantly attracted to him but his obnoxious behavior left her cold.

Nick-named Alexander the Great by subs, he’s just that—a great Dom, but frozen-hearted and emotionless. He’s locked his heart away and fully intends to keep it that way.

But with Kallie, his world is turned upside down. Never having been in love before, or even allowed himself to get emotionally involved, these new feelings send Alex into a tailspin. But will fear send him back to being frozen-hearted?

And if he does, how will Kallie be able to stay …

Cover of a book alongside a pink peony. Cover - Reclining man embracing a woman in black a& white. Title: Melting Her Dom's Heart by Suzy Shearer

Content warning Erotic romance promo: reminder that Too Hot to Handle is out on Friday!!