Happy October!

I just love this time of year! Autumn is my favorite season. Who doesn’t love a world bursting into orange, red and gold? The air almost tastes like cinnamon and clove, inviting evenings on the porch with a mug of mulled cider. Even though Northern Indiana is experiencing a little heatwave at the moment, my sweaters and I know that crisp fall weather is just around the corner. And, let me tell you, we are ready!

I have news! Later this month, I’ll be hosting a table at the Buns & Roses Romance Tea for Literacy. There are still spots available to attend the tea, and the proceeds benefit the Richardson Adult Literacy Center, which helps so many people realize their dreams. I hope to see you there!

But if you are unable to attend the tea, there will also be a book signing, as well as a silent auction. In the past, we’ve had wonderful prizes up for grabs – from a week in Scottish cottage to gift baskets filled with books and wine. Be sure to click on the link above to see what goodies we have in store for you this year!

I have a new book coming out next month! IT HAD TO BE A DUKE is the first in the new Liar’s Club series. This Regency Era romp will hit shelves, e-readers, and cellphones (for the audiobook) on November 28th!

I’ll be sending another newsletter as the time nears. But, in the meantime, I’m overjoyed to report that the critics and readers are raving about this book!
Publishers Weekly, Starred review!!

*Lorret (Never Seduce a Duke) launches the Liar’s Club series with a scintillating fake fiancé romance in Regency England. Verity Hartley is a spinster “teetering on the abyss of six and twenty.” For the most part, she’s accepted her fate, but when her obnoxious neighbor gloats about having numerous suitors vying for her hand, Verity blurts out a lie to shut her up; she says she’s engaged to Magnus Warring, the fifth Duke of Longhurst. He’s the most impressive man she can think of on the spot, and though their families are old enemies, she believes her deceit to be harmless. Magnus, for his part, is in London, desperately trying to marry an heiress to bolster the dukedom’s flagging coffers. After his potential betrothal is jeopardized when whispers of Verity’s lie spread to London, he heads to the country to confront her—but instead ends up begrudgingly agreeing to participate in her deception for a week. As the unlikely pair fake an engagement, their witty verbal sparring gives way to intense chemistry that they try and fail to resist. (“I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t curse every time you’ve finished kissing me.” “Me? You’re the one who started it this time.”) But given the complicated history between their families and Magnus’s need to marry for money, does their romance stand a chance? With big emotions, sensual love scenes, and endearing protagonists, this is sure to win hearts.

And from Library Journal:

Lorret (Never Seduce a Duke) begins a new series with this sprightly and fun fake-engagement tale that quickly deepens into a bit of a Cinderella/caper/family story. Verity Hartley is on the verge of becoming a spinster, the seemingly least beautiful and vibrant member of her notorious family. Pushed to the limit by a spiteful acquaintance, Verity manufactures an engagement to a duke. Too bad she picks Magnus Warring, the Duke of Longhurst, who loathes her family and is in the middle of a tricky engagement of his own to an heiress. To get them both out of the mess Verity has made, Magnus suggests a quick real engagement and an even quicker cry off. Once engaged, and much to their surprise, they discover each other and deepen their relationship. It is a lovely tumble and manages to be funny and serious at once. As the plot picks up and Verity and Magnus become enmeshed in decades-old secrets and plans, Lorret adds in more characters to set up the series. VERDICT Fans of Tessa Dare and Grace Burrowes will be happy to find Lorret. This is a strong start to a series that should be in all collections.

I can’t wait to share this book with you! And, if you are able to attend, I look forward to seeing you at Buns & Roses!

Warm wishes and happy reading,
Viv

IT HAD TO BE A DUKE is available for pre-order now:
AMAZON: https://amzn.to/40KSz32
AVON: https://bit.ly/3KDqbtL
BARNES & NOBLE: http://bit.ly/3zzYjk2
BOOKS-A-MILLION: https://bit.ly/3mkHq9X
BOOKSHOP: https://bit.ly/3Mv2DbQ