Rose Lerner's Blog, page 16

Serena’s reputation as a dangerous woman with underworld connections played a much larger role in my early drafts. Here are two small scenes in which Solomon eavesdrops on gossip and fails to learn anything of value. * Solomon woke at eight o’clock, not at all refreshed. Serena, he knew, must be already awake and dealing […]

If you have any questions about any of the historical background of the book, feel free to comment or e-mail me! I love talking about this stuff. This is only a partial bibliography with some of my favorite sources. 1. The Regency Underworld, by Donald A. Low. Invaluable for understanding how the world of London […]

This post lists all the online extras for True Pretenses! Click here to go to the book’s main page. * Deleted scenes: Note: all deleted scenes contain SPOILERS. Deleted Scene #1. One of Mr. Gilchrist’s scenes belonged to Mr. Jessop in the first draft. Deleted Scene #2. [tw: mentions of child abuse] A very short […]

If you have any questions about any of the historical background of the book, feel free to comment or e-mail me! I love talking about this stuff. This is only a partial bibliography with some of my favorite sources. 1. The Big Con by David Maurer. Yes, he’s talking about con artists of a much […]

A follow-up to scene #3 from later in the book. * “You can’t come see me at night anymore. You’ll catch a chill.” Ash’s jaw dropped. “What?” “I enjoy risk. But some risks are necessary, and some aren’t.” “I’m not going to catch a chill. I’m healthy as an ox.” He remembered saying the same […]

Ash sneaks through Lydia’s window in the dead of night. Rated NC-17. I am very fond of this scene, but it just took up too much space, and a friend convinced me that the country is much, much darker at night than I can imagine. * “Which room is yours?” he asked. She pointed readily […]

Originally, when Lydia asked Ash if he believed in God, he answered her. * [trigger warning: child abuse] “I have no firm opinion on the subject,” he said. She tried not to be shocked. He had grown up parentless, without education or moral teaching, brought up by thieves and bodysnatchers. “Surely God has greater things […]

One of Mr. Gilchrist’s scenes belonged to Mr. Jessop in the first draft. * It was with relief that she heard carriage wheels on the drive, and was given Mr. Jessop’s calling card. “How are you, my dear?” the MP asked, once he was settled in a chair with a cup of tea in his […]

I am working with Eric Selinger to put together a panel on diversity in historical romance for the Popular Culture Association‘s national conference next spring. The conference is March 21–25, 2016 in Seattle, WA. (If the panel happens, I will also be on it as an author of Jewish historical romance.) If you write or […]

Hey all! A Lily Among Thorns, my second book, rereleases in paperback today! Wooooooo! I am so pumped to finally hold this book in my hand again after years of it being out of print. To celebrate, I am giving away two paperbacks. One paperback will be signed by me (and personalized if you want!) […]