Great news! The first two chapters of Do You Want to Start a Scandal (releasing September 27th) are now included in the back of Beauty and the Blacksmith–which is free to download from August 15-22! (Even if you already have this Spindle Cove novella on your e-reader, you should be able to download the updated version to read the new excerpt. See instructions here.)

Amazon * iBooks * Nook * Kobo* GooglePlay

As always, I can’t promise this promotional price will be available everywhere. Retailer participation varies. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. … Read More »

It’s less than two months until the release of Do You Want to Start a Scandal! This is a series crossover book featuring two fan-favorite characters: Charlotte Highwood (Diana and Minerva’s little sister in the Spindle Cove series) and Piers Brandon, the Marquess of Granville (the marquess who was said “no” to in Say Yes to the Marquess). However, don’t worry if you haven’t read all the previous books. You can jump right into this story with no problem.

I’ve just posted a nice long excerpt from Chapter One! Stay tuned – in a few weeks, you’ll have an opportunity to read even more of the book in advance. Details coming on August 15. I’m being mysterious, I know. But then, the book features a lighthearted mystery — a Regency-era game of Clue, if you will. Except it’s not “Who killed whom with the revolver?” It’s more like, “Who did whom in the library?” Read the excerpt, and you’ll see what I mean.

Release date is September 27th. You can find all the preorder links here.

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International giveaway for my French speaking fans.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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If you’re anywhere near San Diego on July 13, don’t miss the “Readers for Life” autographing at RWA’s National Conference! I’ll be signing books, along with more than 400 other romance authors. Click the image for a full list of authors attending and more information.

I’m looking forward to being at the RWA Conference next week – seeing reader friends and author friends and publishing friends, and attending events, including the 2016 RITA and Golden Heart awards. I’m honored that Say Yes to the Marquess is a RITA finalist this year in Historical Romance-Short. Did you know the awards ceremony will be streaming live online? Go to rwa.org on July 16th, 8pm Pacific time to join the excitement.

AND…if that wasn’t enough, I get to be on a panel at San Diego Comic-Con!  Finally, something that makes me cool in the eyes of my kids. Here’s the info:

Smitten with Words: Romancing the Reader – Thurs. July 21, 12:00, Horton Grand Theater

Bestselling authors Sylvia Day (Crossfire novels), Christina Lauren (Beautiful series), Nalini Singh (Psy-Changling series), Chloe Neil (The Devil’s Isle and Chicagoland Vampires series), and Tessa Dare (Castles Ever After series) turn up the heat at SDCC as they discuss the power of romance, the range and voice of the genre, and blush-inducing conversation and have a hilarious battle over movies, TV shows, and Hollywood’s hottest. Moderated by HelenKay Dimon (Bad Boys Undercover series).

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Behold, the beautiful cover for Do You Want to Start a Scandal (releasing September 27)

Say it with me now: Ooooooh. 

I’ll never get over the fact that these professionally pretty people stand still in passionate poses just to make pictures for my book covers. (I also like alliteration, apparently.)

And if you’ve been waiting to hear more about Charlotte’s story and her hero, the blurb is posted, too.

Hint: If you been reading my recent books, you may already know him! 😉

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I have several events coming up in the Southern California area and would love to see you at one or more of them! (And if you’re not local, not to worry! Later in the year, I’ll be visiting Nevada, New Jersey, and Washington…possibly more, as well.)

February 11, 2016 – Yorba Linda, CA

• A Night of Romance at Yorba Linda Public Library: Thursday, February 11 • 7:00 p.m. “Join us as author Tessa Dare spends an evening speaking about her inspirations, the writing and publishing process, and her newest title When a Scot Ties the Knot (Castles Ever After Series). There will also be an opportunity to purchase titles for an author signing.” More information.

February 20, 2016 – Brea, CA

• The Brea Library cordially invites you to attend Love in the Stacks. This free romance writer and reader event will feature eight bestselling and emerging romance authors. Love in the Stacks will be held at the Brea Library on Saturday, February 20, 2016 from 11 AM – 2 PM and will include two moderated panels, one guest speaker, book signings, book sales and light refreshments. This event is presented by OC Public Libraries, Mystery Inc. Bookstore, and the Friends of the Brea Library. Featured romance authors include: Robin Bielman, Tessa Dare, Judy Duarte, Maggie Marr, Debra Mullins, Jane Porter, Charlene Sands, and Jill Sorenson. Details here.

March 5, 2016 – Culver City, CA

• Grand opening of The Ripped Bodice–A Romantic Bookstore:  I’m so excited to be celebrating

Just in time for the holidays! Lord Dashwood Missed Out, a brand new Spindle Cove novella, is available today in e-book and audio formats. (Paperback will be releasing January 19.)

Aside from being a snowy, sexy cabin romance between two friends-turned-enemies, this novella features glimpses of many favorite series characters–including Griff, Pauline, Minerva, Colin, Charlotte, and more. I had so much fun writing it! I hope you’ll enjoy revisiting Spindle Cove just as much as I did.

Kindle * Nook * iBooks * Audible * More

Happy Holidays to all! Wishing you peace, joy, and lots of reading in 2016.… Read More »

If you’re anything like me, you’re spending your December buying, wrapping, and shipping gifts for everyone else. Well, I’m a part of two huge Romance giveaways this month–we authors want to give some gifts to you, our wonderful readers!

The two giveaways each work a little differently, but each offers plenty of chances to win. Follow the links below for more information and to enter.

Word Wenches Christmas Romance giveaway – MUST ENTER BY THURSDAY, DEC 3RD!

The Queens of Historical Romance giveaway – Week 1 of 5, ongoing entries

Good Luck and Happy Holidays!… Read More »

Today I want to share an excerpt from my December novella. But first, some backstory.

About a month ago, two romance-reading sisters in Southern California emailed to say they were planning to open a new bookstore, and raising seed money for furnishings and inventory on Kickstarter.

When I first heard about Bea and Leah’s business plan, I was thrilled for two main reasons.

First: A new all-romance bookstore in Los Angeles? Yes, please!!!

Second: I loved the name they’ve chosen: The Ripped Bodice.

See, I’ve been hiding a little Easter egg in my books ever since Goddess of the Hunt, my debut.  All my books (or at least most of them, if I’ve missed one or two… I should really make a list one of these days!) include a scene with… yes, a ripped bodice.

Sometimes the bodice-ripping is accidental, rather than intentional. Occasionally, it’s just fantasy. Sometimes the ripped garment is not actually a bodice, but rather a petticoat or a gentleman’s shirt. In at least one book (Three Nights with a Scoundrel), the heroine rips her own bodice, and quite shamelessly at that. For me, it’s become a nod to the history of my favorite genre, a little wink to the reader, and a reminder to myself that romance tropes are ours to embrace, celebrate, and subvert as we wish. Plus, I’m not ashamed to admit–during an encounter between two enthusiastic participants, I think a bit of ripping fabric can be sexy as anything!

But … Read More »

I am back from a fantastic October full of traveling to meet readers in Dallas, Portland, and in-between! And one question I heard several times was…

Tessa, what’s coming out next?

Two things! And both of them are related to Spindle Cove. As astute readers have reminded me lately, we have a few loose ends to tie up in that world! I am delighted to be back in that charmingly subversive village, sipping doctored tea at the Bull and Blossom and scribbling away.

December 8, 2015: Lord Dashwood Missed Out, a novella

This fun little story came from a plot bunny that had been hopping around my head for a few years. It features an outraged lord, a scorned spinster, and an inconvenient snowstorm. I love a good snowed-in story for the holidays, don’t you? Dash and Nora are an entirely new couple, but the novella features quite a bit of action in Spindle Cove and you’ll see appearances from many of the previous characters.

Coming mid-2016: Do You Want to Start a Scandal?

This will be the oft-asked-for Charlotte Highwood book. I’m working on it right now. As you may recall, in Charlotte’s own words, if Diana is the beauty of the Highwood family and Minerva is the brains, Charlotte is the spirit. She needs a strong, confident hero to balance her, and I think I’ve found just the man who needs her desperately in return–but you’ll have to wait a a bit longer to find out more … Read More »