This is the last book in the Marriage by Design Series.
I really enjoyed this series. I almost didn’t write Lilly Lowell’s romance because it was going to require me breaking into the Regency timeline and disrupting the list. Breaking the Rules, Nobody’s Fool, and A Deceptive Wager come between The Earl’s Inconvenient Wife (Marriage by Scandal: Book 1) and A Most Unsuitable Earl (Marriage by Scandal: Book 2) in the Regency timeline.
Most readers seem to prefer a set timeline that is easy to follow. This is why so many authors plan out their books before they bother even writing anything. Once the plan it set, they also don’t deviate from it. (I’m speaking mostly on behalf of romance authors. I understand why authors writing fantasy and science fiction need to write in order. The series won’t make sense if they don’t.) But in romance, each book can also serve as a standalone. I feature a different hero and heroine in each romance I write. Even so, most readers still like a neat chronological order to follow.
So the question was, “Should I insert a series that takes place between Book 1 and Book 2 of a series I’ve already completed?”
I almost didn’t do it, but then I saw the pre-made cover for Breaking the Rules and inspiration struck, so I decided to go through with it. Looking back, I’m glad I wrote this series. I understand how the timeline of events can get confusing. Lord Edon (Ethan) and Mr. Christopher Robinson are not married yet in these books, but Lord Roderick (Nate) is married. So it can be a bit complicated. I did the best I could to clear up the confusion by inserting an author’s note at the beginning of Chapter 1 of Breaking the Rules and Nobody’s Fool, and so far, I haven’t received any feedback saying it was confusing. *fingers crossed that continues*
Anyway, A Deceptive Wager is the final book in this series. I am going to miss the characters, but I will admit that my favorite parts of this whole series was bringing Ethan and Christopher back for cameo appearances. I don’t know what it is about those two characters, but I just love writing them whenever possible, and it was a blast to see them unmarried again since they were at their most caddish behavior during that time in their lives. 😀
Now that I’m done with A Deceptive Wager, I’m moving back “later” down the timeline. A Perilous Marriage begins a new series which comes after the Marriage by Fairytale Series. so I’ll start going in order again.
If you’d like to get A Deceptive Wager, here is where you can find it:
Ruth Ann Nordin's Author Blog 
I see what you mean by being confusing going back in a timeline, but I don’t mind. I like the Regency era and going back means more good stories staying In the time period. I’d get sad if the characters age too much. I look forward to this book. It’s been a real fun series.
Unrelated to this series, I noticed in the Apple store your audiobooks are there twice with two different prices and two different release dates. Not sure why. I want to make sure it’s your books legit before I get my next one. Thanks for writing
I agree with you. I don’t like seeing the characters age a lot. I like keeping them in their prime. 🙂 I’m glad the timeline thing isn’t something that bothers you.
Both versions of the audiobooks are fine as long as they’re in the Marriage by Fairytale Series. I put them on ACX which goes to Amazon, Audible, and Apple. I wish there was a way to take off distribution to Apple, but they don’t allow that as an option. I use Findaway Voices to go to Apple, too. I know it gets confusing. Thanks for asking!
Congratulations! I hope it does well!
Thank you!
You’re welcome!