Announcement: Hearts of Arizona, Book 1

An American Victorian Romance: What Does That Mean?

I've heard this question a few times already. So let me explain. This is a historic western romance, set in 1895 Arizona. But there are scenes which take place in England (during the Victorian era) and British characters. It's also very possible that later books in the series (if we extend beyond the initial three books planned) will have American characters in England. 

Where does the title come from?

I have done a lot of research for this book, including research into Cowboy Slang and Nicknames. It's a thing. Have you ever watched a Western movie or read a book where a character is only referred to as "Slim," "Curly," "Tex," and the like? That was a real thing. And there were many reasons for nicknames. Some of these reasons included things such as there being more than one person with the same first/surname. So you'd have Slim Bill and Red Bill. Sometimes, it made things easier on the trail. If you've got a bunch of cattle between you and Mr. Theodore Smith, it might be easier to shout "Hey, Curly!" than the name.

Cowboys didn't always stay in one place, either. Why bother to learn a man's name if you were only going to ride with him through one cattle drive? (This to me proves that remembering people's names has been an age-old issue.)

There was also a sort-of code in the West. When you came out West, you left who you were behind you. Many a man left his name, too. Why continue being Joseph McCully if you could retitle yourself something like "Mac" or "Scotty?" What if you're wanted back in the East for petty thievery or defaulting on a debt? People might come searching for David Austen but they'll never connect "Red" Drake to that unfortunate soul.

All this to say, "Duke" is a nickname in this case. Not a title. 

What's this story and the series about?

Thank you for asking! You can read more about the first story by CLICKING HERE.

You can also pre-order this title by CLICKING HERE or below.