Books
Never Seduce a Scoundrel Scoop
- All the stuff about Dartmoor Prison is as accurate as I could make it, including the comment made by Lucas about the prisoner who was shot despite his plea for mercy. There are several sources on the web about the prison and the massacre, including a list of records and books, of which I used several for my research. There's also a letter from a privateersman who was a prisoner, a tale about a captain who was there at the time, and an autobiographical account by an impressed sailor named Joseph Bates.
- Although I did invent my particular harem tales book, it was based on a real book of the late Regency period called The Lustful Turk, which described in detail the deflowering of a woman in a harem and her subsequent sexual adventures.
- The xebec is a fascinating little boat used mostly by the Barbary pirates, although some of the navies of other countries developed versions.
- I thoroughly enjoyed researching the Marine Guard, since I've been fascinated by the Marines for years. The stuff about the Barbary Wars and the march to Derna was amazing, since it really did mark the point where the U.S. said, "We're not going to take it anymore."
- All the stuff in the epilogue about the American legation in Tangier (including the building that was given to the Americans by the sultan) came straight from history.
Inside Scoop from Characters
Rules for Heiresses
By Mrs. Charlotte Harris
- Some men are like fresh croissants—delicious to look at, but filled with hot air.
- Elopements may be quick, but bad marriages last forever.
- A kiss does not obligate anyone to anything.
- Swooning is for old ladies and fools.
- Many a scandal lies behind a smooth smile.
- Never take a man at face value.
- Your duty to your family is to marry well; your duty to yourself is to marry happily.
- Take care what man you let across your moat.
- Too much honey can draw flies.
- Any man who’s afraid to marry in England is not the man for you.