Author Archives: Suzi Love

About Suzi Love

I'm an Australian author of contemporary and historical romances, plus history non-fiction. My books range from sexy to erotic, late 1700s to the mid 1800s, and with a dash of Australia thrown into the mix. My heroes and heroines challenge tradition and my stories often expose the seamier levels of life. I now live in a sunny part of Australia after spending many years in developing countries in the South Pacific. My greatest loves are traveling, anywhere and everywhere, meeting crazy characters, and visiting the Australian outback. I hope my books bring history alive and you have fun adventuring with my roguish heroes and feisty heroines.

Looking for an Historical Romantic Comedy? “For the sake of propriety,” Lady Jamison informed the Earl. “I was ensuring your garments were intact.” #HistoricalRomance #RomCom #RegencyRomance

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The Earl of Winchester’s mouth widened into a roguish grin. “I’m flattered by your scrutiny of my anatomy and amused by your blush, especially after your studies into animal reproduction.”

Lady Laura Jamison’s hand flew to her cheek and her heavy reticule knocked her arm. “I never blush.” To have him observe her ogle him was embarrassing and gave her another reason to be irritated by his company, petty though her reasons might be. She tugged, but her hand was imprisoned under his. With her nose raised a fraction, she said, “For the sake of propriety, I was ensuring your garments were intact. You’ve a reputation for disappearing into dark corners and re-emerging with your clothing askew. As though hasty hands ripped your garments from your body.”

“Tut, tut, my pet. Has jealousy driven you to spying?”

“Jealousy? Over the class of females you consort with? I was reassuring myself your clothing was intact for the sake of my elderly aunt. The entire congregation watched that woman, the Countess, beckon you to the back of the church. Heaven knows what you were doing while the bride and groom were signing the register.”  
Scenting Scandal Book 2 Scandalous Siblings “For the sake of propriety,” Lady Jamison informed the Earl. “I was ensuring your garments were intact. You’ve a reputation for disappearing into dark corners and re-emerging with your clothing askew.” #HistoricalRomance https://books2read.com/suziloveSS

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1799 November 24th ‘Parisian Ladies in Their Full Winter Dress for 1800’. Caricature By Isaac Cruikshank. #GeorgianEra #Cartoon #BritishHistory

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1799 November 24th ‘Parisian Ladies in Their Full Winter Dress for 1800’. By Isaac Cruikshank. Ridiculing excesses of late 1790s Parisian high-waisted Greek look gowns of transparent fabrics and extremely low cut bodices.Full Dress meant every possible accessory was added to outfits.g. elaborate hats, reticules or bags, anklets and jewels. Via British Museum, London, UK. britishmuseum.org (PD-Art)

1799 November 24th 'Parisian Ladies in Their Full Winter Dress for 1800'. By Isaac Cruikshank. Ridiculing excesses of late 1790s Parisian high-waisted Greek look gowns of transparent fabrics and extremely low cut bodices.Full Dress meant every possible accessory was added to outfits.g. elaborate hats, reticules or bags, anklets and jewels. Via Suzi Love - suzilove.com & British Museum, London, UK. britishmuseum.org (PD-Art)
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HN_1 Fashion Women Late 1700s History Notes Book 1 by Suzi Love. What was fashionable for women in the late 1700s? Extravagant colors and fabrics and outrageous styles were all seen in these flamboyant fashions. books2read.com/suziloveFashWomen1700s

1825-1835 ca. Cotton Corset With Cording And Widely Spaced Straps. #RegencyFashion #Corset #RomanticEraFashion.

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1825-1835 ca. Cotton Corset, Possibly American. Waist shaping at the almost natural waistline, flared hips, cording, widely spaced shoulder straps with front ties. Via Winterthur Museum Collection museumcollection.winterthur.org.

Corsets 1810-1830 History Notes Book 17: For Readers or Writers of historical fiction, the corsets worn during the Regency Era, or Jane Austen’s lifetime, or the Bridgerton years when dresses were lowcut with square necklines. https://books2read.com/SuziLoveCorsetBook17

1825-1835 ca. Cotton Corset, Possibly American. Waist shaping at the almost natural waistline, flared hips, cording, widely spaced shoulder straps with front ties. Via Winterthur Museum Collection museumcollection.winterthur.org. https://books2read.com/SuziLoveCorsetBook17
1825-1835 ca. Cotton Corset, Possibly American. Waist shaping at the almost natural waistline,
flared hips, cording, widely spaced shoulder straps with front ties.
1825-1835 ca. Cotton Corset, Possibly American. Waist shaping at the almost natural waistline, flared hips, cording, widely spaced shoulder straps with front ties. Via Winterthur Museum Collection museumcollection.winterthur.org. https://books2read.com/SuziLoveCorsetBook17
1825-1835 ca. Cotton Corset, Possibly American. Waist shaping at the almost natural waistline,
flared hips, cording, widely spaced shoulder straps with front ties.
1825-1835 ca. Cotton Corset, Possibly American. Waist shaping at the almost natural waistline, flared hips, cording, widely spaced shoulder straps with front ties. Via Winterthur Museum Collection museumcollection.winterthur.org. https://books2read.com/SuziLoveCorsetBook17
1825-1835 ca. Cotton Corset, Possibly American. Waist shaping at the almost natural waistline,
flared hips, cording, widely spaced shoulder straps with front ties.
HN_17_D2D_Corset_1810-1830 https://books2read.com/SuziLoveCorsetBook17

1800-1819 Women’s Fashions In Bridgerton’s and Jane Austen’s Times In A Box Set. #Bridgerton #RegencyEra #JaneAusten #HistoricalFashion

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An overview of women’s fashions in the first twenty years of the 19th century. What was fashionable for women in Jane Austen’s times, or the early 1800s. Wars were being fought around the globe, so women’s fashion adopted a military look in support of soldiers. In Britain, the Prince Regent ruled instead of his father, King George III, so fashions, like the lifestyle, became more extravagant and accessories went from pretty to opulent. This set includes books 12, 25, 26, 27 and 28. https://books2read.com/SuziLoveFashionWomenBoxSet

Ladies clothing in the early 1800’s featured a high waist line called an Empire Line, or Empire style dress, with a waist line just under the natural bust line and much higher than the natural waist. The high-waisted, or short-bodied, Regency styles shifted focus away from the natural waist and so left the natural waist unconstricted, in direct contrast to previous and future styles. Britain took these simple European styles and progressively made them more elaborate by adding more and more complicated embroidery onto white fabrics to create the white on white look popular for many years.  

The empire look of fine muslin dresses left women more exposed than in the Georgian Era when fabrics had been thicker and styles bulkier. Women, especially in England, preserved their modesty by adding lace, frills, flounces, ruches, and fabric plaits to dresses to adequately cover any parts that might inadvertently be exposed. Outer layers, such as Spencers, Redingotes or Pelisses or coats, and shawls, were also added for warmth and to brighten outfits. 


This Empire fashion was totally dependent on a supply of fine, translucent cotton muslin – at first imported from India, then later, less exclusive imitations often woven and printed or embroidered in Britain. Fabrics were soft and lightweight and muslins and other cotton fabrics from India and other Asian countries were in high demand.

HN_24_Fashion Women 1800-1819 Box Set History Notes Book 24 An overview of the first twenty years of the 19th century. These books look at what was fashionable for women in Jane Austen's times, or the early 1800s. Wars were being fought around the globe so women's fashion adopted a military look in support of soldiers. In Britain, the Prince Regent ruled instead of his father, King George III, so fashions, like the lifestyle, became more extravagant and accessories went from pretty to opulent. This set includes books 12, 25, 26, 27 and 28. https://books2read.com/SuziLoveFashionWomenBoxSet


HN_24_D2D Fashion Women 1800-1819 Box Set https://books2read.com/SuziLoveFashionWomenBoxSet

What do you know about Chatelaines and Chains worn in Jane Austen’s and Bridgerton times? Women in charge of households carried important items with them. #Bridgerton #JaneAusten #RegencyEra #GeorgianEra #VictorianEra

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Chatelaines and Chains History Notes Book 9 By Suzi Love. What do you know about Chatelaines and Chains worn in Jane Austen’s and Bridgerton times? Women in charge of households carried important items with them. History Notes Book 9 Chatelaines and Chains. books2read.com/SuziLoveChatelaines

Personal Necessities, keys, or chatelaines was a set of useful items hung from waist by decorative chain. Chatelaines and Chains. History Notes Book 9 By Suzi Love. Women in charge of households dangled long chains from their waists to keep essentials within easy reach e.g. keys, notebook and pen, watch, sewing items, vinaigrette or perfume, or magnifying glass. Early chatelaine were simple essentials. Later chatelaine were decorative and expensive. http://books2read.com/SuziLoveChatelaines

Definition Chatelaine: The word Chatelaine is French and means the keeper of the keys. Chatelaine” derives from the Latin word for castle. In Medieval times, the chatelaine was in charge of the day-to-day running of the castle. Women in charge of households dangled long chains from their waists to keep essentials within easy reach e.g. keys, notebook and pen, watch, sewing items, vinaigrette or perfume, or magnifying glass. Early chatelaine were simple essentials. Later chatelaine were decorative and expensive. books2read.com/SuziLoveChatelaines

What did a chatelaine do? Most important task was keeper of the keys. Also ordered supplies, did bookkeeping, supervised servants, taught castle children, and organized guests.

What were chatelaines used for?

  • Castle keepers needed keys safe, yet easily accessible.
  • By 1700’s, a metal jeweled ornament hung from pockets, attached to belts, or by hooks into skirt waistbands
  • During 1800’s, women wore large collections of tools hung from chains
  • Young girls sewed and did needlework and needed to carry sewing notions eg scissors, thimbles
  • Worn by women of all classes, from workers to nobility
  • Varied depending on class and finances.
  • Made of silver, brass, steel, leather, or fabric
  • During 19th century, fashionable dresses often had no waist and nowhere to hang chatelaines
  • Chatelaines became decorative brooches
  • Often given as a wedding present from a husband to bride
  • Later became fashion accessories
HN_9 Chatelaines and Chains History Notes Book 9 books2read.com:SuziLoveChatelaines
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D2D_RetailerBuyLink_HN_9. Chatelaines and Chains History Notes Book 9 books2read.com/SuziLoveChatelaines

1810-1820s ca. Woman’s Green Slippers, Possibly French But Worn in America. #Regency #Shoes #JaneAusten

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1810-1820s ca. Woman’s Green Slippers. Possibly French, worn in America. The type of shoes worn by Jane Austen and her female friends and family and by the female members of the Bridgerton family. via Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. mfa.org

Shoes in the early 1800s were flat or low heeled and occasionally decorated with a bow or floral embellishments and it wasn’t until the 1820s that square, rather than rounded, toes became fashionable.  Typical Regency Era women’s footwear were shoes that had low heels, slightly rounded toes, embellished with a bow and with ribbon ties for the ankles. Made of soft kid or cloth, these delicate shoes were flimsy and wore out quickly.  Slippers were often bought in multiples at a time and with no difference between left or right foot so when one slipper had a hole it was easily replaced.

1810-1820s ca. Woman's GreenSlippers. Possibly French, worn in America. via suzilove.com and Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. mfa.org
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1808 Gorgeous Women’s Fashion In The Times Of Jane Austen. #Regency #JaneAusten #Fashion

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1808 Gorgeous Women’s Fashion In The Times Of Jane Austen. Fashion plates from Journal des Dames et des Modes or Costume Parisien. Dresses, coats or Redingotes, Spencers in purple and red, shawls, fichu or shoulder cape, shoes, hats and headdresses, gloves, and Reticules or bags. Empire style, high-waisted dresses of lightweight cotton with softly falling, gathered, long skirt and with a train were commonly worn. In Jane Austen years, high-waisted and short sleeved dresses were the Neo-classical dresses which imitated the Greek and Roman clothing seen in sculptures. White muslin fabrics were either imported from India, or made in Europe to imitate Indian materials.

Fashion Women 1805-1809 History Notes Book 26 What did Jane Austen and friends wear? This book looks at early 1800s fashions, which were elegant and pretty with high waists and fabrics that were almost transparent. These Empire style gowns, named after Napoleon’s first Empress, became popular throughout Europe, and were then copied around the world. Colorful outwear was added to make an ensemble more attractive and warmer. https://books2read.com/SuziLoveFashionWomen1805-1809

Definition Reticule Or Ridicule Or Bag or Purse or Handbag: Often with a drawstring to pull closed and usually made of cloth or covered cardboard and often decorated with beading or embroidery. A reticule, or purse, or handbag, was usually carried by a woman during the Regency period to carry all their daily necessities. Earlier, women used pockets that tied at the waistline and were hidden in the folds of their skirts. Empire style, or early 1800s, high-waisted dresses made it impossible to either sewn in a pocket or to tie on a pocket. So women began carrying small, decorated bags called Reticules, or ridicules, which generally pulled close at the top with a drawstring.

1808 High-Waisted White Dress, French. White Fichu over the shoulders, pale blue shoes, pink striped hat. Fashion Plate via suzilove.com and Journal des Dames et des Modes, or Costume Parisien.
1808 High-Waisted White Dress, French. White Fichu over the shoulders, pale blue shoes, pink striped hat.
1808 White Dress With Purple Spencer, French. Fashion Plate via suzilove.com and Journal des Dames et des Modes, or Costume Parisien.
1808 White Dress With Purple Spencer, French.
1800 White Dress, French. Black ribbon criss-crossing the back bodice. Fashion Plate via suzilove.com and Journal des Dames et des Modes, or Costume Parisien.
1800 White Dress, French. Black ribbon criss-crossing the back bodice.
1808 White Dress With Train Under A Red Spencer, French. Pointed shawl bodice and long sleeves, carrying a yellow reticule with tassels, yellow gloves, white straw hat with a pink ribbon tie. Fashion Plate via suzilove.com and Journal des Dames et des Modes, or Costume Parisien.
1808 White Dress With Train Under A Red Spencer, French. Pointed shawl bodice and long sleeves.
1808 Negligee Or At-Home Dress, French. Orange redingote, or coat, white shawl, blue gloves and shoes, blue and red reticule, frilled cap with red ribbon. Fashion Plate via suzilove.com and Journal des Dames et des Modes, or Costume Parisien.
1808 Negligee Or At-Home Dress, French. Orange redingote, or coat, white shawl, blue gloves and shoes.
1808 Lady in a white At-Home dress and cap sitting at her dressing table, French. Fashion Plate via suzilove.com and Journal des Dames et des Modes, or Costume Parisien.
1808 Lady in a white At-Home dress and cap sitting at her dressing table, French.
HN_26_D2D Fashion Women 1805-1809 https://books2read.com/SuziLoveFashionWomen1805-1809
Fashion Women 1805-1809 History Notes Book 26 What did Jane Austen and friends wear? This book looks at early 1800s fashions, which were elegant and pretty with high waists and fabrics that were almost transparent. These Empire style gowns, named after Napoleon’s first Empress, became popular throughout Europe, and were then copied around the world. Colorful outwear was added to make an ensemble more attractive and warmer. https://books2read.com/SuziLoveFashionWomen1805-1809

Are you following my Pinterest Boards? Images galore for history, books, Regency Era, fashion and writing. #JaneAusten #Bridgerton #RegencyEra #HistoricalFashion #books

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Pinterest Boards By Suzi Love.

I love Pinterest for keeping thousands of historical images in some sort of order. And I love using Pinterest Boards as inspiration for my romance books. What about you? Do you use Pinterest for planning something, or just for fun? Need more hints for what to do with your boards and pins? Take a look at these fascinating articles on Pinterest. if you want even more Pinterest information and tips for becoming a power user, check out my Suzi Love Pinterest Boards

Are you following my Pinterest Boards? Images galore for history, books, Regency Era, fashion and writing. #Regency #books #Historyhttp://www.pinterest.com/suziloveoz/
Suzi Love Book Bub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/suzi-love

1814 April White Promenade Dress with velvet Cossack Cape in Jane Austen and Bridgerton style. #Bridgerton #RegencyFashion #JaneAusten #FashionPlate

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1814 April White Promenade Dress with velvet Cossack Cape . A cambric round robe, with high bodice and long sleeves, not so full as of late; embroidered stomacher front and high collar, trimmed with muslin or lace; a Tuscan border of needle work at the feet. A Cossack mantle of pale ruby or blossom  velvet, lined with white sarsnet, and trimmed entirely round with a broad skin of light sable, ermine, seal or the American squirrel; a short tippet of the same; the mantle confined at the throat with a rich correspondent silk cord and tassels, very long. A mountain hat of velvet, the color of the mantle, finished round the verge with a narrow Vandyke trimming; a small flower placed in the hair beneath, on the left side. Half-boots the color of the mantle; and gloves of primrose kid or pale tan. Fashion Plate via Rudolph Ackermann’s ‘The Repository of Arts’.

Definition Van Dyke Points: V-shaped lace and trims named after a 17th Century Flemish painter, Sir Anthony Van Dyck, known for painting V-shaped lace collars and scalloped edges on sitters.

Definition Muslin:  Thin fabric said to take its name from Mosul or Moosul, a large town in Turkish Asia where it was first made.

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