Thank you for visiting. I'm Linda Banche, and I witty, write sweet/sensual Regency romances with nary a rake or royal in sight. Most stories contain humor, some fantasy, and occasionally a little paranormal or science fiction. But comedy is my love, and I've created my own wacky blend of humor and Regency with stories that can elicit reactions from a gentle smile to a belly laugh.
Like many other romance authors, I read romances for years before I wrote my own. Once I tried, I quickly discovered how difficult writing is. Did I stop? No, I'm persistent--that's French for "too stupid to quit".
I'm a two-time EPICON finalist, I live in New England and I like aerobics and ducks.
So, laugh along with me on a voyage back to the Regency era. Me and my ducks. Quack.
For my very latest news, here's the link to my blog.
5/21/2013 A Mutual Interest in Numbers, Book 2 of Love and the Library is here!
Love and the Library--A celebration of the beginnings of love wherein four Regency gentlemen meet their matches over a copy of Pride and Prejudice at the library.
BLURB: A Mutual Interest in Numbers, Love and the Library Book 2: Ellen and Laurence
Lightning doesn’t strike in the same place twice. Does it?
Regency gentleman Mr. Laurence Coffey doesn’t care for libraries and novels. His interests run to steam engines and mathematics. But his friend found the lady of his dreams at the library over a copy of Pride and Prejudice. Laurence yearns for a lady of his own, one of wit and cleverness as well as beauty. And while he doesn’t expect his friend’s luck, visiting the library can’t hurt.
Miss Ellen Palmer enjoys mathematics, but, unfortunately, many men frown on bluestockings. She loves the library and its mathematics books as well as its novels, especially her favorite, Pride and Prejudice. How she would like to find her own Mr. Darcy. Perhaps someday, somewhere, she can discover a man who wants an intelligent woman.
At the library, they both reach for a copy of Pride and Prejudice at the same time. Can their mutual interest in numbers--and this particular novel--make their dreams come true?
A sweet, traditional Regency romance. With a duck. Quack.
EXCERPT:
Laurence pushed aside a copy of Byron’s The Corsair and then curled his lip at a volume of sermons. Gads, sermons on Sunday were enough for anyone.
He set the sermons aside to reveal the book beneath. Pride and Prejudice. The novel that had brought his friend his lady.
Could this book somehow help a man find his love? He extended his hand toward the tome...
A gloved feminine hand, also reaching for the novel, bumped into his. "Oh, I beg your pardon." The voice was soft and musical.
He jerked upright. "No, I beg your pardon." The same extraordinary blue eyes that had almost knocked him flat a moment ago threatened to do so again. And he wouldn’t even care.
As if he were under the effect of Mr. Mesmer’s animal magnetism, he waved in the general direction of the book. "Please, be my guest." Take the book. Take me.
10/16/2012 My first self-published book is here! A Similar Taste in Books is a sweet, traditional regency romance novelette.
A SIMILAR TASTE IN BOOKS Buy link here. For more vendors, see my Books and Reviews page.
BLURB: Book 1 of Love and the Library: Clara and Justin.Pride and Prejudice has always brought lovers together, even in the Regency.
Justin has a deep, dark secret—he likes that most despised form of literature, the novel. His favorite novel is Pride and Prejudice, and, especially, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Intelligent, lively, fiercely loyal Miss Elizabeth. How he would love to meet a lady like her.
Clara’s favorite novel is Pride and Prejudice and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Intelligent, steadfast and willing to admit when he is wrong. Can such a splendid man exist? And can she find him?
One day in the library, they both check out copies of their favorite book. When Justin bumps into Clara, the magic of their similar taste in books just might make their wishes come true.
A sweet, traditional Regency romance.
EXCERPT: With a curt nod tothe officious clerk, Justin gathered up his package and stepped back. He collided with the person next in the queue. “I beg your par—”
Before him stood the loveliest lady he had ever seen. She was short and willowy, her dark pink muslin walking dress emphasizing every slender curve. Deep brown curls peeped from the sides of a gauzy matching pink bonnet to frame an oval face. Her skin was creamy, her nose straight and proud.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet! The lady of his dreams! His jaw sagged.
“No harm done,sir.” The vision lifted a shapely dark eyebrow. “If I may reach the clerk?” Merry chocolate-colored eyes twinkled up at him and sweet rosy lips dimpled in an amused arch of a grin. A whiff of lilac perfume, delicate as the lady, wafted toward him.
He snapped his mouth shut with an audible click. “Oh, sorry.” Damn him for gaping like the veriest fool. Hugging his package to his chest, he stumbled away from the young lady and the plainly dressed woman, most likely her maid, who stood beside her.The maid flashed a grin as if she knew every one of his admiring thoughts.
He bumped into the table by the counter, and pain lanced through his elbow. Cradling his bundle with one arm while rubbing his throbbing forearm, he pretended to study the list of new books on the table, but kept his gaze fixed on the young lady. She was exactly as he had imagined Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
Who was she? And how could he make her acquaintance?
10/27/2010Lightning strikes again!Pumpkinnapper is a finalist in the 2011 EPIC eBook Awards Competition in the Historical Romance category. After my Lady of the Stars finalled in Science Fiction Romance in the 2010 EPIC contest, I didn't expect to final again. I'm two for two now--both my entries in the EPIC contest have finalled. Thank you, EPIC. Buy Pumpkinnapper here!
11/15/2009Lady of the Stars is a finalist in the Science Fiction Romance category of the EPIC (Electronically Published Internet Connection) 2010 eBook Awards Competition (EPPIE). More information here.
Lady of the Stars, my Regency time travel, is a finalist in the 2010 EPIC EBook Competition. Buy here!
If you like Christmas stories on the sweeter side, there's a whole list (including my Mistletoe Everywhere) with heat ratings at SweetTale Books. Link here or click on image.
A SIMILAR TASTE IN BOOKS Buy link 
Blurb and excerpt on my 
If you like Christmas stories on the sweeter side, there's a whole list (including my Mistletoe Everywhere) with heat ratings at SweetTale Books. Link