Because history is fun and love is worth working for

Author: Alina K. Field Page 1 of 20

A Devilish Duke… A Beautiful Social Butterfly… A Scandalous Tale, Indeed…

Dear Readers,
Our intrepid reporter has uncovered yet another scandalous exclusive for our valued readers:

It would seem that one of London’s loveliest social butterflies has found herself in a most unexpected circumstance. In truth, an utterly shocking development! Our sources tell us that the Duke of Carringston, rogue that he is, has set his sights on Serena Whitney, the delightful young widow who has charmed the who’s who since her arrival in our fair city.

Mrs. Whitney and the duke were first spotted together at a grand masquerade ball. Guests at the affair were awestruck by her costume, a gown that created the illusion that the enchanting beauty truly was a goddess. The duke made no secret that she’d captured his attention. Even a casual observer could not have missed the interest in the duke’s eyes.

One can only hope that Mrs. Whitney is wise to the ways of a man such as the Duke of Carringston. As the man is a true rake, we fear, dear reader, that he may lure her into a seduction that might not end in a promise of love and devotion. One can only hope that she guards her heart against the rogue duke.

On another, perhaps equally scandalous note, a certain countess renowned for her intellectual gatherings recently revealed that a rare antiquity has vanished from her home, as if into thin air. At her request, we shall not disclose the lady’s name. In a rather peculiar coincidence (if it is indeed a matter of chance), another esteemed lady has confided in our source that she has also experienced the disappearance of a valuable bauble, seemingly out from under her nose. We would be remiss if we did not advise caution, as it appears a subtle thief may be at work.

So many questions! Just as we can merely hazard a guess as to the true circumstances behind the vanishing valuables, one can only speculate as to the ultimate fate of our dear Serena’s deliciously scandalous connection with the duke. As I, a woman with rather keen vision, put pen to paper to report on this recent development, I cannot deny that the rogue duke is a striking example of a man in his prime, a man with a clear appeal to the female of the species. If only we could be sure he will not break our social butterfly’s tender heart. One can only hope the spark between Mrs. Whitney and the devilish duke is meant to be. I suppose only time will tell.

TO STEAL A DEVILISH DUKE’S HEART

by Tara Kingston

An enchanting thief… A vengeful duke who could destroy her … Will she steal his hardened heart?

Social butterfly SERENA WHITNEY is London’s latest darling. But she harbors a dangerous secret—her life is a well-crafted masquerade. Since her arrival in the city, the lovely young widow has charmed high society and doted on her family—all the while employing her unique talents as a clever and daring thief. Carrying on her perilous charade, she guards the truth at all costs. Until an encounter with a wickedly handsome duke who holds secrets of his own leads to a devil’s bargain. Serena must now put her skills to use in a mysterious covert mission. Or risk losing everything and everyone she treasures. But while she protects those she loves, will she surrender her own heart to a man she knows is the enemy?

In the eyes of London society, JASON HOLT, the Duke of Carringston, is a true rake. A spare who could never do justice to the title he wasn’t meant to hold, he pursues a rogue’s existence of wealth and pleasure. But the cunning tycoon is living a double life. On the gaslit streets of London, the ebony-cloaked raider strikes fear in the hearts of criminals unfortunate enough to cross his path while he hunts evidence against the villains who murdered his brother. Jason won’t rest until he’s had his vengeance. And for that, he needs a thief—a clever and elusive burglar whose beauty is both a disguise and a weapon.

Forced together in a dangerous quest, Serena and Jason fight their attraction. As Serena searches for the true man behind the duke’s cool facade, she knows better than to offer her trust. But when a heat far more intense than desire flares between them, will the lovely thief steal the raider’s hardened heart?

Tropes:  enemies to lovers, gaslit Victorian intrigue, secret alliances, protector/woman in jeopardy

Purchase Link:   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HMFKZZWW

About the Author

Tara Kingston first fell in love with historical romance when she discovered her mom’s old-school Gothic romance paperbacks. Now, she writes historical romance laced with intrigue, danger, and mystery. When she’s not writing, reading, or burning dinner (cooking is definitely not her talent!), she enjoys exploring the great outdoors on her bicycle, taking long walks with her hubby, diving into DIY projects, knitting, classic rock, and daydreaming about her next story.

Contact Links:

Newsletter Sign-Up:

https://tarakingston.com/newsletter-signup/

Webpage:

https://www.tarakingston.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/TaraKingstonAuthor/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/tarakingston115/

Pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.com/tarakingston/

 

 

 

Rumors of Hauntings…

Dear Readers,
It’s been a year since the events described in the following letter I received, but given the season in which we find ourselves (when barriers between this world and the next are thin), I am sharing this interesting story now.

Dear Mr. Clemons,

A most intriguing story came to me from a serving girl, after some little encouraging on my part, for she was mortally afraid of not keeping a promise to a person of very great consequence. This girl is known to me from the parish which my husband used to serve, and where I still have many acquaintances and correspondents.

What she told me came to me in fits and stutters, but I shall smooth them out as best I can.

On the morning of All Hallow’s Eve, a young lady appeared on the doorstep of the serving girl’s mistress’s home requesting an interview with the mistress’s grandmother, who resided there. This stranger commenced to make her business known, but before she could proceed, that person I referred to as of very great consequence rushed in—no less than a nobleman of great rank! He does not reside in the old abbey he owns near the village but was merely visiting the property, as he has only just inherited his title. Nor was he acquainted with the young lady visitor! She had been given refuge in his great house the night before after a coaching accident.

Your readers can imagine the shock caused by the appearance of a nobleman in the humble cottage of a rural outpost. Even more startling was the story that unfolded from the lips of the young lady and him.

Rumors of hauntings in the nearby abbey had abounded for generations. A lady roams the halls looking for a diamond lost when an earlier lord, her brother murdered her, and a quite ghastly monk has been seen on the grounds, etc., etc.

It appears that the rumors of ghosts might be true! For both the young lady and the d… nobleman admitted to seeing something.

Both parties were certainly influenced by something supernatural, though perhaps it was only Cupid’s arrow? For during the tale, his grace actually reached for the lady’s hand!

Of the ghosts, I know little more, but if you have kept track of the announcements of marriages you will know the outcome of this “haunted” romance!

Your faithful correspondent,

Mrs. A. P.

The Duke, the Diamond, and the Ghastly Ghoul

by Alina K. Field

A friend’s dare and a family legend draw the Duke of Hattingly to Wotton Abbey for an All Hallows’ Eve gathering. He’s determined to prove there are no ghosts haunting his ancestral home, and that the story of a missing diamond is a hum. But then the uninvited Miss Carys Llangrove appears on his doorstep seeking shelter and awakening the spirits who lead the duke and the lady to the most precious treasure of all.

“The Duke, the Diamond, and the Ghastly Ghoul”, can be found in Moonlight Madness, a Bluestocking Belles Collection.

Available now! https://books2read.com/u/4Dwnjr

 

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author Alina K. Field earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and German literature but prefers the much happier world of romance fiction. Her roots are in the Midwestern U.S., but after six very, very, very cold years in Chicago, she moved to Southern California. Now widowed, and with the kids grown, she recently transplanted from Orange County to a desert community. The nest is empty except for a sweet, feisty chihuahua and grandkids who frequently need looking after and visit often.

Social Media Links:

Website: https://alinakfield.com/

Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Alina-K.-Field/e/B00DZHWOKY

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alinakfield

X: https://x.com/AlinaKField

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alina-k-field

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7173518.Alina_K_Field

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/alinakf/

Newsletter signup: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z6q6e3

Youth is Wasted on the Young

Dear Readers,

The saying goes that youth is wasted on the young, and recent events have corroborated this notion. Lord and Lady A, whose fathers arranged their most advantageous marriage long ago, obstinately postponed their nuptials for years rather than submit to the will of their loving parents. It defies reason, when one considers their joint estates now number them among the most wealthy peers in the kingdom. At least they seem to be repenting their injudicious use of time, for rumors indicate their icy dislike has melted into a rather warm regard. If only their belated happiness is not somehow blighted by cruel fate.

In the cold regions of the north, one finds another example of squandered opportunity in the person of Mr. T, who has been visiting his aged great-aunt for a decade–and partaking of the charming society of the vicar’s daughter–without taking a single step toward fixing her interest. One devoutly hopes he has not lost his chance at true love, for the newly-orphaned Miss D finds herself facing a future without a home or protector, and with the great-aunt shuffling off this mortal coil, Mr. T’s visits are coming to an end. The time is, to be sure, far spent, but perhaps he can yet make up for his mistake!

A Winter’s Romance, Volume 2: a Regency anthology

by Christina Dudley, Jayne Davis, Judith Hale Everett, GL Robinson, Audrey Harrison, Penny Hampson

Another winter anthology to captivate the heart and charm the spirit. Daunting obstacles and second chances, surprise attraction and mysterious gifts all combine with delightful romance to satisfy your winter longings!

Preorder link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HJ3TLMC8

Stories featured today:

Twelfth Night Temptation, by Audrey Harrison

Two strangers enter an arranged marriage with no expectation of attachment, but their surprising happiness together is threatened by a vicious attack.

The Will of Fortune, by Judith Hale Everett

Finding his dying great aunt’s house overrun by greedy relations, a gentleman joins forces with her nurse-companion to keep them in check.

Author Bio: Audrey Harrison was born in the wrong century. Her heroes and heroines always get a happy ever after, but she loves concocting unusual twists and turns along the way. In 2018, she was honored to be a finalist in the Amazon Kindle Storyteller Award. To learn more, go to her website at https://www.audreyharrison.co.uk, where you can sign up to her email list and receive a free copy of The Unwilling Earl, along with early announcements of upcoming novels and other news.

Author bio: Judith Hale Everett is one of seven sisters and grew up surrounded by romance novels. Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen were staples and formed the groundwork for her lifelong love affair with the Regency. Add to that her obsession with the English language and you’ve got one hopelessly literate romantic! You can find her on Facebook and Instagram, or visit her at https://judithhaleeverett.com, where you can join her email list and receive a free novella, A Near Run Thing.

 

Actions Taken in the Name of Love

Dear Readers,

Many actions are taken in the name of love, but while few are as laudable as those taken by well-meaning family members on behalf of their misguided loved ones, these are the actions least likely to be appreciated.

Take, for example, the heartbroken Mr. C, whose mother took it upon herself to ease his distress by throwing him in the way of a perfectly amiable and not unattractive young lady. Was Mr. C in any way grateful? No! The young man not only flouted his mother’s kindly wishes for him by ignoring said young lady at every turn, but eventually went so far as to pay the poor, unassuming girl a most mortifying affront. And he a man of the cloth!

Mr. C might be excused in some degree for his youth and inexperience, but such is not the case with a Mr. D, whose heart was shattered many years ago. When his sister seized the opportunity of reuniting him with his lost love by obliging them both to attend a house party, did he make an effort in good faith to fulfill her wishes? Certainly not! Mr. D refused point blank to have anything to do with his former love, leaving his sister in the certainty that something deeper was afoot.

Luckily for both ill-judging gentlemen, neither of their family members ceased their efforts, and both men have found true love at last–no thanks to their own impertinent ingratitude! But you, dear reader, must turn to their stories to discover just how their happy endings come to pass.

A Winter’s Romance, Volume 2: a Regency anthology

by Christina Dudley, Jayne Davis, Judith Hale Everett, GL Robinson, Audrey Harrison, Penny Hampson

Another winter anthology to captivate the heart and charm the spirit. Daunting obstacles and second chances, surprise attraction and mysterious gifts all combine with delightful romance to satisfy your winter longings!

Preorder link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HJ3TLMC8

Stories featured today:

The Christmas Companion, by Christina Dudley

Graciously acting as companion to the new curate’s mother, a young lady is dismayed to find the mother playing Christmas Cupid for her son.

The Lie, by Penny Hampson

Still nursing broken hearts from their breakup years ago, a confirmed bachelor and a spinster find themselves attending the same house party.

Author Bio: Christina Dudley’s books are all about falling in love, finding family, and feeling at home. Named to several Best Book lists by Austenprose and Austenesque Reviews, her stories have been called “a literary feast for any Jane Austen or Georgette Heyer fan,” “swoon-worthy,” and “ingenious and entertaining.” For more information and to subscribe to her newsletter, visit https://christinadudley.com. Subscribers receive a bonus Hapgoods of Bramleigh short story.

Author bio: Penny Hampson writes mysteries, and because she has a passion for history, you’ll find her stories also reflect that. A Gentleman’s Promise, a traditional Regency romance, was Penny’s debut novel and the first of her Gentlemen Series, available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited. Penny lives with her family in Oxfordshire, and when she is not writing, she enjoys reading, walking, swimming, and the odd gin and tonic (not all at the same time). Visit her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, or on her website at https://pennyhampson.co.uk.

India Cannot Help but Imbue its Residents with Mystery

Dear Readers,

As the burnished leaves fall and the snows of winter impend, the imagination might long for India, with its exotic heat and mysterious customs. But one must take caution, for all is not as it seems for two travelers who have returned from thence to our fair kingdom.
Only last month, Miss F, having spent her youth in India, returned to England to find a suitable husband. Under the auspices of Lady P, the young lady attended one of her hostess’s excellent and entertaining house parties. No sooner had the esteemed hostess introduced Miss F to her other guests than the young lady made the most shocking comments, proving herself incapable of commanding her tongue in public! One may only assume the climate of India had affected her brain–though a certain very eligible gentleman seemed quite willing to excuse her, and to seek her out again. Perhaps her exotic influence has infected his sensibility as well–a warning to all susceptible young men.
In quite another quarter, a certain Captain D recently returned from service in India to claim an inheritance from his godmother, only to find his claim challenged by that lady’s son, Lord F! It is highly like that his lordship’s claims were heavily influenced by rumors set forth within a week of Captain D’s arrival that a trove of diamonds had been found in the house. Speculation on the matter has set the whole town on its ear, for if they are real and not the product of fevered imaginations, it remains to be seen whether they were indeed part of the old lady’s legacy, or were brought by the captain from mysterious India. A certain very pretty young lady seems quite eager to discover which is the case–though her sensible cousin seems quite satisfied with the captain himself.
It seems that India cannot help but imbue its residents with mystery. Must must only decide how curious one is to delve into them!

A Winter’s Romance, Volume 2: a Regency anthology

Authors: Christina Dudley, Jayne Davis, Judith Hale Everett, GL Robinson, Audrey Harrison, Penny Hampson

Another winter anthology to captivate the heart and charm the spirit. Daunting obstacles and second chances, surprise attraction and mysterious gifts all combine with delightful romance to satisfy your winter longings!

Stories featured:

Francis and the Magic Stone, by GL Robinson

Blurb: An inexperienced young lady discovers a strange stone from her Indian nanny has the power to boost her confidence—perhaps a bit too much!

Lady Lavinia’s Legacy, by Jayne Davis

Blurb: A former soldier discovers part of his godmother’s legacy is missing, and follows her clues with an unexpected ally. But the clues concern more than his fortune.

Preorder your copy for the November 5th release: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HJ3TLMC8

About the Authors:
Glynis Louise Robinson is from Portsmouth in southern England, and writes romances in memory of her dear sister Francine, who died unexpectedly in 2018. GL likes gardening (except for weeding!), reading in bed, having tea parties with her grandchildren and boiled eggs for breakfast at the weekends! Visit her website at https://romancenovelsbyglrobinson.com, where you can sign up to her email list and find out how to receive a free copy of The Earl and the Mud-Covered Maiden.
 
 
Jayne Davis was hooked on Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen from her teens, and always wanted to be a writer. Now she has 14 romances published, all set in the Regency or Georgian Eras. Find her on Facebook and Pinterest, or go to her website at https://www.jaynedavisromance.co.uk where you can read a free short story, sign up to her mailing list, and stay up to date on her new releases.

Page 1 of 20

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén