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What is Mr. Bradford thinking?

By

On September 24, 2025

In Teatime Tattler

Dear Readers,

The attached letter has arrived from one of my faithful correspondents in the country, and is sure to be of interest:

Dear Mr. Clemens,

It has come to my attention (through a very dear friend residing in Ermenborough) that Mr. Lewis Bradford, son of Baron Bradford of our great city of Munro, has called the marriage banns in that same little country town of Ermenborough. And who is the bride? Miss Jillian Kinsey, daughter of the groundskeeper at Trenton Grange!

It is shocking enough that a man from such an excellent family should align himself with someone of low birth. But he also shuns his friends and family to be married in some small, out-of-the-way chapel, denying his parents the opportunity to celebrate (if such a word can be used in these circumstances) with their own quality of acquaintances.

What is worst of all is the hardness of heart shown by Mr. Bradford, going ahead with the arrangements despite the very recent tragedy in his family. One can only wonder at the sort of persuasion wielded by Miss Kinsey to achieve such a hold over his common sense.

I do not like to cast aspersions on a member of the Ton, but some of the blame must be placed squarely on the shoulders of our new viscountess. If not for her close friendship with Miss Kinsey, the latter would never have considered herself worthy of Mr. Bradford’s company, let alone his affection. Still, Mr. Bradford, as an experienced barrister, should know better, even if a groundskeeper’s daughter does not. No doubt he was drawn in by her tresses of blonde hair and her winsome smile, but what is that when coupled with a lack of restraint and an inability to understand the fundamentals of a noble life? She will certainly be no welcome addition to the family, and I pity his poor parents in what has now become a double tragedy for them.

With mere weeks until this poorly considered engagement becomes permanent, one can only pray that Mr. Bradford comes to his senses. Such a mismatch must surely end in disaster. If Miss Kinsey is unable to rise to the position of a true lady, she will find no joy in the society of the Ton. And an unhappy wife will drag her husband down with her.

I appeal to anyone who thinks they can speak wisdom that Mr. Bradford would hear to do so now. Before two families are ruined by the shame of an ill-fated marriage.

Fie on Mr. Bradford for his poor judgement and the pain he puts his parents through!

Very disappointed indeed,

Mrs. Dorothea Sangford

Jillian’s Wild Heart

When worlds collide, can love survive?

Lewis Bradford is the spare to the heir. Every aspect of his life has been a reminder that he is second best. Fortunately, being largely ignored by his baron father has given him a measure of freedom in choosing his wife. And who better to lift him from his bitter sense of neglect than a wild, golden-haired nymph who adores him?

Jillian Kinsey may be only a groundskeeper’s daughter, but she also happens to be best friends since childhood with Munro’s new viscountess. Protected by powerful friends, Jillian is able to always be her vivacious, rule-breaking self without fear of rejection. When Mr. Bradford begins to show an interest in her, she does not question whether or not such a match is realistic. She only knows he wants the same thing she does: a life of self-determination.

Ready to disregard all the pretentions of the ton and throw off the shackles of societal expectations, Lewis and Jillian seem destined to be the heroes of their own fairy tale. Until family tragedy strikes, and everything they have taken for granted is turned on its head.

Will they abandon the dreams they shared or can they weather the storm? Only time will tell.

To be released on 26 September (available now to pre-order for only $0.99)

Buy Link https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNBVJ31Z

Jillian’s Wild Heart is Book 4 in the 5-book “Ladies of Munro” series.

Ladies of Munro
1) Sophia’s Letter
2) Ellena’s Secret
3) Verity’s Choice
4) Jillian’s Wild Heart
5) Irene’s Fall (Due for release in December)

Note: This series is part of Dragonblade’s Sweet Dreams line, so this is a sweet, wholesome Historical Romance where passion beyond the bedroom door is left to the reader’s imagination.

Tropes you’ll love:

  • Different Worlds
  • Fish Out of Water
  • You’ve Changed
  • Emotional Scars
  • Opposites Attract
  • Unexpected Heir
  • Lively Heroine
  • Sensible Hero

Read in Kindle Unlimited!

About the Author

Elizabeth Donne writes award-winning sweet Regency romance, a natural outpouring of a lifelong love affair with English literature.

She has spent most of her life in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2015, Elizabeth moved to Iowa with her husband, their two children, two cats, and their African bush dog.

When she’s not writing, or discovering the secret wonders of the Midwest, she is enthusiastically introducing her visitors to the joys of drinking rooibos tea. With a biscuit, of course.

 Social Media Links:

Free newsletter signup: https://www.elizabethdonnebooks.com/#subscribe

Website: https://www.elizabethdonnebooks.com

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/elizabethdonne

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093280712789

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/35270040.Elizabeth_Donne

 

News to Set Your Heart Aflutter

By

On September 17, 2025

In Teatime Tattler

Dear Reader,

The following report comes from a faithful correspondent who you might find familiar:

Lady P, reporting in with startling news! If you recall, the last time I shared the latest on dits with you, I promised to impart further information regarding a certain viscount and those handsome-as-sin Irishmen who guard the Duke of Wyndmere and his family.

Before I continue I need a restorative sip of sherry. That’s better. Where was I, ah yes those strapping guards. I have it on good authority all has been reconciled and S.F. has not resigned his position within the duke’s guard!

My heart is absolutely all aflutter hearing that the auburn-haired giant of a man fiercely held firm demanding his right to protect his wife. So many men within our social strata give little thought to the women who have born their heir, once they’ve produced their spare. It gives one pause to consider that S.F. loves his wife. It simply boggles the mind.

But I digress, back to my tale. I was at Gunter’s Tuesday last and chanced to overhear a  conversation. While formal resignations were tendered, apparently S.F.’s and J.G.’s wives sent urgent missives to Her Grace at the same time—and we all know how the duke dotes on his wife. Meetings were arranged and parties involved came to an agreement. S.F. would join a certain earl’s household guard, and J.G. would be assigned to the viscount.

That is not all. I have more to share. R.F., brother to S.F. and who has vowed never to marry, has fallen madly in love! I am amazed and do so love a romantic tale. Apparently R.F. thought he was chasing down a vagrant, when in fact, it was a widow and her young daughter. You will never guess who captured his heart, dear reader, so I shall not keep you in suspense any longer. I have an important engagement to attend. Apparently, his heart was snared not by lovely widow, but her adorable four-year-old daughter! Now that is a man I simply must meet, though I daresay my husband may have something to say about that.

Do you remember when I mentioned the sixteen men were rumored to have been battered and bled for the those they protect? Well I have it on good authority that R.F. suffered a grievous wound to his face. Poor man will be scared for life, though from all reports, his wife finds him even more attractive. Just the thought of R.F.’s handsome features marred, gouged by a lead ball across his cheek has me reaching for my hartshorn.

Did you know that there are two more brothers that are yet unwed? I do not know if my heart can handle two more encounters with these supreme specimens of manhood. But I shall endeavor to press on and will report further on dits regarding the duke’s guard—I know how you rely on my excellent information. Rest assured, I shall share whatever I hear on this subject with the editor of this unimpeachable daily source of information.

The Duke’s Sharpshooter (The Duke’s Guard, Book 14)

Excerpt:

The Duke’s Sharpshooter (The Duke’s Guard, Book 14)
©C.H. Admirand May 2025
Snippet from Chapter Two

 

“What do ye mean they’ve gone?”

Scruggs shrugged. “We had a number of coaches arrive at the same time right after I tucked Mrs. Johnson and her daughter in the taproom next to the fire. I passed along your message to the innkeeper’s sister as three carriages pulled in. I offered to let her stay in the barn out of the wet, but she insisted it would startle her daughter to wake surrounded by horses.”

Flaherty had a bad feeling in his gut. “Did she say where she was headed?”

“She mentioned it being too crowded inside, and I can well imagine it with the number of people in the packed coaches. Besides if she and her daughter had finished eating, they would be obliged to give up their seats.”

Flaherty scrubbed a hand over his face. “How long ago did she leave?”

“Half an hour, maybe more.”

Flaherty turned to leave, and Scruggs called out, “She said to thank you for your kindness and headed out of town with Maddy sleeping in her arms.”

Flaherty knew a sleeping—or unconscious—body felt as if it weighed more. The lass looked dead on her feet when he’d had to leave her to finish his rounds in the village. It had taken a bit longer than anticipated. He’d stopped to help one of the tenant farmers’ sons who’d gotten stuck halfway up a tree, unable to climb down.

Gaining his saddle, he prayed, “Lord, I could use Yer help finding them.”

Three quarters of a mile up the road, the heavens opened up. He wiped the rainwater out of his eyes and noticed a copse of fir trees off the side of the road—and deep footsteps—indicating someone was carrying a heavy load. The size of the footsteps were too small to have been made by a tall, heavyset man. It had to be Temperance. Dismounting, he walked his gelding over to the trees. He called her name softly, not wanting to startle the lass. When she didn’t answer, he told his horse to wait for him, brushed the branches aside, and stepped into the small shelter the thick branches provided.

The pair he sought were huddled in a pile of pine needles. Temperance was shivering in her sleep, while her little one slept peacefully snuggled against her. He crossed the distance and knelt beside them. “Wake up, lass, ‘tis Flaherty. I’ve come to take ye home.”

 

Buy Link:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FMHQZRLG

Author Bio:

If we have not met yet, I’m delighted to meet you. Here’s a little bit about me…

I have been writing romance novels for almost half my life—well, at least for the last thirty years. I’m a die-hard romantic and have to confess the broad shoulders and wicked glint in the brilliant green eyes of a stranger had my breath snagging in my breast, my heart beating madly, and my future flashing before my eyes. At the age of seventeen, I’d met the man I knew I was going to spend the rest of my life with.

I write Historical & Contemporary Romance featuring characters that I know so well: hardheaded heroes and feisty heroines! They rarely listen to me and in fact, I think they enjoy messing with my plans for them. Over the years I have learned to listen to them. I have always used family names in my books and love adding bits and pieces of my ancestors and ancestry in them, too! Visit my website to learn more about my books.

C.H.’s Social Media Links:

Website:

https://www.chadmirand.com

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/C.-H.-Admirand/author/B001JPBUMC

BookBub:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/c-h-admirand

Facebook Author Page:

https://www.facebook.com/CHAdmirandAuthor

GoodReads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/212657.C_H_Admirand

Dragonblade Publishing:

https://www.dragonbladepublishing.com/team/c-h-admirand/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/c.h.admirand/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRSXBeqEY52VV3mHdtg5fXw

 

 

A Dollar Princess on the Run? A Scandalous Tale, Indeed…

By

On August 27, 2025

In Teatime Tattler

Dear Readers, what a story I have for you today!

Our intrepid reporter has uncovered yet another scandalous exclusive for our valued readers. It would seem that a certain American dollar princess and do-gooder has found herself in a most unexpected (and shocking!) circumstance. In recent weeks, Miss Arabelle Frost had been mingling with London’s lords and ladies at a variety of high-society events while a guest of her esteemed aunt. Since her arrival in the city, Miss Frost has become known as much for her beauty and penchant for the finest gowns from Paris as for her good deeds. This fact alone makes the recent chatter regarding Miss Frost all the more startling.

Several nights ago, a witness reported that a woman bearing a striking resemblance to Miss Frost was spotted dashing through London, clothed in a gown a bride might wear, as if she’d gone simply mad. To make matters worse, the bedraggled woman was seen darting into the tavern run by a trio of rogues. Dare we say more?

Initially, we put little stock in this incredulous account. But further investigation revealed that Miss Frost has been nowhere to be seen, as if she’s gone into seclusion. Or disappeared into thin air. But now, we can reveal that one of our reporters has observed (with her own eyes, I might add) that the elusive Miss Frost appears to have taken up residence in the home of Mr. Jonathan Mason, an owner of said rogues’ tavern. Perhaps most surprisingly, we can tell you that Miss Frost was spotted with a broom in her hand … yes, dear reader, a broom! And she was sweeping . . . as if the frosty heiress had gone into domestic service! How very unexpected!

To add to the intrigue, rumor has it that the man who’d fancied himself Miss Frost’s betrothed (a man most definitely not named Jon Mason!) is now quietly searching the city for her, careful to avoid adding fuel to the gossip fire.

These revelations prompted more inquiries on our part. As such, our reporter uncovered the truth of Miss Frost’s prior acquaintance with Mr. Mason. It would seem the two spent countless hours together while Mr. Mason visited New York to conduct business negotiations. We can only speculate on the nature of their relationship, though we have it on good authority (from the mouths of those in-the-know) that their time together had nothing to do with business and everything to do with passion. Sadly, it would seem their love story was not meant to be. Has there been a thawing in their iceberg-cold relationship? Perhaps a true rekindling? Or is this simply more fodder for our Teatime Tattler?

So many questions! One can only speculate as to the ultimate fate of Miss Frost and Mr. Mason’s deliciously scandalous reunion…and what will happen when the man she left behind catches up to her.

THE ROGUE’S RUNAWAY BRIDE by Tara Kingston

An heiress on the run . . .

Stranded in London with only the rain-soaked wedding dress on her back, American dollar princess ARABELLE FROST is on the run from a dangerous man. Drenched and desperate, she’s sure her dismal night can’t get worse . . .  . . . until a rogue from her past charges to the rescue. As handsome as he is arrogant, Jon Mason nearly stole her heart. She’d hoped to never again lay eyes on the tempting yet vexing rake, but she needs a place to hide. And fast. But falling for him is out of the question. Especially when an angry would-be groom with a dark secret is hot on her trail.

The rogue who never got over her . . .

Tycoon JONATHAN MASON has everything a sensible man could want. Blasted shame he had to complicate matters by playing the hero. Now, the beautiful heiress he’d left behind after a whirlwind romance is under his roof. Arabelle Frost is exasperating. Challenging. And utterly enchanting. But she can’t hide her fear of the fortune-hunting scoundrel who pursued her through the city on a bleak and rainy night. Determined to protect her, Jon knows the risks. After all, he’s no stranger to taking chances. But with each day that passes, it’s harder not to fall for her.

And loving Arabelle would be the biggest risk of all.

Purchase Link:   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FH7KRDRL

About the Author:

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

Contact Links:

Facebook:

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

Webpage:

https://www.tarakingston.com/

Newsletter Sign-Up:

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

Instagram:

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

Pinterest:

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

 

 

Will the Scandalous Countess be Evicted?

By

On August 23, 2025

In Teatime Tattler

Dear Readers,

I’ve received the following report from one of my regular correspondents. What will the aristocracy get up to next?

Dear Mr. Clemens,

You will be well aware of the reappearance in town of the Earl of C’s scandalous widow, Lady C. The goings-on at the C’s country estate have been the talk of the town for years. Her disappearance for the last year has whetted all of our appetites for news, and I have made a special point of calling on her. For the good of society, you understand; Lady C was an upstart who trapped the late earl into marriage.

It is well known that upon her husband’s death, Lady C was left with very little, and even that might be a matter of the lady foisting a fraudulent will upon the court. The esteemed Lord D has filed a counterclaim, alleging that Lord C executed a new will shortly before his death, a new will that has disappeared.

That counterclaim hasn’t stopped the widow from living in Lord C’s homes and spending whatever money she can lay hands on while the heir’s return is delayed. Or, I should write, was delayed. For as it happens, I was privileged to be present when the late earl’s cousin walked through the door of Lady C’s drawing room. What surprise on his face! What consternation on hers!

I shall be certain to write again with more news soon.

Your faithful correspondent

Her Impeccable Scoundrel

Anxious to save a cherished inheritance, Blythe Blatchfield, widowed Countess of Chilcombe, knows she must repair her reputation with the Beau Monde in order to face the powerful marquess challenging her dissolute husband’s will. She vows to resist handsome rogues like her late husband, and to never again give her trust so blithely. But when the new earl, absent from England for many years, finally appears, new rumors swirl around Blythe. Facing the loss of everything, she finds herself needing the help of an old enemy, the man whose interference years earlier led to her unhappy marriage, the new Earl of Chilcombe.

Called back to England to take up his late cousin’s title, diplomat Graeme Blatchfield is eager to see his cousin’s widow and learn for himself whether the rumors about the woman he once held a childish infatuation for are true. Having plunged into marriage with the last earl—Graeme’s fault for revealing their tryst—she’s been tainted by her husband’s decadence.  Forced by matters of the estate to spend time together, he soon discovers the vulnerable and lonely woman beneath the society mask. Can he get her to forgive him—and more?

Book #44 in the Wicked Widows League multi-author series

Pre-order now for the November 18, 2025 release:

https://books2read.com/HerImpeccableScoundrel

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Alina K. Field earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and German literature but prefers the 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 where she shares a midcentury home with a golden-eyed terrier and a feisty chihuahua and only occasionally misses snow.

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlinaKField

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

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

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

Smugglers, Ghosts, and Highwaymen…

By

On August 20, 2025

In Teatime Tattler

Dearest Readers,

This humble publication usually offers the latest in society on-dits, rumors, and, dare I say, salacious scandal.

Today, however, we report on far more serious subjects.

It has come to your humble publisher’s attention that matters most shocking of a criminal nature, (and possibly a supernatural one!), are occurring along the road to one of our island’s most illustrious seaside towns. It has come to our attention that Bow Street has dispatched an officer to look into these matters. By good fortune we have received a copy of said officer’s first report:

It seems that I am off to the seaside. Larcenous Lucy, as some of the wits here at the Office have taken to calling her, is working the London to Brighton road. I’ve been told to look into a highwayman problem while I am there. There’s someone plaguing both the main highway and some of the lesser roads. The local dignitaries have posted a reward, so that would be a nice bonus. My colleagues have also been joking that smugglers and ghosts abound in the region, and that I might collect some of those while I am there. I told them, I shall leave the smugglers to the excise officers and ghosts to the duly authorized ministers of the church.

Dear Readers, if you have any further information to provide, please write directly to The Teatime Tattler’s offices. We will be sure to share your report with Bow Street.

Love’s Perilous Road

Travelers, a house party, smugglers, spies—and a mysterious highwayman. Who is the infamous Captain Moonlight? And how many lives will he change–for good or for ill?

Sir Westcott Steals a Heart, by Alina K. Field

Sir Westcott Twisden didn’t know he wanted to marry until the tallest lady he’d ever met crossed his path.

One Good Wager Leads to Another, by Barbara Monajem

A young widow escaping her father. A spy in disguise. A long-ago but never-forgotten kiss.

Charred Hope, by Caroline Warfield

A fool threw her and her miniature away. A wiser man treasures them both.

Stolen Kisses, by Cerise DeLand

He kissed her once. Ruined her, too! Years later, he’s done it again.

Love by Moonlight, by Elizabeth Ellen Carter

By daylight, he’s a gentleman. By moonlight, justice is served.

A Bend in the Road, by Jude Knight

Can a grand lady and a washed-up sailor find a future together?

My Gift to You, by Mary Lancaster

A rocky marriage and too many secrets… Is their love doomed?

A Duke In Peril, by Meara Platt

Lady Florence’s life is upended when she finds a handsome wounded soldier on the road.

Forever and Always, by Rue Allyn

Lord Fontus shares a secret with Lady Deoiridh. Revealing the secret could be fatal. Or it could lead them to forever and always.

Falling Into You, by Sherry Ewing

Sometimes a memory is hard to forget… After a year’s absence, is Milton too late to win Josephine back?

Preorder today for the October 31, 2025 Release! https://books2read.com/u/mqx0W6

 

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