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A Passion Puzzle of Unrequited Love…

Greetings Lovely Readers,

Christmastide is almost upon us, and with that comes house parties, games, wassail, and… seduction. This is a tale that began six or seven years ago. Our younger readers may want to ask their elders regarding the earlier details.

It concerns a certain viscount who was once rumored to be close to an “announcement” with Lady C. Much to everyone’s surprise, while the viscount was away, his rakish best friend took the reins. Poor Lord P returned to find his heart’s desire betrothed to Lord W.

The forlorn Lord P spent the next year drinking away his sorrows until Lord W. unexpectedly died. (Perhaps not too unexpected considering Lord W’s propensity for gambling, drinking, and dangerous vices.) We waited to see the original couple reunited, but the said widow fled to the country and away from prying eyes and pushy viscounts.

Blink those lashes and move ahead to the present. This widow has grown quite the reputation for annual house parties. Only this upcoming event has a very short and unique guest list. Even more interesting is the invitation. Lady W challenges the guests to a series of contests, and she will accept the proposal of the winner.

Guess who was seen riding pell-mell to Lady W’s country estate? On the eve of Christmas Day? According to our sources, an unrequited love may soon be resolved. Will the banns soon be read for Lord P and Lady W? Or will the viscount accept a final defeat and leave the widow to her own vices?

Stay tuned for the results of this passion puzzle. We’ll be waiting to see who is left standing after the wassail is gone and the yule log has been snuffed out.

A Scoundrel’s Christmas Challenge

By Aubrey Wynne

A contest to win her fortune…

Lady Winfield, a wealthy widow of six years, is infamous for her outrageous house parties.  While hosting her annual Christmastide gathering, Christiana proposes a new game: a daily challenge of her choice. She will accept the proposal of the man who can best her at three or more competitions by Twelfth Night. Though all agree to the diversion, no one expects the games to include marksmanship, archery, and fencing.

A contest to win her heart…

Lucius, Viscount Page has held a torch for the countess since his university days. But he doused the flames of passion after she married his best friend. Ten years later, the embers begin a slow burn when he learns Christiana may be ready for another husband. Lucius, determined not to waste this second chance at love, presents the audacious Lady Winfield with a secret challenge that she can’t resist.

Will their midnight rendezvous and private contests end in certain victory for one or a dual attraction for both?

Excerpt:

“Brother,” cried William, “it’s good to see you again. My apologies for not being able to meet you at White’s before you left London.”

“Happy Christmas,” Lucius said as they thumped one another on the back. “Have you just arrived?”

“Yes. We ran into Nettie and Weston outside.” Will turned to the man beside him. “May I introduce Mr. Charles Wilkens, whom I work with in London. If you ever need a solicitor, he’s your man. Charles, this is my brother Lord Page.”

“Mr. Wilkens.” Lucius inclined his head. William was a barrister, and solicitors often required him to present a legal action for a client. But Will was supposed to be bringing the final suitor for his sister. “Where is…”

“The gentleman was unable to make it. However, I ran into Charles on his way to another house party. So, I convinced him to stay with us a night before he continued on to Falcon Hall.” Will grinned, his hazel eyes twinkling as he mentioned the location.

Falcon Hall.

Lucius’s head snapped up. “Are you well acquainted with Lady Winfield?” he asked, ignoring the mad thumping of his heart.

“No, my lord. My uncle, Sir Horace Franklin, has been trying to buy two slate mines from her. It’s in Wales and close to two that he owns. She has put him off for over two years, and then he received an invitation to her estate over Christmastide.” Charles shrugged. He was tall with brown hair, kind brown eyes, and a genuine smile. Lucius liked him immediately.

“It seems one must have a personal invite to be admitted. The wording is quite cryptic.” Will grinned at his friend. “Would you mind showing it to him?”

Charles set down his satchel, opened it, and pulled out a thick lavender card with holly and ivy entwined around the edges. He handed it to Lucius.

Admits bearer to the private house party

Of the Countess of Winfield at Falcon Hall.

Guests shall arrive 24 December.

The competition for the desired prize begins 25 December thru 6 January.

Lady Winfield will only accept the proposal of the gentleman

Claiming victory of three or more challenges.

The favor of an answer is requested.

His mouth fell open. What was the chit up to? The vague wording of this left too many questions. Marriage? “Mr. Wilkens, I have questions and a proposition for you.”

 

Buy link:

https://books2read.com/scoundrelschristmaschallenge

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling author Aubrey Wynne resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule, and barn cats. Obsessions include wine, history, travel, trail riding, and all things Christmas. Her Chicago Christmas series and historical romances have received multiple awards and nominations as a Rone finalist by InD’tale Magazine.

Aubrey’s first love is medieval romance but after dipping her toe in the Regency period in 2018 with the Wicked Earls’ Club, she was smitten. This inspired her sweet Regency spin-off series Once Upon a Widow, and a steamy Scottish Regency series, A MacNaughton Castle Romance. Her Regency detective series, Paddy’s Peelers, will launch in 2025.

Social Media Links:

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http://www.aubreywynne.com

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Shocking goings on at Haverford House

Haverford House, London, November 1821

Haverford greeted his wife and his sister with a cheerful smile, which faded when he saw their faces. “What is wrong?” he asked.

“Read this,” said Cherry, handing the scandal sheet to Haverford. She had no doubt her husband would be as furious at the slur on his sister and on his own name as she was.

Some three years ago, the Polite World was shocked at the arrogant and irresponsible actions of the Duke of H., when he removed his mother’s ward from her rightful place at her husband’s side. Some said at the time that Lady C. was more sinned against than sinning. We in London had seen little of her since she wed Lord C., although her husband kept up his duties to his seat in the Lords and the accustomed pleasures of the Capital.

Still, adultery and periodic desertion are not grounds for a woman to complain. After all, they are the right of every red-blooded nobleman, and their women are trained to ignore their practices. Indeed, the lady would not exist had it not been for the pecadillos of her own sire, so she could hardly hold the same behaviours against her wedded lord and master. Albeit her half-brother the duke had shown an inclination to upbraid the straying husband.

No explanation was ever given for Lady C. abandonment of her husband’s manor for her brother’s, but since she kept herself to the country, or to quiet pursuits when in town, most of us were inclined to give her the benefit of the doubt, and even the grandest of dames and the stuffiest of gentlemen would nod politely at the lady if their paths crossed.

But then, a month past, Lord C. died. And this week, his will was made public. In it, he names and excoriates three men with whom, or so he says, his lady wife made merry before ever she was a widow. This, he claims, is the reason he sent for her brother to remove her from his house and from the care of his three young daughter by his previous marriage.

In fairness, we must note that all three supposed lovers are dead, and one died overseas without setting foot in England for the whole of Lord and Lady C.’s short (and clearly eventful) marriage. Is the lady innocent?

And if she is guilty, will the ton turn against one who is supported by none less than two ducal pairs and several earls and countesses?  Or will the Duke of H., whose own riotous life before his marriage has often shocked and amazed the readers of this newsheet, prevail upon all and sundry to ignore their consciences and accept his sister?

Only time will tell.

***

Jessica Lady Colyton has no intention of being a wicked widow and no time for rogues. Her father and her brothers were rogues enough for a lifetime. However, she has joined the Wicked Widow’s League, seeking help after her husband’s will proves to be just one more blow from another controlling and manipulative man. When her new friends organize a holiday in a country cottage for her, she blesses them—right up until she finds a naked rogue in her bed.

Martin Lord Tavistock is no rogue, unlike his father before him. The man’s early death in sordid circumstances brought him a title and a barrow-load of responsibilities. His uncle’s strict upbringing has given him little taste for pleasure. He shuns his matchmaking sister’s Christmas house party and the beauties she has undoubtedly invited to tempt him. When he wakes up in a strange lady’s bed, naked, tied down, and clueless as to how he arrived at her cottage, he wants no part in whatever plot is underway.

Trapped by a snowstorm, he and his furious hostess must form a reluctant alliance to survive, and that will be the end of their acquaintance. Won’t it?

Preorder for 24th December

The Scents of Scandal Come from Harley Street

Dear Readers,

I received the report below and know that you will find it quite titillating:

Dear Mr. Clemens,

It seems the good people of London have been provided with yet another mystery worthy of our scrutiny—and dare I say—amusement. Keep your fans poised, for the whispers along Abbotsbury Road are louder than the church bells on St. George’s Day.

Who could have imagined that the illustrious Lady B W, so demure beneath her cream bonnets, could hide such a thrillingly scandalous secret? With her formal introduction to none other than Prince M von H-S looming on the gilded horizon (an alliance for the ages, surely), Lady B has been seen slipping away from C House. And not to visit her dressmaker for a royal-worthy frock. No, dear readers, her carriage has instead made repeated, highly conspicuous stops at none other than 87 Harley Street.

What business does a young lady of society have at the establishment of a certain… handsome apothecary? This particular gentleman, known for his remedies and alluring smile, is hardly the sort of man that mamas would approve of their daughters consorting with—not publicly, at least! Sources close to the matter insist that Lady B has commissioned something rather unusual—a truth serum. Dare I suggest… intentional deception on her part? Oh, the irony of procuring such a concoction while engaged in royal courtship preparations. Could there possibly be a secret so salacious that she risks exposure to secure this potion of honesty?

One cannot help but wonder if the Prince himself would find her dealings with an apothecary—one with such brooding good looks, no less—acceptable. After all, such visits are hardly becoming of a lady aspiring to the ranks of royalty. What would he think of Lady B’s ventures down Harley Street, where whispers of clandestine elixirs and private rendezvous cast shadows on her sterling reputation?

The feathers will positively fly at the next soirée, for speculation is already swirling like cream in one’s tea. Has Lady B hired this apothecary to discern truths from a suspected liar—or could she herself plan to take a draught before meeting the Prince to shield herself from… shall we say, inconvenient honesty?

Ah, my dear readers, one thing is certain. This tale has given much to ponder… and even more to embellish. Rest assured, I shall keep both eyes trained on Harley Street and one ear pressed to the drawing room doors. Lady B W may have thought her secret safe, but as always, the truth has a way of bubbling to the surface—especially when paired with a touch of scandal.

Yours most faithfully,
An anonymous friend from across the street.

The Scent of Intuition

BlurbIn this novel, discover forbidden love, instant attraction, love at first sight, gentry versus nobility, clandestine identities, love triangles, secrets, and of course, Sara Adrien’s nostalgic descriptions and steamy romances.

Alfie Collins, the talented apothecary at 87 Harley Street, cherishes his friends like family. Yet, the haunting memories of a girl he once met in India when he was just an apprentice linger in his mind. Enter Lady Beatrice “Bea” Wetherby, a beautiful woman in desperate need of a love potion to seduce a handsome foreign prince. But Alfie finds himself in a tough spot—will he help her to accomplish her goal to catch a prince or will he succumb to his own bitter medicine?

Lady Beatrice “Bea” Wetherby has to marry before her parents return from a diplomatic mission abroad. The last thing she needs is to help her cousin’s wedding planning with nobody to give her heart to—thank goodness Prince Stan has arrived. He’d be perfect, even though she doesn’t love him. But then a single and not not-so-harmless kiss from Alfie makes her swoon, and she’s sent in a new direction on an exciting adventure of love that she’d never anticipated.

Can Alfie overcome his past and societal boundaries to be with the woman who has captured his heart? Will Bea find the true love she seeks in the arms of an apothecary? Follow their journey as they navigate the complicated world of love, societal expectations, and personal desires in this captivating Regency romance novel that brings back the enchanting charm of steamy romance and medical drama readers have come to love from Sara Adrien’s bestselling series.

Let yourself be swept away by the magic of Harley Street and discover if true love can conquer all in “The Scent of Intuition”!

Note: This series is part of Dragonblade’s Flame line, so this is a scorching-hot read with open-door steam.
Miracles on Harley Street series
Book 1: A Sight to Behold
Book 2: The Scent of Intuition
Book 3: A Touch of Charm
Book 4: The Sound of Seduction
Book 5: A Taste of Gold

About the Author

Bestselling author Sara Adrien writes hot, heart-melting regency romance with a Jewish twist. As a law professor-turned-author, she writes about clandestine identities, whims of fate, and sizzling seduction. If you like unique and intelligent characters, deliciously sexy scenes, and the nostalgia of afternoon tea, then you’ll adore Sara Adrien’s tender tear-jerkers. She is the author of the series Infiltrating the Ton, Diamond Dynasty, Check Mates, and Miracles on Harley Street. Get 50% off her #1 bestselling 9-book bundle https://www.saraadrien.com/products/diamond-of-the-ton-collection

Find her at:

Instagram: @author_sara_adrien

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22249825.Sara_Adrien

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sara-adrien

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=digital-text&rh=p_27%3ASara+Adrien

 

Dire Reports of Ladies Stranded with Rogues in this Intemperate Weather!

Dear Readers,

You have no doubt been hearing of the terrible storms in various parts of our usually fair land. Dreadful weather, indeed! Various reports have come to us, but one tale in particular has been most astonishing. A lady–yes a lady–most improvidently traveled in this weather to a country inn where the less respectable inhabitants were engaged in the barbaric practice of selling a wife. What the lady could be thinking of, well, suffice to say, she is said to be a most comely woman of excellent breeding (aside from this present venture), meager fortune, and entirely lacking in the guidance of male relatives.

What might have happened to her? We shall report more on this matter as news becomes available.

Rosalyn’s Ring, a novella by Alina K. Field in  

Secluded with the Rogue: 12 Snowed-in Historical Romances  

When a sudden snowstorm traps lords and ladies within opulent estates and remote countryside retreats, love blossoms amidst the wintry isolation. From forbidden desires to unexpected alliances, this collection weaves tales of captivating romance where the frosty landscapes only serve to ignite fiery passions. Discover the secrets, scandals, and unexpected connections that unfold when fate conspires to bring together unlikely pairs in the most unexpected of settings.

Through the artistry of these bestselling authors, explore the transformative power of love amidst snowbound isolation, where barriers crumble and affection flourishes.

Featuring books by:
Nadine Millard
Annabelle Anders
Lauren Smith
Diana Bold
Dawn Brower
Lauren Royal
Sandra Sookoo
Alina K. Field
Sorcha Mowbray
Grace Archer
Erica Ridley

Discover how chance meetings and unforeseen circumstances kindle flames of romance, proving that even in the chilliest of moments, the warmth of true love can thaw the iciest of hearts.

Available at all major booksellers: https://books2read.com/u/4D266k

Secluded with the Rogue includes Rosalyn’s Ring: 

Snowed-in at Christmas in the home that used to be hers, an impoverished lady hides her true identity from the manor’s new resident, an upstart Viscount intent on seducing her.

Done with grieving her losses, a late nobleman’s daughter has fallen into a tidy spinster’s life in London. But when one snowy Christmas Eve, a young woman needs rescue, she seizes the chance to do good—and to recover a family heirloom that ought to be hers.

Irked by his late father’s dreams of nobility, a newly anointed viscount has drawn the line at marrying a blue-blooded miss—until he meets a provoking beauty with an upper crust manner, a larcenous streak, and enough secrets to rouse even his jaded heart.

And when more mysteries swirl around the lady’s lost inheritance, he is just the right man to help her uncover the truth.

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

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A Fiery Encounter on the Ice

Dearest Readers,

In the ever-astounding world of our beloved Ton, where every whisper holds the promise of a thrilling tête-à-tête, the Teatime Tattler is delighted to bring you a frosty yet fiery encounter that has set tongues wagging across London.

Picture, if you will, the infamous rake, Mr. A.E., gliding effortlessly upon the ice on a crisp winter’s day, his athletic prowess a testament to his fencing endeavors. His form was impeccable, each movement a dance of precision and grace. Yet, it was not his elegance alone that captured the attention of onlookers, but rather an unexpected twist of fate—or dare we say, fortune?—that saw the charming Miss H.S., the Chief Rabbi’s daughter, slip directly into his waiting arms.

Ah, dear readers, such a scene would be scandalous enough in any setting, but to occur amidst the genteel and discerning eyes of our society surely elevates the intrigue tenfold. One cannot help but wonder if the ice was treacherous or if Cupid himself played a mischievous hand in the affair. Speculation now swirls as to whether this serendipitous meeting will lead to a more permanent arrangement or if it will simply melt away with the thaw of spring. Will Miss S.’s poise and Mr. E.’s charms prove a match too enticing for even the most skeptical observers? Only time will tell.

As for Mr. E., one of the most talented jewelers in Town, his aspirations to present his dazzling creations at the forthcoming winter ball hosted by none other than Prinny himself, may face new challenges. With so many eyes upon him, and perhaps a few obstacles strategically placed by those who wish to see him stumble, will he rise to the occasion, or falter under the weight of public scrutiny?

Rest assured, dear readers, the Teatime Tattler will remain vigilant, poised to deliver every delicious detail as this tale of ice and intrigue continues to unfold.

Yours in eager anticipation,

The Teatime Tattler

 

The Pearl of All Brides 

Read the swoon-worthy love story of Arnold and Hannah in The Pearl of All Brides, the second book in the Infiltrating the Ton series.

Read the trilogy and find out how the jewelers triumph and earn their place in society while forging bonds along the way that even the evil gossip of the Ton, Lady Carol Bustle-Smith, can’t break.

Book1 – Margins of Love – Fave’s story
Book 2 – The Pearl of All Brides – Arnold’s story
Book 3 – A Kiss After Tea – Lizzie’s story

“One of the Best Regency Romance Novels. . . a Masterful Combination of Historical Romance with Jewish Fiction”
– Yahoo! News

Get 50% off Sara Adrien’s #1 bestselling 9-book bundle https://www.saraadrien.com/products/diamond-of-the-ton-collection-1

About the Author

Bestselling author Sara Adrien writes hot, heart-melting regency romance with a Jewish twist. As a law professor-turned-author, she writes about clandestine identities, whims of fate, and sizzling seduction. If you like unique and intelligent characters, deliciously sexy scenes, and the nostalgia of afternoon tea, then you’ll adore Sara Adrien’s tender tear-jerkers. She is the author of the series Infiltrating the Ton, Diamond Dynasty, Check Mates, and Miracles on Harley Street. Get 50% off her #1 bestselling 9-book bundle https://www.saraadrien.com/products/diamond-of-the-ton-collection-1

Instagram: @author_sara_adrien

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565938324623
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22249825.Sara_Adrien

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sara-adrien

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=digital-text&rh=p_27%3ASara+Adrien

 

 

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