Dearest Readers,

When Baron Granville died last month, mammas everywhere tittered with glee because the title passed to his handsome and quite eligible son. Do not pop your stays in excitement yet, ladies. I have it on good authority that just prior to the elder Granville’s passing, he ordered his son to find a wife and secure the barony. But those of you who follow this column know that Lord Owen Granville is often found in the company of that odious rake, Lord Twisden, and spends more time in gaming hells than his own house.

Should it come as any surprise then that the new baron would choose to seek out the services of Mrs. Dove-Lyon, the infamous matchmaker and owner of the Lyon’s Den gaming hell? In a Season full of eligible young ladies, it would seem that he would prefer to gamble for a woman than court one!

This writer has also been informed that the new baron recently received one of the golden invitations to the Mystere Masque at the Lyon’s Den. A night sure to be full of drinking, gambling, and wanton wickedness. No lady of quality would dare be seen there, hiding behind the mask of anonymity where anything might happen. One can only imagine the type of bride the baron will take at a gaming hell on a night of debauchery. But then, with many of the Ton secretly desiring to go to the Mystere Masque, Lord Granville might, for once, surprise us.

About Night of Lyons – The Lyon’s Last Chance:  

Choosing between love and loyalty has never been so painful.

Owen Granville has secretly been in love with his best friend’s sister, Grace, for years. A disastrous bet from his youth ended with his promise to never speak to her again, so when Owen finds himself in need of a wife, he knows he’ll have to choose another woman. An invitation to a masquerade ball hosted by a renowned matchmaker seems to offer the perfect opportunity to find a suitable wife. But fate has other plans because Grace is also at the ball in search of a husband. Suddenly Owen has a chance to win her back, but if he succeeds, it comes at a great cost­—the betrayal of his best friend.

Pre-Order Link: https://amzn.to/44jspWu (also available in KU)

Excerpt: The moment he stepped through the open door into the moonlit gardens, a body bumped into him and he heard a soft, feminine “oof”. Owen gently gripped the woman’s arms to steady her and looked down—way down—into eyes so familiar, that his breath caught in surprise.

The lamp light shone down on luxurious, dark brown hair fashioned in ringlets and tied with golden ribbons that matched the mask covering half of her face which had a fan of short peacock feathers to one side. He didn’t need to see behind it to know the soft curve of her cheek or the dark sweep of lashes over the brightest blue eyes he’d ever seen. As small and delicate as she was, she fit perfectly in his arms, and Owen couldn’t help his instinctive reaction to pull her closer. His hand slid down one arm to encircle her waist and anchor her to him.

Call it destiny, luck, or whatever else came to mind. Owen had come to the masquerade in search of a wife and found the woman of his dreams. God help him because George would kill him, but right at that moment, he couldn’t summon the will to care. Grace Twisden was in his arms again, and if he had any say in the matter, she would stay there.

“Gracie,” he whispered, savoring her nickname on his lips. A name he’d forbidden himself from speaking for far too many years. She looked ravishing in her deep blue gown embroidered with green and gold peacock feathers, accentuating the curve of her hips and delightful bosom.

She stiffened in his arms and took a half step back, her eyes wide behind her mask. Then she slapped him.

Connected Series: Taken by Destiny

Book 2- Tempting the Reclusive Earl- Teatime Tattler link: https://bluestockingbelles.net/the-belle-of-the-ball-chasing-the-awkward-earl/

Book 1- The Earl’s Timely Wallflower- Teatime Tattler link: https://bluestockingbelles.net/an-earl-with-two-mistresses-in-the-same-house/

About the Author: Aurrora St. James writes sexy historical and paranormal/fantasy romances featuring tough heroes, strong women, quirky characters, and a touch of humor added in for spice. She loves coffee, making her own journals, old B, C, and D-movies, and the magic of a happily ever after.

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Dearest Readers,

The Tattler has acquired personal letters exchanged during the late war between certain Marquis of R. and Lady R. F. Those letters are printed below for your delectation.

Lady R. F. undoubtedly did not have permission for this correspondence, regardless of how innocent the subject matter.

We are uncertain who should be taken to task for this very serious breach of propriety. The Marquis, The Lady, or perhaps the Lady’s parent Earl F. Regardless of who is to blame for allowing this indecorous correspondence, one thing is clear, only a very fast lady of dubious honor would participate in this activity. Hence, Lady R. F. is ruined, unless perhaps her parent can find a man willing to accept this fallen damsel as bride, or… is it possible, that The Marquis might be persuaded to come up to scratch and right all wrongs.

The letters follow:

Dear R… —

How is that new mare of yours, the one with the white forelock you said was so stubborn? I would venture to guess you have her in hand now. A black-and-white mongrel has attached himself to me, and though I welcome the company, I must leave him soon. More about that in a moment.

The fighting has been brutal, but Hermes has seen me through. He is a grand fellow, a horse in a thousand! For all the blood and gore—I shall spare you the details—the beauty of Portugal is not lost on me. The blue of the sky astonishes with its clarity and brilliance, the flowers and other vegetation abundant. You would enjoy it here! The local food is quite tasty, but most of all you would find the Spanish and Portuguese horses particularly compelling! These beasts are marvels of agility, speed, and courage. I would bring you home a dozen if only I could do so.

How are your stepsisters? Lady B…? Is F… treating you with any courtesy? Your talent with the horses is unparalleled, yet the earl seems to denigrate you at every turn. That disturbs me greatly.

Thank you for sending along that packet of tea and the two pairs of socks. Though it is beastly warm here, the socks have already proved their worth in keeping my feet dry.

In your last note, you asked what I miss the most. Scones would be one answer. Perhaps English ale another. But most especially, I miss you. Your laughter, your smiles, our gallops, your love of mischief… Should I not have said the latter? Ha! Perhaps not, but it is the truth.

I must keep this brief, as Napoleon has reportedly withdrawn some twenty- to thirty-thousand troops to the eastern front! Wellington is ecstatic, and we are marching from Portugal to Spain in a day or so. But before we leave, I must find a home for the dratted mongrel, for he is too gentle-natured and intelligent to be left to his own devices.

Stay well, Rosie! If all goes as it should, I shall be home by Christmas!

R…

Dear R… —

L… was almost caught delivering your letter to me! The earl entered the morning room just as she gave it over, and he asked, “What is that?”

I near died.

I dissembled by saying it appeared to be a letter from your sister, Susannah. He made a grimace, but did not pursue the subject further. I have never breathed such a sigh of relief. If he discovered we were corresponding… Horrors.

Lady P… of A… is coming along well now that we have arrived at an accord. She is brilliant and will make a fine hunter.

Someday, I would like to see the Portuguese sky as you described in your letter. All your descriptions of the animals and landscape make me want to venture from our corner of England.

Thank you so much for the hawk feather you sent in the note. I shall treasure it.

Lady Ch… and Lady Cl… are well, and though L… is anticipating her come out with great excitement, Cl… is not enthused, her nose buried deep those archeology books she treasures. Lady B… thrives, as well, though how she can continue to abide the earl, I cannot see. I will say, she stands up for the girls and myself when the earl demands too much of us.

Do you intend to bring any of these exceptional horses home with you? It sounds as if they would add much to your bloodstock.

I continue to miss you, for life at F… is flat without you and has offered few adventures since your departure.

How fervently I wish the war ended! And you home and safe.

Please do stay safe, dear friend. May you come home soon!

With warmest wishes,

R…

About the Book: An impossible choice…

Lady Rosamund Fielding hides a secret so terrible it could ruin her, her family, and Major General Lord Rhys Lansdowne, the man she loves. Rose and Rhys were inseparable in childhood—their friendship the one shining light in Rose’s dark upbringing.

Yet when Rhys proposes, Rose refuses, for he can never know her shameful truth.

Returned from the Napoleonic wars and now the Marquess of Ravenscroft, Rhys is determined to uncover the reason behind Rose’s rejection and win her hand and heart once and for all.

Meanwhile, Rose’s father, Earl Fielding, demands Rose accept Brigadier Viscount Pennworth’s marriage proposal, threatening dire consequences if she does not obey.

Time is of the essence as Rose faces this difficult crossroads, where she is forced to confront past demons and choose a path.

Should she marry Rhys, deceiving him, and forever be branded a liar in his eyes? She cannot.

Wed Pennworth? Never.

Or flee? Away from Rhys, away from her father, and away from all she holds dear.

Rose has faced many dangerous choices in her life. Will this final one destroy her?

Available Now: Amazon: https://amzn.to/3XUW06D   Everywhere Else: https://books2read.com/u/4DJvx7

About the Author: Award-winning author Vicki Stiefel now also writes as Sanna Brand, whose Regency Romance, THE BOND (The Secret Tales Book 1) launches May 15. Vicki has also written the fantasy romance series, The Made Ones Saga, as well as The Afterworld Chronicles, an urban fantasy series. Her award-winning mystery/thrillers feature homicide counselor Tally Whyte.

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March 1817 

It has recently come to my attention that the Earl of B may be looking for a wife! The ton was all atwitter with matrons guessing who he might settle upon while misses whispered behind fans and dream of becoming his lucky bride. I certainly couldn’t assume such titillating gossip was accurate and suspected it was more wishful thinking than anything else. However, I did go in search of the truth and who better to ask than his mother.

So, for all those misses hoping to land a devilishly handsome earl – the rumors are in fact true!

However, Lord B is none too pleased and might prove to be reluctant when it comes time to stand before the vicar. As confided in me, his mother was most insistent that Lord B take a bride and the earl finally capitulated, but only because of his duty, which he reluctantly admitted could not be put off indefinitely no matter how much he may wish to do so. He will turn thirty this year, and if I were to offer my opinion, Lord B should have wed long before now and already fathered an heir and a spare.

But I digress. With this new information, I set my attention on Lord B, a rake of the first order and gentleman rumored to be the best lover in all of England, as he navigated the ballrooms, parks, picnics and all the various venues one must haunt in pursuit of a mate hoping that I might be the first to discover who he might court. Instead, he has been spending all his time with Lady K, a widow recently out of mourning, which makes one wonder if Lord B is truly looking for a bride, or simply another lover. And is his mother aware that the lovely widow has captured her son’s attention?

What Lady K is about has yet to be determined. Despite the obvious pursuit of Lord B, Lady K has given no indication that she has succumbed to his charms despite Lord B’s best efforts. This leaves me to wonder if Lord B will win Lady K in the end and, if he does, what his intentions may be, or will he finally choose a simpering miss to settle upon.

About Season of the Rake: Angelo Evans, the Earl of Bolton made a promise to his mother—that he’d marry before Christmas. As this would be the last Season he would ever enjoy, Angelo is determined to embrace all of life’s pleasures: brandy, women, and gambling. Come the autumn, he will find a miss, marry, become respectable, and settle into a boring existence.

Lady Octavia Kepple is finally free. Now out of mourning, she intends to embrace the Season as only a respectable widow can: find a lover. She doesn’t want just any lover, but the gentleman rumored to be the best lover in England, the Earl of Bolton. Now, she just needs to convince him to be her rake for the Season.

Though intrigued by Lady Kepple’s proposition, and his desire for her cannot be denied, Angelo doesn’t want to be tied to one lover during his last Season of freedom. However, Lady Kepple is most persistent, and an agreement finally reached might be more than either of them bargained for.

Available Now! Books2Read: https://books2read.com/u/4DE8ZA

About the Author: USA Today bestselling author Jane Charles is a prolific writer of over fifty historical and contemporary romance novels. Her love of research lends authenticity to her Regency romances, and her experience directing theatre productions helps her craft beautiful, touching stories that tug at the heartstrings. Jane is an upbeat and positive author dedicated to giving her characters happy-ever-afters and leaving the readers satisfied at the end of an emotional journey. Lifelong Cubs fan, world traveler and mother of three amazing children, Jane lives in Central Illinois with her husband, two dogs and a cat. She is currently writing her next book and planning her dream trip to England. Be sure to join Jane on Facebook @JaneCharlesAuthor for Wine Pairings Wednesdays.

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Dear Mr. S. Clemens,

As an American reader of your delightful column, I felt I had to write in and share ever such scandalous and shocking goings-on in the quiet and God-fearing town of Cedar Point, Massachusetts.

The rather unusual spinster, Miss Rowena Mumford, has always been under scrutiny. Not only does she possess considerable wealth, but she also insisted on attending college and living alone after her parents’ deaths. Her only companion is a large and mischievous black tomcat. Miss Mumford, although she doesn’t need to support herself, insists on teaching piano and French! She is corrupting the youth of our town with her love of “ragtime” and encouraging other young ladies to seek out higher education! But this is not the most shocking accusation!

It seems Miss Mumford has actually devised a contest to weed through her many suitors, including the rich and eligible Matthew Raine. She let it be known that any man who could put a bell around the neck of her cat, Tiger, could court her! The entire town is awash with men sneaking down alleys, toting nets, and dangling pieces of fish to tempt the big brute!

One man seems immune, but then again, Mr. Augustus Warwick, piano tuner and confectioner, is very eccentric. He seems to like Miss Mumford and her cat—but makes no attempt to woo her or to bell her fearsome feline. (Yet rumor has it that he has been over to Miss Mumford’s house several evenings to “tune her piano.”)

The Christian ladies of the parish have decreed that Rowena Mumford ought to be married by summer, and that means a spring engagement must occur! The town is taking sides in this madness, with most assuming Matthew Raine will sort out his rival, Mr. Warwick. What does Miss Mumford say about all of this?

Not a word, Mr. Clemens, not a word! She barely acknowledges the strange attempts to catch and bell her cat. Some have long suspected her of witchcraft. I myself wonder what her secret could be—but I know there is a secret indeed!

I’d be ever so delighted if your readers could advise your American neighbors on how to handle this scandal!

Anonymously Yours,

A Concerned Congregant of St. Clementia’s

About Belling the Tigress: Rowena Mumford has the eye of every single man in quiet Cedar Point, Massachusetts. Her beauty and fortune outweigh her mischievous black cat, Tiger, and the murmurs of witchcraft that surround her. Tired of pointless suitors, Rowena states the man who can place a bell around Tiger’s neck may woo her.  Soon, all of Cedar Point is hoping for a spring engagement!

Augustus Warwick, a dreamer who owns the local sweet shop, believes he has no chance of winning Rowena’s heart. The eccentric confectioner is too busy trying to perfect a new confection before Easter Sunday. But Tiger has taken a shine to his shop, and Augustus has taken a shine to Miss Mumford. Will he be able to win her heart—and will he want it once he learns her secret?

About M. Culler: Bestselling author M. Culler can’t stick to just one genre. She writes fantasy, mystery, and all flavors of romance. M.Culler lives in historic Chester County, Pennsylvania, where potentially haunted battlegrounds and 18th century buildings serve as neverending inspiration. M.Culler lives for her two brilliant children (mini-bookworms), her gorgeous husband, her endlessly entertaining students, and her wonderful community. If she’s not hunched over a laptop, you’ll find her baking up a storm in the kitchen, playing board games, or watching Brit Coms.

Find M. Culler OnLine: Website and Newsletter   Facebook   Reader’s Group: Book Dragons   Historical Heat Historical Romance Group   Twitter   Instagram   Amazon   Bookbub   Goodreads