Category: Teatime Tattler Page 3 of 142

Where will the wicked duke go next?

On February 14, 2025

It seems that the Duke of R. is settled in Spain. Or, rather, in the little principality of Respomuso, in the Pyrenean Mountains. Several travelers recently returned to England called at the castle in the tiny country’s one major town, to pay their respects to the royal Princesa and her guardian and uncle the Duque de Respomuso. R., they say, appears to be a fixture in the castle.

Readers will remember that the duke left for overseas after an insult to a very important personage indeed–a gentleman of the highest rank. It was the last straw. R. had seduced the daughters, wives, and mistresses of too many of Society’s leaders, been drunk and obnoxious at too many balls and dinners, borrowed too much money without any intention of paying it. Then he was heard by the personage in question making unpleasant remarks about that personage’s girth, taste, and ability as a lover.

A message was delivered. It would be wise for R. to take a long voyage.

Has it benefitted his health, we ask? Not according to the travelers from whom we heard this story. His head is still on his shoulders, which must be accounted a win, but he has gambled, drank, and womanized his way through Europe until he has run out of welcome almost everywhere.

How long until the Duque, by all accounts a respectable man, suggests that his guest moves on?

The Duke’s Price

By Jude Knight

As a governess, Ruth Henwood has always put her pupils first, sometimes sacrificing her own interest. The choice facing her now could become the highest sacrifice of them all.

Two men want her as their mistress. The Duque de Respomuso plans to wed the Princesa Isabella, Ruth’s fourteen-year-old pupil, but promises not consummate the marriage if Ruth will come willingly to his bed. The Duke of Richport promises help her and Bella to escape Isabella’s tiny Pyrenean kingdom, but his price is the same.
Ruth’s decision must be guided by what is best for Bella. No matter that one man repels her, but is widely admired as a wise ruler and a good man, and one man attracts her, but is well known to be wicked to the core.

Preorder for 1st April: https://books2read.com/u/4A0gGK

Excerpt from the Duke’s Price

Ruth Henwood was stuck like a rat in a barrel, and the Duque de Respomuso had his guns fully loaded and aimed. She could run, of course, but that would leave her pupil Bella to her uncle’s non-existent mercies. Besides, he would send people after her, and she doubted she would even make the border.
If she took Bella with her, she would ensure the recapture of them both, for he would leave no stone unturned until he had his princess back again. She was his sister’s daughter, and without her, he had no legitimate role in the principality’s government.
Her other choices were even less palatable. She could continue to refuse the Duque’s advances, but only for as long as he allowed her to do so—she could tell he was losing patience, and one day she fully expected him to take her by force. Probably somewhere in private, for he was still enamoured of his own reputation as the kindly uncle who loved his niece and fought to save her from the evils of Napoleon’s army.
Refusing him would not protect Bella, either. As her legal guardian, he had given consent to their marriage. A man approaching forty. Bella was only fourteen. Furthermore, she did not like her uncle. “He makes my skin crawl, Ruth,” she said. “And he is mean. He beats his servants. Also, he is disrespectful, not only to me, but to you and to Mother Caterina.”
Mother Caterina was the mother superior of the town’s convent of Carmelite nuns, and member of the Council that had ruled the principality during the war.
Bella was correct. The Duque acted like a gentleman when he was being watched by men of status, but in private, or when only women or servants could see him, he was rude, cruel, and offensive.
She had one chance to protect Bella. Except that she did not believe that would work either. He had made her a solemn promise—“On the bones of my sainted sister,” he said—that if she would come willingly to his bed, he would put off consummating his marriage to Bella.
Since Ruth had Bella’s word for it that her uncle had despised his sister, she had more than her instinct to say that his promise was not worth beans.
“Miss Henwood, good evening.”
The voice that interrupted her musing was far from welcome. Another duke. Another rake. The same intentions. Even if this duke, far from making her ill, had her all hot and bothered.

Debutante bests a band of robbers and keeps her honor

By Alina K. Field

On February 12, 2025

In Teatime Tattler

Dear Readers,

Alas, while there are daily reports of criminal activity in our great metropolis, such incidents happen in the countryside as well. Here is one most interesting story from a correspondent about criminals in the countryside, and the heroic young lady who foiled them:

The aftermath of this summer’s raid upon R Manor (formerly known as B Manor) continues. It is not just stolen valuables that the Rs need concern themselves.

The neighbors are abuzz with chatter about the daughter, C.R, a young, most beautiful debutante. During this brazen act of robbery, she most bravely prevailed against unimaginable evils.

The ruthless devils kidnapped poor Miss R, keeping her hostage while they searched for a vault totally unconnected with her family. Through no fault of her or her family, you see. The thieves believed the vault was left behind by the previous family who occupied the home, The Bs.

This name, my readers may know. Before their fall from society–which I’m afraid is a story for another column–they once hosted the most lavish parties. Perhaps you remember them? Though, for some, they may be little more than a blur…

Hosted by Mrs. B, a woman hailing from the mysterious Philippines, these gatherings are believed to be the most strange and exotic parties known to society. That was, perhaps, the attraction. I, myself, attended a few in my day and I daresay their memory lives up to their reputation.

These parties are far from the only infamy that haunts the home, though. A hoard of gold has long been rumored to be stashed away in the ancient manor–stolen, it is said, from a forgotten mine.

But the thieves were deceived. They may have greed but wisdom they do not. If they read my column, they might have known that that portion of the countryside is rife with false rumors. The Northern Woods, especially, are believed to be haunted. They say a young and handsome soldier still wanders the woods on his war horse. Considering that lie, who would be foolish enough to believe the others?

I want to remind my readers that the thieves’ grave error should not fall to Miss R. It is despicable that there should be any harsh chatter toward Miss R and her reputation, especially as she, alone, saved the lives of not just her family but many servants. Despite being shackled and locked away in the manor’s library, she fought off the robbers and managed to escape and lead everyone to the nearest estate, owned by the N family. This, the family themselves have confirmed!

Once there, the Ns found her fully clothed–I must mention–and with far more than just her honor intact. To best a band of robbers is a true act of courage that no one, not even the highest ranking war general can deny of her.

Before you consider all that may or may not have happened during her kidnapping, which I have it on good authority did not happen, I hope you’ll consider her acts of bravery. Most ladies in society swoon at the mere mention of highwaymen. Miss R, however, overcame them all.

Any man in the highest circles of society would be lucky to win her hand and add her fine breeding to their family line. If she can save the lives of countless others from the harshest of circumstances, she can no doubt raise children to be as strong and brave as she. Running a household would come at no trouble at all to such a lady.

The Sapphire Heiress (Book 1 in the Silver Order series)

A historical romance with adventure and fantasy:

A pirate who walks amongst the highest circles of society.

A governess desperate to escape servitude.

“Exciting, dramatic, romantic; infused with magic, danger and mystery, The Sapphire Heiress reinvents the historical romance.

Wondering what Historical Romantasy looks like? This is it.”

– New York Times Bestselling Author Amanda Quick

In Victorian England, the Silver Order has kept its supernatural discoveries hidden for centuries. Those who seek its secrets must always pay a price…

Mae Blackthorne, the daughter of an English shipbuilder and a Filipina immigrant, has been taught to ride sidesaddle, embroider pillows, and dance the waltz. So when her brother disappears at sea, she hasn’t a clue what to do when the family’s shipbuilding business falls into bankruptcy.

It isn’t long before Mae is penniless. Or so she believes. Forced to accept a post as governess in the very home she was raised in, Mae takes on the challenge in good spirits. Yet she is restless and yearns for the life of adventure her daredevil father and brother once had. That is, until she meets Ethan Locke, a pirate who offers her an enticing opportunity to recover her secret inheritance.

Unbeknownst to Mae, her family used their shipbuilding business to shroud generations of successful piracy. Locke, who was once partners with her father, has an old score to settle. He claims that her father stole from him an object of great value: a sapphire that can stop its wearer from growing old. As her father’s last surviving heir, Mae is Locke’s only hope of finding this supernatural jewel hidden amidst her family’s secret fortune.

Agreeing to work together and split the fortune amongst themselves, they share an instant spark of attraction. But they’re not alone in their search. The original owners of the sapphire, who operate an elite secret society, are far more powerful than Mae and Locke could have ever imagined. As danger closes in and the supernatural proves real, Mae fears she has much more to lose than just a second chance at a new life.

Pirates of the Caribbean meets Jane Eyre, THE SAPPHIRE HEIRESS is a suspense-filled historical romance perfect for fans of Amanda Quick.

Buy on Amazon for 99c or read for free in Kindle Unlimited.

About the author:

Ella Leon writes historical romantasy full of intrigue and suspense. Her debut historical romantasy series will be released in 2025 with Dragonblade Publishing. During her 9-5 career, she has delved into many different styles of writing: journalism, public relations and marketing. Fiction, however, is where she finds the most freedom to transform the page. Like the Victorians she writes about, she loves all things gothic and supernatural. Unlike the Victorians, she is a feminist who enjoys exploring the precolonial past. When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her family or tending to her rose garden. She lives in the Chicago area.

Find all my social media and purchase links for my books here: linktr.ee/ellaleon

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Excerpt

April 1842, Bristol, England

Lightning crashed on the moor, this time nearby. When her horse reared skyward, Mae Blackthorne strained to stay upright.

“Stand firm!” she shouted. Her dapple-gray gelding jerked back before righting himself. “Easy.”

With the threat of rain imminent, their only cover was the Northern Woods ahead, but not even her horse, Thomas, dared to enter. Gaining on a web of lifeless trees, he snorted and pulled back.

“Quiet…” Mae rubbed his black mane. “It’s no more than a bunch of trees.”

The words worked to reassure Mae, too. It took only another glance to freeze the blood in her veins. The trees were so dense that the ground had darkened to black, and inside, all was still and silent. Not a single insect, bird, or other small creature moved in the brush. There was only the whispering of leaves.

She risked a look behind her. The last of the evening’s light was gone. Dark, angry clouds rolled over the horizon. In the far distance, rain fell in thick, hazy streaks and bursts of lightning tore through a slate-colored sky. Blast. She’d thought she had more time.

Mae considered her options. There seemed little else to do but risk an awful cold. Her breaths grew shorter.

he was far not only from the Rosewood estate, but from town, too. She had one option. Cutting through the woods had always been an obvious shortcut, though she’d never dared take it. Just the thought made her tremble. She cursed herself. What did she have to fear of the dark forest? No matter how difficult the terrain, Mae was sure she could cross it.

To hell with the servants’ ghost stories. Yanking the reins, she twisted Thomas toward the trees. Snorting again, he continued to resist. Only after the second pulse of thunder did he ease forward.

Past the threshold of trees, the darkness deepened. Cold moisture coated Mae’s skin. Amidst the rocks and fallen branches, Thomas struggled to maintain his footing.

Mae mouthed a silent prayer. She had assumed she was alone, probably for miles, and therefore helpless when a white light flickered out in the distance.

“Who trespasses here?” A voice broke through the still air.

Mae’s throat tightened before she could respond.

The white haze grew brighter in the mist, approaching rapidly until it stung her eyes.

“Whoever you are, you encroach upon private property,” a man said, his voice unrecognizable. Not a local, nor vagabond, given his accent and well-formed words.

“I—I didn’t know anyone owned this land.” Mae squinted.

The man lowered his light. He eyed her the same way everyone did when they noticed her deep-olive complexion. With practice, she had become skilled at ignoring it.

“I was only trying to escape the storm.”

“I imagine you were. And your companions?” Locke swung out the lantern to pan the forest.

“I have none, sir. I was just out for an evening ride.”

“I see,” he said, though he continued to eye her suspiciously. “Your destination?”

Mae straightened, the personal inquiry giving her pause. “Home. No more than an hour’s ride—”

“An hour’s ride!” he exclaimed. “The storm will be upon us at any moment. You must allow me to escort you to my home. It’s not far.” He lifted his lantern, once again shining the light in her eyes. “What, may I ask, is the name of my guest?”

She swallowed. The last thing she wanted was to establish an acquaintance the man might soon regret. In this case, it was entirely unnecessary. “Sir, please, I wouldn’t like to intrude… The distance will be no trouble at all.” Mae jerked the reins to pass him, but his horse moved too, blocking her path.

Damn stubborn man.

“If you care to divulge your name, I can judge that for myself. I know every prominent family in the county and the distances of their estates.”

Silhouetted in the weak light of the lantern, she struggled to make out his face. Whether friendly or harsh, she could not tell.

“You are the lady of the estate, are you not?”

He clearly could not make her out in this darkness, either.

“No, sir. I didn’t mean to imply…” Mae blushed. “I have no estate. I’m no more than a governess.”

“Ah.”

“Sir, if you please…”

Lightning crashed again.

The man’s head tilted toward the sky. “The storm’s gaining on us. Come. I live just beyond those trees.”

To Mae’s shock, he pointed west. The forest went on for miles in that direction. The distance to another home in that direction would be greater than that to her own destination. Unless… Mae’s breath caught in her chest. He couldn’t possibly live within the Northern Woods. She lifted a cynical brow. Impossible. She would have heard.

Before she could question him, he disappeared. Curious now, Mae clucked her tongue, ordering Thomas forward. Between the trees, she could make out a subtle path, allowing for a safe gallop. Perhaps the home would be new.

Thunder roared again. As heavy sheets of rain crashed down, she quickened her speed. Shearing through the forest, she gained on the man. Skilled as she was, she sped ahead in a spray of mud.

But keeping her fast pace was no easy task. Her horse writhed with each long stride. Battered by the rain, her hands stiffened. Every muscle ached with fatigue.

The fog had thickened too, transforming the trees and rocks into dense, black shadows. Seeing a boulder, Mae yanked the reins just in time to leap over a fallen tree.

When she landed, the shadow of a building appeared seemingly out of the mist. She breathed in deeply with surprise. Not once had she heard of this man. All along, he had been her neighbor.

She pulled Thomas to a skidding stop. In the clearing stood a stone manor, stately yet modest in size. A burst of lightning illuminated the ivy that crawled its walls.

Mae swept round. A set of hooves squished in the mud, effectively catching her off-guard. The stranger was by her side.

“’Tis by good chance I found you.” He laughed, lifting his face toward the sky as if to relish the rain.

“And the name of my rescuer?”

“Forgive me. Ethan Locke.”

For a few moments, Mae forgot the rain. She held his steady gaze, his eyes no more than two glinting lights in the gloom. How on earth had she never heard of this man? The mystery surrounding him made her instantly suspicious.

I hope you enjoyed this excerpt! If you’d like to read more, The Sapphire Heiress is 99c on Amazon or in Kindle Unlimited, click here!

A Horrifying Event

By Rue Allyn

On February 8, 2025

In Teatime Tattler

Dateline September 1812

Gentle Readers,

We are horrified to learn that the charming and irrepressible Lord Fontus Leigh—youngest brother of His Grace of Leigh—has killed Lord Vincent Doverton in a duel and fled the country. This author has learned that the cause of the duel between these one time friends was a careless remark by Doverton about Lady Blythe Cynearme, Marquessa of Cynedroit, young Leigh’s sister.

Lord Fontus’ challenge to Doverton was inevitable. A man must defend his family’s honor. The resulting death is unfortunate. Several witnesses to the duel all concur that Doverton fired first and missed. Whether intentionally or not is not known. Lord Fontus then took aim, according to witnesses, to the left of where Doverton stood. At the moment Lord Fontus pulled the trigger of his pistol, Doverton—for reasons no one can comprehend—moved into the line of fire. The shot hit him in the temple causing instantaneous death.

The Prince Regent has made clear that dueling is unacceptable and shall be considered murder if a death results. Few men have been prosecuted because the survivors of most duels resulting in a death are charged and hence never brought before a court of law. This is not the case, with the duel between young Lord Leigh and Doverton.

Doverton’s parent, Aloysious Doverton Lord Sandrow, a life peer, refuses to believe the several witnesses to this tragic even. Lord Sandrow has brought charges of murder against Lord Fontus Leigh. As influential as Lord Sandrow is, his impact on society and government pales by comparison with the power wielded by His Grace of Leigh. Thus, one would think that the unfair charges against Lord Fontus Leigh would be dismissed.

Sadly, His Grace washed his hands of his youngest sibling when that gentleman was expelled from University for the fourth time. Young Leigh had no recourse but to flee to the continent—a continent, I need not remind you, that is riddled with war and danger, especially for an Englishman. ‘Tis a sad loss to society of a highly entertaining young man. The antipathy between His Grace and Lord Sandrow amplifies the stress this loss has caused us all.

This author prays that at some future date, Lord Sandrow can be made to see reason, and Lord Fontus will be able to return before he can suffer any harm from England’s enemies.

About the Story: Forever & Always – The Secrets of Fontus Leigh Secret Leigh Series Book One By Rue Allyn, to be published in a Bluestocking Belles & Friends Collection launching in Fall of 2025.

Revealing their serets could be fatal.

He thought of her day and night. Lord Fontus Leigh secretly wed a stranger to protect her, then she left him with no way to find her. Years later, he is desperate to discover her whereabouts. His family has arranged another match for him, but he already has a wife. Unless the marriage was annulled as she promised.

She never forgot him. Out of options, Lady Deoiridh Aitken narrowly escaped marriage to a cruel fortune hunter by means of wedding a complete stranger. She swore her husband to secrecy before she left, believing everyone would be safer if no one knew where she was. The plan worked perfectly fo

Will evil destroy them, or can they overcome all obstacles and make a life together forever and always?

About the Author: Hi, I’m Rue Allyn, and mostly I’m about writing stories, books about heart melting romance. Books about characters and adventures in which love triumphs at the darkest moment. The kind of suspenseful, hopeful, cathartic, romance that melts a reader’s heart.

Join my Daring Damsels Facebook group or subscribe to my newsletter.

The Daring Damsels gather on Facebook and spread the word far and wide about great books, mine and other authors. Active members can have a lot of fun, reap rewards and gain prizes, all for free (and a little bit of your FB time). Here’s the link to Rue Allyn’s Daring Damsels. Or use this link to subscribe to Rue’s News (2 issues every month). Can’t wait to meet you.

A Tale That Has All of London Abuzz

By Alina K. Field

On February 5, 2025

In Teatime Tattler

My dear and delightful readers,

Brace yourselves, for your faithful servant has uncovered a most deliciously shocking tale that has all of London abuzz. Whispers ripple through the drawing rooms of Mayfair to the cobblestones of Covent Garden, all concerning none other than Lady M T.

Yes, that Lady M—the older T sister, infamous for her refusal to lower herself to the tedious rules of high society. It would seem dear M has found herself entangled in a web of intrigue thicker than the Prince Regent’s waistcoat.

The first morsel of gossip to be devoured is this—our rebellious Lady has reportedly caught the eye of His Royal Highness himself! A summons to the very halls of St. James has reached her dainty hands, extended in no less than what this columnist supposes is the Regent’s quest to claim her as his newest…companion. But here lies the rub, darlings. Despite the luxuries and lofty status associated with such a position, it is not, it seems, the Regent’s chambers that set her heart aflutter. No, no—Lady M’s passions appear to be directed elsewhere entirely.

And who, you ask, is the dark horse in this tale of tangled hearts? Why, none other than Mr. J S. The dashing, brooding figure once occupying the dukedom of D, now resigned to a life of quiet despair. Or so we thought. Lady M certainly sees no despair in him! This budding affection, I am told, has all the luminosity of a flame refusing to extinguish.

But dare I suggest, conflict and peril lie ahead? For what hope does a titleless Mr. S have of winning the lady when his greatest rival is none other than the ruler of the realm?

Yet, if there is a shred of hope for this passionate pair, it rests in the hands of the illustrious Mrs. D-L—a woman one should never call merely a matchmaker. Lady M has been seen arriving at the Mrs. D.L’s establishment at the oddest hours, with a mischievous kitten perched precariously upon her shoulder. Is it only matchmaking that she seeks within those walls? Or perhaps something far more daring? This columnist wouldn’t dream of speculating. (Oh, who am I fooling? Of course, I shall!)

Rumors whisper that Lady M, with Mrs. D-L at her side, is weaving a plan so scandalous it could upend the social order of London altogether. But to what end? To free herself from His Royal Highness’ advances? To secure her chance at happiness with the enigmatic Mr. S? Or might a larger secret be at stake—one tied to the D family collapsing dukedom that no one dare speak of aloud? Oh, my dearest readers, the questions pile higher than the overtrimmed bonnets at Almack’s!

Before I conclude, one last detail tickles this writer’s fancy, for the perilously curious shall adore this tidbit. Mr. S, long thought to have locked his heart away after a certain tragic chapter of his past, has been seen by my sources stealing glances at Lady M. One heartbroken hero, one audacious heroine, and a meddlesome kitten? The intrigue, my friends, is too divine to ignore.

I advise you to fortify your senses with tea and biscuits, for the days ahead promise to spill more secrets than the ton could possibly imagine. Will the Prince Regent claim his prize? Will forbidden love prevail? And most importantly, what role will that sprightly feline play in this swirling maelstrom of romance and rebellion?

Dear readers, I suggest you secure a copy of The Lyon’s Legacy without delay, lest you find yourself left behind in the torrent of passion, peril, and scandal that is sweeping the season.

Until next time,
Yours most scandalously,
Baroness Sophia von List

The first of the Two Dukes of Duncan and his Legacy of Heartbreak

The Lyon’s Legacy

Sometimes, passion is impossible to ignore.

Lady Melissa Thumbridge knows how to move through high society but refuses to play by its rules. When she’s summoned as the Prince Regent’s mistress, she finds herself trapped in a world of luxury and duty. Yet, her heart beats for another—John Stonebridge, who’s everything she’s ever wanted. Loving him, though, could cost them both everything. With her sister’s duchess title and the survival of the dukedom on the line, Melissa must summon all her strength to break free, with a little help from the infamous matchmaker Mrs. Dove-Lyon…and a meddlesome kitten named Angus.

Can Mrs. Dove-Lyon help her win her heart’s desire?

John Stonebridge thought he’d lost everything. Once the presumed heir to a dukedom, he’s been reduced to watching someone else wear the title, all while carrying the weight of his family’s legacy. After the loss of his first wife, John swore that he’d never allow his heart to hope again. But Melissa changes everything. She awakens something in him—a fire he can’t control and a future he yearns to grasp. The problem? Claiming her could ruin everything he’s sworn to protect.

But what use was love if it burned all else to ash around him?

When fate and duty threaten to keep them apart, Melissa and John must risk everything for a second chance at an impossible love they were always meant to find. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of a castle, their steamy romance is a passionate blend of courage, scandal, and the ultimate test of devotion.

Discover this spicy, second-chance Regency romance where a smart heroine, a sexy hero, and a little cat conspire to defy all odds.
Buy The Lyon’s Legacy today and indulge in a story that will steal your heart!
Read in Kindle Unlimited!

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DTJBFX2R

Bio: 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.

Instagram: @author_sara_adrien
Substack: https://authorsara.substack.com/ (The Backstage Pass to My Writing)

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

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

His Lordship Disappears with Two Ladies!

By Alina K. Field

On February 1, 2025

In Teatime Tattler

My dear Mr. Clemons,

What a delicious on dit I have for you!

Lord R, a most distinguished cavalry officer recently returned from Brussels after recovering from quite savage wounds in last summer’s battle, has disappeared. One might speculate that he has simply taken himself off to the country for a respite against this season’s matchmaking mamas, except that no such respite is needed. Lord R is completely unavailable to matchmakers, having been affianced for over a year to a duke’s granddaughter.

However… I have learned from my maid that Lord R attended a certain birthday party for a young Scottish lady, along with his fiancée and her grandfather the duke.

Lord R has not been seen since.

Nor has the fiancée, nor has the Scottish lady whose birthday was celebrated. It was noted that Lord R was seen in close conversation with the Scottish lady, an almost intimate tete-a-tete that sent eyebrows skyward, especially those of the duke.

What could have happened to Lord R and the young ladies? Is he in danger? One hopes his fiancée has not done him and her rival harm!

Claims of the Heart

Since a perilous fall, Lucie Macbeth has been seeing more than a settled future as the heiress to a Scottish barony. The visions plaguing her include a man—one far above her class and breeding, and English to boot. He’s engaged to a duke’s granddaughter as well, and thus wholly inappropriate. Though she can’t marry him, and she won’t become any man’s leman, when the Sight warns her of danger to him, her conscience, and her heart tell her she can’t walk away.

Since his return from Waterloo, Major Lord Rudgwick has been rusticating in the country teaching himself how to live as a man with only one hand and pondering how to end the engagement he contracted before his world turned upside down. But then a letter arrives from an old army comrade, requesting Rudgwick’s aid for his daughter, Lucie Macbeth, the woman he met one year earlier, the woman whose claims on his heart he can’t deny.

Buy Link:

https://books2read.com/ClaimsoftheHeart

Author Bio and Links:

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 gold-eyed terrier and only occasionally misses snow.

Website: https://alinakfield.com/

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

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