Category: Teatime Tattler Page 5 of 138

High Stakes, in Chess–and Love!

Ladies and Gentlemen, gather your teacups and prepare your fans for fluttering, for today’s tittle-tattle traverses the tantalizing tale of Baron Gregory Stone, known in the shadows of London’s candlelit corridors as the Black Knight. Not for his sable attire nor for his darkly handsome visage, but for his prowess on the chessboard, where he reigns supreme. Yet, it appears our Baron has found himself in a game far more perilous than chess—a game of the heart.

Miss Hermione “Hermy” Ellsworth, a gem of the countryside, once radiant in the glow of London’s ballrooms, has found herself in a predicament most dire. Exiled due to a scandal that whispers cannot name, she seeks independence from the shackles of an arranged marriage, dictated by her late brother’s will. Her guardian, none other than our Black Knight himself, holds the key to her future. But dear readers, it is not only her freedom at stake but also her heart—for it once beat fervently for the Baron.

Baron Stone, amidst the intrigue of Parliament and the cutthroat tactics of chess, now faces his greatest challenge. With but two weeks to alter the course of Miss Ellsworth’s fate, he is drawn into a web of societal pressures and villainous schemes. A correspondence chess game, shadowy in its intent, becomes the battleground for her independence, his career, and the well-being of their mutual friends, the Pearlers.

The stakes? Nothing less than the Baron’s lost love and the very fabric of society itself.

Will our dashing Black Knight outmaneuver his adversaries both on the board and in the ballrooms? Can love indeed trump the rigid dictates of Regency London? This tale weaves through the heart of a battle for love and liberty, promising intrigue at every turn.

“Baron in Check” promises a tour de force of romantic adventures, with suitors bold and socialites cunning. Our characters dance through the glittering backdrop of Regency London, each move calculated, each glance significant. And amidst the sparkling wit and whispered secrets, one question remains—will the Black Knight capture his queen, or will the game of love prove too treacherous?

Dear readers, keep your eyes peeled and your ears open, for in this season of romance and strategy, every move counts. And remember, in the game of love and chess, it’s the heart that’s the true prize.

With all the affection—and a sprinkle of mischief—I remain,

Your devoted chronicler of hearts and secrets as I will make an impression in this story myself,

Baroness Sophia von List

Blurb

Baron in Check is the first book in the Check Mates series. It has been a #1 bestseller in several categories on Amazon and has received outstanding feedback from readers. The story brings Gregory Stone back who’s proven himself as a devoted friend in the Infiltrating the Ton and Diamond Dynasty series. Get 50% off the book bundle and save on the Check Mate series at www.SaraAdrien.com.

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.

Find her at:

Instagram: @jewishregencyromance

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

What’s There “Instead of Harmony?”

By Rue Allyn

On June 26, 2024

In Teatime Tattler

Dear Esteemed Members of the Ton,

As your most devoted and diligent chronicler of the comings and goings in our illustrious society, it has come to my attention that the quiet harmony of Regent Street has been delightfully disrupted by a series of events most extraordinary. And who, you might ask, are the orchestrators of this melodious chaos? None other than the gentlemen of Klonimus & Sons, Jewelers at the venerable address of 35 Regent Street.

In an era where our beloved city prides itself on decorum and discretion, the Klonimus family has dared to add a dash of the dramatic to our daily promenades, not least through the musical escapades of one particularly talented brother. A jeweler by trade and a pianist by passion, this young man has taken it upon himself to serenade not just the diamonds in their vaults but the entirety of Regent Street with compositions so complex, they would make even the maestros of Milan weep with envy. His piano, a siren chiming through the open windows, draws unsuspecting patrons from far and wide, leaving the shopfronts across the way in a state of unaccustomed quietude.

But the intrigue does not end at the ivories. No, dear readers, for the Jewish Klonimus brothers are a sight for sore eyes, each more dashing than the last. Six in number, they stride through London’s streets as if they were equals with the gentry, their charm and chiseled physiques causing quite a stir among the city’s debutantes. Their shop, renowned for its sparkling wares, has become a beacon for those seeking beauty in jewel and gentleman form.

Yet, it is within the heart of one—the pianist, no less—where our news take a tantalizing turn. For amidst the glittering gems and echoing melodies lies a secret rendezvous most scandalous. A mysterious lady, garbed in a gown of the deepest purple, has been seen ascending to the attic, her identity hidden, her intentions unknown. Is this clandestine affair the prelude to a love story for the ages, or a scandal that threatens to tarnish the Klonimus name?

One cannot help but marvel at the delicious irony of it all. Here stands a family that adorns the aristocracy with the finest jewels, yet it is their own stories, rich with emotion and intrigue, that prove to be the most captivating gems of all.

Keep your eyes peeled and your ears attuned, dear members of the ton, for this jeweler across the street vows to uncover the truth. What spells trouble for the Klonimus clan spells delight for us, as we watch this saga unfold with bated breath. Will love conquer all, or will the sweet symphonies sour into dissonance?

I cannot wait to find out who the young woman in the purple gown is.

Yours in unparalleled anticipation,

A Watchful Observer

Blurb: “Instead of Harmony” is the first book in the Diamond Dynasty series. It has been a #1 bestseller in several categories on Amazon and has received outstanding feedback from readers. The story begins the Diamond Dynasty series, in which each of the lovely Klonimus brothers has an adventure and finds love. However, through an exciting treasure hunt that spans the series, the Klonimus brothers find delightful twists and turns, vivid settings, and steamy romances. Watch the book trailer and get 20% off the series at www.SaraAdrien.com.

Bio: Bestselling author Sara Adrien writes hot and 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.

Sign up for Sara Adrien’s VIP Newsletter and get a free book at www.SaraAdrien.com or visit this site to claim your free book now.

Instagram: @jewishregencyromance

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

A Most Scandalous Ball

By Alina K. Field

On June 19, 2024

In Teatime Tattler

The Talk of the Ton

Dear Reader,

The first ball of this year’s Season has not disappointed.

Lady C’s ball this week, a veritable crush, offered a host of delicious on dits:

the return of the widowed hostess after many years of mysterious absence from society, the delayed debut to society of the Honorable Miss NL, and the arrival of a handsome new peer, one elevated from rather lowly branches of his family tree to an exalted level in the kingdom.

In homage to the caricature in the shop window where said new peer may have recently appeared, we shall call him SD.

As it happened, the newly raised SD had to be, well, newly raised from Lady C’s ballroom floor after imbibing an excess of the evening spirit and toppling the unfortunate Miss NL.

He has fled town; she has reportedly barricaded herself in her bedchamber while her very large family gathers for a council of war.

Beware, ye newly elevated peer. I have it on good authority that the young lady has vowed revenge!

Be assured that this faithful correspondent will keep you, dear Reader, apprised of the next delicious chapter of this drama.

A Wallflower’s Midsummer Night’s Caper

Book #15 in the multi-author Revenge of the Wallflowers Series

As Midsummer Night’s magic unfolds and passions rise, will a repentant duke be well and truly punished, or will a vengeful wallflower be caught in her own game?

A Midsummer Night’s masquerade at her family’s country home presents the Honorable Nancy Lovelace with the perfect opportunity for revenge against the man who ruined her first London season—a man she’s known since childhood, a man she’d once thought she loved. With the help of her crew of younger relatives, she’ll give him his comeuppance.

Thanks to his bad behavior, Simon Crayding is now known to society as the Swilling Duke. When an old school chum invites him for a Midsummer Night’s party, he jumps at the chance to lick his wounds among friends and apologize to his friend’s sister, Nancy, because apparently, he’s done something to hurt her, he just doesn’t remember what.

It soon becomes clear that Nancy will not easily forgive. Never one to resist a challenge—or a beautiful lady—Simon vows to persevere. As the night unfolds and passions rise, will Simon be well and truly punished, or will Nancy be caught in her own game?

Excerpt:

Oh, for a familiar dance partner. Her brother, George, wouldn’t mind if she stepped on his toes; her brother, Fitz, would laugh if she made a wrong turn. The same was true for Rupert and Selwyn.

Or… what about Simon?

Thoughts of him sent emotions spiraling in her, longing twining with annoyance, and strands of hurt and embarrassment befuddling her, so that when she turned a corner, she stumbled against a large body with a startled squeak.

“Here now. What’s this?”

Powerful hands matched the deep masculine voice and set her back, steadying her. She looked up, astonished, and her heart swelled and threatened to burst. All the mixed emotions evaporated, and joy flooded her. Dark hair spilled over one blue-gray eye and the full lips pursed together in a frown.

He’d come for her. Simon Clayding—Duke of Something now, but he would always be Simon to her—Simon was here.

“It’s you,” she said. “I’m so s-sorry. I’m as clumsy as ever. B-but… you’re here?”

Perhaps he would dance with her. Perhaps she should ask him.

“’Course I’m here.” He blinked, as though trying to focus. “Question is, why are you here looking like a fresh young thing ready for your come-out?”

“S-Simon?”

“Simon?” He muttered a foul profanity she’d heard only on the rarest of occasions spilling from one of her brothers’ mouths. “Demmed Percy told you my Christian name, I suppose, and sent you along. One of his pranks. Well, madam, you’re a pretty thing, and I mean you no offense, but I’m not going to be sidetracked tonight. I’m not interested.”

A wave of misery stilled her tongue and drove the breath from her. She’d loved Simon Clayding since her brother George brought him home from school that first holiday fifteen years ago when she’d been not much more than a baby.

In the dim light of a wall sconce, his gaze darkened and held hers, despite his proclaimed lack of interest.

Perhaps… Simon hadn’t seen her in nine years. He didn’t recognize her. He had her confused with someone else.

Reasoning trickled back into her senses, bringing along the strong scent of brandy.

Of course. He was completely foxed.

She licked her lips, preparing to set him straight, but as she opened her mouth, a spark lit his eyes and turned up the corners of his mouth.

And then he tugged her, pressing his lips to hers, pressing his chest to her… to her…

Breath left her in a whoosh as he angled his mouth over hers, nibbling and then entering her with his tongue, inflaming desire, demanding surrender.

She gripped his broad shoulders but instead of steadying her, their solidness sent heat spinning through her.

Simon was kissing her. Simon. The first man to kiss her. At a public ball. He cared for her. He hadn’t forgotten. He meant to mar…

“There.” He set her back as suddenly as he’d swooped down on her.

A tendril of hair fell over her cheek, the same one that a maid had just pinned.

“That’s all you’ll get from me. Go back and tell Percy we’ve had our tumble, if you will, and demand payment from him. Get you gone before one of the servants sees you and throws you out on your arse.”

He turned her around and smacked her bottom. She staggered against the wall, righted herself, and turned back ready to give him a piece of her mind.

Pick up a digital copy from your favorite bookseller: https://books2read.com/aWallflowersMidsummerNightCaper

Love series romance? Find links to the entire multi-author series here.

About the author:

USA Today bestselling author and newest member of the Bluestocking Belles, 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/

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Shocking scene at Duchess’s ball. Duke discloses dirty secret.

By Bluestocking Belles

On June 1, 2024

In Jude Knight, Teatime Tattler

What can one say about the shocking events at a certain important charity ball yesterday evening. The host is well known to our readers, not only for his loyal service to the Crown and his devoted care of his estates, but also for his scandalous behaviour with actresses, other men’s wives and, indeed, it is rumoured, many other females in every level society.

Much is forgiven a man who is wealthy beyond the wildest dreams of most people, and who holds, besides, one of the highest ranks outside of the Royal Family. Indeed, Royal blood runs in the veins of the man they call the Duke of Haveandhold.

Will this latest start be forgiven, we wonder? You will remember, dear reader, recent speculation in this newspaper about the identity of the man who was caught in the shrubbery with the mother of London’s latest reigning beauty. The lovely young wife of the Marquess of T. was born nine months the scandalous discovery and seven months after her mother’s hasty marriage to a man who had not been in London at the time. Until last night, no one knew who had taken the innocence of that young lady so many years ago. Taken her innocence and walked away, furthermore.

Last night, the mystery was solved. The Duke of H. informed the entire ballroom, including all the interested parties, that he was the marchioness’s father. Not, we grant you, in so many words, but his meaning was clear. As was his threat against any who spoke ill of the young lady.

Far be it from us to criticise any young lady for the sins of her father. We wish the marchioness well. That the duke will find forgiveness in public goes without saying. He is far too powerful to offend. We do wonder, however, what the Duchess of Haverford had to say about the matter in private.

***

The Sincerest Flattery

When Percival Lord Thornstead heads to the far north of England to meet the bride his father has arranged for him to marry, bad weather, the ague and a crooked valet disrupt his travel plans. Turned away at the door of the manor, he takes a job minding sheep to stay close.

Lady Aurelia Byrne sneaks away from the house dressed as a kitchen maid. She is angry at being told she must marry someone she has never met. She’d rather marry the shepherd she meets in the fields than the London fop her father has chosen for her.

Percy guesses who Lia is and is charmed. Lia discovers who Percy is and falls in love. If not for Lia’s overbearing mother all would be perfect.

Then Percy’s father intervenes to carry Lia off to London to make her debut with Percy’s sister. She is having the time of her life when her mother makes public accusations that call her reputation into question. A hasty marriage restores her to favor. Deep in the throes of love, the young couple are blissfully happy, and have fashionable London at their feet.

Until a former mistress of Percy’s comes seeking a boon that takes him away from Lia’s side, and old rumors about Lia’s mother are revived, causing Lia to be shunned by the highest sticklers. Their marriage will be tested to breaking point.

(This is a book in A Twist Upon a Regency Tale, and is inspired by The Goose Girl.)

Excerpt from The Sincerest Flattery

Lia felt her confidence slip two dances later when she and Percy stood out with his family for a dance, and the Duke of Haverford approached, escorting his wife with a raised hand under hers, as if they were about to approach the King or enter the dance.

“Lady Kirkland, Dellborough,” Haverford greeted them. The gentlemen all bowed and the ladies curtseyed. Gwen and Lia dropped into a full court curtsey in honor of the duchess. Even Aunt Enid’s curtsey was a little deeper than usual.

“This little puss must be yours, Dellborough,” said Haverford, putting his hand under Gwen’s chin and forcing her to look up at him. Lia, who was always conscious of her husband, saw him stiffen with outrage.

“Lady Guinevere Versey, my treasured eldest daughter.” The Duke of Dellborough’s voice was pure ice and Haverford withdrew his hand.

There was a glint of mischief in his eyes as he commented, “I do not know which is more likely to wound, on my oath, Dell. Your voice or your minx’s eyes. Both are cold enough to be lethal.” Then, in a change of mood, “You look like your mother, Lady Guinevere. She was a fine lady. Loyal and true, as well as beautiful. You can be proud to be her daughter.”

“I am, Your Grace,” Gwen said, with another beautiful curtsey.

Haverford turned his attention to Lia. “And whom have we here?”

Percy spoke up, addressing the Duchess of Haverford. “Your Grace, may I make known to you my wife, Lady Thornstead.”

Lia curtseyed again, and looked into kind hazel eyes.

“Lady Thornstead, I am pleased to meet you,” said the duchess. “I was a friend of your mother-in-law and have long taken an interest in her sons and daughters. From this day, I shall count you as one of them.”

The glint in her husband’s eyes sparked brighter. “The relationship is closer than you might think, my dear. Since you have seen fit to bring one reminder of my peccadillos under my roof, you can hardly object to me acknowledging another.”

At the flare of alarm in the lady’s eyes, and in her own father-in-law’s, Lia realized that the Duchess of Haverford had not been warned about the proposed announcement, but it was too late. The duke had already signaled the orchestra, and the room had fallen silent. They were close to the bottom of the stairs, and the duke leapt up three of them until he could be seen across the room.

“My friends, I have another announcement to make tonight. I am speaking particularly to those of you who have been tossing gossip around for weeks about one of this year’s debutantes—some would say this year’s most successful debutante, since she was the first married and to the undoubted catch of the season. Aurelia, come here.”

He held out his hand, and Lia saw no choice, but was glad when Percy clasped hands with her and came too.

“Ah! I get two for the price of one,” said the Duke of Haverford. “When my old friend Dellborough asked me to extend my influence and friendship to this charming lady, I wondered at the relationship myself, for a man of my age has many pleasant memories to look back over on a quiet evening.” He grinned at the audience, who were leaning forward in their eagerness to hear more.

“Some are unforgettable, however.” He kissed his hand towards the left, and Lia saw, to her horror, that her mother and Lord Harrowby stood there, a gap widening about them as the crowd drew away.

“So, it is my pleasure to announce that I freely acknowledge my special interest in this lovely young lady, daughter-in-law to the Duke of Dellborough and wife to Lord Thornstead here. The particulars are of no importance to anyone except those involved.” He stopped for the murmur that washed through the crowd as Mama’s face whitened and Lord Harrowby’s reddened.

Haverford changed mood again, the mischief disappearing and the arrogant autocrat rising to the surface. “That being the case, know this. Speak ill of this young lady or her husband, and face the wrath of two dukes, a marquess,” he pointed to Percy, and added in a confiding tone, “—who is a pup, but pups grow and so do their teeth—and an earl.” The last gesture was to Lord Harrowby.

“Not to mention the distaff side,” he added, nodding to Lady Harrowby, and then to Aunt Enid. He also held out a hand to Her Grace.

The duchess took the challenge, climbing the stairs and allowing the duke to bow mockingly over her fingers. “A wise man, or woman, would not discount the distaff side,” she said, her voice ringing clearly over the ballroom as her husband’s had before her. She then kissed Aurelia on the cheek, murmuring, “Welcome to the family.”

Dellborough and Aunt Enid joined them, adding their visual weight to the message. Defy the Haverfords and the Dellboroughs at your peril. As far as it went, that was a good thing, but the Duke of Haverford was a chancy ally. Lia could see he had used the opportunity to settle scores with the Harrowbys and his own wife. Probably with the Duke of Dellborough, too.

Who’s waiting at the “Margins of Love?”

By Rue Allyn

On April 10, 2024

In Teatime Tattler

Ladies and Gentlemen, sharp your quills and lend me your ears, for the Teatime Tattler has acquired the most delectable morsel of scandal to grace our esteemed society in many a moon. Yours truly, the venerable Dowager Carol Bustle-Smith, shall waste no time in bestowing upon you the tantalizing tidings that have the tongues of the Ton a-wagging.

It has come to my attention, through reliable and discrete sources, that the elusive haute-couture jeweler and esteemed golden boy of the Ton, Mister Fave Pearler, has entangled his heart in the most enigmatic of betrothals. The object of his affections remains shrouded in mystery, an unfathomable shadow play to even the most discerning nobles among us.

But fear not, dear readers, for I have my ways to uncover the identity of this clandestine rose among thorns and reveal all in due time. For now, let us bask in the glow of the gossip and revel in the speculation that flutters like butterflies through our parlors.

Whispers pour forth from the corners of every ballroom—what secrets do the Pearlers harbor in those vaults as impenetrable as their famed gemstones? Mrs. Eve Pearler, Matriarch of the house, guards her lips with silence as cold and unforgiving as marble. Fear not, for your loyal Carol has devised a brilliant plan. I will host a magnificent house party and invite the Pearler clan to uncover the elusive bride-to-be from her hidden lair.

Will there be a slip of the tongue, a glance too tender, an intimate gesture caught betwixt the greenery? Will the Pearlers’ secret tumble forth like so many pearls scattered from a broken string? Such delicious anticipation sets my heart all aflutter!

Forthwith, I present to you the bountiful backdrop against which this drama shall unfold. In mere days, my opulent estate in Sommerset shall open its doors, thronged with dandies, duchesses, and dignitaries clamoring for a single, life-altering revelation! Speculation abounds that this unknown damsel may be neither a highborn lady nor a fixture of our beloved Almack’s. Could it be a love match that flouts the very conventions upon which our society is built?

The scandal! The sheer audacity of a union formed not from duty, nor advantageous connection! Our Fave Pearler, who could command the hand of any maiden in the land with but a smile, surrenders to heart’s capricious whimsy—a romantic gesture that flares brightly as a beacon of passion against the rigid mores of propriety.

I execute each stroke of this missive with a hand trembling from eager anticipation of the revelations to come. Prepare yourselves for an assembly such as never before witnessed; where the unveil may indeed prove to be the most scintillating, enlightening, and—dare I prognosticate—lucrative moment of our gilded age if the Pearlers open their accounts to reimburse me for my silence once I find out who Fave Pearler’s bride-to-be is?

Until we next convene, I remain the keeper of society’s conscience and the mistress of its most deliciously dark secrets,

The Dowager Carol Bustle-Smith

About The Margins of Love:

Lady Bustle-Smith is the villain in the first book of the Infiltrating the Ton series by Sara Adrien. In Margins of Love, we meet the Pearlers, a Jewish family of jewelers hiding in plain sight among the Ton. He’s indeed trapped to attend Lady Bustle-Smith’s houseparty and he won’t be able to keep his hands off the beautiful Rachel. But what about he girl he’s supposed to marry? How can he reconcile the duty to his family and the love in his heart? Find out how the Pearlers fare in the face of blackmail as they embark upon the Competition for the Crown Jewels that spans this trilogy and brace yourself for a happy ending like no other. Watch the book trailer and get 20% off the trilogy at www.SaraAdrien.com.

About Sara Adrien:

Bestselling author Sara Adrien writes hot and 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.

Sign up for Sara Adrien’s VIP Newsletter and get a free book from the Infiltrating the Ton series at www.SaraAdrien.com or visit this site to claim your free book now.

Instagram: @jewishregencyromance

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

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

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