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Leaves Instead of Roses? Our Bond Street Correspondent Spies a Duke with Designs

By

On November 5, 2025

In Teatime Tattler

Dearest Readers,

Sharpen your quizzing glasses and pour the strongest Darjeeling, for London hums with a most diverting on-dit. The new Duke of Rotheworth—yes, the very one whose elevation arrived on the heels of a family disgrace—has returned to Town with something far more dangerous than a coronet: regret… and a particular lady on his mind.

Your obedient correspondent was positioned (purely by accident) behind a tower of ribbon at a certain Bond Street establishment when His Grace entered, unannounced and unescorted, carrying—do not swoon—a tidy packet of autumn leaves tied in satin. Leaves, my dears. Not roses, not orchids from Kew, but the very gold and crimson carpeting St. James’s Park. And to whom, you ask, did this rustic bouquet belong?

To Lady Charlene Fielding.

Now, Lady C is no feather-headed debutante. Since a certain gentleman of our acquaintance—Mr. David Cross as was Rotheworth’s twin brother, ahem—mislaid her trust some time ago, our lady has grown as sharp as a new hatpin and twice as difficult to dislodge. She laughs, she walks out with her friends, she minds her own fortune, and by all reports entertains no dukes, rakes, or anyone who answers to “Cross.”

Yet there he stood, a fallen Apollo with a ducal seal, presenting a ribbon-tied October to a woman who has wintered her heart to safety.

“Flowers are apologies,” a milliner’s girl whispered behind the counter. “Leaves are a promise. They say, I know what season you’re in.”

Do not be deceived by the gentleness of the token. This correspondent has it from a footman who keeps late hours (and an ear to keyholes) that the pair were observed in close conversation beneath an orangery lantern at last night’s small party in Mayfair. No raised voices; only the careful sort of silence that lives between two people who remember exactly what a kiss once cost.

Meanwhile, society lists bloom like Michaelmas daisies: three weddings in as many weeks, if our invitations are to be believed. Will Lady C add her name to the harvest? Or will she prove that a woman may prefer her independence to a title polished by penitence?

As for His Grace, those who have watched him take the cut direct with admirable composure swear he carries the look of a man who will not lose the same thing twice. Whether the lady will permit a second chance is another matter entirely. My recommendation to the ton: keep to the edge of the ballroom and do not blink when the leaves change again.

Your most faithful purveyor of harmless mischief,

A Lady’s Maid Who Knows Where the Pins Are Hidden

 

How To Seduce a Duke This Autumn

by Sara Adrien and Tanya Wilde

One scandal. One missed chance. One impossible love.

Lady Charlene Fielding has no interest in dukes, rakes—or anyone named Cross. Not after Adam Cross shattered her trust and vanished without a word. With the help of friends, laughter, and hard-won independence, she’s mended what he broke. She doesn’t need a man. Least of all him.

She vowed never to forgive him. He vowed never to give up.

Adam Cross never wanted a title—let alone his brother’s disgrace. But as the new Duke of Rotheworth, he returns to London with more than duty on his shoulders. He carries regret. And the memory of the one woman he let down. The one he still wants.

But winning her back won’t be easy.

She’s colder now. Sharper. And determined never to let him close enough to hurt her again.

But the Season is full of surprises.
Weddings bloom like wildflowers.
Old secrets resurface.
And one stolen kiss could undo everything.

Is love worth risking it all… again?

A full-length steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and plenty of heat, heartbreak, and redemption.

Tropes You’ll Love:
✔ Childhood Sweethearts
✔Friends to Lovers
✔ Second Chance Romance
✔ He Fell First
✔ Protective, Sexy Duke
✔ Stolen Kisses
✔ Dance Lessons
✔ Twin Brother Rivalry
✔ Secret Past
✔ Fireworks & First Kisses
✔ Found Family / Female Friendship Circle
✔ Autumn Romance

If you crave your Regency romance with emotional stakes, sizzling tension, and a hero who never stopped loving her—this is your next must-read.

Step into a world of glittering ballrooms, fiery attraction, and scandalous secrets in Book 3 of this steamy Regency romance series by #1 bestselling authors Sara Adrien and Tanya Wilde. Perfect for fans of enemies to lovers, sizzling chemistry, and revenge served with a smile. This captivating continuation is packed with witty banter, dangerous stakes, and a love that refuses to be tamed. While best enjoyed in order, this book can also be read as a standalone.

Read in Kindle Unlimited!

Note: This series is part of Dragonblade’s Flame line, so this is a scorching-hot read with open-door steam.

Wedding Fever Series
Book 1: Dare to Tempt an Earl This Spring
Book 2: How to Lose A Prince This Summer
Book 3: How To Seduce A Duke This Autumn
Book 4: Ways To Kiss A Marquess This Winter

Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FT44P8GQ

Get the FREE companion book: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/4mrzm42ill

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

Substack: authorsara.substack.com

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

 

 

The Strange Encounter of a Duke and a Scholarly Temptress

By

On October 8, 2025

In Teatime Tattler

Dear Readers,

This report was received just yesterday from one of my faithful correspondents. I know you will find it quite interesting.

Dear Mr. Clemens,

I’m sharing a strange encounter and I’m still unsure whether it was real or a figment of my overactive imagination. I was in a carriage traversing London when I looked out the window and spotted one of the illicit markets that no respectable man or woman would ever attend. Yes, we all love the goods acquired from these illegal events, as they are often tax-free or discounted. I confess I may have an antiquity or a bottle of wine that has passed through such a market.

Still, every respected member of the ton knows to send their servants and not attend themselves, which is why I was shocked to discover the Duke of Sinclair and a brunette woman standing outside one of the events, arguing. At least, I thought it was the Duke of Sinclair. Unfortunately, I only witnessed the interaction briefly.

A carriage passing blocked my line of sight, and by the time it was gone, the man and woman arguing had disappeared. I’ve tried to convince myself it wasn’t him. He is, after all, the most respected duke in London. Yet, the more I ponder it, the more I’m convinced it was him. So, reader, that left me wondering why the Duke of Sinclair would be at such a place and who the woman was with him?

Interestingly, I just read that the Historical Society for Female Curators has partnered with scholar Rose Calvert, an expert in ancient texts. I don’t want to presume too much, but she does have reddish brown hair, and all of London knows how much the duke loves his antiquities. Could it have been them outside arguing, and were they buying stolen relics?

Again, I only caught one glimpse of them, so no one should dare repeat this rumor with any certainty. Yet, if it was them, what could a highly respected duke and eccentric scholar be doing together?

Sincerely,

A Bewildered Lady

 A Translation of Desire

The scholarly temptress is everything he shouldn’t want.

Rose Calvert, famed scholar, returns to London to attend a Season. She has no interest, but her father has forced her hand by shipping ancient tablets back to the city that she is desperate to decipher. She begrudgingly agrees to stay and immerse herself in the balls and teas until she has finished working on the artifacts. Her father hopes she will find her perfect match among London society. She has no interest until an encounter with the imposing Duke of Sinclair makes her begin to question all she has ever desired.

Augustus, the Duke of Sinclair, is the most sought-after gentleman in London. He is considered the unobtainable duke. He has a vast estate and a successful import business that provides goods and antiquities to all of London. Yet, at thirty-five, he still hasn’t found a lady to be his bride. He knows it is his duty to find the perfect duchess, and when he encounters Rose Calvert, it is clear she is not that, but there is something about the woman that he can’t seem to resist.
When Rose’s ancient tablets go missing, she and Augustus team up to find them.

As they spend more time together, these two mismatched partners find it hard to resist the hum of attraction that swirls between them.

Tropes you’ll love:

  • Opposites Attract
  • Class Difference
  • Bluestocking Heroine
  • Stuffy Duke
  • Slow burn
  • Romance with suspense
  • Forbidden Love

About the Author

Since stealing her first historical romance novel from her mother more than twenty years ago, Ramona Elmes has been all in on the genre. Her infatuation with the historical and steamy stirred her to write her own romances.

Ramona loves to write happily ever afters set in the Victorian era. She believes this period makes an exciting backdrop for fast-paced storylines, steamy moments, dramatic endings, and memorable characters.

When not creating ways to entice and torture her characters, she spends her days in Georgia coordinating her family’s crazy life, refereeing pets, hiking, and reading on her front porch.

Reading is hands-down her favorite way to relax, and she is an avid reader of all romance subgenres. Give her a dramatic storyline, a grand declaration, and heart-filled steamy moments, and she is in.

To get updates on Ramona’s books, follow her on Amazon, Facebook, Instagram, or her website.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elmes_ramona/

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

Website: https://ramonaelmes.com/

 

 

News to Set Your Heart Aflutter

By

On September 17, 2025

In Teatime Tattler

Dear Reader,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Excerpt:

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

 

“What do ye mean they’ve gone?”

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

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

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

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

“Half an hour, maybe more.”

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Author Bio:

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

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

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

C.H.’s Social Media Links:

Website:

https://www.chadmirand.com

Amazon:

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

BookBub:

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

Facebook Author Page:

https://www.facebook.com/CHAdmirandAuthor

GoodReads:

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

Dragonblade Publishing:

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

Instagram:

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

YouTube:

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

 

 

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

By

On August 27, 2025

In Teatime Tattler

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE ROGUE’S RUNAWAY BRIDE by Tara Kingston

An heiress on the run . . .

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

The rogue who never got over her . . .

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

And loving Arabelle would be the biggest risk of all.

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

About the Author:

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

Contact Links:

Facebook:

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

Webpage:

https://www.tarakingston.com/

Newsletter Sign-Up:

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

Instagram:

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

Pinterest:

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

 

 

Only a duke? Or enemy as well?

By

On August 13, 2025

In Teatime Tattler

Dearest Readers,

This author has it on the highest authority the Duke of Mortimer has been spotted in Brighton. Why is that gossip worthy, you may wonder? Well, he was spotted with none other than Lady Louisa Talbot.

Shocking, I know!

This author did not believe it either at first. After all, are not the Talbots and the Cavanaghs more sworn enemies than the Montagues and Capulets? And yet, whispers persist. One footman swears he saw the duke disguised as a gardener—a gardener, dear reader!—trimming hedges and staring longingly at the lady’s window. Another claims he heard raised voices followed by . . . laughter? Dare one believe it was flirtation?

More outrageous still: a scuffle in the corridor, a misplaced betting book (yes, that betting book), and an encounter in the kitchen at midnight. Alone.

This is sure to be a scandal of the highest order, if true. But whether this tale ends in a duel or a declaration, this author shall soon uncover more…

With quill poised and eyes peeled,

Your Devoted Gossipmonger

Only A Duke

A bright heiress. A cold investigator duke. And a family feud that could ruin them both.

Lady Louisa Talbot has three rules when it comes to men: avoid fortune hunters, avoid criminals, and most importantly, avoid powerful men. Especially dukes. Dukes are the worst! So imagine her shock when she catches one rifling through her drawers in the dead of night. And this is not just any duke—he’s her family’s sworn enemy!

Oliver Cavanagh, the Duke of Mortimer, is ruthless, calculating, and never fails to bring an opponent to heel. So sneaking into a Talbot residence to retrieve useful evidence should be a mere trifle. Until getting caught red-handed by a very cross, very alluring Lady Louisa turns the whole situation highly inconvenient. Worse, the item he is after has vanished, stolen away by a band of suspicious brothers from Brighton. Now he has no choice but to track it down yet again—except Lady Louisa refuses to be left behind.

With every perilous twist, sparks fly, and Oliver finds himself impossibly drawn to the one woman who threatens his ironclad control. But he also harbors a secret—one that could shatter the tenuous alliance that has grown between them.

Can they defy generational rivalry and rewrite their own fate? Or will the sins of the past tear them apart forever?

Purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Only-Duke-Regency-Historical-Romance-ebook/dp/B0FFBR9Y6R

About Tanya Wilde:

Award-Winning and International Bestselling author Tanya Wilde developed a passion for reading when she had nothing better to do than lurk in the library during her lunch breaks. Her love affair with pen and paper soon followed after she devoured all of their historical romance books!

When she’s not meddling in the lives of her characters or pondering names for her imaginary big, white greyhound, she’s off on adventures with her partner in crime.

Wilde lives in a town at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains, South Africa.

Find her at:

Website: https://www.authortanyawilde.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanyawilde/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tanya-wilde

Wallflowers and Wenches Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/843373666456177

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