Tag: Victorian Romance Page 1 of 2

Shocking Jewel Heist at the Mivart! Heiresses Robbed, Auction Ruined, and One Gentleman Mysteriously Missing…

By Alina K. Field

On November 19, 2025

In Teatime Tattler

THE TEATIME TATTLER

Serving Scandal Steeped in Truth (or Close Enough)

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION FROM OUR MOST IMAGINATIVE CORRESPONDENT

Dearest Readers,

As your devoted servant in all things scandalous and sparkling, I regret to inform you that yesterday’s highly anticipated auction at the Mivart Hotel was nearly undone by a brazen theft of the entire Lady Babbage jewelry collection—yes, you read that correctly, the entire collection!—mere hours before bidding was set to begin.

The glittering assortment of sapphires, diamonds, and heirloom tiaras had been intended to fund the futures (read: dowries) of Lady Babbage’s most promising daughters, Lady Cecilia and—well—me. Needless to say, I had a rather vested interest in those jewels remaining securely fastened to their velvet-lined display boxes.

Theft aside, the real mystery is this: where was my elder sister, Lady Cecilia Babbage, during the precise time of the robbery? Witnesses place her gliding from the gardens into the ballroom not long before the crime was discovered, cheeks flushed, hair slightly mussed, and accompanied by her dashing fiancé. Curious, no?

But what’s more, that very fiancé is now under suspicion for the theft, even though another certain gentleman of questionable profession (rumored to possess excellent cheekbones and an even more scandalous past) was seen slipping into a second-floor chamber minutes earlier—and hasn’t been seen since.

Of course, I would never suggest my sister is involved in anything improper. Perish the thought! But one does wonder how a quiet young lady with a fondness for Greek poetry and lace gloves could suddenly develop such… resolve in defending her beloved. Or such suspiciously effective lock-picking skills.

The stolen jewels remain unaccounted for, the auction was postponed, and Mama has taken to bed with a compress of lavender water and renewed threats to cancel all future suitors. Meanwhile, I have taken to writing for the Tattler, which frankly seems a far better use of my time than pretending to embroider while eavesdropping in drawing rooms (though I shall, of course, continue to do both).

Until the truth is revealed, I shall be watching. Very closely. And taking notes. Possibly from under a fern.

With admiration for your appetite for intrigue,

Miss E.B. (Yes, that E.B.—but do keep it between us)

It Takes a Spy

Step back in time to London in 1851, where Lady Cecilia’s world is turned upside down when a thief steals the jewelry collection her parents had planned to auction to fund her dowry. Cecilia’s future seemed bright following her engagement to Devin Montlake, but disaster strikes when he is framed for the crime. With society’s rules hindering their every move, it’s up to Cecilia to clear his name and recover the stolen items before time runs out.

But as they race through the streets of London, Cecilia, her sister, and Devin are faced with unexpected twists and turns. Will they be able to outsmart the real culprit and reclaim the jewelry before it’s too late?

Join them for a rollicking adventure filled with intrigue, romance, and suspense.If you enjoyed books like “The Thief Who Stole My Heart” or “A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder,” then you’ll love “It Takes a Spy.” Don’t wait, buy now before the price changes! Tropes✓ HEA✓ Victorian Romance✓ M/F✓ Her POV✓ Jewel Heist✓ Family issues✓ Sisters✓ Romantic✓ Friends to lovers✓ Victorian✓ Aristocrats✓ Historical✓ Standalone in SeriesTrigger Warning: Mild swearing, Open door love scene, M/F.

It Takes a Spy is Book 1 in Sheridan Jeane’s Secrets and Seduction Series…THE SECRETS AND SEDUCTION SERIES (can be read as standalones)Book 0.5 – Lady Cecilia is Cordially Disinvited for ChristmasBook 1 – It Takes a Spy…Book 2 – Lady Catherine’s SecretBook 3 – Once Upon a SpyBook 4 – My Lady, My SpyBook 5 – Along Came a Spy

You can also find Sheridan’s newest story Duke By Dawn in the anthology Dukes All Night Long on Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/5074464

LINKS:

Amazon Purchase Link for It Takes a Spy: https://readerlinks.com/l/5074462

Free Prequel (Lady Cecilia is Cordially Disinvited for Christmas): https://readerlinks.com/l/5074463

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Website:https://www.sheridanjeane.com

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/search/authors?search=sheridan%20jeane

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=sheridan+jeane&qid=hgzCxQuCuB

Dragonblade Publishing: https://www.dragonbladepublishing.com/?s=sheridan+jeane

About Sheridan Jeane:

Award winning author Sheridan Jeane loves books, writing, cats, and history, so writing historical romances is right up her alley. She read constantly as a child, and while at summer camp, her father built a bookcase wall in her bedroom to house them all!She’s pared down her collection after multiple moves, but still clings to the signed editions, which she cherishes.When she’s not writing, she’s probably working on home improvement projects or volunteering with a local volunteer-run charity, Child Health Association of Sewickley, raising money for children in southwestern Pennsylvania.

The Strange Encounter of a Duke and a Scholarly Temptress

By Alina K. Field

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/

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Website: https://ramonaelmes.com/

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

By Alina K. Field

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.

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Pity the Duke!

By Bluestocking Belles

On July 11, 2021

In Teatime Tattler

Cairo, 1839

My dear Mr. Clemens,

Our Rambles have taken us to Cairo where we have found refuge in Shepheard’s Hotel des Anglais, a tolerable semblance of a civilized hostelry in this exotic outpost. The drinks in the private dining room and outdoor veranda are at least satisfying to the palate and a blessing after heat and sand threaten to choke one.

I digress. As I have throughout our travels, I notice here a tendency of otherwise well-bred English travelers here to throw off the ornaments of their breeding and behave in ways that would shock their peers in London. I am pleased to report that observation does not apply to that illustrious personage, the Duke of Sudbury, ambassador to the Sultan’s viceroy here. When I observe him arriving and departing Shepheard’s he is always perfectly groomed as befitting and English gentleman.

The duke does strike one as high in the instep, and has haughtily rebuffed attempts to approach him on numerous occasions—but again I digress.

I have been quite amazed at the number of travelers taking advantage of Waghorn’s Overland Mail to travel from India via Suez. They cross to Cairo via caravan and sail the Nile to embark from Alexandria via steamer. All and sundry pause here at Shepheard’s for a restorative rest. All are generally respectably turned out if dusty from sand and in need of ablutions.

Imagine my horror this morning when three of Wagner’s latest arrivals sauntered into the hotel not only in native dress, but filthy. The greater shock, Mr. Clemens, came with recognition. The duke’s own nephew, Richard Mallet was among them. Though dressed in Arabic garb, and bearing a complexion brown as a native from sun damage, it was he. Piercing blue eyes glared at me from a face so browned by the sun as to look native. I suspected his identity then. When he pulled off his horrid headdress, the blond hair, combined with his great height gave him away. He and his companions, one of them a native woman, were swiftly escorted to the duke’s suite in the exclusive upper floor.

Imagine my relief later. My loyal maid has a gift for befriending local servants, one that has proved valuable at every stop for gathering information. She tells me that the sister of one of the hotel’s under cooks works in the home of Doctor Charles Cloutier, the famous French medical director to the viceroy. She recognized Mallet’s companion as Ana Cloutier, the man’s daughter, and not some native hussy at all.

My relief was short-lived after some thought. Why would a respectable woman, even a French one, wear native dress and come to a hotel of this class looking like she had been dragged through the desert for weeks without bathing? Her feet, bare, but for some sort of native shoe, were visible to any man who cared to ogle her ankles.

How, I wondered, could the Duke of Sudbury abide having such a creature inflicted on his suite? He must be devistated by his nephew’s disgraceful behavior.

Your devoted correspondent,

Eunice Higgenbloom of Sussex

PS—We have since discovered more peculiar information. My maid’s acquaintance has since discovered that the lady in question cannot possibly be Miss Cloutier for that poor lady is most certainly dead. The reports of her demise come from impeccable sources.

About the Book

Richard Mallet comes to Egypt with dreams of academic glory. He will be the one to unravel the secrets of the ancient Kushite language. Armed with license to dig, he sets out for Meroë, where the Blue Nile meets the White. He has no room in his life for dalliance or entanglements, and he certainly doesn’t expect to face insurrection and unrest.

Analiese Cloutier seeks no glory—only the eradication of disease among the Egyptian women and children of Khartoum. She has no interest whatsoever in romantic nonsense and will not allow notions about a lady’s proper role to interfere with her work. She doesn’t expect to have that work manipulated for political purposes.

Neither expects to be enchanted by the amorous power of moonlight in the ruins of Karnak, or to be forced to marry before they can escape revolution. Will their flight north take them safely to Cairo? If it does, can they build something real out of their shattered dreams?

Is the Duke’s Daughter a Dark Horse?

By Bluestocking Belles

On February 24, 2021

In Teatime Tattler

This particular duke’s daughter does not often come before the readers of Society pages. Indeed, this reporter has never had cause to mention her since her underwhelming come-out some years ago. It is generally believed she has always been eclipsed by the dazzling beauty and brilliant marriages of her older sisters, and by the important work of her older brothers.

However, after years of silence, this youngest and as yet unmarried daughter of a most influential ducal family has come to our notice not once but twice!

Firstly, though his grace’s influence has kept the story out of most other newspapers, it is rumoured that the maid whose murdered body was discovered near Covent Garden, belonged to this same ducal household, and that the body was found by none other than our Society-shy lady.

Secondly, I can reveal that with my own eyes I clearly saw this same lady in a closed carriage, in company with an extremely handsome gentleman. His identity remains a mystery to this reporter, who is left wondering if there is any connection between the two unusual events. It is certainly difficult to imagine what such a connection might be. Nevertheless, it seems that the shy Lady G. might indeed be a dark horse.

Watch this space for new developments.

Mysterious Lover (Crime and Passion, Book 1)

mybook.to/mysteriouslover

About the Book

Mary Lancaster’s thrilling new series “Crime & Passion” from USA Today Bestselling Author Mary Lancaster.

London, 1851

In the shadow of the Great Exhibition, poverty and crime stalk the meaner backstreets of the city. But sin is not confined to the underworld. One couple passes seamlessly between the neighboring worlds of privilege and privation, solving crimes and enabling love to bloom.

Mysterious Lover, Book 1

An unforgettable night at the opera…

When she accompanies her family to Covent Garden, Lady Grizelda Niven does not expect to be discovered in a nearby back street, clutching a dagger over the dead body of her maid. However, she is even more surprised when the police arrest not her but the devastatingly handsome young man who found her. Clearly, it behoves her to have him released and to enlist his alliance in discovering who truly killed Nancy.

Dragan Tizsa, a Hungarian refugee doctor, revolutionary, and soldier, lives constantly with the anguish of loss. The death of one more acquaintance makes little difference to him, except that it brings the vital and eccentric Griz into his life. He is a man who likes puzzles, and the mystery that is Griz soon assumes as much importance as that of the murder.

As they work together to unravel the layers of Nancy’s life and discover why she died, friendship and attraction blossom, much to her family’s unease. From the danger of London’s underworld, to the glittering salons of her married sister, Griz and Dragan look out for each other. But is she right to believe in her new friend when the evidence begins to tell against him?

And as she comes face to face with the killer at last, is love and happiness forever beyond her reach?

Crime & Passion
Mysterious Lover
Letters to a Lover
Dangerous Lover

About the Author

Mary Lancaster lives in Scotland with her husband, three mostly grown-up kids and a small, crazy dog.

Her first literary love was historical fiction, a genre which she relishes mixing up with romance and adventure in her own writing. Several of her novels feature actual historical characters as diverse as Hungarian revolutionaries, medieval English outlaws, and a family of eternally rebellious royal Scots. To say nothing of Vlad the Impaler.

Her most recent books are light, fun Regency romances written for Dragonblade Publishing: The Imperial Season series set at the Congress of Vienna; and the popular Blackhaven Brides series, which is set in a fashionable English spa town frequented by the great and the bad of Regency society.

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