Dear Readers,
Our intrepid reporter has uncovered yet another scandalous exclusive for our valued readers:
It would seem that one of London’s loveliest social butterflies has found herself in a most unexpected circumstance. In truth, an utterly shocking development! Our sources tell us that the Duke of Carringston, rogue that he is, has set his sights on Serena Whitney, the delightful young widow who has charmed the who’s who since her arrival in our fair city.
Mrs. Whitney and the duke were first spotted together at a grand masquerade ball. Guests at the affair were awestruck by her costume, a gown that created the illusion that the enchanting beauty truly was a goddess. The duke made no secret that she’d captured his attention. Even a casual observer could not have missed the interest in the duke’s eyes.
One can only hope that Mrs. Whitney is wise to the ways of a man such as the Duke of Carringston. As the man is a true rake, we fear, dear reader, that he may lure her into a seduction that might not end in a promise of love and devotion. One can only hope that she guards her heart against the rogue duke.
On another, perhaps equally scandalous note, a certain countess renowned for her intellectual gatherings recently revealed that a rare antiquity has vanished from her home, as if into thin air. At her request, we shall not disclose the lady’s name. In a rather peculiar coincidence (if it is indeed a matter of chance), another esteemed lady has confided in our source that she has also experienced the disappearance of a valuable bauble, seemingly out from under her nose. We would be remiss if we did not advise caution, as it appears a subtle thief may be at work.
So many questions! Just as we can merely hazard a guess as to the true circumstances behind the vanishing valuables, one can only speculate as to the ultimate fate of our dear Serena’s deliciously scandalous connection with the duke. As I, a woman with rather keen vision, put pen to paper to report on this recent development, I cannot deny that the rogue duke is a striking example of a man in his prime, a man with a clear appeal to the female of the species. If only we could be sure he will not break our social butterfly’s tender heart. One can only hope the spark between Mrs. Whitney and the devilish duke is meant to be. I suppose only time will tell.
TO STEAL A DEVILISH DUKE’S HEART
by Tara Kingston
An enchanting thief… A vengeful duke who could destroy her … Will she steal his hardened heart?
Social butterfly SERENA WHITNEY is London’s latest darling. But she harbors a dangerous secret—her life is a well-crafted masquerade. Since her arrival in the city, the lovely young widow has charmed high society and doted on her family—all the while employing her unique talents as a clever and daring thief. Carrying on her perilous charade, she guards the truth at all costs. Until an encounter with a wickedly handsome duke who holds secrets of his own leads to a devil’s bargain. Serena must now put her skills to use in a mysterious covert mission. Or risk losing everything and everyone she treasures. But while she protects those she loves, will she surrender her own heart to a man she knows is the enemy?
In the eyes of London society, JASON HOLT, the Duke of Carringston, is a true rake. A spare who could never do justice to the title he wasn’t meant to hold, he pursues a rogue’s existence of wealth and pleasure. But the cunning tycoon is living a double life. On the gaslit streets of London, the ebony-cloaked raider strikes fear in the hearts of criminals unfortunate enough to cross his path while he hunts evidence against the villains who murdered his brother. Jason won’t rest until he’s had his vengeance. And for that, he needs a thief—a clever and elusive burglar whose beauty is both a disguise and a weapon.
Forced together in a dangerous quest, Serena and Jason fight their attraction. As Serena searches for the true man behind the duke’s cool facade, she knows better than to offer her trust. But when a heat far more intense than desire flares between them, will the lovely thief steal the raider’s hardened heart?
Tropes: enemies to lovers, gaslit Victorian intrigue, secret alliances, protector/woman in jeopardy
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HMFKZZWW
About the Author
Tara Kingston first fell in love with historical romance when she discovered her mom’s old-school Gothic romance paperbacks. Now, she writes historical romance laced with intrigue, danger, and mystery. When she’s not writing, reading, or burning dinner (cooking is definitely not her talent!), she enjoys exploring the great outdoors on her bicycle, taking long walks with her hubby, diving into DIY projects, knitting, classic rock, and daydreaming about her next story.
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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.
It Takes a Spy
Dear Mr. Clemens,
The scholarly temptress is everything he shouldn’t want.
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.
THE ROGUE’S RUNAWAY BRIDE by Tara Kingston
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.