Guest authors

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Spotlight on Once Upon a Haunted Heart in Upon a Midnight Dreary

When doors creak and ghostly whispers can be heard throughout the halls, this stunning collection of haunted Historical Romance novellas is sure to leave you breathless with ethereal, romantic tales…

Welcome to UPON A MIDNIGHT DREARY anthology!

Many of your favorite Historical Romance authors have come together for a collection of never-before published stories inspired by true, legendary hauntings of the British Isles. These tales will give you a chill, a thrill, and have you reading them over and over. From the moors of Devon to the ballrooms of Regency London, and far north into the Scottish Highlands, these stories will bring you wistful dreams of legendary and haunting romance. You’ve never before experienced a collection like this by some of the very best authors in Historical Romance.

Authors in this anthology include:

Kathryn Le Veque
Caroline Lee
Chasity Bowlin
Hildie McQueen
Maggie Andersen
Mary Lancaster
Meara Platt
Violetta Rand
Alexa Aston
Anna Markland
Aubrey Wynne
Elizabeth Ellen Carter
Elizabeth Johns
Elizabeth Keysian
Emily E K Murdoch
Emily Royal
Heather McCollum
Anna St. Claire
Lynne Connolly
Maeve Greyson
Whitney Blake

Light your candle, lock your doors, and settle down to this smashing collection of darkly-tinged romantic stories with unforgettable heroes and magnificent ladies. Romance has never been so daring… or so haunting!

And if you hear a knock on your door… don’t answer it unless you are prepared to welcome a wandering wraith in a tattered wedding gown…

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Upon-Midnight-Dreary-Halloween-Anthology-ebook/dp/B08XF2JKQ2/?tag=annastclaire-20

BN – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/upon-a-midnight-dreary-kathryn-le-veque/1138891603?ean=2940165410666

Apple Books – https://books.apple.com/us/book/upon-a-midnight-dreary-a-halloween-anthology/id1555350770

https://books.apple.com/us/book/upon-a-midnight-dreary-a-halloween-anthology/id1555350770

Kobo – https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/upon-a-midnight-dreary-a-halloween-anthology

Excerpt from Anna St. Claire’s contribution

Once Upon a Haunted Heart

Surrey, England

19 October 1813

The woman’s scream pierced the air as the pain of her child’s entrance into the world wracked her body.

“Please . . . I pray . . . something for the pain . . .”

“Is there something we can do to help?” begged her aunt.

The midwife tutted, shaking her head. “I am sorry, my dear.” The older woman picked up the small vial found next to the bed and held it to the light. “What ’ave ye done, my child? Who told ye to drink this? They do not use it when a pregnancy has gone to term.”

“The earl’s physician said it would ensure an easier delivery,” Melinda huffed in pain.

“The earl’s physician gave you this?” Her aunt’s eyes rounded in horror.

“No, he wrote it on paper and arranged it with the chemist . . .” her words fell off as realization of what she had done hit her and she feared for her child.

Melinda lay writhing in pain while the midwife took charge. She could not believe her stupidity. Her betrothed had promised to return after seeing his father. However, he had never returned. Nothing made sense. Daniel had seemed excited at the prospect of having a child. He had promised to wed her. He said he loved her.

Once the pregnancy had begun to show, her presence had caused speculation and her father risked losing customers. He had moved her to his sister-in-law’s home several towns away from her own, certain no one would recognize her or connect her to their family business.

The last months of the pregnancy had been difficult. Desperation had driven her to the earl’s door. She had explained her circumstances to her betrothed’s father and pleaded for a place to stay until he returned for her; his father had ridiculed her.

“He is not your betrothed,” the earl mocked her. “And there will be no wedding. Rather than wed you, he left on a trip.”

“Where did he go? Please tell me,” she begged.

The earl would not say. She had heard a rumor he had gone to fight with Wellington but could gain no confirmation.

“He made no mention of being betrothed,” scoffed the earl, staring down at her softly rounded belly.

“Please, my lord. ’Tis your son’s baby. I am carrying Daniel’s baby . . .” The door slammed shut. “. . . and I have no place to stay,” she finished, tears streaming down her face.

Several months later, she had received a visit from a man claiming to be the earl’s physician. He claimed the earl had sent him, saying the earl had reconsidered helping her and sent her funds for the comfort of her and her baby, but requested she never seeks him out again. It had been a substantial amount of money—two hundred pounds. The physician had arranged for the vial, assuring her he had secured it to gain her comfort in her pregnancy, and instructed her to take it when the pain started.

She had never shown it to anyone. When she started cramping, she tried the medicine. Almost immediately, the cramping had worsened, and the pain had grown to such an intensity, it was as if the baby was ripping itself from her womb. Her aunt had summoned the midwife and sent word to her brother-in-law.

Too late, she realized the intent of the doctor’s visit—if he had even been a physician. Melinda had allowed the earl’s offer of money to cloud her judgment, and as a result, both lives—hers and her baby’s—were threatened.

A pain like no other rent her body as the child’s head finally showed itself and the lusty wails of her daughter drowned out Melinda’s cry. Why did you leave us, Daniel? There was a strange comfort about her as her daughter emerged, and she would have sworn she could see Daniel’s face gazing down at the baby. “Daniel . . . you are here,” she cried, puzzled that his brown eyes spoke of heartbreak.

Weak but needing to touch the child, Melinda held out her arms, comforted when her aunt placed her daughter to her chest to suckle. Her body felt depleted and worn, quickly losing its strength. She could barely take a breath without effort. I am dying. But why is Daniel here? Her body shook, and the bleeding intensified.

“The bleeding is getting worse. Someone, please, help my niece,” her aunt cried, putting cold cloths on her niece’s head and frantically pushing her hair from her face.

“There is no hope for ’er,” the midwife whispered in a choked voice. “I fear the girl ’as taken too much of the vial to stop it.”

“Danielle . . . her name . . . is Danielle,” Melinda rasped. Please, Aunt, please see she is cared for properly.”

“I will do my best, sweet niece,” her aunt sobbed, brokenly.

“I love you, Danielle. I shall always be near,” Melinda breathed, before kissing her daughter’s forehead and handing the child to her aunt. Conflicting emotions washed over her—joy, pain, and anger. Daniel’s specter beckoned her against the milieu of her daughter’s wails.

She struggled to fill her lungs once more. “May the earl know no peace, and there be no further union in his line until they acknowledge my daughter,” Melinda intoned as her life faded.

 

Meet Anna St Claire

Anna St. Claire is a big believer that nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself. She sprinkles her stories with laughter, romance, mystery and lots of possibilities, adhering to the belief that goodness and love will win the day.

Anna is both an avid reader author of American and British historical romance. She and her husband live in Charlotte, North Carolina with their  two dogs and often, their two beautiful granddaughters, who live nearby. Daughter, sister, wife, mother, and Mimi—all life roles that Anna St. Claire relishes and feels blessed to still enjoy. And she loves her pets – dogs and cats alike, and often inserts them into her books as secondary characters.

Anna relocated from New York to the Carolinas as a child. Her mother, a retired English and History teacher, always encouraged Anna’s interest in writing, after discovering short stories she would write in her spare time.

As a child, she loved mysteries and checked out every Encyclopedia Brown story that came into the school library. Before too long, her fascination with history and reading led her to her first historical romance—Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With The Wind, now a treasured, but weathered book from being read multiple times. The day she discovered Kathleen Woodiwiss,’ books, Shanna and Ashes In The Wind, Anna became hooked. She read every historical romance that came her way and dreams of writing her own historical romances took seed.

Today, her focus is primarily the Regency and Civil War eras, although Anna enjoys almost any period in American and British history. She would love to connect with any of her readers on her website – www.annastclaire.com, through email—annastclaireauthor@gmail.com, Instagram – annastclaire_author, BookBub – www.bookbub.com/profile/anna-st-claire,Twitter – @1AnnaStClaire, Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/authorannastclaire/ or on Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Anna-St-Claire/e/B078WMRHHF?ref=.

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Spotlight on Defiant Daughter

The Ashmead Heirs

When the old Earl of Clarion leaves a will with bequests for all his children, legitimate and not, listing each and their mothers by name, he complicated the lives of many in the village of Ashmead.

One sleepy village

One scandalous will

Four tormented heirs

The Defiant Daughter — Buy now! Only 99c until release on 21st October

Madelyn assumed marriage as an old man’s ornament would be better than life with her abusive parents. She was wrong.

Now the widowed Duchess of Glenmoor, she wrestles with ugly memories and cultivates a simple life. She is content. At least, she was until her half-brother returned to Ashmead bringing a friend with knowing eyes and coal black hair to capture her thoughts.

Colonel Brynn Morgan’s days as an engineer in his father’s coal mines in Wales are long behind him. With peace come at last and Napoleon gone, he makes a life for himself analyzing the reports about military and naval facilities worldwide for a shadowy government department. What income he has is committed elsewhere. He has nothing to offer a wife, much less a dowager duchess.

More lies between the duchess and the man she wants than money and class. They have personal demons to slay.

PREORDER LINK: https://bit.ly/TheDefiantDaughter

Giveaway

To celebrate the launch, Caroline will give a copy of any of her books to one randomly selected person who comments. They can choose from the books found here:

Bookshelf

Meet Caroline Warfield

Award winning author Caroline Warfield has been many things: traveler, librarian, poet, raiser of children, bird watcher, Internet and Web services manager, conference speaker, indexer, tech writer, genealogist—even a nun. She reckons she is on at least her third act, happily working in an office surrounded by windows where she lets her characters lead her to adventures in England and the far-flung corners of the British Empire. She nudges them to explore the riskiest territory of all, the human heart.

Visit Caroline’s Website and Blog               Meet Caroline on Facebook                          Follow Caroline on Twitter                            Email Caroline directly                                  Subscribe to Caroline’s newsletter            Amazon Author

Good Reads                                                       Bluestocking Belles                                         BookBub

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Spotlight on The Journey of Love

Sometimes it takes getting lost to truly find one’s way home.

What happens when a blazing hot Brayden hero matches wits with a strong-willed Farthingale heroine and the mysterious Book of Love?

Camellia Farthingale, the youngest of the Devonshire Farthingale sisters, wants nothing to do with London and the Marriage Mart. However, she has agreed to go along with her sisters, Juniper and Willow, preferring to face the ordeal of a society debut with them rather than alone. But now her sisters have found love, and Cammy is on her own after all. She cannot go to London and runs away, for she harbors a secret she dares not tell anyone, not even Lorcan Brayden, the man charged with bringing her home. She has taken the Book of Love with her as she fled, but while reading it in quiet moments, she realizes that sometimes it takes running away to find the courage to face one’s fears. And that in pledging her heart to Lorcan she has found the strength to stand on her own.

Lorcan Brayden has been charged with finding Cammy and delivering her safely to London. He is determined to fulfill his mission since he is one of the Crown’s best agents and this is what he is trained to do. But he soon realizes there is more to Cammy’s fears than making her society debut. There is a killer waiting for her in London and she is the only one who can identify him. Lorcan has fallen in love with Cammy and will never let anyone hurt her. But even with all his training and prowess, can he protect the woman he loves? Especially as Cammy gains the courage to stand on her own?

Not every journey is measured in miles. Join Lorcan and Cammy as they take their Journey of Love.

Buy link: https://bit.ly/TheJourneyOfLove

 

 

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Spotlight on To Follow My Heart

To Follow My Heart: Book 3 of The Knights of Berwyck, A Quest Through Time

by Sherry Ewing

FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME

Jenna Sinclair is dealing with a horrendous break up with her fiancé when she finds herself pulled through time to twelfth century England. Fletcher Monroe has spent too much time pining away for a woman who will never be his until a strangely clad woman magically appears. Torn between the past and the present, will their growing love survive a journey through Time?

“A treat for time-travel buffs, “To Follow My Heart” is a well-written tale that will engage readers with its originality.”
And
“The turning-of-the-tables in this tale provide the endearing qualities authors strive for. ” 4 ½ Stars and a crowned heart! Read the full review in the June 2017 issue of InD’Tale Magazine.

Learn more on Sherry’s website at https://sherryewing.com/books/to-follow-my-heart/

Books2Read: https://books2read.com/u/mdj0Xb

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Spotlight on Highland Hope

Highland Hope

Of Mist and Mountains, Book 1

By Julie Johnstone

Release date 9/28/21

Sometimes the one you love is the very one you cannot have.

Lady Eve Sotherby dreams of escaping her horrid life in England, yet she has nowhere to run. So when she spies a posting for a companion in the Highlands, she seizes the chance to disappear. She’s heard tales about the barbaric Highlanders, of course, but no one can be worse than the beast she once foolishly agreed to wed. And never mind that she doesn’t meet any of the requirements for the position: must have no family, must love the cold, and must know the healing arts. Her depraved relations hardly qualify as family, she’ll wear a shawl, and how hard can it be to learn medicinal ways?

Laird Royce MacLeod rules the fiercest clan in the Highlands with an iron fist, but his two children are another matter. Since the death of his wife, they’ve grown quite unruly. Too busy with his clan duties to tend to them himself, he needs someone with both a spine of steel and a kind heart to subdue them. What he does not need—or want—is to get entangled with a woman who desires anything related to soft emotions from him. So when a mysterious woman appears at his holding showing the sort of mettle he requires, he takes her on, despite her two major flaws: she’s English and she’s beautiful.

Soon, Eve finds herself yearning for the one thing her past prevents her from ever having—the honorable but brooding Highlander. And the Scot who was certain he desired only order and obedience cannot explain the undeniable pull to the chaos and warmth Eve brings to his home. But the more they deny their feelings, the more impossible they become to resist, and when enemies and secrets threaten, Eve and Royce may only survive by surrendering to true love. If only it’s not too late…

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09FP5D7VP

B&N – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/highland-hope-julie-johnstone/1140141838?ean=2940162263289

Apple Books – https://books.apple.com/us/book/highland-hope/id1584913617

Google Play – https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=I3k_EAAAQBAJ

Excerpt

Eve had never been down to the waterfront village at night. It was quite different from the bustle of the daytime when the village was crowded with vendors hocking their wares. No shouts filled the air trying to get her to purchase something, and she wasn’t being constantly bumped into in the thick of the crowd.

The salt blew on the cool breeze from the water. She could taste it on her tongue, and a dampness still permeated the air, making her skin slick and her hair wave around her shoulders. She followed Alban down the cobbled street that danced with shadows cast from the moon and the candlelight that flooded out of the taverns as they passed. Bursts of noise—merry laughter, raucous singing, and the buzzing of voices raised in conversation—came from the multiple taverns, but Alban’s clipped pace did not allow her to catch a glimpse of the people inside.

His boots clopped on the cobblestones as they walked, and Eve found herself wishing she’d worn sturdier shoes than her thin slippers. The bottoms of her feet stung, but she did not fall behind. This could be her only chance to escape. Alban came to a sudden stop in front of a tavern on the corner across from the water. Music floated out of the establishment, as well as the smell of freshly baked bread. Eve’s stomach growled in response.

Alban pointed to the row of tents in the distance. “That’s the Summer Walkers’ camp.” People scurried in front of the six tents, and at the end of the row, it appeared that two shelters had already been dismantled to leave the area as Frederick had ordered. “The one on the end is the seer. That’s who you want.”

Eve glanced at the tent that sat slightly apart from the others. The flogging pole in front of it—where people were punished when they annoyed Frederick—obscured the view of the opening flap, but candlelight spilled from the shelter onto the cobbled path. Eve counted two people standing in line to undoubtedly have their fortunes read. “You’re not coming with me?” she asked, trying not to sound hopeful that he wouldn’t. If she was alone and they agreed to take the egg as payment to help her escape, then perhaps she could flee now if Alban was preoccupied.

When he shook his head, Eve pressed her lips together on the relieved breath she wanted to exhale and counted her blessings. “I don’t like seers,” he said. “So I’ll be right inside the Black Mule attending to my needs.”

She knew from his earlier comment about a wench what he meant, and she hoped he found one, so he’d forget Eve altogether. “Very well,” she said. She started to turn away, but his hand clasped around her wrist. When she faced him once more, he narrowed his eyes upon her.

“Return straight here after your reading, my lady. I don’t need to remind you of the one time you tried to escape, do I?”

She shook her head as a strong wind suddenly blew, as if to remind her of when she nearly froze to death. “No. I’m well aware I would freeze in this weather.”

“You would,” he confirmed, still clasping her wrist. “And in case you were inclined to chance your life, I feel snow coming.”

She frowned. “How can you feel snow coming?”

“The air is heavier tonight, the wind sharper. Snow will be upon us by morning. Get your reading and return. I’m granting you this favor, but don’t mistake it for friendship. I’m your guard, and if you disappeared, mine would be the head my lord would be inclined to remove. So be certain, I’d pursue you to keep my life, and you’d need to run so far and disappear so completely that you’d never be found. Because if you were found, I’d bring you back.”

She got the strangest feeling he almost wanted her to try to escape and was warning her what she would need to do to prevent him or one of Frederick’s other men from finding her, but that was ridiculous. Why would he want to aid her now? She licked her lips. “I’ll return straight after my reading.”

Alban nodded. “I had a sister,” he said suddenly. “She died not two days ago.”

“I’m so sorry,” Eve said.

“You reminded me of her when I came upon you in my lord’s room. She had hair the same moonbeam color as yours, and Malbec beat her, as well.”

“Was your sister wed to Malbec?”

“She was. And she wasn’t blessed with a child, either.” Alban eyed her knowingly and released her wrist. He reached up to his neck, unclasped his heavy cloak, and settled it on her shoulders. “So you don’t catch a chill while we’re out here.”

Her jaw slackened at the undeniable truth then. He was trying to aid her in escaping, and tears pricked her eyes. She’d been alone in a land of cruel strangers for so long, and here, on the very night she was hoping to flee, she’d found kindness. “Alban, I—”

“Make haste, my lady. I’ll be here waiting for you.”

 

Meet Julie Johnstone

Julie Johnstone is a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author. Scottish historical romance, Regency historical romance, and historical time travel romance featuring highlanders, aristocrats, and modern-day bad billionaire bad boys are her love, and she enjoys creating both with a hefty dose of twists, plenty of heartstring tugs, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Her books have been dubbed “fabulously entertaining and engaging,” making readers cry, laugh, and swoon. Johnstone lives in Alabama with her two children – the heir and the spare, her snobby cat, and her perpetually happy dog.

In her spare time she enjoys way too much coffee balanced by hot yoga, reading, and traveling.

https://www.juliejohnstoneauthor.com
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Amazon: https://amzn.to/3r1xqiw

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Spotlight on A Spy for Minerva

 

The Rakes and the Crown, book 2

After watching her parents die in a vicious carriage accident, Lady Minerva Hatfield knew that her life would change forever. She had trained since childhood to be a spy in the illustrious spy network, the Rakes of the Crown. But, with the Order on her heels, she has to hide — in plain sight — to save her life.

Lord Jacob Spencer, the Earl of Blackridge, has no clue that he has a spy living in his home. That is, until, his best friend married Lady Juliana Hatfield. Then out of the woodwork, literally, came Minerva — the identical twin sister of his friend’s new wife.

Will Jacob and Minerva’s past come between them? Will the Order agent succeed in killing her? And, will love conquer all?

Order now at: https://books2read.com/u/4DRJNr (Amazon link available 24 August)

Excerpt

Prologue

Lady Minerva Hatfield, the younger daughter of the Earl of Dumbrey, was sitting opposite her parents in the family carriage. They were bound for the coastal county of Kent where their boat to France was waiting for them just off of Dover. She had been to the coast many times with her parents, but due to the conflict on the continent, she was not allowed to go on missions with them. She always stayed with her Uncle Basil for the several days that her parents were gone. This time, though, she was on her maiden mission with her father to gain information for the Crown.

To say she was excited was a true understatement. She was anxious, nervous, and fidgety beyond belief. She would put to work all she had been taught over the years. To say her education was slightly different from most girls (or even young men), was again, quite an understatement. Minerva and her twin sister Juliana grew up knowing their father was part of a spy ring for the Crown known as the Rakes. Normally, the title of “Rake” was passed from father to son, but in her father’s instance, it was father to daughter since there was no son.

Crack!

The sound woke Minerva from her daydreams. The sudden feeling of being weightless went through her as the carriage was overturned and threw its occupants around like rag dolls. Minerva could hear screams, but she was unsure whether they were her own or not. When the carriage finally came to a halt, the screams had faded, and all was eerily silent.

Minerva lay dazed, afraid to open her eyes. She wondered why her father hadn’t gotten up to make sure everyone was unharmed. The thought echoed through her mind. Maybe she should open her eyes, rub off the pain, and do what her father should be doing.

When she opened her eyes, the full scope of what had happened assaulted all of her senses. Her mother lay under her father, her neck cocked at an unnatural angle, her eyes sightlessly staring at her. Her father had the same look in his unseeing eyes. It took her a moment to realize what had happened to him. A large shard of glass from the carriage’s window had embedded itself in the back of his head.

She was alone. The horses were either dead, injured, or had run away. The driver was nowhere to be seen—this is, if he was even alive. She would have to be strong and find a way to make it back to London, to her sister. . .

Meet Jessica Clements

Jessica Clements writes historical romances set during the US Civil War and the Regency Eras. When she’s not writing she is playing with her son, composing music, playing in a band, and working her day job.

One of the many things she and her son love to do is travel to new historical places. They have been to: Custer’s Battlefield, Saint Augustine, Savannah, and a couple of smaller battlefields in Alabama. They hope to be able to add to their list soon.

Website – https://www.jessicaanneclements.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/JessicaAClementsNavarro/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/jclementsauthor

BookBub – https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jessica-clements

Facebook Reader Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/2497384330578831

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Spotlight on Lord Maxwell’s Quest

Lord Maxwell Trent has never remained in one place for long. His fascination for history and quest for antiquities has taken him from Pompeii to Greece to Egypt, and now the search of an ancient sword has brought him to London—and back into Miss Rosemary Fairview’s orbit.

Miss Fairview has always valued her independence. Raised by travel-mad parents and fascinated by her mother’s archaeological journals, she knew that she’d never be content to settle into the dull life of running a household. When word of the lost sword brings Rosemary to London, she finds herself in pursuit of the same relic as her nemesis, Lord Maxwell Trent.

They know it’s impossible the sword once belonged to The Maid of Orléans. But that one sliver of hope, the what-if, propels them on the quest to discover the truth.

Danger stalks them from Mayfair’s drawing rooms to the maze of London’s rookeries. Can they work together to find the sword—and to survive? And will they realize that perhaps they shouldn’t have been competitors at all, but something more?

BUY LINKS:

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B099DFFLSC/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i0

iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1576524055

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/lord-maxwell-s-quest

BN/Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lord-maxwells-quest-jane-charles/1139848358?ean=2940162258087

EXCERPT:

Partnering with Rosemary was an awful idea, and if he wouldn’t be distracted by worrying about her safety, Max would never have agreed to the proposition.

“You are going to be difficult, aren’t you?” she demanded as the hackney took them from Mayfair and into Whitechapel. The streets were busy tonight, which he found surprising given it wasn’t during the Season.

“I was more concerned with you being so,” he retorted.

“Yes, well, I have a plan to go about locating the sword.”

“As do I,” he informed her.

“How do you know that mine isn’t better?”

“How do you know that mine isn’t?” he countered.

“Oh, this is impossible.” She huffed and crossed her arms over her chest and stared out the window.

This might be the most difficult challenge he’d ever taken on. Not searching for the sword but working with a stubborn woman until it was located.

They said nothing further until the hackney pulled before the address of Madame LaFante.

After helping Rosemary onto the pavement, Max paid the driver then gathered their belongings and prayed it didn’t take them too long to find the sword.

Rosemary had marched ahead and rapped on the door. It was soon opened by a footman. “I’d like to see Madame LeFante,” she announced. “Lady Victoria Westbrook has sent me.”

“Us,” Max added as he stopped behind her.

The footman looked them over, then opened the door wider so that they could come inside.

“Would you please give her this?” Rosemary handed over the note to the footman, which he took, then disappeared down a corridor.

“I’d assumed bawdy houses were darker, or gauche,” Rosemary whispered.

“I’m certain she’s redecorated,” Max decided. Though, it could have been this bright then, not that anyone would have noticed after the sun set, the lamps lit, and rooms filled with men seeking intimacy for a short time. “We need to discuss this wisely and rationally.”

“I’m being very rational, and my plan is sound and sensible.”

“Why are you so confident?” he demanded.

“Because the women at Westbrook House helped me. They know the rookeries, and many were raised within and provided me with locations where someone might attempt to fence such an item or where I might overhear information, such as the tavern we’d both visited.”

He’d assumed she’d gone to her chamber and mapped out the best route to track the antiquity. Instead, she had questioned those familiar with the rookeries.

“I obtained my information from a better authority,” he informed her.

“Why do you always think you are right about everything? I find the women I spoke with highly informative and trust in their judgement.”

“Lady Victoria was correct.”

They turned to find an older woman, long after her prime, wrinkled, but still lovely and sharp.

“Her missive warned of the two of you bickering.”

“Yes, well, I apologize. It is not the best impression to leave,” Rosemary murmured.

Madame LeFante simply laughed.

“I hope you have two chambers that we might use for a short time. I don’t believe even a week will be necessary,” Rosemary explained.

“Two? No, I only have one.”

“Oh, that will never do,” Rosemary insisted.

“I’m afraid it must,” she insisted. “Come along. I’ll show you up.”

“We can’t share a chamber,” Max hissed. He’d thought having his own bed to sleep in would bring him at least some peace while undertaking this search with Rosemary.

This would be worse than that night in Jerusalem. He’d barely slept and was all too aware that she slumbered in his bed. Yes, Rosemary aggravated him to no end, but that didn’t change the fact that he found her desirable. So often he’d wanted to kiss her, simply so she’d cease arguing with him. At least, that was the excuse he made to himself, knowing it was a lie since there were several occasions when he’d wanted to kiss her, and not all of them were when they argued, such as when her eyes sparkled when she held an antiquity or she showed her enthusiasm during an excavation.

Blast! There was hardly ever a time that he didn’t want to kiss her for one reason or another, but he never would, for the same reason he’d not crawled into the bed in Jerusalem. She was an innocent miss no matter how worldly in her travels.

However, he’d never admit such to her, even if she were the one holding a knife to his throat because she’d never let him forget the admission.

“We aren’t even married,” Rosemary quickly objected.

“I recognize a married couple when I hear one.” Madame LeFante laughed again. “Besides, Lady Victoria introduced you as Mr. and Mrs. Milton Smythe, and that is who you are as long as you are here.”

Bloody hell.

MEET JANE CHARLES

USA Today bestselling author Jane Charles is a prolific writer of over fifty historical and contemporary romance novels. Her love of research lends authenticity to her Regency romances, and her experience directing theatre productions helps her craft beautiful, touching stories that tug at the heartstrings. Jane is an upbeat and positive author dedicated to giving her characters happy-ever-afters and leaving the readers satisfied at the end of an emotional journey. Lifelong Cubs fan, world traveler and mother of three amazing children, Jane lives in Central Illinois with her husband, two dogs and a cat. She is currently writing her next book and planning her dream trip to England. Be sure to join Jane in her private reader group Romance & Rosé:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/romanceandrose

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Spotlight on How to Wed a Courtesan

How to Wed a Courtesan: The London School for Ladies, By Madeline Martin — Releases 6/29/21

From courtesan
…to society wife?

When Evander, Earl of Westix, returns from the continent to claim his bride, he is shocked that the innocent vicar’s daughter he once loved has become a notorious courtesan. But Lottie is so much more than the insult society hurls at her. She is resourceful and strong—after all, she’s had to be to survive. Her charms are undeniable, but her heart is beyond his grasp. To win it will mean taking her from bedroom to ballroom…

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08SC618K3

B&N – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-wed-a-courtesan-madeline-martin/1138581134?ean=9780369710994

Apple Books – https://books.apple.com/us/book/how-to-wed-a-courtesan/id1547801699

Kobo – https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/how-to-wed-a-courtesan

Excerpt – How to Wed a Courtesan

By Madeline Martin

 June 1816, London, England

The ring on the table required an answer.

Lottie turned away from it so abruptly that the hem of her skirt snapped against the Brussels weave carpet in her parlour. Her pulse beat heavily in her ears.

This was what she had wanted. Years ago. When she’d been a girl. But she was no longer that girl. She was a woman.

One who understood the effects of love.

One who had sacrificed far too much.

She hadn’t even opened the box yet. Not that it mattered. The jewel within was of little consequence. She had a good deal of wealth. She could purchase her own bloody ring.

What mattered was what it stood for.

Everything.

She’d had a ring on her finger once before and its presence there had scored her heart with what ought to have been eternal love. How wrong she had been.

Evander’s timing had been planned to perfection. Lottie had completed all her lessons that day—instruction to the women of the ton, who came to her to learn the art of seduction and flirtation. After all, why else would they came to a former courtesan.

Not that Lottie had wanted their life. What vicar’s daughter did? But then she’d had little choice in the matter. She’d offered too much to Evander in her youthful infatuation and ruined her prospects for anything else.

It rattled the soul to know what one must do to get by. To protect those one loved.

That was why her decision was so hard now. When the fantasy of love warred with bitter reality. When desire arose despite obligation. When society stood in the way of dreams that could never be.

There was no other man in her life. Her protectors were a thing of the past. Their financial support was no longer necessary now she had established herself as an educator of the ton’s ladies.

Those rumoured to be under her instruction received extraordinary attention at balls and soirees, and their suitors were endless. Those on the outside assumed her lessons were of a sensual nature. In truth, Lottie’s focus was always on the lady—on teaching her to accept herself.

All of which comprised the reason she should send the ring back to Evander. The Earl of Westix did not need a woman of ill repute at his side, mingling her tarnished reputation with his esteemed reputation.

She snatched the box off the cool marble tabletop, just beneath yet another glorious bouquet of the hothouse flowers Evander insisted on sending. Irises and white tulips this time. Just as beautiful as they were unwanted.

The box with the ring in it was cold against her palm and she found herself prising it open, doing to the little box what she had only recently been able to do to her heart.

Nestled within a nest of glossy black satin was a small diamond ring, winking up at her. She staggered back, as if at a blow to her chest.

Her expectations had settled on something large and grand—an opulent bauble befitting the Earl, who had seen the world and gained a fortune. This stone was a modest little thing, almost a chip. Once upon a time, it had been the most beautiful ring she ever seen. She’d thought it lost for ever when she’d thrown it across the drawing room at Comlongon Castle, and had bade the bit of jewellery good riddance. Yet here it was once more, begging for a piece of herself she could not give. A piece of herself which could not exist.

Because all that was left were memories of better times, of beautiful places, of a love that was innocent and precious, of things that could never be.

And things she could not stop herself from wanting.

 Meet Madeline Martin

Madeline Martin is a USA TODAY Bestselling author of Scottish set historical romance novels filled with twists and turns, adventure, steamy romance, empowered heroines and the men who are strong enough to love them.

She lives a glitter-filled life in Jacksonville, Florida with her two daughters (known collectively as the minions) and a man so wonderful he’s been dubbed Mr. Awesome. She loves Disney, Nutella, cat videos and goats dressed up in pajamas. She also loves to travel and attributes her love of history to having spent most of her childhood as an Army brat in Germany.

Sign up for her exclusive newsletter and receive your FREE download of The Highlander’s Challenge: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/ff96yjtq8c

 

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Spotlight on No Lady for the Lord

She was only supposed to care for his wards…not fall in love with him.

 He was a carefree rogue…

Lord Ronan Brockman had a perfect life. Handsome, wealthy, and beholden to no one, he was charmed. But that was before he was unexpectedly named guardian to two young girls—and before he met their fascinating governess. Acting on his attraction to the witty beauty would be utter madness. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be enough to dissuade him from pursuing her…

She can never let her guard down…

Mercy Feathers knows more about responsibility than a rogue like Ronan could ever fathom. But to her great consternation, despite his many flaws, she wants him with an all-consuming passion that’s as shocking as it is forbidden. It’s just her misfortune that there’s only one way a relationship with him could end—and it isn’t with happily ever after…

Is their love enough?

Can Ronan and Mercy overcome all that stands between them—including the ghosts of her past—and take a shot at true love? Only if they’re willing to open their hearts and break a few rules…

Secrets, scandals, and sigh-worthy romance.

This sweet, wholesome historical romance by a USA Today bestselling author will have you cheering Ronan and Mercy on as you escape into the past to cheer them on to their much-deserved happily-ever-after.

If you enjoy reading lovable rogues, class difference, and opposites attract clean historical romances with a pinch of mystery and inspiration, a dash of humor, and soul-searing emotion, then you’ll adore Collette Cameron’s captivating DAUGHTERS OF DESIRE (SCANDALOUS LADIES) SERIES. Settle into your favorite reading nook with your favorite beverage for a page-turning, entertaining Regency world adventure you can’t put down.

Amazon – BN – Apple Books – Kobo – Google Play – Goodreads – BookBub

Though this book can easily be read as a stand-alone, most readers prefer to read the series in order.

DAUGHTERS OF DESIRE:

  1. A Lady, A Kiss, A Christmas Wish
  2. No Lady for the Lord
  3. Love Lessons for a Lady-Coming Soon!
  4. His One and Only Lady- Coming Soon!

 

CHECK OUT COLLETTE’S OTHER SERIES:

  • Castle Brides Series
  • Heart of a Scot Series
  • Highland Heather Romancing a Scot Series
  • Seductive Scoundrels Series
  • The Blue Rose Regency Romances: The Culpepper Misses
  • The Honorable Rogues®
  • Wicked Earls’ Club

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092KJW3B1

BN – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-lady-for-the-lord-collette-cameron/1139200201?ean=2940162366768

Apple Books – https://books.apple.com/us/book/no-lady-for-the-lord/id1562251100?ls=1

Kobo – https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/no-lady-for-the-lord

Google Play – https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=GxsoEAAAQBAJ

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57510907-no-lady-for-the-lord-daughters-of-desire-scandalous-ladies-series

BookBub – https://www.bookbub.com/books/no-lady-for-the-lord-by-collette-cameron

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Spotlight on Lady Constantine and the Sins of Lord Kilgore

Congratulations to Julie Johnstone, on the publication of her new book.

Lady Constantine and the Sins of Lord Kilgore

Scottish Scoundrels: Ensnared Hearts, Book 3

By Julie Johnstone

In the game of love, even a rogue can come undone by his own wicked wager.

Callum, the Marquess of Kilgore, long ago accepted that he was no saint. So when he’s offered a shameful bet—to seduce the lady some have dubbed the “Ice Queen” and recover the land he foolishly gambled away—he agrees. Yet, as he comes to know Lady Constantine, he realizes this kind and pure woman deserves far better than a reprobate like himself. Now, he would do anything to protect her from the scandal he helped create, even ruthlessly pushing her away. It seems he hasn’t fallen quite as far into sin as he thought…

But a brush with death and an unexpected offer of a marriage of convenience from Constantine provides an opportunity he never anticipated: recoup his squandered fortune and win back the woman he loves. But before Callum can launch his new plan, a heinous plot rips him away, snatching his freedom and destroying any trace of the man who wanted to open his heart.

Constantine hasn’t a clue what to do when the man she loved, hated, and mourned returns from the dead. Though she is still legally his wife, she certainly doesn’t know him anymore—if she ever did. The seemingly unrepentant rogue appears focused solely on revenge, no matter the destruction it may cause—a far cry from the complex man of honor she once believed him to be. Yet, despite the pain of the past and the demons of the present, Callum still holds the power to inexorably fill her with a yearning and a hope she can hardly control. Suddenly, Constantine wants to risk her heart again for the one thing she has always longed for from the only man she ever cared for—exquisite, unconquerable love.

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Constantine-Kilgore-Scottish-Scoundrels-ebook/dp/B08MH7RQKM

Meet Julie Johnstone

Julie Johnstone is a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author. Scottish historical romance, Regency historical romance, and historical time travel romance featuring highlanders, aristocrats, and modern-day bad billionaire bad boys are her love, and she enjoys creating both with a hefty dose of twists, plenty of heartstring tugs, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Her books have been dubbed “fabulously entertaining and engaging,” making readers cry, laugh, and swoon. Johnstone lives in Alabama with her very own lowlander husband, her two children – the heir and the spare, her snobby cat, and her perpetually happy dog.

In her spare time she enjoys way too much coffee balanced by hot yoga, reading, and traveling.

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