multi-author box set

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A Bow Street Runner in WIP Wednesday

Some of the Bluestocking Belles’ more complicated box sets have had not just a common setting or event, but a bit of a puzzle – Who is sending gossip to the Teatime Tattler? (Storm and Shelter) Whose baby is the orphan with the amulet belonging in the village, delivered by a travelling couple who found him in France. (Under the Harvest Moon) And the one coming up, Love’s Perilous Road, in which the overarching question is, who is the highwayman?

Of course, that sets up a question about how to order the stories so we don’t let the cat out of the bag too soon! I hope, when you read our ten stories, that you’ll agree with the order we have chosen.

Of course, people in our stories were also asking that question, and one of them was Principal Officer Robert Pierce, sent by the Office of the Magistrate’s Court, Bow Street, London. My Bow Street runner’s case book forms a little vignette between each story, as he writes his thoughts about the events of the day, consigning his frustrations and sometimes his successes to paper, for his own eyes only. And yours, dear reader. Here is Casebook entry number 4.

The Casebook of Principal Officer Robert Pierce

The Office of the Magistrates’ Court, Bow Street, London

The clue of the trousers on the church steeple led nowhere. No one knows who put the trousers up there, and the curate swears he was the only man with a key. The locals are protective of “their” Captain Moonlight, but there will be a break soon. I am certain of it. Everyone makes a mistake sometime.

The second highwayman robbed another coach. Had ladies not been present, I am certain the man would have been shot, for the ladies were accompanied by some very competent gentlemen. It is a risky business, being a highwayman without a gang.

I am getting closer to Larcenous Lucy! Word has it she has been active in Brighton itself, so I am heading there in the morning.

If you’d like to know more about Robert, the trousers on the steeple, the two highwaymen (and possibly a third), Larcenous Lucy, smugglers, a ghost, a blackmailer, Fennians, and more – not to mention ten delightful romances, read Love’s Perilous Road, now on preorder, and published October 31st.

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Spotlight on Hot Duke Summer

Welcome to a rollicking summer in Regency England, where the weather is warm, the ladies warmer, and the dukes sizzling-hot!

https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Duke-Summer-Historical-Anthology-ebook/dp/B0CZYVZS4L/

It’s the scorching tales of a Hot Duke Summer Regency Anthology!

For lovers of historical romance, lose yourself in this collection of never before published Regency stories. From gambling halls to ballrooms, you’ll enjoy a cast of unforgettable characters from tales inspired from some of your favorite summer movies. A Regency Gidget? Yes, please! Or the hottest duke in London with a penchant for a fancy conveyance? Absolutely!

It’s glamour, passion, and adventure in one magical summer in Regency England, so join the hottest dukes for the hottest summer around!

The Duchess Bride, by Scarlett Scott

After the death of her true love the Duke of Westley, Lady Celandine Raynell has been left with no choice but to marry the odious Earl of Humberton to protect her family from ruin. On her wedding day, she’s kidnapped by a dashing, masked stranger whose eyes seem hauntingly familiar. Celandine is drawn to her captor and increasingly convinced he is her Westley. But is he? Or has she been spirited away by a villain determined to obtain a ransom from her wealthy fiance.

Dilemma Over a Duke, by Alexa Aston

Lady Evangeline Eastfield has never found a man to replace Hatch, the Duke of Wentworth, in her heart. But he has not been home in six years and has never even replied to her letters. Evie decides to marry for friendship and children, and becomes betrothed to Hatch’s brother. But Hatch has come home, and he is determined to court Evie and win her for his duchess and his love.

The Duke’s Day Off, by Annabelle Anders

Bound by propriety and the expectations of his family, Society and himself, the Duke of Ferris works hard. All the time. As, he cannot help but notice, does Miss Evalina Sparrow, his mother’s companion. He really cannot help but notice his mother’s companion. When he discovers that she is in the habit of taking a day for herself now and then, she invites him to go with her. Ferris is tempted–and to far more than a simple day off. Sometimes, what everyone needs is a day off.

The Moonstone Mermaid, by Meara Platt

In Moonstone Landing, Verity Angel (cousin to Cara, Brenna, and Felicity) who meets her true love, James Pennington, Duke of Ashford under rather awkward circumstances – talk about baring one’s soul – and other juicy body parts! James accidentally gets an eyeful of Verity when he catches her swimming in a secluded glade. From that moment on, he is determined to know her better, and every encounter convinces him that he cannot live without her.

Say Anything, Duke, by Kathleen Ayers

Parthena Holm is the horror of any hostess. Parthena has a propensity to get herself into all sorts of trouble which she does at a house party where she’s been asked to play her violin. She meets the young, reclusive Duke of Wexham who is about to propose to another young lady… until Hurricane Parthena arrives. Parthena does her best to remain invisible, but Wexham is determined to find her.

I Know This Much is True, by Chasity Bowlin

When Caroline Davies makes a sketch of Antony Bancroft, the Duke of Avingden, it was meant to be a private matter between her and her cousin. She certainly did not intend the sketch to fall into the hands of the duke himself. She had drawn him naked, after all, as well as she could since it was all from her imagination. Miss Davies had already caught Andrew’s attention. The sketch suggest that the lady is as interested in him as he is in her. He must find out!

Love is the Duke’s Best Remedy, by Sara Adrien

Edmund Brandon, The Duke of Northumberland, is informed that he must have a wife, or at least a fiancee, to convince the Lord Chancellor to approve the plans he wishes to present to Parliament. On an impulse, he hires a flower girl who does him a favour to masquerade as his betrothed for a week. He doesn’t intend to fall in love with her.

The Worth of an Earl, by Jude Knight

Jen, a waif from the slums, rescues a wealthy lady from kidnappers. Despite the objections of her grandson, the Earl of Frome, Lady Eloise insists on taking Jen to London. Against his will, Frome falls in love with Jen. Just when he is ready to throw his reputation away for the sake of love, he uncovers a secret that changes everything.
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Tea with Sophia and Felicity

“I worry about him,” said Felicity Wentworth. “He has a list, Aunt Eleanor.”

“Is that a bad thing?” the Duchess of Winshire asked. “Your brother is, after all, choosing a suitable countess as well as a wife. A list of appropriate qualities seems like a good idea.”

Sophia, Countess of Sutton and sister to both Felicity and Hythe, snorted. “It is a bad thing when the women Hythe thinks he wants would bore him witless in a week and make him miserable in a month,” she said.

“Oh dear.” Eleanor could see how that might be a problem.

“Hythe needs someone lively who will tempt him to see the fun in life,” Felicity declared.

“Hythe needs someone who will be his friend as well as loving him with all her heart,” Sophia corrected.

Eleanor sighed. “He is a grown man, and I have learned that it is a bad idea to try to interfere when our loved ones are determined on their course.”

Sophia’s eyes twinkled. “Unless they ask for our advice.”

“Sophia,” Felicity demanded. “What have you done?”

“Only suggested to Hythe that he should attend one of Lady Osbourne’s party and look over the wallflowers,” Sophia said, airily. She spoiled her air of innocence with a giggle. “I may also have suggested to Lady Osbourne that she might invite him to the same party as Amaryllis Fernhill, and make sure they can spend time together.”

Felicity’s mouth dropped open.

The duchess asked, “Amaryllis Fernhill, my dear Sophia? The one who…?”

Sophia nodded. “Yes, that Amaryllis Fernhill. The one who was supposedly stolen by the Faerie.”

Felicity was grinning. “The one Hythe was not able to take his eyes off all Season.”

“She is a perfectly nice young woman, Aunt Eleanor,” Sophia insisted. “Whatever happened, I am sure she is not actually ruined whatever the ton might think.”

The duchess had recovered her equanimity. “Well then, my dear girls. If Hythe chooses Miss Fernhill for his bride, it will be our job to make her acceptable to the ton. We cannot have any silly scandal marring the career of a diplomat of his skill.”

His sisters nodded. “Quite right, Aunt Eleanor,” Sophia said. “I knew we could count on you.”

The Husband Gamble is my contribution to The Wedding Wager, which you can find more about on my book page. Its out in September, so I’ll share more about Amaryllis and the Earl of Hythe in the coming couple of months.