Named an Anticipated Read of 2024 by Entertainment Weekly and a Best Historical Fiction novel of 2024 by BookBub.
As death stalks a gothic mansion in Miami, the lives of two women intertwine as the past and present collide in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton’s atmospheric new novel.
With the Great War finally behind them, many Americans flock to South Florida with their sights set on making a fortune. When wealthy industrialist Robert Barnes and his wife, Anna, build Marbrisa, a glamorous estate on Biscayne Bay, they become the toast of the newly burgeoning society. Anna and Robert appear to have it all, but in a town like Miami, appearances can be deceiving, and one scandal can change everything.
Years later following the tragic death of her parents in Havana, Carmen Acosta journeys to Marbrisa, the grand home of her estranged older sister, Carolina, and her husband, Asher Wyatt. On the surface, the gilded estate looks like paradise, but Carmen quickly learns that nothing at Marbrisa is as it seems. The house has a treacherous legacy, and Carmen’s own life is soon in jeopardy . . . unless she can unravel the secrets buried beneath the mansion’s facade and stop history from repeating itself.
Berkley Trade Paperback Original | On sale April 2, 2024
I cannot for the life of me imagine why anyone would want to live in Florida.
The house looms before me, a pale stone behemoth jettisoning from the swampy earth. It casts a long shadow, towering three stories high with a parapet on top as though it’s readying itself to guard against intruders. Its palatial size and exterior appear to have been plucked from some European city and dropped on this godforsaken plot of land in Miami. There are arches and flourishes all around the building, the fanciful embellishments reminiscent of a wedding cake’s intricate design. Enormous glass-paned windows dominate the facade, equally impressive doors leading out to a front patio set atop a stone staircase made of the palest coral that matches the house’s exterior walls.
The grass sways a few feet away conjuring images of snakes slithering through the tall blades. What sort of reptiles do they have in Florida? Large ones capable of felling a full-grown person? This feels like the end of civilization as we know it-a far cry from Manhattan and the sensibilities we have grown accustomed to.
The house is nearing completion, the progress an undeniable sign of just how long my husband has been keeping this secret.
Robert took me to Italy for our honeymoon years ago, and it appears he gathered a great deal of his inspiration from the grand houses we saw on our trip there.
There weren’t alligators in Italy, though.
And it wasn’t this hot.
A thin line of sweat trickles between my shoulder blades, my already dampened gown sticking to my skin as I trudge away from my husband’s roadster toward our future home. As a little girl sitting in the pews of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, I often thought about the fires of hell as I prayed for my immortal soul. I envisioned the devil’s playground to have a climate like this one, but in all my wild imaginings, Lucifer didn’t have iguanas.
Men mill about the property, working on the construction Robert has planned. It looks to be rough work, heavy pieces of stone being carried from one side of the house to another, the radiant sun beating down on the men. It must be hell doing such strenuous physical labor in this stifling heat.
A few cast curious glances our way, no doubt wanting to get a measure of the new owners; some low chuckles drift toward us, and my cheeks burn as I realize they’re likely laughing at me and how out of place I look in such a rugged environment. When Robert told me he was taking me for a trip to Miami for my birthday, I fancied a romantic weekend at one of the luxurious resorts that have cropped up along Florida’s east coast. I thought the surprise he mentioned would be an elegant necklace or perhaps a pair of earrings. After all, forty feels like a momentous occasion that should be marked, albeit with something smaller than real estate.
“What do you think, Anna?” my husband asks, spreading his arms out expansively as though he could encompass the whole of the property in his reach, seemingly oblivious to my obvious discomfort. “Isn’t it amazing? There’s no other house for as far as the eye can see and then some.”
I’m saved from a response by an insect swarming perilously close to my face.
It hovers in midair, likely calculating its plan of attack, before it finally retreats with an irate buzz as though recognizing me as an interloper and reluctantly ceding its territory.
I wish I could hie off with it.
There are those who hate city life, the houses close together, the streets teeming with people, the noise, and the bustle, but I’ve grown accustomed to it, find familiarity in the sounds that play in the background of my days.
The silence here is deafening.
“Anna?” Robert asks again.
I take a deep breath, lifting my skirt out of the swampy muck.
“I would like to see the rest of it,” I announce, biting back a string of blistering curses.
“You should see the best part,” Robert announces, pointing past the house to the view of Biscayne Bay. “You can’t put a price on this location.”
I could, and my price would have one zero attached to it whereas I fear Robert’s has quite a few dangling behind an astonishing number.
I trudge past the house, and I walk toward the water’s edge, careful to keep a healthy distance between me and the bay. I’ve always had an uneasy relationship with the ocean. It’s lovely to look at, but never having learned to swim, I am terrified by the crashing waves.
The closer we get to the bay, the breeze grows, offering a respite from the heat.
The water is undeniably stunning, sparkling beneath the sunlight, nothing but horizon before us. For an instant, a breath, I can understand what drew Robert to the property. I imagine there’s a great deal you would put up with for a vista such as this one.
I glance down at the rocky seawall, a nearly six-foot drop between the land and the water. The turquoise sea crashes against the coral, forming white foamy caps. It’s an abrupt change from land to ocean; should we put up a railing or something for safety?
Robert laughs when I posit the question. “And ruin the view? Besides, to do it the length of the property would cost an absolute fortune. We’d be better off just heaving our money into Biscayne Bay.”
It feels like we’re already doing that.
“What about hurricanes?” I ask, turning back to face Robert lingering behind me.
“The architect working on the house has built it to withstand hurricanes.”
Is such a thing possible? It seems hubristic to assume that anything man makes can meet Mother Nature’s fury.
I turn and peer over the edge of the seawall. Fish flit back and forth beneath the water, their bright colors like vibrant jewels flashing in the sunlight.
Chanel Cleeton is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick Next Year in Havana, When We Left Cuba, The Last Train to Key West, and The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba. Originally from Florida, Chanel grew up on stories of her family’s exodus from Cuba following the events of the Cuban Revolution. Her passion for politics and history continued during her years spent studying in England where she earned a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Richmond, The American International University in London and a master’s degree in Global Politics from the London School of Economics & Political Science. Chanel also received her Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law.
When a wounded soldier and self-proclaimed “beast” finds unlikely friendship with a headstrong and unconventional beauty, they quickly find themselves weaving a tale as old as time.
Despite a hero’s return to England from the Napoleonic Wars, Wesley Audley isolates from the ton. Deep wounds from the horrors of combat—and the despair of a broken heart—left him scarred. As he struggles to cope and resume his place in Polite Society, Wesley is quick to cut himself off from everyone . . . except for Ellie Balfour.
Independent and strong willed, Ellie has dreams of captaining her own husband-free life and a penchant for meddling in other’s business. She knows befriending Wesley is a risk, but Ellie can’t bear to see his heartache—nor can she seem to silence all the temptingly intimate thoughts his nearness provokes.
But Ellie is yet to face a battle she can’t win—and Wesley’s heart is worth the fight. If only her campaigns ever went to plan. .
Dedicating all her attentions and energies on her book, Ellie made a show at reading; all the while, her ears remained keenly focused on the parts and pieces of the discussion her brother and Cailin had resumed.
“. . . heartbreaking . . . not so much as a word from her . . .” Cailin said, her voice catching with tears, and Ellie flipped the unread page noisily. “. . . she will not write him. She will not answer his notes. What am I to say when he asks?” Ellie’s sister-in-law was saying. “That according to our brother Hunter, the woman you are in love with is the darling of Staffordshire?”
Ellie went completely motionless.
The woman he . . . loved? Her organ in her chest forgot its job was to beat. As in, Wesley Audley was in love with-
“. . . that she’s enjoying herself at all the local soirees while you are risking life and limb to keep England safe from that French frog?”
As in Wesley Audley was in love with a woman wholly undeserving of him and his love.
Hatred and jealousy mingled, and together, soured her tongue like the vinegar rag her father had advised her nursemaid to stuff in Ellie’s mouth for using words he’d deemed inappropriate for a lady to utter.
He was . . . in love.
In all this time since they’d met lakeside, she’d thought of him. And more, she’d thought of him-and her-together.
Granted, he was more than a dozen years her senior, but she was no longer a child, and with every passing day where he was gone, she’d become a young lady, and he was to return and notice that she was no longer a gangly child.
Just . . . a gangly woman.
But neither would that matter, because he’d said that day at the lake she’d spirit and strength, and a skill with a sword that he’d admired, and-
Ellie gripped her book hard, her fingernails digging sharply into the soft leather and leaving crescent marks upon the cover and back.
The housekeeper appeared and dipped a curtsy to Cailin. “If I might speak to you, Your Grace, about the latest changes to the menu.”
The latest changes, because with Cailin increasing in pregnancy and queasy from it, every meal was constantly changing.
As Cailin came to her feet, she offered a wave and smile to Ellie, which she quickly returned.
“I’ll return shortly, love,” the duchess said to her husband. She tipped her head up to receive Courtland’s kiss.
Ellie hurriedly averted her attention from that intimate exchange.
The moment Cailin had followed Mrs. Dumfrees, Courtland returned to his book.
“Who was Cailin speaking about?” Ellie asked after her sister-in-law had gone, and she and Courtland remained alone.
Her eldest brother glanced over the top of his pages and looked confusedly her way.
Be breezy. You are breezy. “The woman who is not writing the lieutenant.”
Courtland scrubbed a hand over his mouth.
For an instant, she thought he would not answer. For an instant, she thought he’d rightly point out her past actions barred her from possession of intimate details that did not explicitly involve her.
Though, in this case . . . they did. Her brother just did not know it.
“She also happens to be the young woman who urged him to go to his father, the Duke of Bentley, so he could make a better life for himself.” Her brother’s jaw hardened. “A better life, which in her mind included wealth and land, and attaining everything she could through his commission in the army.”
The reason he’d joined the military, and risked his life even now, was a woman?
Ellie’s chest tightened in an odd way, in a way she’d never believed it would or could because of a man, and yet now it did at the thought of the dashing Lieutenant Audley courting another woman who was decidedly not Ellie.
Courtland started to rise.
Ellie quickly stayed him with another question. “Do you know her?”
He stared confusedly at her.
“The young woman,” she clarified.
Her brother shook his head. “Only that her name is Claire Sparrow. Her father is a part owner of the Cheadle mines with Hunter.”
The second-eldest Audley sibling, following Rafe. Wesley and Cailin were the youngest.
“She has not bothered to write Wesley in all the time he’s been off fighting.”
Pain knifed away at Ellie’s heart this time for unselfish reasons: because of the hurt he knew, and all for a woman who couldn’t appreciate Wesley for the man he was.
There came a flurry of footfalls, and they both looked up. Cailin’s lady’s maid, Sara, rushed into the room, breathless.
Ashen, Courtland jumped up. “The duchess-?”
“Is fine,” the young woman hurried to reassure him. “Her Grace was accompanying Mrs. Dumfrees, who was discussing the menu, and the duchess . . .”-Sara’s cheeks pinkened-“fell ill in the hallway.”
Ellie grimaced. Tossed her biscuits, Cailin had done. As the poor expecting mother was always doing, everywhere, these days.
“She told me I should not send for you, Your Grace, but I thought you should-“
“I am glad you did,” Courtland interrupted, hastening to the door, leaving Ellie alone with only the silence of the room . . . and-her gaze inched over to the hastily abandoned area her brother and his wife had occupied-Wesley’s letters.
She dampened her mouth.
It is none of your affair . . .
It is absolutely none of your affair.
Not even a bit.
That was, aside from the fact that Ellie was head over heels in love with the lieutenant.
Her book forgotten, Ellie absently set it down beside her, and came slowly to her feet.
Keeping her eyes on the doorway, she inched over and stopped beside the note.
None of your affair. None of your affair. None . . .
Of its own volition, her gaze slid down, landing on that folded note.
Good, a person could not read a folded note. The only way to do so would be to pick it up, and open it, and well, Ellie certainly had more than enough restraint.
Or . . . she thought she did.
Just not where matters of Wesley Audley were concerned.
With a silent curse, her fingers dove for the page, and she quickly snapped it open and proceeded to read.
My dear sister,
I write this missive hoping to find you and Courtland and your unborn babe are each faring well. I am eager for the day I return, and hope it is one day soon where I am able to see your expanded family.
Ellie finished and turned the note over.
There was no mention of Ellie.
He did not so much as ask after her.
Not that she expected he should or would. Ellie was, after all, just another one of Courtland’s many siblings.
She snapped the note shut and returned the letter to where Cailin had left it.
That, however, didn’t mean Ellie didn’t . . . hope that he thought of her in some way.
Though, knowing his heart was otherwise engaged-and by a woman so completely unworthy of him-it made sense why he should not.
And she was stunned to discover, she wasn’t so very selfish as to want him at any cost. She wanted him alive and happy. Even if it meant, when he returned from war, he would belong to another woman.
Balling her hands into tight fists, Ellie squeezed and un-squeezed them; all the while she waged a silent war with herself. “Bloody hell,” she exclaimed into the quiet of the parlor, and then, sitting down at Cailin’s writing station, Ellie availed herself of a sheet of parchment and a pen.
Dipping it into an inkwell pot, she proceeded to write.
My dearest Wesley,
You must forgive me for the delay in my writing. My father discovered your notes. My only course, our only course, is to send our correspondences through a location where they’re sure to not be discovered.
Christi Caldwell is the USA Today bestselling author of the Sinful Brides series and the Heart of a Duke series. She blames novelist Judith McNaught for luring her into the world of historical romance. When Christi was at the University of Connecticut, she began writing her own tales of love—ones where even the most perfect heroes and heroines had imperfections. She learned to enjoy torturing her couples before they earned their well-deserved happily ever after. Christi lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she spends her time writing and being a mommy to the most inspiring little boy and empathetic, spirited girls who, with their mischievous twin antics, offer an endless source of story ideas. Learn more online at www.christicaldwell.com.
“In this delightfully witty Victorian romance, a governess spy running away from her past falls for an ex-soldier turned railroad magnate—perfect for fans of Manda Collins and Bridgerton!
The utterly charming Emily Leverton has a dark past and is determined to leave it behind in her respectable new role as a governess. But when she is recruited by a secret network of governesses who spy on the ton, it may just be a way to redeem the dark secrets of her past.
Straddling the worlds of the ton and the working class, as an ex-solider turned railroad magnate, Zach hunts killers for the Metropolitan Police by day and dutifully attends balls at night. In neither world has he met a woman with the brazenness to mock him. So when a saucy governess blows him a kiss he is determined to catch her, never expecting that when he does he will find an intelligent, quirky woman hiding more than her true name. As Zach peels back the layers of Emily’s lies, he falls for the street-wise woman who handles a dagger like a pro and kisses like a mistress. But when his affair with Emily intertwines with his hunt for a killer, he discovers Emily is hiding an explosive secret—one that could destroy them both.
Lindsay Lovise writes historical romances with quirky heroines and a dash of mystery. When she’s not writing, Lindsay is reading (probably romance) and drinking coffee. Lindsay has a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Teaching. She lives on the East Coast and enjoys winter more than she probably should.
Fortune favors the bold—but is a confirmed spinster daring enough to loosen the reins and accept a favor from the wicked gentleman who haunts her dreams?
Lady Anne Deveril doesn’t spook easily. A woman of lofty social standing known for her glacial beauty and starchy opinions, she’s the unofficial leader of her small group of equestriennes. Since her mother’s devastating plunge into mourning six years ago, Anne voluntarily renounced any fanciful notions of love and marriage. And yet, when fate puts Anne back into the entirely too enticing path of Mr. Felix Hartford, she’s tempted to run…right into his arms.
No one understands why Lady Anne withdrew into the shadows of society, Hart least of all. The youthful torch he once held for her has long since cooled. Or so he keeps telling himself. But now Anne needs a favor to help a friend. Hart will play along with her little ruse—on the condition that Anne attend a holiday house party at his grandfather’s country estate. No more mourning clothes. No more barriers. Only the two of them, unrequited feelings at last laid bare.
Finally free to gallop out on her own, Anne makes the tantalizing discovery that beneath the roguish exterior of her not-so-white knight is a man with hidden depths, scorching passions—and a tender heart.
The twin fragrances of pipe smoke and parchment met her nose. Lemon polish, too, though there was no sign that the maids had done any recent tidying up. The library was a place of spectacular clutter.
Bookcases lined three of the walls; leather-bound volumes on botany, agriculture, and natural history were pulled out at all angles as if an absent-minded researcher had wandered from shelf to shelf withdrawing tomes at random only to change his mind midway through extracting them.
The fourth wall was entirely covered in framed sketches of flowers and greenery. Some images were produced in pencil and others in delicately rendered watercolor. They were-along with the teetering stacks of botanical journals and drooping maps that spilled over the sides of the earl’s carved mahogany desk-evidence of his prevailing passion.
Lord March’s love of exotic plants was legendary. He’d spent much of his life traveling the globe, from the wilds of America to the highest peaks of the Himalayas, bringing back rare seeds to nurture into bloom.
A distracted fellow at the best of times, but a kind one, too, as far as Anne recalled. It had been a long time since she’d darkened his doorstep. A lifetime, it felt like.
She tugged restlessly at her black kid-leather gloves as she paced the worn carpet in front of the library’s cavernous marble fireplace. She’d never excelled at waiting for unpleasantness to arrive.
Fortunately, she didn’t have to wait long.
“Hello, old thing.” A familiar deep voice sounded from the library door.
Anne spun around, her traitorous heart giving an involuntary leap in her breast.
Mr. Felix Hartford stood in the entryway, one shoulder propped against the doorframe. Lord only knew how long he’d been observing her.
She stiffened. After all these years, he still had the power to discompose her. Drat him. But she wouldn’t permit her emotions to be thrown into chaos by his attractive face and figure. What cared she for his commanding height? His square-chiseled jaw? For the devilish glint in his sky-blue eyes?
And devil he was. The very one she’d come here to see.
“Hartford,” she said. Her chin ticked up a notch in challenge. It was a reflex. There was no occasion on which they’d met during the course of the past several years that they hadn’t engaged in verbal battle.
This time, however, he made no attempt to engage her.
He was dressed in plaid trousers and a loose-fitting black sack coat worn open to reveal the dark waistcoat beneath. A casual ensemble, made more so by the state of him. His clothes were vaguely rumpled, and so was his seal-brown hair. It fell over his brow, desperately in need of an application of pomade.
There was an air of arrested preoccupation about him, as if he’d just returned from somewhere or was on his way to somewhere. As if he hadn’t realized she was in the library and had come upon her quite by chance.
An unnatural silence stretched between them, void of their typical barb-filled banter.
Greetings dispensed with, Anne found herself at an unaccountable loss. More surprising still, so did Hartford.
He remained frozen on the threshold, his usually humorous expression turned to stone on his handsome face.
At length, he managed a smile. “I knew one day you’d walk through my door again. It only took you”-withdrawing his pocket watch from his waistcoat, he cast it a brief glance, brows lifting as if in astonishment at the time-“seven years to do it.”
She huffed. “It hasn’t been seven years.”
“Six and half, then.”
Six years and five months, more like.
It had been early December of 1855, during the Earl of March’s holiday party. She’d been just shy of seventeen; young and naive and not formally out yet. Hartford had kissed her under a sprig of mistletoe in the gaslit servants’ hallway outside the kitchens.
And he’d proposed to her.
But Anne refused to think of the past. Never mind that, living in London, reminders of it were daily shoved under her nose. “You’re not going to be difficult, are you?” she asked.
“That depends.” He strolled into the room. “To what do I owe your visit?”
“Presumptuous, as always,” she said. “For all you know, I’m here to see your grandfather.”
Hartford was the only child of the Earl of March’s second son-the late (and much lamented) moralist Everett Hartford. Anne well remembered the man. He’d been as straitlaced and starchy as a vicar. Rather ironic, really, given his son’s reputation for recklessness and irreverence.
“My grandfather is in his greenhouse,” Hartford said, “elbow deep in chicken manure. If it’s him you’ve come to speak with, you’re in for a long wait.”
She suppressed a grimace. There was no need for him to be crass. “Really, Hartford.”
“Really, my lady.” He advanced into the room slowly, his genial expression doing little to mask the fact that he was a great towering male bearing down on her. “Why have you come?”
Anne held her ground. She wasn’t afraid of him. “I’ve come to ask a favor of you.”
His mouth curled up at one corner. “Better and better.” He gestured to a stuffed settee upholstered in Gobelins tapestry. “Pray sit down.”
USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus, and Shelf Awareness, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats. Learn more online at www.mimimatthews.com.
It’s that time of year again! As you know, there is nothing more that I love than challenging myself when it comes to the books I read. Whether it’s a new author, series, a genre that takes me out of my comfort zone or being able to tackle some books that have been on my tbr for far too long; I live for a good reading challenge. In the past few years, I stepped up my game not only with the books that I read but also by attempting to clear out that never-ending to-read list. As always, my challenges have been hard, but a ton of fun at the same time.
For 2024’s Reading Challenge, I really wanted to once again challenge myself and kick my never-ending to-read list’s butt!! And I am more than ready for the challenge……
A book by an author who is new to me Contemporary Romance Biker Romance Paranormal/fantasy Sports Romance Romantic Comedy Accidental Pregnancy Older Brother’s Best Friend A Holiday Romance Forbidden Romance Billionaire Romance Jilted bride Workplace Romance Fake relationship Marriage of Convenience Rock Star Romance Dark/Taboo Romance Mafia Romance Forced Proximity Historical Romance An Enemies to Lovers Romance Age Gap Romance Friends to Lovers Romance Diverse Romance Small Town Romance A book where one of the main characters is a First Responder Second Chance Romance Dystopian/Science Fiction Romance A Grumpy/Sunshine Romance Morally Gray Hero Redemption Romance Fated Mates Romance Single Parent Romance Insta-love Royal Romance A Fighter/MMA Book Bearded Man On Cover Bad Boy Romance Gothic Romance Favorite Trope A book everyone is talking about A book chosen for its cover A book with a one-word title A book with a setting in a different country than where you live A book with no people on the cover. A book where one of the main characters is/was in the military A Book with Pirates A Book with a number in the title A Debut Novel A Book that won an award A book with less than 1000 ratings on Goodreads 4 Books on my TBR 4 New Releases
Each year, I try to create a reading challenge that’s not only fun and challenging but also realistic. This year, I set the bar pretty high, and couldn’t be happier with the results. I’ve read over300books for this challenge, 78 of those being books that have sat on my Kindle for far too long. I’ve discovered a lot of new authors and exciting books in 2023 and can not wait to see what next year’s challenge will bring.
Here are the books that made my 2023 Reading Challenge a success:
Category
Book
Re-Read a favorite book
New Moon by Stephanie Meyer
A book by an author new to me
Irresistibly Broken by J. Saman
A Contemporary
Hideaway Heart by Melanie Harlow
A New Adult Read
The Coven by Harper L. Woods
A Biker Novel
Under Locke by Mariana Zapata
A Paranormal/Fantasy
Vicious Bonds by Shanora Williams
A Sports Romance
Coach by Devney Perry
A Romantic Comedy
My Roommate is a Vampire by Jenna Levine
A book chosen for its cover
Buried in Lies by TL Smith
Accidental Pregnancy
Rising by Micalea Smeltzer
Older Brother’s Best Friend
Over My Brothers Dead Body, Chase Andrews by Piper Rayne
Holiday Romance (any holiday)
Claus & Effect by Piper Rayne
Forbidden
The Unrequited by Saffron Kent
Billionaire
My Dark Romeo by Parker S Huntington and LJ Shen
Jilted Bride
Ache for You by JT Geissinger
Workplace Romance
The RSVP by Lauren Blakely
Fake Relationship
For Never by Aurora Rose Reynolds
Marriage of Convenience
Fractured Secrets by Haley Jenner
Favorite trope
Dear Grumpy Boss by Julia Wolf
A book with a red cover
Always Practice Safe Hex by Juliette Cross
A Book with a One Word Title
Resist by Ava Harrison
A Book with a pink cover
The Sweetest Revenge by Lizzy Dent
A Book with an illustrated cover
You Never Forget Your First and He Just Might Be The Death of Me by Millie Perez
A book set in a different country from where you currently live.
My Summer in Seoul by RVD
10 books on your TBR
House of Shadows by K.A. Linde House of Curses by K.A. Linde All The Little Raindrops by Mia Sheridan Until Hanna by Aurora Rose Reynolds Moments of Mayhem by T.L. Smith She Was Mine First by M. Robinson Where We Started by Ashley Munoz Darkest Need by RVD A Pessimist’s Guide to Love by Jennifer Hartmann House of Dragons by K.A. Linde
6 New Releases
You had Your Chance Lee Burrows by Piper Rayne Wrong For You by Harloe Rae Liars Like Us by JT Geissinger Don’t Forget Me Tomorrow by A.L. Jackson Before We Fall by Aurora Rose Reynolds Fall Into You by Jt Geissinger
A Rock Star Romance
Sweet Regret by K. Bromberg
A Book picked by a friend
Brutal Billionaire by Laurelin Paige
Dark/Taboo
The Sinner by Shantel Tessier
Reverse Harem
Poison Roses by Jaymin Eve & Tate James
Historical Romance
Wolfsgate by Cat Porter
Enemies to Lovers troupe
Sinful Crown by Ava Harrison
A book that will make you Ugly Cry
Before US by Jewel E Ann
A book with an Age Gap troupe
The Tryst by Lauren Blakely
A book with Friends to Lovers troupe
The Baby Proposition by Kim Loraine
A book with a Blue cover
Two Week Seduction by Kathy Lyons
A Book with a White Cover
Perfect Together by Kristen Ashley
A Book with no people on the cover
Only Love Can Hurt Like This by Paige Toon
A Book that will be made/has been made into a movie/tv show
The Wedding Season by Samantha Chase
A Diversified Read
Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
1 Duet
The Sacrifice Duet by A. Zavarelli & Natasha Knight
Romantic Suspense
Beyond the Thistles by Samantha Young
A Book with a black cover
Wise by Cora Brent
book where main character is/was in the military
Text by Cambria Hebert
Small Town romance
Cherished Enough by Kelly Elliott
First Responder (Police Officer/Firefighter/EMT)
Between Hello and Goodbye by Emma Scott
Second Chance Romance
book, where the main character is/, was in the military
Dystopian/Science Fiction
Last Light by Claire Kent
Grumpy/Sunshine
Forbidden Hearts by Corinne Michaels
A book with a yellow cover
An Optimist’s Guide to Heartbreak by Jennifer Hartmann
2 Books that have been on your tbr for 3 years or more
Deny Me by Fiona Cole Wake Up Call by Victoria Ashley
A Book with a Purple Cover
Witches Get Stitches by Juliette Cross
A Book by your favorite author
Boneyard Tides by Amo Jones
A Royal Romance
Royally Not Ready by Meghan Quinn
A book with a Cowboy on the cover
Sinful Enemy by M. Robinson
A YA Book
Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood
Insta-love
Until Willow by Aurora Rose Reynolds
An Opposites Attract Novel
The Rules of Dating by Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland
Forced Proximity
Convict by A Zavarelli
Bearded Man On Cover
A Little Twist by Tia Louise
A Fighter/MMA Book
Caged by Bella Matthews
Bad Boy
Tempting the Enemy by M. Robinson
Bully Romance
Traitor by Hattie Jude
Mafia
Dissolution by RVD
A Gothic Romance
Black Rose by Karina Hale
A Stand-alone Novel
The Love Wager by Lynn Wager
Finish A Series I Started
My Maddie by Tillie Cole
2 Novellas
The Dandelion Diary by Devney Perry Same Time Next Year by Tessa Bailey
2 Duets
Lords of Rathe Duet by Amo Jones & Meagan Brandy The Luna Duet by Pepper Winters
1 Box Set
Crimson Elite by T.L. Smith
5 Books I Already Own Per Month
Jan
Rebellious by Kristy Marie Grumpy Player Next Door by Pippa Grant Flawless by Elise Silver Last Resort by K. Bromberg Timeless by Devney Perry
Feb
The Mogul and the Muscle by Claire Kingsley The Price of Scandal by Lucy Score Tight Ends and Tiaras by Lex Martin, Fake Date by Monica Murphy Faking It With The Frenemy by Nadia Lee
March
Behind His Eyes by Claire Kingsley The Plan by Karla Sorensen About Tomorrow by Abbi Glines Beautifully Broken by Tata Lee Didn’t Expect You by Claudia Burgoa
April
My Famous Frenemy by Piper Rayne Ethan by Alex Wolf Layer by Layer Kaylee Ryan Don’t Play With Odin by Cynthia Eden Wright That Got Away by KA Linde
May
Dear Ava by Ilsa Madden Mills Never With Me by Kaylee Ryan Fire by Abbh Brooks Pike by Brenda Rothert Her Scottish Wolf by Theodora Taylor
June
Mine to Hold by Natasha Madison Conquer by Colet Abedi The Villain by Bella J My Always One by Aleatha Romig Secret Lucidity by EK Blair
July
How to heal a heartbreak by Cynthia Eden Until I Get You by Claire Contreras The Experiment by Amy Alves A Glorious and Devlish Expanse by Katie McGarry Finding My Reason by Claudia Burgoa
Aug
Moments of Malevolence by T.L. Smith Breathing Fire by R.K. Lilley Accidentally Scandalously Yours by Nina Levine Crossing the Line by Jessica Prince Mine for Yours by Harloe Rae
Sept
Dear Ava by Ilsa Madden-Mills Never With Me by Kaylee Ryan Fire by Abbh Brooks Pike by Brenda Rothert Her Scottish Wolf by Theodora Taylor
Oct
Tyrant by RK Lilley Never For Him by Jessica Prince Hate Date by Kayleen Winter The Tease by Lauren Blakely The Brood by Devney Perry
Nov
Moments of Madness by T.L. Smith The Italian by T.L. Swan Crushing on the Cop by Piper Rayne My Temptation by T.L. Swan Crossing Fire by RK Lilley
Dec
Waiting for Christmas by Cynthia Eden Two Twirls by Rachel Van Dyken Unwritten by Jenna Hartley Heresy by Lily White Keeping You by Aurora Rose Reynolds
From the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of When I’m Gone comes …
Two women, generations apart, in the spotlight. A powerful novel about family secrets, devastating choices, and hope for the future.
Camera-shy Elise Branson is different from the other women in her matriline. Her mother is an award-winning actress. Her late grandmother, Vivian Snow, is a beloved Hollywood icon. But when Elise’s upcoming wedding coincides with a documentary being made about Vivian, Elise can’t escape the camera’s gaze. And even in death, neither can her grandmother.
It’s 1943 when Vivian, a small-town Indiana girl, lends her home front support to the war effort. As a translator in the nearby Italian POW camp, she’s invaluable. As a celebrated singer for the USO, she lifts men’s spirits and falls in love with a soldier. But behind this all-American love story is a shocking secret—one vital to keep buried if Vivian is to achieve the fame and fortune, she covets.
For Elise and Vivian, what’s hidden—and what’s exposed—threatens to unravel their lives. The heart-wrenching choices they must make will change them both forever.
Lake Union Publishing — December 1, 2023— 347 pages
Paperback: $16.99 — ISBN: 978-1662509889
Emily Bleeker is the bestselling author of six novels. Combined, her books have reached more than two million readers. She is a two-time Whitney Award finalist as well as being on the Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists.
Emily lives in the northern suburbs of Chicago with her husband, their kids, and her kitten-muse, Hazel. Along with writing and being a mom, she performs with a local improv troupe, sings karaoke like no one is watching, and embraces her newfound addiction to running. Connect with her or request virtual visit with your book club at www.emilybleeker.com.
JEPORDIZE THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY WITHIN THE BRITISH EMPIRE
~MURDER IN DRURY LANE Book #2 in The Lady Worthing Mysteries, on sale October 24, 2023~
Praise for MURDER IN WESTMINSTER by Vanessa Riley, book #1 in The Lady Worthing Mysteries
“Riley’s inclusive, keenly drawn cast shines a light on the role of people of color in the Regency era…Snappy dialogue, abundant intrigue, and Abbie and Stapleton’s increasingly flirtatious antagonism keep the tension high and the narrative drive strong Smart, fun, and full of moxie.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Riley’s storytelling gift is strong and her prose is lovely and evocative. She made me see 1806 London in an entirely new way I’m a fan of Jane Austen as well as Dianne Freeman and many others – but she gave me the gift of an expanded perspective, along with a really well-told mystery.” —Mystery Scene Magazine
“Murder in Westminster (historical mystery) is sure to be a great read to add to your current must-read lists.” —Essence Magazine
“Riley’s prose is unique, nestling a lush, lavish image next to a swift, chopping realization….The book is an absorbing experience, a complicated mystery rooted in the compelling historical struggle for abolition that navigates the nuances of race and class with a heroine the reader can’t help but love. Highly recommended.” —Historical Novel Society
An authority on the history of Black and other diverse populations in the Regency era, Vanessa Riley’s historical romances (Kensington) and fiction (William Morrow) have established her as the go-to author for readers looking for stories highlighting multicultural communities, strong sisterhoods, and powerful persons of color. Her Rogues & Remarkable Women historical romance series has landed her on Best of lists at Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, NPR, Oprah Daily, and many more, while earning high praise from fellow authors including Julia Quinn, Sarah Maclean, and Kristan Higgins. Her first historical fiction novel, Island Queen (2021), was a GMA Buzz Pick, Indie Next Pick, and a New York Times Editors’ Choice, and television rights have been snapped up by Bridgerton producer Julie Anne Robinson, with Adjoa Andoh named as executive producer.
Now, Riley returns to bookshelves with MURDER IN DRURY LANE, the second installment of her critically acclaimed Lady Worthing series. Bringing Riley’s vivid depictions of the race and class diversity of the Regency-era to the ever-popular genre of historical mystery, the novel follows the strong, clever, and captivating Lady Abigail Worthing, an aristocrat whose skin color and notorious family history have left her with few friends she can rely on. With her husband away indefinitely, Lady Worthing finds respite enjoying plays at the Drury Lane Theatre until she is pulled behind-the-curtain and tasked with solving a murder that suspects a leading advocate of the cause dearest to her heart—the abolition of slavery within the British empire.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Portraying the true diversity of the Regency-era and the hidden intrigue of England’s abolitionist movement, this vibrant, inclusive new historical mystery from acclaimed author Vanessa Riley features an engaging heroine with an independent streak, a notorious past, and a decided talent for sleuthing…
Pressed into a union of convenience, Lady Abigail Worthing knew better than to expect love. Her marriage to an absent lord does at least provide some comforts, including a box at the Drury Lane theater, owned by the playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan. Abigail has always found respite at the theater, away from the ton’s judgmental stares and the risks of her own secret work to help the cause of abolition—and her fears that someone from her past wants her permanently silenced. But on one June evening everything collides, and the performance takes an unwelcome turn . . .
Onstage, a woman emits a scream of genuine terror. A man has been found dead in the prop room, stabbed through the heart. Abigail’s neighbor, Stapleton Henderson, is also in attendance, and the two rush backstage. The magistrate, keen to avoid bringing more attention to the case and making Lady Worthing more of a target, asks Abigail not to investigate. But she cannot resist, especially when the usually curmudgeonly Henderson offers his assistance.
Abigail soon discovers a tangled drama that rivals anything brought to the stage, involving gambling debts, a beautiful actress with a parade of suitors, and the very future of the Drury Lane theatre. For Abigail, the case is complicated still further, for one suspect is a leading advocate for the cause dearest to her heart—the abolition of slavery within the British empire. Uncovering the truth always comes at a price. But this time, it may be far higher than she wishes to pay.
TALKING POINTS:
Crafting mysteries and crime fiction with a strong female lead attempting to define her role in the world and struggles with society expectations in 1806 England
Dedicated to depicting multi-culture communities with powerful persons of color in her books
Vanessa immersed herself in research to weave real-life stories into her writing by reading books, academic papers, old newspapers, and visiting the real Drury Lane in London
Vanessa left a career in engineering to pursue writing full-time and can discuss starting over
Marriage during the Regency-era
Why the Lady Worthy series is a homage to popular classic series such as Murder, She Wrote; Matlock; Remington Steele; Dynasty; and Dallas.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vanessa Riley is an award-winning author of historical romance, mystery, and fiction featuring realistic multicultural communities and powerful persons of color. Her works have been reviewed by the Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly, NPR, Publisher Weekly, and the New York Times. Riley, of Southern, Irish, and Trini background, was named the 2023 Georgia Author of the Year Awards Literary Fiction Winner for Sister Mother Warrior. Riley holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering and an MS in industrial engineering and engineering management from Stanford University. She also earned a BS and MS in mechanical engineering from Penn State University. Riley’s research skills have helped NASA, GM, Hewlett Packard, and several startups. Yet, her love of history (Caribbean, Georgian, and Regency) and lattes overwhelmed her passion for math and has led to the publication of over twenty titles. A frequent speaker at literary, women’s, and STEM events, she lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her military husband and teenage daughter.
From the delightfully debonair to the devilishly dangerous, every one of these dashing dukes can’t help but command your attention. They’re haughty, they’re naughty, and their estates are large enough to lose a spouse in. But beneath their stony aristocratic exteriors, beat hearts ready for passion… and the right touch of scandal. Fans of Merry Farmer and Scarlett Scott will devour the I LIKE BIG DUKES AND I CANNOT LIE anthology full of enemies and friends to lovers, marriages of convenience, and forced proximities.
From the delightfully debonair to the devilishly dangerous, these dashing dukes can’t help but command your attention. And let’s not forget the real stars here—the dazzling,
damsel-not-in-distress heroines who don’t need a title to rule. These are ladies of wit, grit, and not a little bit of mischief.
Every one of these novellas has a duke for its leading man. They’re haughty, they’re naughty, and they’ve got estates large enough to lose a spouse in. But beneath their stony aristocratic exteriors, beat hearts ready for passion… and the right touch of scandal.
Dive into the pages of “I Like Big Dukes and I Cannot Lie,” where the tea is strong, the dukes are stronger, and the heroines are an irresistible force of nature. After all, you know what they say— the duke-ier, the merrier!
Estela knew she oughtn’t to mention what had passed between Lord Rockley and herself, but the substance of his ‘problem’ was too tantalizing not to allude to.
“To be frank, it’s a bedroom matter, and the duke asked if I might have advice to offer, to aid him, so to speak—having been married so many times myself.”
Oona’s hand flew to her mouth. “He has a terrible disease! And it’s on his piddle-paddle!
The poor man! Has he pustules? Are they very bad?”
Margaret looked similarly horrified. “Is it a wilting walloper? His mighty oak is more of a weeping willow?”
Estela shook her head, barely suppressing her laughter. “No pustules, and no withered wallopers—at least as far as I know. From what I gather, the…um…artefact in question is in full working order.”
“Then whatever is the problem?” Oona’s brow furrowed as she searched her mind for other possible ailments. “Don’t tell me he’s blighted with a teensy tiddler! A plunger too puny to perform the job. A miniature maypole. A Lilliputian holy-poker. A diminutive dingle-dongle. It’s too tragic!”
“Dear me. That is disappointing.” Margaret’s shoulders slumped.
“I can assure you, that’s not the problem.” Estela bit at her lip. Of course, she hadn’t yet seen it, but she’d gained some idea of the duke’s proportions purely from the swell at the front of his trousers during their tête-à-tête.
“Then it must be his nuggins!” Oona fairly shouted the word, causing several heads to swivel in their direction. “They do vary in size, so I’ve heard, but even the most modest nutmegs are capable of spawning offspring.”
“Oh yes, that’s far less distressing, although still unfortunate, I suppose.” Margaret looked thoughtful again. “Men can be quite sensitive regarding their pibbles. He wanted you to take a look, I suppose, to hearten him that he wasn’t too much below par.”
“Not exactly. Lord Rockley is actually possessed of something…bigger than one finds in the general way. Much larger in fact. One might say, an asset of generous proportions.” Estela was enjoying this far more than she ought to. “As a result, he fears consummation will be impossible. He sought my advice but, when it came down to it, he proved too coy.”
An astounded silence ensued. Oona’s mouth dropped open slightly. Margaret’s eyes doubled in size.
The hush was broken by the arrival of the man in question, closely followed the waiter, carrying a silver platter laden with unarguably phallic-looking cannoli.
“Awe-inspiring are they not?” Lord Rockley looked from face to face, clearly under the impression that the pastries had produced the stunned expressions worn by Oona and Margaret.
“They most certainly are.” With the aid of the tongs, Estela helped herself to the uppermost of the pile, setting it upon her plate. She then raised the cannoli and bit down upon it with a murmur of approval.
A liberal amount of filling escaped the confines of the roll, so that she was obliged to lick it from the corners of her mouth.
“Most delicious, Lord Rockley.” Saucily, she dipped her tongue to the center, and gave him a wink.
About the authors
Stacy Reid – USA Today Bestselling author Stacy Reid pens evocative Historical and Paranormal Romances, boasting a portfolio of over thirty publications. Her bestselling Sinful Wallflowers series is set to grace the small screen, having been optioned for television, while her Wedded by Scandal series garners accolades as top recommendations from Night Owl Reviews, Publishers Weekly, and The Romance Reviews. Stacy’s warrior way is, “Never give up on dreams!” When not writing, she binge-watches Chinese Romance Dramas and play video games alongside her beloved.
Emmanuelle de Maupassant – Em lives in a medieval tower house in the Highlands with her husband (maker of tea and fruit cake) and her snufflesnoof, Archie, her favourite hairy pudding connoisseur of squeaky toys and bacon treats.
Clair Brett – Author of 9 Historical romances, including the Improper Wives for Proper Lords series, Clair Brett lives in NH with her ever emptying nest which includes her children when they come to visit, two cats, one willful boxer/beagle, a mean Pitbull mix that will lick you to death and run into her kennel when you speak loudly, and a red shepherd grand dog who came to visit and never left. Plus an ever harassed husband who takes it all in stride. A lover of all things Regency, Clair was hooked when she first read Jane Austen. She is a firm believer that a reader finds a piece of who they are or learns something about the world with every book they read. She wants her readers to be empowered and to have a refreshed belief in the goodness of people and the power of love after reading her work.
Eve Pendle – Eve lives in Britain and writes angsty, snarky and passionate romance. Her love of reading historical romance eventually morphed into wanting to write her own.
Tamara Gill – AKA Tam, an Australian author of historical and time travel romance. You’ll find all the purchase links to my published books here, contests that I’m running, links to my Hellions street team that I share with one other amazing historical author!
You can also contact me through the contact form on the website if you have any questions about my books or when more of my books will be releasing. I also have a newsletter that I send out bi-monthly that you can subscribe to. I always feature news and great sales or new release deals in my newsletter, so make sure you subscribe! So grab a coffee or wine, take a seat and browse. You may find your next best read.
Annabelle Anders – Married to the same man for over 25 years, I am a mother to three children and two Miniature Wiener dogs. After owning a business and experiencing considerable success, my husband and I got caught in the financial crisis and lost everything in 2008; our business, our home, even our car. At this point, I put my B.A. in Poly Sci to use and took work as a waitress and bartender (Insert irony). Unwilling to give up on a professional life, I simultaneously went back to college and obtained a degree in Energy Management. And then the energy market dropped off. And then my dog died. I can only be grateful for this series of unfortunate events, for, with nothing to lose and completely demoralized, I sat down and began to write the romance novels which had until then, existed only my imagination. After publishing over thirty novels now, with one having been nominated for RWA’s Distinguished ™RITA Award in 2019, I am happy to tell you that I have finally found my place in life.
Carrie Lomax – Bestselling author of steamy historical & contemporary romance. She also writes angsty new adult fantasy romance under the pen name Joline Pearce. A research librarian by day, she loves to escape into rich imaginary worlds full of adventure, romance, and passion. Her novella Twelve Nights of Ruin was an InD’tale RONE Award finalist for the anthology Once Upon a Twelfth Night. Carrie lives in Maryland with her husband, two budding readers, and an adorable Boston Terrier/Beagle mix rescue pup.
Lily Reynard is an international woman of mystery spotted in locations as wide-ranging as San Francisco, Paris, Madrid, Istanbul, and Tokyo. When friends and family inquire about her globe-trotting adventures, she smiles mysteriously and makes vague references to being an “IT professional.” While writing, Lily uses her history degree in ways that would make her professors blush, if they only knew!
S. Cinders – author of the steamy fairy tale retellings, Dark Fairy Tales featuring Scarecrow, is a USA Today Bestselling author, and mother of two. With over fifty titles,
S. Cinders writes in a myriad of genres from historical romance, fractured fairy tales, contemporary, fantasy, science fiction, paranormal romance, and urban fantasy romance.
Caroline Lee – As the USA Today Bestselling author of #HotHilariousHistorical, Caroline writes historical comedies, and believes it’s important for her heroines to be strong, capable and more than a little feisty. If you love to laugh, pick up any of her stories–all of them with plenty of spice! Her medieval Scottish books are action-packed, and her Victorians (featuring the descendants of those same delicious Highlanders) are hilarious!
Alyssa Clarke – he writes steamy Regency Historical Romances featuring swoon-worthy heroes and sassy, sometimes unconventional heroines! Her debut novel—Love me, If you Dare: Wagers and Wallflowers, came to her in a dream as a hot, fun enemy to lover
romance where she played the leading lady who fell in love with a duke who looked remarkably like Henry Cavill. 😊 When not writing, Alyssa enjoys hiking, games/movie
night, with her husband and two beautiful children, and her Siberian Husky—Cronus. She is a lover of wine, cheesecake, and more wine.
Laura Trentham – I was born and raised in a small town in Northwest Tennessee. Although, I loved English and reading in high school, I was convinced an English degree equated to starvation! So, I chose the next most logical major – Chemical Engineering- and worked in a hard hat and steel toed boots for several years. Now I live in South Carolina with my husband and two children. In between school and homework and soccer practices, I love to get lost in another world, whether it’s Regency England or small town Alabama.
Sky Purington – is the award-winning, 4-time RONE nominee, bestselling author of over seventy novels and novellas. A New Englander born and bred who recently moved to Virginia, Purington married her hero and has an amazing son who inspires her daily. Her wolf pack, one ultra-lovable husky shepherd mix, and two Siberian huskies, rarely leave her side. Passionate for variety, Sky’s vivid imagination spans several romance genres, including historical, time travel, paranormal, and fantasy. Expect steamy stories teeming with protective alpha heroes and strong-minded heroines.
Mariah Stone -Amazon Top 100 bestselling author Mariah Stone pens historical and time travel romance featuring regency dukes, tenacious Vikings, and fierce Highlanders, all captivated by strong-willed women. In her downtime, Mariah raises two adorable kids and enjoys romantic North Sea escapes with her husband. A multilingual Outlander and Bridgerton fan, she relishes sushi, Thai food, and runs a local writer’s group.
Ellie St. Claire – Ellie has always loved reading, writing, and history. For many years she has written short stories, non-fiction, and has worked on her true love and passion — romance novels. In every era there is the chance for romance, and Ellie enjoys exploring many different time periods, cultures, and geographic locations. No matter when or where, love can always prevail. She has a particular soft spot for the bad boys of history, and loves a strong heroine in her stories. Ellie and her husband love nothing more than spending time at home with their children and Husky cross. Ellie can typically be found at the lake in the summer, pushing the stroller all year round, and, of course, with her computer in her lap or a book in hand. She also loves corresponding with readers, so be sure to contact her!
Beverley Oakley – writes Regency, Victorian and Georgian-set romances laced with mystery and intrigue. Under her other names – Beverley Eikli and B.G. Nettelton – she also writes Africa-set romantic suspense. Born in the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, she married the handsome bush pilot she met in Botswana while managing a safari lodge and has spent the rest of her life as a ‘trailing spouse’ doing what she loves most: writing books from sweet to steamy; and from humorous to historical romantic suspense.
Ebony Oaten – loves reading and writing about the Regency and other historical eras. She has always loved history, but hates living through it. Ebony also writes Young Adult novels as Ebony McKenna.
Amy Quinton – writes humorous historicals with heat, often from her back porch in Summerville, South Carolina but sometimes with her BFF at the kitchen table. And only when her dog and three cats allow. She’s susceptible to shiny things, soft things, leather, trips to the thrift store, Whisky, tattoos, witchy things, Bunco with her Bitches, and men in kilts (particularly her husband)-but not necessarily in that order. She adores her children (most of the time), finds a lot of humor being married to a Brit (usually), cusses (probably more than she should), and loves to read and write romance (always). When she finds the time, she loves to crochet, knit, and make jewelry. And longs to travel to the UK every chance she gets.
<b><i>From the delightfully debonair to the devilishly dangerous, every one of these dashing dukes can’t help but command your attention. They’re haughty, they’re naughty, and their estates are large enough to lose a spouse in. But beneath their stony aristocratic exteriors, beat hearts ready for passion… and the right touch of scandal. Fans of Merry Farmer and Scarlett Scott will devour the I LIKE BIG DUKES AND I CANNOT LIE anthology full of enemies and friends to lovers, marriages of convenience, and forced proximities.</i></b>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>From the delightfully debonair to the devilishly dangerous, these dashing dukes can’t help but command your attention. And let’s not forget the real stars here—the dazzling, damsel-not-in-distress heroines who don’t need a title to rule. These are ladies of wit, grit, and not a little bit of mischief.</span><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>
</span><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>
</span><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>
</span><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Every one of these novellas has a duke for its leading man. They’re haughty, they’re naughty, and they’ve got estates large enough to lose a spouse in. But beneath their stony aristocratic exteriors, beat hearts ready for passion… and the right touch of scandal.</span><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>
</span><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>
</span><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Dive into the pages of “I Like Big Dukes and I Cannot Lie,” where the tea is strong, the dukes are stronger, and the heroines are an irresistible force of nature. After all, you know what they say— the duke-ier, the merrier!</span>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Estela knew she oughtn’t to mention what had passed between Lord Rockley and herself, but the substance of his ‘problem’ was too tantalizing not to allude to.</span>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>
</span> <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>“To be frank, it’s a bedroom matter, and the duke asked if I might have advice to offer, to aid him, so to speak—having been married so many times myself.”</span>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>
</span> <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Oona’s hand flew to her mouth. “He has a terrible disease! And it’s on his piddle-paddle! The poor man! Has he pustules? Are they very bad?”</span>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>
</span> <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Margaret looked similarly horrified. “Is it a wilting walloper? His mighty oak is more of a weeping willow?”</span>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>
</span> <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Estela shook her head, barely suppressing her laughter. “No pustules, and no withered wallopers—at least as far as I know. From what I gather, the…um…artefact in question is in full working order.”</span>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>
</span> <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>“Then whatever is the problem?” Oona’s brow furrowed as she searched her mind for other possible ailments. “Don’t tell me he’s blighted with a teensy tiddler! A plunger too puny to perform the job. A miniature maypole. A Lilliputian
holy-poker. A diminutive dingle-dongle. It’s too tragic!”</span>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>
</span> <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>“Dear me. That is disappointing.” Margaret’s shoulders slumped.</span>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>
</span> <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>“I can assure you, that’s not the problem.” Estela bit at her lip. Of course, she hadn’t yet seen it, but she’d gained some idea of the duke’s proportions purely from the swell at the front of his trousers during their tête-à-tête.</span>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>
</span> <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>“Then it must be his nuggins!” Oona fairly shouted the word, causing several heads to swivel in their direction. “They do vary in size, so I’ve heard, but even the most modest nutmegs are capable of spawning offspring.”</span>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>
</span> <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>“Oh yes, that’s far less distressing, although still unfortunate, I suppose.” Margaret looked thoughtful again. “Men can be quite sensitive regarding their pibbles. He wanted you to take a look, I suppose, to hearten him that he wasn’t too much below par.”</span>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>
</span><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>“Not exactly. Lord Rockley is actually possessed of something…bigger than one finds in the general way. Much larger in fact. One might say, an asset of generous proportions.” Estela was enjoying this far more than she ought to. “As a result, he fears consummation will be impossible. He sought my advice but, when it came down to it, he proved too coy.”</span>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>
</span> <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>An astounded silence ensued. Oona’s mouth dropped open slightly. Margaret’s eyes doubled in size.</span>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>
</span> <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>The hush was broken by the arrival of the man in question, closely followed the waiter, carrying a silver platter laden with unarguably
phallic-looking cannoli.</span>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>
</span> <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>“Awe-inspiring are they not?” Lord Rockley looked from face to face, clearly under the impression that the pastries had produced the stunned expressions worn by Oona and Margaret.</span>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>
</span> <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>“They most certainly are.” With the aid of the tongs, Estela helped herself to the uppermost of the pile, setting it upon her plate. She then raised the cannoli and bit down upon it with a murmur of approval.</span>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>
</span> <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>A liberal amount of filling escaped the confines of the roll, so that she was obliged to lick it from the corners of her mouth.</span>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>
“Most delicious, Lord Rockley.” Saucily, she dipped her tongue to the center, and gave him a wink.</span>
<p style=”text-align: center;”><b>About The Authors</b></p>
<b>Stacy Reid</b><span style=”font-weight: 400;”> – USA Today Bestselling author Stacy Reid pens evocative Historical and Paranormal Romances, boasting a portfolio of over thirty publications. Her bestselling </span><i><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Sinful Wallflowers</span></i><span style=”font-weight: 400;”> series is set to grace the small screen, having been optioned for television, while her </span><i><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Wedded by Scandal</span></i><span style=”font-weight: 400;”> series garners accolades as top recommendations from Night Owl Reviews, Publishers Weekly, and The Romance Reviews. Stacy’s warrior way is, “Never give up on dreams!” When not writing, she binge-watches Chinese Romance Dramas and play video games alongside her beloved.</span>
<b>Emmanuelle de Maupassant </b><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>- Em lives in a medieval tower house in the Highlands with her husband (maker of tea and fruit cake) and her snufflesnoof, Archie, her favourite hairy pudding connoisseur of squeaky toys and bacon treats.
<b>Amy Rose Bennett </b><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>-</span> <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>An Australian author who has a passion for penning emotion-packed historical romances. Of course, her strong-willed heroines and rakish heroes always find their happily ever after.
<b>Clair Brett</b><span style=”font-weight: 400;”> – Author of 9 Historical romances, including the Improper Wives for Proper Lords series, Clair Brett lives in NH with her ever emptying nest which includes her children when they come to visit, two cats, one willful boxer/beagle, a mean Pitbull mix that will lick you to death and run into her kennel when you speak loudly, and a red shepherd grand dog who came to visit and never left. Plus an ever harassed husband who takes it all in stride. A lover of all things Regency, Clair was hooked when she first read Jane Austen. She is a firm believer that a reader finds a piece of who they are or learns something about the world with every book they read. She wants her readers to be empowered and to have a refreshed belief in the goodness of people and the power of love after reading her work.</span>
<b>Eve Pendle</b><span style=”font-weight: 400;”> – Eve lives in Britain and writes angsty, snarky and passionate romance. Her love of reading historical romance eventually morphed into wanting to write her own. </span>
<b>Tamara Gill</b><span style=”font-weight: 400;”> -</span> <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>AKA Tam, an Australian author of historical and time travel romance. You’ll find all the purchase links to my published books here, contests that I’m running, links to my Hellions street team that I share with one other amazing historical author! You can also contact me through the contact form on the website if you have any questions about my books or when more of my books will be releasing. I also have a newsletter that I send out bi-monthly that you can subscribe to. I always feature news and great sales or new release deals in my newsletter, so
make sure you subscribe! So grab a coffee or wine, take a seat and browse. You may find your next best read.</span>
<b>Annabelle Anders </b><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>- Married to the same man for over 25 years, I am a mother to three children and two Miniature Wiener dogs. After owning a business and experiencing considerable success, my husband and I got caught in the financial crisis and lost everything in 2008; our business, our home, even our car. At this point, I put my
B.A. in Poly Sci to use and took work as a waitress and bartender (Insert irony). Unwilling to give up on a professional life, I simultaneously went back to college and obtained a degree in Energy Management. And then the energy market dropped off. And then my dog died. I can only be grateful for this series of unfortunate events, for, with nothing to lose and completely demoralized, I sat down and began to write the romance novels which had until then, existed only my imagination. After publishing over thirty novels now, with one having been nominated for RWA’s Distinguished ™RITA Award in 2019, I am happy to tell you that I have finally found my place in life.</span>
<b>Carrie Lomax</b><span style=”font-weight: 400;”> – Bestselling author of steamy historical & contemporary romance. She also writes angsty new adult fantasy romance under the pen name Joline Pearce. A research librarian by day, she loves to escape into rich imaginary worlds full of adventure, romance, and passion. Her novella Twelve Nights of Ruin was an InD’tale RONE Award finalist for the anthology Once Upon a Twelfth Night. Carrie lives in Maryland with her husband, two budding readers, and an adorable Boston Terrier/Beagle mix rescue pup. </span>
<b>Lily Reynard </b><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>is an international woman of mystery spotted in locations as wide-ranging as San Francisco, Paris, Madrid, Istanbul, and Tokyo. When friends and family inquire about her globe-trotting adventures, she smiles mysteriously and makes vague references to being an “IT professional.” While writing, Lily uses her history degree in ways that would make her professors blush, if they only knew! </span>
<li><b> Cinders</b><span style=”font-weight: 400;”> – author of the steamy fairy tale
retellings, Dark Fairy Tales featuring Scarecrow, is a USA Today Bestselling author, and mother of two. With over fifty titles, S. Cinders writes in a myriad of genres from historical romance, fractured fairy tales, contemporary, fantasy, science fiction, paranormal romance, and urban fantasy romance. </span></li>
<b>Caroline Lee</b><span style=”font-weight: 400;”> – As the USA Today Bestselling author of #HotHilariousHistorical, Caroline writes historical comedies, and believes it’s important for her heroines to be strong, capable and more than a little feisty. If you love to laugh, pick up any of her stories–all of them with plenty of spice! Her medieval Scottish books are action-packed, and her Victorians (featuring the descendants of those same delicious Highlanders) are hilarious!
<b>Alyssa Clarke</b><span style=”font-weight: 400;”> -</span> <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>he writes steamy Regency Historical Romances featuring swoon-worthy heroes and sassy, sometimes unconventional heroines! Her debut novel—Love me, If you Dare: Wagers and Wallflowers, came to her in a dream as a hot, fun enemy to lover romance where she played the leading lady who fell in love with a duke who looked remarkably like Henry Cavill.
</span><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>😊 </span><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>When not
writing, Alyssa enjoys hiking, games/movie night, with her husband and two beautiful children, and her Siberian Husky—Cronus. She is a lover of wine, cheesecake, and more wine. </span>
<b>Laura Trentham</b><span style=”font-weight: 400;”> – I was born and raised in a small town in Northwest Tennessee. Although, I loved English and reading in high school, I was convinced an English degree equated to starvation! So, I chose the next most logical major – Chemical Engineering- and worked in a hard hat and steel toed boots for several years. Now I live in South Carolina with my husband and two children. In between school and homework and soccer practices, I love to get lost in another world, whether it’s Regency England or small town Alabama.</span>
<b>Sky Purington</b><span style=”font-weight: 400;”> – is the award-winning, 4-time RONE nominee, bestselling author of over seventy novels and novellas. A New Englander born and bred who recently moved to Virginia, Purington married her hero and has an amazing son who inspires her daily. Her wolf pack, one ultra-lovable husky shepherd mix, and two Siberian huskies, rarely leave her side. Passionate for variety, Sky’s vivid imagination spans several
romance genres, including historical, time travel, paranormal, and fantasy. Expect steamy stories teeming with protective alpha heroes and strong-minded heroines. </span>
<b>Mariah Stone</b><span style=”font-weight: 400;”> -Amazon Top 100 bestselling author Mariah Stone pens historical and time travel romance featuring regency dukes, tenacious Vikings, and fierce Highlanders, all captivated by strong-willed women. In her downtime, Mariah raises two adorable kids and enjoys romantic North Sea escapes with her husband. A multilingual Outlander and Bridgerton fan, she relishes sushi, Thai food, and runs a local writer’s group.</span>
<b>Ellie St. Claire </b><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>- Ellie has always loved reading, writing, and history. For many years she has written short stories, non-fiction, and has worked on her true love and passion — romance novels. In every era there is the chance for romance, and Ellie enjoys exploring many different time periods, cultures, and geographic locations. No matter when or where, love can always prevail. She has a particular soft spot for the bad boys of history, and loves a strong heroine in her stories. Ellie and her husband love nothing more than spending time at home with their children and Husky cross. Ellie can typically be found at the lake in the summer, pushing the stroller all year round, and, of course, with her computer in her lap or a book in hand. She also loves corresponding with readers, so be sure to contact her!</span>
<b>Beverley Oakley </b><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>- writes Regency, Victorian and Georgian-set romances laced with mystery and intrigue. Under her other names – Beverley Eikli and B.G. Nettelton – she also writes Africa-set romantic suspense. Born in the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, she married the handsome bush pilot she met in Botswana while managing a safari lodge and has spent the rest of her life as a ‘trailing spouse’ doing what she loves most:
writing books from sweet to steamy; and from humorous to historical romantic suspense.</span>
<b>Ebony Oaten</b><span style=”font-weight: 400;”> – loves reading and writing about the Regency and other historical eras. She has always loved history, but hates living through it. Ebony also writes Young Adult novels as Ebony McKenna.</span>
<b>Amy Quinton</b><span style=”font-weight: 400;”> – writes humorous historicals with heat, often from her back porch in Summerville, South Carolina but sometimes with her BFF at the kitchen table. And only when her dog and three cats allow. She’s susceptible to shiny things, soft things, leather, trips to the thrift store, Whisky, tattoos, witchy things, Bunco with her Bitches, and men in kilts (particularly her husband)-but not necessarily in that order. She adores her children (most of the time), finds a lot of humor being married to a Brit (usually), cusses (probably more than she should), and loves to read and write romance (always). When she finds the time, she loves to crochet, knit, and make jewelry. And longs to travel to the UK every chance she gets.</span>
“A heartwarming love story filled with captivating characters. Sparks fly and emotion runs rampant, moving one from laughter to tears as this page-turner delivers its unique happily ever after.” ~ Anna St. Claire, USA Today Bestselling Author
In this Regency Romance by USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Tracy Sumner, a willful bluestocking matches wits with a devilish scoundrel she never expected to desire with every beat of her heart.
A defiant society outcast. A scandalous rogue who doesn’t believe in love. And a passionate wager.
Daughter of an earl, Lady Hildegard Templeton hasn’t conformed to what society expects from a woman of her station. Industrious and unique, she’s created an emboldened organization for women on the cusp of marriage, The Duchess Society. Called a bluestocking to her face and worse behind closed salon doors, she vows to marry for love. And nothing but. Although the emotion has yet to show itself to her. Until she meets him.
Bastard son of a viscount and king of London’s sordid streets, Tobias Streeter has spent a lifetime building his empire, and he needs the Duchess Society to find a suitable wife to ensure his place in society. But he vows his search will have nothing to do with love and everything to do with vengeance. Until he meets her.
Soon, Tobias and Hildy’s plans are in turmoil as they must choose between achieving their goals or a life filled with love.
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