When doors creak and ghostly whispers are heard in the midnight hour, this stunning collection of Gothic Regency Historical Romance is sure to leave you breathless with Poe-inspired, romantic dreams… will give you a chill, a thrill, and have you reading them again and again. Inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe, you’ve never seen a collection like this by some of the biggest names in Historical Romance. The title of each story is named for their ‘Bride’:
Emma by Kathryn Le Veque
Aislin by Meara Platt
Sarah by Scarlett Scott
Madeleine by Mary Lancaster
Beth by Maggi Andersen
Hyacinth by Chasity Bowlin
Eleanor by Sydney Jane Baily
Raven by Violetta Rand
So, grab your candle and lock your door, and settle down to read this smashing collection of darkly-tinged romantic tales with unforgettable heroes and magnificent ladies. Romance has never been so daring… or so Gothic.
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…
more
I’m a sucker for, but a better word for it would be lover of, historical romance; therefore, when I saw this book, I immediately ordered it. It also helped that Kathryn Le Veque was one of the authors of this collection. That being said, her story Emma was one of my favorites and I wanted more. I want to tell Ms. Le Veque: please write a full-length novel about Emma and Asher. I need more of this couple.
My other favorite was Sarah by Scarlett Scott. Okay, I have a couple of books by this author, but haven’t read them yet. Shame on me, because I realize I have been missing out on a good author. Ms. Scott: I want more of Sarah and Lord Markham too. On another note, now might be the time to start reading the Sins and Scoundrels series that I have lingering around on my Kindle.
I loved some of the other stories too, but these two were my favorites. Do I give this anthology the thumbs up? Yes! If you want to escape into another era for a couple of hours, encounter handsome gentlemen, and see couples fall in love, then this book is for you. It’s one of those books I call “tea sipping, hot bubble bath, put my feet up” type of reads.
A great set of stories. Some spooky some not but all really well worth reading.
Emma,
by Kathryn LeVeque.
This might be a shorter story than usual from this author but it’s still a wonderful one.
It starts in the present time with characters that just might have met in a previous life.
We go back in time to the traumatic time when our careless hero and unfortunate heroine first met.
I would love this to have been fleshed out to a full length book but I loved it anyway.
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Aislin,
By Meara Platt.
William has lived as the pirate Lucifer for the last three years, with very little memory of what happened before. Now however he has been having dreams of a woman who is obviously special to him. So it’s back to the place he hopes to find her for him.
Aislin is apparently a very dangerous woman to know. Her father holds a lot of power in the smuggling community, and if anyone threatens what is his they have a tendency to dissapear forever.
An action packed story with danger from all sides. Both our characters are strong and possibly a bit too brave. The mystery they have to solve while not knowing who is on which side gives us a lot of excitement and a few giggles.
I loved it.
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Sarah,
By Scarlett Scott.
Lady Sarah Bolingbroke is determined to have revenge for herself and her sister from the man who destroyed them both. A masked ball seems like the perfect opportunity.
Phillip the Earl of Markham gave up on love a few years ago when he was tricked but had a lucky escape.
This is a lovely story that shows us that not everything we are told is true, and sometimes it’s those closest to us that lie the most. Great characters that are easy to love, and a mischievous story line.
Good fun.
**********************************
Madeline.
By Mary Lancaster.
Miss Madeline Deare has returned to England to be with her brother after the death of her father. Her brother seems intent on taking her to see as many unattached men as he can, even though she’s told him she not interested in marriage.
Mr Robert Usher has been a soldier for years but has now returned home. It’s not a particularly happy place. The whole family has a reputation for being slightly crazy, maybe it’s true. Maybe it’s someone with evil intentions.
A nice dark romance, with a damaged hero and a heroine with a good and strong heart.
I always enjoy the “spooky” touch in this authors books.
Loved it.
**********************************Beth,
By Maggi Andersen.
Beth Harrismith was hoping to go to her first ball with her sister, but a family emergency changes everything. Little do they know there is mischief afoot.
Marcus Neyland has been asked to keep an eye on friend’s sister in law. What starts as a pleasant evening turns into a race for a young girl’s safety.
A fast paced adventure with great characters.
**********************************
Hyacinth,
By Chastity Bowlin.
Hyacinth is a companion to Lady Arabella and accompaning her on a visit to her cousin. A near tragedy will put her in the arms of her host.
Ian Blake Lord of Dumbarton knows his mother and cousin are matchmaking but that does help the way he feels.
Really good fun.
**********************************
Eleanor,
by Sydney Jane Baily.
Miss Eleanor Blackwood is staying with friends on the way to visit her sister. There are lots of great memories and friends to see. Including the handsome Grayson O’Connor.
A lovely Gothic romance full of fun and adventure.
Obviously part of a very good series.
**********************************
Raven,
By Violetta Rand.
James the Earl of Darkmoor has been morning the loss of his love for five years. She vanished one night and he has never been able to put her out of his heart. Maybe this anniversary will be easier, and he can move on.
A very short spooky story.
**********************************
I’ve only just started in on this box set, but I’m loving it so far! It’s the perfect collection to read at this time of year.
I don’t think I have ever pre-ordered a book so fast before. As soon as I learned of it, I was excited to read it. And it did turn out to be a fun read!
Every story here has something to recommend it, but the standout for me was Mary Lancaster’s “Madeleine.” I know I will read it again sometime. It was just so well done! Lots of fun Poe references in there, and Roderick was just the sort of offbeat hero I really appreciate sometimes. (Plus, I always love it when the heroine helps her man solve some sort of mystery :).) I’m glad I already have other books by Lancaster in my collection, waiting to be read.
Other highlights included “Beth,” by Maggi Andersen, “Hyacinth,” by Chasity Bowlin, and “Eleanor,” by Sydney Jane Baily. “Eleanor” was closer to a novel than a novella in terms of length, but I’m not complaining. The characters in that story were so cute. And at 99 cents, I definitely feel as though I got my money’s worth with this 700+ page collection. There is probably something here for anybody who enjoys Gothic romance.
This anthology collection is chillingly perfect.
From the first story to the last, I was captivated. Each one is well-crafted, with engaging characters and eerie plots.
With each story inspired by works of Edgar Allan Poe, the reader becomes immersed in gothic romancelandia.
I thoroughly enjoyed each and every story, but my favorite is Madeleine by Mary Lancaster. I adore The Fall of the House of Usher, and found her twist on Poe’s tale wonderful.
It’s the perfect anthology to curl up with on All Hallows’ Eve.
Do not miss this collection of Gothic Historical Romances by all of our favorite authors. Sit back, relax & enjoy some wonderful, eerie, chilling, HEA stories about each of their title named brides.
EMMA BY KATHRYN LeVEQUE – A painting is the basis of this story & only the true descendants of the lady in the picture know the real truth of the painting. Asher “Ash” de Russe, only lives day to day & hopes it will be his last. His guilt on causing a crash that killed the young lady he wished to marry haunts him. Miss Emma Fairweather, has been barely existing after the death of her parents in a carriage accident that left her burned with facial scars. She leaves home to seek employment as a maid Blackmoor Hall. Two damaged people meet on unexpected paths & a great love away from torment & guilt is born. What a great story!
AISLIN BY MEARA PLATT – A Baron, William Croft (previously known as Lucifer in Pearls of Fire) was found near death & while his body recovered, his mind did not. He can not remember anything from his past but has the same dream of a girl with long, dark, unbound hair & smoke-gray eyes named Aislin – is she real or a dream? William knows he must find her as he believes she may have the answers to his past, so he travels to once beautiful Tintagel Castle which sat in ruins over time but he knew he had been there before. Aislin Farnsworth has carried the guilt of her father murdering the man she fell in love with, William Croft. She has mourned for him for years & travels every day to Tintagel Castle to be in a quiet place to have her memories. She has traveled there today & is leaving when she runs in to a ghost – William, but no he is not a ghost but how can this be. The rekindling of a “love at first sight” for them is so romantic but not without some danger & a HEA. Loved this – never give up on your dreams!!
SARAH BY SCARLETT SCOTT – It has been 2 years since Lady Sarah Bolingbroke was being courted by Philip, Earl of Markham. He & Sarah’s older sister were caught in a compromising situation & he was forced to do the honorable & ask for her hand in marriage. Sarah was heartbroken at the betrayal by Philip & then her sister had a miscarriage & died. Now Sarah wants vengeance for her sister & for her own hurt & she will confront Philip at his own masquerade ball. She follows Philip to his study & gets her frustration out but Philip denies all that she is accusing him of & wants a chance to explain. Philip & Sarah have been lied to, betrayed, they both were pulled away from their love for one another but will everything that has happened in the past destroy any chance of forgiveness & happiness for them? Scarlett Scott has created a couple that you will love & her enthralling story grabs you & keeps you turning pages!
MADELEINE BY MARY LANCASTER – I love Mary’s writing & the family crypt scene in the book just game me the heebie-jeebies – it was great! Madeleine Deare has just returned from Russia where she & her father, a foreign diplomat, had been living until his recent death. She has returned to her brother, Daniel, whom she hadn’t seen for seven years. All Daniel wants is to find a rich husband for Madeleine but she has no desire to marry until she walks in to Roderick Usher’s life. Roderick has returned from war after be wounded – his body has healed but his mind is still consumed in darkness. Then to add to his problems, his older brother drowns & Roderick has to assume the role of laird of Usher. He is introduced to Madeleine by her brother after Daniel tells him they were invited to come & visit by a letter from Roderick. The attraction between Madeleine & Roderick is instant but can he get past his nightmares & will Madeleine be able help him? This book is full of mystery, danger, unwavering love from Madeleine, learning to trust – you will be jumping at every little noise you hear – loved it!!!!
This Novella contains stories written in the Gothic Style that gives us dark and picturesque scenery, mystery, fear, dread and plenty of cobwebs and low burning candle stubs. Contained in this Novella are works written by:
Kathryn LeVeque Emma
Meara Platt Aislin
Scarlett Scott Sarah
Mary Lancaster Madeleine
Maggi Andersen Beth
Chasity Bowlin Hyacinth
Sydney Jane Baily Eleanor
Violette Rand Raven
So, on a dark and windy night, find a comfortable seat, and begin your adventure into the Gothic realm with extraordinary heroes and glorious ladies. Let the cobwebs and low burning candles lead the way into Gothic romance.
The Midnight Hour: All Hallows’ Brides
A Gothic Regency Romance Novella collection
Release date 10/24/2019
Publisher Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
Blurb :
When doors creak and ghostly whispers are heard in the midnight hour, this stunning collection of Gothic Regency Historical Romance novellas are sure to leave you breathless with Poe-inspired, romantic dreams…
Welcome to the All-Hallows’ Brides collection. Seven of your favorite Historical Romance authors have come together for a collection of never-before published stories that will give you a chill, a thrill, and have you reading them again and again. Inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe, you’ve never seen a collection like this by some of the biggest names in Historical Romance.
The title of each story is named for their ‘Bride’:
Emma by Kathryn Le Veque Aislin by Meara Platt Sarah by Scarlett Scott Madeleine by Mary Lancaster Beth by Maggi Andersen Hyacinth by Chasity Bowlin Eleanor by Sydney Jane Baily Raven by Violetta Rand
So, grab your candle and lock your door, and settle down to read this smashing collection of darkly-tinged romantic tales with unforgettable heroes and magnificent ladies. Romance has never been so daring… or so Gothic.
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…
AISLIN
Meara Platt
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMearaPlatt/
Blurb : William Croft, a man who has no memory of three years of his life, seeks to reclaim them. His only clue is Aislin, a girl with raven-black hair and smoke-gray eyes who comes to him in his dreams.
My review :
When the past collides with the present, can they overcome the shadows of their life…
I do remember after finishing Pearls of Fire to have been left like hanging about a cliff regarding Lucifer’s past, now identified as William Croft.
So here is his story.
It was a sweet story with some dark edges.
Aislin is the woman who has haunted his dreams for years, and she hold the key of his past in her hands if he can find her and trust her as life and experiences have left him weary of human’s nature.
Why at time I wondered why he was suspicious of everyone but the trauma from his last which left him without a past to remember.
Aislin lives with her guilt to not have been able to save William so when his breathing ghost stumble on her path, she has trouble to face this new version of the man she came to care for during their very short acquaintance.
In some way, both fell in love with a dream, she of the young man who has gone too early, and he of the faery whom kept his nights warm.
Theirs is a love at first sight, as they met years ago for few hours and when they met again, they need again only hours to decide they are with their other half.
A sweet fast paced read.
4.5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/487913798464463?sfns=mo
4* Emma by Kathryn Le Veque
This starts in the present, then goes back in time. I had expected the story to return to the present as a conclusion, but this was not the case. Interesting story of two scarred individuals.
3* Aislin by Meara Platt
I’ve enjoyed many of Meara Platt’s stories, but I found this at times so boring I skimmed.
2* Sarah by Scarlett Scott
Way too many “thoughts” breaking up dialogues. I always find this quite annoying. It’s a great way to destroy any tension or suspense in a story.
5* Madeleine by Mary Lancaster
The usual good quality from Mary Lancaster. Quite suspenseful with some twists and surprises along the way. Madeleine arrives at the gloomy and neglected Usher Hall with her brother and companion and helps heal Roderick Usher.
4* Beth by Maggi Andersen
A somewhat predictable story of a young lady destined to be ruined for revenge on someone else. Some suspenseful moments. Well-told, though.
5* Hyacinth by Chasity Bowlin
A bit of matchmaking, attraction, ghostly encounters and scheming in-laws. Good suspense. I’ve read many of Chasity’s stories and this is up there among the best.
5* Eleanor by Sydney Jane Baily
New to me author. IMO this is the most romantic. Eleanor has loved Grayson and while she’s visiting friends and being kept from her sister’s home due to illness, she and Grayson get a chance to spend time together.
5* Raven by Violetta Rand
Another new to me author I’ll watch out for. Gothic. The spookiest of them all. In spite of the extreme shortness, Ms Rand manages to slip in an unexpected twist at the end.
The Midnight Hour: All Hallows’ Brides is a collection of Regency romance novellas leading with Kathryn Le Veque and including stories by Meara Platt, Scarlott Scott, Mary Lancaster, Maggi Andersen, Chasity Bowlin, Sydney Jane Baily, and Violetta Rand. The title put me off a little as it was released around Halloween and I am not really into scary stuff, but it is a misnomer. In the beginning I was looking for the big reveal of who was the ghost but I soon discovered that that was not to be. This is an exciting collection of stories with twists and turns that have nothing to do with being frightening. Some take place in Gothic castles, but that is as close as we get. This collection is ideal for the reader that doesn’t have time to sit and read a full novel or a Le Veque saga, but rather wants romance in smaller chunks.
What it did do for me is to introduce me to some new authors, which is always a good thing. I found the writing to be excellent and the plots to be unique and interesting, which is not always the case with Regency novels, which tend to be somewhat repetitive. The stories were interesting and for the most part, the characters intriguing. I found it to be a most enjoyable read and recommend it to anyone who has limited time or enjoys novellas.
When I saw in the title “Gothic” I knew I would love every one of these stories! I started reading Gothic historical romances in my teens and those influenced a lot of my love for historical fiction. To this day I remember the suspense and excitement and I found that here in all of these novella’s. Plus if you see the author lineup, it really doesn’t get much better…
Emma by Kathryn Le Veque
Sometimes an old painting can hold a wonderful story that would never be known unless it is passed down from generation to generation. Such is the story of Emma. A beautiful woman, who was the wife of the owner of Blackmoor Hall when the picture was painted in 1815. In modern times, a young lady touring the home comes in to contact with the current owner. Thus the story begins that may be repeated with their meeting. There is always hope, even in the face of tragedy and heartache. You never know what fate will have in store. As always Kathryn has written a story that won my heart.
More to come!
Some of my favorite authors! Who doesn’t love a gothic romance?