(ALL NEW MATERIAL)It started with a whisper… Rumors, gossip, and secrets all have a way of unraveling at the worst possible time. Follow each story as it leads you through a path of mystery and intrigue. Lady X’s gossip sheet tells all and it leaves everybody talking. The rumors have the potential to ruin lives and with each whisper a new scandal arises. Will those who find themselves the … find themselves the subject of her scandal sheet escape unscathed and discover who Lady X is along the way?
One Moonlit Tryst by Amanda Mariel Lady Tabitha Pemberton wants nothing more than to enjoy her first season without becoming attached, but when Lady X writes of a forbidden tryst between Tabitha and Colin Brooks, the earl of Harcourt, everything changes. Now Tabitha must choose between her reputation and her desire to remain unattached.
Love Me, Lord Tender by Deb Marlowe Lord Tensford has an old title and an empty purse. He knew it would be difficult to find a Society bride, but after Lady X heeds baseless rumor and brands him Lord Terror, it’s next to impossible.
Until he comes to the aid of Lady Hope Brightley, causing Lady X to re-dub him Lord Tender.
Now he’s a laughing stock and a fortune hunter. But Lady Hope means to repay him and help him find a bride. In the end, will she turn him over to the perfect mate? Or ask him to . . . Love Me, Lord Tender?
The Lady Loves a Scandal by Christina McKnight Many years ago, Gideon Lyndon, Viscount Galway, made a grave mistake. On the verge of rectifying this misdeed, he finds himself faced with his greatest challenge yet: winning back the woman he has loved since the moment he met her. But after a year of silence, convincing his headstrong paramour Sybil Anson to take him back will not be easy. Especially since he can’t even explain why he left—not if he wants to keep her safe.
The Scandalous Widow by Erica Monroe Bow Street Runner Gabriel Sinclair has spent the last three years trying to forget about smart, beautiful Lady Jemma Forster, Countess of Wolverston, who broke his heart when she married his best friend. Her husband’s death thrusts Gabriel and Jemma back together, as they work to find his murderer. Their investigation takes them into the darkest, most dangerous parts of London. They’re perfect partners for solving crimes, but can they be partners in love too?
How to Land an Earl in Ten Days or Less by Ava Stone Known for his silver tongue, Reese Delacy, the Earl of Darling, wagers that he can make any girl fall in love with him in less than a fortnight. Unfortunately, the boast catches the ear and subsequently the pen of a notorious gossip columnist, making Reese a pariah in short order. He seems doomed for failure until he meets a Bermudian beauty who is seemingly unaware of the scandal.
With control of the Caribbean salt trade hanging in the balance, Miss Cara Beckett, left her home to solicit the support of parliament, never imagining she’d become embroiled in a reckless wager.
A Lady Hoyden’s Secret by Dawn Brower Lady Helena Carter has a secret. She dare not reveal it and court her own ruin–or incur the wrath of Lady X. Oliver Hunt, the Marquess of Dashville has problems of his own regarding the Lady of Whispers, and only Lady Helena can help him. As they cross paths, desire sparks between them. Their budding romance is tested as secrets are uncovered, and the revelations will either bring them closer together or tear them apart foreve
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I’ve received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, it was a good book.
I did not enjoy the first story (maybe 2, 2.5*) and that was a bit of a problem because it took me sometime to get really involved with the book. The next two stories were quite good (4*) and I got through them very easily and enjoyed them much more than the first story. The 4th story was a bit different and I liked but thought at the same time that is rapped up to quickly – I know it’s a novella, but maybe instead of in the beginning doing more description, a bit more of the story could have been developed? I really liked how strong Jemma was, she really made an impression on me (3.5,4*). I really liked the concept of How to Land an Earl in Ten Days or Less – I love the film “how to lose a guy in 10 days”! – so it was fun to see Ava’s take on it. I really enjoyed it, it was fun and at the same sweet and romantic. The last story was one of my favourites as well , although I would have changed just one thing: instead of having Oliver chase Helena, I would have just made them share the carriage ride to Scotland and made them fall in love during the trip, and maybe it would have been more believable for me that Oliver had fallen in love in Helena, instead of just one day waking up and thinking “wow the girl I ignored for years is actually a clever, intelligent, beautiful woman”. Apart from that, I really liked the story, Helena was one of my favourite heroines and Oliver (much like Daring!) was very dashing and alluring.
In the end, I liked this anthology, but I think I’m finally understanding that novellas aren’t my favourite kind of book – I like more fully developed stories. Still, it was a good book and I would recommend it to any historical romance fan.
Dawn Brower
Deb Marlowe
Amanda Mariel
Christina McKnight
Erica Monroe
Ava Stone
One Moonlit Tryst, Amanda Mariel, 4 stars – Good story, no steam, interesting twist, HEA
Love Me, Lord Tender, Deb Marlowe, 4.5 stars – Great story, loved Will & Hope, great ending, no steam, great secondary characters (whose stories I would definitely read), HEA
The Lady Loves Scandal, Christina McKnight, 4.5 stars – Great story, loved Sybil and Gideon, no steam, secrets, angry brothers and bounty hunters and finally a very sweet HEA.
The Scandalous Widow, Erica Monroe, 4.5 stars – Wonderful story, lots of interesting historical facts and a really nasty villain, no steam, some violence and a HEA.
How to Land an Earl in Ten Days, Ave Stone, 5 stars – this was my favorite story in the book! This was the shining star in the anthology for me, again this is a no steam novella, but it is brimming with sexual tension, secrets, witty banter, very likable leads, great secondary character (who are begging for their own stories!) a well meaning meddling duchess and a sweet HEA.
Lady Hoyden’s Secret, Dawn Brower, 3.5 stars – This book was ok, there is a lot of modern verbiage, some completely unbelievable scenarios (especially for a Regency), no steam and an unlikable heroine – but Oliver is this books saving grace, he is wonderful and I can’t imagine why he loves Helena.
I have only read How to Land an Earl in 10 days or Less: Reese knows that he can get any woman to fall in love with him and so he makes a wager. It is only to help his friend who is still hurting after being jilted. He will prove to his friend that he could find someone else quickly. The problem is, the gossips have heard about the wager and spread the word. Now, none of the young ladies will talk to him. Except for Cara. Cara has to get votes to help her family’s business in the Bahamas, and she is willing to talk to Reese if it will help her with more votes. Neither of them counted on falling in love.
This collection of Regency novellas all feature complications caused by the society gossip of the mysterious Lady X. She seems to see and hear all, and she reports all, yet no one knows her identity. Each of the stories stands on its own, although some of them feature characters from the authors’ other books. There is very little overlap with the other stories in the set. The stories are quick reads. Some of them are fun and a little silly, while others have a darker theme and are more emotional.
One Moonlit Tryst by Amanda Mariel features Lady Tabitha and Colin, Lord Harcourt. She’s determined not to marry, at least not in her first season. But after an unwise bet and a moonlight kiss, Colin and Tabitha make Lady X’s column. Will they have to marry or cause further scandal? This was a fun, quick read that introduced the power of Lady X’s scandal sheet.
In Love Me, Lord Tender by Deb Marlowe, Lord Tensford is looking for a rich bride, and he’d also like to find out who Lady X is. She’s made the bride hunt difficult by first referring to him as Lord Terror and then changing her mind and calling him Lord Tender. Neither nickname has helped him find a bride. Lady Hope is a lovely, sensible lady who offers to help Tensford find a bride. She thinks she knows just the lady for him, if he’s willing to look past what society expects in a perfect match. I liked that we got to see behind the scenes to what real ladies of quality were doing to help the less fortunate.
The Lady Loves a Scandal by Christina McKnight has Lady Sybil abandoned by her fiancé the morning before the marriage contracts are to be signed. Where has Gideon, Viscount Galway, gone? And why does he still offer no explanation when he returns a year later? Can she really trust him not to leave again? This was a little silly and unrealistic, but it was an entertaining read.
In The Scandalous Widow by Erica Monroe, the Earl of Wolverstone has been murdered. Jemma, the grieving widow, calls Bow Street Runner Gabriel Sinclair to investigate. While her marriage was one of convenience, and Gabriel is her true love, Jemma still wants to see justice done for her late husband. It’s possible the murderer might come after her next! This story had kind of a creepy Gothic feel, with a possibly haunted house and visits to London’s seediest areas to track down evidence against the murderer. It was completely unrealistic that a lady would be allowed to go along on such investigations, but it really showed the contrast of the upper and lower classes through Jemma’s experiences.
How to Land an Earl in Ten Days by Ava Stone featured another unwise bet. Reese Delacy, Lord Darling, unexpectedly got roped in to betting that he could win a proper lady’s heart in ten days. Since Lady X revealed the bet in her scandal sheet, no proper ladies would even associate with him. Enter Cara Beckett, newly arrived from Bermuda to try to influence any peer she can find to vote for Bermuda’s claims to the Turks Islands salt pans. Maybe she hasn’t heard about the bet, and Lord Darling is willing to introduce her to all the right people while he gets to know her better. It was a lot of fun to see Cara and Reese dance around each other, each with their own objectives. This story was also very emotional because Cara had been through so much in her life, and then her treatment by so-called society was shocking and heart wrenching. This was my favorite story of the bunch.
In A Lady Hoyden’s Secret by Dawn Brower, we finally learn the identity of Lady X and why she writes the most-read scandal sheet in London. Oliver Hunt, the Marquess of Dashville, sure wishes he could avoid any more mentions by Lady X. He’s been a favorite target of hers through the years. It all started when he was rude to Lady Helena Carter. Now that he’s thinking of finding a wife and settling down, he can’t think of anyone better than Helena, his best friend’s sister. Too bad Helena, her brother, and Lady X seem to think it’s a bad idea. I didn’t care for the characters or this story, but at least we found out who the mysterious Lady X was.
Adorable traditional Regency romance!
This boxed set is a wonderful collection of 6 never before published novellas by some great authors. The ebook has the equivalent of 638 pages, so each book is about 100 pages each. All of the books sound fun, and I plan to read them all.
So far, I have only read Deb Marlowe’s novella, “Love Me, Lord Tender”. I found it to be an utterly charming traditional-style Regency romance. There was some kissing but no sex. The story had some interesting features, such as a nice young nobleman who can stick to a budget, a paleontology hobby, and problems caused by tabloid gossip. I really loved the earnest hero and intrepid heroine. They were such good people, and I loved their interactions. Early on, Lord Tensford saves fair Lady Hope from an assault by a villainous creep. I also enjoyed how this novella is distantly related to the Half Moon House series, which is one of my favorites.
I highly recommend this boxed set to anyone who likes fun, light Regency romances.
I received a free advanced reading copy from the publisher via Netgalley, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
It’s more a 3 1/2 stars read. Some of the stories were just ok, a couple I wasn’t impressed with at all. The saving grace was How to Land an Earl in 10 Days or Less by Ava Stone. I love when someone’s trying to play others and the table is turned. I was also glad that at the end, we learn who Lady X turns out to be!
What can be better than a book with 6 stories by six different talented writers? Not much I would say! Each has the gossip of Lady X attached to their story who deals out the latest on-dits to the ton. The goal for each character is not to land on her list because it makes it difficult to be redeemed!
Love Me Lord Tender by Deb Marlowe is just one of those stories. William Grey, Lord Tensford had been labeled “Lord Terror” by Lady X and it made him shunned and whispered about by everyone in the Ton! Unfortunately he needed to wed an heiress to bring much needed funds into his estate to counteract the wasteful spending of his family. At a ball, he runs into Lady Hope Brightley and ends of coming to her aid by getting her out of a compromising situation by an relentless suitor. She dubs him Lord Tender due to his coming to her rescue. Now, he is teased and looked at as a fortune hunter! Hope is determined to find him a suitable wife, but does she really want anyone else to have him? This is a delightful story of how rumors and untruths can turn the course of one’s life, but in the end the heart prevails. Loved this story!!
The Scandalous Widow by Erica Monroe takes on a little darker side of the Ton. Gabriel Sinclair, a bow street runner has seen a lot. But when he finds a peer murdered who he recognizes, he can hardly believe it was a random act. Lady Jemma Forster, Countess of Wolverston believes her husband’s murder was for financial gain and she is determined to find the truth. Gabriel and Jemma have a past that cannot be ignored as they work together to find Lord Wolverston’s killer. Can old feelings come back alive? An intriguing story that will keep you guessing!
How to Land an Earl in Ten Days or Less by Ava Stone shows how a wager made by Reese Delacy, the Earl of Darling can go terribly wrong. When he makes a wager he can make any girl fall in love with him in 10 days, he does not realize Lady X will print it in the paper! So every available girl is staying away from him except one, Miss Cara Beckett. Cara needs his help in helping her family and people who are in the Caribbean. As they are brought together, how does Reese’s scheming backfire? A delightful read that you will enjoy.
One Moonlit Tryst by Amanda Mariel has Lady Taibtha Pemberton in her first season and wanting to just have fun and not be serious about marriage until her next year. But as a rumor gets out when Lady X writes about her having a tryst with Colin Brooks, things are not so simple anymore!! This story will have you smiling and feeling good as you turn the last page.
The Lady Loves a Scandal by Christina McKnight brings us Gideon Lyndon, Viscoutn Galway who is wanting to win back Sybil Anson’s affections. Having disappeared for over a year, he is trying to keep his secrets of why he left and keep Sybil safe. But as we all know, keeping secrets never works out! A bumpy ride ensues as Gideon works hard to get Sybil back and have a happy ever after for them both.
A Lady Hoyden’s Secret by Dawn Brower shows again how keeping secrets is very difficult. Lady Helena Carter knows she cannot let her secret get out or she may be ruined and Lady X will reveal all. Oliver Hunt, the Marquis of Dashville has his own concerns regarding Lady X and it seems only Helena can help him. As they come together so does their attraction, but as secrets are uncovered, they struggle not to be torn apart.
So in the end the Lady of Whispers, Lady X played a part in each of the stories. It goes to show, a secret or an incorrect whisper can change the course of one’s life and love!!
With a stroke of the pen and a vivid imagination, these six immensely talented authors have created something special. It Started with a Whisper is mysterious, sensuous, humorous and hard to resist. By mixing old school values with modern day twists, historical romance will continue to shine it’s bright light on a much loved genre of stories.
Deb Marlowe and Dawn Brower, show how dangerous gossip can be to one’s reputation and heart. Erica Monroe begins with a scandal and ends with a hard won happily ever after. Second chances are the catch of the day when Ava Stone and Christina McKnight take center stage. Amanda Mariel seduces readers and characters alike with her tale of One Moonlit Tryst. Prepare to be scandalized and hypnotized with this fascinating collection of tempting tales.
One Moonlit Tryst by Amanda Mariel 4 Stars Lady Tabitha Pemberton wants nothing more than to enjoy her first season without becoming attached, she’ll find a husband next year, but when Lady X writes of a forbidden tryst between Tabitha and Colin Brooks, the Earl of Harcourt, everything changes. Reginald Viscount Lovell wagers Colin to steal a kiss from Tabitha. However both rogues find themselves being far too attracted to the two Pemberton twins. A quick delightful read, that made me smile.
Love Me, Lord Tender by Deb Marlowe 5 stars William Grey, Lord Tensford has been trying to restore his family’s fortune after his mother’s mismanagement. He knew it would be difficult to find a Society bride, but after Lady X heeds baseless rumour and brands him Lord Terror, it’s next to impossible. Until he comes to the aid of Lady Hope Brightley, causing Lady X to re-dub him Lord Tender.
This is a lovely novella Will & Hope are both strong characters & their attraction is immediate but Will needs to marry an heiress & Hope wants to marry for love. Hope has only a small dowry from her father, which wouldn’t go very far to restoring Will’s estate but he can’t stop thinking of her & wanting her. Hope’s campaign changes Will’s opinion of Society ladies. The denouement is very touching & very fitting for this lovely pair.
The Lady Loves a Scandal by Christina McKnight 4 Stars Many years ago, Gideon Lyndon, Viscount Galway, made a grave mistake. On the verge of rectifying this misdeed, he finds himself faced with his greatest challenge yet: winning back the woman he has loved since the moment he met her. However after disappearing for a year, convincing his headstrong paramour Sybil Anson to take him back will not be easy. Especially since he can’t even explain why he left not if he wants to keep her safe. Gideon & Sybil have always loved each other but even when he returns the path to heir HEA isn’t smooth. An easy to read page turning novella with good characters & a mystery to hold your interest.
The Scandalous Widow by Erica Monroe 5 StarsBow Street Runner Gabriel Sinclair has spent the last three years trying to forget about smart, beautiful Lady Jemma Forster, Countess of Wolverston, who broke his heart when she married his best friend killer. Their investigation takes them into the stews & rookeries of London.
Another engrossing page turning novella from the author. This book takes us from the drawing rooms of the ton to the depths of the poorest in the capital & the differences are so well described. I love the author’s books the characters are very well portrayed & the plot is fast moving.
How to Land an Earl in Ten Days or Less by Ava Stone 5 Stars Known for his silver tongue, Reese Delacy, the Earl of Darling, wagers that he can make any girl fall in love with him in less than a fortnight. Unfortunately, the boast catches the ear and subsequently the pen of a notorious gossip columnist Lady X, making Reese a pariah within the ton. He seems doomed for failure until he meets a Bermudian beauty who is seemingly unaware of the scandal. Miss Cara Beckett, left her home to solicit the support of parliament as control of the Caribbean salt trade is hanging in the balance, never imagining she’d become embroiled in a reckless wager.
Another delightful read from the author that I was loathe to put down, I loved The Duchess of Hythe’s scheming. As usual with the author’s books I’m left wanting more & hope the other two Beckett sisters have their stories
A Lady Hoyden’s Secret by Dawn Brower 5 Stars Lady Helena Carter has a secret. She dare not reveal it and court her own ruin–or incur the wrath of Lady X. Oliver Hunt, the Marquis of Dashville has problems of his own regarding the Lady of Whispers, and only Lady Helena can help him. As they cross paths, desire sparks between them. Their budding romance is tested as secrets are uncovered, and the revelations will either bring them closer together or tear them apart forever. A lovely conclusion to the box set which I read in a sitting. Oliver & Helena are delightful, the pace is very good.
6 delightful short stories all linked by Lady X, also set in the same time frame so some events are visited by characters from different stories which all add to my enjoyment. I enjoy all of the authors’ books & these novellas don’t disappoint
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read