A collection of Regency books filled with romance, mystery, and strong heroines to make you fall in love!An Earl’s AgreementAn arranged marriage turns dangerous when he will stop at nothing to make her his bride! Will her hero prevail? Heart of a MarquessA plan born of deception… Can Charlotte overcome her stepsister’s cruel actions and find the love she deserves?A Duke’s PromiseA governess and a … love she deserves?
A Duke’s Promise
A governess and a duke could never be a good match, but the Duke of Harrogate will stop at nothing to save Miss Sophia Weston from a desperate situation.
Diamonds of the Marquess
Lady Emily Dove doesn’t know whom to trust. Her true identity must never be known.
The Viscount’s Promise
A mystery that surrounds Julianna’s family could lead her to the man that steals her heart.
If you love clean and wholesome, Regency romances with strong heroines, mystery, and love, then the Ladies and their Secrets Regency Romance Collection will warm your heart.
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I love the historic feel of the series! Having to be a ward after taking care of herself and younger brother for 6 years was not part of Faith’s plan. Especially being under Devlin’s care. The Rake that kicked Faith and her family from her home! However, after looking into her missing Mother and his missing Father, they’re drawn together. It becomes a hunt for the treasures that belong to her family and answers to all their questions in book 1. The next 2 books continue with amazing stories of adventure and romance. LOVED the entire set!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ladies and Their Secrets
by Shrtip
This is a collection of four romantic historical stories that are clean and we’ll written. It has hours of good reading. A Dukes Promise, Diamonds of the Marquess, The Viscount’s Promise and An Earl’s Agreement all take place in London,England starting in the early 1838. I loved the stories and the characters.I highly recommend reading these stories. I was given a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an enjoyable, sweet, clean Regency romance collection. This Regency Romance collection includes 5 Novellas: The Earl’s Agreement, Heart of a Marquess, A Duke’s Promise, Diamonds of the Marquess, and The Viscount’s Promise. I’ve included a review of two of them to give you an idea of what you will find.
Diamonds of the Marquess
Lady Emily Dove, daughter to the Marquess of Rawson, must protect a family heirloom at all costs, but when it appears the cost may be her father’s life, she must go into hiding. She offers to be a companion to Miss Martin, a charge of Lord Pallson, under the name of Miss Emily Thorpe, so she can come out of hiding. When it seems she’s still in danger, is there anything she can do to stay safe? Lord Pallson is attracted to his niece’s companion, but he feels there is more to his niece’s companion than meets the eye.
I really enjoyed this book. It was easy to read, had a good storyline and a well written mystery. I enjoyed the clean romance and the characters were enjoyable. I highly recommend this regency romance.
The Viscount’s Promise
I loved this novella! The book starts out in the middle of a murder trial, and the entire novella continues with that same fast pace. This book is definitely not boring! It’s a great mix of romance and mystery, as they race against the clock to discover who REALLY committed the murder before something dangerous happens to the family of the man convicted of the murder. It was nicely paced and I enjoyed that it was of shorter length. I feel Ms Alec covered everything that needed to be covered in a shorter length book. I recommend this novella!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Five Happy Endings
Delightful collection of five different stand alone stories. Although I had previously read three of them I enjoyed re-reading them. Heart of a Marquess and Diamonds of the Marquess were the two I hadn’t read. I loved the wicked step sister in Heart of a Marquess and hope Lady Emma gets reformed and her own book. All five are definitely worth the read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Uneven Set of Historical Romance Novellas
This is a set of five novellas from different series by the author which are supposed to be set in the Regency era (1811 to 1820), but at least one is set in the pre-Victorian, post-Regency year of 1836; the Victorian era started in 1837. The novels are generally well-written, but the length seems too short for much character development, especially for certain characters like the villains. I have read other novels by this author, and she most almost always includes an element of suspense. I didn’t feel like that was really going on in these particular stories; they were more straight-up romances. These are quick and easy reads, though.
Here are my thoughts about the first two books.
The Earl’s Agreement: In this story, Lucy’s parents have given up on their wallflower daughter and are poised to force her to marry an odious man who’s old enough to be her father. At a ball, when she is despairing her fate in a garden, Edward comes across her, and they discuss her situation. He comes up with what he believes is the perfect solution: they will fake a betrothal, keeping her away from Lord Hutton and pleasing his mother, who has been bothering him to settle down. What actually happens, of course, is that they start to fall for each other during their fake courtship. I thought Edward was sweet and a perfect hero; he was funny and appreciated the heroine for her mind and bluestocking ways. I didn’t like the way Lucy’s parents treated her at first, but the author managed in the short novella to show change in the relationship between Lucy and her parents. The couple fell for each other a little too fast. The heroine’s actions at the end, while necessary, didn’t seem wholly within her character that we had seen before. The villain was drawn without much depth; he is just purely evil, and we are not giving much in the way of motivation for his actions. Still, for the sweetness of the hero, I did find myself enjoying this book.
Heart of a Marquess: Charlotte’s mother has just married an earl in a love match, and the happy couple is off on their honeymoon, leaving their marriage-age daughters together, chaperoned by the earl’s sister. The earl’s daughter hates that these two women have come into their lives, as she sees it is encroaching on her father’s love and time for her. Lady Emma is simply ghastly towards Charlotte on all accounts; she is the villain in this story, and she has been painted in very broad strokes. Nothing appears to be good about her whatsoever. Charlotte wishes that Lady Emma would be a true sister to her, but she is realistic about her step-sister. Charlotte comes to know a marquess after Emma locks her in a room at a ball. Emma is most displeased that Charlotte has caught his eye and is determined to ruin it all for her. The marquess himself has been reluctant to find a wife because one young has tried to provoke a compromise before. The hero in this book isn’t quite as swoon-worthy as the one in the previous book. I didn’t like how he believed Lady Emma’s lies about Charlotte at first even though he did know her somewhat. I felt like this book did lack because of the stick-figure villain and a somewhat lackluster hero.
This is a delightful collection of some of my favorite Joyce Alec’s books. While I have previously read them individually, it was fun to read them again all in one collection. Her style is clean, comfortable and satisfying. Sometimes there is a hint of mystery, but always full of romance and interesting characters. Every story in this collection is a happily ever after winner!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This 5 Book Collection was well worth the read with the great character and storyline development that kept me totally enthralled as I turned each and every page!
Five very good well written Regency Romance stories, I have read most of them but there was one I had not read yet. My favorite was The Viscount’s Promise = A clean, wholesome, Regency romance with a twist of mystery and suspense a well-written story. There are twists, turns, suspense, drama, an enemy closer than Julianna’s family knows, a surprise, and romance. I recommend this set. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5 Women in 5 Romances! A Great collection! 5 different storylines that will keep you reading. All with HEA’s though you will wonder if it will be. Filled with betrayal and Intrigue and a Mystery! The twists will keep you guessing. Hard to put down except between stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In A Duke’s Promise, the Duke of Harrogate loses his wife during childbirth and is left with his daughter Sarah to raise alone. He was not heartbroken over losing his wife, but he comes to love Sarah more than anyone else and 5 years later only wants the best governess for her. Sophia’s brother and sister-in-law force her to find employment and move out of their home even though he has plenty of funds to provide for her and promised his father on his deathbed that he would. With no experience and no choice in the matter she ends up applying for the position of governess to Sarah. Fortunately the duke and Sarah are both kind to her. Sarah is so sweet with her enthusiastic loving ways. Sophia falls in love with them both. But her brother and his wife are not content to just let her be. When invited to a house party by the duke’s brother Arthur, they try to manipulate her into doing their will. I was so happy to see them get their comeuppance. Sweet romance about overcoming hardships and finding happiness and love.
In Diamonds of the Marquess, someone is obsessed with claiming the Hatherley diamonds and he tries to kill Lady Emily’s father the Marquess of Rawson to get them. She is sent away in hiding with Lady Millington, who is invited to a house party and decides that Emily will go if she is disguised as companion to Lord Pallson’s niece Helen. At the house party Emily is shot at and almost drown and kidnapped and Emily and Joseph fall for each other and the real culprit is revealed.
In The Viscount’s Promise, Thomas, Viscount Sharp promises his friend Francis who has just been sentenced to life in prison for a crime he claims he didn’t commit that he will take care of his younger sister Julianna right before Francis drinks poison to kill himself. One year later, Julianna goes to London for the season and while Thomas is escorting her a bearded man bumps into him and he discovers a note in his pocket that wants him to investigate the false crimes against Francis. Julianna’s selfish and cruel brother Henry tries to throw her out of the townhouse, while he is stealing from the ton. Thomas starts to have feelings for Julianna, but he hesitates to admit them until fortune hunter Lord Broden tries to claim her. The story comes to a head at the end and the truth is revealed.
Strong men who know what they want and the women they need. It adds to the story line and then put in all the supporting characters and friends. That makes the stories flow so smoothly and keeps your attention all the way through. The main stories are so well written I enjoyed them very much. You have excitement, suspense, emotions, heart break and then heartwarming. I highly recommend them. I received a review copy from booksprout and voluntarily review it.
Hours of entertainment await you!
I knew when I pick this up on Booksprouts that I had read at least a few of the stories already but I was surprised there were two I have not had a chance to read. This was a delightful collection The Earl’s Agreement was fast-paced with some very intense scenes I loved Lucy! As you continue to read the stories you will love Charlotte and Mrs. Perrin. In Diamonds of the Marquess, there is wonderful Action and romance combine. Then Thomas was in court the day Francis was convicted and that is where he made the promise to look after Francis sister Julianna. The twists in the story are outstanding and will keep you reading page after page. With Matthew and Sophia too you have hours of enjoyment awaiting you. I highly recommend this gem! I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Ms. Alec is a great story teller. I thoroughly enjoy her books. This is a collection of short stories with a little of mystery and suspense and happy ever after. They hold your attention and you don’t want to put the book down. I read this book today even though I had read most of them individually at one time or another. I still enjoyed reading them again. The characters are great, and the stories are wholesome and clean. I recommend any of her books. This is one you will want to buy as you get 5 good stories in one purchase.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This wonderful Regency Romance collection includes 5 books: The Earl’s Agreement, Heart of a Marquess, A Duke’s Promise, Diamonds of the Marquess, and The Viscount’s Promise. Below is a review of two of them to give you an idea of what you will find.
*** Reviewing “DIAMONDS OF THE MARQUESS” ***
Lady Emily Dove, daughter to the Marquess of Rawson, approached her father’s study so they could have tea together, as they always did. Instead, her father was slumped in a chair, disheveled and bleeding, papers scattered all over and glass items smashed. He groaned and told her she must flee to safety immediately as they had arranged. The butler came up and took her arm to lead her away from the room. She would be sent to Lady Millington in London, and both her father and the butler reminded her to take and guard what she had been hiding with her and to keep them safe.
After avoiding society for several months and remaining in hiding, Lady Emily felt like the walls were closing in. Lady Millington offered a way to give Lady Emily a little freedom. She could be a companion to the ward of a gentleman Lady Millington knew, Viscount Pallson, and in the “disguise” of Miss Emily Thorpe, could attend a house party the next week while keeping her true identity hidden. Would the plan work? Would Lady Emily be found out and put in danger? Who was trying to steal the hidden gems?
This was such an engaging book, opening with the shocking discovery of Lady Emily’s father who had been shot in an attempt to steal the Hatherley diamonds. The Marquess obviously had put plans in place due to threatening notes they had received, and the staff carried out their tasks quickly to get Lady Emily out of danger. The exciting story line continued at a quick pace, with the reader still unaware of what was going on and who the culprit may be. Character development was excellent and the reader was drawn into the story. You will definitely not want to miss this one! It will keep your attention from start to finish!
*** Reviewing “A DUKE’S PROMISE” ***
Matthew Arthur, the Duke of Harrogate, listened to the doctor tell him of his wife’s grave illness. He would need a wet nurse for his newborn daughter. He had almost forgotten that! Thinking back over his life, he recalled that he had only met his wife a few days before their wedding. His father had already chosen her for him when he was just an infant. Relieved that he was married and with a child on the way, his father had taken to his bed and died. Now his wife was dying as well, right after giving birth. He deeply regretted that they had never loved each other. Remembering he had not held his child yet, though she had been born 3 days ago, he took her in his arms and in amazement felt his heart open with love for his daughter, Sarah Elizabeth, named after his mother.
Miss Sophia Weston asked her brother why he was turning her out, despite having promised their father that he would take care of her, as was his duty. With a haughty look, he responded that he did not want her living there, using his possessions and consuming his wealth – and his wife nodded in full agreement. If he had to allow her to have a Season – this would have been her first – it would simply use more of his wealth, so he wanted her to leave now and make her own way as a governess or teacher. He gave her only one month to get out.
Matthew read the letter from Sophia Weston, curious as to why such a lady was looking for a position as governess. He also noticed what appeared to be a few dried tears on the paper. Rather than pass it up, thinking her unhappy, he wrote back to her. She was not permitted to use her brother’s carriage, so the kind staff helped her arrange to catch the stage. They had taken good care of her, providing for her needs when they had heard she was forced to leave.
After meeting the Duke, Sophia settled into her new life. She was very fond of Sarah, who was pleasant, laughing, and intelligent. When the Duke found Sophia one evening, asleep beside the fire in the library, he reached out his hand and touched her cheek. He had never felt this way before. He turned and quickly left the room.
The Duke’s brother came home and Arthur requested a party to get reacquainted with society. But Sophia was afraid to run into anyone she knew, embarrassed by her current situation. She tells the Duke so she won’t need to attend anything. And as Matthew and his brother talk, Arthur realizes Viscount Brookridge, Sophia’s heartless brother, is one of the guests! Matthew intended to warn Sophia about this, but he was distracted – and Sophia came face to face with her sister-in-law in the corridor! Not wanting Sophia to ever be happy, and now having a use for her services as governess to her own expected child, Viscountess Brookridge informed Sophia that she would be returning with them after their visit was over. She had no say in the matter! Her brother would make sure! What would happen to her now?
The pain in this story almost flowed off the pages! As the characters were presented to the reader, amidst their pain and disappointment, there was honor and a strength to rise above it all and do the right thing. I had great respect for each of the main characters, and therefore was so hopeful that they could find each other and heal. And maybe for the first time find true happiness. What a powerful story! This book was well written and a pleasure to read.
This is a collection of Regency Romances where each story is a stand alone story with a touch of mystery
An Earl’s agreement
A wonderful story with good characters, a villain, a villainess, a touch of romance and a great plot.
A Duke’s Promise
Miss Sophia Weston, a somewhat plain daughter of a fine family with a significant dowry must look for a position to support herself after her father’s death when her brother and his wife sent her out into the world to make her own way. She finds a job as a governess for the daughter (Sarah) of a Duke (Matthew) who’s wife died in childbirth 5 years earlier. Sophia makes the best of her situation and although she has had no training or experience as a governess, she easily adjusts to her new position in life and easily bonds with Sarah. Matthew who’s first marriage was one of convenience wants a marriage based on love, and as he watches the bond between Sarah and Sophia develop, he begins to have feelings for Sophia. But things change and Sophia’s brother and his wife want Sophia to return home and to her former status. Will Sophia return to the life she once had or will she choose to remain where she is? Joyce Alec is a talented writer who has well developed characters.
Diamond’s of the Marquess
A nice mix of mystery and romance. Lady Emily must go into hiding with the family diamonds after her father is attacked. After many twists and turns will she find true love? This is another well written book by Joyce Alec, one you won’t want to put down.
The Viscount’s Promise
A regency romance combined with mystery, intrigue, heartbreak, love and surprises. A truly delightful story which will keep your interest to the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Earl’s Agreement: The consideration of a man’s character is always important. Spend an evening finding out what happened when this adage was ignored,
Heart of a Marquess: A delightful tale that can be read in half a day.
A Duke’s Promise: A sweet little tale that doesn’t take long to read, this is a comfort-food story where good is oppressed by evil, and no, I shan’t tell you anything more.
Diamonds of the Marquess: Allow a day for this family-friendly Regency romance with a mysterious villain after the family diamonds.
The Viscount’s Promise: What can I say without a spoiler? This delightful, family-friendly mystery can be read in a morning or an afternoon and comes to a satisfying conclusion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I thoroughly enjoyed the boxed set. It has strong heroines and men who don’t give up what they want. They all come to terms with the problems in the end.
An Earl’s Agreement is a wonderful story. It has personable characters, a villain, dastardly deeds, an unconventional engagement, romance and a great plot.
I really enjoyed the well developed characters in Heart of a Marquess. There were many little plot twists to keep my interest. Charlotte is a wonderful character who sees the best in everyone. Emma was a jealous, nasty, entitled prima donna, a wonderful villainess!
A Duke’s Promise is a captivating Regency romance. Unfortunately there were way too many young women in Sophia’s position. Fortunately for Sophia, she ended up in a better place. Sparkling characters that include a young, noblewoman cast aside by her brother, a villainess, a precocious, motherless daughter and a duke who wants to marry for love are all combined into this Regency tale.
Diamonds of the Marquess is a suspenseful Regency story. Someone is after the Hatherley diamonds. It seems this villain is determined to acquire the diamonds at any cost – breaking and entering, inflicting personal injury, shooting, etc. There is a lot of action in this Regency romance. Lady Emily flees to Lady Millington for protection. Emily chafes at remaining unseen. She becomes a companion to a young lady at a house party to gain some freedom. This story has interesting characters and a few plot twists to keep the reader entertained.
The Viscount’s Promise was a very interesting Regency romance. The heroine’s brother is on trial for murder. Despite his claims of innocence, he is convicted. He begs Lord Sharpe to protect his sister and ensue she is not shunned by the ton. Upon securing this promise, Francis Newton commits suicide. After a year of mourning, Julianna comes to London where Lord Sharpe and the Marquess of Thurston ensure Julianna is not completely cut by the ton. Mysterious warnings that things are not as they seem and that danger still lurks are repeatedly presented to Julianna and Lord Sharpe. They are asked to prove that Francis was innocent. This is truly an original plot and kept me well entertained.
I am always sucked into stories by Joyce Alec. I highly recommend this set to anyone looking for clean, sweet regency romance and adventure.
I had read and reviewed all but one of the books in this collection. I read it this time and loved it. Heart of the Marquees was the only one I had not read before, it was really good, Charlotte was sweet, I really loved Aunt Agatha, she didn’t let Emma get away with anything. Really great characters. Good Job, Joyce!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jump into these stories of romance, mystery and a little bit of murder. In one we meet the family of Francis Newton trying to cope with the death of Francis and his suicide in public view after being found guilty of murder. His sister Julianna is having a very difficult time because of this stain on her family name.
Lucy Donoghue has a problem, her parents planned to marry her to Lord Hutton a man much older and certainly not the handsome man all young girls dream of. Lucy hides at the next ball knowing her parents want to push the match. While in the garden seeing solitude she happens upon an arbor she sits and to tries to think, while there a gentleman comes in and offers to listen to her problem after introducing himself as Lord Cadwell when he finds who Lucy is to marry he offers a plan to help them both. His mother is also pushing for him to marry so they decide to pretend they are betrothed. The problem begins when Lucy begins to wish it was real.
That is only two of the wonderful love stories awaiting you in this book I Know will find it as enjoyable as I did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.