M is for Marquess (Book 2)
With her frail constitution improving, Miss Dorothea Kent yearns to live a full and passionate life. Desire blooms between her and Gabriel Ridgley, the Marquess of Tremont, an enigmatic widower with a disabled son. But the road to love proves treacherous as Gabriel’s past as a spy emerges to threaten them both… and they must defeat a dangerous enemy lying in wait.
The Lady Who Came in from the Cold (Book 3)
Former spy Pandora Hudson gave up espionage for love. Twelve years later, her dark secret rises to threaten her blissful marriage to Marcus, Marquess of Blackwood, and she must face her most challenging mission yet: winning back the heart of the only man she’s ever loved.
The Viscount Always Knocks Twice (Book 4)
Sparks fly when feisty hoyden Violet Kent and proper gentleman Richard Murray, Viscount Carlisle, meet at a house party. Yet their forbidden passion and blossoming romance are not the only adventures afoot. For a guest is soon discovered dead—and Violet and Richard must join forces to solve the mystery and protect their loved ones… before the murderer strikes again. Finalist for the National Readers Choice Award and the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/ Suspense.
Never Say Never to an Earl (Book 5)
Despite their outer differences, shy wallflower Polly Kent and wild rake Sinjin Pelham, the Earl of Revelstoke, have secrets to hide—and both desperately fear exposing their true selves. Yet the attraction between them is too strong to deny, and they become entangled in a passionate adventure. Both will have to face their greatest fear in order to win the love of a lifetime... and to survive the machinations of the enemy who lies in wait.
The Gentleman Who Loved Me (Book 6)
What happens when fate throws a headstrong miss on a mission to find a titled husband together with a powerful and notorious club owner who is anything but a gentleman? Find out in this final passionate installment in the Kent family series, which stars Primrose Kent and Andrew Corbett in his long-awaited return. Winner of the Passionate Plume Award and Finalist for the Maggie Award for Excellence.
MAYHEM IN MAYFAIR
Welcome to Mayfair, where passion and intrigue go hand-in-hand. This steamy romance series brings to life a Regency London of refinement–and depravity. From bawdy houses to Vauxhall, rakish heroes and plucky heroines discover that the path to true love can take some exciting and decidedly naughty turns…
Her Husband’s Harlot (Book 1)
How far will a wallflower go to win her husband's love? When her disguise as a courtesan backfires, Lady Helena finds herself entangled in a game of deception and desire with her husband Nicholas, the Marquess of Harteford ... and discovers that he has dark secrets of his own. Finalist for the Golden Heart Award.
Her Wanton Wager (Book 2)
To what lengths will a feisty miss go to save her family from ruin? Miss Persephone Fines takes on a wager of seduction with notorious gaming hell owner Gavin Hunt and discovers that love is the most dangerous risk of all.
Her Protector's Pleasure (Book 3)
Wealthy widow Lady Marianne Draven will stop at nothing to find her kidnapped daughter. Having suffered betrayal in the past, she trusts no man—and especially not Thames River Policeman Ambrose Kent, who has a few secrets of his own. Yet fiery passion ignites between the unlikely pair as they battle a shadowy foe. Can they work together to save Marianne's daughter? And will nights of pleasure turn into a love for all time?
Her Prodigal Passion (Book 4)
Sensible Miss Charity Sparkler has been in love with Paul Fines, her best friend’s brother, for years. When he accidentally compromises her, they find themselves wed in haste. Can an ugly duckling recognize her own beauty and a reformed rake his own value? As secrets of the past lead to present dangers, will this marriage of convenience transform into one of love?
CHRONICLES OF ABIGAIL JONES
* * *
Abigail Jones
When destiny brings shy Victorian maid Abigail Jones into the home of the brooding and enigmatic Earl of Huxton, she discovers forbidden passion… and a dangerous world of supernatural forces. Nominated for an IRC Readers Choice Award.
Author’s Note
The Jacquard mechanism was patented by French weaver and merchant Joseph-Marie Jacquard in 18041. This machine was built upon previous developments by inventor Jacques de Vaucanson and others. The significance of the Jacquard mechanism was that it allowed for the automation of pattern weaving. Punch cards, rather than a person, controlled the warp threads that dictated the weave of the fabric. As a result, patterns of increasing complexity could be manufactured more quickly and cheaply.
By the 1820’s, Jacquard mechanisms were in use throughout Britain. Since my story is set in 1840, Knight would have been on the slower side to adopt the new technology, so I finessed it by saying that he was waiting for the best version of the device before making the switch. As a technology turtle myself, I can understand his cautious approach.
The punch cards used in the Jacquard looms might have brought to mind those used by computers not so long ago. This is no coincidence. Indeed, the Jacquard loom may be considered an ancestor of computer technology as it used a pattern of instructions to automate operations previously done by hand.
Notes
Author’s Note
1 https://www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/objects-and-stories/jacquard-loom
Praise for Grace Callaway
“Readers looking for a good historical mystery/romance or a historical with a little more kink will enjoy The Duke Who Knew Too Much.” -Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
“I’m still ugly crying AF!! I am so in love with Adam and Gabby. This was the perfect blend of romance, steamy sex, and intrigue…My heart hurt for all the things Adam went through…and I cheered for Gabby as she emerged from her safe shell.” -Estela Reads Romance on Regarding the Duke
"Had to get the fire hose out - hot, hot, hot. Normally I never use hot as a description for a book, but believe me, this one is definitely high octane. You get all the feels in all the right places when reading a Grace Callaway book." -Angela, Goodreads on The Duke Redemption
"Grace Callaway writes the way Loretta Chase would if she got kind of dark and VERY naughty.” -Nicole, Goodreads
“Grace Callaway’s book is the first in her ‘Heart of Enquiry’ series, and this excellent brew of romance and intrigue and emotion is also Stevereads best Romance novel of 2015.” -The Duke Who Knew Too Much named the #1 Best Romance of 2015 by Steve Reads
“I discovered a new auto-buy author…I’ve now read each of Grace Callaway’s books and loved them—which is exceptional. Gabriel and Thea from this book were two of the best characters I read this year. Both had their difficulties and it was charming to see how they overcame them together, even though it wasn’t always easy for them. This is my favorite book of 2015.” -Romantic Historical Reviews
"A highly charged story with great characters that will take you through on an adventure and back again."-Lori, Goodreads on Enter the Duke
* * *
“I devoured this book in a couple of hours!…. If you love a story with a heroine who is a wallflower with a backbone of steel or a damaged hero then you will love this one too.” -5 star review from Love Romance Passion on Her Wanton Wager
“The chemistry between the characters is absolutely explosive and almost too hot to handle. This was an incredibly steamy, emotional and all consuming read that I could read again and again.” –Candace, Goodreads on Regarding the Duke
“The depth of the characters was wonderful and I was immediately cheering for both of them.” -Buried Under Romance on The Widow Vanishes
“Callaway is a talented writer and as skilled at creating a vivid sense of the Regency period as she is at writing some of the best, most sensual love scenes I’ve read in a long while. For readers who crave sexy, exciting Regency romance with a fresh plot and intriguing characters, I would highly recommend Her Protector’s Pleasure
.” -Night Owl Reviews
"You know when a book is so good that you are still reading it at 2 am....This book had it all: drama, laughter and a few tears as well. The chemistry between Harry and Tessa just sizzled off the pages....If I could I would give this book ten stars, but I'm only allowed to give 5/5 stars." -Boonies123 Book Review on The Duke Identity
About the Author
USA Today & International Bestselling Author Grace Callaway writes hot and heart-melting historical romances. Her debut book, Her Husband's Harlot, was a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart® Finalist and a #1 Regency Bestseller, and her subsequent novels have topped national and international bestselling lists. She’s the winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense and the Passionate Plume Award for Historical Novel. Her books have also been shortlisted for numerous awards, including the National Reader's Choice Awards, the Maggie Award of Excellence, and the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award.
* * *
Growing up on the Canadian prairies, Grace could often be found with her nose in a book—and not much has changed since. She set aside her favorite romance novels long enough to get her doctorate from the University of Michigan. A clinical psychologist, she lives with her family in Northern California, where their adventures include remodeling a ramshackle house, exploring the great outdoors, and sampling local artisanal goodies.
* * *
Keep up with my latest news!
Newsletter: gracecallaway.com/newsletter
Acknowledgments
This book helped me through some challenging times, and my fondest wish is that Fancy and Knight’s story will bring that same sense of joy, hope, and renewed belief in happily ever after to my readers. Now, more than ever, we need to draw strength from love.
* * *
Thank you to my readers for supporting my journey. I appreciate you more than I can say. From one romance novel lover to another: never stop believing in happy endings. The world needs us.
* * *
Thank you to my editor Ronnie Nelson for always bringing out the best in my characters and in my writing. You have saved my bacon more than once. My appreciation always.
* * *
To my writing pals who kept me sane and inspired me through video conferencing and texting…girls, I couldn’t have written this book without you. Hugs.
* * *
And to my family. We’ve been through some crazy times, but I am glad we are at this interminable house party together. Love you.
The Return of the Duke © Grace Callaway, 2020.
ISBN: 978-1-939537-45-4
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.
Cover Design Credit: Erin Dameron-Hill/ EDH Graphics
Cover Image Credit: Period Images
License Notes
This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.
The Return of the Duke Page 33
