The stories in this collection, because they all happen in Upper Nettlefold, have things which happen, that influence the other stories. So the order in which they are presented here aligns with the timeline in which events in the stories happen. Read through this collection in order, and you will find that each story builds on the ones before, weaving the magic of community and interconnection between characters. There is also a map of Upper Nettlefold to help you visualise everything as you read. Although each story can stand alone, we’re sure that you’ll love finding the linkages as you go. This is our first visit to Upper Nettlefold, but it won’t be our last. You may see other collections based here, or you may see individual books from the various authors, but we will keep expanding the stories about the people you’ll first meet in this collection. The Viscount’s Summer Love A new Viscount with old secrets, a baker’s daughter, love thwarted, the threat of murder, a dramatic revelation, a long-held love finally returned. The Duke and the Spinster A Duke who needs to marry, a Lady who expects to never marry, a summer house party, a nefarious plot, gossip designed to harm, a desperate adventure, a love that redeems. Stitched in Love A seamstress who struggles to sew, a blacksmith beset by admirers, an accident with a dress, a runaway horse, a situation saved – barely, an unexpected love. Love Finds the Earl An unmarried Earl, a reserved widow, a clever sister, a social occasion, an accidental meeting, shady business dealings thwarted, a second chance for love. Doubting the Marquess An unrepentant rake, a woman more interested in business than men, a meeting, jealousy, an accident, a revelation that leads to love. The Degenerate Baron A fearless schoolteacher, a Baron lost in grief and despair, a collection of degenerate friends, a near accident that leads to a meeting, a reminder of past pain, a love beyond fear. Escaping the Scurrilous Earl A merchant’s daughter, a lonely physician, a thoroughly unscrupulous Earl, a debt called in, an impossible choice, an escape, a threat, a rescue, and a new love found. Esther, the Earl’s Hellion An orphaned young woman, a gentleman working undercover, a boarding school with a new owner, a despicable scheme, a rescue, a trap set to save, a dramatic conclusion, a fated love found. A Gentle Heart A spinster employed as a companion, a gentleman of means, a social opportunity, an act of kindness, a misunderstanding, a long hoped for love.

    Since her viscount father passed away, the family’s resources have dwindled, and she dreads becoming a destitute spinster. But when she’s invited to the Duke of Mumshire’s country estate—where she’ll be considered for the heir’s hand—hope returns.A trip to the country will also take her mind off the crime she’d witnessed at the last event of the season—an unbearably handsome stranger stealing a lady’s purse. Catherine and the thief locked gazes in the middle of the act, and while she was quickly been swept away by the crowd, later that night she was introduced to the thief, Henri LaFleur. Now he knows her name and can force her silence.Catherine shakes the memory…until LaFleur shows up as a fellow guest at the Duke of Mumshire’s estate. This time, though, she finds herself terribly, inexplicably drawn to this thief. But is LaFleur who he seems?

    A taste for magnificent clothes and extravagant parties has led beautiful Lady Theodora Fairchild to the brink of financial disaster. Only handsome bookkeeper David MacKenzie knows the depths of her money woes--and the despair of a love she thinks can never be fulfilled.

    He is stunned to discover than his old friend Peter Mandeville left his only child in his care in the hope that he will teach her something about her heritage, an aspect of life that his strong willed daughter has yet to experience. Felix has spent his entire life avoiding the convoluted world that constitutes Society and is appalled by the burden that has been thrust upon him, especially when his new ward refuses to play by the rules. For Dominica Mandeville there are no rules. Beautiful and independent, she has spent her life following in the wake of battle in the company of her soldier father and her Portuguese mother. After a life of adventure, the knowledge that she has been given into the care of a perfect stranger chaffs unbearably. The loss of her beloved parents hurts but the loss of her freedom is the cruelest cut of all. Will she ever learn to be a demure debutante? Or will her impetuosity lead to scandals that even the capable Felix is unable to save her from?

    And he can’t even remember ever meeting the chit. Clearly his drinking has got out of hand. Lady Sarah Steele is horrified when her father announces that the Duke of Kirkbourne has agreed to marry her and even more horrified that her father wagered her hand in a game of cards. Not only that, but the earl has not told the duke of the riding accident that left Sarah paralysed when she was sixteen. But he’s dying and she knows he wants to see her settled before the inevitable happens.Despite Nate’s drinking and Sarah’s possible complicity in the earl’s plan, they agree to marry. But when accidents start to happen, the newly-weds must deal not only with the fact they are practically strangers, but they must find out who is trying to kill one or both of them. Nate’s drink problem and Sarah’s disability are only a couple of the hurdles they must face to find lasting love.

     Could a mysterious stranger be the answer to Diana’s prayers…? 1809, England After the death of Sir Peter Chalfont his daughter, Diana, and her mother were left nearly penniless and at the mercy of their relative Sir Sidney, who inherited the Chalfont estate. Sir Sidney had no plans to retire to the countryside from his frivolous life in London and the women were allowed to remain at Chesdene Manor. But with no money for upkeep, the grand building soon fell into disrepair. Intelligent and headstrong, Diana is determined to take her future into her own hands. She advertises for a tenant in the hope of supplying herself with an income. But who is the strange man who agrees to the lease? Why does he seem to have a particular interest in the building? And how long can Diana keep her home before the rakish Sir Sidney returns to claim it…? TENANT OF CHESDENE MANOR is a classic Regency Romance by Alice Chetwynd Ley: a traditional British, historical adventure story with a twist of suspense and mystery, set during the Napoleonic Wars. ‘Alice’s books were amongst the first Regencies I ever read and I’ve loved them ever since’ – The Word Wenches ‘These vintage Regency romances hover somewhere between Jane Austen and the genre as we know it today. I really enjoy them.’ - Sonya’s Stuff

    

    unusually. Welcome to the world of THE LYON'S DEN: The Black Widow of Whitehall Connected World, where the underground of Regency London thrives... and loves.Mrs. Dove-Lyon, proprietor of the Lyon’s Den, London’s notorious gaming hell, has recently had dealings with three new clients:Miss Harriet Hurst, who cannot see a thing without her spectacles and who has an unfortunate aversion to strong perfume, is in search of a husband. Her proposal, however, is a little unorthodox.Ambrose Crossley, fifth Earl of Pendlewood, an upstanding and respected member of the ton, is in search of a wife. His quest, however, is not quite as straightforward as it seems.Edward Fortescue, Viscount Eskdale, aka the Fallen Angel of Mayfair, has no desire to marry at all. His request is somewhat unusual.Being a shrewd business woman, Mrs. Dove-Lyon reckons she can satisfy all their needs in one fell swoop. It will require a little bit of subterfuge, a fair amount of manipulation, and a whole heap of good intentions. But, if the gamble pays off, a happy ending for all is assured. The game starts out well, with everything going exactly as planned. But, just as things seem to be reaching a satisfactory conclusion, a tragic secret emerges from the past. The consequences are heartbreaking. The game, it seems, is up. Or is it?True love never surrenders without a fight. And time, it is said, heals all wounds. Maybe there’s still a chance for happiness, after all.

    A time when rules and etiquette defined a lady and a gentleman. Set in a bygone area, Regina Darcy spins several enchanting tales. With a dollop of faith and a lot of determination our brides and grooms are headed for new experiences that will change their lives forever. Follow their journeys as they overcome trials and tribulations in this sweet collection. Over 1000 pages of riveting stories and heartwarming endings. The collection includes the following titles: 1. THE DUKE’S SCANDALOUS SECRET 2. AN EARL FOR THE DESPERATE BRIDE 3. A GOVERNESS FOR THE FAITHLESS DUKE 4. ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS BALL 5. A DUKE’S SON TO THE RESCUE 6. THE MISTAKEN ARRANGEMENT 7. THE FORGETFUL GOVERNESS 8. MESMERISING THE DUKE 9. RESCUING THE DUKE 10. THE BLUESTOCKING & THE VISCOUNT 11. RESCUING THE MARQUISE 12. THE DUKE’S SECRET DESIRE 13. CAPTURING THE DUKE’S HEART 14. THE DUKE’S ROGUE BROTHER 15. THE MARQUESS’S OBSESSION 16. A SUITOR FOR MISS HIGGINS 17. THE EARL’S SALVATION 18. WINNING THE VISCOUNT’S HEART 19. A BARTERED BRIDE FOR CHRISTMAS 20. THE CAPTAIN & THE STOAWAY 21. FALLING FOR THE EARL 22. BEWITCHING THE VISCOUNT 23. THE COURAGEOUS MAIDEN 24. THE DUKE’S OBSESSION 25. CAPTIVATED BY THE EARL 26. A PREACHER’S DAUGHTER FOR THE SMITTEN DUKE 27. THE VAGABOND 28. ENCHANTING THE LAIRD 29. THE CAPTAIN’S REDEMPTION 30. A PRUDE MAIDEN FOR THE EARL Buy it NOW or download for free on Kindle Unlimited.

    Teased for her unladylike behavior all her life, she has finally decided to fight back against her brother and his cruel friends.Duncan Flemming, the Marquess of Galeran, enjoys nothing more than getting under the skin of the explosive Evalyn. But ever since it is announced that they are to spend the summer together, their fights only seem to be getting worse.As Duncan starts to realise that the feelings raging in his heart might be more than hate, another suitor shows up to claim Evalyn’s heart. And when Duncan falls inexplicably ill, Evalyn faces the reality of losing him forever. What both of them don’t know, however, is that someone awfully familiar has set a trap for them, and they’re walking right into it.

    You'll be enchanted by the glittering world of Regency England, where dukes, rogues, and dashing gentlemen will do anything to win the hearts of their ladies! To Trust a Rogue Marcus, the Viscount Wessex has carefully crafted the image of rogue. Under that façade, however, dwells a man whose dreams were shattered almost eight years earlier by Eleanor Collins. Now, that same woman who captured his heart and broke it has returned... The Lure of a Rake Lady Genevieve Farendale has a scandalous past. Jilted at the altar years earlier and exiled by her family, she’s now returned to London to prove she can be a proper lady. Even though she’s not given up on the hope of marrying for love, she’s wary of trusting again. Then she meets Cedric Falcot, the Marquess of St. Albans whose seductive ways set her heart aflutter. To Woo a Widow Years ago, Miles Brookfield, the Marquess of Guilford, made a frivolous vow he never thought would come to fruition--he promised to marry his mother's goddaughter if he was unwed by the age of thirty. Now, to his dismay, he's faced with honoring that pledge. But when he encounters the beautiful and intriguing Lady Philippa, Miles knows his true path in life. To Redeem a Rake Society's most infamous scoundrel, Daniel Winterbourne, the Earl of Montfort, has been promised a small fortune if he can relinquish his wayward, carousing lifestyle. But then he's reunited with his childhood friend Miss Daphne Smith and he must resist his desire for a woman tarnished by scandal... One Winter with a Baron Content with her spinster lifestyle, Miss Sybil Cunning wants to prove that a future as an unmarried woman is the only life for her. As a bluestocking who values hard, empirical data, Sybil needs help with her research. Nolan Pratt, Baron Webb, one of society's most scandalous rakes, is the perfect gentleman to help her. To Enchant a Wicked Duke From the moment Justina Barrett makes her Come Out, she is labeled a Diamond. Her ruthless father is determined to sell her off to the highest bidder but Justina never gives up on her hope for a good, honorable gentleman who values her wit more than her looks...and then she meets Nick Tallings, the Duke of Huntly, a scoundrel with plans for her... Beguiled by a Baron Bridget Hamilton is content with her life, even if she’s been cast out of her family. But her peaceful existence—expanding her mind with her study of rare books—is threatened with an ultimatum from her evil brother—steal a valuable book from Vail Basingstoke, Baron Chilton, the infamous book seller--or give up her son. The last thing she expects is to fall in love with the man she's set to betray... To Tempt a Scoundrel When Lord Rhys Brookfield and Lady Alice Winterbourne enter into a pretend courtship meant to spite Alice’s former betrothed and prevent any matchmaking attempts toward Rhys, either expect that a pretense can become so much more. Or that a burning passion can heal… and hurt.

    Only handsome, respectable and deeply romantic persons need apply. Dukes and marquesses will be given special consideration. Apply within.This anthology contains nine fun, heart-tugging, and wholesomely romantic Regency novellas that are as sigh-worthy as they are sweet, brought to you by USA Today and national bestselling, award-winning authors.Deceived by a Duke by Erin Knightley, USA Today bestselling authorWhen strangers meet during a summer sojourn to the continent, love soon blossoms under the Spanish sun. But things aren't all what they seem. When Libby discovers her English gentleman isn't at all who she thought he was, can their new relationship survive the shock of being . . . Deceived by a Duke?(Originally published May 2014)Captivated by the Wallflower by Aileen Fish, USA Today bestselling authorFinding the perfect husband for wallflower Lady Susan is a means to an end for Viscount Knightwick. Falling in love is not part of his plan. Can he keep his heart safe while making hers happy?A Most Suitable Match by Lily George, national bestselling authorCan confirmed bluestocking and matchmaker Louisa Bradbury compose her own happily ever after with Thomas, the wallflower of the rich and powerful Wright family?Stealing the Duchess by Marie Higgins, national bestselling authorWhen Julian Stratford seeks out to steal the duchess as an act of revenge, he mistakenly steals the wrong sister--a wallflower, no less. As they work together to try and solve the mystery, they soon discover that not only are their lives in danger, but so are their hearts.First Impressions by Elizabeth Johns, national bestselling authorA widower earl, still in need of an heir, reluctantly sets off for London in search of a wife. He infinitely prefers the role of recluse to that of dashing beau. The Season's Incomparable prefers books to balls, and cannot wait until the Season is over. Their initial prejudices prevent them from feeling they would suit, but an unlikely source may give them another chance...Treasure Beyond Words by Heather KingHaving trusted the wrong man, bluestocking Amelia Burcott is forced to seek employment as a governess in order to support herself. Little does she realize, when she joins the household of the Earl of Raftesbury, that he has a secret as great as her own and needs the right woman to help him conquer his past.The Earl's Beloved Match by Bess McBride, national bestselling authorBluestocking Cora Prentice has no intention of marrying...ever. Tobias, the Earl of Momford, has no intention of marrying...ever. But Aunt Mimi has other plans for them as she sets out to make a match between her goddaughter and her adopted nephew!Save the Last Dance for Me by Cora Lee, award winning authorWhen Lady Honoria Maitland reunites with her old friend Benedict Grey, she proposes an arrangement: a faux courtship that will smooth wallflower Benedict's re-entry into society and appease her dying father. But Honoria's clever plan failed to account for Benedict's heart...or her own.The Third MacPherson Sister by Susana EllisRebecca's older sisters took the ton by storm while she herself has failed to attact a suitor in four Seasons. Miles is pondering his urgent need for a wife when Rebecca lands in his lap in the nave of Bath Abbey. A match between them seems ordained by the heavens... except for the little matter of his past history with her sisters.

    From top-selling romance author Carola Dunn (Lavender Lady) comes a Regency love story about a handsome aristocrat who risks his heart for a lovely lass with a mysterious past.

    As bad luck would have it though, the orphaned young woman lives with her aunt and uncle who absolutely detest this natural way of living. Thankfully, Ellie still has her precious refuge to hide away in, the cottage that she lived in with her beloved parents before they passed away. Her happiness is even further challenged, when her aunt threatens her with an unwanted marriage that puts her own dreams in jeopardy. Yet, in an unexpected twist of faith, a mysterious and handsome man appears, making Ellie wonder if she can still hold on to hope and know true love. Will Ellie escape the grim future her aunt has planned for her and claim the man her heart had always waited for?Lord Jonathan Cornwall, the Third Duke of Danby, can hardly bear to be pestered by his overbearing mother who is desperate to see him married. Out of sheer desperation, he frequently rides out in the woods, in an effort to find his much needed inner peace. While riding in his most casual clothes, Jonathan stumbles one day upon a dreamy cottage and a charming young woman. As he gets to know the spirited Ellie, he holds onto the secret of his identity, worried that she would not accept his companionship if she knew the truth. As his profound feelings for her deepen into sparkling love, he knows that he has to tell her the truth. Will he manage to redeem himself for all the lies and win Ellie’s trust about them being a match made in heaven?Right when the two soulmates discover an everlasting connection between them, they have to face the heartbreaking reality that everyone else is against them. From Ellie’s aunt who has arranged another match, to Jonathan’s mother who insists that he must only marry for wealth and status, no ally seems to be in sight. Torn between their growing love and the hopelessness around them, they soon realise not only the lack of support, but also the sheer adversity on every side. Will the depth of their romance manage to overcome the endless obstacles and guide them towards their happily ever after? Or will they find themselves lost in the wilderness of the threatening shadows, away from the final destination of eternal love?"The Duke's Blooming Love" is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.