A Lady of Letters

by Andrea Pickens

Articulate and intelligent, Lady Augusta Peabody avoids Society's censure by secretly publishing her political essays under the pen name "Firebrand." But despite all outward efforts to behave like a proper lady at the balls she can’t avoid attending, she finds herself tripping into awkward encounters with the roguish Earl of Dunham and igniting a fiery war of words between them.

Bored with life as a rake, Marcus has decided to use his position in Parliament to champion Firebrand's cause, never dreaming that the reclusive writer is the headstrong young lady with whom he's constantly clashing.

When the truth comes out, Augusta reluctantly allows Marcus to help her investigate the gentleman she suspects of running a dastardly criminal enterprise. Sparks continue to fly between them—and accidentally ignites new passions that could destroy them both if their cunning enemy has his way . . .

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Regency, Regency Romance, Traditional Regency, Historical, Fiction

235 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2000

About the author

Andrea Pickens is a pseudonym for an author who has also written as Cara Elliott for Grand Central and Andrea Penrose for Kensington and NAL. Her historical mysteries and romantic novels are set in Regency England, an era that has fascinated her ever since she picked up a copy of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

A graduate of Yale, she has won numerous writing awards, including two Daphne Du Maurier Awards for historical mystery, the Golden Leaf, and she’s been a three-time finalist for the prestigious RITA Award. Her books have been translated into nine different languages.

Reviews

[QNPoohBear · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lady Augusta Hadley is too tall, too bony and too awkward to be of interest to the gentlemen of the ton. That's fine by her because she's not interested in marrying a mindless young dandy, she has more important things on her mind, like the issue of child labor. She writes radical inflammatory pamphlets under the name "Firebrand" as a way of airing her views since she is denied the opportunity to speak publicly because of her sex. She literally bumps into Alexander, the Earl of Sheffield, spilling lemonade all over his waistcoat, which causes him to violently swear at her. Though she is normally tongue tied in person, Gus responds with a sally of her own and walks away hoping to never see or hear from Sheffield again. Unfortunately, she keeps bumping into him and running afoul of his quick temper and hasty words, responding in turn with biting remarks of her own. When Alex discovers Gus is the sister of his late friend Edwin Hadley, he feels the need to apologize and tries to befriend Gus who wants nothing to do with the rakish Earl. The Earl feels wounded that Gus chooses to listen to gossip about him instead of talking to him, for he has cast of his wicked ways and decided to take up his seat in Parliament, speaking on the issue of child labor, influenced by the writings of his new hero, Firebrand! In order to learn more, Alex enters into a private correspondence with the unknown writer, signing his name "Tinder." Gus and Alex, as Firebrand and Tinder, develop a close friendship on paper, with Gus developing feelings for her kind gentlemen correspondent. When Gus decides to investigate the disappearance of some of the tenant children from her family's country home, she enlists Tinder's help, but trying to spare him from danger. Gus throws herself into a dangerous investigation, again running into the Earl of Sheffield, who wants to help her, unaware that she is his unknown literary friend. The two must overcome their differences in order to achieve their goal and find future happiness.

The plot is similar to Crossed Quills by Carola Dunn, but not as excellent as that novel. Alex and Gus both have nasty tempers and are continually swearing at each other, which grows tiresome after awhile. I also find it hard to believe that the two took so long to figure out that they were pen-pals and the scene in which they do so is poorly contrived. There is also very little backstory for the characters and I'm left wondering how Gus's brother died. I would have preferred more character development than descriptions of what happens to Alex's anatomy when he clashes with Gus! The book is not a bad read, I really liked and admired Gus for having the guts to stand up for what she believed in, but the story was so improbable that I couldn't like it as much as I would have liked.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marcus Leete, the Earl of Dunham, is tired of living a life of self-indulgence. At almost thirty-two, he needs some serious meaning to his life. Reading articles written by Firebrand in the news sheet, he finds his interest peaked when the articles focus on child labor. He decides to correspond with Firebrand in letters. Lady Augusta Peabody is Firebrand. She's made it her mission to stop child labor. Letters are exchanged and Marcus and Augusta become friends, keeping their identities secret. Constant encounters in person don't look promising for any kind of relationship, until they join forces to find out who is kidnapping children. Only someone is trying to stop their investigation. Many expletives are constantly exchanged between Marcus and Gus that make it very entertaining.
Kisses only.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from Booksprout.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books that intertwine romance with mystery and this one does this quite well.

Augusta is a spinster blue stocking with secrets to keep. Marcus has decided he’s bored with his life focused only on pleasure. He decides to start using his intellect.

Their meetings always are full of sparks. Is it annoyance or something else?

A very enjoyable book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book for this series. Andrea has given us not only a hard mystery to solve but also two wonderful characters too. Augusta, Gus to family and friends is the oldest sister who is thought on the shelf by her mother and most of the ton. She is very intelligent and outspoken on many topics most women know nothing about. She writes a column for the paper under a pen name of “Firebrand” on political causes, all think the writer is a gentleman as no women would be smart enough for sure! She becomes friends with other gentleman using the pen name “Tinder” also a reader of the column. The letters back and forth form a warm and special relationship between them. Marcus, the Earl of Dunham has the reputation of a Rake, Womanizer and Drunk too. His name is in the society rags a lot. Most if not, all is made up, he was all the above in his youth but now has tired of all of it and spend most time alone. The letters he has with another gentleman using the pen name “Firebrand” have come to mean a lot to him. He is more than impressed with the man's thoughts and view on several issues. One stands out that of child labor, as he investigates more, he is shocked by what he finds. While attending a ball he runs into Augusta after saying some very unfair things about her sister, Marianne. She spills her drink on him and tells him just what she thinks about him down speaking about Ladies in general. Gus has learned many cuss words from her late brother and slips up using them when she is upset! Marcus finds it amusing coming from her. Oh, my so starts them running into each other a lot and all with things being dropped, split, or harm to one or the other! So begins a lot of witty exchanges when he finds out she is the sister of a men he was friends with before he died. There is so much going on in this book with lots of twist and turns and the going attraction between them. Both assume the worst of the other till they learn the truth. Working together to solve the mystery and trying not to fall for the other. It was a great read, but it could have used some more romance. I would have liked an epilogue to see how they ended up. received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it

[Fanosse23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘A Lady of Letters’ is the fifth installment in the Intrepid Heroines series by Andrea Pickens, and it’s another captivating read. This time, we follow Lady Augusta "Gus" Peabody—a sharp, articulate woman who defies societal norms. She secretly publishes essays under the pseudonym "Firebrand," much to the oblivion of her mother, who’s more focused on finding a match for Augusta’s prettier sister, Marianne.

At a ball, Augusta literally bumps into Marcus, the Earl of Dunham, sparking a dynamic—and often combative—connection. They clash at every meeting, but beneath their spirited arguments, something deeper simmers. Fed up with his life as a bored rake, Marcus finds new purpose in Parliament, championing Firebrand’s causes. What he doesn’t realize? The bold writer he admires is the very woman he keeps butting heads with. Under the pen name "Tinder," he strikes up an anonymous correspondence with Firebrand, leading to a spirited, thought-provoking friendship.

When identities are finally revealed, Augusta hesitantly accepts Marcus’s help in investigating a gentleman she suspects of criminal activity. This is where the story truly takes off—danger escalates, threats loom, and the chemistry between Augusta and Marcus intensifies. Their bickering evolves, layered with passion and emotional stakes, all while a villain lurks in the shadows, ready to strike.

I love a romance wrapped in mystery, sprinkled with humor, secrets, and suspense. Throw in a pair of stubborn characters who can’t admit their growing attraction, and you’ve got an irresistibly engaging story. ‘A Lady of Letters’ delivers it all—sharp wit, heart-pounding tension, and a couple whose banter is as thrilling as their undeniable connection.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charmaine Fernando · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lady Agusta Hadley, though “blessed” with a very generous dowry, has yet to secure a husband and her frustrated mother has almost given up hope on her, deciding instead to focus on her younger, “prettier” sister. “Gus” is the tall, bony and awkward sister who happens to have a brilliant mind and writes on all sorts of controversial issues under the moniker “Firebrand”. Alexander, the Earl of Sheffield is a secret correspondent with Firebrand, whom he admires and would love to meet in person, not knowing that Gus is the author of Firebrand’s controversial commentary. Inspired by Firebrand’s stance on child labour, and the kidnapping of children to meet this need, Marcus decides to draft and deliver several fiery speeches in parliament, which stirs up the wrong people.

Gus and Marcus meet at a ball where Gus is trying desperately to hide behind the potted plants in the ballroom and Marcus accidentally bumps into her only to be doused with the lemonade Gus is holding. This increases his frustration level, and he takes his anger out on Gus by swearing at her. The usually tongue tied Gus comes back with a zinger of her own and this gets the chemistry going between them.

The two join forces to find the member of the nobility who is behind the kidnapping of the children, which leads to several LOL moments between Gus and Marcus as well as dangerous situations they find themselves in.

All in, a good read; the chemistry between the MCs was evident and kept you interested in their story. I received an ARC from the publishers and Booksprout and submit my honest review voluntarily.

[Slwd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firebrand and Tinder

“A Lady of Letters” is written by Andrea Pickens and is in the Intrepid Heroines series. The Lady is Augusta “Gus” Peabody. She is extremely intelligent and writes political pamphlets under the name “Firebrand”. Marcus, the Earl of Dunham, begins anonymous correspondence with Firebrand under the pen name “Tinder”. The two become friends and confidants through the letters and Marcus is encouraged to take up the cause of child labor. However, when Marcus and Augusta meet in person they end up not liking each other and fireworks fly. I definitely enjoyed this historical romance. The characters were wonderful. I like the female in the story to be intelligent and older than the typical debutante, and Augusta was all that and more. I loved the back and forth banter between the couple when they were in each other’s company. Marcus began to see and appreciate Augusta’s intelligence. The story included a crime to be solved so Augusta and Marcus decided to work together. The dynamics of their relationship slowly transformed. The plot was interesting, the search for the culprit, and the threats to Marcus added angst to the story. Kissing only, I was looking for a bit more steam along the way. Another fine story by Andrea Pickens. Definitely recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the antagonism that brewed between the main characters from the opening pages of this book, they are more like-minded than they thought. Marcus has roundly categorized all females as being emotional, flighty, and bird-brained. On the other hand, Augusta has relied on gossip and rumours to denounce Lord Marcus as a wastrel and a cad. Behind the scenes, they both pursue justice for children, and unknowingly, Marcus writes to Augusta under her pseudonym, finding a person he can relate to. Together, they make strides in uncovering the criminal activities of a man without a conscience, but when the truth about Augusta's identity is revealed, Marcus is flabbergasted. It is only when matters reach a climax that they eventually recognize what is right in front of them, bringing the novel to a witty and romantic conclusion, with justice being served. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Oliver Heber Books and BookSprout, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have Augusta Peabody intelligent, attractive but shy in person and more likely to put pen to paper!
She is the intellectual one and her mother’s cutting remarks about her don’t give her any self esteem! Augusta aka Gus has a very good relationship with her sister who staunchly supports her intellect and her secrets!
We have Lord Marcus Dunham a rich, titled Lord who has struck up a written correspondence with Firebrand that encourages him to do better! He begins to use his seat in the House of Lords much to the astonishment of his peers!
Gus and Marcus agree on very few things and poor Marcus well-being is constantly at risk in Gus’s presence! There is humor and intrigue in a very strange courtship of secrets and letters! Do these two get a HEA? Yes and they absolutely deserve it! Bravo
I received an ARC copy from Booksprout for my honest opinion!

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Augusta Peabody is no ordinary debutante, and this is no ordinary historical romance. With sharp wit, sparkling banter, and a heroine who moonlights as a political essayist, this story delivers equal parts intrigue and heart.

The chemistry between Augusta and the rakish-yet-redeemable Earl of Dunham crackles from their very first sparring match. Their verbal duels are clever, layered, and thoroughly entertaining—think enemies-to-lovers meets intellectual equals. Marcus’s unexpected support of her cause adds surprising tenderness to his rakish charm, and their shared mission to unmask a dangerous criminal ups the stakes without ever overshadowing the romance.

A smart, swoon-worthy tale for readers who like their historicals with heat, humor, and heroines who dare to break the mold.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book from the grouchy hero to the stubborn heroine..

The hero is used to everyone either being afraid of him or giving him, his way but when the heroine doesn't fall at his feet or doesn't attempt to hold her tongue around him, intrigues him..

The heroine is determined to be a spinster for the rest of her days because none of the gentlemen in the ton intrigue her or understand her for who she is.. but once she gets around the most self centered Earl she's ever met, her heart and her mind have other ideas.

They are thrown together while trying to solve a crime of missing children and not only do they start to feel friendship but love blossoms as they realize they've misjudged each other from the beginning..

I can't wait to read the next books in this series..

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Augusta Peabody is intelligent and strong-willed, not the typical debutante in any way. She secretly publishes political essays under the name Firebrand. One of her strongest causes in child labor. Gus hears Marcus Leete, Earl of Dunham, disparage her sister at a ball, and they “accidentally run into each other, and he gets a waistcoat full of lemonade. Not a good beginning. Marcus is growing tired of his rakish behavior and reputation. He is impressed with Firebrand’s cause and writings, and starts a correspondence, under the name Tinder, between them. They become friends through the correspondence. He is in for a shock when he discovers the true Firebrand. In addition to the budding friendship and romance, there is a dangerous mystery. Someone doesn’t like that Marcus has taken up the child labor cause, and particularly missing children near Gus’s home. Can the culprit be found and stopped? Can Marcus and the head-strong Gus find a happy future? An entertaining story with main characters whose friendship finds its way to romance.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Dominique Englebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friendship sight unseen
Lady Augusta Peabody publishes political pamphlets under the pseudonym Firebrand, as she would be unable to publish anything as a woman. She feels a marked antipathy for the Earl of Dunham after more than one awkward encounter at balls she couldn’t avoid attending. Unbeknownst to her, he is also Tinder, the correspondent with whom she entertains a prolific correspondence. For his part, he thinks that Firebrand is a man. The openhearted character of their letters rapidly sparks a deep friendship.
What will happen when their subterfuge comes to light, and they discover that their correspondent is not who they thought?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

During this time in history young women weren't encouraged to be intelligent. Augusta is fortunate she has a family who have allowed her to be who she wants to be. She still has to hide her accomplishments in society, but can live her life mostly as she pleases. Marcus has also allowed society to mould him, until he gets to the point of making the decision to change. When they meet and decide to work together, they each bring out the worst in each other, without realising that they like each other very much. They are not sure how to change the other's opinion and in the meantime, they are rescuing each other from dangerous situations.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Earl and the Firebrand
Augusta is clever, bold, and impossible not to root for, and Marcus—well, he’s a rakish earl who’s slowly finding there’s more to life than his roguish ways. They clashed from the moment they met, which made their banter so much fun to read. At what point does animosity turn into love? Was it before or after he discovered her secret?
Their investigation is tense and dangerous—would they make it through unscathed? I loved watching their slow-burning attraction unfold alongside the suspense.
I recommend this for lovers of enemies-to-lovers historical romance with intrigue and danger.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

After hearing his unkind remarks about her sister I wondered if Lady Augusta spilling her drink on Marcus was an accident. Little does she know that he is the man she has been secretly corresponding to under an assumed name. They both are a reckless in the quest for justice and Gud lacks the self esteem to think that despite their many heated arguments and kisses that Marcus could be interested in her romantically. I love a good bluestocking romance. There was mystery and suspense with figuring out who was behind the kidnapped children while surviving the many attacks on his life.

[Sewanee Kracalik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it when an Author can enchant me with a complete love story filled with lots of twists and turns, all in less than 250 pages. Sorry, I'm an avid reader, but I get impatient and or bored after 250+ pages. I hate superfluous! Augusta and Marcus's story covers all the bases, attraction, mysteries, and great characters. Secrets come to life, which Makes things even more interesting, plus a great ending. My perfect read. I found this on BookSprout and I'm gladly volunteering to give this review and adding Andrea Pickens to list of great reading.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this foray into the Recency Era quite a lot. What an unlikely yet surprisingly well matched pair. A bluestocking and a gentleman bored of frippery. While the underlying cause that unites them is terrible the love story that it engenders is sweet, salty and quite fun. I loved Gus and her headstrong but also shy demeanor and Marcus was much more than meets the eye. Very good story!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firebrand and the perfect earl.

Marcus has it all. A title of Earl, acceptance of the ton, good looks. All of which made him lazy and self indulgent. He was a pretty but useless earl with a rake reputation.
But he’s finally growing up a bit and he’s bored.

Firebrand writes him letters and Marcus is intrigued. Augusta and the earl exchange letters and I do enjoy an epistolary book.
Recommend.

[Sharyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fiery writer, Augusta writes anonymously as Firebrand. The Earl of Sheffield, bored with is indolent life is encouraged by the writings begins a correspondence. He takes up the cause of reforming child labor laws with speeches in the House of Lords.
This is a mystery and a romance and the witty banter between the two is what raises my score for this book.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Andrea Pickens' novels and loved this one, ça va sans dire as I'm a huge fan of her works. A clever woman quite different form the standard Regency beauty. An intrigue, mystery, an impossible man who's not so impossibile
Take your time, enjoy it and have fun
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fifth book in the Intrepid Heroines series was an exciting and engaging historical romance. A bluestocking, a rake, a criminal enterprise, child slavery and abduction issues made for a very entertaining story full of drama, action, intrigue, mystery, hidden identity, humor, wit, emotional issues, and a strong passionate chemistry. I highly recommend reading!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is a firebrand of a lady and he is the tinder to spark an explosion. Exciting and entertaining story from the start to end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story! Well crafted, excellent character development and fully engaging. The wit and snappy responses add humor and more depth to the story. I loved every minute of it.

[Christopher · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. The main characters are miserable

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

What a wonderful mixture of romance, mystery and pen pals!

I completely enjoyed this journey to a HEA. The conversations were fast paced, laced with creative swear words, hurt feelings on both sides of the pen and in the flesh and deep heart felt discussions. Watching Marcus leave behind his apathy and embracing a future filled with empathy, adventure, and a fiery lady was remarkable. Augusta surprises Marcus with her wit, deep convictions, sound reasoning and grasp of the world around her. He comes to see that women are not the empty headed, embroidering, geese he thought they were. Along this journey his waist coats seem to take quite a beating and his pride is dented on the regular.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lori Yvette Fernandez Lopez · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Annette Meier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dueling wits and strategic thinkers make the sparks fly in more ways than one!