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Gothic Brides: Volume 1
The Gothic edgy, atmospheric Gothic Regency Romance, exploring the dark, twisted corners of England--these books are not for the faint of heart. The Gothic Brides battle tortured pasts and face dangerous, suspenseful circumstances on their road to a hard-won happily ever after.
THE MAD COUNTESS, Book 1
True love must break the curse of madness...
When Lady Claire Deering's mother enters an insane asylum, society is quick to scorn her, dubbing her the Mad Daughter. But Claire's tattered reputation is the least of her worries, as those rumors hold a horrible, terrifying the Deering women are victims of a dark witch's curse. If Claire marries her true love, she'll spend the rest of her life under the thrall of madness.To save herself, she remains isolated...until a will reading at a mysterious castle on All Hallows Eve places her in close confines with her dearest friend and secret love.
Bashful, scholarly Teddy Lockwood has never met a rule he didn't rejoice in following. When he unexpectedly inherits the Ashbrooke earldom, he's determined to turn over a new, more courageous leaf--starting with telling Claire that he's loved her since they were children. The will reading presents the perfect opportunity to win her heart, even if he's vastly out of his element at this enigmatic, shadowy Cornwall castle. Soon, the simmering passion between them becomes unstoppable. Now, to save the love of his life, Teddy will do whatever it takes to break the dark magic's hold on Claire. Will Claire spend her life within the grips of strange delirium, or will love prove the strongest of all?
THE DETERMINED DUCHESS, Book 2
Death is just the beginning...
After the death of her beloved guardian, Miss Felicity Fields is left adrift, her future uncertain. Grief-stricken, she launches a plan to use her knowledge of alchemy to build a Philosopher's Stone, and bring back to life the woman who was like a mother to her. The last thing this blunt bluestocking needs is the return of Nicholas Harding, the Duke of Wycliffe and rightful owner of her home on the wild coast of Cornwall. He stirs an unexpected passion within her, and Felicity has had enough change in her life.
When they were children, Nicholas never understood his aunt's brilliant but unemotional ward, or her many strange scientific studies. He ought to take her back to London, so she can make a proper society match--except he can't stop thinking about her. But with the line between life and death blurred by Felicity's macabre experiments, can he convince her that she's no longer alone, and her proper place is by his side?
THE SCANDALOUS WIDOW, Book 3
Scandal proves deadly...
Lady Jemma Forster knows all too well how ruthless gossip-mongers can be. She sacrificed her own happiness to restore her family's reputation. Her marriage of convenience to an affluent earl meant saying goodbye to passion, and any chance at love with the dashing lawman who set her soul aflame. She leads a sedate, practical life as the Countess of Wolverston. Until her husband is murdered, and the only man who can bring his killers to justice is her former love.
Bow Street Runner Gabriel Sinclair has spent the last three years trying to forget about smart, beautiful Lady Jemma, who broke his heart when she married his best friend. The Earl of Wolverston'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, with threats coming from all sides. They're perfect partners for solving crimes, but can they be partners in love too?
THE MAD COUNTESS, Book 1
True love must break the curse of madness...
When Lady Claire Deering's mother enters an insane asylum, society is quick to scorn her, dubbing her the Mad Daughter. But Claire's tattered reputation is the least of her worries, as those rumors hold a horrible, terrifying the Deering women are victims of a dark witch's curse. If Claire marries her true love, she'll spend the rest of her life under the thrall of madness.To save herself, she remains isolated...until a will reading at a mysterious castle on All Hallows Eve places her in close confines with her dearest friend and secret love.
Bashful, scholarly Teddy Lockwood has never met a rule he didn't rejoice in following. When he unexpectedly inherits the Ashbrooke earldom, he's determined to turn over a new, more courageous leaf--starting with telling Claire that he's loved her since they were children. The will reading presents the perfect opportunity to win her heart, even if he's vastly out of his element at this enigmatic, shadowy Cornwall castle. Soon, the simmering passion between them becomes unstoppable. Now, to save the love of his life, Teddy will do whatever it takes to break the dark magic's hold on Claire. Will Claire spend her life within the grips of strange delirium, or will love prove the strongest of all?
THE DETERMINED DUCHESS, Book 2
Death is just the beginning...
After the death of her beloved guardian, Miss Felicity Fields is left adrift, her future uncertain. Grief-stricken, she launches a plan to use her knowledge of alchemy to build a Philosopher's Stone, and bring back to life the woman who was like a mother to her. The last thing this blunt bluestocking needs is the return of Nicholas Harding, the Duke of Wycliffe and rightful owner of her home on the wild coast of Cornwall. He stirs an unexpected passion within her, and Felicity has had enough change in her life.
When they were children, Nicholas never understood his aunt's brilliant but unemotional ward, or her many strange scientific studies. He ought to take her back to London, so she can make a proper society match--except he can't stop thinking about her. But with the line between life and death blurred by Felicity's macabre experiments, can he convince her that she's no longer alone, and her proper place is by his side?
THE SCANDALOUS WIDOW, Book 3
Scandal proves deadly...
Lady Jemma Forster knows all too well how ruthless gossip-mongers can be. She sacrificed her own happiness to restore her family's reputation. Her marriage of convenience to an affluent earl meant saying goodbye to passion, and any chance at love with the dashing lawman who set her soul aflame. She leads a sedate, practical life as the Countess of Wolverston. Until her husband is murdered, and the only man who can bring his killers to justice is her former love.
Bow Street Runner Gabriel Sinclair has spent the last three years trying to forget about smart, beautiful Lady Jemma, who broke his heart when she married his best friend. The Earl of Wolverston'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, with threats coming from all sides. They're perfect partners for solving crimes, but can they be partners in love too?
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Published July 24, 2018
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About the author
Erica Monroe
31 books161 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Erica Monroe writes dark, gritty historical romance. Her current series include Gothic Brides (Regency Gothics), The Rookery Rogues (pre-Victorian gritty working class romance), and Covert Heiresses (Regency spies who are the children of a duke). She was a finalist in the published historical category for the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Romantic Suspense, and her books have been recommended reads at Fresh Fiction, Smexy Books, SBTB, and All About Romance. When she's not writing, she's drinking coffee, reading comic books, or watching televison. She lives in the suburbs of North Carolina with her husband, two dogs, and two cats. Visit Erica online at ericamonroe.com and sign up for her new release newsletter at: hyperurl.co/emnl.
Erica does not read Goodreads messages or respond to invitations. She rarely checks Goodreads.
Erica does not read Goodreads messages or respond to invitations. She rarely checks Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 25, 2018
I read only THE MAD COUNTESS but it's excellent!
.
The Mad Daughter, that’s how they call Lady Claire Deering behind her back. Claire believes she is cursed: her mother and aunt both finished their days in the Ticehurst lunatic asylum. Claire, along with her faithful maid Kinney, is travelling to Castle Keyvnor to hear the reading of a will. The castle is reputed to be haunted and there’s a witches’ coven nearby. Claire is hoping, and not hoping to see her old friend Theodore “Teddy” Lockwood, however she didn’t know he was coming. She’s in love with him, but won’t do anything because of the madness in her family. Teddy doesn’t like change of any kind, and is quite mystified at being the new Earl of Ashbrooke, a title which he recently inherited. Teddy is attempting to conquer his various fears, he’s trying to be daring and it is, to say the least, trying! Teddy has been in love for ages with Claire, but he’s afraid she’ll refuse his marriage proposal, and he’d rather keep her as a friend than be turned down.
Erica Monroe is one of my favourite authors, I have always loved her writing, and in THE MAD COUNTESS, Ms. Monroe shines as never before. Her prose is more subdued, even richer and more nuanced, the surroundings appear in all their finest details, the touch of paranormal feels totally real, and the dialogues sound natural, as always. Ms. Monroe is a wizard at creating convincing characters, I love her heroes, and Teddy might be my favourite so far; he is quite the surprising fellow! As for Claire, I thought it rather extraordinary, but the character is so meticulously crafted that when reading her dialogues, I knew precisely how she sounded; her voice was translated so well in words, that I could hear her, and this happens very seldom indeed. THE MAD COUNTESS is full of unexpected plot twits, and the romance is almost too gorgeous for words. THE MAD COUNTESS is in some ways a bit of a departure for Erica Monroe, and it is a resounding success. THE MAD COUNTESS is a most wondrous, beautiful, and touching love story; just wonderful!
THE MAD COUNTESS had previously been available in the Mystified Anthology.
.
The Mad Daughter, that’s how they call Lady Claire Deering behind her back. Claire believes she is cursed: her mother and aunt both finished their days in the Ticehurst lunatic asylum. Claire, along with her faithful maid Kinney, is travelling to Castle Keyvnor to hear the reading of a will. The castle is reputed to be haunted and there’s a witches’ coven nearby. Claire is hoping, and not hoping to see her old friend Theodore “Teddy” Lockwood, however she didn’t know he was coming. She’s in love with him, but won’t do anything because of the madness in her family. Teddy doesn’t like change of any kind, and is quite mystified at being the new Earl of Ashbrooke, a title which he recently inherited. Teddy is attempting to conquer his various fears, he’s trying to be daring and it is, to say the least, trying! Teddy has been in love for ages with Claire, but he’s afraid she’ll refuse his marriage proposal, and he’d rather keep her as a friend than be turned down.
Erica Monroe is one of my favourite authors, I have always loved her writing, and in THE MAD COUNTESS, Ms. Monroe shines as never before. Her prose is more subdued, even richer and more nuanced, the surroundings appear in all their finest details, the touch of paranormal feels totally real, and the dialogues sound natural, as always. Ms. Monroe is a wizard at creating convincing characters, I love her heroes, and Teddy might be my favourite so far; he is quite the surprising fellow! As for Claire, I thought it rather extraordinary, but the character is so meticulously crafted that when reading her dialogues, I knew precisely how she sounded; her voice was translated so well in words, that I could hear her, and this happens very seldom indeed. THE MAD COUNTESS is full of unexpected plot twits, and the romance is almost too gorgeous for words. THE MAD COUNTESS is in some ways a bit of a departure for Erica Monroe, and it is a resounding success. THE MAD COUNTESS is a most wondrous, beautiful, and touching love story; just wonderful!
THE MAD COUNTESS had previously been available in the Mystified Anthology.
July 24, 2018
Engaging characters and an entertaining 4 1/2 stars read!
I voluntarily offer an unbiased review of the first and third novellas in this boxed set by Erica Monroe. The author gifted me with those two novellas and I intend to purchase the second novella of this boxed set and edit this review once I have read that one.
The Mad Countess is a must read. I absolutely adored this short book. Teddy and Claire, who have know each other since childhood, are obviously meant for each other. Such a sweet romance. Don't want to say much more because I would spoil your reading enjoyment. Just get the book or boxed set.
The Scandalous Widow is a second chance at love novella, the third one in the series. Our heroine, Lady Gemma Forster, whose husband was murdered, turns to an old friend, Gabriel Sinclair, a bow street runner, because she feels they did not find the true murderer of her husband. Gemma and Gabriel fell in love before she married an earl in order to restore her family's reputation. Gemma believes Gabriel is the only one who can help her as Gabriel was at one time the best friend of Gemma's husband Philip. The two work together and tread into some of the most dangerous and darkest parts of London to find proof of who murdered Philip. At the same time they are dealing with the resurfacing of old feelings for one another. The character development is good and Ms. Monroe has done an excellent job weaving it into the storyline. The ending seemed a little rushed but this is a short novella and a very entertaining read.
As an author, I feel Erica Monroe does a credible job entertaining her readers with engaging characters, lively story development, plausible plots, and of course a HEA. Though this is an incomplete review of the whole boxed set, as a person who has read two of the three novellas by Erica Monroe, I happily recommend the set.
I voluntarily offer an unbiased review of the first and third novellas in this boxed set by Erica Monroe. The author gifted me with those two novellas and I intend to purchase the second novella of this boxed set and edit this review once I have read that one.
The Mad Countess is a must read. I absolutely adored this short book. Teddy and Claire, who have know each other since childhood, are obviously meant for each other. Such a sweet romance. Don't want to say much more because I would spoil your reading enjoyment. Just get the book or boxed set.
The Scandalous Widow is a second chance at love novella, the third one in the series. Our heroine, Lady Gemma Forster, whose husband was murdered, turns to an old friend, Gabriel Sinclair, a bow street runner, because she feels they did not find the true murderer of her husband. Gemma and Gabriel fell in love before she married an earl in order to restore her family's reputation. Gemma believes Gabriel is the only one who can help her as Gabriel was at one time the best friend of Gemma's husband Philip. The two work together and tread into some of the most dangerous and darkest parts of London to find proof of who murdered Philip. At the same time they are dealing with the resurfacing of old feelings for one another. The character development is good and Ms. Monroe has done an excellent job weaving it into the storyline. The ending seemed a little rushed but this is a short novella and a very entertaining read.
As an author, I feel Erica Monroe does a credible job entertaining her readers with engaging characters, lively story development, plausible plots, and of course a HEA. Though this is an incomplete review of the whole boxed set, as a person who has read two of the three novellas by Erica Monroe, I happily recommend the set.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews