Book Review - 5 STARS - The Unquiet Spirit (Spirited Encounters Book 1) by Penny Hampson

The Unquiet Spirit 
(Spirited Encounters Book 1) 
By Penny Hampson

Publication Date: 17th October 2025

Publisher: PP&M Publishing

Page Length: 245

Genre: Paranormal Ghost Romance

She wasn’t home alone...

With her love life in tatters, Kate Wilson needs a fresh start, and where could be better than the old Cornish house that had belonged to her godmother?

There’s just one problem – it comes with a ghost as a sitting tenant.

Her grumpy new neighbour, the broodingly handsome Tom Carbis, is another fly in the ointment – he seems to turn up wherever Kate goes. His dog might be friendly, but he’s definitely not.

Then the discovery of a hidden diary points Kate to a romantic mystery with links to both Tom’s family and her house’s past – a mystery that might explain the reason for her spectral lodger.

The downside? Kate needs Tom’s help to solve it and has to convince him that she is not his foe.

But working with Tom to unravel long-buried secrets has unexpected consequences, and Kate discovers far more than she bargained for.

The Unquiet Spirit is a spooky, suspense-filled, enemies-to-lovers romance.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

From the very first page of The Unquiet Spirit (Spirited Encounters Book 1) by Penny Hampson, I was completely absorbed. The story unfolds with a quiet confidence, drawing the reader into an atmosphere that is both haunting and beautifully intimate. There is a gentle, almost whispered quality to the writing that allows the tension to build naturally, and I found myself fully immersed before I even realised it.

What I particularly loved was how seamlessly the paranormal, emotional, and romantic threads are woven together. The ghostly elements are intriguing and at times unsettling, yet they never overshadow the deeply human story at the heart of the novel. The romance, in particular, is handled with great sensitivity and restraint. Rather than feeling rushed or forced, it develops slowly and naturally, grounded in shared experiences, trust, and emotional vulnerability. I found it genuinely touching and completely believable.

I connected strongly with the protagonist, whose journey is filled with uncertainty, courage, and emotional growth. Their inner conflicts and evolving relationships felt authentic, and I appreciated how the romantic connection added warmth and hope without diminishing the darker, more mysterious aspects of the story. The supporting characters are equally well drawn, each contributing meaningfully to the narrative and adding depth to both the emotional and romantic landscape.

The pacing is excellent — steady and deliberate, allowing the tension, relationships, and atmosphere to develop in tandem. There were moments that sent a shiver down my spine, balanced perfectly by quieter scenes that carried real emotional weight. Penny Hampson explores themes of loss, healing, love, and connection with compassion and insight, giving the novel a richness that lingers long after the final page.

By the time I finished The Unquiet Spirit, I felt both emotionally satisfied and eager to continue the journey. This is a beautifully written novel that offers far more than a standard paranormal tale. With its compelling characters, slow-burn romance, and haunting sense of mystery, it more than earns its five stars. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys paranormal fiction with emotional depth, a strong romantic thread, and an atmospheric setting. I am very much looking forward to the rest of the Spirited Encounters series.

This novel is available on Amazon & #KindleUnlimited

Penny Hampson

Penny Hampson writes mysteries, and because she has a passion for history, you’ll find her stories also reflect that. A Gentleman’s Promise, a traditional Regency romance, was Penny’s debut novel and the first of her Gentlemen Series. There are now four novels in the series, with the latest, An Adventurer’s Contract, released in November 2024. Penny also enjoys writing contemporary mysteries with a hint of the paranormal, because where do ghosts come from but the past? The Unquiet Spirit, a spooky mystery/romance set in Cornwall, is the first in the Spirited Encounters Series. Look out for A Plethora of Phantoms coming soon.

Penny lives with her family in Oxfordshire, and when she is not writing, she enjoys reading, walking, swimming, and the odd gin and tonic (not all at the same time).

If you’ve enjoyed any of Penny’s books please leave a review on Amazon, Bookbub, or Goodreads, and let other readers know!

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Therein Lies the Pearl by Catherine Hughes

Therein Lies the Pearl

By Catherine Hughes

Publication Date: January 19th, 2026

Publisher: Historium Press

Pages: 474

Genre: Historical Fiction

History books record the experiences of the powerful, the rich, the famous. Their voices dominate the pages, commanding us to accept their perspective as truth. But what if we could hear the whispers of those who were never given a chance to speak? How would this affect our understanding of the past?

Normandy, 1064

Celia Campion, a girl of humble background, finds herself caught in a web of intrigue when Duke William commands her to work as his spy, holding her younger sister hostage. Her mission: to sail across the sea to Wilton Abbey and convince Margaret, daughter of Edward the Exile, to take final vows rather than form a marriage alliance with the newly crowned king to the North, Malcolm III of Scotland. Preventing a union between the Saxons and Scots is critical to the success of the Duke’s plan to take England, and more importantly for Celia, it is the only way to keep her sister alive.  

In this sweeping epic that spans the years before and after the Conquest, two women from opposite sides of the English Channel whisper across the chasm of time to tell their story of the tumultuous days that eventually changed the course of history.  As they struggle to survive in a world marked by danger, loss, and betrayal, their lives intersect, and they soon come to realize they are both searching for the same thing--someone they can trust amidst the treachery that surrounds them.  

Together, their voices form a narrative never before told.

Excerpt

“I have brought you some bread from the feast,” Margaret lifted the cloth and took another small step forward. “I was hoping we could pray together, if that would be agreeable to you.”

Slowly Ealdgyth shifted her body on the bed to turn a little closer toward her visitor. She laughed mockingly, “Pray? Pray to whom? To the God of armies? The God of kings? The God of monks and priests and bishops? The God who listens only to the petitions of men and hearkens not to the cries of women? Save your prayers for yourself, foolish girl. I will not waste my breath calling upon a God who delights in sending only more misery.”

She lowered her lips to caress the hair of the babe she cradled in her arms. “‘Our Father who art in heaven . . .’ Ha! What does He know of the agony of women, of wives, of mothers? He is no different from the men he created—manipulating, tormenting, and punishing according to His own whims.”

Margaret swallowed the girl’s pain, trying to understand her bitterness. She knelt down before the bedside and gently laid the cloth next to the mother and child, making a silent offering of companionship without judgment.

Ealdgyth was taken aback by Margaret’s serenity. Even so, she still lashed out. “Get up off your knees. I already told you there will be no praying today. Or any day, for that matter.” Ealdgyth repositioned the baby so that her arm was free to reach down and take a piece of bread.

“At least they do not starve us here. Someone brings food at morn and supper. And yet I am always hungry.” Gradually her tone was softening. Margaret’s grace was smoothing out the rough edges. 

“Little Nest needs only me for nourishment, but it seems I can never get enough myself. Strange is it not, how the body demands survival even when the mind wishes otherwise?” She licked the honey off her fingertips after eating the first biscuit.

“So why are you really here, hmm? Have you come to convince me to be grateful to that cur? To be honored that he has chosen me to be his plaything, his toy? Well, you can forget it. Just be on your way. Tell your ‘granduncle’ you have failed in your mission. Tell them I hate being an acquisition, an object passed from one set of hands to another. I will not feign gratitude for being forced to do what I would never choose to do.”

When Ealdgyth saw Margaret gaze upon her with pity, her voice turned shrill. “And do not look at me like that, silly girl. Your fate will be no different than mine, so feel sorry for yourself too while you are at it then. Better yet, why do you not follow through on your plan and head to the chapel anyway—only pray by yourself instead of with me and beg for a future that does not include suffering a scoundrel’s seed entering your body and losing every dream you have ever had.”

Gruffydd’s widow jumped up in anger, breaking her connection with the nursing child. Stunned at the abrupt detachment, the babe squirmed and writhed in frustration until Ealdgyth helped her latch on again. She held her tightly to her breast while she paced back and forth in the room. Margaret meanwhile had risen from her kneeling position to take a seat upon the bed. She leaned forward with her elbows on her legs, eager to listen to whatever story Ealdgyth wanted to tell, whatever burden she wanted to discharge.

Very gently, she probed, “Mayhap it is grief that has led you to this loss of belief, this loss of trust in God—which is understandable given the circumstances. Your land, your people, your husband, they have all been taken from you. That surely gives you the right to question your faith and God’s role in allowing such terrible loss.”

Ealdgyth’s scornful laugh sent a chill down Margaret’s spine. “My land? My people? They were not mine and never were! And as far as my husband goes, I hope he is rotting in hell! One that matches the wretched pit he threw me into when he took me as his wife!”

Margaret’s hand involuntarily raised itself to cover her open mouth. She had assumed that Ealdgyth was heartbroken over recent events, yet here she was actually pleased about it all.

Relishing Margaret’s shock, Ealdgyth gloated. “Did not foresee that, did you, naive one? Well, it is the truth. I am glad I am out of that dreadful place and free of that vicious fiend.”

Ealdgyth’s voice cracked as did her rage. In its place flowed a stream of sorrow. “You would not understand. No one understands. I was a child, a mere child when he took me. I should have been singing nursery rhymes and collecting wildflowers. Instead, I was sent to a grown man’s bed to be torn asunder. And my father condoned it. He made the union happen. The two of them conspired together to do this. They ripped away my innocence, trampled on my heart. They crushed any dream I ever had about love.”

Margaret sat motionless, staring at her hands folded in her lap. Whatever could she say to all this? It was true that she did not know exactly what took place in the bed shared by husband and wife when the shadows of night fell upon them, but Margaret guessed that between Gruffydd and Ealdgyth it must have been awful. A violent

theft where the object stolen could never be recovered again. She lifted her eyes to look up at Ealdgyth, their luminous green color filled with a mixture of compassion and anguish.

Ealdgyth shook her head to reprimand herself. “And why am I telling you all this? A total and complete stranger?” She smiled at such odd circumstances. “Well, if you can take a lesson from me, then here is some advice. Join a convent. Pledge to be a novice at some abbey—choose one that is lenient with rules so you can be in charge of yourself. Then you can do what you will. Secretly take a man to bed if you wish, or keep your

sacred vows and remain chaste. It is quite appealing to have such authority, is it not? Not many women have that luxury—only nuns and harlots. One calls upon God, the other worships payment, and by doing so, their needs are satisfied.”

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Catherine Hughes

Award winning writer, Catherine Hughes is a first-time author who, from her earliest years, immersed herself in reading. Historical fiction is her genre of choice, and her bookshelves are stocked with selections from ancient, Medieval, and Renaissance Europe as well as those involving New England settlements and pioneer life in America. After double-majoring in English and business management on the undergraduate level, Catherine completed her Master's degree in British literature at Drew University and then entered the classroom where she has been teaching American, British, and World Literature at the high school level for the last thirty years.

Aside from teaching and reading, Catherine can often be found outdoors, drawing beauty and inspiration from the world of nature. Taking the words of Thoreau to heart, "It is the marriage of the soul with nature that makes the intellect fruitful," Catherine sets aside time every day to lace up her sneakers and run with her dog in pre-dawn or late afternoon hours on the beaches of Long Island. When her furry companion isn't busy chasing seagulls or digging up remnants of dead fish, she soaks in the tranquility of the ocean setting, freeing her mind to tap into its deepest recesses where creativity and imagination preside.

In Silence Cries the Heart, Hughes’s first book, received the Gold Medal in Romance for the Feathered Quill 2024 Book of the Year contest, the Gold Medal for Fiction in the 2024 Literary Titan competition, and the 2024 International Impact Book Award for Historical Fiction. In addition, the Historical Fiction Company gave it a five star rating and a Silver Medal in the category of Historical Fiction Romance. The book was also featured in the February 2024 Issue 31 of the Historical Times magazine and was listed as one of the Best Historical Fiction Books of 2024 by the History Bards Podcast. Therein Lies the Pearl is her second venture into the world of historical fiction.

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Book Review - 5 STARS - Rough Diamond - Rough Justice by Avien Gray

Rough Diamond - Rough Justice 
By Avien Gray

Publisher: Avien Gray

Page Length: 466

Genre: Political Thrillers & Suspense / Historical Fiction

After a first kill, MI5 Agent and erstwhile photographer Cain becomes an undercover, extra-judicial killer for a secret Bureau.

Recovering from injuries sustained protecting the Royal Family, Cain embracesa new life and romance in sun-drenched Australia, leaving his past life behind.

But when tragedy strikes, he is on the move again. This time to a new career in the world of diamond dealings in Florida.

Curiosity takes Cain to the diamond world in South Africa, where his past finally catches up with him, the criminal world allies against him and he becomes a killer again.

In Cain's action-packed escapades, a spectacular betrayal takes him into the rigours of a Chinese prison where the truth about his past begins to unravel.

Aided by a loyal band of friends from the shadowy world of intelligence, he delivers his own particular brand of rough justice.

However, with enemies closing in on all sides, will Cain prevail?

Trigger warnings: violence, murder

Rough Diamond – Rough Justice by Avien Gray pulled me in quickly and kept the pressure on throughout. At first glance, it reads like a fast-paced thriller packed with espionage, crime, and international stakes, but as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that it’s also about moral choices and the consequences that follow them.

The story centers on Cain, a former MI5 surveillance photographer whose life unravels after a job goes badly wrong. What I found interesting about Cain is that he doesn’t start out as a traditional action hero. He’s used to watching from the sidelines rather than being directly involved, and that background shapes both his decisions and how the story is told. There’s a strong visual feel to the writing, almost as if scenes are being viewed through a camera lens, which made everything feel immediate and believable.

Avien Gray’s writing style suits the genre well. The prose is sharp and to the point, without unnecessary embellishment. The pacing is tight, especially during the action scenes, which move smoothly without becoming confusing. The dialogue stood out to me in particular — it feels natural and unforced, especially in the exchanges between Cain and his friend Jerry.

The friendship between Cain and Jerry adds some much-needed warmth to the story. Their banter and loyalty give the book emotional grounding, which makes the darker moments more effective. When things go wrong, there’s a real sense that something meaningful is at risk, not just the success of a mission.

The story moves through several locations, including Britain, Australia, and parts of South Africa tied to the diamond trade. These settings aren’t just there for variety; each one reflects a shift in Cain’s situation and state of mind. As his circumstances worsen, the environments become harsher, reinforcing the sense that he’s losing control of his life.

Some of the strongest sections involve betrayal and imprisonment. These moments strip Cain of his sense of agency and force him to confront the consequences of the choices he’s made. I appreciated that the book doesn’t shy away from showing how quickly things can fall apart.

What sets Rough Diamond – Rough Justice apart from a more straightforward thriller is its focus on moral uncertainty. Cain is capable and sometimes ruthless, but he’s never presented as invincible. Guilt, doubt, and loss follow him, and the story makes it clear that violence and deception come at a cost.

The plot is busy, with a lot happening in a short span of time, but that felt intentional to me. The pace mirrors Cain’s descent into a world where events move faster than he can manage. Readers who enjoy thrillers with strong momentum and character depth will likely see this as a positive.

I recommend this book to those who enjoy high action thrillers.

This novel is available on Amazon, Apple and B&N

Avien Gray

Avien Gray, the English author behind Rough Diamond – Rough Justice, brings a wealth of experience to his gripping debut novel. Born in the UK, Gray has led a dynamic, bachelor’s life marked by an impressive array of skills and global adventures. He has a driver’s license, motorbike license, and pilot’s license. His physical discipline extends to martial arts, where he earned a karate black belt, complemented by a lifelong passion for photography that captures the world through his discerning lens.

Gray’s rumoured travels paint the picture of a man unbound by borders. He is said to have spent many months in Saudi Arabia, Australia, the USA, South Africa, Europe and China. This rich tapestry of experiences infuses his writing with authenticity, lending a vivid, worldly edge to the thrilling narrative of his complex protagonist: a man called Cain.

Avien and his best friend shared a flat and went out with various female friends together. They had a great time. As it says in the book when Cain is talking with his best friend: a Royal Protection Officer.

 ‘We will have to write that book when we retire,’ Cain said.

 They looked at each other with knowing smiles – for a long few seconds.

 ‘All those secrets,’ said Jerry. ‘Perhaps we will.’

 And time moved on.

But in real life, his best friend tragically died – leaving Avien to write their book alone.

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Book Review - 5 STARS - The Alpine Fortress by Rowena Kinread

 

The Alpine Fortress 
By Rowena Kinread

Publication Date: 12th September 2025

Publisher: Goldcrest Books

Page Length: 311

Genre: Thriller

In the shadow of the Bavarian Alps, a forgotten map leads to an unsolved mystery buried for decades. When Ivanna discovers the sketch among her late grandfather’s belongings, she stumbles upon a secret that connects her family’s harrowing past to the Nazi regime's stolen treasures.

What begins as a curious family discovery quickly escalates into a perilous adventure, drawing the attention of law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and dangerous criminals.

The Alpine Fortress is a thrilling tale of survival, betrayal, and redemption. From the chilling depths of Nazi conspiracies to the breathtaking heights of the Alps, this story will keep you on the edge of your seat as the past and present collide in an unforgettable race against time.

Will Ivanna uncover the truth—or will the secrets of the fortress remain buried forever?

I picked up The Alpine Fortress by Rowena Kinread with a flutter of excitement — the premise promised Nazi-era secrets, a treasure map, a family mystery, and a chase across the mountains. And, I have to say, for the most part, the book delivered in ways I didn’t quite expect.

From the beginning, the novel had me hooked. The story opens with Ivanna, who is sorting out her late grandparents’ loft, and stumbles on a map — not just any map, but one that could lead to stolen Nazi treasure. Her grandfather’s past as a POW forced to work in an Austrian salt mine weaves in a haunting personal history. That emotional connection grounded the book for me: this was not just a treasure hunt, but also a way for Ivanna to connect with her family’s legacy.

I especially admired how Kinread balanced historical intrigue with modern crime: on one side there’s “the Lizard,” an Argentinian drug boss (and serious art collector) whose roots tie back to a high-ranking Nazi officer. On the other, there’s Matteo,  a mountain guide and detective for the German federal police whose intimate knowledge of the Alps makes him invaluable. The contrast felt vivid — cold high-stakes geopolitics, but also the breathtaking, treacherous beauty of the mountains.

As the plot progresses, twenty-five detectives arrive in Berchtesgaden for training, only for things to go very wrong: one disappears, then more, and not everyone is who they seem. The sense of paranoia ramped up very effectively for me. I found the “cat-and-mouse” game thrilling: Kinread plays with tension beautifully, making me constantly question loyalties and motivations.

One of the strongest elements for me was the setting. The Alps are almost a character in themselves — the sheer danger of the terrain, the isolation, the way it shelters secrets. When you read passages describing the climb, or the remoteness of the hosts, you feel the weight of altitude, the thinness of the air, the threat of misstep. It underlines the seriousness of the treasure hunt and the peril these characters are walking into.

Yet, for all its strengths, I had a few reservations. At times, I felt the pacing wobbled: certain parts of the novel dragged just slightly, especially when we circle back to historical exposition or delve too deeply into backstory. Sometimes, I longed for a tighter focus. Similarly, while Ivanna and Matteo are well-drawn, I felt a few supporting characters could have been more developed so their betrayals or disappearances felt more personally impactful.

That said, the central themes resonated strongly with me: redemption, legacy, and the burden of history. Ivanna’s personal journey — discovering secrets about her grandfather, confronting the past — felt emotionally real. And the moral ambiguity of pursuing hidden treasure (looted art) alongside criminal activity made me reflect: who “owns” history? Who is justified in uncovering it?

In terms of style, Kinread writes cleanly, with vivid descriptive passages (especially in the Alps), but also enough brisk dialogue and action to keep things exciting. 

Overall, reading The Alpine Fortress felt like being part of a precarious expedition: thrilling, a little dangerous, emotionally charged, and with enough surprises to keep me turning pages. If you like thrillers with a dash of conspiracy, mountain adventure, and a treasure hunt tangled in dark legacies, I think this book will hit a lot of sweet spots.

This novel is available on Amazon

Rowena Kinread

Rowena Kinread grew up in Ripon, Yorkshire with her large family and a horde of pets. Keen on travelling, her first job was with Lufthansa in Germany.

She began writing in the nineties. Her special area of interest is history, after researching her ancestry and finding family roots in Ireland with the Dalriada clan, particularly this era. Her debut fiction novel titled “The Missionary” is a historical novel about the dramatic life of St. Patrick. It was published by Pegasus Publishers on April 29th, 2021 and has been highly appraised by The Scotsman, The Yorkshire Post and the Irish Times.

Her second novel “The Scots of Dalriada” centres around Fergus Mór, the founder father of Scotland and takes place in 5th century Ireland and Scotland, and is published by Pegasus Publishers.

The author lives with her husband in Bodman-Ludwigshafen, Lake Constance, Germany. They have three children and six grandchildren.

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Audio Book Review - 5 - STARS - The Christmas Book Club by Sarah Morgan

 

The Christmas Book Club 
By Sarah Morgan

A long-lasting friendship

Every year, Erica, Claudia, and Anna reunite for their book club holiday. They’re bonded by years of friendship and a deep love of books, but there is still so much they keep from each other …

A perfect Christmas escape

At the cosy Maple Sugar Inn, Hattie specialises in making her guests’ dreams come true, but this Christmas all she wants is to survive the festive season. Between running the inn and being a single mother, Hattie is close to breaking point.

The start of a brand-new story…?

Over the course of an eventful week, Hattie sees that the friends are each carrying around unspoken truths, but nothing prepares her for how deeply her story will become entwined in theirs. Will this Christmas be the end of the book club’s story or the start of a whole new chapter?

Review

This was one of those audiobooks that slowly worked its way into my days and made everything feel a little more Christmassy. I’d put it on during quiet afternoons or while pottering about, and before long it became something I actively looked forward to returning to.

The setting alone feels like a deep breath. A snowy inn, familiar faces returning year after year, books being shared and talked about in that slightly rambling, affectionate way real book clubs do. Hattie’s story, in particular, feels very grounded — she’s capable and warm, but also tired, carrying loss and responsibility without ever making a fuss about it. There’s something very comforting in that.

Listening to this as an audiobook made it feel even more intimate. The narration has a calm, friendly rhythm, and the conversations sound natural, as though you’re overhearing them rather than being read to. It’s the sort of audiobook you can walk with, cook with, or listen to late at night when the house is quiet and you want company without noise.

What I loved most was the focus on friendship and familiarity. This isn’t a story driven by big twists or high drama. It’s about people who know each other well, who show up year after year, and about how books can be a thread that holds those relationships together. The romantic elements are there, but they sit gently alongside everything else, never overpowering the heart of the story.

The Christmas Book Club feels like a reminder of why we return to comforting stories at this time of year — not for escapism exactly, but for that sense of warmth and belonging that lingers long after you press pause.

 Amazon

Sarah Morgan is a USA Today and Sunday Times bestselling author of romance and women's fiction. She has sold over 21 million copies of her books and her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe. 

Sarah lives near London, England and when she isn't writing or reading, she likes to spend time outdoors hiking or riding her mountain bike. 

Join Sarah's mailing list at www.sarahmorgan.com for all book news. For more insight into her writing life follow her on Facebook at www.facebook/AuthorSarahMorgan and on Instagram at @sarahmorganwrites Contact Sarah at sarah@sarahmorgan.com

The Spring Ball Romance by Maddie Smith

 

Check out my sister's fabulous short-story. So proud! 

Lady Eleanor Harcourt had never intended to cause a stir at the Mayfair Spring Ball, yet the moment she glided through the gilded doors, fans snapped open like butterfly wings and whispers fluttered from corner to corner. Draped in periwinkle silk and wearing the serene expression expected of a proper young lady, she appeared the very model of obedience. But beneath her composed exterior flickered a spark of mischief—one she intended very much to indulge.

Lord Nathaniel Ashbury, newly returned from his years abroad, spotted that sparkle at once. He had been described by society as handsome, aloof, and entirely uninterested in the endless parade of eligible ladies. Yet the moment Eleanor entered the room, Nathaniel felt an unfamiliar tug of curiosity. Rumours swirled about him like a well-tailored cloak, but none of them prepared him for the simple elegance of a young woman who seemed utterly unmoved by the spectacle around her.

When he approached and requested the first waltz, the room fell into an eager hush. Eleanor accepted with graceful composure, though her heart beat with a thrill she refused to admit. As they took to the floor, the orchestra swelled, chandeliers glittered overhead, and all of Mayfair seemed to watch them with bated breath. Nathaniel’s hand found the small of her back with a confidence that made her pulse skip.

“I must warn you, my lady,” he murmured, his voice warm enough to melt even the iciest resolve. “I have been accused of stealing hearts.”

Eleanor raised her chin, meeting his gaze with unwavering poise. “Then allow me to warn you in return,” she replied. “Mine does not surrender easily.”

Their waltz turned effortlessly graceful, their steps aligned so perfectly it felt as though they had danced together in another lifetime. Nathaniel found himself smiling—truly smiling—for the first time in years. Eleanor, for her part, found her carefully tended composure slipping into something far more dangerous: delight.

Over the next weeks, their paths crossed far too often to be a coincidence. Stolen glances at garden parties, lively debates in drawing rooms, quiet walks where society could not intrude—all of it fed the growing connection between them. Yet with affection came uncertainty. Nathaniel, burdened by the secrets of his past travels, feared he was unworthy of a woman as sincere as Eleanor. Eleanor, pressured by her mother to make a “strategic” match, questioned whether she dared follow her heart when duty demanded otherwise.

The ton watched their unfolding story with ravenous interest, wagers placed daily as to whether it would end in scandal, heartbreak, or triumph.

At last, on a soft June evening in Hyde Park, Nathaniel stopped beside the lake, the glow of twilight painting him in shades of gold. “Eleanor,” he said quietly, “you deserve a man with an unblemished reputation… one who offers certainty. I cannot promise such things.”

She stepped closer, her expression gentle but unyielding. “Lord Ashbury,” she replied, “I have no use for perfection. But I do value honesty. And I believe,” she added, placing her hand over his, “you are far braver and kinder than you allow yourself to believe.”

For a moment, the world held its breath.

Nathaniel lifted her hand to his lips. “Then if you are willing,” he said, voice barely above a whisper, “I would like to offer you my imperfect heart.”

Eleanor smiled—radiant, sure, and utterly disarming. “I accept.”

And so the whispers of society turned from speculation to celebration, for nothing delighted the ton more than a romance that defied prediction. Lady Eleanor Harcourt and Lord Nathaniel Ashbury became the season’s most enchanting match—not because of fortune or title, but because, in a world ruled by expectations, they had chosen one another freely.

Their story, as the ladies of the gossip columns later insisted, was proof that even in the most glittering ballrooms, the rarest treasure was a heart won honestly.

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