In the Eyes of the Earl

May 29, 2023
Vayden sends out her Cambridge Brotherhood series (after My Dearest Duke) with this suspenseful Regency. Collin Morgan, Earl of Penderdale, is determined to stop the imposter who’s using his name to “commit crimes against the crown,” a quest that takes him to Cambridge University. There, he seeks out his old philosophy professor, Essex—and meets Essex’s brilliant, beautiful, and audacious daughter, who may be able to help him crack the case. Elizabeth Essex craves knowledge, and though women aren’t allowed to attend Cambridge, she often roams its halls in secret. Elizabeth and Collin get off on the wrong foot, leading Elizabeth to believe Collin does not support women’s rights, but even as they match wits, their attraction is evident. Though initially reluctant to accept her growing feelings, Elizabeth gives in after Collin discovers that she’s covertly teaching other women philosophy—and he wholeheartedly approves. When Elizabeth’s secret gets out, however, it jeopardizes her father’s career. Worse, Collin’s enemies start targeting Elizabeth, leaving him scrambling to protect her. The mystery surrounding Collin’s impersonator keeps the pages flying, and the fiery exchanges between the lovers make their chemistry palpable. There are no sex scenes, but the mental and emotional connection is undeniable. It’s a captivating end to the series. Agent: Latoya Smith, LCS Literary.

June 1, 2023
In Vayden's latest Regency romance in the Cambridge Brotherhood series (Fortune Favors the Duke, 2021; My Dearest Duke, 2022), Elizabeth is the daughter of a Cambridge University professor. The institution does not allow women, and many complain about how she helps her father conduct research. Collin, earl of Penderdale, is trying to track down the man committing crimes in his name and ruining his career. He hires a local man to help him, and that man's sister is a student in Elizabeth's secret classes for women. Elizabeth and Collin meet in her father's office and discover they enjoy provoking each other. It isn't until Elizabeth is mugged by one of the men involved in the crimes Collin is investigating that they realize their feelings go beyond playful bickering. As Collin courts Elizabeth, she helps him look into what turns out to be a sophisticated smuggling ring. This sweet romance has plenty of chemistry and humorous dialogue. Collin's sister and her husband return, only too happy to tease Collin as he pursues Elizabeth. Fans of Marion Chesney may enjoy Vayden's fun series.

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