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ROMANCE, RIDDLES AND RIFLE FIRE AWAIT IN THE ROSES OF AINSWORTH MANORMost women don't receive cryptic letters in French-sealed in wax and delivered on fog-drenched Tuesday mornings, but then again, most women aren't Nell Ainsworth, 9th Duchess of Belward: reluctant aristocrat, bestselling novelist, owner of a historic Georgian estate with gardens in genteel disrepair, and lifelong connoisseur of locked doors and unfinished stories. The envelope was a special delivery. Now it's on a massive silver mail tray in the Great Hall of Ainsworth Manor, wedged between a gas bill and a rather needlessly aggressive missive from the Historical Horticultural Society regarding the condition of her hedgerows. The handwriting is sharp, slanted, and is somehow watching her. It also smells faintly of tobacco and lavender-ghostly perfume from someone long dead... or very dangerous. She didn't open it right away. Instead, she did what any self-respecting woman with too many Instagram followers and not enough caffeine would do: she dropped the letter on the silver tray in the entry hall, poured herself a third cup of strong French Roast, and summoned Henry with a single, imperious-and entirely unnecessary-ring of the library bell. Henry Templeton and Roger arrived exactly forty-three seconds later, wearing an expression of long-suffering patience and mild curiosity. ""I assume, my lady, this is either the beginning of a very inconvenient treasure hunt or someone has challenged you to a duel."" Henry's eyes lingered on the unopened letter. ""God forbid it's both."" A SHARP, WITTY, AND HEART RACING ADVENTURENell Ainsworth is not your typical noblewoman. A successful-if reclusive-romance novelist living in the ivy-clad halls of Ainsworth Manor, the Historic Georgian estate she unexpectedly inherited, along with a somber German Shepherd named Roger. Nell prefers the company of fictional rogues and literary dukes to the predictable socialites of modern-day England. But her quiet life of plotting love stories while avoiding the real thing turns upside down when a mysteriously coded letter from the continent hints at long-buried family secrets involving lost treasure, betrayal, and a centuries-old vendetta. Enter Henry Templeton: former MI5 desk analyst turned reluctant valet after a very public scandal cost him his career and his reputation. When the new duchess, in dire need of someone capable (and discrete), spots his quietly efficient resume in a stack of applicants for the broad position of valet, personal assistant, handyman, and occasional crisis manager, she hires him on the spot-though his loyalty comes with a healthy dose of sarcasm and an eyebrow permanently raised. Together, they uncover a trail of cryptic clues, dating back to Napoleonic times, that sends them on a wild chase across windswept moors, shadowy libraries, and glamorous balls. As danger circles closer, Nell must step from behind her pen and face a story far more thrilling-and threatening-than any she's ever written. In the process, she and Henry will be forced to confront not just the secrets of Ainsworth's past, but their own guarded hearts. CHARM, MYSTERY, BANTER, AND CHEMISTRY For readers who love English country houses, family secrets, cozy mysteries, reserved heroes and soulful heroines, THE ROSES OF AINSWORTH MANOR will make you tear up, laugh out loud, and keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page. Perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Rhys Bowen, Mimi Matthews, Tessa Dare, Evie Dunmore, Mary Higgins Clark, and Susanna Kearsley. ""A FRESH, SOPHISTICATED VOICE IN ROMANTIC SUSPENSE. Not to be missed."" -Greg Wolford, The Maker's Heir

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