Kate Valent

Laoise's life has taken an unexpected turn. With her younger brother's illness back and her family struggling to afford his medicine, she reluctantly accepts a new position at the Steepes' countryside manor. The offer comes with a substantial raise, but there's a catch. She'll be serving Bertram, the man who tried to sabotage her best friend's engagement.Bertram is bitter about his family exiling him to the countryside for his misdeeds. He's already driven all the other servants off, and his spoiled attitude tests the limits of her patience. What's more, his suspicious behavior around a mysterious locked room convinces her he is back to plotting against her friend. There's trouble a-brewing at Steepe Manor, and she is determined to expose his treachery. Then a snow storm rolls in, threatening to trap them together for the holidays. Even worse, a letter from home has Laoise fearing the worst for her brother's health. She decides to brave the treacherous weather back to London, but she can't do it without Bertram's help. Along their journey Laoise discovers an inexplicable pull toward him. To infuriating, despicable, handsome Bertram. A man who might understand her fears better than anyone else. But does he truly feel the same way? Or is he just using her for another of his wicked schemes?

This whimsical gothic romance will appeal to readers who enjoyed the satire of Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey.Mary Hawke's family business is failing despite the popularity of her vampire romance serial, and her love life isn't faring any better.Mary wants to save Hawke Publishing before her family loses what little they have left. Unfortunately, their financial woes have lost them their printing press. Things look grim until a mysterious young lord appears. Not only does he have a printing press and the ability to save Mary's business, but he bears a striking resemblance to the bloodthirsty vampire from her story. Mary's infatuation with the man finds her growing embroiled in his secrets, including the death of his father under suspicious circumstances.Getting closer to the lord could put both her life and heart in danger next, but without a signed agreement Mary's story and business will be over. On top of it all the lord's aversion to sunlight and odd habits are getting harder to ignore. But vampires aren't real. Right?This cozy, quirky read is book 2 of the SerendipiTea series. Reading the series in order is strongly recommended.