posted on October 22, 2021 by Tina Gabrielle

Diversity in Historical Romance

Hello! I’m Tina Gabrielle and I write adventurous historical romance featuring feisty ladies and bold heroes. I’m excited to be with Writerspace to celebrate my new historical release, ONE NIGHT WITH AN EARL, the first book in my Daring Ladies series.

I’ve always wanted to write a diverse historical romance and “One Night with an Earl” features a Middle Eastern heroine and a duty-bound earl. Ana—short for Anahit—is the daughter of an Arabic scholar. Ana’s mother married an English baron, and both mother and daughter experience prejudice by some members of society.

This book is straight from my heart. My mother was born and raised in Aleppo, Syria, spoke five languages, and became a United States citizen in her late twenties. My father was born in Philadelphia—a stone’s throw from the Liberty Bell—and the son of Armenian immigrants. I’m a first generation American on my mother’s side and I was raised in a diverse household. I vividly remember speaking broken English in kindergarten. I learned fast!

My parents owned a restaurant for thirty years in South Jersey, and my mother was a talented cook. The grapevine in our backyard was more valued than any rosebush. I’d often come home from public school to the delicious aromas of simmering grape leaves, shish kebab, and baklava. Lunch at school would be hummus and pita instead of peanut butter and jelly at a time when hummus wasn’t as popular as it is now. It wasn’t always fun as a teenager to have an ethnic family, but I’ve grown to value my roots and my family. In contrast, my husband can trace his roots back to the Mayflower. We have two young daughters who have the best of both worlds, and yes, they both know how to make hummus. I’m happy to share my family’s baklava recipe in the back of the book, too!

Here’s a bit about the story:

Ana Gardner’s life changed after her father, a baron, lost his fortune and unentailed estate at the gaming tables to the Earl of Drake. The baron committed suicide, ruined the family’s name, and left Ana alone with her younger brother. To survive, Ana changes her name and obtains employment as a chaperone. Her life as a chaperone is dull and she longs for excitement and passion before her looming thirtieth birthday. After meeting with the Madame of the Silver Chalice—the elite brothel in London—Ana dons a mask and dresses in a red gown. She calls herself Lady Scarlet. She is drawn to a handsome man, and they share a passionate night.

The next day, an earl comes to court her young charge. Ana recognizes him as her mystery lover. She is horrified to discover he is the Earl of Drake, the son of the man responsible for her family’s ruin.

Oliver Bedford, the newly-minted Earl of Drake—has no interest in Ana’s young charge. He appears out of obligation to his grandmother. He intends to take the young girl on a spin around Hyde Park and then to promptly return to his duties. But something about the chaperone reminds him of Lady Scarlet—the one woman he’d been searching for and whom he can’t forget…

I enjoyed writing about Ana’s feistiness and determination, and Oliver’s fascination with Lady Scarlet. Their relationship was special. I hope readers enjoy the story as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it!

Here’s a blurb about the book:

Ana Gardner is determined to lose her virginity before her thirtieth birthday. She’s no stranger to fake identities, having posed as a chaperone since the scandal that destroyed her titled family. So she dons a mask, changes into a low-cut red gown, and attends the city’s most elite brothel, the Silver Chalice.

Oliver Bedford, the imposing Earl of Drake, is only at the Silver Chalice to appease his debauched friends—until he spots Lady Scarlet. She’s refreshing…and a complete mystery. Certain she’s a lady in disguise, Oliver is determined to learn her identity, but she eludes him at every turn.

The night with Oliver was unforgettable. But when he arrives at her employer’s home, she’s horrified to discover her lover is the Earl of Drake, the son of the man responsible for her father’s death and subsequent family ruin. And that he’s there to court her young charge.

Oliver never had any interest in the debutante, but he is drawn to her chaperone—a woman he soon realizes is his Lady Scarlet. Now that he’s found her, she claims she wants nothing to do with him, even though her kisses say otherwise. Fortunately, Oliver is not one to give up when he finds something he wants…and he wants Ana. In his bed, and in his life. Forever. But first, he must persuade her to trust him—and to believe that one wild, passionate night can turn into forever.

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Apple Books

GIVEAWAY! What do you find most intriguing about ‘”One Night with an Earl?” The cover, blurb, excerpt or anything else? Please comment for a chance to win an ebook of ONE NIGHT WITH AN EARL.

Tina Gabrielle

Tina Gabrielle

Best-selling author Tina Gabrielle is an attorney and former mechanical engineer whose love of reading for pleasure helped her get through years of academia. She often picked up a romance and let her fantasies of knights in shining armor and lords and ladies carry her away. She is the author of adventurous Regency historical romances for Entangled Publishing and Kensington Books. Publishers Weekly calls her Regency Barrister's series, "Well-matched lovers...witty comradely repartee." Tina's books have been Barnes & Noble top picks, and her first book, Lady Of Scandal, was nominated as best first historical by Romantic Times Book Reviews. Tina lives in New Jersey and is married to her own hero and is blessed with two daughters. She loves to hear from readers. Visit her website to learn about upcoming releases, join her newsletter, and enter free monthly contests at tinagabrielle.com. You can also find Tina at: Twitter: @TinaGabrielle Facebook: facebook.com/TinaGabrielle Instagram: instagram.com/TinaGabrielleAuthor

6 thoughts on “Diversity in Historical Romance”

  1. Thank you for hosting me!

  2. Colleen C. says:

    The cover pulls you in, but the blurb really caught my attention!!!

    1. Hi Colleen! i’m glad you like the blurb. The book was fun to write!

  3. GB says:

    I love historical romances with strong heroines but am most intrigued that this is a diverse historical romance.

  4. Amber says:

    Your story and the book are the stuff I love to read about!
    Also, I make hummus once a week; one of my favorite foods with falafels even better 🤤
    (No offense but I’m a real book person)

    1. Yay! I love to hear this. I love hummus and make it often too. Thanks for stopping by!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Latest from our Blog

Mahoney & Squire – Military Women’s Fiction – Meet The Characters

Have you met the men and women of Mahoney & Squire, my high-stakes, high-octane military action adventure series? Let me introduce you! Captain Kathryn “Kate” Mahoney, USN Call Sign “Scarlett” Ambitious, strong-willed, patriotic, and assertive, Kate Mahoney is often derided as a “bitch” by the old school naval aviation community. She struggled through dysfunctional relationships,… Read More

Read More