The Return of the Duke - Grace Callaway Page 0,128

brooding and enigmatic Earl of Huxton, she discovers forbidden passion… and a dangerous world of supernatural forces. Nominated for an IRC Readers Choice Award.

Author’s Note

The Jacquard mechanism was patented by French weaver and merchant Joseph-Marie Jacquard in 18041. This machine was built upon previous developments by inventor Jacques de Vaucanson and others. The significance of the Jacquard mechanism was that it allowed for the automation of pattern weaving. Punch cards, rather than a person, controlled the warp threads that dictated the weave of the fabric. As a result, patterns of increasing complexity could be manufactured more quickly and cheaply.

By the 1820’s, Jacquard mechanisms were in use throughout Britain. Since my story is set in 1840, Knight would have been on the slower side to adopt the new technology, so I finessed it by saying that he was waiting for the best version of the device before making the switch. As a technology turtle myself, I can understand his cautious approach.

The punch cards used in the Jacquard looms might have brought to mind those used by computers not so long ago. This is no coincidence. Indeed, the Jacquard loom may be considered an ancestor of computer technology as it used a pattern of instructions to automate operations previously done by hand.

Notes

Author’s Note

1 https://www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/objects-and-stories/jacquard...

Praise for Grace Callaway

“Readers looking for a good historical mystery/romance or a historical with a little more kink will enjoy The Duke Who Knew Too Much.” -Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

“I’m still ugly crying AF!! I am so in love with Adam and Gabby. This was the perfect blend of romance, steamy sex, and intrigue…My heart hurt for all the things Adam went through…and I cheered for Gabby as she emerged from her safe shell.” -Estela Reads Romance on Regarding the Duke

"Had to get the fire hose out - hot, hot, hot. Normally I never use hot as a description for a book, but believe me, this one is definitely high octane. You get all the feels in all the right places when reading a Grace Callaway book." -Angela, Goodreads on The Duke Redemption

"Grace Callaway writes the way Loretta Chase would if she got kind of dark and VERY naughty.” -Nicole, Goodreads

“Grace Callaway’s book is the first in her ‘Heart of Enquiry’ series, and this excellent brew of romance and intrigue and emotion is also Stevereads best Romance novel of 2015.” -The Duke Who Knew Too Much named the #1 Best Romance of 2015 by Steve Reads

“I discovered a new auto-buy author…I’ve now read each of Grace Callaway’s books and loved them—which is exceptional. Gabriel and Thea from this book were two of the best characters I read this year. Both had their difficulties and it was charming to see how they overcame them together, even though it wasn’t always easy for them. This is my favorite book of 2015.” -Romantic Historical Reviews

"A highly charged story with great characters that will take you through on an adventure and back again."-Lori, Goodreads on Enter the Duke

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“I devoured this book in a couple of hours!…. If you love a story with a heroine who is a wallflower with a backbone of steel or a damaged hero then you will love this one too.” -5 star review from Love Romance Passion on Her Wanton Wager

“The chemistry between the characters is absolutely explosive and almost too hot to handle. This was an incredibly steamy, emotional and all consuming read that I could read again and again.” –Candace, Goodreads on Regarding the Duke

“The depth of the characters was wonderful and I was immediately cheering for both of them.” -Buried Under Romance on The Widow Vanishes

“Callaway is a talented writer and as skilled at creating a vivid sense of the Regency period as she is at writing some of the best, most sensual love scenes I’ve read in a long while. For readers who crave sexy, exciting Regency romance with a fresh plot and intriguing characters, I would highly recommend Her Protector’s Pleasure.” -Night Owl Reviews

"You know when a book is so good that you are still reading it at 2 am....This book had it all: drama, laughter and a few tears as well. The chemistry between Harry and Tessa just sizzled off the pages....If I could I would give this book ten stars, but I'm only allowed to give 5/5 stars." -Boonies123 Book Review on The Duke Identity

About the Author

USA Today & International Bestselling Author Grace Callaway writes hot and heart-melting historical romances. Her debut book, Her Husband's Harlot, was a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart® Finalist and a #1 Regency Bestseller, and her subsequent novels have topped national and international bestselling lists. She’s the winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense and the Passionate Plume Award for Historical Novel. Her books have also been shortlisted for numerous awards, including the National Reader's Choice Awards, the Maggie Award of Excellence, and the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award.

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Growing up on the Canadian prairies, Grace could often be found with her nose in a book—and not much has changed since. She set aside her favorite romance novels long enough to get her doctorate from the University of Michigan. A clinical psychologist, she lives with her family in Northern California, where their adventures include remodeling a ramshackle house, exploring the great outdoors, and sampling local artisanal goodies.

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Keep up with my latest news!

Newsletter: gracecallaway.com/newsletter

Acknowledgments

This book helped me through some challenging times, and my fondest wish is that Fancy and Knight’s story will bring that same sense of joy, hope, and renewed belief in happily ever after to my readers. Now, more than ever, we need to draw strength from love.

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Thank you to my readers for supporting my journey. I appreciate you more than I can say. From one romance novel lover to another: never stop believing in happy endings. The world needs us.

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Thank you to my editor Ronnie Nelson for always bringing out the best in my characters and in my writing. You have saved my bacon more than once. My appreciation always.

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To my writing pals who kept me sane and inspired me through video conferencing and texting…girls, I couldn’t have written this book without you. Hugs.

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And to my family. We’ve been through some crazy times, but I am glad we are at this interminable house party together. Love you.

The Return of the Duke © Grace Callaway, 2020.

ISBN: 978-1-939537-45-4

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.

Cover Design Credit: Erin Dameron-Hill/ EDH Graphics

Cover Image Credit: Period Images

License Notes

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