Alastair-Audley Tetralogy Series by Georgette Heyer, Digital Fire

“Heyer made me laugh, cry, and sigh with warmth.” —The Book Faery Reviews“Mistaken identity, intrigue, and romance are only a few of the plot lines that make These Old Shades a fascinating read.” —Laura's Reviews“The dialogue sparkles.” —Starting Fresh“There will never be another Regency writer this perfect.” —Book PleasuresFirst published in 1926, 'These Old Shades' by Georgette Heyer is a sweeping historical romance set in 18th-century France and England... more“Heyer made me laugh, cry, and sigh with warmth.” —The Book Faery Reviews“Mistaken identity, intrigue, and romance are only a few of the plot lines that make These Old Shades a fascinating read.” —Laura's Reviews“The dialogue sparkles.” —Starting Fresh“There will never be another Regency writer this perfect.” —Book PleasuresFirst published in 1926, 'These Old Shades' by Georgette Heyer is a sweeping historical romance set in 18th-century France and England. The story follows the formidable Duke of Avon, a charming yet mysterious nobleman with a scandalous past. His carefully controlled world begins to shift when he encounters a ragged, sharp-tongued boy named Léon on the streets of Paris.Intrigued by the youth’s poise and hidden grace, Avon takes Léon into his household—only to soon discover that the boy is actually Léonie, a spirited young woman disguised for her own protection. As Léonie’s true identity is revealed, a tale of hidden lineage, revenge, and long-buried secrets unfolds.At the heart of the story is the growing bond between the icy, world-weary Duke and the lively, loyal Léonie. What begins as a calculated act of vengeance turns into an unexpected journey of redemption, trust, and love.With its richly drawn settings, witty dialogue, and unforgettable characters, ‘These Old Shades’ remains a beloved classic of historical romance. It is a tale of transformation and second chances, where love blossoms in the most unlikely of circumstances and the past is finally laid to rest. less

Georgette Heyer virtually invented historical and regency romance. Her witty writing and carful plotting forever changed readers expectations. These Old Shades was originally conceived of as a sequel to her first novel The Black Moth. Ultimately she decided that since These Old Shades was not a melodrama it wouldn’t work as a sequel to The Black Moth; so she reworked the book as a stand alone novel and changed many of the characters’ names... moreGeorgette Heyer virtually invented historical and regency romance. Her witty writing and carful plotting forever changed readers expectations. These Old Shades was originally conceived of as a sequel to her first novel The Black Moth. Ultimately she decided that since These Old Shades was not a melodrama it wouldn’t work as a sequel to The Black Moth; so she reworked the book as a stand alone novel and changed many of the characters’ names. A delightful change of station novel that Shakespeare and Dickens would have approved of. Léonie has been disguised as a boy all of her life. When a great lord shows up at her brother’s tavern and buys her to train as his page her life is forever changed. less