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  • Published: 4 August 2026
  • ISBN: 9781420154870
  • Imprint: Kensington
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 336
  • RRP: $45.00

A Deal at Dawn



The risks have never been more personal—or more dangerous—in this powerful Regency romance, as a resilient viscountess risks everything for the daughter she loves . . . and the duke she can’t forget.

Katherine Wilcox Palmers, the Viscountess of Hampton, has lost custody of the daughter she secretly bore to Jahleel Charles, now the Duke of Torrance. The bitter court ruling was engineered by the duke himself, but now he is gravely ill. If he dies, Katherine, branded a scandalous bigamist by her late husband’s vengeful family, may never see her child again—unless she makes a bold offer . . .

Desperate, Katherine swallows her pride and proposes that she will nurse the Jahleel back to health, serve his every need, and keep up appearances, on one condition: he will secure her a respectable husband to silence society’s gossip. In private, she will be his mistress. . . .

But Jahleel has plans of his own. Pressured to produce an heir, he resolves to marry someone else. The hereditary blood sickness that plagues them both means Katherine can never be his bride again—no matter how fiercely their old passions reignite.

As dangerous forces gather, composed of those who would erase their child from the peerage for her mixed heritage, Jahleel and Katherine must confront the betrayals and deceptions that tore them apart. To protect their daughter, and fight for the future they were denied, they must jeopardize everything. Especially their hearts.

  • Published: 4 August 2026
  • ISBN: 9781420154870
  • Imprint: Kensington
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 336
  • RRP: $45.00

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Praise for A Deal at Dawn

Praise for Vanessa Riley’s Historical Romances:

“Riley makes a triumphant return to romance…Riley renders the Regency in living color, with impressive historical detail and an admirably diverse cast. Historical romance readers will be entranced.” —Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW for A Gamble at Sunset

“Of course a Bridgerton-inspired novel is on our list of best new books to read this year…A Gamble at Sunset is full of twists and turns.” —Brit & Co on A Gamble at Sunset

“Readers are taken back to the dazzling Regency era in this sweeping romance.” Woman’s World Book Club on A Gamble at Sunset

"A sparkling love story with deep wells of faith and feeling...It's refreshing to read historical romance that reflects the true diversity of the era...A Duke, The Lady, and A Baby is about overcoming trauma, a testament to love forged in adversity—a love that both leaves space for and hastens healing. Riley knows how to spin a yarn built on faith and trust, that lilts along with the gentility and reserve of her characters." Entertainment Weekly

"Readers on the lookout for Black or disabled characters in historical romance will not want to miss this." The New York Times on A Duke, The Lady, and a Baby

"Smart and witty...Vanessa Riley delivers the perfect historical read." —Julia Quinn, #1 New York Times bestselling author on A Duke, The Lady, and a Baby

"Riley loads her expertly crafted romance with intrigue, droll banter, and steadily building passion." Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW on A Duke, The Lady, and a Baby

"With strong heroines, swoon-worthy heroes, and deeply emotional stories, Vanessa Riley is a magnificent voice in historical romance—one not to be missed!" —Sarah MacLean, New York Times bestselling author on A Duke, The Lady, and a Baby

"Riveting from the first sentence to the last. Vanessa Riley's lyrical voice shimmers in this emotional, uplifting tour de force." —Kristan Higgins, New York Times bestselling author on A Duke, The Lady, and a Baby

"Get your fill of scandal, misunderstandings and a secret society to boot."ELLE Canada on An Earl, the Girl, and a Toddler

"Move over, Bridgertons. There’s a new set of scandalous aristocrats waiting to take London society by storm.”Library Journal on An Earl, The Girl, and a Toddler

"With brilliant pacing, memorable characters, and witty dialogue, the premise elevated beyond our expectations...portrays Black people in a beautiful way that makes us relatable and takes us out of the stereotypical maid and slave roles." —AAMBC on A Duke, The Lady, and a Baby

“Riley's extensive research into people of color during the Regency era adds greatly to the appeal of this page-turning romance. Fans of Shonda Rhimes’ adaptation of Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton books will devour this series.” Booklist, STARRED REVIEW on An Earl, The Girl, and a Toddler

“Riley dispels the myth of the all-white Regency—people of color rose to the titled elite in this and in many other historical periods—while also refusing to diminish or gloss over an iota of the bigotry and judgment a blackamoor earl would face.” Bookpage on An Earl, The Girl, and a Toddler