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Natalie-Nicole Bates, owner of Perfectly Poisoned Press, and Jennie L. Morris, owner of By Quill and Lantern Publishing, are pleased to announce a joint writing endeavor. Launched in autumn of 2020, THE ALBION: 1892—a unique series of historical romances set in the year 1892. THE DARK CARNIVAL - a sister series set in the early 1900s, featuring some of our favorite themes. With Perfectly Poisoned Press based in the United Kingdom, and By Quill and Lantern based in the United States, Natalie-Nicole and Jennie aim to provide an exciting series of books to readers worldwide.
​Fondest Regards, NNB & JLM

ROSEY RED WITH BLOOD ON HER HANDS

NATALIE-NICOLE BATES
The year is 1892. Rosey Rydall is a fiercely independent and entrepreneurial woman of the time. Check-in girl at The Albion Hotel is only one of her jobs. In the background, she runs an informal body selling business with the town coroner, Anton Larsen. She also is a trusted friend and confidante of wealthy hotel mogul, Thaddeus Anderton. A friendship that is both loving and beneficial for both. Two men love Rosey.She haunts the dreams and existence of Marty Burke, a much married and respected police officer who looks the other way from Rosey’s business, as well as the night time activities occurring in the basement of The Albion. The other is her partner in crime, Doctor Anton Larsen, a man of true quality who loves the dark and dangerous as much as Rosey. When Marty’s wife dies, and he turns his attention to Rosey, she spurns his attempts at possessing her. In turn, he threatens everything, and everyone Rosey loves. She must now take bold and decisive action to rid herself of Marty or risk the lives of those who mean the most to her.
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DRAWN IN SHADOWS

JENNIE L. MORRIS
Get drawn into the shadows of the heart.

As a medical student, Mabel Blackwood knows each anatomical feature of the human heart. Yet, she’s never felt its racing pace conjured by a single glance—until meeting Henry Grier.

​Born amongst society’s dregs, Henry entertains at a prestigious bordello on Carlyle Street. Will his unconventional past push away scholarly Mabel? Or will Henry’s free spirit ignite a transformation?
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HIS REDEMPTION

NATALIE-NICOLE BATES
With a baby on the way, it should have been the best Christmas ever for Evie Stanton. Instead, she finds herself a widow, and alone in a strange town. Luck seems to shine on Evie when she meets police officer Marty Burke.

​Marty is everything her late husband was not – kind, caring, and loyal. Marty offers to marry her, and give her and her baby a home. It’s almost too perfect until Evie hears rumors about Marty’s past. She finds it impossible to reconcile the handsome, wonderful man she knows, with the dark and dangerous man she is told about.

​For Evie, her choice becomes one of uncertainty. Marry a man with a questionable reputation, or find herself homeless with a new baby.
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THE ABSENT THREAD

JENNIE L. MORRIS
Dr. Ezra Blackwood, a renowned surgeon, has the respect of his colleagues near and far. A mystery surgical catastrophe leaves him shaken. Uncertain of his skill and path, he retreats to Carlyle Street and to The Albion, a place of refuge where the demands of his profession are far away.
Lost, Ezra finds no solace in the vices that used to soothe him. He is a haunted man. Unable to forget or forgive himself for his failure. Not even the arms of a long-acquainted lover can ease his heart.
A chance encounter with Adelia Barker changes everything. The proud, independent woman sparks a fire in Ezra, long absent. Her fighting spirit reminds him that not everything is easy. Some things require sacrifice.
But how much will Ezra sacrifice for this woman?
Is her heart worth his life?
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THAT WINTER TOUCH

NATALIE-NICOLE BATES

December 1892

Connie Sweet arrives at The Albion Hotel to celebrate Christmas with her Aunt Minerva and prepare herself for her new position as a music teacher at the local blind asylum.

Connie is more than qualified to work with the blind since she herself is blind. But blindness does not define her.

She is confident as both a blind woman and a teacher.

Connie is extra excited because Aunt Minerva met her husband at The Albion, and told Connie that Carlyle Street has a special magic about it.

When a family emergency delays Aunt Minerva, Connie meets a wonderful barman at The Albion named Sam McGreevy, who is awaiting the results of his medical school examinations, and a wonderful new friend named Emma.

Connie and Sam are instantly drawn to each other, and love is in the air.

But just as Connie and Sam begin to believe in the magic of Carlyle Street and The Albion Hotel, outside forces cause them both to wonder if it's not magic but an illusion.
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PHANTOM PREMONITIONS

JENNIE L. MORRIS
With the spiritualism movement’s ascent, Jasmine Loveridge’s gifts—or rather burdens—are in demand. Nightly, she dons her fortune-teller guise, leaving Carlyle Street to perform for the pinnacles of society. This she does out of necessity. Jasmine has no illusions about her life. Funds are scarce, and neither her impetuous brother nor indisposed mother contribute to their dwindling coffers.

But Carlyle Street can be a dangerous place, especially in the clutches of winter’s cruelty. When Jasmine has an unexpected misstep, the scrupulous entrepreneur, Draven McKellis, intervenes. Owner of a prosperous factory, he is a wealthy man surrounded by speculation. Jasmine brushes off the encounter until she happens upon him that very evening at a holiday party. Amid the revelries, Draven’s penetrating gaze reveals a stark disapproval of her unconventional occupation.

Jasmine intends to forget the cynical man until an alarming premonition forces her to act. Mr. McKellis’s life depends on her otherworldly sight. Obliged to reveal the truth, Jasmine’s disclosure turns into an unusual alliance. Time grows short, and the unknown looms like a smothering fog. As the days tick closer to the New Year, can Jasmine persuade the skeptic? Or will his disbelief lead to his preventable demise?
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