Picture an American storyteller who whisked readers away to the glittering ballrooms of Regency England—meet Jane Ashford! Born Jane Nancy LeCompte in 1948, Ashford is a beloved author of historical and contemporary romance novels, enchanting fans with her witty prose and heartfelt tales. Inspired by Georgette Heyer’s sparkling Regency world, Ashford has crafted a legacy of love stories that blend historical charm with modern flair, earning her two nominations for RT Book Reviews’ Career Achievement Award.
With series like The Duke’s Sons and The Duke’s Estates, Ashford invites readers into richly detailed worlds where dashing dukes and spirited heroines find true love. Her knack for blending humor, heart, and historical authenticity makes her novels irresistible to romance fans worldwide.
The Making of Jane Ashford
Born on August 20, 1948, in Ohio, Jane Ashford discovered her literary muse in junior high when she stumbled upon Georgette Heyer’s Arabella at her local library. Captivated by Heyer’s witty dialogue and Regency elegance, Ashford pursued English literature and traveled extensively in Britain and Europe, soaking up the history that would later infuse her novels. After living in New York, Boston, and Los Angeles, she embraced a nomadic lifestyle, now residing in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Her writing career began in 1980 with her debut novel, Gwendeline, launching a decades-long journey of crafting romance novels under both her pen name, Jane Ashford, and her birth name, Jane LeCompte.
Jane Ashford’s Unforgettable Stories
Ashford’s novels are a delightful blend of Regency romance, sparkling wit, and emotional depth. Her popular series, The Duke’s Sons, follows the Gresham brothers, sons of the Duke of Langford, as they navigate love and duty. The series kicks off with Heir to the Duke (2016), where Nathaniel Gresham transforms his arranged marriage to Lady Violet Devere into a passionate partnership. Another gem, Lord Sebastian’s Secret (2017), explores a soldier’s hidden struggles and his love for the brilliant Lady Georgina Stane.
The Duke’s Estates series, starting with The Duke Who Loved Me (2021), showcases Ashford’s knack for crafting slow-burn romances amid crumbling estates and family secrets. Her latest, The Duke Has Done It Again (2024), unfolds on the Yorkshire moors with an enemies-to-lovers tale. Ashford’s writing shines through her vivid historical settings, strong character development, and light humor, earning praise for its Heyer-esque charm and modern sensibilities. Her stories often feature heroines who challenge societal norms, making them resonate with today’s readers.
Beyond series, standalone novels like Brave New Earl (2018) highlight her versatility, weaving poignant tales of second chances. Published in over a dozen countries, including Sweden, Italy, and Russia, Ashford’s work captivates a global audience with its universal themes of love and resilience.
Why Jane Ashford Matters
Jane Ashford’s impact on the romance genre lies in her ability to marry historical authenticity with contemporary emotional depth. Her novels, praised by outlets like Publishers Weekly and Library Journal, offer readers an escape into a world where love conquers all, wrapped in clever dialogue and lush period detail. By crafting heroines who are bold and heroes who are kind, Ashford modernizes the Regency romance, making it accessible and relatable. Her nominations for RT Book Reviews’ Career Achievement Award underscore her influence, while her devoted fanbase eagerly awaits each new release.
About Jane Ashford
- Born: August 20, 1948, in Ohio
- Key Works: The Duke’s Sons series, The Duke’s Estates series, Brave New Earl
- Awards: Two-time nominee for RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award
- Fun Fact: Ashford’s love for Georgette Heyer sparked her lifelong passion for Regency romance
Snag Heir to the Duke or The Duke Who Loved Me and dive into Jane Ashford’s enchanting Regency romance world!