Best of
Historical-Romance

1988

The Lion's Lady


Julie Garwood - 1988
    The ravishing beauty guarded the secret of her mysterious past until the night Lyon, Marquis of Lyonwood, stole a searching, sensuous kiss. An arrogant nobleman with a pirate's passions, he tasted the wild fire smoldering beneath Christina's cool charm and swore to possess her...But the feisty and defiant Christina would not be so easily conquered. Mistress of her heart and of her fortune, she resisted Lyon's sensuous caresses. She dared not surrender to his love...for then, she must also forsake her precious secret...and her promised destiny!

His Ruthless Heart


Johanna Lindsey - 1988
    Love Only Once and Tender Rebel

Passage West


Ruth Ryan Langan - 1988
    With her sister and hard-drinking father in tow, she needed all her strength for the long trek westward. But Abby could hold her own with any man, until she met a rugged gunman named Rourke...a man who roused the unspoken yearnings of her passionate soul.Rourke was a battle-scarred Union veteran, hired to guard the wagon train. A loner by choice and by fate, his heart was moved by Abby's plight--though the young beauty proudly refused his aid. Yet with the wagons rolling on through dusty plains and treacherous deserts, a tenderness bloomed between them as he taught her how to survive in a brutal land. Mile by mile, she grew to adore this magnificent man, and when he touched her she longed to be his alone. But as she tasted rapture's first, wild depths, she faced a bitter secret from the gunman's violent past. With Rourke in mortal danger, they would challenge destiny itself--to save the love and happiness they discovered on a perilous...Passage West...

Blaze Wyndham


Bertrice Small - 1988
    From the New York Times bestselling "resigning queen of romance" (Literary Times), comes a love story on a grand scale, featuring an innocent country girl who catches the eye of the most powerful man in England-and filled with all the sensuality, drama, and thrilling intrigues of Henry Tudor's glittering sixteenth century court...

Vows


LaVyrle Spencer - 1988
    could change her life forever. Emily -- With her sky-blue eyes, big dreams, and strong will, she was engaged to a man whose touch left her aching for something more. Tom -- The new man in town, he was a handsome and infuriating devil who challenged her heart's destiny... with a single, stolen kiss. She was a feisty tomboy; he was her father's rival in business. Whenever they met, sparks flew. Until she showed him how feminine she could be. Until he showed her how true passion could feel. Until they both realized the importance of taking vows with someone you truly love...

Frontier Woman


Joan Johnston - 1988
    Introducing the unforgettable Creed dynasty, transporting us back to a wild, lawless frontier, Frontier Woman brings us a stirring, passionate story of Texas Ranger Jarrett Creed and the free-spirited beauty who captures his heart ... a woman sworn to love no man....Captured by Comanches as a boy, Jarrett Creed grew to manhood torn between two worlds. But with the young republic under siege from ravaging Mexican armies and marauding Indian tribes alike, he made his choice. Now, as a secret government mission brings the Texas Ranger to lovely Cricket Stewart’s door, he must choose again.The youngest daughter of a wealthy gentleman planter, Cricket lives life as she pleases and vows never to be a wife to any man. Until the day Jarrett Creed saves her from avenging Comanches ... by claiming her as his bride.The last thing either expects is to fall in love. But as a traitorous conspiracy and a secret tragedy test their newfound union, a wild-spirited beauty and a Texas lawman will discover just how far they will go for their precious homeland ... and for a love that could free them from the sorrows of the past....

His Bonnie Bride


Hannah Howell - 1988
    So when Storm Eldon was kidnapped by her family's ancestral enemies, she knew there were rules to be honored by both sides. If her stepmother agreed to the ransom, Storm would not be harmed by the handsome Highland warrior who held her captive. But as days of waiting turned into weeks, it began to be clear that in this contest of wills, no one was fighting fair.

Black Falcon's Lady


Kimberly Cates - 1988
     When shy Maryssa Wylder refuses an arranged marriage, her father exiles her to his isolated holdings in Ireland, a hell he claims is populated by savages eager to slit English throats. On her journey, she is robbed by the Black Falcon, an Irish highwayman who curses all with the Wylder name. A brigand he may be, yet she can’t forget the way he looks at her—his dangerous passion piercing her lonely heart. A dispossessed Irish prince... Tade Kilcannon has every right to hate the Wylders. Though his ancestors were Irish kings, the English have stolen his birthright, giving it to Bainbridge Wylder, a ruthless English overlord who drives the Irish crofters from their homes. Though the people of the glen think Tade Kilcannon is a rakehell, in truth, he is the Black Falcon, a masked patriot who bedevils the English. But this rogue’s heart is untouched until Maryssa Wylder saves his family from marauding soldiers. A love worth defying two worlds... Maryssa blossoms because of Tade’s tenderness, but he knows that to love the English daughter of his family’s great enemy is impossible. Then disaster strikes the glen, throwing Tade’s fate and the future of those he protects into Maryssa’s hands. Maryssa faces a heart-wrenching choice, one which may cost her the very life of the man she loves. THE CELTIC ROGUES SERIES ~ 1. THE BLACK FALCON'S LADY 2. HER MAGIC TOUCH 3. BRIAR ROSE 4. STEALING HEAVEN 5. LILY FAIR CULLODEN'S FIRE SERIES~ 1. GATHER THE STARS 2. ANGEL'S FALL 3. CROWN OF DREAMS 4. CROWN OF MIST (prequel)

Clash by Night


Doreen Owens Malek - 1988
    But for three proud, passionate women, the same fierce conflict that rages throughout France burns in their own hearts...and will forever change their lives.From the sun-drenched beauty of the French countryside to the bloody beaches of Normandy, from the dark and terrible days of the Occupation to the glory of liberation, this is the magnificent story of the men and women, lovers and enemies, whose passionate dreams and undying patriotism shape the destiny of their land and their lives.

Apache Sunset (Apache Quartet Book 4)


Betty Brooks - 1988
    She felt drawn to him like a bee to honey. His lean muscular frame called out to he, begging to be touched and explored. Although he spoke no English his eyes mirrored her own desire... She knew they were meant for each other. Swift Arrow was drawn to the white woman he found lying unconscious in the snow. He knew it was wrong to take her but knew they were meant to be lovers. He knew she would not survive without his help so soothed his conscious with that thought and made a vow that he would be the only man in her life.

Scarlet Lies


Jo Goodman - 1988
    A Missing Heiress, a Gambling-Hall Hostess, and a Seductress Vie to Take Down a Millionaire in Jo Goodman’s Scarlet Lies--1868, on the Mississippi and 1872, San Francisco--Brooklyn Hancock, accomplice to her swindling partner and protector, meets her match in Ryland North. When he turns the tables on her aboard a Mississippi sternwheeler, she manages to escape, believing she murdered Ryland.Four years later, Ryland North is investigating the disappearance of an heiress while also being asked by his aunt and uncle to dissuade their son from marrying a gambling-hall hostess. When he finds the gambling-hall hostess, Ryland recognizes her immediately as Brooklyn and sets about trying to save his cousin from falling for her lies.When the wedding is called off, Ryland considers his mission accomplished. Until he again encounters Brooklyn only to learn the truth and discover that it's he and Brooklyn that have been deceived and that she's in serious danger.Now they face a new reality. Ryland struggles to trust the woman who nearly murdered him as Brooklyn's thoughts turn from escape to surrender.Publisher Note: For new and old fans of Jo Goodman comes one of her classic works, freshly edited by Jo Goodman for today's audience. Fans of Mary Jo Putney, Kat Martin, Jo Beverley, Courtney Milan and Kaki Warner will enjoy this spirited adventure and romance.

A Taste Of Fire


Hannah Howell - 1988
    Now, in "A Taste of Fire", she spins a poignant tale of promises made and kept, as a deathbed vow sends a feisty young woman to find the Texas cattle rancher she must save from danger...and claim as her beloved.Antonie Ramirez could ride and shoot as well as any man—and better than most. Now, the headstrong beauty had come to Texas to honor her father’s last words: find the cattle rancher named Royal Bancroft and repay him for saving their lives long ago.Royal Bancroft didn’t who was behind the outlaws trying to drive him off his land, but he would fight to the death rather than lose it. Yet with his sister and brother kidnapped, he felt defeat run through him like a chill wind… until a girl with cornsilk and a steady gunhand rode into his life.Antonie was wild, hard, and hurting inside, and Royal knew from the moment he saw her that, if he tried to tame her, he’s break her spirit. Instead, he would let her ride with him as an equal partner, fight beside him for a future, and come to him as a woman on fire for blazing love…

Dakota Dreams


Constance O'Banyon - 1988
    Independent Lady Breanna Kendall couldn't believe her gambling brother had cashed in on her freedom to pay off his debts. Now she was trapped into marrying not only a stranger but one who had been raised by Indians in uncivilized America. Taking out her fury with a reckless ride, the amber-eyed hothead was thrown -- then stunned to awaken in a handsome stranger's arms. Their attraction was undeniable, and the betrothed beauty couldn't keep from succumbing to her virile rescuer's charms. But when she discovered her mysterious lover was her buffalo-hunting fiance, she felt betrayed by the philanderer ... and swore she'd never relent to his velvet touch again! Chained by Heritage ... If his Indian father hadn't forced him into a deathbed promise, towering Dakota Remington would never have left his rugged Arapaho life for stuffy England. Since the muscular white brave had no choice, he decided to happily explore his paleface people's homeland ... until he discovered he'd become wed to one without his consent! But after the raven-haired warrior saw Breanna, he knew he had to conquer her as any male who'd found his mate. He could always leave her behind when he returned to his real nation. For now he'd pursue her, torment her, tease her -- and seduce her with the magic of his DAKOTA DREAMS...

Beneath The Texas Sky


Jodi Thomas - 1988
    Award-winning, New York Times bestselling author Jodi Thomas creates an epic story of a land, a family, and an unforgettable love in this searing tale of passion, perseverance, and a strong woman's fight for her heart's desire.

Ondine


Shannon Drake - 1988
    her hand in marriage. In gratitude, Ondine consented to his plans — yet refused his touch.Though his smoldering desire aroused her own secret temptations, Ondine defied her mysterious husband. Until suddenly, in the notorious court of Charles II, the sapphire-eyed beauty was plunged into a web of danger and desire, jealousy and romance. As secrets exploded, and swords clashed in vengeance, the strangers in marriage became partners in passion, and lovers on fire...

The Hawk and the Dove


Virginia Henley - 1988
    He branded Sabre with his searing kiss and his masterful touch, not even aware she was already his wife. Captain Shane Hawkhurst knew how to command, how to subdue and ravage an enemy, but was he prepared to be caught in passion's merciless snare by a fiery beauty who ruled his heart and inflamed his senses?

Private Treaty


Kathleen Eagle - 1988
    . .The storm that lashed the trees was nothing to the storm that swept through Carolina Hammond on the day Jacob Black Hawk first drew her into his embrace. The desires he awakened in her were dangerous, and made more so because they came from worlds society said could never meet.Jacob told himself to heed the danger, to stop his dreaming of a woman he could never have. But Carolina had already given him her heart, with a love far stronger than the rules of Man. So how could he stay away, when what she wanted was everything he wanted, too?

Love Forevermore


Madeline Baker - 1988
    But when Loralee arrived at Fort Apache as the new schoolmarm, she had some hard realities to learn...and a harsh taskmaster to teach her.Shad Zuniga was fiercely proud, aloof, a renegade Apache who wanted no part of the white man's world, not even its women. Yet Loralee was driven to seek him out, compelled to join him in a forbidden union, forced to become an outcast for one slim chance at Love Forevermore.

Velvet Lightning


Kay Hooper - 1988
    BUT WILL THEY REACH HIM IN TIME?A handsome rogue whose recklessness and courage had made him a fortune as a blockade runner, Marcus Tyrone had no scruples when it came to getting what he wanted, especially when it was a woman. Exquisite and deliciously tempting, the woman he could not resist was an ice goddess. She smiled for no man, but in Tyrone's arms she melted trembled, sizzled with yearning that only a daring captain could satisfy. He'd touched her deeply, exposed a passion she'd never suspected, only dreamed of... and unmasked a woman whose secrets rivaled his own. The web of intrigue that had brought Tyrone to the island of Port Elizabeth finally held him fast, as did the woman he loved without illusions. He longed to confide in her, possess her, bind her to him in any way he could--but he was haunted by the agony in her eyes. The end of one trail meant another's beginning, but would the sins of the past deny them their precious dream?

Lavender Lies


Constance O'Banyon - 1988
    Determined to snare her in her own trap, Julian let it be known he had valuable information for the elusive female spy, the bloodthirsty Briton fully intended to hear the "Swallow's" last song — and see her dance at the end of a rope. But when the golden-haired beauty with lavender eyes appeared for their rendezvous, Julian was enchanted...and could think only of locking her in the cage of his embrace!SHE'D PUT HIM IN HIS PLACEPatriotic Lavender Daymond knew the raven-haired Englishman would endanger her mission from the moment she saw him. His intense brown gaze followed her swaying hips with too much hunger. His finely chiselled lips smiled too familiarly as she glanced his way. And his powerful muscled body was too much a temptation to resist! Still the spirited American agent felt she had to conquer him to prove her commitment to the Colonies. But when Julian tasted her trembling lips and traced her slender form, the "Swallow" took flight leaving only a woman who craved the sweet fulfillment of her lavender lies.

Golden Dreams


Barbara Benedict - 1988
    But even Samantha never dreamed that she would be swept off her feet by an impossibly handsome English lord. Before she could recover from the dizzying effects of his masterful kisses, she found herself traveling across the American frontier to a long-forgotten gold mine, trying to unravel a tangled skein of shifting identities and divided loyalties. And at every step of the way Lord Hoxton was there to confound her plans and tantalize her flesh. Clearly, her devastating lover was not all he seemed, but when she lay beneath him, lost in ectasy, she knew only that he fulfilled ever one of her ... Golden Dreams

Remembrances


Eleanora Brownleigh - 1988
    After years abroad, she ached for something more than flirtation and frivolity ... and she found it in the brooding eyes of a handsome stranger ...REMEMBRANCESof a murderous act of treachery brought Sinclair Poole back to the city that had destroyed his every dream ... except the dream of vengeance. And -- as Caroline made him realize -- the dream of love ...REMEMBRANCESof a night glittering with magic and marred by tragedy would bring the two together. In the dawning of a new century, they raced against time to uncover the scandal that had scarred Sinclair. And as they embarked on their deadly adventure, they discovered a love that would withstand the ravages of greed and betrayal and give them the strength to build a bold, new future!

A Love of Adventure


Joan Druett - 1988
    Like her mother, a pioneer seafaring woman, Abigail is convinced that her destiny is to be a captain’s wife at sea.Instead, fate conspires against her, when her father packs her off to the dour household of relatives in New Bedford, Massachusetts, to learn proper womanly decorum. Arriving on the same day as the momentous news of the discovery of gold in California, Abigail does her best to conform, despite being involved in controversial events, including the Women’s Rights movement, and a sensational murder trial.News of her father’s brutal murder impels her to escape to South America, where she enters into a marriage of convenience with a strongwilled young whaling captain. Her legacy is the ownership of the brig she grew up on, and a puzzling rhyme that may lead to a fortune. But, before she can return to New Zealand to collect, Abigail must outwit the grumbling seamen of her husband’s ship, a mystery murderer, and her own attractive, strangely hostile husband.