Best of
Historical-Romance

1995

Vivid


Beverly Jenkins - 1995
    When she is offered the chance to set up a practice in the small all Black community of Grayson Grove, Michigan she leaves her California home and heads east. The very determined Viveca is one of the few nineteenth century Black women to graduate from the prestigious Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania but she needs more than determination to face down handsome Nate Grayson, the Grove's bull-headed mayor.Nate Grayson goes to the train station expecting Dr. V. Lancaster to be a man. When the lovely dark-skinned Viveca introduces herself he is speechless, then wants her back on the train and out of his town. It's 1876 and women aren't supposed to be doctors, men are. However he isn't prepared for her stubbornness and fire, nor for the vivid way she heals, then steals his heart.

Highland Fire


Anna Jennet - 1995
    Although their close surroundings unsettle her, she soon cannot resist his touch which awakens a burning ache deep within her. But can she trust her life—and her heart—to this darkly seductive man?Tavig MacAlpin is a condemned man. Accused of a murder he did not commit, his escape is thwarted by a flame-haired beauty. He must continue his search for justice, but fate has bound him to this Scottish lass—and to a slow, sensual desire that will not be denied…

The Love Slave


Bertrice Small - 1995
    Come morning, her sister, carrying another man's child, resumes her place and Regan is spirited away to a nunnery.But a more exotic fate awaits the fiery Celtic beauty: Regan is sold to a slave trader. It will be her destiny to come under the tutelage of Karim al Malina, master of the erotic arts, who will mold Regan -- now renamed Zaynab, the beautiful one -- into a Love Slave fit for a Moorish king, though the pair break the first rule of teacher and pupil . . . they fall in love.But Zaynab is not Karim's to keep. She is given to the Caliph of Cordoba, who vows to love her . . . and pleasure her as no younger man can. Yet Regan still longs for her one true love, Karim al Malina, and vows that, somehow, their fates must be reunited . . . .From the Trade Paperback edition.

My Valiant Knight


Hannah Howell - 1995
    Yet even her awesome skill as a horsewoman won't help her outrace the knight who pursues her.An Anglo-Norman who has won favor with the King, Sir Gabel de Amalville must prove his loyalty by crushing the rebellious MacNairn clan. Seizing the youngest daughter of the chief gives him a necessary advantage. But having sequestered Ainslee in his isolated castle keep, he soon finds himself the prisoner of a passion he never could have foreseen. Now, as the shadow of war descends upon the Highlands, Gabel will follow his heart into battle—for the love of the sensual woman who has captured him, mind, body and soul.

For the Roses


Julie Garwood - 1995
    In Blue Belle, Montana, everyone knew better than to mess with the Claybornes. The brothers had once been a mismatched gang of street urchins—until they found an abandoned baby girl in a New York city alley, named her Mary Rose, and headed west to raise her to be a lady. They became a family—held together by loyalty and love if not by blood—when suddenly they faced a crisis that threatened to tear them apart....Trouble came to town with one Lord Harrison Stanford MacDonald. Armed with a swagger and six-shooter, he cut a striking figure—but it soon became apparent to Mary Rose that he was too much of a gentleman to make it in her rough-and-tumble town. She asked her brothers to teach him the basics of frontier survival, which he acquired with ease. And soon he possessed a deep and desperate love for Mary Rose. She returned his affection wholeheartedly... until MacDonald revealed a secret that challenged everything she believed about herself, her life, and her newfound love. Now her search for identity and meaning would begin, raising questions that could only be answered if she listened to the truth within her heart....

Apache Runaway


Madeline Baker - 1995
    Yet when the Indians took him prisoner, he was in danger of being sent to the devil -- until a green-eyed angel saved his life.APACHE RUNAWAYFor two long years, Jenny Braedon had prayed for someone to rescue her from the heathen savages who'd enslaved her. And even if Ryder was a half-breed, she'd help him in exchange for her freedom. But unknown perils and desires awaited the determined beauty in his strong, arms, sweeping them both from a world of tortured agony to love's sweet paradise.

Until Tomorrow


Rosanne Bittner - 1995
    But her plans are thwarted when a band of outlaws rob the very bank in which she is withdrawing her savings, taking her hostage in the process. Rogue and ruthless, her captives sweep her off to the country with evil intent, but one man stands in the way.Ex-Confederate soldier Parker Cole doesn’t understand his own fierce determination to protect the beautiful captive from his fellow bandits. Touched by her courage and spirit, he vows to prove his love to her, following Addy to a mining boomtown filled with dreamers and desperados. Fearless though he may be, Parker must summon all of his courage to beat out the line of rich and powerful suitors in the pursuit of the greatest treasure—Addy’s heart.

CHASE THE SUN


Rosanne Bittner - 1995
    He joins the army purposely to fight Indians – any Indians. Iris Gray is a colonel’s daughter, who joins her father in America’s Northwest Territory and tries to bring peace between settlers and the Nez Perce Nation. Circumstances bring Iris and Zack together in a memorable love story as Iris struggles to help Zack find peace in his own heart. An unlikely friendship forms between these two and a Nez Perce warrior, Strong Runner, and his wife, Morning Star, teaching all four characters about cultural tolerance. CHASE THE SUN is the true story of the last flight of the Nez Perce to Canada in 1876, and a stunning depiction of the reasons for war and misunderstandings in a land deeply torn by its own unstoppable growth. A memorable tale of real history, abiding love, and a Nation’s unique struggle through tragedy and triumph.

Heart of the West


Penelope Williamson - 1995
    So when Gus McQueen, a cowboy with laughing eyes and big dreams, presses her to elope with him to his Montana ranch, she is ready. But nothing has prepared her for the harsh realities of frontier life, or for the unpredictable hankering of her heart--and least of all for the fact that almost from the first moment she sets eyes on Zach, Gus's dashing, ne'er do-well brother, she knows he's the one she was destined to love. Brought up to be a lady, Clementine determines not to let the frontier--or her marriage--defeat her. She devours life, befriending the town prostitute, defending Indians, and suppressing her heart's desire, until Zach forces her to face him and make her choice. On a vast canvas dotted with memorable characters and one rousing adventure after another--shootups, storms, a mine explosion, an attack by a rabid wolf, Penny Williamson has created an irresistible work of fiction that combines the heroic and gritty appeal of westerns like Lonesome Dove and Streets of Laredo with the romantic enchantment of The Thorn Birds..

The Forever Tree


Rosanne Bittner - 1995
    Then he beheld the exotic Spanish beauty called Santana, and the rugged New Englander was forever lost. In her dark, luminous eyes he saw all that was beautiful and irresistible about this rich and fertile country -- all that he wished to possess yet did not fully understand.BUT NOTHING AND NO ONE COULD KEEP THEM APARTWith every beat of her innocent heart Santana knew that this tall, handsome, blue-eyed American was the only man she could ever love. But between Santana and Will stood a lifetime of tradition -- and a powerful and ruthless Spanish don who would kill any man who dared to covet his intended bride. Now, as Will's dream of Lassater Mills becomes a reality, he will risk everything to make Santana his own. And though love cannot protect them from vengeful enemies or the fires of change raging across this land, it may give them the strength to face an uncertain future, and in the midst of tragedy the courage to begin anew...

The Buccaneer


Donna Fletcher - 1995
    She agrees to marry the infamous Captain Lucifer, a pirate known for his evil ways, to save her step-father from the gallows. Only the captain can provide the proof of his innocence. Captain Lucifer has far different plans for Catherine. He wants revenge for the hell her step-father has put him through the last few years. He intends to take her innocence and return her home… a fallen woman. A simple strand of pearls stands in the way of the captain’s plans and when the strand finally breaks… will it be revenge or love he seeks from the beautiful lady?

Forever in Texas


Jodi Thomas - 1995
    Sanford Colston left his hometown of Saints Roost to hire its school a new teacher—but instead found himself stuck at the Dallas train station, robbed of the clothes off his back. It was clear to Ford that this thief wasn't your ordinary outlaw—and he was right. Hannah was a beautiful woman on the run, desperate for a disguise that would help her escape her dangerous past. But when fate forced their paths to cross again, Ford couldn't let Hannah get away twice. Ford wanted to help his charming young bandit, but didn't know how—until she had a most exciting idea. Hannah could hide in Saints Roost. Back in the strict little town, Hannah made quite a first impression...and, with Ford at her side, learned that sometimes life offers second chances...

Straight for the Heart


Marsha Canham - 1995
    Quick and vicious...just the way I like it sometimes."She risked everything to play a man's game in a man's world. As the elusive, mysterious Montana Rose, she was known as the queen of the Mississippi riverboats, a sensual and dangerous Southern beauty who was willing to gamble everything, even her life, on each cut of the cards.Intent on calling her bluff, the equally devious and dangerous Michael Tarrington is determined to teach the fiery lady gambler a lesson in seduction. But instead, the rakishly handsome Yankee finds himself swept into her world of illusions, treachery, and smoldering passions that threaten to cut Straight for the Heart.

The Thistle and the Rose


May McGoldrick - 1995
    With her are loyal friends and servants, all united to protect the infant Kit from unknown enemies. For her clandestine mission to succeed she has to make Colin Campbell, the warrior lord whose help she seeks, believe she is the seductive Lady Caithness.Irresistible DesireColin Campbell's head tells him this Caithness woman is trouble, yet his heart is telling him she is magnificent. Whatever Celia is hiding he needs to know, but he also wants to hold her and kiss her. And as war with England scorches the heathered hills, Colin and Celia find reasons to bare their secrets, surrender to their desires, and head toward a destiny where Scotland's future--and their own--build on the strength of their passion and love...

Bliss


Judy Cuevas - 1995
    She was determined to improve herself, but was often baffled by exclusive turn-of-the-century high society. Nardi de Saint Vallier was a gifted young Frenchman of noble blood who had given up his passion for sculpting. Hell-bent on self-destruction, he resigned himself to a life without beauty—and an engagement without love.Then Hannah came into his life. They met during a Normandy summer on the grounds of an old French chateau. Hannah was cautious, but intrigued by the somber Frenchman. Nardi thought the American girl hopelessly naive. But slowly her indomitable spirit cast a ray of light upon the darkness in his soul—and opened both of their hearts to the infinite possibilities of love.

La Flamme


Constance O'Banyon - 1995
    But when her father was murdered by men wearing the Blackthorn crest, Sabine fled to Paris, where she became an actress known only as "La Flamme". Sabine's attempt at revenge would draw her close to Garreth, her enemy--yet her only true love.

The Bargain


Francis Ray - 1995
    In "The Bargain", she tells of a headstrong heiress who has vowed never to wed, and the notorious earl who wins her hand -- and her heart.

McCrory's Lady


Shirl Henke - 1995
    Once proper Maggie Worthington now earns her keep in frontier cathouses. To save his daughter's reputation, Colin McCrory needs a wife. And, even though women are scarce in the Arizona Territory, he's sure he can find someone with a less sordid past than Maggie's. But does he want to?

Warrior Moon


Sara Orwig - 1995
    When Vanessa stumbles across a wounded Kiowa brave, she knows at first glance that this powerful warrior is a man she will fear, then heal, then love. Lone Wolf’s land was ravished and his people were murdered by outsiders, leaving him with a searing hatred and insatiable appetite for revenge. But the moment he beholds Vanessa, he falls drawn to her captivating beauty and willful spirit. But is his love for her strong enough to snuff out the fire of loathing he harbors for her people?

Midnight Bride


Marlene Suson - 1995
    But his cold resistance to Rachel's sensuous charms spurs the desperate lady to abduct the aloof and arrogant lord in a misguided attempt to force his hand. ACTS OF LOVE Bitter experience has taught Westleigh to mistrust beautiful women--and his brazen capture by the ravishing Lady Rachel only confirms his low opinion. But the discovery that Rachel's life is in serious danger convinces the stubborn Duke to reexamine his warring feelings--and to finally open his guarded heart to desire--and a glorious, perilous love.

Clara's Promise


Shirley Hailstock - 1995
    At 21, she ran away from the unhappy marriage and headed for Montana to start anew. There, she meets Luke Evans, a struggling widower. It will take courage, desire and one unusual matchmaker to help Luke and Clara let go of the past and hold on to each other.

When the Heart Beckons


Jill Gregory - 1995
    But Annabel Brannigan is a woman full of surprises. Especially for Roy Steele, the rugged outlaw gunslinger, who learns they're both hunting the same man.

Reforming Lord Ragsdale


Carla Kelly - 1995
    The infamous Lord Ragsdale was as rich as sin, as sinful as he was rich, and as heartless as he was handsome. But he had saved Emma from a fate worse than death when he stopped a lecherous brute from buying her as an indentured servant. It was Emma's turn now to save Lord Ragsdale from his wicked ways. She had to find a way to stop his drinking, his gaming, his wild revelry. She had to make him break with his mistress, the superbly sensual Fae Moulle. She had to make him a suitable suitor for the ideal wife that the prim and proper Lady Clarissa Partridge would be. And above all, she had to keep his lustful eye from lingering too long on herself--even as she struggled to keep her own growing desire from undoing all her hard work in the unmaking of this irresistible rake...

A Basket of Wishes


Rebecca Paisley - 1995
    She couldn't tell him she was a fairy princess, chosen to conceive his child, but then she and her baby must leave the human world, or die. Unless... Was he mad? Or dead? Suddenly Jourdian Amberville, of the Midas touch and ironbound heart, wed a naked stranger to stop a burgeoning scandal. But instead of an ordinary duchess to bear his heir, his wife was an alabaster-skinned temptress who drank of his kisses and wept diamond teardrops. Splendor was made of magic, but only Jourdian had the power to keep her in his world. It would take only the one emotion he couldn't give....

Savage Heaven


Kathleen Drymon - 1995
    But Danielle Hansen isn't ready to settle down with the farmer she has reluctantly agreed to marry. She fears the loss of her freedom, and the surrender of her body and soul to a man's touch. Then, in a breathtaking moment of terror, Danielle is kidnapped by a band of renegade Sioux...and becomes the prisoner of their great warrior chief.He is called Wind Dancer. And he has seen her before, in a long-ago vision. He gives her the name Silver Dove and initiates her into a world of ancient ritual and boundless desire. A stranger and wonderful destiny has brought them together, but it will take a woman's courage and a man's passion to fight for a love that demands all they have to give...

Reckless Hearts


Bonnie K. Winn - 1995
    Determined to keep her ranch running despite her husband's death, Abigail Fairchild turns to a cowhand, Boyd Harris, for whom she begins to feel a desire that could ruin them both.

Midnight Moon


Mildred Riley - 1995
    But when she boards the Eastern Queen, she meets Sam Cross, a rugged loner who sets her heart on fire. Now, on the unpredictable high seas, their courage will be tested, as Sam and Zevia fight for a love they'd risk their very lives to claim.

Compromised Lady


Francesca Shaw - 1995
    She knows where she is – in a barn somewhere on the Lancashire moorlands. She knows when it is – 1816. She even knows the man sleeping on the hay next to her is a devastatingly attractive complete stranger. What she doesn’t know is how she got there and why she is dressed in a scandalous scarlet gown. If she can only escape, then her secret – whatever it is – will be safe. And it is – until Jervais Barnard finds her again and his notions of honour threaten ruin – or heartbreak. (This is a substantially rewritten version of A Compromised Lady, published in 1996 by Francesca Shaw)