Never judge a book by its cover… 1782, London Alethea Newnham is a young woman with decided literary tastes, to the extent that she is called a Bluestocking by the gossips of Town. Educated in the country by her scholarly father and raised as an equal with her brothers, Alethea finds it difficult to play romantic games when she is invited to her aunt's house in London. In particular, she despises the dashing and notorious Sir James ‘Beau’ Devenish – a young man overly concerned with the latest fashions, and toying with female affections. With her aunt determined to see her wed, Alethea finds herself forced into company. Is Beau determined to make her his next conquest? Can she rebuff his supposedly irresistible charms? Will this Bluestocking be ruled by her head … or her heart? THE BEAU AND THE BLUESTOCKING is a classic historical novel by Alice Chetwynd Ley: a traditional British, pre Regency romance novel set in Georgian England. ‘one of my favourite traditional Regencies’ - The Word Wenches ‘Alice Chetwynd Ley's books were my favourite regency romances. I still have every one of her books on my keeper shelf with The Beau and the Bluestocking and The Jewelled Snuffbox in pride of place’ – Historical and Regency Romance UK ‘These vintage Regency romances hover somewhere between Jane Austen and the genre as we know it today. I really enjoy them.’ - Sonya’s Stuff

     Emma will prove more than a match for the most daring men in all England… 1804, Dorset, England From her drab, unpromising post as governess, Emma Harcourt is catapulted into a daring scheme of espionage. She becomes an actress posing as the wife of Rupert Wynford, a perfect stranger. And as Napoleon prepares to invade the English coast, she takes her place among society's elite, where she has to match wits with the most dangerous men of her time. Fate has chosen her to play a part in England's destiny and to gamble recklessly with her only chance for happiness and love… Has her mysterious employer, Rupert Wynford, really just come to Weymouth like King George III for the benefit of sea air? Or is he one of those in league with the European conqueror who plans to invade England at dark of the moon? AT DARK OF THE MOON is a classic Regency Romance by Alice Chetwynd Ley: a traditional British, historical adventure story with a twist of suspense and mystery, set during the Napoleonic Wars. ‘These vintage Regency romances hover somewhere between Jane Austen and the genre as we know it today. I really enjoy them.’ - Sonya’s Stuff

     Can a spirited governess find happiness with an enigmatic viscount? Regency London Having spent a childhood summer with Viscount Giles Weston, Angelica Wayne has never forgotten his kindness. But when he employs her as his daughter’s governess, she finds him cold and formidable. A widower, Giles is engaged to the beautiful but indifferent Lady Barbara Darlington. Darkly cynical, he avoids emotional commitment and wishes to be married in name only. Despite Giles’ attitude, Angelica comes to enjoy his company, and her feelings for him start to rekindle. When Barbara calls off the engagement, Giles asks Angelica to take her place as his bride. And Angelica must decide whether she can marry a man seemingly incapable of returning her affection… What is the reason for Giles’ haughtiness? Can Angelica thaw his frosty exterior? Or are both condemned to a life without love? THE SUBSTITUTE BRIDE is classic Regency romance full of suspense and intrigue.

    The duke, unsuspecting, includes Ella and her aunt in his week-long country houseparty. He has also included the blue-blooded Lady Honor, the strikingly beautiful Miss Sheridan, and the multi-talented Miss Prentiss. How could one “ordinary” young lady with a sharp tongue compete with three sterling debutantes? Regency Romance by Joan Smith; originally published by Fawcett

    EVERYONE WAS EAGER TO PUT FELICITY IN HER PLACEHer cousin Amaryllis made it clear that Felicity did not belong in the fashionable drawing rooms of the great country house of Cheynings.Jamie, the six-year-old heir to Cheynings, marked Felicity as his latest victim in a long series of routed governesses.Lord Stayne, the infuriatingly handsome master of Cheynings, coldly informed her that her ideas and opinions were of no earthly interest to a supremely self-confident male like himself.And the vile Captain Hardman, whose devious designs Felicity threatened, did not bother to mask his intentions of removing her from his path by either brutal force or contemptible cunning.Felicity, however, had her own notions about what a woman’s place should be–as she set out on a campaign of conquest with only her wit and wiles as weapons, and love as a very treacherous ally….

     Honor Fenton was lovely, but penniless. There seemed to be little in her future but spinster-hood. Then one day she received an unexpected legacy—the fabulous Swynden necklace. Not long after this she was rescued from an unpleasant street incident by a dashing young stranger. When Honor learned that the stranger, Mr. Jocelyn, was the agent of a certain Marquess who wanted to purchase the necklace she was very disturbed. She did not know quite what to make of the mysterious Mr. Jocelyn. At first she was furious. Partly because she was attracted to him—and partly because she felt he was only interested in the jewels. Then someone discovered the truth about the Swynden necklace Mira Stables is the author of many historical fiction novels, including The Byram Succession, A Match for Elizabeth, and Golden Barrier.

    The young Marquess was her guardian. She had to live by his impossible rules - until he found a husband for her. Christina was certain it was his evil influence that drove her to a life of crime. Before long she could steal enough money to free her father from debtors' prison and herself from the Marquess's tyranny. Then she met the notorious felon, Black Dan. Christina charmed her way into a partnership with him. And suddenly she was in love with the most wanted criminal in all of England...

    Surely, oh surely, he was not going to suggest that she should marry him! Beautiful Russet Ingram was the toast of the London social set with many suitors clamoring for her attentions. But she had no intention of stealing anyone’s beau. And she certainly was not interested in Lucian Staneborough, who was allegedly betrothed to sharp-tongued Letty Waydene. Letty, however, was suspicious and told her guardian, handsome and wealthy James Cameron, that Russet was threatening her marriage—and her happiness. She begged Cameron for his help. So it was that on the beginning of Russet’s journey to Rome, her carriage was stopped and she was abducted—and taken to Cameron’s estate. She was an unwilling prisoner for nearly a month. Then, suddenly, things began to change. . . . Mira Stables is the author of many historical fiction novels, including The Swynden Necklace and Golden Barrier.

    

     An impetuous heroine uncovers a shocking scandal… 1760, England Amanda Twyford, confronted unexpectedly with the unwelcome news of her elder sister Isabella’s engagement to notorious rake Charles Barsett, is determined to put a stop to the impending nuptials. Amanda immediately takes a dislike to cold, haughty Charles, and she is sure Isabella’s heart lies with another… As she meddles more in their affairs, Amanda discovers that dark rumours surround Charles’ reputation. And they all seem to be connected to the secretive Medmenham Abbey. But as Amanda becomes more involved in protecting her sister’s heart, does she risk losing control over her own…? What is really going on at the mysterious Abbey? And what connection has Charles Barsett with that centre of ill-repute? Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction… THE GEORGIAN RAKE is a thrilling adventure story by Alice Chetwynd Ley: a traditional British, pre Regency romance novel with a twist of suspense and mystery, set in Georgian England. ‘Ley tosses in little hints and glimpses of what is really going on in her characters’ heads rather than let every thing wait until the end when it blows in out of the blue. This one is a Georgian era which is one of my favorites.’ – Dear Author It is a fast-paced story, well plotted and really well written that made me "turn" the pages impatiently because I just had to know what would happen! I really loved this book and can definitely recommend it! - Cup of Tea and Book Blog

    When Dominic pulled an unconscious girl out of the quarry pool, he had never heard of the old saying that holds a rescuer responsible for the life he has saved.Certainly Chantal needed help in the difficulties and dangers that faced her, but she was of an independent turn of mind and had little liking for the reluctant support of a self-confessed misogynist.A summer spent in the idyllic setting of the ancient castle of Dorne was to teach both of them a truer sense of values.