Best of
Regency

2001

The Promise in a Kiss


Stephanie Laurens - 2001
    So when a man literally falls at Helena's feet as she's walking through the courtyard one moonlit Christmas Eve, the pretty, young comtesse d'Lisle knows he's up to no good. He's clearly a bit dangerous... and obviously caught in the middle of a clandestine rendezvous. Why else would he have risked his neck and jumped out of a window into the snow?It's wrong, it's outlandish . . . and it's the most utterly romantic gesture she's ever seen. So when the good sisters rush up, demanding to know ifshe has seen a man on the grounds, Helena ignores the years of strict upbringing that insist she reveal his presence. To lie would be a sin, but 'no one can be good all the time. As a reward for her silence, the stranger takes her in his arms and enticingly, unforgettably kisses her—and then departs, leaving a lingering if unspoken promise of all that might be, should fate decree that they meet again. Although Helena doesn't know it, her wild Englishman is Sebastian Cynster, Duke of St. Ives, a nobleman who will prove to be her destiny.Seven years later, Helena has been transformed from a pretty schoolgirl to an aristocratic beauty. Her sparkling wit has made her sought after by London's hostesses; her considerable dowry has made winning her hand the aim of many a gentleman . . . but she is deadeningly aware of how boring so many ofthese gentlemen are.Her manipulative guardian has unexpectedly allowed her to find a husband of her own choosing, and she has no intention of marrying any man who tries to tame her. There must be someone perfect for her . . . someone who can live up to the promise ofthat long-ago kiss.Then, at a ball, fate strikes. Once again, it is the Christmas season, and across the crowded room Helena stands transfixed . . . for there is the man whose kiss she has never forgotten, the man of her memory whom no other has ever been able to supplant. Her wild, mysterious Englishman, Sebastian Cynster, Duke of St. Ives.One look, and he's determined to reclaim her . . . .

Once a Mistress


Rebecca Hagan Lee - 2001
    Determined to honor the outrageous request, Drew returns home to bury his father and is stunned to find living on the grounds of Swanslea Park the one woman whose charms he could never resist. Kathryn Stafford abandoned Drew at the altar six years before and vanished in a cloud of mystery. She had hoped her feelings for him would fade, but when she comes face-to-face with the gorgeous new marquess, she discovers they have only deepened. Drew is determined to keep his distance from the woman he believes to have been one of his father’s mistress. But every yearning glance and sizzling touch draws him closer to Kathryn…and to the scandalous secret that drove them apart. Book 1 of the “Mistresses of the Marquess” Series, which includes ONCE A MISTRESS, ALWAYS A LADY and EVER A PRINCESS. “An emotional, sensual tale!”—Romance Reviews Today “Once a Mistress is filled with passion and tenderness. Will bring a smile and a few tears to its readers.”—Romantic Times “Tender, enthralling romance straight from the heart!”—Eloisa James, New York Times bestselling author “Rebecca Hagan Lee warms my heart and touches my soul. She’s a star in the making!”—Sabrina Jeffries, New York Times bestselling author “Rebecca Hagan Lee taps into every woman’s fantasy!”—Christina Dodd, New York Times bestseller “Rebecca Hagan Lee is a writer on the rise!”—Romantic Times

Empire Fashions Coloring Book


Tom Tierney - 2001
    45 plates of detailed, accurate illustrations include representations of claw-hammer frock coats and vests for the well-dressed man, loose pantaloons and shorter skirts for the working classes, high-waisted promenade gowns for fashionable ladies, and accessories. 45 black-and-white illustrations.

Geneva's Hope


Payton Lee - 2001
    The heirs to Geneva meet, love and marry to fulfill the prophecy of a Sosoni' shaman.A widower as a result of a tragic accident three years ago in 1875, Braden visits America with his five-year-old son. He still mourns his deceased wife until he meets the beautiful Kerry McGillinen. Kerry fires his passion and soon his heart is lost and his love will not be denied by family, an old suitor, or jealous governess. Kerry loses her heart to an adorable boy named Bennett Wessex. She meets his father and her innocence of life is lost as Braden and fate take her hand fulfilling the legacy of Geneva's Hope.

The Mystery Kiss


Judith A. Lansdowne - 2001
    Now a widow, she returns to London for the Season to present her stepdaughter. For Althea's sake, she endures the cutting remarks, the cruel snubs--until she discovers an ally, a mysterious gentleman who lingers in the shadows whispering words of encouragement. Soon, she is a woman of confidence and poise--and the talk of the ton! Fleur is now determined to uncover the identity of the man who has captured her heart. HIS HEART'S DESIREIntrigued by spirited Fleur and angered by her treatment at the hands of his peers, Atticus Charles Howard, the Earl of Hartshire, becomes her secret protector. Always nearby when bitter tears are her sole companion, he shares his worldly wisdom and watches with pride as Fleur blossoms. And a magical kiss is all it takes to convince this man who has loved and lost before that he wants much more than stolen whispers in the evening shadows...

Miss Truelove Beckons


Donna Lea Simpson - 2001
     When Truelove Becket’s betrothed went missing in a naval battle, she vowed never to marry unless she found someone she loved as much. In the seven years since then, the quiet vicar’s daughter has lived a simple and contented life helping the poor people of her village. But now another man has asked for her hand in marriage and, unsure if she is ready to commit to him, she agrees to accompany her beautiful cousin Arabella on a trip to visit friends so she can take time to think it over. Viscount Drake cut a dashing figure when he returned from war to a hero’s welcome, but the Battle of Waterloo left him a shattered and haunted man. As his dreams are invaded by the terrors of war he becomes a sleepless shell of a man, and as his torment grows he begins to wonder if marriage to the lovely Arabella will help restore him again. But as Arabella coquettishly flirts to secure Drake’s hand and his riches, it is the pretty and practical True he turns to for solace. With the weight of her marriage proposal bearing down on her, True finds herself irresistibly attracted to Drake’s quiet dignity and genuine distress, just as he finds himself drawn to her honest nature and soothing compassion. When a spark of passion ignites between these two who have both lost so much to war, they will have to confront their biggest fears—and everyone else’s plans for their futures—to discover if love can truly cure all ills. “[Miss Truelove Beckons] is well written and flows brilliantly. A wonderful heart-wrenching and romantic tale.” —Goodreads About the Author: Donna Lea Simpson is a nationally bestselling romance and mystery novelist with over twenty titles published in the last eleven years. Besides writing romance and mystery novels and reading the same, Donna has a long list of passions: cats and tea, cooking and vintage cookware, cross-stitching and watercolor painting among them. She lives in Canada.

Immortal Desires


Shannon Leigh - 2001
    Levelheaded and sensible, Elizabeth felt she could handle any situation dealt forth by fate with adequate grace and adept skill. That was, until she came face to face with the tall, dark figure of a man whose striking profile spoke of overwhelming power and ageless strength. Unable to resist his devastating appearance and mysteriously dark aura, she realized too late that the man before her was not human, but the archangel of death.The Missionary of Death...Cursed and hated by all mankind for his unholy existence, Adrien had long ago resigned himself to living his immortality in bitter seclusion and lonely isolation. But as his sharp and assessing gaze drank in the beautiful visage of the girl who unknowingly passed mere inches in front his shrouded figure, he felt the flicker of a mortal emotion deep within him. Suddenly plagued by feelings he'd thought long dead, he knew this creature before him was his destiny. Vowing to make her his, he laid claim to her essence, body, and immortal soul.