Best of
Romance

1985

Texas Rich


Fern Michaels - 1985
    Within a few months she was pregnant, married, and traveling across the country to Austin . . . to the 250,000-acre spread known as Sunbridge and into the tantalizing world of the Texas rich. In a vast land dominated by the industrious Colemans, Billie fights to maintain control of her life and her marriage.This is the captivating story of four generations. There's Moss, living in the shadow of a father whose obsession with power overshadows the needs of his only son; Jessica, the doomed mother who gave up everything to become the perfect Coleman wife; Moss and Billie's children, desperately trying to live up to insurmountable expectations; and the grandchildren, heirs to a tarnished empire who just might fulfill their dreams. Most of all this is the triumphant story of Billie Ames Coleman, a woman of courage and strength who holds them all together--in a tale as magnificent as the land that inspired it.

A Splendid Defiance


Stella Riley - 1985
    Famous for his romantic conquests, Justin had never before let a woman touch his heart. But Abby was no ordinary woman. She was beautiful and she was brave. She was also young and terrfied of her brother, a religious fanatic and self-sworn enemy of all Royalists.When the rebel army unleashed its might on the castle, Justin fought tirelessly to break the siege. But even his closest friends did not know what tormented him. And Abby, as she sat with the rebel commanders at her brother's table, dreamed of a man she could not, must not love...

The MacGregors: Alan & Grant


Nora Roberts - 1985
    However, she is determined to avoid romantic involvement with any public figure, after witnessing her politician father's assassination. In 'One Man's Art', Shelby's brother, has found his own way of coping with his loss.

The MacGregors: Serena & Caine


Nora Roberts - 1985
    From the #1 "New York Times" bestselling author come the first two stories in her classic MacGregor family saga, featuring Serena MacGregor in "Playing the Odds," and Caine MacGregor in "Tempting Fate." Reissue.

Soldier of Fortune


Diana Palmer - 1985
    Brettman was armed, dangerous and out for revenge. One of Chicago's top attorneys, his appetite for adventure and years as a mercenary soldier were past—until his sister was kidnapped and taken to Central America. J.D. vowed to rescue his sister at any cost, but he needed someone he could trust at his side....someone like his assistant, Gabby Darwin. In the lawless tropical forests, they shared both danger and desire. There Gabby came face-to-face with the demons that haunted J.D.'s restless soul--and learned that her love was his true and most feared enemy....

A Dinner of Herbs


Catherine Cookson - 1985
    Catherine Cookson explores this theme in a major novel that will absorb and enthral her readers as irresistibly as any she has written.Roddy Greenbank was brought by his father to the remote Northumberland community of Langley in the autumn of 1807. Within hours of their arrival, however, the father meets a violent death and the boy is left with all memory gone of his past life.Adopted and raised by old Kate Makepeace, Roddy found his closest companions in Hal Roystan and Mary Ellen Lee. These three stand at the heart of a richly eventful narrative that spans the first half of the nineteenth century, their lives lastingly intertwined by the inexorable demands of a strange and somewhat cruel destiny.

Gentle Warrior


Julie Garwood - 1985
    Bent on revenge, she rode again through the fortress gates, disguised as a peasant...to seek aid from Geoffrey Berkley, the powerful baron who had routed the murderers. He heard her pleas, resisted her demands, and vowed to seduce his beautiful subject. Yet as Elizabeth fought the warrior's caresses, love flamed for this gallant man who must soon champion her cause...and capture her spirited heart!

Never the Time and the Place


Betty Neels - 1985
    And the arrogant attitude of Dr. Julius van Tacx is not helping her to cope. Yet he is incredibly handsome. Reissue.

Heidelberg Wedding


Betty Neels - 1985
    But now Sister Eugenia Smith wasn't so sure. She was fond of Humphrey, but did she love him? When surgeon Gerard Grenfell offered her the chance to work in Europe, she gladly accepted. Perhaps a break would help her think things through. But Eugenia hadn't expected to fall in love with Gerard. It all seemed pretty hopeless, though, since he was already engaged to the glamorous Miriam. Fortunately, wedding plans could be changed!

Love Only Once


Johanna Lindsey - 1985
    A golden-haired seducer, Nicholas has been hardened by a painful secret in his past. And now that he has besmirched Reggie's good name, the hot-tempered lady has vowed to wed him. Her fiery beauty stirs Nicholas as no woman ever has - and the rake arouses Reggie's passion to an unendurable level. Such uncontrolled desires can lead only to dangerous misunderstandings and, perhaps, to a love that can live only once in a lifetime.

A Summer Idyll


Betty Neels - 1985
    George Pritchard's proposal - even though he makes it clear he wants a marriage of convenience. But the excitement of the wedding day touches both their hearts, and suddenly it looks as though their marriage might just be for real.

Love by Proxy (Men Made In America 2 #13)


Diana Palmer - 1985
    But that didn't stop Amelia from performing her entire act for the swarthy chairman of the board-complete with shimmering sequins and jingling bangles. So after Worth had Amelia fired, the last thing she expected was to be offered a job as a companion for his mother. But Worth hadn't ignored her startling beauty. Now he was determined to bid for her on his own terms.

Lovesong


Valerie Sherwood - 1985
    The proud Colonial beauty, graced with silvergold hair and flashing eyes, hoped to be his bride. Then, swept into a growing storm of scandal, she was banished to Virginia. Captured by buccaneers on the high seas, Carolina became the Silver Wench of the Caribbean...and the defiant prisoner of the infamous Kells, a brooding man with insolent charm andd a mysterious past.On the island of Tortuga, where gentle winds caressed the perfumed nights and a lustrous moon whispered love's allure, Carolina must escape...to find Thomas again, and to flee Kells' passionate embrace, the rapturous temptation of his...LOVESONG

The Wine Widow (The Champagne Dynasty Family Saga Book 1)


Tessa Barclay - 1985
    A compelling tale of one woman’s triumphs and tragedies which you will not be able to put down. Young peasant girl Nicole Berthois works hard to support her family in a wine-making village in Champagne. Her life changes forever when she falls in love with handsome aristocrat Philippe de Tramont. The young lovers marry despite his mother’s objections, and Nicole’s strength and determination help her husband to follow his dreams. But then tragedy strikes; Philippe is killed and Nicole must struggle to raise their two small children as a young widow. She faces many challenges as she tries to win her mother-in-law’s approval, and build her husband’s legacy into a great champagne dynasty. But will illicit passions, war and a shocking family secret destroy all she has worked to achieve? ‘Tessa Barclay always spins a fine yarn. Her novels are gripping and entertaining.’ Wendy Craig ‘Filled with fascinating historical detail and teeming with human passions.’ Marie Joseph ‘A red hot contender for the Romantic Novelist of the Year Award.’ Daily Mirror From the publishers of Hardacre and Hardacre’s Luck. Perfect for fans of Nadine Dorries, Margaret Dickinson, Lyn Andrews and Helen Forrester. Tessa Barclay is the author of many much-loved family sagas and historical romance novels, including the Wine Widow trilogy, the four-part Craigallan series, and the Corvill Weaving saga – all coming soon in new paperback editions and as ebooks for the very first time. Tessa began her writing career after being educated at the Miss Jean Brodie school, and has since written over 100 books.

Reckless Heart


Madeline Baker - 1985
    Then Shadow and his people went away, and when he returned, it was as a handsome young Cheyenne brave. Hannah, now a beautiful young woman, had never forgotten her childhood friend—but the man who swept her into his powerful arms was no longer a child. He awakened in her a wild, erotic passion she had never known.But war was about to erupt in Dakota Territory, a war that would pit the settlers against the Indians. Both Hannah and Shadow knew they would have to choose between passion and duty, in a conflict that would test to the limit the steadfastness of their love.

Magic in Vienna


Betty Neels - 1985
    It was everything Cordelia hoped it would be. She couldn't say the same for her charge's uncle, Dr. Charles Trescombe! He regarded Cordelia as plain and dull and sensible. She looked at Charles with pity—still young, handsome, but buried in books and medical studies. What a waste, she thought. It was foolish to fall in love with him. Only when he smiled at her could she believe in the magical possibility that he might return her love…Betty Neels is a sales opportunity that simply cannot be missed. She is a consistent #1 seller whose books are eagerly anticipated and sought after by her readers. A retired nurse herself, Betty is particularly well-known for her tender romances set in Holland, featuring Dutch doctors. Fans of Betty Neels will love these Reader's Choice books, all set amidst the lowlands of Holland and the English countryside—all four are Betty Neels at her best.

An Excess of Love


Cathy Cash Spellman - 1985
    Elizabeth and Constance FitzGibbon, daughters of an Irish Protestant lord, are sheltered by great wealth and a loving family. But when headstrong Con turns her back on her past to marry an aspiring poet named Tierney O'Connor, who is fiercely devoted to the Irish cause, his fiery dream of revolution propels her into the firestorm of revolution. And when Beth FitzGibbon's own marriage to aristocratic Edmond Manningham proves cruelly disappointing, she, too, joins the heart of Ireland's bitter...

Love for a Soldier


Mary Jane Staples - 1985
    On her way, she witnesses a dramatic battle in the skies that leaves an English pilot without a plane and under the misapprehension that Sophia is on his side.She has no choice but to agree to assist him in his attempt to avoid capture, and he joins her in the family car she has stolen, trailed by both the German Army and a staff officer under strict instructions from Sophia’s father to bring her home.With their pursuers hot on their heels, how will Sophia explain her behaviour, protecting a man she is supposed to hate? And after sharing so many adventures, will she be able to turn the flying officer in when the time comes?

Susan


Lena Kennedy - 1985
    Constricted by the rigid rules of the East End orphanage she is brought up in, she escapes to dazzling streets of Soho where she is adopted by a group of prostitutes. Soon enough, she too is earning her living 'on the game'.When Billy 'Apples' Rafferty, a Cockney villain with a heart of gold, becomes her protector, Sue swears to give up her racy life. But when Billy is sent to prison, she soon breaks her promise and her earthy beauty makes her one of Soho's most popular hostesses.When a lucky encounter secures Susan a respectable job as a manageress of a small hotel in Devon, things finally seem to be going her way. But then her past catches up with her . . .

At the End of the Day


Betty Neels - 1985
    Anne's Hospital for some time, Julia Mitchell had trouble accepting the arrogant, domineering attitude of Professor van der Wagema. But once she got to know him, an entirely different man emerged—one she had difficulty disliking! Yet how could her heart betray her when she already had Nigel? Besides, what hope was there for her, since the professor's heart was already promised to another.

Leonie


Elizabeth Adler - 1985
    . . a man who could never lover her, never let her go . . . .

Wild Sweet Wilderness


Dorothy Garlock - 1985
    Berry Warfield is only 18 when she leaves the wagon train to find her father's claim in Missouri, vowing to let no one stop her from earning her fortune.

When the Splendor Falls


Laurie McBain - 1985
    ONE MAGNIFICENT PASSION... SWEPT BY THE RAGING WINDS OF DESTINYIt was the last summer of paradise, an innocent time of picnics among the lush bluegrass and midnight balls under gaily painted Chinese lanterns. For Leigh Alexandra Travers, her Virginia plantation of Travers Hill was the only world she ever wanted. And then she met Neil Braedon...Captured by Comanches as a child, raised in their savage yet spiritual world, Neil had no use for the gentleman's role demanded by his proud Braedon birthright. Yet from the moment he held Leigh in his arms, he was possessed by her-a woman of such passion and power that no man could ever forget her.As the cruel specter of war rose across the divided land, Leigh fought relentlessly to preserve the faded shadows of her Southern past. But her future lay out West with Neil among the awesome, untamed wilderness... following a magnificent destiny that would unite two great families... triumphing in a love that would reawaken past splendors with a shining new glory.

Star Sapphire


Han May - 1985
    The author has sketched a sensitive, fetching character in almond-eyed, black-haired Yva. The story is well-crafted…reads very smoothly…and the SF concepts sound right and logical. A stellar maiden effort!"—New Sunday Times"Star Sapphire is excellent entertainment, wholly absorbing, well-written with a good storyline and narrative pace…handled with wit and ingenuity…creating an extremely convincing fictional world."—Book Awards Committee, National Book Development Council of Singapore"A truly entertaining and highly imaginative fantasy. A must for all ages. It's lively, it's exuberant and it's fun! Stellar adventures abound…with romance thrown in, this book guarantees a whale of a good time."—Signature (Diner's Club Magazine)"I read Star Sapphire on the plane back to Bangkok. I thought it lively and full of invention."—Frederik Pohl, multiple Hugo Award winner

All the Days of My Life


Hilary Bailey - 1985
    A child of the slums, murderer's widow, and convicted prostitute, Mary Waterhouse rises from her sordid beginnings in London's underworld to become the wife of a liberal politician--with a shocking secret of his own--and carves out a successful career in British industry.

Hold Fast the Dream


Lurlene McDaniel - 1985
    If what he says is true, he just might influence the large undecided vote and swing the election. The shadow of doubt cast by Matthew's secretive past, however, spurs an intensive investigation by Catlin's unscrupulous boss and mentor, Taylor Shentell, who assigns her to the campaign. As she struggles to uncover the truth about Matthew Carr, she finds herself confronted by a choice between the man who has engineered her successful career and the man who seems possessed by an impossible dream.

Nightshade / Night Smoke


Nora Roberts - 1985
    Colt Nightshade couldn't believe his luck partnering on a case with Lieutenant Althea Grayson. But the breathtaking detective was strictly by-the-book and had no use for Colt's easygoing renegade style. Thawing the heart of this enticing ice goddess just might be the toughest challenge Colt had ever faced. Night Smoke - He had a reputation for being abrasive, aggressive and annoying -- but if Natalie Fletcher was going to save her business, she needed arson investigator Ryan Piasecki's help. The classy executive was accustomed to being in control and Ry's arrogance was utterly infuriating -- and oddly irresistible. Only, as the sparks flew, danger was hot on their trail.

Touch the Heavens


Eileen Nauman - 1985
    The attraction--compelling, magical, overwhelming--was definitely mutual.The first woman in a male-dominated field, Chris had enough to handle without beginning a love affair. But the powerful feelings between them were irresistible, and with Dan she could soar to such ecstatic heights ....

Promise Me Forever


Debbie Macomber - 1985
    She’s tough yet compassionate, doing whatever it takes to get them back on their feet . . . and she’s met her match in Sloan Whittaker. Bitter, angry, resentful, Sloan is ready to give up. But Joy doesn’t let anybody quit, especially not a man as talented as this brilliant tycoon—a man who, somewhere along the way, has won her heart.   After weeks trying to push Joy away, Sloan realizes he’s a fool. She’s determined to piece him back together, and now he knows why: Deep down, she’s as broken as he is. Joy is prepared to give him everything, and now Sloan wants to give her something in return. He can be the one to show Joy that she’s perfect inside and out—if she’s willing to let go of her own painful memories and make happy ones with him.

An Insubstantial Pageant


Sheila Walsh - 1985
    Perfect for fans of Georgette Heyer, Mary Balogh, Jane Aiken Hodge and Alice Chetwynd Ley. A young English Baroness encounters romance and peril in Imperial Vienna. When Grand Prince Adolphus of Gellenstadt realises he is dying, he turns to his loyal friend, Baroness Lottie Raimund for help. The Prince is concerned about the ambitions of his scheming younger brother, Prince Paul, and for the future of his small principality. Adolphus asks Lottie to travel to Vienna, as his eyes and ears at an important Congress of European powers. While there, she will also introduce his heir, Crown Princess Sophia, to society. Two very different men are to play a part in Lottie and Sophia's lives. Can Max Annesley, heir of the Earl of Stanton, win Lottie's heart? And are she and Sophia in danger when Prince Paul follows them to the Austrian capital? Amid the political games of the Congress and the breathtaking spectacle of Viennese society, Lottie must understand where her heart lies, and in whom she can trust. Otherwise, both Sophia and Gellenstadt could be at grave risk. Another traditional, clean Regency Romance from the award winning author.

Waiting for Prince Charming


Joan Elliott Pickart - 1985
    How would she ever pay for it, and how could she face its owner? When Mitch Brannon jogged over, his tanned, rugged body glistening, she froze. Then, patting her huge Great Dane for moral support, she made her case so convincingly that Mitch was captivated, insisting on driving her home, and determined to become her lover. Chelsey had always hoped that a fairytale hero like Mitch would want to make her his, but would the man she was learning to love be willing to wait for his princess to come to his arms?

In This Sweet Land: Inga's Story


Aola Vandergriff - 1985
    

Beloved Traitor


June Lund Shiplett - 1985
    As his kisses deepened, as his caresses became more searing, Jeanine was lost. She melted against him, knowing she had lied to him about her past... knowing he already belonged to another woman. Their love could damn them, perhaps destroy them, but his soft, searching lips were telling her to fill the hunger inside her... telling her to surrender... .LOVE'S SHINING TRUTHUnder the bright Texas starlight, Tariff could see the desire in Jeanine's beautiful eyes, he could feel the wild beating of her heart. Now his own senses were aroused, throbbing with passion, and he moved to possess her. Whatever the consequences of their forbidden liaison, whatever the dangers of their reckless rapture... whatever perils they must face to live as lovers, this night they promised each other that the fires of their ecstasy would blaze forever....

A Woman of Passion


Virginia Henley - 1985
    So the headstrong beauty set out for London and the Tudor court, the arena for the richest, most ambitious men, none more powerful than the four men who would claim her. None more dangerous than Princess Elizabeth, who made Bess friend, confidante, then lady-in-waiting in her own glittering court...Dangerously seductive, William Cavendish, the king's dashing financial adviser, vowed to have Bess at any cost. Frail, adoring Robert Barlow offered a marriage she couldn't refuse. Newly crowned Queen Elizabeth bade her marry courtly Sir William St. Loe. But reckless passion drove Bess into the arms of George Talbot, the devastating Earl of Shrewsbury, whose wicked daring ignited in Bess the passion of a lifetime--even as it sparked the jealous interest of the most perilous ally of all: the Virgin Queen....

Tears In The Rain


Pamela Wallace - 1985
    But when she reached the home of wealthy old Lord Bredon, she was met with only coldness and anger. Vowing to solve mystery, Casey went in search of an answer--and walked straight into the arms of a golden-haired aristocrat. As open and sensual as his father was` and distant, Michael Bredon filled Casey with a tender, passionate longing. But could she give Michael her heart, when the . key to their future happiness lay in the dark shadow of a past love?

Hero At Large


Aimee Martel - 1985
    She knew she would encounter opposition because she was a woman, and because the school guarded its privacy.Convincing Commandant Ted Logan that her mission to save the reputation of his school was as important as his job to rescue downed pilots behind enemy lines wasn't an easy task.Leslie climbed through snowdrifts, rappelled down mountains, and camped in the cold to capture Ted's grudging respect. But capturing his heart would be her biggest rescue mission of all.

Dear Mit


Sara Orwig - 1985
    They'd lost touch after college, but now he was coming back -- and he wanted to see her again. It took a dozen letters back and forth before they found a date, but as their notes to each other recalled the past, both were filled with a delicious apprehension over renewing old ties. When they met they knew their youthful feelings had deepened to passion and could no longer be denied. But making room in their lives for new love was tougher than they'd ever imagined. Was the key to happily ever after under their old pear tree?

To Have It All


Robin Elliot - 1985
    — The ex-football star of the Los Angeles Flames was faster than a speeding bullet...and that wasn't only on the football field. — His reputation preceded him, and Jenna had her doubts about getting involved. He said he wanted them to have it all, but Jenna had more in mind than Oreo cookies and a pet canary.Jenna wouldn't settle for anything less than love and trust--for then they would have it all...and a great deal more.

Love and Rockets #12


Jaime Hernández - 1985
    "Slug Fest" A Heartbreak Soup Story Pages 1-5"Rocky's Birthday Suprise" Pages 6-19"The Reticent Heart" Pages 20-34

Loving Torment


Rochelle Wayne - 1985
    Working side by side with the shapely wench, Matt couldn't help but notice her alluring curves, her velvet flesh, her shimmering hair. Soon he had her wanton and willing beneath him and the cowboy planned to wed her and keep her forever. But when he heard Regina was trying to trap him in marriage to make sure she kept her very best foreman, Matt considered his obligation over a left the scheming fox to fend for herself!LIVING HELLEven though she inherited the vast "Black Diamond", all emerald-eyed Regina ever really wanted was a man by her side and a ring on her finger. Then when she saw Matt, she instantly knew she'd leave her property in a flash to follow him to the ends of the earth. His tanned muscled frame would feel so good moving over her; his big strong hands would work magic on her skin. But when he coldly left without a word, the innocent heiress had to choose between swallowing her pride to get him back -- or suffering the long lonely nights of unfulfilled ecstasy and LOVING TORMENT

Stolen Idyll


Alice Morgan - 1985
    His touch was everything shed dreamed it would be. On an outrageous impulse shed come to him, posing as the "professional" her playboy brother had sent as a gift to his temporarily blinded friend. For as long as Jaclyn could remember, she'd adored Josh Kingman. A brilliant artist he'd inspired her to become a painter in her own right. Did he still think her a child? Now she was Miss Jazzy Jones, who'd seduced him into one breathtaking night of pleasure and been "hired" for a month! From LA to British Columbia, she'd be his nurse, companion, and creature of delight. A daring innocent, she relished her audacious charade. But what would happen once his sight was restored... when Jazzy Jones must disappear forever... when happiness became only the memory of a wildly loving lie?