Book picks similar to
Divine Gamble by Charlene Raddon


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The King's Courtesan


Suzan Tisdale - 2015
    Living a quiet life with her children and grandchildren, she believes she has put her past behind her. That is, until one peaceful summer afternoon when a stranger arrives at her door with news of the death of an old friend. The stranger knows her secrets and threatens to turn her world to chaos by revealing them, if she refuses to give him what he wants. It is not money he seeks but something far more valuable: the truth about his own past. Many, many years before, Fate and desperate circumstances lead a young girl into the life of a courtesan and the arms of a man she could never have—or even name. Just as he could never have her. But their love was pure and formidable. Powerful enough to endure all efforts to destroy it? Powerful enough to defeat a queen? It is time for Francesca Ginori to tell her story—her own passionate, enthralling truth.

Triskelion


Avril Borthiry - 2014
    Where the legend ends, the story begins... Lancashire, England, AD 1480 The story of England's last wolf plays a large part in Kate's life. The man who killed the wolf is her father, Sir John Harrington, lord and master of Wraysholme Manor. Strangely, though, her knowledge of the tale is all second-hand. Her father, for unknown reasons, refuses to speak of exactly what happened the day the wolf was killed. Nor will he speak of Kate's mother, who died soon after giving birth. So, Kate is left to wonder about her past, although lately her curiosity has been overshadowed by a series of unusual dreams. Indeed, her lonely heart has been captured by the handsome stranger who speaks to her in sleep. But he is not the only man who haunts her nights. There is another who lurks in the shadows of her subconscious. Who is he, and why does she feel so threatened by him? When Kate is brutally snatched from her home, she begins to understand the meaning behind her dreams and the incredible truth about her past. Her captor is a man void of emotion and without conscience, yet Kate finds herself irresistibly drawn to his dark charisma. As the reason for her kidnapping is revealed, Kate is faced with a decision. Will she find the courage to make the right choice? Can the love of a gentle heart hope to save an unfeeling and corrupted soul? Perhaps – especially if their destinies were preordained long ago. The death of the wolf, it seems, is part of an much older legend.

That's Why the Lady is a Tramp


Merry Farmer - 2022
    But the four of them are determined to strike back at their father by marrying the most unsuitable brides they can find...Second son Samuel Rathborne-Paxton cares for three things above all else—his brothers, financial speculation, and his mistress, the fiery Irish courtesan, Alice Woodmont. When he and his brothers hatch the plan to marry, he seeks Alice’s help. Their search for the right bride looks like it will come up short, until Sam hatches the idea of marrying Alice herself. She has been investing right along with him, after all, and Sam is convinced she’s been successful at it. Wealthy? Check. Socially unacceptable? Check. His best friend? Check. Alice has it all. Little does Sam know... Ever since leaving Ireland two years before, Alice has been determined to make a place for herself and her son, Ryan, in London, whatever it takes. What it has taken is visiting the beds of some of the most distinguished rakes in London. But Sam’s is her favorite bed, and for some time, his has been the only bed she indulges in. And when he asks her to marry him and spend the rest of her life in that bed, she jumps at the chance. The Rathborne-Paxton family is one of the most respected and upright families in England, after all, and by marrying Sam, her reputation will be restored. Which is handy, since her financial speculations have all failed, leaving her scrambling to pay the rent. But, of course, nothing goes as planned... When Sam discovers Alice isn’t wealthy, and Alice discovers Sam and his brothers are determined to destroy the Rathborne-Paxton family name, there doesn’t seem to be any point in them continuing down the aisle. Except for that annoying little problem called love...That’s Why the Lady is a Tramp is a fun, sizzling-hot, unconventional love story that involves friends-to-lovers, rags-to-riches (and riches-to-rags), dressing like a man, an enormous hat, plenty of trips to the theater, and a happily ever after that will leave you in stitches.Please Be Advised: Heat Level – Super Steaming Hot!

The Untamed Bride And The Respectable Mayor: A Clean Western Historical Romance Novel


Felicity Wells - 2020
    He finds the perfect woman in a marriage ad – only to later find out that she’s a lot more than the quiet, beautiful trophy wife he was expecting.Willa is a wild, talented, and free-spirited woman used to riding, shooting, and roping on the plains. Her parents told her she would never find anyone to marry her, but desperately wanting a husband and family of her own, she becomes a mail order bride and travels to Eureka Valley, excited to meet the love of her life.Abel and Willa clash over what the town expects of them. Abel wants to redeem his reputation with a demure, well-behaved wife, but Willa just wants to be loved and accepted for who she is.When a gang closes in on the town, putting all the townspeople in jeopardy, the two must come together and try to save the town.But along the way, will they be able to salvage their struggling relationship? Or will the pressure of societal expectations and the danger the gang puts them in lead to the end of their marriage?If you like fast-paced clean romance and action-packed stories, you won't be able to put down this addictive Novel by Felicity Wells."The Untamed Bride And The Respectable Mayor" is a stand-alone Western Historical Romance Novel of approximately 500 pages.

I'll Be Seeing You


Rosie Archer - 2021
    Three women become friends when working in their local picture house. When life is so tough for everyone, a trip to the pictures is the perfect way to escape, to dream of romance and hope for the good things peace will bring.It is 1943 on England's war-weary south coast where the conflict seems never-ending. After the heartache of the previous year, Connie Baxter now appears to have everything a girl could want. There is Ace, a man who loves her. She enjoys an enviable lifestyle despite the deprivations of war. She has friends and a job she adores as an usherette at the Criterion cinema. But appearances can be deceptive and Connie is struggling in more ways than one.Then, to compound Connie's problem, her nemesis, Cousin Marlene, returns home. Secrets come to light, revealing jealousies that could shatter Connie's world once more, and Connie realizes that Ace isn't the man she thought he was.In the darkest days of war, the glamour of movies and their stars can lift the bleakest of moods, while friends make the good times better and the bad times bearable.

Second Chance Marquess


Jessica Jefferson - 2017
     When Wilhelmina Turner’s younger sister runs off with a young Lothario, she has no choice but to turn to the notorious rake who broke his promise and her heart, for assistance. George Bartlett, the Marquess of Chesterton, hasn’t forgotten the woman who hurt him so many years ago, but can’t deny her request, knowing that his brother’s reputation and fortune is at risk. A series of misfortunes leave the straight-laced widow and committed bachelor stranded, sharing both close quarters and old secrets. But when morning comes, will this unlikely pair find a second chance at love?

The Devil in Plaid


Lily Baldwin - 2018
     Lady Fiona MacDonnell is certain Laird Jamie MacLeod is the devil himself. Their clans are sworn enemies, each steeped in hatred born from a long-standing feud. But when threatened by a powerful neighboring clan, they must unite to survive. The Devil has never been hotter, his angel never so fine, but will their forced marriage be hell on Earth or together will they find heaven?

Loyal Heart


Anna Markland - 2016
    It quickly becomes apparent he’ll be lucky to leave the celebrations alive.

Lady Ashby's Major Scandal


Myretta Robens - 2018
    first class writing....not-to-be-missed author", author of FLIRTING WITH DEATH Patricia Grasso "A memorable heroine and a sexily honorable hero make for a delightful romance." author of THE DUKE'S DAUGHTERS series, Megan Frampton Lady Ashby has a pressing problem Widowed at a young age, Isabel Ashby, yearns to marry again—this time to a young, handsome, titled husband—and live a nice, quiet life with two or three cherubic children. Having limited choices among the gentlemen of her acquaintance, Isabel decides to orchestrate a compromising position for herself to entrap the Earl of Caenby into marriage. But it all goes dreadfully wrong when she ends up unwittingly catching Major Sidney Chamberlayne instead. Major Chamberlyane has a stoic solution Sidney Chamberlyane is a second son, a military man of honor who is far more comfortable on the back of a horse than in a ballroom flirting with ladies of the ton. But when Sidney is caught in a passionate kiss with the delectable Lady Ashby, he can do nothing less than marry her. With their marriage off to a stormy start, both Isabel and Sidney wade through the murky waters of mistrust. But as they begin to recognize the changes in their feelings, will the winds of scandal and gossip drag them down into dangerous depths, or will truth and love guide them home?

The Marquess and the Midwife


Alina K. Field - 2016
    He was sent off to war, and she was just sent off, and they both landed in very different worlds. Now Virgil Radcliffe has returned from his self-imposed exile on the Continent to take up his late brother's title and discover the whereabouts of the only woman he's ever loved. Abandoned by her lover and dismissed by her employer, Ameline Dawes has found a respectable identity as a Waterloo widow, a new life as a midwife, and a safe, secure home for her twin girls. Called to London at Christmas to attend her benefactress's lying-in, she finds herself confronted by an unexpected house guest--a man determined to woo her anew and win her again. But, is loving the new Marquess of Wallingford a mistake Ameline cannot afford to repeat?

The Governess 3


Ellise C. Weaver - 2013
    But her biggest challenge will be their father; masterful and strong in everything—especially his kiss. Poor and without dowry—and even worse—now orphaned, Miss Carly Blakemore is thrown into the Victorian world without aid. Carly is forced to seek a position as governess in the house of Lord Huntington, the Earl of Dunfordshire—a man alone in his own right—and under suspicion for the tragic murder of his well-known and adulteress wife. His governess’s honesty and forthrightness quickly offend his noble person, and he finds himself reeling from her constant evaluation of his lack of parenting skills. However, in the midst of his resentments, he finds himself strangely drawn in by her very no-nonsense ways that drive him to madness. Carly stands her ground in head-to-head battles of will that take her to the brink of dismissal. Carly and the earl continually fight the feelings growing between them. Both are oblivious to the clouds of deceit and intrigue that are growing around the manor house, some bent upon removing the beautiful, headstrong governess permanently. A final desperate chase leads to an interception of a ship upon the high seas headed for the Mediterranean and a secret society of white-slave traders, opening the way for this book’s sequel.

Persuaded & Rescued: The Heir's Lady in Shining Armour


Bree Wolf - 2020
    A knight in distress.
 And a dark night in London.Maryann Hayes has set her sights on marrying Lord Hefferton, a kind, respectable gentleman, who promises to be the solution to her family’s financial problems. After her drunkard of an uncle gambled away the family’s fortune, debtors are now knocking on their door. The only solution is a respectable marriage to a wealthy man.

Admittedly, once upon a time, Maryann dreamed of love and passion, of the one man who would sweep her off her feet, see with one glance what lived in her heart and was willing to risk everything to win her hand.

Now, as a grown woman, Maryann is determined to face facts: love is nothing but a fairy-tale, and she better ought to forget those girlish dreams.

Leopold Lancaster, the future Marquess of Elmridge, finds himself rather intimidated by the title he is to inherit. Not only does the thought of losing his beloved father break his heart, but he also fears disappointing all those who depend upon him for their livelihood.In a dark moment, Leopold ends up drunk and rather unsteady upon his feet on the streets of London at night. He can barely see straight, let alone remember where he lives, when he stumbles upon an angel in disguise.

Rather heroically, the young lady comes to his rescue, and Leopold is surprised to find a kindred spirit as those bright blue eyes look into his. When they finally part ways, he is determined to seek her out, knowing he has to see her again.

Unfortunately, when he does, Leopold is forced to realize that the lady is already promised to wed another.
If you like regency romances with a touch of mystery, a dash of humour as well as deep, heartfelt emotions, then you’ll love this installment of Bree Wolf’s Love’s Second Chance Series. Grab Persuaded and Rescued, get a cup of tea, settle into your favorite reading spot and start this swoon-worthy romance now!

A Bride for Wesley - Book #6: Sons of Nora White Series


Cyndi Raye - 2018
    A historical western pioneer and frontier romance filled with secrets and romance. Wesley Young, twin brother to Russell, decides it's time for his own mail order bride. He doesn't really need a wife but decides to appease his mother, whose only wish is to see him happy and settled. He has no idea what he's getting into! Olivia Morris is determined to marry as a mail-order bride because of a broken promise from childhood and a secret wish she's held deep in her heart. They both have their own purpose in mind when they tie the knot but is it enough? Then there is that 30 day clause in the marriage contract. What will they choose? This historical western romance is like an old west romance, filled with pioneer and frontier happenings and adventures sure to keep you turning the page. This can be read as a stand alone, but be sure to collect the rest of the series, you won't be sorry! Disclosure: books 1-3 have a secret in it that can't be revealed until book #3. Sons of Nora White reading order #1 A Bride for Luke #2 A Bride for Adam #3 A Bride for Samuel #4 A Groom for Nora #5 A Bride for Russell #6 A Bride for Wesley #7 A Groom for Widow Young (coming soon)

Shameless Submission


Amanda Heartley - 2017
    one high-paid hooker... two months of 'training'.Michael - I've had it all. Major heartache and big-time success.Now I can get whatever I want, whenever I want. And I want her...Stella - I've had a rough life. The street is all I've known.I'm the best at what I do... and I'll do most things.Always in demand, I'm my pimp's best moneymaker. One hot alpha Dom. One feisty sub, and the man who wants her back.Sh*t gets real when organized crime intervenes. Now, she must decide.Stay with her new master and submit to his lifestyle?Or rebel and return to her scandalous, yet lucrative life on the street.Feel Stella's pleasure and pain in this psychological dark romance as she learns to please the man she calls, 'Sir'.Shameless Submission is a full-length novel of love and hurt between a billionaire Dom and his willing sub with no cliffhanger and no cheating

Jesse's Find


Penny Estelle - 2014
     He spies something hiding in the tall grass. His temper sizzles at the sight of a horse, dead from exertion, and is ready to string up the cowboy that has done this. What Jesse finds is no cowboy at all, but a woman who has been shot and an infant, both, he fears will not make it to his home alive. Jesse didn’t ask for this, but he knew he couldn’t turn his back on them. What he didn’t know was somebody wanted that woman dead and didn’t care who else had to die to get that job done.