A secretive governess. A threat looming over their love. Will they move forward as one or let their past hold them back?When a terrible fire claims the lives of her friends and employers, Kathy Wright must make sure that their children will be well cared for. Even if that means that she must face her worst fear and leave the security of the Scottish Highlands and return to England…Richard Johnson’s heart was crushed many years ago and he still has not managed to put the pieces back together. Now, the old wound opens again, when he must take care of the two young children of the very people who left him broken in the first place…Richard and Kathy both battle the demons of their past, but while the caring governess will help the Duke nurse his wounds and be whole again, her own secrets may just prove too much…When push comes to shove, Kathy must decide if she would be willing to sacrifice herself for the sake of the girls she came to care for so much and for the man that captured her heart…

    But she can't avoid him when he inherits the estate where she's working on an ancient Roman site.Restoring the Aphrodite Mosaic on the site has become an obsession with Emily – one which Alessandro doesn't share. He has no interest in digging up the past because, despite appearances, Alessandro bears his own scars. Consumed by guilt over the death of his wife and son, commitment-shy Alessandro lives only for the pleasures of the present. But he hadn’t reckoned on falling in love. And love, he discovers, forces difficult choices...

    Beloved only by her youngest sister Persephone, Athena has accepted her destiny as a spinster. But Persephone has a different scheme in mind, and conspires to send Athena out for one night of fun at Lord Finchley’s masquerade Christmas Ball. The masked beauty catches the Lord’s eye but, determined to avoid the wrath of her stepsister, Athena leads Lord Finchley on a wild chase to discover her true identity.**originally published as part of the anthology A Regency Christmas in 1994 under the pseud Leslie Lynn

    Emily Cabot is one of the first women graduate students at the University of Chicago, eager to prove herself in the new field of sociology. While she is busy exploring the Exposition with her family and friends, her colleague, Dr. Stephen Chapman, is accused of murder. Emily sets out to search for the truth behind the crime, but is thwarted by the thieves, corrupt politicians, and gamblers who are ever-present in Chicago. A lynching that occurred in the dead man's past leads Emily to seek the assistance of the black activist Ida B. Wells. Rich with historical details that bring turn-of-the-century Chicago to life, this novel will appeal equally to history buffs and mystery fans.

    so using her to avenge his sister’s death will be sheer pleasure! Until he discovers that Lexie is a virgin. Now, out of duty and honour, he must propose... PRINCE OF SCANDALPrince Raul of Maritz resents the duty by which he must wed Princess Luisa Hardwicke. But the princess unexpectedly heats Raul’s blood... and he anticipates their wedding night with an excitement he never imagined he’d feel... WEIGHT OF THE CROWNNotorious playboy Prince Lysander Kahani is putting his bad ways behind him now he’s caring for his orphaned nephew. But one glance at buttoned-up nanny Alyssa Dene and he’s determined to make Alyssa a royal offer she won’t refuse...

    Ariane Celeste is a Sydney TV reporter sent to interview the rags-to-riches tycoon, and she's surprised to find out that he's a devoted father . . . in a fix! Ariane is persuaded to look after the little girl . . . temporarily. But Manolo is a man who knows a good deal, and he wants to keep Ariane. So he wastes no time in making a new bargain . . . that Ariane takes over permanently - as his wife!

    So when attractive Alexander van Schuylen made it clear he liked her, she really didn't expect much more from him. How could she, when he was so impressed with her sisters' beauty? But if his feelings for Victoria actually did run deep, she could be in danger of losing him -- entirely through her own fault!

    With a penchant for control, he thrived for the next deal and the next million. Surprises were not his thing, especially if they were of the bad kind. After two years of working with his efficient EA, he was taken aback to find himself falling for her all of a sudden. Who was this girl who turned his world upside down? How had he missed the attraction all this while?Dia Sharma was the quintessential romantic who read, wrote, and lived for happily-ever-afters. The fictional kind, that is! She had lost all hope of finding her Prince Charming, until she met her twin's boss— the sinful-looking Ashwin Kumar. Only, she couldn't afford to fall in love. Not when her twin had been missing and she needed to investigate the reason behind her twin's vanishing act. She thought it would only be a matter of a few days, and she could conveniently play her efficient twin. Unfortunately, Dia wasn't prepared for her sister's sexy, brooding boss or his drugging kisses.When Ashwin suggested a marriage of convenience to Dia, neither of them expected to fall in love. Would they find the missing sister and the path to their love before it was too late?

    She believes the money will save her failing bookstore and finally free her from her father's debts. But when Jess bursts into an aristocratic party and shocks the entire ton, she never expects to enjoy the outrageous embrace she shares with a grim viscount.Lucius Crawford, Viscount Grimsby, has never met, or kissed, anyone like the beautiful suffragette who unsettles him with a single touch. He has always strived for control and avoided passion at all costs. Lucius is determined to protect his title and restore the estate he's unexpectedly inherited, but Jess' appearance in his life poses a threat to his plans and his heart. After a country house party brings them together once more, neither can resist temptation, and both find that one scandalous kiss just isn't enough.

    But when Lord Stephen St. Leger requests her help in investigating an alleged psychic’s claims, she can’t deny the ominous feeling she has within the walls of his ancient estate—or the intimately familiar connection she has with Stephen himself. The last time he’d called Blackhope Hall home, Stephen had watched as his elder brother claimed both the family title and the woman he loved. Now, in the wake of his brother’s murder, Stephen has reluctantly returned to find his family ensconced in scandal. Who is responsible for his brother’s untimely death? And what is it about investigator Olivia Moreland that so thoroughly draws him in, reigniting a passion he hasn’t felt in years?

    After all, a cruel accident left her blind at the age of eight. However, Lady and Lord Rochester, her aristocratic neighbors, have taken a peculiar interest in her welfare and offer to hold a debutante ball in her honor.Inexperienced in the ways of men and vulnerable to a fault, Charlotte begins to traverse the unfamiliar world of courtship. To her surprise, two brothers become rivals for her affections. One she favors because of his gregarious and flattering ways. The other she spurns due to his unappealing demeanor and desperate attempt to win her heart.Pressured by her family and brokenhearted over the risqué conduct of her first choice, Charlotte is persuaded to accept Patrick Rochester's proposal of marriage instead. Her surrender introduces her into the world of passion at the artful hands of a mysterious man. When the dark and alluring husband finally conquers her heart, a shocking secret about his true identity unfolds. As a result, Charlotte learns that love can be blind for everyone-even her.

    Captain Michael Hawkhurst relishes his fearsome reputation, for he lives only to wreak revenge on the Fulton family, who so cruelly destroyed his own.Spirited Alice Fulton knows a ship is no place for a lady, but she is determined to save her father's business….When fate delivers him Fulton's virginal daughter as his captive, Michael faces a dilemma—should he live up to his scandalous name and find revenge with sweet Alice, or will his honorable side win out—and win the girl…?

    But even worse is his proposition that she work off her debt by becoming his chef for a glamorous weekend party at his mansion! Having Sophie at his beck and call is a golden opportunity for Matias to find out everything there is to know about her father—the man who ruined his family. He'll seduce the truth out of her and exact his revenge… Except Matias doesn't count on their passion having unexpected nine-month consequences!

    But, as the waif grew to beautiful womanhood, she became an object of desire to the local young men, and even to her half-brother.Against her wishes, she was married off to a gross, sensual man, but Hannah kept on fighting for the man she wanted: Ned Ridley, who adored her and taught her the meaning of true love and passion...

    But when Anselmo dies suddenly on the treacherous waters of the Amazon, a pregnant Katharine must decide whether or not to continue her husband’s dream, alone.Meanwhile her sister Mabel is struggling to support their family back in London. Navigating new worlds in the upper class, she discovers that life as a housemaid has its own dangers, and Mabel soon learns that the whims of men can prove deadly…Mabel and Katharine must both fight for their futures if they are ever to be reunited. Can they find love and happiness along the way?A stunning saga of love, betrayal, secrets and family for fans of Dinah Jefferies, Erica Brown and Renita D'Silva.