Book picks similar to
A Michaelmas Wager by Emily Murdoch


historical-romance
regency
novella
historical-fiction

Unmasking a Duke


Ellie St. Clair - 2017
    His brother, Andrew, sends him away in order to make amends and determine who is threatening his brother’s life. In the meantime, Andrew takes the Duke’s place at a masquerade ball, where he meets a woman who takes his breath away and haunts his dreams. As his feelings for her develop from attraction to passionate romance, he yearns for the day his own name leaves her lips; yet fears the truth will drive her away. A devious scheme… One of the enemies of the Duke of Elenford is a greedy earl who gambled away his family’s most precious heirloom. Now, Arabella Marley’s father is determined she will gain it back for him, no matter the cost. He presents her to the Duke at a masquerade ball, where she is shocked to find him both handsome and agreeable. She must guard herself against his charms to find her family inheritance and keep her heart intact. Untrusting hearts collide…. As they spend more time with one another, Andrew and Arabella must decide whether to fight their growing desire for one another or continue to fall more deeply for the other. Their budding love is threatened, however, when the truth is revealed. Will they find love ever after or will their hidden secrets keep them apart? No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a happily ever after ending!

A Brooding Beauty


Jillian Eaton - 2012
    They seemed perfect for each other… until they weren’t.Now after three years of separation Catherine wants a divorce. She can no longer remain married to a man who does not return her love and is willing to do whatever it takes – including following Marcus to the secluded cottage in the highlands where they spent their honeymoon – to get what she wants.Marcus can no longer trust his wife after what happened three years ago, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t love her. Refusing her ridiculous request for a divorce, he escapes to Woodsgate, confidant his wife will not follow him into the wilds of Scotland. Unfortunately for the Duke, this is one bet he is bound to lose.Forced together, husband and wife reach an unusual compromise: Catherine agrees to sleep with her husband for two months, after which time Marcus will grant her a divorce. It is the perfect solution for two people who claim to no longer love each other… or is it?A Brooding Beauty is the first novella in the Wedded Women Quartet. Each novella is 15,000 - 20,000 words in length.

Beauty and the Baron


Joanna Barker - 2019
    With her father in prison and their bookshop sold to pay his debts, she has no choice but to turn to Henry Covington, the Baron Norcliffe. But the baron has more than earned his harsh reputation, and Rose must face his wrath in order to save her father—and herself.Since the deaths of his parents, Henry Covington has isolated himself from society, ensuring the solitude of his estate with his deliberate callousness. However, when the beautiful Miss Sinclair appears on his doorstep, begging for a chance to repay her father’s debt to him, a moment of weakness finds him offering her a position—as a maid in his own house.They both soon learn that first impressions are not to be believed. Henry is surprised—and intrigued—by Rose’s optimistic charm, while Rose slowly uncovers Henry’s true self, his compassion concealed behind the pain of loss and betrayal. But when a shadow from Henry’s past returns, their newfound hope is tested. They must decide for themselves who to trust—and what they will risk for their happily ever after.  Beauty and the Baron is a Regency retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It is a sweet/clean romance novella, and is Book 1 in a series of Regency retellings. The stories can be read in any order.

A Night Rose for the Duke


Fanny Finch - 2019
    But then things changed, and she was named a flower poisonous... Having suffered tragedy after tragedy, Eleanor Ashford is but a shadow of her former self. Now, the widowed Countess of Grenshire reluctantly re-enters the world and returns to London, only to discover that the malicious whispers about her have not yet abated. At an unfortunate event at the market, however, she meets a man that jolts her heart back to life. Charles Duncan, the widower Duke of Finchester, has vowed to take his secret to the grave. He has shut his heart to the world, until the beauty and sadness of the one they call the Night Rose pierces through him like the sweetest thorn. Through the grief, the secrets and the lies, two broken people seek to make the ruins of their lives blossom, and build something anew. But a hateful soul is determined to prevent that, and they will stop at nothing to see them destroyed… If you like engaging characters, heart- wrenching twists and turns, and lots of romance, then you’ll love “A Night Rose for the Duke!” Buy “A Night Rose for the Duke!” and unlock the exciting story of Delia today!

The Legend of the Betrayed Duchess


Hanna Hamilton - 2018
    Her stay with her new family quickly turns into a nightmare, with writing becoming her only escape and George, the Duke’s son, being her only friend. Growing up developing a deep love for the arts instead of the family business, as well as a secret infatuation for Lucy, George Grayson suffers his parent’s continuous disapproval. Along with the sudden arrival of a mysterious man, claiming to be Lucy’s lost brother, a series of unexpected events start to take place, that bring chaos into the Grayson home, having everyone’s fates hanging by a thread. *The Legend of the Betrayed Duchess is a historical Regency romance of 80,000 words (around 400 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after. Get this book for free with Kindle Unlimited!

Claire's Christmas Dance: A Victorian Christmas Novelette


Rachelle J. Christensen - 2018
     The Fielding House Christmas Ball is for everyone, including servants. This Christmas Eve a lady’s maid, Claire Walden, plans to attend for the first time, but when Mrs. Fielding’s grandson shows up unexpectedly the dance may take a different turn. Edmund is a gentleman of the upper class, but with a questionable background. When he shows an interest in Claire, she doesn’t want to risk her heart, but over time, Claire comes to know Edmund. As the Christmas Eve ball approaches, Claire wonders if love might be able to cross the lines of servants and high society. If she saves a dance for Edmund, will he steal her heart forever?

Lord Blackwood's Valentine Ball: An Authentic Regency Romance


Arabella Sheraton - 2013
    Therefore, when her young friend, the lovely Lorna Hartley, comes to stay for a London season, she decides the eligible, handsome Lord Blackwood is the perfect match for Lorna.Granted, Lord Blackwood, at forty, is much older than the vivacious 20-year-old Lorna, but Patience is determined to help her young friend make a good match. So why isn’t she happy when his lordship and Lorna seem to like each other’s company? The problem is that Patience is already madly in love with his lordship!An unexpected invitation arrives for Lorna and Patience to attend Lord Blackwood’s Valentine Ball. This is the perfect moment for him to propose to Lorna.Mysteriously, a corsage arrives from an anonymous admirer. Who is it for? And what will be the outcome for the wearer at Lord Blackwood’s Valentine Ball?This novella is the prequel to The Lady’s Revenge.

Punishing Miss Primrose, Parts I - V: An Erotic Historical in the Red Chrysanthemum Series


Em Brown - 2014
     A member of the wickedly wanton Inn of the Red Chrysanthemum, where the most taboo and illicit pleasures are indulged, Miss Primrose—or Mistress Primrose, as she prefers—left Nicholas Edelton a shell of a man. Now his older brother, Spencer Edelton, the Marquess of Carey, intends to provide her a set-down she will never forget. ~~ Weary from exacting her revenge upon the man who raped her sister, Beatrice Primrose has had her fill of men of privilege and presumption, but she accepts a fateful invitation from a handsome nobleman to spend a sennight at his estate for a grand sum of money. She soon learns, however, that she will not get to reprise her role as Mistress. To her horror, she finds his lordship expects her to submit to him! But Beatrice won’t give in so easily. ~~ In a clash of wills, fueled by vengeance and lust, Lord Carey and Miss Primrose wrestle for dominance in, and out of, the bedchamber. Their biggest struggle, however, may be against their own desires… Can Miss Primrose take what she dishes? And will Lord Carey succumb or succeed in punishing Miss Primrose? READER ADVISORY: Punishing Miss Primrose is an erotic historical romance with BDSM elements. It is written as a serial of short stories, which can be purchased individually or in bundled sets.

A Husband for Miss Trent


Anne Gallagher - 2012
    With no funds for a new gown or even slippers, she's afraid of becoming the latest laughingstock in Society. With her mother's gentle insistence, and a borrowed antique gown, Ophelia decides to take one last chance to find a suitable husband.The ball to which she's been invited is everything she could have dreamed, including a marriage proposal to the "perfect" man. However, she longs to see the stableman whose easy smile and soulful eyes have etched a mark on her lonely heart.Should she stick with "perfect" or let her heart take a chance at finding true love?

Have Yourself a Merry Little Secret


Collette CameronJ. Burrelli - 2020
    Secret!From the seductive boudoirs and elite salons of London to the ancient castles of the snowy Scottish Highlands, our fearless heroines enter the Christmas season in pursuit of their heart's desire.But, the course of true love never did run smooth... especially when SECRETS abound.Settle in to enjoy these tales of intrigue, romantic adventure, sizzling passion, and heartwarming holiday romance.This collection of never-before-published Yuletide historical romances from your favorite authors is available for just three months, so don’t miss out.Unwrap the pleasure...Wedding Her Christmas Duke - by Collette CameronHe’s not who he says he is…but then again, neither is she. Their secrets are revealed at a Christmastide house party, resulting in scandal and scorching romance.The Knot of a Knight - by Linda Rae SandeSir Randolph’s daytime occupation collides with his nocturnal avocation of service to the Crown when he discovers Lady X's hidden stash of bank notes. They might be counterfeit—but are his feelings for her?The Marquess is Mine - by Tamara GillIs a Christmas ball at St. Albans Abbey the perfect setting for Sarah to regain her trust in love—and in Giles? Or is their second chance at happily ever after doomed to end as badly as their first?A Yuletide Miracle - by Laurel O'DonnellThe one knight who didn’t believe her was the only man who could keep her secret and save the Yule.The Lady Who Stole Christmas - by Sydney Jane BailyAmid mistletoe and missing jewels, a wealthy widow and a sexy sleuth play a game of cat and mouse.Christmas with a Czar - by Emily E.K. MurdochThis Christmas at St. James’ Court, a gentleman claiming to be a Czar is not all that he seems...A Scot Most Wanted - by Angelique ArmaeWhen highwaywoman Catrina Lennox’s secret is unmasked during a Christmas Eve snowstorm, she learns just how deliciously scandalous the laird she once walked out on, truly is.Secretly Marvellous - by Virginia TaylorLady Mary doesn’t expect Lord Westerham to ask for her hand in marriage, but she has a secret reason to say ‘yes’ and mean ‘no.’Yuletide Secrets - by S. CindersHe promised to never love again—until she, quite literally, fell at his feet. Now, he's ruined for anyone else but her.One Scandalous Christmas - by J. BurrelliRobert Vaughn never expected to lay eyes on Kitty Thorpe again. Her misplaced anger confounds him, but the fire in her eyes tempts him to pure folly, of falling in love with her all over again.The Rogue's Secret - by Stacy Reid and Giselle MarksBachelor Lord Rupert Rogers is searching for the treasure his great uncle suggests he has left him but finds an enemy and a bride he must convince with one kiss at a time that they are perfect for each other...The Secrets He Keeps - by Amy SandasShe’s the madam of an elite London brothel. He’s a master in the art of seduction. Enticing her to his bed will be a pleasure. Convincing her love is real might prove to be impossible.

The Proper Way to Stop a Wedding in Seven Days or Less


Victoria Alexander - 2017
    Instead, Miss Celia Bromley faces the most heartbreaking dilemma of her life: she’s fallen in love with the man engaged to marry her scheming half sister. Worse, he might love Celia in return. But handsome, bookish Henry Saunders is a man of honor. He would never break his promise to his bride-to-be, no matter how horrid she may be.Celia’s despair hasn’t escaped the notice of keen-eyed Aunt Guinevere, who, along with her crafty friends, is determined to see true love triumph. Unraveling a wedding takes a delicate, subtle touch, and in the mad dash to break one engagement and encourage another, the ladies may well hear the whispers of scandal instead of the peal of wedding bells...

The Female Correspondent


E.A. Deverell - 2015
    When, impressed and intrigued by her knowledge and reticence, he seeks out his correspondent, Beatrice is forced to invent a series of lies for the fictional Mr. Allenham’s whereabouts. A clean regency romance in the vein of Georgette Heyer. This is a 15,000-word short story.

Rescuing Lord Inglewood


Sally Britton - 2019
    All she wants is to belong. But when compromising circumstances force them together, do they have a chance at finding love? Silas Riley, Earl of Inglewood, is known among his peers in Parliament as the man made of stone. As a wealthy peer, there are few he trusts with his friendship. He guards his heart and his honor with vigilance, and when an accident nearly takes his life, he’s faced with a situation which threatens his standing in society.Growing up in the shadow of her older brother, Esther Fox’s acceptance in his circle has been indifferent at best. So when she ends up in a compromising situation as she saves the life of her brother’s dearest friend, the Earl of Inglewood, she is forced to marry him to save her own reputation. Once again, she finds herself accepted only because of the situation, and not because she is truly wanted.Neither are prepared for a loss which further complicates their new relationship. With such a difficult beginning, can they ever hope to understand one another, let alone find love?

His Topaz


Maggie Chase - 2017
    All he wants is one night to feel like a man again. But when he’s paired with Miss Topaz Gold, he’s stunned by how deeply she makes him feel.Former mail-order bride Millie Townsend came to the Jeweled Ladies and gave up her name because she thought it was the key to her salvation after her husband died. It doesn’t take long to realize she isn’t Topaz Gold. She only wants to be a wife and mother, not a whore. But when Matthew offers to take her away from the Jeweled Ladies, will Millie be allowed to leave?

Seduction on a Snowy Night


Madeline Hunter - 2019
    plus one or two dukes, one heiress, and one headstrong beauty—to a surprise snow storm, the comfort of a blazing fire, and the heat of a lover's kisses...A CHRISTMAS ABDUCTION by Madeline HunterCaroline Dunham has a bone to pick with notorious rake Baron Thornhill—and a creative plan to insure his undivided attention. Yet once in close quarters, she finds herself beholden to their smoldering connection. A PERFECT MATCH by Sabrina JeffriesWhisked away from a wintry ball by a commanding colonel, Cassandra Isles struggles with her feelings for Lord Heywood. For he is a man sworn to marry only for money—and Cass is an heiress who will accept nothing less than love. ONE WICKED WINTER’S NIGHT by Mary Jo PutneyDressed as a veiled princess, Lady Diana Lawrence is shocked to discover that the mysterious corsair who tempts her away from the costume ball is the duke she once loved and lost. Now ensconced with Castleton at a remote lodge, will she surrender to the passion still burning hotly between them?