Book picks similar to
Mr. Dale and The Divorcée by Sophie Barnes
historical
regency
netgalley
arc
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 Brightest Star in Paris
Diana Biller - 2021
James, prima ballerina of the Paris Opera Ballet and the people's saint, has spent seven years pretending. In the devastating aftermath of the Siege of Paris, she made a decision to protect her sister: she became the bland, sweet, pious “St. Amie” the ballet needed to restore its scandalous reputation. But when her first love reappears, and the ghosts of her past come back to haunt her, all her hard-fought safety is threatened.Dr. Benedict Moore has never forgotten the girl who helped him embrace life again after he almost lost his. Now, he's back in Paris after twelve years for a conference. His goals are to recruit promising new scientists, and, maybe, to see Amelie again. When he discovers she's in trouble, he's desperate to help her—after all, he owes her.When she finally agrees to let him help, they disguise their time together with a fake courtship. But reigniting old feelings is dangerous, especially when their lives are an ocean apart. Will they be able to make it out with their hearts intact?
How to Steal a Lyon's Fortune
Alanna Lucas - 2021
unusually. Welcome to the world of THE LYON'S DEN: The Black Widow of Whitehall Connected World, where the underground of Regency London thrives... and loves.When it comes to stealing a Lyon's fortune, it takes two to right a wrong.Visitors to the Lyon’s Den, run by the mysterious Mrs. Dove-Lyon, usually wish to find a spouse, but Audrey has quite another goal in mind. She needs help to secure an invitation to Lyon’s masquerade, the annual event hosted by her once-stepfather, Vincent Lyon, so that she may retrieve the statue he stole from her late mother.Mrs. Dove-Lyon knows just the person to take Audrey to the ball, a shrewd matchmaker that she is, also sees an opportunity to help Lord Peter Dermott, who has been recommended to her as being in urgent need of a wife.When Peter meets Audrey, the attraction is instant, but she presents him with a huge dilemma. Her plan to take the statue is daring, and if it fails, his reputation will be ruined.
However, if he walks away, he will most likely lose her, and the chance to make her his...
Miss Quinn's Quandary
Shirley Marks - 2007
After the day-long journey, the only place for the weary travelers to sleep is the barn of an over-booked inn with only a single vacancy. Larissa, who has no intention of sleeping on a pile of straw, steps forward, claiming to be newly wed to Sir Randall Trent, baronet and unwitting accomplice in Larissa's scheme for adventure, in order to claim the last empty room. Convinced they will never see one another again and that no one will be the wiser about their little white lie, Larissa and Sir Randall part ways, though not before Sir Randall can bestow upon Larissa a passionate kiss that sends her reeling. Both are surprised to be thrown together again so soon in London for the Season. When their secret is discovered, Larissa and Sir Randall are forced to band together in the face of a crime spree in which Sir Randall is implicated. Life is about to offer Larissa an adventure unlike any she had ever imagined.
Seduction & Scandal
Charlotte Featherstone - 2011
She saves her deepest desires for the novel she dares to pen, wherein a handsome lord with dark powers seduces her. But then her courtship with an appropriate suitor is threatened by the sudden attentions of the reclusive Earl of Black, whose pale blue eyes and brooding sensuality are exactly as she described in her book.Isabella tries to resist the mysterious Earl of Black.Yet as he pursues her, with inexplicable knowledge of her past and kisses that consume her, Isabella fears she will succumb.If only the earl could tell Isabella the truth. With very real, and treacherous, thieves endangering her life, Black will need to protect Isabella from the very people she trusts the most.
Somebody Like You
Donna Alward - 2017
The town of Darling, Vermont, has used Aiden’s image on the famed bridge—local legend has it that a kiss there results in everlasting love—as part of its tourism campaign. Now, twenty years later, Aiden is asked to recreate the moment with the woman he once kissed: Laurel Stone.Recently divorced, there’s nothing Laurel wants less than to pretend happily-ever-after with Aiden. As teenagers, their romance was no fairy tale—and Laurel has never quite forgiven Aiden for breaking her heart. But now that she is back in her hometown, and keeps bumping into police officer Aiden, Laurel can’t deny that there’s still a strong flicker between her and her old flame. Could it be that the Kissing Bridge is working its magic on Laurel and Aiden—and that all true love ever needed was a second chance?
Duke of Madness
Jennifer Monroe - 2021
A woman looking for love. And a romance of two opposites that definitely attract.After watching his parents’ marriage collapse, Matthew Colburn, 5th duke of Elmhurst, has outright dismissed the notion of love. After all, if he is destined to become as mad as his father had been why make any prospective bride suffer? Delving into work to avoid the reality of his future, Matthew focuses on an ever-growing empire, all due to the luck he gleans from a family heirloom – a simple gold pocket watch.Miss Julia Wallace does not believe in luck, nor any other such absurdities. Fate and personal strength drive what happens in life. Unless one considers her father, who is determined to choose her husband whether love is included or not.When a reclusive man known as the Duke of Madness comes to her school, Julia is immediately taken by his handsomeness. And when she foolishly collides into his broad chest, he does more than take her breath away — until he accuses her of theft.Matthew is horrified to learn the very trinket that gives him such wonderful good fortune is missing. He has no doubt that the beautiful young woman used her alluring smile to distract him while picking his pocket. With an important upcoming party and his lucky watch missing, Matthew is at a loss as to what to do. The headmistress of the school insists her pupil is no thief, but rather a woman with a great deal of luck in her own right. Julia will accompany him to the party as a replacement for his missing watch — as his new lucky charm.As the two become better acquainted Julia sees not a duke who is on the verge of madness but rather a man who is lost. And Matthew begins to believe love may have a place in his life after all – though he cannot help but think that it may take more than just luck to bring them together.
Lady Derring Takes a Lover
Julie Anne Long - 2019
A mountain of debt. A mysterious wreck of a building.
Delilah Swanpoole, Countess of Derring, learns the hard way that her husband, “Dear Dull Derring,” is a lot more interesting—and perfidious—dead than alive. It’s a devil of an inheritance, but in the grand ruins of the one building Derring left her, are the seeds of her liberation. And she vows never again to place herself at the mercy of a man.But battle-hardened Captain Tristan Hardy is nothing if not merciless. When the charismatic naval hero tracks a notorious smuggler to a London boarding house known as the Rogue’s Palace, seducing the beautiful, blue-blooded proprietress to get his man seems like a small sacrifice.They both believe love is a myth. But a desire beyond reason threatens to destroy the armor around their hearts. Now a shattering decision looms: Will Tristan betray his own code of honor...or choose a love that might be the truest thing he’s ever known
His Lady to Protect
Justine Covington - 2020
Her trust… When Nate promises to protect his best friend’s little sister from her traitorous uncle, he knows it’s the least he can do to atone for his past sins. And if a marriage of convenience is the most efficient way to guarantee her safety? So be it. He’s ready for anything…except how quickly his lovely new bride would steal his heart… Susannah never intended to marry the man who led her brother to his death. The fact that she once loved him? Irrelevant. She just can’t allow herself to trust him again. But it’s not long before she starts to wonder if there’s more to Nate than meets the eye. What if he’s not the villain she assumed he was? And if that’s the case…can her poor, beleaguered heart survive another inevitable fall? Nate and Susannah have much to overcome if they have any hope of finding their way to happily ever after. But what if trust is simply a luxury neither can afford? Buy His Lady to Protect to read the first in an exciting new series centered around six friends from Eton and set in the infamous Regency period.
The Cowboy Who Saved Christmas
Jodi Thomas - 2020
FATHER GOOSE by New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Jodi ThomasDispirited by war, when Trapper Morgan accepts a job hauling five little rich girls to Dallas, all he cares about is the money. He doesn’t expect they’ll awaken his spirit—or that their intriguing nursemaid, Carolina, will awaken his heart. And when danger strikes as Christmas Eve nears, he definitely doesn’t expect Carolina and the girls to risk their lives—for him . . . THE MISTLETOE PROMISE by Sharla LovelaceA catastrophic storm, an ailing herd, and a failing cattle ranch have left Texas rancher Josie Bancroft in danger of losing everything her father worked for. Still, she’d rather die than merge with her neighbor rancher Benjamin Mason, the man who broke her heart years ago, on Christmas Eve. As old sparks fly and secrets are revealed, however, Ben is determined to help Josie—and prove that this time around can be different. That the misunderstandings of Christmas past need not define their future... CHRISTMAS ROAD by Scarlett DunnYellow Fever has hit Clint Mitchum’s Texas hometown and taken his father and siblings, leaving Clint ever more cynical. Racing homeward to be by his mother’s side, Clint finds only a note from her, asking that he help her caregiver, a young woman named Amelia. Assuming his mother has passed, in his grief Clint ventures out to search for Amelia—and finds the best of gifts—just in time for Christmas...
Fearless
Lynne Connolly - 2017
For despite the betrothal their families made between them, Val shows no interest in leaving his reckless life behind in favor of one with Charlotte. But when her plea to end their arrangement ends in a heated embrace, suddenly Val seems reluctant to let her go. The last thing Val wants is a wife, despite how desirous his lovely bride-to-be has become. But when he discovers sweet Charlotte is planning to marry a dastardly man, he feels duty bound to keep her safe, even if that means making good on his marriage pledge. Then Charlotte is taken hostage by her dangerous suitor and suddenly Val is ready to risk everything for the woman who has won his heart.
A Duke's Wicked Kiss
Kathleen Bittner Roth - 2014
Intent on confronting the grandmother who tossed her to the lions, she travels from England to her birthplace in India. Her plans run afoul when she encounters the man who, ten years prior, left a mark on her soul with one stolen kiss. But he is a duke, and far beyond the reach of even her dreams.The Duke of Ravenswood, secret head of the British Foreign Service, has no time for relationships. His one goal is to locate and eliminate key insurgents involved in an uprising against the British East India Company before it's too late. But when Suri appears in Delhi, his resolve is tested as he finds his heart forever bound to her by the one haunting kiss they shared once upon a time.With Suri's vengeful Indian family looking for her death, and insurgents intent on mutiny tearing their world apart, can their love rise above the scandal of the marriage they both desperately want?
The Footman and I
Valerie Bowman - 2020
So, while drunkenly jesting with his friends in a pub one night, he has an idea—what if the ladies of the ton didn’t know he was a wealthy earl? All he has to do is pose as a servant at his friend’s summer country house party and make sure the guest list is full of beautiful, eligible debutantes. What could possibly go wrong?May the best footman win.Miss Frances Wharton is far more interested in fighting for the rights of the poor than in marriage, but her mother insists she attend a summer house party—and find herself a husband. Frances would rather wed a goat than the pompous man her mother has in mind, so in order to dissuade the would-be suitor, she vows to behave like a shrew. The only person she can be herself with is the kind, handsome footman she runs into at every turn. Their connection is undeniable, and the divide between them is no match for the passion they feel. But what will happen when Frances learns that the footman she adores is actually the earl she despises? In a game where everything is false, can they convince each other that their love is true?
No Regrets
Ann Lethbridge - 2017
While it breaks her heart to say yes to the arrangement with a man she’s always loved, it’s the only way to secure her sisters’ futures. To the world, Lucas, Lord Foxhaven, is an irrepressible rogue, and wedded bliss is the furthest thing from his mind. But he’s been forced up to the mark by his father, and he’s certain the demure Carolyn won’t give him an iota of trouble—if only her voluptuous body weren’t driving him to distraction. As Carolyn struggles to keep her true feelings hidden, Lucas is drawn ever more powerfully by thoughts of unbridled passion, and he’s stunned by his burgeoning feelings for a woman he’s always seen as a friend. When a scheming Parisian relative threatens to take her from him for good, Lucas realizes he must stand up and be the man Carolyn always knew he could be—even as he suddenly comes to know he wants their marriage in name only to become quite real . . . This book was originally published under the author name Michele Ann Young. Praise for Ann Lethbridge: “Her characters are delightful and full of naughty delight.” —Romantic Times “Readers won’t be able to stop reading!” —Romantic Times About the Author: An army brat born in England, Ann lived all over the UK in her youth. She grew up loving history, and her favorite part of any holiday is to visit an English country house, a castle or a museum. Now living in Canada with her husband and two lovely daughters, she has acquired a Maltese terrier called Teaser, who likes to sit on a chair beside the computer while she creates her award-winning romances.
No Groom at the Inn
Megan Frampton - 2015
Instead, she accepts the shocking proposition. After all, what’s her other choice? To live with her cousin, caring for six children and a barnyard full of chickens?James Archer has roamed the world, determined never to settle down. He’s faced danger and disaster…he fears nothing and no one—except his mother and her matchmaking ways. So when ordered to attend a Christmastime house party filled with holiday cheer and simpering young misses, he produces—a fiancée!Sophronia and James vow to pretend to be in love for one month. But when they promise to give each other a Christmas kiss, it becomes clear that this pact made out of necessity might just be turning into love.