Book picks similar to
Dame Durden's Daughter by Joan Smith


regency
romance
regency-romance
historical-romance

A Conformable Wife: A Regency Romance with a spirited heroine


Alice Chetwynd Ley - 1975
     Two young people compete in the game of love… 1814, Bath “I promise you, she’s the most delightful creature, with a quirky sense of humour very like your own. As for the other qualities you mention – birth, breeding, experience of managing a household of consequence – she has them all, with amiability and common sense besides!” So Henrietta Melville is described to the Honourable Julian Aldwyn, who is on the look-out for a wife who will prove restful after an earlier, disastrous love-affair. But there’s much more to Miss Melville than meets the eye. Although she is a spirited and intelligent heiress, at twenty-six and still unmarried, she’s considered to be on the shelf. Julian is certain his offer will not be refused. But then comes a whirlwind month in Bath, a dastardly rake, secrets from the past ... all calculated to turn any woman’s head. Could Henrietta become the conformable wife Julian is looking for? Or will someone else catch her eye…? A CONFORMABLE WIFE is a classic historical novel by Alice Chetwynd Ley: a traditional British, post Regency romance novel set in nineteenth century England. ‘Alice Chetwynd Ley's books were my favourite regency romances. I still have every one of her books on my keeper shelf with The Beau and the Bluestocking and The Jewelled Snuffbox in pride of place’ – Historical and Regency Romance UK ‘These vintage Regency romances hover somewhere between Jane Austen and the genre as we know it today. I really enjoy them.’ - Sonya’s Stuff

An Improper Companion


Karla Hocker - 1989
    Despite her fetching blue eyes and sable hair, Kate Elliott remained every bit the prim and practical schoolmistress. Few at Miss Venable's Seminary for Young Ladies would have dreamed that Kate had entertained romantic notions in her girlhood! At twenty-eight, she remained firmly on the shelf and—with the closing of the school—firmly unemployed. Hence, she welcomed the invitation to be Liza Ashcroft's chaperone for the Season at Bath. But how would she endure the girl's father? Patience was not in her nature... Damien Ashcroft was certain that Miss Elliott would be the ideal companion for his daughter. A wallflower of quiet virtues, she would neither distract the handsome widower from scholarly pursuits nor be bothered by his impatient nature. So he was stunned to discover that the impudent Miss Elliott was outspoken to a fare-thee-well. And shocked when sassy Kate made his pulse race—and even more so when he began to not mind quite so much…

His Wayward Duchess (The Lady Adventuress, #1)


Daphne du Bois - 2014
    Who better to help him set the crumbling estate to rights? But Miss Millforte is much more than Sylvester, or even she herself, could ever imagine! When Holly turns the tables on him, charming London society and stealing his heart into the bargain, can their marriage take a most inconvenient turn towards love instead? An old-fashioned comedy of manners in which adventure, blackmail, rakish cousins and true love abound…

Devil's Desire


Laurie McBain - 1975
    SEARING PASSION ... ENDURING LOVEIn a rousing, unforgettable saga that sweeps across the valleys and peaks of human destiny, the stormy alliance of beautiful young Lady Elysia Demarice and Lord Alex Trevegne plumbs the depths of raw human emotion -- lust, jealousy and hate -- for though Lord Alex has married Elysia, he cannot possess her in flesh or spirit. Out of the turbulence of their clashing wills comes one of the greatest love stories ever written, as their twin passions mingle at last, in a rippling tide of liquid fire!

The Bargain


Jane Ashford - 1997
    When the prince regent asks him to debunk the “ghost” of a dead actress haunting Carlton House, he cannot refuse, and is forced back to the Society he deplores. But upon meeting the daughter of the alleged ghost, his calm, logical investigation is disrupted.Ariel Harding doesn’t believe in ghosts, but she’s determined to investigate this haunting. Her mother recently committed suicide, and Ariel is desperate to find the reason. She’ll work with Alan because he has access to Prinny’s resources, but she never dreamed she’d make a perilous bargain with a man who’s as maddeningly arrogant as he is confoundedly attractive.“A scintillating Regency adventure filled with...dark and dangerous action.” —Affaire de Coeur“Charmingly written, by a deft hand.” —RT Book Reviews

The Famous Heroine / The Plumed Bonnet


Mary Balogh - 2011
    Yet when she gains renown for a daring rescue, she finds herself thrust into high society. Innocent and adrift in a world of beautiful banquets, bejeweled gowns, and snobbish standards, Cora is quickly compromised into a marriage—to a frivolous lord whose interests seem to lie elsewhere. But could piercingly blue-eyed and well-mannered Francis Kneller turn out to be the most unexpected love of her life? THE PLUMED BONNET Alistair Munro, the Duke of Bridgwater, is looking for love outside the bounds of polite society. And that’s what he expects to receive when he rescues a seemingly disreputable girl in a colorful bonnet off the side of the road. Yet Stephanie Gray, a former governess, has recently come into money and is eager for a proper match with a well-born man. Sure that he’s sullied her name, Alistair offers marriage to make amends. And in this unlikely union, Stephanie and Alistair make a welcome discovery—that sometimes it’s possible to marry first, then fall in love.

The Rules of Gentility


Janet Mullany - 2007
    As to the former, so far two lords, a viscount, and a mad poet have fallen far short of her expectations. But she is about to meet Inigo Linsley, an unshaven, wickedly handsome man with a scandalous secret. He's nothing she ever dreamed she'd want—why then can she not stop thinking about how he looks in his breeches?A delightful marriage of Pride and Prejudice with Bridget Jones's Diary, Janet Mullany's The Rules of Gentility transports us to the days before designer shoes, apple martinis, and speed dating—when great bonnets, punch at Almack's, and the marriage mart were in fashion—and captivates us with a winsome heroine who learns that some rules in society are made to be broken.

Tis the Season to Be Sinful


Adrienne Basso - 2011
    . .Juliet Wentworth knew what she was getting into: a marriage of convenience that will save her estate and protect her family long into the future. But she wasn't expecting to find the passion of a lifetime in her new husband's arms. After just one night, Juliet knows a marriage in name only will never be enough. . .The Season For Seduction. . .Richard Harper's beautiful new bride has him reeling with desire--and running for cover. After all, falling in love was never part of the bargain. Yet when Christmastime celebrations bring him back to their country manor and back into Juliet's arms, Richard finds his wife is determined--and all too able--to win over his heart, one kiss at a time. . .

The Duke and the Spinster


Arietta Richmond - 2018
     Lady Juliana Willoughby, whose first Season was such a disaster that it was her last, finds herself at a country house party, all for her pretty sister’s benefit. She expects nothing more than to hide away in corners, and avoid socialising, sure that no man would ever want to marry such as her. Garrett Rutherford, Duke of Kilmerstan, needs to marry, and get an heir. But he has yet to meet a woman he does not flinch from, even though some pursue him relentlessly. Dragged to the house party for his sister’s benefit, he expects nothing but boredom. Then he sees Lady Juliana. But there are others at the house party who have less than honourable intentions towards both the Duke and Lady Juliana. Can they defeat the plot against her, and save each other? Will love have a chance to blossom, amongst despair? Or will they be forced apart forever? A new series of delightful Regency stories, from multiple authors, all with a connection to the town of Upper Nettlefold - look for the Nettlefold Chronicles logo to read them all!

What the Duke Desires


Jenna Petersen - 2009
    The Duke of Billingham must find a proper wife and continue his family’s exalted name—but the woman he desires may be the most unsuitable bride of all . . .

The Sugar Rose


Susan Carroll - 1987
    If Justin was less than ardent, well...what could such a dowdy, plump girl as herself expect from one of the handsomest bucks in the ton?His sympathy thoroughly engaged, the fastidious Mr. Ramsey was already forming a most famous plan. If he could but help Aurelia with her wardrobe and sweet tooth, surely his friend Justin would sit up and take notice.But when a breathtaking Aurelia emerged from her cocoon, slender and radiant, Everard began to wish Justin far away--the better to have his creation all to himself!

The Virtuous Cyprian


Nicola Cornick - 1999
    His boredom soon lifted when the notorious courtesan Susanna Kellaway claimed a lease on one of his houses. No sooner did they meet than Nicholas became truly puzzled. Though Nicholas had every cause to dislike her, this "Susanna" was an odd mix of seductive manners, intelligence, and ... innocence! So much so that he was beginning to wonder if the woman wasn't an impostor! Which didn't stop him from asking her to be his mistress. But the lovely lady had a more permanent idea in mind for the dashing earl ...

A Debt Paid in Marriage


Georgie Lee - 2015
    A marriage of convenience may be Laura's chance to reclaim her future, but she won't settle for anything less than true passion. Can she hope to find it in Philip's arms?

Mistress or Marriage?


Elizabeth Rolls - 2001
    But she stirs a passion in him he cannot resist. The solution seems easy, but to take her as his mistress would tarnish her good name -- something he knows she can't afford to lose. But can he afford to lose her?

More Than a Stranger


Erin Knightley - 2012
    Her letters kept him going—until the day he had to leave everything behind. Years later, Benedict has seen his share of betrayal, but when treachery hits close to home, he turns to his old friend for safe haven…. After five torturous years on the marriage circuit, Lady Evelyn Moore is finally free to live her life as she wishes. So when her brother shows up with a dashing stranger, she finds herself torn between her dreams...and newfound desires. Despite his determination to keep Evie at a distance, Benedict cannot deny the attraction that began with a secret correspondence. Yet as they begin to discover one another, the dangers of Benedict’s world find them, threatening their lives, their love, and everything they thought they could never have…