Book picks similar to
Caught in the Storm of a Duke’s Heart by Abby Ayles


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Mysterious Hostage In Circle C


Evelyn Boyett - 2018
     To bury the grief, he threw himself into work at the Garrett Ranch with a vengeance, rising to the position of foreman. His arms may have been empty, but his time is always full. It’s a way to get by at least. Cal’s peaceful if lonely existence is thrown into turmoil when he discovers a land grab in progress. When he visits the neighboring ranch to confront its owner, he discovers a secret that has been buried for close twenty years. Emily Carson is a ghost, or may as well be. Trapped on her father’s ranch and at the mercy of his ranch hands day and night, Emily prays for some escape. When Cal Benson barges onto her father’s property, she can’t help but feel like someone above has finally decided to listen. But of course, fate is never that kind, and love is never simple. Emily knows that she can’t possibly dwarf the shadow of Cal’s late wife, or replace what he has lost. With a war between the ranches on the horizon, Emily searches frantically for a way to keep Cal out of the line of fire and simultaneously guard her heart against the wounded cowboy. No men are really, truly safe. Not even Cal. "Mysterious Hostage In Circle C" is a historical western romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

A Race for the Duke's Heart


Aria Norton - 2021
    She has never wished to become a lady, but rather enjoys being different... In fact, what keeps her happy is being outdoors and caring for her father, as well as spending most of her time with Patience, her horse. Little did she know her serenity would be disturbed for good when a runaway horse would appear at the bottom of the cliffside along the ocean. Her heart skips a beat though, when she sees its charming owner, Duke Owen Ellis of Blackmoor Manor. In her experience, all dukes are callous and deplorable examples of human beings, but upon first impressions of him, Laura is left feeling rather enchanted and therefore confused. Will Laura overcome her fascination caused by his enigmatic but warm presence, or will she allow her overwhelming feelings to blossom?Lord Owen is the only heir of the Ellis name and Blackmore Manor following his father's death. As for his mother, it was expected that her wish for him to marry Lady Marjorie Fielding, a spoiled London heiress, would be fulfilled. Life has other plans for Owen's heart though, as when Laura is brought on as an equestrian trainer and tamer, he encounters warmth and affection for the first time. However, how could he betray his family's expectation of marrying Lady Marjorie, who despite appearing pretty on the outside, is rather cruel on the inside? A dilemma awaits him, as the journey of becoming the man his father always wanted, would inevitably involve hurting the first woman he ever loved... In the end, which path will he choose?Forced to choose between love and duty, the future is foreshadowed uninviting, unless Laura and Owen can find a way to overpower whoever tries to keep them apart. Will their love and devotion prove that their romance is unassailable? Most importantly, how could they both find the courage to ignore tradition, and not dismiss their hearts' one true calling?

To Love a Tormented Earl


Bridget Barton - 2020
    Time is running short, and if she doesn't find a suitor soon, her household may not survive. Her life takes an unexpected twist, though, when she suddenly comes across her former employer who was believed to be dead. Even though she knows that a romance with him would be a false hope, she can’t stop daydreaming about his captivating gaze. When he asks for her assistance to unveil a conspiracy that ruined his life, her generous heart compels her to agree. Will Emilia manage to overcome the barriers that go against her happiness? Would destiny hold for her a happy ending?After faking his own death three years before, Maximilian Emery, the true Earl of Ceastre, has returned to London to reclaim his estate and his name. But before he can do that, he must determine who is involved in the blackmail that prompted him to flee in the first place. When fate brings him together with a woman from his past, soon old feelings begin to resurface. But until he finds out who is hidden behind the evil plot against him, love will remain just a flight of fantasy, no matter how his anxious heart skips a beat everytime she is around. Will Max manage to solve a puzzle that has made his life a living hell? Will his only dream to live by Emilia's side come true?Despite their strong feelings, Max and Emilia‘s union seems impossible, as they come from two spheres of society not accustomed to mingling. To make matters worse, when Emilia discovers the reason for Max’s exile, she feels that everything is crashing down. Will the star-crossed lovers find a way through the obstacles that insist to keep them apart or will they accept a future without hope of true love?

A Duke’s Relentless Courting


Leah Conolly - 2020
    Now, duty calls once again, and she must make an advantageous match to save her family from ruin.Christopher Beaumont, the Duke of Hamilton, would not make it to her list of potential suitors, as his personality could be described as odd at best. A writer and a cynic, their match would be a disaster. Or so she thought…Christopher’s rigidness will melt away in his attempts to woo the dashing lady that stole his heart, but in order to stay by her side, he will have to battle not just his own misconceptions, but also the attempts of those dying to keep them apart…

Captivated by Her Loving Gaze


Aurora Hanson - 2019
    In the midst of the never-ending quest to please her mother-in-law, Coralie will come to the conclusion that she's not in love with her fiance. At least, not in the way that a wife should love her husband. Will she manage to set her feelings in order? When she's feeling truly lost, how could an old friend help her see clearly what she actually needs?Zack Hank has been in love with Coralie since he's been a young boy, and he hopes to rekindle their close friendship when he returns to the Earhart ranch after a 10-year absence. Finding Coralie engaged to another man, he has no choice but to emotionally pull away from her. Will he express his feelings before it is too late? When a dark secret is revealed, threatening Coralie's life, will he be there for her?When Coralie and Zack see each other, time stops and they feel like everything else fades away. Nevertheless, life gives them a hard time, as their relationship has come to an end before it could even start. Is Coralie brave enough to stand up to her family's will and choose her own path? Is their relationship stronger than fate?"Captivated by Her Loving Gaze" is a historical western romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

A Queen of Hearts for the Duke


Lisa Campell - 2020
    Following her father’s sudden death, an ultimatum came from the lips of her stepmother: “marry, or your mother’s virtue will be put to question and so your fortune.”Her best option for marriage is her childhood friend, Christian, despite that she has always been secretly in love with his older brother, Jack. But with Jack being away, leading a roguish life in Europe, that is not going to be a problem. Or is it?Jack Gladstone, the notorious Jack of Hearts, returns back to London to assume his duties as the Duke of Sussex, where he finds his younger brother ready to make a marriage arrangement.How odd it was that the day he would meet his brother’s future wife, would be the day that he kisses her!Yet a flower bouquet to the wrong recipient and a scandalous walk at a ball seems to be enough to keep them apart…Jack has to figure out his feelings fast as another woman will come to shuffle the cards and play with his heart…Love games can be tricky, even if you hold the winning hand…

What the Duke is Hiding


Edith Byrd - 2021
    And so, he is given a job working the vineyards, despite the secrecy surrounding his fate and his past…Johnathan Bashford is grateful for the opportunity to hide in the small property of the Tillmans. A Duke he may be, but lately, the attempts of his life have been more frequent, and laying low is his only option…But in an unexpected twist of fate, Johnathan and Madeleine will turn out to be each other’s perfect match. The only thing standing in their way are the secrets of his past, and when those come to the surface it may be too late for them both…Johnathan and Madeleine might not get a chance to untangle this mess, as those on the hunt for the lost Duke have finally caught his scent and they are closing in…And this time they are determined to finish what they started.*If you like engaging characters, heart- wrenching twists and turns, and lots of romance, then you’ll love “What the Duke is Hiding”!

The Runaway Chaperone


Alice Kirks - 2020
    As luck would have it, she is then hired as a chaperone for a dashing Duke's younger sister. While it seems to be an easy position for an accomplished woman like her, keeping an eye on the young girl will prove harder than she expected. To make matters more complicated, Alexandra will inevitably find herself falling in love with her charming employee and unable to think of anything else than his captivating eyes... Could Alexandra ignore her growing feelings for the sake of conventional rules? Will true love manage to shine through the emotional whirlwind that has turned her world upside down?Matthew Lammore has been the Duke of Blakeley since the tragic loss of his parents when he was only fifteen. This entire time, the responsibility of taking care of the estate and his beloved sister has fallen upon his shoulders. However, as his sister has reached the age of sixteen, he will need a well educated person to help her prepare for her debut into Society. Luckily for him, he finds the most appropriate woman for this role, who among other talents, seems to also have a heart of gold. Little did he know though that the beautiful chaperone would exceed her role and end up being the breath of fresh air he has longed for, casting light upon his dull life. This doesn't however alter his awareness of how inappropriate it would be for a Duke to fall in love with his own employee. Will Matthew defy social norms and give true love a chance? Or will he turn down the woman of his dreams out of fear of ruining his reputation?The more Matthew and Alexandra fall for each other, the more they realize they are moving towards a tangled labyrinth. As if this wasn't enough, Alexandra's secret past is haunting her and threatening to tear this blossoming romance apart. Will the two soulmates dare to take the leap of real love and have faith in each other? In the end, will they declare their undeniable feelings, or will they be overpowered by the threatening internal and external obstacles?"The Runaway Chaperone" is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

A Scandalous Match Against All Odds


Emily Honeyfield - 2020
    Ηumiliated and ostracised by society, Susanna has to pick up her pieces and move on. When she ends up encountering a handsome and brooding Duke at a picnic, Susanna decides to defy the nasty gossip, even though she knows she is playing with fire. Will Susanna manage to break free of society's norms and follow her passionate heart?Reginald's world turns upside down, when he finds out his wife's baby isn't his own. But, just before his life is about to fall apart, the unpredictable faith brings the dashing Susanna right in front of his eyes. This fiery divorcee brings some colour back to his life and, surprisingly enough, irresistible desire and passion. Soon, the sparks inside him cannot be denied and he has to take action. But is Reginald ready to let go of the pain that has swallowed him? When everything shows she is the one for him, can he let go of his tormented past and start all over again?When false lies about the sinful couple threaten to ruin their reputation, they are all alone against a most cruel society. And as if that was not enough, Reginald has to fight with Susanna's conscience to get her to stay. Both betrayed and hurt, will they dare to give love a second chance? Or will their love be lost in time?"A Scandalous Match Against All Odds" is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

A Duke's Seductive Muse


Henrietta Harding - 2020
    Accomplished in her skills, she's unaware of the real reason that the Dowager Duchess of Thornton has brought her to work at the estate. Although her days are filled with duty and friendship, Phoebe cannot possibly see herself ever exceeding her station and fulfilling her passionate dreams. However, she can't even begin to imagine what fate has in store for her... That is until she lays eyes on the most tempting Duke she has ever met. Will Phoebe allow a socially forbidden love bloom or will she be wise enough to bury it deep in the ground?Lord Adam Rutledge returns from the war in the Americas as the Duke of Thornton, due to his father passing while he served. Although he is not wounded in body, it is needless to say he is wounded in the mind and heart. Returning to Rainswood and fulfilling his new title is not a task that he relishes, nor does he tolerate the continued pressure from the Dowager to marry. All of her pleading to find a girl of status, falls on deaf ears just as soon as Adam beholds the scandalous maid with the indelible spirit. Could Adam sacrifice his duty and ignore his titled status in the name of undeniable passion and love?Full of twists and turns, heated chemistry and some humorous wit, the electrifying connection between Phoebe and Adam is unquestionable. The conundrum? He cannot take a lowly -yet very enticing- wife and on top of that, the headstrong Phoebe refuses to be his mistress. Putting aside all the trials and tribulations, one thing is clear; money and status have nothing to do with flaming desire. However, both Phoebe and Adam must ask themselves an urging question; Is it true love or merely a lustful caprice? Are their feelings powerful enough to overshadow every threatening barrier in their way?

Devilishly Sinful Rogues


Aileen Fish - 2019
    Now she’s in London and he’s in agony. A gentleman never reneges on an agreement…unless his heart is broken.Scandalous Redemption by Amanda MarielWhile Henry Shillington knows a little of the beautiful but notorious Lady Claudia Akford, he is struck by her kindhearted, accomplished, and witty demeanor. The more time he spends in her company, the more he dreams of a future with her. But the lady resists his honorable overtures, and a mistress will never do for him.When an Earl Turns Wicked by Dawn BrowerThe Earl of Harrington has no desire to marry. He rather enjoys being unencumbered and a wife would complicate things. Lady Marian Lindsay rather likes being a spinster and embraces her bluestocking ways. She's studying to be a physician and longs to be taken seriously. After careful deliberation she devises a scheme that is foolproof, but she needs the earl’s help. Before he realizes it, he's escorting her to Kent and a house party made of his worst nightmares. Propriety must be met at all costs, because he will not be wed at the end of her expedition--or will he?Dealing with the Viscount by Clair BrettAfter making a wager of marriage to settle her father's gambling debts, Ella Bowen-Thorn Renwick escaped the husband she foolishly began to fall for and disappeared into the Scottish countryside carrying a secret. Four years later, and the owner of her own bakery, she is still not free of the demands of men when a violent and anonymous blackmailer threatens her, her livelihood...and her daughter. And then, there is him... Viscount Renwick still mourns the wife he began to love before her untimely death--that is until he discovers her alive and well living in Scotland. Now, Devon's face to face with the wife he thought he'd buried and the daughter he never knew existed. He'd like nothing more than to welcome Ella back into his arms, but mysterious and troubling incidents and a history with an unloving father have Ella trusting no one. But, if Renwick convinces his wife he's the husband she always dreamed of and the father their daughter deserves, will the scandalous secret the blackmailer is holding threaten their future together once more?A Marriage Made in Mayfair by Tamara GillMiss Suzanna March wished for one thing: Lord Danning. But after a frightful first Season, and his lordships cut direct, such dreams are crushed. Returned from abroad, Suzanna will not let the ton's dislike of her stand in the way of gaining what she wants: revenge. Lord Danning is ruined and in need of an heiress. Luckily, Miss Suzanna March fits his credentials and seduction is his scheme. But will Suzanna believe his lordships pretty words? Or will Lord Danning prove to Suzanna and himself that she is more than his ticket out of debtor's prison...?My Duke’s Seduction by Tammy AndresenLady Tricia Riley is the sweet daughter of a duke until her family's ailments force her to breech societies’ dictates and go where no lady should… the Docklands. When a tall, strong and handsome stranger helps to keep her safe, she agrees to keep their meeting, secret. She’s no interest in a forced match no matter how tempting Ryker, The Duke of Landon, is.

The Cold Earl's Bride: A Historical Regency Romance


Audrey Ashwood - 2020
    John, Earl of Grandover – his desire to take revenge on the men who wish for his demise. He is so very close to identifying the mysterious mastermind who is pulling all the strings in the background.But then he stumbles into a cleverly designed trap, where he is suddenly forced to marry a woman who is clearly an instrument of his enemy. The longer the ruthless earl has to watch this foe in his own house, the greater his doubts become about the role she is playing. She is smart and beautiful, and somehow, she touches his inner-most being in a way that had long since been forgotten. Is it possible that she has completely clouded his mind and confused his heart?Just when he starts to believe that he can see through her clever little game, the cards are shuffled anew…Mysterious – emotional – magical. A traditional, clean romance novel by Audrey Ashwood that takes place in the midst of the colourful Regency era. An ideal read for anyone who loves sentimental but courageous heroines, as well as confident and strong heroes.

Hello, Rogue


Sasha Cottman - 2021
    Get lost in each story as the ladies approach the gentleman and give them the happy news, or in some cases, the surprise they never expected.When a Rogue Falls by Sasha Cottman: For Sir Stephen Moore, love will never be on the cards. But Cupid is not without a sense of humor. After helping her family deal with a dangerous blackmailer, Lady Bridget Dyson and Sir Stephen celebrate. A little wine and some wicked flirting leads to a night of passion. Bridget now has to break the news of impending fatherhood to a man determined to avoid commitment at all costs.Escaping the Earl by Lauren Smith: Beatrix Lethbridge is desperate to avoid an arranged marriage, and the only way out is to get compromised. The best man for the job is notorious rakehell Richard Savage, the Earl Rivers. But when Beatrix and Richard’s one night of passion has more consequences than simply stopping an unwanted marriage, Richard must win Beatrix’s reluctant heart.This Rogue of Mine by Amanda Mariel: Lady Cordelia Daventry may be a spinster, but she has not given up all hope. When she finds herself alone with the well-known rogue, Nathaniel Lowell, Viscount Wolverton, she embraces her chance to experience desire. Now they must face the consequences of their actions.Loving My Wicked Rogue by Dawn Brower: When Lady Penelope finds herself in a delicate condition, she has a decision to make, and nothing seems quite right. Instead of discerning what she should do on her own, she pays Roman, the Duke of Lindsey a call and unburdens her troubles on him, hoping he will do the gentlemanly thing and take responsibility for the dilemma he helped create.The Trouble with Rogues by Nadine Millard: Ophelia Delacourt has made it her life's mission to teach poor, unsuspecting ladies about the dangers of rogues, rakes, and rapscallions. When one of her protégés faces ruin, Ophelia rushes to her rescue. And right into the path of one such troublesome rogue.Caleb Feldman, Marquess of Guilford is growing bored of his hedonistic lifestyle. Not that he plans to change it any time soon. When he sees a mysterious, dark-haired siren floating through his party, for the first time in a long time, Caleb feels the excitement of the hunt.Their encounter is not what either of them expects. And the life-changing consequences? Even less so. Ophelia will do anything to keep her secret, but that might not be as easy as she hoped. For the trouble with rogues is, sometimes they're just too hard to resist.My Lord, My Rogue by Anna St. Claire: Lady Honora Radcliff was betrothed to the catch of the Season. Too much champagne with a stranger leaves her life in tatters and married to the abusive man. To escape, she fakes her death. Lord Benjamin Crewe accepts a dangerous assignment and discovers the woman he wished he'd married—only she's been "dead" three years. His pursuit endangers both their lives.Can Honora and Benjamin survive the danger for a chance at love and happiness?

Courteously Seduced by an Enigmatic Duke


Scarlett Osborne - 2020
     The astoundingly beautiful older daughter of the Duke of Gresham cares very little about titles, wealth or marriage. Until the day her parents bring her before the harsh reality: in the absence of a male heir, they stand to lose the Dukedom. Born and raised in Australia, the successful sheep rancher Rowland Albertson isn’t prepared for what appears to be his inescapable destiny. Not only is he presented with an unexpected claim to the title of Duke, but also with a pair of stunning mismatched eyes. Sudden and overwhelming, their eagerness to be together, to experience such ecstasy with each other, threatens to consume their every sense. But the past has a way of returning, and Rowland’s comes back with a vengeance. A woman with a single letter, able to set Rowland and Hannah’s future on fire and watch it burn…

Scandalous Sadie


Sylvia McDaniel - 2021
    During an innocent outing, a mean girl who left her stranded and naked, delighted in ruining her reputation. But Sadie refuses to take the ruination of her innocence lightly. Now she wears her bad girl badge with pride. At least until Levi Robinson decides to see just how salacious she really is. It isn’t until the Cattleman’s Ball, that he’s shocked at how the the women of Fort Worth treat her, including his own mother. Yet, the woman is tempting and he can’t seem to walk away from her innocent smile and bewitching eyes. Is she really scandalous or a victim of society? Maybe Levi’s the man to save her