Book picks similar to
Desire and Fear by Abby Ayles


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An Unforeseen Love for the Stubborn Cowboy


Ava Winters - 2021
    They never seem to get along but their hearts always pound faster when they lock eyes. How will they let themselves love each other?Oregon Trail, 1860s.Ellie is a gentle young woman who must take care of her deaf younger brother after the sudden death of their parents. To avoid poverty and her unfortunate debts, she escapes on a wagon train on the Oregon Trail. Meeting Mark, the loner but witty guide of the party, causes her heart to pound faster. How can she cure his wounds and fears and show him that true love means when he’s just so detached?Mark is an excellent scout and a trail guide who has suffered the loss of love. He should stay focused and get the job done but when he sees Ellie in danger, he instinctively saves her. After that, they always seem to bump into each other, and they never stop bickering. How can he let his heart show him the way when he’s just too stubborn to love again?Life on the trail is challenging and filled with pain, poverty and loss. When Ellie is discovered to own money and her brother is in peril, party members will threaten them. How will Mark save the woman that stole his heart when the two always hit walls instead of breaking them down?

A Last Dance with the Forbidden Earl


Hanna Hamilton - 2020
    Especially when the title comes with additional baggage: the obligation to hate the family of the woman he's secretly in love with.However, like a rose among thorns, their hope for a shared future is clipped abruptly. When Lorelei is pronounced dead after a terrible accident, all that remains of her is a single handkerchief with her blood on it...*If you like a realistic yet charming depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then A Last Dance with the Forbidden Earl is the novel for you.This is Hanna Hamilton's 38th book, a historical Regency romance novel of 80,000 words (around 400 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.

In a Perfect Mess with the Marquess


Hazel Linwood - 2020
    Ashamed and terrified, she is loath to give her family yet another reason to resent her. She resolves to drown the fire inside her once and for all.Dutiful Nicholas Garston, the Marquess of Calperton, wants to make his father proud and marry the woman he has chosen for him. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he meets her tantalizingly rebellious younger sister.Lifelong vows are not the only thing breaking. The broken lock of a chest reveals treason of the ungodly kind: a map to a secret that two powerful families have been trying to keep buried. And when Martha finds herself in a dark corner of the woods, Nicholas might never see her walk out again...

The Duke who Saved me


Edith Byrd - 2021
    A mere Baron’s daughter will find herself saddled with the title of Duchess and a husband she barely knows…Laurence Webbs knows he should marry and produce an heir to his Duchy, but he cannot help postponing the inevitable as he is so used to living alone. When a random act of kindness backs him into a corner, he must do the honorable thing and push his misgivings aside…Henrietta and Laurence must find a way to coexist, thinking that a loveless marriage is all the future holds for them. But when love comes knocking on their door a whole new world opens up ahead…Though, it’s still not happily ever after for the two of them…

The Redemption of a Lady’s Heart: A Clean & Sweet Regency Historical Romance Novel


Leah Conolly - 2021
    In London, her father remarried a woman who was a really stiff, proper lady and taught Anne to be just like her. When Anne is forced to return to where she grew up, there, she reunites by chance with her childhood friend, Cordelia.Vincent Darington, Cordelia’s brother, was not close in age with Anne so he did not hang out with her, but he always liked to tease her and have her tease him back. He is surprised by the change in her, as he remembered a spirited child who loved to laugh, and now all he sees is an empty shell, showing no emotion whatsoever.They unavoidably run into each other a lot and he keeps teasing Anne to see if she will bite. And to his delight, he seems to be the only person she loses her temper with. She is of course frustrated that he seems to be the only man immune to her charms.When they all head for London, Anne will realize that none of the gentlemen truly sees her like Vincent.But now that she had pushed him away so many times, he seemed to have moved on. How will she show him her true feelings?

Their Childhood Promise (The Heart of Dorset Series: Book 3): A Clean & Sweet Regency Historical Romance Novel


Fanny Finch - 2021
    

A Deal With Love: A Historical Western Romance Book


Ellen Knightley - 2021
    Despite this, she is more passionate about painting and wants to make the most of her time before settling down. So when her father tries to force her into an arranged marriage with the town's most infamous bachelor, she refuses to go along with it. Desperate to escape a grim future, she approaches her childhood rival with a most unusual proposal... one that will put her heart to the test. When unexpected feelings towards him start rising to the surface, will she manage to stick to her plan, or is her predetermined fate truly inevitable?James Clark cannot step out into town without being chased by mothers hoping to marry off their daughters. Yet tying his happiness to another person is not in his plans. So when his father informs him that he will be cut off if he doesn't get married soon, James finds himself in a tight spot. At that moment, his childhood arch-enemy, Rose, comes to him with a peculiar plan that could solve both of their problems... a pretend courtship. Only he never imagined that feigning affection for her would come so naturally, and before long the line between pretense and truth becomes blurred. Will he manage to make Rose see that she is the one who truly owns his heart?A fabricated relationship appears to Rose and James as an easy solution for their troubles. What neither of them realized was that the heart often has a plan of its own... For all that, when fate brings another shocking twist, Rose must decide whether her loyalty lies with her family or with her heart. In the end, will Rose and James break the barriers that are keeping them apart, or was their love only ever meant to be a facade?"A Deal With Love" is a historical western romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

True Love's Surprise


Aurora Hanson - 2021
    Her refusal to marry certainly hasn't done her any favors, but having her life controlled by a man is something she simply wants no part of. So when her father tries to force her into an arranged marriage, she's left with no choice but to flee to her Aunt's farmhouse in Wyoming. There, in an unexpected turn of events, her powerful connection with a kind rancher tempts her to reconsider her harsh preconceptions about love and marriage. Caught in a whirlwind of emotions, will her growing attraction to him be strong enough to overcome such deep-seated fears?Humiliated and heartbroken after his fiancé leaves him at the altar, Joseph Smyth refuses to fall victim to his emotions again. Swearing off romance once and for all, but still needing a wife to help him run his ranch, he seeks out a mail-order bride. When Joseph meets the town's charming new teacher, however, it feels like a ray of light has appeared in the darkness of his life. As he gets to know her better, his cynical attitude toward love begins to thaw. Before too long though, forgotten obligations come knocking on his door when his betrothed arrives. With his sense of responsibility weighing heavily on his shoulders, will Joseph be forced to sacrifice his second chance at true love and happiness?Life in Wyoming brings Charlotte and Joseph closer than they would have ever expected to be, and undeniable feelings grow between them. Joseph is torn between duty and true love, while Charlotte worries that he may prove to be just another man who will let her down. Yet, when the line that separates right from wrong becomes blurred, will they decide to follow their reason or their hearts? Will they find a way out of the tangled web they've found themselves in?"True Love's Surprise" is a historical western romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

A Countess So Eligibly Unmarried


Emma Linfield - 2020
    While she wants nothing more than to follow in her father's footsteps as a merchant, she is pressured to find a suitable husband and settle down.The scandals and debts his father passed down to him aren't the only things haunting Caleb Gillingham, Earl of Worcastle. With whispered accusations of killing his own betrothed, his only hope at redemption rests in the fiery eyes of Violet.Their happiness turns to ashes in their mouths when Violet's father goes inexplicably missing. Left with a letter promising nothing but doom, Caleb is desperate to protect Violet from a past mistake that nearly destroyed him. For a predator is most dangerous when wounded.

A Long Way to Love: A Historical Western Romance Book


Lorelei Brogan - 2021
    

Painted with the Colors of Love


Carol Colyer - 2021
    Her life is thrown into turmoil therefore when her parents present her with a surprise betrothal to a man she hasn't even met. Without a second thought, she refuses to abide by it, protesting that she will never marry a man she does not love. Then, out of nowhere, a mysterious stranger shows up in town, confusing her feelings and challenging her convictions. Joseph always appears to be in the right place at the right time and Cassie finds herself intensely intrigued by him. Will Cassie set aside her doubts and take a chance on the unknown with Joseph? Can she escape the fate that her parents have arranged for her?Michael Joseph hasn't had much luck with meeting a loving wife to spend his life with so far. When his parents reveal that he is promised to a girl from his past, he sees his chance to have his happily ever after. Having no intention of marrying someone who may only want him for his money though, he decides to set out to win this woman's heart as a stranger. Yet when he arrives in Texas, he discovers that approaching Cassie will be a little more complicated than he expected. Will he be able to break down her walls and gain her trust? Or will Michael lose his chance at true love?Michael and Cassie slowly start to form a precious bond, but shadowy forces are not willing to let them find happiness. When Michael's life is put in danger, Cassie will need to make a decision that could decide the rest of her life... Will they overcome the danger and stand by each other's side forever?

A Duke's Fleeing Bride


Alice Kirks - 2021
    When her parents announce that she is soon to begin an official courtship with the arrogant Duke of Wharton, Dianna is left with no choice but to run away from her worst nightmare. After disguising her identity, she finds a position as a maid in a nearby village, but unfortunately, her employer turns out to be painfully unpleasant. In an unexpected twist of fate, her detestable intended will track her down, making Dianna's heart skip a beat as he meets another side of him. Will Lady Dianna manage to escape this living hell and give love a chance? Will she realise that the Duke might be more than what he seems and the one who will bring light to her life?Lord Jonas Haddon, Duke of Wharton, comes across as very arrogant, but deep inside, he is a caring man who hopes to marry out of love and lead an ordinary life. Intrigued by the boldness and independence of Lady Blackstone, he is determined to find her after hearing she ran away. When he finally discovers she is hiding out as a maid, he does everything in his power to prove that he is not the prideful man she thinks him to be. It won't be long until he realises that he can't think of a future without her, seeking to court her even in her position as a maid. Will the charming Duke convince Dianna of his genuine feelings and good intentions? Will he manage to claim the heart of the only woman who has invaded his dreams and occupied his every thought?While feelings of affection start to blossom between Dianna and Jonas, Dianna's tyrannical employer makes her life miserable even to the point of her own devastation. On top of this, no matter how hard Jonas tries to persuade Diana to return to her old life with him on her side, her pride does not allow her to give up so early. Will Dianna find her desired escape and could Jonas be the true salvation she has been looking for? Could their everlasting happiness have been right in front of them this whole time or will poor decisions trap them into an unbearable life?"A Duke's Fleeing Bride" is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

When their Arranged Marriage Blooms in the West: A Western Historical Romance Book


Lydia Olson - 2022
    

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 Diamond for His Grace: A Clean & Sweet Regency Historical Romance Book


Sally Forbes - 2021