Book picks similar to
Desire and Fear by Abby Ayles


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A Bride to Heal the Vet’s Tattered Heart


Melynda Carlyle - 2021
    Yet neither her father nor yet the man she loves seem to care enough about her. With her mother gone and a secret lying heavy upon her heart, Mona has no choice but to run away from home and become a Mail-Order Bride to a man she can only hope will at least take her in.Forrest Neihart is a widower who has never moved on from the loss of his wife. His love for his job as a veterinarian keeps him afloat but it’s not enough to fill the void in his heart. As a last resort, he puts up a mail-order bride ad, hesitantly wishing for love to come his way.When Mona and Forrest collide the result is that love and light enter their souls through the cracks. Mona finds love and Forrest finds the will to live again. Yet, Mona’s secret and the man from her past will threaten this newfound happiness. Can Forrest forgive Mona for her lies and fight off her enemies, or is their love doomed to wither and die?

An Amiable Lady for His Lordship: A Historical Regency Romance Novel


Dorothy Sheldon - 2021
    

A Lord's Bet of Desire


Meghan Sloan - 2020
    While working at the house of Norman Pembroke, the Duke of Bancroft, she has always dreamt of advancing her life from a humble maid to that of a governess. Despite knowing that this opportunity may never appear, her love for reading is enough to keep the dream alive. But little did she know that fate would bring an unforeseen twist that would make this dream a tangible reality... When Edward, the endearingly attractive brother of the Duke, comes to visit, the last thing she expected was to end up under his roof and away from the only place she's ever known. Laura will inevitably find herself seduced by his ravishing beauty, but will she allow herself to finally surrender to her burning desire for him?Edward Pembroke has always been the opposite of his brother. Being warm and dutiful himself, he was against his brother's love for gambling that was dwindling the Pembroke fortune every day. When he finally decides to confront him about his wayward habit, they both end up engaging in a fateful night of gambling, and Edward wins the prize of taking anything he wants with him. Without a second thought, he chooses Laura, as her fiery nature lightens a spark inside him. Once they move to his house, he can't help but be mesmerised by her every move, willing to do whatever it takes to possess her. Will he manage to turn this promising desire into an everlasting love?Laura and Edward's attraction is impossible to deny, but their evident class differences are threatening their undeniable lust. The more time they spend together, the more they lose their hearts and bodies to one another. Will their passionate connection prove strong enough to shatter the insurmountable obstacles? Or will their heated affair go down in flames before it even sets them on fire?"A Lord's Bet of Desire" is a historical romance novel of approximately 60,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Daring Deeds of a Forbidden Duchess


Violet Hamers - 2020
    But yet, she wants more... For Miss Isabel Chenieux, the thought of attending London Season is nearly too much to bear. Ward of the Duke of Ventury after the tragic loss of her parents, she is torn between apprehension and a forbidden yearning for his affection.The passing of his parents leaves David Thorough not only with the title of Duke but also a ward. And, as he quickly finds out, she gains a dangerously bewitching hold of him.But the night is the time for shadows and Isabel's unknown past is rife with them.A note delivered by a stranger is followed by Isabel's disappearance. And David has but a single old letter to help him find Isabel and guide him on the right trail. A trail that leads to a conspiracy twenty years in the making...

Highlander's Golden Treasure: A Scottish Medieval Historical Romance (Highlands' Golden Hearts Book 2)


Adamina Young - 2020
    

The Sheriff’s Unexpected Christmas Miracle


Rita Wethers - 2020
    But things might not be as simple as they thought.What happens when duty and love collide? Wyatt Norris fears the answer. Marked by a tragic past, he lives alone, honoring his duties as Sheriff, yet denying himself the chance to love again. When he is called on to the Alcot’s farm to investigate a mysterious disappearance, he finds a second chance at love waiting for him this Christman. A kind woman, Ruby, who deserves so much more than she has been offered will soften his heart. The guilt that hunts Wyatt, however, is not so easily beaten and he will have to go above and beyond to save Ruby from a perilous game of life and death.Ruby Alcot knows she has made the wrong choice to marry Mathew. He drinks and gambles, making her life a living hell. The only good thing out of this union is her son, her pride and joy. When Mathew disappears one day, the disturbing news brings the Sheriff knocking on Ruby’s door and suddenly, her desire for her family’s reunion is countered by her desire for a better life at the side of that man who is trying everything to help her.Yet, both Ruby and Wyatt bear internal scars that prevent them from succumbing to love’s call. What’s more, a dangerous gambler is after Ruby and her land, and her husband’s recklessness puts everyone at risk. Will Wyatt be able to save Ruby and her son before it’s too late?

Ravished By The Iron Highlander


Maddie MacKenna - 2020
    A situation almost as agonizing as her father’s death.Severely wounded and with war raging around him, Duncan Goreidh, Laird of Brynkirk, has but one choice if he wants to survive: to disguise himself as a British soldier. Rescued at the last minute by an old English lady, his plans to flee home are ruined when he meets her irresistible niece.Their love is forbidden, but their meeting was not a coincidence.With Isabella’s presence turning his own flesh and blood against him, Duncan finds himself short of allies. And ways to protect her. An old vendetta started by his kin returns from the grave to haunt them, and it comes with a price. For whose fault is it, when you invite death into your own house?*Ravished by the Iron Highlander is a steamy Scottish historical romance novel of 80,000 words (around 400 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, lots of steam and a happy ending.

Their Wandering Westbound Hearts: A Christian Historical Romance Book


Chloe Carley - 2021
    

In Search of Love and Affection


Lilah Rivers - 2020
    She and her beloved brother, Stephen, have lived humbly in California for the last few years, after the tragic loss of their dearest parents; until one fateful day, Stephen goes off to work, but never gets back home. Being terribly upset and desperate, Julianna seeks help from the town's Sheriff. Will his experience be enough to puzzle out this distressing and unexplained case? Thomas Wingate is the quiet and diligent Sheriff of a new settlement in California. His meek demeanor tends to help him observe and solve cases quickly, and justifies his reputation for never letting a criminal get away. When hopeless Julianna asks for his services, he accepts with no second thoughts, and promises to make every possible effort to find her brother. But what will begin as a simple investigation, will turn out to be a challenging adventure. Will they maintain their hope that God will show them the way and bring Stephen home?In their search for Stephen, Julianna and Thomas will encounter friends, bandits, and the hidden crimes of a small town. While trying to figure out the unsolved mystery, Julianna and Thomas will start growing feelings for each other. Will the endless research bring their vulnerable hearts finally together? Or will the complications and their opposing personalities tear them eternally apart?"In Search of Love and Affection" is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Courting A Sinful Stranger


Emily Honeyfield - 2021
    Sarah yearns for so much more, secretly lusting for an enthralling adventure... When she attends a masquerade ball, she is allured by the raven-haired seductive stranger, who whispers shockingly tempting things into her ear, without revealing his identity. She knows all this is far from how a lady should behave, but she finds this game of seduction simply irresistible. After all, what hope can a respectable young lady have in finding any kind of tantalizing excitement? While trying to unveil this captivating masquerader's identity, will she indulge in an adventure of inappropriate promises and lustful desire?Arthur Colton, the Viscount Nordarken, is a bored gentleman, ready to risk it all for the sake of pleasure. While visiting his father in the district, he is on the hunt for a rousing distraction. Sadly, not even one of the eligible young ladies sparks his interest after the whirlwind of excitement that London was. Little did he know that everything was about to change with the announcement of a masquerade ball and the appearance of an enticing dark-eyed beauty into his dangerous path. Being used to always getting what he wants, he comes up with a wicked plan, to make her succumb to his sinful passion. How far is he willing to go in order to conquer her fiery heart?Against all odds, their lives and their feelings get tangled and challenge everything they have ever known. That is when a game of false identities and flaming desire begins... A game that must end soon, or it could otherwise lead to their destruction. For Sarah it is being in the midst of a scandal and losing her gracious place in society. For Arthur it is being targeted and risking turning into a social pariah. Will an arising old scandal threaten their affair to its very core? Will their untamed passion for one another be enough to thrive, in spite of all the hardships or will they drift apart after all?

Highlander's Gypsy Lass


Kenna Kendrick - 2020
    Being part of the Highland Travellers meant that she could sing, dance and enjoy life's wonders. But the day comes when she must make a choice: marry the man the tribe commands, or cut all ties with the only family she ever knew.As if things couldn't get more complicated, Rosalie falls to the hands of a Highlander so enticing, that will tempt her to a new life. Unbeknownst to her, the forbidden desire she feels is the least of her problems...Declan, Chief of Clan Macgregor was bound to loneliness. He inspired loyalty and admiration to his people but his heart never knew the music of love.After saving an unknown lass from certain death, Declan feels that she is the one. Until he sees her dancing and bewitching the crowds with a group of thieving gypsies...Is this mysterious woman just a seductress toying with his love? And why is there no record of where she came from?Desiring him was forbidden, but staying away from him was impossible...

A Naughty Proposal for His Winter Countess


Ava MacAdams - 2020
    However, she has a big problem: she knows nothing about seduction.It takes great effort to convince Daniel Raster, the Earl of Barkley, to attend any kind of celebration. Broken beyond repair ever since his betrothed left him at the altar, he has spent his days wasting away in the most notorious dens of London. Until the discovery of a very tantalizing letter sets his whole being on fire.Torn between his honor and his own desire for her, they strike up a deal: he will save her from ruination by being the one to teach her with no strings attached. Trapped in a web of budding love and old lies, Harriet and Daniel’s happiness turns to ashes in their mouths when Daniel disappears on their wedding day. For secrets hide in the hand that writes.

Unexpected Love For The Lonesome Sheriff: A Clean Western Historical Romance Novel


Ember Pierce - 2021
    

Healing A Wandering Heart


Elaine Shields - 2020
    However, her world gets shattered when cholera breaks out and she is forced to leave immediately to become a mail order bride in the West. Her life will take an unfortunate turn once again, though, when she finds out that her husband-to-be is dead. While she decides to keep it a secret and find out more about the dubious circumstances of his tragic death, fate brings her before doctor Gregory whose face seems rather familiar...Their interest in medicine soon brings them closer together, and she finds herself utterly charmed. Will her secret life keep her from following her dreams?Gregory is a respected young doctor who has dedicated his life in treating patients and saving lives. When he meets Indigo he is impressed by her knowledge of the cholera treatment and can't hold back and asks her to join his overwhelming journey to find the cure. Unable to find out where Indigo's ideas are coming from, Gregory is still skeptical about her methods but he soon finds himself surprisingly stricken with her wit and unique beauty. Will he dare to trust her, even when things seem to be falling apart?When Gregory and Indigo cross paths, their magical connection brings them immediately closer. A shared passion to discover a lifesaving treatment will force them to unfold their complicated feelings. When untold secrets threaten to drive them apart forever, can they defy their perilous fate for the sake of a love that was meant to be?

Workhouse Girl and The Veiled Lady: Victorian Romance


Dolly Price - 2020
    It also swallows her voice.Who could ever love a mute and broken girl like Olivia? Franklin Slater wants nothing more, but society slays his advances and Olivia is forced to flee once again.It seems that even the prayers of the voiceless fall on deaf ears.Is there no voice to speak up for this hidden heroine of the dark, Victorian streets?Can Franklin muster courage to find the woman he once desired and forsake his fears and family? And does the mysterious veiled lady he meets hold secrets that will lead him back to the heart of his one true love?If you love historical Victorian sagas that celebrate the resilience of the human heart in the face of insurmountable challenges you will love the deep and moving story of the Workhouse Girl and The Veiled Lady.