Book picks similar to
The Irish Earl's Ruse by Emma Lange
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Jessamine's Folly
S.G. Rogers - 2013
When her aunt gives her an ultimatum to leave, Jessamine accepts a position as companion to Lord Kirkendale’s sister—even though she’s been warned her predecessors can’t seem to resist the earl’s exceptional good looks. Can Jessamine manage to hold onto her job without losing her heart?To honor a promise made to his dying father, Lord Kirkendale agrees to an arranged marriage to a woman he cannot love. Although he is resigned to a life without sentiment, the arrival of his sister’s new companion awakens a slumbering passion. Can he find a way to secure his own happiness without sacrificing his family’s honor, or will his broken promise result in the ruination of the person he loves most?
Once Upon a Promise
Nicola Davidson - 2016
To forget the man who pulled her into his glittering, stifling world, introduced her to love, laughter, and sizzling passion in their whirlwind marriage, then broke her heart. Ordered home to inherit an unexpected title, Major Caleb Montclair must face the wife he’s never stopped loving, and the dark secrets that kept him away. Confronted with Emma’s request, he offers a hasty counter-bargain: six weeks to win her back. But even as old tenderness rekindles, lost time and past wounds threaten their reunion. Does love truly get a second chance? Once Upon a Promise was previously published in the Regency anthology 'A Midsummer Night's Kiss'.
Lord Sidley's Last Season
Sherry Lynn Ferguson - 2009
For two years she's been engaged to a naval lieutenant, now due home within weeks. But before she weds, Marian accepts her cousins' invitation to join them in town for the social season. Lady Formsby has generously arranged for Marian to study with the masters at the Royal Academy. As a dedicated painter, Marian can be relied upon to provide steady, sensible company to her impulsive younger cousin Katie, who has been relishing her debut. All of London is thrilled with Napoleon's abdication and the celebratory visits of foreign princes. Yet Lord Sidley's return from the war has created an equal sensation. The earl's looks, charm, and dashing reputation intrigue both cousins. Katie vows to marry Sidley, and indeed, as the last of his family, he must choose a bride. But there is another reason for the widespread fascination with Lord Sidley's Season. And Marian soon discovers how easily plans, and hearts, can be overturned.
Prelude to Heaven
Laura Lee Guhrke - 1994
Fleeing to the southern coast of France, Tess collapses in the garden of a reclusive painter, whose love and devotion will set her free.
Hester Waring's Marriage
Paula Marshall - 2000
Her rescue came from an unlikely source - Mr Tom Dilhorne, an ex-convict and now the richest man in Sydney. He needed a lady for a wife, and Hester was undoubtedly a lady, even if her father had taught her to mistrust Tom.
The Sweetest Kiss
Marie Higgins - 2011
He does not want a marriage like his parents. But when his mother brings in a childhood acquaintance into the home to sponsor into society, Trey has to get Miss Faraday trained properly. The more he gets to know Judith, the more he yearns for something he doesn’t dare reach for. Judith is after a faithful husband—something Trey has been convinced most of his life he’ll never become. Judith Faraday is only after one thing—to marry her Naval Officer and enjoy a life full of love. She’s doubtful her dream will ever come true while living as the ward to the dowager duchess. However, the longer Judith is with the dowager’s son, Trey, an attraction blossoms. Judith now wonders if God has different plans for her life, because Trey doesn’t believe in the sanctity of marriage . . . the very thing Judith cannot do without. **** Unconscious, she was nothing but dead weight. Yet in Trey's arms, she fit perfectly. He didn’t want to examine why he felt this way, so he yanked the quilt over their heads and cuddled closer, resting his chin on her forehead. Inhaling her jasmine scent, he smiled. He’d always loved women who smelled like heaven. Mentally, he scolded himself for thinking such a thing. And what made it worse was her warm breath blowing against his skin, creating shivers to burst through him. With effort he halted the improper strain of thoughts. Strange she hadn’t moved, other than her steady breathing. Was something wrong with her? His mother wouldn’t be able to handle a sickly ward when the older woman battled with health issues herself. The crowd of searchers gathered near the window, and Trey tried to pick up bits from their conversation. As he strained to hear, the woman next to him stirred and let out a small moan. Silently, he grumbled. He knew exactly what she’d do when she regained her bearings. He tightened his arms around her body to keep her from lashing out. Although he had her arms pinned, he worried what he’d do if she screamed. And most assuredly, she would. Her eyelids fluttered open. A frown pulled on her lips as she tried to move her arms. Blinking the haze of unconsciousness from her eyes, she looked at the blanket covering their heads before turning to meet his stare. Her eyes widened. Recognition must have struck, because panic lit her gaze, and she opened her mouth. Without thinking of the consequences, he covered her mouth with his, silencing the scream he knew was forthcoming. He couldn’t let her go. Her reputation was at stake . . . Not to mention his cherished bachelorhood. “Shhh,” he mumbled against her mouth. “I’m not going to hurt you. We must be quiet.” She jerked her head away and pummeled his chest with her fists. He yanked her hands above her head and held them with a strong grip. “A search party is after you. Please, I’m trying to hide you and save your reputation.” “I don’t think kissing—” “Now is not the time to think!” Using his free hand, Trey held her face while his mouth took over again. Though he only kissed her to shut her up, warmth spread throughout him this time and he found he quite enjoyed this intimate embrace. Soon her lips softened, and he sensed her surrender. The kiss turned to something more tender. Her mouth responded, the touch tentative and so sweetly naïve he was consumed by the need to show her his gentle side—a side he didn’t normally show to women. As her lips matched his kisses, he slowly released her hands.
The Captain and the Wallflower
Lyn Stone - 2012
Who better than the homeliest young woman left over at the end of the London season? After all, she will require little attention to keep her happy….Lady Grace Renfair leaps at the only chance to escape her emotionally abusive uncle and accepts Caine's proposal. Soon she blooms with confidence and beauty, causing her husband's forbidding exterior to crumble.If she could only reach beyond his scars to the gentleman beneath….
Tempt Me Not
Eve Byron - 1995
But the infectious good humor and radiant smile of the young Lady Jillian soon melted Max's resisting heart --- binding them together with the promise of loving friendship. DIVINE TEMPTATIONThe passing years have transformed Jullian into a stunning and sensuous woman, while circumstance has shattered a time-honored alliance, turning lifelong friends to bitter foes. Now Max is duty bound to smash to bits the cherished dreams of his childhood love. But Jillian has already risked much for her beloved --- her brother's wrath, her reputation, her life itself. And she is determined to let nothing extinguish the flames of her all-consuming passion which, once ignited, must burn forever.