Book picks similar to
The Lion's Cub by L.M. Zorn


historical-fiction
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Twice a Rake


Catherine Gayle - 2011
    . .When Aurora Hyatt loses her journal in Hyde Park, her ruin is a foregone conclusion. After all, if anyone discovers her writings, they'll find scandalous fantasies involving the newest rake in Town alongside entirely-too-candid thoughts about her typical dreary suitors. Aurora will either be forced into a loveless marriage with the first nodcock to make an offer, or she'll be assigned a permanent position on the shelf. Oh, dear good Lord. What catastrophe will God smote down upon her next?If Niles Thornton, Baron Quinton, desires to maintain any semblance of his current lifestyle, he must fulfill the requirements his grandfather has set for him. First and foremost: he must marry and begin filling his nursery within the year. When he is nearly barreled over by a racing curricle and a journal flies out to land at his feet, his troubles are over. Inside the journals pages, Quin discovers a scandal waiting to happen. Surely a young lady who would write such brazen things in a journal (and then dare to lose it) must recognize the necessity of a hasty marriage, even if the gentleman making the offer is rather less-than-honorable.In a drunken haze, Quin kisses Aurora on a crowded ballroom floor, necessitating their immediate marriage. Quin's troubles are only beginning, however, as Aurora's writings are soon the focus of both gossip rags and drawing room conversation. When word arrives of an even greater scandal following in his wife's wake, will he prove himself a drunken abuser like his father, or will he become the loving husband of Aurora's fantasies?

The Wall


Richard Denham - 2014
    Four soldiers - Justinus, Paternus, Leocadius and Vitalis - are out hunting for food supplies at an outpost of Hadrian's Wall, when the Wall comes under attack. The four find their fort destroyed, their comrades killed, and Paternus is unable to find his wife and son. As they run south to Eboracum, they realize that this is no ordinary border raid. Ranged against the Romans at the edge of the world are four different peoples, and they have banded together under a mysterious leader who wears a silver mask and uses the name Valentinus - man of Valentia, the turbulent area north of the Wall. Faced with questions they are hard-pressed to answer, Leocadius blurts out a story that makes the men Heroes of the Wall. Their lives change not only when Valentinus begins his lethal sweep across Britannia but as soon as Leo's lie is out in the world, growing and changing as it goes. WILL THE WALL BE REBUILT AND THE POWER OF ROME RE-ESTABLISHED? AND WILL OUR FOUR HEROES REACH THE END OF THEIR JOURNEY? 367 AD is one of the critical dates in British history, but the year means little to most people now, and it is only rarely mentioned in historical books. Britannia: Part I - The Wall introduces the reader to this tumultuous age, as we share the adventure, confusion and bewilderment of our heroes - four common soldiers stationed at Hadrian's Wall. We find them caught up in the madness of a chain of events which will eventually lead to the fall of Roman Britain, and the descent into the Dark Ages.

The Poacher's Daughter


Mary Nichols - 1995
    They all knew she was not the poacher’s real child, though few knew the mystery of how she came to be living with him. Kate herself was not sure; Josiah had told her he had found her abandoned as a baby, but was Josiah telling the truth?He loved her and she was devoted to him and she did not question what he said until two mysterious men came to the village on the same day, both handsome, strong, self-possessed men, but so very different in every other way. Something was happening in the village, something important, something that would affect all their lives…

Pleasures of Somerville Park


Ava March - 2010
    A visit from his youngest brother does nothing to change his mind. All he wants is to remain at his country estate with Henry Shaw. After days of going over documents, Arsen is more than ready for his brother to depart for London in the morning. He’s missed having Henry in his bed. Now if he can just convince his frustratingly cautious lover to join him in his bed for the night… Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable.

The Mercenary's Tale


Lynn Lorenz - 2008
    Despite his better judgment, he agreed to let the young mercenary travel with him to the battle at Foray. Their travels become a journey of sexual discovery, love, and, ultimately, on the battlefield at Foray, loss.Two years later, Drake is called to be Master of Arms at Marden Castle. Drake can handle that, but he can't handle Logan, the Duke of Marden.Logan's green eyes, long blond hair, and boyish charm make Drake feel things he'd rather keep buried. But if Drake can open his heart again, he'll find everything he's never wanted and always needed: a home, a son, and a man to love and who loves him. Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Male/male sexual practices, ménage (m/f/m, m/m/m), violence.

The Warrior Queen


Lavinia Collins - 2014
    Drawing on a rich seam of historical sources Lavinia Collins has created a fictional masterpiece, and epic romance that will stand the test of time.The Warrior Queen is the first full novel length instalment of the Guinevere Trilogy. A Champion's Duty and The Day of Destiny will be released by Spring, 2014.

The She-King: The Complete Saga


Libbie Hawker - 2014
    M. Ironside's saga of the Thutmosides of ancient Egypt. This set contains: The Sekhmet Bed: Book 1 Thirteen-year-old Ahmose is given as Great Royal Wife to the new king, to legitimize his rule. But her elder sister Mutnofret has been raised to expect the privileged station. As Ahmose fights the currents of Egypt's politics and Mutnofret's vengeful anger, her youth and inexperience carry her beyond her depth and into the realm of sacrilege. To right her wrongs and save Egypt from the gods' wrath, Ahmose must face her most visceral fear: bearing an heir. But the gods of Egypt are exacting, and even her sacrifice may not be enough to restore the Two Lands to safety. The Crook and Flail: Book 2 Hatshepsut longs for power, but a woman on the throne defies the sacred order. As God's Wife of Amun, she believes she has found the perfect balance of peace and order. But when the powerful men of Egypt plot to replace her, she must decide whether to surrender her birthright to a man, or take for herself the throne of the Pharaoh. Sovereign of Stars: Book 3 Never in Egypt's long history has a woman reigned as king. As Hatshepsut wrestles with foreign enemies and domestic politics, her heart grows ever more troubled, for her daughter Neferure is haunted by a brutal and demanding god. Hatshepsut's fight to retain her hold on power, peace, and Neferure will carry her on an incomparable journey to the legendary kingdom of Punt. There, in the god's own valley, she must confront the bleakness of fate and the terrible frailty of eternity. The Bull of Min: Book 4 Conspiracy and treason simmer in the Two Lands. When an unexpected challenger to the succession arises, the royal family must face impossible choices. To protect what she most loves, the young queen Meryet will match wits against a demon from the past. Hatshepsut stands on the brink of the ultimate sacrifice. And Thutmose, torn between throne and family, must commit an unthinkable act against Hatshepsut...or allow Egypt to fall into the hands of an unpredictable killer.

Aphrodite - a Humorous Regency Novel


D.G. Rampton - 2021
    Unfortunately for her, her grandmother has other ideas...marriage.Lively and strong-willed, April does not appreciate being compelled to catch a husband. Yet, before long, she finds herself courting the affections of the Duke of Claredon, while struggling with a wholly inappropriate attraction to the insufferable Mr Royce.In the lead up to Christmas, in the year 1820, a delightfully devious campaign is orchestrated to bring together two people destined for one another, regardless of the obstacles to be overcome and the inconvenient tendency on the part of the protagonists to resist their attraction...until they are finally brought to realise they cannot escape fate, or the meddling of one determined grandmother!

Brandywine


Jackie Ivie - 2013
    Society embraces him. Women love him. Men emulate him. He's rich. Intelligent. Eligible. Tall. Incredibly handsome. Charming. And trapped. There's nothing worse than marriage to Helene Bingham - a blackmailing, evil-spirited woman with a soiled reputation...Except the woman behind the wedding veil. HIS BRIDE Helene Bingham's had more than enough trouble in her short life. And nobody's ever around to help. That's why she invented Brandy - the wench of loose morals, sharp tongue, and fast reflexes. Brandy finds it a grand jest to stand in for her cousin at the wedding, and there's a bonus: It saves Helene, too.At least, until her groom finds out... A HONEYMOON Helene's quick, but even she has trouble keeping up with her new husband. He's the only one she can't fool. He's got wit to go with his handsome face, honor to match his words, kisses that seduce, and sensual skills...Oh my!Where is Brandy when she needs her?

The Darkest Summer


Rebecca J. Greenwood - 2017
    That's why Cora is so fascinated when she meets the dark Duke of Blackdell. Knowing his dangerous reputation, Cora's mother flatly forbids the match, and the duke decides to take matters into his own hands. Kidnapped and facing a scandal, Lady Cora must now decide whether love will be her downfall or the beginning of a new plan, one she never dreamed possible.Set in the stormy summer of 1816, this Regency romance is a retelling of the myth of Hades and Persephone.

Ophelia: A Valentine's Day Bride


Kit Morgan - 2018
    Get in, assess the town, and get out. Then he'd report to his superiors at Wells Fargo and Company to let them know if Noelle was respectable and prosperous enough to open a branch there. But what Clint found was anything but respectable! Toss in a violet-eyed beauty that takes his breath away, a mayor and a preacher he thinks are consorting with the worst sorts of evil, and the fun begins. Enjoy this hilarious romp as only Kit Morgan can deliver. Sweet, clean and wholesome romance at its very best!

Bear Creek Brides #1-4


Amelia Rose - 2020
    Jenny Philips needs to escape her domineering uncle who’s trying to sell her to the highest bidder.A mail-order bride ad brings these two tortured souls together. Upon meeting the Virginia rose, Mathew falls hard and offers to help her get settled.Although Jenny finds herself attracted to the kindhearted cattle farmer, she fears that a marriage amid deadly conflict between miners and natives could spoil their chance at happiness.Can the couple survive a bumpy trail to love and begin a new life together?Sheriff Jacob Benning dreams of only one thing: being a father. After placing a mail-order bride ad, an accident ruins his handwriting and with it, a chance to meet an educated lady.He believes his dream of fatherhood is over.But Rosa Casey, a woman battling anxiety and low self-esteem, finds the sheriff’s bad handwriting charming. For the first time in her life, she swallows her fears, packs her bags, and takes a leap into the unknown.In the small Montana town, Jacob and Rosa begin to build a life. But dangers of the frontier lure at every corner, threatening to destroy a relationship that has just started to blossom.Will Jacob and Rosa survive the dusty dangers to live happily ever after?Dan Mavis, a schoolteacher in the small town of Bear Creek, Montana, believes the only way he’ll finally marry is if he mail-orders a wife. His elegant female colleague, Phoebe James, strongly disagrees.After having her heart broken one too many times, Phoebe finds herself falling for a handsome educator, a man strikingly different from those who’ve previously courted her.Just as Dan starts noticing the beautiful assistant and things start heating up between them, Dan’s advertisement reaches a woman keen to take up his offer.Dan’s mail-order bride shows up at the worst moment, ready to break the starry-eyed couple apart.Will this dramatic interruption ruin Dan and Phoebe’s best chance for a happily-ever-after?When Edward James settled in Bear Creek to manage the mines, he didn’t plan on falling in love. Since the moment he met Morning Sun, his world has been turned upside down and he wants nothing more than to worship the Sioux beauty and be a devoted husband.But the call of the tribe is strong.Morning Sun loves Edward with all her heart, but her loyalty lies with her tribe.Can she really ask Edward to give up his life to live with the Sioux? Does Edward love her enough to leave behind the life he built?As doubts and fears plague the couple’s minds, the US military plans to banish the Sioux to a reservation, taking Morning Sun away from Edward forever.If they run away together, they can save their love, but what will become of the tribe?Can their love survive the harshest of tests?In Bear Creek Brides: Books 1-4, you’ll find four exhilarating stories of how one brave act of venturing into the unknown can change your destiny.

Mail Order Susanna


Charlotte Dearing - 2020
    A vulnerable mail-order bride, traveling alone.Beau Bailey is tasked with protecting travelers on an east Texas train route. A famed Texas Ranger, Beau tangles with plenty of rough outlaws.His scars come from years of collaring hardened criminals.When he meets Susanna, a lovely, elegant young woman traveling alone, she stirs his protective instincts. She’s a mail-order bride going to Sweet Willow, a town he knows well. Beau’s gut tells him there’s a problem waiting for her.Susanna is on her way to marry a man who Beau believes is dead...

Lessons in Love


Charlie Cochrane - 2008
    Bride's College, Cambridge, England, 1905.When Jonty Stewart takes up a teaching post at the college where he studied, the handsome and outgoing young man acts as a catalyst for change within the archaic institution. He also has a catalytic effect on Orlando Coppersmith.Orlando is a brilliant, introverted mathematician with very little experience of life outside the college walls. He strikes up an alliance with the outgoing Jonty, and soon finds himself having feelings he's never experienced before. Before long their friendship blossoms into more than either man had hoped and they enter into a clandestine relationship.Their romance is complicated when a series of murders is discovered within St. Bride's. All of the victims have one thing in common, a penchant for men. While acting as the eyes and ears for the police, a mixture of logic and luck leads them to a confrontation with the murderer... can they survive it?

In the Garden of Temptation


Cynthia Wicklund - 2010
    She had come upon it not long after her marriage to Edgar, and it had offered her the only peace she was to know for a long time. It was dangerous to share the only thing that belonged to one. Yet the thought of spending an afternoon with the earl in her most treasured place, sharing a leisurely meal, beckoned her. She glanced shyly over her shoulder to see if he still followed.Lord Ashworth rode only a few yards behind her horse, and he grinned when their eyes met. He had a lazy, sensual smile and, when he looked at her like that, she felt an odd breathless catch in her throat. She wondered how it would feel if he were to place those warm lips to hers instead of the back of her hand. Oh dear! There went that catch again.Within moments they entered a clearing. Catherine dismounted without waiting for the earl’s assistance and swung her arms wide as she turned in a circle about the shaded copse.“What do you think?” she asked.The earl, still astride, cast his gaze slowly around the tiny glen as he studied the scenery. He then turned his attention to Catherine but did not speak. A suggestive grin broke the calm of his expression as he continued to watch her.“More beautiful than I could have imagined,” he murmured.Simple statement that, but it held a wealth of meaning. Catherine dropped her arms while staring back in fascination. Her mouth fell open and her breathing quickened. The air vibrated with unspoken words as they shared a moment of absolute understanding. The specter of desire had been brought into the open and was acknowledged.Experience IN THE GARDEN OF TEMPTATION today. Meet characters you'll visit again in the other books in this series.Now Available on Amazon:IN THE GARDEN OF SEDUCTION, Book 2 of The Garden Series.IN THE GARDEN OF DISGRACE, Book 3 of The Garden Series.IN THE GARDEN OF DECEIT, Book 4 of The Garden Series.Just Released: THIEF OF SOULSDark and sensual, Thief of Souls is one man's battle with evil for the fate of his humanity. It is a modern vampire-esque romance, gothic in tone, with a twist on the "Beauty and the Beast" theme, for the beast's ugliness resides on the inside rather than the outside, and his hope for redemption comes not from being loved by another but from discovering his own ability to love.