Book picks similar to
An Unconventional Courtship by Dorothy Mack
historical-romance
regency
historical
historical-fiction
Rosalind
Jenny Hambly - 2018
Targeting only those she knows won large sums of money from her father, bleeding him dry and causing him to take his own life, she decides to teach them a lesson. She takes something valuable from each, leaving her calling card with a bible quote behind her. On her last outing, she is caught red-handed. Her surprise that the old Earl had died and been succeeded by his handsome, much sought-after son, is only equalled by his amazement that the thief should be a young, beautiful lady of quality. Bored, restless and guilt-ridden over the death of his own father and with his accusations of him being a selfish whelp still ringing in his ears, Lord Atherton heads off a bow street runner who is pursuing Rosalind and in an altruistic act he engages her to be a companion to his mother, leading her to believe he is making amends for his father’s actions. Unaware that he has become the target of enmity from a desperate gambler from whom he has won a large sum of money, they are thrown into a series of increasingly dangerous situations. Her brave responses to danger in no way reflect the behaviour expected of a traditional sweet young lady and frequently clash with his increasing sense of responsibility towards her. Her resentment at his frequent disapproval is increased when she discovers he hired her under false pretenses. Recognizing that her own happy ever after is as far away as ever, her pride dictates that she must leave her position and the new-found warmth and friendship she has found in the Atherton household. Will they manage to overcome both pride and prejudice to finally find happiness or will an unexpected letter from a solicitor drive a final wedge between them?
A Forbidden Waltz with the Dashing Duke
Hazel Linwood - 2020
But her days as an obedient daughter come to an end the moment she meets an extraordinary Duke.A business meeting takes a turn when newly appointed Duke of Westmond, Christopher Newmont, casts his eyes upon a lady’s portrait in her father’s study. The only problem? She is already betrothed to someone else.After Rowena’s father rejects Christopher’s marriage offer, they are left with only one choice: escape to Gretna Green. But when Rowena is mysteriously abducted, Christopher sees their future burn in the worst fire London has ever seen...*If you like powerful Dukes, loving Duchesses and a marvelous depiction of the majestic Regency and Victorian era, then A Forbidden Waltz with the Dashing Duke is the novel for you.A Forbidden Waltz with the Dashing Duke is a historical Regency romance novel of 80,000 words (around 400 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.
The Duke's Undoing
G.G. Vandagriff - 2012
He is weary, cynical, and very bored. Known as the worst rake in England, he finds he has no interest in upholding that distinction, when his friend, the Marquis of Somerset, proposes a bet: "Five thousand guineas says that seducing Miss Elise Edwards will cure your ennui." Because his friend has just lost a packet to him, he agrees that the bet be posted in White's famous Betting Book.The following day, while walking in Green Park, he spies a mysterious young woman, veiled, and obviously grieving. A disembodied voice, sounding strangely like that of his late adjutant, informs him, "The jig is up. That is the girl you are going to marry!" He scoffs, but is nevertheless intrigued by something about the slight figure. He even sketches her and asks if he can be of assistance to her. She declines his offer kindly.At the opera that evening, he is captivated by a beauty across the Opera Hall. He hears the same voice, saying the same thing. The marquis informs him that the woman in question is Miss Elise Edwards. When he meets her, he recognizes her voice as that of the woman in the park. Now she is surrounded by a surfeit of ex-fiance's, one of them dangerously unbalanced. Ruisdell discovers an actual bond between them which renders him honor bound to protect her.Thus begins a train of unstoppable events--dangerous, humorous, devilish, and amorous--that carry his life along at such a pace that the duke soon knows not whether he is on his head or his heels. And then there is that bet . . .
The Disastrous Courtship of Lady Grimvale
Patricia Haverton - 2020
Α country that seems as foreign as the people that reside in it.Elijah Keaton, Earl of Grimvale, couldn't have been in more dire straits. Left to manage his late father's mounting debts, there's only one way to keep his Earldom from collapsing: find and marry a rich heiress. That is until he sets eyes upon a breathtaking lady he has never seen before.Thrown into a storm where nothing is dictated by them, Imogen and Elijah find solace in the one thing that seems to illuminate an otherwise bleak future: each other.Mysterious nighttime visitors keep knocking on his door, and Elijah receives an ominous message: he's living on borrowed time. A mission has been bestowed upon Imogen; a mission that was placed on her shoulders before she was even born...*If you like powerful Dukes, loving Duchesses and a marvelous depiction of the majestic Regency and Victorian era, then The Disastrous Courtship of Lady Grimvale is the novel for you.This is Patricia Haverton's 7th novel, a historical Regency romance novel of 80,000 words (around 400 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.Pick up "The Disastrous Courtship of Lady Grimvale" today to discover Patricia's captivating story!
The Wrong Brother
Bree Wolf
One lady. And a heart torn in two.ISABELLA CARRINGTON has always favoured her mind over her heart.Meeting Charles Dashwood, she quickly decides that he is the one for her. After all, he has all the qualities she appreciates in a man; he is kind, honest, and most of all dependable.However, in the very moment, Isabella whispers her 'I do', her eyes catch the glimpse of another man. A man whose eyes look unnervingly familiar, and yet, stir a longing within her heart and soul she has never known.Just as she gives her hand to Charles Dashwood, her heart is stolen by none other than her husband's notorious twin, ROBERT DASHWOOD, VISCOUNT NORWOOD.When mind and heart do not go hand in hand, can there be a happily ever after?This tale by a USA TODAY bestselling author shows that the heart wants what the heart wants…even at the most inconvenient of times.If you like bittersweet stories about a love so abrupt and unexpected that it unhinges your whole world and leaves you reeling, then you’ll love this instalment of Bree Wolf’s emotionally charged Forbidden Love Novella Series. Download THE WRONG BROTHER for FREE, grab a cup of tea, settle into your favorite reading spot and start this swoon worthy romance now!A Forbidden Love Novella Series#1 The Wrong Brother#2 A Brilliant Rose#3 The Forgotten Wife#4 An Unwelcome Proposal#5 Rules to Be Broken#6 Hearts to Be MendedTo Follow:#7 Winning her Hand#8 Conquering her HeartLove's Second Chance Series#1 Forgotten & Remembered - The Duke's Late Wife (Rosabel & Graham)#2 Cursed & Cherished - The Duke's Wilful Wife (Anna & Edmond)#3 Despised & Desired - The Marquess' Passionate Wife (Ellie & Frederick)#4 Abandoned & Protected - The Marquis' Tenacious Wife (Henrietta & Connor)#5 Ruined & Redeemed - The Earl's Fallen Wife (Charlotte & Sebastian)#6 Betrayed & Blessed - The Viscount's Shrewd Wife (Beth & Tristan)#7 Deceived & Honoured - The Baron’s Vexing Wife (Madeline & Derek)More to follow:#8 Sacrificed & Reclaimed - The Soldier's Daring Widow (Meagan & Edward) (Bonus Novella)
Mistaken for a Rake
Rose Pearson - 2020
But she believes in him. Is that a mistake?The Duke of Landon has finally left his estate to launch his three eldest daughters in London society. Having been something of a distant father, he finds the prospect rather difficult, until a chance meeting with one Lady Hayward. Forming an alliance, he leaves them in Lady Hayward’s care.Rebecca, the eldest of the Duke’s daughters, is determined to make a suitable match this Season. Looking for a practical arrangement rather than affection, she is surprised when Lady Hayward steers her away from the one gentleman she cannot seem to stop thinking about.Lord Jeffery Richmond spurned the advances of a lady of the ton and now has a poor reputation that is entirely unjustified. How can he save himself from ruin in society? And how can he pursue a relationship with the daughter of a Duke while in such a situation! Can he convince her that he is not the man society believes him to be? Or will she turn away from him entirely, leaving him heartbroken and alone? This is the first book in the Landon House series, where Lady Hayward and the Duke of Landon form an alliance to assist each other with the difficulties of their family life. Get your copy today!
The Transformation of the Bashful Lady
Fanny Finch - 2020
Neglected by her mother after her father’s death, she lacks the knowledge of social etiquette and proper appearances. But her life will change when she receives proper tutelage from a strange lady.Andrew Clayton, the Marquess of Somerset, is a sworn bachelor, as he had his heart broken once already. But when he witnesses the transformation of a timid girl into a dazzling woman, his views on marriage will fly out of the window.But Sarah is not the only one trying to win Andrew’s heart and her rival will use everything in her arsenal to eliminate the competition…*If you like engaging characters, heart- wrenching twists and turns, and lots of romance, then you’ll love “The Transformation of the Bashful Lady”!
Straight and True: A Regency Novella
Justice Joy - 2014
Unfortunately, he does not return her affections. When she is invited to a house party at his family's estate, she makes plans to win his heart. Alexander Brent, her childhood nemesis, has been in love with her for most of his life, but he could never hold a candle to his cousin, Nathan. Now, fresh from a tour of the continent and changed from the ungainly youth he once was, Alex is determined to foil Isabella's plans. He offers to help her so he could secretly thwart her...but in doing so, he just might end up ensuring her success. This sweet Regency novella is approximately 34,000 words.
Lord Somerton's Heir
Alison Stuart - 2014
can a new love heal their wounds? A tale of second chance love in aristocratic Regency England, for lovers of all things Bridgerton.Sebastian Alder's sudden elevation from penniless army captain to Viscount Somerton is the stuff of fairy tales, but the cold reality of an inherited estate in wretched condition leaves him little time for fantasy, and the memory of his wife's brutal death haunts his every moment. When he learns of the mysterious circumstances of his cousin's demise, he must also look for a potential murderer ... surely not Isabel, his cousin's ladylike widow?Isabel, Lady Somerton, is desperate to bury the memory of her unhappy marriage by founding the charity school she has always dreamed of. Her hopes are shattered from beyond the grave when she is left not only penniless but once more bound to the whims of a Somerton ... although perhaps the new Lord Somerton is a man she can trust ... or even care for?Suspicion could tear them apart ... honesty and courage may pull them together.(Winner of the 2012 Romance Through the Ages Award for an unpublished manuscript - Romance Writers of America Historical Chapter)
Lady Silence
Blair Bancroft - 2005
Damon Farr, a war-weary cavalry colonel in search of peace and quiet, acquires a good deal more when he employs as his secretary Katy Snow, the mute housemaid his family took in off the street years earlier.
Lady Dearing's Masquerade
Elena Greene - 2005
Length: about 80,000 words (260 pages). Sensuality: includes sex scenes.Finally free after a desperately unhappy marriage, widowed Lady Dearing goes to a masquerade. She thinks it’s just a lark, but matters turn serious when she kisses a costumed stranger who protected her from a drunken lout. Word leaks out, scandal escalates and she becomes the ton’s most infamous widow. Shunned by society, she retreats to her country estate. Having no children of her own, she finds joy in caring for children she’s taken in from London’s Foundling Hospital. But every night, she is haunted by the memory of the gallant stranger, whose seductive voice and gentle touch awakened desires she’d thought long dead. Two years later, Sir Jeremy Fairhill still hungers for the lady from the masquerade. She felt like his match, more than his saintly deceased wife, more than any of the respectable ladies his friends urge him to marry. Failing to find her, he throws his energies into the cause of the Foundling Hospital, where he serves on the Board of Governors. Hearing that a notorious woman has some of the foundlings in her charge, he is impelled to investigate. He has no idea that she is the lady he seeks, but soon his sense of honor is at odds with his dangerous passion for the elusive, alluring Lady Dearing.Reviews:"Lady Dearing's Masquerade could have been a dark, depressing story considering its many tragedies: orphaned foundlings, throwaway babies, malicious gossip, years of abuse. But it's a tribute to Elena Greene that the story is poignant, and the admirable way in which Jeremy and Livvy deal with their trials endears them to readers and will have you rooting for them to unite."-- Romantic Times Bookclub (4 and 1/2 stars, TOP PICK)"Lady Dearing's Masquerade is a delightful Regency romance. The characters of this remarkable tale sparkle with sensitivity, wit, humor, and a genuine quality that will make them stand out in readers' minds long after the last page is turned... The passion and romance of this wonderful story are heartwarming and a pleasure to read. The characters shine with genuine emotions and believable dialogue. Secondary characters are an essential element to the story and an insight into Livvy's and Jeremy's personalities. For a story that is sure to stoke the romantic fires burning in every Regency fan, be sure not to miss Lady Dearing's Masquerade." -- Edith Morrison, for Romance Reviews Today"This was a very well written novel, with great characters and a terrific (and plausible) plot... I'll definitely be looking for more books by Elena Greene." -- Lynn Lamy, for Rakehell"This is a SuperRegency from Signet, which means it has a greater page count and more sensuality than your basic Regency, both of which Elena Greene puts to good use in Lady Dearing's Masquerade... this was a terrific read, and I recommend it."-- Cheryl Sneed, for All About Romance
The Maid of Fairbourne Hall
Julie Klassen - 2012
If she can remain unwed until her next birthday, she will receive an inheritance, and with it, sweet independence. But she never planned on actually working as a servant. And certainly not in the home of Nathaniel and Lewis Upchurch--both former suitors. As she fumbles through the first real work of her life, Margaret struggles to keep her identity secret when suspicions arise and prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall. Can she avoid a trap meant to force her from hiding?Brimming with romance and danger, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall takes readers inside the fascinating belowstairs world of a 19th-century English manor, where appearances can be deceiving.
Secrets of a Soprano
Miranda Neville - 2016
Her peerless voice thrills everyone—except Maximilian Hawthorne, Viscount Allerton, the wealthy owner of a rival opera house. Notorious Teresa Foscari is none other than Tessa, the innocent girl who broke his youthful heart. Yet Max still wants her, like no other woman.Amidst backstage intrigue and the sumptuous soirées of fashionable London, the couple’s rivalry explodes in bitter accusations and smashed china. Tessa must fight for her career—and resist her attraction to Max, the man she once loved and who now holds the power to destroy her.
The Earl's Bargain
Cheryl Bolen - 2011
What's a man-hating bluestocking to do?Enter the Earl of Wycliff, who offers her financial security for life. All she has to do is travel across England posing as his wife. They're both hiding secrets – not the least of which is their budding love for each other
Inheriting Trouble
Wendy May Andrews - 2019
Georgia Holton, wellborn but nearly penniless, is best friends with one of the Earl of Sherton’s five daughters. When she is invited to accompany her friend for two weeks of the Season, Georgia jumps at the opportunity to have a little adventure away from her small village. The Earl of Crossley is handsome, wealthy, widowed, and jaded. He has no intention of courting any of this Season’s debutantes. After all, every woman he’s ever known has been dishonest, including his late wife. But when a chance encounter throws him into contact with the Sherton ladies and their lovely friend, he can’t help being drawn to Georgia’s beauty and endearing personality. When confusion about Georgia’s small inheritance becomes known, a sense of obligation to right a wrong forces the earl and Georgia into close association. But is she really different from any of the other women, or does she have an ulterior motive? And can Georgia even consider getting close to a man from High Society, when all she wants is to return to her simple village life? Sparks fly between these two, but it will take forgiveness and understanding on both their parts to reach a happily ever after.