Book picks similar to
Patience is a Virtue by Judith Nelson


regency
stepsibs-or-guardian
gave-up-on
historical-romance

A Liberating Love to Set Her Free


Carol Colyer - 2019
    Her dream, since childhood, has been to own some land for herself to feel independent and free. However, being a woman has almost set her dream on fire. Is there any chance that her dream could turn into reality? Sometimes what seems like a great opportunity can turn into great disappointment.Jesse Flynn is a mistake-ridden Boston businessman who inherited the neighboring ranch of Ariel's family. He arrived in the small town of Pinevale with intentions that are not immediately obvious. Will he manage to achieve his plan before someone finds out? When he sets his eyes upon her he feels for the first time in his life that he's found his place. How will Jesse's past failures follow him and put in danger his new life and happiness?Sparks fly when the lady rancher meets the businessman. They go about the property operations, side by side as business partners, while secretly, they each long for something more from the other than a good work ethic. Will they find a way to solve their differences, when clouds appear on the horizon or the rain will destroy everything? Is a single mistake enough to break them apart?"A Liberating Love to Set Her Free" is a historical western romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

A Duke’s Relentless Courting


Leah Conolly - 2020
    Now, duty calls once again, and she must make an advantageous match to save her family from ruin.Christopher Beaumont, the Duke of Hamilton, would not make it to her list of potential suitors, as his personality could be described as odd at best. A writer and a cynic, their match would be a disaster. Or so she thought…Christopher’s rigidness will melt away in his attempts to woo the dashing lady that stole his heart, but in order to stay by her side, he will have to battle not just his own misconceptions, but also the attempts of those dying to keep them apart…

Rumors


Louise Allen - 2013
    At the imposing Wimpole Hall, she meets architect Giles Harker. He is as eye-catching as the elegant house, but shockingly arrogant-and infuriatingly dismissive.Despite himself, Giles is strangely drawn to the haughty Isobel, and stuns her with a secret kiss in the gardens. As the illegitimate son of an infamous scarlet woman, he knows love can be dangerous. Their growing attraction could come at the cost of both their reputations.

Silence Of Scandal


Jackie Williams - 2014
     The war is over for the nation but not for the new Duke of Ormond. With death and debt stalking his every waking moment, caught between blackmailers and his brother’s deepest secret, Alexander’s dreams lie in tatters but he never surrendered on the battlefields of the Peninsular and he’s not about to admit defeat now. Even if that means marrying a woman he has never laid eyes on before. With her father’s warnings still fresh in her mind and her imperfections obvious to any who know her, Elizabeth’s options for freedom are diminishing with every trembling step. Available suitors are few and far between. Marriage to a debt ridden, aging fortune hunter will not be easy but with no other alternatives and destitution threatening she cannot escape her fate. Falling in love hadn't been a possibility Alexander ever considered but one glance at his beautiful bride’s tear filled onyx eyes has his blood surging through his veins, his heart pounding in his chest and he can no longer hide his emotions behind a facade of polite indifference. Elizabeth hadn’t expected him to be handsome. She hadn’t expected him to greet her with a sparkling sapphire gaze. She hadn’t expected gentle fingertips on her skin or her heart to break at the tender words on his lips. With Ormond and the family jewels at stake, Alexander’s resolve to defeat his enemies is soon put to the test as rumour, intrigue and scandal threaten his and Elizabeth’s blossoming affections. There is clearly another plan. There had always been another plan. A plan of greed and vengeance devised to ruin Ormond and its descendants for all time. Silence of Scandal is a light-hearted, easy read suitable for age 16 and upwards. (Contains some swearing and sensual love scenes)

Mistress of My Fate


Hallie Rubenhold - 2011
    At just sixteen years old, circumstance and a passionate love affair tear Henrietta away from everything she knows, leading to a new life fending for herself on the streets of 18th century London as a courtesan, gambler, and spirited intellect of the city.

The Trap


Mary Jane Staples - 1993
    The house was owned by Henry Mullins, big, burly, and a hard drinker. Henry made life hell for his four stepchildren who looked half-starved and frequently got bashed. Seventeen-year-old Kitty was the one Jamie felt most sorry for. She took the brunt of Henry Mullins' bad temper whilst trying to protect her sisters and brother. When Mullins suddenly died - in somewhat suspicious circumstances - Kitty realised they could be in trouble. If she wasn't careful the authorities would take the younger children away - split the family up. She wasn't having that, not after all they'd gone through, and nice, kind Jamie Blair was the one to save them. Too late Jamie found himself with a ready-made family and a stubborn and fiery young termagant called Kitty who was determined not to let him go.

The Last Appeal


Bill Blum - 1997
     After spending years with a death sentence hanging over his head, Ashbourne knows that his time could nearly be up. For Peter Harrigan, his attorney, in a way this case is the last shot at putting his own life back together. Five years earlier, while preparing Ashbourne's first appeal, Harrigan lost his entire family in a sudden car accident. For Harrigan, it really isn’t just a case. For Harrigan, after putting what little left he had into his work, losing the case would mean losing the final, fragile link to his past. Now when a surprise witness surfaces, Harrigan is not sure whether this new development is a blessing or a curse. His new witness is a master of deception who, at the same time, may hold the proof of Ashbourne's innocence. In Harrigan’s desperation to find the truth and free his client, he will have to plunge into the treacherous corners of California's radical environmental movement. In a final desperate race to lay his ghosts to rest, he will have to team up with a beautiful female investigator. Under the glare of the courtroom, the pressure is mounting as Harrigan has to face his old demons in order to try and finally lay the case to rest, once and for all. Praise for Bill Blum ‘A thrilling legal drama’ – Thomas Waugh Bill Blum is an experienced attorney. Familiar with the ins and outs, and the pitfalls of criminal procedures, he presents a riveting, hard-hitting and authentic legal thriller, one that offers a fascinating insider’s look at the shifting political dynamics within the criminal justice system. Bill Blum has also written for a wide array of publications, including the Los Angeles Times, ABA Journal, The Nation and California Lawyer, hosted a radio talk show, and lectured widely. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and family.

Lady Iona's Rebellion


Dorothy McFalls - 2010
    Winning the very proper Lady Iona for a wife would go a long way to achieving that end.They found each other.The more Nathan tries to protect Lady Iona from running head-long into disgrace, the more he admires her daring spirit and unpredictable antics. Instead of returning her to the obedient world to which she was raised, he encourages her blossoming passions. Such a move is surely going to lead them both to ruin.But for love he is willing to risk everything.

Captivated by a Rakish Duke


Lucy Langton - 2021
    Ever since her father left them with a precarious debt, her mother has been pushing her to secure a good marriage. Yet, when her close cousin invites her to the Duke of Tutlidge's marriage market ball, the first look between Mary and the Duke is enough to stimulate the spark of desire. Even though the sinful rumours of the rakish Duke overwhelm her, when she finds herself accidentally isolated with this dangerous, seductive man, a scandal is about to begin... Will Mary accept a forced marriage with a man she cannot trust, in order to save her reputation?Henry Poldern, the wild Duke of Tutlidge, is a vigorous man, who once had his naive young heart shattered to a million pieces by a cruel woman that deceived him. Ever since, he has become a stone-hearted rake determined to repel any eligible Lady of high society. However, even though he promised himself never to get married, an unfortunate event between him and Miss Brooke will force him to do the one thing he kept avoiding all these years. Yet, surprisingly, he will soon find himself longing for her touch, as her vulnerability below her cold facade makes him want her even more... Will Mary be the one to conquer his heart and make him leave his sinful past behind?An incidental encounter of fate intertwined Mary and Henry's lives leading them to unexpected consequences. Suddenly, both are forced into an engagement neither of them wanted and the last thing they expected was to end up in a flaming affair. Being under the same roof makes it impossible for them to tame their feelings... Yet soon, resisting their passion will not be their only struggle, as the sudden arrival of a notorious lady from Henry's past will turn their lives upside down. Will this cunning woman manage to tear their growing love apart, forever? In the end, will Mary and Henry conquer the demons of the past and surrender to their tempting lust?

Heir and a Spare: The Complete Collection


Fiona Miers - 2017
     Book 1- Sarah's Duke A newly minted Duke knows he must marry to suit his position, but after coming to the aid of a lovely vicar's daughter, he wants only her by his side. As for the lady, she's searching for a quiet, comfortable life, not the grandeur of a ducal seat—unless it contains a certain duke. Book 2 - Lady Charlotte's Marquess A duke's daughter, raised in a loveless, arranged marriage, vows to marry only a man she can truly love. But when she's surrounded by rogues and callous noblemen, how will she ever find him? Unless he's closer than she thinks. Book 3- Lizzie's Earl She's a widow seeking a gentleman to give her the family she wants and enjoy life on her country estate. He's a London rakehell seeking a wife he can wed, bed and forget. Who will prevail? Book 4 - Hannah's Duke An American miss wants nothing more than a husband and an easy life, the ton's foremost rake is the last thing on her mind. But when Hannah catches the eye of the aforementioned Ducal heir, sparks and tempers are going to fly. Almost 800 pages of steamy romance.

The Duke's Dilemma (Regency Romance)


Elizabeth Chater - 1986
    When Lady Leslie Endale realizes that her guardian March Wendell is the one responsible for her young brother's awful accidents, she arranges for her siblings to flee to London to be in the protection of Great-Aunt Endale. This seems to be the ideal solution for Lady Leslie until fate brings the Duke of Kenelm to her and he offers a more attractive option for the Endale progeny. He takes a liking to the children while Lady Leslie is enchanted by his charming ways, but can the two find each other's hearts while running from the corrupt March Wendell?

A Place Called Hope


Audrey Howard - 2001
    A tyrant and lecher, he resolves to tame her or destroy her for having the impertinence to leave him. And since he has her adored six-month-old son in his hands, it seems there is nothing that Amy can do except return to his power...

Rory (The Rakehells of Rochester Book 3)


J.A. Templeton - 2017
    When he awakens, he’s delighted to discovery Shannon O’Connor, a stunning maid, caring for him. Aroused and intrigued by the mysterious woman, Rory is determined to find out her secrets. But first, he plans to thoroughly seduce her with the most scorching, irresistible passion. Shannon O’Connor is on the run after her parents perish in a fire meant to wipe out her entire family. The only way Shannon can survive is to work as a servant in the home of wealthy English aristocrats. When her employer’s brother, a notorious rakehell is brought to the home with a bullet wound, it is Shannon’s responsibility to care for him. Just as she becomes comfortable in her position as nursemaid to the charming rogue, the person who killed her parents arrives ready to finish the job he started. NOTE: THE RAKEHELLS OF ROCHESTER is a steamy historical romance series intended for mature readers over the age of 18.

Goodbye Liverpool


Anne Baker - 2002
    But soon Josie realises she's made a mistake, and she and Suzy flee Liverpool and a man they now fear. But will they be safe from the past in Birkenhead?

Rescuing the Countess (His Majesty's Hounds #13)


Arietta Richmond - 2018
     Maria Wollstonefort, Countess of Granville, has rapidly come to regret her marriage. For her husband’s mother is domineering, and makes her life a misery, while her husband does nothing to defend or support her. She despairs of ever being happy again. Charles Barrington, Viscount Wareham, has loved Maria for many years, since they were children growing up as neighbours. But he was only a third son, until the wars changed everyone’s fortunes, and not seen as a suitable match for her. Now Maria is wedded to another, and he is a man in love, who can never act on that love. Life seems bleak, yet he cannot simply ignore Maria, no matter how much it hurts to see her, for he senses that she has troubles to deal with. When he offers her unconditional support, should she call upon him, neither of them expect that to ever happen. But when gossip, highwaymen and accidents come into play, he finds himself, and his family, called upon to save her. Can either of them be happy? Will fate deliver a way for their lost love to grow again? Or will death steal everything from them both? Read the rest of the series! Claiming the Heart of a Duke Intriguing the Viscount Giving a Heart of Lace Being Lady Harriet's Hero Enchanting the Duke< Redeeming the Marquess Finding the Duke's Heir Winning the Merchant Earl Healing Lord Barton Kissing the Duke of Hearts Loving the Bitter Baron Falling for the Earl Rescuing the Countess Betting on a Lady's Heart (coming soon) Attracting the Spymaster (coming soon) Restoring the Earl's Honour (coming soon If you love Regency romance, great historical romance, and stories with great characters, you'll love these !