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Devil at the Gates by Lauren Smith


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romance
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historical-fiction

The Gift of a Christmas Scandal: Regency Romance


Arietta Richmond - 2018
     *****FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED***** Alexander Fortescue, the Duke of Southolton, is trapped – before he reached his majority, whilst he was on the continent, his father signed a contract, binding him to marry Lady Phyllida, who was then a child. Now she is grown, and Alex is Duke – but despite his disinterest in her, the contract seems unbreakable. Lady Selina Brancourt has yet to meet a man she finds truly appealing – although she has been keen to look. Her father, unhappy that she is yet unwed, pushes her towards a match with an older man, for business reasons. A man she finds utterly distasteful. When they meet at a houseparty arranged by the Duke’s mother, their common plight draws them together – but soon their attraction leads to stolen kisses, and more. When faced with a future apart, there seems only one solution – the gift of a Christmas scandal. Can the Duke bring himself to take the dishonourable path, to free himself? Will Selina cast all propriety to the winds, and do what is necessary to wed the only man she has ever wanted? Or will the demands of duty steal their chance at love?

When the Marquess Falls


Lorraine Heath - 2017
    Expected from birth to adhere to decades of tradition, he plans to marry a proper young woman from a good family. But when a beautiful, and completely unsuitable, woman snags his heart, he begins to realize that to get what you want, sometimes you have to break the rules.Linnie Connor dreams of the independence of running her very own bakery. And while she may be allowed to be a marquess’ childhood companion, the baker's daughter never ends up with the handsome nobleman. Determined to achieve at least one of her dreams, Linnie makes plans to leave her sleepy village for London, intent on purging him from her heart. And yet, when an invitation to the Marsden annual ball arrives, she can't refuse her one chance to waltz in his arms.It will be a night that stirs the flames of forbidden desires and changes their lives forever.

The Christmas Countess


K.J. Jackson - 2019
    A newly minted earl looking for a fresh start. A love gone wrong gains a second chance.A shunned lady determined to keep her secrets.Lady Leventon had been shunned to the Scottish wilds of Badenoch for a reason. But she never thought it would be the death of her. That is until her maid and only friend in the world falls deathly ill just days before Christmastide and Karta is determined to make it through a snowstorm for help. She didn’t think it would cost her her life, but as her feet slow in the heavy snow, hope gives out.A newly minted earl looking for a fresh start.When Domnall Greyford, Earl of Kirkmere, discovers the woman that left him years ago frozen in a snowbank, barely breathing, he does the only thing he can—he carries her to his new home. Never mind that she shattered his heart long ago when she left him without a word, without a note, without a thought. And the last thing he wants is her in his new home, in his new life.A love gone wrong gains a second chance.Karta awakens to find the last man in the world she expected holding onto her frozen bare toes—Domnall. The only man she’d ever dared to love. The same man that had abandoned her years ago. Yet the all-consuming heat between them is unmistakable.She knows full well she needs to deny him, deny the insistent rumbles of lost love fighting for life. For if she doesn’t, he’ll discover the truth of her past and his scorn would be irrevocable. That will not do—she isn’t willing to risk her heart again to the only man able to destroy her—or can she?The Christmas Countess is a revised and expanded version of the story that was previously published in the October 2019 multi-author anthology, Once Upon a Christmas Wedding.

Once Upon a Kiss Gone Horribly Wrong


Bree Wolf - 2020
    Will they dare reach for more?She is his oldest friend, and he is hers.Until a mistletoe kiss......goes horribly wrong.England 1801: MISS ANNE THATCHER ought to choose a husband. That, however, is easier said than done for no man of her acquaintance manages to capture her attention, her interest, her heart. The only man she has ever loved is Tobias Hawke, her childhood friend who has always been like an older brother to her, troublesome but loyal.Anne cannot think of him without remembering how he used to hide frogs in her bed when they were children. He is her friend, not a suitor, and yet, lately, whenever she finds herself looking into those chocolate-brown eyes of his, Anne cannot help but wonder......what if he kissed her?TOBIAS HAWKE, brother to Viscount Barrington, no longer sees the little girl he once knew when he looks at his childhood friend Anne Thatcher. To him, she’s no longer Little Annie, and the thought that she might still think of him as Little Toby disturbs him greatly. Yes, she is his confidante, his friend, the one woman who knows him like no other, but......what if he kissed her?Neither one of them dares to risk the friendship that connected them since childhood...until Christmas arrives, and they find themselves pushed under a sprig of mistletoe.What if?This is the prequel to the Whickertons in Love series and was previously published in the holiday anthology, Mistletoe & Mayhem.

Mistletoe and the Marquess


Wendy Vella - 2016
    Determined to have one last night of freedom before marrying a man she detests; Jemma attends a Christmas Masquerade Ball. When a handsome highwayman awakens something inside her, with stolen kisses and whispered promises, she flees, vowing to forget about the man who touched her soul. From the moment the Marquess of Harrington sees the Grecian Goddess enter the ball, he wants her. Harry is not usually one for irrational impulses - indeed his life does not allow for that - but this woman makes him lose all reason. Her touch ignites a fire inside him, and her kisses sear his soul. When she runs from him he is determined to find her and finally unmask the woman who has captured his heart.

An Untamed Governess for the Rogue


Olivia Bennet - 2019
    She is his ultimate risk... After losing both her parents, Teresa Dowels' future seems uncertain. Forced to leave the house she grew up in, she finds employment as a governess at the Duke of Rowfex’s mysterious manor. Luke Morton, second son of the Duke of Rowfex, is trying to preserve a well-hidden family secret. But life as he knows it changes the day he saves his younger sibling’s ravishing governess from rape. However, it is only a matter of time before the attacker, a notorious criminal with an ulterior motive, strikes again... When Luke disappears, all pieces seem to connect. With Teresa discovering the ugly truth about his family, time is against her. And only a miracle can keep them both alive... *If you like a realistic yet steamy depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then An Untamed Governess for the Rogue is the novel for you. This is Olivia's 5th novel, a historical Regency romance novel of 80,000 words (around 400 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a strong happily ever after. Pick up "An Untamed Governess for the Rogue" today to discover Olivia's amazing new story!

A Broken Heart's Redemption


Abby Ayles - 2018
    And she cannot understand how all of society continues to fall for the farce of marriage. It is just a means to trade power and wealth, after all, isn't it? Her friends tell her to hold onto hope, her parents tell her to stop behaving so crudely, and her suitors tell her to treat them with more respect. But honestly, she does not wish to marry anymore. The more men she puts off, the better. In Baron Andrew Jones she meets another cynical heart, a man betrayed by his former fiancée, who abandoned him whilst he was traveling. Like Lucy, he believes marriage is just a way for some people to gain control over others. Most around him are disturbed by his coldness and bluntness. But in this black heart, Lucy sees a few shreds of sweetness and hope which draw her in. Between their common suffering and these moments of tenderness, Lucy finds herself slowly doing something she had sworn never to do again: falling in love. But the Baron is committed to a life free of all attachments, and Lucy is left with a terrible decision: Must she live her life as a mistress? Marry a man she does not love? Or commit herself to a life of chastity and pursue fulfillment through faith instead? Truthfully, none seem right for her. But can she win Lord Jones over before it is too late? Or is his heart "A Broken Heart's Redemption" is a historical regency romance novel of approximately 90,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after. Almost 430+ pages Get This Book FREE With Kindle Unlimited! Enjoy!

Bewitching the Forbidden Duke


Scarlett Osborne - 2019
    When her mother arranges a betrothal for her older sister, her life changes in the most unexpected way. Patrick Dutton, Marquess of Bergon, takes pride in being a very responsible young gentleman. But even though his word is his bond, he immediately falls for the rebellious, youngest daughter of the Duke instead of his intended, whom he finds completely dull. When Melissa suddenly disappears into the woods, people realize this is not one of her usual games. With wolves as the least of her problems, Patrick is determined to find her before the night is out. Soon it becomes apparent that someone is behind the disappearance and that the key to the riddle just might lie in a birthmark...

A Bluestocking For The Wicked Duke


Henrietta Harding - 2018
    Known for changing women faster than bed sheets and adept in the swordplay, William thinks it is business as usual when the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos challenges him to a duel. To William's surprise and that of every other spectator, this duel will not go as expected.On a quest for vengeance, William plots out a path to the heart of young Joane, the Duke's daughter. His fury and passion burn even hotter, when he realises that she is more than he bargained for: clever, perceptive, passionate. How will he manage to succeed, when he is constantly wrestling the temptation to take her in his arms?On the other end, Lady Joane, the only daughter, and favorite child of the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, is, to William's surprise, a diamond of first water. Her beauty and wit are beyond measure. She is known as a bluestocking and isn't eager to change that perception of herself, but when she meets William, her life and her "proper manners" are irrevocably changed. As much as she tries to avoid his touch, the walls around William's heart are crumbling... and she's in danger of falling, hard. But when the scandal unfolds, will she be able to put reason over her growing passion?From the agonizing contest of swords to the duel of hearts between lovers, love grows even when forbidden. How will their hearts find their way back to each other?"A Bluestocking for the Wicked Duke" is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Earl of Charm


Maggie Dallen - 2019
    The only one thing he doesn't have? Charm.As the second son, Alexander Gordon was never supposed to inherit the earldom. But then again, his elder brother wasn't supposed to die in a tragic hunting accident, either. Alex's gruff manners and quiet nature are far better suited to his solitary life as as a scholar, but Alex is honor-bound to do right by the title and by his family. Which means...he must find a wife. More importantly, he must learn how to woo a wife. Luckily for Alex, his great aunt has brought her companion along to celebrate Christmastide. The lovely Miss Lovelace might be plagued by scandal and notoriety, thanks to her family's downfall, but she knows more than anyone about the art of charm and flirtation. His new instructor makes the ideal practice partner for conversation, and dancing, and...kissing? But no, that was a mistake. He has a duty to his family to uphold, and as delectable as his new teacher might be, she's not a proper choice to be his wife. When it comes to love versus duty, it would be wicked to choose with his heart...wouldn't it?

The Mistletoe Mistress


Maddison Michaels - 2019
    Can he protect her from himself?Holly is living a lie. Forced to masquerade as a widow to keep herself and her sisters safe, she earns a living helping those being undeservedly blackmailed by using her lock-picking skills to expose the villains behind the schemes. Attending a ball, her clandestine work is interrupted by Lord Blackthorn, a man who is as vexing as he is sinfully handsome. A man who she’s always had feelings for, which she understands are futile. Because everyone knows you can’t give your heart to a rake… or can you?But Michael has his own secrets, ones serious enough that could threaten any chance they have of a future together. After all, lies and deception. have a dangerous habit of unravelling when one least expects it…Previously published in the Once Upon a Christmas Wedding anthology

Betrothed


Elsa Holland - 2019
    Fourteen years later the Petroski brothers arrived in London setting it alight with their breathtaking presence, bone melting accents and heart fluttering masculinity; eligible women were all interested in their availability. And yet the Prince’s betrothed, Miss Georgina Franklin, was yet to receive a visit.

Never Play with a Rakish Duke


Emily Honeyfield - 2020
    What she wishes for is a gentleman of staid propriety, who can take care of her and provide her with a life full of love and passion. But, when a devilish Duke puts in an offer for her hand in marriage, she is forced to reconsider her position entirely. The prospect fills Isabella with horror as the rumours of the Duke's wicked past run wild; rumours that have been the fodder of society gossip for years...How can her father just hand her over to such a rake? When she gets to know his real self, will she be able to lay aside her doubts for a chance at love?Jasper Blackbourne's life turned upside down when his childhood best friend and his mother died one after the other. With his life shattered into a million pieces, he took these losses to heart and has never been the same ever since. No matter how hard his father tried, he could barely manage to keep public opinion in his favor. Jasper knows he has no choice but to give up his life as a bachelor and settle for something less than a passionate affair. But when he finds out he is about to marry a very seductive young Lady, he finds himself trapped in a painful dilemma. Could this fiery Lady be the salvation he has been looking for? Or will he be condemned to live in pain forever?As Isabella gets to discover the most magnetic man she has ever met, she is petrified that her heart could be fooled. Even though he makes her blood run like fire whenever he touches her, it takes time to see his old ways slowly turning into love and affection. Can she ever hope to win his trust, along with his heart? Or are they doomed to a life of perpetual longing?

Too Wicked to Kiss


Erica Ridley - 2010
    And behind its doors, amid the flickering shadows and secret passageways, danger lies in wait… TO HIS EVERY DARK DESIREEvangeline Pemberton has been invited to a party at the sprawling estate of reclusive Gavin Lioncroft, who is rumored to have killed in cold blood. Initially, his towering presence and brusque manner instill fear… until his seductive attentions and unexpected vulnerability conquer her resistance.But when a guest is murdered, Evangeline is torn. Could the man to whom she is so powerfully drawn, also be a ruthless killer?

Pride of Honor


Andrea K. Stein - 2020
    She must ensure her marriage to a “suitable gentleman of the ton” before her twenty-first birthday or she’ll be destitute, per the terms of her ducal grandmother’s will. Close to having her own poems published, Sophia has her hopes dashed each time by someone revealing her secrets. That same someone so desperately wants her to fail the terms of the will, they’re willing to commit violent acts to ruin her reputation. Captain Arnaud Bellingham has ascended the ranks of the Royal Navy in spite of his half-French heritage by proving himself at the Battle of Algiers and with the West African Squadron. He seeks a simple marriage of convenience to a mature woman, a widow who has been his sometime mistress the last several years. The very thing he does not want, an exotic Italian innocent, literally falls into his life when he rescues her from kidnappers, although she disputes she needed saving. And now, honor and duty dictate he has to waste the rest of his leave guarding her through the mad whirl of the Season.