Book picks similar to
Pretty Poison by Lynne Barron
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Her Sudden Groom
Rose Gordon - 2011
With a loophole that allows him to marry another without consequence before the thirtieth anniversary of his birth, he has only four weeks to find another woman and make her his wife. Being the logical scientist he is, Alex decides to take his friend's advice and treat his quest for a bride just like a science experiment... Caroline Sinclair is still trying to scrape her jaw off the floor after hearing her cousin, Lady Olivia's, latest announcement when the object of their conversation, Alex Banks, Olivia's intended, arrives for what Caroline assumes is a bout of drawing room chitchat with his betrothed. But when an experiment is mentioned, Caroline, who cannot resist a science experiment any more than she can deny her lungs air, volunteers to help before she even knows what his latest experiment is!
Poetic Justice
Alicia Rasley - 1994
She must wed, with her pompous uncle's approval, before her next birthday or lose her legacy--the most valuable book collection in all England! Worse, she will forfeit the secret contents of the trunk locked in the family vault. So Jessica concocts an audacious plan. It may be scandalous. It may be ruinous. Or it might work.There isn't a more eligible suitor in all the land than John Dryden. Passing himself off as an importer of rare books, the ex-privateer and dashing rogue is all too happy to accept Jessica's unconventional proposal. It's a plot worthy of Will Shakespeare himself.. and just as likely to go awry. For Dryden hasn't been called a bastard simply because of his birth. The wickedly seductive Jessica has something he wants, and it isn't merely a dusty old chest. It's the key to her heart!
A Gentleman Never Tells
Eloisa James - 2016
Eighteen months ago, Lizzie Troutt’s husband died in his mistress’s bed, leaving her determined to never marry again….and unfortunately virginal.Eighteen years ago (give or take a few) the Honorable Oliver Berwick blackened his own soul, leaving him hardened and resolutely single.When the chance for redemption in the form of a country house party invitation comes his way, Oliver is determined to prove himself a gentleman.Until he breaks all the codes of gentlemanly behavior…once again.
Ambersley
Amy Atwell - 2011
A duke who doubts his legitimacy. Will secrets destroy their love?Traumatized by a blaze that killed her parents, young Johanna remembers nothing of her privileged past and remains ignorant of the dangers that surround her. She grows up among the servants, where she develops a sense of purpose that helps her survive the betrayal that unmasks her true identity. Once she is forced to take her proper place in Regency society as the highly sought heiress to the Ambersley fortune, she must defy the relatives who would make her a pawn in their struggle for power.When Derek Vaughan inherits the dukedom. his dubious parentage makes it a sacrilege to accept. But touched by the ravaged estate and its destitute staff, he braves a society that once shunned him while he rebuilds Ambersley and guards it from his stepmother's bankrupting clutches. He intends to grant the title to his half-brother when the boy comes of age, but Derek's plans go awry from the moment the gardener's apprentice—once his trusted young friend—is revealed to be not only an heiress of beauty and spirit, but the one woman who may finally capture his heart.
What a Difference a Duke Makes
Lenora Bell - 2018
The only problem is the children have chased away half the governesses in London. Until the clever, bold, and far-too-enticing Miss Mari Perkins arrives.Lost: One heart to an arrogant dukeMari knows how to wrap even the most rebellious children around her finger. But their demanding, wickedly handsome father? He won't be quite so easy to control. And there's something else she can't seem to command. Her heart. The foolish thing beats so wildly every time the duke is near.Found: A forbidden passion neither can denyAs his employee, Mari is strictly off-limits. But what if she's the one breaking all his rules? In the game of governess versus duke, how can Edgar maintain his defenses when the only thing he wants to do is let the tempting beauty win?
Marry in Haste
Anne Gracie - 2017
Cal can command the toughest of men, but his wild half-sisters are quite another matter. They might just be his undoing.When he discovers that Miss Emmaline Westwood, the girls’ former teacher, guides them with ease, Cal offers her a marriage of convenience. But strong-minded and independent Emm is neither as compliant nor as proper as he expected, and Cal finds himself most inconveniently seduced by his convenient wife.Emm knows they didn’t marry for love, yet beneath her husband’s austere facade, she catches glimpses of a man who takes her breath away. As pride, duty and passion clash, will these two stubborn hearts find more than they ever dreamed of?
Proof by Seduction
Courtney Milan - 2009
Until she meets her match in Gareth Carhart, the Marquess of Blakely, a sworn bachelor and scientist.He just didn't know it yetBroodingly handsome, Gareth is scandalized to discover his cousin has fallen under the spell of "Madame Esmerelda," and vows to prove Jenny a fraud. But his unexpected attraction to the fiery enchantress defies logic. Jenny disrupts every facet of Gareth's calculated plan--until he can't decide whether to seduce her or ruin her. Now, as they engage in a passionate battle of wills, two lonely souls must choose between everything they know...and the boundless possibilities of love.
The Mad Earl's Bride
Loretta Chase - 1995
On his deathbed.Gwendolyn Adams isn't shocked at being asked to save a handsome earl's dying line, even when she learns the prospective bridegroom is seriously ill and possibly insane. She's quite a good nurse, after all, and her family is famous for producing healthy male children. Those stories about his riding the moors half-naked on a pale white horse? Extremely intriguing—especially after she gets her first look at the gorgeous lunatic.The Earl of Rawnsley wants only to lose what's left of his mind in peace and privacy. But his busybody relatives have saddled him with a surprise bride and orders to sire an heir forthwith. (And they say he's mad?) But with Gwendolyn, his health is returning, and his resistance ... crumbling. Is it possible that love is the finest madness of all?
Runaway Heart
Claudy Conn - 1990
He expected a country mouse with no polish, but instead he found a thoroughly engaging minx, and was oddly irritated by all the male attention she received.Chelsea with her unspoiled eye saw beyond Wainwright’s pursuit of hedonism to the intriguing man underneath. But to her shock, it appeared his heart belonged to her horrid Aunt Augusta!Adult-content rating: This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages.390 KB 72,000 word count
A Lady of Letters
Jacqueline Diamond - 1983
Now the handsome and powerful Lord Whitestone is threatening to bar her from the upcoming London Season and deny her a longed-for chance to mingle in the literary world.Lord Whitestone doesn’t realise that Marianne is his secret correspondent, and that he’s already half in love with her. Now she’s determined to come to London, even if that means employing another identity.After these two meet, there’s love in the air. And danger as well. Regency romances by Jacqueline DiamondA Lady of LettersA Lady’s Point of ViewLady in DisguiseSong for a LadyThe Day-Dreaming LadyThe Forgetful LadyA love for the books of Jane Austen drew Jacqueline Diamond to the world of the Regency romance, and her half-dozen novels in the genre have delighted readers for nearly thirty years. Jackie has gone on to sell some 90 novels ranging from mysteries and suspense to paranormal romances and romantic comedies. A former Associated Press reporter in Los Angeles, Jackie has received a career achievement award from Romantic Times magazine and two finalist placements for the RITA Award. Ms. Diamond is one of the most consistently enjoyable Regency authors around. -- Melinda Helfer, Romantic Times, February 1985[A Lady of Letters has] enough screwball-comedy touches to keep things prancing along cheerily.--Kirkus ReviewsI was thrilled to find another author, like Candice Hern, writing in the great tradition of the Heyer Regency.--Anne Glover, Regency Reader
Mr Cavell's Diamond
Kathleen McGurl - 2014
He is in possession of a large diamond, given to him in India, which he vows he will give to the woman he loves – when he finds her, that is. Jemima Brown, sixteen, good-hearted and hard-working, comes to work for him as a general maidservant. When Mr Cavell stands up for her against the unwanted attentions of some tradesmen working in his house, she sees at once that here is a man of high morals and integrity. But it is Caroline Simpson, daughter of Henry’s house-painter, who catches his eye. She may be socially his inferior, but she is good-looking, flirtatious and knows how to use her charms. She manipulates Henry into marrying her, and only the loyal Jemima knows he’s been tricked. How can Jemima fight her growing feelings for her master, maintain her morals and stay in Mr Cavell’s employment, despite her mistress’s increasingly erratic behaviour?
Wicked Love: Seven Wicked Historical Love Stories
Christina McKnight - 2017
As the illegitimate daughter of London's disreputable Craven House Madame, Miss Samantha Pengarden has never had to face society alone--until now. When Samantha is named Elijah's mistress in White's betting book, her reputation is in ruins--and only Elijah can save her.Surrendering to My Spy by Dawn BrowerA rogue, a marquess and a spy... Each an integral part of Dominic Rossington's life and he does them all rather well. Love throws him off balance and he'll do everything in his power to protect the one who holds his heart, Lady Rosanna. Danger lurks on the horizon and he'll have to put it all on the line to save her.Scandalous Redemption by Amanda MarielCan two wary people overcome past hurts, an old scandal, and social strictures to embrace true love?For The Love of A Viscount by Callie HuttonBluestocking Lady Elise Smith and content bachelor Lord St. George made a pact to thwart Lady Elise's father's plans for her to marry. What they don't understand is a pretend courtship can only if work if you don't fall in love . . .Beauty and the Rake by Erica MonroePolice inspector Michael Strickland sees the beauty inside Abigail Vautille, not the scarred beast she believes herself to be--and he'll do anything to protect her from the blackguard who left her disfigured.Wicked Designs by Lauren SmithEmily, a rebellious debutante, is kidnapped by a devilish duke and his infamous league of rogues as part of a revenge plan, but Emily gives the duke more than he's bargained for.Mad About the Marquess by Elizabeth EssexLady Quince Winthrop has been robbing from society's rich and giving to the poor for years--but when the Marquess of Cairn returns to Edinburgh, Quince discovers love is even harder to resist than temptation.
The Lord Next Door
Gayle Callen - 2005
Her options for a bridegroom are limited...until she remembers the shy servant boy next door. Then she discovers that her childhood friend is actually Viscount Thurlow—ruthless businessman, future earl, and a man whose family is shrouded in scandal! After two rejected marriage proposals, David Thurlow needs a wife who will give him an heir, someone who will not only overlook his past but also be above reproach. Victoria is the ideal candidate—quiet, unassuming, and in desperate need of funds. But even as she strives to be the perfect wife, her calm demeanor masks a shocking secret...one that is overshadowed by David's slow, heated lessons in the art of seduction that threaten to transform a "convenient" marriage into a torrid and passionate affair.
The Wedding Affair
Leigh Michaels - 2011
But she is engrossed with problems engulfing her dearest friends and family. The last thing Olivia needs is to be embroiled with a duke whose dark gaze makes her forget herself entirely...Discover a new side of a beloved author as Leigh Michaels draws you into the glittering, glitzy world of Regency England and an affair you'll never forget.
My Darling Caroline
Adele Ashworth - 1998
Caroline was determined to see her dream become a reality—even if it meant masquerading as a man to be accepted at a university. But when her father arranged for her to marry, she agreed—knowing she could not become a conventional wife.A Flourishing LoveYet marriage wasn't what she thought it would be. Her attractive, new husband gave her the freedom she never expected—and the respect she had always deserved. At first she tried to resist his admiration, his love... and especially his touch. But soon she was surprised and overcome by her husband's—and her own—passion. Now Caroline might have to make the most difficult choice of all—between her lifelong dream and the depth of her love for an extraordinary man.