Book picks similar to
The Judas Kiss / The Captive by Victoria Holt


romance
victoria-holt
gothic
historical-fiction

Campbell Agency


Clara Kendrick - 2017
    Lots of suspense, mystery, and romance. No cliffhangers! Book One Gwen Grange doesn’t exist, as far as the world is concerned. She disappeared after her father was accused of horrendous crimes, and has been presumed dead. In reality, she’s simply living off the grid, surviving on her own. But when she comes across Jason O’Neil of Campbell’s Agency in the unlikeliest of places, she’ll be forced to come to terms with what happened to her family and become a functioning part of society once again. Book Two Bridget Barden’s greatest joy in her life is her son, Wyatt, despite the fact that his father died suspiciously after getting involved in the wrong investigation. The last thing she ever expects to do is get involved with another private investigator, but when her connection to Gwen Grange puts her in danger and her home is set on fire as a message to the Campbell Agency men, she finds herself relying on the head of the organization, Alex Campbell, to keep her and her son safe. Book Three Caleb Robinson has been charged with looking after his best friend’s sister while she works to recover from a difficult past. The problem is, he’s falling for her fast. But when his health gets in the way, he’ll doubt whether or not he’s right for the woman who has already overcome so much. Only her persistence and a case that helps him realize what’s most important in life can help him get past his doubts and accept love. Book Four Mark Thompson is determined to track down the man who has for so long been plaguing Campbell’s Agency, and having a source on the police force is a great asset. He’s eager to help Rachel when she asks, but the chemistry between them starts to get distracting. What he could never have predicted is that helping her with her own secret investigation might just crack his own wide open. Book Five Sylvia Lyons is a freelance cartoonist who works in Jackson Square in the historical district of New Orleans. Her boyfriend, Ken, works as a security guard, but he doesn’t tell her much more than that until the day he drags her to Campbell’s Agency where he proceeds to confess the fact that he’s gotten in over his head with the worst criminal possible. Their unhealthy relationship explodes, and Sylvia commits to helping Campbell’s Agency clean up the mess Ken created. When Spencer Nichols takes her under his personal protection, Sylvia is grateful, but both of them are wary of the intense connection between them and distracted by the threat on all of their lives.

Leaving Pimlico


P.B. North - 2014
    I can never get used to this, Alexi. Having you, that is. How did I deserve you? Deserve me? You don't have to do anything to deserve me. I love you. It's as simple as that. I love you for what you are. All you need to do is love me back. You don't earn love, as a payment in return.Peter Kingsmill's life had run into the sands since the death of his wife. What was a glittering London career had lost its shine. Until, that is, his life is turned upside down by an unexpected collision of events. He inherits the family estate, meets a girl seventeen years his junior and receives an anonymous letter which casts doubt on all the certainties on which he has built his past life.What follows is a journey of discovery which takes him back in time to war-torn Europe. To a story of betrayal in the secret world of spies and double agents, and ultimately to redemption and a bright new life.The narrative moves at speed from the dusty plains of pre-war Poland to the frozen winter landscapes of German-occupied Norway and finally to the gentle pastoral of the north Yorkshire hills. It is a story of a search for the pieces that make up a human life; and of the love that binds those pieces together....Do you remember the Snow Queen story? I can complete the pattern now. I have everything I need.

The Bushwick Series


Stella Marie Alden - 2018
    The woman they sent is way too leggy, too naive, and too d@mn pretty. I got no business letting her stay in my guesthouse, especially the way my blood runs south whenever she's near.In My CustodyAndrew QuinnA few years back, my gorgeous client captured the world's attention when her billionaire husband died and left her penniless. Refusing charity, she's fired me more times than I can count but I don't give a d@mn. I'm keeping her safe.Jack I was born to protect and know how to turn on the charm. I love playing poker, writing, and the rush of adrenaline. I'm looking for someone who likes to laugh, calls me out on my bulls**t, and won't give up on me.High intensity, stand-alone, novels with graphic language, no cheating, and smoking hot, happily-ever-afters!

Candlelit Madness


Beth Byers - 2019
     Welcome to a very flapper evening! Are you ready for the roaring twenties? For spunky young women crafting their own lives? If so, you’ll love Violet, Julia, Edwina, Hettie, Ro, and Lola. Inside, you’ll find several short stories with adventures, cocktails, kisses, and fun. With stories from The Violet Carlyle Mysteries, The Piccadilly Ladies Club Mysteries, the Lola Star series, as well as the brand-new Hettie and Ro Adventures. For fans of Carola Dunn, Jacqueline Winspear, Georgette Heyer, and Lee Strauss. A light, cozy mystery with a fun peek into a an evening with bright young things.

Summons to the Chateau D'Arc


Kay Cornelius - 2005
    She finds herself falling for the attractive estate manager, who carries secrets of his own. As the tension grows more unbearable, Ellen will have to risk everything she holds dear to discover the secrets that lurk in the shadows of the Chateau D'Arc.

The Long Journey Home


Cecily Blench - 2021
    

Written In My Own Heart's Blood by Diana Gabaldon - Reviewed


J.T. Salrich - 2014
    Salrich.Written In My Own Heart's Blood by Diana Gabaldon is finally here! After waiting for 5 years, fans of Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander series" can finally return to the characters they know and love. Written In My Own Heart's Blood picks up where "An Echo In The Bone" left off and gets right into the action. If you’d like to enhance your experience while reading Written In My Own Heart's Blood then this book review and study guide is perfect for you! Yes, in Written In My Own Heart's Blood, Diana Gabaldon once again takes us on an action packed roller coaster ride that you’re sure to enjoy. Follow along with Jamie, Claire, Roger, Buck, Brianna, Jem, Mandy and all the rest as Diana Gabaldon weaves their stories through the past and present and all over the world. When you read Written In My Own Heart's Blood by Diana Gabaldon - Reviewed you will get a deeper understanding of the characters and plot found in the original book, Written In My Own Heart's Blood as well as the themes and symbolism included in the novel. You also get a detailed chapter by chapter breakdown and analysis of the events as they unfold along with a glossary of the important characters and terms used in the original book. Just in case that’s not enough for you I’ve also included a list of possible study questions (book club discussions topics) and quotes from the book that I found interesting. Wrapping it all up is a discussion of the critical reviews for Written In My Own Heart's Blood as well as my overall opinion of the book. Plus much more! Whether you’re reading this for a book club, school report, or just want to catch up with your favorite characters and find out what happens before diving into the full length book, you can use this book review and study guide to get most out of your experience reading Written In My Own Heart's Blood by Diana Gabaldon.

A Most Precious Gift


Jacqueline Freeman Wheelock - 2014
    Having never cooked a day in her life, she is terrified of being found out and banished to the cotton fields as was her mother before her. But when she accidentally burns the freedom papers of Jonathan Mayfield, a handsome free man of color to whom she's attracted, her fear of the fields becomes secondary.A gifted cabinetmaker, Jonathan Mayfield's heart is set on finally becoming a respected businessman by outfitting a bedroom at the palatial Riverwood—until a beautiful new slave destroys his proof of freedom and his fragile confidence along with it. When the mistress of Riverwood orders Dinah to work alongside the sullen Mr. Mayfield, sparks fly setting the two on a collision course. Is their mutual love for God strong enough to overcome deep-seated insecurities and set the couple on a path toward self-acceptance and love for each other?

Bootscootin' and Cozy Cash Boxed Set


D.D. Scott - 2011
    D. Scott is back...this time, with a Special Edition Boxed Set, featuring the first six books from her Bootscootin’ and Cozy Cash Mysteries Series. It’s Chick Lit Gone-Country...with a bunch of Bond, James Bond tossed-in. Book Description: This six-book set includes... BOOTSCOOTIN’ BLAHNIKS Think Sex and The City meets Urban Cowboy A Manhattan apparel designer, who’s also a country line dancing queen, has traded in her stiletto-clad clientele for (1) the frequent shoppers of a Music City tractor supply store and (2) a tomato-grown’, bootscootin’ cowboy, but she must accept that her best fit is on the dance floor moving to her own style and his lead. STOMPIN’ ON STETSONS Think Hell’s Kitchen mixed with Meet The Fockers A Manhattan-raised, culinary-schooled pastry chef, teams up with her favorite cowboy, a Meat n’ Three diner owner, to cater the wedding of a Music City socialite, but to get the job done, they must handle the heat sizzling between them while rising above their ex-factors as her ex is the wedding planner from hell and his is the bride-to-be. BUCKLES ME BABY Think paparazzi-hell and Ponzi-scheme fall-out meet home-shopping and Babies “R” Us A Manhattan-raised, marketing and promotions impresario and her Nashville TN homebuilder beau are forced to face overnight fame from their success on a home shopping channel, but can they handle big business with twins on the way, especially when they’re dodging paparazzi-hell on account of one of their parents’ Ponzi-scheming past? THUG GUARD Think The Rachel Zoe Project meets Bond, James Bond and a Madoff-style, Ponzi-scheming King. Zoey Witherspoon is a Rachel Zoe-esque Hollywood Stylist to The Stars - who's also a wanna-be Stephanie Plum. She’s teamed-up with her very own Bond, James Bond-style double agent who's about to bring down a Madoff-type, Ponzi-scheming King. Oh...and along for the adventure...try The Bootscootin' Books Mom Squad - now a blue-haired version of Charlie's Angels - plus all the rest of your fave Bootscootin' characters too! LIP GLOCK Think Will and Kate gone Bond, James Bond...and the blue-hair version of Charlie's Angels too...Under the Tuscan Sun. Buckle your seatbelts! Cozy Cash Mystery, super-hot, international crime-fighting couple Roman Bellesconi and Zoey Witherspoon - now very Will and Kate gone Bond, James Bond - once again team-up with The Bootscootin' Books' Mom Squad, now the blue-hair version of Charlie's Angels, to recover billions of bunches of hedge fund cozy-cash...but this time, all Under the Tuscan Sun. It's a super-sonic speed, action-packin' thrill-ride, full of pot-bellied pigs, hydrofoils, and gelato! FLUID FULFILLMENT The Mom Squad Mini-Mayhem Mysteries are a unique treat for fans of D. D.’s Bootscootin’ & Cozy Cash Mystery Books...a short story-sized peek into her collection of interconnected books. For Fluid Fulfillment, think Victoria’s Secret meets Kill Bill. Each Mom Squad Mini-Mayhem Mystery (short story) will feature at least one of The Mom Squad quirky-crazy, blue-haired Charlie's Angels wanna-be's! You'll get to meet their extended families plus learn the unique skill each Mom Squad Member has been trained-to by The Cozy Cash Mysteries' Quarter Master R. About the Author: D. D.

Bleeding in Black and White


Colin Cotterill - 2015
    CIA agent Robert "Bodge" Leon has been desk bound since joining the agency at its post-WW2 inception. He dreams of being in the field, but when that happens it goes far from as expected. Sent to the Vietnamese highlands during the French fight against independence, he meets the beautiful concubine of the Emperor. Meanwhile back in the US the KGB is using a purge inside the CIA to recruit double agents. Can Bodge survive to find love in the Orient and see justice done back home?

Silence and Shadows


James Long - 2001
    He has returned from his annual pilgrimage to a graveyard in Wales. Now he hopes to take refuge from his memories by heading an archeological dig in the village of Wytchlow. It is a simple project -- checking for ancient relics before a land developer levels the earth -- until a woman with an all-too-familiar face stumbles into the path of his car.Bobby Redhead bears a striking resemblance to a woman he loved and tragically lost years ago. Bobby cannot understand the emotions she evokes in Patrick, but she can sense his deep suffering. What has he done that he cannot forgive? And why is Bobby so drawn to him?As Bobby reaches out, Patrick retreats into silence and shadows, focusing obsessively on the dig. They are hunting ancient Roman mosaics, but there is something more tantalizing in the soil of Wytchlow. It is only a myth, a local folktale, a song sung one night in a pub by an otherwise mute man. The story goes that a Saxon girl called the German Queen has been buried close by. The only evidence is the old song, but it is enough to capture Patrick's imagination as nothing has in years.It has also captured the unwanted interest of a television producer fascinated with Patrick's past. Yet nothing will deter Patrick from the project -- not the television hype, nor the developer's greed, nor the bittersweet relationship of working so close to Bobby. As centuries fall away, the Saxon warrior woman lost to time is suddenly as vividly alive to Patrick as the woman standing beside him. As Patrick struggles with the unforgivable tragedy he cannot forget, he senses a connection between Bobby and the lost queen and discovers his destiny is powerfully entwined with them both. Beneath the shadows of a timeless moon, under layers of earth that have protected her secrets, can the fragile bones of a royal matriarch heal the hearts of those who would dare free her?

The Young Lions


Tony Maxwell - 2013
    Her long dark auburn hair cascaded over her shoulders and her pale, attractive face, wide set eyes and full sensuous lips took his breath away. Robert could not help staring at her in frank amazement. He found it difficult to equate this alluring woman with the tall, awkward girl he vaguely remembered while a young boy at Fairlee Manor in Scotland.* * *Action, adventure and erotic entanglements loom large in young Robert Hamilton’s future as he seeks to make his fortune in the rough and tumble world of the Johannesburg goldfields in the closing years of the nineteenth century.Robert’s business interests and adventures in the wilds of South Africa, bring him into close contact with the Boer peoples of the Transvaal Republic. As the threat of a British invasion looms large over the country, his support for the Boer cause finds him on the opposing side to his fellow uitlanders – foreigners. He is dismayed to discover that both of his brothers have enlisted in Canadian regiments ready to fight on the side of Britain in the Anglo-Boer War.

Where's the good in a goodbye


Ravi Shirurkar - 2017
    Best read of this year!' : Vineet Datta 'This book told me what prevented me from finding love' : Amazon review ‘You know you’re in abundance of inspiration and love, when you’re reading Ravi’s novel’: Sachin Joshi. ‘Made me cry for the first time after my father’s demise. : Amelia Smith 'Invest in this book! Invest for your own good and quality reading! : Nilesh Gatkal 'A very touchy story of love, life, struggles and conquering the world.' : Vinay Vajpayee 'Goosebumps, cries and laughs guarantied!' Must read. : Arvind Bhogale Plot: If you win in love, you can win the life. If you fail in love, you can win the world. - William Shakespeare Two friends. One chooses to win the life. Other chooses to win the world. Life after all, is all about choices we make, right? Wrong! Okay may be partially right. Two girls. One Pakistani and other one British walk into their lives. Will the two friends keep the choices they made for themselves? Or fate has planned some unforeseen twists? Characters: Sara: ‘A daughter of light’ from Pakistan, held captive for years in a ‘box’. This is her story of escape from horrific situation to a worthy life of freedom. Absolutely moving! Arjun: An ordinary Indian boy earns a name for himself as an entrepreneur in a foreign land. It’s his story of struggle to build a business and win over heart of girl he madly loves. Eva: A beauteous daughter of a powerful politician falls for emotionally unavailable men. Will her heart open up when true love knocks at her life? Jasper: A British musician was raised without parents. A drug addict Casanova has a tough choice to make – give up one among the two – his dream or his love! An emotional roller-coaster ride of winning in love and world begins when lives of these interesting people get intertwined in a class in city of romance London.