Book picks similar to
The Virtuous Widow by Anne Gracie


romance
historical-romance
regency
historical

A Debt Paid in Marriage


Georgie Lee - 2015
    A marriage of convenience may be Laura's chance to reclaim her future, but she won't settle for anything less than true passion. Can she hope to find it in Philip's arms?

Oh, Cherry Ripe


Claudette Williams - 1988
    She had no choice but to run away.Sky Westbrooke had no wish to marry, but his mischievous siblings sorely needed a firm maternal hand. Yet, how could he court his unseen bride, when into his employ had come the most remarkable, enchanting governess?And Cherry, playing at being a governess was smitten by the handsome, cavalier Lord Westbrooke. His stolen kisses left her breathless—yet, he was betrothed to another. Whatever was a love struck governess to do?**note: this is an updated version of an earlier novel written as Claudette Williams. The updated versions of Claudy's Claudette Williams titles are more sexually explicit than the original versions.

Escape with a Scoundrel


Shelly Thacker - 1996
    Nicholas Brogan is an ex-pirate with years of sin branded on his soul. Captured by His Majesty's marshals, the two are on their way to the gallows until they stage a daring escape and run for their lives—shackled together by an iron chain that quickly proves unbreakable. Lost in a remote forest in Staffordshire, the pair of outlaws are forced to work together to survive and quickly find themselves locked in a battle of fierce wills…and fiery passions.“4 stars (highest rating). This could be the romance that takes Shelly Thacker to the big time: the hardcover contract, the fan club… Thacker always spins a good story, but this is her best ever. There’s a new depth of soul to go with all that heart.” –The Detroit Free Press“Thacker skillfully entangles a notorious ex-pirate with a high-born lady turned thief… Offers an exciting and innovative plot…and many steamy love scenes.” –Publishers Weekly"A thrilling romantic adventure, exciting and sensual. Shelly Thacker has a unique and dazzling talent!" -Lisa Kleypas, New York Times bestselling authorAn earlier edition of this novel was published by Avon Books under the title Run Wild. This new Author’s Preferred Edition has been revised by the author.The Escape with a Scoundrel SeriesThese sexy bad boys are on the wrong side of the law—and willing to break all the rules to protect the women they love. Each book is a stand-alone steamy historical romance:Book 1: ESCAPE WITH A SCOUNDREL (Nicholas and Samantha)Book 2: HER SCOUNDREL EARL (Marcus and Elizabeth)Book 3: ONE NIGHT WITH A SCOUNDREL (Saxon and Ashiana)Book 4: A SCOUNDREL’S KISS (Max and Marie)

A Vow to Keep


Lana Williams - 2012
    Kidnapping the man's bride-to-be brings Royce one step closer to fulfilling his vow of vengeance.Lady Alyna of Montvue has no desire to marry nor to become a pawn in a game of revenge. Her only wish is to find a safe place to raise her young son, a child gifted with second sight.Alyna soon realizes this bold knight has captured her heart but fears she's merely part of his plot for revenge. The beautiful lady and her precocious son make Royce long for a family of his own, yet his plans have already been set in motion and cannot be stopped. As passions rise, Royce must choose between his vow of vengeance and risking his heart for love.

The Runaway Duke


Julie Anne Long - 2004
    She's wretched at embroidery, pitiful at the pianoforte, and entirely too informed about the human body, courtesy of her father's scientific journals. And now she's been compromised by a dandy she despises! When her parents arrange a hasty marriage, there is only one man she can turn to for help. Rescued!No one knows that Irish groom Connor Riordan is the fifth Duke of Dunbrooke, "killed" in action at Waterloo, and he wants it to stay that way. But a true gentleman never turns away a damsel in distress. Soon Connor and Rebecca dash away—only to be pursued by bumbling highwaymen, a scheming duchess, and Rebecca's fiancé. Ravished! Being with the beautiful and desirable Rebecca jeopardizes Connor's secret every day—and tests his willpower every night. For if ever there was a reason to bring the Duke of Dunbrooke back from the dead, it would be to make Miss Tremaine his Duchess!

The Viscount's Tempting Minx


Erica Ridley - 2014
    Why, the latest on-dit is that rakish Viscount Sheffield is canceling the fête of the year because he hasn't time for silly soirees. He doesn't need time—he needs her! When a flash of lightning destroys the venue for his family's annual Christmas ball, Lord Benedict Sheffield intends to enjoy a relaxing holiday for once. But after twelve days of beguiling Lady Amelia's guerrilla tactics, he's up to his cravat with tinsel . . . and tumbling head over heels in love.

The Sugar Rose


Susan Carroll - 1987
    If Justin was less than ardent, well...what could such a dowdy, plump girl as herself expect from one of the handsomest bucks in the ton?His sympathy thoroughly engaged, the fastidious Mr. Ramsey was already forming a most famous plan. If he could but help Aurelia with her wardrobe and sweet tooth, surely his friend Justin would sit up and take notice.But when a breathtaking Aurelia emerged from her cocoon, slender and radiant, Everard began to wish Justin far away--the better to have his creation all to himself!

Prince Charming


Julie Garwood - 1994
    Now dear Esther -- one of London's richest and most formidable matriarchs -- lies dying. But first she was going to help Taylor pull off the scam of the season.To escape becoming a ward of her unscrupulous uncle, Taylor would wed Lucas Ross, a rugged American rancher. Lady Esther's money would enable Ross to return home to Montana. Taylor had her own urgent reason to go to America...a precious legacy she hadn't revealed to Ross, for they had agreed to part ways once they reached Boston. But as her handsome new husband spoke of life in Montana, Taylor began planning a new future. To Taylor, the wide-open spaces of Montana sounded like paradise....

Her Counterfeit Husband


Ruth Ann Nordin - 2012
    In desperation, she enlists the help of the butler, and the two determine to quietly bury her husband and pretend he’s still alive. It will be a secret they will keep to their graves in order to protect the estate.After burying him in a forest in the middle of the night, they come across a man who has been beaten and left for dead. And this man happens to look just like her husband. Seeing this as the answer to their prayers, they take the man home in hopes he’ll agree to be the new Duke of Watkins. There’s only problem. When he wakes up, he doesn’t remember who he is, and a search for anyone who might know him leaves his true identity a mystery. Taking their chances, the Duchess of Watkins and the butler convince him he’s her husband.Unlike her first husband, this one is everything she’s ever hoped for. But when he learns the truth, can he forgive her for her lie or will he go back to the life he had before?

Designs on a Duke


Ellie St. Clair - 2020
    As a common woman, she will never be able to pursue her passion and become an architect as well -- at least, not under her own name. When her father slowly begins to lose his sensibilities and falls into debt, Rebecca becomes far more than a secretary, but rather the designer. No one, however, can ever learn the truth. He is duke only in name...No one was pleased when Valentine St. Vincent was shockingly named the Duke of Wyndham -- least of all Valentine himself. He made a career and a name for himself through the use of his fists, but all it led to was his brother’s death. Now determined to become the man his family always wanted him by fulfilling his brother’s destiny, Valentine is caught between two identities. A relationship that can never be...When Valentine hires Rebecca’s father, she must complete the work commissioned to them. But as she spends more and more time at Wyndham House and the Duke’s country manor, she finds herself hopelessly falling for a man she can never have. For the Duke of Wyndham must marry a woman of the ton for her dowry and respectability -- two things Rebecca can never provide.Will Rebecca and Val resign themselves to the lives chosen for them, or those they were born to live?

Safe Passage


Carla Kelly - 2013
    When his estranged wife is mistakenly left behind, Ammon Hancock goes back to rescue her. But when he finds her, he must coax her to follow him to safety… and maybe even love him again. This revolution could be the very thing that ends their war of hearts.

To Tame the Wind


Regan Walker - 2015
    She had no idea her beloved papa was a pirate. But when he seized Simon Powell's schooner, the English privateer decided to take the one thing his enemy held most dear... her.A BATTLE IS JOINEDThe waters between France and England roil with the clashes of Claire's father and her captor as the last year of the American Revolution rages on the sea, spies lurk in Paris and Claire’s passion for the English captain rises.This is the prequel to the Agents of the Crown series and book 1 of the Donet trilogy; it can be read as a stand alone.

Lady Hathaway's House Party


Joan Smith - 1980
    Lady Hathaway knew that, but her cousin the duke had changed his mind about coming, and she’d already invited the duchess, who was on her way. There was nothing to be done except wait to see what happened when the estranged couple met again. Regency Romance by Joan Smith; originally published by Fawcett under Jennie Gallant.

To Tempt An Angel


Patricia Grasso - 2002
    What she does know is that she needs to support her family as a card shark, while finding a way to seek revenge on the men who ruined her father and sent her family spiralling down into poverty.Robert Campbell, Marquess of Argyll, heir to the Duke of Inverary, has no idea who Angelica truly is. He just wants to watch over her and make her his mistress.Angelica thinks Robert is simply a dashing rogue who is far too dangerous for her peace of mind. Robert thinks Angelica is an angel except when she’s being a pain in the behind.When Robert finds out that his own father may have been one of the men who ruined Angelica’s family, he vows to keep a careful eye on her. When Angelica finds out that Robert’s father may have been one of the men responsible, she vows to stay as far away from Robert as possible. But when danger threatens, both Robert and Angelica must face the truth and let fate take the upper hand.