Book picks similar to
Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves by Parris Afton Bonds


historical-romance
historical-fiction
free
romance

The Patrician


Joan Kayse - 2012
    When his trading empire is threatened by an unknown enemy who not only wants to see him ruined but dead as well, he uses every means to put an end to it. He turns to a beautiful barbarian seer, a slave with hair the color of firelight and eyes that shine like emeralds only to be betrayed into a fate worse than death—slavery.Bryna of Eire lives each day burdened by the yoke of Rome and her own guilt for leading her beloved brother and clansmen into Rome’s clutches. She curses the gift of sight which her master exploits, keeping her under lock and key, telling fortunes and fattening his purse. When an opportunity to be freed of her confinement comes, Bryna takes it, though her instincts warn that lying to the sensual, golden-eyed man that plagues her visions risks her very soul.Betrayed into slavery, Jared labors under the lash envisioning revenge on the seer who sent him into this hell. But when fate throws Bryna into his arms, he finds exacting vengeance a different matter. As they escape, evade bounty hunters and face their pasts, Jared must battle not only his enemy but his heart. Can the differences that separate them draw them together to save their lives and their love?

Duelling for a Wife: Companion Novella


Gemma Blackwood - 2019
    She must find a husband soon or risk being ruined forever. Just as she is beginning to give up hope, William Marsden asks her to dance. Young, handsome, and kind, he seems to be the perfect answer to her prayers. But before he can claim her as his own, they must deal with the consequences when the Earl of Scarcliffe discovers the true nature of his sister's situation... This is a short novella intended as a companion read to the two series, Scandals of Scarcliffe Hall and Redeeming the Rakes..

The Edge of Forever


Suzan Tisdale - 2016
    Fate and circumstances lead her to Turin, Italy where she is saved from living in those dark, bleak back alleys by a stranger’s kindness. After becoming the dressmaker to a group of courtesans, she sees the world from a new perspective and makes a decision that will forever change her life. Charles Emmanuel, the heir apparent and Prince of Piedmont was despised by his father. Never meant to be prince or king, Charles’ life and destiny were changed after the death of his older and much favored brother. Call it fate or destiny. Charles and Isabella are brought together. Just as one tiny spark destroyed her life, a spark of desire and passion changes it again. She was more than his courtesan; she was the love of his life. A love story that spanned decades and defied all the odds. But the hatred of one woman – Charles’ wife and queen – threatens to destroy what they have. He will do anything he can to keep Isabella safe; including setting her free.

The Viscount’s Mistress


Claire DuLac - 2016
    To save his family from financial ruin, he needs the help of his closest childhood friend, Violette. They must work together so he can gain the hand of her wealthy but spoiled heiress cousin and make a mutually beneficial marriage—a sound business arrangement for them both. In return for her help, Lawrence offers Violette the one thing she covets most—freedom. With his help, she can leave England and her cruel family behind. But there is a vital flaw in this near-perfect plan. Violette Pélet de Castelmarou is secretly in love with Lawrence and has hidden it for years. Yet now she finds herself feeding him lines and coaching him through sticky social situations in order to win over her cousin. But when emotions get involved, hearts become inextricably entangled. When the time comes, will Lawrence be able to say goodbye to Violette or will he compromise her virtue and make her his forever? If he cannot have her for his wife, then he’ll make her his mistress…

Mademoiselle at Arms


Elizabeth Bailey - 2012
    Who is the beautiful intruder? And why does she disguise herself as a nun? What circumstance has thrust her into an enterprise both foolhardy and dangerous? The girl’s French accent places her with the émigrés from across the channel, except that Mademoiselle insists she is English.Set on unravelling the mystery, Gerald begins a relentless pursuit, hunting down every possible clue - much to the indignation of Mademoiselle. When her life proves to be in danger from the villainous émigré Valade, Gerald has his work cut out. For Mademoiselle Melusine, engaged in a desperate battle to prove her true identity, believes she is well able to take care of herself and is determined not to be rescued.

The Mistress of Trevelyan


Jennifer St. Giles - 2004
    It has long been whispered that Trevelyan Manor hides dark secrets and sinister deeds -- including the murder of Benedict's wife. But Ann refuses to pay heed to spiteful rumor.As she grows to cherish her young charges, Ann also finds herself powerfully drawn to the handsome Benedict, whose passionate persuasion introduces her to a new world of sensual pleasures. But even while falling in love with the master of Trevelyan, Ann wonders if his attentions are intended to blind her to the secrets of the past -- and if Benedict holds he key to her destiny...or her destruction.

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.

Fire Dance


Delle Jacobs - 2001
    But that means marriage to the king's handsome knight, Alain de Crency, and certain death for her. For if he doesn't kill her, his priests will. Written by multiple time RITA Award winner Dell Jacobs

Anastasia and the Duke


Claudia Stone - 2021
    But escaping the Seven Dials and Sidney Pritchard, the self-styled King of Thieves, is no easy task and Hannah finds herself persuaded into one last swindle; one which will set her up comfortably for life, if she can carry it off.Lady Lansdowne, Countess Morris, lost her daughter and granddaughter to the French Revolution - though the latter’s body was never found. Posing as a companion, Hannah must somehow convince the countess that she is the long-missing child, Anastasia, so that Hannah might gain access to the family jewels.A duke wracked by suspicion and desire…Oliver Edward St Martin De Vere, Sixth Duke of Hawkfield, takes one look at Lady Lansdowne’s new companion and recognises her as the thief he shared a kiss with, one fateful night.The thief he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about since.Despite his desire, Oliver is determined to protect the elderly Lady Lansdowne from another schemer out to exploit her grief. But with every encounter Oliver has with Hannah, he begins to suspect that there is more to the young woman than meets the eye.In fact, if he wasn’t so rational, he might well believe that the beautiful young woman was indeed the long lost Anastasia - and that the only thing in danger of being stolen was his heart.A woman in too deep…Having spent most of her life building a wall around her heart, Hannah is surprised to find it crumbling as she spends time with Lady Lansdowne. As Hannah is showered with kindness and love, she begins to question her true origins. And, as a blue-eyed duke makes a clumsy attempt at capturing her heart, Hannah finds herself wishing that her scheme was not a scheme at all, but the truth.But wishing won’t get Hannah out of the trouble she has made for herself and, soon, she must make a choice. Should she go against her conscience and continue with her plan, or flee London empty-handed and incur Sidney’s wrath?Neither choice is palatable, and both will leave her with a broken heart..Can there be a happily ever after for Hannah and her Duke? Find out in this fantastic new read from Claudia Stone!

Of Love and Vengeance


Louise Lyndon - 2014
    Discovering Aymon has committed an act of treason gives her the chance to seek vengeance he deserves. But can Laila let Aymon die at the hands of the king once she learns the truth? A hardened Norman warrior, Lord Aymon has lived through atrocities no man ever should. With the invasion of England over, all he wants is a quiet life and a wife who will give him heirs and obey his every command. Instead, he finds himself wed to feisty and outspoken Laila. But when she learns the truth of his treasonous act, can Aymon count on her to keep his secret?

A Courtesan Countess Worth the Scandal


Ava MacAdams - 2021
    When her family is threatened, she does the one thing she can to protect them: publishes a book exposing them all.After his disaster of a marriage, Liam Westwood, the Earl of Keswick, made a sacred pact: never fall in love again. Having spent his years abroad, he never expected to meet a vixen that would test his sanity and haunt his nights upon his return.With the Ton’s most scandalous secrets hiding between the pages of her book, Nora has no shortage of people who wish to see her suffer. And some are determined to see her ruined. When the manuscript falls in Liam’s hands, his feelings of betrayal are overshadowed by a single thing: a name that jumps out more than all the others put together. His.

A Loving Spirit


Amanda McCabe - 2003
     Upon arriving at the 500-year-old Royce Castle complete with secret rooms and friendly ghosts, Cassie encounters Lady Royce's son Phillip, the bookish and painfully reserved Earl of Royce. A man of logic and order, Phillip has no patience for Miss Cassandra's frivolous notions of ghosts and hauntings. Fortunately, there're a couple of loving spirits willing to give the couple a helping hand.

Not Quite a Duchess (The Boston Heiresses #1)


Ava Rose - 2020
    One broken hero. With danger looming, will they uncover more than they bargained for?A determined Duchess...Lady Anna Trevallyn, Duchess Wrexford, does not possess the typical qualities of the Boston elite. Confident and strong, she refuses to accept her place as a second-class citizen in a man's world--especially when her best friend, Libby, unexpectedly disappears without a trace. Unwilling to leave it to the men to uncover, she's determined to get answers.A damaged Prince...His Royal Highness, Prince Penforth Armstrong-Leeds, will do anything to locate his sister, Libby. Sharing resources, knowledge, and time with the beautiful and intelligent Lady Anna is an added advantage. Pen has secretly admired Anna from afar for years, but his war wound forces him to remain at bay.An unlikely pair...As Pen and Anna delve for answers beneath high society's gilded exterior, their feelings for one another intensify. Now, they must navigate their strong feelings while locating Libby before her reputation is permanently destroyed. With time running out, will they uncover the truth before lives are lost and hearts broken?This is the first in a Victorian Romance series featuring strong and feisty heroines at the forefront of the new age in 1890s America.Read each story as a stand-alone, or read the series in order.If you enjoy Gothic Victorian historical romantic suspense stories, such as those made popular by Victoria Holt, Deanna Raybourn, Anna Lee Huber, Christi Caldwell or Dorothy Eden, you'll love this series by historical romance author, Ava Rose.The Boston Heiresses series:1 - Not Quite a Duchess2 - Not Quite a Baroness3 - Not Quite a Lady4 - Not Quite a Princess

The Baron Without Blame


Katherine Grant - 2021
    Even though he was only freeing her skirts from the railing. Even though he doesn’t know her name. The next morning, he faithfully offers for her hand in marriage.Lolly Turner has nothing against Lord Preston. He is handsome, kind, and honorable. Yet she can’t bring herself to marry a man solely because of gossip. When she knows she should say yes, she says no. Instead, they concoct a false engagement: they tell the world they plan to marry, while in reality Lolly will jilt Martin once the scandal has died down.Martin invites Lolly and her family to spend the Easter holiday at his country home to keep up appearances. As he and Lolly spend more time together, they share visions for the future and realize they both hope for a world very different from the one into which they were born. But when Lolly’s father catches wind of their shared politics, he changes his mind about the wedding. Which means it is up to Lolly and Martin to choose: should they do the right thing, or follow their hearts?

The Enchanting of an Earl


Emma Locke - 2013
    When an unmarried gentleman happens by her brother's smithy, it is up to her to act quickly—and rashly—to secure his interest. But Grantham Wendell, Lord Chelford, isn't in the market for anything more than a new horseshoe. What's a bachelor to do when an innocent miss turns up at his annual bacchanalia? He ought to make her leave, but his Twelfth Night party just became more entertaining...Publisher's Note: This book was originally published as The Cheer in Charming an Earl