Book picks similar to
The Christmas Courtesan by Victoria Vale
christmas
virgin-hero
historical
arc
Earl of Bergen
Anna St. Claire - 2019
His destination gets delayed when he finds an abandoned donkey, and his efforts to save the animal bring him into contact with a lovely widow and a menagerie of both animals and children who need his help with their Christmas pageant.Widowed Lady Elizabeth Newton enjoys her life and her home in the country. She cares for three children from her late husband’s mistress, as well as helpless animals of every description that would, otherwise, have no home. Life changes when the handsome Lord Bergen brings an abandoned, cross-eyed donkey, believed cursed, to her doorstep.Against all odds, sparks fly between Bergen and the widow. But can a romance survive the danger that follows the donkey?
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
The Aristocrat's Charade
Joyce Alec - 2019
However, she is utterly astonished when, within a few days, he is back at her side and begging for a second chance.Lord Peter Marchmont does not think that Miss Grey is the right match for him. Waking up to discover a note stating must court Miss Grey otherwise his brother Edward will be ruined, Peter realizes he has no choice. Struggling to find answers, Peter eventually tells Miss Grey the truth and discovers that she might be the help he has been looking for.Together, Ophelia and Peter look for clues that will protect Edward and allow them to bring their courtship to a close. However, they soon begin to find that their hearts are changing and that perhaps, they might not wish for their courtship to come to an end after all.If you love sweet, clean, Regency-era romances with mystery, you will love The Aristocrat's Charade.
Once Upon a Twelfth Night
Christina Alexandra - 2020
But a midnight wager with Win Maddox has her dreaming of more. Losing to the silver-tongued barrister would cost her everything, but winning could lead to her dreams coming true forever.Ruination of a Rogue by Clair Brett… Will Lord Zander Milford find rumination an acceptable outcome if only at the hands of Miss Maria Lightowler?It Was Only a Kiss by Sofie Darling… Snow falling, the Twelfth Night Ball, a stolen kiss—but no one would’ve expected bespectacled spinster Violet Hotchkiss to be the one stealing a kiss from Bumpstead Hollow’s most eligible bachelor, Will Sinclair. And now that she’s had a taste of passion, she refuses to settle for a life without romance, adventure…or Will.Christmas Chase by A.S. Fenichel… Sarah Sommers has a plan—find the father who abandoned her and live happily ever after as his beloved daughter. Not even the handsome Lord Monty Witmore with his determination to deliver her to yet another guardian will stop her. Her heart, however, has other ideas about where the chase will end… Twelve Nights of Ruin by Carrie Lomax… Holly Mayweather was the delight of London society—until her reputation was tarnished by a shocking scandal. Can the spirited beauty find happiness with William Sharp, a stoic former soldier? Or will their wedding vows end with “I don’t”?What If I Still Love You by Erica Taylor… After a failed elopement ten years earlier, Henry, Earl of Eddington, and Anna, the widowed Viscountess Newcroft, are reunited at his aunt’s Twelfth Night party. As they search the castle for a box of letters left to Henry by his late father, can this star-crossed pair find their way back to each other? Or will fate intervene, again, and separate them for good?Three Kisses Before Christmas by Tanya Wilde… Wolfstan Robert Ward, the Earl of Wicke and Selborne, lost his head for his best friend’s sister the day he saved her from a frightful bully in their youth. There is just one problem. Rebecca is in love with another man—his cousin. Winning her would take every trick in the book, but what is Christmas if not a time for miracles?
Highland Wishes
Kathryn Le Veque - 2015
Deep in the Scottish Highlands stood a well, left behind by the Northmen who had built a longhouse upon the site. The longhouse eventually crumbled, the Norse died off, but the well remained. The well was built in the trees, high above the land, and built in dark gray stone that is native to the area. Upon the stones of the well were carved these words:May your journey be quiet and your days of joy long. May your deeds remain strong for Odin. May your love stay true to your noble heart.This well, so alone upon the hill, soon became the stuff of legends, It was said that a young Northman fell in love with a local Taevali maiden. Her parents forbid her to see him so, in desperation, she stole away on a cold December night with the intention of marrying her Norse lover in secret. They were followed by her parents but rather than be separated, the desperate lovers ran to the longhouse and hid in the well. There was a terrible storm that night and the run off from the mountains that kept the well supplied with water soon overflowed, dooming the lovers on what would be the Christian holiday of Christmas.Now, their spirits wander the trees where the well is, where they met their deaths, together in spirit as they could not be together in life. It is said that if lovers make a wish upon the well during this holiday time, the spirit of the young Northman and his lovely maiden will grant the lovers one wish for their marital happiness, one wish that will bind them together for eternity.THE LEGEND OF THE SPIRIT WATERS by Kathryn Le Veque - The legend begins with a Norseman and his native lover.THE HANDFASTING by Glynnis Campbell: A French knight betrothed to a Highland heiress falls in love with his spirited bride, until he realizes he's been tricked into wedding the wrong sister.THE THIEF'S DAUGHTER by Suzan Tisdale: Onnleigh, betrayed and abandoned, makes one simple wish: a better life for her child. Connor MacCallen, widowed and newly made chief of his clan, appeases his grandmother by making a wish for wife and children. Will fate intervene and make those wishes come true?THE WOLF OF SKYE by Hildie McQueen: Fate's wicked sense of humor strikes Highland guard Faolan Mackinnon when he ends up betrothed to Catriona Grant, a fiery lass, who he met only minutes earlier. WISH UPON A WINTER SOLSTICE by Emma Prince: To test the powers of a legendary well, Keita trespasses onto her enemy's lands. She never expects to come face to face with the man they call the Demon of Loch Moy--or succumb to the dark heat her captor stirs within her.Enjoy this special holiday collection of new material for a limited time.
A Lady's Christmas Rake
Tammy Andresen - 2019
Taming my Christmas Rogue by Tammy Andresen Miss Danielle Frazier is far too virtuous for his tastes… so why can’t he stop thinking about her? He must take drastic measures. His plan? Steal one kiss. Except for from the moment their lips touch, nothing goes the way it’s supposed to and kisses under the mistletoe rarely end romantic fantasy. Now Drew has a new problem entirely… for the first time in his life, he might be falling in love. His Lady Smuggler by Tamara Gill May Stanford, lady smuggler is forced to go up against the Earl of Grandison, her father’s guest for Christmas and a man who’s determined to see her and her merry bandits brought to justice. Christmas Seduction by Samantha Holt In a time when arranged marriages had little to do with love, Alexander never expected a love match. Neither did Emma--but she had hoped for more than being abandoned instantly! However, Alexander is back and if there is ever a time for romance and second chances, it's Christmas. Winter Wishes by Scarlett Scott A duke in need of a bride meets his match in a lady who has no intention of becoming his duchess. Will their hearts find love before Christmas? Devil at the Gates by Lauren Smith A duke with a dark past rescues a the daughter of a fencing master. What begins as a battle of wills becomes a battle of heart as Christmas works its magic. An Unwelcome Proposal by Bree Wolf A chance encounter. An unexpected proposal. And an undeniable love. All his life, WESLEY EVERETT has watched other men fall in love. Now, when he finally does find a woman who brings a flutter to his heart, she could not be less interested. Will Wesley take 'no' for an answer? Or will he be able to convince Christine that marriage is far from boring?
Wicked Deeds on a Winter Night
Stacy Reid - 2019
Will a wicked night of passion on a winter's night lead to the greatest love? Or only to betrayal? Wicked Deeds on a Winter Night was previously published in the Seduced under the Mistletoe Anthology. Read with caution: Scorching and tender sex scenes!
Rogues Like It Hot
Tamara GillShereen Vedam - 2019
Enjoy a variety of heat levels from these rogues and the heroines that get them hot under the collar. Grab your copy for a bargain price or for FREE in Kindle Unlimited!Rogues Like It Hot includes:Act of Pardon by Sandra SookooA Marquess for Convenience by Biance BlythePrince of Rogues by Angelique ArmaeA Reversal of Fortune by Rose PearsonThe Scottish Governess by Arietta RichmondHer Gentleman Pirate by Tamara GillThe Duke's House Party Match by Kelly Anne BruceTo Capture Love by Shereen VedamSinful Deeds by Samantha Holt
A Lady Awakened
Cecilia Grant - 2011
. . A Lady Awakened.Newly widowed and desperate to protect her estate and beloved servants from her malevolent brother-in-law, Martha Russell conceives a daring plan. Or rather, a daring plan to conceive. After all, if she has an heir on the way, her future will be secured. Forsaking all she knows of propriety, Martha approaches her neighbor, a London exile with a wicked reputation, and offers a strictly business proposition: a month of illicit interludes . . . for a fee.Theophilus Mirkwood ought to be insulted. Should be appalled. But how can he resist this siren in widow’s weeds, whose offer is simply too outrageously tempting to decline? Determined she’ll get her money’s worth, Theo endeavors to awaken this shamefully neglected beauty to the pleasures of the flesh—only to find her dead set against taking any enjoyment in the scandalous bargain. Surely she can’t resist him forever. But could a lady’s sweet surrender open their hearts to the most unexpected arrival of all . . . love?
The Viscount in Hiding
Emma Evans - 2018
Ashamed of his behaviour he hides away in his country seat, determined to become a sensible gentleman, no longer caught up by whichever eligible young lady catches his eye. The only problem? A beautiful tenant named Julia who is living in his gatehouse. William knows that he should have very little to do with his tenants but he simply cannot get her out of his mind. The more time he spends, the more he wants to know her despite their difference in status. A sudden accident leads to a whole new life for Julia, who is loathe to tell him much about herself, despite their intimate connection. When the truth finally comes out and Julia confesses all, William must decide what to do with the lady who has stolen his heart. Authors Note: This is a clean, stand-alone romance with an HEA. If you love clean Regency-era romances you will love The Viscount in Hiding!
The Proposal
Mary Balogh - 2012
THE PROPOSAL Gwendoline, Lady Muir, has seen her share of tragedy, especially since a freak accident took her husband much too soon. Content in a quiet life with friends and family, the young widow has no desire to marry again. But when Hugo, Lord Trentham, scoops her up in his arms after a fall, she feels a sensation that both shocks and emboldens her. Hugo never intends to kiss Lady Muir, and frankly, he judges her to be a spoiled, frivolous--if beautiful--aristocrat. He is a gentleman in name only: a soldier whose bravery earned him a title; a merchant's son who inherited his wealth. He is happiest when working the land, but duty and title now demand that he finds a wife. He doesn't wish to court Lady Muir, nor have any role in the society games her kind thrives upon. Yet Hugo has never craved a woman more; Gwen's guileless manner, infectious laugh, and lovely face have ruined him for any other woman. He wants her, but will she have him? The hard, dour ex-military officer who so gently carried Gwen to safety is a man who needs a lesson in winning a woman's heart. Despite her cautious nature, Gwen cannot ignore the attraction. As their two vastly different worlds come together, both will be challenged in unforeseen ways. But through courtship and seduction, Gwen soon finds that with each kiss, and with every caress, she cannot resist Hugo's devotion, his desire, his love, and the promise of forever.
A Midnight Clear
Chasity Bowlin - 2019
Reunited after decades with her long-lost son, everything should have been perfect. Yet it wasn’t. Without the constant grief, she became aware of how empty her life was. Hoping that spending the Christmas holidays with her son and his new bride would improve her outlook, Sarah met an ill fate once more. With her carriage broken down in a snowstorm, she sets out on foot to reach the family home, not realizing just how treacherous the conditions are. Bransen Middlethorpe is also at loose ends. Since his brother’s untimely but mostly welcomed demise, it’s been his job to look after the estates… and his brother’s widow. To say that Sarah had resented his interference was to put it mildly. But with his nephew returned, looking after the estates and after her, are no longer his purview—that is until he encounters Sarah braving blizzard like conditions. Furious with her and terrified at what might have happened had he not found her; they are forced to take shelter for the night in his small cottage on the family estate. While they are trapped by a blanket of snow and ice, they are forced to face the truth. There is far more between them than simply shared history. In such an intimate setting, they have no choice but to acknowledge the desire they both feel… and the love they’ve been denying for decades.
Master of the Moor
Emmanuelle de Maupassant - 2021
Haunted by scandal, she’ll stop at nothing to gain what she needs, even if it means deceiving the enigmatic, yet fascinating Mallon de Wolfe.After more than twenty years in exile, Mallon de Wolfe—formidable, handsome, and with a shard of ice where his heart should be—returns to his ancestral home to confront his past.The windswept heathlands of Dartmoor are vast, barren and perilous.A place of superstition, where no man walks without the moon to guide him.As Mallon and Geneviève become entangled, do the moors hold their destruction or salvation?Master of the Moor is a gothic historical romance, featuring passionate love scenes.
One Kiss from Ruin
Nancy Yeager - 2020
Then everything went wrong...Mr. Daniel Hallsworth lost his title and was driven out of England by claims of his illegitimacy. Now he’s returned to reclaim his title and his family’s reputation, which requires marrying a virtuous lady. He has his sights set on the woman he once loved. If only the lady would graciously accept his proposal.Lady Emme Radcliffe made a mistake that could destroy her family. To hide it, she’s withdrawn from society and dedicated herself to spinsterhood. Now the man she’s loved for ages has returned with an offer of marriage, but accepting it could expose her secret, and she can't afford to take that risk. If only the gentleman would kindly stop tempting her.With their own match an impossibility, Daniel needs Emme’s assistance to find a suitable wife, and she requires his help to thwart her father’s matchmaking. But each moment together brings them to the brink of passion, and every stolen kiss leads them one step closer to ruin.
Duke of My Heart
Kelly Bowen - 2016
But he's returned home from his latest voyage to find a naked earl—quite inconveniently deceased—tied to his missing sister's bed. And he has only one place to turn. Now he's at the mercy of the captivating Miss Ivory Moore of Chegarre & Associates, known throughout London for smoothing over the most dire of scandals.Miss Moore treats the crisis as though it were no more serious than a cup of spilt tea on an expensive rug. As though this sort of thing happened on the job every day. Max has never in all his life met a woman with such nerve. Her dark eyes are too wide, her mouth is too full, her cheekbones too sharp. Yet together, she's somehow...flawless. It's just like his love for her, imperfect, unexpected—yet absolutely true.