Book picks similar to
The Reluctant Debutante by Jean Jacobsen


historical-romance
new-york
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american-historical

The Red Canary


Rachel Scott McDaniel - 2020
    When the manager of The Kelly Club is found dead, nightclub singer Vera Pembroke is thrust into peril. As the only witness to the crime, she’s sentenced to hide away in the Allegheny Forest with a stuffy police sergeant as her guardian.Sergeant Mick Dinelo harbors a burning hatred for Pittsburgh’s underworld after the devastation it left on his life—and heart. He should be out exposing the culpable gangsters rather than tending to the impetuous woman who defies his every effort to keep her safe.Mick and Vera must set aside their differences to solve the murder that someone wants to keep buried beneath the soot of Steel City.

Someone Like You


Elaine Coffman - 1997
    Hailed as involving, poignant, dramatic, and "un-putdownable," her love stories mesmerize readers time and time again. Joining the ranks of her bestselling novels If You Love Me, So This Is Love, Escape Not My Love, Heaven Knows, and A Time for Roses, SOMEONE LIKE YOU is Elaine Coffman's newest glittering jewel. . . .For Susannah Dowell, a life of self-imposed spinsterhood and hard work in the parched plains of West Texas cannot erase the pain of a shameful past. Then she meets Reed Garrett, a man also burdened by hurt. Tentatively, two lost souls dare to reach out, at first offering nothing more than simple human kindness, only to discover a reason to live and to believe in the power of love. . .

Games Lovers Play


Mark Dunson - 2014
    When Rob's busy schedule leaves Shelia longing for love and affection she falls into the arms of Jason. Jason is the handsome and powerful heir to The Young Family Empire. He has been married to his beautiful wife Karen for three years. He loves her and treats her like a queen, but lately he seeks adventure. When he begins an affair with Sheila he finds out she’s just the adventure he needs. After they decide they will keep their affair going, Jason creates some rules. But when feelings began to develop and the rules get broken, drama begins. How far will Jason and Sheila go to protect their affair? Games Lovers Play is the first book in the Games Lovers Play Series. Each Book is about 30,000 words. This book contains page turning drama and explosive love scenes!

The Jilted Earl


Kelly Anne Bruce - 2016
    It wasn't that she didn't want a husband, she just hated the crowds and false joy of the parties. And then when she finally met a man she knew she could love, he was quickly taken by another. She knew she was unremarkable compared to the other young women in society, but she still managed some hope that she would marry for love. Nicholas of Meadcaster was only an earl. This was the second strike against him at the moment. The first was that he had been quite ill - to the point of near death - and he was still recovering. His brother encouraged him to go to London to find a suitable wife. A wife who would care for him should his illness return. Nicholas makes some poor choices and Isabella is forgotten. When his choices haunt him, will Nicholas look for a new path or wallow in misery? Will Isabella find the courage to be bold and claim the man she is falling in love with?

Dorchadas House


Emmanuelle de Maupassant - 2018
    Drawn to the wild landscape, Iris hopes to forget the burdens of her past: her father’s death, a narrow life in a small-minded town. But the dilapidated manor houses its own secrets. There are strange cries in the night, and is the stoic housekeeper Mrs McInnes all she seems? Iris begins to have disturbing dreams about the maze, planted centuries ago in the manor grounds to honour the ‘old ways’, concealing something even older. “Even on that first night, I dreamt. A presence, in the darkness.” Despite the consuming task of refurbishing the manor as a guesthouse, Iris increasingly feels the brooding presence of Neas and Eachinn, the two brutish farmhands who seem as much a part of Dorchadas House as the old maze. As autumn wanes and Samhain Eve approaches, the island folk prepare to honour the dead and the Goddess Nicneven, as they have done for generations past. “The women play their part, too. We’re the most important, you could say …” Has something more than chance drawn her to Eirig? 'Dorchadas House' is a 1940s Gothic mystery, combining elements of folk-horror with adult themes.

Wellington Cross


Cheryl R. Lane - 2012
    She is found by a man who claims to be her betrothed but later finds out he lied about nearly everything. She had actually been married to another man and they’d had a baby together.Ethan Wellington is distraught after losing his wife of a year. Yet within another year, he marries another woman, Elizabeth, just one month before Madeline reappears in his life. When he finds out Elizabeth is with child, he regretfully sends Madeline away to her brother’s. The distance between them is torturous, even as they share responsibility of their child.William Brown is a new hired hand of Madeline’s brother, who had served in the war with Ethan and has taken it upon himself to watch over Madeline for him. He offers to enter into an agreement to take care of a growing problem of Madeline’s. Will she accept his proposal of marriage in order to save the family’s reputation?A sudden tragedy sets into motion a series of events that will change everything. Madeline is haunted by something from her past, something best left forgotten, for her life depends on it. This last forgotten memory is the key to how she befell the accident that caused her to lose her memory to begin with. Will she ever find the happiness and love that she longs for?

A Change of Fortune


Jen Turano - 2012
    Her fortune was the last thing she had left after losing her father, her fiancé, and her faith. Now, masquerading as Miss Eliza Sumner, governess-at-large, she's determined to find the man who ran off with her fortune, reclaim the money, and head straight back to London. Mr. Hamilton Beckett, much to his chagrin, is the catch of the season, and all the eyes of New York society—all the female ones, at least—are on him. He has no plans to marry again, especially since his hands are full keeping his business afloat while raising his two children alone. Eliza's hapless attempts to regain her fortune unexpectedly put her right in Hamilton's path. The discovery of a common nemesis causes them to join forces and, before she knows it, Eliza has a whole retinue of people helping her. Eliza's determination not to trust anyone weakens when everyone's antics and bumbling efforts to assist her make her wonder if there might be more important things than her fortune and independence. When all of Hamilton's and Eliza's best-laid plans fall by the wayside, it will take a riot of complications for them to realize that God just might have had a better plan in mind all along.

A Duke by Default


Wendy Soliman - 2008
    Marc takes his place with the utmost reluctance, and sets about finding a suitable wife in order to produce an heir. Caught in a compromising position with Miss Harriet Aston, Marc proposes to possibly the only woman in England with no interest in becoming a duchess.Marc soon discovers that Harriet will be anything other than a biddable wife. She appears determined to make him fall in love with her, even though he makes it perfectly clear that theirs will be a marriage of convenience. It can’t be any other way because every time Marc allows his emotions free rein, something unfortunate happens to the recipient of his affections.In spite of his efforts to ignore his growing feelings for his feisty wife, Harriet is still brutally attacked. The duke and duchess join forces to unearth the identities of those seeking to undermine all Marc is striving to achieve. As they do so, Harriet recklessly disregards her husband’s orders and throws herself in the path of danger in an effort to protect him.Can Marc ensure the safety of the woman he is absolutely determined not to allow beneath his guard before the curse attaching to him strikes again…

Horses, Hayrides and Husbands: Country Brides & Cowboy Boots


Jeanette Lewis - 2020
     Misty Epperson has her hands full with a toddler and a full-time job helping her billionaire brother, Ty, run The Epperson Foundation, a charitable organization he founded with his lottery jackpot. But all the chubby baby cheeks and conference calls in the world can’t drive away the emptiness hovering over her heart. She yearns for love, but Misty is wary. The last time she gave her heart away, it was returned to her battered and broken.   When Misty meets Clydesdale wrangler, Travis Harper, she’s drawn to his quiet strength and easy smile. But Travis quickly makes his hatred of rich people known and Misty’s brother is one of the richest men in the state. When Ty interferes with the Clydesdale’s grazing pasture in the name of environmental protection, will Travis consider it guilt by association or can Misty break this sexy cowboy with the giant chip on his shoulder?

The Rancher's Orphan Bride


Anna St. James - 2013
    She plans to reunite her family and make a home for them so they can start a new life together.Reese Cooper takes the Hendricks brothers under his temporary guardianship and provides room and board in exchange for good honest work. Even though he still mourns the death of his wife, the two boys inch their way into his battered heart. When their sister comes to claim them, Reese discovers the healing power of love.

Christmas Wishes & Heartwarming Kisses: A Sweet Holiday Romance Collection


Sophie Mays - 2018
    Each book takes place in a unique setting! Let these stories lift your spirits, make you laugh, and get you decking the halls! This Collection Includes The Following Books: In From New York, With Love, we join Emily and Josh as they confront some of life's trickier decisions. Can a big city girl survive the holidays in her boyfriend's small hometown? Throw in a Christmas tree farm visit, some warm apple cider, good Southern cooking, and everyone's favorite little town of Magnolia Harbor. Watch the downtown come alive under the twinkling holiday lights and find out if Emily and Josh will be celebrating the New Year alone or together.In A Whole Latte Christmas, Sonia returns to her hometown of Evergreen Valley from teaching abroad, wishing for a simple Christmas with her family. When her character is put to the test, she saves a life and in the process earns the gratitude of Aiden, the charming new café owner in town. Sparks fly, but can Sonia overcome her own doubts and at the same time save the youth choir's Christmas Eve performance? Travel to the beautiful Canadian Rockies for a sweet story and a good latte to find out!In A Girl's Guide To Creating Christmas, single mom Natalie is overwhelmed running her small flower shop. Can her precocious daughter Fiona convince her after-school mentor, Paul, to help her plan a magical Christmas for her mom, and hopefully remind Natalie of the true meaning of the holidays?In Key West Christmas, Josie makes a dramatic life change but quickly realizes the realities of paradise may be a little more than she bargained for. Can her new friend Nate help her find her holiday spirit in the not-so-snowy Key West, Florida?In Santa Baby, Maybe, we take two strangers whose paths can't stop crossing and sprinkle in a little art, coffee, and an opulent holiday party. Mix it together, and you have been whisked away to the scenic Great Smoky Mountains for a cute, clean holiday romp! A Christmas story of family, faith, and finding out that sometimes the mall Santa is more than meets the eye!In Scottish Holiday, a journey of self-discovery leads New Yorker Jillian on a quest across the Atlantic. Will her Christmas holiday home provide the quaint getaway she has in mind...or will a chance occurrence with a local Scotsman change her plans completely? Venture to the wee Scottish Isle of Lewis and help Jillian track down her roots.

The Lone Warriors


Daniel Banner - 2018
    When one of them suggests a pact to break up with all of them, the debate is on. Each man quickly takes a side as the arguments heat up to determine if they will face the future attached, or as Lone Warriors. Catastrophe strikes on the mission and the men must work as a team to adapt and overcome to have any hope of making it home. Some hold out hope that someone is waiting for them, while others wish the Dear Jane scheme had never come up. This novelette in six parts introduces each man as they each explore their hopes of love for the future. Blaine Hammerton – fiercely loyal and deeply in love.Baron Luzader – silent, brave, and always on top of the intel.Logan Steele – a smart, playful computer genius.Creed Hawk – confident, famous, and desperate to return to his sweetheart.Maddox Easton – intelligent, well-traveled, and funny.Jace Burns - fearless, witty, and tough as nails.Get acquainted with the men of the Navy SEAL Romances 2.0!The Found Warrior by Taylor HartThe Honest Warrior by Daniel BannerThe Rogue Warrior by Cindy Roland AndersonThe Stealth Warrior by Cami CheckettsThe Diehard Warrior by Jennifer YoungbloodThe Fearless Warrior by Kimberly Krey

A Bride for Wesley - Book #6: Sons of Nora White Series


Cyndi Raye - 2018
    A historical western pioneer and frontier romance filled with secrets and romance. Wesley Young, twin brother to Russell, decides it's time for his own mail order bride. He doesn't really need a wife but decides to appease his mother, whose only wish is to see him happy and settled. He has no idea what he's getting into! Olivia Morris is determined to marry as a mail-order bride because of a broken promise from childhood and a secret wish she's held deep in her heart. They both have their own purpose in mind when they tie the knot but is it enough? Then there is that 30 day clause in the marriage contract. What will they choose? This historical western romance is like an old west romance, filled with pioneer and frontier happenings and adventures sure to keep you turning the page. This can be read as a stand alone, but be sure to collect the rest of the series, you won't be sorry! Disclosure: books 1-3 have a secret in it that can't be revealed until book #3. Sons of Nora White reading order #1 A Bride for Luke #2 A Bride for Adam #3 A Bride for Samuel #4 A Groom for Nora #5 A Bride for Russell #6 A Bride for Wesley #7 A Groom for Widow Young (coming soon)

A Very Country Christmas


Fiona Greene - 2017
    This year she will stop at nothing to ensure that she and the Woodlea community have the best holiday season ever. But from the moment Freya hangs the first piece of mistletoe, her plans unravel faster than red Christmas ribbon...Home For Christmas – Fiona Greene [FIRST TIME IN PRINT]When Sergeant Tate McAuliffe, stationed in Afghanistan, opens his Christmas care package from Australia, he is stunned by both its contents and the sender, Layla Preston. Little could Layla know that this impersonal-but-cheerful holiday gift is set to be the start of something big…The Kissing Season – Rachael Johns A wild past, a secret pregnancy and a disastrous marriage: every family has a black sheep...and Hannah Elliot is it. But when she returns to her home town of Wildwood Point, she is determined to stay on the straight and narrow. Then gorgeous Italian Matteo Della-Bosca walks into her life and Hannah’s resolve starts to slip…12 Daves Of Christmas – Juliet Madison [FIRST TIME IN PRINT]Can love transcend time and space? An uplifting story of a lonely writer, her grandmother’s ghost and a Christmas road trip to visit 12 different Daves.Christmas At Remarkable Bay – Victoria Purman [BRAND NEW STORY]Prickly Sofia has hit a crossroads and is hoping a Christmas alone in idyllic Remarkable Bay will help. Police officer George is also alone at Christmas. Drawn together unwillingly, they try and stay out of each other’s way. But Remarkable Bay is a small place…

An Angel To Tend His Broken Heart


Ember Pierce - 2020
    He’s going to need Josefina’s help.Redden owns an isolated ranch far away from neighbors and the closest town. He was badly hurt in a riding accident and would have died if his friend hadn’t saved him. Now, he needs someone to care for him - probably for many months. But he can’t afford to hire a nurse. What is he to do?Josefina has a terribly dangerous job in a factory, but the worst menace in the factory isn’t a machine - it’s her boss, who has been making advances that she doesn’t appreciate.She receives a letter from her brother asking her to come out west and marry his injured friend, and it seems like the answer to a dozen different problems. But can she really marry a stranger?When an unscrupulous speculator decides he wants their ranch, it will be up to Redden and Josefina to defend the place that they both hold dear.But in a battle against insurmountable odds, they will need luck and teamwork if they are to defeat the man who wants to steal their land and destroy their home.If you like fast-paced clean romance and action-packed stories, you won't be able to put down this addictive Novel by Ember Pierce