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Deception and Desire by Aubrey Wynne


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Outlaw King


Julie Johnstone - 2018
    Deception endangers them. Only an impossible love can save them. When headstrong Elizabeth de Burgh’s evil father threatens to kill her beloved cousin unless she seduces his enemy Robert the Bruce, she begrudgingly agrees. But as she grows close to the arrogant leader of the Scottish rebellion whose savage good looks whisper of pleasure, she discovers that behind Robert’s facade of coldhearted traitor lies a noble fighter who will risk all for the freedom of his country. Now, she can no longer imagine aiding in Robert’s destruction. But does she have a choice? Fierce Scottish warrior Robert the Bruce would do anything to release his country from English rule and claim his rightful throne. Enemies on both sides surround him, however, and Robert must dance a dangerous line between truth and duplicity. One misstep could topple his nation and cost him his life. Yet one irresistible woman tempts him—and jeopardizes his mission—as no other ever has. Robert is in no position to entangle himself with the enemy, especially one who may be plotting his defeat, but the feisty, determined, blue-eyed beauty ignites a longing in Robert that he has never known. But is she his biggest threat or greatest source of strength? Bound by duty and honor but ensnared by uncontainable desire, Robert and Elizabeth must decide how much they are willing to sacrifice for the one thing they thought they’d never find—extraordinary love.

Gawen's Claim


Stella Knight - 2019
    and right into the arms of a dashing Highlander...Lila Fletcher is determined to prove the strength of her magical time traveling ability to herself, her family, and her coven. But when she travels back in time to fourteenth century Scotland to contend with a malevolent foe, she must also battle an all-consuming desire for a dashing Highland laird...After losing his family to illness, Gawen MacRaild has turned his back on love. Yet his obligation to duty conflicts with his growing desire to claim the bonnie time traveling lass for his own...As Lila and Gawen work together to destroy a dark enemy intent on altering time, they struggle against their pull of mutual love and desire, while their powerful foe—and time itself—threatens their future...If you're a fan of Scottish time travel, handsome highlanders, strong heroines, romance, and magical adventure, you'll love Gawen's Claim, the first book of the Highlander Fate, Lairds of the Isles series.

The Lady's Protector


Emma Prince - 2016
     Her Protector… Ansel Sutherland is charged with a mission from King Robert the Bruce to protect the illegitimate son of a powerful English Earl. Though Ansel bristles at aiding an Englishman, the nature of the war for Scottish independence is changing, and he is honor-bound to serve as a bodyguard. He arrives in England to fulfill his assignment, only to meet the beautiful but secretive Lady Isolda, who refuses to tell him where his ward is. When a mysterious attacker threatens Isolda’s life, Ansel realizes he is the only thing standing between her and deadly peril. His Lady… Lady Isolda harbors dark secrets—secrets she refuses to reveal to the rugged Highland rogue who arrives at her castle demanding answers. But Ansel’s dark eyes cut through all her defenses, threatening to undo her resolve. To protect her past, she cannot submit to the white-hot desire that burns between them. As the threat to her life spirals out of control, she has no choice but to trust Ansel to whisk her to safety deep in the heart of the Highlands…

The Fairweather Sisters Series: Books 1-3


Anya Wylde - 2019
    Penelope: Leaving behind the rural charms of Finnshire, Miss Penelope Fairweather arrives in London with hope in her heart and a dream in her eye. The dowager, no less, has invited her for a season in London, where she will attempt to catch a husband. Seeking Philbert Woodbead: Celine hurtles off to London to help the duchess run the Blackthorne Mansion and to discover the whereabouts of her lost love Philbert Woodbead. Dorothy: Circumstances force Dorothy May Fairweather to marry Lord William Edmund Huxley, the man her best friend is in love with and the Duke’s arch enemy. With her one foolish mistake, Dorothy manages to vex all those that mean the most to her.

Bold Seduction


Karyn Gerrard - 2015
    Seduction. Pleasure. These are the qualities of any courtesan worth her salt. As owner of The Starling Club, London’s most notorious house of ill-repute, Madame Philomena McGrattan has seen it all, heard it all, done it all. There is little that surprises her anymore, and even less that excites her. So when she is presented a chance at an irresistible seduction, she can’t help but rise to the challenge.A Dangerous GameStudiousness. Practicality. Discipline. Such are the attributes of a good scholar, and such are the principles Lord Spencer Hornsby has built his life around. Alone in the Welsh countryside, with only his wolfhounds for company, Spencer has thrown himself into his work. There is little time for the pleasures of society, not even to think of the joys of the fairer sex. But when an unexpected guest arrives at his isolated hunting lodge, Spencer cannot help but be baffled by the presence of this dangerously beautiful woman. And when he discovers the reason for her arrival, and the pleasures she promises, he cannot help but find himself irresistibly intrigued.

Lady Adalyn: A Reverse Harem Risqué Regency


Sahara Kelly - 2019
    For the first time in my life, I felt a gentleman’s hands assisting me in removing my clothing. Yes, I shall surely be condemned to an eternity of agony for such a transgression, but I had no one else to ask. Giles brought hot water to my chamber and found me struggling with the tapes of my gown. He was all that was proper and polite, and had me unlaced in a trice, which was very helpful. My blushes must have added their own warmth to the room, but given his kindness and his attentions to me, I was not unduly overset. Lady Adalyn Wilkerson’s Diary, Wolfbridge Manor, January 1817 A birthday, a marriage and a funeral—twenty-year-old Adalyn has experienced them all in the space of a fortnight. The widowed Lady Wilkerson is lost, homeless and helpless as she stands next to her late husband’s grave, until an elegant gentleman introduces himself as her new butler, takes her to Wolfbridge Manor—and her life changes forever. She finds herself mistress of a tidy estate, run by the most amazing men she’s ever set eyes on. Their attentions teach her about loyalty, affection, caring and devotion, and stimulate the dawning of her sensuality. Unfortunately, not even her skilled and loving gentlemen can keep trouble from the door, and Adalyn is going to need all the courage she possesses to protect Wolfbridge and its residents. But protect them she will, if it takes every ounce of her strength. Others might have hesitated, but the men of Wolfbridge have taught her well – she isn’t just a mere cypher in a bonnet, she is their Lady Adalyn. This is the first novel in The Saga of Wolfbridge Manor. The story will continue in Book 2.

Twice Upon A Time


Lisa Ann Verge - 1994
    Utterly wonderful!" -- RT Book Reviews "A love story that transcends all boundaries." -- The Medieval Chronicle Legendary warrior Conor of Ulster defies his people to make the exiled Brigid of Morna his queen—until a shattering act of treachery destroys their world. Driven to the ends of the earth, Conor lives a thousand lifetimes in the fading hope that—one day, somehow—he’ll find Brigid once again. Finalist "Best Time Travel" -- RT Book Reviews "One of the Year's Best Reads" -- The Readers’ Voice Finalist, three categories, Affaire de Coeur Reviewers’ Choice Awards

Belle of the Ball


Pam McCutcheon - 2003
    But a wish at a magical rock formation is about to change all that, in a most a-MUSE-ing way. . . . The three Sullivan sisters, named for the Three Graces of Greek legend who embody beauty, charm and grace, don’t live up to their names. Belle is no beauty. Charisma lacks charm. And Grace is somewhat less than graceful. But this doesn't deter their ambitious mother from bribing three bachelors to escort them to Colorado Springs’ beautiful Garden of the Gods. When the girls overhear their escorts mocking how little they resemble their names, each girl makes a wish at the magical Three Graces rock formation. Belle wishes aloud for beauty, but only so she can use it as a weapon to punish the cads who hurt her sisters. Her true wish is for revenge. Handsome viscount Kit Stanhope regrets his rude remarks and apologizes to Belle. He’s surprised when she tells him that's not enough. If he truly regrets his behavior, he has to make her beautiful in time for the Founders’ Day Ball. Kit isn’t sure he’s up to the task. But, intrigued by the spirited Belle, he agrees to assist her transformation from an ugly duckling into a swan with the help of a mysterious Greek dressmaker with muse-like qualities. Unfortunately, Belle makes a rather awkward swan. Still, after a few embarrassing escapades, she masters the flirtatious language of the fan and takes the town known as Little London by storm. Belle soon finds herself falling for the viscount and his sinful mouth. It seems he returns her regard, but she can’t renege on her promise to humiliate him . . . can she? Will her secret muse grant the wish she voiced . . . or the one she holds in her heart? Note to readers: This title was originally published in 2003 by Zebra Ballad.

Becket


Anna Markland - 2021
    The duchy, independent since the time of Rollo, is now part of France. Becket de Montbryce is fated to be the first of his line to inherit the family’s lands and titles as a Frenchman. Ironically, he was in command of the Norman troops who fought alongside the French. A dangerous secret.Having escaped the besieged castle in the guise of a nun, Marguerite d’Aigremont must find a way to get back to her native England—without anyone discovering she is King John’s cousin. She despises the Normans who sided with their age-old enemy to bring about king John’s ouster as Duke of Normandy. But she is dependent on Becket if she’s to have any hope of returning to England. Despite their differences, Becket and Marguerite are drawn to each other.Will the Montbryce Dynasty survive intact when King Philip of France discovers the family has aided King John’s cousin?

My Lord Rogue


Katherine Bone - 2014
    The only thing more dangerous is being in love…Gillian Chauncey, Baroness Chauncey, is a master of disguise, trained by her expatriated husband, a former French royalist, in the arts of espionage. When a dangerous life or death secret lands in her lap, she’s thrust into a perilous world of ticking clocks and desperation, arrowing her directly into the arms of the man who arranged her marriage.Lord Simon Danbury is no ordinary nobleman. He’s been tasked by Admiral Nelson to organize an elite group of clandestine first sons willing to sacrifice all to protect England’s shores. When an assassination attempt is made on Nelson, Simon isn’t sure what poses more danger, the enemy or the masterfully seductive Gillian.

Lords Of Night Street Collection: Books 1-4


Wendy Vella - 2019
    They navigate the glittering ballrooms of society and London's criminal underworld with equal ease, leading the fight for love and justice.LORD GALLANTNicholas, Earl of Attwood wanted a docile wife, instead, he ends up with the scholarly Grace Esseltte. A dowdy spinster with a tart mouth and dangerous secrets. But he soon realizes there is a great deal more to her, and with that knowledge comes something else… the heart he’d thought would never love, has learned to do exactly that.She vowed to never marry, but her clumsiness is finally her downfall. Compromised, there is little for Grace to do but wed the stern Earl, but she refuses to yield to him in any way. However, soon she understands the man behind the gruff facade and concedes his tender gestures and honorable ways are in danger of stealing her heart.LORD VALIANTWhen Miss Charlotte Radley arrives on his doorstep, claiming she needs help from the Lords of Night Street, Viscount Needly is intrigued. She lives in one of the most notorious parts of London and runs a halfway house for ladies of the night, yet her speech and manner tell him she is a lady. Determined to uncover the truth about his mysterious new client, Marcus’s investigations find that not only is Charlotte more than she seems—she’s also in grave danger. He knows that it’s no longer just her safety involved—his own survival would be in question if he lost the one woman who had given his life meaning.Charlotte has no time to listen to the arrogant Viscount. She has chosen the path she wishes to tread, and if that includes the occasional dangerous foray into the more seedy areas of London then so be it. She will do what must be done to care and protect her girls. But when someone tries to stop her it is to Lord Needly she must turn to for help, and in doing so she risks what she’d always believed was safe… her heart.LORD VALOROUSViscount Hatherton has met no one like Miss Poppy March. Exquisite, headstrong, and reckless. The more time he spends with her, the more he understands that she is what is missing in his life. She’s warmed the cold places in his heart and brought him into the light. Can he keep her safe and convince her of his love when she is determined to keep them apart?Poppy is on a dangerous quest to expose the fiend she believes is poisoning her employer. She enlists his help of the disturbing Viscount but soon realizes that he is as malleable as an Oak Tree. He does not follow instruction well and insists that instead, she follow his! She vows to keep him at arm’s length, but her traitorous heart has other ideas. LORD NOBLEFinding himself in a sudden betrothal with the woman who makes him feel like he’s rolling in stinging nettle is proving to be a challenge for the notorious Marquis of Vereton. He and the exquisite Miss Elizabeth Witlow had always disliked each other, or so Leo believed. So when he makes his audacious proposal, no-one’s more shocked than Leo that Beth agrees.

Highlander's Veiled Assassin


Alisa Adams - 2019
     Consigned to the Highlands to marry a mysterious Laird feels like a death sentence to eighteen-year-old Sarina Bashir. Her entire life and family reside in England. Growing up, she's heard terrifying stories of the Highlands and their brutish people.However, when Sarina's father is killed by a Highlander, her brother, Thomas, schemes the perfect way to take revenge...He betroths Sarina to the very Highlander responsible for their father's murder, Laird Seamus Mackenzie, and presents her with a sharp, beautiful dagger with which to slit his throat.All Sarina has to do is wait until he falls asleep on their wedding night and then vengeance will be theirs. But when Sarina meets the handsome and honourable Seamus, she soon learns that the very family she loves and trusts has secrets of their own... Who should Sarina believe? Can love unite them at long last?"Highlander's Veiled Assassin" has over 80,000 words packed with romance, action, and emotion set on the beautiful backdrop of the Scottish Highlands.

The Hostage of Glenorchy: A Highland Romance of Tudor Scotland


Kristin Gleeson - 2016
    Disguised as a boy, she becomes a lute player among the household musicians where she encounters the laird’s hostage, the attractive Iain MacGregor, a pawn in the laird’s struggle for power in Scotland’s turbulent politics. But is Iain really a hostage to fortune or is he playing his own dangerous game? As Abby’s feelings intensify for this Glenorchy hostage she is caught in the web of intrigue that permeates the household and is drawn deeper and deeper into danger. With spice, wit and action packed plotting, Kristin Gleeson’s Highland Ballad Series is as compelling as Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander novels. 'A highland ballad brought to life - plays sweetly on the heart-strings.' Jean Gill, 'The Troubadours Quartet'

Discerning Grace


Emma Lombard - 2021
    Discovering she is a pawn in an arrangement between slobbery Silverton and her calculating father, Grace is devastated when Silverton reveals his true callous nature.Refusing this fate, Grace resolves to stow away. Heading to the docks, disguised as a lad to ease her escape, she encounters smooth-talking naval recruiter, Gilly, who lures her aboard HMS Discerning with promises of freedom and exploration in South America.When Grace's big mouth lands her bare-bottomed over a cannon for insubordination, her identity is exposed. The captain wants her back in London but his orders, to chart the icy archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, forbid it. Lieutenant Seamus Fitzwilliam gallantly offers to take Grace off the fretting captain's hands by placing her under his protection.Grace must now win over the crew she betrayed with her secret, while managing her feelings towards her taciturn protector, whose obstinate chivalry stifles her new-found independence. But when Grace disregards Lieutenant Fitzwilliam's warnings about the dangers of the unexplored archipelago, it costs a friend his life and she realises she is not as free as she believes.DISCERNING GRACE is historical women's fiction that will appeal to fans of Claire Fraser from Outlander and Demelza Poldark from Poldark—in other words, fans of feisty historical female leads.

In His Eyes


Peggy L. Henderson - 2015
    When a tragic accident claims her father’s life, Katherine is left to deal with an overbearing mother whose agenda does not include a young daughter. Fate deals her another devastating blow, leaving her to face an uncertain future far away from everything and everyone she’s loved. Trace Hawley used to push the limits of the law, and no one was going to plan his future for him. The death of the man who always had his back leaves him to finally face responsibility. The promises he made a decade ago have shaped him into the man he is today, and will bring him face to face with the one girl from his past he always tried to avoid. After a ten year absence, Katherine returns to the ranch she once loved to discover the shocking reason her mother summoned her home. Surprised to find Trace still at the ranch, her childhood infatuation grows into something far stronger as he challenges her to lead the life she once wanted, but seems to have forgotten. When Katherine is forced to make a choice between saving her father’s dreams or following her own, Trace might be the only one who holds the key to both. ***Content Warning: This book contains mild language, mild violence, and adult situations including physical intimacy, and is intended for mature readers.