And then, because he refuses to tear himself away from the stables where he trains Arabian racehorses, she invites all those ladies to a house party, along with some other bachelors, of course. So who will Hugh choose? The Botticelli-esque, enchanting Gwendolyn? The outspoken, delightful Katherine? If he doesn't work fast, he'll lose those ladies to his closest friends, and then where will he look for a wife? Perhaps, just perhaps, toward a lady who's not on a market at all, and would require a great deal of persuading...

    Hugo's cynical heart is in danger of being melted…. How much longer can he avoid the mistletoe?Twelfth Night Proposal by Lucy AshfordLeaving London to claim his newly inherited estate, Theo Dalbury finds remote Derbyshire as foreign to him as his feelings for country girl Jenna. Christmas evokes painful memories for him, but Jenna is bringing out his festive spirit…and will give him a yuletide that he'll never forget!Christmas at Oakhurst Manor by Joanna FulfordVivien Hastings is looking forward to a quiet Christmas at Oakhurst Manor, until she realizes she'll be sharing it with Max Calderwood. It's been years since he broke her heart, but one hot glance from his cool gray eyes shows her that she's just as vulnerable to him as she ever was….

    This is one of those stories . . .She's the best writer the paper has ever had. He's her new editor. And she doesn't like it one bit.Molly Everton is the outspoken daughter of the town's newspaper publisher. She had the best education her father's money could buy and she's a better writer than he is. So when her father passes her over for the position of editor and gives the job to an outsider from back East, she's furious. But a smart girl like Molly knows she can drive the new guy out of town with little trouble if she plays her cards right . . .Jack Ludlow came out West for adventure and wide open spaces, not romance. And he's not intimidated by the beautiful daughter of his new employer. At first he's just trying to prove to her he is the right man for the job--but before long he's set on stealing her heart."No one can tug on the heartstrings like Robin Lee Hatcher. 'Autumn's Angel' is a wonderful story of unexpected love, and I read it in one gup. Highly recommended!" --Colleen Coble, "USA Today" best-selling author of "Rosemary Cottage"

    But who will be the bride? With swoonworthy lords, witty ladies, eccentric relatives, a gaggle of free-spirited girls, not to mention the world’s best high perch phaeton, it’s a recipe for mayhem—and romance. Award winning, best-selling authors Katharine Ashe, Caroline Linden, Miranda Neville and Maya Rodale serve up delectable Regency fun and a sexy contemporary twist in this anthology of original novellas. Four authors, four couples, four deliciously romantic surprises. When it comes to love, anything can happen… That Rogue Jack by Maya Rodale Jack, Lord Willoughby is charming, handsome, and utterly irresponsible. In other words, he’s the worst person to entrust with the ducal wedding ring. Miss Henrietta Black is prim, proper and the ideal person to help find the priceless family heirloom that’s gone missing… as long as she isn’t distracted by Jack’s gorgeous smile and tantalizing attempts at seduction. They MUST find the ring before the wedding… if they aren’t too busy falling in love. P.S. I Love You by Miranda Neville Handsome, inarticulate Frank Newnham asks for his cousin, Christian's help when he woos Rosanne Lacy by letter. Rosanne falls for Frank's delicious prose, but when they meet in person at the duke's wedding party, Rosanne can't understand why Frank seems so... dull. And why is she drawn to the dark brooding Earl of Bruton, with his scarred face and air of melancholy? When I Met My Duchess by Caroline LindenGareth Cavendish, Duke of Wessex, believes he’s chosen the perfect bride… until he meets her sister, and lightning strikes—literally! Now, he’s the only member of society dreading the wedding of the season. Or is he? Cleo Barrows can’t fathom why her knees weaken every time the handsome duke approaches, or why her sister isn’t in the clouds at the prospect of marrying him. But the more often wedding plans throw Cleo and Gareth intimately together, the faster time is running out to turn the celebration of the summer into the scandal of the year. How Angela Got Her Rogue Back by Katharine AsheWhen gorgeous Lord Trenton Ascot beckons to history grad student Angela Cowdrey from the pages of a comic book, she thinks she’s going crazy. When Trent rescues her from a lake, and she claims she’s from the future, he knows he is. But a blackmailer is threatening Trent’s family, and Angela is determined to help. While unraveling the mystery of her time-travel trip to the duke’s wedding, this modern girl and Regency lord just might discover a passion that defies centuries.

    When desire rekindles between them, they both hope desperately that they can mend their broken marriage ... But some wounds go deeper than the concussion Rob suffered on the Waterloo battlefield. And some wounds can never be healed.The Widow Vanishes (Prequel to the Heart of Enquiry Series) by Grace CallawayA disastrous marriage leaves Annabel Foster buried in her deceased husband's debt and at the mercy of a cutthroat. Faced with death or selling her body, she makes an unthinkable choice ... Haunted by his past, former soldier William McLeod seeks forgetfulness in the arms of a tempting wench. What begins as a night of lust, however, transforms into desire beyond his wildest fantasies ... Attraction flares between the pair even as an evil enemy seeks to destroy them both. Can one night of passion lead to love forevermore?Lord Lucifer's Disciple (Haberdashers Nights, Book 1) by Sue LondonAn heiress turns away every suitor until she meets a mysterious foreigner at a masque ball. His kiss ignites her in ways that nothing else has, but he refuses her pleas to elope. Has she lost her heart to a man who doesn't exist?Miss Amelia Lands a Duke (A Prequel to the Caversham Chronicles) by Sandy RavenCaught kissing a man she believes within her reach socially, Amelia discovers he isn't. Not only that, he is same man her widowed aunt has been stalking all season. When the Duke of Caversham realizes who Amelia is, he does the honorable thing and offers for her. Only Amelia's pride will not allow her to be forced onto any man in marriage. Cav must then convince Amelia that she is the only woman he wants for the rest of his life.How to Lose a Duke in Ten Days (What Happens in Scotland, Book 1) by Kate McKinleyLucas Alexander, the ninth Duke of Arlington, is a man who gets what he wants. So when he sees the alluring Miss Pippa Welby from across a crowded ballroom, he vows to make her his. But the bold and spirited Pippa has sworn never to marry into the haute ton. Now Lucas must win her the only way he knows how--one wicked kiss at a time.Lady Northam's Wicked Surrender (Wicked Liaisons, Book 1) by Vivienne WestlakeA midnight encounter between two estranged lovers rekindles a passion beyond their wildest dreams... Rowena, Countess of Northam, is surprised to find her former suitor has returned from India and is on his way to the very house where she is staying. When he appears in her room late at night, she can only believe it is a dream. Her fantasy soon becomes reality when Simon makes every effort to seduce her.

    Only handsome, respectable and deeply romantic persons need apply. Dukes and marquesses will be given special consideration. Apply within.This anthology contains nine fun, heart-tugging, and wholesomely romantic Regency novellas that are as sigh-worthy as they are sweet, brought to you by USA Today and national bestselling, award-winning authors.Deceived by a Duke by Erin Knightley, USA Today bestselling authorWhen strangers meet during a summer sojourn to the continent, love soon blossoms under the Spanish sun. But things aren't all what they seem. When Libby discovers her English gentleman isn't at all who she thought he was, can their new relationship survive the shock of being . . . Deceived by a Duke?(Originally published May 2014)Captivated by the Wallflower by Aileen Fish, USA Today bestselling authorFinding the perfect husband for wallflower Lady Susan is a means to an end for Viscount Knightwick. Falling in love is not part of his plan. Can he keep his heart safe while making hers happy?A Most Suitable Match by Lily George, national bestselling authorCan confirmed bluestocking and matchmaker Louisa Bradbury compose her own happily ever after with Thomas, the wallflower of the rich and powerful Wright family?Stealing the Duchess by Marie Higgins, national bestselling authorWhen Julian Stratford seeks out to steal the duchess as an act of revenge, he mistakenly steals the wrong sister--a wallflower, no less. As they work together to try and solve the mystery, they soon discover that not only are their lives in danger, but so are their hearts.First Impressions by Elizabeth Johns, national bestselling authorA widower earl, still in need of an heir, reluctantly sets off for London in search of a wife. He infinitely prefers the role of recluse to that of dashing beau. The Season's Incomparable prefers books to balls, and cannot wait until the Season is over. Their initial prejudices prevent them from feeling they would suit, but an unlikely source may give them another chance...Treasure Beyond Words by Heather KingHaving trusted the wrong man, bluestocking Amelia Burcott is forced to seek employment as a governess in order to support herself. Little does she realize, when she joins the household of the Earl of Raftesbury, that he has a secret as great as her own and needs the right woman to help him conquer his past.The Earl's Beloved Match by Bess McBride, national bestselling authorBluestocking Cora Prentice has no intention of marrying...ever. Tobias, the Earl of Momford, has no intention of marrying...ever. But Aunt Mimi has other plans for them as she sets out to make a match between her goddaughter and her adopted nephew!Save the Last Dance for Me by Cora Lee, award winning authorWhen Lady Honoria Maitland reunites with her old friend Benedict Grey, she proposes an arrangement: a faux courtship that will smooth wallflower Benedict's re-entry into society and appease her dying father. But Honoria's clever plan failed to account for Benedict's heart...or her own.The Third MacPherson Sister by Susana EllisRebecca's older sisters took the ton by storm while she herself has failed to attact a suitor in four Seasons. Miles is pondering his urgent need for a wife when Rebecca lands in his lap in the nave of Bath Abbey. A match between them seems ordained by the heavens... except for the little matter of his past history with her sisters.

    But the Duke is full of surprises-the latest one a wedding. For Teddy. To the Duke's best friend's sister, Juliette.Finding herself in church for her own surprise wedding was unnerving, to be sure. But to avoiding scandal seemed to be the most prudent thing to do, so Juliette said, "I do." She'd make the best of it and hope Teddy wouldn't be harder to take care of than her previous household had been. She simply had no idea how she could manage two estates on her own.After a disastrous wedding night, Teddy and Juliette don't have very high hopes for a life of wedded bliss. As they forge ahead with resolute chagrin, it begins to dawn on them both that they are allies in the same war for sanity among their crazy relations. Mutual admiration turns to friendship which turns to...something neither one ever expected.But the Duke has one more surprise for them both-one that will change everything.

    But that plan falls into tatters when his mother sponsors his sister's friend and enlists him to dance with her at Almack's. The beautiful vixen he meets that night bears little resemblance to the shy, gangly girl who used to follow him around. Now, instead of avoiding Charlotte, he finds himself frustrated when she seems to notice everyone but him.

    And the handsome, clever duke Chloe has long admired proves to be her worst enemy…An unscrupulous boarding school is exploiting orphans in a secret workhouse. Baron Vanderbean plots a daring rescue. When illness befalls him, Chloe must take the reins. But how can a lifelong wallflower lead the charge to save the children?

    Abigail Watson is flirty, bold, and determined David will agree to her bargain and save her brother from debtor’s prison. But is her game to prevent him from calling in the debt, or are her sweet kisses a sign she is after a much greater prize instead? A sensual regency romance novella.

    When she is rescued from the near-disaster of recognition by a charming serving-man, Pearl pretends to be simple-minded to safeguard herself from any unwanted advances. But soon she begins to suspect that her rescuer is far more than the common servant he seemed at first.Luke St. Clair lives a double life, pretending to be a gentleman while in reality sustaining himself and the needy as the notorious Robin Hood-type thief, the Saint of Seven Dials. The last thing he needs in his life is a beautiful simpleton in need of protection. But "Purdy" proves to be anything but simple-or common! Once he learns the truth, does he dare continue, in the ballrooms of the elite, the flirtation that began in the slums of London? The risk is enormous, but Lady Pearl's sweet kisses may just be worth it.

    Caroline Lyncott, great grandaughter of the Duke of Bucklynde, has a secret. Years ago she was attacked and still bears the terrible scars. To escape the scandal and the reminders, she left everything behind to become housekeeper to a Scottish brother and sister. Gregory Murray, the Earl Of Hartfell, has a secret as well – he harbors a deep attraction to his housekeeper, Mrs. Lyncott. He knows she has a past, but doesn’t know how to fix the pain that still haunts her. His investigation leads him to the darkest London gaming hell and a villain too powerful to destroy. Can his love overcome her desperate past? Can she risk her heart despite the evil that still haunts her nightmares?

    Kilpack. When Lila overhears her uncle talking about a man coming to look for property in the county, she doesn’t think twice, until her uncle says he hopes Lila will find enough interest to marry the man. How can she marry someone named Mortimer Luthford, not to mention that his advanced age of thirty-three, and especially since she’s already in love with her absent cousin Neville? But when Mortimer arrives, Lila has to try every trick known to women to act not interested in the rather fascinating man, which proves a very difficult façade to maintain. UNMASKING THE DUKE by Donna Hatch. The last thing Hannah Palmer wants to do is flirt with men in a crowded ballroom, but when her sister throws a Masquerade Ball, Hannah can’t say no to the invitation and takes comfort behind a mask. She dances with a charming masked man, matching him wit for wit. When the glorious evening culminates in a kiss, and the two remove their masks, Hannah is horrified to discover the man she’s been flirting with all night is her most despised neighbor, the Duke of Suttenberg. No matter how charming the duke was at the ball, and how wonderful the kiss, he is the last man she’d ever accept. WHAT’S IN A NAME by Nancy Campbell Allen. Penelope Timely has a terrible secret. She’s been writing letters to the Duke of Wilmington, pretending to be her ever-proper twin sister, Persephone. Now, the duke has written that he’ll be coming for the Autumn Masquerade Ball and Festival. Penelope will have to continue the charade while the duke is in town in order to protect her sister. The Duke of Wilmington isn’t fooled for a moment, but instead of confessing that he knows about the deception, he finds himself utterly charmed by Penelope and jumps into the game of deception to see how far the twin sisters will take it.

    Canterbury’s inns are full, but the door of the local brothel stands open and Frau Klaus welcomes all who come seeking shelter. Gather with the stranded travelers around her Tannenbaum as they share secrets, holiday tales and stories of love.

     Includes four Balogh holiday classics, The Star of Bethlehem, The Best Gift, Playing House, and No Room At the Inn, as well as A Family Christmas, which is only available in this anthology.