Book picks similar to
The Reluctant Earl by Joan Wolf


historical-romance
regency
romance
ebook-historical-romance

The Fairy Tale Bride


Kelly McClymer - 2000
    But when her brother's love match is thwarted by the impossibly proper Duke of Kerstone, Miranda sets off to convince the duke to champion her brother's cause for love. Unfortunately, he is too proper to consider love a suitable reason for marriage, and too proper not to marry Miranda when they find themselves compromised. Now, Miranda has a second chance for happily-ever-after, if she can uncover her new husband's darkest secret.

The Rake Enraptured


Amelia Hart - 2014
    Yet Julia will have nothing to do with him. A stern governess, morally upright but with a heart of fire, she craves him beyond anything yet will fight him, and battle her own nature, until passion makes her weak.

Secrets of Stonebridge


Anita Stansfield - 2021
    After more than a year spent sequestered in her rooms at Stonebridge Manor, the once lively young woman is encouraged to venture into town—her first small step toward healing. But Regina is shaken out of her stupor when she makes a most unexpected discovery: a foundling baby girl. Regina is instantly enthralled with the infant and determines that she will claim the child as her own—a deception that seems, in the moment, to be harmless. But when her husband’s cousin Radcliffe comes back into her life, Regina quickly becomes entangled in a tenuous charade. Radcliffe is immediately taken with both the charming baby girl and the woman he believes to be her mother. As Regina and Radcliffe are drawn together, first as friends and then as something much deeper, the future is bright with unspoken promise. But when the truth of the baby’s parentage is revealed, Regina stands to lose all that she has come to cherish.

The Legend of the Earl


Eleanor Meyers - 2018
    As a forgotten child who'd grown up in one of London's better orphanages, Alex knew exactly what the future held for her; hard work and the company of friends who'd become her only family. When London discovers that she's the daughter of peer, the scandal has the power to change:1- not only her future2- but the fabric of Society itself. Justin Padmore holds a darkness. This had kept him chained to the shadows for years.When he hears of the latest scandal, he knows he has an opportunity to step out into the light. He's ready to return to Society's good graces and what better way to do so than to offer his charitable assistance to Alex?But unearthing the mystery of Alexandra's birth seems to unleash its own dangers...Will they survive?Or will Alex once again find herself right back where she began?Alone.Page Count: around 510 pages

Scandalous


Candace Camp - 1996
    And she’s intrigued by this man without a past. Why would someone want to kill him? And why can’t he remember anything?Priscilla has always been a model of propriety, the dutiful daughter and loving sister who puts her family above all else. No one has ever guessed at the shocking secret she keeps hidden…or the desire that burns inside her at this stranger’s touch.One thing is certain: their love could be nothing less than scandalous.

Bella's Band


Alina K. Field - 2014
    His brother’s murder has forced Steven into a new and completely unwanted role, and worse, he has no idea how to salvage his family’s depleted estate. A rumor that his brother had a son by a woman who may be a) the murderer, and b) his brother’s secret wife, sets Steven on a mission to find her, the boy, and—Steven ardently hopes—the proof of a marriage that will set him free. Confirmed spinster Annabelle Harris is a country heiress with a penchant for taking in orphans and helping the downtrodden. Her philanthropy hides her desperate search for her disgraced sister, the mistress to the Earl of Hackwell. When the Earl is murdered, her sister thrusts her child into Annabelle’s care and disappears. Now, with suspicion pointing at the sister, Annabelle has begun a new quest, to find the woman, and clear her name. When their paths converge, the reluctant Earl and the independent spinster find themselves rethinking their goals, and battling the real murderer together.

Seducing the Heiress


Olivia Drake - 2009
    Secretly determined to wed the maharajah's son she left behind in India, Portia ignores the money-hungry bucks who ply her with bouquets and bonbons. But one suitor will not be deterred: Colin Byrd, Viscount Ratcliffe. He is persistent and presumptuous - and wickedly tempting.HE VOWED TO HAVE HERColin has no delusions about romance. He's a rake, a womanizer, and a murderer, and seduction comes as easily to him as breathing. Portia's fortune is an irresistible lure until Colin's mercenary scheme hits a snag. Winning her dowry is no longer enough - he wants her heart and her passion. The more adamant she is in her refusal, the more determined he is to seduce her...PRAISE FOR SEDUCING THE HEIRESS:"This decadent Regency romance debut is carried along by a spunky heroine and sumptuous descriptions of upper-class life." Publishers Weekly "This book has it all: a fabulous hero, a wonderful heroine, and sizzling passion. Read it and watch the sparks fly!" Christina Dodd"Guaranteed to seduce readers everywhere. This book is something truly special, an unforgettable story filled with passion, intrigue, and sweep-you-away romance." Susan WiggsRouge Romance - your first stop for romance books

An Invitation to Marriage


Tanya Wilde - 2018
    She never doubted one day she would meet the man who would sweep her off her feet. And what better man to do the sweeping than a charming, irresistible duke? But what is a woman to do when her dashing duke turns out to be not so dashing after all? • Run away from her wedding, that’s what. • Hope she doesn’t get caught. • Certainly not by a handsome marquis. • And if caught by a handsome marquis... • Under no circumstance fall in love with him.

A Suitable Bride


Fenella J. Miller - 2016
    Bennett, who resigned his commission on becoming his brother’s heir, decides that it is his role to save the family by finding himself a suitable bride. The duke reluctantly agrees to this plan and his younger sister, Lady Madeline, is thrilled to arrange a grand house party to which a selection of eligible young ladies is invited. Beau, the duke, is adamant that Bennett will only marry a girl with an impeccable pedigree as well as a vast fortune. Miss Grace DuPont has no wish to marry; she prefers to run her stud and take care of her beloved horses. However, her father is determined to gain entrance to the drawing rooms of the ton and believes his wealth and Grace’s beauty will be enough to attract an aristocratic suitor. Mr DuPont blackmails Lord Peabody into including Grace in the invitation to the house party but she will have to masquerade as member of Society and Lady Peabody’s goddaughter. She is forced to obey her father and, with her stallion, her three dogs and her companion, sets out for Silchester Court. Her intention is to remain in the background, for if her true identity is disclosed she will be evicted. Grace and Bennett are drawn to each other but she knows when he discovers who she is he will be disgusted. If he marries her he will lose his position in the family and be banished from Silchester Court. Can this dilemma be resolved or will Grace be left broken hearted?

The Murmur of Masks: Love and Heartbreak in Regency England


Catherine Kullmann - 2017
    Desperately in need of security and safety, a distraught Olivia accepts Jack Rembleton's offer of a marriage of convenience, hoping that love will grow between them. She does not know that Jack's affections are elsewhere engaged. Ten years later, Olivia has made the best of her situation. She loves her children and has found her place in the ton. An unexpected encounter at a masquerade with the intriguing Luke Fitzmaurice leads to a second chance at love. Dare she grasp it? Before she can decide, Napoleon escapes from Elba and Luke joins Wellington's army in Brussels. Will war once again dash Olivia's hopes of happiness? A thrilling and touching story about love and war-an eternal triangle with a difference. Shortlisted for Best Novel, Carousel Aware Prize (CAP Awards) 2017.

Never a Mistress, No Longer a Maid


Maureen Driscoll - 2011
    After a night of passion, the two are separated. With nothing but the alias Jane used to protect her family, Lord Edward is unable to find the woman he cannot forget.Seven years later, Jane courts scandal by serving as the unofficial surgeon in the village of Marston Vale. When Edward arrives to formalize his betrothal to a viscount's daughter in accordance with his late father's wishes, Jane has no choice but to watch the match proceed. When a threat from the past emerges, Jane must join forces with Edward to safeguard her loved ones. But at what risk to her heart?

Heiress Without a Cause


Sara Ramsey - 2012
    With rumors of insanity swirling around them, his sisters desperately need a chaperone. Ferguson thinks he’s found the most proper woman in England–and he won’t ruin her, even if he secretly desires the passionate woman trapped beneath a spinster’s cap.One chance to break the rules...Lady Madeleine Vaillant can’t face her blighted future without making one glorious memory for herself. In disguise, on a London stage, she finds all the adoration she never felt from the ton. But when she’s nearly recognized, she will do anything to hide her identity–even setting up her actress persona as Ferguson’s mistress. She’ll take the pleasure he offers, but Madeleine won’t lose her heart in the bargain.One season to fall in love...Every stolen kiss could lead to discovery, and Ferguson’s old enemies are determined to ruin them both. But as their dangerous passion ignites their hearts and threatens their futures, how can an heiress who dreams of freedom deny the duke who demands her love?

I'll Always Love You


Ella Quinn - 2018
    . .    Gerald, Earl Elliott, has finally decided to marry. Unfortunately, he seems only to fall for a lady once she is engaged to another. When his close friend, the Duke of Rothwell, asks him to look out for his sister, Lady Lucinda Hughlot, during her first London Season, Gerald is happy to oblige. After all, it will put him even more conveniently in the way of eligible ladies. Yet he’s completely oblivious to Lucinda’s growing attraction to him . . .   Lucinda is thrilled to finally be having her Season. Her mother would be thrilled as well except for the scandal the late duke caused before his death. To avoid gossip, the dowager duchess has decided an arranged match will cover her chaperoning duties. Lucinda, however, is far from pleased with her mother’s choice of the Marquis of Quorndon—especially with her heart set on Lord Elliott. There is only one solution: Lucinda will find a lady for Quorndon. Then she will convince Lord Elliott of their love—and together they will convince her mother. All it will require are good theatrical skills—and a very genuine kiss . . .

A Fine Caprice


Kate Harper - 2012
    Dressed as a stableboy, she is determined not to return until her parents see reason and abandon their ridiculous plans. But things go sadly awry when, upon arriving at what she thinks is her destination, she finds herself in the wrong house entirely. What initally seems like a disaster actually works out far better than she'd anticipated for she is discovered by the delightfully eligible Lord Merridew, a man beset by a multitude of problems. In her guise as stableboy, Caprice finds her help enlisted as his lordship battles dubious relatives, French spies and the unexpected appearance of a body. It's challenging, but it all fades into nothing next to her growing attraction to the man. It hardly seems fair that, the one time she meets somebody who might be able to steal her heart, she is stuck in a pair of breeches and looking like a street urchin!But the situation changes when his lordship discovers her secret and realizes the boy he has come to trust is actually female and has been lying to him all along. And worse still, he cannot keep his hands off the lady. Caprice can tolerate being Lord Merridew's servant but she cannot abide his displeasure and is desperate to explain her circumstances. Can Caprice come about? Or will she find that this time, bold deeds and a headstrong manner cannot save the day...

The Harlow Hoyden


Lynn Messina - 2014
    It is Emma who is amazed. She has naturally concluded that the man reading in the conservatory must be the country cousin (who else in London would actually read?) and is quite vexed to discover that he is the Duke of Trent himself—imagine, stealing the duke’s prize Rhyncholaelia digbyana under his very nose! But her vexation doesn’t last long. For Emma is a practical young lady with a mission: to end her dear sister Lavinia’s engagement to the villainous (and dreadfully dull!) Sir Waldo Windbourne, and she thinks that the famous libertine is just the man for the job. If he would only seduce her sister away from Sir Waldo…. Well, not seduce exactly, but flirt mercilessly and engage her interest. Perhaps then Lavinia would jilt the baron. The Duke of Trent is resistant, of course. Despite his reputation, he does not toy with the affections of innocents. And besides, it’s not her sister he longs to seduce.