Book picks similar to
The Paradise Bargain by Betina Krahn


historical-romance
romance
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Relentless


Patricia Potter - 1994
    Framed for a treachery he did not commit, Rafe Tyler plots vengeance and kidnaps Shea Randall, the daughter of the man who jailed him, but their proximity breeds a passion that may wreck his plans and force her to choose between father and lover.

All Things Beautiful


Cathy Maxwell - 1994
    However, once we do, life opens up. In ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL, I wrote a heroine who, in spite of her fears, her doubts, was willing to risk all—and met a man who fell in love with her spirit. Isn’t that what we all want?”—Cathy Maxwell Lady Julia Markham was the toast of London Society—until an ill-advised attempted elopement ended in betrayal and left her good name in tatters. Now ruined, penniless, and desperate, she has agreed to wed the magnetic and possibly dangerous Brader Wolf. A dashing, phenomenally successful self-made businessman, Brader wants this union to help gain him entry into the drawing rooms of the aristocracy, nothing more. Julia, however, is a woman of rare passion and daring, irresistibly drawn to this enigmatic, infuriating man, and no mere marriage of mutual convenience will do. But how far will the spirited beauty have to go to satisfy a heart that will settle for no less than the love of a lifetime?

Nora


Diana Palmer - 1994
    Now Nora's love for Cal will cost her everything she holds dear. . .

The Bequest


Candice Proctor - 1998
    She knew exactly what she was doing. You don't."        "I can learn."        "Can you?" He came at her with that lean-hipped walk she found so intimidatingly masculine. "What are you going to do the first time a man stalks up to you and puts his hand on you like this?"        At his touch she went rigid and sucked in an audible gasp of air. "What if he backs you up against a wall?" He pinned her against the soft velvet of the door curtain.        "You have made your point, Mr. Hays. . . ."                THE BEQUESTWhen Gabrielle Antoine arrives in the rough mining town, the convent-bred beauty is shocked by the decadence she finds there--and stunned to learn she has just inherited a bordello from the mother she never knew. Worse, her mother's business partner, Jordan Hays--a rugged, cynical loner--embodies everything Gabrielle fears . . . and secretly desires. Determined to transform the house of ill repute into an honorable enterprise, Gabrielle soon locks horns with an unscrupulous rival. And as Jordan seeks to shield her from this unexpected danger, Gabrielle finds herself swept away by a passion as tempting as sin itself. . . .

Lucien's Fall


Barbara Samuel - 1995
    Against her better judgment, however, she is powerfully drawn to the elusive and dangerous Lucien, whose hard-hearted façade hides a tragedy that is slowly devouring him from within.As Lucien and Madeline circle each other in a magnetic play of desire and denial, their passion will rise to a crescendo of longing and sacrifice that will change their fates forever.

Warrior Moon


Sara Orwig - 1995
    When Vanessa stumbles across a wounded Kiowa brave, she knows at first glance that this powerful warrior is a man she will fear, then heal, then love. Lone Wolf’s land was ravished and his people were murdered by outsiders, leaving him with a searing hatred and insatiable appetite for revenge. But the moment he beholds Vanessa, he falls drawn to her captivating beauty and willful spirit. But is his love for her strong enough to snuff out the fire of loathing he harbors for her people?

Crooked Hearts


Patricia Gaffney - 1994
    But he gets an eyeful when the pretty sister lifts her skirts to adjust the little silver derringer strapped to her thigh ... So begins this sexy, rollicking ride through the gambling halls and sinful streets of 1880s San Francisco, where two "crooked hearts" discover that love is the most dangerous -- and delicious -- game of all.

Secrets of a Proper Countess


Lecia Cornwall - 2011
    Strict rules in her husband's will ensure that if she remarries or even forms friendships her mother-in-law does not approve of, then she will never see her young son again. But one night, in a dark garden at a masquerade ball, Isobel gives in to temptation, and lets an innocent flirtation turn into seduction.Phineas Archer, the notorious Marquess of Blackwood, may hold the reputation as the worst rake in London, but as a spy for the crown, he merely plays the role of a fool to learn the most closely guarded secrets of the ton.As a new threat to England's success in the war against Napoleon emerges, Phineas must foil a plot to kidnap the exiled Bourbon heir to the French crown. Every clue seems to lead to his mysterious lover, but while Phineas can spot trouble a mile off, and see through the cleverest of disguises, he cannot find any trace of his elusive femme fatale. No man alive would imagine the prim widow Maitland could be his dream lover. But behind the mask and the secrets, Isobel is everything Phineas has ever desired....

Eden Creek


Lisa Bingham - 1991
    Readers looking for a poignant, charming tale will find their wish fulfilled in EDEN CREEK.”—Romantic Times After a devastating betrayal leaves Ginny Parker broken and alone, she hastily agrees to marry a man she’s never met and start a new life in Eden Creek, Utah. Orrin Ghant only wants a woman to help raise his three daughters, and a companion with whom to share life in the Utah wilderness. But upon the arrival of Ginny, he soon finds his new wife has brought with her more than he could have hoped. As they slowly settle into their new lives together, Orrin never expects to fall so deeply for Ginny’s sweet smile and gentle charm, nor does Ginny expect to find such comfort in Orin’s strong embrace and the tranquility of Eden Creek. But while their marriage of convenience blossoms into true love, secrets from the past loom over them, testing the bounds of their fragile new beginning.

Angel in a Red Dress


Judith Ivory - 1988
    He was as graceful as a panther, as confident as a lion-and as lusty as a tomcat. But no matter how much the golden-haired innocent told herself he was a rich, abhorrent womanizer, she couldn't resist his sensual, practiced advances. And even as her sweet lips protested each caress, her womanly curves eagerly welcomed his arousing embrace! AT LAST THEY LOVEDWith danger his constant companion, hot-blooded Adrien Hunt lived life to the hilt. His days were fraught with plots, pistols and swords, and his nights were filled with warm and willing wenches. But when he first saw the spirited nymph Christina Bower, even the experienced knave had to admit she was more enticing than any of his previous conquests. Ignoring her modest, prim "no," Adrien began his gentle assault on her senses, liberating her passions, setting free her inhibitions... and guaranteeing that in a moment more they'd share the magic of her Starlit Surrender!

The Maiden and Her Knight


Margaret Moore - 2001
    As the eldest daughter of the family, she is duty-bound to wed someone of wealth and privilege -- and Sir Connor, though mesmerizing, is not only penniless but in disgrace. To Connor this fiery, untouchable maiden is a prize worth fighting for. The onetime hero has little save his pride and his skill -- as a warrior and a lover. But will that be enough to survive castle treachereries, to know the rapturous passion the lady's hungering gaze promises -- and to win her heart?

Highland Rebel: A Tale of a Rebellious Lady and a Traitorous Lord


Judith James - 2009
    Leading a troop in Scotland, he impetuously marries a captured maiden, saving her from a grim fate.A Highlands heiress to title and fortune, Catherine Drummond is not the friendless woman Jamie believed her to be. When her people effect her rescue, and he cannot annul the marriage, Jamie determines to recapture his hellcat of a new wife.In a world where family and creed cannot be trusted, where faith fuels intolerance and war, Catherine and Jamie test the bounds of love, loyalty, friendship, and trust...

The Earl of Her Dreams


Anne Mallory - 2006
    Disguised as a boy, she takes refuge in a roadside inn, and finds herself rooming with intensely secretive Christian Black. Kate is breathless in the presence of this handsome, mysterious rogue whose piercing gaze seems to strip her naked. But neither suspects that a savage storm and a murder will draw them closer together still. But not the passion in their heartsChristian dares not let anyone learn of his haunted past—or that he is, in truth, the Earl of Canley—especially not a slip of a girl whose masculine attire cannot disguise the exquisite female form beneath. But now that destiny and a dastardly crime have united them, Christian can no longer contain his desire to taste the nectar of Kate's sweet kiss. Danger certainly abounds, but the gravest peril might be resisting a once-in-a-lifetime passion that can heal all wounds.

The Lady And The Falconer


Laurel O'Donnell - 1998
    Now, after thirteen years, he was ready to seek his vengeance on Lord Farindale, the man responsible for ruining his life. Logan posed as a falconer to gain entrance and lay siege from within. But as Castle Fulton fell, Logan was betrayed by an ally --- and by his raging desire for the fiercely beautiful daughter of the enemy he had vowed to destroy ...RAVISHING PRIZEWith breathtaking recklessness, Solace Farindale declared her hatred for Logan --- then smuggled a dagger to him through the dungeon's barred door. As he made his escape, she followed, running from a forced marriage. But even a passion that bordered on madness could not keep her by Logan's side. The nobleman who claimed Solace as the spoils of war is determined to have her, and Logan must risk his life for the seductive beauty who ignited his passion more perilous than war ...

The Bride of Rosecliffe


Rexanne Becnel - 1998
    A fierce and loyal warrior, he is prepared for war, but boldly seeks peace, never imagining the battle that will rage within his own heart.Josselyn ap Carreg Du is prepared to marry a man she loathes in order to unite Welsh lands against the hated English. Before she can do so, Rand makes her his captive-and pawn of his politics and ambition. She fears him, not because he is her mortal enemy...but because he has the means to make her forget that. In a time of strife and treachery, when enemies give no mercy and desperate choices mus be made, love may prove the greatest weapon of all...