Book picks similar to
Meant to Be Mine by Cara Maxwell
historical-romance
historical
romance
dnf
The Way the Wallflower Wed
Eva Devon - 2020
The rakes, rogues, and dukes won't know what's hit them...Lady Pippa Post is one of London's most woeful wallflowers. With a father who has lost it all and an intellect as sharp as a cutlass, she's firmly on the shelf.But Pippa has no desire to retire to a wilting life in the country, even if she adores learning dead languages and pouring over ancient tomes. So, when a position opens, curating the Earl of Roxly's ever growing Egyptian collection, she knows exactly what must be done. But she doesn't expect that Roxly's rugged demeanor and wicked wit will entice her into a game of passion.Lord David Drake, Earl of Roxly, has no time for shrinking violets. He has no time for Londoners at all! He's a man of power, passion, and purpose. In but a short time, he is determined to leave English shores behind and return to the Nile he loves so well... But when a waspish wallflower shows up, determined to take care of his artifacts, he's intrigued and shocked to find that she is a mystery to be discovered... And adventurer that he is, there's nothing Roxly loves more than a mystery.Will Pippa shrink from a chance at love with this wild brute of a lord... or will the wallflower wed?
The Reluctant Duke's Dilemma
Trisha Messmer - 2020
She longed to be free. Pressured by forces beyond their control, will they give in to forbidden desire?England, 1823. After establishing a successful practice in America, Dr. Harry Radcliffe swore he wouldn’t set foot on British soil again. But when he’s named the Duke of Ashton after his callous brother’s sudden death, he begrudgingly returns to the pretentious world he detests. And his pledge to his dying mother to find a wife is thrown into chaos when he meets his stunning sister-in-law.Margaret Radcliffe finally escaped her abusive marriage. Yet her late husband’s final cruel act left her penniless, with her only option to remarry... the one thing she vowed she’d never do again. But the new duke’s startlingly familiar features awaken yearnings she thought long-forgotten, dangling the heartbreaking whisper of a passion impossible to fulfill.Although convinced the accusations that she murdered her husband are only salacious gossip, Harry's real torment comes when he wishes for a union that would make them outcasts. But even when they finally submit to their simmering attraction, Margaret’s dream of happily-ever-after may be derailed by society’s schemes.Can a scandalous affair turn into a lifetime of love?The Reluctant Duke's Dilemma is the suspenseful first book in The Hope Clinic Regency romance series. If you like swoon-worthy heroes, uplifting humor, and heroines beating the odds, then you’ll adore Trisha Messmer’s tale of tortured hearts.
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.
Hattie Glover's Millinery
Bonnie Dee - 2020
Sparks ignite!
Harriet Glover’s heart is not open for romance. Creating a millinery business has been her sole focus ever since a youthful heartbreak ruined her reputation and changed the course of her life. But fate has more in store for Hattie than adorning the heads of London’s elite with one-of-a-kind chapeaus. When a man who sets her head spinning and a young woman in dire need of help both enter her shop on the same day, Hattie’s life will transform once more.For years, Guy Hardy has romanced one mistress after another but has never truly given his heart. One casual visit to a hat shop interrupts the flow of his easy, shallow life. The bold, hard-headed, witty proprietress sells him a hat and steals his desire for any other woman. He begins to haunt the millinery more often than any gentleman should.Meanwhile, Hattie aids a society miss facing a loveless marriage while pining for her secret sweetheart. In helping the girl achieve the almost insurmountable goal of finding happiness, Hattie reassesses the barriers she’s erected around her heart.
Perhaps it’s time to open shop and trust a man again, even if she fears the object of her desire may be more charm than substance.
Seduced by an Irresistible Lady
Henrietta Harding - 2018
Managing to blend the boldness that comes with extensive knowledge with the grace expected of a woman of the ton, Helena is thoroughly enjoying balls and parties. Settling down is a farfetched idea for her, however an unexpected turn of events forces her hand and causes her to forsake her plan for a marriage of love. But it won’t be so easy for her...Love always has a grander design and it’s completely fortuitous that Dr. Frederick meets the alluring Helena who takes his heart away. Duty should always take priority, shouldn’t it? Dr. Frederick has no time for love, especially for a lost cause. He has to focus on his studies, however he finds his mind and body acting at odds when he’s around her. The temptation is simply too strong. Will emotion prevail over reason? Will he eventually give in to this overpowering passion?Love threatens to take away her chance to remove her family from financial ruin and Helena cannot stand doing nothing. Love or duty? Will she be strong enough to make a decision that will affect her whole life?"Seduced by an Irresistible Lady" is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Last Dance in London
Sydney Jane Baily - 2021
Too bad for him, clever and impossibly desirable Julia Sudbury shows up in his bedroom.Like a shadow, Julia slips from Mayfair's ballrooms into the nobility's private chambers where nothing is more appealing than a spare piece of jewelry. Earrings, necklaces, and cravat pins, oh my!With Julia's bad behavior tarnishing his reputation in ways he'd never imagined, Jasper goes on the run to escape the brutal gossips shredding his family name.It's enough to make a cocky rake wish he were safely married! Who will tame whom?
Seductive Silence
Larissa Lyons - 2021
He just hopes she can hear what’s in his heart.Lord Tremayne has a problem. He stammers like a fool—at least that’s what he learned from his father’s constant criticism and punishing hand. Daniel now hides his troubles, limiting his speech and getting by with a few close friends. His well-fought privacy is all for naught when he goes looking for a new mistress and finds a delightful young woman who makes him, of all people, want to spout poetry. He thought he had a problem before? Avoiding meaningless dinner prattle is nothing compared to the challenge of winning the heart of his new lady lust.Recently widowed and increasingly poor, Thea’s been reduced to sharing her rented room with rodents and arguing over every morsel (the mice usually win). When a friend suggests an alliance of the most intimate sort, Thea’s reluctantly intrigued. But given her lackluster marriage, she doubts her ability to entice an experienced man. The considerate, if quiet, Lord Tremayne attracts her mightily, so she sets aside her misgivings. That is, until Thea realizes she’s about to break the cardinal rule of mistressing—that of falling for her new protector.A fun, emotionally satisfying, steamy tale told in three parts: Seductive Silence, Lusty Letters, and Daring Declarations.
Romancing the Rogue
Lana Williams - 2017
One irrevocable moment. Two lives changed forever. Caroline Gold is desperate to save her family from financial ruin with a proposal from a wealthy duke. But one misstep has her betrothed to the wrong man—Richard Walker, the Earl of Aberland, a handsome but cynical rogue with barely a farthing to his name. Richard spies for the Crown under the guise of a rogue but is intent on revenge. Offering for the beautiful Caroline creates an unwelcome distraction. Yet the desire he finds with her makes him wonder if a life—and love—after he claims justice is possible. Caroline quickly sees there is more to Richard than she expected, and his kindness toward her ailing father melts her heart. But marrying him won’t save her family despite the surprising passion she discovers in his arms. A French spy posing as an English lord is on the loose. Can Richard unveil the man’s identity and stop him before he destroys all Richard holds dear, including Caroline?Previously released from July 2017 to July 2018 as part of the Regency Rendezvous Collection
A Highlander's Redemption
Aileen Adams - 2020
In early 1746, Alasdair Macintyre is headed home after the rout at Culloden on Drummossie Moor, in sight of Inverness. The battle has been lost and scar on his face that makes him so ferocious-looking that even children run from him in terror. He learns his father has betrothed him to a local lass—a nearly blind woman—in exchange for a sizeable dowry and a chunk of land. The woman brings with her a companion that hates him immediately. He has no interest in having a chain around his neck, not even in the form of a woman he once knew as a girl—a gangly, twig of a girl. But Beitris is no longer the girl Alasdair Macintyre remembers. She’s blossomed into a stunning woman, though one that is terrified of the scarred Highlander she’s betrothed to.
Masks of Desire
Fenna Edgewood - 2021
Her childhood sweetheart, Henry Gardner, is handsome, kind, and passionately in love with her. Or so she believes, until one day she is told everything she knows about Henry is a lie. In an instant, their long-time engagement is broken and Caroline's world is shattered.Henry Gardner has been told that the girl he's loved all his life has cruelly betrayed him. But no matter what she may have done, his love for her will not dim. The only problem? She's about to marry someone else.
Less than twenty-four hours until he’ll lose her for good...
Stealing an earl's bride on the eve of her wedding might be an insurmountable challenge for some men, but Henry is determined to make sure Caroline knows that forever is a promise he means to keep. Even if doing so comes at a perilous price.
One boy. One girl. One future they must fight for together.
Her one true love may have returned, but after all he's put her through, Caroline has no intention of falling back into his arms. But when she stumbles onto a terrible family secret, Caroline must make a leap of faith and put her heart in the hands of the one man she swore she'd never trust again.
Book Details
Please Note: Masks of Desire was previously released as a free short story of five-thousand words. This fifty-thousand-word-plus novel contains many revisions as well as new revelations and insights for readers of the Gardner Girls series. It may be read as a prequel or a final sequel to the series.
Grace
Beverley Watts - 2021
A tall order, given the fact that in the Reverend’s opinion they didn’t possess a single ladylike bone in the eight bodies they had between them. Quite where he would find a wealthy titled gentleman bottle headed enough to take any of them on remained a mystery and indeed was likely to test even his legendary resourcefulness.....Grievously wounded at the Battle of Trafalgar, Nicholas Sinclair was only recently returned to Blackmore after receiving news of his estranged father’s unexpected death. After an absence of twenty years, the new Duke was well aware it was his duty to marry and produce an heir as quickly as possible. However, tormented by recurring nightmares after his horrific experiences during the battle, Nicholas had no taste to brave the ton’s marriage mart in search of a docile obedient wife.…..Never in his wildest dreams did Reverend Shackleford envisage receiving an offer for his eldest daughter from the newly appointed Duke of Blackmore. Of course, the Reverend was well aware he was fudging it a bit in describing Grace as respectful, meek or dutiful, nevertheless, he could never have imagined that his eldest daughter’s unruliness might end up ruining them all….
The Viscount’s Mistress
Claire DuLac - 2016
To save his family from financial ruin, he needs the help of his closest childhood friend, Violette. They must work together so he can gain the hand of her wealthy but spoiled heiress cousin and make a mutually beneficial marriage—a sound business arrangement for them both. In return for her help, Lawrence offers Violette the one thing she covets most—freedom. With his help, she can leave England and her cruel family behind. But there is a vital flaw in this near-perfect plan. Violette Pélet de Castelmarou is secretly in love with Lawrence and has hidden it for years. Yet now she finds herself feeding him lines and coaching him through sticky social situations in order to win over her cousin. But when emotions get involved, hearts become inextricably entangled. When the time comes, will Lawrence be able to say goodbye to Violette or will he compromise her virtue and make her his forever? If he cannot have her for his wife, then he’ll make her his mistress…
A Winter's Vow
Kate Condie - 2021
A haunted man. Can a fake marriage save them both, or will their secrets tear them apart?Della Hampton barely escaped her first marriage with her life. Desperate to outrun the wanted posters proclaiming her a murderess, she answers an advertisement for a mail-order bride in the isolated mining town of Kirwin, Wyoming. Her hasty decision turns desperate when she arrives to find her intended dead. Della is determined to do whatever it takes to remain in Kirwin and find a new name for herself—even if it means a fake marriage to the new foreman.Before Bastien Graham’s father will allow him to run the family mine in Montana, there is one final job he must tackle here in Wyoming: foreman. When his predecessor dies in a mining collapse, Bastien is promoted and ready to prove himself. Within days of stepping into the position, a mail-order bride is abandoned in town. Bastien, now assigned to take her down the mountain and into town, soon discovers the lady has other plans. But Bastien chose this lonely mountain for a reason and helping one woman doesn’t change the past. And for Della, a few months of kindness can’t replace a lifetime of hurt. Can they part ways when the winter is over? Or will their lies bind them tighter than they expected?A Winter’s Vow is first in the Aster Ridge Ranch series. It is a clean romance and can be read as a standalone or check out A Cowboy’s Vow to continue the series.
A Gentleman's Daughter
Diana Davis - 2020
Can she stand him long enough to nurse him back to health? A sweet historical enemies-to-lovers romanceCassandra Crofton was raised a gentleman's daughter. When their father dies, however, she and her sister are forced to join their uncle's family in the American colonies. To add to her humiliation, on the journey to Pennsylvania, she is snubbed by a snobbish popinjay who refuses to treat her with the respect she deserves.Lord David Beaufort is the youngest son of the Marquess of Dorset, but no one in all of Dorsetshire would care he was leaving. He wants to find his own place and purpose in Philadelphia—far away from this impertinent country gentleman's daughter who shows him nothing but contempt.When Cassandra's uncle becomes Lord David's landlord and mentor, she cannot escape him. But as Lord David becomes deathly ill, Cassandra is thrown into the role of nurse. Now they must learn to respect one another to find their place in the colonies—and with each other.Join the email group at the official url link, and get the next book in the series, coming soon!Coming up in the Sisters of the Revolution series:A Lady to LeadHelen needs to lead. Nathaniel won't follow. Can they find love and justice?Helen Crofton is determined to free a young indentured servant. Nathaniel Carter needs to unload a cargo of illegal tea under the governor’s nose. They can’t seem to stop fighting, but as the governor’s son starts interfering with their plans, they start to see each other in a new light. After their poor choices land a friend in jail for murder, they must learn to trust each other to save their friend and their fledgling relationship.Catch the spirit of the Revolution! Step into the world of George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton!
An Unexpected Mail Order Bride
Blythe Carver - 2021
She wants a man. Not some silly boy who plays pranks. She’s not one to wait for life to come to her. She’ll seize it by the horns. And she does just that, ending up in the wild west with nothing but her money and her companion.Nate Winchester and his two boys were abandoned by his wife. She simply up and left them. Who does that? Now, Nate’s had to figure out how to be mother and father to his sons. Lucky for him, he’s got siblings who have helped him. But that’s not enough. Children need a mama.When his sister comes up with a plan for getting him a bride, he’s not interested. Yet, his sister Melissa is persistent.Lo and behold, here comes Theresa Baldwin. A ray of sunshine in his otherwise bleak life.Theresa has no idea that her appearance has been orchestrated by Nate’s sister. She’s thrilled to have found this woodworking, ranching man’s man in the wild west. Until she learns the truth…