Book picks similar to
How to Fool a Duke by Mary Lancaster


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The Accidental Duke


Barbara Devlin - 2021
    And no woman in London is safe. Welcome to book 1 in the fabulous new series from USA Today Bestselling Author Barbara Devlin.A WOUNDED WARRIORBritish Army Major Anthony Erasmus Hildebrand Bartlett, 7th Marquess of Rockingham, returns to London a tortured soul after losing an arm at Waterloo. Suffering incomprehensible terror from his wartime experiences, or what is referred to as nostalgia, Anthony is now the sole heir to a dukedom and a betrothal he doesn’t want. He wishes he died on the front lines with his elder brother, and the last thing he needs is a wife. Can Anthony find the will to live again?A RELUCTANT DEBUTANTELady Arabella is not so sanguine about her prospects, because she doesn’t want to marry anyone. That Anthony is injured and may be mad is the least of her concerns. Smart and perceptive, she sees through the tormented soldier’s pain, offering comfort and support that reaches through the fog to awaken him, and she is drawn to her fiancé. When the duke imprisons Anthony in an asylum, Arabella must rely on her wit and wisdom to free the man she loves.

The Taming of a Wicked Rogue


Samantha Holt - 2020
    Now, with the tightening of a noose, it’s changed again, but she needs to make amends for what her father did.Which means returning, secretly, to the place where he did the most damage.And to the residence of one Lord Leonard Moncrieff—the only man she’s ever loved.She’s certain she won’t see him again, though. Nicknamed a Lord of Scandal Row, it’s clear to her, he’s no longer the boy she knew, and never returns home. The last thing she needs it to be distracted by a man deemed one of the most attractive men in London. Unfortunately for Rebecca, Leo has been practically banished from London under the orders of his mother thanks to a scandal that, for once, had nothing to do with him. Now he has to spend his days playing the country gent and trying to avoid the female of the species.It will be harder than he expected, given a sudden influx of young ladies to the area. He might be a rogue, but he has no desire to upset his delicate mother and will, albeit begrudgingly, play the dutiful son. He can avoid a few pretty faces, surely?At least, until he discovers the beautiful Rebecca hiding in the stables. She’s in need of help, and he cannot resist, despite the fact she once shattered his young heart. The pull between them is as strong as ever but anything between them is impossible. Or is it?

Lady Guinevere and the Rogue with a Brogue


Julie Johnstone - 2020
    Five years ago she betrayed him. And when fate forces them together once more, they’ll discover what burns hotter—vengeance or desire. Lady Guinevere Darlington has spent the last five years trying to forget the beautiful rogue who stole her heart and then crushed it under his shiny black hessian. Humiliated by the blighter with the unforgettable brogue and left to weather the wagging tongues of the ton alone, she started a secret society that delivers justice to ill-intentioned rakes, and she managed to avoid having to wed—until now. But while her time is up, her determination is not. If she must take a husband, she’ll do so on her own terms. She has a plan, and a possible candidate, until the Scot she once loved returns to London and throws her life into salacious turmoil yet again.Asher Talbot, the newly minted Duke of Carrington, has nearly perfected his ability to repress memories of the stunning, stubborn lass who long ago captivated him with her innocent charm, then slayed him with her duplicity. He channeled his anger into continuing to build the distillery empire he started when he thought he was a by-blow. But now his company is in danger, and he intends to secure his inheritance to save it, even if it requires pursuing the perfidious enchantress he disavowed. True reconciliation is not part of his plot, but hints of the Guinevere he thought he knew leave him questioning everything.When fate, fortune, and a cunning scheme bring these two together, their mutual attempts to torture each other ignite the dormant desire between them. But secrets surround them, and they’ll have to unravel each one before the love they glimpsed is lost forever.

Diana


Alexa Aston - 2019
    A powerful earl who longs for children. Can they ignore the raging gossip and find happiness together? Lady Diana de Wolfe's curiosity about kissing led to her ruin before she ever made her come-out in London. Banished from her home by a furious, disappointed father, Diana gives birth out of wedlock to twins and supports her family, without help, until her parents' deaths. Her brother, the new Earl of Reston, welcomes her back into the family fold and takes Diana to London, hoping she can make a match—and demanding she keep silent about her children until she lands a husband.Oliver Ward, Earl of Merrifield, raised his siblings after his father's tragic death and his mother's subsequent madness. With his brother at university and his sister making her come-out, Oliver is ready to find a wife and start a family of his own. His good friend, Lady Merrick, whom he almost wed, promises to help him find the right woman. Meeting shortly before the London Season begins, Oliver is drawn to Diana's spirit and beauty. Her attraction for him only grows when he learns about her precocious twins, and he is determined to make her his.Will the rumors regarding Diana's past mistakes doom this couple in society's eyes-or can love overcome gossip and save them both?Diana occurs after the events written about in Alexa Aston's bestselling St. Clairs Trilogy and is a part of the De Wolfe Pack Connected World.

The Love of a Libertine


Jess Michaels - 2020
    But in exchange for his help, Morgan must agree to take on responsibility and try to get his life together by taking on the job of Man of Affairs for a friend.The last thing Lizzie Margolis wants is some rogue coming onto her brother's staff. She's had enough of rakes after being ruined by one years before. But the more she gets to know Morgan, the more drawn to him she becomes. The more she begins to question what is in her own heart and how to manage her growing desire.But as the two begin to navigate a future, Morgan's rears its ugly head. If they fight for what they could have, will they win? Or will all that stands between them become an insurmountable wall?Length: 71,000 wordsHeat Level: Move over Persephone and Hades.

To Dream of You


Tamara Gill - 2020
    All she has to do now is survive her murderous uncle’s attempts to steal the throne for himself. But when a mysterious gentleman washes up on the shores of her beach, she’s shocked to realize she needs his help almost as much as he needs hers …When Drew Meyers left his estate, his plan was to escape the arranged marriage, his scheming father brokered for him. The storm that nearly killed him was not part of the plan. Neither was meeting her. Holly is everything he ever wanted, and he will do anything to keep her safe and get her home—even if doing so means he’ll be forced to let her go forever…A union between a princess and a lowly future duke is forbidden. But as intrigue abounds and their enemies circle, will Drew and Holly defy the obligations and expectations that stand between them to take a chance on love? Or is their happily ever after merely a dream?

Wrecked


Karen Tomlinson - 2020
    And they destroyed everything.They killed Connor, the only man I have ever loved. They ruined the alpha who had given us both a home when we were nothing but kids trying to survive on the streets of London. And to save my own life, they left me no choice but to run.Now I am reduced to a drug-dealing wolf-shifter; a link between the criminals of our world and Faerie. But through that link, I seek the only thing left to me; vengeance on the fae who betrayed us.Until I get caught.Thrown into a brutal prison, I come face to face with the pain of my past—in the shape of a powerful alpha Prime; the king of the Were prisoners. The moment our paths cross he makes it perfectly clear; my life is now his to control.Now survival takes on a new meaning. For in this violent supernatural world, protecting my deepest secret is by far the most important thing of all.For Hell is coming to Earth...and I think it’s looking for me.Welcome to BOOK ONE in the Shadow Sentinels PARANORMAL ROMANCE and URBAN FANTASY world. If you love J R Ward, K. F. Breene, Patricia Briggs, Nalini Singh and Dannika Dark, you’ll fall right into this exciting and addictive supernatural ride~PREPARE TO HAVE YOUR HEART WRECKED AND YOUR MORALS RUINED! >>>BUY IT NOW!>>>*This series is for 18+ readers only. Please only read if you enjoy sexy alphas, kick-arse heroines who can bring them to their knees, love hot and sexy scenes, have no issues with bad language; and adore a good supernatural story. If you do then dive in and hold onto your knickers (I’m British!) or any other item of clothing. You’re in for a ride!Read BEGINNINGS (THE PREQUEL) and WRECKED (BOOK ONE) now to find out without delay what forces Ember and Connor have to battle to stay alive in this hot world of the supernatural, where the women are strong, the males are powerful and everyone must fight for redemption.Reading order:BeginningsBook one: WreckedBook Two: Ruin spring 2021Book Three: Redemption summer 2021

Duke of Decadence


Violetta Rand - 2020
    If there were guitars to be smashed in hotel rooms, these gentlemen would have been at the forefront. Groupies? Yes. Bad behavior? Absolutely. But in the end, love rules the day and the soul is satisfied. Indulge in unexpected stories and unexpected adventure in the first, the best, and the only LORDS OF HEDONISM series... Alonzo, the Duke of Pridegate, is handsome, wealthy, and hedonistic to a fault. Gifted with the voice of a siren that can inflame the tamest of London debutantes, he has just returned to London after a year-long tour. Although he spent a considerable amount of time in the beds of beautiful ladies, he longs for the familiar and sedate — and perhaps even a woman of his very own. Lady Julia Castle, the only child of the Duke of Hampstead, has no interest in overbearing, spoiled lords—especially ones who pretend to be famous and greatly desired. She’s a dedicated intellectual with ambitions to become a respected philanthropist, so when Alonzo Farrington runs into her at a book shop and claims to be a duke, she immediately doubts him. What man of the ton would act as he does? When he invites her to a private performance, she reluctantly accepts only to discover that he is indeed a duke and a famous Verdi baritone. Unimpressed by his fame, Julia admits to herself that any woman would be thrilled to be seduced by such a man and with her father pressuring her to marry—Julia is now desperate to find a husband she can tolerate. Could Alonzo be that husband even though he goes against everything she's fought so hard to resist? It may be a decision that costs her greatly, for once she and the duke are alone, she's at his mercy. Or, so he believes... A Lord of Hedonism may have met his match. Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited! Lords of Hedonism Book 1 - Duke of Decadence Book 2 - Earl of Excess Book 3 - Prince of Pleasure

Duke of Madness


Jennifer Monroe - 2021
    A woman looking for love. And a romance of two opposites that definitely attract.After watching his parents’ marriage collapse, Matthew Colburn, 5th duke of Elmhurst, has outright dismissed the notion of love. After all, if he is destined to become as mad as his father had been why make any prospective bride suffer? Delving into work to avoid the reality of his future, Matthew focuses on an ever-growing empire, all due to the luck he gleans from a family heirloom – a simple gold pocket watch.Miss Julia Wallace does not believe in luck, nor any other such absurdities. Fate and personal strength drive what happens in life. Unless one considers her father, who is determined to choose her husband whether love is included or not.When a reclusive man known as the Duke of Madness comes to her school, Julia is immediately taken by his handsomeness. And when she foolishly collides into his broad chest, he does more than take her breath away — until he accuses her of theft.Matthew is horrified to learn the very trinket that gives him such wonderful good fortune is missing. He has no doubt that the beautiful young woman used her alluring smile to distract him while picking his pocket. With an important upcoming party and his lucky watch missing, Matthew is at a loss as to what to do. The headmistress of the school insists her pupil is no thief, but rather a woman with a great deal of luck in her own right. Julia will accompany him to the party as a replacement for his missing watch — as his new lucky charm.As the two become better acquainted Julia sees not a duke who is on the verge of madness but rather a man who is lost. And Matthew begins to believe love may have a place in his life after all – though he cannot help but think that it may take more than just luck to bring them together.

One Night with an Earl


Tina Gabrielle - 2021
    She’s no stranger to fake identities, having posed as a chaperone since the scandal that destroyed her titled family. So she dons a mask, changes into a low-cut red gown, and attends the city’s most elite brothel, the Silver Chalice.Oliver Bedford, the imposing Earl of Drake, is only at the Silver Chalice to appease his debauched friends—until he spots Lady Scarlet. She’s refreshing...and a complete mystery. Certain she’s a lady in disguise, Oliver is determined to learn her identity, but she eludes him at every turn.The night with Oliver was unforgettable. But when he arrives at her employer’s home, she’s horrified to discover her lover is the Earl of Drake, the son of the man responsible for her father’s death and subsequent family ruin. And that he’s there to court her young charge.Oliver never had any interest in the debutante, but he is drawn to her chaperone—a woman he soon realizes is his Lady Scarlet. Now that he’s found her, she claims she wants nothing to do with him, even though her kisses say otherwise. Fortunately, Oliver is not one to give up when he finds something he wants...and he wants Ana. In his bed, and in his life. Forever. But first, he must persuade her to trust him—and to believe that one wild, passionate night can turn into forever.

His Trust: Collin & Mia, Book 1 of 2 (Savage Hope Duet)


Christa Wick - 2019
    Me—plump, boring Mia James. Yes, I omitted an advanced degree on my resume, but being overqualified to be able to pay rent wasn’t how I was going to start my newly single (okay, newly dumped) life. Do I regret doing it? Seeing as how I got a junior secretary position in my field, for the private military company run by billionaire badass CEO Collin Stark no less, I’m going to go with ‘no.’ No regrets here. Which is what I basically tell Mr. Stark when he starts questioning my motives. Did I mention he’s an ex-Army interrogator? Or that he’s too intense to put into words? While it’s obvious he doesn’t trust me, that’s probably a good thing. Because something tells me if that hot, hardened man were to ever fully trust a woman, his intensity level over her would be...off the charts. * * * * * She thinks I haven’t noticed her all this time. Hell, I’d have to be missing both a brain and functioning balls to overlook the quietly enigmatic woman who’s clearly too smart and skilled to be working in any entry-level capacity for me. I don’t want to believe Mia’s capable of corporate espionage. But given the evidence, it’s hard to think otherwise. Not that I seem to be capable of a whole lot of rational thought when I’m around her. She’s my own curves-for-days kryptonite—which just makes her that much more dangerous. Is it possible my enemies planted a woman in my company to seduce me (in the most awkwardly tempting way possible)? In the past, I would’ve said no way in hell. But after getting a taste of just how hot Mia can burn, I’m starting to see it’s definitely possible…and damn worth it, either way. * * * * * NOTE: While this is the Collin Stark (CEO of Stark International) mentioned throughout the Savage Trust series, the events of his story actually take place prior to Wrecked, Scarred, and Frayed. Be advised that Collin and Mia’s story is a two-part 80K word duet. This is Book 1. Book 2 takes place six months after the end of this book, and as such, the books need to be read in order. The Savage Hope Duet His Trust (Book 1)
 Her Heart (Book 2) Previously published as Smoke & Curves, Books 1 & 2 (c) 2013, and previously part of the Undeniably His bundled collection (c) 2013, revised throughout with freshly added content, changed/different story scenes, and a new extended ending.

Mafia Protection


Ali Lee - 2015
    Despite Angelo’s duty to marry another woman, Angelo shows Ella a softer side that wins over her heart. She refuses her chance to leave and willingly gives up her freedom for a chance at love with Angelo. However, when their romantic involvement ignites a string of brutal attacks from an enemy group, Angelo places Ella under his watchful eye to keep her safe. But to his surprise, innocent Ella shoots back with impeccable accuracy and skill, raising questions connected to her past. This book may contain language, violence or sexual content and is intended for mature audiences. Reader discretion is advised.

Her True Alpha


Isoellen - 2022
    Phee was a proper Omega.She’d done everything society expected of her–Obeyed her parents, married an appropriate choice of Alpha, tolerated his infidelity.And what was her repayment? To be cast out by her husband in favor of his pregnant mistress.With their marriage contract canceled and her reputation in tatters, Phee’s future seems hopeless.Then, the most unexpected suitor appears… Right as her long-absent heat begins.~*~Her True Alpha is a novella set in the world of the 12 Sectors, and features a HEA for the characters involved.

Bound by Him


Leighton Greene - 2019
    They invented the term 'vanilla' to describe him. But if Ben's so straight, why can't he get his inscrutable coffee-shop co-worker Xander Romano out of his head? And how come Xander's rough-housing on the basketball court gets Ben so flustered?Xander Romano keeps his private life private, and lives by a strict set of rules. No fooling around with straight guys, and definitely no fooling around with vanilla guys. Been there, done that, got his heart broken. All Xander wants now is to focus on his acting career, and keep his darker desires under wraps.So what is it about Benjamin Ballard that makes Xander want to break all the rules? When Ben begs for a chance to experiment, Xander can't resist taking him in hand. It's just one quick session, after all.But Ben has other ideas...Bound for Him is the first part of the Rough Love series. Join Ben and Xander in their continuing odyssey of self-discovery, experimentation, and steamy fun as they work out the kinks together. This is just the beginning of their wild - and sometimes dark - ride, but never fear: these two will get their HEA. It'll just take them some time to figure out what that happy ending looks like for them...Rough Love reading order: Learn the Rules (serial)1. Bound by Him2. Taken by Him3. Dared by Him4. Marked by Him5. Loved by Him6. Obey the Rules (novel)7. Break the Rules (novel)

Valentines From Bath: A Bluestocking Belles Collection


Bluestocking Belles - 2019
    Problems and conflict may just fade away at a Valentine’s Day Ball.Beauty and the Bounder by Jessica CaleHe's a liar and a fortune-hunter... and exactly what she needs.The moment Lady Emilia sets eyes on the Chevalier d'Aubusson, she knows their fates are tied together. For good or ill, she cannot say. A mysterious aristocrat with a tragic past, the chevalier makes waves with his considerable charm.But the chevalier is not as he seems. There are cracks in his story, and Emilia never could resist a mystery. Whether he's a gentleman or a bounder, he might just be the man for her.The Earl Takes a Wife by Sherry EwingIt began with a memory, etched in the heart.Lady Celia Lacey is too young for a husband, especially man-about-town Lord Adrian de Courtenay. But when she meets him at a house party, she falls in love.Adrian finds the appealing innocent impossible to forget, though she is barely out of the schoolroom and a relative by marriage.His sister's deception brings them together but destroys their happiness. Can they reach past the hurt to the love that still burns?The Beast Next Door by Jude KnightIn all the assemblies and parties of Bath, no one Charis met could ever match the beast next door.Charis Fishingham has always felt more at home at Eastwood— Beastwood, as the neighbours called it, after the flawed child who once lived there. In the Eastwood gardens, Charis can escape her mother's expectations, her sisters' chatter, and her own worries about her future. There, she reads and remembers her secret friend, long gone into exile to have his birthmarks removed at his family's command.Now, the Beast has returned. Eric Lord Wayford would rather face the surgeons of Naples and Napoleon's armies than the tongues of the ton. He joyfully greets Charis, and their future looks to be full of hope.But someone does not wish Charis to wed the Beast of Eastwood and will stop at nothing to keep them apart.The Umbrella Chronicles: John and Emma’s Story by Amy QuintonA serious-minded, scientific man of learning seeks a complex and chaotic practitioner of all things superstitious who will upend his well-ordered life.The Umbrella Strikes Again! Another Bachelor Has Fallen!Dr. John Edward Hartwell needs assistance, though not quite the kind of help he might think. True, he is well-organized, tidy, and pathologically set in his ways—a more serious-minded man one might never find. But in his ways, I have determined, lies misery.Enter Miss Emma Merryweather—a woman who is as lovely as she is chaotic. She is the perfect candidate to compliment our man of numbers and logical focus, bringing sunshine and superstition to redirect him away from a future of certain wretchedness.And now that she has been categorically convinced that they are destined to be together—the signs, you see—no one can stand in her way, for she is as tenacious and optimistic as she is beautiful.Candles in the Dark by Caroline WarfieldDoug Marsh and his candles bring light to many, none more than Esther. They may light the Assembly Rooms even as his love lights her life.Doug Marsh knew what the army expected of him. Invalided out, he struggles to run his uncle's candle-works and look after those dependent on it. A contract with the Bath Assembly Rooms would go a long way toward succeeding at both of those things. The plight of a young woman is a distraction he doesn't need.Esther Hopkins, formerly 'the Honorable', has no time to mourn the life denied her by a single mistake. A woman alone with a newborn son to raise needs work, and she is determined to make it on her own. If only she could stop yearning for the sturdy arms and kind blue eyes of the man who rescued her from starvation and enlisted the entire Marsh Candle Works to her support. But Sergeant Marsh shows nothing but benevolent interest in her welfare. Why should he care for a fallen woman?In the normal course of things, Esther is far above Doug's touch. Can he find the courage to court her and still take care of business at the same time?