Book picks similar to
Dark Maiden by Lindsay Townsend


romance
historical-romance
historical
interracial

Chance Encounter


B.D. Anderson - 2015
    Carson, Virginia, may be where she was born, but it’s not where she sees her future. An inbound freshman at Howard University, she has her eyes on a bright, new life in the nation’s capital where, she will truly blossom into the woman she is destined to be. She can’t wait to start her journey. On her way home one night, her car runs out of gas. Stranded, she walks the short distance to a local filling station. En route, she encounters Billy Weston, a local boy who has admired her from afar for a while. Just sixteen and still in high school, Billy lacked the courage to talk to Paris before. But now that he has a chance to be her hero, he digs deep to find his bravery. For Billy, it is love at first sight and he realizes that a romance between two people of different races presents a complication. In 1965, interracial romance is a dangerous dream to pursue and Paris is resistant to becoming involved with him. Determined to win her heart, no matter the cost or peril, Billy romances her with a single-minded pursuit. Despite their differences in age and race, her future and his present, and the crippling intolerance and racism their relationship faces, they will fight for their love…together.

Chained


Elise Marion - 2014
    Determined to free himself and his men, and clear his besmirched name, Caden does not count on the willful nature of his captor, Lady Gwendolyn Toustain, the daughter of the man who was once his father’s mortal enemy. After several attempts at escape, the lady orders him bound and chained to a wall in her chambers—where he will remain under her personal guard at all times and kept from conspiring with his men. While the lady's high-handedness infuriates him, Caden cannot deny that everything else about her drives him to distraction. Forced into close proximity with her, Caden soon finds it hard to remember his mission of escape. When Lady Gwendolyn of House Toustain first lays eyes on her prisoner, one thing about him is abundantly clear: Sir Caden of Daleraia is a dangerous man. Yet, she must show him no fear. The captured band of knights from Daleraia are her only clue in the mystery surrounding the disappearance of House Toustain’s sons, and it falls to Lady Gwen to seek justice. Is this kidnapping merely the ploy of mercenaries out for a ransom? Or has Sir Caden acted on the order of the High Lord of Daleraia and broken the peace? As she searches for the answers, she never expects the surge of passion that ignites between herself and her prisoner. The longer he remains in her clutches, the more Gwen realizes that though she has him chained, she is the one who has been captured. Book 1 in the Chained Trilogy

A Kiss of Ashen Twilight


Rae Lori - 2009
    Her parents urge her to cross over into the mortal realm and there she is saved from another attack against strange shifter wolves. Her rescuer is Jace Archane, an immortal Nightwalker from the House of Blood within the Ashen Twilight House. The very same man from her dreams. Now the race is on to find out the origins of the elemental creature and stop the horrific killing spree. As they dig deeper into the mystery, they will uncover a truth that ties the elemental's origins to a forgotten ally with plans to overthrow the Archane legacy and obtain Ariya's fairy blood fueling an immortal thirst for power.

Changing Brides


V.C. Taylor - 2017
    Everything is either right or wrong in his view, so it’s no surprise that he reprimands his younger brother for fighting over one of the saloon ladies. He is incensed that his sibling would do something so stupid—until he sees the beautiful Celeste Lebeau for himself. He’s instantly smitten with dislike tempered with a lot of lust. He wants her out of town and fast. Most of all, he wants to make sure she stays away from his brother. His jealousy makes no sense, especially since he’s an engaged man, but he feels what he feels and soon becomes involved with the woman bold enough to challenge him in front of the whole town. How in the world is he going to get his life back on track when he’s promised to one woman but falling fast and hard for another?

Keeping Secrets & Telling Lies


Trice Hickman - 2009
    She's a beautiful, business savvy sister who owns one of Atlanta's most sought after event planning companies. He's a powerful, blue-eyed CEO who knows how to take care of business in and out of the boardroom. But their seemingly happy life begins to unravel in the blink of an eye when long held desires and decades old secrets come back to haunt them. Victoria's road to deceit begins when Parker Brightwood re-enters her life. She thought she'd gotten over the brazenly handsome surgeon who once stole her heart, but an unusual set of circumstances ushers the ebony prince back on the scene, and this time he's determined to win her back at any cost. Ted's undoing begins with his mother's sudden death, and a mysterious secret that leads to unexpected places. When the truth is finally revealed, it's a realization so shocking, it threatens the life and marriage he holds so dear. As Victoria and Ted journey down a road filled with uncertainty, they're forced to take a hard, honest look at themselves and confront their hidden fears. Can they repair the damage before it's too late, or will they follow a path headed toward destruction?

My Everything


Denise Skelton - 2005
    Years later, his sister is in need of a bone marrow transplant, and Ben seeks the help of Meyer's Investigations to find an unknown sibling to save her. His immediate attraction to the sexy female P.I. sets things in motion, and their relationship blossoms. Adventurous private investigator Deanna Meyers senses her attraction toward Ben, but she is reluctant to date him after seeing what her best friends go through with their own interracial relationships. Ben's ex girlfriend Janet and Dee's cousin Terry have one thing in common. They both want Dee out of the picture. But only one will go to any lengths to make that happen. Even kill.

Soulless


Gail Carriger - 2009
    First, she has no soul. Second, she's a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette.Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire--and then the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London's high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Finally, who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?

Devilish Games (Devilish #3)


Kasey Martin - 2018
    She exudes confidence and is the most vibrant woman you would ever meet. Except it’s all a farce. Elyse is hiding in plain sight. She has secrets. Deep, dark, dangerous secrets. And there is only one person in the world that can see through her façade, and he is busy playing games with her heart. Harper Price is a traveling, fun-loving playboy. He’s mischievous and sometimes arrogant. Except it’s all a cover. Harper knows how to blend in. He lets people see what they need to see. He has secrets. Deep, dark, dangerous secrets. And the one person that needs to know his secrets, he has been playing games with to keep her safe. When their secrets collide, and their past comes back to haunt them, there will be nowhere to hide. Love will be made, lives will be lost, and games will be played. Be advised this BWWM book is full of suspense, betrayal, steamy sex, love, and very strong language.

The Butcher Of Beaumont


JanJan Untamed - 2018
    And I know what I saw. You are disobedient and a spoiled fucking brat. A good daughter would have heeded her mother’s warning and stayed away.” He drags me to my feet. “Get up. We need to move. It is only a matter of time before someone turns you in and the palace guard comes searching for us.” “I am grieving, you beastly man.” I snarl at him. “Show some respect.” My attempt to remove myself from his firm grip is met with resistance. His hand is locked around my arm as he pulls me along. Can he not see that I am angry and hurting after witnessing the horrors that were foisted upon my family today? I am a grief-stricken woman, damn it. “You can grieve while we walk, Sunshine. Do not speak to me of respect after you disobeyed your mother and risked your stupid neck.” He gives me a good shake. “Now, which way is it?” “West.” I concede. “Into the mountains.” I am not sure if I can trust him. What if he tries to rob me? Or rape me? “You have nothing that I want, woman.” The arrogant ass smirks rudely. “I assure you, your virtue is safe with me.” He laughs for a full minute. “The sooner I get you home, the sooner I can be rid of you.” Please note that this is a work of historical fiction. The names, characters, places and other incidents are the product of the author’s twisted imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarities to real people, living or dead, businesses, events or locations is entirely coincidental. Content warning: This novel contains graphic language, graphic sex scenes, graphic violence and is not recommended for readers under the age of eighteen. All rights reserved.

The Making of a Highlander


Elisa Braden - 2020
    All it takes is a spark of Highland magic."Make me a lady, and I'll make ye a Highlander." –Mad Annie Tulloch, Scottish lass"Challenge accepted." –John Huxley, English gentlemanNo lady can tempt him more than the next shoreEveryone wants handsome adventurer John Huxley to settle down—family, friends, London society. Everyone except John. He's evaded too many scheming title huntresses to trust in happily-ever-after. Now, a vow made to a dying friend has him locked in a land dispute with a stubborn Scot who offers one way out: Win the Highland Games. John likes a challenge, but this one's impossible. Still, with training from the Scot's stepdaughter, victory might be within reach. He only has to teach the fiery, foul-mouthed, breeches-wearing lass how to land a lord. It seems "impossible" is just getting started.She's no lady—she's Mad Annie TullochEveryone calls her Mad Annie. True, her best friend is a ghost. And yes, her greatest talents involve cooking for giants and taunting ridiculously handsome Englishmen. But she's not mad—she's desperate. To save her friend, Annie must marry a lord. The trouble is, no lord will look twice at a hoyden like her. This calls for "Lady Lessons," and she knows just the uptight Englishman to provide them.When did a simple bargain become a battle of desire?Amidst cursed castles, caber tossing, and questionable chaperones, John and Annie's wildfire attraction threatens to send their plans up in flames. And when Annie's family is targeted by a dangerous enemy, John is tempted to stay, to fight, and to win the greatest prize of all: A fiery lass's tender, loyal heart.

Warrior


Violette Dubrinsky - 2011
    Ives of Lytheria is no princess of fairytales. After the unexpected death of her father, Jaisyn takes control of the kingdom, expecting to be called upon to defend her claim to a throne previously held by men. What she does not expect is the arrival of Vulcan Mor’an, the High King of the Northlands and the one man she despises above all, who seems to believe he is now the rightful ruler of her kingdom. Even as he provides support for his claim, Jaisyn refuses to listen. She will meet Vulcan Mor’an on the battlefield before willingly handing her kingdom to a barbarian she blames for the death of a loved one!Born to a ruthless warlord of a father, Vulcan Mor’an is powerful, fierce and quite deadly. His prowess is legendary, and those who don’t fear the Northern Wolf, respect his skill on the battlefield and his reach beyond it. Vulcan prides himself on his strength, and with it, his lack of weakness. That is, until he encounters a spitfire princess intent on murdering him in his sleep. Jaisyn of Lytheria is unlike any lady Vulcan has encountered. In her golden body is a fierce adversary, a woman who does not cower in his presence like most but fights his every step with a stubbornness that both irritates and captivates him. This princess may become the one person capable of bringing him to his knees. Warrior is the tale of two feuding royals, their attraction despite their differences, and the consequences that come as a result of their union. With various obstacles threatening to tear them apart, Jaisyn St. Ives and Vulcan Mor’an struggle to keep their relationship afloat, and with it, their very lives.

Ridden Hard


Kendra Queen - 2018
     Hot cowboy, coming to my rescue. Rough around the edges. Arrogant. Totally not my type. The day we met he slung me over his shoulder and carried me off. We can’t get married- it’s illegal. In fact, everything about this is illegal. But I can't keep away from his bed. When he asked me to travel with him to California, how the hell could I say no? I’m tired of the racist south. This is my only chance to escape...

Unmasking Miss Appleby


Emily Larkin - 2016
    Penniless and orphaned, she sets off for London to make her fortune as a man. But a position as secretary to Lord Cosgrove proves unexpectedly challenging. Someone is trying to destroy Cosgrove and his life is increasingly in jeopardy.As Charlotte plunges into London’s backstreets and brothels at Cosgrove’s side, hunting his persecutor, she finds herself fighting for her life—and falling in love…

Her Baseborn Bridegroom


Alice Coldbreath - 2016
    Brought up to believe she will 'never make old bones' she lives a quiet and lonely existence, hiding away her excessive freckles and red hair from a world that believes her to be hideously misshapen and ugly. Until one day her uncle arranges a marriage of convenience for her, a marriage in name only with a young puppet groom... but Sir Roland does not show up. In his place turns up his base-born brother Mason Vawdrey. And dark, forceful Mason is no-one's puppet. Things are about to get interesting at Cadwallader Castle. And Linnet is about to discover that maybe a golden leopardess does not need to change her glorious spots.This is a full length novel of over 80,000 words set in a medieval style landscape in the fictional kingdom of Karadok. Please do not purchase if you are offended by strong language and or sex scenes.This is a new release of an edition previously published by Alice Coldbreath.

The Brute & The Blogger


Olivia Gaines - 2015
    Just as he was trying to figure out how to turn the tables, fate dumped her in his lap. Seizing the opportunity, he made her an offer she couldn't refuse; come work by his side for a month. A month can be a lifetime, or just enough time to make a man want to change his brutish ways. Previously published in "Call Me Valentino." This is the prequel to Menu for Loving