Book picks similar to
Friday Dreaming by Elizabeth Bailey
historical-romance
romance
virgin-hero
regency
The Savage Lord Griffin
Joan Smith - 1993
Now he has returned to claim her, but she is betrothed to a duke, who not only outranks him but is a far more suitable match for Myra. Though a beauty, Myra hasn't the spirit and charm of her younger sister, Alice, who has always treasured her memories of Griffin. But he is so intent on winning back his fiancée that he scarcely notices the child who has grown into a delightful woman.
A Temporary Betrothal
Dorothy Mack - 1995
Can Belinda shield her cousin from scandal without sacrificing her happiness?
Regency England
Having spent several years caring for her grandmother, Belinda Melville has hardly ever left her family home. But when her beautiful but selfish cousin – Lady Deirdre Archer – summons her to Archer Hall while her husband is away, Belinda reluctantly agrees to act as her companion. In the whirl of society activity, Belinda crosses paths with the handsome Captain Anthony Wainright, newly returned from the Peninsular war. To her dismay, she discovers that he is nursing an illicit passion for Deirdre that could land them both in scandal. To protect her cousin’s reputation, Belinda agrees to become temporarily betrothed to Anthony. But it soon becomes clear that she is in danger of falling for a man who has already bestowed his heart on another… A Temporary Betrothal by Dorothy Mack is a classic Regency romance full of twists and surprises.
Under The Kissing Bough
Shannon Donnelly - 2001
But when wickedly handsome Geoffrey Westerley, Lord Staines, agrees to an arranged marriage with her, she knows her duty. Geoffrey makes it plain that he wants nothing more than a sensible wife and a Christmas Eve wedding to please his dying father. With a dearth of suitors, and her family's expectations weighing heavy, Eleanor agrees to the match, with one condition - a condition she cannot name or write upon her blank card. Despite Geoffrey's generous promise to give her anything her heart desires she cannot believe he will ever offer the only thing she truly wants for a Christmas gift - his love.As an earl's son, Geoffrey Westerley knows his duty and since he cannot have the woman he loved and drove away, he will have the bride his father intends. Geoffrey knows his passionate nature scared away one lady, and he is determined to treat his shy intended with respect and restraint. But when he finds Eleanor beneath a kissing bough, tradition demands that he pluck a mistletoe berry and kiss her. He never anticipated his bride's warm response, and as the wedding draws near he begins to see there is more to his bride than a quiet exterior. There may be enough to her, in fact, to heal a wounded heart, and a passion deep enough to match his own.
Her Best Friend, the Duke
Laura Martin - 2020
After years of waiting for him, she’s finally admitted defeat and decided to find a husband. James suggests she practice her nonexistent flirtation skills on him, which seems like a good idea—until she must pull away to avoid a shattered heart. Their pretend attraction has begun to feel alarmingly real!“What a book, I’m in love… My goodness, I am feeling all hot and bothered… Ms. Martin has created a beautiful story that has real heart and lots of love, her writing is full of passion for the story and the character’s.”—Chicks, Rogues and Scandals on Reunited with his Long-Lost Cinderella “She immerses readers in the world and scandals of the ton with realistic settings, authentic dialogue and twists and turns that keep the action moving.” —RT Book Reviews on An Earl to Save Her Reputation
The Wrong Woman
Kimberly Truesdale - 2013
Now, at the age of 29, Isobel is launching her beautiful younger sister, Cat, into society, and Miles is the first in line to court her. Though Isobel tries to protest against the man who has caused her so much pain, she knows his fortune and rank will make a good match for her sister. So she resigns herself unhappily to her duties as chaperone. As they spend time together, though, both Isobel and Miles are drawn to each other in a way neither anticipates.Only hours after Miles finally realizes he's courting the wrong woman, Isobel is kidnapped. Battling his guilt and memories of his own devastating past, Miles must pray that Isobel will survive so he can tell her that he loves her and that sometimes the woman who seems to be all wrong turns out to be just right.Regency Romance with mild sensuality.
The Road to Winterhill
Gloria Gay - 2016
George’s Cathedral, the clergyman’s voice rang out unnaturally loud: “Do you, Richard Branston, Earl of Berrington, take this woman, Belinda Presleigh, of Hunsley Manor, as your lawful wedded wife, to love and honor until death do you part?”The few wedding guests crowding around them waited for Berrington’s response which was long in coming. Belinda saw their smirks and heard their muffled laughter. She felt the sting of tears in her eyes at the long pause and realized she could not undo what she had done. The awful deed had come to roost in her heart. She wished he would say no. She’d rather be jilted than that awful hesitation in which everyone looked at each other, some with smirks of “I told you so.”Finally, Lord Berrington’s voice rang out—loud, impatient and clear: “I do.”Society shuns Belinda Presley when her mother’s scheme results in a forced offer of marriage from Richard Branston, the Earl of Berrington, the man she loves in secret.Warm conversations during the day and passionate nights of love at night on their three-days’ journey give Belinda the only happiness she has ever known. Yet on arriving at Winterhill, Belinda feels the family’s animosity, as the earl, unaware of the danger she leaves her in and still resentful, returns to London.Her only friend, Lord Wilbur, and solitary walks, are her solace, but Belinda’s enemies’ hatred soon place her in extreme peril.
A Very Unusual Governess
Sylvia Andrew - 2004
Employing the right governess is vital. Miss Petrie has the girls' support, while he has reservations. Unassuming and a little dowdy she may appear, but Edward suspects she's neither so humble nor respectful underneath!Independently wealthy Lady Octavia Petrie is on the verge of confessing that Edward has mistaken her for someone else. In a moment of sheer madness, prompted by his cynical attitude, she finds herself accepting the temporary position. From Lady to simple Miss—what has she let herself in for?
The Loner
Geralyn Dawson - 2008
She's a determined woman with trouble on her trail. They have a history they cannot deny and an attraction they cannot control. What they need now is a run of good luck....Cursed by tragedy, Logan Grey vows to live his life alone. But his willpower is tested by the alluring Caroline Kilpatrick. Caroline knows treasure waits within Black Shadow Canyon --- and it's not Geronimo's Gold. Desperate, she makes Logan an offer he can't refuse --- and together they battle outlaws, danger and desire ...But the ultimate battle is still to be fought. Now Caroline must risk it all to capture the love of a loner.
Aurora's Pride
AnneMarie Brear - 2012
A sweeping historical saga of love and loss. Aurora Pettigrew has it all, a loving family, a nice home, a comfortable life. She’s waiting for the right man to offer her marriage, and the man for her is Reid Sinclair, heir to the Sinclair fortune and the love of her life. But, Reid’s mother, Julia, is against the match and her ruthlessness unearths a family secret that will tear Aurora’s world apart. Unwilling to bring shame on her family and needing answers to the allegations brought to light by Reid’s mother, Aurora begins a long journey away from home. She leaves behind all that is familiar and safe to enter a world of mean streets and poor working class. Living in the tenements of York, surrounded by people of a class she’d never mixed with before, Aurora struggles to come to terms with the way her life has changed. By chance, she reconnects with a man from her past and before he leaves with the army to war in South Africa, he offers her security through marriage. Aurora knows she should be happy, but the memory of her love for Reid threatens her future. When tragedy strikes, can Aurora find the strength to accept her life and forget the past?
Lessons From a Courtesan
Jenna Petersen - 2008
Every gentleman in London desires her; every woman envies her. And they are all desperate to know the secrets of the tantalizing, seductively beautiful courtesan. All except Justin, the Earl of Baybary. He knows all about Ria. He learned every inch of her tender skin, every taste of her luscious lips...on their wedding night.Lesson #2: No man can make you lose control...unless you let himThough theirs was an arranged marrige, still Victoria surrendered to passion and gave herself to Justin completely. When he left her alone the next morning, she swore she would never again let him into her bed. Now, though she has other reasons for returning to the city, she enjoys tormenting Justin, letting him see the way other men lust for her. But keeping herself from him is such exquisite torture...and forgiveness will lead to an ecstasy unbelievably divine.
The Bartered Bride
Elizabeth Mansfield - 1989
But he recalled having seen her exquisite face somewhere before--and he was sure Cassie had planned to ensnare him in marriage. Was his new bride a crafty schemer behind her shy demeanor?Cassie loved him from the moment their eyes met... Why was he determined to believe the worst about her? All she wanted was his happiness -- and his love -- no matter what the cost might be.
A Little Bit Pregnant
Susan Mallery - 2003
Nicole Beauman had overcome a lot of obstacles in her life, and she sure as heck had never backed down from a challenge. But her boss, Zane Rankin, presented an entirely new sort of dilemma. Sexy and charming, he was like chocolate--sinfully good, but bad for her health. Nicki knew Zane didn't want to settle down, particularly not with a girl like her, and she didn't plan to lose her heart to a temporary fling. But when a friendly date got a little too friendly, things got a little bit steamy...and Nicki wound up just a little bit...pregnant. What was a girl to do?
The Earl's Mistaken Bride
Abby Gaines - 2011
He made a bargain with God—to marry a good, Christian girl if his mother recovered from illness. But Marcus intended to marry pretty Amanda, not stubborn Constance. His next plan, to ignore his new wife, fails as well when Constance makes it clear that she wants a true union.Constance Somerton doesn't dare reveal that she's been enamored of Marcus for years. The man believes love is for weaklings. Someone needs to teach him about marriage's blessings. Someone who sees beyond his arrogance to the tender heart beneath. Someone exactly like Constance….
Paper Husband (Mills & Boon Short Stories)
Diana Palmer - 2013
Where is it written that a rancher’s daughter has to marry a long, tall Texan—or lose the ranch that’s her home?
In Dana Mobry’s father’s will! And Dana has just discovered that her partner in this marriage of convenience is none other than the sexiest cowboy in Texas—Hank Grant!
The Marriage List
Dorothy McFalls - 2005
Humble tenant May Sheffers meets none of these, so why does his heart beat madly at the sight of her?