Such shouldn’t be a problem except that he is married to his military career not to her. When Alexander Rawlings, the Marquis Coverstone, suddenly returns home, intent upon making amends, the desire to realize her greatest dream and make their marriage more than “in name only” is a delicious temptation. However, she cannot help but doubt his intentions. For years the dowager marchioness has petitioned for her son’s discharge from service, and when a close family friend informs Charlotte that Alex will in fact be discharged if he doesn’t produce an heir, her suspicions are confirmed. Wounded in battle and accused of murder, Alex, returns to London a half step ahead of raucous scandal and powerful enemies set on ruining him. When his wife is taken hostage and held for ransom, Alex knows past sins have caught up with him, and concern for his own safety falls by the wayside when he realizes Charlotte has become the target of his enemy’s revenge. Intent upon protecting his wife, Alex works to assuage her doubts and quickly realizes that he will not settle for simple surrender… he will only be satisfied once he wins her heart. But as rumors of infidelity and murder drag Alex and Charlotte into a dangerous mire their tenuous bond threatens to snap. Can the bonds of trust be renewed or will those intent upon revenge and destroying the young marquis succeed?

    Instead, she is brutally attacked, forcing her to flee London and abandon her hopes for the future. Allan Ridgefield, Earl of Ridgecrest, no longer has a need for love, having had his heart crushed two days before his wedding when his childhood sweetheart fell from her horse and died. Ten years later, he desperately seeks a marriage of convenience in order to meet the terms of his father’s will and retain his estates and title.

    She had come upon it not long after her marriage to Edgar, and it had offered her the only peace she was to know for a long time. It was dangerous to share the only thing that belonged to one. Yet the thought of spending an afternoon with the earl in her most treasured place, sharing a leisurely meal, beckoned her. She glanced shyly over her shoulder to see if he still followed.Lord Ashworth rode only a few yards behind her horse, and he grinned when their eyes met. He had a lazy, sensual smile and, when he looked at her like that, she felt an odd breathless catch in her throat. She wondered how it would feel if he were to place those warm lips to hers instead of the back of her hand. Oh dear! There went that catch again.Within moments they entered a clearing. Catherine dismounted without waiting for the earl’s assistance and swung her arms wide as she turned in a circle about the shaded copse.“What do you think?” she asked.The earl, still astride, cast his gaze slowly around the tiny glen as he studied the scenery. He then turned his attention to Catherine but did not speak. A suggestive grin broke the calm of his expression as he continued to watch her.“More beautiful than I could have imagined,” he murmured.Simple statement that, but it held a wealth of meaning. Catherine dropped her arms while staring back in fascination. Her mouth fell open and her breathing quickened. The air vibrated with unspoken words as they shared a moment of absolute understanding. The specter of desire had been brought into the open and was acknowledged.Experience IN THE GARDEN OF TEMPTATION today. Meet characters you'll visit again in the other books in this series.Now Available on Amazon:IN THE GARDEN OF SEDUCTION, Book 2 of The Garden Series.IN THE GARDEN OF DISGRACE, Book 3 of The Garden Series.IN THE GARDEN OF DECEIT, Book 4 of The Garden Series.Just Released: THIEF OF SOULSDark and sensual, Thief of Souls is one man's battle with evil for the fate of his humanity. It is a modern vampire-esque romance, gothic in tone, with a twist on the "Beauty and the Beast" theme, for the beast's ugliness resides on the inside rather than the outside, and his hope for redemption comes not from being loved by another but from discovering his own ability to love.

    Everyone knows it, from her dearest friends within the Spinsters’ Sewing Circle to her most distant acquaintances within the parish.So when the beloved new curate turns up dead the night before Valentine’s Day, stabbed through the heart with Lydia’s own knitting needle, not even Lydia’s closest friends expect her to do more than cry and perhaps arrange a luncheon after the funeral service. After all, the tragedy was only a robbery gone wrong, and how could any vicar’s daughter hope to bring the long-gone thief to justice?
But Lydia can’t shake the feeling that this crime was somehow personal. The clues suggest the curate was murdered for some terrible purpose, and everyone at the house party seems to have a motive. Was it the high-born lady whose charitable endeavors are at risk? The beautiful young lady of the house who's hiding an agonizing secret? Her mother, who had every reason to want the curate gone? Or even the butler, whose private life is more scandalous than it seems?
And that’s to say nothing of handsome Mr. Pemberton, a notorious gambler and infuriating flirt from London who seems equally likely to have killed the curate and to drive Lydia to commit a murder herself.
This cozy, romantic Regency murder mystery—full of strong female friendships, gripping twists and turns, and witty repartee sharper than a knitting needle—is sure to delight fans of Jane Austen, Lynn Messina, and Patricia C. Wrede.

    Plus A Ruby Glows, the prequel, as a bonus! Prequel A Ruby Glows Ruby’s heart froze as she threw her dead husband over the cliff. When Beau walks into her life, one glance has her running from her past. He couldn’t want someone like her. It should be easy to avoid his quiet charm. If he can convince her she’s a prize, not prey, he might have a chance. Beau’s captivated when Ruby scrambles from him whenever he gets too close. Her sweetness is an allure he can’t fight. Can Beau convince Ruby she is beloved? Book 1 Dreams in Deadwood He has a vice as bad as her father. Jennie Arnsby wants nothing more than to turn around and go home. Her family is on their way to Deadwood, SD, when Aiden finds his way to their small wagon train. His teasing and banter leave her wanting to toss him out the back and in the dust. When they are separated outside the city, she is left wondering if she’ll ever see him again. Aiden Bradly wants to find his gold and return home. Nothing more. He can’t afford to get tangled with a woman. He’s doing just that until he meets the feisty Jennie. She gets him thinking about his past and forgiveness, but what’s more important, his past or his new future? Aiden will either redeem his past or claim a treasure greater than he could ever imagine, but he must choose one. Book 2 Kisses in Keystone Hattie Arnsby’s been a slave to men and whiskey for the last year. She’s drowned herself in drink to avoid her life at the Red Garter Saloon in Keystone, SD. When a handsome deputy finds her after a year of searching, she finally sees a sliver of hope. Hugh Bradley is deputized to find Hattie and bring her home, but her captors aren’t ready to set her free. He must help her be rid of the drink and the binds of the brothel. But when Hattie’s handed temptation, will she run back to her past or embrace the love growing between them? Book 3 Love in Lead He found her at her worst, can she love him at his? Eva Arnsby can’t stay indoors, her need to draw the woodland creatures around her home near Lead, South Dakota gets her in a heap of trouble. And none more troublesome than a shadowy stranger who steals her notebook and her spirit. Ranger, Captain George Roth, is suspicious when he finds a small woman in man’s trousers sneaking around in the woods. Determined to discover the woman’s secrets, he takes on an assignment, ready to investigate her under the guise of a harmless town dandy. A chameleon in a suit, Mr. George Roth is asking too many questions, and wearing too many masks. Despite Eva’s reluctance, they work together, and soon, she sees parts of George she can’t resist. Shouldn’t she follow her heart? But when the mask slips, and Eva realizes George isn’t who she thinks he is, the damage to her heart may never be mended. One lie will break them apart, and George must convince her that the man she fell for in Lead is the same man who loved her in the woods. Save now when you buy this set. Scroll up to get your copy! Other Books by Kari Trumbo: Brothers of Belle Fourche Teach Me to Love What the Heart Holds Deep Longing of the Soul Seven Brides of South Dakota Dreams in Deadwood

    unusually. Welcome to the world of THE LYON'S DEN: The Black Widow of Whitehall Connected World, where the underground of Regency London thrives... and loves.Mrs. Dove-Lyon, proprietor of the Lyon’s Den, London’s notorious gaming hell, has recently had dealings with three new clients:Miss Harriet Hurst, who cannot see a thing without her spectacles and who has an unfortunate aversion to strong perfume, is in search of a husband. Her proposal, however, is a little unorthodox.Ambrose Crossley, fifth Earl of Pendlewood, an upstanding and respected member of the ton, is in search of a wife. His quest, however, is not quite as straightforward as it seems.Edward Fortescue, Viscount Eskdale, aka the Fallen Angel of Mayfair, has no desire to marry at all. His request is somewhat unusual.Being a shrewd business woman, Mrs. Dove-Lyon reckons she can satisfy all their needs in one fell swoop. It will require a little bit of subterfuge, a fair amount of manipulation, and a whole heap of good intentions. But, if the gamble pays off, a happy ending for all is assured. The game starts out well, with everything going exactly as planned. But, just as things seem to be reaching a satisfactory conclusion, a tragic secret emerges from the past. The consequences are heartbreaking. The game, it seems, is up. Or is it?True love never surrenders without a fight. And time, it is said, heals all wounds. Maybe there’s still a chance for happiness, after all.

    

    As a teenager, she covers up the terrible truth of her father's death and she and her pregnant mother go on the run. Little does she know that fate has more cruel twists in store.Determined to build a life for her herself against all odds, Trixie becomes a singer in the pubs and clubs of Gosport - but her heart is still set on finding the little brother she had to leave behind in Portsmouth years before.It will take Trixie many years and many tears before the truth can finally emerge - but will it finally give her the courage she needs to fall in love?

    

    It was she who ended Rory’s relationship with the poor but pretty Josie Guntrip, and then broke his heart leaving him for the better-off Barney.Having snagged herself a rich man, no one was expecting her to return to the slums. With Rory under Cathy’s spell once again, he hasn’t the time to give Josie a second thought. Which is a shame, because Josie never stopped loving him… An unputdownable saga and brilliant read for anyone who enjoys Dilly Court, Sally Warboyes and Katie Flynn.

    Cool under pressure with a tough, take-no-prisoners demeanor, he has been recruited by the CIA to head up an undercover team tasked with capturing a ruthless international drug trafficker.Posing as a sailing school captain in the U.S. Virgin Islands, he meets his fair share of young women, but his desires run dark and deep, and there is no room for romantic entanglements.When sassy, sexy, auburn-haired spitfire Beth Cameron charters his yacht, he keeps her at arm's length--until her rebellious streak puts her life in danger. Jerking her over his lap, he delivers a stinging spanking, then suddenly surrendering to temptation, he throws her on his bed and mercilessly ravages her until she is screaming his name and begging for more.Though he wants to oblige, engine trouble forces his return to shore, but just moments after they dock she vanishes. No note, no call, no text.It's now six months later, and he cannot believe his eyes.She is running frantically down the wharf towards him, terror in her face and wearing a long, blonde wig...

     Ashamed of his behaviour he hides away in his country seat, determined to become a sensible gentleman, no longer caught up by whichever eligible young lady catches his eye. The only problem? A beautiful tenant named Julia who is living in his gatehouse. William knows that he should have very little to do with his tenants but he simply cannot get her out of his mind. The more time he spends, the more he wants to know her despite their difference in status. A sudden accident leads to a whole new life for Julia, who is loathe to tell him much about herself, despite their intimate connection. When the truth finally comes out and Julia confesses all, William must decide what to do with the lady who has stolen his heart. Authors Note: This is a clean, stand-alone romance with an HEA. If you love clean Regency-era romances you will love The Viscount in Hiding!

    Society embraces him. Women love him. Men emulate him. He's rich. Intelligent. Eligible. Tall. Incredibly handsome. Charming. And trapped. There's nothing worse than marriage to Helene Bingham - a blackmailing, evil-spirited woman with a soiled reputation...Except the woman behind the wedding veil. HIS BRIDE Helene Bingham's had more than enough trouble in her short life. And nobody's ever around to help. That's why she invented Brandy - the wench of loose morals, sharp tongue, and fast reflexes. Brandy finds it a grand jest to stand in for her cousin at the wedding, and there's a bonus: It saves Helene, too.At least, until her groom finds out... A HONEYMOON Helene's quick, but even she has trouble keeping up with her new husband. He's the only one she can't fool. He's got wit to go with his handsome face, honor to match his words, kisses that seduce, and sensual skills...Oh my!Where is Brandy when she needs her?

    Harriett doesn’t want proper. She wants passion. And the prospect of a passionate marriage is becoming increasingly unlikely, judging by the men she meets. When she and her family visit a dying relative at his country mansion in Kent, Pendleton Manor, everything appears normal on the surface, until Harriet is suddenly embroiled in murder, intrigue, and lust. A man determined to live life on his own terms Gentleman farmer, Gerard Everard, Earl of Foxworth, has inherited an estate deep in debt. While he toils to save Foxworth from creditors, he becomes embroiled in a dangerous mission. Together, Harriett and Gerard work to uncover a murderer, while Harriett, expecting Gerard to succumb to the charms of her younger, beautiful sister, Leonora, tries unsuccessfully to guard her heart. Originally titled Murder at Pendleton Manor

    A beauty that has haunted her and made her hesitant toward love. Leonard, a charming young Duke, carries the burden of his father’s loss and a title that binds him to a woman he is not in love with. When his steps bring him to Elizabeth, he is determined to never let her go despite his commitment. Their love, scandalous like a forbidden fruit, is in the eye of the storm...a storm made of envy and social outrage that gets Elizabeth kidnapped. With every tick of the clock, her life is more and more uncertain and with it, their happiness together also fades. Leonard craves to save her, but love needs a sacrifice.