Book picks similar to
The Ladies' Secrets by Abby Ayles
reviewed
suspense
1-regency
dress
Panic Pond
Cole Baxter - 2021
The problem is that some of those secrets are very, very dirty...Detective Amber Smith of Liar’s Island PD knows uncovering the resident’s dirty secrets and ensuring those behind them see justice isn’t easy. The insular, secretive inhabitants of the island don’t like spilling what they know. Lucky for Amber, she’s a master of disguise.Her latest undercover job: a night attendant at Kelley’s Gas Station, where her eccentric friend Ray Kelley has suffered a break-in that has cost him several thousand dollars in theft and damages. While evidence points to an inside job, the locals are convinced that one of the island’s troublemakers—or former troublemakers—is to blame.Missing security recordings and a laundry list of suspects—from disgruntled employees, hellraising teens, and even Ray himself— weave a tangled, mysterious web for Amber to unravel.Despite the grand island tradition of constantly hiding or muddling the truth, Amber is intent on getting to the heart of this mystery without getting stuck in island dramatics. If she gets it wrong, an innocent person will have their life ruined. But if she gets it right, she may end up losing one of her best friends on the island.
Devilishly Sinful Rogues
Aileen Fish - 2019
Now she’s in London and he’s in agony. A gentleman never reneges on an agreement…unless his heart is broken.Scandalous Redemption by Amanda MarielWhile Henry Shillington knows a little of the beautiful but notorious Lady Claudia Akford, he is struck by her kindhearted, accomplished, and witty demeanor. The more time he spends in her company, the more he dreams of a future with her. But the lady resists his honorable overtures, and a mistress will never do for him.When an Earl Turns Wicked by Dawn BrowerThe Earl of Harrington has no desire to marry. He rather enjoys being unencumbered and a wife would complicate things. Lady Marian Lindsay rather likes being a spinster and embraces her bluestocking ways. She's studying to be a physician and longs to be taken seriously. After careful deliberation she devises a scheme that is foolproof, but she needs the earl’s help. Before he realizes it, he's escorting her to Kent and a house party made of his worst nightmares. Propriety must be met at all costs, because he will not be wed at the end of her expedition--or will he?Dealing with the Viscount by Clair BrettAfter making a wager of marriage to settle her father's gambling debts, Ella Bowen-Thorn Renwick escaped the husband she foolishly began to fall for and disappeared into the Scottish countryside carrying a secret. Four years later, and the owner of her own bakery, she is still not free of the demands of men when a violent and anonymous blackmailer threatens her, her livelihood...and her daughter. And then, there is him... Viscount Renwick still mourns the wife he began to love before her untimely death--that is until he discovers her alive and well living in Scotland. Now, Devon's face to face with the wife he thought he'd buried and the daughter he never knew existed. He'd like nothing more than to welcome Ella back into his arms, but mysterious and troubling incidents and a history with an unloving father have Ella trusting no one. But, if Renwick convinces his wife he's the husband she always dreamed of and the father their daughter deserves, will the scandalous secret the blackmailer is holding threaten their future together once more?A Marriage Made in Mayfair by Tamara GillMiss Suzanna March wished for one thing: Lord Danning. But after a frightful first Season, and his lordships cut direct, such dreams are crushed. Returned from abroad, Suzanna will not let the ton's dislike of her stand in the way of gaining what she wants: revenge. Lord Danning is ruined and in need of an heiress. Luckily, Miss Suzanna March fits his credentials and seduction is his scheme. But will Suzanna believe his lordships pretty words? Or will Lord Danning prove to Suzanna and himself that she is more than his ticket out of debtor's prison...?My Duke’s Seduction by Tammy AndresenLady Tricia Riley is the sweet daughter of a duke until her family's ailments force her to breech societies’ dictates and go where no lady should… the Docklands. When a tall, strong and handsome stranger helps to keep her safe, she agrees to keep their meeting, secret. She’s no interest in a forced match no matter how tempting Ryker, The Duke of Landon, is.
Love, a Duke at Christmas: A Regency Romance Christmas Collection: 11 Delightful Regency Christmas Stories (Regency Collections Book 7)
Arietta RichmondLenora Levon - 2017
In this, the seventh Regency Collection, you will find some wonderful stories, each of which is the heartwarming tale of a Duke finding love at Christmas. Settle in for a Christmas immersed in love! If you love Christmas stories, and you love Regency Romance, then this is the collection for you! The stories included are Kissing the Duke of Hearts - by Arietta Richmond A Duke renowned for breaking hearts and wild ways, who despises the lower classes, an innocent young woman, born to the merchant class, a chance meeting at a Masquerade Ball, a carriage accident, a snowbound Christmas, an irresistible love. The Duke’s Christmas Bride - by Isabella Thorne A Duke, the sister of his friend, a secret, a misunderstanding, heartbreak averted, a love fulfilled. The Duke’s Secret - by Kelly Anne Bruce A death that leads to the unveiling of secrets, rumours and gossip, love long denied brought to light, misinterpreted intentions, and admission of love, a Christmas wedding. A Counterfeit Governess for the Duke - by Regina Darcy A family destroyed, a Lady bent on revenge, a Duke misrepresented, a governess who is not what she seems, a last-minute rescue, true love found. The Duke Who Hated Christmas - by Gemma Blackwood A Duke driven by the pain of the past, his new wife, determined to bring joy to the present, a Christmas season that changes everything, an enduring love and happiness discovered. The Duke’s Holiday Homecoming - by Alyce Healey A reunion of long parted relatives, a secret hidden for a generation, a love torn apart by pride, a Christmas chance to change, a love once lost renewed. Love at the Christmas Fayre - by Eleanor St Clair A Duke, an innkeeper’s daughter, an accidental meeting which causes injury, an unexpected companionship, an antagonism foiled, a love despite the odds. The Duke and the Christmas Ball - by Grace Austen A young lady out of place in society, a Duke who seeks solace in being ordinary, conversation that leads to love – and misunderstandings, the truth revealed, a proposal accepted. A Duke for Christmas - by Katherine Keats A Duke touched by scandal and rumour, a gentleman’s daughter, a snowstorm, a shared fight for survival, a connection that defies expectations, a love that overcomes all obstacles. An Agreement with the Duke - by Lenora Levon A Duke with an orphaned niece, a lady of good birth fallen on hard times, a Ball, an agreement, a growing attraction, a Christmas change of circumstance, a love that transcends status. The Duke’s Christmas Joy - by Sophia Ansley A jilted lady, a Duke who would be more than a friend, a Lord’s bad behaviour, rumours and discourtesy, a final choice, a Christmas proposal accepted.
If Only
T.K. Chapin - 2017
With the help of her neighborhood friend Cole, Elizabeth tries to make sense of what really happened and hopefully bring her daughter home.
The Lord’s Last Dance (The BainBridge - Love & Challenges) (The Regency Romance Story)
Jessie Bennett - 2018
280 pages
A Lonely Heart…
Lady Winifred Ambridge is not considered the most eligible woman in the region. In fact, she's quickly approaching an age where she might easily be classified as a spinster instead. However, she's in no hurry to remedy this problem, especially since she's not yet met the man who entirely fulfills her dreams. At least, not that she remembers.
An Old Flame…
Though he doesn't speak of it, Lord Tyler Caldwell has forever loved a woman that he's not seen for many years, and has no intention of revealing the tender memory that he treasures so deeply. In fact, if truth be told, he will never confess even to himself that if he cannot marry the angel of that one special dance, he will never marry. As the heir apparent for the Duke of Bellhouse, though, the pressure is on to find a bride and produce an heir…
A Vision From the Past…
When Tyler finally has the opportunity to talk to Winifred about the dance that has so captured his heart, he wonders if he should instead be silent. After all, the fiancé thought long-dead has suddenly reappeared with designs on the woman Tyler loves, and perhaps he should be the one to woo the beautiful Lady Winifred…even if his intentions are not entirely honorable.
Will Tyler choose to tell Winifred about the memory of the dance in which she stole his heart and gained his eternal, undying love? Should he allow the fiancé she once loved to take his place instead? Can Winifred see past her desire for the man of her dreams and remember the dance that Tyler mentions-or will she choose to remain single for the rest of her life instead?
Skeleton Bayou
Melanie Atkins - 2009
After seven months in hiding, she resurfaces at Mossy Oak, her ramshackle family home on a Louisiana bayou, and attempts to restart her life. The empty house provides shelter, but isn't the fortress she needs when her cruel ex comes calling. Mack O'Malley, former cop turned handyman, conflicted over a bad shoot on the job, comes to Savannah's rescue when the psychopath draws them into a deadly game of cat and mouse. Fearful of Mack at first, she soon discovers that beneath his steely exterior lies a resolute defender with a heart hungry for love. Will their alliance save them, or will they fall victim to the Legend of Skeleton Bayou?
Seth
J.B. Morris - 2015
Staff Sergeant Seth Collins wasn’t your typical Marine. A member of the elite Marine Corps Force Recon, he had a Navy Cross on his chest and six combat deployments under his belt. Called home to care for his ailing father, he became a Hillsdale police officer. Seth needed to quit and escape from the memories of Marines killed fighting the president’s politically correct wars. Fate had a different plan. The Mexican Los Guerreros and Halcon Cartels declared war against each other for control of the drug trade. Hillsdale was ground zero. Police officers selling drugs threatened Collins father. Big mistake. Seth tossed political correctness out the window. He fought back like one pissed-off Marine.
Leave a Widow Wanting More
Charlie Lane - 2021
A baron in need of a bride. A marriage of convenience will save them or tear them apart.Sarah Pennington has just been sacked from her position at Hopkins’ Bookshop, and if she doesn’t fine a new position fast, she’ll know the pang of hunger. Again. When a famous adventurer enters the shop looking for a rare and priceless book, Sarah finds the key to her future—she’ll beat the baron and win the book for herself.Henry Cavendish, Baron Eaden returns home in search of a rare copy of Gulliver’s Travels. He expects to obtain his goal effortlessly. He doesn’t expect to compete against a lovely-eyed widow to win the book. Her determination and passion reveal a prize of greater value—the widow herself. Henry suggests a marriage of convenience. He’ll win the book, she’ll gain stability, and they’ll both find passion in one another’s arms. But for Sarah, stability isn’t enough. She wants the baron’s heart.
The Dukedom of Secrets Past
Tiffany Baton - 2021
So she gets a job as a lady’s maid for the Duke’s daughter.Elias Misttalon, Marquess of Richbrow, is no stranger to the shackles of duty. Determined to do what is right for his family, he resolves to make his arranged courtship work. Until he meets his intended’s lady’s maid, that is…Struggling between duty and their hearts’ desires, Elias and Juliet are venturing into deep waters. What Juliet finds out shocks her to the core. One is an accident, two is suspicious. And revenge is a dish best served cold with a dose of decades-old poison.
Lady Vivian (Almack's Assembly Rooms Book 1)
Agnes Forest - 2018
Could she pick her destiny, Vivian would choose adventure in the rolling hills, endless afternoons in the dusty garden, and a husband who speaks to her heart; no matter what his income might be. One magical evening at Almack’s - London’s most exclusive club - Lady Vivian runs into the dashing Lieutenant Sawyer Cook and discovers that her future is not so set in stone. Romance ensues, scandals are wrought, and real identities are revealed. Trapped between duty and longing, Lady Vivian must come to grips with the very notion of fate. Lady Vivian is a 70.000 word clean and wholesome Regency-era romance novel. It makes the first volume of Almack's Assembly Rooms. Each book of the series can be enjoyed as a stand-alone, or read as a collective.
Garuenteed to make you chuckle!
First Night
Jane Aiken Hodge - 1990
It is a world where the hazards of Napoleonic power politics mix with the glamour of early 19th century opera and culture.
The Haunted Knight of Lady Canterley
Patricia Haverton - 2019
But what if it all falls together?
With their young lady’s impending nuptials approaching fast, the atmosphere at Canterley Manor couldn’t be more festive. Then one day, their happiness turns to ashes in their mouths... When her sister Grace inexplicably disappears, Lady Amelia Dowding will do anything to find her. Determined to honor her promise to her late mother, she takes matters into her hands. For Tristan Knight, Earl of Aylesbury, loving Amelia unrequitedly comes as natural as breathing. When it becomes apparent that she is in grave danger, he will stop at nothing to ensure her safety. Even if it means his own heartbreak. When their trail leads them to the wilderness of Scotland, an unexpected ally points them in the right direction: the key to Grace's abduction hides in the vaults of Canterley Manor. *If you like powerful Dukes, loving Duchesses and a marvelous depiction of the majestic Regency and Victorian era, then The Haunted Knight of Lady Canterley is the novel for you. This is Patricia Haverton's debut novel, a historical Regency romance novel of 80,000 words (around 400 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after. Pick up "The Haunted Knight of Lady Canterley" today to discover Patricia's captivating story!
A Lord's Bet of Desire
Meghan Sloan - 2020
While working at the house of Norman Pembroke, the Duke of Bancroft, she has always dreamt of advancing her life from a humble maid to that of a governess. Despite knowing that this opportunity may never appear, her love for reading is enough to keep the dream alive. But little did she know that fate would bring an unforeseen twist that would make this dream a tangible reality... When Edward, the endearingly attractive brother of the Duke, comes to visit, the last thing she expected was to end up under his roof and away from the only place she's ever known. Laura will inevitably find herself seduced by his ravishing beauty, but will she allow herself to finally surrender to her burning desire for him?Edward Pembroke has always been the opposite of his brother. Being warm and dutiful himself, he was against his brother's love for gambling that was dwindling the Pembroke fortune every day. When he finally decides to confront him about his wayward habit, they both end up engaging in a fateful night of gambling, and Edward wins the prize of taking anything he wants with him. Without a second thought, he chooses Laura, as her fiery nature lightens a spark inside him. Once they move to his house, he can't help but be mesmerised by her every move, willing to do whatever it takes to possess her. Will he manage to turn this promising desire into an everlasting love?Laura and Edward's attraction is impossible to deny, but their evident class differences are threatening their undeniable lust. The more time they spend together, the more they lose their hearts and bodies to one another. Will their passionate connection prove strong enough to shatter the insurmountable obstacles? Or will their heated affair go down in flames before it even sets them on fire?"A Lord's Bet of Desire" is a historical romance novel of approximately 60,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Mistletoe Masquerade: A Ridlington Christmas Novella
Sahara Kelly - 2017
But then again, he wasn’t sure if butlers were inappropriately touched by titled guests that often. He sighed. Being a butler was turning out to be quite a bit more complicated than he’d anticipated... Paul DeVoreaux, the Inchworthy hunting box, near Pineneedle Drift, December 1814 They’re not butler or housekeeper; in fact, they’re not servants at all. Yet that is the pretense they must observe if their real identities and their whereabouts are to remain a secret. For Paul DeVoreaux and Harriet Selkirk, fleeing London and the Ton is the best and safest idea at this particular time in their lives. A small hunting box in December is an even better one. Or so they think. Thrust into the roles for which they are ill-prepared, Paul becomes a surprisingly effective butler, and Harriet assumes the role of housekeeper to the best of her ability. The arriving house party seems to find nothing amiss, and the seasonal revelries begin. Unfortunately, the guests are nothing if not frisky, and Paul and Harriet find themselves forced into yet another masquerade. But this one isn’t quite as simple as donning a lace cap, or answering the front door… A Ridlington Christmas Novella – A stand-alone holiday romance featuring characters introduced in the “Six Pearls of Baron Ridlington” series by Sahara Kelly. Please check the Amazon page devoted to these books for more details.
Winter Memorial
C.C. Warrens - 2018
In the paperback version, there is a three chapter preview of Cross Fire. A winter memorial, held to recognize fallen officers, becomes slightly more than they bargained for when hard feelings and unresolved issues rise up.