Everyone knows the wicked earl is looking to wed, but only his childhood friend, Anne, knows his secret. Despite what society believes, he's not a devil--not really. Not at all. Of course, he's no saint either. He's a man. One she hopes will solve all her family's financial woes by marrying her eldest sister, the only sibling not tainted by scandal. But the earl has other plans. While Anne's sister is the safe choice, she's not the one who makes his pulse race. There's only one who can tame his wicked ways, but choosing Anne will thrust her into the type of scandal she's tried so hard to avoid. Can a devil like him ever win an angel?

    The hero in all of her tales is one Nathan Carruthers, Earl of Basingstoke. The rumors surrounding his wicked assignations are beyond anything she could dream of, and once enhanced by her wild imaginings, she’s created a lover no man could live up to. Basingstoke has ignored the rumors about his romantic scandals for the most part, accepting them as part of being a single gentleman with a title. In one way, it’s kept the marriage-minded mothers from thrusting their daughters into his reach. Although a staunch member of the Wicked Earls’ Club and enjoying his carefree ways, he admits he’s reached an age when he would like to marry. Luckily, those supposed scandals aren’t keeping away the woman he’s grown to love--Lady Phoebe. When Basingstoke discovers Lady Phoebe’s diary, he blames her for creating the rumors. Hurt to the bone, he wants nothing more to do with her. Heartbroken, she goes in search of the real rumormonger. Can she prove her innocence and regain Basingstoke’s love?

    Where his coloring is dark, she has blond tresses and blue eyes. Charlotte’s alabaster skin tone is a stark contrast to Damien’s sun-kissed tan. He is tall at six feet three inches while she is short at barely over five feet tall. Furthermore, her cheerful disposition is in stark contrast to his brooding nature. But most bothersome of all is his tendency to flaunt society’s rules while she follows them without fail.  Damien desires nothing more than to spend his time carousing, drinking, and gambling while Charlotte spends hers at afternoon teas, balls, and musicals. She is a true lady and he a determined rake. When their paths cross they have every reason to turn in the opposite direction, and yet they cannot seem to avoid one another. Passions flair, putting them both at risk. They stand not only to lose their reputations, but more importantly, their hearts.

    She always expected she’d become a trainer like her mother, until injuries from the ring led to her mother’s untimely death. Now, she’s determined to save other families from the same heartache, by teaching others about the dangers of boxing. Nothing could bring her back to the world she left—until she meets a mysterious stranger who sets her pulse racing. And a dark, dangerous lord interferes…Sinclair Chambers, the Earl of St. Seville and known as “Sin” to his cohorts, inherited an insolvent estate. He has to make money, and fast, or his tenants will starve. The prize purses from the bareknuckle mills will go a long way to solving his problems, if he can win them. To be a success in the ring, he needs the best trainer, and Patience Lane is the best there is—all he has to do is convince her that he’ll only fight once. They just might find their happily ever after in each other’s arms.The more time Sin and Patience spend together, the closer they become. Soon, Sin’s thoughts are less about winning in the ring, and more about winning Patience’s heart. But can a relationship born out of wicked deception stand the test of time?

    He is now the Earl of Weston, a position he never wanted. While searching for leads to his brother's murder, he finds himself forced to attend ton entertainments he normally would have avoided.Hattie Longbottom is an aging, sheltered spinster who spent her bloom caring for her invalid parent. With the death of her mother, she is forced to leave her home. Because she refuses to separate from her beloved parrot, Archie, her only option is to travel to Eynsham and live with her brother and his family. The journey to his estate wakes Hattie up to the harsh realities of life outside of her little village.In less than a day, and with the help of her vociferous bird, an unfortunate series of mishaps threatens to ruin Hattie. Can a reluctant earl revenge his brother's murder and save a spinster in the process?

    He rather enjoys being unencumbered and a wife would complicate things. The Wicked Earls’ Club is his haven and he isn’t ready to give it up for matrimony. His grandfather, the Duke of Southington wants nothing more than to see him wed and return to the fold. For that reason alone he’ll avoid proper ladies and wedding bells. Lady Marian Lindsay rather likes being a spinster and embraces her bluestocking ways. She's studying to be a physician and wants to be a proper doctor. She longs to be taken seriously in the medical field, but her efforts go unnoticed. After careful deliberation she devises a scheme that is foolproof, but she needs the help of one of her father’s friends to make it happen. Harrington is appalled at Marian’s request and refuses outright; however, she somehow manages to charm him into saying yes. 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?

    A woman with a pure heart and the ferocity of a warrior is called to the fairy pools on the Isle of Skye upon the death of the previous protector. However, nature has a way of balancing itself, and so with each call to a Protector comes the call of an evil force, set on using the stone for their own purpose. These are the stories of the Protectors of the Heart of Scotland, the stone they seek to keep safe and the love that strengthens and emboldens them. The Highlander’s Quest by Eliza Knight Her mission was to protect the young boy king. He’s uncovered a plot to destroy Scotland. Together, they must fight a powerful enemy who hides behind a traitorous veil of secrecy… Cassandra by Madeline Martin Together their power is brilliant. But when destiny rivals the safety of family and the whole of Scotland hangs in the balance, can their love survive the required sacrifice? The Protector’s Promise by Cecelia Mecca Two bitter enemies. One sacred vow. Will the passion that flares between them consume everything they love? The Highland Guard and His Lady by Lori Ann Bailey To protect Scotland, she must eliminate her greatest enemy. But when the challenge begins, will he forgive her for destroying his family?

    She hides behind her independence... Fate accepts the challenge. Grace Beaumont has seen what love can do to a woman. Her mother sacrificed her life to produce the coveted son and heir. A devastated father and newborn brother force her to take on the role of Lady Boldon at the age of fifteen. But Grace finds solace in the freedom and power of her new status. Christopher Roker made a name for himself in the military. The rigor and pragmatism of the army suits him. When a tragic accident heaves Kit into a role he never wanted or expected, his world collides with another type of duty. Returning to England and his newfound responsibilities, the Wicked Earls’ Club becomes a refuge from the glitter and malice of London society but cannot ease his emptiness. Needing an escape from his late brother’s memory and reputation, Kit visits the family estate for the summer. Lady Grace, a beauty visiting from a neighboring estate, becomes a welcome distraction. When the chance to return to the military becomes a valid possibility, the earl finds himself wavering between his old life and the lure of an exceptional—and unwilling—woman.

     An ancient Cornwall legend tells of king with a pregnant wife, warned by an oracle that the child born would be a woman so beautiful that countries would go to war over her. A princess was born to the king and queen, and when she became of age she was pledged to the son of an enemy. But the princess had fallen in love with a mere knight and together, they ran away to the caves of Cornwall to hide from the princess' betrothed. However, when it came clear that they would be captured - rather than live their lives apart - the princess and her knight took their own lives. Now, it's said their blood stain the caves of St. Agnes' caves along the coast of Cornwall. Legend says that if two lovers touch the stain together, they will fall madly in love for eternity. But there's a catch - they must touch of their own free will. Because of this legend, the caves of St. Agnes have drawn men - and women - seeking to make their mate fall in love with them, including many tales of reluctant brides and grooms. In these six romantic novellas, read some of the romantic tales associated with this poignant legend. Lady of the Moon by Kathryn Le Veque - A lady knight is hired by the father of a reluctant groom to take his son to the caves where he will meet his intended and they will touch the stains together. When the lady knight and the reluctant groom fall in love, will the groom honor his father's wishes or will he follow his own heart? Laird of Darkness by Eliza Knight - When Lady Rosamond de Warenne is abandoned by her father in a remote cave, she doesn’t believe her fate could get any worse—until she’s kidnapped by a fearsome Highlander. Laird Tierney MacDougall, recently released from an English prison, is bent on revenge, starting with marrying the daughter of his tormentor. A union forged from vengeance is doomed to fail—or is it? The Highlander's Untamed Lady by Madeline Martin - With long winters killing crops and food becoming scarce, Laird Evander Mackenzie will do anything to save his people from starving – even kidnap the feisty Diana Stuart at her father’s request. In a world filled with death and heartbreak, is it fate or legend that will hold them together? That Knight by the Sea by Catherine Kean - Lady Adaline Mortimer never expected to see Garrett, the rebellious young lord she loved and lost, ever again. Yet, when she's kidnapped and held captive, the dark secrets of the past return. In the cave of St. Agnes, will she and Garrett win a second chance at true love, or will they perish just like the legendary lovers before them? The Bravest Of Them All by Laurel O'Donnell - Sir Luke of Brackley rushes to save the sister of his betrothed when she is kidnapped. Always trailing in her older sister’s shadow, Nessa has kept her love of Luke hidden since their childhood. When Nessa discovers Luke is to marry her sister, will she condemn herself to a life of misery or risk her love on a legend? Pirate In The Mist by Elizabeth Rose - When Brody’s crew turns mutinous, he is thrown overboard but is rescued by a fisherman and his beautiful daughter, Gwendolen. However, once it’s discovered he’s a pirate, everything changes. Can an act of nature and the legend of a cave turn enemies into lovers?

    But it is nothing to the upheaval caused by Lara Le Brecque, his best friend's sister, when she climbs over his townhouse wall shortly before Christmas and attempts to sneak into his London home. Lara ought to be on the marriage mart, enjoying her London season and the holiday festivities, but when she confides the Le Brecque family problems to him, he knows he must do all he can to help...even if it means marrying Lara. Lara Le Brecque is facing another difficult Christmas with her family in disgrace and under threat of losing all their holdings. Lara has no one else to turn to but Marcus Brayden, who has just returned home from the Napoleonic War and been awarded the Scottish earldom of Kinross for his heroism in battle. With her father under house arrest and suspected of treason, and her brother condemned as a pirate and a murderer, she must expose the villain behind this plot to destroy her family and needs Marcus to help her bring this culprit to justice. Marcus has told her to hide in his rooms at the Wicked Earls' Club if ever she is in danger, but as she finds herself falling in love with Marcus, she realizes the greatest danger of all is to her heart.

     He’s eccentric and society-shy… There’s no polite way to describe Ansley, Earl of Scarborough’s obsession with schedules and inflexible routines. Unfortunately, he’s also in need of a wife, which forces him squarely in the midst of the society he can scarcely function within. If only he dared to ignore the haut ton’s censure and claim the lovely, wholly unsuitable Willow as his own. She seeks a governess post… Up from the country, Willow Harwood must quickly secure a governess position and save enough money to return to America. Only, her plans are foiled when she rushes to the rescue of a devastatingly handsome earl in the process of being robbed. Though he’s far above her station, she can’t fight the irrepressible attraction she feels toward him. Neither is prepared for the upheaval to their lives when she reluctantly accepts his offer of employment…as his housekeeper. Nor can either predict the mayhem that follows when a lord who disdains society and a country miss with no experience plan a haut ton Christmastide gathering. Though part of a series, this book can easily be read as a stand-alone novel.

    Featuring seven novellas and novels from award-winning and bestselling authors.The Pursuit of Pleasure by Elizabeth EssexIndependent, politically-minded heiress Elizabeth Paxton has never wanted to marry, but longs for the freedom afforded to widows. The last thing she wants is dangerously attractive Captain Jameson Marlowe as a husband.The Thief Steals Her Earl by Christina McKnightThe Earl of Cartwright is determined to find out who stole from his family. When he finds out the thief is the woman he's fallen in love with, he must choose between duty and love.Secrets in Scarlet by Erica MonroeWhen a bluestocking with a scandalous past meets an idealistic sergeant, sparks fly as they work to solve a murder...but her secrets may lead to their undoing.Sleeping Beau by Lila DiPasquaInspired by the tale of Sleeping Beauty--a scorching hot historical romance novella from the Fiery Tales series. One sleeping rake, one scorching kiss, one night of unforgettable passion...The Art of Seduction by Eileen RichardsA spinster finds freedom as a theatre set painter until a chance meeting with the marquis who broke her heart has her questioning what she wants for her future.The Madam's Highlander by Madeline MartinWhat's the madam of a successful bawdy house in Edinburgh to do when she finds one of the English supported Black Watch soldiers needing to desert his post? She helps him, of course - but there's a high price to pay.Reckless Wager by Christy CarlyleVictorian propriety and passions collide when a beautiful widow makes a wager with a wounded police detective bent on solving the Ripper mystery.

    And the Wicked Earls' Club is the perfect place for a man of his station to indulge in life. That is until his parents make a match for him. Travelling to meet his intended bride, he is convinced he must end this farce. Until he meets Lady Tabitha. A fiery wallflower equally bent on ending their engagement. Lady Tabitha, daughter or the duke, will not be betrothed to a rake no matter what her father thinks of his social connections. As long as she doesn't stare into the depths of his green eyes, or linger on the strong lines of jaw, she should be able to scheme her way out of this engagement. That is, if her intended groom would just cooperate in her plans.

    Will a sizzling wager be enough to melt the frost between them, or will it truly remain the coldest winter in London?April – The Duke and the April Flowers by Grace Burrowes — The Duke of Clonmere must marry one of the Earl of Falmouth’s three giggling younger daughters, but Lady Iris—Falmouth’s oldest, who is not at all inclined to giggling—catches Clonmere’s eye, and his heart!May – Love Letters from a Duke by Gina Conkle — The Duke of Richland needs a proper duchess, but he wants his thoroughly fun, entirely inappropriate neighbor, Mrs. Charlotte Chatham. She’s widowed, older, and if the whispers prove true—barren.June – Her Perfect Duke by Ella Quinn — Still suffering over the loss of his wife and child, Giles, Duke of Kendal sees Lady Thalia Trevor at a market and is instantly smitten. There is only one problem. She is already betrothed to another man. Will she defy her powerful father to marry him? July – How to Ditch a Duke by May McGoldrick — Lady Taylor Fleming is an heiress with a suitor on her tail. Her plan to ditch him is simple, escape to the Highlands. But there is nothing simple about the Duke of Bamberg. And even with the best laid plans, things can go awry…August – To Tempt A Highland Duke by Bronwen Evans — Widowed Lady Flora Grafton must be dreaming. Dougray Firth, Duke of Monreith, who once pledged her his heart but then allowed her to marry another, has just proposed. Why now, after eight years? When she learns the truth, can she trust Dougray to love her enough this time?September – Duke in Search of a Duchess by Jennifer Ashley — The meticulous Duke of Ashford is dismayed when his children ask Helena Courtland, the gossipy, busybody young widow next door, to find Ash a new wife. But she sweeps into his home and his life, turning Ash’s precisely ordered world into a chaotic whirlwind.October – Dear Duke by Anna Harrington — When the Duke of Monmouth, decides to build a canal, he isn’t prepared for an old mill owner and his daughter to stand in his way. The only person who understands him is the anonymous pen pal to whom he’s been pouring out his heart, a woman not at all who she seems.November – Must Love Duke by Heather Snow — Lady Emmaline Paulson already has the only Duke she wants in her life—an adorable puppy she rescued from the Serpentine with the help of a handsome stranger. Can Maxwell Granville, heir to a dukedom, convince her there’s room for him, too?December – The Mistletoe Duke by Sabrina York — The Duchess of Devon can't think of a better way to tempt her widowed son into marrying again, than to throw a Christmas Ball. And there simply must be mistletoe everywhere! But it's not until Jonathan meets his mother's humble companion under the mistletoe, that fireworks erupt.January – Dueling with the Duke by Eileen Dreyer — When Adam Marrick, Duke of Rothray, shows up on Georgie Grace’s doorstep, she thinks it is to become acquainted with his cousin James’s widow and daughter. Instead he brings news that will completely upend their lives and put them all in danger.

    Roy enthralled her with the legend of a mystical sword—almost as much as with his kiss. When she encounters him at a Highland inn, she hears the sword may be real...and that his name isn’t Roy. She determines to find the blade as well as the truth about the enigmatic man she hasn’t been able to forget.Wounded at Culloden, Tavish Crawford lost his family legacy, a centuries-old sword on the battlefield. Now many people would like to find it, including a villainous secret society and the captivating woman who has remained in his memory. When nefarious forces overtake the inn, he’ll do whatever it takes to protect the sword and the woman who has stolen his heart.Previously published under the title Highland Hearts as part of the A Very Highland Christmas anthology