Book picks similar to
Closed Hearts by Regina Puckett


regency
historical-romance
light-reading
rating-3-5-star

Madeleine: A Regency Romance Novella


Mary Lancaster - 2019
    A soldier wounded in mind and body, he has the soul of an artist and the hands of a musician.She falls in love and marries in haste...but will she live to repent? For the castle seems to have a personality of its own, and Roderick, haunted by his past, lives on the edge of insanity.Inspired by Edgar Alan Poe's Fall of the House of Usher, Madeleine is a gothic tale of mystery, danger, passion, and love overcoming all.(Note: This story was first published as part of the USA Today Bestselling Boxed set, The Midnight Hour: All Hallows' Brides, October 2019)

Southern Sons


AnneMarie Brear - 2017
    As war is declared, the idyllic world of Blue Water Station is torn apart when Oliver, the eldest grandson and heir, shares his desire to enlist in the army. His enthusiasm ignites his brother, cousins and friends to do the same, but upsets his sister, Tilly. After a tragic family incident, Tilly is left to run the cattle station and take care of the older folk. A chance meeting with a sophisticated Lieutenant opens up a friendship through letters, but it’s a rogue stockman who attracts her attention with dire consequences. With the men at war, and her heart pulled in two directions, Tilly must grow up quickly and face the consequences of her rash decisions. Will She find her own happiness? Surviving a baptism of battle fire in Gallipoli, Turkey, Oliver and the men are sent to France and feel the brutal force of the Western Front. The only glimmer of light for Oliver is his relationship with Jessica, an army nurse. But as the terrors of war impact him, he feels the heavy guilt of encouraging the others to follow him into combat. Will he, and they, ever make it home to Blue Water. Can the grandchildren of Kitty McKenzie survive the horrors of war?

Captain Jack Ryder: The Duke's Bastard


Maggi Andersen - 2018
    The death of Captain Jack Ryder’s father, the Duke of Stamford, leaves Jack restless. The Duchess’ spiteful relatives have made his life a misery, and he wants nothing more than to escape London for a time. Dressed in buckskin breeches, he takes to the road on his horse, Arion, with the intention of visiting his mother’s grave in Ireland. But after one day, events conspire to interrupt his plans. Jack finds himself not only caught up in a conspiracy of immense proportions, but also in a passionate love affair with a lady he cannot marry. Lady Ashley Lambourne’s father, the Marquess of Butterstone has been murdered, and Jack promises to find his killer. A close friend of Jack’s from his army days, Harry Feather, heir to one of the largest fortunes in England, faces an arranged marriage to Lady Erina Roundtree. A tall half-Irish beauty, Erina is a spirited lady, who makes it plain she doesn’t wish to marry Harry, either. Determined to enjoy a quiet existence after his years fighting Bonaparte, Harry fears Erina will run him ragged. Why he is indulging Erina in one of her harebrained schemes is beyond him, when he should marry a quiet woman like Florence Beckworth.

When Highland Lightning Strikes (Highland Talents)


Willa Blair - 2020
    But on the day of the Clan Council’'s vote, a new lass steals his breath and his heart, making him question the ambition that drives him. When he begins to suspect she has a hidden talent that could help his clan, he must overcome the painful disappointment of the past before it costs him the future he desires.A Lass in ExileBecause of her strange ability, Shona’'s village banished her to live with a distant uncle after her parents died. When she catches the eye of the prospective laird of her new home, she fears the clan'’s scrutiny may cause her to be expelled again, or worse. But Angus seems determined to win her heart, and Shona can’'t help wanting to give it to him, despite the risks.A Love Lifted out of the RuinsBroken promises and broken dreams litter their pasts, and their present. Can they build a future from the ruins?

Second Chance Marquess


Jessica Jefferson - 2017
     When Wilhelmina Turner’s younger sister runs off with a young Lothario, she has no choice but to turn to the notorious rake who broke his promise and her heart, for assistance. George Bartlett, the Marquess of Chesterton, hasn’t forgotten the woman who hurt him so many years ago, but can’t deny her request, knowing that his brother’s reputation and fortune is at risk. A series of misfortunes leave the straight-laced widow and committed bachelor stranded, sharing both close quarters and old secrets. But when morning comes, will this unlikely pair find a second chance at love?

Triskelion


Avril Borthiry - 2014
    Where the legend ends, the story begins... Lancashire, England, AD 1480 The story of England's last wolf plays a large part in Kate's life. The man who killed the wolf is her father, Sir John Harrington, lord and master of Wraysholme Manor. Strangely, though, her knowledge of the tale is all second-hand. Her father, for unknown reasons, refuses to speak of exactly what happened the day the wolf was killed. Nor will he speak of Kate's mother, who died soon after giving birth. So, Kate is left to wonder about her past, although lately her curiosity has been overshadowed by a series of unusual dreams. Indeed, her lonely heart has been captured by the handsome stranger who speaks to her in sleep. But he is not the only man who haunts her nights. There is another who lurks in the shadows of her subconscious. Who is he, and why does she feel so threatened by him? When Kate is brutally snatched from her home, she begins to understand the meaning behind her dreams and the incredible truth about her past. Her captor is a man void of emotion and without conscience, yet Kate finds herself irresistibly drawn to his dark charisma. As the reason for her kidnapping is revealed, Kate is faced with a decision. Will she find the courage to make the right choice? Can the love of a gentle heart hope to save an unfeeling and corrupted soul? Perhaps – especially if their destinies were preordained long ago. The death of the wolf, it seems, is part of an much older legend.

The Lady and The Rake: Regency Romance


Agnes Forest - 2018
    She must become the companion of Lady Jane Busick, a close longtime family friend. The job itself will not be difficult for Selina, who loves Lady Jane as she did her own parents. It is the lady’s infuriating nephew who will make her task unbearable. From childhood, Adam Caldwell, the Viscount Hawkridge, has been a thorn in her side, and now she will be forced to spend far more time in his company than she is happy with, as Lady Jane resides in his home. The Lady and The Rake is a clean, stand-alone historical romance.

De Wolfe in Disguise: De Wolfe Pack Connected World


Jennifer Siddoway - 2018
     Lady Rebekah Maxwell has no idea what to expect when the messengers from House De Wolfe come riding to her father’s castle. She knows they are here to answer her marriage proposal, but nothing of the man she’s intended to marry. When Leonidus De Wolfe arrives at Castle Caerlaverock he is enchanted with the Lady Rebekah instantly, but when she mistakes him for one of the guards he sees an opportunity. He hopes that she will come to know him as a man, and not just the title that comes with his name. Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

The Jilted Earl


Kelly Anne Bruce - 2016
    It wasn't that she didn't want a husband, she just hated the crowds and false joy of the parties. And then when she finally met a man she knew she could love, he was quickly taken by another. She knew she was unremarkable compared to the other young women in society, but she still managed some hope that she would marry for love. Nicholas of Meadcaster was only an earl. This was the second strike against him at the moment. The first was that he had been quite ill - to the point of near death - and he was still recovering. His brother encouraged him to go to London to find a suitable wife. A wife who would care for him should his illness return. Nicholas makes some poor choices and Isabella is forgotten. When his choices haunt him, will Nicholas look for a new path or wallow in misery? Will Isabella find the courage to be bold and claim the man she is falling in love with?

Mr. Pickwick's Guide to Marriageable Young Ladies


Jill M. Beene - 2020
    Above the turmoil rises one question...Who is Mr. Pickwick?A man who doesn't care for society...There's very little that the wealthy Duke of Devonshire worries about, but his family is an exception. There's nothing Edward won't do for those he loves...A lady who is good at being invisible...Lady Eleanor Gilbert is beneath society's notice, and that's exactly how she likes it. The last thing she wants is for a Duke to look her way. After all, she has many secrets, and attention is dangerous...An unseen menace that could destroy them both...Will Edward and Eleanor be able to overcome the secrets they keep and the danger that faces them?

Eleanor


Sydney Jane Baily - 2019
    Luckily, she has a dashing hero to assist her. But his puzzling past may tear them apart.Eleanor Blackwood is thrilled to spend time at her best friend’s country estate. Angsley Hall overflows with the breathtaking natural beauty of fields, forests, and a mighty river, as well as with a mystery or two. She’s even more delighted by the unexpected arrival of the man who has secretly captured her heart.Grayson O’Connor is not immune to Eleanor’s charms. True, she still climbs trees and acts rashly, but she also has a quick wit and joyful humor. Yet with his own past cloaked in shadows, he’s not convinced he has the right to pursue this innocent spirit.Amidst a week of drenching squalls, they begin an intriguing treasure hunt based on Edgar Allan Poe’s The Gold Bug. Danger becomes all too real with midnight intruders, shots in the dark, and a perilously swollen river cresting its banks. Unlike Poe’s story of pirate booty, Eleanor and Gray discover the greatest treasure is the precious human heart—theirs to cherish or to tear apart.Engaging characters, attention to period detail, and passionate romance with a touch of intrigue—you’ll find it all in the stories by USA Today bestselling writer Sydney Jane Baily.(Note: This story was first published as part of the USA Today Bestselling Boxed set, The Midnight Hour: All Hallows' Brides, October 2019)

A Bride for Tom AND A Husband for Margaret: 2 Novellas in 1 Book


Ruth Ann Nordin - 2010
    

Happy by Accident... or Not?: A Pride and Prejudice variation


Michelle D'Arcy - 2021
    Phillips’ house and the disturbing conversation during which Wickham reveals to Elizabeth his past misfortunes caused by Darcy.On a cold autumn morning, Elizabeth takes a long walk to clear her thoughts and to escape Mr. Collins’s annoying attentions.Her solitary reverie is interrupted by cries for help and she discovers Mr. Bingley, who has fallen from his horse and is lying at the edge of a marsh. While Elizabeth tries to assist him, Darcy appears in search of his friend. With the threat of a storm approaching, Darcy hurries to fetch more help and Elizabeth remains with Bingley — a good opportunity for them to disagree about Darcy’s character.Mr. Bingley’s wounds are not severe, but serious enough to affect his plans for the ball. Also, the disclosure of his argument with Miss Elizabeth will trouble Darcy, contradicting all his previous beliefs about the woman he secretly admires.Therefore, the two gentlemen must decide how they want to proceed with the ladies of their hearts.With several surprise visitors attending the Netherfield Ball, with opinions and feelings changed, with secrets unveiled and the truth finally exposed, our beloved couples will interact, argue, reconcile, bear some misunderstandings and suffer from a little bit of jealousy before they reach their well-deserved ‘Happily Ever After’.

The Mad Heiress Meets the Duke


Isabella Thorne - 2016
    Nearly a decade ago, when her fiance jilted her, she threw herself down the stairs in a fit of passion, or maybe it was a parapet or perhaps a cliff. The Ton isn’t too sure, but they certainly won’t forgive nor let her forget. Georgette is sure she will never love again, and she hasn’t. Now she is companion to her young cousin and chaperoning her coming out. She has no prospects herself. She only needs a moment to catch her breath, to push away the unhappy thoughts of her own coming out. Georgette walks alone into the garden. She smells cigar smoke and realizes there is a man out here. He is unfamiliar and since she is not introduced, she turns to leave. Not wanting to disturb him, because she knows he will put out his smoke in deference to her, she hurries away, but it is too late. He has seen her and knows her.Meet Charles, Duke of Eversley, Miss Quinby’s long ago fiancé’s dear friend and erstwhile British spy in the continuing war with France. It was the Duke’s waspish younger sister who caught Miss Quinby’s fiancé and married him. Georgette certainly didn’t want to open that wound. Neither did the duke, but a cipher in a potted plant, an English traitor, a young gambler and star-crossed lovers pull the jaded couple together. From the ballrooms of the English Aristocracy to ices at Vauxhall to gambling hells, and secret meetings at the British Museum, they will dare much for king and country. They find a common friendship, but both swear they will never love again…but will they?

Rory (The Rakehells of Rochester Book 3)


J.A. Templeton - 2017
    When he awakens, he’s delighted to discovery Shannon O’Connor, a stunning maid, caring for him. Aroused and intrigued by the mysterious woman, Rory is determined to find out her secrets. But first, he plans to thoroughly seduce her with the most scorching, irresistible passion. Shannon O’Connor is on the run after her parents perish in a fire meant to wipe out her entire family. The only way Shannon can survive is to work as a servant in the home of wealthy English aristocrats. When her employer’s brother, a notorious rakehell is brought to the home with a bullet wound, it is Shannon’s responsibility to care for him. Just as she becomes comfortable in her position as nursemaid to the charming rogue, the person who killed her parents arrives ready to finish the job he started. NOTE: THE RAKEHELLS OF ROCHESTER is a steamy historical romance series intended for mature readers over the age of 18.