Book picks similar to
Portrait of Love by Abby Ayles


historical-romance
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rom
relationships-with-family

Desiring the Earl She Hates


Harriet Caves - 2021
    Until his father was murdered at the hands of his sworn enemies.But the fire Verity ignites in him was not at all what he had planned. Or that he would marry her after their compromise. Torn between their hatred and their passion for each other, the ghosts of their past start emerging one by one. And they all desire one thing: revenge.

The Crawfords Series: A Regency Romance Collection


Sophie Barnes - 2021
    Only he doesn't want the title. He'd rather help three spinsters fix a leaky roof. Disguised as a laborer, he falls for Mary and she returns his affection. Until she learns that he's more than he seems and that she's in danger of getting hurt.More than a RogueWith a broken engagement behind her, Emily Howard knows she's destined to be a spinster. Nevertheless, it might still be nice to learn about kissing. But when she's discovered in the arms of Griffin Crawford, she flees to save not only him but her very own heart. Because in her experience, dreams don't come true. Do they?Her Seafaring ScoundrelLady Cassandra has no desire to marry. But when Captain Devlin Crawford brings scandal to her doorstep and offers salvation, she cannot say no. Not with her daughter’s future at stake. So she decides to accept Devlin’s offer, provided he agrees to never be intimate with her. For although Cassandra is drawn to Devlin, she refuses to dishonor the memory of her one true love.If you love independent heroines and heroes willing to go to the ends of the earth for them, you'll love this series!**Note: These books were previously published individually**

A Bride to Melt the Sheriff’s Iron Heart


Melynda Carlyle - 2020
    A sheriff with an iron heart. Their worlds are fated to collide.Melanie Thomson is an outspoken woman who was raised by her father as a tomboy. if she was a son. When he passes, she is hurled into a world she does not understand. Trapped in high society and courted by to a man she never loved, she makes a run for herself and flees town.Peter Matherson, the sheriff with a rugged past, finds himself increasingly attracted to this headstrong woman arriving in his town. He tries approaching her through the school she has replied for a job to no avail.But when his adversaries and her past collide, the pair is forced into an unexpected alliance that will reveal more about themselves than they ever anticipated. Can the truth set their lives on the right path?If you like stories full of unexpected turns and you believe strong hearts attract, then this book is for you!*If you like engaging characters, heart- wrenching twists and turns, and lots of romance, then you’ll love “A Bride to Melt the Sheriff’s Iron Heart”!Buy “A Bride to Melt the Sheriff’s Iron Heart” and unlock the exciting story of Peter and Melanie today!Get This Book FREE With Kindle Unlimited!

Forging the Shilling Girl (The Hudson Sagas Book 1)


Emma Hardwick - 2020
    Young, widowed Clare Byrne, is escaping the famine in Ireland. On the coffin ship from Dublin, in the final hours of the journey to England, Clare goes into labour. Weakened and alone, the young, beleaguered mother gives birth near the quayside. Unable to look after the newborn, the child is bought for a single shilling by a curious gentleman, the industrialist Samuel Hudson. What will happen to the young girl? What plans does Mr Hudson have for her? Will the child thrive, or merely survive? Also by Emma Hardwick ----------------------------------- The Urchin of Walton Hall

A Perilous Road to her Heart


Carol Colyer - 2020
    All she ever wanted is to meet a promising young man to fall in love with. To her surprise, a secret admirer gives her hope for the first time that true love actually exists. Little did she know that her world would soon fall apart and her priorities would change drastically as her brother gets unexpectedly kidnapped. Based on the rustlers' demand, she has to be the one delivering the ransom money. Against her will, though, deputy Heath decides to accompany her to this dangerous mission. Will she find the courage to bridge her differences with the one man in town she doesn't like, in order to save her only brother?As the deputy in Charlesland, Heath Jackson is really passionate about his role while at the same time he takes care of his parents. Ever since his older sister passed away in a horrible accident, his parents have been in a constant depressed state which has seriously concerned him. What brightens his day is the girl of his dreams and his best friend's little sister, Lottie, however, he hasn't been able to express his love for her sincerely. Unbeknownst to them, fate and ruthless criminals will finally bring them closer together. Will he be able to save his friend and protect Lottie during this risky quest? Will he declare his true feelings to the woman he loves?When it all comes to a terrifying clash, lives are hanging on a ledge, while both Lottie and Heath will be forced to admit what they really mean to each other. Will the opportunity ever come for them to be together? Will Lottie ultimately choose a romance with her secret admirer or with her childhood nemesis?"A Perilous Road to her Heart" is a historical western romance novel of approximately 60,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

His Wicked Lady


Ruth Ann Nordin - 2016
    Yes, she’s been more fortunate than most. She was once married to a wonderful gentleman, and this love resulted in her young son—a boy she loves more than anything. But even a son can’t fill the void in her life. She misses having a husband, both in and out of bed, so when she happens to come across a gentleman at a ball who ignites her passion, she decides he’ll be her next husband. And she’s not the least bit shy about letting him know it. Just as determined as Regan is to have Mr. Malcolm Jasper for a husband, he’s equally determined to end up with anyone but her. If he marries her, his life will be one of chaos and scandal. He’s sure of it. After all, she’s much too outspoken and flirtatious. So he jumps at the chance for an arranged marriage, thinking once he secures a reputable and quiet bride, Regan will leave him alone. Little does he know, though, his sister and her two friends know Regan wants to marry him, and they are more than happy to help Regan get what she wants. Regan’s risk pays off. She manages to secure him as her husband. Will the gamble pay off? Or has she just unknowingly doomed them both?

Alice's Journey West: Finding Her Way (Clean Pioneer Western Story Book 2)


Katherine St. Clair - 2018
    Will she finally find what she is looking for? The American Civil war has torn Alice Cleary’s family apart, and cast the children amongst what friends and relations would have them. And though Alice appreciates the home she and her younger brother, Will, have had with her aunt and uncle, when they pressure her to marry an older man for their benefit, she flees to the sanctuary of the church. There, sister Agnes helps to set Alice’s feet on a path that will lead her across the country. In Kansas, Will finds a place on their sister Louisa’s farm, but times are hard and as much as she craves the security of her own people, there is no place for Alice. Her journey lies onward, in the wilds of New Mexico. After navigating risk and peril, Alice comes into her own. She knows her own mind – and her own heart. But when it is broken, will Alice have the strength and courage to remain true to herself?

The Teacher Who Stole His Heart: A Historical Western Romance Book


Ellen Knightley - 2021
    Moving to Salinas to be a teacher is a dream come true for her, and she feels like she has everything she could ever wish for. Life as she knows it is about to change forever though when the son of the late bookstore owner asks her to be his teacher. Unexpectedly and intensely drawn to this gentle and charming man, she finds herself cherishing every moment they spend together for their lessons. Could this act of kindness end in sudden heartbreak for Becky though, or is a true love she never anticipated in the cards for her?When Carson Lattimer finds out that his father has passed away and left him the family bookstore, he knows his place is back home. He is determined to look after his mother and sister, but a secret he has kept for years is standing in his way… he cannot read or write. Even though this is a sore spot for him, one that brings back painful memories of his father’s cruelty, he decides it is finally time to learn. Turning to the beautiful young school teacher for help, Carson has no idea that his lessons with Becky will become his favorite part of the day. When their blossoming relationship spurs ill-intentioned accusations in town though, will he fight for the woman who has captured his heart so completely?Becky and Carson experience an extraordinary connection and together they will learn what true love is. However, a black cloud seems to hang over them and a man cut from the same cloth as Carson’s father threatens to ruin their happiness. Will they manage to overcome the powerful and menacing forces in town and live the fairytale life they were meant for?"The Teacher Who Stole His Heart" is a historical western romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Dashing Dukes and Romantic Rogues


Christi Caldwell - 2019
    From USA Today and Best Selling authors come five delicious Regency tales of Dashing Dukes and Romantic Rogues.Only For His Lady by Christi CaldwellThe Rayne family is trapped in a rut of bad luck. And now, it's up to Lady Theodosia Rayne to steal back the Theodosia sword, a gladius that was pilfered by the rival, loathed Renshaw family. The last thing Theodosia expects however, is that she’ll fall for the head of the Renshaw family...the Devil Duke.My Wild Duke by Eva DevonLady Beatrix Westport was once destined to be the most successful debutant the ton has ever seen but tragedy has stolen all her future. Captain Adam Duke loves adventure and justice. After meeting Lady Beatrix, he longs to convince her to choose a life of love. But will her broken past drive them apart?Her Errant Earl by Scarlett ScottWhen American heiress Victoria fell in love with the Earl of Pembroke, she never imagined he’d heartlessly wed, bed, and abandon her in the countryside. After he suddenly returns, determined to prove to her he’s a changed man, she’s not about to forgive him, trust him, or succumb to his scorching kisses.Hell in a Hand Basket by Annabelle AndersOnce in motion, their lie spirals into a web of deceit and guilt. Was Sophia and Devlin's grasp at heaven worth a lifetime of hell? Because love endures but the heart has it’s limits…My Earl's Entrapment by Tammy AndresenLord William Addington has been forced into retirement as one of the Prince Regent's domestic spies. He still has one case to solve while attending a house party when an adorably feisty lady enters his room in the middle of the night. He now has another delicious mystery on his hands. Why is Lady Roselyn Pennington snooping about?

Mail Order Bride: New Beginnings: A Collection of Mail Order Bride & Christian Romance


Sandee Keegan - 2021
     Laurel's New Beginning : Laurel knew true love, and lost it when her fiancé was killed in a riding accident. Now, her younger sister is in love and wants to be married. But, as Laurel is the elder sister, their father refuses to let Priscilla be married first. Out of equal parts loyalty to her sister, and the understanding that she’ll never again know the love she once had, Laurel answers an advertisement in the Matrimonial Times. Now, she’s in a town far from her family with Derek Binder, the handsome, grieving widower, living as his servant and waiting to be his wife.

A Wallflower's Wish Boxed Set: Three Regency Romances


Maggie Dallen - 2021
    Or at least, she was. But this season her prospects are brighter and, much to her mother's delight, she may just make a match. When the duke she once adored from a distance arrives at the house party she's attending with her friends, she knows for certain her luck has changed.Until she meets him.A Lord for Miss LilyLily’s lord is her long lost friend. He’s also her worst enemy.Lord Merrick is perfectly handsome and charming…but this lord is a complete traitor. Lily knows this for a fact as she is the very person he turned his back on. Now she’s determined to avoid him at the house party she’s been trapped at with her former friend.The only problem? Lord Merrick is like the plague… he just keeps cropping up.A Marquess for Miss MarigoldAll this wounded marquess wants is solitude. Instead, he stumbles across a wallflower…literally.It wasn’t as though Marigold was hiding, she was just…lying low. In an abandon shed. Admidst a houseparty where both her best friends had managed to become engaged.In a few days she can escape to her quiet life a solitude and books. Alone. Forever. But then the prodigal son returns to the manor and charges into her life with the military precision one might expect from a war hero. Even more terrifying, he refuses to ignore her like the rest of society. Of course, he doesn’t.

Dealing with the Duchess


J.R. Salisbury - 2016
    As a widow, she has certain freedoms other women do not. But she has neither the time nor inclination to look for dalliance. She’s much too busy overseeing the very special properties left to her by the late duke—including the elite gaming hell known as Dante’s Inferno. Until another nobleman returns to London and reminds her that she is still a young, passionate woman.The Duke of Evermont, has returned from his sugar plantations in the Caribbean. His life is full running his estates and seeing to his investments. The last thing he’s searching for is a wife. That is until he sees Eleanor again, and other society beauties fade in comparison. The last time he saw her, Eleanor was walking down the aisle to another man. This time, Evermont is determined not to let the beautiful and vibrant lady slip through his hands. Fortunately for him, the duchess turns to him for help—and he’s more than willing to sweep her under his ducal cloak of protection. Whether his assistance is required in shielding her from members of society foolish enough to gamble away their fortunes, or from the heartless schemes of her own father—Evermont will do what it takes to show her their future together is a sure thing.

The Twelfth Night of the Duchess


Tiffany Baton - 2021
    Posing as a noble upon her Lady’s insistent request, she finds herself not only attending the Season’s grandest balls, but also a betrothed Duchess-to-be.Robert Jameson, brother of the Duke of Cromwell, has spent his years struggling with his horrid reputation and terrible relationship with his mother. Still, he is quite certain that nothing could ever compare to his most recent sin: falling for his brother’s betrothed.Caught between duty and lies, threatening letters turn Jane’s happiness to ashes in her mouth. For, someone knows her secrets; even ones she doesn’t know herself. On Twelfth Night, the masks shatter and the face they see behind them has been dead for a long while.

London Stranger


Joyce Alec - 2020
    Lord Strickland does not want her involved. Can they learn to work together and maybe even fall in love along the way?Lady Juliet has been hoping for a successful London Season but before she even arrives, a dreadful scene greets her. Finding a mysterious letter, Juliet does all she can to remove the memory from her mind but finds it difficult to return to society. Things are made all the worse when she overhears someone planning something disastrous for Lord Strickland – something that Juliet cannot keep to herself.Duncan, the Earl of Strickland, finds the beau monde to be more than a little frustrating. Wealthy and titled, he is tired of young ladies approaching him who care only about his great fortune. However, when Lady Juliet tells him of what she has overheard, it throws them both into a great mystery and surrounds them with danger.As the questions begin to increase and the mystery deepens, Duncan and Juliet find themselves all the more entwined together. With the threat growing ever closer, they must find a way to unearth the truth – and then, perhaps, examine their hearts.

Highlander's Twin Flame


Shona Thompson - 2020
    That's what Adamina, the wife of Laird Domnhall Buchan, was. All he wanted was to worship her, but she never allowed him to get close.After returning from a trip looking soft and vulnerable, Domnhall crosses every limit between them to be with her. And after a taste, he can't get enough.Allie is heading towards a life that is not hers to a man she doesn't belong to. One day, she is just a maid. The next one, she is traveling to take her place as the wife of a Laird.This is her punishment for sharing the same face as Lady Adamina of the Buchan Clan. She gave Allie a choice: "either take my place or die."There's fine a line between right and wrong, and Allie crosses it when she accepts the deal and surrenders to the husband that she shouldn't love.With happiness within their grasp, they don't know that the dream will become a nightmare and that, when Adamina returns, the truth will crush them both…Love and hate share the same face, and he's thirsty for them both…"Highlander's Twin Flame" is a Historical Scottish romance novel of more than 80,000 words (around 440 pages). STANDALONE, No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.*If you like brawny Highland warriors with a soft heart, and steamy romantic stories depicting the majestic and mysterious Scottish Highlands, then Highlander's Twin Flame is the perfect novel for you.