Book picks similar to
Tempered Steel by Paul J. Bennett


suspense-rom
sword
alternate-history
fantasy-epic

Highlander's Betrayed Princess


Alisa Adams - 2020
     Eilidh has tears in her eyes while riding away from the only home she ever knew. Young Eilidh had to make the hardest choice of her life, trying to avoid marring a Laird twice her age, known for his cruelty.Now, travelling disguised, she meets lain, a leatherworker who is moving to a larger village in search of a better life for him and his sisters. Eilidh keeps Iain at a distance in the begging, but even a more experienced woman would have a hard time resisting an imposing man like Iain. And Eilidh is anything but experienced.While trying to escape a ferocious hunt ordered by her father, young Eilidh is slowly falling in love and is about to get one of the harshest lessons there are;Utter betrayal can only come from the one you let closest to your heart.

Song of Alaska Pack


Tracie Peterson - 2010
    A collection of three dramatic stories of love and difficult choices set in the Alaskan frontier from bestselling author Tracie Peterson.

The Music of Love Boxed Set: The Amelia Atherton Collection


Isabella Thorne - 2017
    The Complete Amelia Atherton Regency Romance Series Enjoy The Music of Love (The Amelia Atherton 4-in-1 Collection) What happens when the Queen of the Season loses her crown? Lady Amelia Atherton is not a woman to be trifled with. Known as the diamond of the Ton, she is beautiful, witty, the only daughter of the Duke of Ely and everything that a well-bred girl should be. The men of the Peerage see her as a prize to be won and perhaps a way to obtain her father’s influence. Amelia was always carful to guard her feelings. That is until she met Commander Samuel Beresford, the brash, sometimes rude, younger son, of the Earl of Blackburn. Still the jewel of the Season could never consider marrying a second son. A Naval Commander at that! Two people have never been so mismatched, but when Amelia’s father, The Duke of Ely, dies under mysterious circumstances, and Samuel’s older brother is nearly poisoned within a mere day of one another, both Lady Amelia and Commander Beresford find themselves locked in a desperate search for the culprit. Everything Lady Amelia once took for granted has been shattered, and with the Dukedom in the hands of her odious Uncle Declan, Amelia and Samuel plan an elaborate ruse, but can no longer convince themselves that their relationship is purely to solve a mystery. Lady Amelia Atherton, considered herself tough as a diamond, but perhaps Samuel Beresford has found his way into her heart. A tragic accident, a secret cypher, a clandestine engagement and strange twist of Fate brought the unlikely pair together…but now nothing will keep them apart. Neither could imagine falling in love now it seems they cannot imagine it with anyone else. Enjoy the complete story of Lady Amelia Atherton and Commander Samuel Beresford. The Music of Love is a Regency Romance set in 1811-1820 and is marked by witty banter, balls, and country house parties, much like Jane Austen's famous Pride and Prejudice.

Caesar Triumphant


R.W. Peake - 2013
    The story opens with the last target of conquest: an island nation known then as the Isles of Wa, and what we know today as the country of Japan. It will be the final challenge of a remarkable career, but facing him and his battle-hardened Legions are a race of people as fiercely dedicated to the profession of arms, and fanatically devoted to their emperor as any foe Caesar and his Romans have ever faced. The Wa have never tasted defeat, repelling every attempted invasion of their sacred islands. In these warriors, has Caesar and his unstoppable force of an army finally met their match in the immovable object, in the form of the men of Wa, or will Caesar once again be triumphant? Caesar Triumphant is an alternative history, by the author of the bestselling and critically acclaimed Marching With Caesar series, R.W. Peake, featuring Titus Pullus, Legionary of Rome.

Hindustaan: An Epic Adventure of the Mughal Empire


Mainak Dhar - 2011
    That superpower was what we know today as India under the Mughal Empire. Years of internal strife, attacks by Afghan raiders and finally conquest by the British led to the decline and destruction of this mighty empire.But what if India had never been conquered by the British? What if it remained a mighty and prosperous nation under the rule of the Mughal Empire?A nation known as Hindustaan.Dilli, 1857. The Mughal Empire is at the peak of its power and is gearing up to celebrate the hundredth anniversary of its victory over the British, an occasion where the popular Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar is widely expected to announce his successor. The Empire is thrown into sudden chaos when the Emperor is assassinated and a new regime seizes power in a bloody coup. In this maelstrom, three unlikely companions find themselves thrown together by fate. Ranveer, a young officer in the elite Mughal cavalry, who is now hunted by the very Empire he served; Theo, a rakish English traveller with a mysterious past and Maya, a beautiful and spirited Princess they rescue. Together, they embark on a series of dramatic adventures across Hindustaan. A journey that takes them from bloody skirmishes with Afghan raiders, rescue missions in remote forts, joining a coalition of rulers who band together against the new despotic regime to protect their independence, and finally back into the heart of Dilli for a dramatic mission.The stage is set for a monumental struggle that will decide not just their fate, but that of the whole of Hindustaan.

Two Silver Crosses


Beryl Kingston - 1993
    . . and the power of love to change lives. In 1926 the Holborn twins, Ginny and her blind sister Emily, disappear from their comfortable home in Wolverhampton. Why? No one knew. Ten years later, aspiring solicitor Charlie Commoner is dispatched to France to track them down. What he finds instead is a mystery, a tragedy and a love affair. But as the Second World War darkens over Europe, so, too, does the legacy from a terrifying disease that holds the family in its grip . . . As warmhearted as Maeve Binchy, as compulsive as The Shell Seekers, Two Silver Crosses is unputdownable. Beryl Kingston was born and brought up in Tooting. After taking her degree at London University, she taught English and Drama at various London schools as well as bringing up her three children. She and her husband now live in Sussex. Her other titles include Hearts and Farthings, Kisses and Ha’pennies, A Time to Love, Tuppenny Times, Fourpenny Flyer, Sixpenny Stalls, London Pride, and War Baby.

Lords of the Highlands: Seven Great Highland Romances


Kathryn Le Veque - 2017
    Lose yourself in the majesty and romance of this great historical romance collection brought to you by seven top historical romance authors. This limited edition bundle includes: DEEP INTO DARKNESS by Kathryn Le Veque: Based on “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe, this story involves a hunky highlander, his lovely wife, a dark and creepy castle on the Scotland coast, and chains rattling in the night…. TAKEN BY THE HIGHLANDER by Eliza Knight: A warrior on a mission falls for a lady who has sworn off love. A LOVE THROUGH TIME By Terri Brisbin: An archway in time...A man in search of his future in the past...A woman who holds the key. MY FIERCE HIGHLANDER by Vonda Sinclair: Gwyneth, a scandalous English lady banished to the Highlands of Scotland, and Alasdair, an injured enemy chief, join forces against her malicious and violent family. As the danger and conflict surrounding them escalate, the two discover an explosive passion neither of them expected. TAMING THE WILD HIGHLANDER by Terry Spear: Edana is searching for her missing brothers and that leads Angus into a faux marriage with her, dungeons and more trouble than he ever thought possible. So why is the bewitching, fiery-haired lass making him think of marrying her for real? KILTS AND KISSES by Victoria Roberts: Her only refuge is in the arms of her enemy. HIGHLAND MOON by Gwyn Brodie: He held her life in his hands. She held his soul.

Highlander's Spirited Bride


Lydia Kendall - 2021
    Until the unthinkable happens: her brother, the current Laird, arranges a marriage for her, in order to help the clan. And it devastates her.A widower and a father, Connan MacLaren needs to find a wife for the sake of his son and for this purpose only. But the woman that is presented as his future wife is the most beautiful creature he has ever seen. Not to mention the wildest.When the death of a maid sparks an ongoing investigation, Connan has to protect April from both herself and the one who wants to harm her. Yet, Connan has to choose: stay with April or follow his King’s orders. But did the King actually order an attack on April’s clan? And how is everything tied to the death of a simple maid?

Patrick's Proposal (The Langley Legacy #2)


Hildie McQueen - 2018
    Seeking shelter in a barn she prays for a reprieve from a life of misery. When the son of a family in good standing helps her, Emma knows he'll expect something in return. It's time to run again, but where can she possibly go?Patrick Langley's life has been good but predictable. When a woman needing protection enters his life on a stormy night, little does he realize, just how much things are about to change. She brings equal parts of passion and danger. The first is stronger than any storm.A story of trust and new beginnings.  Note: Explicit Adult Content " Beare and Forbeare"

An Old Love's Shadow


Abby Gray - 1999
    She’s on a charitable mission, by damn, and that rowdy cantina next door is drowning out her gospel singing. The clash with the sexy-as-hell man who runs the cantina hits with enough force to burn down the small Mexican town. What happens in Mexico… Is supposed to stay in Mexico but Hunter can’t get that blonde with the ice blue eyes out of his mind when he goes home to Texas. Finding her isn’t the problem. Convincing her that he’s interested—well, that’s another story. Mercy tried to get over Hunter, especially when she found out about his past. She had two choices: move on or give him one more chance because no other man should have to live in an old love’s shadow. If you liked Carolyn Brown’s books, Love Is, Trouble in Paradise, The Wager or The Yard Rose, you will love An Old Love’s Shadow.

United Under the Western Sky


Grace Clemens - 2020
    Just a week after her meeting with the local matchmaker, Annie is on a train riding across the country to meet her future husband, sight unseen. Unfortunately, when she arrives, Annie isn't met by the kind farmer she'd been expecting but by the brooding and rough former bounty hunter, Josiah. Although a bit overwhelmed at first, Annie feels the spark between them and decides to embrace the unknown. But is she truly ready to let go of the life she knew for a love she never thought she'd find?Bounty hunter Josiah Bright has been on the road for as long as he can remember. When he stumbles upon a young, orphaned girl, though, his life will change forever. Determined to find out what happened to the girl's mother, Josiah decides to stay in town for a while, helping the local sheriff get to the bottom of the case. As the days turn to weeks, it seems like he's going to be spending more time in Jackson than he'd originally intended. With a new house, a new job, and a daughter, there's only one thing he is missing; a wife. The empty place in his heart will be filled by the kind and sweet Annie, who will instantly diminish all of his concerns and brighten his days. Can he soften his sharp edges, giving love a chance before it is lost once and for all?Neither Josiah nor Annie are sure that they will warm up to each other at first. However, with a young girl to care for and a house to run, the ice is quickly broken. Both are thrown into a way of life they had never dreamed of, but without even realizing it, they will soon get lost in unique, unexpected emotions. When a new threat appears, will the couple be strong enough to stay true to their new feelings?"United Under the Western Sky" is a historical romance novel of approximately 60,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

The Sailor and the School Teacher


Danni Roan - 2019
    Despite the loving admonitions of her beloved friends, she can never walk away from someone in need. When two thugs on the streets of New York kidnap a traveler Xenia has no choice but to follow them and attempt a rescue. Birch Oakem has been sent to the big city by his father to conduct business concerning the expansion of the Oakem ranch in Montana. Trying to navigate the crowded streets and narrow alleys of the city leads him to the main port area and an encounter with a captain in need of a few extra hands. Can two people thrown together in the most unlikely of circumstances save each other from the harshest realities of a voyage at sea or will a deeper secret land them in even more trouble? Find out how two hearts tossed by the waves of fate survive their trials with a little help from some friends.

The Wolf Cub


David Pilling - 2015
    The great city of Constantinople, last remnant of the once-mighty Roman Empire, falls to the Ottoman armies of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. An English knight named Sir John Page is taken prisoner by the Ottomans, and forced to entertain the Sultan with tales of the West. Page chooses to tell the story of his own long career as a soldier of fortune in France, Bohemia and the Italian city-states. Page’s tale begins in the year of Agincourt, Henry V’s famous victory over the French. As the bastard son of Thomas Page, a famous mercenary captain known as The Half-Hanged Man or The Wolf of Burgundy, Page soon acquires the nickname of The Wolf Cub. After slaying his cousin in a duel, Page flees his home and joins a band of outlaws in the forests of Sussex. At last - tired of the brutality of his companions - he decides to leave England and join the English army in Normandy. There he endures brutal sieges, vicious combats, torture, betrayal and imprisonment, all to win glory and redeem his father's name. Trapped in the Sultan’s prison, Page must hope his story is enough to save him from the executioner’s blade....at least for another three days...

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.

Angelique's Storm


Paula W. Millet - 2016
    But she had battled the storms of life before, and she would not be intimidated, not by nature’s fury nor by a man, even one who once had her heart….... When the beautiful plantation-born socialite Angelique Latour is swept off her feet and quickly wedded to a swarthy scoundrel, her world is turned upside down. Although schooled to be a charming, proper Creole belle, her fine education does not prepare her for the cruel irony that leaves her penniless and alone. Haunted by loss and betrayal, she refuses to be a victim, tapping into her own resourcefulness to save herself in a world where men traditionally hold the power and position. And just as a unique opportunity for reinvention, redemption, and romance presents itself, forces of nature and the universe plot to spoil her happiness, driving her hopes with a hurricane’s fury into the wide expanse of the Gulf of Mexico. Angelique’s Storm weaves a powerful tale of suspense, treachery, and survival against the backdrop of pre-Civil War South Louisiana