Book picks similar to
Sweet Bargain by Kate Moore


historical-romance
virgin-hero
romance
regency

The Lady Flees Her Lord


Ann Lethbridge - 2017
    With no one to turn to, she flees London to take quiet refuge in the countryside, determined to build a new life of her own. Posing as a widow, she finds a small cottage to lease on the far reaches of a vast estate, relieved that she might finally find peace and safety—until her new landlord, the strikingly handsome and taciturn Lord Hugo Wanstead, presents an entirely different kind of threat to her composure.Just back from the wars, Hugo is tormented by the physical and emotional scars that mark him. With his estate near financial ruin and his sleep torn by nightmares, he wishes only to be left in solitude. But when he meets the new widowed tenant on his estate, he finds her hauntingly beautiful in body and soul—and finds himself overcome by powerful sensual longing.While the gentle Lucinda conjures up ways to draw the handsome and hurting Hugo out of his loneliness, he’s intrigued by her courage and her lively mind. But just as an inevitable passion stirs between these two damaged souls, a damning secret about Lucinda’s troubled past will be laid bare, and they will be forced to confront each other and a cruel foe to save their only chance at love.This book was originally published under the author name Michele Ann Young.

A Lady of Letters


Jacqueline Diamond - 1983
    Now the handsome and powerful Lord Whitestone is threatening to bar her from the upcoming London Season and deny her a longed-for chance to mingle in the literary world.Lord Whitestone doesn’t realise that Marianne is his secret correspondent, and that he’s already half in love with her. Now she’s determined to come to London, even if that means employing another identity.After these two meet, there’s love in the air. And danger as well. Regency romances by Jacqueline DiamondA Lady of LettersA Lady’s Point of ViewLady in DisguiseSong for a LadyThe Day-Dreaming LadyThe Forgetful LadyA love for the books of Jane Austen drew Jacqueline Diamond to the world of the Regency romance, and her half-dozen novels in the genre have delighted readers for nearly thirty years. Jackie has gone on to sell some 90 novels ranging from mysteries and suspense to paranormal romances and romantic comedies. A former Associated Press reporter in Los Angeles, Jackie has received a career achievement award from Romantic Times magazine and two finalist placements for the RITA Award. Ms. Diamond is one of the most consistently enjoyable Regency authors around. -- Melinda Helfer, Romantic Times, February 1985[A Lady of Letters has] enough screwball-comedy touches to keep things prancing along cheerily.--Kirkus ReviewsI was thrilled to find another author, like Candice Hern, writing in the great tradition of the Heyer Regency.--Anne Glover, Regency Reader

A Highly Respectable Marriage: An RNA Romantic Novel of the Year


Sheila Walsh - 1982
    In turn, the Duke is suspicious of Pandora's motives when she applies for the position of governess to the young orphans in his charge. Pandora has greater worries when she must sell her beloved late mother's necklace to help support her young brothers. But the intervention of Heron in the sale has surprising and far reaching consequences. As Heron observes Pandora in society, he finds himself attracted to the capable and strong-willed young woman. What would she make of a proposal of a highly respectable marriage? Meanwhile, Lady Sarah Bingly has set her sights on becoming Duchess of Heron. And it is clear that she will stop at nothing to make sure Pandora doesn't stand in her way.

Bewitching the Forbidden Duke


Scarlett Osborne - 2019
    When her mother arranges a betrothal for her older sister, her life changes in the most unexpected way. Patrick Dutton, Marquess of Bergon, takes pride in being a very responsible young gentleman. But even though his word is his bond, he immediately falls for the rebellious, youngest daughter of the Duke instead of his intended, whom he finds completely dull. When Melissa suddenly disappears into the woods, people realize this is not one of her usual games. With wolves as the least of her problems, Patrick is determined to find her before the night is out. Soon it becomes apparent that someone is behind the disappearance and that the key to the riddle just might lie in a birthmark...

The Earl's Mistaken Bride


Abby Gaines - 2011
    He made a bargain with God—to marry a good, Christian girl if his mother recovered from illness. But Marcus intended to marry pretty Amanda, not stubborn Constance. His next plan, to ignore his new wife, fails as well when Constance makes it clear that she wants a true union.Constance Somerton doesn't dare reveal that she's been enamored of Marcus for years. The man believes love is for weaklings. Someone needs to teach him about marriage's blessings. Someone who sees beyond his arrogance to the tender heart beneath. Someone exactly like Constance….

The Secret Path to a Lady's Heart


Abigail Agar - 2019
    But when she gets the dramatic news that he is lost in the unknown of the ocean, sadness cannot surpass the hope that is born into her heart; the dream that she might finally find a chance to marry for love and live with the independence she craves. Her hopes will be soon crashed when the deceased's brother appears out of nowhere, asking for her hand in marriage. Eleanor seems to have no choice, once again. Will she choose to accept her fate or will she find the courage to show what lies deeper in her heart?Michael Hemsworth is a man loyal to his family. However, tragedy strikes when his father and brother perish dramatically in a shipwreck. Michael finds himself in a terrible position which makes him come up with an offer: to take his deceased brother's position and, inevitably, get married to his promised wife. Even though this seems like a way to straighten things out, deep inside he knows well that his intentions aren't as altruistic as they might look... How far could he go in order to keep family secrets hidden so as to protect his name and the ones he cares for?Michael and Eleanor were united by fate and now they have to learn how to share their lives together. But when unprecedented feelings start rising, untold secrets will threaten to drive them apart forever. Will their marriage eventually grow to mean something more? Will Michael manage to finally find the path that leads to Eleanor's heart?

Wicked and Wonderful


Valerie King - 2005
    Why, the infuriating man, Judith Lovington fumes. For the past few years, she has enjoyed life as a songstress with a group of traveling actors. Better still, she's escaped her noble family's dictates--and an unwanted marriage. ...BUT TEMPTATION How could she have known that Lord Kelthorne, a devilishly handsome rake, would fall head-over-heels for her? Or that he would outwit every strategem she and her friends could invent to discourage his pursuit? Even worse, he is revealing an unexpectedly appealing determination that shows he wants more from Judith than mere...pleasure. In fact, the imprudent lord refuses to give up!

Lord Scoundrel Dies


Kate Harper - 2013
    While she had anticipated that recovering the treasure might be difficult, she had not counted on discovering the body of his lordship in the process. Harry soon learns that her cousin isn't the only victim of Lord Scoundrel - the man was in the business of blackmail and thievery. She is determined to undo his wickeness and return all of the missing items to their rightful owners. In this she is assisted by the delectable, disapproving Lord Talisker and the amiable Charlie Lampforth, who are alternately bemused and outraged by Harry's unrelenting enthusiasm for the job.But bestowing justice can be a dangerous game. Not everybody believes that she is on the side of the angels and somebody might just decide to make her victim number two. Can Harry survive her own good intentions and, more alarmingly, can she survive her first taste of love? For much as she might find Lord Talisker irksome, there is no denying he knows how to worm his way into a girl's affections...This is the first in a series involving Harriet, Lord Talisker and Mr. Lampforth. The second book - Why Kill A Countess? - will be available in July, 2013

The Deception


Joan Wolf - 1996
    My uncle, Lord Charlwood, was the moving force behind that little plot. If my father hadn't been murdered and left me in Charlwood's power, none of this would have happened. So now I am Lady Greystone, a countess and a wife. Learning to be the first is not that difficult. Learning to be the second would be much easier if only I weren't in danger of tumbling head over heels in love with the one person who is beyond my reach-my husband. If I cannot win Adrian's love, however, I am determined to win vengeance for my father. I have vowed to unmask his murderer and I don't care what kind of danger I may court in doing so. If you, Gentle Reader, would like to find out how my various problems unravel themselves, read on. With sincere affection,Kate, Countess of Greystone

A Gentleman Never Tells


Eloisa James - 2016
    Eighteen months ago, Lizzie Troutt’s husband died in his mistress’s bed, leaving her determined to never marry again….and unfortunately virginal.Eighteen years ago (give or take a few) the Honorable Oliver Berwick blackened his own soul, leaving him hardened and resolutely single.When the chance for redemption in the form of a country house party invitation comes his way, Oliver is determined to prove himself a gentleman.Until he breaks all the codes of gentlemanly behavior…once again.

Her Mad Baron


Summer Devon - 2011
    At first, certain he’s gone insane, Nathaniel learns potent opiates are the cause of his strange vision. But barricaded in a small room, he can’t outwit his mysterious jailer.Determined to steal back one of her father’s swords, Florrie Cadero gets more than she bargained for when she breaks into the baron’s mansion. The dashing, drugged man in the locked room soon sweeps her into his story—and his bed. When she discovers they’re trapped together, she devises a clever escape. Addicted to his captor’s drugs and bent on revenge, Nathaniel seeks out the feisty thief who freed him. Florrie, now a shopgirl, has foresworn her life of adventure. But Nathaniel’s offer of employment intrigues her. Together they must break his addiction and expose the villain who would destroy his life.Warning: This story contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language and may be considered offensive to some readers.

Strangers at Dawn


Elizabeth Thornton - 1999
    For three years after the ravishing heiress was acquitted, he used the power of his newspaper to pursue the truth--hoping to find the still-undiscovered body of the murder victim and at last prove Sara's guilt. But not only had the body disappeared without a trace, so had Sara Carstairs....When Max finally catches up with Sara by sheer chance, he doesn't even know it's her...at first. By the time he does, it's too late--they've already spent a night together that both of them know they will never forget and can never repeat. Has he fallen in love with the woman of his dreams or with a cold-blooded murderess? And has she put herself in the hands of a knight in shining armor--or a ruthless scoundrel bent on destroying her?

Wanton Wives: The Complete Series


Catherine Gayle - 2011
    At Lord and Lady Quinton's now annual summer house party, sexually neglected and frustrated wives finally find their fulfillment. Of Love and Lust: Piers and Judith, Lord and Lady Lipscombe have been married for four years, but their beddings have never been more than quick, five-minute affairs intended to secure the line. After being too rough and randy on their wedding night, he's always been afraid of hurting her again, so he held himself back. She thought their marriage was normal, until she saw the lustful looks continually passed between the Quintons. Could there be something more? One Lonely Night: The boisterous nighttime activity of Vivian Flynn's neighbors is keeping her awake--and in need. When she takes a step out onto her portico for a bit of night air, she's shocked when those very neighbors come out onto their portico and make love in front of her. When her husband, Lord Tucker Flynn, comes upon her surreptitiously touching herself while spying on the randy couple, everything changes within their once lackluster marriage. A Perfect Pearl: Elaine Shelton, Lady Raynesford, has never been dissatisfied with the efforts of her husband, Owen, in bed. However, she's never been left in awe by them, either. He makes love the very same way he does everything in life--in exactly the same, predictable manner, each and every time. Encouraged by her new friends, Judith and Vivian, Elaine takes a bold step: she intends to seduce Owen into variety, no matter the consequences. Leg-Shackled: Audrey Veazey thinks she's always been rather open-minded when it comes to beddings with her husband, Lodge, but watching the other young, married ladies at the Quintons' house party titter and talk leaves her blushing. The Earl of Holbrook, the blackguard, insinuates in no uncertain terms that she's a bit prudish. Could that be? One thing is for certain--she intends to find out if her husband agrees with Holbrook or not, and if he does, she's determined to change his mind. Uninhibited: A child bride who hasn't seen her husband for ten years, Naomi Cunningham refuses to spend another day as the Countess of Holbrook, essentially locked away in her husband's Hampshire estate. She seeks him out at the Quintons' house party looking for one thing--an annulment. When Naomi arrives, Grey is livid. His ire only rises upon her preposterous request, not to mention his unfounded desire for the woman who was only a girl when last he saw her. But will she be satisfied with a divorce, or might something else satisfy her?

A London Season


Patricia Bray - 1997
    Here is a chance to find a wealthy husband and get the entire family out of debt. But the upper crust of London bristles at Jane's blunt country ways—everyone but Lord Glendale. The handsome Lord, not in the market for a wife, finds himself amused by Jane's frank manner and wagers that—within the month—even provincial Jane can be brought into fashion.His plan succeeds only too well, as Jane blossoms into the most popular young lady of the season. Now will Lord Glendale relinquish Jane to her newfound admirers? Or will he take the biggest gamble of all– and risk his heart in a challenging game of love?

A Bittersweet Moment


Vanessa Riley - 2018
     Ewan Fitzwilliam needs his life to change. Unwilling to follow in the footsteps of his abusive father, he gathered the strength to break free. Saving a young flower picker from troubles upon his father's estate may prove the opportunity he needs to become a man of honor. Theodosia wants a better life, and she intends to build a flower business that caters to the perfumers in Town, but can she trust a rich man's son to teach her better diction to impress potential clients? Or will she learn a different lesson, succumbing to the dangerous attraction she feels for the tortured playwright? A prequel short story to The Bittersweet Bride