Book picks similar to
A Mysterious Governess for the Reluctant Earl by Abby Ayles
historical-romance
romance
historical
regency
Last Chance for the Charming Ladies
Fanny Finch - 2018
Until these men appear and they change their lives forever. The first arrives from the Colonies, needing to find a husband before this Season’s end and her ailing father’s passing. But London’s society proves daunting and cruel to a lively girl who’s been raised away from its rules. Will a bitter Duke and his wise sister be enough to protect and guide her? Or will he be the one to endanger her heart most of all? The second still mourns a love lost but never forgotten. On the verge of spinsterhood, she needs to decide her future, fast. When fate makes it so her path crosses that of her former suitor, will she be brave enough to seize that second chance? Or is their love condemned to be lost forever? The third doesn’t think about marriage at all, until her parents demand her to do so. A secret admirer sends her unsigned letters that make her heart shiver – a secret admirer who is, in fact, her long-time friend. Will he finally win her heart before another one does? Will he find the courage to reveal the truth before it’s too late? Maria, Georgiana, Julia. Three young women, three enthralling stories about love, forgiveness, and courage. If you like engaging characters, heart- wrenching twists and turns, and lots of romance, then you’ll love “Last Chance for the Charming Ladies!” Buy “Last Chance for the Charming Ladies” and unlock the exciting stories of Maria, Georgiana & Julia's today!This Box Set includes the following three books:1. A Forthright Courtship2. A Love Worth Saving3. Love Letters to a Lady
The Duke's Winter Promise
Isabella Thorne - 2019
More than anything, he did not wish for word of it to reach Emily’s ears. When the truth surfaces, Alexander may lose the only woman he's ever loved. Miss Emily Ingram is a lady. At least she has the appearance of one. Secretly, Emily would much rather return to the days of her childhood raising trouble with her wild brother and his best friend, the handsome Alexander. Emily's mother, the Viscountess of Kentleworth has other ideas. Emily is given the Christmas holiday to choose between her London suitors. Alexander may be a duke, but he is not a proper gentleman. He fears he is too late to win the lady’s affection. He only has until the New Year to discover Emily’s feelings. As the holiday festivities begin, an event from his past may sever their childhood friendship and extinguish any chance at love between them. Will the duke’s secret destroy the love he hoped to kindle in her very proper heart? Will practical and determined Emily overcome what keeps them apart? One can hope for a Christmas miracle. After all even the coldest heart can melt. A sweet Christmas romance about growing up, overcoming the past and learning to love. Get your copy today! Though part of a series, all of Isabella Thorne’s novels are standalone stories, and can be read in any order. Fans of Grace Burrowes, Georgette Heyer and Christi Caldwell will enjoy all of Isabella Thorne’s classic sweet regency romance books. The Ladies of the North The Duke’s Winter Promise (Prequel) - Isabella Thorne’s Christmas new release 2019 The Ladies of Bath The Duke’s Daughter The Baron in Bath The Deceptive Earl Winning Lady Jane (Prequel) The Hawthorne Sisters The Forbidden Valentine The Baggington Sisters The Countess and the Baron Almost Promised The Healing Heart The Lady to Match a Rogue Nettlefold Chronicles Novellas Not Quite a Lady Not Quite a Knight Stitched in Love Other Novels by Isabella Thorne The Mad Heiress and the Duke The Duke’s Wicked Wager Follow Isabella Thorne on Amazon, Facebook and Bookbub. SIGN UP for her newsletter to be notified of the debut of Isabella Thorne's next novel.
A Rogue for a Lady
Rose Pearson - 2018
When her father confides in her that he is not altogether well and, therefore, wishes each of his daughters to marry very soon, Amelia responds with her usual gravitas, knowing she must be the first one to find herself a suitable husband. Unfortunately, the one man Amelia finds herself drawn to, while dashingly handsome, is also arrogant and distant with a seemingly less than perfect reputation. However, no matter how hard she tries, she simply cannot stop her growing affections for Lord Northfell, even though he constantly confuses her. And somehow she cannot help the feeling that he is keeping something from her. Love grows yet whispered secrets threaten to separate them. A scheming cousin, blackmail and family responsibilities push Amelia into a spiral of confusion and a sense of betrayal. When all is finally revealed, she must decide what to do with the man who holds her heart – and choose whether love can forget the sins and mistakes of the past. Will Arthur and Amelia overcome their initial differences and reach out to help each other? Or will all their similarly-proud natures lead them to ruin? A story of conflict, courage and passion set in the ultra-sophisticated and unpredictable world of Regency London. “A Rogue for a Lady” is a work of historical romance fiction. It is the first book of a series of standalone romances set in Regency era London involving the Duke of Seaworth’s daughters. Every book is a guaranteed HEA and there are no cliffhangers.
The Light in the Duke's Shadow
Abigail Agar - 2018
But when she discovers a collection of old journals and diaries, a terrible truth comes to the surface. How could she break free of the curse that surrounded women in her family? The past seemed doomed to repeat itself and Penelope vowed that she would never be chained to a man’s name, and forced to smile demurely at his whims. Her fire and determination could bring her fortune or ruin, but when she stumbles upon a fallen duke, how could she save herself from the beauty of his face?All Lord Jules Daventry, Duke of Richmond, knew was revenge. His incessant search for truth had brought him to gloomy places full of people envying his blood or his wealth. He would not give up until the truth of his parents’ murders was brought to light and his good name was restored. Yet, in his darkest moments, he came to see an angel. Is she friend or a foe?Lord Jules must let go of his past, in order to see that there is beauty to be had and that revenge is not worth it. During this critical moment, he will have to choose between the dark desire of vengeance and his deeper need for redemption. How can he fulfill his vow without endangering the woman he grows to love?"The Light in the Duke's Shadow" is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
A Duke Under Her Spell
Emma Linfield - 2019
And in her eyes, he found his own...
For as long as Marybeth Wright could remember, the imposing ruins of the ancient castle had always been a place of comfort. With knowledge of herbs and a small cottage passed down to her from her late grandmother, she spends her days in the quiet seclusion of the woods. For Felix Hulford, Duke of Arkley, curing his ailing mother is his life’s purpose. Growing increasingly desperate, he decides to enlist the help of the old sage of the forest, only to discover that there’s nothing old about the striking healer that appears before him. But she seems to be carrying a curse, for her arrival triggers a series of baffling happenings. Determined to discover who is behind the attacks on his sick mother, Marybeth and Felix come face to face with their worst fears. And it all seems to be connected to Marybeth’s parentage and Blackleigh Castle’s fabled treasure…
A Duke's Desire
G.L. Snodgrass - 2020
The man risked his life to save her. What woman wouldn’t fall in love. From London’s lowest rung. A penniless Miss Ann Parker is perfectly aware that women such as herself are never admitted to his world. That won’t stop her from dreaming. The Duke of Bedford had one simple rule. Never allow the weak to be mistreated. He and his friends may live lives of privilege. But with that comes responsibility. However, that does not include matrimony. Especially not to the less than brilliant ninnies his mother is constantly pushing on him. In order to forestall his mother’s efforts, the Duke needs someone to make her second guess her plans. If he can convince her he is thinking of marrying a commoner, perhaps she will decide that it is better that he not marry than betray their class. In need of a pretend heiress to work the deception. The Duke turns to his maid, Ann Parker, for her help. A woman from the wrong side of life, yet a woman of intelligence, natural grace, and charm. With help and a little luck, she may be able to help him avoid a disastrous marriage. Like Cinderella, Ann is exposed to a magical world. His world. But every moment is a reminder that it is a man and a world she cannot have.
Seducing the Bride
Michelle McMaster - 2000
They come across a beautiful young woman—clad only in a nightdress—laying unconscious in a rubbish heap. Worried for her safety and famous for his habit of taking in strays, Beckett takes the mysterious girl home and puts her to bed, intent on calling a doctor the next day. But his good intentions go awry when his mother and solicitor make an unplanned visit the next morning, and all hell breaks loose.When the impoverished viscount learns he is now heir to a wealthy earldom, Beckett must quickly take a bride. Having been jilted by his former fiancée, he no longer believes in love… but Beckett does believe in the heated desire this “mysterious angel” stirs within him. He vows to make the voluptuous beauty his wife.Isobel Hampton is on the run from a villainous nobleman who will stop at nothing until he possesses both her and her family estate. The strong-minded miss makes a break for freedom and disappears into the night, but Sir Harry Lennox vows to find her. When she awakens in the bed of a handsome viscount, Isobel demands to know how she got there. But something in Lord Thornby’s eyes makes her want to trust the handsome lord. When he proposes a marriage of convenience, it could be the solution to all of Isobel’s problems… or just the beginning of them.For though Beckett and Isobel have sworn to a marriage in name only, the flame of passion burns hot between them. As they engage in a dangerous dance of seduction, the last place they expect to find true love is in each other’s arms.Originally published as The Marriage Bargain in 2000 - Seducing The Bride is a newly revised and updated edition.
Seduced by the Devilish Lord
Lucy Langton - 2019
Her engagement to Lewis, the son of the Earl of Huntingdon was brazenly cancelled and her life spiraled down. All she was left with is her family and writing. Now, she has no option but to try and stand on her own feet again. Will she be able to overcome rejection and find true love again?Charles Scarsdale is the second son of the Duke of Richmond, but if he had not been born a peer, it would have made no difference to him. After meeting Emily in the most unlikely of situations there is an instant passion growing between them. Charles is desperately searching for a good manuscript, and he is lucky enough to finally find it. But, is it a coincidence that the manuscript is written by the passionate young Lady or pure fate?Life has meaning when love is in it but what happens when the demons refuse to leave, and the devil follows you wherever you go. Will Emily and Charles be able to overcome their obstacles and live happily ever after?
Duke of Havoc
Whitney Blake - 2019
Meet the damaged dukes from the Napoleonic wars and the spirited, strong-willed, and beautiful women who help them discover the joy of living again. Romance, intrigue, and passion ignite in this stunning new series - and read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited! Lord Reeve Malliston, Third Duke of Nidderdale, is a brilliant military tactician with a musician’s eccentricities. A favorite of the Duke of Wellington, he’s called to fight on the fields of Salamanca. The English victory is supposed to be Reeve’s defining accomplishment, but war is cruel to the duke, who is discharged from the battlefield nearly deaf and with two fingers missing. He comes home a disgraced and broken man, or so he believes. After his lady wife dies under mysterious circumstances, nasty rumors abound that he went mad, that war shattered his mind and he murdered the mother of his two young daughters. With little care for the social consequences, he does nothing to combat the gossip and descends into debauchery, leaving his children under the dubious care of a pernicious governess and her sister, his equally uncivil housekeeper. When yet another instance of domestic chaos greets him and his daughters beg him to intervene, Reeve suddenly decides to enlist his old comrade’s daughter as their new governess. With this new woman to be both surrogate mother and tutor, Reeve plans on resuming his risqué lifestyle without worry or guilt. But Miss Caroline Sedgwyck, though affectionate toward the children and levelheaded overall, is anything but docile. She sees right through Reeve’s penchant for impropriety, much as he detects that her calm indifference to him is a facade. The two constantly test each other as Caroline challenges the duke to do what is best for his family, while Reeve stirs Caroline’s passions. Desire, friction, and friendship blossom in equal measure between them—is Caroline the woman to quell the Duke of Havoc? Will she restore the music to his soul?
Captain Rockford's Reckoning
Susan Lodge - 2018
But she is determined that the days of him interfering with her life are over. Destroying her chances of a happy future on his last visit, had resulted in her being foisted on her Aunt for a third pointless season in London. To alleviate the boredom of society life, Esmie helps run a discreet betting enterprise under the guise of a sewing club. But there are some things you just shouldn't wager on, and Esmie's integrity is soon put to a dangerous test. Richard Rockford had known Esmie almost all her life. As neighbours, her father, Admiral Elstone, had depended on Richard to keep an eye on his daughter when he was away at sea – a responsibility he had always taken on willingly. But her cruel and thoughtless actions, from the day he had left four years earlier, had shaken him. Now, he was back, and he wanted answers. But when Esmie tumbles into a treacherous conspiracy, can he really turn his back on her?
Mail Order Grace
Charlotte Dearing - 2018
With a little luck and a lot of prayer, the scarred and solitary cowboy hoped to both run his ranch and raise a baby girl. As if that wasn’t enough… His late brother had a mail-order-bride on the way. From the start, Matt wanted to send Grace O’Brian straight back to Boston where the lovely but troublesome redhead belonged. But Grace stayed in Magnolia nonetheless. Despite the uneasy circumstances, she vowed she would stay and care for the baby. No matter what. He never thought his traumatized niece would bond so strongly with Grace. He never imagined that Grace, the pretty, innocent girl with a fragile smile, would make him yearn for a wife and family of his own. And he certainly never anticipated he’d want a future with the stubborn, impossible girl he’s tried his darnedest to run off. Matt Bentley never dared dream for anything at all. Not until Grace arrived in Magnolia…
The Duke's Undoing
G.G. Vandagriff - 2012
He is weary, cynical, and very bored. Known as the worst rake in England, he finds he has no interest in upholding that distinction, when his friend, the Marquis of Somerset, proposes a bet: "Five thousand guineas says that seducing Miss Elise Edwards will cure your ennui." Because his friend has just lost a packet to him, he agrees that the bet be posted in White's famous Betting Book.The following day, while walking in Green Park, he spies a mysterious young woman, veiled, and obviously grieving. A disembodied voice, sounding strangely like that of his late adjutant, informs him, "The jig is up. That is the girl you are going to marry!" He scoffs, but is nevertheless intrigued by something about the slight figure. He even sketches her and asks if he can be of assistance to her. She declines his offer kindly.At the opera that evening, he is captivated by a beauty across the Opera Hall. He hears the same voice, saying the same thing. The marquis informs him that the woman in question is Miss Elise Edwards. When he meets her, he recognizes her voice as that of the woman in the park. Now she is surrounded by a surfeit of ex-fiance's, one of them dangerously unbalanced. Ruisdell discovers an actual bond between them which renders him honor bound to protect her.Thus begins a train of unstoppable events--dangerous, humorous, devilish, and amorous--that carry his life along at such a pace that the duke soon knows not whether he is on his head or his heels. And then there is that bet . . .
A Lady's Mysterious Origin
Bridget Barton - 2019
However, with her parents being a dark mystery and nothing to look forward to, she feels condemned to a dull life for the rest of her years. Her life will soon take a strange turn though, when the nephew of the Duchess will take an interest in her, leaving her strangely unsettled and making her heart beating faster. But how could a romance between a girl of no origin and a nobleman ever flourish?Leonard, Viscount of Hethersett, is a man who knows his duty to his family. His return to London has secured him a marriage, but he would rather spend time with the lovely companion of his cousin than obey his parent's wishes. However, he will soon face a dilemma that will question his very values. Will he decide that his own feelings are more important than what society demands? Will he choose love over duty?Sometimes, even the best of intentions tend to go all awry. And just when Leonard has started winning Joanna's trust, everything will be on the verge of collapsing. How will he make it up to her and her broken heart? Will the mystery of Joanna's origin ever be solved?
Rakes Always Kiss First
Catherine Mayfair - 2020
The man is boastful, rude and devilishly handsome. Worst of all, he has stolen a kiss that causes Mary to desire more.Lord Anthony Greyson knows the rumors concerning him and his rakish ways and cares not. He has spirited many women to his bed, and his eye is now on Mary. Wooing the innocent woman with a kiss, he has no doubt he will soon add her to his list of conquests, and he is certain she will not have the strength to resist.Upon learning of several unsavory rumors, Mary is tasked to spy on Anthony, and she readily agrees. Doing so will prove she is more than a pretty thing for others to admire. More importantly, she will be able to prove to herself she can resist the rake’s charms.Anthony soon becomes enchanted with the secretive woman and desires to know more about her and what she is hiding…And for Mary, she begins to wonder if Anthony is the cruel man about whom the ton whispers. Or is he the gentleman she secretly wishes him to be?
Secrets of Midnight
Miriam Minger - 1995
Instead, he finds himself banished to the English countryside of Cornwall, forced by the decrees of his father's will to run his family's tin mines and find a country bride. The very last thing the handsome lord needs is a local lass sticking her nose into his affairs, but that seems to be exactly what the parson's daughter, Corisande Easton, had in mind.