Book picks similar to
The King's Lady by Lietha Wards


romance
alpha-male
lietha-wards
historical-romance

The Rancher's Virgin Acquisition


Lynda Chance - 2012
    Alone and terrified, she is rescued by Luke Butler, a rancher who knows only one way. His way.When Luke Butler finds Emma Martin, he has no other choice but to bring her back to his ranch. Soon, his life is turned upside down by a female who doesn’t know how to mind and who doesn’t know how to stay put.The battle that follows is a clash of wills, a test of tempers, and a lesson in love.Excerpt:Luke glanced at Emma and gave her a pointed look that meant she was to stay where she was. Then he turned and escorted the sheriff out the door."You're not using your brain, man,” the sheriff argued."Not your concern," Luke responded sharply."She's too soft, Luke. She needs people around her, not just a bunch of rag-tag ranch hands. Let her go back to town with me. I'll keep her safe, I'll see to it that Emma has--"Luke cut him off. "Stop talking," he growled in a hiss. "She's not up for discussion. You lost your chance to keep her safe when you sent me out there to find her. You need to forget she's here. Emma doesn't exist for you anymore. Don't say her name, don't even think about her.""Jesus Christ, Luke. You're not even acting sane." "Don't push me. I'm the only help you've got this side of Silver Creek. You need to move on about your business. You know I'd never hurt her. Soothe your goddamn conscious with that and finish the job you need to be doing. Find the scum that did this. Find 'em and hang 'em high because I don't like the thought of them being alive after seeing her face."The two men glared at each other before the sheriff turned and mounted his horse.Luke hesitated only a moment before he slammed back into the house and prowled to the chair where Emma was still sitting. He pulled her up and with a jerk, she stumbled against him.His arms reached out and encircled her."It'll take half an hour before the sheriff is too far away for one of my men to chase him down and bring him back. So you've got that long to decide." One steely arm was wrapped around her back, the other traced a line down her spine and then up again in a smooth caress."I thought I'd already decided.""You need a little more understanding of the situation before you can make a proper decision."Emma was pleasantly shocked by the intimacy of his touch and held enthralled as she stood in the circle of his arms. She remained mute and concentrated on her breathing that seemed to be rushing in and out of her lungs as if she were completely out of oxygen."Fair warning, Emma-girl," his smooth voice was brutal."Warning?" she managed to ask."I feel inclined to make sure you understand how it’s gonna be while you still have the opportunity to leave. Like I said, in half an hour or so, that option will be taken away from you.""I'm sure." Her voice was hesitant and didn't sound sure at all."Yeah?" His gaze slipped to her mouth and his already dark eyes grew stormy. "Let's hear you repeat that in a few minutes."Emma had no other warning before his mouth fell on hers.

She's Mine


Sam Crescent - 2016
    He’s not rich, he’s not fancy, but when he finds the one, she’ll be the only one. For seven years he has only been existing—until Raven Howards finally returns to town. He’s going to own every part of her, and he's sure to let everyone know she belongs to him.Raven remembers Drew. He was the one guy that stood out from all of the others. However, he’s the bad boy that all the girls want...and have had. How can she even fall for a guy like that? He’s not taking no for an answer. She’s back, and he’s taking her. There will be a happy ending, he won’t allow for anything less.

Their Kidnapped Bride


Vanessa Vale - 2015
    Money, social standing and the protection of her step-brother. Or so she thought. When she discovers his dark secrets, he turns on her and sells her to a western brothel to keep her quiet. There, she's forced to work or participate in an auction. A virgin auction...and she's the prize.One look at Emma James and Whitmore Kane and Ian Stewart know she would belong to them. Marriage was the only way to truly claim her...so they bid and bid well. As their bride, they return to the Bridgewater Ranch and teach her the ways to please not one husband, but two. But danger has tracked Ian around the world and threatens their newfound relationship. Together, can they fight the demons of the past while forging a future?>This is the first book in the Bridgewater Ménage Series, where you'll meet all of the men in Kane and Ian's army regiment and discover their unusual beliefs on marriage. Read the entire series to follow along as the men, two or three at a time, claim their brides. Bridgewater: Where ménage meets marriage.

Duncan's Bride


Linda Howard - 1990
    Someone to have children with, someone to help rebuild his ranch, someone uncomplicated, and very different from his first wife, the woman who'd destroyed his life. Now he had Madelyn--sophisticated, citified, willing to herd cattle, keep house and start a family. The only thing she asked for in return was love--one thing Reese couldn't guarantee.

The Claiming


Jordan Silver - 2013
    From the moment the young Jade Cooper first laid eyes on the hunk her young girl heart had been lost, but Brax hated her on sight or so it seemed; until one night in a snow storm the young girl's fears sent her rushing into the arms of the one man she would give anything to love and things got heated between the two. Passions flared and secrets are revealed in this tale of unrequited lust.Short Erotic Tale Word Count 7000 app.

Branded


Stacy Gail - 2018
    Making you shiver, making you moan, making you scream. Admit it.Celia Villarreal had wanted those things with Ryland Brody, Bitterthorn’s golden boy—and wanted them badly enough to make a fool of herself one idiotic night months ago.Naughty children shouldn’t touch what they don’t own.Rejection always stings, but putting a move on Ry had devastating consequences. Now her regret burns as bright as her need—until Ry, as glorious as ever, makes her an offer that might finally be her ticket out of town.I’m not your enemy, darlin’. If you give me half a chance, you’ll see that I can be your hero.When working together leads to grinding all naked-like with the very cowboy who’s seen her at her worst, Celia is afraid she’s made a mistake.Until the truth comes out.This is who we are from now on. Say it. Feel it.Once Ry’s past motivations come to light, Celia must decide if she can give him another chance or turn her back on Bitterthorn—and the one man who’s always wanted her—for good.One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise : all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!This book is approximately 60,000 wordsEdited by Angela James

The Viking's Bride


Jessica Knight - 2019
    But there’s nothing he won’t do to have me.I was forced to marry a ruthless Viking Warlord.Now, I’m carrying his twins. Grim is big, fierce, and handsome beyond words.But he's a killer, feared by all.I can’t believe my father would force me to marry this barbarian.Could a man like that ever love anyone, let alone me?We’re from two different worlds.Being with him in fantasy is far different than reality.A happy marriage seems impossible.So, I ran. But he found me, put me over his shoulder.And brought me back to be his bride.I hate how his gruffness makes my body yearn.I hate how his touch drives me wild.But what if there's more to him than a broken and vicious warrior? Could I get the happily ever after I've dreamed off?Or will I always be his captive bride?

Ready to Love


Franca Storm - 2015
    But there’s one woman he will never touch: his best friend and band mate, Nicki. For four years, he’s been her protector and her confidant.When arrogant frat guy, Axel, attempts to make a claim on her, John suffers a painful wakeup call, quickly realizing that his feelings for Nicki are not purely platonic. Recognizing that Axel’s intentions are anything but innocent, John’s possessiveness spirals out of control, sparking a dangerous feud.Nicola Lewis can’t bear to be touched. Haunted by an awful past that she has been unable to escape, she has kept her distance from the opposite sex. And she’s been just fine living her life that way: safe and uncomplicated with no chance of getting hurt again.Until an unexpected kiss changes everything…But John and Nicki must decide whether the burgeoning desire between them is worth the risk. Is this a case of love conquers all, or a huge mistake that could destroy everything?

Baby Love


Catherine Anderson - 1999
    In her loneliest, blackest hour, she unexpectedly finds a warmth and comfort she has never known in the tender compassion of a handsome, down-and-out stranger. In Rafe Kendrick, Maggie recognizes a soul wounded like her own—though she knows she must never trust any man ever again.Rafe is more than he seems—an enigmatic man of secrets who could give Maggie the moon, had he not vowed to spend his life alone. But sometimes love's flames can transform a cold world into paradise—and a man who's lost nearly everything, a woman who's forgotten how to dream, and the helpless child who needs them both can become that most wondrous creation: a family.

Mustang Wild


Stacey Kayne - 2007
    But his stolen kiss scatters her senses and, quicker than a whirling dust devil, they're wed!To her relief, Tucker's keen to fix the marital slipup--and then he tells her the deed she holds belongs to him, and him alone. Maybe she shouldn't rush to have their marriage annulled. No man, no matter how good-looking, is going to swindle Skylar out of the one thing she yearns for most--a home.

Jaak and Ilse


Marian Tee - 2016
     The billionaire doesn't have a heart and the young woman he's attracted to refuses to fall for a playboy. But Jaak and Ilse are different. Even without either of them saying a word, they already know love isn't the problem between them. What keeps them apart is something that neither of them might be able to change. It's what he can't live with... And it's what she wants to live for. Enjoy the old-world charm of Amsterdam as this old-fashioned romance sweeps you off your feet! If you're looking for a book that offers real family drama and a grand romance that can make you laugh and cry... If you want to forget your problems even just for a while and remember why life is beautiful... Start reading Jaak & Ilse today.

Indiana Wild


S.E. Smith - 2013
    The youngest of four children, she was a delightful surprise for her older parents. She spends her time training horses and cow dogs and loving the freedom of the wide open spaces. When her grandfather dies, she finds her much older brothers have different plans for the ranch she calls home and for Indiana.Indiana’s oldest brother is determined to tame Indiana and bring her to live with him in Los Angeles where he can keep an eye on her and the money she is inheriting. He believes with a little taming, he can control the wild spirit of his little sister and find her a good husband who can manage her.Furious with the court order giving her older brother guardianship over her, Indiana turns to the only place she feels at home… the wide-open spaces of Montana. She is determined to avoid her controlling brothers and their greed, even if it means hiding from them until they give up. An unexpected trip through Spirit Pass takes Indiana further than she ever expected… by almost a hundred and fifty years.Jonathan Tucker is as tough as they come. He and his twin brother have cut a successful horse and cattle ranch in the harsh Montana territory. When cattle rustlers try to steal his cattle and shoot one of his men, he is grateful to the young boy named Indy who comes to the rescue, even if the boy does have an attitude. The last thing he expects is to find the ‘boy’ is in fact an independent, freethinking, stubborn female who is not afraid to voice her opinions. She is as wild as the untamed land around them and he is determined she is the wife for him.When Indiana is taken from him, Jonathan finds he will do whatever it takes to bring his Indiana Wild home for good, even if it means following her to the future.

The Handmaid


Shay Savage - 2016
    Poor Alexandra knows little of how to behave as the wife of a future king and knows nothing of the man who is suddenly her husband.Alexandra knows she is being used as a pawn and must do her best to avoid scheming noblewomen and the scorned princess, accept her position as her husband ascends to the throne, and overcome her fears of the man with whom she now shares a bed.Sir Branford is determined to have it all – the kingdom, a wife of his choosing, and the revenge he seeks for the death of his father. He doesn’t expect the naïve handmaid to become more important than he ever could have foreseen.

Wyoming Heather


Deann Smallwood - 2013
    She is also a healer of animals, domestic and wild. A woman doing a man’s work running a ranch that everyone said couldn’t be done, not in this untamed, vastly unsettled land, in the mid 1800’s. The ranch had everything she needed except water. She stole that from a neighboring abandoned ranch watched over by a lonely cabin and a grave.He rode alone coming back after five years to an empty cabin, a run-down ranch, and a grave on a hill. A former Texas Ranger burnt out on life and afraid to love. Whip had spent five years hunting the man that took his wife’s life and left him to die.Whip and Heather meet in an explosive moment on the banks of the Powder River. Both lonely, both drawn to one another, and both fight the attraction.

Stolen Little Thing


Sasha Gold - 2014
     Esme Duval wants nothing more than to return to Honey Creek, Texas, to the ranch she's inherited. Her father and brothers think she doesn't deserve it. Her neighbor, Luke Crosby, thinks she has no business running four hundred acres of prime ranch land and he'll do anything to prove it to her. Not so many years ago, Luke was her ally, her hero and her secret love, now he threatens everything she holds dear. When Esme comes back to claim her property, will Luke once again come to her defense, or will he seize the opportunity to blackmail her into his arms? From Chapter Two “Drink this. It’ll help you sleep tonight,” he murmured. “You’re probably not used to sleeping in a tent.” She was a skittish, wild filly, keeping her distance and avoiding his gaze. For some reason she was fearful. Why, he couldn’t fathom, but one thing he knew for certain was that he was just the man for Esme Duval. There was a reason she’d returned. They belonged together. He’d keep his seduction slow, unravel the knots that bound her just a little at a time, easing up close enough to gentle her. Nolan watched her sip the drink and laughed when she made a face. He drained his in one draught. “Better give her two. The chupacabra hates whiskey. Bet you want to know how I know that, huh, Miss Esme?” “I’d rather hear it in the morning.” Esme took another sip of her drink and shuddered. “My brothers would be laughing if they could see me. I never wanted to go camping with them, and look at me now.” Luke dropped to sit on a blanket. He lay on his side, propped up on one elbow, and sipped his whiskey. “Is your family coming soon?” Esme stared into the flames. “No. They think I’m waiting until the school year is over to claim Simon’s place. They plan to come bully me out of the land.” Luke stilled. “They don’t know you’re here?” “Not exactly.” “Ooo, shit,” said Nolan. The two boys were playing cards on a nearby blanket and snickered when they heard Nolan’s profanity. Luke stared at her. “Do they know I offered to buy the ranch from you?” “I don’t recall,” Esme said. “Your memory’s a little sketchy?” Nolan asked. Luke drained his glass, got up and returned with the bottle of whiskey. He tipped more into Esme’s glass before refreshing his own. Esme took a larger swallow and found this time it didn’t burn quite as much. She didn’t drink spirits, just a little wine every so often. It wasn’t something her father approved of, even though he didn’t apply the rule to himself. She began to feel the liquor’s effects as the moon peeped over the horizon. She watched it rapidly climb into the sky, a full moon casting a warm glow on the ridges, hills and meadows. The trees, giant oaks with limbs hanging almost to the ground, were washed in silver light. The boys, David and Joseph, played quietly at a game of cards. Nolan gazed thoughtfully into the campfire. When she turned to look at Luke, she found him studying her. “Why did you come back after all these years?” he asked quietly. “I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.”