This study guide includes the following sections: Plot Summary, Chapter Summaries & Analysis, Characters, Objects/Places, Themes, Style, Quotes, and Topics for Discussion.

    But when the false accusations of a man in town make her drunk father demand that she gets married, she will have to find an immediate solution. With nowhere to turn, she flees to the West as a mail-order bride for a mysterious stranger. And as more pieces from her husband’s past and present turmoil come to light, Fern is not sure if what she feels deep inside is fear or love. Will she eventually be brave enough to see the man who is hidden behind the deformed face? Charley’s life during the last years has been quite solitary. His scars have disfigured not only his face but his soul too and the ghosts from his past don’t let him move on. Only until a beautiful woman appears in his life aiming to become his mail-order bride, there forms a ray of hope in his darkness. But will he let her touch his heart and heal his wounds? Or will he repel her too, afraid that there is no one in this world who could have true feelings for him? Just when Fern and Charley succeed in putting together pieces that were broken for years, will their past leave them alone for long enough to enjoy it? Or is the situation about to get unstable once again, bringing about consequences they couldn’t even imagine?

    Seven of London's most eligible bachelors band together to form The Bastion Club, an elite society of gentlemen dedicated to determining their own futures when it comes to that most important step of all—marriage.Tristan Wemyss, Earl of Trentham, never expected he'd need to wed within a year or forfeit his inheritance. But he is not one to bow to the matchmaking mamas of the ton—the lady he chooses is his enchanting next–door neighbor. Miss Leonora Carling has beauty, spirit and passion; unfortunately, matrimony is the last thing on her mind . . .Tristan's kisses might be oh-so-tempting, but once bitten, forever shy, Leonora has turned her back on marriage. But Tristan is a seasoned campaigner who will not accept defeat. And when a mysterious man attempts to scare Leonora and her family from their home, Tristan realizes he's been given the perfect excuse to offer his services—as protector, seducer and, ultimately, husband.A Gentleman's HonorThe Season has yet to begin, and the second member of the Bastion Club, tall, handsome Anthony Blake, Viscount Torrington, is already a target for every matchmaking mama in London. But there is only one lady who sparks his interest…Desperate, penniless, but determined, Alicia intends making a spectacular match for her ravishing younger sister. Masquerading as the widowed "Mrs. Carrington," Alicia boldly launches her sibling into the ton. But a moonlit stroll proves Alicia's undoing when it leads to an accusation of murder.Every instinct Tony Blake possesses tells him that Alicia—the exquisite, distraught beauty he discovers standing over a dead body in his godmother's garden—is innocent. His connections allow him to take control of the investigation, while his social prominence provides public support. But it is more than honor that compels him to protect this imperiled beauty—and he will do everything in his seductive power to make Alicia his.A Lady of His OwnDeep in the country, the third of the seven members of the Bastion Club meets his long-fated match.Appalled by the damsels of the ton, Charles St. Austell seeks refuge in his castle—and discovers Lady Penelope Selborne walking the deserted corridors at midnight. Years ago, they'd consummated their youthful passion on one unforgettable afternoon, but while the ardent interlude haunts Charles still, Penny wants nothing more to do with him.Yet although Penny has vowed she won't settle for anything less than true love, resisting a stronger, battle-hardened Charles proves difficult. And when a traitorous intrigue threatens them both, she discovers that her first love—a man who will not rest until he has made her his own—is her fated champion and protector.

    While it will greatly enhance your enjoyment and understanding of the book, it is not intended to stand in its place.* From #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts comes Dark Witch, the first book in the new Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy. Use this sidekick to complement and enhance your experience of Roberts’ epic journey, spanning centuries of magic, Celtic mysteries, and family bloodlines. We meet Iona Sheehan, who has traveled to Ireland from America determined to unearth her family’s legacy of witchcraft and magic. Upon arrival in county Mayo, she meets her cousins Branna and Connor O’Dwyer and begins to unravel her family history, which includes the story of their ancestor Sorcha, and that of an evil sorcerer named Cabhan, who tried but failed to steal Sorcha’s powers 800 years earlier. The cousins begin to understand that their inherited magical powers are rooted in bloodlines passed down over centuries. Dark Witch weaves a spellbinding tale of good vs. evil, combining myth, magic, and romance. This sidekick’s chapter-by-chapter analysis will guide you through Roberts’ deftly plotted romantic adventure, as Iona falls in love with the handsome horseman Boyle McGrath and eventually learns to harness the power of her innate magic. Explore the Dark Witch's deeper themes of love, family, magic, and legend, as the family members prepare for an inevitable confrontation with ancient evil. Compelling and engaging, Dark Witch skillfully sets the stage for the remaining stories in the trilogy.

    It's a place where romance is always in the air, full of first loves and second chances…and there's always a good vintage handy to help get over a broken heart.Jilted-at-the-altar Faith Holland swallows her pride and returns home to her family's Blue Heron Vineyard for a chance to start over, while her sister, Honor, finds herself in a marriage of convenience that might be turning into the real thing. Meantime, Colleen O'Rourke thinks she's safer sticking to matchmaking for her customers, but only until the man who got away comes looking for a drink at her bar.Collected here for the first time are the first three books in the Blue Heron series: The Best Man, The Perfect Match and Waiting On You. Be part of the magic from the very beginning!

    She was the daughter of the richest man in Los Alamos, New Mexico, and he was just a Sergeant in the Air Force. That didn’t mean a thing, because nothing felt as perfect when she was in his arms. The final day before he left for his nine-month tour, Wes slipped a ring on her finger and vowed he was coming back. He left her with another gift. Christine was pregnant from the man she loved. Her not-so-nice father was breathing down her neck, since he had promised his shady business partner she’d marry him, with or without her consent. If he found out she was pregnant God knew what he’d do, so Christine had no other choice but to run, to have her baby in safety, all the while dreaming about Wes and praying he came home safe. For the holidays he’d met the woman of his dreams, and while Christine hid in fear, her man was on his way. Wes was back, and mad as hell that her father made her run. He was about to tear New Mexico apart to find her, and his plan was to take down everyone in his path, including her father. Nothing was going to keep him from the woman he loved and being there for the birth of his child.

    I have a bad history with men. I trusted one and he destroyed my trust and my self-esteem… until I meet Jason. He’s older than me, knows exactly what he wants, and what he wants is me. Can I trust myself and him to do right by me? Jason It is instant attraction. She shows up on my doorstep seeking help. And I want to help her. I want to take care of her, protect her, claim her. I want her, and I want her as mine. She doesn’t know it yet… but she’s taken. #1 bestselling short romance author Hope Ford writes short, steamy, sweet romances. There is always an alpha male (because who doesn’t love an alpha male) and a woman he makes his queen. Sit back, grab a glass of wine, and get lost in this happily ever after story – that’s also a little naughty. ONE NIGHT (Alpha Men, 2) An Alpha Older Man, Younger BBW, Steamy Sweet Romance Lindsey I know exactly what I want… one night with Axel. Who am I kidding? I want more than one night. I want forever. But he doesn’t do relationships. So I’m hoping with one night, I can get him out of my system and move on. Axel Lindsey makes me an offer I can’t refuse. I agree… but I agree to only one night. I don’t trust women and am not interested in a relationship. But after our one night together, I begin to question if maybe I need to let go of my past… because I can’t let go of Lindsey. Note: This is a steamy, sweet, short romance. It has a HEA with a sensitive, tattooed, alpha and a woman that makes him hers! You will fall in love with Axel! If you love short romances with insta-love, hot scenes, and a sweet story, then this one is for you. WANTING MORE (Alpha Men, 3) An Alpha Older Man, Younger BBW, Steamy Sweet Romance Stacy I lost my parents and Mack helped me from losing myself. He’s been my best friend for a year now. I want more… but he doesn’t. Mack I loved Stacy the second she walked in the door. She’s younger than me, but that doesn’t bother me. She’s rich… really rich. And I come from the wrong side of the tracks. I know she deserves better than me. Until I realize I can’t live without her, and NO MAN will love her as I do. Note: This is a steamy, sweet, SHORT romance. It has a HEA with a tattooed, alpha and a plus-size woman that makes him hers! If you love short romances with insta love, hot scenes, and a sweet story, then this one is for you.

    Will her brothers really insist she marry him?

    For three generations, the Giambelli wines have been renowned for their quality - from Napa Valley to Italy, and throughout the world. But things are about to change at Villa Giambelli. Tereza, the matriarch, has announced a merger with the MacMillan family's winery - and Sophia will be assuming a new role, working with Tyler MacMillan. Midnight Bayou: Declan Fitzgerald had always been the family maverick, but even he couldn't understand his impulse to buy a dilapidated mansion on the outskirts of New Orleans. Determined to restore Manet Hall to its former splendor, Declan begins the daunting renovation room by room. Only the companionship of the alluring Angelina Simone can distract him from the mysterious happenings in the house, but Angelina too has her own surprising connection to Manet Hall - uncovering a secret that's been buried for a hundred years. Three Fates: When the Lusitania sank, more than one thousand people died. One passenger, however, survived to become a changed man, giving up his life as a petty thief but keeping a small silver statue that would become a family heirloom to future generations. Now, nearly a century later, that heirloom, one of a priceless, long-separated set of three, has been snatched away from the Sullivans. And Malachi, Gideon, and Rebecca Sullivan are determined to recover their great-great-grandfather's treasure, reunite the Three Fates, and make their fortune.

    A dishonest secretary and ailing land agent have left the family estates in disorder. With new people in place, he sets off to one of his smaller properties to discover the extent of an obligation that seems out of keeping with the cold-hearted father he remembers. Why is Miss Kitty Davenport living at Shepley Hall and what was her connection to his father?Kitty’s patience is wearing thin after a long wait to find out if the new Viscount Enstone will continue the support his father gave to her family. All she needs is help to find a suitable position to escape from the unwanted attentions of a persistent suitor, but there is her schoolboy brother to worry about.

    Line of Scrimmage Susannah finally has a peaceful life and a no-surprises man. Marriage to football superstar Ryan Sanderson was a whirlwind of passion and excitement, but Susannah got sick of playing second fiddle to his team and watching women throw themselves at him. With their divorce just days from being final, she's already planning a wedding with her new fiance, but Ryan has to convince her to give him a second chance. He has just brought home his third championship, but Ryan's come to realize success doesn't mean anything at all without Susannah...2. Love at First Flight Juliana is on her way to visit her boyfriend of ten years. Her seatmate Michael is going to his fiancee's parents' home for an engagement party he doesn't want. A states' prosecutor, he's about to try the biggest case of his career, and he's having doubts about his relationship. They discover they're on the same flight coming back, and when the weekend is a disaster for each of them, they connect. But life is full of complications, and when Michael's trial turns dangerous, they must confront what they value most in life...3. Everyone Loves a Hero National hero (and reluctantly famous) First Officer Cole Langston finds being in the spotlight has its perks-until he meets Olivia. Cole is the only man who's ever seemed to understand her as an artist and as a woman, but his entourage of adoring women becomes a serious problem. Olivia has trouble trusting him, and everywhere she turns she sees reasons to run. Can Cole convince Olivia she's the one?

     Can a free-spirited tomboy learn to fit in with respectable society…? 1799, Suffolk When her father dies in battle, seventeen-year-old Isolde Cavanagh is forced to rely on the protection of an old family friend. But when she arrives at the imposing estate of Bawdsey Grange it seems her would-be guardian has died. And his son Richard de Baudresey has never heard of her. To remain at the Grange, Richard insists Isolde learns to fit in with high society. But having grown up in military camps, tomboy Isolde has no interest in becoming a lady. Can Isolde bend her will to please her guardian? Will Richard learn to accept her as she is? Or will the dark secrets bubbling below the surface threaten their growing bond? IN HONOUR BOUND is the first book in the Brides By Chance Regency Adventures series, an enchanting set of Regency romances set in Georgian England. THE BRIDES BY CHANCE REGENCY ADVENTURE SERIES BOOK ONE: In Honour Bound BOOK TWO: A Chance Gone By BOOK THREE: Knight For A Lady

     Get all four books for a limited time. Each book is an interconnected standalone. Blitzed: “I brought Laurie back to meet her father. I brought her back to meet you.” I’m normally not into jocks, but when Troy Wood asks me out, I feel like I’m the Chosen One. After all, he’s hot as hell and Silver Lake’s best athlete, practically the King of Campus. God’s gift to women—that’s what they call him, but I’ll make a gentleman out of him. Everything is perfect, and he already practically has his ticket to the Big Leagues. There’s just one little problem . . . I’m hiding a secret that could destroy him and his future. I can’t tell him . . . I can’t tell him that I’m pregnant with his baby. Over the Middle: O. M. G. That’s the only thing on my mind when I’m assigned to help superstar tight end, Duncan Hart, rehab his elbow. With a body that looks like a sculpted masterpiece, his chiseled features melt the hearts of women everywhere, including mine. There’s just one problem. Duncan’s an jerk, with an ego the size of our football stadium. He lives for the roar of the crowd. He thrives on it. And he wants to let me experience the Hart Attack — yes, he has a name for it. But that’s not going to happen. At least, that’s what I keep telling myself… All’s fair in love and war, and I have two choices — take him down, or let him score. Rushed: They say opportunity doesn't knock twice… Yet here comes Tyler Paulson, crashing through the door of my life. I know he’ll be trouble, but I can’t escape that smile… He's our new hot shot quarterback, and I’m supposed to show him around the city, but what I really want to do is show him how much I’ve grown up. Except there's one little problem. If I screw this up, I'm out of a job. So I have to be professional. No frisky business, and no mixing business with pleasure. But Tyler doesn’t play by the rules. He’s used to getting what he wants. I’ll have to resist and not give him the upper hand, but it’ll only be a matter of time before he scores his second chance. Fourth Down Baby: He tempted me and I couldn’t resist. Now I’m having his baby. It all started out innocent. Cory helped me around the house, and I mentored him, but then things changed. I started to see desire in his eyes, and I have to admit, I liked it. I know it isn't right, but I can't help myself. He makes me feel alive again. But being with him isn’t healthy. We come from different worlds. I should let him go—let him live his life. I’ll only hold him back and keep him from achieving his dreams. It was supposed to be a fling with the forbidden. I only wanted to indulge, nothing more. I planned to say goodbye before anything got out of hand. But now I can’t… because I’m pregnant with his baby.

    Fate finally shows her a better path when she catches the dashing Duke of Bersard's fiery eye… While assuming his duties as the new Duke of Bersard, Wesley Fifett comes across something unexpected but also disturbing: his father’s will. Forced to take a wife within a year, he keeps it a secret from the ravishing Lady Sophia, who has made a home for herself both in his thoughts and his heart. But rumor travels fast... Desperate to keep Lady Sophia from slipping through his fingers, Wesley's trail leads him to a baffling place. Back to the beginning, where it all started. His father's will, that just might be the key to unraveling a ploy that reaches deeper than his own familial roots...

    But he’s stunned when the “girl” turns out to be a twenty-seven-year-old American beauty, Fiona Nadide.According to a secret stipulation in her father’s will, Fiona will not obtain her inheritance and be free from guardianship unless she marries before her 28th birthday. But to Fiona, arranged marriages are archaic. She has absolutely no intention of getting married, and certainly not to a man handpicked by Bashar. The truth is, the only man she’s interested in is her smouldering guardian.As his ward, Fiona is strictly off limits to Bashar, and his advisors would be shocked if they knew where his thoughts about Fiona were drifting. Problem is, Bas can’t stop wishing he could have her for himself.