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Henry's Bride by Emily Royal


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Merely Magic


Patricia Rice - 2000
    Both her class and calling have isolated her from companionship and love. But according to legend, her beloved village cannot thrive without a magical Malcolm in residence.Drogo Ives, Earl of Ives and Wystan, cares only for honor, science, and reason--unlike his unruly brothers and the illogical and untrustworthy female of the species. Love and marriage are two unknowns he has no desire to explore. His married brother can inherit.But fate and Drogo’s meddling stepsister bring Drogo and Ninian together for one night...with shattering consequences. Having dealt with the inconvenient result of his father’s bastards, Drogo has vowed to marry any woman who carries his child—and now the irresistible Ninian does. Only, the last time a Malcolm married an Ives, disaster destroyed Wystan and both their families. With all the odds against them, can they find a place where science and mystery meet, and build a bridge into a future where love saves both their families and their homes?

The Mudlark


Delle Jacobs - 2002
    The first time she straggles home sopping wet after wading into a freezing stream to save a drowning kitten, she walks right into the handsomest man she has ever seen.  He's also the most arrogant man she's ever met. And worse, her father has been conspiring with his father on their marriage since they were babes. Never mind that she had planned to marry Donald. Likewise, Tristan has no intention of marrying a loose screw like Izzy, who when she is not driving him crazy might expose the secret injury that could cost him his Guards commission. The only thing they have in common is their grim determination not to marry each other, and their only escape is the plot they concoct, a double elopement with a switch at the end, each of them marrying their original betrotheds. But she intrigues him, makes him laugh, makes him feel alive. And somewhere along the way, Tristan learns to let go of his deep immense sorrow and loss from the war, and replace it with love and joy.

The Duke's Bride in Disguise


Claudia Stone - 2018
    Despite her better judgement, Ava allows Emily to convince her to swap lives for a month, in order for Ava to scupper Emily’s engagement to a cold-hearted, brute of a man. Imagine Ava’s surprise when Emily’s betrothed turns out to be none other than her unrequited crush, the Duke of Kilbride! Raff Alexander Hamilton, the Sixth Duke of Kilbride, knows that he must do his duty to the line by marrying and procuring an heir. Love was never in the equation in his search for a bride. All that he required was a lady who was well-bred, quiet and biddable—and he thought that he had found just what he was looking for in Lady Emily Fairfax. Imagine his surprise, when overnight, his betrothed goes from meek and compliant to outspoken, alluring, and decidedly unimpressed with him. As Raff battles to woo his bride to be, Ava must navigate the sumptuous world of Regency London, while trying desperately not to fall in love - no matter how much her heart wants it.

Wonderful


Jill Barnett - 1997
    But when he finally fetches his bride-to-be from a secluded English convent, he finds he needs more than his knight's spurs to bring order to his life.When she was betrothed at fifteen to the legendary English knight she had never met, Lady Clio of Camrose believed that love was something magical. But her youthful hopes faded as she languished in a convent for six long years, never hearing a word from Merrick.Weary of war, Lord Merrick finds little peace guarding the wild Welsh borders, and even less with the wife whose trust he destroyed. But as Lady Clio comes to understand the dark knight she so blindly wed, she sees a chance to make her dreams come true. Amid the enchanted mists that envelop Camrose Castle, they will battle together to discover a place where all things are possible, even a love that is rare and wonderful.

The Lady is Trouble


Tracy Sumner - 2021
    She’s a psychic firebrand. Rebellious, spurned by society and determined to change his mind.What’s a defiant woman to do when the man she’s meant for doesn’t believe in love?After three years of waiting for Julian Alexander to realize they are destined to be together, Lady Piper Scott takes matters into her own hands. Because her gift as a healer has never done anything but distance her from the most principled man in England. A meaningless diversion as a medium, all done to gain a certain wandering viscount’s attention, backfires. As most endeavors have for a woman known in the ton as Scandalous Scott.What’s a reluctant viscount to do when the woman he can’t have becomes the woman he can’t live without?Julian Alexander, Lord Beauchamp, battled his way from the lowliest slum to assume his title. He carries not only a turbulent past, but a mystical psychic gift that separates him from society. Honorable to his core, he is committed to protecting a community of outcasts with abilities like his own. He has no time, no place, for love. Or repeatedly rescuing the most outrageous, beguiling woman he’s ever known. Even if she needs his protection most—and he desires her above all others.Seduction, intrigue and desire lead to an explosive passion…Julian vowed to shield Piper from the deadly foes seeking to possess her powerful gift. Although he needs her help in controlling his own, the mix could be deadly. Soon what was once a simple agreement to work together becomes enchantingly complex as they surrender to a timeless love…

Keeping Katerina


Simone Beaudelaire
    But one social issue Christopher has never considered much is violence against women. A Robert Browning poem and a chance encounter with Katerina Valentino change everything.Katerina is in fear for her life from her father's constant beatings. That is, until Christopher becomes entranced by the delicate dark-haired beauty, and decides that he must rescue her from her father--by marrying her. But Katerina's years of abuse have left her physically and emotionally scarred. And those scars threaten the newlyweds' hope for happiness. Is Christopher's tender affection enough to help Katerina heal her broken spirit?

WolfeHeart


Kathryn Le Veque - 2020
    Meet Markus de Wolfe, Patrick “Atty” de Wolfe’s son… and he is every inch his father’s boy. The grandsons of William de Wolfe all bear the Mark of de Wolfe - a tattoo of the de Wolfe crest somewhere upon their body. It's a badge of honor, of courage, and most of all - of family. The Pack sticks together. Markus de Wolfe has the blood of the Normans and the Vikings flowing through him. Big, muscular, handsome, and proud, he is a fine tribute to his father and grandfather. As an elite knight for the de Wolfe domain, Markus is called upon to help defend an allied castle. The Scots have overrun the place, killing the lord, and the de Wolfe army moves in to protect it. Markus takes command, appointing himself the personal protect of the lady of the castle and her two small children. The problem begins. Lady Evantha Hemada de Sauque has known the de Wolfe family for most of her adult life, ever since she married her much-older husband. She has known Markus, too, but not well. Not until he takes command of Trastamara Castle. Then, a fiery passion is born of a passionate young knight and a repressed older woman, one that threatens to tear apart the House of de Wolfe. Will Atty be at odds with his beloved firstborn? The House of de Wolfe has a history of marrying forbidden women… and Markus is no exception, but this time, will it cost the House of de Wolfe everything? WolfeHeart is the beginning of the new generation of de Wolfe cubs!

Kissing the Captain


Kianna Alexander - 2012
     -Explore love, life, and the challenges of a bygone era.- Ridgeway, California: A fictional, mixed race settlement founded by abolitionists in 1853, after the madness of the California gold rush died down. Located near present-day Oakland, California, the town is home to a little less than 500 citizens. In Ridgeway, everybody knows everybody else- which can be a good thing- or a bad thing. The Roses of Ridgeway: The feisty, determined female citizens of the settlement. They are intelligent, loving, and know their own minds- but they are far from perfect. The Roses are: Lilly Warren, Prudence Emerson, and Valerie Ridgeway. Please Note: The Roses of Ridgeway series books are SWEET in nature. There is no offensive content that would limit these books solely to mature adult readers. Expect some brief foul language, and light violence, and affectionate moments. However, sexual relations take place behind closed doors and are not portrayed on the page. Therefore, these books are appropriate for readers of all ages, from young, to mature, to young at heart. From Heartbreak to New Beginnings In 1879, near the small northern California town of Ridgeway, Lilly Warren is a young woman who has recently lost her father. There is little time for mourning, though, as the responsibility of running the twenty-six acre farm now belongs to her. To make matters even more complex, her father has deeded the house and the land to her in his will with an interesting condition: that she share the land with a person she's never met, or forfeit ownership. Leaving the Sea Behind for a New Love Ricardo Benigno is a Spanish captain of the Anna Juanita, a shipping vessel bringing spices and oils to the shores of California. Seeking out the farm of his old friend Leonard Warren, he discovers that the older man has passed away. To his surprise, Ricardo has also been willed joint ownership of Warren land, as long as he shares it with Lilly, Warren's only child. Will There be Romance, or Rebellion? The attraction between them is instant, and they both agree that marriage is the only acceptable way they can share the land. But can two people from such different worlds learn to love each other, or will Lilly's heart be broken if she dares to kiss the captain? Roses of Ridgeway Series Chronology This is book #1 in the Roses of Ridgeway historical romance series by Kianna Alexander. Below is the series chronology: Book 1: Kissing the Captain- Lilly and Ricardo's story Book 2: The Preacher's Paramour- Prudence and Derrick's story Book 3: Loving the Lawman- Valerie and Noah's story (coming soon)

Salt Bride


Lucinda Brant - 2010
    High drama, witty prose, a deft palette of historical detail, and a weave of subplots will keep you mesmerized from beginning to end.England, 1763. The Earl of Salt Hendon and squire's daughter Jane Despard share a secret past of mistrust and heartache. Forced into a marriage neither wants, the patient and ever optimistic Jane believes love conquers all; the Earl will take some convincing. Enter Diana St. John, who will go to extremes, even murder, to hold the Earl's attention. Can the newlyweds overcome past prejudices and sinister opposition to fall in love all over again?Non explicit (mild sensuality)

To Love a Marquis


Jenn Langston - 2018
    With the last of her pin money spent, she accepts employment at Lady Constance’s House of Reform. Assigned to Viscount Harken, a handsome but difficult man who doesn't make their association easy, she is determined to help him and, in the process, solidify her position. She soon discovers he deserves better than he believes. Anson Greenleaf, Marquis of Melbourne, thought collecting his betrothed would be a simple matter, but he'd been wrong. Miss Whittier has taken on a position in the city, which presents him with a unique opportunity. Using one of his lesser known titles, he poses as a client. Instead of learning why she ran from him, he finds himself drawn to her and is determined to charm her. Before long, he forms an intense desire for her. One he must fight. When Miranda discovers the Marquis of Melbourne followed her to London, she fights against the need to leave the position she loves and the man she's come to care for. As her life falls apart, she's forced to give up the viscount. When she learns of the Marquis's deception, she realizes she can't marry him. After all, she knows exactly what he wants in a bride. And, she knows it's not her.

Silk and Shadows


Mary Jo Putney - 1991
    He was superbly handsome, fabulously wealthy, overwhelmingly seductive. He cut a dazzling swath through Victorian London—and wove a web of desire around beautiful and proud Lady Sara St. James, pledged to wed another man.In Peregrine's arms Sara learned the meaning of forbidden passion—and forbidding mystery. Only the burning power of love could pierce Peregrine's chilling silence about his secret past and hidden purpose...as Sara plunged into a whirlpool of yearning and uncertainty with a man who was everything a woman could want or fear...

Winds of Betrayal Books 1 & 2: The Cry For Freedom and Embrace of Enemy


Jerri Hines - 2014
    Tension against the crown is mounting daily. In Williamsburg, the rebellion burns strong in the hearts of two siblings, Jonathan and Hannah Corbett. Spirited and headstrong, Hannah finds herself thrust in the middle of a conspiracy when her father receives a strange package from Philadelphia. Jonathan, a physician for the Continental Army, is torn between duty and family. With war looming on the horizon, the siblings soon discover there is a high price to be paid for the cry for freedom. The Saga continues.... EMBRACE OF THE ENEMY, Book Two It's a dangerous game you set to play, Miss Corbett. One that can have far worse than deadly consequences! In the midst of the struggle of America's bid for independence, Hannah Corbett makes a fateful decision, descending into a world of deceit. Spurred by revenge, she heads to New York, setting in motion a dangerous game for which there is no return. Searching desperately for the man who betrayed her family, she faces the cold and brutal reality of the life of a spy. Caught in a web of lies, living with betrayal, she is trapped. She has nowhere to turn except to a man it would be treasonous to love, setting duty and desire at war. Her heart is ripped apart when she must choose between the man who risks his career and life to protect her and the only thing that has remained constant in her life...her belief in her cause.

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 . . .

Falcon's Fire


Patricia Ryan - 1995
    But for her brother’s sake, she agrees to wed, sight unseen, the younger son of an English baron. The betrothal has been arranged by her brother’s old friend and fellow Crusade veteran Thorne Falconer, a landless knight in service to the baron. Born into wretched poverty, the powerful and handsome Thorne pursues the one thing that separates the rich and the poor: land. As a reward for finding a wife for the hot-headed young Edmund, Thorne is to receive what he most craves, a grand manor of his own. Neither Martine nor Thorne counts on their overwhelming attraction to each other. As the two improbably lovers struggle to deny their desire, they are drawn into a passion so fiery it sweeps away everything but all-consuming love. Originally published by NAL, Falcon’s fire was nominated by Romantic Times Magazine as Best First Historical Romance; nominated by the Literary Times as Outstanding Historical; Golden Heart finalist. "A powerful debut historical novel by an exciting new talent, Falcon's Fire will ignite your imagination and passion for medieval romances." Romantic Times "A richly textured pageant of passion. A grand adventure!" New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs "Falcon's Fire is a fast-paced, vividly detailed medieval romance filled with several interesting and very memorable characters. Of noted interest to readers will be the variety of intriguing female personalities in Patricia Ryan's terrific tale. Patricia Ryan is definitely an author to watch!" Affaire de Coeur "Destined to become an all time favorite among medieval fans." The Medieval Chronicle "An exceptionally good and beautifully told story." Rendezvous "Magnificent! Patricia Ryan is wonderful!" The Literary Times About the Author: Patricia Ryan is the USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen romances and mysteries, including the #1 national bestseller Still Life With Murder. Her novels have garnered rave reviews and been published in over twenty countries. A RITA® winner (for Silken Threads) and four-time nominee, she is also the recipient of three Romantic Times Awards and a Mary Higgins Clark Award nomination for the second book of her historical mystery series featuring Boston governess Nell Sweeney, which she wrote under the name P.B. Ryan. To find out about new print and audiobook editions, freebies, discounts, and giveaways, be sure to subscribe to Pat's newsletter at patricia-ryan.com. And if you would like to receive an email when Pat publishes a new book, just follow the Patricia Ryan and P.B. Ryan author links at the top of this page and click the big yellow "Follow" button.

A Suitor for the Spurned Mail Order Bride


Blythe Carver - 2021
    She had the perfect life planned out with her perfect man. She was marrying the town’s most eligible bachelor. Until she wasn’t. Suddenly, on her wedding day, she’s spurned. What’s a girl to do but run away, her head tucked low in shame?Aniel West’s got a problem. His uncle’s will states that in order to inherit his own parents’ property, Daniel’s got to have a wife before his next birthday. Before his next birthday? There doesn’t seem to be time to find and woo a wife. Until his sisters concoct a plan involving placing an advertisement for a mail order bride.Seemed like a great idea at the time, but it seems Mother Nature has other plans. No sooner had Daniel collected his mail order bride than an earthquake struck and destroyed the town, sending the two into a head-spinning day of search and rescue. Among all the ravages inflicted on the town, can Daniel and Anna find what they are seeking and rescue their attempts to find love?