Book picks similar to
The Perfect Lady by Deborah Wilson
historical-romance
historical-fiction
romance
historical
Bargaining With a Rake
Julie Johnstone - 2012
Now, faced with an unwelcome marriage that will chain her to London and the secret slowly killing her, she’s desperate to save herself and the sister she adores. Salvation comes in the form of an American shipping tycoon, and all she must do is seduce him into marrying her. But Gillian’s scheme hits a snag when she makes a bargain with a notorious rake, Alexander Trevelle, Lord Lionhurst. He agrees to help her win the hand of his American friend, if she’ll assist him with exacting revenge against her unwanted fiancé. But the price of the pact may just be their hearts.
The Perks of Being a Beauty
Manda Collins - 2013
But when her mother dies unexpectedly, forcing Amelia to take employment as companion to a wealthy cit’s daughter, she quickly learns to play down her looks or risk losing her position. When her employers, the Smithsons, decide to throw a country house party, she is determined to fade into the background. But how can she when the Smithson’s guest of honor is Lord Quentin Fortescue, the childhood friend who stole her heart?Younger son, Lord Quentin Fortescue, is far more interested in his host’s cotton mills in the north than he is in courting the man’s dim-witted daughter. But it’s the girl’s companion who makes him look twice. Years ago, Miss Amelia Snowe rejected his proposal without a backward glance. Quentin has molded himself into just the sort of man she’d have wanted back then, but is Amelia still the smug beauty who broke his heart? And can either of them risk their newfound positions to indulge the fiery attraction that burns between them?
There Are Plenty More Dukes in the Sea
Samantha Holt - 2019
But there's a catch...I, George Lockett, do decree that my grandchildren, herein named, will inherit my fortune in its entirety, so long as they fulfill the following terms. Each person must complete their task to my lawyer's satisfaction or their share of the inheritance shall be forfeit.There are many reasons Lady Angel Templeton needs her grandfather's money. Of course she wants to be less of a burden to her oldest brother but, goodness, once she has even more money, she can have her pick of the men! A certain Duke of Norwick would be a fool to ignore her...Unfortunately, their beloved grandfather decided not to make it easy on the Templetons, though Angel is convinced her task must be the hardest. To fulfill the terms of the will, she must perform unpaid duties as a lady's companion for two months to the entirely unmanageable Mrs. Stone.Two whole months of work.What's worse, Mrs. Stone is determined to be an even bigger handful than Angel herself.No...what's worse, is the lady comes along with a miserable wretch of a nephew. While she cannot deny he is handsome in that dark, brooding way so many women adore, Angel does not enjoy the company of serious men--especially when they have already declared they do not trust her one jot.Well, she doesn't trust him either. It soon becomes obvious why the stern Mr. Hunter is determined to haunt her every move--he must want Mrs. Stone's money! Well, Angel cannot allow anything happen to her new friend, especially when she risks losing everything.
There Are Plenty More Dukes in the Sea is a Regency romance novella with a little heat. Keep an eye out for the rest of the Templeton siblings, coming very soon!
The Marquess' Angel
Julia Sinclair - 2018
she became a missionary.Blythe's prim missionary act gives her plenty of freedom to go to the cruelest parts of London to have her own adventure quests.But her plans are thrown into chaos when her uncle dies ...
This leaves her as one of the richest heiresses London has ever seen!
.
Suddenly, everyone's looking at her. Including a dangerous enemy.But ... the person looking the hardest is Thomas "Demon Tom" Martin, Marquess of Amory, the eldest son of the Martin family--the Carrows' sworn enemies.Thomas loves gambling,he loves trouble,and maybe, he loves this supposedly prim little missionary as well!Too bad Blythe belongs to the Carrows. .Can Blythe survive the darkness and danger around her?And will their love be enough to quell an ancient feud between the two families?Page Count: around 450 pages
A New Beginning
Rose Pearson - 2019
Having completed her mourning for her late husband, she has no intention of finding herself a new husband nor even allowing herself to be courted by a gentleman.But when an old beau reappears in the form of one Lord Havisham, Emily begins to wonder whether her heart can remain as resolute as she had hoped!Emily discovers that she has something of a follower in young Miss Bavidge, who longs to have the same confidence, gentility, and determination as she. Near to being regarded as a spinster, Miss Bavidge begs for Emily’s help in finding a husband for both herself and her friends. Emily loves a challenge, and Miss Bavidge and her friends certainly need help, but will Emily be able to aid her? And what will become of Lord Havisham and his intention to pursue Emily until she consents to his courtship?This book is the first book of series about The Spinsters Guild, a group of imperfect ladies who are almost “on the shelf.” Can Lady Emily help them find their perfect match before it is too late?
The Nobleman's Governess Bride
Deborah Hale - 2012
In the novella “The Viscount Meets His Match” Sebastian Viscount Benedict knows from bitter experience that marrying a woman of lower rank and fortune brings nothing but heartache. He is determined to prevent his beloved brother from making the same mistake by wedding the local squire’s daughter. Rebecca Beaton disagrees. She is certain her former pupil, Hermione, truly loves the viscount’s brother and will make him a devoted wife. She tries to persuade formidable Lord Benedict to give the young couple his blessing. In spite of their many differences, Sebastian finds himself drawn to forthright, loyal Rebecca. Yet he fears his admiration for the lady could erode his good judgment and resolve. Rebecca fights her growing attraction to Sebastian, which threatens to divide her loyalties…and perhaps break her heart. If only she can help him believe in true love, there may be hope for more than one happy ending! In the novel The Baron’s Governess Bride, Rupert Lord Steadwell is determined to hire the dowdiest, most unmarriageable woman he can find to care for his motherless daughters. The girls were heartbroken when their last governess eloped and Rupert does not want to risk a repetition. In her drab clothes, frumpy cap and spectacles, Grace Ellerby look like the ideal person for the job. Rupert has no idea that clever, caring Miss Ellerby is a beauty in disguise. Alarmed by unwanted advances from men in her previous positions, Grace is desperate to hide her dangerously attractive appearance and her growing feelings for her new employer. But when Lord Steadwell appears in danger of making a loveless marriage and saddling his daughters with a dreaded stepmother, Grace must risk everything to prevent it. Will a midnight kiss at a masked ball lead to scandal and ruin or will two wary hearts find their happily ever after at last? The Nobleman's Governess Bride is the first book in The Glass Slipper Chronicles series, about five young women whose devoted friendship sustained them through the hardships of childhood at a harsh charity school. Now employed as governesses, they care for other people’s children, never expecting to know the blessing of loving marriages and families of their own. But when Rebecca, Grace, Hannah, Leah and Evangeline encounter five special gentlemen, these humble governesses may become Cinderella brides! Book 1 – The Nobleman’s Governess Bride (includes the novella “The Viscount Meets His Match” and the novel The Baron’s Governess Bride) Book 2 – The Earls Honorable Intentions Book 3 – The Duke’s Marriage Mission Book 4 – The Gentleman’s Bride Search About the Author – Since winning Romance Writers of America’s prestigious Golden Heart Award, Deborah Hale has written over thirty works of historical romance, historical fiction, inspirational romance and otherworld fantasy. Her books have been translated into many languages and published around the world. Deborah and her family live in beautiful Nova Scotia, Canada a place rich in history, romance, faith and more than a little magic!
The Price of Innocence
Vicki Hopkins - 2009
The book is historical fiction, with romantic elements, set in 1878 Paris and London. The book is the first in a series of three entitled the Legacy Series.It is the tender story of Suzette Camille Rousseau, a young woman in late 19th century Paris, who makes a difficult journey from innocence to maturity. After losing a sheltered life with her father, Suzette is thrown into the harsh reality of poverty, struggling as a homeless woman on the streets of Paris. In order to survive, she faces difficult choices that offer little hope of redemption. Her journey takes her from the charities of St. Vincent de Paul, to a local laundry house where she toils endlessly in filth and squalor. To her surprise, one of her customers is the Chabanais, the most famous brothel in France that only caters to aristocrats. Like a fly drawn to a spider's web, the mistress of the brothel entices Suzette into a world of opulence, comfort, and beauty, but there is a price to pay -- her innocence. Succumbing to a life of prostitution, she meets a handsome English Lord who saves her from the unthinkable.
A Study in Scandal
Caroline Linden - 2016
But when she angers her strict and demanding father, the Earl of Stratford, he retaliates by arranging a marriage for her to a man she could never admire, much less love. In a panic, Samantha flees to London, only to find herself lost, alone, and nearly kidnapped—until an unlikely hero saves her. Lord George Churchill-Gray is an artist, not a knight in shining armor, but he doesn’t hesitate to rescue Samantha from disaster and offer her temporary sanctuary. He wouldn’t mind if she repaid him by modeling for his latest painting. He’s enchanted by her face… her smile… all of her, really. But with every study he sketches, he falls a little more in love with her, and Samantha begins to suspect her scandalous actions might lead to the sort of love she never thought to find…
The Wild One
Danelle Harmon - 1997
When he takes a bullet for boldly thwarting a stagecoach robbery, he is stunned to discover that the beautiful young woman he has heroically rescued, Juliet Paige, is his deceased brother’s American fiancée, accompanied by her infant daughter. Despite his brother the duke's refusal to acknowledge Juliet, Gareth is determined to do right by the courageous woman who crossed an ocean to give her baby her rightful name. But Juliet is wary of marrying this black sheep aristocrat, even while she is hopelessly charmed by the dashing devil. Never has she met anyone who embraces life so thoroughly, who makes her laugh, who loves her so well. And, even when it seems the odds are against them, Juliet has absolute faith that Gareth will go beyond the call of duty, risking his life itself to give her and her daughter a home — and a love that will last a lifetime.
Dancing with the Duke
Suzanna Medeiros - 2012
But that plan falls into tatters when his mother sponsors his sister's friend and enlists him to dance with her at Almack's. The beautiful vixen he meets that night bears little resemblance to the shy, gangly girl who used to follow him around. Now, instead of avoiding Charlotte, he finds himself frustrated when she seems to notice everyone but him.
Mad About the Major
Elizabeth Boyle - 2015
But she is a Tremont, after all, and the morning after she is nearly ruined at a ball by a handsome stranger, Arabella's father demands she make an arranged match with the heir to a dukedom. In desperation, Arabella takes matters into her own hands.Takes a London holiday with the most unsuitable of chaperones…Major Kingsley is in London to avoid his parents' dreadful house party. To his surprise he runs into the enticing—and unforgettable—minx he met at a ball the previous night. Arabella, or Birdie, as he knows her, insists he owes her three favors—for he's put her in a terrible pinch. Kingsley agrees, if only to delay his trip home and because the notion of spending the day with this enchanting bit of muslin is too tempting to resist. But all too quickly he discovers Arabella's requests are hardly what he expected…
The Viscount’s Mistress
Claire DuLac - 2016
To save his family from financial ruin, he needs the help of his closest childhood friend, Violette. They must work together so he can gain the hand of her wealthy but spoiled heiress cousin and make a mutually beneficial marriage—a sound business arrangement for them both. In return for her help, Lawrence offers Violette the one thing she covets most—freedom. With his help, she can leave England and her cruel family behind. But there is a vital flaw in this near-perfect plan. Violette Pélet de Castelmarou is secretly in love with Lawrence and has hidden it for years. Yet now she finds herself feeding him lines and coaching him through sticky social situations in order to win over her cousin. But when emotions get involved, hearts become inextricably entangled. When the time comes, will Lawrence be able to say goodbye to Violette or will he compromise her virtue and make her his forever? If he cannot have her for his wife, then he’ll make her his mistress…
The Rogue and I
Eva Devon - 2015
It’s a mistake she won’t repeat twice. Truly. Especially since he abandoned her just when they were about to elope to Gretna Green. Five years later, Harriet hasn’t forgotten the way Lord Garret’s smoldering gaze and wicked sense of humor touched her soul. Still, there’s no way she’ll forgive the traitorous libertine, no matter how he stirs her passions. Now, Harriet is determined to show him she doesn’t care, and never did, by making merry right under his nose but a tragic turn of events at her cousin’s wedding has her wondering if just maybe, love deserves one last chance.A Lord Who Lost His HeartLord Garret Hart, second son of a duke and now brother to the present Duke of Huntsdown, is never ever EVER getting married. Bachelorhood is for him. After all, women are the very devil. Especially one woman. Miss Harriet Manning is Garret’s own personal Medusa and she has turned his heart to stone. Indeed she has, but not before she absolutely ripped it to shreds, leaving him a complete wreck. Nothing will ever induce him to matrimony or nauseating protestations of boyish love again. But when he is forced into close proximity at his brother’s wedding with the woman who first taught him to dream and see the world as a wondrous place, sparks flash and passions explode. Still, Harriet is not to be trusted. She callously betrayed him once. So how can he ever allow himself another chance at love when love always seems to hurt so much?
Sarah's Duke: and Ellie's Gentleman
Georgiana Louis - 2015
She doesn’t need a great fortune or a title, she would actually prefer not to have to go into London ever again. She has little to offer other than her beauty and a pleasant temperament, but she is hoping that will be enough to secure her a man who will be kind to her. Oliver Lyre is the newly inherited Duke of Lincoln. Born as the spare son, he never expected to inherit his father’s mantle, and has neither the skills nor the desire to enjoy the benefits of his rank. He knows that he must marry a lady befitting of the position, but when he rescues the beautiful Sarah Collins one night, he can’t imagine living without her lovely smile in his life. Should he marry the delectably sweet virgin who would undoubtedly make a horrible Duchess, or do what duty demands of him? Ellie's Gentleman: sweet short story Ellie Sommers is twenty years old, beautiful, lively and intelligent. She has finally returned to her family home after another long London season. She wants nothing more than to stay in her beloved country town and ride her horses. Enter Robert Blakely, a widower and a true gentleman. He has come to spend Christmas with his long-time friend William, Ellie’s father. Robert has no wish to marry again and is shocked to discover his own interest in the beautiful daughter of his friend. The only problem is that he is twice her age and a widower who has convinced himself he will never marry again.
Proper Attire
Danielle Thorne - 2014
Attacked by pirates and desired by island natives, the only person she can trust is John Smith -- if that's her rescuer's true name. Reaching her uncle's station in English Harbor, Julia must find a way to face her feelings and deal with her traitorous family, a dashing new suitor, and the guardian angel, John Smith, who has no qualms sporting counterfeit names and less than what is proper attire.