Book picks similar to
Windemere Hall (Victorian Villains Saga #1) by Catherine Lloyd
historical-romance
gothic-romance
gothic
he-has-a-gf-or-fiancee
Sleepless at Midnight
Jacquie D'Alessandro - 2007
Her imagination is fired up, so when she spies Matthew Devenport, Marquess Langston, mysteriously sneaking home in the wee hours clutching a shovel, she simply must investigate. Impelled by curiosity, the adventurous lass steals into his bedchamber—only to be caught red-handed by the impossibly handsome and totally naked nobleman.The Marquess Langston has more important things to worry about than a group of literature-loving ladies. But Matthew's grand plan to rescue the family from ruin could be lost when he discovers Sarah hiding behind his bedroom curtain. What is this meddlesome woman up to? And why are his desires inflamed by a chit who is too inquisitive for her own good? Well, two can play at this game . . . and when Matthew captures the beguiling Sarah in all her naked glory, the night of mischief has only just begun.
His Bonnie Bride
Hannah Howell - 1988
So when Storm Eldon was kidnapped by her family's ancestral enemies, she knew there were rules to be honored by both sides. If her stepmother agreed to the ransom, Storm would not be harmed by the handsome Highland warrior who held her captive. But as days of waiting turned into weeks, it began to be clear that in this contest of wills, no one was fighting fair.
Taken
Esme Devlin - 2020
Sitting there wrapped in his tailored suit with his legs spread like he owned the ground beneath my feet, I knew he was trouble. I thought he wanted to buy me. I was relieved when he didn't. But I underestimated Julian Rinaldi. He doesn't buy girls. He doesn't need to. When Julian decides he wants something -- he takes it. Arrogant. Possessive. Lethal. Deadly. Out of his goddamn mind. And now? Now I fear I may be just as mad as he is.
What She Wants
Lynsay Sands - 2002
His uncle's will clearly states that Hugh must marry— yet he has just insulted his would-be bride by calling her a peasant! Now he must do whatever it takes to win back the fair Willa . . .Everyone has advice, it seems. His comrades-in-arms believe gifts and baubles will earn her love. The old witch who was her guardian wants Hugh to crawl back to Willa on his belly. And his castle priest suggests he read De Secretis Mulierum, a book on the secrets of women. But Hugh knows only one sure way to overcome her reluctance: he must convince Willa that his passion and devotion are not only what she needs, but what she wants more than anything else in the world.
Darkest Sin
Ashton Blackthorne - 2018
Amber has no idea what she does to me. She’s my secretary, but she’s also my obsession. Those innocent eyes? Those delicious curves? She sets my blood on fire. Out of all the women in the world, she’s the one I want. The one I need. But the sins of the past have dirtied my hands and my soul. I can't touch her. I can’t have her. I can never make her mine. But I’ll do anything to stop my brother from making her his… even if that means taking her for myself.
When Love Awaits
Johanna Lindsey - 1986
Now she must marry the magnificent blackguard to bring peace to the land.Young, innocent, and possessing a rare and exquisite beauty, Leonie would be a prize for any man - yet Rolfe seeks the match solely for revenge. But her sensuous kiss ignites within him the fiery need to claim her - and an irresistible desire to unite their warring hearts in glorious love.
While I'm Gone
Ana Simons - 2016
With all the questions hanging unanswered, she must leave for a two-week work assignment in London. As she juggles her emotions at the airport terminal, Matt observes her, intrigued. When the opportunity to meet her again presents itself, the charming and enigmatic doctor doesn't shy away and pursues her with everything he has. Heartbroken and confused, Sophie lets herself dive into an intense affair, a relationship she believes is fated to end as soon as the moment for them to part ways arrives. After all, Matt is just too good to be true and she’s learned her lesson: no one is as they seem. What if behind his determination, he carries secrets that might break her, even more? But when the unexpected happens and their feelings are put to the ultimate test, will Matt be ready to let her go? Will his hidden story drive them apart or bring them closer together? ** Previously published as Silent Signs. **
Lord Ruin
Carolyn Jewel - 2002
He planned to marry for beauty. But a night of unforgettable passion left him a changed man—a man tied to a bespectacled spinster. Anne Sinclair's long legs drove him wild with desire, and her quick wit challenged his mind. Ruined for any other, the notorious rake had only one choice: to court his wife. To win her confidence, however, nothing less than his love would do.The Divine SinclairAnne Sinclair had sworn to protect her sister from the infamous Lord Ruin. Yet she never expected to sacrifice her own virtue. Forced to give the rogue her hand in marriage, she vowed never to relinquish her heart. But Ruan worshiped her body and valued her intelligence, making Anne long to succumb to the ultimate temptation: falling for her husband.
Velvet Shadows
Andre Norton - 1977
She would be a "friend" who would try to protect her from another scandalous involvement--like the one back in France.Alain was a generous and thoughtful employer. Victorine a bright and amusing companion. But Tamaris could not help wondering about the significance of the gold and enamel snake Victorine wore around her neck. Nor could she stop thinking about the fact that someone had been going through her belongings and leaving strange objects among them.Then one day Alain was forced to reveal the true story of Victorine's past. A past, Tamaris suspected, that would soon gain on the future and place everyone at Rancho del Sol under a shadow of constant fear..
What a Woman Needs
Caroline Linden - 2005
To end his penniless existence, he simply has to convince his intended bride's shrewish, wizened old guardian that he isn't a fortune hunter...which, unfortunately, he is in the extreme. Still, once he meets the old witch, how difficult could it prove to charm her?Quite, actually. Escpecially when the lady in question is temptation made flesh—a gorgeous widow with a reputation for knowing a rake when she sees one, having bedded many herself. She'd rather die than let Stuart win. And with his plans thwarted, Stuart has only one option: to take revenge on his tormentor through seduction. But learning what this woman needs might only leave him hungry for more.
Midsummer Magic
Catherine Coulter - 1987
Frances Kilbracken, informed of the earl's arrival and his mission, disguises herself as a bespectacled dowd so she won't be the one selected by the young earl. But choose her he does, and for all the wrong reasons. The newly married couple return to England, together but not at all happy. Philip dumps Frances at Desborough Hall, his ancestral estate, and heads back to his old life in London. Ah, but Desborough has a stud farm and racing stable, and Frances is magic with horses. When the earl returns to his home, driven by guilt, he discovers the woman he married has grossly deceived him. What follows is a battle of the sexes that will have you chuckling, maybe even howling with laughter...
The Filthy Series
Megan D. Martin - 2015
Faye Turner is a nineteen-year-old homeless prostitute addicted to cocaine. Her life is simple, bouncing from one high to the next, bent over greasy truck seats for faceless men. But everything changes when Rhett Hale comes back into her life. Her devilishly handsome step-brother brings life-changing news and a special kind of hate reserved only for Faye. But all the hate in the world can’t hide Rhett’s lust for her. He wants something wild. Something filthy. And Faye is tempted to give him just that.But nothing is simple. Rhett isn't the only part of her past that comes back. Faye can't run. She can't hide. She becomes twined up in the razor sharp lies she fought so hard to get away from. But lies only bloody the path to the truth.
Upon a Moon-Dark Moor
Rebecca Brandewyne - 1988
Maggie was Sir Nigel Chandler's proud daughter and the mistress of Highclyffe Hall; Draco was the misbegotten son of Sir Nigel's dead brother and a carefree Romany maid. And Maggie knew from the first day she saw her cousin that he was as mysterious and untameable as the moors that stretched endlessly along the sea. She had lived a virtual prisoner in a mansion haunted by dark secrets, a father's cruelty, and a stepmother's cunning. Then, on a black and rainy night, a stagecoach drew up bringing the darkly handsome Draco into her life, and Maggie's fate was sealed. On the starlit moor the seeds of a forbidden desire would grow, spawning a love so strong that no power on this earth could deny its rapture - though its consequences could destroy them both...
To Lure a Proper Lady
Ashlyn Macnamara - 2016
He’s terribly ill, and Lizzie suspects poison. But when she seeks help from the Bow Street Runners, her request is answered by a rough-hewn rogue known only as Dysart. Though his irreverent charm by turns shocks and captivates her, a man of Dysart’s background is an altogether inappropriate choice for a duke’s daughter—isn’t he?Although Dysart has his reasons to disdain polite society, the promise of supplemental income from a noble’s coffers is too tempting to deny. But if Dysart means to apprehend the culprit who poisoned the duke, he’ll need to avoid any and all distractions—like the delicious swish of Lady Elizabeth’s hips. Yet as the investigation begins to unearth secrets he’d rather remain hidden, Dysart must decide at a moment’s notice whether to hold Elizabeth at arm’s length . . . or pull her dangerously close.
The Saxon Lord's Unwanted Bride
Emily Royal - 2021
Embittered by past betrayals, he values women only for the satisfaction they give him in bed. But he finds himself reluctantly falling in love with Eloise de Morigueax, the Norman noblewoman he’s commanded to marry. Her quiet courage and devotion to his people breaks down his defences and softens his heart.Initially terrified of her barbaric husband, Eloise’s hopes for a peaceful life are strengthened by the glimpses of the compassionate man beneath his uncouth exterior. However, a visitor from her past jeopardises the fragile bond of love, setting in motion a chain of events leading to murder and betrayal, which threatens to destroy their lives and shatter the peace between Norman and Saxon.Heat level: Hot!Note: HEA guaranteed, but this book has a flawed hero, and includes some scenes of violence, and references to past abuse and trauma.