Book picks similar to
Not So Sweet Maria by Jessica Spencer


romance
historical
regency
historical-romance

Miss Minerva's Pirate Mishap


Maggie Dallen - 2021
    But what if this thief ends up stealing her heart?The eldest daughter of a naval captain, Minerva is well-versed in tactical objectives and strategic maneuvers. It's no wonder she's put those skills to use when planning her own future with her perfectly proper suitor. There is only one flaw in her plan. She's failed to take into account the troublesome newcomer who's hiding out in her seaside town. The irritating rogue is in her way at every turn—teasing, taunting, and all around upending her well-ordered life. But then again, what else would she expect from a pirate?She'd like to say it's fear that makes her heart pound and her pulse race whenever he is near. She'd like to say that...but she's never been a very good liar. It's excitement, plain and simple, that has her seeking him out when she ought to be running in the opposite direction. And when he kisses her? Well, that stirs up another emotion entirely. One that makes her wonder what she's willing to sacrifice for duty...and just how much she'd risk for love.

Trials of Artemis


Sue London - 2013
    Jacqueline “Jack” Walters loves archery and Greek military history. In her third season she has failed to inspire so much as one marriage proposal and is planning to settle into the quiet life of a spinster.Gideon Wolfe, Earl of Harrington, has been avoiding marriage but a case of mistaken identity in the library has left him saddled with an argumentative and unwilling fiancee.

One Haunted Evening


Ava Stone - 2014
    He gets a most welcome surprise when he meets a lovely girl in the castle’s gardens and the rest of his life suddenly has a purpose.Callie Eilbeck has always avoided Marisdun Castle, there’s something about the place that has terrified her from even her youngest days. But after a chance encounter with the castle’s new owner and falling rather fast for handsome marquess, Callie vanishes without a trace just like the castle’s former mistress. Is one of Bradenham’s friends responsible for her disappearance? Or has the castle claimed another victim? And can the marquess find her before it’s too late and she’s lost forever?Jerrica Knight-Catania - The Haunting Of Lord WolfDaphne Alcott is rather content with her simple life in Cumberland, making rum butter for her neighbors and assisting her brother, the town doctor, whenever he might need her. But as the cold winds of autumn blow, they bring with them a caravan of handsome gentlemen from London who turn their little town on its ear.Alastair Darrington, Viscount Wolverly, is happy to go along with his friends on this little adventure to the Lake District. He hasn't anything better to do, and a change of scenery is always welcome. What he doesn't expect, though, is the young woman, covered in sticky, brown rum butter, who makes him question everything he’s ever thought about love, country life, and ghosts.Jane Charles - Her Muse, Her MagicBrighid Glace is not a witch, no matter how many times Blake Chetwey has called her one. She's a healer and he should be quite grateful she is too. Without her abilities, he might not survive his holiday at haunted Marisdùn Castle when another bout of Malaria hits him. But should anything terrible ever befall Blake, Brighid would never forgive herself if she didn't do all she could to save him. Her heart would never survive otherwise. After years of denying that Brighid’s mere presence affects him in ways he can't understand, Blake's future is now in her hands. She is lovely, and enchanting, and only a witch could make him feel such things. Is it his fevered state that has caused him to see her in a different light, or has he always known that there was something between them? But now that he sees her clearly, will he lose her to a friend?

Highland Vengeance


Keira Montclair - 2018
    A lass bent on vengeance. Together they are unstoppable. Maggie Ramsay has never forgotten Randall Baines, the English lord who tormented her beloved sister when they were children. After her sister is injured in a senseless accident, she decides to make Baines pay for what he did…only she gets more than she bargained for. Her brother’s mysterious friend joins her as soon as she leaves her clan alone, insisting on keeping her safe, and when they reach Baines’s castle, she learns the lord is now an earl and his cruelty to women and lassies has only escalated. The discovery fills her with a fire that will not be banked. Will MacLerie is a notorious outlaw known as the Wild Falconer, hunted for a past he cannot acknowledge for fear of death. His life is devoted to honing his skills as a warrior and anonymously helping those in need, but when he meets Maggie Ramsay, he begins to yearn for something more. A life in which the two of them can travel together freely and fight for the causes they both believe in. When Will and Maggie discover the depths of Baines’s wickedness, they unite forces to stop the man, come what may. But can they bring down an English earl? Or will they become outlaws for good, forced to live and love in the shadows?

Seduced by a Prince


Tanya Anne Crosby - 2003
    Now living his brother's aristocratic life, he has new trials, tribulations... and temptations, not the least being Chloe Simon, a woman of rare mettle, proud heart, and unprecedented beauty. But she’s no easy mark for a perceived highwayman.Chloe Simon knew Lord Lindale was definitely not himself. After encountering the masked highwayman Hawk left for dead, he seemed... somehow different. Maybe more approachable? Infinitely more... desirable. Entirely too irresistible. In a stolen moment of startling intimacy, he makes her feel like titled nobility. But she was only ever a doctor's daughter, with every reason to steer clear of his very kissable lips. Read The Impostors Series In Order: Book 1: Seduced by a Prince Book 2: A Crown for a Lady

Twice a Rake


Catherine Gayle - 2011
    . .When Aurora Hyatt loses her journal in Hyde Park, her ruin is a foregone conclusion. After all, if anyone discovers her writings, they'll find scandalous fantasies involving the newest rake in Town alongside entirely-too-candid thoughts about her typical dreary suitors. Aurora will either be forced into a loveless marriage with the first nodcock to make an offer, or she'll be assigned a permanent position on the shelf. Oh, dear good Lord. What catastrophe will God smote down upon her next?If Niles Thornton, Baron Quinton, desires to maintain any semblance of his current lifestyle, he must fulfill the requirements his grandfather has set for him. First and foremost: he must marry and begin filling his nursery within the year. When he is nearly barreled over by a racing curricle and a journal flies out to land at his feet, his troubles are over. Inside the journals pages, Quin discovers a scandal waiting to happen. Surely a young lady who would write such brazen things in a journal (and then dare to lose it) must recognize the necessity of a hasty marriage, even if the gentleman making the offer is rather less-than-honorable.In a drunken haze, Quin kisses Aurora on a crowded ballroom floor, necessitating their immediate marriage. Quin's troubles are only beginning, however, as Aurora's writings are soon the focus of both gossip rags and drawing room conversation. When word arrives of an even greater scandal following in his wife's wake, will he prove himself a drunken abuser like his father, or will he become the loving husband of Aurora's fantasies?

Lost Fortune


Sandra E. Sinclair - 2016
    After eight years away, she discovers her very existence has been a lie. The people she thought she knew, and those she loved, had kept secrets and lies that could bring scandal and shame if they are discovered. Everything she holds dear could be taken from her. Making matters worse, she is being hunted by a stranger whose sole purpose is to separate her from her inheritance, leaving her in ruin. Left with no other choice, Rilla must flee for her very life. Calvin Dalton has been sent by the Pinkerton Agency to recover a lost fortune. A chance meeting with a beautiful woman on the train into town left him breathless, and unable to get the exotic beauty out of his mind. He is delighted to discover they are staying at the same boardinghouse, even though he knows he has no time to become sweet on the girl. He’d been sent there to do a job, so he’d have to fall in love on his own time. However, when he agreed to take on the job, he had no idea where this journey would lead him, or the lives he’d ruin with his investigation. Calvin’s heart and his job were on a collision course of disaster. What will happen when the mysterious woman he’d met on the train becomes his prime suspect? It appears his heart wasn’t the only thing she’d stolen. “Lost Fortune” is the 1st book in Sandra E. Sinclair’s “Unbridled” historical, western romance series—where the female are all strong, capable and sassy, but most of all…unbridled. If you like escaping into bygone days when the west was wild and women wore big dresses, you will love the “Unbridled” series.

Nessa's Seduction


Jayne Castel - 2021
    Now she is charged with discovering the plans of Edward Longshanks. The English are gaining a foothold on Scottish soil—and they must be stopped.All Nessa has to do is enter the wolf's lair and seduce Hugh De Burgh—the English king's right-hand—and she will be able to gain the secrets she seeks.But faced with the towering, surly knight, whose touch addles her wits and sets her aflame, Nessa soon realizes that this mission may cost her everything.Guardians of Alba takes you back to 14th Century Scotland amidst the Wars of Scottish Independence. Immerse yourself in political intrigue, Celtic mysticism, betrayal, high-adventure, and steamy romance.

Bewitched by the Bluestocking


Jillian Eaton - 2021
    until a gorgeous, soaking-wet American shows up and demands he help her find a stolen family heirloom. Having had his heart crushed once before by a beautiful woman, Kincaid has no intention of tempting fate a second time. But Joanna Thorncroft isn’t about to take no for an answer.Joanna has to find her mother’s ring and discover the secrets it contains. Secrets that have brought her all the way across the Atlantic and onto the doorstep of a sinfully handsome detective. While falling in love is the furthest thing from her mind, fiercely independent Joanna can’t help but find herself drawn to Kincaid...and the blazing passion that soon threatens to consume them. But when the scandalous truth about the ring’s history is unveiled, it changes both the past and the present. If Joanna and Kincaid want a future together, they must risk everything to get it…including their hearts.

A Gentleman's Daughter


Diana Davis - 2020
    Can she stand him long enough to nurse him back to health? A sweet historical enemies-to-lovers romanceCassandra Crofton was raised a gentleman's daughter. When their father dies, however, she and her sister are forced to join their uncle's family in the American colonies. To add to her humiliation, on the journey to Pennsylvania, she is snubbed by a snobbish popinjay who refuses to treat her with the respect she deserves.Lord David Beaufort is the youngest son of the Marquess of Dorset, but no one in all of Dorsetshire would care he was leaving. He wants to find his own place and purpose in Philadelphia—far away from this impertinent country gentleman's daughter who shows him nothing but contempt.When Cassandra's uncle becomes Lord David's landlord and mentor, she cannot escape him. But as Lord David becomes deathly ill, Cassandra is thrown into the role of nurse. Now they must learn to respect one another to find their place in the colonies—and with each other.Join the email group at the official url link, and get the next book in the series, coming soon!Coming up in the Sisters of the Revolution series:A Lady to LeadHelen needs to lead. Nathaniel won't follow. Can they find love and justice?Helen Crofton is determined to free a young indentured servant. Nathaniel Carter needs to unload a cargo of illegal tea under the governor’s nose. They can’t seem to stop fighting, but as the governor’s son starts interfering with their plans, they start to see each other in a new light. After their poor choices land a friend in jail for murder, they must learn to trust each other to save their friend and their fledgling relationship.Catch the spirit of the Revolution! Step into the world of George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton!

Duke of Renown


Alexa Aston - 2021
    Renown. Charm. Disrepute. Arrogance. Honor.A woman with a broken heart...A soldier who never dreamed he’d become a duke...Phoebe Smythe, Countess of Borwick, suffers a tragic miscarriage when she learns her husband and young son have been killed in a carriage accident. The grieving widow retreats to an isolated cottage on the coast of Cornwall, where she finds a smuggler who’s washed ashore, blood leaking from a bullet wound.Captain Andrew Graham returns home from the Napoleonic Wars after the death of his older brother, finding his father on his deathbed. Soon he becomes the Duke of Windham and must deal not only with numerous responsibilities but his wayward half-brother, who has amassed a mountain of debt and then shoots Andrew so he can become the new duke.Andrew awakens to an angel of mercy, Mrs. Smith, a middle-class widow who nurses him back to health. She thinks he’s a criminal, which amuses him, but he soon falls in love with her beauty and spirit. On the day he decides to ask for her hand in marriage, she disappears and he has no way to find her—until he spies her across a London ballroom.Though her heart belongs to the Cornish smuggler she left behind, Phoebe places herself once more on the Marriage Mart. She yearns to be a mother again—which means finding a husband. What will Phoebe do when she learns that her Mr. Andrew is none other than the famous Duke of Renown? Find the answer in The Duke of Renown, Book 1 in the Dukes of Distinction.Each book in Dukes of Distinction is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order and can be read for free in Kindle Unlimited.Series Order:Book #1: Duke of RenownBook #2: Duke of CharmBook #3: Duke of DisreputeBook #4: Duke of ArroganceBook #5: Duke of Honor

A Duke's Desire


G.L. Snodgrass - 2020
    The man risked his life to save her. What woman wouldn’t fall in love. From London’s lowest rung. A penniless Miss Ann Parker is perfectly aware that women such as herself are never admitted to his world. That won’t stop her from dreaming. The Duke of Bedford had one simple rule. Never allow the weak to be mistreated. He and his friends may live lives of privilege. But with that comes responsibility. However, that does not include matrimony. Especially not to the less than brilliant ninnies his mother is constantly pushing on him. In order to forestall his mother’s efforts, the Duke needs someone to make her second guess her plans. If he can convince her he is thinking of marrying a commoner, perhaps she will decide that it is better that he not marry than betray their class. In need of a pretend heiress to work the deception. The Duke turns to his maid, Ann Parker, for her help. A woman from the wrong side of life, yet a woman of intelligence, natural grace, and charm. With help and a little luck, she may be able to help him avoid a disastrous marriage. Like Cinderella, Ann is exposed to a magical world. His world. But every moment is a reminder that it is a man and a world she cannot have.

Queen Of Emeralds


Kelsey McKnight - 2017
    Fearing his daughter losing everything when he dies, Charlotte’s father forces a match with an old friend, Richard Howard. But Richard is much more interested in an heir than a wife, and will do anything to continue his bloodline. Beaten and battered, Charlotte sees no way out of the union… Then the handsome Scottish laird Conner MacLeod crashes the social scene. He sets her body on fire with a mere touch, but he has a bad reputation of leaving a string of women in his wake. Nonetheless, when Conner offers his emerald queen sanctuary in his Highland castle, Charlotte flees with him into the night, escaping her marriage. But those who wish to trap her are never far behind. The Highlands give her hope, but fill her life with new perils… She and Conner begin growing closer, although the shadows of his former relationships haunt her. Still, the magnetic forces that pull them together are making it harder for her to stay away. And just as Charlotte is beginning to settle into her life, she learns someone wants her gone for good and will do so…by any means necessary. When Charlotte escapes one marriage only to find herself on the cusp of another, will she ever be free?

The Rogue and The Earl's Temptation


Emma V. Leech - 2019
    The notorious Rogue that began it all. Set in Cornwall, 1815. Wild, untamed and isolated. Lawlessness is the order of the day and smuggling is rife. Henrietta always felt most at home in the wilds of the outdoors but even she had no idea how the mysterious and untamed would sweep her away in a moment. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“This book has lots of twists and turns in the plot, and many giggle-making moments - I thoroughly enjoyed it.” ~ Amazon customer review Bewitched by his wicked blue eyes. Henrietta Morton knows to look the other way when the free trading 'gentlemen' are at work. Yet when a notorious pirate bursts into her local village shop, she can avert her eyes no more. Bewitched by his wicked blue eyes, a moment of insanity follows as Henrietta hides the handsome fugitive from the Militia. Her reward is a kiss, lingering and unforgettable. In his haste to flee, the handsome pirate drops a letter, a letter that lays bare a tale of betrayal. When Henrietta’s father gives her hand in marriage to a wealthy and villainous nobleman in return for the payment of his debts, she becomes desperate. Blackmailing a pirate may be her only hope for freedom. The Earl’s Temptation ROGUES & GENTLEMEN: BOOK TWO Alexander Sinclair, Fourth Earl of Falmouth, has a reputation for revelling in vice. Wine, women and gambling are only one side of this dangerous man, for the Earl has a second life, leading a criminal gang, smuggling contraband between France and Cornwall. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A fabulous historical romance […] Ms. Leech has provided readers with a well-written book with amazing characters. Alex and Celeste's story is loaded with drama, action, sizzle, humor and suspense. The Earl's Temptation is book 2 of the Rogues & Gentlemen Series but can be read as a standalone - this is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.” ~ Amazon customer review Seeking ever more risk Alexander often leads his men on their night-time missions. One unlucky night the revenue men appear, and the smugglers sail into a violent storm in an effort to escape, but the ship and all aboard go down. Barely alive Alexander washes ashore on the coast of France. Enter innocent beauty, Celestine Lavelle, the daughter of a noble French family forced to flee their estate during the revolution. Having lost everything, she must work in the kitchens of a coastal brothel. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I loved the characters so much they are so complex and share a wonderful chemistry. Emma Leech created a world so passionate that evokes so much emotions you cannot put down this amazing steamy story” ~ Amazon customer review Desperate and alone, her future is besieged by sin. The discovery of a half-drowned English smuggler on the shore will lead her heart in directions she never dreamed of. Alexander determines to save his beguiling rescuer. He plans her future should be full of everything that is good and honourable… but will the temptation to take her as his own be too hard to resist? The first and second book of the acclaimed Rogues & Gentlemen historical romance series from Emma V Leech, the multi-award-winning Amazon Top 10 romance writer.

The Beauty Bride


Claire Delacroix - 2005
    And he has no choice but to see them all wed in haste.Lady Madeline’s heart is not for sale…especially not to a notorious outlaw like Rhys FitzHenry. Yet Madeline’s hand has been sold, to none other than this battle-weary warrior with a price on his head. A more dutiful maiden might cede to the Laird’s command and meekly accept her fate, but Madeline has never been obedient. She decides to run away, though she never dreams that Rhys will pursue her.She does not expect this taciturn man to woo her with fanciful stories, much less that each of his enthralling tales will reveal a scar upon his shielded soul. She never imagines that a man like Rhys could imperil her own heart while revealing so little of his own feelings. When Rhys’ past threatens his future, Madeline takes a leap of faith. She dares to believe him innocent—and risks her own life to pursue a passion more priceless than the rarest gem.