Book picks similar to
A Heart For The Taking by Shirlee Busbee
historical-romance
historical
romance
romance-historical
The St Nicholas' Day Wager
Em Taylor - 2014
Somewhat foxed, he agrees to a wager which states that he can marry the spinster sister of the Earl of Thornwich by Christmas eve. If Thornwich wins the wager and Eastden fails in his quest to marry her, he will get ten thousand pounds and vice versa. Having grown up on neighbouring estates, Nicholas can’t figure out why a nice girl like Gabriella failed for so many seasons on the marriage mart. Gabriella appreciates the viscount’s honesty when he explains the wager. Knowing the dire straits of her family’s finances and her brother’s addiction to gambling, it seems that marriage to Nick may be the only option. But can she overcome his cruel words from their childhood when he taunted her about the strawberry birthmark on her face which blights her appearance? After such a rocky start, can the Spirit of Christmas find its way into the lives of Nick, Gabriella and their families or will injury and grievances from the past keep them apart forever? Content Warning: This book is not a sweet romance. It contains sex scenes. If such content is not to your taste or offends you, please do not upset yourself by purchasing this book. Thank you.
Never Too Late
Amara Royce - 2013
. ."Honoria Duchamp is well aware that men often consider widows easy prey for the role of mistress. What else could explain the attentions of handsome Lord Devin, and his visits to her bookshop? The much younger Viscount has even shown interest in the printing press with which she creates pamphlets on London's basest injustices. Yet his chief interest appears to be in her. . .Coerced to investigate Nora's controversial pamphlets, Devin expected to find a bookish matron. Instead, he is taken with Nora's womanly beauty, sharp intellect, and quick wit. Soon, what begins as an unwelcome task becomes a pleasure, and Devin's job becomes more dangerous-for them both. For Nora has no idea of the vicious element she's crossed. Now Devin will risk his reputation to protect her-and much more to win her love. . .
Impostress
Lisa Jackson - 2003
Now, with Impostress Lisa Jackson joins the ranks of today's top bestselling romance writers... Owing her sister a favor, Kiera of Lawenydd promised to pose as Elyn on her wedding day. The ruse was to last just one night, but the following morning Elyn was nowhere to be found! Surely Kiera wouldn't have to spend the rest of her life wedded to a man to whom she could never admit the depths of her deception-even as her desire for him grew impossible to resist.
Seven Years to Sin
Sylvia Day - 2011
Shocked, yet strangely titillated, she nevertheless walked down the aisle into a life serene yet unremarkable. But what she kept hidden fueled wildly imaginative and very illicit dreams. . .Alistair Caulfield ran far from the temptation of the prim debutante--all the way to the West Indies. As a successful merchant, he has little in common with the rakehell youth Jessica once knew. But when newly widowed Jessica steps aboard his ship for a transatlantic passage, seven years' worth of denied pleasures are held in check by nothing more than a few layers of silk--and the certainty that surrender will consume them both. . .
Unlaced
Kristina Cook - 2004
Instead, she’s caught up in a whirlwind of balls, marriage proposals, and ton intrigues. Worse, she finds herself irresistibly drawn to her sponsors’ maddening neighbor, Henry Ashton, the Marquess of Mandeville. The handsome, arrogant, sometimes infuriating Mandeville stokes a passionate fire within her that won’t be denied, no matter the consequence.Deep, emotional scars secretly plague Henry, Lord Mandeville. As a result, he’s avoided romantic entanglements at all costs. Only, now he needs a wife—someone from a wealthy, powerful family to further his political aspirations. Instead, he finds himself all but obsessed with the beautiful but unconventional Lucy Abbington—a woman whose passions and wit stir desires he’d rather ignore. And yet…she might just be the one woman who can heal his wounded heart.Lucy and Henry’s heads say no, but their hearts say yes. Will they find themselves undone by love?
My Fierce Highlander
Vonda Sinclair - 2011
She risks everything to rescue the fierce MacGrath warrior from the battlefield where he’s left for dead by her clan. She only knows she is inexplicably drawn to him and he wants peace as she does. When her clan learns of her betrayal, they seek vengeance. Dare she trust the enemy more than her own family?Laird Alasdair MacGrath is driven to end two-hundred years of feuding with the MacIrwins. But by taking in and protecting Lady Gwyneth and her son, he provokes more attacks from his mortal enemy. As the danger and conflict surrounding them escalate, Alasdair and Gwyneth discover an explosive passion neither of them expected. With the arrival of a powerful man from her past, a horrible decision confronts her--give up her son or the man she loves.
The Bride Wore Feathers
Sharon Ihle - 1991
How could she be fiercely attracted to a shy and handsome Private in her uncle's charge?But Jacob is more than a lowly private in Custer's Army. On behalf of his adopted people, the Sioux, he's on a dangerous mission to ensure the General's demise. The Sioux warrior he's fought to become mustn't be betrayed by his white-man's heart longing for one last tender kiss, for one more smoldering embrace with Custer's golden niece.
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)
Ravishing in Red
Madeline Hunter - 2010
She does not realize that the handsome man of commanding sensuality who shows up is not the person she expected, but instead Lord Sebastian Summerhays, one of her father’s persecutors, lured to the inn by the same advertisement that brought her there.When the pistol accidentally fires, the situation becomes mortifyingly public, and thoroughly misunderstood. Audrianna is prepared to live with the scandal. Lord Sebastian has other ideas...
Intimate Betrayal
Adrienne Basso - 1995
But before his death, he auctioned Westgate Manor to the highest bidder, leaving her penniless. With no means to support herself, she was at the mercy of the new lord of the manor --- the dashing Duke of Gillingham.Now the ladies' man welcomed Alyssa into rooms that were once her own --- especially the master's bedroom. Captured in his haunting gaze, the copper-haired beauty felt her strong will weaken as she was torn between the allure of illicit passion and her dreams of wedded bliss. She would need to risk both to capture the reckless peer and become the mistress of his heart.
Light To Valhalla
Melissa Lynne Blue - 2012
Such shouldn’t be a problem except that he is married to his military career not to her. When Alexander Rawlings, the Marquis Coverstone, suddenly returns home, intent upon making amends, the desire to realize her greatest dream and make their marriage more than “in name only” is a delicious temptation. However, she cannot help but doubt his intentions. For years the dowager marchioness has petitioned for her son’s discharge from service, and when a close family friend informs Charlotte that Alex will in fact be discharged if he doesn’t produce an heir, her suspicions are confirmed. Wounded in battle and accused of murder, Alex, returns to London a half step ahead of raucous scandal and powerful enemies set on ruining him. When his wife is taken hostage and held for ransom, Alex knows past sins have caught up with him, and concern for his own safety falls by the wayside when he realizes Charlotte has become the target of his enemy’s revenge. Intent upon protecting his wife, Alex works to assuage her doubts and quickly realizes that he will not settle for simple surrender… he will only be satisfied once he wins her heart. But as rumors of infidelity and murder drag Alex and Charlotte into a dangerous mire their tenuous bond threatens to snap. Can the bonds of trust be renewed or will those intent upon revenge and destroying the young marquis succeed?
The Border Bride
Elizabeth English - 2001
The marriage of Maude Darnley to Jemmy Kirallen promises to end an age-old conflict - but Darnley has no intention of keeping his sworn word. Instead, he blackmails his baseborn daughter, Alyson, forcing her to masquerade as Maude while he prepares for a devastating surprise attack.Alyson is determined to survive and rescue her young brother from Darnley's clutches, but she never counted on falling in love. Now Alyson is faced with a terrible choice: Reveal the truth, and her brother's life is forfeit - stay silent, and condemn Jemmy and his clan to certain death.
Celine
Kathleen Bittner Roth - 2014
And into her life.Celine's breath caught in her throat. Heat smoldered in her belly. What a sensual man. The scion of the Andrews family carried an aura of personal magnetism so powerful, a sensation close to fright swept through her. She stood still and aloof, masking her emotions. His intense gaze seemed almost a physical touch. She held her head at a proud, haughty angle, not flinching from his bold scrutiny.In seconds, Trevor regained his cool, casual air. A lusty grin caught at the corners of his mouth, and fire danced in his eyes as he bent ever so slightly at the waist, tipped an imaginary hat, and strode casually into the house.She would never be the same...From Plantation era New Orleans to the untamed American West, here is the sweeping, unforgettable tale of a headstrong young beauty and the man she is destined to love.
The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor: Justine and the Noble Viscount / Annalise and the Scandalous Rake / Charlotte and the Wicked Lord
Diane Gaston - 2009
But Justine, the illegitimate daughter who strives to hide her shame, calls powerfully to something deep within him....''Annalise and the Scandalous Rake'' by Deb MarloweHouse party guest Ned Milford can see the inner passion and beauty that Annalise Fitzmanning hides. But how close should they become when his reason for being at Welbourne Manor would prompt a society scandal, not a society marriage!''Charlotte and the Wicked Lord'' by Amanda McCabeCharlotte may be the youngest Fitzmanning girl, but she knows her own mind--and she wants Lord Andrew Bassington. Drew requires an eminently proper bride, something free-spirited Charlotte has never been. So how can she make him see the beautiful woman she has become...?
Gentle Warrior
Julie Garwood - 1985
Bent on revenge, she rode again through the fortress gates, disguised as a peasant...to seek aid from Geoffrey Berkley, the powerful baron who had routed the murderers. He heard her pleas, resisted her demands, and vowed to seduce his beautiful subject. Yet as Elizabeth fought the warrior's caresses, love flamed for this gallant man who must soon champion her cause...and capture her spirited heart!