Book picks similar to
Cynsters: The Beginning: Cynster Novels 1, 2, and 3 by Stephanie Laurens
historical-romance
romance
ebooks
mystery-series
Ruse & Romance
S.G. Rogers - 2014
Lord Philip Butler’s father wants him to settle down before he can become a landowner. With no intention of following through, Kitty and Philip enter into a temporary engagement as a means to an end. Unfortunately, someone knows the truth and is determined to expose them. Will the ruse turn into a romance before it’s too late?
Preternatural Affairs, Books 1-3: Witch Hunt, Silver Bullet, and Hotter Than Helltown
S.M. Reine - 2014
I'm a witch working for a division of the government you've never heard about. The world's not what everyone thinks it is--unless you think that our world's a pawn in a game of chess between Heaven and Hell, and riddled with as much magic and wonder as it is with evil. In that case, the world is exactly what you think. My place of employment--the Office of Preternatural Affairs--takes a modern approach to an ages-old problem. It used to be that inquisitors would burn demons and the people in league with them. Now we get warrants, perform arrests, put the suspects on trial, and send guilty parties back to the Hell from whence they came with the travel forms filled out in triplicate. This stuff I do with the OPA, it saves lives on most days. Most days, I said. ABOUT WITCH HUNTThere are scratches on Cèsar Hawke's arms, a discharged Glock on his coffee table, and a dead woman in his bathtub. Yeah, maybe he brought the waitress home for some fun--he was too drunk to remember it--but he knows for a fact that he didn't kill her. He's an agent with the Office of Preternatural Affairs. He doesn't hurt people. He saves them. The cops disagree. Now Cèsar is running. Isobel Stonecrow speaks with the dead. She brings closure to the bereaved and heals broken hearts. But when she talks to the wrong spirit, the OPA puts a bounty on her head. Tracking down Isobel is the last case assigned to Cèsar before he bolts. If he finds her, he can prove that he didn't kill that waitress. He can clear his name, get his job back, and bring justice to all those wronged families. She's just one witch. He's bagged a dozen witches before. How hard can one more be? ABOUT SILVER BULLETFormer private investigator Cèsar Hawke has one rule: He doesn't deal with dead bodies. That's why he enlisted with the Magical Violations Department in the Office of Preternatural Affairs. He's happy tracking down witches that commit petty crimes, but he leaves the homicides to other agents. Except that he's been assigned to a new team--a team that handles special investigations--and the job has suddenly changed. Now Cèsar has to deal with dead bodies. He also has to deal with necromancers, murderous cults, and demons that can stop a man's heart with fear. This isn't the job he signed up for, but it's the job he needs to do. If he survives the first week. ABOUT HOTTER THAN HELLTOWNA killer is mutilating bodies in Los Angeles. Agent Cèsar Hawke is on the case, but the murderer is ahead of him--way ahead of him. Wiping the memories of the dead so that the team's necrocognitive can't talk to them? Done. Preventing magical reconstruction of the crime scenes? Oh yeah. And the murders keep getting more brutal while Cèsar struggles to catch up. The best way to heat up a cold case is to go to Helltown, where Los Angeles's most powerful evil hides out, but even those demons are afraid of the murderer. Their fear adds one more question to the growing pile of unknowns: What kind of bad guy is too hot for Helltown?
Baron Of Godsmere
Tamara Leigh - 2015
Three noblemen secretly gather to ally against their treacherous lord. But though each is elevated to a baron in his own right and given a portion of his lord’s lands, jealousy and reprisals lead to a twenty-five year feud, pitting family against family, passing father to son. THE DECREE England, 1333. The chink in Baron Boursier’s armor is his fondness for a lovely face. When it costs him half his sight and brands him as one who abuses women, he vows to never again be “blinded” by beauty. Thus, given the choice between forfeiting his lands and wedding one of his enemies to end their feud, he chooses as his betrothed the lady said to be plain of face, rejecting the lady rumored to be most fair. THE ENEMY On the eve of the deadline to honor the king’s decree of marriage, the fair Elianor of Emberly takes matters into her own hands. Determined none will suffer marriage to the man better known as The Boursier, she sets in motion her plan to imprison him long enough to ensure his barony is forfeited. But when all goes awry and her wrathful enemy compels her to wed him to save his lands, she discovers he is either much changed or much maligned. And the real enemy is one who lurks in their midst. One bent on keeping the feud burning. NOTE: BARON OF GODSMERE is a romance wrapped in an inspirational message true to the time period often referred to as “The Age of Faith.” Due to an integral part of the plot—that of a woman whose past causes her to fear even a husband’s intimacy—it isn't tied up with a bow too sweetly pretty to untie. Hence, due to the hero’s efforts to court his lady, this romance is more a “Clean Read” than an “Inspirational Read.”
A Desperate Wager
Em Taylor - 2014
And he can’t even remember ever meeting the chit. Clearly his drinking has got out of hand. Lady Sarah Steele is horrified when her father announces that the Duke of Kirkbourne has agreed to marry her and even more horrified that her father wagered her hand in a game of cards. Not only that, but the earl has not told the duke of the riding accident that left Sarah paralysed when she was sixteen. But he’s dying and she knows he wants to see her settled before the inevitable happens.Despite Nate’s drinking and Sarah’s possible complicity in the earl’s plan, they agree to marry. But when accidents start to happen, the newly-weds must deal not only with the fact they are practically strangers, but they must find out who is trying to kill one or both of them. Nate’s drink problem and Sarah’s disability are only a couple of the hurdles they must face to find lasting love.
The All Souls Trilogy
Deborah Harkness - 2014
A Discovery of Witches, Shadow of Night, and The Book of Life, now available in an eBook bundleWith more than a million copies sold in the United States, A Discovery of Witches and Shadow of Night have landed on all of the major bestseller lists, garnered rave reviews, and spellbound legions of loyal fans.The Book of Life brings the number one New York Times bestselling series to a deeply satisfying close, and we are now pleased to offer all three books in a lavishlydesigned boxed set, perfect for fans and newcomers alike.
The Duke's Return and the Lady's Rebuttal
Charlotte Darcy - 2017
The Duke of Millington will lose everything unless he marries. Both will only marry for Love. Benedict Astor, the Duke of Millington has returned from 6 years of war only to find his father dead and his title and land soon to be given to another. He has but a few months to find a wife if he wishes to keep his home and his title. Only Benedict would only marry for love. Can he now give up on his principles and marry for duty? Juliet Morgan is nursing her dying father knowing that on his death she will lose her home. The property is entailed to her cousin and he is a man she does not know. When her solicitor suggests that she marry the Duke of Millington she is insulted and reacts with anger. How dare this man presume that she is desperate? Benedict is knocked form his horse one day by a daring woman taking a hedge too quickly, when he finds out it is Juliet he is suddenly interested. Not only did she have the courage to turn him down but she is beautiful, intelligent and of strong character. Everything he wants in a woman. While his own sister plots and schemes for him to lose his inheritance all he can think of is Juliet but she will not accept even the smallest word from him. In despair, Benedict decides he must marry a title hunter or lose all he has. Yet there is trouble for Juliet, her cousin has decided she will be his. Can Benedict come to terms with giving up on his principle or will he walk away from his home? Will Juliet lose all, even her freedom?
The Willing Game
Issy Brooke - 2018
When scientific investigator Marianne Starr – rich in talent but poor in everything else – meets excitable trader George Bartholomew, she initially refuses to take his case. Her job is to publicly unmask fake mediums, not to unravel his strange story of fake fathers. But now, with George lying dead in squalor and a man in a blue top hat shadowing her every move, she must take the case. She can’t rely on her own scientific training. She needs the help of her socialite cousin Phoebe, her paranoid stage magician friend Simeon, and even her father – when he’s lucid. She isn’t doing it for the money, or even her good name. Because if she can’t discover the dangerous secrets behind the Bartholomew family before the pistol-waving Prussians catch up with her, she’ll pay with her life – and everyone she loves will be next. Light, fun and intriguing, THE WILLING GAME is the start of a thrilling new historical mystery series from the author of the popular Lady C. Investigates series. It's a complete novel with no cliffhanger. They can be read in any order.
Hearts Afire Complete Historical Romance Collection
Gina Robinson - 2013
Hearts Afire Complete includes all three of Gina's historical romances set in the wild Pacific Northwest of the late 1800s when prostitutes ruled the streets, mining kings ruled the land, and true love ruled the heart. The Last Honest Seamstress—Seattle 1889 Seamstress Fayth Sheridan needs a husband of convenience. Sea captain Con O'Neill needs to win her love. But winning her heart might just cost Con everything. The Union—Private detective John Deitz knew the dangers of going undercover to infiltrate the renegade mining union. But falling in love with Keely Byrne, the fiancée of the union thug he killed, was never part of the plan. The Escort—On the way to meet her husband, Italian mail-order bride Angelina Allessandro falls in love with Tonio Domani, her handsome, enigmatic escort. Now she's torn between duty to a man she's never met and desire for a man she can't have. All three stories for a discounted price! It's like buying two and getting one free. If you love marriage of convenience stories, mail-order brides, and stories where love triumphs over every adversity, this collection is for you.
The Calling of Ella McFarland
Linda Brooks Davis - 2018
But in the male dominated world of 1905, scandal clouds her family name and may limit her to grueling farm labor in Indian Territory. As hope for Oklahoma statehood rises, a new love buds in her heart, and the woman's suffrage debate rages, Ella encounters an abused sharecropper's daughter, forcing her to make decisions she never imagined about her faith, family, and aspirations. What toll will the turmoil demand of Ella's dream? And what call might God lay on her heart?
None So Blind
Chautona Havig - 2013
Practically speaking, Dani died. But she didn’t.In a desperate attempt to separate the old life from the new, Dani insists on a new name–Ella.Ella’s doctors can’t explain what happened. Her children can’t understand why she doesn’t know them, and her husband finds himself torn between admiration for the “new” version of his wife and missing the woman he’s known for over fifteen years.Will Ella ever regain her memory? Why does their pastor suspect it’s one great hoax?
A Wrangler for Wynonna
Amelia C. Adams - 2019
Simplest thing in the world to send for mail-order brides - minimum of fuss, only a marginal expense, and everyone's happy with the end result. Jack Milton agrees with Sully's reasoning and agrees to be one of the grooms. When he meets his prospective bride, he's more than pleased with the match - but that's short-lived when the girls arrive at the ranch. Wynonna Westcott and her friends agreed to become mail-order brides only after signing some very specific contracts and receiving guarantees of their happiness. When things turn out to be the exact opposite of what they've been promised, they must figure out their next step - or be stranded in Kansas forever. This is book one of a new comedic sweet Western romance series by popular author Amelia C. Adams.
When Empires Fall
Katie Jennings - 2012
They're in the business of luxury hotels...and murder.When the truth is exposed through the letters of a dead woman, all hell breaks loose. The family tries to cope with the allegation that what they thought was a decades old suicide was actually the cold-blooded murder of one of their own. Things only get worse when they realize the killer is still among them.Enter the newest generation of Vasser heirs: three siblings now running the Vasser Hotel in New York City, each with their own agenda. Principled and serious Grant; charming playboy Linc; and ruthlessly secretive Madison. They soon discover that swimming in the undercurrents of their own family's dark past could prove to be disastrous.Family may be the ties that bind, but When Empires Fall, they are the ties that kill.
Midsummer Night
Deanna Raybourn - 2013
Not to mention her devastatingly handsome partner in crime, Nicholas Brisbane. Midsummer Night is the long awaited novella of their wedding, a dashing—and potentially deadly—affair not to be missed…Midsummer in Victorian England—an auspicious time for a wedding. Brisbane has taken charge of the music. Julia has, perhaps mistakenly, allowed her sisters to choose the dress. And Belmont Abbey is overflowing with guests awaiting the blessed day. What could go wrong?Combine the close-knit chaos of village life, pagan traditions bursting through staid Victorian conventions, and the congenial madness that tends to swirl around Lady Julia's family and you get an unforgettable wedding. But add in a dangerous past nemesis who has come to wish them not-so-well, and their day to remember just might take a fatal turn...
A Lady's Mysterious Origin
Bridget Barton - 2019
However, with her parents being a dark mystery and nothing to look forward to, she feels condemned to a dull life for the rest of her years. Her life will soon take a strange turn though, when the nephew of the Duchess will take an interest in her, leaving her strangely unsettled and making her heart beating faster. But how could a romance between a girl of no origin and a nobleman ever flourish?Leonard, Viscount of Hethersett, is a man who knows his duty to his family. His return to London has secured him a marriage, but he would rather spend time with the lovely companion of his cousin than obey his parent's wishes. However, he will soon face a dilemma that will question his very values. Will he decide that his own feelings are more important than what society demands? Will he choose love over duty?Sometimes, even the best of intentions tend to go all awry. And just when Leonard has started winning Joanna's trust, everything will be on the verge of collapsing. How will he make it up to her and her broken heart? Will the mystery of Joanna's origin ever be solved?
HOT Volume 1: HOT Pursuit / HOT Mess / HOT Package
Lynn Raye Harris - 2014
But this set is value-priced! 600+ pages of exciting reading! Featuring stories that have been in the Top 100 bestsellers on Amazon, B&N, iTunes, and the USA Today list. HOT PURSUIT (#1) Evie Baker's luck just ran out. A trained chef, she's now working in her mother's salon as a shampoo girl after a disastrous affair with an embezzling accountant cost her her business. Her luck can't possibly get any worse... Or can it? Her baby sister is suddenly missing, someone is shooting at her, and the only man big enough and bad enough to help is the high school heartthrob who stole her heart--and her virginity--before he joined the military and left her to pick up the pieces of her life. Special Operations Captain Matt "Richie Rich" Girard can't afford to get involved. He's on the verge of a court-martial after a Top Secret military operation gone wrong, and he's been ordered to stay out of trouble while he's home for his sister's wedding. But when Evie's ex-partner turns up dead, staying out of trouble is the last thing on Matt's mind. If he's going to protect her from a ruthless killer and find her sister before time runs out, he'll have to risk his entire future--and both their lives--to do it. HOT MESS (#2) English professor Dr. Georgeanne Hayes has a problem. Her star pupil, an Army sergeant who works in a Top Secret government program, is missing—and someone tried to push her in front of a train last night. Sam “Knight Rider” McKnight is used to looking out for Georgie. When they were kids, she was just his best friend’s baby sister. But Georgie’s not a baby anymore and Sam is getting some very male—and very dirty—thoughts about the girl he knows he can never have. When someone threatens Georgie’s life again, Sam will do anything necessary to keep her safe. Even if it means spending the next few days locked up in a remote house on Maryland’s Eastern Shore with her. Sam might be used to denying himself what he wants, but he’s about to find out that being cooped up with Georgie will push him to the limit. And maybe beyond. HOT PACKAGE (#3) When public relations expert Olivia Reese stumbles onto evidence of a dangerous conspiracy right before Christmas, there’s only one man she can call for help. Billy “The Kid” Blake is a member of an elite military unit—the Hostile Operations Team—and he’s Olivia’s former lover. Billy never forgot the sexy woman who rocked his world—and his bed—before she walked out on him. Now that she needs his help, he’ll do anything he can to keep her safe. But as time runs out and the snow piles up, can Billy and Olivia work together to thwart a lethal plot against the Pentagon without getting involved again? WHAT DO REVIEWERS SAY ABOUT LYNN'S BOOKS? "I am so adding LRH to my auto buy list!!" -- Just Plain Sassy "I highly recommend this series to readers who love romance [...] with a military theme.