Book picks similar to
The Brazen Belles Anthology by Tracy Sumner
regency-romance
second-chance
secret-identity
suspense
A Brilliant Deception
Kathleen Fuller - 2007
In order to clear her name, she teams up with her best friend Emily's brother, the handsome Colin Dymoke, to find the real thief. To make matters worse, Lily's scheming former fiance keeps turning up and causing trouble while making Lily question her own self-worth. Thankfully, she has Colin by her side to help and protect her. As they work to solve the mystery, Lily fights her growing feelings for Colin, who is considered one of England's most eligible bachelors. Having been hurt in the past, she's reluctant to entrust her heart to someone again. Before long, the two of them are caught up in a web of intrique and deception. They need to clear Lily's name before she and her family are ruined and all hope for romance with Colin is lost.
Omega Five
Kenna Coulby - 2017
Chasing Wendy Chase Owen doesn’t sleep much. What he does do is watch the world very carefully, keeping a wary eye out to make sure that his Marine brothers, recently returned with him from Iraq and Afghanistan, are safe. Another thing Owen doesn’t do much of is open up to anyone about the painful scars he bears from losing his dear friend overseas. Then Wendy walks into his life one night at a diner, and Owen’s life takes a sharp right turn. So does Wendy’s, for that matter. Neither the diner waitress nor the Marine have any idea that, together, they will begin to rebuild each other’s lives—and each other. There’s just the matter of Wendy’s abusive ex to be dealt with, along with the stalker terrorizing Owen’s deceased brother-in-arm’s wife. Hacking Taylor Brynn Hardy made a mistake in high school that has haunted her into her twenties. Arriving at Walsh Technologies, she is in no way looking for a new start—the same demons that have always ridden her are right there in the cubicle beside her. When Bradley Taylor, head of the contract team Brynn will be working with, starts asking dangerous questions, Brynn knows it’s only a matter of time before her shady past comes to light. Will Taylor trust the rapport they’ve built between each other enough to listen to Brynn’s side of things, or will he turn her in and blow up her carefully reconstructed life? Finding Thomson Ever since returning from Iraq, Rory Thomson has been making his way through life day by day, basically at survival level. He’s found fulfillment in his work at a rec center with urban teenagers, but it doesn’t fill the void that his experiences in the war have left in him. Then Beth walks in, desperately searching for a student in her class who has gone missing, and Thomson is drawn into not only the mystery of Aiden’s disappearance, but of how he can develop a relationship with the beautiful, caring woman. Ultimately, Beth’s love might just prove the anchor that saves Aiden and Thomson from their demons. And they just might her saviors, too. Chasing Jensen Chloe’s evenings as a bartender, working to pay for grad school, are fairly routine. Loud music, drunk people, and obnoxious jerks who hit her on nonstop are the norm. But when one particular guy’s flirtation turns into protection when he defends her from an assault by a customer, Chloe starts to look at the handsome Marine differently. She has no idea that, in starting to explore a relationship with Byrne Jensen, she is putting her life in danger. Nor does she have any idea that he will put himself in the line of fire again and again, to defend the beautiful woman who is helping him begin to heal from the trauma of war. Loose Ends After months of living rough on the streets and in sleazy motels, Chelsea is more than ready for some kind of a break. She doesn’t anticipate that it will come in the form of Garrett Moss, a former Marine who is hot on the trail of her former boyfriend’s boss—a crime boss, to be more precise. Joining forces with Moss has the unexpected side effect of giving Chelsea a warm, clean bed to sleep on, with a solid, protective body beside her. A less pleasant side effect is the arrival of the crime boss’s goons, hell-bent on ending Moss—and now Chelsea, too, due to her association with him.
Kash
Brynn Hale - 2020
He doesn't know about the baby, dog, and two cats. He actually doesn’t know much about me, anymore.But it’s not him I’m really here to see.I’m going to tell Kash something and change his life forever. He’s tall, tatted to the hilt, slightly brooding, and he says and does all the right things.I want to trust him, but my past tells me men can change. Will he always be like this and will he turn out to be the one?KashI could tell she was special and from the moment I met her eleven months ago, and I wanted to make her mine. But she asked me to go without any contact.When the curious kitten with a body so hot it could melt metal takes a little time away from the baby, she asks me to lay down a design on her pristine skin.But the session gets away from both of us and I can't take back what I do or say.Her brother finds us and it’s never good when Cray’s involved.She can trust me. But maybe I can’t trust myself around her.
A Dreamy Match Made in Heaven
Abigail Agar - 2019
Turning to the most successful Matchmaker of London, she is shocked to be paired with the very man she used to love once upon a time. Overwhelmed by the path that her heart has been on, she realises she has to make a critical decision. Will she let her anger prevail or will she listen to what the man who once abandoned her has to say? Could she really forget about her lost love by finding a new one, or is it impossible for her heart to overlook how she once felt?Thomas Gregory is an Officer in the army, but after a tour of service, he has decided to retire. After getting back to his estate, he is inevitably overcome by the memories of a long lost love. Tired of being haunted by his painful past, he decides to obey society's rules and turn to a London matchmaker in order to make a satisfactory match. But how will his heart react when the lady who once betrayed him will be chosen as the perfect match? Will he dare to give love a second chance?When past bitterness and hurt arises, Sophia and Thomas cannot pretend that love was ever easy. Will they be able to overcome the wounds of the past? Or will the chance of finding another match be too tempting to resist?
The Governess 3
Ellise C. Weaver - 2013
But her biggest challenge will be their father; masterful and strong in everything—especially his kiss. Poor and without dowry—and even worse—now orphaned, Miss Carly Blakemore is thrown into the Victorian world without aid. Carly is forced to seek a position as governess in the house of Lord Huntington, the Earl of Dunfordshire—a man alone in his own right—and under suspicion for the tragic murder of his well-known and adulteress wife. His governess’s honesty and forthrightness quickly offend his noble person, and he finds himself reeling from her constant evaluation of his lack of parenting skills. However, in the midst of his resentments, he finds himself strangely drawn in by her very no-nonsense ways that drive him to madness. Carly stands her ground in head-to-head battles of will that take her to the brink of dismissal. Carly and the earl continually fight the feelings growing between them. Both are oblivious to the clouds of deceit and intrigue that are growing around the manor house, some bent upon removing the beautiful, headstrong governess permanently. A final desperate chase leads to an interception of a ship upon the high seas headed for the Mediterranean and a secret society of white-slave traders, opening the way for this book’s sequel.
Westin Pack (Books 1-5): A Paranormal Romance Boxset
Julie Trettel - 2020
You're about to embark on a brand new journey into a whole new shifter world*** One True Mate Kelsey Adams is alone, and has been since childhood. Running away is all she knows and necessary to preserve her deepest, darkest secret. She can not afford for anyone to get close, or know about the monster within. But when she lands a lucrative job as an administrative assistant to Kyle Westin, CEO of the Westin Foundation, her life changes and everything's at stake. Can she conceal her growing feelings and her true self from this enigmatic, strong willed man, or will her world fall apart? Kyle Westin, an alpha male who always gets what he wants, has watched and waited for the little she-wolf he knows is his perfect mate to show any signs of recognition. For two years he endures her unnecessary formality and daily rejections with a patience he did not know he possessed. But even Kyle has his limits.... Can he make Kelsey notice him as someone other than her boss and break down the walls she built around her heart? Or will Kelsey do what she has always done --- run? Fighting Destiny What happens when you choose not to accept fate? Elise Westin is obsessed with one thing. Avoid Patrick O'Connell at all costs. She knows the handsome foreigner is her one true mate. She knows they are destined to be together. Knowing it doesn't stop her from fighting it the only way she knows how.... run and hide. But hiding from him can only last so long. Fate, with the help of her family, forces her to come face to face with him. Will she be able to confront her own fears and accept love? Or will she lose it all by fighting her own destiny? Forever Mine What do you do when you're confronted with the ghost of the only girl you ever loved? Liam Westin has carried a secret crush on his twin sister's best friend for most of his life. When she goes missing and is presumed dead as a teen, it nearly destroys him. Now the newest and youngest CEO of the Westin Foundation, his life is finally on track, until he comes face to face with the woman he's always loved. She has a lot of secrets and isn't the same as he remembers. Can his love mend her wounds? Or are there too many obstacles between them now? Confusing Hearts A forbidden love. Unlikely mates. A secret romance. Chase Westin always knew he’d find his one true mate…someday. He never expected that someday to be now. When he returns to college, it’s the last thing on his mind but the arrival of an exotic beauty stuns him. She captivates him. She drives him insane. Chase knows these feelings are impossible. Dogs don’t fall for cats. Now he just needs to convince his heart of that too. Can't Be Love Lily Westin has waited her entire life to find her one true mate. She has big dreams and expectations of what her perfect man will be like. A dreamer and a lover, Lily patiently waits as each of her siblings finds their mate, just waiting for the day she feels the tingle run down her spine and her happily ever after finally begins. But what happens when reality doesn’t live up to expectations?
Coming Home
Gwen Kirkwood - 2014
Victory over Japan has been announced and everyone in Megan Oliphant’s home town in Scotland is celebrating the end of the war. The boys are 'Coming Home'. Megan has been waiting desperately for the day when Steven Caraford, the best friend of her older brother, finally returns. After long correspondence during Steven's time away - and after supporting each other through her brother's death - Megan can only hope her feelings for him are mutual. Steven has longed for the day when he can return home to Scotland, and – although it will mean long days, little money and no security – his heart’s desire is to have a farm of his own. While Megan heads off for college, Steven struggles to build up his new home - and both must try to work out what the other is feeling about their future together. Coming Home is a moving romantic drama about building a new life after the Second World War - and about searching for love, stability and happiness. Praise for Gwen Kirkwood: 'A gripping read' - Robert Foster, best-selling author of The Lunar Code Gwen Kirkwood is the author of sixteen Scottish novels and six shorter romantic novellas, including A Question of Love. She won the Elizabeth Goudge Trophy, judged by Richard Lee, when it was re-introduced to mark the millennium in 2000. She lives in Scotland.
Persuaded & Rescued: The Heir's Lady in Shining Armour
Bree Wolf - 2020
A knight in distress.
And a dark night in London.Maryann Hayes has set her sights on marrying Lord Hefferton, a kind, respectable gentleman, who promises to be the solution to her family’s financial problems. After her drunkard of an uncle gambled away the family’s fortune, debtors are now knocking on their door. The only solution is a respectable marriage to a wealthy man.
Admittedly, once upon a time, Maryann dreamed of love and passion, of the one man who would sweep her off her feet, see with one glance what lived in her heart and was willing to risk everything to win her hand.
Now, as a grown woman, Maryann is determined to face facts: love is nothing but a fairy-tale, and she better ought to forget those girlish dreams.
Leopold Lancaster, the future Marquess of Elmridge, finds himself rather intimidated by the title he is to inherit. Not only does the thought of losing his beloved father break his heart, but he also fears disappointing all those who depend upon him for their livelihood.In a dark moment, Leopold ends up drunk and rather unsteady upon his feet on the streets of London at night. He can barely see straight, let alone remember where he lives, when he stumbles upon an angel in disguise.
Rather heroically, the young lady comes to his rescue, and Leopold is surprised to find a kindred spirit as those bright blue eyes look into his. When they finally part ways, he is determined to seek her out, knowing he has to see her again.
Unfortunately, when he does, Leopold is forced to realize that the lady is already promised to wed another.
If you like regency romances with a touch of mystery, a dash of humour as well as deep, heartfelt emotions, then you’ll love this installment of Bree Wolf’s Love’s Second Chance Series. Grab Persuaded and Rescued, get a cup of tea, settle into your favorite reading spot and start this swoon-worthy romance now!
A Christmas Worth Remembering
Abby Ayles - 2020
But the inquisitive Marquess will soon discover that his task is not an easy one…Ana Parker is content with her position as a lady’s maid, but she has always felt a little out of place. An orphan raised by an earl’s housekeeper, but also the best friend of her lady, Violet, she seems to be hovering between two worlds with no hope of belonging anywhere.As the investigation for the lost heiress brings Lewis and Ana close, they will find themselves inexplicably drawn to each other, until the truth is revealed and they believe they can finally be together.But their adventure is hardly over, as there’s an enemy disguised as a friend standing between them and they're happily ever after…
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 Ugliest Man in London: Regency Romance
Charity McColl - 2019
She will, she says, marry the ugliest man in London rather than become the wife of a man she loathes. Her three loyal friends are determined to help her, but how does one advertise for an ugly husband? Then, one day, a solution appears. The girls rescue a man who is being attacked by a gang of thugs and Matilda rashly conspires to marry the man, even though he is unconscious and unable to assent to marriage. But who is this stranger, and why was he attacked? As the story unfolds a world of highborn Dukedom and heartless intrigue unravels, sweeping Matilda into a dangerous mystery, as she helps her new and unexpected husband reclaim his title. If you love clean historical romance with sumptuous storylines and lashings of love you will enjoy this new novella by bestselling author Charity McColl. Read “The Ugliest Man in London” today and be swept into a world of romantic Regency intrigue.
Intimate Deception
Laura Landon - 2012
In Victorian England, a woman possesses only one item of value: her virtue. Without it, Fentington will not want her—nor will any other man. But at least she will be free. Now she must find a man with whom to pass the fateful night, a man who will ask no questions, make no other demands. Because for a woman preparing to risk everything, no ordinary man will do…After losing two wives in childbirth, Vincent Germaine, Duke of Raeburn, vows never to marry again. Racked with guilt over the lives lost in his quest for an heir, he is careful now to take his pleasure only with London’s most discreet courtesans. Yet when he learns that a passionate encounter with a bewitching stranger may have put yet another life at risk, Vincent sets out to find the unsuspecting girl—and discovers a woman of incomparable courage, beauty, and strength. But can two strangers brought together by desperation find true love against all odds?
High Heels and Handguns (A Kate Howard Novel, Book One)
Lisa Heartman - 2020
Wearing civilian camouflage while guarding high-profile clients is a dangerous game of rock, paper, hollow point. After an explosive and deadly end to her client’s reelection fundraiser, which left his young son in critical condition, Kate must accept help from an unwanted source: the soldier she loved and left in Afghanistan, bloody, broken, and barely alive. Special Forces Officer Paxton Banks, Kate’s former captain—now an FBI agent—is assigned to investigate the attempt on her client’s life. After ten years, old emotions and new threats whip Kate's world into complicated chaos. But when other elected officials are threatened, Kate and Paxton must tamp down their fiery feelings to catch a madman hell-bent on revenge.
The Highwayman
Kerrigan Byrne - 2015
But for the women who love them, a hint of danger only makes the heart beat faster…STEALING BEAUTYDorian Blackwell, the Blackheart of Ben More, is a ruthless villain. Scarred and hard-hearted, Dorian is one of London’s wealthiest, most influential men who will stop at nothing to wreak vengeance on those who’ve wronged him…and will fight to the death to seize what he wants. The lovely, still innocent widow Farah Leigh Mackenzie is no exception—and soon Dorian whisks the beautiful lass away to his sanctuary in the wild Highlands…COURTING DESIREBut Farah is no one’s puppet. She possesses a powerful secret—one that threatens her very life. When being held captive by Dorian proves to be the only way to keep Farah safe from those who would see her dead, Dorian makes Farah a scandalous proposition: marry him for protection in exchange for using her secret to help him exact revenge on his enemies. But what the Blackheart of Ben More never could have imagined is that Farah has terms of her own, igniting a tempestuous desire that consumes them both. Could it be that the woman he captured is the only one who can touch the black heart he’d long thought dead?