She's in no position to turn down a duke.They both know it.That doesn't mean the game is over...Selene's mother is deathly ill, and there's little a poor housemaid can do. Working in her cousin's house, grateful for the roof over her head, Selene doesn't dream anymore of a titled marriage. Only a little of falling in love.Nicholas Hayden, the Duke of Talbourne, learned early in life never to show what he wanted. But sad experience, and silence, won't help him conquer his passion for the housemaid he has rescued - a passion that threatens everything he has built for his life.A mother's scheme with a duke as cold as the devil could transform Selene from a housemaid to a duchess in a matter of days. But Selene dares to want a marriage that isn't just for show. If she's going to make a deal with this devil, she has demands of her own.A fairytale romance with a touch of intrigueWhat a Duchess Does features a game-playing duchess, a duke who gets a dog, and some political intrigue based on actual events of spring 1813.
Part memoir and part joyful romp through the fields of imagination, the story behind a beloved pseudonymous Twitter personality reveals how a writer deep in grief rebuilt a life worth living.
Fans of Sarah MacLean, Vanessa Riley, and Julia London will adore this modern take on the Regency, filled with tough, empowered women meeting their matches in a sexy story from rising star Anabelle Bryant. “Delightful.” —Lenora Bell, USA Today bestselling author From the glittering ballrooms of the ton to the city’s grittiest corners, London has no shortage of wrongs in need of righting—and the Maidens of Mayhem are prepared for the challenge. United by secrecy and sisterhood, these daring woman from all walks of life aim to fight injustice wherever it takes them—even into the arms of unexpected love... Scarlett Wynn’s tragic childhood taught her that life can be cruel to women with little power. So when a local seamstress disappears, Scarlett vows to find out why. Armed with a weapon and her courage, Scarlett scours London for clues—and crosses the unlikely path of Ambrose Cross, the Duke of Aylesford, at an unlikely place: an upscale brothel. The Duke is trying to solve a mystery of his own, and Scarlett is sure they can help each other—if she can resist the attraction that draws them together . . . As Duke of Aylesford, Ambrose is duty-bound to protect his family name from scandal no matter the cost. But Scarlett’s fearless spirit forces him to look beyond his world of privilege. Scarlett is as intoxicating as she is dangerous, igniting a fire in him like no other. But when the pair learn both mysteries they’re trying to solve are tied to a string of missing women, the tangled scheme they uncover may put their lives, and their growing love, in mortal danger—and lead them to search their hearts like never before . . . “A delightful historical romance with a liberal dash of adventure, plenty of sizzling heat, and a heart of pure gold. A superb start to Bryant’s new Maidens of Mayhem series” —Lenora Bell, USA Today bestselling author “Duchess if You Dare is a fantastic read that kept me up late and has me anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.”—USA Today Bestselling Author Renee Ann Miller “Brilliant.” —Publishers Weekly
What's a duke to do, when the girl who's perfectly wrong becomes the woman he can't live without? Griffin York, the Duke of Halford, has no desire to wed this season—or any season—but his diabolical mother abducts him to "Spinster Cove" and insists he select a bride from the ladies in residence. Griff decides to teach her a lesson that will end the marriage debate forever. He chooses the serving girl. Overworked and struggling, Pauline Simms doesn't dream about dukes. All she wants is to hang up her barmaid apron and open a bookshop. That dream becomes a possibility when an arrogant, sinfully attractive duke offers her a small fortune for a week's employment. Her duties are simple: submit to his mother's "duchess training"… and fail miserably. But in London, Pauline isn't a miserable failure. She's a brave, quick-witted, beguiling failure—a woman who ignites Griff's desire and soothes the darkness in his soul. Keeping Pauline by his side won't be easy. Even if Society could accept a serving girl duchess—can a roguish duke convince a serving girl to trust him with her heart?
She's in no position to turn down a duke. They both know it. That doesn't mean the game is over... Selene's mother is deathly ill, and there's little a poor housemaid can do. Working in her cousin's house, grateful for the roof over her head, Selene doesn't dream anymore of a titled marriage. Only a little of falling in love. Nicholas Hayden, the Duke of Talbourne, learned early in life never to show what he wanted. But sad experience, and silence, won't help him conquer his passion for the housemaid he has rescued — a passion that threatens everything he has built for his life. A mother's scheme with a duke as cold as the devil could transform Selene from a housemaid to a duchess in a matter of days. But Selene dares to want a marriage that isn't just for show. If she's going to make a deal with this devil, she has demands of her own. A fairytale romance with a touch of intrigue What a Duchess Does is a standalone book! But its characters appear not only in the next book in the series, Crown of Hearts, but also in The Caped Countess, the first book of Judith Lynne's exciting new action Regency romance series. What a Duchess Does features a game-playing duchess, a duke who gets a dog, and some political intrigue based on actual events of spring 1813. Winner of The Carla for Best Romance of the Year, 2021, chosen by the Mid-America Romance Authors Finalist for The Beverley for Best Romance of the Year, 2021, chosen by the Colorado Romance Writers "Fresh, funny, and exciting, What a Duchess Does is a superior example of what it is possible for an intelligent, witty writer to achieve within the corseted constraints of the romance genre." - The BookLife Prize -- "What a Duchess Does is a lively, engaging tale, with a well-executed emphasis on wit and banter. Judith Lynne also demonstrates that it is possible to write a genuinely erotic sex scene that sizzles on the page without so much as a hint of coarseness." - Booklife Judith Lynne's Regency romances are for modern lovers of classic romance. Meticulously researched, these books bring to life a cast of characters as diverse as Britain herself in the world of 1812-1814. This series is light, fun reading with characters who face life's challenges with determination, wit, and each other. Fans of Mary Balogh and Grace Burrowes will love these books by Judith Lynne. Each book is unique, as each love story is unique; and readers will find themselves both utterly satisfied by the novel's end and also looking forward to the characters' returns in future books. Dukes and thieves, bakers and baronets, inventors and artists and late-night adventurers — you'll meet them all. Enjoy discovering Judith Lynne romance!
Treat yourself to a delightful Regency romance with a fairy-tale twist "much in the manner of Mary Balogh." (Kirkus) Duncan Wentworth once tried his hand at rescuing a damsel in distress long ago, and he's vowed he'll never make that mistake again. Yet when he comes across a stranger in the poacher-infested woods of his estate, decency compels him to offer the lady aid. Matilda is whip-smart, she can read Duncan's horrible penmanship, and when she wears his reading glasses all Duncan can think about is naughty Latin poetry. Widowed duchess Matilda Wakefield can't entrust her secrets to Duncan without embroiling him in the problems that sent her fleeing from London, but neither can she ignore a man who's honorable, a brilliant chess player, and maddeningly kissable. She needs to stay one step ahead of the enemies pursuing her, and falling into Duncan's arms is a distraction she can't afford-or they'll both pay the price. "Grace Burrowes is terrific!" --Julia Quinn "Grace Burrowes is a romance treasure." --Tessa Dare Library Journal Best of the YearPublishers Weekly Bestseller! BookPage "2019 Most Anticipated Romances"Bookish "Spring 2019 Must-Read Romances"
When girl meets Duke, their marriage breaks all the rules… Since his return from war, the Duke of Ashbury’s to-do list has been short and anything but sweet: brooding, glowering, menacing London ne’er-do-wells by night. Now there’s a new item on the list. He needs an heir—which means he needs a wife. When Emma Gladstone, a vicar’s daughter turned seamstress, appears in his library wearing a wedding gown, he decides on the spot that she’ll do. His terms are simple: - They will be husband and wife by night only. - No lights, no kissing. - No questions about his battle scars. - Last, and most importantly… Once she’s pregnant with his heir, they need never share a bed again. But Emma is no pushover. She has a few rules of her own: - They will have dinner together every evening. - With conversation. - And unlimited teasing. - Last, and most importantly… Once she’s seen the man beneath the scars, he can’t stop her from falling in love…
Amid the seductive swirl of London's high society, a woman plays a dangerous game--with her heart ... On the death of their beloved father, Caroline Armstrong and her sister are whisked away to London by their grandparents. Though determined to please her doting relatives, there is one thing Caroline vows she will never do: marry. So at her society debut, she decides to use her keen intelligence to keep suitors at bay ...
Rising romance novelist Jamie Carie’s second book, The Duchess and the Dragon, tells the epic story of two unlikely soulmates who live worlds apart but soon meet and turn each other’s world upside down. Drake Weston, Duke of Northumberland, is accustomed to a life of royalty until a tragic mistake followed by murderous rage results in his darkening character and sudden flee from England. With a hoarde of money on which to survive, Drake hops a ship of indentured servants to America but is duly robbed and taken ill by the merciless sea voyage. In Pennsylvania, Serena Winter is a humble, devoted Quaker on a mission of mercy, ready to tend the sick people aboard a ship that has just arrived from England. Taken by Drake’s air of dark mystery after he begins to serve as an apprentice to her silversmith father, Serena falls in love and is excommunicated by her fellow believers when she accepts a non-Quaker’s marriage proposal. Not knowing Drake’s history, Serena is later shocked to discover her new status as a duchess. What follows are hard truths and softening hearts, romance triangles, webs of deceit, and ultimately, the power of grace, love, and passion. Endorsements: "Enthralling. The Duchess and the Dragon brought me to tears, to joy, and finally the delight of having just read an absorbing-till-the-last-line novel."—Lauraine Snelling, author of Breaking Free and An Untamed Land "A thoroughly entertaining and uplifting read . . . an absolute treat." —The Sunpiper Book Review "Jamie Carie's characterization is brilliant with . . . a depth and authenticity rarely seen in romance novels . . . With one book she has entrenched herself a place as one of my ‘must read’ authors." —RelzReviews "This well-written title deserves a spot on your shelves." —Christian Retailing
The great New Yorker artist Peter de Seve teams up with the author of bestselling Toy Boat in a slightly outrageous fairy tale. The Duchess of Whimsy is fancy and fussy—and definitely not ordinary—surrounding herself with wild friends, fabulous foods, and fancy dress. The Earl of Norm (ho hum) is completely ordinary, but he adores the Duchess. She ignores him, until the chef gets sick, and her friends have to make a super supper—which includes tracking down truffles, spinning sugar stars, and looking for quail eggs. But the Earl is hungry! He sneaks off to an ordinary grilled cheese sandwich—and suddenly takes the Duchess’s eye. Maybe there’s something to simplicity after all. Maybe there’s something to the Earl after all . . . This deliciously told and illustrated love story by the remarkable de Sèves shows how utterly charming and extraordinary a picture book can be.
