She still has her innocence-but not for much longer... Orphaned as an infant, May Roseberry has always longed for passions and pleasures beyond the convent walls. At seventeen, she receives a visit from the Countess of Wilyse, who whisks her away to the Tudor court. Under the tutelage of Lady Wilyse, May learns to indulge in the earthly delights. But Lady Wilyse urges May to keep her maidenhead intact- omitting, of course, her plans to groom May as a plaything for no less than the king. But when Lady Wilyse's rakish brother, Jasper, Earl of Hawksworth, joins them on their journey to court, May's certain he's the one to consummate her education...
From acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Madeline Hunter comes a dazzling tale of untamed passion, the first in a delicious quartet of regency romances… Armed with her cousin’s gun, Audrianna travels to an inn in Brighton to confront the mysterious “Domino”, a man who claims to have information that could clear her deceased father’s once good name. But the handsome man of commanding sensuality who shows up is not the Domino at all, but Lord Sebastian Sommerhays—one of her father’s persecutors. And when the gun accidentally fires, the secretive situation suddenly becomes mortifyingly public... There is only one way out of the scandal that erupts, and so these two passionate and headstrong adversaries find themselves joined in a marriage of necessity. Expecting a practical alliance, Audrianna quickly discovers she is helpless to resist Sebastian’s seductive persuasions as he teaches her the meaning of desire. But she remains determined to exonerate her father, even if it means risking her life, her marriage—and her heart.
"For I have sworn thee fair, and thought thee bright; Who art as black as hell, as dark as night." —William Shakespeare, Sonnet 147 In the boldest imagining of the era since Shakespeare in Love and Elizabeth, a finalist for the Italian Premio del Castello del Terriccio, this spellbinding novel of witchcraft, poetry, and passion, brings to life Aemilia Lanyer, the "Dark Lady" of Shakespeare's Sonnets—the playwright's muse and his one true love. The daughter of a Venetian musician but orphaned as a young girl, Aemilia Bassano grows up in the court of Elizabeth I, becoming the Queen's favorite. She absorbs a love of poetry and learning, maturing into a striking young woman with a sharp mind and a quick tongue. Now brilliant, beautiful, and highly educated, she becomes mistress of Lord Hunsdon, the Lord Chamberlain and Queen's cousin. But her position is precarious; when she falls in love with court playwright William Shakespeare, her fortunes change irrevocably. A must-read for fans of Tracy Chevalier (Girl With a Pearl Earring) and Sarah Dunant (The Birth of Venus), Sally O'Reilly's richly atmospheric novel compellingly re-imagines the struggles for power, recognition, and survival in the brutal world of Elizabethan London. She conjures the art of England's first professional female poet, giving us a character for the ages—a woman who is ambitious and intelligent, true to herself, and true to her heart.
Thomas Baker's 'The Fine Lady's Airs' (1709) is a captivating work of literature that provides a glimpse into the societal norms and values of the early 18th century. Written in a witty and satirical style, the book offers a humorous commentary on the behavior and aspirations of the upper class. Through a series of vignettes, Baker explores the frivolity and superficiality of high society, all while showcasing his sharp observational skills and insight into human nature. The novel's engaging narrative and clever dialogues make it a compelling read for those interested in historical fiction and social satire. Thomas Baker's keen eye for detail and subtle humor shine through in 'The Fine Lady's Airs', making it a standout example of 18th-century literature. His ability to critique societal norms with intelligence and wit cements his place as a notable author of his time. Overall, 'The Fine Lady's Airs' is a must-read for anyone looking to delve into the intricacies of social class and behavior in the early 18th century.
FIVE full-length standalone light historical mysteries in one volume! Join Cordelia, Lady Cornbrook and her eclectic household as she fights crime, unearths secrets, and fends off the advances of unsuitable men. These Victorian murder mysteries are set in Britain in the 1840s, and take a light, frothy look at the fun side of history. It's not quite Dickens. Maybe Dickens at a party after a few too many brandies. They are rooted in accuracy, though (there are author's notes at the back and everything, which makes it legit). In An Unmourned Man, we meet Cordelia for the first time. She's widowed, titled, entitled, and plunged into an exciting adventure which features a country doctor wearing only his shirt and breeches. There's callisthenics, a surly coachman, a cad with copious facial hair, laudanum and society balls. Riots and Revelations takes us to the grim north, which is all mills and rain and working class uprisings. There's a dashing cavalry officer and a passionate rabble-rousing Chartist, trouble at t'mill, wayward servants, night-time escapades with weaponry, and a large pig. In The House of Secrets and Lies returns Cordelia to London, and to the heart of British politics, which is actually more interesting than it sounds. Cordelia vows to stop a miscarriage of justice. But she is too rich to go into the lowest parts of Victorian London, too female to go into the clubs and coffee houses, and too scandalous to go to the parties and balls. The fourth book, Daughters of Disguise, leaves England and takes Cordelia and her household to Wales. It's a different country, with its own language, its own traditions, and its own history of justice. Cordelia has joined forces with the local constable, and together they are up against not only the murderer, but the local council ... and even the local people. And finally, in The Continental Gentleman, she confronts her past. It's not pleasant, but luckily she's armed with a short, stabby sword. It's late summer and Cordelia is rattling around her Surrey estate, annoying the servants and causing the gardeners to hide in the bushes. Her old friend – or nemesis – Hugo Hawke turns up, and he's closely followed by his own past. It's good news … at first. These novels contain innuendo but no graphic scenes or language, and may be considered clean and suitable for all readers.
