Members’ Regency Fiction Releases for 04/2022

Returnings

The Blue Devil, war hero Ronan Trevelyan, returns to Boscawden with his fiancee, Miss Bodleigh, and a cold. Returnings, unlike most romantic novels, begins with a wedding. Courtship and conflict filled the previous novels in the Liberty Bodleigh series and continues in the third.

After a bucolic interlude, Devil returns to the military. Liberty joins him in Belgium where they join in the social pleasures before the battle of Waterloo. Liberty wishes to see her friends, Peggy and Edith happily married and watches their relationships with interest. Then the great battle changes everything.

Waterloo brings tragedy to friends and family. They move on to Paris, then London and, finally back to Boscawden in new positions. The continue to meet new chalenges with aplomb. Can one not like a lady who calls a scondrel a cabbage-headed son of a cucumber?

252 pages

Young widow Annabel Chalfont, Countess of Fellbridge, has two small sons to raise, a mountain of her late husband’s debts to pay off, and a secret: she’s a shadow-shaper, able to manipulate shadow as anyone else might clay. She and six other high-born ladies with equally extraordinary abilities defend England against supernatural crime–but the world knows them only as the Lady Patronesses of Almack’s, Regency London’s most exclusive social venue.

In the second installment of The Ladies of Almack’s series, all of London is enthralled by E.C. Spruce’s latest three-volume novel, The Fifty Shades of Udolpho…until the third volume begins vanishing from bookshops and bedside tables alike, leaving readers dangling and desperate to know what happens next. The Lady Patronesses of Almack’s investigate, with unexpected results–and an unexpected new friendship for Annabel…or perhaps two friendships, if she’ll only admit it…

Running into the arms of a handsome, powerful laird will either be her greatest folly or a profitable gamble.

Donovan Ewan Campbell-Ainsley, Earl of Hollandbane, and the current sitting Laird of Lyon Castle is not best pleased when scandal lands on his doorstep in the form of a pretty but long-in- the tooth woman trailing nothing but tittle-tattle. Though he’s half-Scottish and lives in London, he spends the summers and autumns at his castle in the Highlands for reasons he wishes to keep to himself. Yet she’s in immediate danger, and he’s nothing if not a gentleman.

The Honorable Emma Radcliffe is no stranger to scandal, but when she can’t go through with her nuptial ceremony, she flees the church. Who cares if it’s her third broken engagement? When a friend encourages her to hide in Scotland, that’s when the trouble really begins. The moment she lays eyes on the laird, she knows he’ll be the perfect man with whom to keep her father, family, and her angry fiancé at bay.

It takes next to no time to hatch a haphazard plan: they’ll pretend an engagement. It will silence his family’s blather for him to find a bride as well as remove her from immediate responsibility. There’s one problem: neither of them expected to actually like the other. As the days go on, the fiction grows larger until desire can no longer be denied, but unless they both come to terms with why they’re hiding from the truth, a happily ever after between them will be forever out of reach.

There’s no such thing as perfection but being stuck in the Scottish Highlands with a shot at a dream comes close.

Caelan Stewart—Lord Everly—only son to the Earl of Breckenridge, is in Scotland on a hunting holiday, but when an accidental tumble on a hike gives him a badly sprained ankle and injures his wrist, the remainder of his holiday looks dull… until two red-haired scamps play Halloween tricks on him while he’s preoccupied by their attractive mother.

Widowed two years and still battling grief, American Clara Snyder needs a distraction. Spending several weeks on an estate in the Highlands that will end with a lavish ball on All Hallows Eve might be just the thing. She barely settles into life there with her two small children when an intriguing Scotsman literally falls at her feet… and feelings she thought long dead come alive again.

As Caelan fills his time by bedeviling the intriguing widow and planning a few Samhain tricks, she falls under his spell. Desire grows, as does the bond between him and her children. But he’s not keen on offering up his heart again after the violent death of his first betrothed while Clara is leery of loving someone else for fear they’ll leave. The only way to a happily ever after is to jump in with eyes wide open… and a bit of innocent, ghostly manipulation won’t hurt either.

When Miss Sophia Lightbourne’s spoiled sister runs away from home, there’s only one thing Sophia can do: follow her to London to try to save Kitty from being ruined.

Problem number one: Kitty doesn’t seem to care if she’s ruined.

Problem number two: Augustus Alleyne, the strugglng portrait painter whose help Sophia needs. Yes, he’s handsome and witty… but she very much suspects that he’s a rake!

Yet as they follow the trail of destruction and broken hearts left by the heedless Kitty, their connection grows passionate. Does what happens in London stay in London? Sophia tells herself that it does. But her heart is telling her otherwise. Saving Kitty is getting more complicated by the day… especially when Alleyne makes Sophia want to fall into ruin herself.

A wedding is in her future

Miss Sophie Payton might be engaged, but she’s not in love. The only man who ever captured her heart was Phillip Grayson—a soldier who was slain a year ago. But when her stepmother decrees that Sophie will marry Phillip’s cousin, the new Duke of Harlowe, Sophie’s in no position to refuse.

A funeral is in his past

The ton thinks Phillip Grayson died a hero on the battlefields of Europe, but he’s very much alive. While he spent the last year recuperating from his grave injuries in secret at his friend’s estate, his brother was murdered, his cousin took over the title of duke, and the woman he loved —the one he dreamed of every night—apparently moved on without him.

But the duke is back

Phillip has returned to London intent on reclaiming his brother’s title and making the people who killed him pay. He doesn’t understand how Sophie could have betrayed him; she can’t forgive him for letting her believe he was dead. And yet neither can deny that the attraction between them burns hotter than ever. Nothing is as it seems, but perhaps the truth can save them…if it doesn’t kill them first.

Harriet Linfield is a lady novelist who has been disillusioned by love. She sets out to write more realistic tales about the emotion when she returns home to Linfield Court for the summer. Vowing to avoid any romantic entanglements along the way, she focuses instead on her writing and her plan to turn the estate she inherited from her uncle into a refuge for orphans.

Oliver, Viscount Wentford, is determined to restore his family fortunes. But his plans for the estate he inherited are in direct opposition to the wishes of Harriet, his new neighbour. Upon meeting her, Oliver is amused when, in response to his provocative comments, she informs him that she intends to make him the villain of her next book. But his amusement swiftly turns to dismay when circumstances align to show him in that exact light.

When an enemy comes back into Harriet’s life, she sees that love isn’t as clear-cut as the romantic tales she pens. But will the viscount manage to discard his villainous mantle to become Harriet’s real-life hero?

Constance Lysander needs a husband. Or, so society says. She’s about to give birth to her late husband’s child—a man who left her with zero money, and two other wives she didn’t know about. Thankfully, she has her Aunt by her side, and the two other wives have become close friends. But still—with a baby on the way, her shipping business to run, and an enemy skulking about, she has no time to find the perfect match.

Enter Jonathan, Earl of Sykeston. Returned war hero and Constance’s childhood best friend, his reentry into society has been harsh. Maligned for an injury he received in the line of duty, Jonathan prefers to stay out of sight. It’s the only way to keep his heart from completely crumbling. But when a missive from Constance requests his presence—to their marriage ceremony—Jonathan is on board. His feelings for Constance ground him, and he’ll do anything to make her happy, though it means risking his already bruised heart.

With Constance, Jonathan, and the new baby all together, it’s clear the wounds—both on the surface and in their relationship—run deep. But when the nights come, their wounds begin to heal, and both come to realize that their marriage of convenience is so much more than just a bargain.

She’s a duchess in all but name

Philippa Kirkpatrick has been raised at Carlyle Castle by her doting guardian, the Duchess of Carlyle. Preoccupied with the succession of the dukedom and the duke’s health, the duchess has left the estate in Philippa’s hands—and Philippa is determined not to let her down.

He’s not a duke at all…

The arrival of a new estate steward should be a relief, but instead it threatens to upend everything. William Montclair is handsome, brash, and scandalously bold. The horrified duchess wants to sack him on sight. Philippa is just as shocked…but also, somehow, charmed.

But could he be her hero?

Carlyle cannot be her home forever, but Philippa is determined to leave it in good hands. She means to teach Will how to run the estate properly and love Carlyle as she does. The more time she spends with Will, though, the more she likes him… trusts him… even loves him. Unfortunately, she’s also more and more certain that Will is keeping secrets that could break her heart.

At eighteen, Lady Amelia Colvin managed to find, and then lose, her one true love in a matter of days. Lose being a euphemism for “he escaped with undue haste to the Continent at the first opportunity.” After years of suppressing her romantic side and honing her practicality, she’s on the verge of marrying her good friend, for convenience’s sake.

Lord James Danforth, one of His Majesty’s more successful spies, returns to England after three years to capture a home-grown assassin. A man of few words but much passion, he has always regretted his decision not to marry Amelia. While tormented by her recent engagement, James is determined to behave as the proper gentleman is he—until suddenly he finds himself thrown into a triangle of romance, suspicion, and betrayal with Amelia and her fiancé.

As these two fiercely loyal individuals—he to his country, she to her friend—race to save the prime minister’s life, can they also reawaken their once burgeoning love and learn to trust one another?

One cannot force love, but must wait for the perfect moment to make their match.

The love she held for him was a burden she carried in her heart. His family’s legacy kept him from opening his heart to her love. Can they overcome their doubts and share a lifetime of love?

Abigail Cason was a dreamer. When she met her knight in shining armor, her heart only bowed to him. The friendship she shared with him led her to believe he would ask her to become his bride. With each stolen kiss, she eagerly anticipated his proposal. However, his request turned out to be an offer of obligation. She spent a lifetime as an obligation and she refused to spend her marriage in the same fashion. No matter how much she loved him. Will she ever be worthy enough for his love?

Lucas Gray felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. His heart pulled him in the opposite direction of where he must stand. But the tempting lure of sweet kisses drew him to seduce the lady who haunted his every desire. Abigail made him dream of the impossible. Can he form a new legacy with the love he holds for her?

Destiny demanded for their two souls to intertwine. A family who risked everything to make the match a success. Will Abigail and Lucas allow their doubts to keep them apart? Or will they make their dreams a reality?

Lady Sophia Hampton is an imposter. Deception and pretense have ruled her social interactions with gentlemen after she made a life-altering decision at sixteen. Outraged by the scarcity of suitors, her parents insist she visit her aunt in Berkshire.

Upon the death of his father, Sir Edward Collins takes the responsibility of land ownership seriously, planning to adopt new methods to improve crop production. Refusing to trust his judgement, his mother advises him to instead concentrate on finding a suitable lady to marry. Could an unfortunate accident provide Sophia and Edward the opportunity to develop a relationship that brings them both confidence and happiness?

True love doesn’t come from position or status but by the whispers of the heart.
Miss Lavinia Thompson’s life hasn’t been a bed of roses. Being born on the wrong side of the blanket ensures she’s not welcome within the glittering, respectable world of the London ton. Left with little choice, she embraced her status in the demi-monde, content to remain a mistress to whoever would pay the highest price. Until that life dimmed, and she wanted acceptance for herself.
Percival Hughes, the 12th Earl of Laughton is a powerful man who takes great pride in his title and position within society. Until one night of drunken revelry when he accidentally weds his mistress thinking her his real bride-to-be. As the repercussions of his ill-fated decision rock the ton and shift the foundation of his life, he struggles to make peace with the fact he married a highly unsuitable woman.
As the days go by, Lavinia and Percival grow close in their marriage of inconvenience. Outings in London with his young daughter form lasting bonds. While the new countess isn’t readily accepted into the beau monde, Percival’s determination to see her legitimate increases, but when forced proximity has romance blooming from desire, they retreat to keep their hearts aloof. To move forward together, they’ll need to rely on trust and love, and perhaps a bit of faith, regardless of what viper-tongued society gossips say.

What’s a woman to do when trapped in a storm with a handsome scoundrel?

Weary from dodging wandering hands, Yvette Valiant escapes yet another scandalous house party and her brother’s dubious protection, fleeing into a snowy landscape, intent on returning home to Bath for Christmas. One stranded coach later, she’s rescued by the biggest rogue of them all—her brother’s best friend.

A scoundrel he may be, but even Luc Ayles is capable of love. What else would have him chasing a woman who seemingly detests the very sight of him? When Yvette foolishly puts her safety and reputation in jeopardy, Luc rushes to her aid, despite knowing his affection is the last gift Yvette could ever want for Christmas.

Then again, it’s the season of giving…and if Yvette would only give him her heart, it could be the happiest holiday ever.

A man wronged.

Revenge disguised as robbery.

An unexpectedly romantic ruse.

Determined to right the wrongs against him, Arie Hondros hones the perfect plan. But to succeed, he must have the perfect wife. When his brother’s wife suggests her friend, Annabelle, he immediately refuses.

The woman — who clearly has nothing but disdain for him — has already captured his affection, something he vowed he’d never permit. Imagine his surprise then, when she assents to the union, and his scheme prepares to unfold.

For Arie’s ploy to steal priceless Greek artefacts to work, he and Annabelle must convince the museum Board of Trustees that they are husband and wife. But when true love blooms from counterfeit sentiment, there is more than only the greatest robbery in London history at stake —

There is the matter of his heart.

Nine full-length Regency romance novels written by nine bestselling and award winning authors. You’ll meet our very own versions of Robin Hood, Mulan, Cuchulainn and Emer, Vlad Dracula, Odysseus and Penelope, Romulus and Remus, Beowulf, Tristan and Iseault, and Dick Whittington and his cat. Heat levels vary from kisses only to spicy.

Young widow Annabel Chalfont, Countess of Fellbridge, has two small sons to raise, a mountain of her late husband’s debts to pay off, and a secret: she’s a shadow-shaper, able to manipulate shadow as anyone else might clay. She and six other high-born ladies with equally extraordinary abilities defend England against supernatural crime—but the world knows them only as the Lady Patronesses of Almack’s, Regency London’s most exclusive social venue.

The social season of 1810 starts out like any other year, but a sudden influx of strangers to Almack’s exclusive balls means only one thing: someone is forging vouchers, and the evidence points to Annabel. And if finding the forger and clearing her name aren’t challenging enough, there’s dealing with her husband’s old crony, the Marquess of Quinceton, and his hungry wolf stare…

The first installment in The Ladies of Almack’s series!

Storms are oftentimes disruptive, but they can also clear a path and bring perspective.

The Honorable Isobel Storme is a lady adrift. Her family is broken, loud, emotional, and busy with other pursuits. As the youngest in the Storme connection, she’s always fought for attention, but now that change is imminent and inevitable, she craves a distraction in the form of a scandal, and if there’s a handsome man involved, all the better as long as he doesn’t come with a title, for she despises the ton.

Doctor Royce Marsden is a surgeon of small acclaim. He’s the oldest son to the Earl of Worchester, but his calling and his passion are running a clinic for wounded and rejected soldiers. Though he has no plans to do the pretty in society or to court a woman, he can’t avoid that reality when his father unexpectedly dies and plunges him into the title. Too bad the one woman who’s caught his eye is wildly and inappropriately improper.

As a passionately intense affair develops between Isobel and Royce, the pair embraces the heated attraction with enthusiasm. Free from commitment, they dance perilously close to creating the sensation Isobel has always wanted. But when life—and death—catch them into its swirling vortex, responsibilities intrude, as do expectations tied to the beau monde. Though fear and pressure hold them back, if they don’t fight for a happily ever after, it will never be theirs.