Members’ Regency Fiction Releases for 06/2021

In Where There’s a Will, a short story that kicks off A Duke in Time, first in a brand-new series from Janna MacGregor, a recent widow and her despicable, late-husband’s brother meet, with sparks flying almost instantly.

Prequel to A DUKE IN TIME

Katherine, Lady Meriwether Vareck, dreads attending the reading of her husband’s will, but she’s hoping she’ll at least have her dowry returned. And meet her departed husband’s half brother, the popular war hero duke, who seems to be everywhere, including her daydreams. Though the errant duke has never bothered to write or see her, Katherine decides to go to his house and introduce herself. Their first meeting shouldn’t be at a solicitor’s office, after all.

Even though he’s just returned home from the war, Christian Vareck, the Duke of Randford, is quite tired of all the ladies vying for his attention by throwing handkerchiefs his way. That is…until he catches a glimpse of her, the woman with a handkerchief in hand, walking to his front door. When she suddenly turns and leaves without introducing herself, Christian is surprisingly devastated. Determined to discover her identity, he plans to scour the streets of London until he finds her. But first, he must locate his late half brother’s missing will, then meet his late brother’s widow, too…

Andrew Charles Storme—ninth Earl of Hadleigh—has been in a monstrous temper for the better part of two years. Unable to join the fight against Napoleon due to the declining health and subsequent death of his father, his rotten mood worsened when his two brothers survived the war with life-changing injuries. Ashamed, Drew retreats to his country estate in Derbyshire to spare them his ire. Why the devil was he not worth more than his title?

Miss Sarah Copeland is a poor relation. In exchange for room and board, she’s become the governess to her great-uncle’s two rambunctious offspring. It was better than being tossed in the street, but only just. Freedom and imagination are found in playing a flute, especially since dreams of her future died long ago. When she meets her handsome, growling neighbor, she believes she’s finally found her purpose. After all, didn’t music soothe the savage beast?

While Drew battles with his guilt and anxiety, he finds safety and solace in Sarah’s company. As they enter into a surprising marriage of convenience, the earl’s temper slowly begins to improve, as does her outlook. But while an unexpected romance blooms over the summer weeks, responsibility to the title rears its ugly head, and his temper flares anew, threatening to tear apart everything they’ve built. Only patience, trust, and love will see them through to a happy ending.

Thomas, Lord Trent, was once the one bright spot in Lady Vivienne Denton’s dark life. But when she’s pushed to the brink of danger by her father, Trent is nowhere to be found. Instead, Lady Vivienne must accept the protective offer of his best friend.

Three years on, Vivienne, now Lady Worley, is a widow and once more vulnerable to her father’s abuse. Taking matters into her own hands, she regretfully vows to leave England behind and start a new life. But first she must deliver her late husband’s final words to his old friend—Lord Trent.

Wrecked by his friend’s betrayal and stung by Vivienne’s humiliating rejection, Trent buried his love for both beneath a thick layer of cool aloofness. That detachment is sorely tested when Vivienne shows up at what was meant to be a peaceful retreat on the Dorset coast. His resolve is shattered completely when he and Vivienne are stranded by a fierce storm and then must confront the monster who calls himself her father.

Conspirator or Protector?

Agent of the Crown Tristan Sheffield’s mission to uncover a traitor is complicated by an abducted child and the woman who believes him to be the kidnapper. Though she protests her innocence in the conspiracy, his chilldhood in the rookeries taught him that women are as capable of evil as men. Until he has proof he won’t let her out of his sight. Julia Dorsey’s heart goes out to Alice, the injured child who is the sole survivor of a fatal carriage accident. When she earns the crash was the result of a kidnapping gone wrong, Julia vows to protect her charge at all costs, even if it means dealing with the brute who has stolen them away to a hidden location. When their location is revealed and the traitor takes action, Tristan and Julia must join forces to hunt him down. In the race to save young Alice, their journey leads to unexpected discoveries and rewards.

But are the rewards enough to satify their deepest yearnings?

While hiding evidence of her father’s treason, Delphie Ballard is accosted by a persistent suitor who won’t take no for an answer. She fends him off, but her reputation is now in ruins, and she flees to the countryside in disgrace.

Charles, Lord Kingsdown, supported the French Revolution but barely escaped the guillotine. In England now, he must marry quickly or lose his grandmother’s estate. When he meets Delphie at a Christmas celebration, it’s love at first sight.

Then Charles learns about Delphie’s reputation. He feels duped and betrayed, but she can’t tell him the truth without revealing her father’s treason. Meanwhile, there are several attempts on Charles’ life. Can Delphie and Charles learn to trust one another and unmask the real traitor before it’s too late?

As the year 1818 comes to an end, Lady Theodosia Cavendish, only daughter to the Marquess of Armestead, pretends to enjoy society’s glittering ballrooms and endless rounds of parties, for she has other, more interesting projects to fulfill her. An opponent to the men who build their fortunes on the backs of the slave trade, she makes certain social injustice is always at the forefront in London… even at the expense of her life.

Mr. Samuel Johansen, son of an English lord and a high-born Jamaican lady, is a glassblower by trade and a pugilist by recreation. He’s as handsome as sin, which helps in navigating society, for he adores the life of a gentleman, but what he truly desires is a seat in the House of Commons, to fight discrimination, poverty, and class separation by helping to change laws… no matter his own personal battles.

While holiday gaiety mingles with dark hatred, one chance meeting between Theodosia and Samuel spark not only an unlikely romance but also conflict in their world. As their relationship deepens, they court intrigue and danger, and in the process provoke powerful men who wish their secrets to remain just that. When happiness is in their grasp, it’s dashed away in an egregious plan by a black hearted peer that changes their lives. Only with hope and love can they finally have their happily ever after.

Sixteen-year-old Susan Smithson – pretty but poor, clever but capricious – has just been expelled from a school for young ladies in London.

At the mansion of the formidable Lady Catherine de Bourgh, she attracts a raffish young nobleman. But, at the first hint of scandal, her guardian dispatches her to her uncle Collins’ rectory in Kent, where her sensible cousin Alicia lives and “where nothing ever happens.”

Here Susan mischievously inspires the local squire to put on a play, with consequences no one could possibly have foreseen. What with the unexpected arrival of Frank Churchill, Alicia’s falling in love and a tumultuous elopement, rural Kent will surely never seem safe again…

As the BookLife review put it for Publishers Weekly: “McVeigh’s prose and plotting are pitch- perfect. Emma mingles with Pride and Prejudice in a delightful confrontation between the two books’ worlds… This Austen-inspired novel echoes the master herself.”

Abigail Isaacs fears ever again falling under the power of love and dedicates her life to studying the heavens. However, upon her father’s demise she finds herself in reduced circumstances and must write to her brother, who has long been away at sea. When instead Captain Wentworth of the HMS Laconia sends a tragic reply, Abigail is asked to set aside her own ambitions and fulfill her brother’s dreams in the Viceroyalty of Río de la Plata.

In his relentless pursuit for justice, Lieutenant Raphael Gabay lends his sword to the Spanish American cause. But as he prepares to set sail with the others, he is entrusted with the care of a young woman. She is quite unlike anyone he has ever known, and Raphael wonders whether the brilliant astronomer will see beyond his frivolous façade and recognize his true nature.

Their destinies have been plotted beyond the celestial veil; their charts foretell of adventure. Can these two troubled souls be persuaded to heed the stars and find love—and their purpose— in this fledgling nation?

Set against the backdrop of Argentina’s struggle for independence, this Jewish historical fiction may be considered a prequel to Jane Austen’s Persuasion.

What a delightful read and I enjoy this author’s work. – Amazon Top 1000 Reviewer Navy Waves

I have never read a sweeter story than this one. It touched my heart and made me smile. It is gloriously written and with so much emotion and feeling. – Amazon reviewer Emma

Such a wonderful story. This is one of those stories that leaves you feeling warm all over and with happy tears.—Amazon review JCB

Inheriting Darnley Lodge from old Lord Paxton is the best thing that’s happened to lovely widow Mary Milne, whose fondest desire is to remove her ailing little boy from London’s noxious air.

Why in the devil did his dead father request that Lord Paxton spend Christmas at Darnley with the scheming woman who’s deprived him of his family’s old hunting lodge?

Along with his stepsiblings, Sheridan Wolfe, Duke of Armitage, is determined to finally solve the mysteries behind the suspicious deaths of their mother’s three husbands. Tasked with investigating a possible suspect, Sheridan finds himself in dangerous proximity to her captivating daughter, Vanessa Pryde. But still haunted by a tragically lost love, the duke is resolved to resist the attraction—and avoid any “scheming” husband-hunters. Besides, lovely Miss Pryde seems utterly smitten with a roguish London playwright . . .

Vanessa thinks a little scheming may be in order—for it’s Sheridan she truly has her sights, and her heart, set on. Her theatrical flirtation is intended only to break through his business-like demeanor and guarded emotions. And as Sheridan’s jealousy becomes aroused, the two soon find themselves propelled into a scheme of an altogether different kind, involving a pretend engagement, a secret inquiry—and a perhaps not-so-secret leap into true love . . .

Will they uphold their family responsibilities… or follow their hearts?

Pearl Acton’s worst fears are coming true. She’ll be trapped in a loveless marriage—just like her parents—as her family seeks to quickly marry her off to the wealthy Mr. Clarence. Until an encounter with a quiet and soulful heir sparks a fragile hope that somehow Pearl might aid her family and marry for love.

Nicholas Dalton has always been a disappointment to his father, with his poetic soul and disorganised nature. In London for the season, Nicholas finds an instant connection with Pearl, but it would seem her future is promised to another. Or might she feel the same as he?

As Pearl and Nicholas each strive to uphold their family duties, they soon discover that things aren’t quite what they seem. But is it too late to escape their crushing obligations and forge a new path – together?

With Maudsley’s death, the Marquis of Brockway, Brock to his friends, finally has an opportunity to right the wrongs from a decade earlier. But Ginny has no room in her heart for forgiveness where he’s concerned.

The Maudsley countess, Virginia Ennis’s life of horror ended with the death of her late husband, or so she’d believed. The stakes are much higher this time around.

Placing her trust in Brock’s hands after he’d deserted her to a fate worse than death is asking too much. But someone is after her children and trusting Brock is her only option in keeping them safe.

A woman spurned by the ton . . .
A duke harboring an appalling secret . . .

Life radically changes for Arabella Jennings, the daughter of an Oxford don, when her father becomes the Earl of Barrington. She’s an intellectual who would rather be discussing Shakespeare’s works but now finds herself navigating the vicious waters of Polite Society.

Jonathan Sutton’s twin dies, making him the new Duke of Blackmore. Pledging to live for both himself and Arch, Jon becomes one of London’s leading rakes, breaking rules and bedding women as his brother would have done had he lived.

Jon meets Arabella the first night of the Season and decides this woman, so different from every conquest he’s made, might help him from the abyss he’s sunk into.

Can a bluestocking with a quick wit tame the disreputable Duke of Arrogance—and save his soul?

Love at first sight can sweep you away into a…

She lost her heart to him the first time they met. He kept falling harder for her whenever their paths crossed. After her uncle secures her engagement to another gentleman, can they find their way back to one another?

Gemma Holbrooke had waited anxiously to enjoy a Season in London and to fall magically in love. One certain gentleman’s bold stare tempted Gemma to discover the depth of their burning attraction. At every opportunity she risked her reputation to be held in in his arms, but too many obstacles stood in their way of happiness. Can Gemma outwit her uncle to secure the groom of her choice?

Barrett Ralston scoffed whenever he heard anyone mention they fell in love at first sight. Such an act never existed. That was until he caught sight of Gemma Holbrooke. A siren disguised as an innocent debutante who lured him closer with every smile. At every secret rendezvous, their soft kisses heated into a passion out of their control. But when Barrett’s secret assignment to recover a stolen coin crossed over into their love affair, it broke their fragile connection. Can Barrett stop the threat from destroying Gemma’s love for him?

Soul mates meeting for the first time. A temptation that cannot be denied. A love like no other. Will Gemma and Barrett allow others to control their destiny? Or will they defy all the odds against them?

Shadows of the past can either haunt or heal.

Ambrose Colin Heathermore, the fourteenth Marquess of Northampton wants to be left alone. Now that he’s back in London and has put life as a celebrated spy behind him, he must take up the reins of his real life and attend to his title. Which he will after a quick tryst with an experienced lightskirt at a ball. If it will help him forget the woman he first loved in France, all the better.

Lady Mary Clarke, a daughter of the Duke of Tarkington, is tired of proper ton life. She’s spent more time as a widow than she has as a wife, so she’s ready for excitement and adventure. When she’s mistaken for a courtesan by the Marquess of Midnight, she plays along for the hope of causing a scandal. She won’t let the farce go too far, but she does intend to enjoy herself.

After one passionate night together, Mary is properly ruined and the marquess is in the drink, yet the past won’t remain there. Danger stalks his London townhouse, prompting him to flee with Mary to Surrey for safety. They spin multiple threads of fiction to stay one step ahead of a French madman bent on revenge, who will do whatever is necessary to meet that goal. Only quick thinking and a little luck will keep both Colin and Mary alive long enough to grasp the happy ending they both desperately want but are trying hard to deny.

An Invitation to the Ball…By Fifteen of Your Favorite Historical Romance Authors!

You are cordially invited to the most anticipated event of the Season — Lord and Lady Whitwell’s annual ball! This year’s theme is the most extravagant yet…A Midsummer Night’s Dream, filled with fairytale gardens and fantastical costumes, sparkling champagne, and heartwarming romance. Opportunities abound for secret trysts in the shadows of moonlit walks, mistaken identities, delicious unmaskings, and perhaps even a magical spell or two. But one thing is certain—fifteen pairs of hearts will never be the same again. Enjoy this collection of never-before-released novellas by your favorite historical romance authors!

Alyssa Alexander, Grace Burrowes, Erica Ridley, Ella Quinn, Jennifer Ashley, May McGoldrick, Sabrina York, Bronwen Evans, Jade Lee, Anna Harrington, Madeline Martin, Elizabeth Essex, Eileen Dreyer, Heather Snow, and Gina Conkle.

His first love . . .

Now his sworn enemy.

What was Fiona MacDonald doing on the run across his lands? With a wee baby, as well! Brandon had once loved this woman with all his heart, until her family had killed so many of his clan. As the new Campbell laird, he must make sure she pays the price of her betrayal. But how can he claim his vengeance if what she says is true? That her child is his son and heir.

LADY CLARA GRAMMONT, daughter of an earl and niece of a duke, has the world at her feet, or so it must seem to those looking on. However, she is bored by the gloss and gossip of polite society. She is tired of gentlemen who see nothing but her status and her dowry and expect her to be charmed by their posturing.

JOHN SMITH is the orphaned son of a poor shopkeeper. He has grown wealthy through his own efforts and is now committed to bringing England into a new age. He can see the enormous benefits that railways can bring, transporting goods cheaply and enabling people to travel quickly. He despises the idle aristocrats who will stand in the way of progress to protect a fox hunt, but he needs approval from Parliament to build the railway. And he needs the support of Lady Clara’s uncle, the powerful Duke of Ashleigh, to get that approval.

Lady Clara is intrigued by the idea of a railway. To the distress of her family, she is even more intrigued by John Smith. He in turn finds himself far too attracted by Lady Clara and is in danger of losing sight of his reason for meeting her. Then the powerful forces opposing the railway put both of them in danger
They must defy everyone to be together.

She’d wanted him for years…and denied she cared.
As a step-brother, he’d loved her.
But she’s older now and even more delectable. Should he walk away? Can he?
*****
Pierce Hanniford returns to England after tripling his fortune in China. He’s come for business. Not pleasure. And definitely not for love.
Camille Bereston decided years ago that Pierce was not for her. He’s her step-brother, famous, restless, a savvy Shanghai taipan and a menace…to her heart.
She has ambitions to marry. Funny that none of her candidates seems good enough.
Yet Camille excites him as no woman ever has and he must have her, no matter the cost.
But should she take an older, experienced rogue as her lover…and should she claim him forever as her only love?

Persephone Welton is the daughter of an acknowledged courtesan. As she prepares herself for her virginity auction, she nearly finds herself in the clutches of a libertine who is known for his cruelty. But an unlikely hero saves the day. The moment she spies the Duke of Falcourt, Persephone is infatuated. She wants to be his lover in truth, but he has vowed off any sort of physical intimacy until he brings down the man responsible for his sister’s brutal attack.
Hunter Bennett is attracted to the lovely harlot with the red gold hair, but he isn’t some sadistic monster intent on debauching such a young girl. However, neither does he wish for her to suffer a whore’s fate, so he sets her up as his mistress, where he then chases his nemesis to India where he spends the next five years gathering evidence to put him away. When he returns, he finds that Persephone has turned into a beautiful woman whom he wants to keep as his own. But trials and challenges along the way test the strength of their love.
Will it be enough to withstand the storm?

He suspects his duchess is not an innocent…

She wishes her duke were a little more worldly

The former Jane Lemon’s overnight transformation into a duchess, thanks to her father’s deathbed maneuverings, has been something of a shock. She’s spent most of her life in London, where her mother’s free-spirited salons brought her into contact with a world of discreet, privileged sensuality. Now she has to deal with a stuffy duke who accuses her of being a tarnished woman. He wants a duchess who will make love in the dark of night, without any imaginative embellishments, for the sole purpose of producing an heir. If only he were willing to bend a little her way…

Cornelius, Duke of Sidmouth, has his limits. He assumed his arranged marriage to a Cornwall heiress would go as smoothly as his well-run estate, Bocollyn. A man expects decorum and modesty in his bride, not unbridled sensuality and wantonness. He can’t believe she left him on their honeymoon. When he returns home, she’s already there, in charge of his stables and living in his retired groomsman’s cottage. Now he has to start all over and woo his duchess.

Will she give him a second chance? Will he be able to suspend his pride a little to give her what she needs?