Lady Ruth Johnson is resigned to being a wallflower. After all, existing in the shadows is beneficial to her work. But when she meets the new Earl of Saxton, her heart begins whispering to her.
American-born Rhett Cartwright never thought he’d inherit the title of Earl of Saxton, but he finds himself in England, claiming both the title and his cousin’s position at the Home Office. And when Lady Ruth engages his interest, he can’t stop himself from wanting to claim her too.
Faced with scandal and ruin, the two would-be lovers must uncover a dastardly plot while braving the scrutiny of the ton before they can truly find forever in each other’s arms.
A woman with a dream. A rake with a secret passion. A scandalous encounter. Juliet Juliet knows exactly what she wants—to display her art and soul for all the world to view. The last thing she sees in her vision is a talented rake, but that’s exactly what Juliet finds in the tempting Theo, Marquess of Camden. As talented and off-limits as Theo is, Juliet soon finds herself falling headfirst into what could be quite a salacious scandal with the sinful artisan rake in her midst. Is their love the masterpiece she’s been searching for? Or will Juliet’s dreams shatter more than just Theo’s artistic aspirations? Theo Theo has spent years hiding his true passion—art. However, being known as a rake is the perfect cover for Theo to study the beauty of human form…while also indulging in it, of course. When a chance meeting introduces Theo to the stunning Juliet, he knows he’s found his muse. His masterpiece. If only Theo could convince the ambitious Juliet to let him capture her heart in more ways than one… Can Theo put aside his reputation in favor of his heart? Or will his intentions paint a scandal that will ruin more than just his family’s name?
Lord Ravenscroft Is Not a Gentleman Barbara Russell
Edith wants only one thing: to become a surgeon like her father. Who has time to make friends when she has anatomy books to study? Who wants to go to a ball when she has medical conferences to attend? Peregrine, Perry to his friends, doesn’t share her enthusiasm for books. He’s the brother of the Earl of Ravenscroft, titled, and powerful. Studying? Why would he need to study? He’s the spare. With no title comes no responsibilities. But after they risk their lives on the sinking steamship Princess Alice, they start to reconsider their priorities. Edith tries every pleasure London has to offer. Perry works hard to become a good earl after the title passes to him. Sudden seizures have plagued him since the incident, and he must keep his condition secret, not to be marked as deranged or worse, cursed, and locked up in an institution. Edith’s hedonistic life comes to a grinding halt after the almost-nude painting she posed for is bought by Perry, now Lord Ravenscroft. She’s furious. The artist promised not to sell the compromising painting, and now she wants it back before a scandal ensues. Perry proposes a deal. If she works for him as his secretary, he’ll give her the painting. Except their attraction may cause another scandal.
Nothing could change him for the better. Save, perhaps, her.
Seductive as a deadly sin, Lucien Wrenn, the Duke of Luhst, can tempt any lady into his bed. But his best friend’s little sister—bluestocking scientist Lady Chasity Perrin—is forbidden fruit. And he’s spent a lifetime aching to take a bite. Chastity has always loved Lucien but the thoughtful boy she cherished grew into a careless rogue. Content with her lot as a spinster, she fights to advance her medical research in a world that denies women's place in science. They can never be together until they clash in a heated argument and make a scandalous wager… During a month-long house party, both must do the impossible: sinful Lucien must remain celibate and wallflower Chastity must secure a marriage proposal. When every eligible bachelor begins to compete for made-over Chastity, Lucien burns to claim her as his own. As summer storm traps them, no vow of friendship can hold him back from breaking every rule to possess her. As they grow closer -- body and soul -- his touch unravels her and she begins to crave something very dangerous: him. For the first time, someone sees straight to his wounded soul, and makes him want to be worthy of the only woman he loved his whole life. But when Chastity's older brother learns his sister has been compromised, all hell breaks loose.
A barmaid at a crossroads. A sailor at loose ends. One fateful New Year’s Eve.
London Docklands, 31 December 1867
Cordelia has her life mapped out. Steady work keeps her in coin. An engagement to a man of good standing secures her future. So what if their nuptials are a far-off dream? Her betrothed has promised her the best. Surely, sweet words and sweeter kisses deserve steadfast commitment. That sailor in the corner ought not even register, coming and going like the tides, all smiles.
And when her fiancé visits unexpectedly on New Year’s Eve, their future beckons. Or does it?
Fresh off his decommissioned barque, James knows he cannot rest before he seeks new opportunities. Just long enough to stop by at The Gun to reassure himself Cordelia is well. He missed his chance when he first met her; now he admires from afar. She won’t be his. Not ever. He’s made his peace with that.
But he will always help her if she needs him. Protect her. No matter what change life decides to spring upon her without notice.
They say what happens at the stroke of midnight defines your coming year.
