The Puzzle Of A Bastard The Heirs Of The Aristocra

An expert in pottery restoration, Frances Longworth spends her days in the basement of a museum, applying her skills to damaged artifacts so they can be put on display. If only she didn’t have to constantly prove herself to men who expect her to be a man. The bastard son of an earl, Gabe Wellingham eschews a life of leisure by accepting a position at the same museum as an archivist, cataloguing Ancient Greek artifacts. He has no qualms about a woman reassembling the latest arrival from an archaeological expedition. He does find her manner rather prickly, however. Annoying, defensive, and far too uptight for his tastes. So why does he feel the need to pull the pins from her too-tight bun and kiss her senseless? Having just returned to London after a lengthy absence, James Burroughs seeks a quiet place to stay. With the rest of her extended family gone for the holiday, childhood friend Emily Grandby offers him a room at the estate. Secretly grieving the loss of the man she might have married, she never imagines his desire for a perfectly quiet life might also include her. But then, neither does he in The Puzzle of a Bastard.

Three full-length sensual Victorian romances—nearly 1000 pages—make up this boxed set about six heirs. They all require wives, but not every young woman wants a husband. George, Viscount Hexham, is quite literally thunderstruck when he meets Lady Anne in the park, and he can’t get her off his mind. Her brother, Gabe, is happy to act as a matchmaker, never once mentioning he might already be acting on behalf of the other side. Can two who are so perfectly matched end up married before Anne must endure her first Season in London? Meanwhile, when a neighbor appears to be spying on George’s twin sister through the telescope in his garden observatory, an incensed Lady Angelica is determined to give him a piece of her mind. Sir Benjamin may end up with her heart as well, as mistletoe and moonlight work their magic in THE ANGEL OF AN ASTRONOMER. In his new position as an archivist at the British Museum, Gabe Wellingham is intrigued by the prickly potter who restores Ancient Greek pottery for display. He is sure there’s more to Frances Longworth than anyone suspects. Meanwhile, banker James Burroughs returns to London and takes a room at nearby estate, drawn by the promise of peace and quiet. His hostess, Emily Grandby, is quiet—and quietly working her way into his every thought. These two bachelors are about to learn that sometimes the perfect person is right under your nose in THE PUZZLE OF A BASTARD. When investor Tom Grandby is asked to pay a call on a potential client, he doesn't expect to find Lady Victoria training horses whilst riding astride. With her perfect bum and slight limp, he's smitten. Meanwhile, pompous Lord Haddon bumps his head after nearly impaling Juliet Comber with his foil. When he comes to, he finds himself heels-over-head in love. She's not interested, though. He's old enough to be her father! These bachelors are about to learn they don't have much of a chance when they try to come between and a girl and her horse. Or do they, in THE CHOICE OF A CAVALIER? Artfully blending a beautiful 19th-century backdrop with all the classic charm of British aristocratic life, this set of scintillating historical romance novels by bestselling author Linda Rae Sande is a delightful read that’s perfect for anyone looking for their next emotional fix. Scroll up and grab your copy now…

Three full-length sensual Regency romances make up this boxed set about a trio of widows. Extra! Extra! Read all about it ... In THE GOSSIP OF AN EARL, The Earl of Fennington has a secret identity—that of Mr. Pepperidge, editor of London's premiere gossip rag, The Tattler. While attending a garden party as Fennington, he meets and falls in love with Lady Emelia. The attraction is mutual, for despite knowing better, she allows him to kiss her behind a hedgerow. Who will know but them? Why, Mr. Pepperidge, of course! Desperate to spend more time with Emelia, Fennington employs a bit of blackmail to force Emelia to meet with him. Disguised as Mr. Pepperidge, he insists she provide him the on-dit she hears in Mayfair parlors. That, or he'll print the news of her kiss with the earl in The Tattler! With mistaken identities ruling the reports in the rag and a new Gossip Goddess sharing news of obscure aristocrats, is it any wonder the members of the ton love to hate gossip? Or do they really love gossip? When a widow just out of mourning returns to her position as a operative with the Foreign Office, she's assigned to help another spy regain his abilities after his experience with the horrors of war. What she doesn't know is that he's been assigned to her for an entirely different reason. Deception and intrigue highlight THE ENIGMA OF A WIDOW, a sensual tale of two spies with the same insane assignment—each other. Nothing makes a man more lonely than his secrets. The same might be said for women. THE SECRETS OF A VISCOUNT finds Godfrey, Viscount Thorncastle, with a secret he’d rather not tell anyone, including the woman for whom he has held a candle for over twenty years. Elise, the widow of Lord Lancaster, has had enough of marriage, but pining for the chance at motherhood, she may just have to consider Godfrey’s proposal. If he can just get it right. The man has some preconceived notions about his true love, none of which are true. But then, she has some of the same notions about him. And none of them are real! Misunderstandings must be overcome in this sensual tale of secrets and numbers.

Two sensual tales of mismatchmaking, marriage, and mayhem! When it comes to matchmaking, will the third time be the charm? In 1802 London, Emma Fitzsimmons is determined to fend for herself in life as well as love in THE PROMISE OF A GENTLEMAN. Her banker has other plans for her future, though — marriage — as does her best friend, Christiana. Given the options, should Emma consider Todd, the tall broker who desperately wants a wife? Or the rake, Gregory, who isn't quite what he seems but seems to know what he wants? What of her best friend's brother, Thomas, who has hired her as an auditor for his import business but may have a different position in mind for her? With six characters looking for love — whether they know it or not — Emma's not the only target of matchmakers in this epic sensual tale of mismatchmaking at its finest. Their story continues later in 1802, when London throbs with great expectations and unlimited potential. Newlyweds embark on a wedding trip. An import business grows faster than its owner can manage. A friend accepts a new position when he learns his wife is expecting a child. And a man who has spent his life in service to others faces a new responsibility he'd determined to manage—the promise of an heir. As these four couples—made up of friends and family—face their futures, they'll discover romance and marriage are not always compatible when life interferes. But the adventures that await them make life worth living in THE PRIDE OF A GENTLEMAN.

If you’re only on a quest to find a rare tree, how can you expect to find your Aphrodite? When archeologist Alexander, Duke of Westhaven, goes missing while searching for an important Greek artifact, explorer Harold, Earl of Everly, is pressed into service by fellow members of the Royal Society to find him. On his last visit to the island of Delos, Harry was blessed with a visit from a young woman—his very own version of Aphrodite rising from the Aegean Sea to regard him with an arched eyebrow and a simple question that left him so discombobulated, he could barely speak. Born of a Mykonian mother and a British duke, Estelle Jones isn’t particularly comfortable in either world. With her father’s recent disappearance and no prospects for marriage, she may end up stranded on Mykonos, spending her days assisting her uncle in his hunt for Greek treasures he can sell to Europeans. At night, she remembers the bespectacled earl who nearly broke her foot during a waltz back in London. When Harry arrives on Mykonos to begin his hunt for the duke and to begin his own research, he’ll have to learn far more about mythology, antiquities, and Greek goddesses than he cares to know. The search may be worth it, especially if he can find his very own Aphrodite in The Epiphany of an Explorer.

Everyone has plans … until something—or someone—comes along to change them. At thirty-five, Randall, Marquess of Reading, decides it's time to trade in his life as the ‘Rake of Reading’ and take a wife. Trouble is, his reputation precedes him. When Constance meets him in the park, she's intrigued by the gentleman she thinks is a well-to-do cit with a fascination for horse racing. Determined to discover what’s become of her inheritance and then return to her home and horses to live as an independent woman, she’s not interested in being courted. Or is she? Eleanor Merriweather is in London for her come-out with a dream to marry her perfect knight. Having been duped by a brothel's madame upon her arrival, she finds herself completely and thoroughly ruined by Charles, Earl of Wakefield. Only twenty-five, he enjoys life far too much to consider marriage, but Eleanor might be the one to change his mind on the matter—except she’s in love with his brother! Since not everyone is who they seem to be, it may take a bit of horse sense for these four to get on the right track in The Love of a Rake.

He's a grouch. She's the reason. Having said her farewells to her son when he departed for his Grand Tour of Europe, Patience Grayson, the newly widowed Marchioness of Billingsley, heads for the country. She intends to spend at least a year living by herself in the Grayson family estate in Shropshire. If only her traveling coach could make it that far. When a wheel breaks, it does so in a most inconvenient location. Saddled with an earldom left nearly bankrupt by his late father’s gambling and drinking, Max Higgins, Earl of Greenley, hasn’t had a good day for over twenty years—not since the woman he was supposed to marry threw him over for another. Ever since, his bitterness has him known throughout Staffordshire as the Earl of Grump. Although he found another to be his countess, the poor woman died giving birth to his heir, some say to escape his surly moods. Max’s solitude in his Staffordshire country manor house is about to be shattered when the cause of his grumpiness invades his home—and his bedchamber—on a late winter night. Will life ever be the same?

He reigns as a broken man. But can she make him whole? Reeling from the devastating fire that killed his family and haunted by his horrific scars, Joshua Wainwright begins his reign as Duke of Chichester a broken man. Forced to wear a mask that covers half of his face, Joshua struggles with the emotional toll of his scars and the feeling that he’ll never find a woman who truly loves him. When her future is stolen from her after the death of her fiancé, Lady Charlotte finds herself in desperate need of someone to marry. She always had a secret crush on Joshua – and with her future uncertain, she becomes determined to take the Duke’s heart and prove her love to him. Unable to shake the feeling that Charlotte would only marry him out of duty, Joshua struggles to resist her charms. But when a surprise suitor appears to take Charlotte’s hand, he’s forced to come face-to-face with his feelings and make a choice that will shape both of their futures forever… Can Joshua open his heart to Charlotte and admit his feelings for her? Or will his only chance at true love slip between his fingers? Imbued with wild passion, a dash of intrigue, and all the classic charm of 19th century British aristocracy, Grace of a Duke is a gripping historical romance novel that is perfect for readers looking to get their emotional fix. Scroll up and grab your copy now!

A sensual tale of a book, a baron, and a bride-to-be In need of income for the struggling Sommers barony, Jeffrey Althorpe arranges for the publication of a book he’s written–anonymously, of course. A dowry would be easier, but then he would have to find a willing wife. While her brother is away on an expedition, Lady Evangeline is left behind to spend her days creating exquisite embroideries and reading books. She's about to buy The Story of a Baron when Lord Sommers suddenly appears, intent on buying the very same book—but there’s only one copy. Desperate to discover what his publisher might have done to his story—without letting on he’s the author—Jeffrey suggests they read it together. Evangeline's sterling reputation could use a bit of scandal, so she agrees. As the two read the book, Evangeline realizes some of the characters are a bit too familiar and the settings are a bit too close to home. Was she the inspiration for the baron’s secret love, a bold, brash woman whose reputation is in tatters? With her own reputation suddenly in question, Evangeline finds her life imitating art. How can the book have a happy ending when she wishes she’d never purchased "The Story of a Baron"?

One last will and testament. Four cooked books. A pinch of holiday magic. Is this a recipe for a happily-ever-after? Estranged from her son, the new Earl of Montaine, widowed countess Elaine is spending Christmastide at the Soho Club. She's determined to learn her late husband's secrets from his last will and testament, sure he was hiding something from her. Some of the language is confusing, though, the legalese foreign to her. When widower Edward, Marquess of Delton, discovers his man of business has been embezzling, he escapes to the Soho Club with the marquessate's ledgers, determined to learn how much damage has been done. During breakfast, a fellow peer's recommendation has Edward seeking Elaine's help. In exchange for a review of his ledgers, he'll read and interpret the will. Over the course of a single day and night, the Soho Club will cast its spell on these two lonely souls as they share their secrets, learn new ones, and allow the magic of the season to create one of their own.

When it comes to matchmaking, will the third time be the charm? In 1802 London, Emma Fitzsimmons is determined to fend for herself in life as well as love. Her banker has other plans for her future, though—marriage—as does her best friend, Christiana. Given the options, should Emma consider Todd, the tall broker who desperately wants a wife? Or the rake, Gregory, who isn't quite what he seems but seems to know what he wants? What of her best friend's brother, Thomas, who has hired her as an auditor for his import business but may have a different job in mind for her? With six characters looking for love—whether they know it or not—Emma's not the only target of matchmakers in this epic sensual tale of mismatchmaking at its finest.

Separated by fate. Bound by a bargain. Is there any hope for a second chance love? When his one true love marries another man, Graham Wellingham abandoned his hopes of romance to pour his attention into business. His hardened heart has left him immune to the charms of wealthy socialites… but he hasn’t forgotten the promise he made to his love Hannah all those years ago. Hannah Simpson Harrington has straddled two conflicting words her entire life. Once married to a future earl after her dream husband never proposed, his untimely death has left her a dowager with a too-mature-for-his-own-good sixteen-year-old son. But when she and Graham stumble upon a second chance for love, the possibility of a fairy-tale happy ending hovers just beyond their reach. Meanwhile, a mysterious young woman captures the attention of Hannah’s twin brother Henry. There’s only one problem – a relationship between a housemaid and the grandson of a duke is forbidden. But Harry holds a glimmer of hope… and he’s willing to take a scandalous risk for the sake of love. Perfect for fans of riveting second-chance love stories with enchanting characters, a beautiful Victorian backdrop and plenty of passion, The Bargain of a Baroness is a romance tale you won’t want to miss. Scroll up and grab your copy now!

Clarinda hasn’t seen her late husband’s identical twin since she slapped him for his insolence all those years ago. The horrible things he accused her of still ring in her ears. But she’ll just have to learn to put all that behind her now. Because while the child she’s carrying might be the next earl, it’s Daniel Fitzwilliam—the man she secretly loved before she married his brother—who will assume the duties of the earldom until the heir is of age. Daniel has loved Clarinda since her come-out. Circumstances—and an untimely case of mistaken identity—cost him his chance with her once, but he’s not about to let that happen again without a fight. When she’s out of mourning, he fully intends to properly court her...if she’ll have him, that is. Soon, Daniel and Clarinda find themselves dealing with the arrival of the dowager countess, the appearance of the late earl’s disgruntled ghost, and the rather fishy circumstances surrounding his death. Can they overcome everything that stands between them and find their way back to each other? Or will their second chance at love end as badly as their first?

A sensual tale of a knight, an angel and heavenly bodies George, Viscount Hexham, is quite literally thunderstruck when he meets Lady Anne in the park, and he can’t get her off his mind. Her brother, Gabe, is happy to act as a matchmaker, never once mentioning he might already be acting on behalf of the other side. Can two who are so perfectly matched end up married before Anne must endure her first Season in London? Meanwhile, when a neighbor appears to be spying on George’s twin sister through the telescope in his garden observatory, an incensed Lady Angelica is determined to give him a piece of her mind. Sir Benjamin may end up with her heart as well, as mistletoe and moonlight work their magic in The Angel of an Astronomer.

A sensual tale of four suitors’ pursuits of a former maid—as told by a lady Being a maid was much simpler than being the illegitimate sister of an earl. Lily Harkins has learned that lesson the hard way. Now, she has not one, but four aristocratic suitors. Her brother will expect her to choose one. Trouble is, she doesn’t want any of them. The handsome clerk she recently met, however, is another story entirely. She’ll just have to convince her brother that marrying a commoner wouldn’t be a huge mistake. And she knows just how she’s going to do it… William Overby is perfectly happy with the middle-class lifestyle his job affords him. He was, at least. Until he met her. The lovely Lily is everything he could ever want in a wife. It’s just his unfortunate luck that she’s also completely out of reach for someone of his station. He knows he should stay away. And yet…he doesn’t. He can’t… Can Lily and William find a way to bridge their opposite worlds and take a shot at happily ever after? Or will the dictates of an unforgiving society overtake the lure of forbidden love and The Desire of a Lady?

Things are not always as they seem; the first appearance deceives many. — Phaedrus When widower and bank clerk Theodore Streater discovers his late mother was not only the headmistress of Warwick's Grammar and Finishing School, but also its owner, he's in need of someone to run the rather lucrative enterprise. He turns to the woman who helped him regain his position at the bank after he lost an arm fighting in Belgium. His best friend's wife, Elizabeth Bennett-Jones, Viscountess Bostwick, still runs her charity, Finding Work for the Wounded. She is sure there's an applicant who would be perfect as headmistress of her old school. Having lost her position as an operative with the Home Office—her slight limp from a gunshot wound is hard to hide—Daisy Albright is at a loss as to what to do next. She could return to her father's home. The Duke of Ariley would like nothing more than to have his oldest illegitimate daughter under his protection until a suitable marriage can be arranged. But after several years of handling her own affairs away from the aristocracy, Daisy is determined to retain her independence. So when Viscountess Bostwick informs her she has a position in mind, Daisy immediately pays a call on the new owner of Warwick's to apply. Poor Teddy Streater has no idea what he's in for when he hires the ex-spy to run the finishing school. He would prefer to court the comely lady who seems prim and proper, but what woman wants to marry a man with only one arm? Perhaps he should be in search of a mistress. Trouble is, he can only imagine Miss Albright in the role in The Conundrum of a Clerk.

If every man is a master of time, then what of the man who loses track of it? A viscount's son and a bare knuckle boxer, Michael Cunningham is more interested in building his fortune than spending time at the Marriage Mart. But long ago he promised his mother he would get married "if not before, then on the eve of my twenty-eighth birthday". Reminded by his sister, a duchess, that his next birthday is his twenty-eighth birthday, Michael realizes he has much to do in the three weeks he has to keep his promise – not the least of which is to secure the only woman he has ever considered for a wife – the younger daughter of his business partner and the very woman his sister has just hired to be a governess! The duchess will rescind her offer of employment to Olivia Waterford, but there's no time for courtship, no time for banns to be read, and certainly no time to wait for a wedding to be planned once Michael proposes. His sister has the perfect plan, though. In order to meet his mother's deadline and ensure a quick marriage, she insists Michael must ruin Olivia! Olivia has felt affection for her father's business partner since the day he rescued her from a rake. But since the gentleman never showed a romantic interest in her during his frequent visits to her family's home in Shipley, imagine her shock when he climbs into her bed and is discovered by her father! Ruined, indeed! Now married and living in London, Michael is sure Olivia despises him for what happened, while Olivia is quite sure her husband has feelings for her sister and simply wandered into the wrong bedchamber that fateful Tuesday night. Will a week be enough time for Michael to court his new wife and convince her of his affections? Or will he regret his last-minute efforts to accomplish too much in too little time? Only time will tell in "Tuesday Nights".

hey say you learn from your mistakes ... but what if they're not your own? After four Seasons and no prospects, Lady Samantha is resigned to life as a spinster. Her aunt, Caroline Fitzsimmons, Viscountess Chamberlain, insists they set sail to Italy for a tour she hopes might allow her charge to meet and marry a European aristocrat. His mines having suffered a multitude of disasters, Ethan Range, Marquess of Plymouth, is determined to secure a recent invention from an Italian count to alleviate the danger of fires. He's none too happy to discover Lady Caroline traveling on the same ship as he is to Rome. He knows her secret and is rather incensed she's been able to hide Samantha's true past from the ton. While taking a late-night stroll on deck, Samantha is confronted by the scowling marquess. Incensed by his assertion that Caroline is really her mother, Samantha barely has time to slap the man before a sudden storm sends a wave of water onto the ship, washing them both overboard. Forced to save each other, the two end up as castaways on a deserted island in the Mediterranean. Although they face perils a plenty during the week they're stranded, they have far more to fear from one another than from hunger, weather, and pirates. Can the two overcome their circumstances and realize the mistakes of the past are not their own? Or will their week on the island lead to more turbulence? The heart may be the best life preserver in The Passion of a Marquess.