The glitter and glamour of London Society holds little appeal for the reclusive Viscount Davenport. But when he receives an urgent call to the family estate, little does he know he is about to be drawn into a deadly mystery that will force him to confront demons from the past. The theft of an ancient family heirloom -- rumored to carry a strange curse -- and the disappearance of his younger brother raise frightening questions. His hunt for answers takes him back to Town -- and a fiery encounter with an old acquaintance who may be his only hope for discovering the truth. Lady Olivia Marquand, the sultry, savvy owner of a spice trading company, knows her way around the shadowy world of clandestine commerce, so Davenport has no choice but to ask for her help, no matter that sparks fly between them. As the clues lead them from the sparkling ballrooms of Mayfair to the smoky gaming hells of St. Giles, they find themselves fighting the deadly wiles of a cunning adversary -- and their own simmering attraction, which threatens to consume them in a flare of flames....
When her beloved father mysteriously disappears, Portia Hadley is determined to discover why...even if it means charging straight into the arms of the Earl of Branford. Known as the "Black Cat" when he was a spy for England, Branford is no stranger to secret missions or mysterious ladies. Branford senses that Portia is not as innocent as her jade-green eyes suggest and a game of cat and mouse begins. Little does Portia know that Branford has his own secret agenda -- one that could ignite a sparking passion...and a deadly danger.
Born into an illustrious family of swashbuckling war heroes and brilliant political leaders, Lady Hester Stanhope was a Regency-era adventuress who lived on her own terms and refused to conform. Fans of Shana Abé, Theresa Ann Fowler, and Fiona Davis will be captivated by the unforgettable spirit at the heart of USA Today bestselling author Andrea Penrose's dazzling new historical novel based on the real life of Lady Hester Stanhope (1776-1839), a British aristocrat, antiquarian, and adventurer who defied all conventional strictures of what a woman could and couldn't do during the Regency era. "What a life Lady Hester had!...Simply sparkles!" --Kate Quinn, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Diamond Eye "Andrea Penrose's impeccable research and attention to detail brings this unique and fascinating historical figure to sparkling life." --Christine Wells, author of The Royal Windsor Secret "A truly dazzling read!" --Eliza Knight, USA Today and international bestselling author of Starring Adele Astaire Even with her privileged life, Lady Hester Stanhope knows that claiming the adventurous life she truly wants will not be easy, thanks to her eccentric father's stifling grip. With the help of her renowned statesman uncle William Pitt the Younger, she takes on the glittering, treacherous heights of London Society. Her formidable intelligence, outspoken opinions, and headstrong determination gain the favor of the beau monde's leading taste-maker Beau Brummell--and she quickly learns to bend the rules of the ton to her own advantage. And as her uncle's hostess, she astutely uses her skills to preside over--and give advice to--the most influential figures of her day, rising to a position unequaled in society . . . But when it comes to holy matrimony, Hester will settle for no less than a passionate match of equals--a search marked by challenges and heartbreak. Her affair with a charismatic naval officer tempts her with forbidden pleasures--even as it threatens her reputation. Her love for a sophisticated, brilliant diplomat offers the marriage of her dreams . . . and unsuspected betrayal. And as England is plunged into war, Hester's world changes forever, causing her to find courage and strength amid loss, chart a completely unexpected future--and make a glorious legacy forever hers . . .
They were once orphans from London's roughest slums. Now they are stuidents of Mrs. Merlin's Academy for Select Young Ladies, learning the techniques of spying and seduction. Bold, beautiful, and oh-so-dangerous, they are England's ultimate secret weapons... The most ladylike of "Merlin's Maidens," Sofia possesses a natural grace and grandeur to go along with her deadly arsenal of martial skills--which makes her the perfect choice for a dangerous assignment to investigate rumors of government corruption. She must spin through the glittering ballrooms of Mayfair and the sinister back alleys of the city in search of the truth. One misstep on her part could prove fatal as she works to unravel the tangled web of deceit...but keeping the sinfully sexy Deverill Osborne at arm's length is a real test of her mettle. Handsome, witty and charming, Osborne is the darling of the ton. So when he is asked by the Marquess of Lynsley to introduce a lovely young Italian contessa into Society, he is only too happy to oblige...however he soon has suspicions about the contessa. When he catches her stealing valuables from a gentleman's study, should he believe the worst? Or should he trust the tantalizing murmur of her words...and the sultry, sensuous whispers of her body. To unmask the conspirators, Sofia and Osborne will overcome hidden dangers, including their own growing passion...which may be the most dangerous force of all.
Penniless and alone, Octavia Hadley accepted a governess position that took her to faraway Russia. Now she and her young charge are caught up in Napoleon’s invasion of Moscow. Fleeing for their lives, the pair embark on a perilous trek northward, and to Octavia's dismay, the only way to reach the safety of St. Petersburg is to join forces with a roguish Englishman and his young nephew. With the French army at her back and safety miles and miles ahead, the greatest danger just might be Alex Sheffield and the passion sparking between them. Awards: RWA RITA Finalist, 2002 REVIEWS: "...exciting adventure and an entertaining romance. A real page turner." ~The Romance Reader LESSONS IN LOVE, in series order The Defiant Governess Second Chances The Storybook Hero Also by Andrea Pickens... DANGEROUS LIAISONS SERIES, in order A Diamond in the Rough Sweeter Than Sin Devil May Care INTREPID HEROINES SERIES, in order Code of Honor The Hired Hero A Stroke of Luck Pistols at Dawn SCANDALOUS SECRETS SERIES, in order The Banished Bride Lady of Letters The Major's Mistake
For fans of Miss Scarlet and the Duke and Bridgerton—a masterfully plotted mystery that combines engaging protagonists with rich historical detail and “an unusually rich look at Regency life,” (Publishers Weekly), plus a touch of romance that readers of Amanda Quick and Deanna Raybourn will savor. Celebration is in the air at Wrexford and Charlotte’s country estate as they host the nuptials of their friends, Christopher Sheffield and Lady Cordelia Mansfield. But on the afternoon of the wedding, the festivities are interrupted when the local authorities arrive with news that a murdered man has been discovered at the bridge over King’s Crossing, his only identification an invitation to the wedding. Lady Cordelia is horrified when the victim is identified as Jasper Milton, her childhood friend and a brilliant engineer who is rumored to have discovered a revolutionary technological innovation in bridge design. That he had the invitation meant for her cousin Oliver, who never showed up for the wedding, stirs a number of unsettling questions. Both men were involved in the Revolutions-Per-Minute Society, a scientific group dedicated to making radical improvements in the speed and cost of transportation throughout Britain. Is someone plotting to steal Milton’s designs? And why has her cousin disappeared? Wrexford and Charlotte were looking forward to spending a peaceful interlude in the country, but when Lady Cordelia resolves to solve the mystery, they offer their help, along with that of the Weasels and their unconventional inner circle of friends. The investigation turns tangled and soon all of them are caught up in a treacherous web of greed, ambition, and dangerous secrets. And when the trail takes a shocking turn, Wrexford and Charlotte must decide what risks they are willing to take with their family to bring the villains to justice . . .
The fourth in a brilliant historical mystery series for fans of Deanna Raybourn, Tasha Alexander, and Amanda Quick A wealthy lord, who also happens to be a brilliant scientist, and a young widow who secretly pens satirical political cartoons, must team up to solve a shocking murder in regency London. The murder of a shipping clerk . . . the strange disappearance of trusted friends . . . rumors of corruption within the powerful East India Company . . . all add up to a dark mystery entangling Lady Charlotte Sloane and the Earl of Wrexford in dangerous web of secrets and lies that will call into question how much they really know about the people they hold dear--and about each other . . . When Lady Cordelia, a brilliant mathematician, and her brother, Lord Woodbridge disappear from London, rumors swirl concerning fraudulent bank loans and a secret consortium engaged in an illicit--and highly profitable--trading scheme that threatens the entire British economy. The incriminating evidence mounts, but for Charlotte and Wrexford, it's a question of loyalty and friendship. And so they begin a new investigation to clear the siblings' names, uncover their whereabouts, and unravel the truth behind the whispers. As they delve into the murky world of banking and international arbitrage, Charlotte and Wrexford also struggle to navigate their increasingly complex feelings for each other. But the clock is ticking--a cunning mastermind has emerged . . . along with some unexpected allies--and Charlotte and Wrexford must race to prevent disasters both economic and personal as they are forced into a dangerous match of wits in an attempt to beat the enemy at his own game.
USA Today bestselling author Andrea Penrose's atmospheric mystery series sends newlywed sleuths, Lady Charlotte and the Earl of Wrexford, beyond the glittering ballrooms and salons of Regency London to untangle a web of international intrigue... Charlotte, now the Countess of Wrexford, would like nothing more than a summer of peace and quiet with her new husband and their unconventional family and friends. Still, some social obligations must be honored, especially with the grand Peace Celebrations unfolding throughout London to honor victory over Napoleon. But when Wrexford and their two young wards, Raven and Hawk, discover a body floating in Hyde Park's famous lake, that newfound peace looks to be at risk. The late Jeremiah Willis was the engineering genius behind a new design for a top-secret weapon, and the prototype is missing from the Royal Armory's laboratory. Wrexford is tasked with retrieving it before it falls into the wrong hands. But there are unsettling complications to the case-including a family connection. Soon, old secrets are tangling with new betrayals, and as Charlotte and Wrexford spin through a web of international intrigue and sumptuous parties, they must race against time to save their loved ones from harm-and keep the weapon from igniting a new war . . .
A USA Today bestseller! “[Penrose] mixes well-thought out mysteries, early forensic science, great details of the era and a slow burning attraction creating a compulsive read.” —The New York Public Library A thrilling new mystery novel from the acclaimed author of Murder at Queen’s Landing, perfect for fans of Deanna Raybourn and Anne Perry! In the fifth installment of Andrea Penrose’s acclaimed, atmospheric mystery series, the upcoming marriage of the Earl of Wrexford and Lady Charlotte Sloane promises to be a highlight of the season, if they can first untangle—and survive—a web of intrigue and murder involving the most brilliant scientific minds in Regency London… One advantage of being caught up in a whirl of dress fittings and decisions about flower arrangements and breakfast menus is that Charlotte Sloane has little time for any pre-wedding qualms. Her love for Wrexford isn’t in question. But will being a wife—and a Countess—make it difficult for her to maintain her independence—not to mention, her secret identity as famed satirical artist A.J. Quill? Despite those concerns, there are soon even more urgent matters to attend to during Charlotte and Wrexford’s first public outing as an engaged couple. At a symposium at the Royal Botanic Gardens, a visiting botanist suffers a fatal collapse. The traces of white powder near his mouth reveal the dark truth—he was murdered. Drawn into the investigation, Charlotte and the Earl learn of the victim’s involvement in a momentous medical discovery. With fame and immense fortune at stake, there’s no shortage of suspects, including some whose ruthlessness is already known. But neither Charlotte nor her husband-to-be can realize how close the danger is about to get—or to what lengths this villain is prepared to go . . .
A perplexing murder in a renowned Oxford University library and a suspicious fire at a famous inventor’s London laboratory set Wrexford and Lady Charlotte on two separate investigations in this masterfully plotted, atmospheric Regency-set mystery from USA Today bestselling author Andrea Penrose. “[Penrose] mixes well thought out mysteries, early forensic science, great details of the era and a slow burning attraction creating a compulsive read.” —The New York Public Library Responding to an urgent plea from a troubled family friend, the Earl of Wrexford journeys to Oxford only to find the reclusive university librarian has been murdered, and a rare manuscript has gone missing. The only clue is that someone overheard an argument in which Wrexford’s name was mentioned. At the same time, Charlotte—working under her pen name, A. J. Quill—must determine whether a laboratory fire was arson and if it’s connected to the race between competing consortiums to build a new type of ship—one powered by steam rather than sails—with the potential to revolutionize military power and world commerce. That the race involves new innovations in finance and entrepreneurship only raises the stakes—especially as their good friend, Kit Sheffield, may be an investor in one of the competitors. As they delve deeper into the baffling clues, Wrexford and Charlotte begin to realize that things are not what they seem. An evil conspiracy is lurking in the shadows and threatens all they hold dear—unless they can tie the loose threads together before it’s too late . . .
Eliza Kirtland will do anything to see the man who cruelly assaulted her sister brought to justice—even point a pistol at the notorious Lord Killingworth. But her mistaken accusations result in grave injury to the earl's nephew. Now Eliza's sister—a noted healer—feels obliged to nurse the young man back to health, and Eliza has no choice but to help. Killingworth is not pleased with the arrangement. Tensions swirl between the four of them, until new bonds are discovered when evil strikes again and they must work together to fight a relentless enemy, who will stop at nothing to drive Killingworth away from his estate. INTREPID HEROINES SERIES, in order Code of Honor The Hired Hero A Stroke of Luck Pistols at Dawn SCANDALOUS SECRETS SERIES, in order The Banished Bride Lady of Letters The Major's Mistake LESSONS IN LOVE, in series order The Defiant Governess Second Chances The Storybook Hero
They were once orphans from London's roughest slums. Now they are students of Mrs. Merlin's Academy for Select Young Ladies, learning the techniques of spying and seduction. Bold, beautiful, and oh-so-dangerous, they are England's ultimate secret weapons... Hot-tempered and a warrior to the bone, Shannon is the most daring of "Merlin Maidens." Her assignment: stop the fiendishly cruel assassin who is targeting a top British ballistics expert's family. Marshalling her intelligence, fighting skills, and weapons is easy. Being forced to work with the rakishly handsome Russian spy she loathes is something else. Witty, resourceful, and notorious for his rakish charm with women, Alexandr Orlov tempts Shannon's fierce reserve and lithe body to win her trust. But in the remote Scottish castle where they are sent to protect the innocent, their games of parry and thrust could end in death. A ruthless enemy is watching...and planning to turn their passion into the most dangerous weapon of all.
Sailing home to England with her two younger brothers, the intrepid Miss Zara Greeley plucks a half-drowned stranger from icy seas. The handsome man says he's a duke—a claim Zara is tempted to believe, for only a duke could be so impossibly arrogant. Prestwick wants nothing more than to part ways with the sharp-tongued young lady. But Fate quickly plunges the pair into another encounter. Zara and her brothers are long-lost relatives, come to reclaim their inheritance from an unscrupulous cousin... and suddenly the duke finds himself caught in the swirling current of duty and desire. INTREPID HEROINES SERIES, in order Code of Honor The Hired Hero A Stroke of Luck Pistols at Dawn SCANDALOUS SECRETS SERIES, in order The Banished Bride Lady of Letters The Major's Mistake LESSONS IN LOVE, in series order The Defiant Governess Second Chances The Storybook Hero
A gifted artist, Alexandra Chilton is far more passionate about painting and intellectual pursuits than the shackles of marriage. Until she meets the most notorious rake in London, the Earl of Branford, who seems determined to win her favors by any means. Bored and restless, Branford has accepted a wager: seduce Miss Alexandra Chilton. Unaware that Alexandra is an Innocent—and that he's being used as a pawn in a nefarious game—Branford is surprised when Alexandra challenges both his intellect and jaded heart. Passion flares, scandal threatens, and suddenly it's no longer a game, as a cunning enemy seeks to destroy their blossoming love. INTREPID HEROINES SERIES, in order Code of Honor The Hired Hero A Stroke of Luck Pistols at Dawn SCANDALOUS SECRETS SERIES, in order The Banished Bride Lady of Letters The Major's Mistake LESSONS IN LOVE, in series order The Defiant Governess Second Chances The Storybook Hero
Be one of the first to read this sneak preview sample edition before the full length novel comes out! Born into an illustrious family of swashbuckling war heroes and brilliant political leaders, Lady Hester Stanhope was a Regency-era adventuress who lived on her own terms and refused to conform. Fans of Shana Abé, Theresa Ann Fowler, and Fiona Davis will be captivated by the unforgettable spirit at the heart of USA Today bestselling author Andrea Penrose’s dazzling new historical novel based on the real life of Lady Hester Stanhope (1776-1839), a British aristocrat, antiquarian, and adventurer who defied all conventional strictures of what a woman could and couldn’t do during the Regency era. Even with her privileged life, Lady Hester Stanhope knows that claiming the adventurous life she truly wants will not be easy, thanks to her eccentric father’s stifling grip. With the help of her renowned statesman uncle William Pitt the Younger, she takes on the glittering, treacherous heights of London Society. Her formidable intelligence, outspoken opinions, and headstrong determination gain the favor of the beau monde’s leading taste-maker Beau Brummell—and she quickly learns to bend the rules of the ton to her own advantage. And as her uncle’s hostess, she astutely uses her skills to preside over—and give advice to—the most influential figures of her day, rising to a position unequaled in society . . . But when it comes to holy matrimony, Hester will settle for no less than a passionate match of equals—a search marked by challenges and heartbreak. Her affair with a charismatic naval officer tempts her with forbidden pleasures—even as it threatens her reputation. Her love for a sophisticated, brilliant diplomat offers the marriage of her dreams . . . and unsuspected betrayal. And as England is plunged into war, Hester’s world changes forever, causing her to find courage and strength amid loss, chart a completely unexpected future—and make a glorious legacy forever hers . . .
A diabolical traitor who's always out of reach... England, 1814. Lady Arianna Hadley and her husband, the Earl of Saybrook, want nothing more than to savor a quiet life embellished by the occasional cup of the finest chocolate. However, when they receive orders to travel to Scotland and capture an elusive traitor, they feel their duty to the Crown must come first. In a laboratory in Scotland, they discover the corpse of a chemistry professor--and cryptic papers hinting at a dangerous new discovery now in enemy hands. Racing against time, Arianna and Saybrook pursue their most cunning and dangerous adversary yet through a complex network of intrigue involving exotic chocolates, daredevil aviators, a missing inventor, and a secret recipe that must be recovered at any cost... INCLUDES CHOCOLATE RECIPES AND TRIVIA! From the Paperback edition.
England, 1813: Lady Arianna Hadley acts the part of a French chef in one of London's aristocratic households to find her father's murderer. But when the Prince Regent falls ill after consuming Arianna's special chocolate dessert, she finds herself at the center of a scandal. It soon becomes clear that someone is looking to plunge England into chaos-and Arianna to the bottom of the Thames...
When the high-spirited Lady Jane Stanhope finds herself facing a marriage ordered by her father, she flees home, disguises herself as "Plain Jane" and lands a governess position to the ward of the reclusive Marquess of Saybrook. Winning the love of the shy little ward is easy. Sparking arguments between herself and the mysterious Saybrook is delightful fun. But both are putting her heart in danger. Now she's caught between desire and her deception, for the most a titled lord can offer to a mere governess is ruin. AWARDS: Best Regency of the Year, nominee - RT magazine, 1998 REVIEWS: "...a finely wrought love story featuring an irresistible pair of lovers who will melt every reader's heart." ~RT magazine LESSONS IN LOVE, in series order The Defiant Governess Second Chances The Storybook Hero INTREPID HEROINES SERIES, in order Code of Honor The Hired Hero A Stroke of Luck Pistols at Dawn SCANDALOUS SECRETS SERIES, in order The Banished Bride Lady of Letters The Major's Mistake
For Allegra Proctor, tutoring the Earl of Wrexham's son has its disadvantages—namely the widowed earl himself. Arrogant, cold, and moody, Wrexham is also distractingly dashing. But Allegra only needs pretend long enough to right the wrong against her father, instigated by the earl's dastardly neighbor. Then her charge discovers her intent, forcing her to face Wrexham. Having his quiet existence turned on its ear puts Wrexham on edge, but he has never turned his back on a lady in distress. Together, the pair plunges into a scheme to bring the villain to justice, and awakens a second chance at passion that neither dreamed possible. REVIEWS: "...appealing emotional intensity... a lilting romance for all to enjoy." ~RT magazine LESSONS IN LOVE, in series order The Defiant Governess Second Chances The Storybook Hero
When Lord Wrexford discovers the body of a gifted inventor in a dark London alley, he promptly alerts the watchman and lets the authorities handle the matter. But Wrexford soon finds himself drawn into the murder investigation when the inventor's widow begs for his assistance, claiming the crime was not a random robbery. It seems her husband's designs for a revolutionary steam-powered engine went missing the night of his death. The plans could be worth a fortune ... and very dangerous in the wrong hands"--Amazon.com
Lady Arianna's gift of a rare volume of botanical engravings to her husband, the Earl of Saybrook, has something even more rare hidden inside-sensitive government documents which would mark one they hold dear as a traitor of King and country. To unmask the villain, they must root out a cunning conspiracy-armed only with their wits and expertise in chocolate...
With her diplomat father away on a mission, Lady Caroline Talcott must deliver vital government documents to London. But when her carriage is attacked, she is injured and forced to flee on foot. Her only option: hire her rescuer—the infamous Earl of Davenport—to escort her to Town while keeping her identity a secret. Impoverished, Davenport agrees to being hired by the mysterious lady and quickly discovers the headstrong hellion will make him earn his wages. As the pair are pursued across England by a cunning enemy, fiery clashes turn into mutual respect... quickly followed by the greatest danger of all. INTREPID HEROINES SERIES, in order Code of Honor The Hired Hero A Stroke of Luck Pistols at Dawn SCANDALOUS SECRETS SERIES, in order The Banished Bride Lady of Letters The Major's Mistake LESSONS IN LOVE, in series order The Defiant Governess Second Chances The Storybook Hero
Derrien Edwards dares to go where no woman has gone before: the golf course at St. Andrews, posing as a male caddie. The Viscount Marquand is not a typical lord, spurning the gaming halls and brothels favored by other men of the "ton". But while in Scotland, he's paired with an impudent caddie named "Derry"--and takes a chance on love.
Just in time for the season-an anthology of all-new Christmas novellas to warm the heart: Wooing the Wolf; The Dogstar; Lost and Found; Christmas with Dora Davenport; and Christmas Cheer. Penned by some of the best-known Regency authors around, it's the perfect stocking stuffer.
Major Julian Miranda accepts a long-term army commission after catching his wife in what appears to be a very compromising position. Seven years later the couple meets again. But will it be pride -- or passion -- that wins the day?
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