Bøger om Victoriatidens England

The one you love . . . Robert Selby is determined to see his sister Louisa make an advantageous match. But he has two problems: the Selbys have no connections or money and Robert is really a housemaid named Charity Church. She's enjoyed every minute of her masquerade over the past six years, but she knows her pretense is nearing an end. Charity needs to see Louisa married well and then Robert Selby will disappear . . . forever.May not be who you think . . . Alistair, Marquess of Pembroke, has spent years repairing the estate ruined by his wastrel father, and nothing is more important than protecting his fortune and name. He shouldn't be so beguiled by the charming young man who shows up on his doorstep asking for favors. And he certainly shouldn't be thinking of all the disreputable things he'd like to do to the impertinent scamp.But is who you need . . . When Charity's true nature is revealed, Alistair knows he can't marry a scandalous woman in breeches, and Charity isn't about to lace herself into a corset and play a respectable miss. Can these stubborn souls learn to sacrifice what they've always wanted for a love that is more than they could have imagined?

Winter Ashburn was once the toast of the ton, but now she skirts the margins of high society by stealing from the rich to give to the poor. Her latest mark is none other than Rory Jameson, the rake who dared mistake her for a lady of the evening. Winter has stolen from her fair share of scandalously handsome men in the past . . . so why does her heart beat faster as she approaches his door?Rory Jameson is a rake, it's true. And he's caught many a thief while on secret missions for the Crown, but none has been this intriguing, this enticing. He will make Winter repay what she took so shamelessly . . . and melt her icy façade with the heat of his wicked touch. But her kiss sets his soul on fire?and now he will never be satisfied until he has made this alluring temptress his own.

A lady's deception Lady Elizabeth Hutton will never succumb to the ambitions of a neighboring lord?even after his soldiers imprison the newly orphaned heiress in her own bedchamber. Ever resourceful, the proud beauty has devised a strategy to escape the devil who's determined to possess her and her great wealth: she will switch roles with her loyal maid so that she can save herself and her people.A knight's rapture Sir John Russell's love of adventure has always carried him to far-flung places and dangers?and now he must ride to the rescue of the noblewoman he's betrothed to but hasn't seen since boyhood. However, it is not his bride-to-be but her bewitching servant who enflames his passion?and Sir John's desire for the fiery beauty threatens to undermine his sacred, sworn oath, forcing a noble knight into the most devastating choice of his life: between duty and honor . . . or ecstasy and disgrace.

Heath Bartlett doesn't want to believe that his childhood friend had any part in the dastardly crime he's investigating?but the bewitching, intoxicating beauty is certainly hiding something. And he will do whatever necessary to uncover the truth.The ton sees her merely as the castoff of a disreputable rake. In truth, Lady Tess Golding is protecting her own secret, so she dares not surrender to Heath's intimate temptations?even though, when Heath comes within arm's reach of Tess, passions flare. Despite that the danger to the Crown is too great, and the threat to their vulnerable hearts even greater . . . when a passion this heated is unleashed, sometimes even the strongest must submit.

Quirky and fun-loving American heiress Daisy Bowman is the last unmarried Wallflower. Her exasperated father has informed her that if she can't find a husband by the end of her third London season, she will be forced to marry a man she hates?the ruthless entrepreneur Matthew Swift.Daisy is horrified. A Bowman never admits defeat, so she decides to do whatever it takes to marry someone . . . anyone . . . other than Matthew. What she doesn't count on, however, is Matthew's unexpected charm, or the blazing sensuality that soon flares beyond both their control. And Daisy discovers that the man she has always hated just might turn out to be the man of her dreams.But when a scandalous secret is uncovered, it could destroy both Matthew and a love more passionate and irresistible than Daisy's wildest fantasies.

Katherine Fleming has lived her life without even a hint of indiscretion. So she is devastated to discover the nobleman she's engaged to has a secret he's kept from her: a wife! Suddenly Katherine's enmeshed in a scandal that has the ton buzzing?and forced to accept a most unconventional proposal from the notorious seducer Dominic Mallory, her faithless fiancé's brother... and precisely the sort of rake she has sworn to avoid! Charming and dangerously sensual, Dominic has desired the stunning beauty from the first moment he spied her. Now, with Katherine's reputation in tatters, it's the ideal opportunity to bed her?though it will take wedding vows to do so. But can a rogue be reformed by the unleashed passion of a normally reserved lady? And can a marriage made for all the wrong reasons flame into the love match of the season?

The boldest, most unconventional of the three Greentree sisters, Marietta believes her best course would be to emulate her natural mother, the notorious courtesan Madame Aphrodite. Being woefully unschooled in the ways of passion, however, Marietta, at Aphrodite's insistence, must first prove herself by properly seducing one man: Max Valland, the moody, disgraced, anddisinherited former Lord Roseby.With his life and reputation already in tatters, Max is most willing to help the exquisite young minx practice her chosen craft?though he is surprised at the depth of his desire . . . and by her most unprofessional tenderness. But Marietta's plans are threatened by the dangerous mysteries swirling around this disarmingly sensual gentleman . . . and by a heart that urges her to break the courtesan's cardinal rule: never fall in love.

After this decree from his grandmother,Richard, Viscount Mallory, goes insearch of the long-lost family heirloom. Imagine his surprise when he spots the exquisite heart-shaped ruby brooch on the bosom of the equally exquisite Lady Isabel Weymouth! Could this popular young socialite actually be a jewel thief?Richard is determined that the brooch be returned to his family. So when an opportunity presents itself, he pilfers the jewel from the lady's bedroom, but is stunned when she steals it back the very next day! Clearly the enchanting Isabel is a more formidable opponent than he imagined, and the former soldier finds himself battling wits and wills with the captivating temptress. Passion ignites between them as the competition heats up, and suddenly there is more than a ruby brooch at stake in this game of hearts.

A young suitor with his eyes on a forbidden love... and an old feud that threatens to tear them apart.Locked in a secret romance with the stunning Lady Amelia, Philip, the Earl of Crawford is determined to win her hand in marriage... but if her pompous brother Alfred catches wind, he fears their old University feud will shatter their chance at love.Michael is no stranger to heartbreak - and he's dead set on not letting his son Philip experience the same pain. But the reclusive widower's mission to save their courtship brings him face-to-face with a long-lost love - the Duchess Helena, Lady Amelia's mother. Can they rekindle their spark after three decades apart? And will Helena ever approve of her daughter's secretive suitor?Meanwhile, Philip's sister Violet hatches a plan to draw both families together. She catches the eye of Helena's son Alfred - but what begins as a fake courtship quickly begins to become all too real. Is she willing to sacrifice the future for her brother and best friend? Or are these two families fated to remain apart?

She had the president's ear and the nation's heart. She's the wife of the fourth president of the United States; a spirited charmer who adores parties, the latest French fashions, and the tender, brilliant man who is her husband. But while many love her, few suspect how complex Dolley Madison really is. Only in the pages of her diary-as imagined by novelist Rita Mae Brown-can Dolley fully reveal herself. And there we discover the real first lady-impulsive, courageous, and wise-as she faces her harshest trial: in 1814, the United States is once more at war with mighty Britain, and her beloved James is the most hated man in America. From the White House receptions she gaily presides over to her wild escape from a Washington under siege, Dolley gives us a legend, made warmly human. For there has never been a first lady so tested-or one who came through the fire so brilliantly.

The Raven Queen...Siobhan didn't choose this name.But now she will take control of it.The secrets of this world are deeper and darker than Siobhan knew, and those she once trusted seem strange and sinister. But her Will is as abyssal as the ocean, and she is determined to uncover the truth.As Sebastien's reputation begins to bloom with its own light, new eyes turn her way. With new magic and old plans come to fruition, she feels the inklings of true power within her grasp.But there is a storm waiting beneath the placid surface of the ocean...And old enemies have not forgotten her.Running has not worked for Siobhan, and so the Raven Queen will stop running, and instead advance. She hopes to strip away any power they hold over her, but as she uncovers secrets and unravels mysteries, things may not go as planned. Will Siobhan and the few allies she has bound to her side be able to stand against the might of their enemies?Get it now.

In the lush fields of England's countryside, members of the upper social circles do not breed racehorses or delight in a brisk trot through town-they raise, ride, and race dragons. During her stay at her cousin's lavish estate in the picturesque Scottish countryside, Elizabeth Bennet is entranced by the breathtaking scenery. But her attention is also drawn to a charming dragon rider who works at the estate's stables. Could she possibly accept a proposal of marriage from someone of lower status?But what if this stablehand was actually a well-bred gentleman in disguise? With pride always a factor in matters of love, will this deception be the one thing standing in the way of Elizabeth's desires? A Lady's Mistake is an adventurous variation of Pride and Prejudice that is suitable for all lovers of Jane Austen's romantic classic, and those who like a little bit of fantasy with their Regency romance.

"In the midst of this danger, dirt, speed, technological changes, and social upheaval comprise the heart of steampunk. The old and new were in conflict, and the outcomes were uncertain and fraught with failures, making it a rich tangle of possibilities for characters to clash and collaborate within. " - From the introduction by Bart Kemper, answering the question Why Steam? Steampunk is danger, adventure, and technology with a flair for the dramatic and an eye for beauty. Join these 10 authors as they explore worlds of danger, daring, romance and steam.

"A series of grisly murders disrupts Victorian London's covert gay scene in Brennan's historical thriller. ... A rich, dark mystery" (Kirkus Reviews) from the author of LOOSE LIPS.

Love like a debutante about to marry a boring old lord. Caroline Porter is a wealthy and spoiled heiress who has had everything she could ever want in life. When her father dies, her brother gains the family's booming shipping business and home, but the heiress will inherit 100,000 pounds on her 21st birthday. However, she must do what her selfish and greedy half-brother John says until then, which for her isn't hard to do until she meets handsome medical research doctor, Benjamin Bradley. He's nothing she's ever wanted in a man, but he's everything that's caught her attention now. Caroline's love for Dr. Bradley upsets her brother, and John finds her a suitable husband. While Dr. Bradley is in India for a time fighting an epidemic of Cholera, her brother marries her off to stale, Lord Charlton. To retaliate, she begins an affair with Dr. Bradley. But when cholera strikes London and her husband falls ill, Caroline feels as though her actions are what caused him to become sick and asks Dr. Bradley to help him get well. Will Dr. Bradley help heal the man who stole the love of his life? Are a doctor's vows before their hearts?

In this newest addition to the School for Scoundrels series, Simeon Jones and Lady Myrtle Allen tell all the ton that they are engaged to be wed, fully knowing that once the season is over they will quietly part ways. They each have their reasons, but neither expected love to tempt them into turning a pretense into reality!Simeon Jones has a secret--he is soft-hearted. Despite his scandalous exterior, he will quietly give money to orphans (after all, he was one himself), animals, and damsels in distress. One such damsel is Lady Myrtle Allen--but it's not her funds that are lacking, but rather she needs to get to London--fast.And so begins a wild adventure. First, the pair tells all the ton that they are engaged to be wed--how else to prevent scandal once they are found together--alone! They plan to carry out this deception, fully knowing that once the season is over, they will quietly part ways. But then, they discover that they have fallen in love, which was definitely not part of their plan! Can this scandalous man and adventurous woman turn this pretense into reality?

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

She's at the mercy of a wild, wild duke. Trouble is, she's not sure how wild he truly is...There was a time when Wolfe Huges, sixth Duke of Montague, pined for Lady Kate Brassel. But that was years ago. Now, she's nothing to him but the widow of an old friend who owed him an obscene amount of money. So, imagine his surprise when Kate suggests a highly improper-and pleasurable-means to settle the debt...Kate is at her wit's end. If she wants to protect her son's inheritance, she'll have to pay her husband's debt with the only thing of value she has left. Her body. And since Wolfe has no interest in marrying, that would make her his mistress. She never thought she'd fall so far from grace. Or that she'd enjoy it. But here she is...It's not long before Kate learns there's more to Wolfe than meets the eye-and Wolfe realizes his love for Kate might be more than a memory. But when it matters most, will they take their second chance at happily ever after? Or is their romance doomed to end in heartbreak?

A Royal Pain... The illegitimate daughter of a prince and a notorious courtesan, Lucia has been confined to schools and convents for most of her life. But that hasn't stopped her from causing one scandal after another. Exasperated, her royal father decides that his exquisite hellion of a daughter must be married immediately. And Sir Ian Moore, Britain's most proper diplomat, is the perfect man to choose her a groom. Diplomacy, not matchmaker, is Ian's forte, but he vows to get Lucia married off as soon as possible so that he may return to his real duties. Yet, despite an abundance of very eager, worthwhile candidates, none is a match for Lucia's spirit and fire. And the more time Ian spends with the infuriating beauty, the more reluctant he is to marry her off. Could it be that he has already found Lucia the perfect husband...and it is Ian himself?

In a world where humans and fae coexist, a common enemy appears. Nobody knows what the Hollows truly are. There are only two rules: don't offer them your name, and don't look them in the eye. After witnessing the death of his mother at the hands of the Hollows, Cassiel Jäger becomes one of the most renowned Hollow hunters on the continent. Determined to get to Svadaeva, a desert queendom known for having the least amount of Hollow attacks, he teams up with an unlikely ally. Diora Hyoscyamus, a trained assassin with a job to get information on the Hollows, ends up in a jail cell with no way out. When a human finds her and bargains for her release, Diorites has no choice but to abandon her adopted brother in favor of joining the enemy on a journey across the continent.Auri Luthien is the most notorious thief in all three human kingdoms. After accidentally killing a Hollow and inevitably getting cursed, she finds herself jumping into a portal made with fae magic to get rid of the stain on her hand and the mysterious voice that won't leave her alone.Shasi D¿rayavahush has no desire to marry for a political gain but her parents have other ideas. When she hosts an unexpected group of travelers and ends up finding an ancient diary, Shasi figures out how to help her people without tying the knot, even if that means finding an ancient temple in the middle of nowhere. A temple that might just leave her with more questions then answers. Kore Astra is a half breed, a rare mix of human and fae. With uncontrollable plant magic, she makes a deal with a handsome stranger that ends up with her in a realm teeming with Hollows. Suddenly, everything she thought she knew seems to be wrong. Maybe the Hollows aren't the monsters everyone thought they were, and maybe the Gods aren't as kind as they are made out to be.A dark force is churning, preparing to wake. The Gods have abandoned the people, leaving them vulnerable. Only one person seems to have the answers, but unlocking them will come with a price that might not be worth it in the end.

It's all fun and games ... until someone falls in love. Oliver Goswick, Viscount Rathburn, needs money?and soon. With time ticking away and his inheritance held hostage until he's properly wed, Rathburn's slim options point to a single solution: a faux engagement. In need of the perfect bride, he knows of only one candidate: his best friend's wallflower sister. The plan seems flawless, except for one problem ... He can't help falling in love with her.Poised, polished Emma Danvers knows nothing good can come of Rathburn's scheme. Spending the next two months engaged in a mock courtship is not what she'd imagined for her final season. Yet, charmed by his roguish ways and the inexplicable hammering he causes in her heart, she accepts his challenge.For Emma, keeping the secret seemed easy when it was just a game ... But as Rathburn begins to see past her reserved exterior to the passionate woman within, the risk of losing her heart becomes all too real.

USA Today bestselling and Rita Award-winning author Lorraine Heath has created a lush, emotional love story.Camilla Hutchenson, countess, sponsor, darling of the ton, has reached a staggering level of social power. But one man has managed to distract her attention from her schedule of charity endeavours and teas—and not just because he holds the deed to her estate.The man in question, Archibald Warner, is the new Earl of Sachse. Though at first meeting he suspects his new ward of being nothing more than a social bit of fluff, the more time passes, the more he finds himself drawn to her. But there is something she is hiding from him, and she hesitates to show him her real heart, even though she wishes she could learn to trust him with it. For somehow she knows . . . if only she can give him the chance, he will teach her everything she could hope to learn about love.

One of Daphne Wade's guilty pleasures is to watch the Duke of Tremore as he works, shirtless, on the excavation site of his ducal estate. Anthony Courtland is by far the most exciting and handsome man she has ever known, and she dreams of one day being able to speak with him without getting tongue tied. Anthony, meanwhile, only sees Daphne as a hard worker on his excavation team. He considers her a plain young lady and says so in a careless remark to a friend, unaware that Daphne is outside the library door, her heart shattering to pieces. So Daphne decides she will not be so silly any longer. She begins to be tutored in the social graces, forcing Anthony to see the beauty who has been right in front of his eyes.

Alasdair Cynster known to his intimates as Lucifer decides to rusticate in the country before the matchmaking skills of London′s mamas become firmly focused on him, the last unwed Cynster. But an escape to Devonshire leads him straight to his destiny in the irresistible form of Phyllida Tallent, a willful, independent beauty of means who brings all his masterful Cynster instincts rioting to the fore. Lucifer isn′t about to deny his desire for Phyllida, and he′s determined to use all his seductive skills to enjoy the benefits of destiny′s choice without submitting to the parson′s noose. Phyllida has had a bevy of suitors, her charm and wit are well known throughout the countryside, but none of them has tempted her the way Lucifer does. His offer to teach her all about the ways of love is almost too tantalising to resist. And though she′s not yet completely surrendered, she knows only a fool stands against a Cynster...and Phyllida is no one′s fool.

It was indisputably love at first sight. But Victoria Lyndon was merely the teenaged daughter of a vicar. . .while Robert Kemble was the dashing young earl of Macclesfield. Surely what their meddlesome fathers insisted must have been true-that he was a reckless seducer determined to destroy her innocence. . . and she was a shameless fortune hunter. So it most certainly was for the best when their plans to elope went hopelessly awry. Even after a seven-year separation, Victoria-now a governess-still leaves Robert breathless. But how could he ever again trust the raven-haired deceiver who had shattered his soul? And Victoria could never give her heart a second time to the cad who so callously trampled on it the first. But a passion fated will not be denied, and vows of love yearn to be kept. . . even when one promises the moon.

Paradise Wild A well-born Boston beauty, Corinne Barrows has traveled halfway around the world in search of Jared Burkett -- a dashing rogue and a devil; a honey-tongued charmer who seduced and despoiled her. . .and then abandoned the impetuous lady after awakening a need that only he could satisfy.She has found him on the lush and lovely island of Hawaii. And now Corinne will have the revenge she craves: the total ruin of the blackguard who brought shame and scandal into her life. But Jared still possesses the power to excite her as no man has ever done--even as his own reckless heart is taken captive in their blistering war of wits and will--igniting a fire that could consume them both unless they surrender to it with wild abandon in the heat of the tropic night.