He refused to court her once. Can she trust his intentions this time? Spunky Petunia Bateman may be a commoner, but she is far from common. Anyone who cannot appreciate that is not worth her time. Then her best friend's fiancé, the deposed crown prince of Batavaria, awards her a title, and the man she once loved decides she might be worth another look. Think again, sir! Lord Ashforde had considered the lovely Miss Bateman for his bride three years ago. But his family history convinced Ash that cool heads and calm demeanors must prevail. There is nothing cool and calm about his feelings for Petunia, which have only grown since he rashly decided against her. But can he convince her, and himself, to give their love another try? When the prince asks Petunia to persuade Ash to take up their cause to see their kingdom restored, the two are thrown together, and the enemies of Batavaria take note. Can love blossom amid skullduggery? Especially with...

Can a kiss at Christmas make all the difference?Mary Rose has one goal for her mother's annual Christmas Eve party: convince her childhood friend Julian Mayes to marry her. With her mother wasting away and the doctor refusing to deal with a young lady like Mary, she needs the power of a husband. She has always admired Julian. Surely one moment under the kissing bough will convince him they were meant to be together.Newly hired by a prestigious London law firm, Julian Mayes is ready to shake the dust of the countryside off his polished boots. But he's always had a soft spot for Mary. As the danger to her future becomes clear, will one kiss be enough to prove to him how far he will go to protect her?"A delightful story filled with fun and romance during a Christmas Eve party." Huntress Reviews"Witty, lighthearted, sweet, and romantic." Among the Reads review blogIf you like sweet Regency romances, you'll love this origin story quick-read novella...

Will a fake engagement make the captain heed love's siren call at last?French singer and spy Marie-Louise Fortier has spent her life protecting idealistic men like her father, who died trying to wrest France back from Napoleon. So when the British War Office asks her to safeguard a former naval captain in the little spa village of Grace-by-the-Sea from the emperor's threats, she doesn't hesitate, even if it means pretending to be engaged to the legendary Captain St. Claire to remain at his side.Quillan St. Claire has been taking care of himself since he was a foundling. He's fought Napoleon in battle and now smuggles the tyrant's secrets from France to aid England's cause. He's certainly not willing to trust the pretty soprano with his life, yet her siren's voice seems to call to him. As danger draws closer, Marie and Quill must work together to protect the friendly little village that welcomed them, only to discover that protecting each other may mean risking...

He was supposed to marry her best friend, but he couldn't say no to her. No one has ever refused a request from Lady Belle Dryden. Her pretty face and winsome nature almost guarantee it, and the fact that she's the youngest daughter of the Duke of Wey doesn't hurt. So she's certain when she plays matchmaker between her dearest friend, Miss Petunia Bateman, and the charming, mysterious Owen Canady, both will be only too happy to fall in love. After all, Belle feels herself falling for Owen already. A shame a duke's daughter must marry someone more impressive. Owen Canady is a gentleman by birth, a pauper by circumstance, and a con man by necessity. Life has taught him he can rely only on his wits and a fast horse to get by. But when he is blackmailed into ferreting out the secrets of the Duke of Wey at a house party at the duke's lavish estate, he finds his resolve crumbling. Belle is everything that is right and good in the world. He cannot betray...

Being engaged to the most dashing bachelor in London isn't all fun and games.Lady Calantha, middle daughter of the Duke of Wey, has the unique ability to turn invisible in company. Well, not entirely invisible, or the eligible Frederick, Count Montalban, wouldn't have noticed her at all. But Callie's shy nature and plain features tend to make people overlook her. And they say the most outrageous things around her as a result, which is why she accidentally overhears strangers plotting to harm the count and his royal brother and father. What can a lady do but warn him?Fritz, Count Montalban, is determined to keep his family safe. But he can't drag Callie all over London to identify those plotting against them unless she has a reason to be alone with him. Pretending an engagement sounds like the perfect plan. After all, his dashing demeanor hides a wounded soul that demands he hold a true fiancée at a distance. But there's something about Callie that pulls him...

A second chance at love?Hester Todd hoped never to run into her first love, Rob Peverell, again, until she does just that at the annual Grace-by-the-Sea Harvest Ball. Rob broke her heart seven years ago, sending her flying into the arms of a dashing naval lieutenant instead. Now a widow with a daughter she adores, Hester has finally found a little peace with her past. But one moment in Rob's company, and her heart begins to whisper of a different future.A tragedy propelled the rapscallion younger son to the title of viscount, and Rob is struggling to become the man his sister and tenants need. Romance at the moment is out of the question, but Hester always knew the way to his heart. When smugglers once more try to infiltrate the little coastal village, Hester and Rob must find a way to trust each other and protect their families and friends. In doing so, they may find that true love always deserves a second chance.If you love sweet, witty Regency romances...

Shy Ivy Bateman has always felt more comfortable behind the scenes than front and center. She is happiest caring for her family and baking sweet treats. She certainly never expected the wealthy Marquess of Kendall to propose marriage, especially a marriage of convenience. It seems his baby daughter needs a mother, and Ivy cannot deny the attraction of the role, or the attraction she feels for the handsome marquess.Kendall had asked Miss Thorn of the Fortune Employment Agency to find him a particular sort of lady. His heart went to the grave with his first wife. Now, all he cares about is ensuring his frail daughter doesn't follow it. Installing Ivy Bateman as his next marchioness will not disrupt his life or make him question his love for his dead wife. But as he comes to appreciate Ivy's sweet nature, he begins to wonder about their future. When an old enemy strikes at Miss Thorn and all her ladies, a grieving lord and a shy lady must work together to save the day. In...

Ordered to guard, forbidden to love When elite soldier Finn Huber was released from his duties to his king and crown prince to start a new life in Regency England, he never dreamed his first position would be bodyguard to a governess whose sweet nature calls to him. He fell for a lady he was guarding years ago, with devastating consequences. He learned the hard way that bodyguards must be vigilant, valiant, and in control, always. Loving who they guard is strictly forbidden. Governess Abigail Winchester beguiles her charges with warm smiles and gentle words, but her composure is hard won. Someone knows about her connection to a family scandal and is bent on destroying her. How kind of her benefactress, Lady Belfort, to hire Finn to keep her safe as she hides at the lady's country estate. He is everything a lady might admire, but she cannot give in to her growing feelings for him. Finn's honor and her past can never be reconciled. But Lady...

<h4>A chance for a whole new life?<br></h4><p>Ciara O'Rourke learned to bake sweet treats from the best, her older sister. Now determined to step out on her own, she agrees to start the first cookhouse at Wallin Landing, a tiny settlement north of frontier Seattle. But nothing goes as planned, from the local loggers, who seem more interested in courting than being paying customers, to the baby who's thrust into her arms by a stranger who rides off whispering warnings.&nbsp;</p><p>Kit Weatherly sailed away from his controlling family on a tea clipper to explore the world. He's since found a true family in the Wallin Landing logging crew. That is, until the pretty new cook informs him he's uncle to a niece he never knew he had! One look in little Grace's face, and Kit knows he'll do anything to protect her. And one taste of Ciara's cooking has him wondering what he'd have to do to convince her to take a chance on them...