AustLit

'A grieving Duke, a disregarded daughter, an unsuitable love, a trap set to compromise, an unexpected happy ending.

'Hunter Barrington, Duke of Melton, returned from war a changed man. Grieving his lost love, now the holder of a title that he had never thought to inherit, and expected to marry at the earliest opportunity, what he needed most was someone who could see him, simply as himself.

'Lady Nerissa Loughbridge, the second daughter, always outshone by her beautiful sister, perpetually reproved for her hoydenish ways. What she needed most was someone who could see her, just for herself, who might allow that her dreams had value, simply because she wished them. Then one day, in the winter woods, they met....

'But a few magical weeks of delightful friendship were swept away by the hectic London Season, as Lady Nerissa’s transformation from ordinary, to the Incomparable of the Season, brought a flock of suitors, and the Duke’s new title made him the catch of the year.

'Can they find their way back to each other, through all their hearts’ confusion? Can Lady Nerissa thaw a heart frozen in grief, and claim it for her own?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A scandal, a spy, a charming Viscount, a shy and beautiful Lady, a conspiracy with a dramatic conclusion.

'Charlton Edgeworth, Viscount Pendholm, returned from war to discover that his late brother had left him an inheritance of scandal. In the midst of dealing with that, he is called upon to serve his country further, undercover, to thwart a conspiracy instigated by a French spy. Between scandal and spying, there are days when he feels as if the war isn’t over....

'Lady Odette Marmont, beautiful daughter of a French aristocrat and an English Lady, has been raised by her aunt since her mother’s death, and would prefer a book in a quiet library to a society Ball. But her aunt insists that, at 22, it is time she married, so, although disturbed by how changed her father is, since he returned from France, she steels herself to brave the Season.

'But Lady Odette's father has attitudes and interests which bring him into conflict with everything that Charlton and his friends hold dear - and Lady Odette is caught in the middle.

'Can Charlton and Odette find a way to explore their growing attraction, or will the tangle of scandal and treason tear them apart?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A Lady brought low by scandal, a handsome merchant, a scoundrel bent on destruction, a Valentine’s Day gift.

'Lady Serafine Parkington struggles to keep herself and her mother alive, after the scandal of her brother’s gambling and suicide destroyed their family, and left them shunned by the ton.

'Mr Raphael Morton, member of His Majesty’s Hounds, returned war hero and wealthy merchant, is completely and utterly bored, finding it most difficult to settle back into civilian life. He seeks a business idea to engage his interest, and make life worthwhile again.

'When an accident of circumstance brings Lady Serafine and Raphael together, an unlikely business partnership is born.

'Can they save their business from an unscrupulous scoundrel, who wants their destruction, and find a partnership of the heart, as well as one of business?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A determined Lady, a handsome Lord, a treasonous plot, a daring rescue, an enduring love.

'Lord Geoffrey Clarence heroically saved the life of his best friend, Charlton Edgeworth, Viscount Pendholm, and six other people. He was then recruited to work covertly, in defence of crown and country – which resulted in the Prince Regent gifting him a substantial estate. Unfortunately, it came with a dangerous mission as a side ‘benefit’.

'Lady Harriet Edgeworth decided, at first sight of Lord Geoffrey, that he was the man for her, her hero. In the year since, nothing has changed her mind. When Lord Geoffrey moves to an estate close to her home, she is delighted, and soon finds a way to volunteer to assist with the inventory of his new property.

'Can Lord Geoffrey keep his mission secret, with Lady Harriet there every day? Can Lady Harriet convince Lord Geoffrey to see her as a woman, not just Charlton’s sister? And, if he does, can he keep her safe in the midst of a treasonous conspiracy?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A young Lady, a too charming Lord, and elegant Duke, an infatuation, a dramatic revelation of dishonourable behavior, a chance for real love.

'Lady Cordelia Branley, daughter of Baron Tillingford, in London for the first time, is captivated by the charming and talented Lord Edward Fitzhugh, son of the Earl of Bolton. But her chaperone, Miss Millpost, is not so convinced of the young Lord’s character.

'Lord Edward Fitzhugh makes a point of charming everyone – especially young Ladies with sizable dowries – and of winning at cards with remarkable frequency. He also makes a point of not answering questions about his life – with a degree of secrecy that raises questions in the minds of many.

'Philip Canterwood, Duke of Rotherhithe, is set in his ways as a widower – until the request of his dying friend, Baron Tillingford, for help to ensure that the man, with whom his daughter is infatuated, is not a cad. Once he begins to look into it, everything changes…

'Is Lord Edward as charming and pleasant as he seems? Or does something more sinister hide behind his carefully presented polish?

'Will Lady Cordelia find true love in the end? Or will she be blinded by charm with no substance?

'And will the Duke allow himself to love again?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A determined Lady, a handsome, impoverished Marquess, a flock of suitors, a difficult inheritance, a deception revealed, an unexpected love.

'Lady Georgiana Branley, younger daughter of Baron Tillingford, has changed since her father's death. She has come to terms with the fact that another man now carries what was her father's title, and has dedicated herself to learning as much about managing her estates as possible. There is just one thing stopping her from being completely happy. Her father's will specified that, until she marries, her estates will be held in trust for her by her sister's husband to be - the Duke of Rotherhithe. Georgiana has no interest in marrying some society fop. She just wants to manage her estates. But the Duke promised her father that he would see her make a good match - and he intends to make that happen. At the House party which is held before the Duke and Cordelia's wedding, all Georgiana wants to do is leave - until she meets the Marquess of Dartworth - who is unlike any other man of the ton that she has met.

'Oliver Kentworthy, Marquess of Dartworth, inherited a title, run down estates, and a large collection of debt. Returning from a few years of living in the Americas, Oliver sees the ton with new eyes - and is not impressed. He is only at the Duke's house party because of a promise the Duke made to his father. The members of the ton make their disapproval of the almost paupered young peer very unpleasantly obvious - the only thing that makes Oliver want to stay is Lady Georgiana...

'Can Lady Georgiana get her way, and choose the path of her own life? Can Oliver overcome the terrible heritage he has been left, and be accepted by society? Will these two, who feel out of place amongst the ton, find happiness together, or will others’ prejudice drive them apart?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A bored Viscountess, a despairing Duke, a charitable project, a Lady lost, a secret heir, a new chance for love.

'Julian Stafford, Duke of Windemere, has never quite recovered from the loss of his only son in a duel - a duel that need not have happened, had his now deceased wife not taken the attitude she did. His son's betrothed disappeared immediately after the duel, and now he has nothing but dealing with his dead wife's debts to fill his days.

'Widow, Lady Sylvia Edgeworth, Dowager Viscountess Pendholm, is looking for something to fill her days, now that both of her children are happily married. A charitable project seems just the thing. But when her offer to buy a house for her project uncovers mysteries for the Duke, and brings them into close contact, life changes for both of them.

'What really happened before the duel that took the life of the Duke's son? Will the son's betrothed ever be found? Can Lady Sylvia achieve her charitable goals - or will her attraction to the Duke distract her? Will the Duke allow himself to love again?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A Lady touched by scandal, a wealthy merchant, a misunderstanding, a madman’s threat, a surprise ennoblement, an enduring love.

'Lady Serafine Parkington, her family disgraced by scandal, has found new hope in a successful business venture, and perhaps love, as well. She may never be able to go about amongst the ton again, but for love, she can accept that.

'Mr Raphael Morton, a wealthy successful merchant, doubts that he is worthy of Lady Serafine – but he cannot deny that his attraction to her is growing. When his hopes are destroyed, and his business takes him overseas for months, his enemies take action.

'Can past scandal be overcome? Can devastating hurt be forgiven? Can a merchant raised to the nobility ever be accepted by the ton? Will the actions of a madman destroy a family, or make it closer? Will the challenges they face bring Lady Serafine and Mr Morton together, or tear them apart forever?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A Lord damaged by war, a Lady mired in guilt and despair, a mystery of tragic love, a chance to correct the follies of the past, a love that heals all hurts.

'Lady Sybilla Barrington has spent two years certain of her guilt, and has chosen to shut herself away to write a gothic novel, rather than face going about in society. She is quite sure that no man could ever accept her deeds and expects to spend her life alone.

'Lord Barton Seddon is unsure of his sanity, haunted by the things that he suffered during the war in Spain. Horses and isolation are his only solace – even his family condemn him for his weakness. Months spent at Dartworth Abbey, alone, seem the best possible answer.

'When their love of horses brings them together, in a place haunted by the ghosts of a tragic love generations old, can they find healing together, or will their personal demons drive them apart?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A Duke renowned for breaking hearts and wild ways, who despises the lower classes, an innocent young woman, born to the merchant class, a chance meeting at a Masquerade Ball, a carriage accident, a snowbound Christmas, an irresistible love.

'Lucian Merryhew, the Duke of Hartswood, feels jaded and bored, his life nothing but an endless round of drink, gambling and womanizing. The responsibilities of his title weigh heavily on him, and life seems increasingly bleak.

'Miss Isabella Morton, born to the merchant class, but now accepted in society, because her brother has been made an Earl. Bright, strong minded, and frustrated by the way that society treats her, she is yet an innocent in so many ways.

'When they meet anonymously, behind masks, they connect immediately. When they meet in 'real life', he does not know her for the same woman, and despises her for her birth, without ever bothering to look further. Hurt, she despairs of ever being seen for herself.

'Then, fate takes a hand. and the snow ensures that he remains a at Miss Morton’s family estate, a house guest for Christmas.

'Will the joy of the Christmas season bring change? Can the Duke overcome his prejudices, and allow himself to see the real Isabella? Can Isabella overcome her hesitance, caused by past bad experiences, and express her real feelings? Or will Lucian's despair at the emptiness of his life lead to the ultimate separation?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A Baron left embittered by war, a Lady who sees the man he once was, a madman bent on revenge, a daring rescue, a love stronger than fear.

'Gerald Otford, Baron Tillingford, returned from war a bitter man, forever changed by the things he had done, out of necessity. Things that he can never discuss, and which no woman could ever know of without turning away in horror. Certain that he would always be alone, he turned his attention to his estates.

'Lady Alyse Barrington, sister to Lord Tillingford's closest friend, has always been drawn to him, no matter the darkness that seems to tarnish his brightness, no matter the way that he remains aloof. The more men she meets, the more certain she becomes that there is only one man for her. All she has to do is break through his self-imposed isolation...

'When the needs of his estate bring Lady Alyse and her brothers to his home, a madman sees the chance to enact his long-planned revenge. Can Lord Tillingford overcome his bitterness and withdrawal in time to save the woman he has come to love, despite himself? Can Lady Alyse accept him for the man that he is, or will his worst fears be realised?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A grieving Earl with a lost heir, a lonely woman, unsure of her place in life, an accidental meeting amongst the spring flowers, a secret in the woods, a love that transforms everything.

'Nicholas Belmont, the Earl of Amberhithe, is sinking into despair. A widower for three years, now his son has been missing for months – if he cannot be found, what is left worth living for? He struggles not to give up hope, but every day seems darker.

'Mrs Jane Canfield, a widow whose daughter has unexpectedly risen to the title of Countess, finds herself caught in a lonely place – she is a commoner, but no longer simply one of the villagers, yet she is not truly part of high society. She has no true companionship, although there are many who love her.

'When a chance meeting brings them together, anonymously, each finds solace in the other. But when Jane connects two seemingly unrelated things, everyone’s lives will change.

'Can Jane’s discovery draw Nicholas back from the brink of despair? Will Nicholas find his son, and find meaning in his life again? Once they know of the disparity in their social standing, can Jane and Nicholas find love, or will social expectations force them apart?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A Countess unhappily married, a Viscount forbidden the one he loves, an accident that leads to death, an accusation, a highwayman’s plot uncovered, a love that defies all odds.

'Maria Wollstonefort, Countess of Granville, has rapidly come to regret her marriage. For her husband’s mother is domineering, and makes her life a misery, while her husband does nothing to defend or support her. She despairs of ever being happy again.

'Charles Barrington, Viscount Wareham, has loved Maria for many years, since they were children growing up as neighbours. But he was only a third son, until the wars changed everyone’s fortunes, and not seen as a suitable match for her. Now Maria is wedded to another, and he is a man in love, who can never act on that love. Life seems bleak, yet he cannot simply ignore Maria, no matter how much it hurts to see her, for he senses that she has troubles to deal with.

'When he offers her unconditional support, should she call upon him, neither of them expect that to ever happen. But when gossip, highwaymen and accidents come into play, he finds himself, and his family, called upon to save her.

'Can either of them be happy? Will fate deliver a way for their lost love to grow again? Or will death steal everything from them both?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A Viscount who gambles, a wealthy merchant’s daughter, an Earl in need of funds, an unhappy stepmother, betrayals and deceptions, a love that overcomes all.

'Gervaise Belmont, Viscount Woodridge, has sworn to no longer gamble – but giving it up is proving far harder than he had expected. He despairs of achieving his aims, especially as the reputation he created, two years earlier, persists, destroying his opportunities for change. Until a chance meeting with a young lady gives him a reason to hope.

'Miss Clarisse Weston is disconsolate. Her father has, after many, many years, married again – and her relationship with her stepmother is strained, to say the least. When she is encouraged to look for a husband, she feels trapped. Whilst her father has introduced her to a charming Earl, she finds herself uncertain – especially as the Viscount she met by accident wishes to court her too.

'But all is not as it seems, and a tangle of lies, deceptions and betrayals soon traps Clarisse.

'Is the Earl all that he seems? Is the Viscount truly a rake and a gambler beyond redemption? Is her stepmother as concerned for Clarisse’s wellbeing as she professes to be? And can Clarisse find her way through the web of deceit, to be with the man she loves, or will greed and manipulation steal her chance at happiness forever?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A Baron who is more than he seems, A Viscountess with access to secrets, a treasonous plot to kill, a conflict of love and duty, a love beyond all expectation.

'Cecil Carlisle, Baron Setford, has spent 20 years as the King’s spymaster, having put aside love for duty. But now, with the war over, and the world a different place, he has begun to consider the possibility of having a life for himself. He might even succeed, if plotters would stop trying to assassinate the Prince Regent.

'Anna Trubridge, Dowager Viscountess Farnsworth, is a childless widow who has devoted herself to charitable support of poor unmarried mothers and their children. With her husband near five years gone, she finds herself lonely, and in need of change. What she was thinking of was straightforward, but when the girls who come to her for help bring dangerous information, she decides that she needs to act, and things become far more complicated.

'When she brings that information to Baron Setford, he sees only one option, and Lady Farnsworth is recruited as a spy and a pretend courtship seems an appropriate cover. He expected to foil a conspiracy, he did not expect to find himself falling in love with his newest recruit.

'Will the plotters keep their secrets long enough to succeed with their plan? Will Anna be trapped by their plans? And if it comes down to it, and Anna’s life is at risk, who will Baron Setford save – the woman he loves, or the Prince he is sworn to protect?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A Spinster who has lost purpose in her life, no longer a companion to the aristocracy, a Vicar who has discovered that loneliness makes everything hollow, a mystery that draws them together, a Christmas where everything changes, an unexpected love.

'Miss Lydia Millpost has spent her life as a governess or companion to ladies of the aristocracy. Now, without a role to fill, she is faced with the possibility of having to actually live quietly in her little cottage, for the rest of her life. Suddenly, independence doesn’t taste so sweet, and with Christmas not far away, loneliness looms. But what choice does a spinster of near fifty have?

'Mr Nathaniel Godfrey has given his life to the church, and been happy as the vicar of the Dartworth village church. He is obsessed with history, and has allowed that to fill his time, never thinking of marriage – for what woman would want a man who cares more about the contents of tombs than the present day? But when he discovers an equal passion for history in Miss Millpost, he realises how solitary his life has been.

'When a mystery draws them together, can they each overcome their uncertainties, and allow love to flourish? Or will lifelong habits steal their chance for happiness at Christmas?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A widowed Countess threatened by Society, an Earl disgraced by events long past, lies deceit and false assumptions, an unscrupulous cad, a heroic rescue, a plot to do good, a love that overcomes all.

'Drummond St. John, Earl of Hungerwood, never expected to bear the title. When he took on his brother’s dishonor, in a matter associated with a duel more than six years past, he expected never to set foot in England again. Yet now both his father and brother are gone, and the title falls to him - with all the weight of responsibility, and the need to face society’s disapprobation in the ballrooms of London. He doubts that he will ever be able to restore his, and his family’s, honour, but he must try.

'Marion Stafford, Countess of Scartwick, has avoided society for some years. Commoner born, she was never comfortable there, even once she married an Earl. The circumstances around her husband’s terrible death in a duel made her hide herself and her child in the country. But the time has come to allow herself to be seen, for the sake of her son’s future – even if it means facing those who most threatened her in the past.

'It was the same fateful duel which changed both of their lives – and now, they will come face to face, two people with every reason to be enemies. But the moment that they meet, it is obvious that neither is what the other expected, in any way.

'Can they overcome old hurts and lies to find the truth together? Will an enemy from the past threaten Marion and her child’s future? Can Drummond save her child? And can the tangle of past deceits be undone, and his honour restored, or is their growing love doomed?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.