Arabella

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Nancy Butler

Repaying a debt of honor by helping the illustrious General Sir Janus Palfry write his memoirs, Morgan Pearce must leave London -- and a most delectable married woman -- behind. And though he's not happy about venturing our to the officer's country estate, the dashing rogue cannot deny the creature comforts of Palfry Park or his instant attraction to a mysterious woman in a Bath chair. Recovering from a carriage accident, and neglected by her family, Miranda Runyon spends her time alone...until Morgan enters her life. At first, Miranda rebuffs his advances. But when Morgan's attentions begin to transform Miranda in both body and soul, she risks her heart for a love like none she has ever imagined.

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Georgette Heyer

The only question which hangs over the life of Sir Richard Wyndham, notable whip, dandy and Corinthian, is one of marriage. On the eve of making the most momentous decision of his life, while he is contemplating a loveless marriage with a woman his friends have compared to a cold poultice, he is on his way home, a little worse for drink, and finds a perfect opportunity for escape by her boring destiny. He discovers a beautiful young fugitive climbing out of a window by means of knotted sheets, dressed in boy's clothing lovely Penelope Creed is fleeing from London. She is a brilliant London heires with and lavish life, and a proposed marriage to her repulsive fish-lipped cousin, a man she loathed. She has a shimmering dream of a love she had known once--and lost. Discovered by Sir Wyndham, he can't allow her to travel to the countryside all alone, so he offers himself as her protector. And with her in flight across a landscape of excitement was a man like no other she had known-- handsome, sophisticated, but cynical. They had met by accident, been drawn together by danger. And now only his masked emotions and the shifting impulses of her own wild young heart would tell what their destiny would be.... When their stagecoach overturns, they find themselves embroiled with thieves, at the center of a murder investigation, and finally, in love.

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Sandra Heath

Outspoken and bookish, Miss Charlotte Wyndham is still unmarried at 23 and now her father has died leaving Charlotte and her mother with immense debts which require them to sell their home and move to London. The buyer is Sir Maxim Talgarth, who is rumored to be kin to the devil! To make matters worse, Max is involved in a liaison with Charlotte's bitter rival, Lady Judith Taynton. Both Max and Charlotte provoke each other with harsh words and they hope never to see each other again. In London, Charlotte overhears a private conversation between Judith and her cousin Miss Sylvia Parkstone, whose sister was once married to Max Talgarth. Sylvia accuses Max of killing her sister and ruining and killing Charlotte's father as well. Sylvia loathes Max with a passion and befriends Charlotte to ensure Charlotte understands what a wicked person Max is. Charlotte decides to vent her anger by writing a private, never to be published expose novel about Max. However, Max goes out of his way to ensure that Charlotte knows and believes the truth about him and Charlotte doesn't know what to think at first; she can't deny her growing attraction for Max but she doesn't want to betry her friendship with Sylvia. Past actions become regrettable when secrets become public and threaten to ruin Charlotte's happiness. The story is well-developed and progresses fairly well. The writing is polished but not to the caliber of Georgette Heyer or Jane Austen, but much better than False Steps. I thought Charlotte's book should have featured more into the story and come into play earlier. I liked the concept of an outspoken and bookish heroine but Charlotte comes off as mean and nasty at times. Her early exchanges with Max are mean and angry and not wity. I enjoyed this book though and I would recommend it to those who like Pride and Prejudice style romances.

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Mary Balogh

Critics call her "a veritable treasure, a matchless storyteller" (Romantic Times). Readers have fallen in love with Mary Balogh's sparkling blend of wit and romance. Now this dazzling writer sweeps us back to Regency England, into a world of dangerous secrets and glittering intrigue, as a dashing lord meets his match in a fiery beauty who vows to be ... No Man's Mistress.The dark, devastating stranger rode into the village fair and wagered twenty pounds at the throwing booth -- for a chance to win the daisies in Viola Thornhill's hair. The Gypsy fortune teller had warned: "Beware of a tall, dark, handsome stranger. He can destroy you -- if you do not first snare his heart."Recklessly Viola flirted, then danced with him around the Maypole. And then came his delicate, delicious kiss. Viola did not regret that she had let down her guard -- until the next morning, when he appeared at her door to claim her beloved Pinewood Manor. Lord Ferdinand Dudley won her home in a game of cards! Viola hated him for trying to take everything, including her soul. She was mistress of Pinewood Manor. Yet Dudley refused to leave, even as his conscience rebelled at compromising this beautiful innocent whose only proof of ownership was a dead earl's promise. Dudley held the deed, but at what cost? Each day under the same roof brought its share of temptation, intimacy, and guilt. But Viola knew it was a battle she could not afford to lose. Marriage was out of the question, and she would be no man's mistress. Even as Dudley's unnerving presence, his knowing smile, threatened to melt her resolve. Against his better judgment, Lord Ferdinand Dudley was beguiled. This maddening beauty had stirred him as no woman had before. And he was bound and determined to make her his own. At once sensuous, whimsical, and wonderfully romantic, Mary Balogh's new novel holds us in thrall, bringing to life a love story that sizzles with passion and originality. From the Hardcover edition.