Историческая литература - скачать книги или читать онлайн. Страница 94

At the rake’s mercy…When he returns from his lavishly opulent lifestyle in Paris, Luke Ainslowe’s reputation as an expert seducer of women precedes him. The ladies of the ton are torn between scandalised outrage and the desire to become mistress to the most dashing rake London has ever known…Innocent Carlotta Durini refuses to become the Baron’s next conquest. For she lost her heart to Luke once before, and now believes herself impervious to his lethal brand of seduction. But what if the Wicked Baron refuses to take no for an answer?

Fear Or Desire? Charity saw him on the auction block, chained to a post. She needed a man to help protect her land and sons, and he was the only one she could afford, for none dared bid on such a savage-looking creature. Yet the sight of him had her heart pumping with an attraction that threatened Charity's Puritan soul!An alleged traitor, Rafe Trehearne had been beaten and tortured, and now was being sold like an animal. Once purchased, he'd planned to find a way to escape. But that was before he'd felt the widow's gentle touch and beheld the passion in her eyes… .

Even good girls have secrets…It was utterly scandalous for a young lady to attend the London theatre unchaperoned. She could easily be mistaken for a woman of easy virtue. Yet Eleanor Sinclair loathed stuffy ballrooms packed with fretful mothers and husband-hunting girls. Craving escape, she donned a wig and disappeared into the night.There she caught the eye of James Bentley, a handsome devil with a wry wit. He played a game of seduction that imperilled Eleanor’s disguise – and tempted her to forsake all honour…

No other woman will do for the determined Duke…To Lily Hightower, Edge is still the adventurous boy she grew up with, even though he’s now become the formidable Duke of Edgeworth. So when he doesn’t propose to her sister as everyone expects, shy Lily marches right up to him to ask why…Wallflower Lily is amazed to learn that she is the Duke’s true choice. She’s hiding a secret which, if he found out, could threaten everything. But Lily is the Duchess of his dreams -and Edge is determined to make her his!

A woman of innocence and notoriety. . .The prisoner stood with an expression of defiance, leather shackles on her wrists. Adam Vickery, Marquess of Tannerton, was drawn to this woman, so dignified in her plight. He didn't recognize her as the once innocent, hopeful debutante he had danced with long years ago.Marlena Parronley, the notorious Vanishing Viscountess, was a fugitive. Seeing the dashing, carefree marquess of her dreams just reminded her that she couldn't risk letting anyone, especially Tanner, get caught up in helping her escape. He would face the same punishment she did. The hangman's noose.

'Twas Midsummer Night–when magic held sway…and Sofia Ahlgren dreamed of a deliverer to safeguard her from a blackhearted lord. Then, through the bonfires appeared Kayne the Unknown, who vowed to protect her, even at the cost of his very soul…!Though the dark raged within him, Mistress Sofia was his light. She alone made Kayne feel something of grace and innocence, blurring memories of war and bloodshed that haunted the depths of his being. But the bliss found under a summer moon could ne'er last forever, for keeping his beloved safe would mean a return to the heart of darkness that lay within him.

RUNNING AWAY FROM LOVE!Miss Joanna Fulgrave has turned herself into the perfect society catch to be worthy of dashing Colonel Giles Gregory. But all her hard effort to improve herself comes to nothing when it looks as if Giles is about to propose—to someone else!Deciding that bad behavior is infinitely more attractive than perfection, Joanna flees her shocked family. Giles is hot on her trail, determined to catch her and bring her safely home. But will he be as determined to make her his bride?

WHAT IS HE HIDING FROM HER?When impoverished Lucy Halbrook arrives at Lord Adversane’s estate, she knows her assignment is unusual – not only will she act as hostess at his Midsummer’s Eve play, she must also pretend to be his fiancée!What Lucy doesn’t know is that Ralph is hiding something dark and dangerous. He must uncover the truth behind his wife’s death – and Lucy is the key. But she challenges him at every turn, and as each day passes unlocks a little more of Ralph’s guarded heart…

ALL SHE WANTED WAS A LITTLE ADVENTURE…Even though she adores her godmother, Molly Martineau cannot help but find life in the countryside a little dull! At seventeen, she longs for balls and parties and the excitement of a London season. So who could blame her for finding the dashing Captain Stacey very attractive? And surely it was not entirely silly to follow him on the road to London? Forced to take the waif under his wing, the captain soon realizes that his heart may be in trouble! But with his affairs in such a tangle, what could he offer a gently bred girl?

To bed or to wed?Mistress Merielle St. Martin yearned to visit her orphaned niece in Winchester, and waited anxiously for her guide. When Sir Rhyan Lombard arrived in Canterbury to escort the wealthy young widow, Merielle was enraged. Due to a family contract, Sir Rhyan had to approve her next husband, and he lost no time in telling her that if she wanted anyone–be it lover or husband–it would have to be him! No matter that his kisses stirred her passions beyond measure, Merielle was determined to marry another. But Rhyan could be very persuasive….

Confirmed Bachelor Matthew Powers Was In Need Of A Nursemaid!His aunt Bess assured him that she could find a suitable woman, one who would tend the orphaned infant under his care in exchange for a paper marriage. All Matthew had to do was marry by proxy and wait for his bride to arrive….Penniless and alone, Rose had accepted the position, but found herself unable to face her new husband. So Aunt Bess had come to the rescue again, arranging for Rose to stand in for the «temporarily detained» bride. But what would happen when the taciturn Captain Powers learned that his «houseguest» was really his «wife»? And who was going to be the one to tell him?