Confident that she's safe from temptation since she despises rakes, Miss Pamela Lockhart disguises her youthful beauty and accepts Devon's outrageous offer of employment. But Pamela isn't prepared for the impact the handsome, blunt-spoken earl has on her heart. And Devon is fairly stunned to find himself attracted to the frumpy governess with her thick glasses and sharp moral lectures.

While the two struggle with their intense attraction, serious skulduggery is afoot that involves Devon's family bank. The perpetrators may be closely tied to the Mathewes family and scandal looms large on the horizon. And while he should be concentrating on solving the threat to the bank, Pamela and her endearing orphan prove to be monumentally distracting. In the end, however, Devon may have to choose between the two, and either way, the loss will be tremendous.

In this, the second installment in the Governess Brides series that began with Rules of Surrender, Christina Dodd delivers her trademark humor and sensuality in a plot that's rife with treachery and betrayal, true love, and trust. The heroine is strong and independent, a fitting match for a hero who has a faithful heart buried beneath his arrogant exterior. Dodd's deft touch with witty repartee and delightfully endearing characters is right on target with this latest Bride. Don't miss it. --Lois Faye Dyer

In 1839 England, the newly formed Distinguished Academy of Governesses is a daring venture. Three young ladies--wellborn, beautiful, and poor--have decided to take destiny into their own hands and carve a societal niche as governesses. The Academy's first client employs Lady Charlotte Dalrumple to teach her untrained grandchildren the rules of proper English society. It isn't until Charlotte meets the children that she realizes she's also been hired to re-train their father, who left England at 15 for a life of adventure among the Bedouins of the Far East. Once she meets the handsome Viscount Wynter Ruskin, it becomes instantly apparent to Charlotte why his mother feels he needs instruction in manners--the viscount seems determined to shock her at every turn.

Wynter accepts his mother's edict that he pay heed to Charlotte's lessons in decorum, but only because he has plans for the lovely young woman. He needs a wife and Charlotte fills his requirements perfectly. But while Wynter is tutoring her in the art of seduction, Charlotte just might teach the stubborn viscount more about women and his heart than he'd planned to learn.

Rules of Surrender contains all of the witty repartee, detailed English society setting, and passionate romance that Dodd's fans have come to expect. You won't want to miss this wonderfully warm and entertaining tale. --Lois Faye Dyer

This is the story of one lost princess, Princess Clarice, who flees with her younger sister to Scotland, where they survive by their wits and daring. But just when Clarice begins to believe she's safe at last, she attracts the attention of one of Scotland's most powerful and dangerous men.

Robert MacKenzie, the earl of Hepburn, is enchanted by Clarice's dazzling beauty -- and wary of her talent for disguise. For years justice had been his only desire. A war hero, he knows the cruelness of the world and he cares too much for the people of his village to let them be victimized and exploited. But the moment Robert sees Clarice riding into town -- her lush, smiling lips, her copper-colored curls, her warm amber eyes -- he is overcome with emotions that have been deeply buried for far too long. Feeling he must have her at any cost, he invites her to stay with him at his manor house and won't take no for an answer.

Now, he has the chance to uncover the nature of her mysterious business in town, and possibly the chance to satisfy his burning desire for her as well.

Soon Roberts knows all of Clarice's most guarded secrets, and he uses this knowledge to blackmail her into giving her unwilling aid to his own perilous plan. Caught between her need to protect her sister and the dangerous man who mixes dark emotions with passionate kisses, Clarice plunges into Robert's glamorous world. Her days are filled with colorful gowns, elaborate parties, and swirling waltzes. And her nights are marked by secret assignations and one all-consuming passion.

As Clarice's golden beauty draws Robert from the shadows and her bright wit teaches him to live again, the treachery around them deepens. He swears to keep her safe, never suspecting that he will face an even greater hazard: losing his heart to the mysterious princess who just might make him believe in happily-ever-after ...

Well behaved women seldom make history – and tempestuous green–eyed Princess Amy of Beaumontagne is determined to make history.

While living on one of the breathtaking English Channel Islands, Amy doesn't live the typical princess's life. Instead, she takes up the cudgels for the hapless villagers whose livelihood was stolen by handsome and powerful Jermyn Edmondson, marquess of Northcliff. Determined to bring reparation to the villagers and make Jermyn realize his misdeeds, Amy kidnaps him, chains him to the wall in her basement and demands a sizeable ransom from Jermyn's Uncle Harrison.

It's a simple plan, destined to succeed. Except:

Having sold her successful business, the Distinguished Academy of Governesses, Miss Hannah Setterington arrives in Lancashire to accept a position as caretaker to the earl of Raeburn's elderly aunt. Hannah is shocked to learn that the newly titled earl is none other than Dougald Pippard, the man she loved and ran away from nine years before. Dougald isn't the slightest bit surprised to see Hannah, for her arrival at Raeburn Castle is the result of a carefully planned scheme to bring her back into his life. Furthermore, he has the power to compel her to remain in Lancashire, for he can give Hannah something she yearns for--a meeting with her deceased father's parents.

While Hannah and Dougald are engaged in a battle of wits and wills, something wicked is afoot at the Castle. The prior two earls were killed in accidents shortly after coming into the title, and when Dougald is shot at and then attacked by thugs, it's clear that he's next on someone's hit list. Whether Hannah and Dougald will arrive at a mutually agreeable truce is debatable, but before the two can live happily ever after they must first discover the identity of the mysterious villain.

This latest in Christina Dodd's Governess series has delightfully Gothic touches with the heroine arriving at a forbidding castle on a stormy night, a dark, brooding hero, and danger threatening the two. In typical Dodd fashion, however, the Gothic elements are offset by the warmth and humor in the wonderfully interesting cast of secondary characters and plenty of romantic tension between Hannah and her earl.--Lois Faye Dyer

In the third installment of the Lost Princesses series, Prince Rainger must track down the last sister, Sorcha, and marry her so that he can save his kingdom. Sorcha, living in a convent off the coast of Scotland is as innocent, kind, and naÏve as Rainger is cynical, scarred, and ruthless. Preying on Sorcha's innocence, he convinces her to marry him to protect herself from assassins, promising that they marriage will not be legal because they are different religions. Once she realizes she has been duped, Sorcha must decide if her growing love is enough to overcome the betrayal.

English orphan Miss Evangeline Scoffield has spent her life contenting herself with dreams. But with an unforseen inheritance, she can afford one perfect summer--a summer she will spend the rest of her life remembering. She buys herself expensive clothes, travels abroad, and presents herself as a lady of mystery.

Marriage

But she quickly discovers her mistake, for a darkly handsome man appears at her bedroom door, claiming to be a Crown Prince--and her fiance.

Or the Ever After of Her Dreams?

One look into her eyes, and the prince recognizes her. She is his betrothed, the runaway Princess of Serephinia. All her denials cannot change that, or alter the passion that burgeons between them. To fullfil their destinies, the prince will do anything--abduct her, coerce her, or, best of all seduce his reluctant bride into his royal world of peril, promise and passion.

JUST THE WAY YOU ARE

When Hope Prescott's parents disappeared, her carefree teenage life vanished forever. She and her three siblings were separated and sent to different foster homes around the country. Now, seven years later, Hope is still searching for them. To support herself, she works for an answering service, and cares for her clients as if they were family. When wealthy businessman Zachariah Givens hires Hope's service, Hope initially mistakes Zack for his butler. Tired of being coddled and þattered because of his money, Zack is charmed by Hope's candor, not to mention her sexy voice, and keeps up the charade. As their friendship turns into passion, Zack is determined to have her, even if that means the unthinkable -- marriage. But when Hope discovers his deception, Zack knows he must solve the mystery that haunts Hope's past in order to convince her that their futures lie together....

In My Wildest Dreams is author Christina Dodd's historical homage to the classic film Sabrina. Dodd gives the story a unique twist with a heroine more sophisticated and wise than Sabrina and a hero more forceful than scheming. Readers also get witty dialogue, a colorful English setting, and very sexy love scenes in this well-written and thoroughly delightful romance. --Lois Faye Dyer

William always cherished the orderliness of his life, until this captivating troublemaker began flouting his authority and distracting him with her witty defiance and breathtaking beauty. Despite the fact that they clash at every meeting, William finds himself inexplicably drawn to Samantha's fire. And now he's even contemplating marriage, which would be sweet madness indeed.

But before he can successfully woo her, William must discover what it is that Samantha is hiding from him. But the secret the lady is preciously guarding is far too shocking and dangerous to ever reveal . . .

They came together in a blaze of passion --the raven-hared maiden and the golden warrior who laid siege to her heart. Yet danger awaited them just beyond the castle walls. Saura and William soon found themselves fighting for their lives, even as they surrendered to an all-consuming love.

Madeline de Lacy, the duchess of Magnus, prides herself on being one of the most sensible young women in England, which is why she can't believe that, in a turn of the cards, her noble father has lost his entire estate -- and her! -- to a stranger.

On a mission to salvage her family fortune, she changes places with her cousin and companion, sending the meeker Eleanor to confront the man who had won Madeline's hand. Now, Madeline is free to enter the home of a notorious gambler, and pretends to be meek, humble, and competent with an iron. She is, of course, none of those things; she simply is resolved to win her family's fortune back. Just when she thinks matters can't get worse, she meets Gabriel Ansell, the earl of Campion, and they do. Horribly worse.

Four years ago, Madeline was engaged to Gabriel, and worshipped his arrogant kisses. Now, being forced to marry a man she doesn't know pales in comparison to the ordeal of facing Gabriel again, the man who betrayed her -- Gabriel, the only man she ever loved.

Who wants to keep her past hidden forever?

Caitlin Prescott was only a baby when her parents disappeared. Adopted by a wealthy Texas oil family, she became Kate Montgomery, and grew up with no memory of her parents or her two older sisters and brother, who have been searching for her, hoping to right a terrible wrong that was committed twenty-two years ago in a small Texas town.

Now an ambitious young news reporter, Kate realizes she is being stalked soon after landing her dream job at an Austin TV station. Why did a car try to run her down? Who would want to kill her? Turning her precarious situation into a story, she takes on a bodyguard and follows him on the job. But she didn't plan on the cool, blade-sharp strength of Teague Ramos or the attraction that sizzles between them. When Teague connects the death of an Austin socialite to unanswered questions about Kate's childhood, she finds herself unlocking dangerous doors to her past. Now, with only her mysterious bodyguard to protect her, Kate is on a high-stakes chase that may lead her to the family she has never known -- or into the trap of a ruthless killer.

Lovely and world-weary, Enid MacLean has no wish to set eyes on her ne'er-do-well husband again. Abandoned by him nine years earlier, she has supported herself as a nurse companion. When Mr. Throckmorton tells her that her long-absent husband is wounded, dying, and in need of her, she reluctantly travels to Throckmorton's estate where she finds a man whose face and body are badly wounded but whose eyes are the distinctive green and gold she remembers. Grimly, she sets about saving his life.

Stephen MacLean wakes and his body grows stronger, but his memory is nonexistent. He doesn't remember being married to Enid, yet the beautiful woman with the acerbic tongue challenges and enchants him. Enid is dismayed to find herself being seduced once again by Stephen. How can she desire the husband who treated her so shabbily? Meanwhile, Stephen's instinct warns him they're in danger, but it isn't until their lives are threatened and nearly lost that Throckmorton sends the couple north to Stephen's family estate, where the truth, finally revealed, is startling.

The English and Scottish backdrops are picture perfect for this latest installment in Christina Dodd's Distinguished Academy of Governesses series. With an interesting plot that combines the mysteries of amnesia and Russian spies, plus a lot of heat between the strong hero and heroine, Lost in Your Arms is historical romance at its best. --Lois Faye Dyer

Eleanor de Lacy must have been mad to agree to exchange identities with her stronger-willed cousin. She would never convince Remington Knight of the folly of this union--especially since the man seemed so determined for it to take place. Worse still, she finds Remington dazzlingly attractive--and she's charmed by his attempts to seduce her, even though he believes she is already his. But if he ever learns of Eleanor's deception, this daring rogue will wreak havoc . . . upon her reputation and her heart.

Remington had expected a haughty, unbending aristocrat who would ensure his entrance into good society. But this "duchess" is a most pleasant surprise--modest, warm-hearted, endearingly awkward, and a delight to the eye. In short, she is exactly the sort of bride Remington could fall passionately, completely in love with . . .

. . . if he weren't so intent on his revenge.

As the middle child, Pepper Prescott's rebellious nature helped her survive when her parents disappeared and she and her siblings were sent to different foster homes around the country. Now an independent young woman, Pepper finds herself on the run after witnessing a shooting. Fearing for her life, Pepper flees to the only place she ever considered home and is shocked to find her old lover, Dan Graham, living on the remote mountain ranch. A battle-hardened ex-Special Forces soldier, Dan no longer strikes Pepper as a man she can trust with her secrets, her life, and her love. But as long-simmering desires flare into a deep, sensual passion, Pepper realizes the only way she can reclaim her life is to ally herself with the enigmatic warrior who's willing to help fight for her future by solving the mysteries of her past -- and making her his wife today.

The document, signed and sealed by King Henry himself, commanded lady Juliana of Lofts to marry Raymond, Count of Avraché.

Shattered by the Past . . .

She refused, though it was treason to defy one's king. What man would have her once he discovered her secret?

One Knight Would Crusade for His Lady's Heart

Yet Raymond would not be denied. And when he came for her, she'd learn that even the strongest will cannot resist the softest touch.

At Alisoun's grand estate, Sir David does indeed discover mischief-makers afoot. But the danger that surprises him most is how quickly his own well-protected heart is falling to a fiery damsel who brings him to his knees.

She was one of the celebrated Sirens of Ireland, a captivating creature of fiery spirit. Bronwyn Edana stunned titled society with her courageous exploits and daring adventures. Yet in nobleman Adam Keane, she met her match. From the moment they first clashed, the headstrong Bronwyn was swept away by A breathless desire. Betrothed to Adam, a man branded by his haunting past, Bronwyn soon found herself at the center of a shocking conspiracy that could rock the British realm. From the dangerous streets of London, to sweeping Boudasea Manor, she followed her most passionate dreamsand risked everything for the only man she would ever love.

Fallen from grace and sheltered in a convent, Lady Edlyn is a skilled herbalist forced to secretly tend the wounds of Hugh de Florisoun. A knight renowned for his prowess on the battlefield and in the bedchamber, Hugh is a man who is no stranger to Edlyn's heart.

Using the healing magic of herbs and the power of remembered love, Edlyn saves the warrior life. Now Hugh claims this brazen beauty for his own. But Edlyn, cynical in the ways of men, denies him—even as her flesh burns with unaccustomed fire. Passion becomes their battleground with no mercy given...in a bold age when danger and desire go hand in hand.

Now she had to play the most difficult role of her careeroffstage, as Rycliffe's wife, in an arranged marriage. Her only obstacle was that devil Rycliffe, wreaking havoc with her senses each time he kissed the well-rehearsed smile off her lips.

Griffith, battle-seasoned warrior and the king'smost trusted emissary, expected to find ashallow, vain, frivolous woman at WenthavenCastle. After all, as lady-in-waiting to thequeen, lovely Lady Marian had been in aposition of privilege, yet she had been banishedfrom the court. And the rumors were that shehad given birth to an illegitimate child.

An outrageous offer

When he arrived, Griffith found Lady Marianto be strong, intelligent and fiercely protectiveof the young baby in her custody.... and verysuspicious of him. If he were smart, the knightwould just deliver the message with which hehad been entrusted. Instead, he longs to lingerto delve into the mystery that is Marian, todiscover what she so desperately fears-andwhy he so improperly wants her.

Black-eyed Damian de la Sola was like no man Katherine Maxwell had ever known. Powerful and seductive, the aristocratic Spaniard unleashed a passion the Boston beauty vowed to resist.

De la Sola's blood ran hot for the bewitching widow of his most trusted American ally.Consumed by love and honor-bound to protect her, he relentlessly pursued her into the California wilderness.

Together, they followed their destinies. From a magnificent hacienda to a glittering cave carved deep in the mountainside, they searched for a golden treasure--and discovered a priceless love.

A Magnificent Novel of Love and Adventure in the Untamed American West