His heart needs to heal. He sheltered her from the storm and nursed her back to health. But Tremain Hornsby is more than just a village vicar performing a chivalrous duty. He’s an ex-soldier ravaged by war, the second son of a duke living under another name, hiding his aristocratic heritage. Yet, despite his secrets, he cannot help but be drawn to the fallen beauty and asks her to stay and care for the orphan in his charge. And hers is lost. Society has deemed Eliza Winston a disgraced governess. Dismissed, robbed, and left to perish, she finds herself in Tremain’s home—and soon realizes her handsome rescuer is the one in need of healing. Though a daunting task, Eliza is determined to thaw the vicar’s frozen heart—but her own is in danger. Tremain is not only the man she dreamed of but a nobleman—making him an impossible match.

A Fascinating Proposition As the owner of The Starling Club, one of London’s more popular brothels, Philomena McGrattan has seen and heard it all. There is little that surprises her anymore and even less that interests her. When she is presented with a tempting and bold seduction opportunity, she cannot help but rise to the challenge. A virgin son of a duke? How could she refuse? An Improbable Encounter Quiet and set in his ways, Lord Spencer Hornsby is a brilliant eccentric who prefers solitude and researching ancient civilizations. Alone in the Welsh countryside, with only his two wolfhounds for company, Spencer has little time or patience for the pleasures of society. But when an unexpected guest arrives at his isolated hunting lodge, Spencer cannot help but be irresistibly intrigued by the presence of this beautiful woman. Philomena is shocked to discover that the odd professor stirs up feelings she thought long dead. Spencer, ever the man of research, is eager to learn all he can. Will they find deeper emotions are in play as they take their journey of discovery?

Skye Bancroft, assistant art director at a small New York publisher, is used to dealing with the occasional spoiled and egocentric model. After all, it’s part of her job description. But during a photoshoot, she didn’t count on one to become so delusional as to think himself a Highlander from 1814 Scotland. Cailin Thorburn is every woman’s dream: A warrior who is fierce, passionate, and protective. Rendered unconscious during battle, he awakens in another place, time, and in another man’s body. Could this be magic? Convincing the bonnie lass, Skye, that he is Cailin is a daunting task. Regardless of his strange time travel story and sexy Scottish burr, believing this extraordinary man is from another era becomes hard to deny. The attraction between them sizzles and Skye is left to wonder: Is Cailin truly as he claims?

Close to the breaking point after a difficult year in the classroom, elementary teacher Jessica Coleson is looking forward to summer vacation. While staying at the old family homestead, she meets an intriguing man who may be as burnt out as she is. Factor in his rough-hewn good looks, she finds him hard to resist. Just turned forty and weary beyond words, rock star Mercury Phalen’s world has unraveled, culminating in the bust-up of his group and the dissolution of his marriage. Even though he laments the loss of his guys more, he’s not looking for an entanglement with another woman. Though Mercury is attracted by Jessi’s nurturing personality and sensual response to his touch, denying what exists between them is the wise choice—especially considering the baggage he’s dragging behind him. Yet he wonders: could this be the love he has yearned for and written songs about all these years?

“You must lock away your heart at all costs.” Falling in love was the darkest moment of Garrett Wollstonecraft’s privileged youth, even as he and Abigail Hughes shared a blissful summer of passionate promise. Sworn to keep Abigail safe from the curse plaguing generations of Wollstonecraft men, Garrett sacrificed his future happiness. Now, fourteen years after he lost his heart, Abigail reenters his life. But the woman who arrives unannounced at his ancestral manor is very different from the sheltered girl Garrett once knew. The widow of a country doctor, Abigail can’t forgive Garrett for his cruel rejection. Yet she can no longer keep the truth from him—a secret that could have resulted in her ruin. But as the embers of desire reignite, and Abigail and Garrett slowly rebuild trust, a malicious enemy plots against them. Is their love strong enough to break free from the sins of the past—and to end the tragic cycle that consigns Garrett to a life of loneliness? “Karyn Gerrard writes very enjoyable, richly textured historical romances.” —Kate Pearce, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

Due to his father’s untimely demise, Damon Cranston finds himself thrust into the role of the Duke of Chellenham. His loathsome and debauched father was too busy indulging in his vices and left the dukedom in shambles. Damon turns to Althea Galway, co-owner of the Galway Investigative Agency, to assist in unraveling the tangled mess. Since meeting Althea months ago, he hasn’t been able to get her out of his mind, for he is captivated by her intellect, compassion, and confidence. Althea Galway has never been impressed by money or title. Or by looks—although Damon, the devilishly handsome, golden-haired duke, caught her attention at first glance. Arrogant and egotistical, he is called Dorian Gray by society because of his reprobate reputation. But Althea senses deep loneliness, perhaps even inner scars, and is compelled to find the honorable man she believes is hidden behind the cool exterior. Damon and Althea become swept up into a maelstrom of revelations: a conspiracy involving the late duke and others from the privileged class. Add a personal crisis into the mix, and finding a way to a shared future together seems hopeless. But they cannot deny the scorching attraction between them. Finding a way to make it all work will be a challenge. But the duke and the lady detective are determined to overcome it.

A marriage of convenience leads to an unlikely chance at love for a beautiful widow and a mysterious Earl in this heartfelt Victorian romance. Riordan Wollstonecraft labors under the heavy burden of his forebears. For generations, a curse has followed the dashing young men of his family, guaranteeing the women they love an untimely death. The youngest grandson of the Earl of Wollstonecraft Hall, charismatic Riordan is quietly resigned to his fate. An educator who devotes his life to good works, he ignores any longing for something more . . . Widowed and penniless, Lady Sabrina Lakeside is desperate to avoid a second forced betrothal—this time to an aged marquess. Her chance encounter with Riordan leads her to an impulsive offer: a temporary marriage that could benefit them both. His agreement is as surprising as it is welcome. Before long, Riordan’s keen intellect and kind heart have Sabrina thinking their marriage of convenience could be something more. But her new husband is holding something back. Will giving in to their passion lead only to further heartache . . . or could it be the first step toward healing?