Smith, Barbara DawsonMareMagnum
674 results
1997Desperate and alone, Lady Emma tricked Lucas Coulter, the Marquess of Wortham, into a hasty marriage. But on their wedding night, when he learned the truth about his not-so-innocent bride, he abandoned her. Seven years later, Emma lives in disgrace with her beloved daughter, Jenny. Penniless, Emma provides for her child in the only way she knows how: in the dark of night, she creeps across the rooftops of London and steals jewels from the wealthy nobles who have wronged her. Then Lucas catches her in a daring act of burglary. And he proposes a devil's bargain--give him an heir ...or be exposed. Vowing to hide the devastating secret in her past, Emma agrees to share her husband's bed, never dreaming this cold stranger has become a skilled seducer who will sweep her into a world of peril and passion. Book
2011With her golden hair and dazzling emerald eyes, Lady Emily Carroll should have her pick of suitors. Instead, her crippling shyness has earned her the nickname "Ice Princess." Nicholas, Duke of Manning, isn't looking for a bride, but he won't pass up a stolen kiss at a masked ball. With her blushes hidden, Emily lets her inhibitions go. Only to find herself betrothed! Now it's her wedding night, and her new husband seems determined to thaw his Ice Princess and reveal her every secret.... Book
1977To the great unhappiness of a lovely young woman, Sarah, she is placed under the guardianship of Edward Channon when her father is murdered. Reserved and private, Edward's presence in the house of mourning makes her uneasy but is faintly enticing. She can enjoy the excitement of the coastal English village, even with the threat of Napoleon's invasion ever present. And she is still allowed to see Will Penfyn, the young man whom she's loved since childhood, with whom she secretly intends to elope. However, in the middle of the dangers rocking this turbulent era, Sarah's contentment suddenly comes to an end. Her planned elopement with Will is interrupted by the increasingly forceful Edward- now a most mystifying enigma to her. Book
2010(The DeWarenne Dynasty, 7) With her mother's passing, Alexandra Bolton gave up on love to take care of her family. Now, with the Bolton name in disgrace due to her father's profligate ways, marrying an elderly squire might be the only way to save her family from absolute ruin. But when she meets the infamous Duke of Clarewood, old dreams -- and old passions -- are awakened as never before. Yet she cannot accept his shocking proposition! He is the wealthiest, most powerful peer in the realm, and having witnessed the cold horror of marriage as a child, he has vowed never to wed. But Alexandra Bolton inflames him as no woman has ever done, and she also serves him his first rejection! Now Clarewood - who always gets what he wants -- will choose which rules to play by. But when passion finally brings them together, a terrible secret threatens to tear them apart Book
2004At twenty-four, Miss Phillida Morgan is comfortable in her spinsterhood. Yet if she must wed, she intends to choose well. Alas, most of the ton's candidates are bores, poseurs, or both. So Phillida enlists her abigail's assistance, for who better to gauge a man's character than his servants? But her strategy flies out the window when she encounters handsome Lucas Strathedene, a legendary rake who is definitely not marriage material. If only he weren't possessed of a delicious wit. If only she could remain sensible and rein in her runaway heart. Book
2004(Signet Regency Romance)There was a time when Helen St. James had everything she could ever want. But when her parents died, a scheming uncle seized his chance and kidnapped his niece--stealing her family's country estate. Kept under lock and key for a year, Helen came dangerously close to a forced marriage. But she fled the altar on foot--and ran until she could run no more. Now, with nothing but a torn gown and her reticule, Helen is at the mercy of London's streets--and if some noble family does not take her in by nightfall, her reputation will be forever ruined. Rafe Thomas has just sworn to marry the first girl he sees on the road. Any girl would make a better wife than Alice Hillcrest, whose father is blackmailing Rafe into marrying her. But when that first girl he sees is a breathtaking, bewildered temptress with thorns in her wild hair and despair in her limpid eyes, he wonders what he has gotten himself into. One thing is certain, however: Rafe is a man who keeps his word... Book
2009Julia Maitland had an idyllic childhood with her brother and younger sisters on her family's estate in rural Derbyshire. Upon reaching marriageable age, she looked forward to everything that her new status could bring: the excitements of her first "season" in society, a choice of handsome suitors, and-hopefully-a blissful future with a man she cherishes. But Julia's prospects take a disastrous turn with the sudden and unbearably tragic death of her soldier brother in the war against Napoleon and the loss of her father's investments. Within the span of a few weeks, she finds herself in London, then fashionable Bath, and ultimately chasing smugglers through the countryside in coastal Dorset. Yet through all the drama and turmoil she keeps alive her hopes for happiness and a love passionate, powerful, and true. The4rs is an appendox and bibliography about life in Regency England244p. Book
1999Between 1788 and 1820, under the reckless influence of the fat, promiscuous Prince Regent, the English aristocracy set a standard of elegance and vulgarity that has not been surpassed. Venetia Murray chronicles the daily life of that glittering circle of rakes and dandies, duchesses and courtesans, pugilists and patrons, whose scandalous conduct will entertain readers of social history and Regency romances alike, plus the new generation of Jane Austen addicts. Against a backdrop of artistic triumphs and industrial progress, working-class riots and the twenty-year war with France, Venetia Murray's sparking narrative is lavishly illustrated through rare contemporary cartoons, prints, diaries, and caricatures--some newly discovered and never before reproduced. "An Elegant Madness" is a book of airy delights and surprising depths that reveals a fabled age in all of its varied splendor. xvii, 316 p.28 b/w plates bibliography, index Bookplate on ffep else Near Fine Book
2013A love that cannot be bought or sold proves to be the greatest gift of all, in this heartwarming classic that demonstrates once again why New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh is among the most celebrated authors of historical romance. Weddings are supposed to be joyous occasions - especially when a couple seems as well matched as Randolph Pierce, Earl of Falloden, and his bride-to-be, Eleanor Transome. Ellie brings to the marriage a vast dowry, while Falloden, though distant, is handsome, tremendously desirable, and possessed of a title most young ladies can only dream of sharing. Yet Ellie is not most young ladies. She knows that she must honor her dear father's dying wish for her to wed the proud earl, but she dreads a lifetime in a union without love - and how can Falloden claim to love her when he married her only for her fortune As Christmas descends upon the Falloden manor, the warmth of the season may yet melt away the trappings of duty and wealth, leaving behind only a man and a woman destined for each other's arms. Book
1985[The Romantic Novels of Barbara Cartland. Vol. 1] Barbara Cartland's facsimile signature on title page on each book."As a minor member of the Greek Royal Family in exile in England, beautiful young Princess Giona knows her Fate only too well. One day she is to marry for duty to her country rather than for love. But to her horror, destiny comes calling far too soon when by Queen Victoria's Royal Command she must marry the ageing and unpleasant King of the Balkan State of Slavonia in order to prevent it being swallowed up by its powerful neighbours, Austria and Germany." Book
1983When her father dies without leaving a male heir, Miss Lucy Stanton is forced to leave her ancestral home and live with her grandfather, Prince Virinsky. The late Sir Charles Stanton had written to his estranged father-in-law Prince Kuragin in Russia - entrusting him with the care of his daughter Lucy. The prospect of traveling to St. Petersburg - far away - was frightening and exciting. Though without a chaperone, Lucy did not fear for her virtue, one look at her escort, cousin Nikolai, revealed a nature as frozen as the Russian steppes.Fine but for age-toned paper. Book
1984Sir Edward Fairmount had decided had decided that his daughter Valeria must marry Perry Adaire. Despite her own opposition to the match, Sir Edward took her to Vienna, where Perry's regiment was stationed, to make sure the betrothal took place. In Vienna, the Peace Congress was in progress, and amidst the intrigue and excitement, love touched Valeria at last. But it was not love for Perry. Valeria had lost her heart to a man who seemed to have no heart of his own. 224p. Ffep missing, else fine Book
1986Antonia Fairfax was sent home from London by her secret fiancé, Charles Kenyon, because of a small indiscretion. But seven years have passed, with few letters from Charles. Now Antonia must return to London for her niece's coming-out. Antonia knows she can never love anyone but Charles and looks forward to seeing him, but Viscount Kedrington does share her love of verbal sparring.201p. Spine of dj slightly sun=faded, else finer Book
1991Though Serafina D'Arblay agreed to accompany Miss Imogen Geddes to London for her comeout, she herself preferred books to husband hunting. Since she possessed neither title nor fortune, and would settle for nothing less than love, her predisposition seemed all for the best.But then Serafina was wrongfully accused of stealing, and Lord Robert Trenton, the greatest catch of the ton, came to the rescue. His proposal was madness! Announce their betrothal to smoke out the real thief? Surely this charade was just a lark to the devilish Trenton who, Serafina was convinced, had lost his heart to Imogen. The difficulty was, she yearned for their imaginary romance to be real. Book
1982The Hartington sisters were three of the most captivating young ladies in the realm -- and suddenly among the most impoverished. The demise of their spendthrift father and the passing of their generous aunt left them with only their wits, wiles and beauty to fend off disaster -- and forced them to go their separate ways. Aggie, the eldest, became a governess. Thalia, the literary one, became a schoolmistress. Euphie, the musical one, became companion to an aristocratic old lady. And all of them saw the future of their hopes and the men of their dreams slipping out of their reach until they discovered that three Hartington heads were better than one when it came to playing a winning hand in the marriage game.... Book
1980What happens when the most sought-after beauty of the London season chooses to mock a stranger? What happens when she finds herself falling in love with that very stranger? And what happens when he chooses to take his revenge? A rollicking, vibrant tale of escapades and romantic adventures in English high society. Book
2009Regency High-Society Affairs Vol 4: Two novels [A] Lord Calthorpe's Promise by Sylvia Andrew "Lord Adam Calthorpe had been rash in his promise to look out for a fellow soldier's sister before the soldier was killed at the battle of Waterloo. For Miss Katherine Payne was a golden-eyed shrew who took genuine delight in flouting Adam's authority at every turn.Surely bringing her to stay with his mother for the Season would absolve him of his responsibilities -- though he sincerely doubted such a headstrong young woman would ever find herself a husband in the marriage mart. But when an unscrupulous man starts pursuing Katherine, Adam comes to realize that fulfilling his promise might actually involve marrying her himself" [B] The Society Catch by Louise Allen "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? Book
1980Mally came to her girlhood castle home in Wales to discover what should become of her as a woman.With her was Sir Christopher Carlyon. who begged her to be his wife and whose passion was devilishly hard to deny. Missing was her younger sister. who had vanished with--of all disreputable types of gentlemen--an American. And making her feel both all-too-comfortable and increasingly uneasy was her extraordinarily charming host. Richard Vallender. who claimed to be Christopher's most loyal friend even as he drew closer and closer to Mally. The questions of the heart and the seductive lies of love--twin puzzles for a young woman who found that all that was once so safe and familiar was now so menacing and strange.... Book
2003If life were fair, beautiful Cassandra would be on her way to enjoying her first London Season instead of having an awkward breakfast with the man she was promised to long ago. Christopher Warrender's years a prisoner of war in France have done nothing for his table manners, though they have given him a bold, defiant spirit that Cassandra finds oddly compelling. In fact, she doesn't know whether to feel relief or indignation when Christopher angrily informs her that he has no intention of leaving one prison only to be trapped in a loveless marriage. She is free to pursue her Season in London while he in turn will entertain himself with a bevy of society beauties... Book
1982(Candlelight Regency #716)No one knew the secret sorrows of Agatha Trimble. To all, she was the paid companion of Lord Winthrop's spoiled daughter, sworn to see the newly orphaned Cecilie through her first London season before making any future plans. Then suddenly fate delivered them both into the hands of the Earl of Denby, Cecilie's new guardian--and the everlasting flame Agatha had tried to extinguish from her heart. Five years ago he had deserted her without a word. Now she was in his grasp again, knowing he would never let her go. He vowed to make her his once more. But how could she ever trust him again? Book
1977No one knew young Ella Fairmont was Miss Prattle-the notorious London gossip columnist.The main object of Miss Prattle's attention was Patrick Beresford, Duke of Clare--the most sought-after and talked-about bachelor in town. She quoted every indiscreet thing he said. Now a week-long houseparty at Clare's country estate would yield a lot of spicy talk to write about the arrogant nobleman.Ella never suspected there was another side to Patrick. Quite unexpectedly she found herself falling in love with him. Now no one must ever find out that Ella wrote those horrid things. Though it was getting harder and harder to keep the secret Book
2004anuary 1813 - the British army is preparing to cross the Pyrenees and advance against Napoleon's army. Only one thing stands in the way- funds. It will take two people masquerading as lovers to carry out a dangerous plan . . . Despite inheriting the traveling Cirque Equestre, France's proudest equestrian tradition , Gabrielle Rochon has no loyalty to the emperor who destroyed her family's way of life. Independent and headstrong, she pledges to help the British army, knowing her late father would have done the same. But her mission to smuggle gold across France within the cirque to the Duke of Wellington's headquarters in Spain is one the British won't let her do alone. Colonel Leo Branford - an arrogant, striking foreigner - is ordered to play the part of her husband so that he may escort the gold without arousing enemy suspicions. While Gabrielle is annoyed that she must publicly bow to his every whim, the danger of the mission binds them in a disturbingly intimate way. With French troops precariously close to uncovering their charade, it is imperative that neither of them forget their purpose . . . or themselves" Book
2006When you dance with the devil, you hold hands with temptation. Christian Montcalm was a practical man, if a destitute scoundrel, but his plan to bed and wed the delectable Miss Hetty Chipple would take care of that sticky wicket. However, there was a most intriguing obstacle to his success. Annelise Kempton desired nothing more than to come between this despicable rogue and the fortune (and virtue) of her young charge. Certainly, Annelise understood the desperation that comes from hard times, but Montcalm would fail -- she would personally see to it. All that stands in her way is a man whose rakish charm could tempt a saint to sin, or consign a confirmed spinster to sleepless nights of longing...to give the devil his due. Book
1991"This new selection from the letters is separated into six periods of the writer's life, starting in 1796, when she was twenty, and ending in 1817, the year of her death." Selected and introduced by Penelope Hughes-Hallett. 160p. illus bibliography.index. Donor inscription on ffep, else fine. Book
2003In her seventh captivating adventure, Jane Austen finds her crime-solving mettle put to the test in a confounding case of intrigue, murder, and high treason. Among the haunted ruins of an ancient abbey, Jane is drawn into a shadow world of dangerous secrets and traitorous hearts where not only her life is at stake--but the fate of England. Book