Hidden Secrets and Society Scoundrels

Profiles of twelve trailblazing Regency Era women—from Jane Austen to Madame Tussaud—who took charge of their destinies and changed the world. In the nineteenth century, women faced challenges and constraints that many of us would find shocking by today’s standards. What Regency Women Did for Us tells the inspirational stories of twelve women who overcame entrenched institutional obstacles to achieve trailblazing success—women such as the German astronomer Caroline Herschel, who discovered a comet that bears her name; the French artist Marie Tussaud whose wax sculptures made her world famous; the great author Jane Austen whose novels continue to delight generations of readers. These women were pioneers, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, authors, scientists, and actresses—women who made an impact on their world and ours. Popular history blogger Rachel Knowles tells how each of these women challenged the limitations of their time and left an enduring legacy for future generations to follow. Two hundred years later, their stories remain powerful inspirations for us all. “Rachel’s fine book looks at how the women of Britain emerged from the shadows of their husbands during the Regency period, inspiring female writers, scientists, etc. to take hold of their own destinies and start to have an influence on the world. Brilliant.” —Books Monthly

A former soldier is commissioned to paint a leading lady who inspires him to play the lover in this “cleverly crafted” Regency romance (Booklist). For Jack Vernon, the battlefields of Badajoz, Spain, are nothing compared to the cutting tongues of polite society. But Jack has never been very “polite.” A canvas is this brooding artist’s preferred company—having once been the outlet for the horror he witnessed at war, it’s now his fortune. Painting the portrait of the Drury Lane Theater’s latest star—the stunningly beautiful Ariana Blane—is his biggest commission yet. Learning every curve of her body ignites feelings he thought were destroyed in battle. But he’s not the only man who has Ariana in his sights. . . .

The Regency Romance Classics Samuel Richardson Collection is a compilation of timeless works by the acclaimed author Samuel Richardson. Known for his intricate character development and groundbreaking epistolary style, Richardson's novels hold a significant place in English literature. The collection includes iconic works such as 'Pamela' and 'Clarissa,' which delve into themes of morality, love, and social class during the Regency era. Richardson's writing is characterized by its emotive power and psychological depth, making his novels a captivating read for enthusiasts of classic literature. The detailed descriptions and moral dilemmas presented in his works showcase the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations of the time period. Overall, this collection offers a rich portrayal of romantic ideals and societal norms prevalent during the Regency era. Readers interested in exploring the nuances of 18th-century literature will find this collection a valuable addition to their library.

A LADY IN A GENTLEMAN'S WORLD According to society, I, Elise Sutton, haven't been a lady for quite some time—a lady couldn't possibly run the family company and spend her days on London's crowded, tar-stained docks. And she most certainly wouldn't associate herself with the infamous Dorian Rowland—privateer, smuggler and the Scourge of Gibraltar himself! But I need Rowland and his specialized expertise—especially with the wolves circling, waiting for me to fail. I yearn to feel alive, and Rowland, who can kiss like the devil, inflames my senses and makes me dare to break free…. Ladies of Impropriety Breaking Society's Rules

Miss Kitty Farrow is under no illusion that her guardian cares anything about her, but when she finds out he wagered her in a gentleman’s bet, she’s in a state of complete shock. Not only has her choice in picking her own husband been taken away from her, but the earl her guardian is going to have her marry hates the very idea of having a wife at all. Aaron Henry, Earl of Northton, doesn’t trust ladies. Any of them. From a young age, his mother taught him that all a lady is good for is an heir. If they’re sweet, it’s only to trick the gentleman into doing what they want, and once they get it, they’re on to the next gentleman. So when he discovers the money he expected to win in a wager turns out to be the dowry of his future bride, he wants nothing to do with her. But whether Kitty or Aaron want the marriage or not, it’s going to happen. And heaven help anyone who tries to make the marriage a love match.

Tania O’Donnell takes the reader on a journey from medieval Courtly Love, through to the sexual license of the Restoration, and Victorian propriety. Pick up historical ‘dating tips,’ from how to court (or be courted), write romantic love letters, give and receive gifts, propose and pose as a sighing swain. The book takes a historical approach to the problem of finding a mate, with case studies of classic romantic mistakes and plenty of unusual tales. In the 14th century young men tried to impress the ladies with their footwear, donning shoes with pointed toes so long that they had to be secured with whalebone—presumably because size mattered! A History of Courtship is an entertaining and enlightening look at seduction over the centuries.

A reluctant earl desperate to recover from the ravages of war... and the woman whose love for her childhood friend might not be enough to save him. Charlotte Harcourt feels the weight of her family on her shoulders. As the eldest Harcourt sister and the first to launch into society, she needs a good match to secure a future for her mother and younger sisters. But her heart is pining for her childhood friend and neighbor, Hugh Dempsey, Earl of Milcheston. The man who stole her heart. The man who has been missing, presumed dead, for months, until his return to inherit the earldom from his father. But Hugh is a changed man. Damaged both physically and in his very soul. Will their childhood love be strong enough to survive the ravages of war? This is the first book in the Harcourt Sisters trilogy -- perfect for those who love sweet and clean Regency romance with just a hint of mystery.