Scandalous Wager is a short, sensual novella of approximately 17,000 words. Set against the backdrop of London's dangerous East End in 1888, Victorian propriety and passions collide when a spinster strikes a scandalous bargain with a detective caught up in the investigation of the Ripper mystery. Elizabeth Ainsworth has decided she will never marry. Years spent on the shelf have taught her plain looks and a distinct lack of ladylike talents won't win a proposal from any of the eligible young constables or inspectors her Detective Chief Inspector father invites to their home. Most of them are too busy staring at her younger, prettier sister anyway. And Lizzy is content to be a spinster, especially if it means she can continue with her charity work in Whitechapel. But she has one lingering regret. She wants to experience passion at least once in her life and, most of all, she wants to experience it with Ian Reed. Detective Inspector Ian Reed has aspirations to ascend the ranks of the Metropolitan Police, and he hopes proving himself to his superior, Detective Chief Inspector Ainsworth, will help him get there. A series of brutal murders plaguing Whitechapel have him working long hours, so when Ainsworth's daughter shows up on his doorstep and offers herself to him, he fears he might be dreaming. Fascinated with Lizzy from the moment he meets her, Ian is determined to spend more than one night in her arms, despite what it might cost both of them.

Observations of a Wallflower Journal Entry of December 5, 1816 Society can be odd and those within the ton do not always behave as expected. For example, Lady Violet Claxton spent more time in the gardens admiring flowers, plants, and bushes than she did inside any ballroom, and I left London wondering why she preferred roses over bachelors. Though perhaps it’s because she’s grows bored with tedious conversation, as her intelligence is beyond most, she’s pragmatic, and lacks patience when time is wasted. Therefore, a London Season must be trying indeed for someone such as she. Then there was Lord Emory Talbot, Viscount Ferrard, who behaved exactly as one would imagine of a rake. Though he is expected to marry and produce an heir and a spare, Ferrard showed no interest in any lady or miss for longer than an evening. Further, I have it on good authority that he fears any form of commitment, which may explain why he’s not even kept a mistress or settled on a wife. However, rumors have recently reached me that he may no longer have the option of waiting. The details have not been shared, but I’m certain they are drastic as I’m to understand that he is to attend a house party where Lady Violet is in residence. And, I have also learned from the most trusted authority that Ferrard never attends house parties. I cannot begin to imagine how the two might get on when they do finally meet. Will he show interest for no more than a night or will she spend all her time in the gardens avoiding all guests? Regardless of any interaction the two may share, I’m certain nothing will come from their association as I can’t think of two less likely candidates to enter into a courtship.

As the Black Raven, she's cold, distant and alone…untouched by the gossip and scorn of her aristocratic peers. Until he enters her house — and her life — then suddenly her icy shell is no match for the heat of attraction... Notorious Widow Lisbeth Carslake, Countess of Blackhurst was acquitted of her husband's murder, but no one believes in her innocence. Known as the Black Raven, bringer of bad luck and death, she is eviscerated by the gossips and mocked in the clubs. She's also the subject of London's most scandalous wager. Oliver Whitely, Earl of Bellamy, needs money, but it takes more than a few drinks to take on The Black Raven Wager. He finds himself drunk, at her house, and—more surprisingly—agreeing to a business proposal at the end of a fire poker. She will let him win the wager, and he will help find her husband's killer before the killer finds her. But business agreements don't mean trust, and Lisbeth certainly doesn't trust Oliver, her body's reaction to him, or her heart. Love may be the biggest gamble of their lives, but is it a wager their hearts can afford to lose?

As the Black Raven, she's cold, distant and alone untouched by the gossip and scorn of her aristocratic peers. Until he enters her house - and her life - then suddenly her icy shell is no match for the heat of attraction ... Notorious Widow Lisbeth Carslake, Countess of Blackhurst was acquitted of her husband's murder, but no one believes in her innocence. Known as the Black Raven, bringer of bad luck and death, she is eviscerated by the gossips and mocked in the clubs. She's also the subject of London's most scandalous wager. Oliver Whitely, Earl of Bellamy, needs money, but it takes more than a few drinks to take on The Black Raven Wager. He finds himself drunk, at her house, and - more surprisingly - agreeing to a business proposal at the end of a fire poker. She will let him win the wager, and he will help find her husband's killer before the killer finds her. But business agreements don't mean trust, and Lisbeth certainly doesn't trust Oliver, her body's reaction to him, or her heart. Love may be the biggest gamble of their lives, but is it a wager their hearts can afford to lose?

Ivy Littleton swore off the idea of marriage because of her parents' unhappy union--but it didn't stop her flirtatious streak. When her best friend challenges her to steal a smile and a kiss from an attractive stranger, she agrees--but she doesn't expect to fall in love.

Enjoy this steamy hidden disguise romance by International Bestselling regency author Laura A. Barnes ... A wager on a young lady’s virtue leads to… She wanted to seek revenge against the gentlemen who ruined her father. He desired to earn her love. Can he strike a new wager to entice her into his arms forever? Devon Holdenburg cannot remember a time when he hadn’t been in love with Kathleen Beckwith. At his every attempt to court her, she waylaid him with her fiery exchanges. As he kisses the words from her lips, Devon strokes the flames of their passion higher. Can Devon convince Kathleen of his love? Ever since her family’s ruination, Lady Kathleen Beckwith had set out to expose Devon Holdenburg as a scoundrel to the Ton. However, her mother had different plans by throwing Kathleen in his path at every opportunity. With whispers of seduction and passionate kisses, will Kathleen be able to fight off Devon’s charms? A few years past, Devon won a wager on Kathleen’s innocence. He only joined the game to protect Kathleen from an evil lord. Kathleen not aware of the true nature of the bet from that game, entices the two lords who destroyed her father into a new game with higher stakes. As their story unfolds, so do the lies and deceit surrounding them. When they place their final wager, will Devon and Kathleen confess their true love? Or will their past leave a cloud of doubt hanging over them forever? The Scoundrel’s Wager is the fourth novel in the Tricking the Scoundrel series. For fans of Ava Devlin, Jennifer Monroe, or Cerise DeLand, this is romance where hidden disguises and scandalous interludes attempt to cover the secrets between two lovers. If you enjoy the makings of a good wager, then you will love the stakes of Devon and Kathleen’s courtship. Enjoy!

England, 1796 Miss Trudie Faraday has admired handsome Bastian Wilson for months, despite the aloof way he treats the rest of Society. She is surprised to find him at the same week-long house party she's attending—and is even more shocked by his scandalous views on love and desire. While Trudie believes only love can guarantee compatibility in the bedchamber, Bastian vows to prove her wrong—by wagering that he can give her sexual satisfaction before the week is out!

COURTSHIP HAS NEVER BEEN SO SCANDALOUS The grandson of an unconventional marquis and son of a notorious woman, Elijah Watson, Marquis of Ridgefeld, has spent most of his life outside of London. His atypical upbringing has left him longing for roots and a traditional family life, and he’s determined to live his life above reproach. When he meets Miss Samantha Pengarden, he believes he’s found the woman he wants to marry—except she has other far more sensual ideas for him. Known throughout the ton as the illegitimate rebellious daughter of London’s disreputable Craven House Madame, Samantha has never had to face the world without her shy twin by her side—until now. Her sister’s marriage and the return of her blackguard father leaves her alone and adrift. When Elijah agrees to escort her to the town’s most infamous establishments, she thinks she’s finally found a man with a taste for scandal and a knowledge of matters of the flesh. But she never counted on Elijah being so honorable. When Samantha is listed as the mistress of the Marquis of Ridgefeld in White’s betting book, her reputation is in ruins—and only Elijah can save her. Can two total opposites come together for a love certain to last a lifetime?

Every lady has want of a scandal…unless it results in murder. To escape her stepmother’s matrimonial plans, Nora sets a risqué wager with Merritt, Duke of Roxburghe; if he can’t find her a suitable match by the year’s end, he must provide her with financial freedom. But if she loses, she must publicly destroy Tabitha Philbert’s reputation...and her own. Rescued by Nora before the marriage trap could spring, Merritt views their agreement as an opportunity to exact revenge on Tabitha for arranging the deceitful scheme. However, after their bet is discovered, Nora’s intended fiancé—and his scheming sister, Tabitha—set out to ruin Merritt. When her fiancé is discovered with a knife protruding from his chest, Nora is accused of murder and arrested, and not even Merritt’s powerful influence can save her from the gallows. A captivating mixture of Tessa Dare’s witty banter and Amanda Quick’s steamy suspense that plunges the reader into a shocking historical mystery. Buy now to find out why one should Never Bet a Duke! *Book 1 in the Dukes and Wallflowers Regency romance series.