Avon Historical Romance

USA Today bestselling author Cathy Maxwell delivers another passionate romance in which marriage is based on convenience not love, and only desire can get in the way. "There is no impulse more delicious than 'temptation' . . . or more troublesome."-Cathy Maxwell Marry the local vicar-a stodgy man with six impossible children. Never! Deborah Percival is determined to discover passion in a man's arms, not duty in a dull marriage. And when she becomes stranded at a countryside inn, tantalizing Anthony Aldercy, the Earl of Burnell, offers her the chance to fulfill her dreams. Deborah knows she should say no-but how can she resist? The earl is determined to repair his reputation-and a marriage to a demure high-born lady of the ton will do this-but he cannot deny Deborah's charms. Her lush curves tease his senses, while her delicious honesty touches his heart. But when she disappears, he's desperate, so he searches all of London to find her, refusing to rest until he brings her into his life-and his arms-again. Perhaps Deborah is not the only one being tempted…

The incomparable USA Today bestseller Samanth James cordially invites you to Regency England for a Sterling affair . . . Perfectly Marvelous Devon St. James must surely be dreaming! She closes her eyes in London's poorest slum, and awakens wrapped in fine linens . . . staring into the eyes of the most gorgeous man she has ever seen! Sebastian Sterling, marquess of Thurston, is clearly shocked to have a girl from the streets in his bed, though the heat of the desire burning in his gaze is unmistakable. But if he believes Devon will easily submit, he is quite mistaken! What the devil has he done? It's bad enough their family is already mired in scandal, now Sebastian has to deal with the exquisite young beauty in rags he had impetuously carried into his home! Worse still, the lady is driving the serious, responsible marquess to distraction with her fiery spirit and breathtaking sensuality. But perhaps, just perhaps, with some of Sebastian's private schooling, this low-born enchantress can learn refinement and manners-and be miraculously transformed from merely his passionate obsession into . . . A Perfect Bride

Perfection is in the eye of the beholder . . . Proud of his reputation as a rogue, Justin Sterling intends tobe the first to bed "The Unattainable"-the Season's most luscious debutante-and win the wager that's the talk of the ton. However, he never expected the enchantress in question to be Arabella Templeton, who once stole his heart and owns it still. Now the notorious scoundrel will have to prove to her that his intentions are honorable . . . while protecting her virtue from every other rascal in London. Arabella will marry only for love-and she does not need her childhood nemesis to act as her self-appointed guardian! Though the arrogant cad seems sincere, she is well aware of his rakehell history and won't be swayed by his considerable charm and disarming good looks. For it would be pure madness for Arabella to ignore the voice of reason that whispers "beware!" and heed instead a traitorous heart that insists Justin Sterling would make . . .

A cruel twist of fate changed Simon Blackwell's life irreparably. A man of intense passions, he resolved to deny his emotions and desires forever, taking refuge in the wilds of the moorlands and shutting himself off from the world. But on one extraordinary night, on a rare trip to London, the unthinkable occurs. An intoxicatingly beautiful stranger stirs the sensuous hunger he has sworn to resist. Simon Blackwell believed that no woman could tempt him. No woman . . . save Annabel McBride. Annabel knows nothing of Simon's secret pain. But one irresistible kiss plunges her into marriage with a man she scarcely knows, a man who hides a shattered past. She can feel the blistering heat of the fire that smolders within this exquisitely handsome man, making her yearn for much more than the union in name only he has promised her. But Simon dares not love again-for fragile love can be lost in an instant. And now Annabel must find a way to open his heart to the most glorious risk of all . . .

She was determined to marry for love, never expecting that her adventures would lead her to a lifetime of passion. The Runaway Heiress Like many a Regency miss, Lyssa Harrell longs for love, but knows her duty lies in marriage. Still, when her father promises her hand to a dissolute but well-connected lord, she does the unthinkable ... she flees to Scotland. Not to Gretna Green, but to her family -- and to the castle where her mother once had been so happy. In this romantic land she will discover her heart's desire. A Man Seeking His Fortune But she doesn't count on Ian Campion. The ruggedly handsome man has his orders: fetch the runaway daughter home! Ian has a price on his head and a dire need for the reward Lyssa's father offers. Tracking Lyssa down is easy enough, convincing her to return is difficult ... and not seducing her is impossible. And Their Scandalous Adventures Soon, Lyssa is on the adventure of a lifetime. She has to sleep in the great outdoors, and flee from mysterious attempts on her life. She knows she's ruined in the eyes of society, but she is willing to face true ruin -- and risk everything for the unimaginable passion she finds in Ian's strong arms. And when they return to civilization, the two must confront the most perilous adventure of all ... admitting their unanticipated love.