Beresford Adventures

Lady Mary's traveling companion has disappeared and only one man believes she ever existed. Welcome to book one in the adventurous new series from USA Today bestselling author Cheryl Bolen! Lord Stephen Stanhope, a duke's diplomat son who's traveling to the Congress of Vienna, agrees to protect his friend's wayward sister on Stephen's journey to Austria. Lady Mary Beresford has impetuously set off on her own for Vienna. Vexed with the headstrong woman he's yet to meet, Stephen despairs of ever catching up with the maddening lady. They eventually meet at an inn in the Alps, where the guests' progress has been impeded by two matters: a blizzard-and Lady Mary's refusal to leave until she's found an elderly fellow traveler who has disappeared. Mary's infuriated that everyone at the inn is in a conspiracy to deny the woman ever existed and to imply Mary invented her. Just when every person at the inn is against her, the handsome Lord Stephen arrives and becomes her champion. Stephen doesn't tell her he's been sent by her brother, nor does he actually believe her preposterous story. Until there's an attempt on her life . . . Contains mature themes.

On the most horrifying night of her life, Charlotte Robinson discovers the murdered body of the mysterious woman who's engaged her as a companion at a remote Cornish manor house. Then, Charlotte finds the hidden note from the dead woman that tells her to flee, to change her name, to not trust anyone or she, too, will be killed. Along with the note is her employer's journal. She speedily packs a valise, the money she's saved, and the dead woman's journal and sets off in the dark of night. She eventually arrives in London, using the name Caroline Rutherford and manages to secure a position as a companion to the youngest sister of the Earl of Devere. London's most sought-after bachelor, Devere has never met the woman with whom he wants to be shackled, but he becomes obsessed with his sister's companion, the quiet Caroline Rutherford, a woman of mystery. So many things about her don't add up, but nothing he says or does will loosen her tongue-not even his stolen kisses. When she narrowly escapes a murderous plot, the terrified woman confesses all to him, and they set out to learn the identity of the murderer of her former employer . . . if only they can stay alive. Contains mature themes.

An innocent trip to the book store propels Lady Harriett Beresford into danger when a stranger-warning of peril from the Fat Man-collapses on her doorstep. Dead. She rushes to find aid, and when she returns, the dead man is gone, and no one believes her account. Alex Muir has been charged by Devere to watch out for his sister while he's away on his wedding trip. When Alex checks on Harriett and she explains her predicament, he's skeptical. But when she later turns to him following an attempt on her life, his doubts are put to rest. She has been telling the truth all along, and he now knows her life is in peril. She must stay with him so he can guard over her at all times. Together, they seek the identity of the Fat Man, and in doing so, they learn of a plot against the regent. As important as it is to Alex to protect the regent, it's even more important that he keep Harriett safe. Spending so many hours a day with her, Alex comes to realize Devere's youngest sister is no longer a girl. She's a young woman, a desirable young woman. But he cannot give in to his searing desire. All that matters is protecting the life of this woman who has come to mean so much to him. Contains mature themes.