Reluctant Brides Trilogy

New York Times bestselling author, CHERYL HOLT, delights readers once again with the first sizzling story in her new "Reluctant Brides" trilogy… Rose Ralston has spent her life at Miss Peabody's School for Girls-first as a student, then as a teacher. But with Miss Peabody's passing, the school has been closed, the students sent away, and Rose is facing an uncertain future. As Miss Peabody's will is read, Rose had been told to expect a small bequest, but she's stunned to discover that her inheritance is a dowry that's already been paid to an elderly widower. The man is in quick need of an heir, and Rose can agree to wed or she'll get nothing and will have no money and nowhere to go. She's never lived on her own, and without family or friends to assist her, she's out of options. Reluctantly, she agrees to the marriage and heads off to the man's Summerfield estate. James Talbot grew up at Summerfield. But as an orphan, his position was never exactly clear. The owner, Stanley Oswald, constantly tormented James with the secrets of his parentage. Rumors abound that he's Stanley's natural-born son, but the truth has been impossible to unravel. Needing to escape Stanley's manipulations, James has spent the past decade in the army. But Stanley has lured him home, and when James learns of Stanley's pending marriage, he can't help but be intrigued. He's eager to engage in a little mischief, and nothing would give him greater pleasure than to ruin the match before it begins. Rose is fascinated by handsome, virile James, but bound to wed elderly, decrepit Stanley. As Stanley woos her and James interferes, any wild ending seems possible. For Rose-who only ever wanted a home of her own-she just might end up with more than she ever dreamed. RELUCTANT BRIDES… When love is the key and dowry the bait, who can predict what a woman might do?

CHERYL HOLT delivers another sassy, sexy romp in the second book of her "Reluctant Brides" trilogy… Amelia Hubbard has always lived at Miss Peabody's School for Girls, first as a student, then as a teacher. She enjoyed her position and the independence it brought. But Miss Peabody has died, the school is closing, and Amelia has no money and nowhere to go. When Fate intervenes and hands her a dowry and a handsome husband already purchased with the money, Amelia is nervous but resigned. She reluctantly agrees to wed a man she's never met. Lucas Drake has never been anything but a wastrel and scapegrace. As the second son of an earl, and with an older brother who's perfect in every way, stellar behavior seems impossible. He's always been happy to live down to his stern father's low expectations. But when Amelia arrives and Lucas discovers that his father has engaged him to her, his bachelor tendencies surge to the fore. He's vehemently certain that no wedding will ever occur. When Amelia agreed to the match, she never imagined that Lucas might not want to get married. Her prior situation has ended, and without marriage, the future is bleak. What's a spinster to do? Wanton seduction seems the only path, but first, she'll need a few lessons in how to use her feminine wiles. Once she figures out what Lucas really needs, the poor man doesn't stand a chance. RELUCTANT BRIDES… When love is the key and dowry the bait, who can predict what a woman might do?

CHERYL HOLT will leave readers cheering with the dazzling, sexy conclusion to her "Reluctant Brides" trilogy… Evangeline Etherton loved her years as a teacher at Miss Peabody's School for Girls. But with Miss Peabody's passing, the school is shut down, and Evangeline is on her way to marry a fiancé she's never met. She never imagined herself as a bride and is reluctant to abandon the independent life she enjoyed as an unwed female. When she meets her betrothed-a fussy, stern vicar-she's certain she shouldn't proceed. They have nothing in common and a match between them can only lead to disaster and misery. But as a spinster with no funds or family, she's out of options. Aaron Drake has always been perfect. As the eldest son and heir to an earl, he's never engaged in mischief, taken an awkward step, or headed in the wrong direction. But with his marriage swiftly approaching-to a tedious, unpleasant snob-he's suddenly desperate to do something reckless and wild before he's shackled in what he's sure will be an unappealing and dreary marriage. When he meets pretty, vivacious Evangeline, he can't help but think she just might be the cure for what ails him. Seduction seems the only path, but when romance blossoms and passions heat, can love be far behind? RELUCTANT BRIDES… When love is the key and dowry the bait, who can predict what a woman might do?