Can two stubborn hearts be seduced into betting on true love?When Alexander Thorpe returns from the Crimean War, he is no longer the viscount Lucy St. James once adored. Although he treats her with cool detachment, Lucy is alarmed to discover Alex is even more irresistible than the man who won her heart three years before.Alex returns to discover Lucy has yet to become the bride of another man. He has never forgiven the spirited beauty for the moment their "understanding" became a misunderstanding. But when a ridiculous wager throws Alex and Lucy back into each other's arms, they must decide once and for all if they are willing to forsake their pride for their passion..."Connie Brockway's work brims with warmth, wit, sensuality and intelligence."—Amanda Quick, New York Times bestselling author"Romance with strength, wit, and intelligence. Connie Brockway delivers!" — Tami Hoag, New York Times bestselling author"If it's smart, sexy,...

The cynic and the enchantress...Lord Greyson Sheffield does not believe in magic or love. He has devoted his life to exposing frauds who scam innocents by preying on their hunger to believe. Only one woman ever tempted him to surrender his cynicism—Francesca Walcott, the stunning young beauty who took society by storm with her supernatural skills. But Grey is forced to bare her secrets as well, shattering her world and forcing her to flee London forever.When Grey travels to the Scottish Highlands to investigate reports of a young witch in the eccentric village of Little Firkin, he is stunned to discover the girl's sensible companion is none other than the same Francesca Walcott who so enchanted him all those years ago. Francesca is now a ravishing woman fully equipped to challenge his cynicism with her beguiling wit.The stern yet striking nobleman has haunted Francesca's dreams for years. Determined to protect both her young companion and the one...

To win her trust, he must betray his heart. While recovering at his uncle's estate from wounds sustained in the Sudan, Jack Cameron - a loyal Scottish captain in the British army - is haunted by the words of a dying officer: one of her majesty's Black Dragoons is aiding the slavers they were sent to suppress. But how will he uncover the traitor without sending the culprit to ground? He finds a way while listening to the voices beneath his open window - particularly those of Addie Hoodless, a beautiful widow, and her brother, Ted, a famed artist commissioned to paint portraits of the Black Dragoons' senior officers. Posing as an artist, Jack decides to infiltrate the close circle of friends at Ted's studio to listen in on the unguarded conversations of the officers. But first, he must win Addie's trust despite the emotional wounds of her past. Will Jack dupe the only woman he has ever loved or stand down from hunting the traitor? If his real identity is exposed, Addie's life will be in terrible danger.

Beautiful, bold, and brilliant Avery dreams of becoming a member of the Royal Astronomical Society—and the only way she can join the all-male society is to disguise herself as a boy. After helping Giles, Lord Strand, escape a disastrous engagement, she is certain he will assist in her daring masquerade. No lady would ever come up with such a preposterous scheme, and no gentleman would accept…but fortunately for Avery, Giles is no gentleman. A bargain is struck between the stargazing adventuress and society's most sophisticated lord. He will sponsor her as his prodigy and she will cover for him as he hunts London's darkest warrens for a missing colleague from his shadowy past. But time and again, Giles finds his quest compromised by his fierce and unwise attraction to the lovely girl who, though no lady, may well be the one dame to finally unlock the secrets of his heart. ### From Publishers Weekly Bestseller Brockway (*The Other Guy's Bride*) delivers an unlikely Regency romance that works despite social class divisions. As the result of a marquess's promise, gamekeeper's daughter Avery Quinn has received more education than most men and women of her time. When the marquess dies, she begs his heir, Giles, to help her stay on the path to independence and academic freedom. Giles knows that he should keep Avery at arm's length, but even her cross-dressing masquerade in order to become a member of the Royal Astronomical Society doesn't prevent Giles from being very aware of her womanly qualities. Avery can't quench her feelings for Giles, despite the social chasm between them and the gorgeous women who throw themselves at him. When Avery's life is endangered because of Giles's past work as a secret operative, the two discover that they have more to lose than they thought. A heroine without social filters and a smooth-talking rake make a delightful pair, even if their egalitarian banter is anachronistic. (Dec.) ### From Library Journal Starred Review: In 1819, the Royal Astrological Society is definitely “no place for a dame,” but solitary astronomer Avery Quinn has discovered a new comet and will do anything to see her discovery recognized, even coerce the scandal-plagued son of her late mentor into helping her. His plan, however, is not what she anticipates—and neither are the stunningly successful but hilarious results. A brilliant heroine, far too well educated for her sex and her working-class birth, and a jaded, infamous nobleman foil multiple obstacles and end up as unlikely soul mates in a passionate love match he never saw coming. VERDICT From the first outrageously fortuitous scene to the soul-satisfying conclusion, this funny, touching, often outrageous romp satisfies as no other and flawlessly wraps up a memorable series the best-selling Brockway began nearly two decades ago. Award-winning Brockway (*The Other Guy’s Bride*) lives in Minnesota. Note: This book follows *Promise Me Heaven* (1994) and *All Through the Night* (1997)—both of which have been revised and recently released by Montlake Romance.

Book 1 "The Wedding Planner" SeriesWhat's a wedding planner to do when love disrupts her best laid plans?When actress and part-time schemer Letty Potts steps off the train into the charming village of Little Bidewell, she has no intention of masquerading as the most sought after wedding planner in all of Victorian London—Lady Agatha Whyte. Letty has vowed to go straight, but when the bride's wealthy family welcomes her with open arms, she has no choice but to assume the role of a lifetime and plan the most delightful wedding England has ever seen.Only one man—the dark and dashing war hero, Sir Elliot March—suspects her ruse. As a man who has sworn off both love and laughter, Elliot is dismayed when Letty's unconventional way of thinking, her saucy wit, and her teasing dimples arouse far more than just his suspicions.As the wedding day approaches and Letty's charade threatens to unravel into a tangled skein of danger and scandal, she...

This is an anthology of four contemporary love stories by popular authors of romance. Four American women experience the passion of summer love when they travel to Scotland. Suddenly chasing kilts was never more fun.

She was "Heaven with a Gun", nototious masked outlaw Lightning Lil, who will grant ex-boxer turned journalist Jim Coynes a career-making interview on one condition: he let her recuperate from a bullet wound while masquerading as his wife. Now, the unexpected girl behind the mask and the handsome Irish brawler will risk everything for a passion that is as reckless and unatmed as the wild west!