Зарубежная современная проза — Christine Merrill

Lady Drusilla’s Road to RuinLady Drusilla Rudney’s sister has eloped and to prevent a scandal Dru has appealed to Captain John Hendricks to help bring her sister home. But Dru’s unconventional beauty soon makes John want to forget gentlemanly conduct… and create a scandal all of their own!Paying the Virgin’s PriceGambler Nathan Wardale may not be a gentleman, but when he wins his opponent’s daughter’s virginity in a card game he has no intention of claiming his winnings. Yet, when he lays eyes...

A hasty proposal…Compromised and wedded on the same day, Lady Miranda was fast finding married life not to her taste. A decaying manor and a secretive husband were hardly the stuff of girlish dreams. Yet every time she looked at dark, brooding Marcus Radwell, Duke of Haughleigh, she felt inexplicably compelled – and determined to make their marriage real!Ruin or Redemption?Miss Esme Canville’s brutal father is resolved to marry her off. Instead, she’ll offer herself to notorious rake Captain St...

Miss Winthorpe’s Elopement Lady Penelope Winthorpe is looking for a compliant husband to gain access to her inheritance. The drunken Adam Felkirk seems perfectly biddable–but she’s in for a surprise… Once sobered up, the arrogant, gorgeous Duke of Bellston is determined to awaken his bluestocking bride!Dangerous Lord, Innocent GovernessDaphne Collingham is intrigued by the scandalous goings on at the home of Lord Timothy Colton and decides to disguise herself as a governess to uncover the truth!...

The Greatest of SinsHaving spent years believing a lie about his birth, Dr Samuel Hastings has been condemned to a personal hell of his desire’s making – his sinful thoughts of the one woman he can never touch would damn his soul for eternity.Lady Evelyn Thorne is engaged to the very suitable Duke of St Aldric when a shocking truth is revealed – and now Sam will play every bit of the devil to seduce the woman he thought would always be denied him! The Sinner and the Saint Brothers separated at...

The truth will always come out…The Truth Will About Lady FelkirkWilliam Felkirk remembers nothing of the last six months. So who is this beautiful woman claiming to be his wife?Justine de Bryun will do anything to protect her sister. She must guard the reasons for her deception with her life. But with every passing day Justine knows she won’t be able to hide the truth for ever…Ring From a MarquessMargot de Bryun has no intention of giving a man control of her life! Although Stephen Standish,...

Constance Townley, Duchess of Wellford, has always been impeccably behaved. So why does she suddenly feel a wild urge to kick over the traces? Anthony de Portnay Smythe is a mysterious figure. A gentleman by day, he steals secrets for the government by night.When Constance finds a man in her bedroom late at night, her first instinct is to call for help. But something stops her. The thief apologizes and gracefully takes his leave. . . with a kiss for good measure! And Constance knows that won't...

The dark Lord’s ultimate temptation…Daphne Collingham is convinced that her beloved cousin died at the hands of her husband, Timothy, Lord Colton, so decides to masquerade as a governess in his home to discover the truth. What Daphne hasn’t bargained on is how the brooding Lord will make her feel under his dark gaze…Lord Colton is suspicious of the alluring new governess – and with the scandal surrounding him he must control his passion. But a man has his limits, and the delectable Miss...

They’ve made their bed… Lord Kenton is surprisingly happy to be lured to a moonlit gazebo, held at gunpoint by the delectable Cynthia Banester and forced to marry her. The only finger he’s had to lift is the one that’s caressed the neckline of her dress. She’s claimed a title – he’s secured a fortune.There are just two problems – he’s not the real Lord Kenton, and she’s not rich! So they might as well lie in it! Bound by their own deceptions, Cynthia and Jack decide to make the best of a bad...

Chaperone Diana Price knew she was teetering on the edge of ruin. Her father had staked his fortune, and her virginity, at the card table – and lost! To the most notorious gamester in town. . .Nathan Wardale had money – plenty of it – but it was a long time since he’d been considered a gentleman. Still, he never intended to pursue this debt. Until he met Diana Price in the flesh and began to wonder just how long his honour would hold.

“I hate you, Stephano Beshaley. As much as you hate my family. ” Lady Verity Carlow is poised, beautiful, charming, virginal. Her family’s precious jewel. She knows she will marry whatever titled bore is chosen for her. But sometimes, in the dark of the night, she wishes she wasn’t always so well-behaved. . .Then she is snatched! Kidnapped by her family’s enemy, gypsy lord Stephano Beshaley. And when this dark, dangerous unsuitable man takes Verity in his arms, he tempts her to do wicked, wicked...

Indulge your fantasies of delicious Regency Rakes, fierce Viking warriors and rugged Highlanders. Be swept away into a world of intense passion, lavish settings and romance that burns brightly through the centuriesDashing Duke, Bluestocking Bride! Shy heiress Miss Penelope Winthorpe was only trying to escape her bullying brother. She didn’t mean to wed a noble lord over a blacksmith’s anvil! Adam Felkirk, Duke of Bellston, had no intention of taking a wife. But then Penelope’s plight moved him....

Dear Cici and Father,I have come to Devon and married a duke. And I'm more tired and hungry than I have ever been in my life. Please let me come home.Compromised and wedded on the same day, Lady Miranda was fast finding married life not to her taste. A decaying manor and a secretive husband were hardly the stuff of girlish dreams. Yet every time she looked at dark, brooding Marcus Radwell, Duke of Haughleigh, she felt inexplicably compelled–and determined–to make their marriage real!

Harry Pennyngton, Earl of Anneslea, is surprised when his estranged wife, Elise, arrives home for Christmas, especially as she is still intent on divorce! The festive house party is in full swing when the guests are snowed in, and Harry and Elise find themselves together beneath the mistletoe. Maybe the magic of Christmas is just what these two need to reignite their love. . . .

The engagement escapade!This season, all eyes are on biddable, well-connected Lady Belle. And for ambitious Benjamin Lovell, she’s the perfect candidate for a convenient marriage. First, though, he must contend with her fiercely protective sister, Lady Amelia Summoner.Amy is determined that only the right man will win her sister, and rakish Benjamin is certainly not that. Every move he makes, she’ll be one step ahead! Until the games get out of hand…and Amy realises she’s broken her own rules...

'What do I want? Satisfaction. Reparation. Revenge…'Though Gerald Wiscombe left for war a naive boy, he returns a man determined to claim what’s rightfully his! But when Gerry suspects that his wife has been less than faithful in his absence he intends to seek the truth.Lillian has endured all she can to protect her beloved son – until the arrival of her war-hero husband. Now, not only is Lily faced with revealing the terrible secrets she has hidden for years, but also with an attraction that...

A Wicked LiaisonConstance Townley, Duchess of Wellford, has always been impeccably behaved, until she surprises a mysterious gentleman in her bedroom late at night. Her first instinct is to call for help, but when the thief apologises and kisses her for good measure, Constance knows that won’t be the last she sees of this intriguing rogue…Lady Folbroke’s Delicious DeceptionLady Emily Longesley married the love of her life and hoped that he would learn to love her. Instead, he upped and left...

MAD DASH TO GRETNA!Considered a spinster, Lady Drusilla Rudney has only one role in life: to chaperon her sister. So when her flighty sibling elopes Dru knows she has to stop her! She employs the help of a fellow travelling companion, who looks harmless enough…Ex-army captain John Hendricks is intrigued by this damsel in distress. Once embroiled with her in a mad dash across England, he discovers that Dru is no simpering woman. Her unconventional ways make him want to forget his gentlemanly...

Three Regency tales of festive wishes come true…CAPTAIN GREY’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL by Carla KellyCaptain Grey had been fighting malarial fever in Savannah when he met Theodora Winnings. He proposed by letter – but it’s taken ten years to receive her reply. The answer was ‘yes’! – but is she still free to become his Christmas bride?HER CHRISTMAS TEMPTATION by Christine MerrillFaith Strickland’s plan to marry to save her family backfires when notorious rake James Foley sets out to break her unhappy...

GIVING IN TO TEMPTATION WOULD BE THE RUIN OF THEM ALL!Having spent years believing a lie about his birth, Dr Samuel Hastings has been condemned to a personal hell of his desire’s making – his sinful thoughts of the one woman he can never touch would damn his soul for eternity.Lady Evelyn Thorne is engaged to the very suitable Duke of St Aldric when a shocking truth is revealed – and now Sam will play every bit of the devil to seduce the woman he thought would always be denied him! The Sinner and...

Spend Christmas with the lords and ladies of England…The Mistletoe Wager – Christine MerrillHarry Pennyngton, Earl of Anneslea, is surprised when his estranged wife, Helena, arrives home for Christmas, especially as she is still intent on divorce! The festive house part is in full swing when the guests are snowed in, and Harry and Helena find they are together under the mistletoe. Maybe the magic of Christmas is just what these two need to reignite their love… The Harlot’s Daughter – Blythe...

The thought of Robert Breton's touch fills Anne Clairemont with a delicious, scandalous heat—but her family's happiness depends on her going through with her planned marriage to his wealthy, cold business partner.Then Robert gives her a searing kiss beneath the mistletoe that changes everything. Soon he's showing Anne the intimate pleasures they could share, determined to fan the flame of their desire and convince her to call off her engagement.But can she disappoint her parents to be with...

THE ONLY WOMAN WHO CAN MAKE HIM REPENT!Honourable – and handsome to boot! – Michael Poole, Duke of St Aldric, has earned his nickname ‘The Saint’. But the ton would shudder if they knew the truth. Because, thrust into a world of debauchery, this saint has turned sinner!With the appearance of fallen governess Madeline Cranston – carrying his heir – St Aldric looks for redemption through a marriage of convenience. But the intriguing Madeline is far from a dutiful duchess, and soon this saint is...

Danyl Fitzhugh needs a woman.After his latest leading lady leaves both his theatre and his bed for another company, he vows to prove he can turn any woman in London into an actress—and sets his sights on Sarah Branford. He's immediately drawn to her innocence and beauty, and their unexpected attraction soon leads to an audition for the stage and as his mistress.But with Christmas approaching and their passion growing, will their relationship last when Danyl learns Sarah is much more than she...

A PROPOSAL SHE HAS TO RESIST Outspoken Lady Priscilla is the only woman in London brave enough not to simper at Robert Magson. As the Duke of Reighland he needs a wife to secure succession, and this captivating woman would surely keep life interesting!Despite the obvious sexual attraction between them, Lady Priscilla doesn’t wish to marry – ever – for she hides a shameful secret. Surely a duke deserves more than a ruined woman? But Robert is not to be dissuaded. Once he sets his sights on...

Bought for Ten Thousand Pounds!Ex-soldier Frederick Challenger may own a share of London’s most secret gentlemen’s club, but he has long since stopped sampling its delights…until a beautiful woman auctions her innocence.Georgiana Knight’s plan had been to lure in a villain, but instead she’s trapped the devil himself. And now, to protect her reputation, she must marry him! But if Frederick has hopes of taming this temptress, he’ll have to think again…The Society of Wicked GentlemenThe hour is...

THE WIFE HE DOESN’T KNOW…When William Felkirk opens his eyes the past six months are blank. What happened? And who is this beautiful woman claiming to be his wife and caring for his broken body?Justine will do anything to protect her sister, even if that means pretending to be a stranger’s wife. She must guard the reasons for her deception with her life. But with every passing day William unlocks her heart just a little more, and Justine knows she won’t be able to hide the truth for ever…

A Regency ChristmasCarol Mill owner Joseph Stratford has earned himself a wicked reputation. Only firebrand Barbara Lampett can see the possibility of his cold heart ever melting. Visited by ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, Joseph is shown the error of his ways. And as the clock strikes midnight on Christmas Eve, the beautiful Barbara awakens Joseph and he enjoys the most delicious of Christmas lessons! Snowbound with the Notorious Rake Trapped by a blizzard with notorious rogue Sir...

Christmas wishes can come true!The Christmas DuchessHer daughter recently jilted, widowed Generva feels anything but festive – until the unexpected arrival of Thomas Kanner, Duke of Montford, transforms the household. Might there be a Christmas wedding after all?Russian Winter NightsRussian princess Ekaterina Romanova sees through the gilded façade of the Winter Court. An intimate encounter with Andrey Kvasov offers a moment of escape and soon this yuletide brings the promise of something...

If the truth comes out…There will be scandal!Part of Those Scandalous Stricklands: Hope Strickland must find the lost items of her family’s estate. Mysterious Gregory Drake, expert at fixing the problems of the aristocracy, is hired to help. As they embark on the search Hope finds herself drawn to the handsome stranger. He may not be a gentleman but Hope’s tempted to put aside her marriage prospects for a forbidden night – in Gregory’s bed!

A marriage of convenience…Lady Emily Longesley married the love of her life and hoped that he would learn to love her. Instead, he upped and left their country estate for London. Suffering the snub with dignity, three years on Emily has had enough! …or passion?Confronting her errant husband, she sees that Adrian, Earl of Folbroke, has been robbed of his sight and doesn’t know her at all! Emily longs for her husband’s touch. If she plays his mistress by delicious deception, can he finally learn...

Mistress or Wife?Independent Margot de Bryun has no intention of giving a man control of her life! Although handsome rake Stephen Standish, Marquess of Fanworth, does pique her interest… Maybe a man can offer other advantages?Stephen sees Margot as perfect marriage material – talented, intelligent and alluring. But when a stolen family ruby is traced to the jewellery shop Margot owns, infuriated, Stephen demands she become his mistress. Except Margot’s not one to be easily tamed – and, whether...

The plainest Strickland sisterIn the Earl’s arms!Part of Those Scandalous Stricklands: To escape marriage to the new Earl of Comstock, bookish Charity must find her family’s missing diamonds. She meets her match in an intellectual stranger auditing the estate…little knowing he is Lord Comstock himself! With him, Charity feels different—even desirable! But will seizing one night of passion bind her to the very man she’s determined to avoid?

Stranded at a house party with the mysterious Duke… When a storm hits, outspoken Abigail Prescott is trapped at a house party with Benedict Moore, the Duke of Danforth—the very man she was once betrothed to! Wishing to know the man she’s to marry, Abigail had called off their sudden engagement. But reunited once more, Benedict seems determined to win her back and make her his Duchess. His method: irresistible seduction…