Cirrus@Austlit

'A Lady promised since childhood, now questioning her feelings, a Duke also promised, and questioning his desire for love, a nobleman turned to the sea, now desperately in love, a cousin doubting her own betrothal, a confusion of suitors, an unexpected triumph of love.

'Lady Margaret Caulfield is somewhat spoiled, and newly come out into society, finds that she suddenly doubts everything – about love, and about her future. Promised since childhood to the man who saved her life when she was ten, she had not questioned it – until she met a man at a Masquerade Ball, and immediately fell in love with him.

'Captain Lord Adam Halstone is barely accepted by society, and only then because he is the second son of a Duke – for he has done the inexcusable, and not only invested in trade, but chosen to work as a ship’s Captain. Love is not something that he has considered, yet when he meets a green eyed beauty at a Masquerade Ball, he finds himself utterly in love.

'But Lady Margaret must contend with her uncertain feelings for the Duke she is promised to, who himself is coming to doubt the wisdom of the promise he made eight years before. And matters are complicated by others who would also seek Lady Margaret’s hand, should she cry off from that promise.

'In the end, will love triumph? Or will duty bind each of the players in this tangle to an unhappy future?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A Lady with limited prospects, and an unwanted suitor, a Duke with secret responsibilities, and a passion for protecting the poor, an enemy who plots to kill, an act of unexpected heroism, love found amidst the chaos.

'Lady Linnet Quinton has few prospects for a good marriage - but she most definitely does not want to marry the man her mother is pushing her towards! When she meets the Duke of Grantsham, she finds herself helplessly coming to care for him, inspired by his passion for helping the poor. But... there are some puzzling things about him, things which make her wonder if what he shows to the world is all of the truth.

'Jeremy Starret, the Duke of Grantsham, has a passion for helping those threatened, especially children. With his mother, he sponsors an orphanage - and struggles to get the aristocracy to donate to that cause. But, whilst what the world sees is a rakehell with an odd penchant for charity, the truth of him is far more complex, and not something he is at liberty to reveal to Lady Linnet, no matter how much she is coming to fascinate him.

'When Lady Linnet’s closest friend is taken in by a man whom neither Linnet nor the Duke trusts, will they discover the truth of him, before it is too late?

'Will Lady Linnet find the courage that she has always lacked, when it is most needed? Can the Duke protect her, and still do the duty that he is bound to? Will love triumph?

'Or will death and betrayal steal all hope of love for Lady Linnet, the Duke, and their friends?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A Lord and a Lady promised from birth, an avaricious uncle with plans of his own, an impossible choice which leads to disaster, an unplanned compromise, a love fulfilled despite all opposition.

'Lord Marcus Northam was betrothed to Lady Kathryn Harrington when he was four, and she just born. Always in each other’s company, they grew up, certain of the happiness of their fate together – until he was sent off to school, and a series of misfortunes led to a pivotal moment. On the day that should have been the happiest of his life, Marcus is forced to make an impossible choice – and the consequences of that choice will shatter both of their lives.

'Lady Kathryn Harrington has always loved Lord Marcus, and held no doubt that he would marry her, even in the lonely years after her parents’ deaths, whilst he was away at school. Her faith in him remains intact, until, on what should have been the happiest day of their lives, he disappears, abandoning her.

'Two years later, when Marcus returns to England, everything has changed – he is now the Duke of Weatherly, and Kate has sworn never to forgive him for what he did. But despite everything, they are drawn to each other, unable to deny the love which has always been between them.

'Can Marcus tell Kate the truth of his disappearance, even though it may betray her in another, most likely unforgivable, way? Will Kate forgive Marcus? Or will the chain of past betrayals destroy their hope of a life together?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A Lady abandoned by the man she loves, a Duke determined to prove his worth, a chance meeting, a renewed courtship, lies, misdirection and despair, a triumph of love restored.

'Lady Elizabeth Chartwell has avoided London since her first Season, which ended with the loss of the man she thought the love of her life, and her belief that no man could ever be trusted. But now, her sister has persuaded her to return to London, to be seen in society again. Elizabeth is intent upon enjoying herself, whilst avoiding her sister’s matchmaking attempts, and then retiring to the country again. An excellent plan - which seems far less achievable from the moment that the Duke of Blackstone saves her nephew’s life.

'Gavin Villiers, the Duke of Blackstone, spent his time at university behaving as a rake, well loved within society, and rather irresponsible in all areas of his life - until his father’s death brought him the title, and a moment of painful self-awareness. The decisions he made then have made him a far better man, but at a high price. Those decisions forced him to walk away from the woman he loved. Now back in London after a year of mourning, and two more of travelling, the last thing he expected was to come face to face with her – and to find that the spark between them is as strong as ever.

'When a stolen kiss changes everything, he is forced to act, but the consequences are far reaching, and, with the unexpected appearance of someone from his past, he finds himself on the verge of losing everything he has worked for, everything he cares about, again.

'Can Elizabeth learn to trust again, and seize the love she’d thought irretrievably lost?

'Can Gavin overcome old habits, and prove himself worthy of love?

'Or will the mistakes of the past drive them apart forever?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A Duke who needs a wife, but doesn’t want one; a Lady who needs to marry for money, but would far prefer love; an envious acquaintance, lies, deception and manipulation; a dramatic pursuit of truth; a love reclaimed from the storm.

'Lady Hope Spencer needs to marry well – and as soon as possible. Her father’s untimely death has left her with an impossible burden of debt, an ailing mother, and barely a roof over their heads. The fact that she has never had any confidence at all amongst society is a handicap she must overcome before disaster befalls her. Unfortunately, on attending her first Ball, an unexpected collision with a handsome gentleman sets all of her best intentions awry.

'Xavier Harte, the Duke of Birkchester, needs to marry, to ensure that he gets an heir, and that the title and estates are secured for future generations. But the last thing he wants is to tie himself to a young woman who wants to spend her life in London’s ballrooms and salons – he would prefer a quiet life in the country. When he bumps into a young woman at a crowded Ball, for the first time, interest stirs – for she is so very different from most that he wants to know more of her.

'That first meeting leads to more, but neither Hope nor Xavier know how to go about expressing their feelings. Despite that, it seems that they may come to an arrangement, a marriage which would save Hope and her family. An arrangement which Hope cannot allow to occur, for it would be based on deception, and she will not, now that she is coming to care for Xavier, contemplate such a thing.

'Will Hope find a way to save her family regardless?

'Will Xavier be misled by others, or will he trust his instincts and uncover the truth in time to save their love, and Hope’s family too?

'Can they find their way to true love together, or will guilt, lies and deceptions tear them apart forever?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.