Bøker av Heather Boyd

Lord Jasper Sweet, the often overlooked third son of a duke, is used to disappointment, and learned to rely on no one but himself. Forced to endure a summer at his family's estate, he's planning a little party to pass the time and refill his empty pockets. But his nephew's and their prickly governess, Sophie Radcliffe, remain at the estate too, and he's expecting vast disapproval. He never imagined he'd need the governess' help-and not just because someone left an infant screaming on his bed.Sophie prefers to keep a distance from her employer's rakish brother because it's clear he doesn't like her. But with one glimpse of the shoddy way he's running his secret, scandalous house party-and the child screaming on his bed-it's clear he needs her expertise for both. Sophie never meant to trust another rake with her reputation or the secrets of her past, but Jasper has snuck under her defenses and could steal her heart-if he ever saw her as more than a means to a scandalous end.

Born female, but living the whole of her life as a male, Dane Winston has stumbled into the employ of Lord Stratford, youngest brother of the Duke of Ravenswood. As his valet, she can barely keep the chatty lord on schedule...nor can she keep his hands off her person, once he discovers her true gender. The only thing more surprising than his attention is how much Winston enjoys it. But their dalliance must be short-lived. As she navigates a house party where certain guests are keen to cause trouble for the duke, she discovers trouble of her own in the form of jealous servants...and someone from her past she hoped never to meet again.Lord Stratford Sweet has returned home to find his deceased father has left the duchy in dire financial straits. As he scrambles to help his eldest brother, the new duke, hide the extent of their insolvency from a houseful of guests, he certainly needs no further distractions. But he finds one in the form of his new valet, a man who looks too young, too soft...too good in a pair of breeches. When Stratford discovers her secret, keeping Win in his employ could cause a scandal the likes of which the estate can scarcely afford. But the more he learns about Win, and the uncanny connection they share, it may be a scandal he's willing to endure...forever.A steamy Regency Historical Romance novel

Scandals rarely take place in the center of the ballroom, but on the fringes anything is possible.From the moment George Sweet stole his intended, Roman Crawford has pursued every possible manner of revenge against the nasty scrub. Though he does have his limits. Debauching Sweet's sister, a veritable paragon of vestal goodness, is beyond the pale-yet that is exactly what the lady herself requests. Roman isn't willing or able to refuse when Amity Sweet quite literally begs him to participate in her ruin. But instead of a shy, virtuous flower, Roman finds himself in the arms of a wickedly passionate beauty...who disappears from Town immediately after their tryst.If public humiliation is the only way Amity can escape an arranged marriage to one of her vicious brother's cronies, then it will be on her terms. She enlists the aid of George's greatest enemy, who she's certain will be happy to see her brother brought low by her corruption. But Amity is no fool. She also chose Roman because of his reputation in the bedroom. She expects to find pleasure in her ruin. She does not, however, expect to find Roman Crawford nigh unforgettable. When the pair meet again, their wicked attraction is stronger still, but Amity despairs of falling for a man pining for another, while Roman knows any offer for her hand may further alienate Amity from her family. Neither are aware that their worries may be for naught. That their combined fate-and destiny-may already be sealed.

What's a woman to do when trapped in a storm with a handsome scoundrel?Weary from dodging wandering hands, Yvette Valiant escapes yet another scandalous house party and her brother's dubious protection, fleeing into a snowy landscape, intent on returning home to Bath for Christmas. One stranded coach later, she's rescued by the biggest rogue of them all-her brother's best friend.A scoundrel he may be, but even Luc Ayles is capable of love. What else would have him chasing a woman who seemingly detests the very sight of him? When Yvette foolishly puts her safety and reputation in jeopardy, Luc rushes to her aid, despite knowing his affection is the last gift Yvette could ever want for Christmas.Then again, it's the season of giving...and if Yvette would only give him her heart, it could be the happiest holiday ever.

The banns have been called, the date is set, but he's falling fast and hard for the wrong woman.When her parents announce they intend to break their promise to remain in London society for another year, Charlotte Waters is also given an ultimatum-make a suitable match immediately or start packing her trunks. Since leaving England is the last thing she wants, Charlotte puts aside her foolish longing for love and throws herself into the hunt for any proposal of marriage with the help of her good friends. However, her persistent infatuation for an engaged earl proves a great distraction when it becomes clear that his life is in peril...and Charlotte is the only one who's noticed.Winston Bell, Earl of Hurlston, has his position in society, a loving mother, loyal friends, and an arranged marriage he's willing honor for duty, if not love-until a sweet, brave, and normally blushing wallflower puts herself in danger to save his life. His gratitude slowly blossoms into an attraction to a woman he shouldn't long to seek out at every turn. But when another attempt is made on his life, Charlotte Waters is fighting right by his side again, transforming attraction to deep desire. Can he prevent falling further under the spell of a woman he shouldn't want?

She didn't trust him in her youth, so how can she depend on him now?Widowed a year, Ruby Roper must flee her Scotland home when she discovers her father-in-law plans to marry her off-and keep her only son. Running to her uncle finds her in an equally undesirable situation, surrounded by silent servants and mounting secrets. Very soon, it seems perhaps The Vynes isn't the safe haven Ruby had hoped. After all, the last time she set foot on the estate, she'd lost something dear. This time, she could lose something a great deal more precious...unless she's willing to put her trust in a man she's not seen in years.

A surprising offer... Spinster Sylvia Hillcrest will never marry, but that does not mean she has to ignore the occasional flirtation aimed her way, or the chance to indulge her secret vice in societies best card rooms. When she's suddenly given a fortune to wager, but asked to lose it to one particular family, it's an intriguing challenge too irresistible to pass up. So too is the devilish marquess carelessly flirting with her every chance he gets. ...a secret delight Faced with a situation he cannot solve alone, the Marquess of Wharton designs a masterful scheme to use Miss Hillcrest's hidden talents for cards to pass a small fortune to a desperate friend. His plan, of course, was destined to succeed, and he spends one scandalous night celebrating with the spinster in his bed. They agreed it was just a fling, but what's a marquess to do when he craves so much more? A steamy regency historical romance novel.

In the battle between love and duty, the heart has the most to lose…Despite his previous irksomeness, Lord Julian Wade has become a dear confidant to Portia Hayes. He's proven attentive, honorable, clever, and would make many a lady a fine catch. Not herself, alas. Wade has naught but lint in his pockets, and Portia is expected to make an advantageous match. Her recent betrothal to the Duke of Montrose thrills her parents, but as she learns of his unfavorable reputation-and equally untenable behavior-Portia's happiness is less assured. As is her chance of being loved. Julian Wade may have lost the battle for Portia's hand, but her heart has yet to be won. Certainly his old enemy Montrose is unworthy of her affections, and indeed, it seems the dastardly duke is up to his usual unsavory tricks. But Julian has a few tricks of his own, as well as the support of dear friends. Penniless though he may be, should he win Portia's love once and for all, Julian may yet prove to be the richest gentleman about Town.

Over the years, Melanie Merton has used every trick and ruse to repel overeager gentlemen callers without ever revealing the real reason she won't say yes to an offer of marriage. When neighbor Walter George jumps to her defense against slurs cast by suitor number twelve, he also pries into her past-uncovering the circumstances around a tragic loss in her childhood and her aversion to being touched by anyone. But even protective Walter must be kept at a distance for his own good, because despite a growing attraction between them, Melanie must deny him too.Unlike other men his age in Brighton, Walter George hadn't considered Melanie Merton for a wife because he was convinced he'd never have a chance to impress his haughty neighbor. But that was before he understood her better, before he uncovered why she kept friends and suitors alike at bay. The right husband could restore the woman he sees into some semblance of the fun-loving child of his memory, but would Walter stand a chance or become just another unlucky suitor?

The only person who ever understood what Julia Radley wanted most in life was the man who ruined her reputation and secured her victory in a bold swimming race. She does not hold Valentine Merton accountable for the harsh criticisms made against her character until he suggests the only way to smooth over the scandal of his defeat is to wed as soon as possible.After picking himself up after proposing, Valentine Merton is even more determined to tame the wild girl next door. The future he wants within the clockmaker's guild depends on their speedy marriage. A few sweet words or, as a last resort, another brazen dare is sure to persuade her to take a chance on him… and his family.

Overworked London banker David Hawke has two goals for his week in the seaside town of Brighton: one, recover an overdue debt from a good friend and neighbor and two, relax for the remaining holiday without any further distractions. When his friend's impulsive younger sister barges into his home to beg his aid, he's drawn deeper into her life and scrambling to keep their relationship on a professional level. Abigail Watson may be considered too young to have the cares of the world on her shoulders but her brother is in trouble and she's desperate to help him recover. Despite the impropriety, she appeals to the bachelor next door for an extension on the debt and his help to secure her brother a wealthy wife. However, matchmaking never runs smoothly and falling in love is something neither one counted on.

Rebecca Warner's devotion to her family is the perfect distraction from the loneliness of widowhood. Not that she'd ever admit a need for someone special in her life after her husband's betrayal. With the responsibility of arranging her sister's wedding falling into her lap, Rebecca has no time for a certain maddening earl bent on seducing her-until he proves her most ardent ally. For Adam Croft, Earl of Rafferty, what began as an amusing pursuit-shocking Rebecca Warner-becomes something deeper when he recognizes how perfect a wife and mother she would make. Adam's keenly aware of his loneliness…and that his habit to curb it with drink lost him Becca's respect. He'll happily change his ways to win her approval, but what more can he do to win her love?Saints and Sinners series:Book 1: The Duke and I (Nicolas and Gillian)Book 2: A Gentleman's Vow (Gideon and Jessica)Book 3: An Earl of Her Own (Adam and Rebecca)

She can lose her birthright, but not her heart!Meredith Clark wants no part of her long-ago identity as Rosemary Randall. She's created a more exciting life as the courtesan, Calista, and her newest lover is both intriguing and rugged enough to capture her fancy. But the widowed Earl of Grayling craves more than this woman's dazzling intelligence and fiery passion. He wants her as his mistress, and if she won't agree to that, he'll settle for taking her home as his daughters' governess.Determined never to be tied down to one person or place, Meredith prepares to run again. Yet something deep inside her yearns to stay - until she discovers Constantine's real identity. Now she's faced with the hardest choice of her life. Should she trust the man she's coming to love with the secrets of her past, or flee to save them both from an even greater heartbreak?The Wild Randalls Series Book 1: Engaging the Enemy (Leopold and Mercy)Book 2: Forsaking the Prize (Tobias and Blythe)Book 3: Guarding the Spoils (Oliver and Elizabeth)Book 4: Hunting the Hero (Constantine and Rosemary)

Elizabeth Turner once loved Oliver Randall, but was blind to his desire to travel without the encumbrance of a wife weighing him down. When she learned the truth, Beth settled for the security of a loveless marriage. Now a widow with a son to support, desperation has driven her into service at Romsey Abbey and directly into the path of the man she'd loved and lost.Oliver has no intention of letting his dream of travel slip away again, even for a pretty face from his past. Since his return to the abbey, he's planned a grand tour to the continent even while examining the astonishing emotional changes a decade apart from his brothers has wrought. The last thing Oliver wanted was stronger ties to the people living at Romsey. But then fate offers him both an affair and an unexpected friendship. Is it curiosity alone that stirs him, or the beginning of an unexpected adventure?The Wild Randalls Series Book 1: Engaging the Enemy (Leopold and Mercy)Book 2: Forsaking the Prize (Tobias and Blythe)Book 3: Guarding the Spoils (Oliver and Elizabeth)Book 4: Hunting the Hero (Constantine and Rosemary)

She was a faithful widow until…Abducted at fourteen and sent away to sea, rough and ready sailor Tobias Randall endured exile and cruelty only to have his plans for revenge crumble. He may have made a terrible first impression upon his return to Romsey Abbey, but he has a plan to reclaim his place-he'll marry quickly and marry a woman of wealth. Yet the perils of life at sea are nothing compared to the danger of attempting polite conversation with a proper lady.… he reawakened her heartBlythe, Lady Venables, may be revered as a faithful, proper widow, but a cruel misunderstanding has placed her sanity in doubt. Determined to clear her name, she forms an uneasy truce with the wildest Randall of all, Tobias-a man shamelessly willing to seduce her-to uncover the mystery plaguing Romsey Abbey. With doubts and fears against them, Tobias and Blythe each venture into uncharted territory - love and scandal.Wild Randalls Series Book 1: Engaging the Enemy (Leopold and Mercy)Book 2: Forsaking the Prize (Tobias and Blythe)Book 3: Guarding the Spoils (Oliver and Elizabeth)Book 4: Hunting the Hero (Constantine and Rosemary)

A lady should be the image of elegance and calm, but those words have never applied to Mercy, Duchess of Romsey. A widow and mother, Mercy is lonely and floundering to keep the estate afloat. When she discovers the existence of Leopold Randall, her husband's estranged cousin, Mercy immediately offers to help him locate his missing siblings if he helps her return the estate to order.Leopold has returned to Hampshire for only one purpose-to learn the fate of his missing siblings. Unfortunately, the current duchess is clueless and out of her depth. Her struggle tugs at Leopold's sense of duty and her bold nature tempts him unbearably. When Leopold discovers their lives are forever entwined, he vows to protect Mercy and her innocent son.Wild Randalls Series Book 1: Engaging the Enemy (Leopold and Mercy)Book 2: Forsaking the Prize (Tobias and Blythe)Book 3: Guarding the Spoils (Oliver and Elizabeth)Book 4: Hunting the Hero (Constantine and Rosemary)

Husband. Father. Son. Earl. Rupert Manning has thoroughly lost his way. Already resigned to a loveless marriage, he never expected that to be taken away from him too when his wife is murdered. Implicated her death unless he can clear his name, he's determined to uncover her murderer and the secrets of her life-so that he too might be free to live the life he should have fought for. Five years ago Angelo Marinari limped away from his life gravely wounded and hid from everyone he'd ever known and loved. Now earning his way as a fighter and entertainer, Angelo is resigned to his life until fate lands the love of his life at his feet-bloody and beaten and breathtakingly defiant. Saving Lord Bracknell complicates everything but is he strong enough to abandon the earl twice when he and his son are in grave danger?

On the surface, Raphael has everything he needs: good friends, a title, and membership to the decadent Hunt Club where forbidden pleasure can be had at a moments notice. Pretending is not what he wants. Expectations by family and friends keep his feelings for Lord Claymore at bay. When his best friend returns to London in a black mood, Rafe sets out to cheer him up and make Claymore's upcoming birthday an event to remember.Shaken and uneasy of his growing attraction to men, James has reached an uncomfortable crossroads in his well-ordered, respectable life. Plans to end his torment on his birthday are mere days away. However, his intention to explore forbidden passion just once comes unstuck. Can James follow through with his well-reasoned, sensible decision when a man who knows what he wants, needs him too?

The Duke of Staines has the worst luck in wives and lovers. A widow for fifteen years, Ambrose is busy running his gentleman's club, snatches pleasure from transient lovers, and relies on Francis Redding to provide intelligent companionship between social engagements. There is only one problem with his relationship with Redding; the man would make the perfect lover, if only he wasn't a dependant servant.Life-long footman to the Duke of Staines, Francis Redding, is hardly a stranger to the disappointment of unreachable dreams or the duke's unorthodox love life. He's lived in the duke's shadow for most of his life, trained as a surgeon at his request, too, and has all too frequently kept the duke out of trouble. It's not a bad life for a farmer's son, until the duke's luck runs out.

The trappings of wealth and power give Aiden Banks, Duke of Lewes, little joy and certainly no pleasure. Tormented by grave mistakes he made in the past, he's learned control of his temper at great personal cost, finally shouldering the blame that he has lost the only man he had ever loved through his own actions. His only remaining goal is to educate his young heir to take his place as duke and then he will be free of his responsibilities. Terrance Bridgewater has freedom at long last with no one to slow down his pursuit of reckless adventure. In London briefly en route to a ship bound for the continent, brings him face to face with his past. Running into the dark and dangerous Duke of Lewes is a complication he'd hoped to avoid. Despite his mistrust, the volatile duke's plea for a second chance tempts Terrance to lower his guard but on his terms only. Yet what can come of two souls with nothing in common but lies, opposing desires, and with far different futures ahead?

When the Duke of Byworth's empty marriage is threatened by a fellow duke he is naturally aggrieved. Nathan cannot allow the potentially damaging contents of his wife's diary to reveal the depths of their estrangement because exposure of his secret dalliances with other men would taint his innocent children's lives. Not to mention end his life. So, without revealing his mission to his steward, Henry Stackpool, a man he trusts for everything else, Nathan undertakes to steal the diary back alone.Former pickpocket and molly house whore, Henry Stackpool, works hard to keep his position as right hand to a moral man, the Duke of Byworth, but he fears his kind hearted employer is ill-equipped for a confrontation with his unstable opponent. Yet Henry cannot reveal his knowledge of the threat without exposing the secrets of his past or his keen interest in Byworth's safety. So when fate places Henry in harms way, he risks his hard won reputation to retrieve the diary. Yet he too is held captive, and when Byworth comes to his rescue his lies are revealed. Can Byworth forgive him for his deception and will Henry keep the country life he's grown to love?