Amanda McCabe

When Margaret Cavendish, one of Elizabeth I's Gentlewomen of the Bedchamber, lost her life in a bungled attempt to kill the Queen, her daughter, Lady Grace, became a protegee to the monarch, who takes her under her wing. Now Grace, a spunky girl who romps through the gardens with the laundry maids and court tumblers and rolls her eyes at her fellow ladies, chronicles the court intrigues that swirl around her. . . .The Royal Court is on its summer travels and Lady Grace is sure something strange is going on. As Queen Elizabeth narrowly escapes a series of mysterious accidents, Grace must investigate just who might be behind the conspiracy. Could it really be one of the Queen's faithful friends--or even her latest suitor?Delve into the daybooke of Lady Grace, Queen Elizabeth's favorite Maid of Honor, to discover a deadly dangerous plot.From the Hardcover edition.

The baseborn daughter of a courtesan and a lord, Marguerite was forced to fend for herself in the dangerous world of the French nobility--as the king's most feared spy.Sent to the court of King Henry of England, Marguerite found polite words and flattery concealed dark passions. Her only friend was her old enemy, the sensually tempting Nicolai Ostrovsky. And their sinful alliance seemed set to turn her from old loyalties to new desires!

"The perfect diplomat's daughter, Mary Manning spent her young life following her father around the world, behaving in the most agreeable way. So stealing a kiss from military hero Sebastian Barrett was most out of character, and a mistake she'll never make again! A mission to Brazil seems the perfect way to escape his tempting emerald eyes. But when he, too, arrives upon the sultry sands of Rio, Mary realizes there's no running from the perfectly wicked way Sebastian makes her feel..."-- Page of cover.

Clio Chase is hoping for a quiet season in Sicily with her family. There, she can forget all about the enigmatic Duke of Averton and the strange effect he has on her. That is until he unexpectedly arrives, shattering her peace and warning her of trouble....The unsettling attraction is still strong between them, despite the secrets they hide. But, as the unknown threat grows, they are thrown together in the most intimate of ways. Clio knows there is only so long she can resist her mysterious duke!

THE AMIABLE MISER (Edith Layton) - This delightful tale has 'Scrooge Jr.' (Alfred Minch, The Amiable Miser) helping his cousin Joy to a capital adventure. Through it, Joy finds what she really wants in her life. A HOME FOR HANNAH (Barbara Metzger) - When Hannah hears that she is about to be thrown out of the orphanage where she lives, she decides to find herself a papa. While walking in a park, Hannah selects a likely sort who turns out to be a penniless gentleman. While her new Papa is trying to figure out how to keep his new offspring, Hannah helps him to find her a new mother. This is a delightfully fun story. A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE (Amanda McCabe) is a really unique story. It allows the elderly Lady Kirkwood to set up a competition to see who will inherit her money (she has buckets of the stuff). Of course Lady Kirkwood isn't above skewing the contest so the right people win! How the game played itself out, however, provided everyone in the neighborhood a Christmas to remember. THE SOLID SILVER CHESS SET (Sandra Heath) was my least favorite of the stories. Elves are rushing around with last minute jobs; Julia and Philip help Bramble Bumblekin (elf) complete his task. This reminded me of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, in which there is a story inside a story. I found that the two subplots diminished the importance of both (romance between Julia and Philip vs. Bramble's big job). I could barely finish this story. NO ROOM IN THE INN (Carla Kelly) is a delightful tale that allows a Regency Mary and Joe to experience a Christmas neither will forget. When a horrific snowstorm stops the progress of a carriage in which Mary (and others) are travelling, they find there is no room for them in the only inn in that locale. Thus, the group must spend a few days in Joe's ramshackle house. Mary and Joe find that it is a wonderful way to spend Christmas.

Emma Bancroft used to pride herself on her sensible nature, but good sense flew out the window during her first season in London! Her reputation and her belief in true love in tatters, she reluctantly returns home to Barton Park. David Marton is trying to live a quiet life--until Emma comes sweeping back. With whispers of scandal all about her, he knows she will never be the right woman for him, but sometimes temptation is just too hard to resist.

A collection of five tantalisingly seductive Regency short stories. NOT JUST A SEDUCTION by Carole Mortimer -The Earl of Chambourne has never forgotten the only woman he’s ever loved. So when he discovers Sylviana is a widow he hungers to possess her once again. AN OFFICER BUT NO GENTLEMAN by Bronwyn Scott - Elowyn Bagshaw is not the simpering lady Captain Grahame Westmore expected to escort to Vienna. He’s got a fight on his hands – one they’re both going to enjoy! ONE NIGHT WITH THE HIGHLANDER by Ann Lethbridge - What is the truth behind Lady Annabelle’s shocking reputation? Gordon McLaughlin is intrigued. And he soon finds one night of illicit pleasure may not be enough… RUNNING INTO TEMPTATION by Amanda McCabe - After narrowly avoiding scandal, Miss Melanie Harding is sent to live in the country. No balls. No parties. And certainly no flirting with dark-eyed strangers like Philip Carrington… HOW TO SEDUCE A SHEIKH by Marguerite Kaye - When Prince Zafar buys Colette at a slave market he intends to send her safely home. But she’s eager to learn the art of love – and this desert prince would make the perfect teacher.

The Golden Feather; The Rules of Love

Anne Percy lived for her secret trysts with Robert, Viscount Langley, heir to a wealthy earldom and star of Queen Elizabeth's court. Only then could she forget her life as a poor orphan at the mercy of her noble relatives and lose herself in the delights of his body. Every time they came together, it was just as passionate and wonderful as their first encounter. But even though Robert seemed to want her as much as she craved him, marriage appeared to be one thing they couldn't share. Now the lovers are reunited at the Queen's Christmas feast—where Robert vows to show Anne they should never be apart...and to give her a very sensual Christmas Eve surprise.

Venice belongs to the mysteries of night, to darkness and deep waters. And so does Julietta Bassano. The beautiful perfumer hides her secrets from the light of day, selling rose water and essence of violet to elegant ladies rather than taking her rightful place in society.Then enters Marc Antonio Velasquez--a fierce sea warrior determined to claim her. Seduced by his powerful masculinity, Julietta begins to let down her defenses.But in the city of masks, plots spiral and form around Marc and Julietta--plots that will endanger their lives and their growing love....