Cathy Maxwell

The constraints of quiet widowhood have become too much for Lady Caroline Pearson to bear—especially now that her brother-in law has idiotically, and illegally, gambled away her house. Boldly, she confronts the new owner in person. But not only does the dashing rogue, James Ferrington, refuse to return Caroline's deed, he tries to take scandalous advantage of her as well. Sheepish and repentant, James arrives on Caroline's doorstep to make amends— unaware that the young widow and her eccentric aunt are intent on retaliation. James merely meant to seduce a bewitching minx and have done with it—and, suddenly, he's a kidnapped prisoner in Caroline's cellar. But most shocking of all, James realizes that he has no desire whatsoever to be free—for the audacious Caroline has inflamed his senses, destroyed his reason... and completely captured his heart.

Sabrina Davidson, dutiful daughter, avowed spinster, thought she'd secured a place for herself in Aberfeldy society -- until her hard-earned acceptance of her fate is challenged by the arrival of Cormac Enright, earl of Ballin, trained physician, soldier of fortune, and convicted felon who is determined to clear his name.

Searching for a suitable young wife from a good family, the Duke of Baynton instead finds himself drawn to struggling playwright Sarah Pettijohn, an outspoken beauty who, constantly challenging his ducal authority, makes him an offer he cannot refuse if he agrees to back her play.

One of three heiress debutantes who have been on the marriage market longer than ideal, finally meets her match in a penniless earl who would win her love in spite of her resolve to have a marriage in name only.

When her brothers' lives are threatened, Lady Margaret Chattan, who has vowed never to marry in order to break her family's centuries-old curse, teams up with Laird Heath Macnachtan to fight a powerful supernatural foe.

The Seduction of Scandal—the fifth book in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cathy Maxwell’s Scandals and Seduction historical romance series—is a thrilling tale complete with secret identities and runaway brides, a notorious English highwayman and dangerous intrigues…and, of course, wildly passionate love! This is romance, adventure, sensuality, and wit blended to perfection—ideal for fans of Christina Dodd and Victoria Alexander—as a strong-willed hellion fleeing an unwanted arranged marriage is taken captive by a Robin Hood-like criminal...and discovers in his arms just how delightfully seductive scandal can be!

Wanted: One WifePrice: Two Million Dollars Self-made and every inch a bachelor, Sydney entrepreneur Mike Stone has one month to get married—or he'll lose a business deal worth billions! He's confident he can find a bride for the right price....Natalie Fairlane, owner of the Wives Wanted dating agency, is appalled by her new client's proposition! But the fee Mike is willing to pay is very tempting. Plus, offering herself up for the job has nothing to do with how wickedly sexy she finds him.... No, nothing at all!

The distressed traveler Charlotte Cameron, on a rainy Scottish night, encounters the absolutely worst man she could have invited into her carriage! It is Phillip Maddox, the reprehensible Duke of Colster, who brought the full weight of the ton's fury down upon her -- simply because Charlotte encouraged her sister not to wed the powerful peer. And now the seductive devil, responsible for her social ruin, is sitting close enough to kiss...Phillip's distaste for the meddlesome beauty matches Charlotte's -- though, under alternate circumstances, he might have enjoyed sampling the sensuous charms of the tempting young chit. There is grave danger, however, on the journey they now must reluctantly share -- and a nemesis who means them both mortal harm. But can a passion that inconveniently ignites in the face of disaster erase a painful past...and lead two sworn enemies to a most unanticipated destination: the bedchamber?

A bluestocking heiress is wooed for her dowry by a man from a family that her father ruined.

Lady Julia Markham was the toast of London Society -- until an ill-advised attempted elopement ended in betrayal and left her good name in tatters. Now ruined, penniless, and desperate, she has agreed to wed the magnetic and possibly dangerous Brader Wolf. A dashing, phenomenally successful self-made businessman, Brader wants this union to help gain him entry into the drawing rooms of the aristocracy, nothing more. Julia, however, is a woman of rare passion and daring, irresistibly drawn to this enigmatic, infuriating man, and no mere marriage of mutual convenience will do. But how far will the spirited beauty have to go to satisfy a heart that will settle for no less than the love of a lifetime?

She was determined to marry for love, never expecting that her adventures would lead her to a lifetime of passion.The Runaway HeiressLike many a Regency miss, Lyssa Harrell longs for love, but knows her duty lies in marriage. Still, when her father promises her hand to a dissolute but well-connected lord, she does the unthinkable ... she flees to Scotland. Not to Gretna Green, but to her family -- and to the castle where her mother once had been so happy. In this romantic land she will discover her heart's desire.A Man Seeking His FortuneBut she doesn't count on Ian Campion. The ruggedly handsome man has his orders: fetch the runaway daughter home! Ian has a price on his head and a dire need for the reward Lyssa's father offers. Tracking Lyssa down is easy enough, convincing her to return is difficult ... and not seducing her is impossible.And Their Scandalous AdventuresSoon, Lyssa is on the adventure of a lifetime. She has to sleep in the great outdoors, and flee from mysterious attempts on her life. She knows she's ruined in the eyes of society, but she is willing to face true ruin -- and risk everything for the unimaginable passion she finds in Ian's strong arms. And when they return to civilization, the two must confront the most perilous adventure of all ... admitting their unanticipated love.

Lyon's Bride (The Chattan Curse #1) by Cathy Maxwell (Goodreads Author) 3.72 · Rating details · 930 ratings · 137 reviews "When a Chattan male falls in love, strike his heart with fire from above..." They call him Lord Lyon, proud, determined— and cursed. He is in need of a bride, but if he falls in love, he dies. His fervent hope is that by marrying— and having a son—without love, perhaps he can break the curse's chains forever. Enter beautiful Thea Martin—a duke's headstrong, errant daughter and society's most brilliant matchmaker. Years ago, she and Lyon were inseparable, until he disappeared from her life without a word. Now she is charged with finding Lyon's bride—a woman he cannot love for a man Thea could love too well. (less)

The granddaughter of an earl, Miranda Cameron has had an unconventional upbringing. However, for the sake of her sisters, she must charm the ton, and make a spectacular match. Miranda believes she is prepared for the task ahead -- until she is confronted by Alex Haddon, the renegade son of a British general. Alex has tempted fate to raise himself from a man scorned by society to one with vast wealth and influence. There had been a time when Miranda meant everything to him. His love for her had almost cost him his life. Now, all he sees is a woman willing to sell herself to the highest bidder -- provided the bidder isn't him. What man can resist such a challenge? Miranda enchants London's powerful noblemen, even as she keeps her past a secret. Alex is not immune to her intoxicating sensuality. Scandal, and far worse, is what she must risk for another chance with the man she still loves ... no matter the price.

Blake Stephens is promised to one woman, but discovers his soul stirred by another. Lady Aileen Davidson's reputation was ruined ages ago, which is why she's buried herself in the country, but her fiery spirit and bold beauty threaten to bring Blake to his knees, making him wonder if he has proposed to the wrong lass!

Preoccupied with fighting Napoleon and making love to his mistress, Brian Ranson has ignored his wife since their wedding. But now that he's become the Earl of Wright, he's ready to fetch his bride back to London. He's shocked to find she's become a bold, beautiful woman, exactly the kind he lusts after . . . and she wants nothing to do with him. Gillian, Lady Wright, is desperate to seize the love she's been denied . . . but not with her rakish husband! So she makes a bargain -- for thirty days she'll be the perfect wife, then he'll set her free. But no matter how she hardens her heart against her damnable earl, her body begs her to surrender .

From the book:Monsieur de Manerville, the father, was a worthy Norman gentleman, well known to the Marechael de Richelieu, who married him to one of the richest heiresses of Bordeaux in the days when the old duke reigned in Guienne as governor. The Norman then sold the estate he owned in Bessin, and became a Gascon, allured by the beauty of the chateau de Lanstrac, a delightful residence owned by his wife. During the last days of the reign of Louis XV., he bought the post of major of the Gate Guards, and lived till 1813, having by great good luck escaped the dangers of the Revolution in the following manner. Toward the close of the year, 1790, he went to Martinque, where his wife had interests, leaving the management of his property in Gascogne to an honest man, a notary's clerk, named Mathias, who was inclined to - or at any rate did - give into the new ideas. On his return the Comte de Manerville found his possessions intact and well-managed. This sound result was the fruit produced by grafting the Gascon on the Norman.

"The Demon's Mistress" / Jo Beverley A wealthy widow's proposition to a young officer could prove to be his redemption or his downfall.... "A Man Who Can Dance" / Cathy Maxwell A governess offers lessons in the art of wooing to a studious bachelor--only to fall in love herself with his newfound charm.... "Written in the Stars" / Jaclyn Reding In order to fulfill an ancient family prophecy, a young woman is destined to marry a younger man--or else court disaster.... "Forevermore" / Lauren Royal A sensible woman throws caution to the wind when her fantasy man becomes a flesh-and-blood reality with an offer she can't refuse...