Edith Layton

Independent and headstrong, Elizabeth of Bredon wants only to become a nun, but her journey to the convent of St. Anne's threatens her choice. It's not the escort of holy friars who tempt her, but the man they are taking to do penance for his many sins. Elizabeth has heard whispers about Prince William's treatment of women—the king's only son is a man well schooled in deception, cruelty and murder—yet she cannot entirely resist his charms.But when the journey takes a treacherous turn, masks of deception fall and there is no safe place but in the wicked prince's arms. With treachery drawing near, they are soon racing against time, murderous revenge...and their own sinful desires.

A WOMAN ABANDONED, A MAN BANISHED AND FAMINE WALKS THE LAND Johanna of Stanrudde, wife of Katel the Spice Merchant, hates the man her father forced her to marry almost as much as she hates the man who years ago stole her heart and her virginity then betrayed her. Forced to abandon Johanna by her father, Robert of Blacklea has never stopped loving her. Now, as famine walks the land, he discovers a plot to destroy her. He returns to Stanrudde, risking all to protect her from certain death. When Johanna learns Katel is at the root of this plot she must choose to either let her husband kill her lover or believe Rob when he vows she has always been his rightful wife. The Graistan Chronicles : Winter's Heat (The Graistan Chronicles, #1) Summer's Storm (The Graistan Chronicles, #2) Spring's Fury (The Graistan Chronicles, #3) Autumn's Flame (The Graistan Chronicles, #4) A Love for all Seasons (The Garistan chronicles, #5); Perfect Poison (The Children of Graistan #05);(The Garistan chronicles, #5.5) Awaken the Sleeping Heart (Children of Graistan Book 1);(The Garistan chronicles, #6)

The job was supposed to be dead easy—hand-deliver some legal papers to billionaire philanthropist Harry Van Dorn's extravagant yacht, get his signature and be done. But Manhattan lawyer Genevieve Spenser soon realizes she's in the wrong place at the wrong time, and that the publicly benevolent playboy has a sick, vicious side. As he tries to make her his plaything for the evening, eager to use and abuse her until he discards her with the rest of his victims, Genevieve must keep her wits if she intends to survive the night.But there's someone else on the ship who knows the true depths of Van Dorn's evil. Peter Jensen is far more than the unassuming personal assistant he pretends to be—he's a secret operative who will stop at nothing to ensure Harry's deadly Rule of Seven terror campaign dies with him. But Genevieve's presence has thrown a wrench into his plans, and now he must decide whether to risk his mission to keep her alive, or allow her to become collateral damage....

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.

Exotic romance with a Christmas spirit. These five stories have happy holiday endings brought about by good ghosts, minor miracles, twists of time, and other kinds of divine intervention which ensure that Christmas turns out the way it should. — Includes: "Ghosts of Christmas Past" by Marilyn Campbell; "Christmas Magic" by Carole Nelson Douglas; "Star Light, Star Bright" by Emma Merritt; "It's a Wonderful Christmas" by Edith Layton; "The Christmas Dove" by Justine Davis. Ghosts of Christmas Past by Marilyn Campbell Charming Christmas spirits assist a small town in bringing its widower mayor and a fiery reporter together for the holiday season. The Crystal Dove by Justine Davis A crystal dove is a harbinger of good fortune for a cynic who doesn't believe in miracles -- even if he receives the woman of his dreams for Christmas. Christmas Magic by Carole Nelson Douglas A Macy's window dresser finds herself altering more than store displays for Christmas when she is transported back to the year 1896 -- where she will help to reunite a family and discover a love that transcends the boundaries of time. It's a Wonderful Christmas by Edith Layton When a beautiful viscountess wishes at a magical well that she'd never been born, an angel comes to her rescue and shows her the true meaning of Christmas. Star Light, Star Bright by Emma Merritt An angel, in the guise of a muse, proves that the Yuletide season is a time for giving when she fulfills and elderly lady's dream of going to heaven -- and sacrifices her chances of becoming an archangel in return for happiness with a handsome architect

Just in time for the season-an anthology of all-new Christmas novellas to warm the heart: Wooing the Wolf; The Dogstar; Lost and Found; Christmas with Dora Davenport; and Christmas Cheer. Penned by some of the best-known Regency authors around, it's the perfect stocking stuffer. Christmas Cheer by Gayle Buck Christmas With Dora Davenport by Nancy Butler The Dogstar by Edith Layton Wooing the Wolf by Barbara Metzger Lost and Found by Andrea Pickens

For Convenience—Or For Real?Rob Leicester's wealth was matched by his arrogance. Initially Caiti found working for the millionaire Australian resort owner tough. But hostility turned to attraction and virginal Caiti gave Rob everything. She was overjoyed when he proposed that they wed.However, Caiti's joy turned to shame when she discovered that Rob had married her purely for reasons of convenience. Her only option was to leave and build a new life elsewhere. But Rob wasn't about to let her go. As soon as an opportunity arose, he was in Caiti's life again, ready to claim her—but, this time, as his wife for real!

A King's Throne at Stake, a Woman's Heart at Risk Handsome adventurer Lucas Lovat was an instrument of the King's will. And the King was Henry VII of England, who would do anything and destroy anyone to keep his hold on the sceptre of power. Beautiful Lady Megan Baswell did not know that Lucas was commanded to use his sensual charms to make her his pawn. Just as he did not dream that she was unlike any other of his countless conquests. But as they played a dangerous game of desire and deception with each other, they were swept up in unexpected passion beyond control…and caught in a tug of war between their opposing loyalties and overwhelming love…

Celebrate the most joyous of seasons with these original stories of holiday romance from five of today's most beloved award-winning Regency authors. Each tale is set on Christmas Eve, capturing the season's true spirit of charity and goodwill, proving time and again why love is the greatest gift of all. This special collection is a perfect present for friends and lovers who find themselves looking forward to the holiday with delicious anticipation, wondering what awaits them under the tree--and under the mistletoe .... Little Miracles – Barbara Metzger Two rodents try to save a church by sharing a secret only they remember, while bringing love and happiness to the vicar and the local lord. Marriage Stakes - Allison Lane Miss Sophie Landess is returning home with her widowed and very pregnant sister when they have a carriage accident and are saved by the Earl of Westlake. Soon, Sophie finds herself helping him finding the right bride after they are invited to stay at his home during the holiday season. The Gift of the Spoons – Nancy Butler A man, desperate to save his son, goes in search of a healer he has heard about, but finds her daughter instead. The enmity between the two is immediate, but she eventually agrees to go and see his son leading to healing the rift between father and son and the developing of warmer feelings between the two.- The Reckless Miss Ripley – Diane Farr A hero finds himself helping Miss Claudia Ripley reach Bath safely. A humorous and warm romance The Christmas Thief – Edith Layton The hero, a former captain in the army, believes to hae lost all his fortune due to an embezzler and tries his best to arrange a happy Christmas for his niece, even if the means stealing a doll or pawning his hat and boots. He also frees his fiancée from their commitment due to his financial situation. but will they have a happily ever after? [Aneca-Goodreads]

A Body BrokenMany times Alexandria Gascoyne has been called upon to nurse forest animals back to health -- but never before have her brothers brought her a wounded man! Though pale and grievously injured, the unconscious nobleman in Alexandria's bed is as striking a male as she has ever seen. But this is a time for tender healing, not for fantasy and dreams that leave an innocent maid flushed and breathless.A Heart RebornAn angel has brought the Earl of Drummond back to life. Her smile is a delight, her touch is ecstasy. Yet freedom-loving Drum knows he must leave the exquisite Alexandria as soon as he is able. Being discovered alone with this stunning country miss could lead to only scandal...or, worse, to matrimony! And Drum dares not expose her to the perils of world. But how can he abandon this incomparable lady who mended his damaged heart -- then conquered it with kindness, passion, and love? C Series: The Cad (C Series, #1) The Choice (C Series, #2) The Challenge (C Series, #3) The Chance (C Series, #4) The Conquest (C Series, #5) To Wed a Stranger (C Series, #6) To Tempt a Bride (C Series, #7)

Though Eve Faraday was beautiful and intelligent, she never expected to be wooed by the devastatingly handsome and utterly charming Aubrey Ashford, the most eligible bachelor in all of London. Skeptical of the sudden attention, she tries hard to avoid temptation, but the alluring Aubrey—and his kisses—prove impossible to resist! She accepts his offer of marriage and moves with him to his ancestral home at Fair Isle. But after such a whirlwind courtship and lightning-quick marriage, Eve begins to wonder if she really knows Aubrey at all. There is something mysterious, something magical and primeval about her new husband . . .Aubrey is not who he appears to be—that much is certain. But his feelings for Eve are true. And only when he reveals his astonishing secret will Eve realize that she and Aubrey might have a chance at a love that will last forever . . .

As Hope Sanderson struggles to fend off her attraction for Keir Carmichael, the man who tried to bargain with her future, Robyn Donald offers another intricate conflict filled with captivating characters, provocative scenes and dark secrets. As ever, her story mixes the grit and glamour of life Down Under with breathless tension.

How does one seduce a bride? Step One: Lay bare her mysteries... Daisy Tanner has taken the ton by storm and Leland Grant, Viscount Haye, wants to know everything about this ravishing, secretive woman who is tempting his friend into marriage. Though his rakish reputation is the stuff of legend, Leland is curiously undone by this exquisite creature who threatens to turn his footloose single life topsy-turvy. Never has he wanted a woman more... Step Two: Strip her of her inhibitions... Having survived a difficult past, Daisy now desires the security of an uncomplicated marriage with some safe, undemanding gentleman. How dare this dashing rogue Lord Haye distract her with his suspicions...and unbalance her with his sensuous promises? If Daisy isn't careful, her scandalous history could become common knowledge. Worse still, she might actually fall in love with this notorious seducer whose touch excites her like nothing has before...

MISTLETOE AND FOLLY (Sandra Heath) Sir Richard Curzon is engaged to young Isabella. During their engagement, Richard has begun to notice some unseemly things about his intended. Geoffrey Hawksworth also wants the lovely Isabella and he decides to do something about it. He concocts a plan to break Isabella from her intended. Geoffrey plans to be there with waiting arms. Richard happens upon his lost love Diana, who married another years before. Although Richard is hostile towards Diana when they meet, he cannot forget her. THE CHRISTMAS CUCKOO (Mary Jo Putney) Although this story is based upon coincidence, the story is good enough to overcome that writer's device. This is a charming story. Major John Howard is a bit drunk when Meg Lambert enters the inn and collects him to take him to her home. Meg's brother (Jeremy) asked her to collect his soldier-friend to spend the holidays with them. Jeremy was detained but would be along soon. Although having the same name as the intended visitor, the Major soon realizes that he is the wrong soldier. However, he is having such a splendid time, he has a hard time telling Meg about the error. Meg refuses to hear his confession'' -- thinking he is confessing to something else. However, everything is explained when Jeremy and Captain John Howard arrive. THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVER ( Mary Balogh) Six year-old Anna has one wish for Christmas - a new Mama. Having watched her mother's die, Anna has not spoken or laughed for three years. Lord Radbrook, her father, is planning to ask Miss Chadwick to marry him; he hopes her happy nature will rub off on Anna. But his tiny daughter has other ideas; she zeroes in on a new visitor, Emma. The reader soon learns that Lord Radbrook and Emma have an unfortunate history; one of which Anna knows nothing. But the heart does not worry about the past, only finding a happy present and future. HOME FOR CHRISTMAS (Melinda McRae) Ashley Sutton is the second son and has been at sea for 16 years. He left home under a cloud but hopes to gain acceptance and rekindle his boyhood dreams of an English Christmas. Because he did not advise his family that he was coming, he arrives at an empty home (the entire family has gone to have Christmas with relatives). The only people still home are several servants and Rose Norris, governess to the children of his older brother. Rose is an orphan and she immediately recognizes what Ashley needs; she helps him create a Christmas at his home before he travels to greet his family at his uncle's home. Lovely. THE DARK MAN (Edith Layton) Eve Swanson, in her first season becomes engaged to the Earl of Poole. When she finds that he has a current mistress (as well as a bevy of other former lovers in the ton), Eve realizes she cannot handle the 'normality' of such behavior. She breaks their engagement and, in disappointment her parent send Eve to the country for New Year. The engagement is off but will the Earl just fade away?

Spirited ladies... dashing gentlemen... notorious rakes... scandalous lovers... all the romance and intrigue of St. Valentine's Day in an exquisitely beautiful collection of stories by five of the most beloved and highly acclaimed Regency authors. Here are delightful tales that capture the unique magic of the most passionate of holidays -- the bittersweet rediscovery of love after heart break, romantic Valentine's Day proposals, precious gifts of love, and dazzling balls and holiday parties where enchanted matches are made. This very special collection brings together five extraordinary talent in all new stories that let you celebrate the warm and wonderful spirit of St. Valentine's Day now and all year round. A TASK FOR CUPID by Carol Proctor A WALTZ AMONG THE STARS by Mary Balogh THE LIGHT WITHIN by Carla Kelly THE MIDSUMMER VALENTINE by Sandra Heath THE LEGACY by Edith Layton

Beloved--or pawn in a game of revenge? Impoverished family of kind hearted Rina Morrison browbeat her into acceoting a proposal of marriage to Lionel Quest, heir to a fantastic castle. She resigned herself to a loveless--though wealthy-- existence in Hungary. She is on her way there when she meets a mysterious stranger on the train who is to change the course of her life. The devastating encounter with the dashing Michael while she was journeying to her wedding ensured an even more heart-wrenching future for her. Now she was betrothed to one man while loving another. But did Michael really love her? In reality he was Miska the Gypsy and his bitterest enemy was Rina's fiance. It was possible that his love for her might very well be hatred.... It then requires all her courage to grasp the wheel of Destiny and find the love and happiness she desires.