Sarah Mallory
Personal Information
Description
Born in Bristol, England, UK, she grew up telling stories. She would make up adventures to relate to her school friends during break times and lunch hours, and she was once caught scribbling a story instead of listening to the French lesson. As a punishment, her teacher made her translate the story into French! She left school at sixteen and worked in offices as varied as stockbrokers, marine engineers, insurance brokers, biscuit manufacturers and even a quarrying company. She married at nineteen, but continued to work until the birth of her first child. It was at that time that she decided to try her hand at her first love—writing, and shortly after the birth of her daughter she had her first book, Fortune's Lady, published under the pen name of Melinda Hammond. This was quickly followed by two more historical novels, Summer Charade and Autumn Bride, but with the birth of her twin sons the demands of family life meant that writing had to take a backseat for a few years. A compulsive scribbler, she never stopped writing and continued to work on research for her novels, experimenting with contemporary scenarios as well as writing pantomimes for her children's school. In 1989 the family moved to an isolated Pennine farmhouse in West Yorkshire, not far from Brontë country, where the family expanded to include a dog, two gerbils and a dozen chickens. The growing family needed funding and she went back to work full-time. The writing had to be put on hold. Then, in March 2000, Sarah stepped off a curb and landed in hospital with one ankle broken and one badly sprained. This laid her up on a sofa for twelve weeks and gave her the time she needed to finish a novel. She wrote as Melinda Hammond and Maid of Honour was published the same year. Since then she has never looked back. She's published more than a dozen books under this pen name and has won the Reviewers' Choice Award in 2005 from Singletitles.com for Dance for a Diamond. Her novel Gentlemen in Question was a Historical Novel Society Editors' Choice Title in November 2006. In 2012 her novel The Dangerous Lord Darrington won the Love Story of the Year by the Romantic Novelists' Association. She is now concentrating on writing romantic historical adventures for Mills & Boon.
Books
The Scarlet Gown
WHAT IS HE HIDING FROM HER? When impoverished Lucy Halbrook arrives at Lord Adversane's estate she knows her assignment is unusual—not only will she act as hostess at his Midsummer's Eve play, she must also pretend to be his fiancée! What Lucy doesn't know is that Ralph is hiding something dark and dangerous. He must uncover the truth behind his wife's death—and Lucy is the key. She challenges him at every turn and, as each day passes, unlocks a little more of Ralph's guarded heart….
Lady Beneath the Veil
SECRETS AT THE ALTAR… When Gideon Albury lifts his new bride's veil he can't believe his eyes—this dark-haired dab of a girl isn't the blonde beauty he's been courting! Stunned, Gideon resolves to seek an annulment at the earliest opportunity, but to do so he must first make sure Dominique Rainault's virtue stays intact…. Blackmailed into marrying Gideon by her despicable cousin, Dominique is just as keen to keep her distance from her unsettling husband. But despite their good intentions the marital bed beckons—and a stolen kiss could prove to be their undoing!
Never Trust a Rebel
Flirting with danger! Ten years ago, Drew Castlemain fled England, disowned by his family and branded a traitor. So returning to escort his new ward, Elyse Salforde, to her husband-to-be is not only frustrating, it's downright dangerous! Drew is honor-bound to protect Elyse, but when he discovers she is beautiful, intelligent and far too spirited for her own good, that's easier said than done! Drew is in no position to offer her anything, but when every touch is forbidden yet oh-so-delicious, he won't be able to fight temptation for long….
The Wicked Baron
When Luke Ainslowe returns from his lavishly opulent lifestyle in Paris, his reputation as an expert seducer of women precedes him. The ladies of the ton are torn between scandalized outrage and the desire to become mistress to the most dashing rake London has ever known....Innocent Carlotta Durini refuses to become the baron's next conquest. For she lost her heart to Luke once before, and now believes herself impervious to his lethal brand of seduction. But what if the Wicked Baron refuses to take no for an answer?
The Earl's Runaway Bride
Felicity's husband, dashing Major Nathan Carraway, has disappeared into war-torn Spain. Left alone, Felicity discovers a dark secret behind her whirlwind marriage and flees to England. By day she banishes every thought of her husband, but by night she's haunted by memories of their intensely passionate wedding night....Five years on, Felicity has just taken the hand of a dangerously handsome dance partner. She's about to come face-to-face with her commanding husband—back to claim his runaway bride!
Temptation of a Governess
"This will be a battle of wits, madam." Alex Arrandale, Earl of Davenport, is used to getting what he wants. So when he visits Diana Grensham, governess and joint guardian to his wards, and asks her to vacate his property, he is stunned when she refuses! Diana is determined not to bow to Alex's demands. Her whole life, she has believed she is unlovable and worthless, but now, as she and Alex engage in a battle of wills, Diana's confidence blooms. And soon, she finds herself tempted to make a few demands of her own!
A Lady for Lord Randall
"In a time of war... can true love survive? Mary Endacott has no intention of ever surrendering to a man, especially when she meets stubborn yet infuriatingly handsome Lord Randall! But with a major battle fast approaching, normal rules dissolve, and Mary gives herself to him. Justin is renowned for his authority on the battlefield, but Mary is a challenge of a whole new kind! He's determined to seize every moment of happiness while he can, but when the fighting commences, will the promise of Mary's kiss be enough to keep him safe?"-- From back cover.
The Illegitimate Montague
'Be careful who you get close to...' Adam Stratton is a new breed of Regency Man. A hero of Trafalgar, he is now an entrepreneur, rich beyond imagination. Yet all the money in the world can't erase the scandal and shame of his birth. Since childhood, Amber has been the only one to know Adam's true value. And her memories of the housekeeper's son at Castonbury were the only respite from her unhappy marriage. Now a widow, Amber finds her new-found freedom daunting, although the sight of Adam gives her hope. But, despite their simmering attraction, putting their faith in each other may be more dangerous than they had bargained for...
Beneath the Major's Scars
After being shamelessly seduced by a married man, Zelah Pentewan finds her reputation is in tatters. Determined to rise above the gossipmongers, Zelah knows she can rely on no one but herself. But her independence takes a knock when a terrifying stranger must come to her aid. Major Dominic Coale's formidable manner is notorious, but Zelah shows no signs of fear. She doesn't cower at his touch as she begins to get a glimpse of the man behind the scars….
At the Highwayman's Pleasure
CAPTIVATED BY THE DARK RIDER… Embittered by injustice, Ross Durden leads a double life: gentleman farmer by day, roguish highwayman by night. He has sworn to right the wrongs of the past, but danger lurks around every corner—not least when he sets eyes on the beautiful daughter of his sworn enemy. Celebrated actress Charity Weston is no stranger to disguises herself. But when a darkly daring masked man steals a kiss, she is drawn into a web of intrigue even she could never have imagined. (less)
The Duke's Secret Heir
"This, madam, changes everything." Years ago, in the Egyptian desert, Ellen Tatham fell wildly in love and exchanged vows with Max Colnebrooke. But, when made to believe Max could not be trusted, she fled... Now, Max is back in England to take up the reins as Duke of Rossenhall. And when he spies Ellen at a ball, the sparks are hard to contain! Little does Max know, though, that Ellen has a secret... And soon, he must learn to embrace an unexpected heir, and an unexpected--and disconcertingly defiant--duchess!
Brought for Revenge
A Soldier's Return Captain Lucas Blackstone has survived Waterloo and come home uninjured while many of his loyal men have not. His body might be whole and still handsome, but as he returns to the burned-out shell of what was once his family mansion, his soul is dark and troubled. Bright-eyed debutante Annabelle Havenham has no idea her fate is in his hands. His plans to settle old scores could mean her ruin. Is he villain enough to do it? Especially when Annabelle's innocence has started to melt his black heart....