Regency Classics: Alphabet Series Series by Kasey Michaels

PRIDE'S CHALLENGE When Amanda Boynton made her entrance at the opening of Almack's, the ladies gasped and the gentlemen gaped. And towering over the startled assembly, Jared Delaney stood transfixed. Accustomed to the giddy young ladies who twittered and swooned at the sight of him, the dashing lord was captivated from his first glimpse of the high-spirited beauty who mocked him with bold and dancing eyes... morePRIDE'S CHALLENGE When Amanda Boynton made her entrance at the opening of Almack's, the ladies gasped and the gentlemen gaped. And towering over the startled assembly, Jared Delaney stood transfixed. Accustomed to the giddy young ladies who twittered and swooned at the sight of him, the dashing lord was captivated from his first glimpse of the high-spirited beauty who mocked him with bold and dancing eyes. Challenged by her defiance, enchanted by her dazzling smile, London's most eligible bachelor vowed he would tame this Miss Boynton! But the lady had a mind of her own, and when Jared Delaney took her to live at Storm Haven, his ancestral manor, he found that the independence he had seen in her eyes was just a hint of Miss Boynton's spirit. less

A Kasey Michaels Classic Alphabet Regency You’ve heard about them, “those perfect little books” USA TODAY and NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Kasey Michaels penned in the 1980s, known to her many fans as her “Alphabet Regencies.” These are classic Regencies, not Regency historicals, and they center on the foibles of the day, the eccentrics that populated the drawing rooms (and there were many of these silly people, especially when Kasey is the one telling their stories)... moreA Kasey Michaels Classic Alphabet Regency You’ve heard about them, “those perfect little books” USA TODAY and NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Kasey Michaels penned in the 1980s, known to her many fans as her “Alphabet Regencies.” These are classic Regencies, not Regency historicals, and they center on the foibles of the day, the eccentrics that populated the drawing rooms (and there were many of these silly people, especially when Kasey is the one telling their stories). The love scenes fade to black with the reader encouraged to use her or his imagination to fill in the blanks — oh, come on, you know how to do that, right! Classic, traditional Regencies are sophisticated, lighthearted character studies if you will, and a fine introduction to the Regency Era. They’re also a lot of fun. Being Kasey, she didn’t start with the letter A, and then move on to B, C, etc. No, she started with B…and then jumped to T and The Tenacious Miss Tamerlane for her second book. Why? Because nobody told her she couldn’t, that’s why. That’s the beauty of being a writer — when it hits you, it hits you, and you run with it. Tansy Tamerlane hit Kasey like a ton of bricks one day, refusing to be anyone but who she was, refusing any name that ended with A, or even C. That’s the thing about Tansy. She’s tenacious (which is just a short hop to “stubborn,” but nobody ever got anywhere by being a shy, shrinking violet, now did they?). Tansy, left penniless by her late father, has been putting herself out as a governess to other people’s brats for two years when she is somehow caught up in playing chaperone to a distant cousin, the sister of a duke, no less. Ashley Benedict, Duke of Avonall, is a man beleaguered. His grandmother is a terror, his sister a lovely but none-too-bright chit, his valet a superstitious twit, and his aunt Lucinda is … well, different. Singular. Okay, so she’s downright odd. Lucinda Benedict, you see, speaks only in quotes. Other people’s words. Really. And if you think an author can’t have a lot of fun with a character like that, well, you haven’t yet met Aunt Lucinda! In fact, Kasey was so taken with her that Aunt Lucinda went on to appear in THE PLAYFUL LADY PENELOPE, and (as a ghost, no less!) in THE HAUNTED MISS HAMPSHIRE. You’ll notice that Kasey never did buckle down and do the alphabet in order. Too boring by half, as Tansy would have said. Thanks to the wonders of technology, Aunt Lucinda is back, along with Tansy and Ashley, and all the other eccentric characters that make up Kasey’s “rainy day book,” the one she penned during a very trying time in her personal life (see accompanying bio), and a book that has brought a smile and a laugh or twelve to thousands of readers over the years. Indeed, one reviewer wrote Kasey to complain that she had to get off the New York city bus she was riding to work because she was reading Tansy’s story and began to laugh so hard that “people were looking at me funny.” Be sure to search out THE PLAYFUL LADY PENELOPE and THE HAUNTED MISS HAMPSHIRE, and more of Kasey’s Alphabet Regencies, soon available in e-book form. After all, everyone needs a good laugh now and then, right? less

A Kasey Michaels Classic Alphabet Regency . . . . . . . . Affaire de Coeur, on The Rambunctious Lady Royston: “Once again Kasey Michaels presents us with all of what is best in regency romance and a wonderful example of why its fans are legion.” . . . . . . . . Zachary St. John, Earl of Royston, didn’t know he was looking for a wife when he encountered Miss Samantha Ardsley... moreA Kasey Michaels Classic Alphabet Regency . . . . . . . . Affaire de Coeur, on The Rambunctious Lady Royston: “Once again Kasey Michaels presents us with all of what is best in regency romance and a wonderful example of why its fans are legion.” . . . . . . . . Zachary St. John, Earl of Royston, didn’t know he was looking for a wife when he encountered Miss Samantha Ardsley. He didn’t even know he had encountered Miss Ardsley, for the cheeky thing was dressed in her brother’s clothes at the time, and calling herself Samuel Smythe-Wright. . . . . . . . . She didn’t care about Zachary’s title or consequence, or even his devilish good looks — and she certainly didn’t wish to be married to him. But married to him she was, because she amused him, he said, and because he needed an heir. . . . . . . . . What neither of them expected was to tumble into love. . . . . . . . . An Excerpt: A Curious Proposal: "As my friends, such as they are, will tell you, I am a very unlikable man. I am hated or endured for my politics—depending upon your leanings—work and play hard as is my wont, and take what I desire when I see it. Yet, as I said, I’m bored with my existence. In fact, the only emotion I have felt since the grief engendered by my brother's death was my extreme annoyance with you yesterday. Today you have amused me, my second voyage into this phenomenon called emotion in two days. I have astonished myself. I look at you and I am already assured you would never bore me, or at least not for some time. Therefore it would seem my first problem is solved.” There was really nothing to say to that, so Samantha, believing she was for once in her life behaving prudently, said nothing. "Strangely, solving the first problem also solves the second. You’re young in years, but not that young, and probably haven’t been young in most ways in a decade, at least where it counts. Therefore, I shall approach your father this afternoon for your hand. The wedding shall take place before the month is out. I like things to be neat, don't you?" Samantha jumped to her feet. "You’re out of your mind!" she accused shrilly. "That had occurred to me, Sam." He started towards the door. "And close your mouth. It makes you look simple-minded, and that’s the one thing I know you are not." "My name is Samantha," she shouted at his retreating back. "And I wouldn't marry you if you came wrapped up in priceless gold chains and were next in line for the throne." He turned towards her and smiled. "Really? I don't know of another woman in England who would cast me aside so quickly. I hope you never come to love me, for you would lose all your fire." . . . . . . . . less

A Kasey Michaels Classic Alphabet Regency . . . . . . . . RITA winner! RITA winner! The companion book to THE BELLIGERENT MISS BOYNTON, here is THE LURID LADY LOCKPORT, the Romance Writers Of America’s RITA winner for Best Regency Romance in 1984, as well as the recipient of the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice award for Best Regency Comedy of the Year. . . . . . . . moreA Kasey Michaels Classic Alphabet Regency . . . . . . . . RITA winner! RITA winner! The companion book to THE BELLIGERENT MISS BOYNTON, here is THE LURID LADY LOCKPORT, the Romance Writers Of America’s RITA winner for Best Regency Romance in 1984, as well as the recipient of the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice award for Best Regency Comedy of the Year. . . . . . . . . Kevin Rawling (first encountered in The Belligerent Miss Boynton), is finally the Earl of Lockport, now that his eccentric and reclusive uncle has at last stuck his spoon in the wall. But when Kevin goes to inspect his country estate, he finds that he has inherited more than a huge, ramshackle old mansion. . . . . . . . . Gilly Fortune grew up as a servant on the estate, the bastard child of the late earl, and she’s none too thrilled to see Kevin come riding up to the door. . . . . . . . . Neither of them are happy to learn the conditions of the late earl’s will, that has a lot to do with the two near combatants marrying in order to release estate funds badly needed by Kevin … and then there’s this business about a hidden fortune. . . . . . . . . But all of this pales when Kevin and Gilly begin to realize that there’s more between them than either could have supposed … . . . . . . . . An Excerpt: For better or worse … and everything in between: Kevin found the girl quite easily, hidden out in a small back room he had sat himself in earlier that day to contemplate his future. It was a depressing room, but not quite so oppressive as the Long Library, which wasn't much of an endorsement. There were no drapes at the three long windows, and the sun tried its best to brighten the interior with all the sunlight that could succeed in penetrating the age-old layers of grime on the panes. It wasn't having much luck. In the midst of one patch of this muted brilliance stood the girl who had recently tried to pass herself off as a man-mad hussy. Her atrocious gown was now straight on her shoulders, and all the buttons still on the gown were slipped modestly through their buttonholes. There was not, however, much improvement in the riot of disgustingly disheveled-looking hair that, even tangled and matted as it was, nearly reached to her waist, its mixed colors of red and gold turning into a lurid cloak of blazing orange fire about her head. Titian used just such a shade in his paintings, Kevin could only muse: perhaps once that rat's nest is washed and brushed it will look more like Titian's dream than his nightmare. He shrugged, not blaming himself for his small hope. After all, he knew it was only natural to search for some compensation in this farce he was being forced star in with the unfortunately named Eugenia Fortune. He inspected the remainder of the girl, at least all that he could catalog with her back turned to him. Remembering the glimpse he'd had of Eugenia's small, sadly uninspiring bosom, Kevin decided his bride would never need fear his passion for her body would one day overpower him to the point he would take her regardless of her wishes in the matter. She did have a fairly nice derrière, he admitted ruefully, the small of her back being slightly concave before sloping gently outward into tight, firm buttocks and the promise of slim, straight legs. Face it, old boy, he mocked himself, if she was dumb as a red brick, as ugly as a hedgehog, and twice as fat as Mutter, you'd still wed her. You have no choice, much as you'd like to make yourself believe you would whistle the entire business, lands, fortune, and hidden treasure down the wind if the marriage were altogether aesthetically repugnant. You’re many things, but in this instance, you can’t afford to be a gentleman. . . . . . . . . less

Used Book

She was the toast of London Society...but only a dashing rake knew her wicked secret! The Madness of a Marquess Candie Murphy was the most beautiful girl Tony Betancourt, Marquess of Coniston, had ever seen...and this rakish aristocrat considered himself an expert on lovely women. He certainly expected this one to be grateful after he rescued her scalawag Uncle Max from jail... moreShe was the toast of London Society...but only a dashing rake knew her wicked secret! The Madness of a Marquess Candie Murphy was the most beautiful girl Tony Betancourt, Marquess of Coniston, had ever seen...and this rakish aristocrat considered himself an expert on lovely women. He certainly expected this one to be grateful after he rescued her scalawag Uncle Max from jail. Instead, the cheeky Irish miss heatedly refused his invitation to share his bed! Then the charming Candie Murphy soon became part of the London ton , posing as one of the Donegal Murphys, descendants of kings. For once, Tony had met his match in wit and mischief—and he couldn't resist a wager that could lead him into the arms of the lovely Miss Murphy. A dangerous gamble...for with one sweet Candie kiss he might win his bet—but forever lose his heart! less

Suitor astounded Patrick Sherbourne, eleventh Earl of Wickford, had been unwittingly charmed by the feisty Miss Victoria Quinton. Her bespectacled appearance belied her femme fatale persona -- one he almost dared to covet, until the vixen accused him of her father's murder! Not one to allow his good name to be sullied, Patrick found his only recourse was to aid Victoria in uncovering the real criminal. But the earl had to act fast. For not just his family honor was at stake . . moreSuitor astounded Patrick Sherbourne, eleventh Earl of Wickford, had been unwittingly charmed by the feisty Miss Victoria Quinton. Her bespectacled appearance belied her femme fatale persona -- one he almost dared to covet, until the vixen accused him of her father's murder! Not one to allow his good name to be sullied, Patrick found his only recourse was to aid Victoria in uncovering the real criminal. But the earl had to act fast. For not just his family honor was at stake . . . spending a prolonged period in Victoria's company might mean the end to his beloved bachelorhood. less

A Kasey Michaels Classic Alphabet Regency You’ve heard about them, “those perfect little books” USA TODAY and NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Kasey Michaels penned in the 1980s, known to her many fans as her “Alphabet Regencies.” These are classic Regencies, not Regency historicals, and they center on the foibles of the day, the eccentrics that populated the drawing rooms (and there were many of these silly people, especially when Kasey is the one telling their stories)... moreA Kasey Michaels Classic Alphabet Regency You’ve heard about them, “those perfect little books” USA TODAY and NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Kasey Michaels penned in the 1980s, known to her many fans as her “Alphabet Regencies.” These are classic Regencies, not Regency historicals, and they center on the foibles of the day, the eccentrics that populated the drawing rooms (and there were many of these silly people, especially when Kasey is the one telling their stories). The love scenes fade to black with the reader encouraged to use her or his imagination to fill in the blanks — oh come on, you know how to do that, right! Classic, traditional Regencies are sophisticated, lighthearted character studies if you will, and a fine introduction to the Regency Era. They’re also a lot of fun. Being Kasey, she didn’t start with the letter A, and then move on to B, C, etc. No, she started with B…and then danced up and down the alphabet, in 1988 landing on P, for THE PLAYFUL LADY PENELOPE. Why? Because nobody told her she couldn’t, that’s why. That’s the beauty of being a writer — when it hits you, it hits you, and you run with it. Lady Penelope is a rather singular miss in that she wants nothing to do with a London Season, and nothing to do with marriage. Lucien Kenrick, Earl of Leighton, shares those same sentiments, so when the two are thrown together, there should be no problems, with neither of them in the least marriage-minded. Then again, there’s always that thing about best-laid plans…especially once both, through design and accident, end up residing under the roof of one Lucinda Benedict. Lucinda Benedict, you see, speaks only in quotes. Other people’s words. Really. And if you think an author can’t have a lot of fun with a character like that, well, you haven’t yet met Aunt Lucinda! In fact, Kasey was so taken with her in THE TENACIOUS MISS TAMERLANE that Aunt Lucinda went on to appear not only in THE PLAYFUL LADY PENELOPE, but for a third time (as a ghost, no less!) in THE HAUNTED MISS HAMPSHIRE. Thanks to the wonders of technology, Aunt Lucinda is back, along with Penelope and Lucien, and all the other eccentric characters that make up Kasey’s delightfully farcical THE PLAYFUL LADY PENELOPE, of which Rave Reviews said in 1988: “Ms. Michaels really outdoes herself in this magical concoction of wit, humor and sensitive romance. No wonder her books disappear off the racks at the speed of light – this one will take off like a rocket.” Be sure to search out THE TENACIOUS MISS TAMERLANE and THE HAUNTED MISS HAMPSHIRE, and more of Kasey’s Alphabet Regencies, soon available in e-book form. After all, everyone needs a good laugh now and then, right? Check out all of Kasey’s books — get ready, there are more than 110 of them — at www.kaseymichaels.com less

Harlequin's Reader's Choice program brings back four favorite Regency romances by Kasey Michaels. In this title, Pierre Standish is London's most eligible--and outrageous--bachelor. To prove himself a true gentleman, Pierre must perform a good deed. When he comes upon a damsel lying in the road who has lost her memory, Pierre is certain she is a well-bred lady, and her plight just might ensnare the "ton's" most unattainable rogue.

A Kasey Michaels Alphabet Regency Romance.Wit, wealth, and abundant good looks had turned Pierre Standish into the scourge of London society. But when his father confronted him with the impossible demand that Pierre perform one unselfish deed in order to be considered a true gentleman, the self-assured bachelor was suddenly at an utter loss. Until fate placed a mysterious beauty in his path.He was en route to London. She was lying in the roadway, unable to recall who she was... moreA Kasey Michaels Alphabet Regency Romance.Wit, wealth, and abundant good looks had turned Pierre Standish into the scourge of London society. But when his father confronted him with the impossible demand that Pierre perform one unselfish deed in order to be considered a true gentleman, the self-assured bachelor was suddenly at an utter loss. Until fate placed a mysterious beauty in his path.He was en route to London. She was lying in the roadway, unable to recall who she was. Pierre couldn't believe his luck. He revived the young woman, christened her Caroline Addams, and carried her back to his country estate. Intending only to turn her into his good deed, he never dreamed that her fiery temper would confound him, that her true identity would astound him ...or that she would be the one woman to tame his adventurous heart.Kasey Michaels Alphabet Regency Romance The Belligerent Miss BoyntonThe Tenacious Miss TamerlaneThe Rambunctious Lady RoystonThe Lurid Lady LockportThe Savage Miss SaxonThe Questioning Miss QuintonThe Mischievous Miss MurphyThe Playful Lady PenelopeThe Anonymous Miss AddamsMoonlight MasqueradeThe Dubious Miss DalrympleA Difficult DisguiseThe Chaotic Miss CrispinoThe Somerville FarceThe Haunted Miss HampshireThe Wagered Miss WinslowNine Brides and One A Regency Novella DuoThanks for reading! less

Harlequin's Reader's Choice program brings back four favorite Regency romances by Kasey Michaels. Forced to assume a false identity, "John Bates" travels to the Ear of Hythe's home to uncover a murderous plot. There, he finds Elinor Dalrymple, sister to the earl and mistress of the estate. Dismissing her as a spinster at first, John realizes this feisty damsel is dubious of his devilish rogue persona.

A CALAMITOUS COUPLE Returning Baron Dugdale's long-lost granddaughter to Brighton seems a lark to haughty Valerian Fitzhugh until he locates the stunning if somewhat irascible Allegra Crispino in a rundown Florence pensione. Here, to his great chagrin, is no Mayfair tea rose--but a volatile beauty with blazing sapphire eyes, a theatrical temper ... and garlic sausages stuffed in her bodice! To Valerian, the miss is a minx. To Allegra, her chaperon is a handsome prig... moreA CALAMITOUS COUPLE Returning Baron Dugdale's long-lost granddaughter to Brighton seems a lark to haughty Valerian Fitzhugh until he locates the stunning if somewhat irascible Allegra Crispino in a rundown Florence pensione. Here, to his great chagrin, is no Mayfair tea rose--but a volatile beauty with blazing sapphire eyes, a theatrical temper ... and garlic sausages stuffed in her bodice! To Valerian, the miss is a minx. To Allegra, her chaperon is a handsome prig. He bemoans her acquaintance, she fumes at his airs. But back in England, Allegra blossoms gloriously... and is shocked when her high-handed escort brazenly steals a kiss. Do the sparks that fly between them mask something far more gentle and tender? Could it possibly be love? less

Even death does not put an end to the meddlesome ways of matchmaker Lucinda Benedict, whose spirit is trying desperately to make her poverty-stricken niece Cassandra fall in love with the man she loathes, the Earl of Hawdedon.

Spinster Rosalind Winslow is shocked to learn that her brother has gambled away their father's land and she is now forced to share the family estate with Beau Remington, a charming but uncouth man.