Reluctant Grooms Series by Anne Gallagher

Someone is trying to kill Lady Penelope Leighton’s father, and now the fiend has turned his sights on her. Frightened, she flees London masquerading as a traveling companion for her elderly aunt. When William Smith, the Earl of Westerly, arrives in London to a hero’s welcome he does not want, he takes the stewardship at his cousin’s manor in Wakefield-by-the-Sea to escape. He is more than surprised when he meets the mysterious Miss Penny Higgins residing there with a persnickety duchess... moreSomeone is trying to kill Lady Penelope Leighton’s father, and now the fiend has turned his sights on her. Frightened, she flees London masquerading as a traveling companion for her elderly aunt. When William Smith, the Earl of Westerly, arrives in London to a hero’s welcome he does not want, he takes the stewardship at his cousin’s manor in Wakefield-by-the-Sea to escape. He is more than surprised when he meets the mysterious Miss Penny Higgins residing there with a persnickety duchess. Miss Higgins’ unfathomable beauty and stunning intellect are in direct contrast to her dowdy clothes and recurring stutter. William discerns the ladies are in trouble, it’s obvious they are in hiding, and William means to find out why, but no one is talking. Before either of them realizes it, they’ve lost their hearts – Penny to a man who she thinks is a steward, and William to a woman destined for a duke. After Penny’s true identity and reason for hiding are revealed to William, he immediately engages his friends in a campaign to help catch the blackguard who threatens her. However, upon their return to London, a confounding chain of events leads them right into the villain’s trap. Can William save her before it’s too late? less

Decorated war hero, Captain Richard Gaines has given up his commission in the Royal Navy. He stalks the docks at night seeking relief from the nightmares of Trafalgar. One night, he happens upon a woman who captures his attention, and his heart. In a series of random coincidences, Richard is compelled toward Mrs. Wood, just as circumstantial evidence suggests that Mr. Wood may be a seditionist... moreDecorated war hero, Captain Richard Gaines has given up his commission in the Royal Navy. He stalks the docks at night seeking relief from the nightmares of Trafalgar. One night, he happens upon a woman who captures his attention, and his heart. In a series of random coincidences, Richard is compelled toward Mrs. Wood, just as circumstantial evidence suggests that Mr. Wood may be a seditionist. Returning to England after a decade away, Amanda Wood is on a mission to save herself and her daughter from the prison of her marriage. Meeting the Captain seems heaven sent when he reveals an acquaintance with her only friend and brings an invitation for a visit – and a chance to escape. Her joy is short-lived when her husband insists on going with her. The situation takes a grievous turn when Amanda’s husband kidnaps their daughter. Richard must save her, but to do that he must engage the enemy at sea. And it appears Amanda’s husband may be a nefarious pirate. With limited armaments and a damaged vessel, Richard knows he has only one chance to rescue the little girl. When the battle is over, to the victor, go the spoils. Yet, Richard must overcome his tormented past, in order to begin a future with the woman he loves. However, Amanda holds a secret that could destroy that very same future. less

Lady Violet Flowers has only one Season to find a husband. Raised in the Queen’s household, Violet is elevated in rank, yet overlooked by society for having no dowry. Violet is petrified she’ll bring disgrace to her mother’s name in not making a good match, if any. The widowed Marquess of Haverlane needs to find the perfect nanny for his beloved daughter, Jane... moreLady Violet Flowers has only one Season to find a husband. Raised in the Queen’s household, Violet is elevated in rank, yet overlooked by society for having no dowry. Violet is petrified she’ll bring disgrace to her mother’s name in not making a good match, if any. The widowed Marquess of Haverlane needs to find the perfect nanny for his beloved daughter, Jane. Fortunate for Haverlane, when the very plump, but very pretty Lady Violet rescues Jane from almost drowning, the solution to his problem stands before him. Ensconced at his country estate, Haverlane and Violet’s only means of communication is through correspondence, which leads to an amiable affection. Unwilling to think of Violet as more than a nanny, a surprising Christmas kiss compels Haverlane to look at her in a whole new light, and she at him. However, Parliamentary demands made upon his time keep them both a safe distance from temptation. As the Season begins, an old flame emerges from Haverlane’s past and attempts to rekindle that fire. Violet is bereft and knows things cannot remain as they are. She accepts an offer for her hand, even though Haverlane is the only one she wants. By the time Haverlane realizes Violet is the woman he has been waiting for, not only for himself, but for his daughter as well, it may be too late. Haverlane must now do what Violet has dreaded most – bring scandal to her mother’s house to try to win her back. less

Rich, titled, and handsome, Viscount Winsbarren has been wandering through Society searching for a wife for the last ten years. His fumbling and bumbling ways have left him without any options when it comes to matrimony. Women in Society would rather marry his seventy year old father than him. When Lady Penny takes up his cause and offers to place an ad in the Ladies Gazette, Winsbarren realizes this is his last chance to find a wife... moreRich, titled, and handsome, Viscount Winsbarren has been wandering through Society searching for a wife for the last ten years. His fumbling and bumbling ways have left him without any options when it comes to matrimony. Women in Society would rather marry his seventy year old father than him. When Lady Penny takes up his cause and offers to place an ad in the Ladies Gazette, Winsbarren realizes this is his last chance to find a wife. Of the two hundred women that answered the ad, only five meet Winsbarren's standards. After meeting four of those women, Winsbarren is about to give up, but Lady Penny convinces him this last woman will be perfect. She is, and was right under his nose the whole time, but can Winsbarren accept she is not who she says she is? less

A simple trip to the Scottish Highlands turns into a nightmare for Robert Carlton, the Duke of Cantin. A misunderstood act of kindness results in his wedding, at gunpoint, to Fiona, the Laird Stewart’s daughter. Both Robert and Fiona are distraught by the forced marriage, until Robert comes up with a plan – they will remain married for six months, after which, the marriage will be annulled and Fiona will receive a generous settlement... moreA simple trip to the Scottish Highlands turns into a nightmare for Robert Carlton, the Duke of Cantin. A misunderstood act of kindness results in his wedding, at gunpoint, to Fiona, the Laird Stewart’s daughter. Both Robert and Fiona are distraught by the forced marriage, until Robert comes up with a plan – they will remain married for six months, after which, the marriage will be annulled and Fiona will receive a generous settlement. Robert’s restrictive contract for his new duchess causes Fiona to rebel. Her impeccable beauty, fiery disposition, and her penchant for finding scandal wherever she goes, take Society by storm, and living with the oppressive duke has her wanting out of their marriage sooner than the proposed six months. To his astonishment, Robert becomes enamored with the many charms of his unorthodox bride. However, remaining chaste was part of their agreement, though desire and jealousy prove a powerful aphrodisiac. Convincing Fiona of his love is the hardest thing Robert has ever had to do. But when he thinks he’s won her heart, a devastating secret from his past surfaces. Will the promise of an uncertain future with Robert be enough to keep Fiona from filing divorce papers of her own? less

*New Edition* 23 March 13 In this novella, Lord Randolph Remington Culpepper, Earl of Greenleigh, is known in Society as "The Boring Earl." His conversations rarely stray from the topic of Renaissance art or Etruscan statuary. He longs for something "more" yet cannot define it. Until he meets the ravishing Lady Illora Ryder. Young, beautiful, and dangerous, Illora could expose Greenleigh's secret life as an undercover operative for the Foreign Office... more*New Edition* 23 March 13 In this novella, Lord Randolph Remington Culpepper, Earl of Greenleigh, is known in Society as "The Boring Earl." His conversations rarely stray from the topic of Renaissance art or Etruscan statuary. He longs for something "more" yet cannot define it. Until he meets the ravishing Lady Illora Ryder. Young, beautiful, and dangerous, Illora could expose Greenleigh's secret life as an undercover operative for the Foreign Office. As the daughter of the Earl of Harrowby, (the third most powerful man in the British government), she knows more about diplomacy and foreign affairs than the Secretary who sits behind the desk. When Greenleigh receives a posh assignment as conciliatory diplomat to the Russian Embassy, he thinks his life of midnight raids, and back door espionage finally over. However, an old nemesis appears and Greenleigh finds he and Lady Ryder are merely pawns in the game played among the allies and Bonaparte for control of the Continent. As the two grow closer, Greenleigh knows Lady Ryder holds the key piece of information that will sway the Russians to their side. When a deadly French spy bent on revenge kidnaps her, Greenleigh must expose himself, not only to the enemy, but to Society as well. Can he save her before it's too late? less

When an urgent letter arrives in Caithness, Gregory Scott, the Earl of Bailey hurries to London believing his dearest relation is on her deathbed. Rory is appalled to find his presence is only needed to play-act as a fake fiancé for a friend of his cousin. After the lady in question marries her true love, Rory is left unoccupied... moreWhen an urgent letter arrives in Caithness, Gregory Scott, the Earl of Bailey hurries to London believing his dearest relation is on her deathbed. Rory is appalled to find his presence is only needed to play-act as a fake fiancé for a friend of his cousin. After the lady in question marries her true love, Rory is left unoccupied. Seeking out an old acquaintance, he discovers Lord Briden nearly penniless, mentally unstable, and entirely dependant upon his spinster daughter for the care and upkeep of their estate at Primrose. The beautiful Lady Rosamund is part hoyden, part bluestocking, part servant. Wanting nothing to do with Society, her uncommon way of life spurs Rory into offering assistance, but Rosamund adamantly refuses. When Rory learns the lecherous lord next door is blackmailing Rosamund, he devises a scheme to help her whether she wants it or not. The idea to find Rosamund a husband goes slightly awry, as Rory doesn’t bargain for falling in love with the enigmatic Lady Rosamund. And when his plan turns up another beau for Rosamund, can Rory let her go? less

*New Edition* 23 March 13 Thomas Merrit, the Earl of Davingdale, wants nothing to do with Society. His fondest wish - to rebuild his dilapidated barn for his newly acquired collection of horses. Until he meets the enigmatic "Miss Ophelia Cummings" who is only in Town for three days. Their paths serendipitously cross twice, and Thomas is drawn to her like no one before. Fate deals a cruel blow on the third day when the chance to see the delightful Miss Cummings is thwarted by mere moments... more*New Edition* 23 March 13 Thomas Merrit, the Earl of Davingdale, wants nothing to do with Society. His fondest wish - to rebuild his dilapidated barn for his newly acquired collection of horses. Until he meets the enigmatic "Miss Ophelia Cummings" who is only in Town for three days. Their paths serendipitously cross twice, and Thomas is drawn to her like no one before. Fate deals a cruel blow on the third day when the chance to see the delightful Miss Cummings is thwarted by mere moments. Thomas will do whatever it takes to discover if what he feels for her is real, but it may be too late. less

*New Edition* 23 March 13 Lady Dorcas Cadoret, secretly engaged these five years to her childhood sweetheart, is overwhelmed with grief when Peter is killed in action only weeks before his commission is over. His brother, Daniel, is very kind, and rumors abound there is more to his attention than just being her guardian angel... more*New Edition* 23 March 13 Lady Dorcas Cadoret, secretly engaged these five years to her childhood sweetheart, is overwhelmed with grief when Peter is killed in action only weeks before his commission is over. His brother, Daniel, is very kind, and rumors abound there is more to his attention than just being her guardian angel. As they share a forbidden kiss, Dorcas thinks it is Peter’s lips upon hers and Daniel is overwrought by feelings he should not be having about his late brother’s fiancée. Can Dorcas find a way to love Daniel for himself? Will Peter’s memory haunt them both forever? less

Lady Olivia Leighton, Duchess of Caymore, has wealth, privilege, and is one of the most powerful women in London. However, since the death of her husband Fitzhugh a decade earlier, Olivia has kept a secret from Society. One, that if discovered, would ruin her. At the Boxing Day Ball, a malicious trick uncovers Olivia’s skeleton. Humiliated, she flees Society – disgraced. As her absence grows longer, enquiries to her whereabouts turn up nothing. Lady Olivia has disappeared.