The Rakes Series by Anita Mills

When Elinor Ashton's debt-ridden father forces her into a loveless marriage with the elderly but enormously wealthy Lord Kingsley, she becomes the unhappiest bride of London society... and the property of a man whose jealousy leads him to concoct an unspeakable scheme... moreWhen Elinor Ashton's debt-ridden father forces her into a loveless marriage with the elderly but enormously wealthy Lord Kingsley, she becomes the unhappiest bride of London society... and the property of a man whose jealousy leads him to concoct an unspeakable scheme. Lucien de Clare is Regency England's handsomest and most brazen lord, a man whose scandalous behavior had closed the doors of polite society against him, making him the perfect pawn in Kingsley's despicable plot to secure an heir. But the scenario for deceitful seduction yields to true desire, as Lucien is overcome by Elinor's beauty and charm...and as Elinor opened her innocent heart to Lucien's demanding passion, releasing a rush of excitement, terror, and longing. And not even treacherous intrigue and vengeful deeds can temper the power of their hungry kisses...or dampen the fire that makes their love glow. less

Betrayed in a foreign land, one woman desperately attempts to return home in the sequel to AUTUMN RAIN. Never thought to be particularly pretty, Englishwoman Katherine Winsteady is flattered and overwhelmed by the attentions of the Russian Count Alexei Volsky and his sister Galena. When the Count proposes marriage, Kate thinks her dreams have come true, and readily accepts. Isolated in the Count’s frozen Russian estate, Kate quickly learns she is pregnant with the Count’s child... moreBetrayed in a foreign land, one woman desperately attempts to return home in the sequel to AUTUMN RAIN. Never thought to be particularly pretty, Englishwoman Katherine Winsteady is flattered and overwhelmed by the attentions of the Russian Count Alexei Volsky and his sister Galena. When the Count proposes marriage, Kate thinks her dreams have come true, and readily accepts. Isolated in the Count’s frozen Russian estate, Kate quickly learns she is pregnant with the Count’s child. The celebration is short lived as Kate discovers with horror her part in an elaborate plot for an heir, and the true relationship between the Count and his sister. Driven to flee in the Russian winter, Kate turns to the rakish Viscount Townsend, a family friend who has been hiding in Russia while contemplating his return to England. After bearing such a dark betrayal, will Kate’s heart ever feel warmth again? less

This tale of love, suspense, and mystery in Regency England features “a refreshingly different hero and heroine” (Publishers Weekly).   After her wealthy merchant father is accused of murder, Elise Rand goes to the only person she knows who can help: Patrick Hamilton, Regency London’s most brilliant trial lawyer. But no amount of cash will convince Patrick to take on what appears to be a doomed case... moreThis tale of love, suspense, and mystery in Regency England features “a refreshingly different hero and heroine” (Publishers Weekly).   After her wealthy merchant father is accused of murder, Elise Rand goes to the only person she knows who can help: Patrick Hamilton, Regency London’s most brilliant trial lawyer. But no amount of cash will convince Patrick to take on what appears to be a doomed case.   So a desperate Elise is forced to put her reputation, her sanity, and her heart on the line when she offers a very different method of payment for his legal services: herself . . .   “Mills does the historical romance genre proud with her latest offering. Tautly written and packed with suspense, the plot moves along at a brisk pace while engaging the reader in the moving love story of a refreshingly different hero and heroine . . . With a talent for evoking period atmosphere and her knowledge of the Regency underworld, Mills nips at the heels of Anne Perry’s Victorian novels of crime and suspense.” —Publishers Weekly   “An insightful and unusual historical that focuses not only on the glittering decadence of Regency upper-class society but also on its sinister criminal elements. Nicely drawn characters, a complex plot, and well-handled language contribute to this satisfying romance.” —Library Journal less