Lady Lavinia Gillingham prefers rocks and dirt to marriage. Her passion is science, and she’s determined to marry if—and only if—she finds a man who supports her interests and intellect. So far, she’s managed to avoid attention on the Marriage Mart, but when the Duke of Seduction pens anonymous letters singing her praises, she suddenly becomes the toast of the ton and matrimony seems imminent. William Beckett, Marquess of Northam possesses the reputation of a rake but is secretly a romantic. Spurned at sixteen and knowing his sister was victimized by Society, he uses music and poetry to fill the void in his soul. As the Duke of Seduction, he uses his skill to help Lavinia, never anticipating she has no desire for assistance or that she could be the balm he needs. But when she’s on the verge of becoming engaged, can Beck beat back the shadows of the past and open his heart again?

From the author of Lord Haven’s Deception comes a Regency romance celebrating the witty and romantic world that fans of Georgette Heyer have fallen in love with. “Simpson excels at imbuing her realistic characters with subtle depths!”—John Charles, American Library Association Scarred and hardened by the betrayal of his late wife and his latest mistress, the Duke of Alban decides to withdraw from the depressing swirl of London for a trip to the north, where he can visit his beloved aunt and regain the composure that has deserted him. But his hopes for a serene retreat are dashed by the voluptuous beauty of Kittie Douglas, the young widow who serves as his aunt’s companion and stirs a deep longing—and a deep mistrust—within him. Kittie has long heard about the duke’s upstanding character and has imagined him to be a paragon of male virtue, but meeting the man leaves her with a distinctly different impression: though he’s strikingly handsome, his late wife’s duplicity has left him moody, taciturn, and even suspicious of her intentions where his well-to-do aunt is concerned. But perhaps most frustrating is that he’s blind to her own upright nature and tender inclinations, unaware that she harbors a deep wish to soothe his heart and make him whole again. As a war wages within Alban between his inability to trust Kittie and his overwhelming desire to possess her, she struggles to break through his bitter resolve, tempted all the while to abandon him and her hopes for a lasting romance. Until a startling revelation from Alban’s aunt shocks them both into realizing what’s at stake, and forces Alban to recognize that if he’s to have any chance at happiness, he’ll have to open his eyes—and his heart—to Kittie’s true beauty and the promise of unwavering love . . . This book was originally published as The Duke and Mrs. Douglas.

♥ A highwayman who is also a duke…in a kilt! ♥ A close-knit, meddling family ♥ A forced marriage ♥ A treasure hunt ♥ Steamy romance! Another captivating romance featuring New York Times bestselling author Lauren Royal’s “outrageously funny, loyal, compassionate, and unconventional” Chase family! Lady Kendra Chase’s brothers insist it’s high time she wed. But although they’ve presented her with many wealthy, titled suitors, no man has caught her fancy—until her coach is held up by a dashing, mysterious rogue. When she and the scoundrel are caught in a compromising embrace and her overprotective brothers demand they marry, Kendra cannot believe it. Are they really desperate enough to match her with a highwayman? Scottish-born Patrick “Trick” Caldwell is the Duke of Amberley—and also the notorious Black Highwayman, an identity he has assumed in order to avenge past wrongs and serve his king. But his already complicated life becomes positively convoluted when he finds himself compelled to marry a red-headed temptress he’s only just met. Caught in a web of secrets and half-truths, will Trick be forced to choose between his duty to the Crown and the woman who’s destined to steal his heart? PLEASE NOTE: This book was formerly titled “Amber.” BOOK DETAILS A complete, standalone story—no cliffhangers! Series: Chase Family Series, Book 4 Style: Humorous historical romance Length: 118,000 words (about 475 standard pages) Bonus Material: Author’s Note, preview of next book, link to giveaway R-rated Content: Steamy love scenes!* * If you’d prefer to read a Sweet & Clean (kisses only) version of this story, look for “The Duke’s Reluctant Bride” by Lauren Royal & Devon Royal. AWARDS • Top 10 Bestseller on Google Play, Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo • A Booklist Top Ten Romance of the Year • Winner of the Romantic Times K.I.S.S. Award for Best Romantic Hero REVIEWS “A captivating historical romance. Fans of Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series will love Lauren Royal!” —Glynnis Campbell, USA Today Bestselling Author "Lauren Royal sweeps readers up into the 17th century, bringing all the excitement and glamour of the Restoration to life with her colorful characters, vivid backdrop, and passionate romance." —Romantic Times "An impressive talent!" —Publishers Weekly (Forecasted review) "A passionate tale that brings late seventeenth-century England vividly alive...fast-paced and filled with action from the very first page to the climax." —Midwest Book Review CONNECTING BOOKS While A Duke’s Guide to Seducing His Bride can be read as a stand-alone novel, many readers enjoy reading it as part of a series. All of Lauren's books feature Chase family members. Should you wish to read them in chronological order, this is the sequence: Chase Family Series When an Earl Meets a Girl How to Undress a Marquess If You Dared to Love a Laird A Duke’s Guide to Seducing His Bride Never Doubt a Viscount The Scandal of Lord Randal A Gentleman’s Plot to Tie the Knot A Secret Christmas A Chase Family Christmas Chase Family Series: The Regency Tempt Me at Midnight Tempting Juliana The Art of Temptation New in 2022 Alice Betrothed Specially Priced Boxed Sets Chase Family Series: Collection One Chase Family Series: Collection Two Chase Family Series: The Regency Collection ABOUT THE AUTHOR LAUREN ROYAL is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of humorous historical romance. Her “truly enchanting” novels have won many awards including Booklist's “Top 10 Romance of the Year,” and they’ve earned raves from reviewers including Publishers Weekly, who calls her “an impressive talent.” All of Lauren’s books are complete, stand-alone stories, and yet they are also all connected—because they all feature her beloved “outrageously funny, loyal, compassionate, and unconventional” Chase family! Lauren writes steamy historical romance on her own and sweet/clean historical romance with her daughter, Devon Royal. She lives in Southern California with her family, two constantly shedding cats, and a stupendous collection of fuzzy socks. When she's not busy writing, she enjoys singing along (off-key) to Hamilton, dancing (badly), and (wasting time) watching HGTV. CONNECT WITH LAUREN • Want great free and 99¢ books sent to your inbox on select Fridays? Sign up for Lauren's newsletter at: http://royall.ink/Newsletter • Become an honorary Chase cousin (and get a FREE historical cookbook)! Join Lauren's Chase Family Readers Group on Facebook at: facebook.com/groups/ChaseFamilyReaders • To learn about the real people and places in Lauren's books, enter a contest to win jewelry, and see the ever-growing branches of the Chase Family Tree, visit her website at: LaurenRoyal.com

Lady Eleanor Ramsay is the only one who knows the truth about Hart Mackenzie. Once his fiancee, she is the sole woman to whom he could ever pour out his heart. Hart has it all--a dukedom, wealth, power, influence, whatever he desires. Every woman wants him--his seductive skills are legendary. But Hart has sacrificed much to keep his brothers safe, first from their brutal father, and then from the world. He's also suffered loss--his wife, his infant son, and the woman he loved with all his heart though he realized it too late. Now, Eleanor has reappeared on Hart's doorstep, with scandalous nude photographs of Hart taken long ago. Intrigued by the challenge in her blue eyes--and aroused by her charming, no-nonsense determination--Hart wonders if his young love has come to ruin him . . . or save him.

An emotional, rags to riches, temporary governess romance from a New York Times bestselling author: Single father and confirmed bachelor Jack Skeffington is the mastermind behind an international smuggling ring, yet unable to control his rambunctious ten-year-old twins. What he needs is a stern, experienced, no-nonsense governess. What he gets is his business partner’s untouchable sister, whose delectable body Jack yearns to pull close. Mademoiselle Désirée le Duc cannot wait to return to France and regain her lost vineyard. But to do so, she must repay crippling debt. Determined to buy freedom, she accepts temporary employment from an Englishman with a wicked smile and a big… wine cellar. His kisses taste like heaven and his arms feel like home. How can she choose between two families separated by the sea? The 12 Dukes of Christmas is a series of heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. Twelve delightful romances… and plenty of delicious dukes!

Fifteen years ago, a marriage of convenience was arranged between Quentin D'Arby and Vanessa Graham by their respective grandfathers. The union would unite the vast wealth and landholdings of the Graham Heiress and the Duke of Straithe. From a very early age, Vanessa has been trained and educated to be the duchess. Now, as the wedding day fast approaches, she discovers she wants more than a marriage of convenience. Can she break through the barriers guarding the duke's impenetrable heart? Will she ever be able to win his love? EXCERPT: The duke approached the pianoforte and gave a little bow to Vanessa. "Please, be seated," he said, indicating the stool she'd just vacated. He searched through the stack of sheet music and handed her one. "Are you familiar with this piece?" Vanessa sat down and nodded. Speech was impossible; the duke was standing extremely close, and she could feel the warmth of his big body. Her own body tingled in response. How was she ever going to accompany him on the piano without disgracing herself? "Excellent." His arm brushed her shoulder when he reached over and arranged the sheet of music in front of her. Tiny slivers of awareness shot through her bloodstream, making it difficult to breathe. "Are you ready?" The deep voice washed over her like a caress. Straithe gripped her shoulder, and she felt the hot imprint of his fingers through her thin muslin dress. He stayed but a moment, his touch lingering before moving away to stand at the side of the pianoforte. Vanessa pressed her hands to her burning cheeks and tried to catch her breath. Goodness! What in the world was the matter with her? They were only going to perform together to entertain their grandparents. Vanessa scanned the music she was about to play, then glanced at the duke for the sign to begin. He inclined his head, and she plunged into the introduction. As she ran her fingers over the keys, she speedily overcame her fidgets. Losing herself in the music, Vanessa listened as Straithe sang the old love ballad. How easy it would be to pretend the words were meant for her. She peeked at the duke and her eyes collided with his. He held her spellbound, and when he smiled, Vanessa blushed. For that one fleeting moment, she thought that maybe he was singing to her after all. A warm feeling floated through her as she broke eye contact. When her fingers stumbled over several chords, she heard her grandfather harrumph in disapproval. Straithe slowly turned her way, inclined his head ever so slightly and smiled again, all the while continuing to sing. Was the duke offering her encouragement? Could his heart be thawing toward her just a little? KEYWORDS: alpha male, marriage of convenience, virgin, Regency romance, London Season