A man broken in body and spirit, Cazaril returns to the noble household he once served as page and is named secretary-tutor to the beautiful, strong-willed sister of the impetuous boy who is next in line to rule. It is an assignment Cazaril dreads, for it must ultimately lead him to the place he most fears: the royal court of Cardegoss, where the powerful enemies who once placed him in chains now occupy lofty positions.But it is more than the traitorous intrigues of villains that threaten Cazaril and the Royesse Iselle here, for a sinister curse hangs like a sword over the entire blighted House of Chalion. And only by employing the darkest, most forbidden of magics can Cazaril hope to protect his royal charge -- an act that will mark him as a tool of the miraculous . . . and trap him in a lethal maze of demonic paradox.

Intrigue and imminent danger await the young men brave enough to join 'The Great Game', the political conflict between the British and Russian Empire, and Captain David Ingle is one the bravest as he saves a Fort in India from attack, disguised as a Muslim Holy Man. Returning to Calcutta, David is congratulated by the Viceroy for service to his country, but warned that the Russian agents he thwarted now threaten his life. More importantly his grandfather, the Marquis of Inglestone, has died in an accident and the family title and estate is his. Excited at returning to England to see Ingle Hall and the lovely grounds he remembers from boyhood, he is horrified to discover that his eccentric grandfather had become a miser and allowed the estate to fall into disrepair, refusing to spend a penny on it. Even more oddly, he had withdrawn the large family fortune, in coinage, from the bank and hidden it. David finds Ingle Hall dilapidated and without any servants. The only ray of light is discovering the presence of a distant cousin, Bernina Falcon, and her nanny. Bernina is beautiful, young and very innocent, and they grow closer daily as they hunt together for the hidden treasure. Just as they are exhausting their search, a girl from David's past in India arrives, Stella Ashworth. She is stunning, sophisticated and very interested in David - now she knows he is the Marquis. Determined to get her man, Stella will stop at nothing to get a ring on her finger. With threats from the Russians, pressure from Stella and the constant fear of poverty and letting down the village that rely on him, David is beset on all sides. The only person that offers him constant support and encouragement is Benina, but will that be enough to save Ingle House and all that live and work there?

The Marquis of Kexley seems to have everything a girl could want -- wealth, good looks, intelligence, athletic prowess -- and a title. The only thing he doesn't possess is respect for the legion of women who throw themselves at him, desperate to claim some of his attention. He firmly believes that the woman that could love him forever, and whom he could love in return simply does not exist. Plagued by debutantes with ambitious mothers who have their eyes firmly set on all that he has to offer, the Marquis becomes renowned for his relationships with bored society wives. But this time is seems that he has sorely misjudged the situation and he is horrified when glamorous widow, Isobel Heywood his current affaires-de-coeur, softly suggests that they should be married. With marriage the last thing on his mind, and cursing himself for getting involved with a woman free to marry, he evades her question by pretending to sleep whilst plotting to escape as quickly as possible. With his prized yacht at his disposal the Marquis beats a hasty retreat from London and makes for Scotland to stay with the Earl of Darendell, and enjoy the salmon fishing on the Earl's large country estate. But it seems that the Marquis cannot escape his past no matter how far he runs. Within hours of arriving a surprise member of the household threatens to ruin him, and the daughter of the house, Celina, with her ruthless plotting. Once more on the run, and offering the beautiful Celina his protection, the Marquis seeks sanctuary in the tranquility of the Orkney Islands. With danger at every turn, together, they set out an adventure that neither will ever forget.

Lord Salwicke is a very rich but worried man. His beautiful daughter, Tasia, is already twenty years of age, which has dampened his hopes of her taking London by storm. Though not quite an old maid, he fears she may have missed her chance for wedded bliss. So he decides to take matters into his own hands and finds her a suitable husband. But Tasia is not a young lady who likes being told what to do. Headstrong and stubborn she envisages marriage to a man who loves her, not a union of convenience to a man she hasn't met. Determined to show her father the error of his ways, Tasia masquerades as a tutor and manages to obtain employment as teacher to the Earl of Linsdale's two young sons, Peter and Simon. The boys have already frightened off previous learned tutors by their bad behaviour and flat refusal to take part in lessons. Entering the Earl's home, Tasia soon learns that due to an unhappy early marriage, the Earl has set his face against all women, seeing them as untrustworthy and inferior in every way to a man. Believing that she can win the trust of the two boys, and spark an interest in learning before the return of the Earl, she sets to work with the help of her beloved cocker spaniel, Jimbo. But two dark clouds hang over the schoolroom threatening Tasia and the happiness she finds with her young charges. Firstly the fear of being found by her father and forced home to get married, and secondly worry that the Earl might return home unexpectedly and demand to know why his wishes regarding the education of his sons have been ignored. A loving but strict father, the Earl has his own ideas about the way two young men should be educated -- and they could not be further away from the new regime that Tasia has installed since her arrival. Will Tasia be able to hide out until she has proved a point to her father? Will her success as a tutor challenge the Earl's opinions of women? As the clouds loom ever closer Tasia faces the biggest decisions of her life - to conform or stand up for her beliefs and hold out for true love.

With all the trappings of wealth, but none of the money to maintain the large historic houses they inherit, society beauty Lady Galina More and her charismatic brother, Georgie, the Earl of Ranmore, are in despair. It seems that the only way to secure their family estate for future generations is to throw away any hopes of romance and marry well. But can a wealthy suitor for both brother and sister be found amongst Victorian London's glittering parties and dazzling soirees? When Georgie meets American oil millionaire Craig Farlow, and his lovely daughter, Ellie-May, it seems that fate has finally intervened in a fortuitous way. Accepting the Earl's offer to stay in his Park Lane home, father and daughter quickly settle into London life. Ellie-May and Galina strike up a close friendship, whilst Farlow inspires Georgie to make one last attempt to change his fortunes, this time amongst the oil fields of America. With the Earl away, the two girls are quickly inundated with worthy suitors, but both are determined to marry for love, or not at all. So when Galina gives her heart to handsome, but penniless, Lord Bramton she knows that their love is doomed if she is to save her family. Meanwhile Ellie-May faces her own romantic dilemmas; how can she know if the man of her dreams truly loves her, or is attracted only to her father's money? Torn between love and duty, both girls pray for a way to get their hearts desire and find the lasting happiness they deserve.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith meets The Pairing in this heart-racing romance of secrets, spies, and steam.

A few rules for the international superspy: (1) Never blow your cover.
(2) Never accept the first plan.
(3) Never fall for anyone at the agency. Especially if she’s your ex-girlfriend.

Yardley Whitmer, code name “the Unicorn,” can do no wrong. She’s honed her spycraft and become an instant legend in the field. If only breaking up with her girlfriend were as easy as rappelling off the Eiffel Tower. Living a full-time cover story has slowly eroded her relationship until there’s nothing left but lies.

KC “Tabasco” Nolan, hacker extraordinaire, can crack any code―except the one that would tell her the right moment to confess her secret job to Yardley. Now it’s too late, and she’s in danger of losing the best chance at love she’s ever had.

When an undercover shakedown goes wrong, Yardley and KC discover the unbelievable truth―that they’ve both been working at the agency for years. To salvage the mission, they partner up and fly across oceans, race through winding European streets, and give in to inconvenient passion while hiding in an ambassador’s linen closet. But can they throw away their rules and fight through their secrets to fall in love with each other’s true selves?

FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE NORTH WIND COMES A DARKLY REIMAGINED TALE OF FORBIDDEN LOVE, INSPIRED BY THE GREEK MYTH OF HERO AND LEANDER AND THE SCOTTISH BALLAD TAM LIN.
 
Brielle of Thornbrook has dedicated her life to the abbey. She spends her days forging iron and her evenings studying the Text, all in preparation of becoming an acolyte. Twenty-one years on this earth and she has never touched a man. And she never will.
 
But when she finds an injured stranger in the forest, Brielle can’t resist the urge to help him. The encounter leads her to the realm of Under, where the air breathes rot, and the fair folk dance and whisper. Where she discovers that the man she helped is actually a god: Zephyrus, the West Wind, Bringer of Spring.
 
There are few Brielle can trust in Under, least of all Zephyrus. He is charming, dangerously so, and never has a man so thoroughly ensnared her. As she embarks on a journey through the eerie banks and caves of Under, Brielle finds herself in a perilous situation. For here is where faith and heart collide – and where she risks not only her future… but her life.
 
Beloved by readers on TikTok, The West Wind is a standalone fantasy romance sprinkled with Greek lore, the second in the Four Winds series. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Scarlett St. Clair and Raven Kennedy.

How far would you go to protect the things you care about the most? Lady Dorianna Dale is packing her trousseau for her illustrious Society wedding to a wealthy man she does not love, in the hope that she can save her family estate from the hands of the bailiffs. Following the death of her husband, the charismatic Lord Dale, Dorianna's mother marries Mr Shawcroft, who seduces her with his kindness and promises of a secure life. However, his genial mask quickly slips to reveal a hard-hearted gambler whose wealth is reliant on the turn of a card. When their beautiful home, Ashburton Hall, becomes the next casualty of her Step-papa's gambling habit, Dorianna reluctantly agrees to make an advantageous match in a bid to ward off his creditors. But Dorianna does not love her bumptious husband-to-be, Lord Buxton. In fact she hates everything about the man, especially the sound of his loud foolish voice. However, unless the wedding goes ahead, she and her Mama will lose everything that they hold dear. Trying her hardest not to show her repulsion and putting away thoughts of true love, Dorianna pastes on a smile and prepares to reluctantly do her duty. That is until she meets the handsome and enigmatic Earl of Claremont at a London soiree. Within minutes of talking to him her heart is racing and she longs for them to meet again. Can she really give up her dreams of true love? Especially now that she has had a glimpse of what romance could be with a man she respects? Deep in the woodland garden at Ashburton Hall, where she used to spend happier times with her beloved father, a Greek statue holds the key to Dorianna's future happiness. Will the gods hear her prayers? Or will she have to make the ultimate sacrifice to pay for the mistakes of those around her ?

Wiltonbury is the story of love and hate, of pain and laughter. It is set in a village in the heart of England, a village with its own ways, peculiarities and traditions. Some of the people are good people, some are naturally bad and some are just plain misguided.

The old world dying on its feet, a new one struggling to be born . . .

Dublin, 1918. In a country doubly ravaged by war and disease, Nurse Julia Power works at an understaffed hospital in the city centre, where expectant mothers who have come down with an unfamiliar flu are quarantined together. Into Julia’s regimented world step two outsiders: Doctor Kathleen Lynn, on the run from the police, and a young volunteer helper, Bridie Sweeney.

In the darkness and intensity of this tiny ward, over the course of three days, these women change each other’s lives in unexpected ways. They lose patients to this baffling pandemic, but they also shepherd new life into a fearful world. With tireless tenderness and humanity, carers and mothers alike somehow do their impossible work.

In The Pull of the Stars, Emma Donoghue tells an unforgettable and deeply moving story of love and loss.

Malvina is young, beautiful - but most of all very rich. She dreams of marrying a man that loves her, and whom she in turn can love forever. Unfortunately her father has other ideas. Only too aware of the fortune hunters that prey on vulnerable young heiresses, he is determined she should marry the boy next door, Charles Arram, the son of the Marquis of Arramford. But Malvina has other ideas. Feisty and independent, she is horrified at the idea of marriage to a stranger, even a stranger that will unite their great families and ensure that their family estate becomes one of the most prestigious in England. Learning that the man her father intends for her is living a life of gaiety amongst the most beautiful women of the Beau Monde in Paris, Malvina becomes even more disillusioned. How can she possibly compete with the famous courtesans and actresses? More importantly does she want to even try? As her father leaves for Scotland, Malvina decides she will snatch the chance to travel incognito to Paris, where she will be able to see Charles Arram without him knowing he is being spied on. Taking her old Nanny along as a chaperone, she is sure that this will give her the opportunity to find out if this is a man she can love. Astounded at the decadence of Paris Society, a million miles away from her austere French Convent School, Malvina is soon learning a different kind of education amongst the wealthy men and famous cocottes. Are the salons of Paris really the place for an innocent abroad? Risking her fathers certain disapproval, and befriended by the Duc de Lavisse, the brother of her old school friend, Malvina will stop at nothing to discover the secrets of true love as she plunges headlong into the steamy world of the Beau Monde. If you like Downton Abbey you will love Barbara Cartland

An unexpected letter from an old friend, His Royal Highness Prince Kraus of Oldessa, to the Duke of Norlington contains a surprise that could change the lives of the young Duke and his ravishing sister, Lady Latasha, forever. Happily living on the Norlington family estate, quietly content amongst the lovely gardens and beauty of the English countryside, both siblings are astonished to learn that the Prince is seeking the Duke's consent for his brother, Prince Stefan, to ask for Latasha's hand in marriage. Appalled at the thought of marrying a man she has never met, Latasha quickly realises that this is a political alliance that would benefit Prince Kraus, regardless of her feelings. Beautiful and intelligent, Latasha understands her main charm for him is her blood link to the Royal family, and the British protection such a marriage would afford his small principality from a Russian takeover. Whilst appreciating the severity of the situation in the Balkans, Latasha quickly makes it clear that she intends only to marry for love. Defiant and headstrong, she is horrified when she realises that Queen Victoria is happy to give the match her blessing. But can she really sacrifice her own future happiness to secure the safety of others? Torn between patriotic duty and her wish for romance, Latasha reluctantly agrees to visit Oldessa in disguise to find out what Prince Stephan can offer in return for her freedom. Accompanied only by her elderly Nanny, and with the dark forces of the Russian army threatening all those living in 'The Kingdom of Flowers', Latasha's dreams are tested to the limits as she battles to save a principality -- and find true love.

The happily ever after is only part of the story… A funny, touching, hopeful gem about love, marriage and second chances

It’s the day before her daughter’s wedding and things are not going well for Gail Baines. First thing, she loses her job – or quits, depending who you ask. Then her ex-husband Max turns up at her door expecting to stay for the festivities. He doesn’t even have a suit. Instead, he’s brought memories, a shared sense of humour – and a cat looking for a new home.

Just as Gail is wondering what’s next, their daughter Debbie discovers her groom has been keeping a secret…

As the big day dawns, the exes just can’t agree on what’s best for Debbie. Gail is seriously worried, while Max seems more concerned with whether to opt for the salmon or prime rib at the reception, if they make it that far.

The day after the wedding, Gail and Max prepare to go their separate ways again. But all the questions about the future of the happy couple have stirred up the past for Gail. Because ‘happy’ takes many forms, and sometimes the younger generation has much to teach the older about secrets, acceptance and taking the rough with the smooth.

Wealthy businessman John Gardner counts his wife, the widowed Countess Napier, as his finest possession. Beautiful, refined and a devoted mother, the Countess has the one thing that all his money cannot buy -- a place in Society. When she dies still grieving for her first husband, the volatile Mr Gardener decides that his stepdaughter, Lady Selina, should become his passport into the titled classes. Eager to fit into a world that values birthright over cash, he decides to marry her off to the highest bidder. But he hasn't bargained for his vivacious stepdaughter's willful defiance. Determined to marry only for love, Selina flees the harsh discipline of Gardener Manor and takes her chances on the open road. Rescued from peril by the Marquis of Castleton, a serious and thoughtful man committed to doing his best for the people of his estate, Selina finds in him an unlikely ally. Equally appalled at plans for his own arranged marriage, the pair join forces against those intent on pushing them up the aisle. Pitched into an exciting adventure that sees them chased across Europe, Selina and the Marquis soon discover that despite their age difference they are both romantics searching for true love. But will they find it, or will their sense of duty see them both married to the wrong person? Trickery, deception and a tangled web of emotions will see their good intentions pushed to the limits, before the final explosive showdown where the Marquis finally proves himself a man of shrewd wit -- and passion.

Neisa More and Carol Waverton are cousins. Both girls are beautiful, intelligent and hoping to find true love, but there is one major difference between them -- money, or in Neisa's case a distinct lack of it. The daughter of runaway lovers, Neisa's father is an impoverished Vicar whose passion is writing stories about his travels in the Far East. Back in England after accompanying her parents on their many adventures, Neisa lives a quiet and secluded life in the country. Her cousin, Carol lives a very different life in America with her immensely rich father, the entrepreneur Clive Waverton. With all the luxuries that money can buy Carol has come to London for the Season, and to catch up with her childhood friend, Neisa. Disenchanted by the fortune hunters of London who are only interested in her money, Carol becomes convinced that the only man she will marry is one who can love her for herself, and not what her riches can buy. When an invite arrives to spend the weekend at a house party hosted by the wealthy Marquis of Denholme Carol sees her opportunity to experience life as an ordinary young woman, rather than an heiress. Encouraging her cousin to enter into her plan, the girls play out a charade where they swap places and assume each other's identity. Arriving at Denholme Park, with Neisa disguised as the rich heiress and Carol as the Vicar's daughter, their adventures begin. Neisa has the stylish clothes, precious jewels and lifestyle she has only dreamt of; and Carol experiences for the first time being overlooked by the wealthy and aspiring guests. But who could have know that love was waiting for them amongst those gathered at the Marquis's estate for his famous steeplechase? And alongside love is danger as a deadly plot is uncovered that, if successful, will change Denholme forever. As Neisa and Carol become embroiled in the intrigues of the weekend both girls courage and faith is tested to the limits as they discover that money and wealth can cause as many problems as it solves.

Nothing says love like a book . . .

In a little town in the south of France, a young orphan, Marie-Jeanne, discovers the extraordinary power of books to change lives.

But as she looks around her, she sees so many unhappy and lonely people – and resolves to help them.

Because a love of books is a love of life itself.

Together with her foster father, Marie-Jeanne sets up a mobile library to travel to the many nearby mountain villages. Their books offer entertainment, guidance, comfort – and help bring lonely hearts together.

And what about Marie-Jeanne? Books have taught her all about life – but can they bring her closer to her own true love?

Can money buy you happiness? Impoverished Lady Viola and her twin brother David Northcombe find that their fortunes change dramatically when their entrepreneurial father dies unexpectedly, leaving them a vast fortune that will change their lives forever. Returning home to England, still reeling from their dramatic change in circumstances, fate seems to have smiled on them when the handsome, but impoverished, Duke of Glentorran dramatically rescues them from the perils of the sea off the coast of Scotland. Loyal to his family and friends, the Duke has little left but his pride and his determination to live up to his responsibilities to the people of Glentorran. In moments Viola and the Duke realise that they have met before, and the spark previously lit between them is still alive. Eager to be loved for herself and keen to test rumours that the Duke is nothing more than a fortune hunter, Viola begs her brother to keep their inheritance secret, leading the Duke to believe that their finances are similarly dire. Having spun a web of deceit that becomes hard to unravel, Viola soon finds herself plunged into a state of despair - desperate to keep the Duke's friendship and respect, but wishing to tell the truth, which could mean losing him. And amongst the faded glories of the Glentorran Castle estate it seems that love is in the air as David finds himself falling for Meg, the Duke's shy and pretty sister. As they grow closer his loyalties become increasingly divided. Should he keep his newly found wealth a secret from the woman he loves, to please his sister? Or should he risk damaging Viola's budding relationship with the Duke by telling the truth? Love, friendship and trust are tested to the limits as the young lovers battle with their consciences, sense of duty and the promise of eternal happiness. If you like Downton Abbey you will love Barbara Cartland

Money may not be able to buy you love but without it an Earldom is an empty title as black sheep of the family, Michael Belmont, could discover to his cost. Heir to a huge country estate, filled with antiques and the finest furniture, Michael's gambling debts and dissolute lifestyle result in a desperate quarrel with his father, who threatens to disinherit him. When his father dies suddenly, Michael has sunk so low that he does not even have enough money for his fare home. With his allowance gambled and his fine clothes pawned Michael is a man in despair. But all that changes when he meets the beautiful Lady Verna, who is seeking a chauffeur to drive her car home to England. Not knowing that her willing volunteer is actually an Earl, they strike up an unlikely friendship and before the journey ends he has fallen under her spell. Captivated by her independent spirit and positive outlook Michael knows that their love will reform him, and suddenly there is brilliant new hope in his life. All he has to do is win the trust of her father, wealthy Lord Challoner, and convince him of his suitability as a husband -- but the shadow of the late Earl's threat looms large. With so much uncertainly the only thing they can be sure of is their love. As Michael tries to turn his life around and win the hand of the woman he adores can Lady Verna convince her father that love is enough to live on? Meanwhile Michael's cunning younger brother, Anthony, has his eye on the estate. Their father's favourite, he may not carry the title but he is determined to take everything else from his brother including the bride.

When you are the sole heir of an English Lord who has made his fortune after striking oil in Texas, it is hard to know if the young men hotly pursuing you are in love with your beauty or your money. Declaring herself to be only interested in marrying a man who loves her for herself, Henrietta Radford is forced to flee Texas and return to England to escape the grasping hands of penniless fortune hunter, Prince Vasily. Beautiful, intelligent and brave, Henrietta chaperoned by her aging nanny, boards The Boston Queen bound for Liverpool under the assumed name of Harrietta Reed. Reveling in the freedom afforded by shrugging off the mantel of heiress, Henrietta quickly forms friendships with the unlikeliest of characters - and just as swiftly makes an enemy, in the shape of Lady Butterclere, a powerful society hostess intent on bettering herself and her protege Miss Romany Foss. Entering into a pact with a talented but ruthless musician who will stop at nothing, including blackmail, to achieve his ambition to play for the Prince of Wales, Henrietta soon realises that she stands to lose her reputation and position in polite society forever if she is unmasked. Gazing towards the shores of England, Henrietta is overcome with the feeling that she is sailing towards her destiny and true love, shaped by a handsome stranger that haunts her dreams. But it is a destiny more fraught with danger than she could ever imagine, and Henrietta soon finds that her loyalties are tested to the limits as she struggles to keep her identity secret and her honour intact. Stalked by a dark figure from the past, her chances of future happiness threatened, Henrietta is faced with a choice that could cost her, and those she loves, dearly. If you like Downton Abbey you will love Barbara Cartland

Can you fall in love with someone before you meet them? Valona, the eighteen-year-old daughter of the deposed Prince of Piracus believes she can. Beautiful, spiritual and aching for adventure Valona is convinced that the perfect man exists because she has seen him in her dreams; all she has to do is find him. Valona is excited when she is asked by her wealthy relation the Duke of Inchcombe to become Lady-in-Waiting to his sister Lady Rose. Together they will travel to the Balkans, where Lady Rose is to make a politically astute marriage at the request of Queen Victoria. Having lived in impoverished seclusion all her life Valona believes that her dreams of travel are finally coming true. However, after helping star crossed lovers Lady Rose and the Marquis of Dorsham find true happiness it seems that it is Valona's dreams of romance that will be shattered. With no royal bride to offer the elderly King, it seems the only way to save Larissa from the threat of the encroaching Russian army is for Valona to take her place. Bravely putting aside her own feelings, and deciding that she must forget about true love, Valona selflessly agrees to marry the King of Larissa .Terrified at the idea of her impending nuptials and an arranged marriage with a much older man, Valona begs to visit the Greek island of Delos before she meets her husband to be. Here she offers a heartfelt prayer to the God Apollo to bring her a man she can love forever, and dreams of the man whose face haunts her. Will her prayers be answered? Only the gods know as Valona moves towards her destiny. If you like Downton Abbey you will love Barbara Cartland

Daughter of the Earl of Longwood, a gentleman gambler, and the Countess of Longwood, a society beauty, Lady Yolanda Wood has an exciting if unconventional childhood travelling around the casinos and racecourses of Europe. But life changes dramatically after the tragic death of her father, and she and her ravishing mother are left penniless and alone. In mourning for her husband, and dependent on the kindness of selfmade millionaire Oliver Garrack, the Countess's gratitude swiftly turns to romance and Yolanda finds herself with a stepfather she neither likes nor respects. For several years Yolanda finds solace in her French Convent School but her world is rocked again when her mother suddenly dies, leaving her an orphan with only her stepfather to protect her from poverty and destitution. As fate forces them together, Yolanda begins to understand how much her stepfather worshipped her mother, and gains an insight into the workings of his clever brain. As her feelings change from acceptance to admiration she is shocked to find that he will stop at nothing to make money.Torn between helping him gain a contract that is certain to make him even more millions, and repaying an old debt to a friend of her fathers, Lord Milborne, Yolanda is plunged into the darker side of business. But when she secretly visits Lord Milborne she finds he is not in the least what she expected, and her loyalties are tested to the limits. Torn between who to trust and a desire to find true love, Yolanda faces difficult choices and challenges that she could never have dreamt of along the way to true happiness. If you like Downton Abbey you will love Barbara Cartland

Some girls can wait a lifetime for one man to fall in love with them, but Selena Norton is so pretty that every man she meets is promptly smitten -- including those who are attached to others. Angered at gentlemen showering her with flowery compliments and unwanted kisses, Selena longs for someone to see past her beautiful face and appreciate the intelligent, loyal, fun girl inside. Rescued by the chivalrous, but penniless, Earl of Wakefield from the lecherous clutches of yet another unwanted suitor, Lord Tavener, Selena is delighted to finally meet a man who seems to seek only friendship. And it seems that her life is finally about to change for the better when the Earl introduces her to Miss Jerrold, a famous garden designer, who is renovating the gardens at the Earl's country home. Thrilled with the opportunity to indulge her passion for horticulture and finally take control of her own destiny, Selena jumps at the chance to live on the estate and become her assistant. Safe, happy and secretly in love for the first time, Selena cannot believe the joy that the Earl has bought into her life. But fate has a nasty surprise in store for her in the shape of the odious Lord Taverner. Smarting with rejection, he does his best to ruin her newly found happiness, determined to have his way. As danger threatens, putting everything and everyone she cares about at risk, will honesty, resourcefulness and tenacity win out? Or will her nemesis, Lord Tavener finally wreak his revenge? If you like Downton Abbey you will love Barbara Cartland .