Tale of the Heart Queen is the spellbinding conclusion to the Artefacts of Ouranos romantasy sensation, filled with enticing magic, perilous action and sizzling romance.

After Lor makes the biggest mistake of her life, she finds herself on the run from the Aurora King and decides it's time to end this, once and for all. But when a new enemy emerges to claim her freedom, the entire fate of Ouranos comes to rest on her shoulders.

As the land continues to rebel, Lor must admit she is the key to saving the continent, whether she likes it or not. To fight for Nadir, she must lie, steal, and do whatever it takes to hunt down the remaining arks. Growing more and more desperate, she worries her actions are turning her into something she doesn't recognize, dooming her to repeat her grandmother's mistakes.

When the Aurora King finally comes for her, Lor ventures into the Underworld's shadowy depths, where, once again, she finds herself at the heart of another deadly test. Only this time, she's competing for everyone's future, not just a crown.

The only thing Lor ever wanted was to be free, but she may soon find she was always destined for a cage.

Young, handsome and very rich the Marquis of Harlington has just ended yet another unsatisfactory love affair that has left him feeling bored with women and resigned to the fact that true love simply does not exist amongst the upper class echelons of London, which are his usual habitat. Casting around for a speedy escape route he is offered the prefect exit when the Prime Minister asks him to travel to Egypt and report on the Suez Canal, which is currently under construction. Delighted, the Marquis visits his neighbour, Lord Durham, and is horrified to overhear him threatening to beat his daughter Delisia unless she agrees to an arranged marriage with an ugly, but rich French Comte. Leaving Lord Durham's house in a state of moral outrage, the Marquis is aware that there is a blue ribbon peeping out of the box at the back of his chaise but decides not to investigate until he is well away from the wrath of Lord Durham. Upon discovering the beautiful Delisia, who is the owner of the ribbon and running away from her dreadful father, he agrees to take her with him to Egypt masquerading as his young niece. But Delisia is a young woman full of surprises. Not only is she fluent in Arabic, she is also intelligent and blessed with the gift of second sight. Arriving in a politically volatile Egypt, Delisia quickly becomes indispensible despite her young age. But is the Marquis merely fascinated by her views of life and unusual intellect? Or are his feelings deepening into something that he believes would never happen to him?

Jilted by her faithless fiancee and at risk of cruel gossip from the debutantes and dowagers of London Society, life is not going as expected for beautiful Anthea Preston. Eager to leave the scandal behind, Anthea is heartbroken afresh when her beloved Mama dies of a sudden illness. So she is delighted when her indulgent Papa offers to raise her spirits with a Grand Tour of Europe. Intelligent as well as extremely lovely to look at, Anthea is excited to see all the wonderful places that she has only ever read about. Unfortunately fate has more in store for her. Whilst Anthea is away she receives a telegram to say that her father has unexpectedly married again and she has a new stepmother. To make things even worse her stepmother seems intent on marrying her off to the first rich man who offers - regardless of her feelings. Thankfully, a chance meeting with the young and willful Lady Linette Hayworth brings Anthea the chance to escape an arranged marriage and start a new life. Torn between staying at home with the father she loves, despite her meddling stepmother, and onboard adventures as chaperone to Lintette, she quickly packs her bags and steals away into the night. However, her new employer - the handsome Earl of Hayworth - is not all that he appears. A man of principles and family honour, dark secrets lurk in his past that not even his daughter knows about. Looking deeply into his amber eyes as he entrusts Linette to her care, Anthea is fascinated and eager to know more. But a journey to Naples, and an advantageous business deal for the Earl, sets the wheels in motion for secrets to be revealed and dangerous liaisons made. As Linette and Anthea enjoy the Italian sun, both dreaming of true love, the darker side of business threatens to overshadow their joy. As the girls make happy plans for the future, the Earl prays that he can keep them safe from his business rivals and the dangers that stalk them all.

Return to Grimstone in Monarch: the second instalment in the irresistible, Gothic dark romance series from the USA Today bestselling author of Brutal Birthright and Kingmakers.

In a desperate bid to get out of town, twenty-seven-year-old virgin and bookstore nerd Elena Zelenska becomes the world's most unlikely mail-order bride. Her gamble pays off when she's swept off her feet by Benjamin Wittacker, a handsome single father and (gasp!) actual published author. Elena's new fiancé seems almost too good to be true. Her life is turning into a fairytale, especially once Ben starts building her a castle in the woods. But when Elena arrives in Grimstone, her fairytale turns darker.

The castle in the woods is a macabre labyrinth of hidden chambers, and Ben is no Prince Charming. In fact, he might just be a monster.

Isolated far from home, Elena's only ally is Atlas Covett, the owner of the Monarch Hotel. Massive and stern, even Atlas' employees are terrified of him. He becomes Elena's unexpected protector, offering solace and sanctuary from the darkness that threatens to consume her.

As Elena's bond with Atlas deepens, her jealous fiancé exerts his control in increasingly twisted ways. Elena must find a way out before the castle he's building becomes a prison she'll never escape…

The second instalment in Sophie Lark’s chilling romance thriller series proves once again why she is at the forefront of contemporary fiction, with irresistible characters, high-heat romance and a dark Gothic aesthetic.

Devastated by the treachery of the woman he loves, the Marquis of Kenworth leaves London and the Prince Regent's intimate circle of pleasure loving friends, to join the Duke of Wellington's army as plain Captain Ivan Worth. Facing hardship and the grim reality of battle he is convinced that no woman can ever be trusted to love him for himself, rather than his title, and turns his back on romance forever. Now, wounded by a shell from a French gun, he is in Paris, an invalid guest of his close friend the Duke, waiting for his wound to heal and nursing his broken heart. Into this house of despair comes Shenda, the beautiful daughter of Lord Linbury, who is orphaned after the death of her esteemed, but poverty stricken father. Alone in the world, she has travelled to Paris to fulfill her father's last wish that she seek the protection of his old friend, the Duke of Wellington. Still celebrating his victory at the Battle of Waterloo, the Duke quickly realises that his new ward is young and innocent, as well as beautiful. Knowing that his reputation with women precludes Shenda from staying in his own house, he sets her the task of nursing Captain Worth. Despite her patient's rages and his obvious disgust for women, Shenda enthusiastically sets to work, using her mother's traditional herbal remedies in place of the synthetic medicines prescribed by the French doctors. But are Shenda's powers of healing enough to make the cantankerous Captain change his mind and allow her to stay? Or will he cast her out onto the dirty, rough streets of Paris? As she plays her music for him, putting her heart and soul into every piece, can she soothe his troubled mind as well as heal the bullet hole in his shoulder? Or will she be cast out onto the dirty streets of Paris to fend for herself ?

Kronkelpad speel af teen die agtergrond van die polio-epidemie van die 1950's. Marco Romanelli, 'n Italianer wat in 'n konsentrasiekamp was, gaan woon in die Bosveld vir gesondheidsredes. Daar ontmoet hy vir Dr. Lettie Viljoen. Die liefde blom, maar hulle toekoms is gevul met vele struikelblokke.

Sir Robin Dunstead returns from India after his father's death to find that he has inherited two of the largest ancestral houses in England, but no money to restore them. Amazed to find both houses empty of servants and in a state of disrepair he berates himself for not returning home earlier. Stunned to learn that his father has sold everything of value that is not entailed to future generations and squandered the family fortune on selfish pursuits, Robin is left with no income and not even enough money to buy food for himself and his lovely sister, Alena. In complete despair Robin commissions a forger to copy two lesser-known priceless paintings and raise enough money to launch Alena and himself in society in the hope of attracting rich American's dazzled by her beauty and his title. Robin is adamant; they must both marry for money to save the family estate, forgetting any dreams of true love. Their plan seems set to work, until Alena meets a charming artist, Vincent, who shares her appreciation of art but has no fortune. Can she really quash the blossoming feelings she has for Vincent in order to marry a millionaire? Meanwhile, Robin has his own dilemma as he chases a hugely wealthy heiress. Uncomfortable with his new role as a penniless fortune hunter, Robin finds it much harder to compromise his personal values than he ever imagined. As brother and sister struggle with the realities of their decision both are forced to reconsider their choices - personal happiness and poverty, or the financial security that only a wealthy spouse can offer.

Lively Leonora Cressy and her school friend, Isobel, have sworn never to fall in love. They prefer learning and books to men and scorn other girls whose heads are full of storybook romance. But Leonora is suddenly plucked from the safety of her all girls' school and thrown into an adventure that forces her to reconsider her childhood vows. Returning home to meet the new stepfather who has taken her beloved father's role as protector and provider, Leonora has two fateful encounters - one with an arrogant gentleman in a carriage, and one with a suave but appealing foreigner, Senor de Guarda. Excited and angered in equal parts, Leonora is shocked to discover that her sweet Mama has married a man that she cannot admire. Horrified when he announces that he has arranged her marriage to a wealthy but unknown man, Lord Merton, she swaps the comfort of home for a passage on a cargo ship headed for Brazil, and her friend Isobel. As the long voyage begins, Leonora congratulates herself on successfully evading Lord Merton and a loveless marriage. But upon meeting mysterious, but seemingly protective Mr Chandos, and faced with the passionate attentions of Senor de Guarda she is confused. Both men hold secrets that could ruin her reputation, but only one stirs her heart and soul. Alone apart from her faithful servant, Finny, and unsure of where to place her trust, Leonora realises that she has done the one thing that she swore never to do - fall in love. As Brazil grows ever nearer she has important decisions to make that will change her life, and those close to her, forever.

Beautiful, flirtatious and romantic Valeria Montford is used to attracting admiring glances from the most eligible young men in Society. But galloping through the French countryside she discovers that pride definitely comes before a fall. A confident horsewoman, she is mortified when she is thrown in full view of Lord Charles Waterford. Embarrassed, and missing the usual praise for her equine skills, she decides that she hates Lord Waterford for making her feel humiliated. Then she meets Sir Peter Cousins - devastatingly handsome, exciting and slightly dangerous. Enchanted by Sir Peter's charm and obvious admiration Valeria becomes even more contemptuous of Lord Waterford's quieter nature. Back in England, Valeria's beloved father sadly confesses that a cad has defrauded him of his fortune. He can see only one way to pay his creditors and escape total financial ruin - Valeria must make a good marriage, and he already has a prospective suitor in mind. Still dreaming of Sir Peter and horrified at the prospect of a marriage without love, Valeria's heart is thrown into confusion. So when Lord Waterford suggests that she helps him restore his Castle she seizes the chance to escape, hoping against hope that Sir Peter will find her and offer a proposal that will satisfy everyone. In London, as the cream of Society prepares for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, Valeria is faced with the most difficult decision of her life. Should she accept her father's choice of suitor and assure her family's place in Society? Or hold out for the man she really loves? But just as Valeria comes to understand the true nature of love, friendship and security it seems that she has lost all chance of happiness forever.

Wealthy Rupert Fitzalan leaves his successful Railway Company in America to claim his inheritance following the death of his doughty, proud Grandfather, Lord Fitzalan. A modern, forward thinking businessman, Rupert is also the last male descendant of the mighty Fitzalan Clan, and longs for the beauty of the Scottish Highlands he last saw as a boy. Back in New York, eligible bachelor Rupert is nicknamed, Rupert the Rock, as so far no woman has won his heart. But the truth is that faced with so many vapid American socialites, and their pushy mothers, he secretly fears he will never find a woman he can love and respect, and longs to find a partner who will treasure him in return. Expecting to see the Fitzalan Castle of his boyhood, Rupert is shocked to see an empty, dilapidated shell devoid of all but a few family treasures, and realizes the obvious poverty that his Grandfather has endured to keep it for his heir. Only Duncan, his grandfather's faithful old retainer, is a reminder of all that is lost, and Rupert vows to restore his ancestral home to its former glories. But life is about to change in unexpected ways once he meets flame-haired beauty Celina Stirling, the fiancee of Hamish MacLean, son and heir to the rival MacLean Clan. Hamish swiftly makes it very clear that there will be no warm welcome for the new Laird, and that he and his father, Lord MacLean will stop at nothing to regain that which they believe to be theirs. Within days of his return Rupert is plunged into danger as he tries to resolve an ancient family feud, pursued by the relentless hatred of the MacLean family, and spurred on to find the truth and restore his family honour. His only surprise ally in his quest is the lovely Celina, but can she really be trusted? Or is she yet another woman destined to betray him and hand victory to the MacLean's?

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?

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.

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.

He puts his hand against my chest. "It's still beating," he whispers, his words a soft kiss against my lips. "As long as it's beating, you're okay."

When Cora Lawson attends her sister's birthday party, she expects at most a hangover or a walk of shame by the end of it. She doesn't anticipate a stolen wallet, leaving her stranded and dependent on her sister's fiancé, Dean Asher―her archnemesis and perpetual thorn in her side.

And she really doesn't anticipate getting knocked out and waking up chained in a madman's basement, Dean in his own shackles beside her.

After fifteen years of teasing, insults, and never-ending pranks, the ultimate joke seems to be on them. The two people who always thought they'd end up killing each other must now work together if they want to survive long enough to escape.

But Cora and Dean don't know that their abductor has a plan for them. A plan that will alter the course of their relationship, blur the line between hate and love, and shackle them to each other long after they are freed from their chains. They're in this together―no matter what their unexpected bond might cost them.

A swoony small-town romance that will set your heart racing.

Trust doesn’t come easily when you’ve been running for as long as I have, which is why moving in with a man I barely know is such a bad idea.

Shepard Colson is all golden-boy charm and devastating good looks. But I know the dangers of easy smiles and promises—I have the scars to prove it.

Only the handsome contractor won’t stop coming by the bakery and prying little truths from my lips—those amber eyes of his seeing far too much. And when secrets from my past come crashing down, it’s Shep who’s determined to keep me safe. Even if it means moving into my rundown cabin and working his way into my heart.

But a ghost from my old life has unfinished business. And when he finds me, he’ll do anything to tear my life apart.

Including ending it for good. . .

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.

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.