New Releases by Liz Carlyle

A delectable but desperate governess runs headlong into the path of a notorious rake in this Regency romance by a New York Times–bestselling author. Women rarely refuse the wicked Earl of Hepplewood, whose daring exploits are only whispered about. But when his new governess answers his proposition with a slap, then stalks out, references in hand, Hepplewood finds more than his face is burning. Isabella Aldridge has brains, bravado, and beauty—but the latter is no use to a servant. Her circumstances are desperate, and with Hepplewood’s words ringing in her ears, Isabella realizes she must barter her most marketable asset...her body. But when fate sends Isabella back into Hepplewood’s arms, the earl must make an impossible choice—draw Isabella down into his sensual darkness, or behave with honor for the first time in his life. Praise for The Earl’s Mistress “Carlyle . . . deftly combines mesmerizing romance with a hint of mystery in this enticing Regency page-turner. . . . The encounters between Anthony and Isabella are extremely sensuous while supporting excellent character development. . . . Their story of mutual discovery will charm fans of historical romances.” —Publishers Weekly “In her latest exquisitely written and darkly inquisitive romance, RITA Award-winning Carlyle offers her signature and brilliant blend of superbly nuanced characters, bold sensuality, and deliciously dry wit in a romance to truly treasure.” —Booklist (starred review)

A breathtaking Victorian romance about a man without scruples and the lady who brings him to his knees from the New York Times–bestselling author. What does it matter if Kate, Lady d’Allenay, has absolutely no marriage prospects? She has a castle to tend, an estate to run, and a sister to watch over, which means she is never, ever reckless. Until an accident brings a handsome, virile stranger to Bellecombe Castle, and Kate finds herself tempted to surrender to her houseguest’s wicked kisses. Disowned by his aristocratic family, Lord Edward Quartermaine has turned his gifted mind to ruthless survival. Feared and vilified as proprietor of London’s most notorious gaming salon, he now struggles to regain his memory, certain of only one thing: he wants all Kate is offering—and more. But when Edward’s memory returns, he and Kate realize how much they have wagered on a scandalous passion that could be her ruin, but perhaps his salvation. “Carlyle weaves a lovely story of two lost souls who find a surprising chance at love and salvation . . . appealing characters lift the story up to her usual standards . . . a moving reading experience.” —RT Book Reviews (4 Stars) “A pleasant read by an accomplished author.” —Historical Novel Society “Fresh and engaging . . . Liz Carlyle fans will be well pleased with her latest effort and fall a little bit in love with Kate and Edward in the process.” —All About Romance

Fourth in the Victorian romance series from the New York Times-bestselling author who sets up “sizzling encounters . . . [and] keeps the reader guessing” (Historical Novel Society). Passion and secrets simmer behind the elegant façade of Victorian London in A Bride by Moonlight, another deliciously intriguing romance by Liz Carlyle that features the dangerous men of the mysterious St. James Society. Faced with murder charges, Lisette Colburne never imagined aligning herself with Scotland Yard—not with the scandalous life she’s led. But when Commissioner Royden Napier proposes—that in exchange for her freedom—she pretend to be his wife so he can unravel a brutal mystery, she agrees. What neither counts on is their intoxicating, undeniable attraction. Sexy and action-packed, Liz Carlyle’s A Bride by Moonlight is a beautiful love story set in Victorian high society with compelling characters and elegant, emotional prose that will appeal to readers of historical romance. Praise for the Fraternitas Aureae Crucis series “Intriguing . . . engaging . . . an illicit delight.” —Stephanie Laurens, #1 New York Times–bestselling author “Liz Carlyle weaves passion and intrigue with a master’s touch.” —Karen Robards, New York Times–bestselling author

Celebrate Valentine''s Day with Avon Books and an enchanting free e-book sampler, It Happened One Valentine''s Day. With excerpts from fourteen new, upcoming, and fan favorite Avon and Avon Impulse novels and novellas, including an introduction from Eloisa James. It Happened One Valentine''s Day: An Avon Romance Valentine''s Day Sampler includes excerpts from: The Trouble with Valentine''s Day by Rachel Gibson Once Upon a Tower by Eloisa James Immortal Ever After by Lynsay Sands Twice Tempted by Jeaniene Frost Bride by Moonlight by Liz Carlyle "V is for Vampwoman" (from Vampires Gone Wild) by Kerrelyn Sparks "A Forever Love" (from Vampires Gone Wild) by Pamela Palmer True Love at Silver Creek Ranch by Emma Cane "Love Me Tender" (from Kiss Me: An Avon Books Valentine Day Anthology) by Cheryl Harper Saved by the Rancher by Jennifer Ryan The Earl in My Bed by Sophie Jordan What Happens in Scotland by Jennifer McQuiston Destiny''s Embrace by Beverly Jenkins The Maclean Groom by Kathleen Harrington

“[Carlyle’s] final Fraternitas romance paints Victorian society with sensual undertones . . . suspense and romance entwine to create an engaging read.” —Publishers Weekly Beneath the elegant façade of Victorian high society, the rules of danger and desire are the only rules that apply for the mysterious men of the St. James Society. New York Times–bestseller Liz Carlyle carries readers deep into this realm of intrigue and passion once more in her breathtaking historical romance sizzler, The Bride Wore Pearls. The third book in her sexy, compelling, action-packed series, The Bride Wore Pearls is a scorching story of a very proper lady who flees her home in a far corner of the British Empire, entrusting her safety and her heart to a dangerous outlaw in Victorian London. Amanda Quick and Gaelen Foley fans will most certainly be enthralled. Praise for the Fraternitas Aureae Crucis series “Intriguing . . . engaging . . . an illicit delight.” —Stephanie Laurens, #1 New York Times–bestselling author “Liz Carlyle weaves passion and intrigue with a master’s touch.” —Karen Robards, New York Times–bestselling author

Now available as an eBook, the New York Times bestselling author’s beloved Regency romance brings together the vengeful Christian Villiers, the Marquis of Grayston, and the fiery Lady Elise Middleton. Now available as an eBook, Hunting Season tells the story of Christian Villiers, the Marquis of Grayston, who returns to England determined to ruin the man responsible for his beloved sister''s suicide. Seducing the cad''s intended, Lady Elise Middleton, would be a bonus. But during an elaborate house party, Christian realizes he has met his match in the fiery and passionate Elise...and soon he must decide whether a moment of vengeance is worth risking a lifetime of love.

Baron Rothewell lives a dark, shuttered existence by day, and a life of reckless abandon by night. Scarred by a childhood filled with torment and deprivation, Rothewell cares very little for anyone or anything. His life on the edge of ruin suits him - until he meets a man who just might be his nemesis. The Comte de Valigny likes to play dangerously, but Rothewell''s recklessness is undeterred. Until one night when de Valigny wagers something just a little more valuable than gold: his bastard daughter. Mademoiselle Marchand is a desperate woman in a strange land, and her pleading eyes seem to swallow Lord Rothewell body and soul - assuming he still has one. Now the baron must play his hand with the utmost care, for at last something meaningful is at stake...

NEVER LIE TO A LADY follows the life of Xanthia Neville, a twenty-nine year old spinster, who was Martinique''s aunt in the School for Heiresses short story. Xanthia was an impoverished orphan who grew up, along with her two brothers, in Barbados, where they inherited a run-down sugar plantation from their abusive, alcoholic uncle. They later started a shipping company which made them extremely rich. Years ago, the eldest brother died, leaving Xanthia to run the shipping company. For political reasons, they eventually lease out the plantations to the African slaves who work them, and decide to relocate Neville Shipping to London so the business can expand.

Gareth Lloyd lives a life of quiet obscurity, toiling in the Docklands by day and living the life of a recluse by night. Fate has forced his return to London after many years abroad, and soon Gareth finds he can no longer repress the childhood horrors which haunt him-memories which worsen when he receives shocking news. The Duke of Warneham has died suspiciously and without an heir, save for a distant and long-forgotten cousin. Now Gareth must take on a burden he never wished for . . . and that includes the newly widowed duchess.

One of the hottest romance writers today, Cathy Maxwell joins forces with rising star Liz Carlyle to serve up an irresistible treat -- two deliciously sensual Regency novellas. IN A MOONLIT GARDEN CATHY MAXWELL Posing as a tea merchant, Colonel Michael Sanson in?ltrates an eccentric chemist''s household in search of a stolen formula. But as soon as he lays eyes on the thief''s niece, Lady Jocelyn, he is sidetracked into doing the fair lady''s bidding. Little does Michael know that assisting in Jocelyn''s scheme to make her former suitor jealous will send him into a tailspin of love and white-hot passion. HUNTING SEASON LIZ CARLYLE Christian Villiers, the Marquis of Grayston, returns to England determined to ruin the man responsible for his beloved sister''s suicide. Seducing the cad''s intended, Lady Elise Middleton, would be a bonus. But during an elaborate house party, Christian realizes he has met his match in the ?ery and passionate Elise...and soon he must decide whether a moment of vengeance is worth risking a lifetime of love.

“Carlyle continues the Fraternitas paranormal Victorian trilogy (after One Touch of Scandal) with sizzling passion and romance.” —Publishers Weekly New York Times– and USA Today–bestselling author Liz Carlyle ushers readers once again inside the mysterious St. James Club, where passion and secrets simmer behind the elegant façade of Victorian London. In her deliciously intriguing The Bride Wore Scarlet, Carlyle does historical romance absolutely right—as a determined young beauty’s desire to gain entrance into the secret all-male society places her under the powerfully sensuous spell of the group’s ruthless and enigmatic leader. Fans of Amanda Quick and Gaelen Foley are going to love this Bride! “Carlyle’s lusciously rich characterization, inventive plot spiked with danger and unexpected twists, and deliciously dry sense of humor make The Bride Wore Scarlet a near-perfect read.” —Booklist (starred review) “Carlyle delivers a fast-paced pleasure.” —BookPage

In passionate love stories from four of romance''s most prominent authors, meet women who''ve spent years thinking they''ve missed their shot at Mr Right – only to discover that fate is handing them one more chance.to win back the love of the one who got away!

The New York Times–bestselling author “weaves passion and intrigue with a master’s touch” in this scintillating series debut (Karen Robards). With One Touch of Scandal, acclaimed New York Times–bestselling author Liz Carlyle launches a breathtaking new historical romance series centered around the Zeno Society, a mysterious fraternity of dangerous—and dangerously attractive—men. Fans of Amanda Quick and Gaelen Foley’s Inferno Club novels will be swept away by One Touch of Scandal, a sensuous tale with a distinct gothic flavor—the story of an imperiled beauty accused of a heinous crime . . . and the dark lord who risks his most carefully protected secrets to come to her rescue. “Grace’s tenacity, wit, and compassion make her a very believable, multidimensional character and the perfect match for Ruthveyn’s brooding and dark secrets. The romance sizzles, its unpredictability propelling this complex story far beyond its contemporaries.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) “With its exceptionally rich characterization, an engaging plot that gracefully pairs danger and desire, and an intriguing touch of the paranormal, Carlyle’s latest stylishly written, lusciously sensual Regency historical romance is supremely satisfying.” —Booklist (starred review)

New York Times bestselling author Liz Carlyle continues her enthralling historical series with the story of an impetuous, illegitimate beauty and the forbidding nobleman who protects her—while fighting an obsession to possess her. Miss Zoë Armstrong is beautiful, charming, rich—and utterly unmarriageable. So, while she may be the ton''s most sparkling diamond, her choice of husbands looks more like a list of London''s most unsavory fortune hunters. Since a true-love marriage seems impossible, Zoë has accepted—no, embraced—her role as society''s most incomparable flirt and mischiefmaker...until in one reckless, vulnerable moment, her future is shattered. Stuart Rowland, the brooding Marquess of Mercer, has been part of Zoë''s extended family since she was a child. As dark and cynical as Zoë is lively, Mercer has always known they would be the worst possible match...until his scapegrace brother Robert does the unthinkable, and winds up betrothed to Zoë. Now, secluded on Mercer''s vast estate to escape a looming scandal and the ton''s prying eyes, Zoë and Mercer may find that a dark obsession has become a tempestuous passion that can no longer be denied...

(Manuscript Paper). A must for any High School Musical fan! Contains 32 pages and features the Music Notation Guide.

Lady Phaedra Northampton is a proper English miss -- but burdened by a dark secret. She''s buried her shame in running her wealthy brother Lord Nash''s household while hiding behind a sharp wit and dull wardrobe...until a reckless village maid''s disappearance pulls her into London''s seedy underworld. A former mercenary and jaded spy-for-hire, Tristan Talbot, Lord Avoncliffe, now does little, and manages to do it scandalously. Though Tristan''s an out-and-out rogue, when his dying father begs him to delve into the secrets behind a notorious brothel -- a perfect task for his talents! -- Tristan can''t refuse. Is the brothel a front for a notorious Russian spy ring? Tristan is on the hunt -- until his path collides with the oh-so-tempting Lady Phae. Soon what should be a simple assignment becomes deliciously complicated...when deception and desire lead to an explosive passion -- and deadly foes!

At the elite School for Heiresses, headmistress Charlotte Harris takes pride in teaching her wealthy students how to find true love while avoiding fortune hunters and other undesirable spouses, in a quartet of Regency stories by four popular romance authors--Sabrina Jeffries, Liz Carlyle, Julia London, and Renee Bernard. Original.

National bestselling author Liz Carlyle concludes her scandalous new trilogy with a sensuous novel of two star-crossed souls who share a secret or two . . . or three. Once upon a time, they eloped. But then dashing Scotsman Merrick MacLachlan accepted payment from Lady Madeleine''s father to have the marriage annulled. Or did he? Two times, Maddie has wed. Once for love, once for comfort. Yet once more she is alone with only her beloved son and his haunting visions for company. Until fate thrusts her back into the arms of her first love. Three little secrets dance between them. One is that he desires her as much as ever; another is that she''s never forgotten his touch. But the scars of their youthful passion run deep, and the third secret will either mark their undoing . . . or spark the sizzling reunion they dare not dream of.

Nationally bestselling author Liz Carlyle presents the second book in her scandalous romance series—a fiery duel of desire and deception with love as the ultimate prize... Once, he spurned the woman he loved. The Earl of Wynwood was far too reckless to handle a sophisticated woman like Viviana Alessandri. And the beautiful opera singer was too famous to make a suitable for Wynwood. Twice, she wagered with her heart. Crushed by Wynwood’s refusal to marry, Viviana offered her hand to another, a wealthy count. But fate has a way of playing with lovers’ hearts—and passion has a way of setting them on fire. Two little lies tore them apart. But now, at a gala affair celebrating Wynwood’s recent betrothal, Viviana will get one last chance to win back his love…again…and again.

Mysterious and untamable, they hold honor, strength, and courage close to their well-guarded hearts. But no matter how much their jobs require them to lay aside their personal lives, they can''t deny that they have burning needs like any other man... In Sherrilyn Kenyon''s "BAD to the Bone," teacher Marianne Webernec wins the "Hideaway Heroine Sweepstakes." Whisked away to a remote tropical island, Marianne''s fantasies become real when Bureau of American Defense agent Kyle Foster kidnaps her and uncovers her every desire. In Liz Carlyle''s "Let''s Talk About Sex," Dr. Delia Sydney dishes out perfectly sound sex advice on the radio but is easily seduced by her bad-boy neighbor. Just what is it about Nick Woodruff, a smooth-talking sergeant, that makes Delia do anything when she''s with him? Things get even hotter in Nicole Camden''s "The Nekkid Truth" when crime scene photographer Debbie Valley loses the ability to recognize faces and must identify people by their bodies. Soon she finds that the wonders of Detective Marshall Scott'' s body never cease...and that he needs her to help catch a killer.

Nationally bestselling author Liz Carlyle presents her most tempting romance to date—a sinfully sensual tug-of-war between heavenly desires and earthly delights. He was a scoundrel, a scamp, and a hopeless skirt-chaser. So it shouldn''t have been so surprising when Sir Alasdair awoke after a night of debauchery to see a young lass on his doorstep...with a baby in her arms. She was beautiful, brazen, and utterly bankrupt. So it shouldn''t have been so shocking when Miss Hamilton accepted the rogue''s scandalous proposal to move in with him...and become the baby''s governess. One little sin brought them together. But when one man''s wicked charms are matched by one woman''s fiery spirit, one little sin can lead to another...and another...and another...

The "USA Today" bestselling author of "The Devil You Know" and "A Deal with the Devil" continues her devilish streak in this unforgettable saga of passion and surprising revenge, set in Regency London. Original.

The acclaimed author of The Devil You Know pens a shimmering novel about a Scottish noblewoman on the run from her past and a powerful English lord brought to his knees by desire. Aubrey Montford claims to be a widowed housekeeper. Desperate to keep her new post—and her secrets—she transforms desolate Castle Cardow into a profitable estate. Yet soon after her employer, Lord Walrafen, returns from long years of absence, Aubrey is suspected of murder. Sparks and tempers ignite whenever she and the smoldering earl meet, but he may be her only hope. Walrafen returns reluctantly to the childhood home he loathes. Cardow is said to be haunted—by more than the earl''s sad memories—but it was no ghost that murdered his uncle. Is the castle''s beautiful chatelaine a murderess? At the very least, she''s a liar—he has proof. Yet the truth of his soul is that he''s drawn to her with a kind of fierce passion he''s never known...

Cast aside by her beau, Frederica d''Avillez is comforted by Bentley Rutledge, a scoundrel whose wild ways embroil the couple in a passionate romance. Soon, Frederica finds herself in need of a husband. And who better than the devil that got her into her situation? Original.

In this powerful and passionate novel from Liz Carlyle, one of romance fiction''s brightest new stars, a high-society murder brings scandal to the lords and ladies of the ton -- and unexpected desire to a pair of unlikely lovers. No True Gentleman Lady Catherine Wodeway knows that no true gentleman would presume to kiss a lady senseless without a proper introduction -- not even to save her life. yet somehow, Maximilian de Rohan''s dark good looks, brooding manner, and mysterious past make it all too easy for Catherine to forget that she''s a lady. Although Max is stunned by Catherine''s beauty, honesty, and charm, he knows that getting mixed up with a noblewoman can end badly, especially when her brother is a murder suspect. But when Catherine stumbles onto the key to Max''s murder investigation and unwittingly places herself in the killer''s hands he will risk everything to pull her out of danger and into the arms of love.

From the grandeur of regency Mayfair to the dark danger of London''s East End, Liz Carlyle sweeps you away with a powerful story of a love born against all odds, as an honorable young widow stands fast against the cynical rogue who seems determined to consume her, heart and soul. A Woman of Virtue In the lonely months since her husband''s death, Cecilia Lorimer has hidden her emptiness by devoting herself to a charity mission for the unfortunate women of London''s slums. But when the dashing Lord Delacourt takes control, she feels an uncharacteristic urge to flee. Just six years earlier, Delacourt had proven himself to be the immoral rake society called him, nearly ruining her reputation in the bargain. It''s whispered that the womanizing Delacourt is vain, vindictive, and merciless. But he''s a man who honors his wagers -- and one result lands him in his brother-in-law''s godforsaken mission, face-to-face with the woman who has long haunted his dreams. When treachery closes in, only he knows how to guard Cecilia from the consequences of her own principles. Can a profligate knave persuade a virtuous woman that he is worthy of her trust -- and her love?

Beauty is like the night, fleeting and hard to hold, a truth the forbidding Lord Treyhern is about to discover. Let the opulence of Liz Carlyle''s prose immerse you in the beauty of England while plunging you into the midst of the outrageous Rutledge family, where scandal is served up like a soup course and dangerous secrets are everywhere. The daughter of London''s wickedest widow, Helene de Severs has struggled to overcome her heritage. Renowned within Europe''s emerging psychiatric field, Helene has a gift for healing children. When fate sends her back to England, the country she left in disgrace, Helene is confident she has learned to govern her own reckless emotions. Ruthlessly, Treyhern has dragged his notorious family from the brink of ruin. But a disastrous marriage has left him with a traumatized child, and his rebellious brother is just one step ahead of the bailiffs. When his dissolute father drops dead while debauching the governess, Treyhern''s infamous temper is truly tested. But the forceful earl means to straighten everyone out -- as soon as he has hired a reputable governess. Yet the moment she steps from his carriage, Treyhern''s cold reserve is melted by a rush of desire he had long thought dead. With her elegant clothing and mountain of luggage, the woman is not who he expected. Or is she? Sometimes the workings of the mind are as dangerous as those of the heart. And soon, danger is truly everywhere...

From its opening scene to its breath-catching climax, Liz Carlyle''s charming Regency romance is a vividly etched portrait of passion and intrigue. When a woman consumed by sinister secrets opens the door to a strikingly handsome stranger, a powerful desire rushes in—and a love she could not have imagined. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, and Jonet Rowland is surely that. But she is also lovely, rich, and—it is rumored—an unrepentant adulteress. When her philandering husband, the marquis of Mercer, is murdered in his own bed, it''s whispered that Jonet is a femme fatale in more ways than one. Shunned by society, the daring widow steels herself to fight for what truly matters—her children. When his scheming uncle begs him to investigate the death of his brother, Lord Mercer, Captain Cole Amherst refuses. But it is soon apparent that treachery stalks two innocent boys, and Cole plunges into the viper''s pit that is Jonet Rowland''s life. Nothing could have prepared Cole for the lust Jonet inspires. But as danger swirls about them, he is tortured by doubt. Can an honorable soldier open his shuttered heart and let a wicked widow teach him how to truly love?

Prepare yourself for heart-stopping romance in this luminescent love story about a chance meeting between two strangers one dark, rain-swept night in the English countryside. From that moment on, their destinies are forever changed. When Elliot Armstrong, the marquis of Rannoch, pursues a spiteful mistress into the wilds of Essex to sever their relationship, he is surprised to find himself hopelessly lost—in more ways than one. Inexplicably drawn to a warmly fit house along an isolated country lane, he is mistaken for an overdue guest—but he dares not reveal his identity for fear of being tossed back out into the torrential rain, a fate he admittedly deserves. The loving family that innocently welcomes Rannoch into their midst soon challenges his cynical convictions, and ultimately, resurrects his shattered dreams. The beautiful Evangeline van Artevalde is an artist of exceptional talent and extraordinary secrets. Isolated from society by choice, the half-Flemish refugee has fled her homeland in search of a secure haven for the children in her family. But even the Essex countryside, she finds, is not without danger. As the clutches of her aristocratic English relatives tighten, Evangeline holds them at bay by sheer force of will, unleashing her emotions only within the walls of her studio. The furthest thing from her heart is desire—until a drenched, strikingly handsome man shows up at her doorstep late one night. Soon, Evangeline finds she can no longer confine her passions to oil paint and canvas. Drawn by desire, Elliot and Evangeline discover a powerful love neither thought possible. But malevolent forces surround them, and soon their secrets will be exposed and their hearts tested to unthinkable limits. Only if they can forgive the past will they have a future....