Best Selling Books by Loretta Chase

Moștenitorul contelui de Hargate, Benedict Carsington, viconte de Rathbourne, este aristocratul perfect. Înalt și chipeș, el este renumit pentru manierele impecabile și pentru buna-creștere. Benedict cunoaște foarte bine regulile înaltei societăți și nu are nici o problemă să le respecte ‒ până când îi iese în cale EA. Bathsheba Wingate face parte dintre Îngrozitorii DeLucey, o ramură a familiei ai cărei membri sunt cunoscuți pentru minciunile, înșelătoriile și escrocheriile lor. Nici nu-i de mirare că familia de rang înalt a soțului ei i-a renegat. Rămasă văduvă, ea este hotărâtă să-i asigure fiicei sale o viață stabilă și o educație aleasă. Nimeni și nimic nu o poate împiedica pe Bathsheba să-și ducă planurile la bun sfârșit ‒ până când îi apare în cale EL. Viața pare să-și urmeze cursul firesc, dar nu pentru mult timp. Impetuoasa și neastâmpărata fiică de doisprezece ani a Bathshebei îl atrage pe nepotul lui Benedict într-o adevărată aventură, și copiii pleacă în căutarea unei comori vechi de o sută de ani. Pentru a le da de urmă, Benedict și Bathsheba trebuie să pornească într-o misiune de salvare ce îi obligă să stea primejdios de mult timp unul în preajma celuilalt. Situația în care se trezesc prinși nu poate să conducă decât spre un adevărat scandal dacă lumea bună află de fuga lor împreună. Dar curând Benedict ajunge la concluzia că a cădea de pe piedestalul pe care l-a ridicat societatea, numindu-l Lordul Perfect, în brațele fermecătoarei Bathsheba este un preț pe care este dispus cu dragă inimă să-l plătească.

Blame it on the Egyptian sun or the desert heat, but as tensions flare between a reckless rogue and beautiful scholar en route to foil a kidnapping, so does love, in the most uninhibited and impossibly delightful ways.

In this delightfully clever, charming and romantic title in the Difficult Dukes series, USA Today bestselling author Loretta Chase puts an enchanting new spin on Shakespeare''s classic, The Taming of the Shrew. But who''s taming whom? Too-clever, too honest, Cassandra Pomfret is legendary in London society for her strong opinions, the latest of which has caused yet another uproar. Her exasperated father decrees that If Cassandra won''t conform for her own sake, her younger sister can neither finish her debut season nor wed before Cassandra does.... But fate has thrown a wrench in her father''s well-laid plans, in the person of the Duke of Ashmont, whose angelic swoon-worthy looks are completely eclipsed by his monumentally bad behavior, and whose sudden, scandalous pursuit of Cassandra threatens her reputation as well as her family''s. Ashmont may have his (nearly uncountable) flaws, but he knows better than to ruin a lady''s reputation. The only honorable course is to wed her—especially since he wants to—and hope they both make it to the altar without killing each other!

A Runaway Bride... Bookish, brainy Lady Olympia Hightower should be elated she''s marrying the ''catch'' of several London seasons. Her large, spendthrift family certainly is! And yet, Olympia finds herself sneaking out the chapel window, in a mad, attempt to escape her glorious future as a duchess. A Duke in Pursuit... Virtue was NEVER a virtue for Hugh Philemon Ancaster, 7th Duke of Ripley, but even he can see his duty as best man requires him to recapture the fleeing bride, and return her to the bridegroom. But with every one of Olympia''s clever turns, he''s finding it harder to give her up. A Matchmakers Dream... Surely something so temptingly wrong can''t be so deliciously right?! "A canny bluestocking virgin and an honorable rakehell duke lead fans on a rollicking escapade in a delectable story that overflows with Chase''s signature lively wordplay, hilarity, and simmering sexual tension." – Library Journal, starred review "Longtime romance author Chase''s first Difficult Dukes historical sparkles with wit...Chase''s spot-on humor and period-authentic writing combine with easy-to-love characters for a superb soufflé-light romance." – Publishers Weekly, starred review "Chase is a grande dame of historical romance, and her latest displays the clever plotting and brilliant dialogue for which she''s known ...Chase brings a fun blend of quirkiness and wit to a sexy love story that''s both charmingly romantic and laugh-out-loud funny." – Kirkus "When it comes to writing unforgettable, superbly crafted historical romances, RITA Award–winning Chase is the crème de la crème, and A Duke in Shining Armor, which launches her new Disgraceful Dukes series, is another exquisitely sensual, perfectly calibrated masterpiece of frothy wit and flawless characterization." – Booklist, starred review "Overflowing with Chase''s signature wit and laugh-out-loud humor, this series starter will definitely win readers'' attention. It''s not just the lyrical prose, wonderful dialogue, appealing characters (the Dis-Graces) or the sensuality, but also the depth of emotions Chase infuses into her runaway bride scenario that has readers sighing with pleasure." – Romantic Times, 4 1⁄2 stars, Top Pick

"One of the finest and most delightful writers in romance." – Mary Jo Putney A charming, traditional Regency romance from New York Times bestselling author, Loretta Chase! "What''s gotten into you, dashing about to make a man''s poor, tired head spin?... Oh, all right. I''ll chase you if you like." He started to get up, changed his mind, and slumped back against the pillow. "Only it''s such a bother." Catherine Pelliston has just escaped a forced marriage to an obnoxious friend of her unreliable father; and now she''s truly in the soup; kidnapped and helpless in a London brothel! And though she''s been rescued by the very inebriated Max Demowery, Viscount Rand, she may be in even greater danger of falling in love with the shockingly outrageous, scandalously improper Viscount Vagabond!

"Live the romance. Read Loretta Chase" –Christina DoddNew York Times bestselling, award-winning author Loretta Chase''s first full length Regency Historical Romance!Gorgeous, stubborn Esme Brentmor, daughter of a disgraced lord, is used to a wild, dangerous life among the tribes of Albania, to whom her father is the legendary, controversial Red Lion whose death she''s courageously vowed to avenge –even if it leads to her own. Instead, her quest finds her rescued by the most unlikely (and very reluctant) hero!Lazy and spoiled, Lord Varian St. George has gambled away his heritage and lives on his considerable looks, charm and wits. All he wants is the good life, and instead, he finds himself in rough country, with a tempestuous whirlwind of a female who''s as savage as he''s civilized. How did this termagant become his responsibility? And how can he escape?! Yet as he and Esme plunge headlong into even more peril, he may surprise even his own jaded self and become the man that Esme (foolishly) believes he is!

James Cordier is a master of intrigue, a brilliant thief, a first-class lover, and an intimate friend of danger—all for King and Country—and thoroughly sick of it. He just has to complete one last mission, and then he can retire peacefully, and resume his aristocratic life in Regency London, where his most dangerous task will be courting sweet, respectable heiresses. But first, James must charm a set of incriminating letters from a woman who is anything but quiet or respectable: the notorious Francesca Bonnard... Francesca Bonnard has overcome heartbreak, scorn, and scandal to become independent, happy, and definitely fallen! She''s learned the hard way that "gentlemen" are far more trouble than they''re worth, so she can certainly see that her wildly attractive new neighbor is bad news. But as bad as James is, others—far worse—are also searching for Francesca''s letters. And, as James and Francesca are thrust ever closer, suddenly nothing is simple—especially the nearly incendiary chemistry between the two most jaded, sinful souls in Europe. And just as suddenly, risking every danger seems to be worth every reward.

Scandal! Gossip! When kidnapped English heiress Zoe Lexham daringly escapes from captivity, her problems have only begun. After 12 years in a harem, she knows far more about erotic practices than how to conduct a proper conversation in civilized parlors. Her reception from London society''s ladies is arctic; the proposals from their husbands and brothers exceedingly...warm; and her loving, but overwhelmed, aristocratic family fear she''ll be an outcast forever—unless someone can launch her to success (and a good marriage)! Enter Lucien de Grey, the Duke of Marchmont...Lucien is no knight in shining armor. He''s cynical, easily bored, dangerous to women, and utterly indifferent to popular opinion. But good looks, combined with money and title, make him welcome everywhere. The most popular bachelor in the Beau Monde can easily save Zoe''s risqué reputation...if he can prevent the chemistry between them from getting so out of hand...so often...and so deliciously!

The traditional Regency classic from New York Times bestseller Loretta Chase is back...At the advanced age of 26, the independent, wealthy and imminently practical Isabella Latham has no expectation of marriage. But, good-hearted and dutiful, Isabella accompanies her two young country cousins to oversee their London debut...only to find that it''s she who is attracting suitors...all of whom do seem to have quite an excess of creditors!There''s the sinfully sexy Basil Trevelyan, a rake through and through, but so charming that even sensible Isabella is almost tempted. But then there''s his maddeningly handsome—and maddeningly arrogant!—cousin, Edward Trevelyan, seventh Earl of Hartleigh, who has no need of Isabella''s dowry; but whose adorable orphaned ward needs a mama. Could he love Isabella for herself? Isabella is too busy trying to decide whether to kiss him—or kill him!Poor, poor Isabella. What''s a girl to do? But more importantly...who''s a girl to choose?

USA Today bestselling author Loretta Chase crafts a smart, steamy, brother''s best friend, second-chance historical romance, a bold new entry in her Difficult Dukes series. Trouble ahead... Her reckless brother is on the road to ruin — or worse — leaving the ducal title and estate in the clutches of their spiteful, vengeful cousin — and Lady Alice Ancaster''s future in peril. She needs to find a worthy husband, and fast! Anyone but him! Trust the Duke of Blackwood, her brother''s equally disreputable best friend, to mess up her careful plans. Right now, he''s acting like a hero (reluctantly), but she knows better; not only is he a force of chaos, he''s the man who stole— then broke — her heart. Simply Irresistible... Blackwood knows he''s not husband and marriage material; in fact, he promised her brother to give Lady Alice up, for her own good. The problem is, she needs his help, and he can''t resist...he certainly can''t resist HER!

Leila Beaumont is a gorgeous and talented portrait painter trapped in a loveless marriage with her profligate husband, Francis. Though long ago, Francis very much played the hero, rescuing and wedding the orphaned 17-year-old Leila - Francis'' more recent hedonistic lifestyle of drinking, drugging and womanizing has not only earned him quite a few enemies in London, but lost him the love of his wife. When Francis turns up dead in the Beaumont townhouse, right after a loud and vitriolic argument with his wife, Leila is seen as the primary suspect, innocent though she is. Because of Francis'' many enemies and victims, government officials instigate a quiet investigation, many of whom fear fallout from Francis'' numerous blackmail and extortion schemes. The man they call on - the sexy blue-eyed Comte d''Esmond - is a man of many talents who has spent the past ten years as one of the government''s most trusted covert operatives; a man who also has a dark and treacherous past.Neither Leila, nor Esmond is especially happy to be working together - their relationship is one of intense attraction accompanied by intense resistance. Leila had long ago given up on the idea of love and saw her husband as a means of propriety in London, but now she finds the dangerous Esmond''s seductive charm nearly irresistible. But work together they must: Esmond, with a carefully hidden identity that would shock Leila to the core and Leila with her own secrets to keep... It''s danger that unites them and it''s danger that chains their hearts: Esmond''s virility and bold touch enflame Leila''s blood...and draw her into the most irresistible intrigue of all...truly passionate love.

Winner of the RITA Award for Best Regency"Live the Romance. Read Loretta Chase." –Christina DoddA charming, traditional Regency romance from New York Times bestselling author, Loretta Chase!Capable, clever Amanda Cavencourt is retuning to England, from exotic India, where she has been managing her brother''s household. With her, she brings a treasured memento -- a beautiful statue, carved in sandalwood -- a gift from her friend, a noted Indian princess. When the statue is snatched from her, Amanda is determined to recover it, and discover why the culprit, a dashing, notorious rogue known only as the Falcon, who is renowned for his dangerous skills in political intrigue, would want such an object. Amanda vows to steal the statue back-- but she may end up stealing the Falcon''s heart instead! Or maybe it''s her heart that''s about to be stolen...

Irresistible Force Darius Carsington is a spectacularly handsome rake with a rare intelligence and no heart, a man who divides his time between bedding loose-moraled women and writing scholarly papers. He finds society''s "perfect darlings" exceedingly boring. But there''s something intriguing, and not quite perfect, about faultless Lady Charlotte Hayward. He senses a crack under her polished surface, and finding it is a challenge he can''t resist. Immovable Object Lady Charlotte is so beautiful, charming, and gracious that no one has noticed what an expert she is at Not Getting Married. Early on, she learned a painful lesson about trust . . . and temptation. In the years since, she''s devoted her life to being all she ought to be—and she''s not about to let a man like Carsington entice her to do everything she shouldn''t. A Splendid Collision But the rules of attraction can easily overpower the rules of manners and morals, and sometimes even the best-behaved girl has to follow her instincts, even if it means risking it all.

"One of the finest and most delightful writers in romance." –Mary Jo Putney The traditional Regency classic from New York Times bestseller Loretta Chase is back...A Comedy of Manners...Her father''s prodigal ways have forced the extremely lovely Alexandra Ashmore into an engagement with a strange man in a strange land: a man blind to the effect her unearthly beauty has on other men, and which has earned her the title "the English Witch"! So when she''s kidnapped by another love-struck suitor, Alexandra assumes she''s truly doomed to a loveless marriage with her captor.A Villain Redeemed...But her troubles have only begun—for although she''s quickly rescued, her brave ''hero'' is the notoriously irresistible, unrepentant scoundrel, Basil Trevelyan, who finds himself quite taken with the tart, spirited Alexandra. So taken, in fact, that he''s determined to make her his own. Now, if he can only charm her into agreeing with his plan!

New York Times bestselling author, Loretta Chase shares an enchanting Regency Christmas novella about romance, forgiveness...and a second chance for a once in a lifetime love. Ten years ago, dashing Marcus Greyson and naïve Christina Travers fell madly in love—and parted in anger. Now, wiser and more seasoned, both know better than to trust the wayward impulses of the heart. But some feelings never fade; and the joys of Christmas and family just might rekindle a certain, special spark... This novella was previously published in A Christmas Collection anthology "One of the finest romance authors of all time." – Julia Quinn "Wickedly witty, warm, and engaging." – Stephanie Laurens

“One of the finest romance authors of all time.” —Julia Quinn New York Times bestselling author Loretta Chase follows her historical romance gem, Silk is for Seduction (nominated for 2011 Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Regency-Set Historical Romance) with yet another winner. This time, Scandal Wears Satin, as the second sister from a somewhat scandalous aristocratic family—the purveyors of one of London’s most fashionable shops—finds passion and a love as sumptuous as the gorgeous gowns she creates. Superstar romance author Susan Elizabeth Phillips says Loretta Chase has “a rare talent for creating crackling sexual tension and characters so fresh and compelling that readers won’t be able to forget them.” Chase fans, as well as Stephanie Laurens and Julia Quinn readers, will most assuredly agree—especially when they meet feisty Sophy and the rakish earl whose help (and heart) she enlists in order to win the patronage of a dowager lady.

The first book in the Carsington Family series from award-winning romance author Loretta Chase! Alistair Carsington really, really wishes he didn’t love women quite so much. To escape his worst impulses, he sets out for a place far from civilization: Derbyshire—in winter!—where he hopes to kill two birds with one stone: avoid all temptation, and repay the friend who saved his life on the fields of Waterloo. But this noble aim drops him straight into opposition with Miss Mirabel Oldridge, a woman every bit as intelligent, obstinate, and devious as he—and maddeningly irresistible. Mirabel Oldridge already has her hands full keeping her brilliant and aggravatingly eccentric father out of trouble. The last thing she needs is a stunningly attractive, oversensitive and over-bright aristocrat reminding her she has a heart—not to mention a body he claims is so unstylishly clothed that undressing her is practically a civic duty. Could the situation be any worse? And why does something that seems so wrong feel so very wonderful?

The classic traditional Regency from / New York Times bestselling author, Loretta Chase, is back... "One of the finest and most delightful writers in romance." – Mary Jo Putney What''s a girl to do, when her father, known as Devil Desmond, is one of the most infamous rogues in all of England? Delilah Desmond is not happy. To provide for her, her father has sold his memoirs, filled with scandalous and embarrassing exploits—effectively ruining her chances for a suitable marriage, so she can support her family while saving her father from disgrace. But it seems the manuscript is in demand by all sorts of unscrupulous persons, and preventing its publication is going to be impossible; especially now that it has been stolen. Can the hot-tempered Delilah and her very unwilling accomplice, absent-minded, bookish, Jack Langdon with his soft grey eyes and tousled hair, salvage the disaster? It appears that deceptively quiet Jack may have a core of steel—and be the one man smart and strong enough to be the hero she''d been hoping for all along.

From the Diary of Leonie Noirot: The perfect corset should invite its undoing . . . Lethally charming Simon Blair, Marquess of Lisburne, has reluctantly returned to London for one reason only: a family obligation. Still, he might make time for the seduction of a certain redheaded dressmaker—but Leonie Noirot hasn''t time for him. She''s obsessed with transforming his cousin, the dowdy Lady Gladys, into a swan. Leonie''s skills can coax curves—and profits—from thin air, but his criminally handsome lordship is too busy trying to seduce her to appreciate her genius. He badly needs to learn a lesson, and the wager she provokes ought to teach him, once and for all. A great plan, in theory—but Lisburne''s become a serious distraction and Leonie''s usual logic is in danger of slipping away as easily as a silk chemise. Could the Season''s greatest transformation be her own?