Most Popular Books by Mary Jo Putney

release date: Oct 31, 2011

Dangerous Deceivers... Like his nickname, Lucifer, Lord Strathmore is know for unearthly beauty and diabolical cleverness. A tragic past has driven Lucien to use his formidable talents to protect his country from hidden enemies. It’s a job he does superbly well—until he meets a mysterious woman whose skill at deception is the equal of his own. By turns glamorous and subdued, his enchanting adversary baffles his mind even as she dazzles his senses. A perilous mission has forced Kit Travers into a deadly gave of shifting identities and needful lies, where a single misstep might cost Kit her life. But her disguises are easily penetrated by the Earl of Strathmore, who may be a vital ally—or a lethal enemy. Unwilling to trust, yet unable to part, Kit and Lucien join forces to search the dangerous underside of London society. Yet even two master deceivers cannot escape passion’s sensual web—or from an impossible love more precious than life itself. * A Romance Writers of America RITA® winner for Best Long Historical Romance Books in the Fallen Angels series: Book 1: Thunder & Roses Book 2: Dancing on the Wind Book 3: Petals in the Storm Book 4: Angel Rogue Book 5: Shattered Rainbows Book 6: River of Fire Book 7: One Perfect Rose Praise for Dancing on the Wind "With surprises around every turn of the page and a story that keeps you guessing right up until the end, Dancing on the Wind is Mary Jo Putney at her best, combining suspense, humor, and a unique style of sensuality (perhaps surprising to gentle readers!). Readers will be enthralled and enraptured with this irresistible tale." —Romantic Times "Dancing on the Wind is another A+ read from one of the very best: I count on Mary Jo Putney for a compelling story with characters who live and breathed, and most of all, love. Lucien senses in Kit the change to regain a part of himself he had thought forever lost. Kit has always felt second-best, and finds it difficult to believe that she can trust in Lucien''s love. Their love story is intense, emotional, and deeply satisfying." —Under The Covers "One of my favorite romances of all time." —All About Romance

A Kiss of Fate

by: M.J. Putney, Mary Jo Putney

release date: May 10, 2014

*Named one of the year’s Top 5 Romances by Library Journal* *Romantic Times award for Best Historical Paranormal Romance* Laird of an ancient, powerful Scottish clan, Duncan Macrae is committed to ending the ceaseless strife between Scotland and England. But he also has other, secret powers—those of a Guardian, humans with mystical abilities to control nature’s forces and see into the hearts of others. And from the moment he encounters the young and independent English widow Gwyneth Owens, his fiery spirit is irrevocably drawn to claim her as his own—a passion that will not only set his loyalty to his land against his sworn Guardian vows, but will also threaten everything he cherishes most. Though Gwynne’s father was a Guardian, she believes that she has inherited only her mother’s beauty, not her father’s power. Then one kiss from the dangerously alluring Laird of the Macraes ignites a hunger that shakes her to her soul—and reveals visions of a looming catastrophe that threatens England and Scotland both. Only by becoming Duncan’s wife, and ultimately betraying the man she loves, can she avert disaster. As destiny and two mighty nations clash, Gwynne and Duncan must push their powers and passions beyond the most forbidden limits if they are to save their love—and secure the future. Praise for A Kiss of Fate: “A marvelous, fast-paced tale... mesmerizing in its emotional breadth, stunning in its backdrop, and spellbinding in its paranormal overtones... Putney sets a new standard for a historical with paranormal overtones.” —Romantic Times “Intelligent, compelling characters that appeal to both heart and mind... and a beautifully unfolding love relationship combine to produce a magical tale—Putney puts a unique spin on reality, magic, and love and takes romantic fantasy to a new level.” —Library Journal “Love and magic prove to be comfortable bed fellows in this enchanting mid-eighteenth-century romance... a rich, romantic tapestry.” —Publishers Weekly The Guardian Trilogy: A Kiss of Fate, #1 Stolen Magic, #2 A Distant Magic, #3 Unseen Magic: A Guardian Novella Set in WWII

Golden Lord

release date: Nov 26, 2024

Allies of the heart and soul . . . England, 1803. The oldest foster child of the Earl and Countess Tremayne, Caden Tremayne was one of several abandoned children rescued into the fold of the “Tribe of Tremayne,” each bearing a special gift. Now that he is grown, Cade’s superior investigative abilities and talent for preventing violence—or when necessary, executing it—are urgently required by the Home Office. For after an all-too-brief peace, Britain and France are about to be at war again. But it isn’t the dangerous mission that concerns Cade. It’s his secret love for his sweet, bright, spirited accomplice . . . Will their love be the victor? Tamsyn Tremayne has always felt a deep connection to Cade, whose very presence warms her heart. Yet though they are not blood, their family relationship has led her to suppress her love for him. Still, their mental bond is undeniable—and only grows stronger, along with their feelings, when Cade is captured by the French. Tam knows that Cade will not be easily broken, yet only their meeting of minds can truly save him—and hopefully free them to be together at last. But first, she will have to navigate a treacherous maze of enemies and allies to find him, they will have to escape France—and block a devastating plot against Britain . . .

The Marriage Spell

by: M.J. Putney, Mary Jo Putney

release date: Jan 01, 2006

*A RITA finalist for Best Historical Romance New York Times bestselling author Mary Jo Putney is acclaimed by critics and readers alike for unforgettable storytelling and arresting characters. Now she introduces a Regency England you’ve never seen before, where dazzling magic is practiced in all but the highest reaches of Society, and where desire is the most mysterious and seductive force of all. One of the Duke of Wellington’s most respected officers, Jack Langdon, Lord Frayne, takes his family’s honor very seriously. He also hides a shameful secret: a talent for sorcery he has been raised to suppress and openly reject. But after an injury lands Jack at death’s door, his only chance at survival lies with Abigail Barton, a peer’s daughter and a skilled wizard. Her price: Jack’s hand in marriage. It isn’t long before Jack feels an irresistible attraction to his forthright new wife, whose allure is as intense as the reawakening magical abilities he can no longer deny. Abigail had to make a great sacrifice to perform a spell powerful enough to save Lord Frayne, and although she cannot help but be drawn to her reluctant husband’s surprising sensitivity and kindness, she knows all too well his distaste for magic. Once she has Jack’s name and the child she has always longed for, she is determined to live apart from him so that he can preserve his reputation–and so that she herself can stay true to her gifts. But neither Abby nor Jack reckons on the deep, long-simmering passions her spell ignites. They challenge each other’s extraordinary powers and deepest desires for the sake of a love that may cost them all they cherish most. With breathtaking skill and vivid historical detail, Mary Jo Putney weaves a tale of enchantment, mystery, and romance that will forever hold you spellbound. “Putney skillfully, cleverly, and beautifully combines the paranormal with the romantic... Pure enchantment.” —Romantic Times “At her best, no one can top Putney when it comes to depicting the emotions her characters feel, and she is at the top of her game here—this is the MJP of the Fallen Angels series and The Rake. I loved this book—simply loved it!” —All About Romance

A Distant Magic

release date: May 20, 2008

Mary Jo Putney''s passionate, vivid characters and captivating stories have earned enthusiastic acclaim from reviewers and readers everywhere. Now the New York Times bestselling author weaves a new tale in the Guardian series-a dazzling romantic fantasy that takes readers not only from the elegant streets of London to a dangerously tempting Mediterranean island but across time. Jean Macrae''s family is one of the most prominent clans of Guardians, humans whose magical powers come from nature, but Jean considers her skills modest at best. She has never been able to summon the intense, earth-altering ability that has marked the most talented Guardians, and she is content without the adventure that such skill brings . . . until the day she is confronted by a handsome stranger whose magic imprisons her on his pirate ship. Captain Nikolai Gregorio is convinced that Jean''s father abandoned him, as a child, to slavers. Now he seeks vengeance against the Macraes, no matter the cost. But Jean soon finds his untrained magical gifts far more dangerous than his thirst for revenge, especially when they intensify her own powers to an unthinkable-and enticing-degree. And when Jean and Nikolai''s irresistible connection summons a woman from the future, they are charged with a formidable task: protect those who will oppose slavery''s evil and forever change the future of two nations. This quest will sweep Jean and Nikolai into the most fantastic of realms and try their powers beyond even what the Guardians themselves would dare. And when ultimate disaster threatens, they will stake everything on a shattering test of love that could secure the fate of generations . . . or destroy them and all they cherish. From the Hardcover edition.

A mad heiress and a false fiancé... The younger son of an earl, Dominic Renbourne is offered an irresistible bribe by his arrogant, identical twin brother, Kyle, who is heir to the earldom. All he must do is take Kyle''s place at Warfield Manor, where he is to politely court Lady Meriel Grahame, the orphaned and vastly wealthy heiress Kyle is pledged to marry. The deception need only take a few weeks and no one will be the wiser because the fey Lady Meriel lives in a world of her own. The last thing Dominic expects when he arrives is to be entranced by a silent sylph whose ethereal beauty is as stunning as her passionate love for Warfield''s flowers and fields and creatures. Until now, Meriel has kept her distance from normal society, spending her days at one with nature and safe from the nightmare that nearly destroyed her as a child. She is content to live alone, until the handsome intruder begins to inspire dreams of the world beyond her sanctuary. He understands her as no one else ever has--and because she lives outside society''s rules, she sees no need to restrain her desire for the man who is surely her destined mate. Though Dominic’s sense of duty helps him control his longing for his brother’s future bride, Meriel’s untamed spirit proves more powerful than he can resist. In her garden paradise, passion binds them body and soul despite the agonizing consequences. Can Meriel forgive Dominic''s deceit once she learns he is not Kyle, and can Kyle forgive the betrayal of the brother who had once been closer than his own shadow? Then past and present collide in a dangerous cataclysm that may bring destruction--or lasting love and a hope for beginnings. “Putney writes with attention to historical detail as well as emotional depth.” —Library Journal “Putney''s writing is clear as crystal and smooth as silk… [Her] strong points are her thoughtfulness and her well-drawn cast of compelling and very human characters.“ —Booklist ufeffThe Bride Trilogy The Wild Child, #1 The China Bride, #2 The Bartered Bride, #3 Uncommon Vows (A medieval prequel to the Bride Trilogy)

Not Always a Saint

release date: Aug 25, 2015

Regency thrills from the New York Times bestselling author of Not Quite a Wife, who always delivers “adventure, passion and pure reading pleasure” (Jo Beverley). After the death of his sweetheart when he was at university, Daniel Herbert buried his grief in medical studies and his passion for healing. Viewed as a saint by those who know him, in his own mind he never quite manages to live up to his own high standards. Most men would be thrilled to learn they’ve inherited a title and estate from a distant relative, but Daniel is appalled because the burden of wealth will interfere with his medical calling. Warily he accepts that he must enter society and seek a wife—a sensible woman who can oversee his properties, leaving him free to continue his work. He does not expect to become intoxicated by a woman called the Black Widow, who is as mysterious as she is shockingly beautiful . . . Jessie Kelham’s looks have always been a curse. Now alone with a young daughter and a perilous secret, she is in need of protection. But dangerously attractive Daniel Herbert is not the kind of husband she has in mind. If he recognizes her, the demons of her past will surely erupt. Yet they cannot keep apart and are soon drawn into a union that may bring joy—or shattering danger . . . Praise for Mary Jo Putney and the Lost Lords series “Romance at its best!”—Julia Quinn “Intoxicating, romantic and utterly ravishing. . .”—Eloisa James “Putney’s endearing characters and warm-hearted stories never fail to inspire and delight.”—Sabrina Jeffries

Angel Rogue

release date: Feb 01, 2012

* A Romance Writers of America RITA finalist for Best Regency Romance * The Rogue... A master spy with the face of a fallen angel and a darkly heroic past, Lord Robert Andreville returns to his ancestral home in Yorkshire after a dozen harrowing years spying against Napoleon. But nothing soothes his ravaged spirit until a determined young beauty sweeps into his life. ...and the Runaway Half Mohawk and all American, Maxima Collins is a wary stranger in a strange land, but she will let nothing halt her journey to London to learn the truth about her father''s sudden death-not even a self-appointed guardian who is all lazy charm and dangerous skill. Together they travel across England, evading pursuers and circling each other in a dance of desire, where truth is elusive and only passion is sure. Then dark secrets shatter their idyll-and only love has the power to heal the past. PRAISE FOR ANGEL ROGUE: "Pure magic... a sumptuous reading experience by one of today''s great romance authors." -Melinda Helfer, Romantic Times "What a joy Mary Jo Putney is to read; she can''t write fast enough for me." -Laura Kinsale, New York Times bestselling author "Magnificent read, I adore the hero!... (Angel Rogue) is a "road story," with humor and pathos and tons of exciting passion. The tenderness between will just melt your heart. Bravo, Ms. Putney!" -Amazon Review by Kate McMurry

Once a Scoundrel

release date: Sep 25, 2018

A sea captain rescues an aristocratic beauty from Barbary pirates in a Regency romance that “sizzles with passion” by the New York Times bestselling author (Publishers Weekly). Dismissed from the Royal Navy for a rebellious act of heroism, Gabriel Hawkins is now the captain of his own ship. Having earned his living on the high seas as a blockade runner, he is now employed to rescue Lady Aurora Lawrence, who is being held captive on the Barbary coast. The pirate Malek Reis demands a small fortune in ransom, but he’s dealt with Captain Hawkins before—and knows to expect the unexpected. Lady Aurora is truly shocked when the handsome, steely captain refuses to pay the ransom, and instead agrees to take her and her captor on an even more dangerous mission. But soon Gabriel and Aurora face another kind of danger—an attraction that burns hot within the confines of his ship. Now, even as they endure the perils of the sea, they wonder if their love can survive a return to England, where the distance between a disgraced captain and an earl’s daughter is wider than the ocean.

Silk & Shadows

release date: Jun 13, 2011

He called himself Peregrine, the wanderer, and he came to London for revenge... Like the falcon he named himself for, Peregrine is wild and free, an exotic prince who fascinates 1839 London with his wealth, mystery, and dangerous allure. He emerged from his mysterious Asiatic past to exact retribution for an appalling crime. Nothing and no one can stop him—except perhaps Lady Sara St. James, whose fragile beauty conceals a gentle heart, genuine goodness, and a soul of steel. Unable to resist his seductive charm, Lady Sara turns away from her ordered life to embrace a man she loves, but cannot fully trust. In Sara, Peregrine sees a chance for a life beyond revenge. But can he keep her without revealing his devastating secrets? Or protect her from the enemy he has vowed to destroy? "Sharply defining unforgettable characters and exquisitely fashioning a sumptuous love story, Ms. Putney proves herself a dreamspinner of the highest order....This splendorous tale is the perfect romance for the reader in search of the extraordinary." —Romantic Times "Mary Jo Putney is a gifted writer with an intuitive understanding of what makes romances work. I loved Silk and Shadows, couldn''t put it down, and don''t think readers will, either." —Jayne Ann Krentz "A fabulous, fabulous book. Bravo!" —Mary Balogh The Silk Trilogy Book #1: Silk and Shadows Book #2: Silk and Secrets u200bu200bu200bu200bu200bu200bu200bBook #3: Veils of Silk

Silk & Secrets

release date: Jun 10, 2011

* Winner of Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Historical Sequel * Nominated for RWA’s Golden Choice Award for Best Romance of the year The Desert Flower At seventeen, fiery Juliet Cameron fell passionately in love and married the perfect companion for the adventurous life she wanted to lead. Lord Ross Carlisle is handsome, dashing, and as eager to explore the world as she is. But social constraints and fear of an all consuming love that threatens to engulf her independent spirit send Juliet fleeing to the distant land where she was raised as a diplomat’s child. Now, a dozen years later, a gentleman’s promise sends Lord Ross on a dangerous rescue mission to Central Asia—and to a shocking reunion with his long estranged wife. Warily they join forces to cross the merciless desert to Bokhara, where Juliet’s army officer brother has been imprisoned. The fierce attraction that drew them together so many years before has never died. But if they succumb to passion, can either of them survive if they cannot heal their broken marriage? "Silk and Secrets fulfills every dream of your heart, every yearning of your soul, as a pair of memorable lovers find their way back to each other''s arms . . . This remarkable novel of high adventure and unquenchable love is a stunning reading experience, one you will remember and cherish forever." —Romantic Times "Sheer brilliance. Silk and Secrets'' historical vibrancy and vitality bring to mind Dorothy Dunnett with a dash of Indiana Jones... Ms. Putney''s descriptions convey both the romanticism and the harshness of the dunes and their nomads. Traveling with a desert caravan, Ross and Juliet talk and fight and laugh, sometimes as the only way out of a tight spot, and I loved every word of it. I also loved Ross, a Lawrence of Arabia (oh heavens, Peter O''Toole) sans homosexuality crossed with Francis Crawford sans self-destructiveness - a true gentleman, and super, super hot. And Juliet was such a vital, complex woman - proud but not blinkered, hot-tempered but not TSTL, and humorous to boot—that damned if I didn''t wish she were a) my friend, b) running for president...." —Desert Island Keeper The Silk Trilogy: Book #1: Silk and Shadows Book #2: Silk and Secrets Book #3: Veils of Silk

The Spiral Path

This novel has been previously published as Phoenix Falling. It is now being rereleased under its original title, The Spiral Path. The second contemporary novel by New York Times bestselling author, The Spiral Path sweeps from the distant mountains of New Mexico to the rolling hills of the English countryside in a story of love, loss, reconciliation—and the hard work of making movies. For years, Kenzie Scott was everything to Raine Marlowe—the friend she turned to for courage and comfort, the lover who touched the hidden depths of her heart, the husband she adored but never really knew. Even as their marriage disintegrates into a civilized divorce, he helps her achieve her dream of becoming a director by agreeing to play the lead in The Centurion, the movie she has dreamed of making for years. Rainey knows the role of the mysterious, tortured hero is perfect for Kenzie—but he fears that the character’s dark secrets may be dangerously close to his own. When filming begins, Kenzie realizes that he must make peace with the tragic past he has buried for years—or lose the one woman he will love for all time… The Spiral Path was named a "Top Pick!" by Romantic Times Magazine. “The Spiral Path is one of the most gripping and darkly emotional books to come along in a long while… [Putney’s] books hold out such promise of hope, redemption and triumph that you will be unable to put them down.” —Romantic Times “Putney handles her potentially melodramatic material with emotional honesty and insight while maintaining the taut romantic tension between her richly developed, complicated protagonists.” —Publishers Weekly “As always, Putney can be relied on to deliver something different. The result is a book that will take your breath away from the first page to the last…. there is only one word for it: unforgettable. Ultimately, it''s a keeper of a story that only an author like Putney can tell—and tell very, very well.” —AllAboutRomance.com The Circle of Friends Trilogy The Burning Point, #1 The Spiral Path, #2 An Imperfect Process , #3 A Holiday Fling (A Circle of Friends Novella)

Uncommon Vows

release date: Jun 11, 2014

An uncommon love story... Wrenched from a monastery before taking final vows, Adrian de Lancey''s fighting skill wins him an earldom. Fierce discipline masters his darker nature—until he finds a winsome slip of a girl lost in his forest, an illegal falcon on her wrist. Encountering the ice-blond warrior Earl of Shropshire, Meriel de Vere knows his dangerous reputation—and hides her identity to protect her brother''s estate from the enemy earl. She does not expect to be arrested. Still less does she expect such a great lord to want her as his mistress. Her passionate need for freedom clashes disastrously with his obsession with his enchanting captive. Given a second chance to properly woo Meriel, can Adrian learn tenderness? Will the two of them claim lasting happiness—or will they lose all to a brutal sworn enemy? Praise for Uncommon Vows: "Uncommon Vows is my favorite among Mary Jo Putney''s books... Few authors can pull off a medieval backdrop without stripping the era of its darkness or allowing its dramatic historical politics to overshadow the romance, but Putney makes it seem effortless... The result is some of her strongest and most inspired writing.... A romance that definitely qualifies as uncommon." —All About Romance “A wondrous tale, brimming with adventure, intrigue, and memorable romance."” —Romantic Times The Bride Trilogy The Wild Child, #1 The China Bride, #2 The Bartered Bride, #3 Uncommon Vows (A medieval prequel to the Bride Trilogy)

A Yuletide Kiss

by: Madeline Hunter, Sabrina Jeffries, Mary Jo Putney

release date: Oct 25, 2022