Most Popular Books by Mary Jo Putney

Sparks fly in the page-turning new read from mistress of the Regency genre and historical romance legend, Mary Jo Putney. Will a disgraced former soldier and a beautiful brazen woman determined to regain custody of her son from her devious former husband make the perfect match…even as they are shunned by the London ton? “Enthralling…Putney again proves why she’s a star of the genre.” —Publishers Weekly The romantic Rogues Redeemed series features soldiers, spies—and the special redemption only love can bring . . . A man who has lost his honor has nothing . . . London, 1816. As a Royal Navy officer, Lucas Mandeville, Lord Foxton, has fought his share of battles on the high seas, followed by long years of imprisonment. But on this night, he’d rather be on the burning deck of a ship than in a ballroom, where it is just a matter of time before someone challenges him because of what happened on the Continent. A woman who has lost her reputation is nothing . . . When dark-haired beauty Kendra Douglas arrives, a whisper of scandal ripples through the ton. The disgraced divorcee’s entrance is an act of daring. Which is exactly why Lucas asks her to dance . . . A couple who stands together has everything . . . Unexpectedly, Lucas offers Kendra his aid in finding the evidence to regain her good name—and her beloved young son. Together they investigate the wicked conspiracy that destroyed her life, and in the midst of danger, find a deep love that will redeem them both—if only they can live long enough to build a future together. “An intense, dramatic love story…a thoroughly enjoyable read.” —All About Romance “Impeccable.” —Library Journal STARRED REVIEW

Love Story, Historical Fiction.

The sequel to Loving a Lost Lord. “Intensely emotional, lushly sensual . . . expertly spiced with intrigue, and infused with a wickedly subtle wit.”—Booklist New York Times bestselling author Mary Jo Putney continues her stunning Lost Lords series with this stirring, sensual story of a rebellious nobleman drawn to a lovely widow with a shocking past. As the sole remaining heir to the Earl of Daventry, Alexander Randall knows his duty: find a wife and sire a son of his own. The perfect bride for a man in his position would be a biddable young girl of good breeding. But the woman who haunts his imagination is Julia Bancroft—a village midwife with a dark secret that thrusts her into Randall’s protection. Within the space of a day, Julia has been abducted by her first husband’s cronies, rescued, and proposed to by a man she scarcely knows. Stranger still is her urge to say yes. A union with Alexander Randall could benefit them both, but Julia doubts she can ever trust her heart again, or the fervent desire Randall ignites. Yet perhaps only a Lost Lord can show a woman like Julia everything a true marriage can be . . . Praise for Loving a Lost Lord “Intoxicating, romantic and utterly ravishing. . .”—Eloisa James “Entrancing characters and a superb plotline.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Will leave readers smiling, breathless, and anxiously awaiting the next adventure.”—Library Journal (starred review)

Love and survival in the shadow of Waterloo . . . Wearied by his years as a British intelligence officer, Simon Duval resigns his commission after Napoleon’s abdication. Hoping to find new meaning in his life, he returns to England, where he discovers his cousin’s widow, Suzanne Duval, the Comtesse de Chambron. Working as a seamstress, living in reduced circumstances, Suzanne has had a life as complicated as Simon’s. While both believe they are beyond love, their sympathetic bond leads him to propose a marriage of companionship, and Suzanne accepts. She didn''t want or expect a true marriage, but as Suzanne joins Simon in a search for his long missing foster brother, warmth and caring begin to heal both their scars—and a powerful passion sparks between them. Then news from France threatens to disrupt their happiness. Napoleon has escaped from Elba and Wellington personally asks Simon to help prevent another devastating war. Only this time, Simon does not go into danger alone. He and Suzanne will face deadly peril together, and pray that love will carry them through . . . Praise for the Rogues Redeemed series “Deftly balances fascinating historical detail, adventure, and menace with a passionate romance.” —Library Journal “Though suspense and adventure drive this story forward, the love at its center sets it apart.” —Kirkus Reviews “Impeccably written.” —Booklist

Bestselling author M.J. Putney''s spellbinding new romantic fantasy will sweep you from Wales''s mysterious forests to the glittering menace of Georgian London-and into a shattering rendezvous with fate. Heir to an ancient title, Simon Malmain, the Earl of Falconer, is well known among the Guardians, humans with magical powers derived from nature. Well known, but not always well loved . . . for those who enforce the law are rarely embraced by those whom they protect-and this is equally true whether the law is magical or mundane. A routine mission to confront a rogue Guardian who has misused his powers turns disastrous when Simon''s quarry, Lord Drayton, captures his pursuer in a transformation spell that can only be released by Drayton-or death. Aid arrives in the form of Meg, a fey young woman who first traps Simon, then frees him. As they flee together, Simon recognizes that Meg is also a victim of Drayton''s evil enchantments, and he restores her nature and innate magic. Though her memory is still clouded, she is freed at last from a shadowy world of fear and lost identity. She agrees to help Simon bring down Drayton. The need for each other''s magic binds them together-and releases the more ancient magic of passion. But desire cannot be satisfied until the rogue mage is stopped. For Drayton has a diabolical plan that will profoundly alter the course of Britain''s future. Even the combined power of Simon and Meg may not be enough to stave off catastrophe. Only a desperate act of love may win back the future-or destroy all they hold dear. The Guardian Trilogy: A Kiss of Fate, #1 Stolen Magic, #2 A Distant Magic, #3

This enchanting collection features stories set in glamorous Georgian and Regency England that illustrate the magical, sensual, and humorous events when the worlds of humans and faeries collide. Includes stories by Beverley, Karen Harbaugh, Barbara Samuel, and Mary Jo Putney.

This novel has been previously published under the title Twist of Fate. From bestselling author Mary Jo Putney comes an emotionally charged story of a man and a woman brought together by a passion for justice, a hunger for change, and an imperfect process. When lawyer Val Covington receives a windfall and leaves her corporate career to practice “do-gooder law,” her assistant offers to come with her—if Val will look into the case of Kendra’s former lover, who is on Death Row for a crime he didn’t commit. Val agrees, but she can’t do it alone. She finds help in Rob Smith, her landlord, who is as capable as he is mysterious. If justice is an imperfect process, so is falling in love. Val and Rob are drawn together as they fight to save an innocent man’s life, but can they overcome their fears to build a lasting future? This novel was named a "Top Pick!" by Romantic Times Magazine. “[An Imperfect Process] takes on the increasingly timely topic of the death penalty. By continuing to tackle difficult subjects while delivering amazing entertainment, Putney is becoming one of the most potent voices in fiction today. Powerful emotions and unforgettable characters make [this] one of the best books of the year.” —Romantic Times “With fully realized characters and a finely designed plot, Putney presents a convincing look at what is right and what is wrong with our system of justice.” —Booklist “I highly recommend [An Imperfect Process],the third book in the Circle of Friends series (after The Burning Point and The Spiral Path). It''s an emotionally-charged story of honor, courage, and the healing power of love, with complex, multi-layered characters—a book readers will remember long after the last page is turned.” —Romance Reviews Today ufeffThe Circle of Friends Trilogy The Burning Point, #1 The Spiral Path, #2 An Imperfect Process , #3 A Holiday Fling (A Circle of Friends Novella)

Christmas 1815. Upstairs and downstairs, Holbourne Hall is abuzz with preparations for a grand ball to celebrate the year’s most festive—and romantic—holiday. For at the top of each guest’s wish list is a last chance to find true love before the New Year… A chance meeting beneath the mistletoe, a stolen glance across the dance floor—amid the sumptuous delicacies, glittering decorations, and swell of the orchestra, every duchess and debutante, lord and lackey has a hopeful heart. There’s the headstrong heiress who must win back her beloved by midnight—or be wed to another….the spinster whose fateful choice to relinquish love may hold one more surprise for her…a widow yearning to glimpse her long-lost love for even one sweet, fleeting interlude …a charming rake who finds far more than he bargained for. And many other dazzling, romantic tales in this star-studded collection that will fill your heart and spice up your holidays…

Lady Jocelyn has two reasons to find a husband: to inherit a vast legacy and to win the Duke of Candover who has a taste for married ladies. But she never expected gravely ill David Lancaster, the man she chooses for a pawn, to recover and begin an all-out campaign for her heart.

In this sparkling holiday collection, eight acclaimed authors unwrap the most daring of Regency delights . . . Christmastime in England—a time for passionate secrets, delicious whispers, and wicked-sweet gifts by the fire. From a spirited lady who sets out to save her rakish best friend from an unsuitable engagement, to a bold spy who gets the unexpected chance to win the woman he’s always loved, to a vicar’s daughter who pretends to be a saucy wench, these holiday tales will make you curl up in front of the fire for a memorable season of mischief and mistletoe . . .

*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.

* A Holiday Fling is also available in the author''s Christmas novella collection, Christmas Revels. * This novella was also previously released under another title: A Christmas Fling. British actress Jenny Lyme is having a pretty decent career. Though she may not have become an international movie star, she’s well loved in England for a role on British TV and continues to work regularly. Now her hometown community center is in danger of being sold. The only hope for its salvation is if Jenny can film the Christmas Revels production she’s directing and sell it for television broadcasting. For that she needs a really good cameraman—and she just happens to know one…. Greg Marino has worked hard for his success as a Hollywood cinematographer, and he has an Oscar sitting by his coffee maker to prove it. But he still has fond memories of the fling he had with Jenny Lyme ten years earlier when they worked together on a disastrous movie. When she calls and asks if he’d film her community Christmas show, he decides it would be a fun break in his demanding life. And it would be really, really nice to see Jenny again. The show is a delight, and Jenny and Greg find the old attraction is still there. But is it possible to build a life together when both have demanding careers thousands of miles apart? Jenny and Greg are characters from The Spiral Path, the second novel in the Circle of Friends Trilogy. 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)

Celebrate! I love writing Christmas stories because they include three of my favorite things-tradition, lots of emotion, and a guaranteed happy ending. That''s why I''m delighted to reissue this holiday collection which includes four of my classic historical novellas, plus my only contemporary novella. What all these tales have in common is two people discovering life''s greatest gift, love, at the happiest time of the year. Enjoy! -Mary Jo Putney Sunshine for Christmas follows a lonely young aristocrat to Italy for the holidays, where he finds something even more precious than sunshine. (The hero, Lord Randolph Lennox, was a secondary character in my RITA winning novel, The Rake.) The Christmas Cuckoo features level-headed young Meg who goes to the local coaching inn and comes home with the wrong Jack Howard. And like a true cuckoo in the nest, Jack doesn''t want to leave! The Christmas Tart is the tale of Nicole, a young Frenchwoman down on her luck in London, whose stark choice for survival gives her-and her kitten!-a new chance for happiness. The Black Beast of Belleterre is a Beauty and the Beast Victorian tale of a beautiful young artist and the husband who believes he cannot be loved. Of course he''s wrong! In A Holiday Fling, a British actress and a Hollywood cameraman team up to film a Christmas show for a good cause. Anything that happens between them will be a strictly temporary holiday fling-or might it be more? About the Author A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USAToday bestselling author, Mary Jo Putney''s novels are known for psychological depth and intensity and include historical and contemporary romance, fantasy, and young adult fantasy. Winner of numerous writing awards, including two RITAs, three Romantic Times Career Achievement awards, and the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award from Romance Writers of America, she has had numerous books listed among Library Journal''s and Booklist''s top romances of the year.

He was going to be hanged on Tuesday English-born Andrew Kane had enjoyed the adventurous life of a gambler in the Wild West, but after winning a ranch in Colorado, he was ready to settle down. Then his attempt to protect a young tavern girl led to a shoot out and a wrongful conviction for murder. On his journey to the gallows, he meets despairing young widow Eliza Holden who intervenes when he''s being beaten by his guards. Together, they find comfort and a stunning sense of connection. Can Eliza create a Christmas miracle for them both? Praise from readers: "The main characters have personal struggles which they approach with grit and honor. Of course the love and peace of the Christmas season helps them resolve and love. I really liked the story set in the West especially because there are so few good stories set there." "This was a really unique and memorable romance and much different than anything I''ve read from MJP before. It contains some serious subject matter...just be aware that it''s not a light and easy read."

An outcast on the high seas. A woman who defies convention. Gabriel Hawkins was born to command the sea, until he left the Royal Navy in disgrace and was disowned by his family. Now captaining his own ship, earning his living through dubious means, he is the best choice to ransom an aristocratic beauty captured by Barbary pirates. Facing the prospect of a life as a harem slave, Lady Aurora Lawrence is beyond horrified. Her only hope of escape lies in a quiet, steely captain who ignites an attraction in her that burns hot within the close confines of his ship. But even if they endure the perils of the waves, can their love survive a return to England, where the distance between a disgraced captain and an earl''s daughter is wider than the ocean? A stunning historical romance for fans of Bridgerton and Johanna Lindsey.

This winter, steal away with the reigning queens of Regency Romance . . . to a surprise snowstorm, the comfort of a blazing fire, and the heat of a lover’s kisses . . . A CHRISTMAS ABDUCTION by Madeline Hunter Caroline Dunham has a bone to pick with notorious rake Baron Thornhill—and a creative plan to insure his undivided attention. Yet once in close quarters, she finds herself beholden to their smoldering connection . . . A PERFECT MATCH by Sabrina Jeffries Whisked away from a wintry ball by the officer she knew only through letters, Cassandra Isles struggles with her feelings for the commanding Colonel Lord Heywood. For he, secretly a fortune-hunter, must marry for money to save his estate—and Cass, secretly an heiress, will accept nothing less than love . . . ONE WICKED WINTER NIGHT by Mary Jo Putney Dressed as a veiled princess, Lady Diana Lawrence is shocked to discover that the mysterious corsair who tempts her away from the costume ball is the duke she once loved and lost. Now snowed in with Castleton at a remote lodge, will she surrender to the passion still burning hotly between them? “Hunter’s effortlessly elegant writing exudes a wicked sense of wit.” —Booklist “Anyone who loves romance must read Sabrina Jeffries!” —Lisa Kleypas, New York Times bestselling author “Putney’s books are the literary equivalent of catnip to historical romance fans.” —Booklist

He yearns to escape his past... After the death of his fiancée, Kai Ramsay left Scotland to roam distant lands. He has searched ancient ruins, collected priceless antiquities, and escaped certain death after being imprisoned as a spy during the Napoleonic War. Ramsay has lived on the edge of danger for years--but everything changes the day a letter arrives for him from Scotland... She''s determined to protect her future... Signy Matheson has dedicated her life to the people of Scotland''s remote Thorsay Islands. With a fiery spirit and agile mind, she is a faithful ally to the aging laird. But now their leader is near death, and Signy must summon his successor at once. It''s time for Kai Ramsay to come home... Together, they discover ancient treasures and disturbing attraction... When Ramsay returns to Thorsay, he''s shocked to find that Signy has blossomed into an alluring beauty, and a force to be reckoned with. Their complicated past interferes with their unspoken desire as they work together for their people. Until a wild storm sparks first passion, then unexpected danger when a treasure trove left by their ancestors comes to light...

** This story is also available in the author''s novella collection, Christmas Revels. Searching for sunshine… Lonely and depressed by far too much rain, Lord Randolph Lennox decides on impulse to take the first ship leaving London for the sunny Mediterranean. Chance brings him to Naples—where it''s also raining. But the rain clears and as he discovers the city, a pleasant young English governess rescues him from an altercation with a flirtatious girl and her protective family. Miss Elizabeth Walker is between jobs and taking a holiday in Naples when she meets the quiet, handsome Englishman. When he proposes that she act as his guide for the next few days, she accepts because they enjoy each other''s company. Elizabeth matter-of-factly recognizes that of course she''ll fall quietly in love with him and nothing will come of it, but she''ll have some lovely memories to cherish in her old age. …and finding a second chance at love… As they come to know each other better, Randolph starts thinking thoughts of forever, but that seems impossible—until fate takes an alarming hand. Author''s Note: The hero of Sunshine for Christmas was a secondary character in my RITA winning novel, The Rake. A foolish youthful mistake had cost him the woman he loved. But doesn''t everyone deserve a second chance? "Putney''s writing is clear as crystal and smooth as silk." —Booklist "Mary Jo Putney is a gifted writer with an intuitive understanding of what makes romance work." —Jayne Ann Krentz

Fleeing a treacherous suitor, Alys Weston disguises herself as a man to take a position as manager of an isolated estate, but her masquerade is threatened by the arrival of the notorious, seductive Reginald Davenport