After her husband's embarrassing demise, Lady Lavender Cavendish has no desire to remarry. She resides at Willoughby Hall with three other widows and is content with her peaceful life by the sea. But that’ s before she meets Kendrick Wycliffe, the grouchy, enigmatic writer who lives next door. Kendrick has been hiding from his past for a dozen years, writing about love even though he has long since stopped believing in it. But when Lavender unexpectedly tumbles into his garden, he can't deny the warmth and light she brings into his life. Unfortunately, his secrets prohibit him from pursuing what might be the best thing that ever happened to him. Can Lavender break through the walls around his heart the same way she did the ones around his garden?

From USA Today bestselling author Sydney Jane Baily comes a rakish spy and a deceptive lady in a danger-filled, steamy Regency tale.Lord Malcolm Branley is in service to the Crown, relishing intrigue while overseas and enjoying grateful females back home in London. But he’s never met anyone like the mysterious, cloaked beauty he knocks to the ground on the first night of a new mission.Banished due to bad behavior in London, Miss Serena Elmstead is only too happy to help her French grandparents, be it selling their family wine or charming the emperor out of his secrets. But helping a dashing English spy puts both her body and her heart in peril.As Napoleon returns from exile and emotions heat up in Paris, Malcolm and Serena find themselves on the run from the Bonapartists, the Royalists, and the all-consuming passion that neither one expected.These books can be read in any order. Every Rakes on the Run novel contains a rakish hero, a saucy beauty, a steamy story, and a satisfying ending!

Brighton, England 1820Amelia Moore is worried about her and her sister’s future. With their stepfather’s looming death, she knows they’ll soon be on their own—without an inheritance, home, or penny to their names. When an invitation arrives to join a house party at Lakeshire Park, Amelia is eager to encourage a match between her sister, Clara, and Sir Ronald. At least then, she’ll know her sister will be taken care of.Little does she know that another guest, Mr. Peter Wood, is after the same goal for his sister. Starting with a quarrel over a glove, Amelia and Peter begin a rivalry—one that Amelia has no choice but to win. But competing against Peter—and eventually playing by his rules—makes Amelia vulnerable to losing the only thing she has left to claim—her heart.

Falling in love was simple. But staying together will take everything they have.Thea Keats and Frederick Voss know exactly what they want: a quiet proposal, a beautiful wedding, and a lifetime of love. Their path is clear, their hearts are certain, and nothing stands in their way.Until his father dies and their world unravels at the seams.Instead of a happily ever after, Frederick inherits a legacy of lies and a crumbling estate. Bankrupt and disgraced, saving his mother and siblings from destitution will take a miracle, and he refuses to drag Thea into a life of poverty and ruin.Love does not always conquer all.With Frederick pushing her away and her friends and family insisting she leave him, Thea discovers that love and loyalty come at a high price. One that may cost her everything.But what neither of them knows is how deep his father’s lies run, and if the truth comes to light, more than their two hearts will shatter…

Love, Danger, and Passion Blaze Across the Untamed American Frontier in the Wild Western Hearts Box Set—Featuring the First Three Full-Length Novels in the SeriesHolt's Gamble (Book 1):Kierin McKendry's freedom depends on a dangerous poker game, but Clay Holt, scarred by his past, isn't looking for love. Posing as husband and wife on a wagon train, their fiery passion ignites a trail of danger and desire as they face a ruthless saloon owner's deadly pursuit. Renegade Bride (Book 2):Bounty hunter Creed Devereaux escorts Mariah Travers, his best friend's bride-to-be, across treacherous mountains. Forced together by danger, their forbidden attraction tests their loyalties while facing a relentless enemy determined to end Creed's life. Renegade's Kiss (Book 3):Jesse Winslow, a mountain man haunted by his past, returns to find his late brother's widow, Andrea, determined to keep the family farm. Passion and peril collide as Jesse fights to protect Andrea from deadly raiders—and his own rekindled feelings. Reviews:"Ms. Ankrum has a gift for characterization and a unique voice that will speak to many readers' hearts."~Kathe Robin, Romantic Times WILD WESTERN HEARTS, in series order:Holt's GambleRenegade BrideRenegade's KissChase the FireAbout Barbara Ankrum:Bestselling author Barbara Ankrum was a successful commercial actress until her love of romance novels led to a publishing contract. Years later, she still believes in happy endings and feels very lucky to do what she loves, with her husband, two cats and one scruffy, unrepentant dog at her side.

She's not the wife he left behind...Ronan MacPherson Grant married five years ago to earn his grandfather’s permission to go to France and the glory of war.Now, he’s returning as laird. Wounded in more than body, he will face the wife he left. His uncle has warned him his bride has turned into a power-hungry harpy, much like Ronan’s mother. But as Ronan gets to know her, and fends off repeated threats to his life, he doesn’t see the woman she’s been reported to be.Brenna had never fit in with her clan and thought marrying Ronan would give her a fresh start and a home. Instead, he left her the morning after their wedding. Since his return, he seems to hate her. He's aligned himself with his demon of an uncle, and she will have to wait for him to see the truth. Can she earn the love of the husband who has tried to forget her all these years?