Recommendations based on "Barely a Bride"

Go beyond the original Shondaland series on Netflix, Queen Charlotte, with this lushly romantic Bridgerton prequel novel written by New York Times bestselling authors Julia Quinn and Shonda Rhimes as the marriage of Queen Charlotte and King George of England leads to an unexpected love story and a union that transforms society.In 1761, on a sunny day in September, a King and Queen met for the very first time. They were married within hours.Born a German Princess, Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz was beautiful, headstrong, and fiercely intelligent… not precisely the attributes the British Court had been seeking in a spouse for the young King George III. But her fire and independence were exactly what she, and her King, needed.Because George has secrets… secrets with the potential to shake the very foundations of the monarchy.Thrust into her new role, Charlotte must navigate the intricate politics of the court—with the newly-titled Lady Danbury at her side—all the while guarding her heart, because she is falling in love with the King…even as he pushes her away. Now, Charlotte must learn to rule, and to understand that she has been given the power to remake society, fulfilling her destiny as Queen. But she also has to fight for the love growing between her and George as people first, royals second. As she says to him: “Fight with me! Fight for me!”

Married by Morning continues Lisa Kleypas's Hathaways beloved series set in Victorian London.For two years, Catherine Marks has been a paid companion to the Hathaway sisters―a pleasant position, with one caveat. Her charges' older brother, Leo Hathaway, is thoroughly exasperating. Cat can hardly believe that their constant arguing could mask a mutual attraction. But when one quarrel ends in a sudden kiss, Cat is shocked at her powerful response―and even more so when Leo proposes a dangerous liaison.Leo must marry and produce an heir within a year to save his family home. Catherine's respectable demeanor hides a secret that would utterly destroy her. But to Leo, Cat is intriguing and infernally tempting, even to a man resolved never to love again. The danger Cat tried to outrun is about to separate them forever―unless two wary lovers can find a way to banish the shadows and give in to their desires…

On the night of the Parkhurst ball, someone had a scandalous tryst in the library.Was it Lord Canby, with the maid, on the divan? Or Miss Fairchild, with a rake, against the wall? Perhaps the butler did it.All Charlotte Highwood knows is this: it wasn’t her. But rumors to the contrary are buzzing. Unless she can discover the lovers’ true identity, she’ll be forced to marry Piers Brandon, Lord Granville—the coldest, most arrogantly handsome gentleman she’s ever had the misfortune to embrace.When it comes to emotion, the man hasn’t got a clue.But as they set about finding the mystery lovers, Piers reveals a few secrets of his own. The oh-so-proper marquess can pick locks, land punches, tease with sly wit . . . and melt a woman’s knees with a single kiss. The only thing he guards more fiercely than Charlotte’s safety is the truth about his dark past.Their passion is intense. The danger is real. Soon Charlotte’s feeling torn. Will she risk all to prove her innocence? Or surrender it to a man who’s sworn to never love?

One of Amazon's Best Romances for October 2021 New York Times bestselling author Lorraine Heath continues her Once Upon a Dukedom series with this lush love story of a duke who discovers what he desires in a wife may not be what he needs... Hugh Brinsley-Norton, the Duke of Kingsland, is in need of a duchess. However, restoring the dukedom--left in ruins by his father--to its former glory demands all his time, with little room for sentiment. He places an advert encouraging the single ladies of the ton to write why they should be the one chosen, and leaves it to his efficient secretary to select his future wife. If there exists a more unpleasant task in the world than deciding who is to marry the man you love, Penelope Pettypeace certainly can't imagine what it might be. Still, she is determined to find the perfect bride for her clueless, yet ruthlessly charming employer. But when an anonymous note threatens to reveal truths best hidden, Kingsland has no choice but to confront the danger with Penelope at his side. Beguiled by the strong-willed, courageous beauty, he realizes he's willing to risk everything, including his heart, to keep her safe within his arms. Could it be the duchess he's hunting for has been in front of him all along

For once, he has met a lady less inclined to marry than he is. How unfortunate that she is the only bride he will consider. George Clavering is much too young to think about getting married. Yes, his older brother and even his younger sister have managed to tie the knot, but he has plenty more years of play and sporting events ahead of him before he need consider such a thing. Even matchmaking becomes a sport when gentlemen bet on the Season's successes or failures in the club. He will not give them an opportunity to bet on him. Furthermore, why settle down when there are young women like Lady Alice who liven the sport of matchmaking with friendly wagers? Lady Alice St. Clair is the fifth daughter of the Duke of Carr, and as she is independently wealthy and may do as she pleases, she has no reason to wed. She certainly has no intention of doing so. If the marriage mart offers nothing more than the unattractive boors who have presented themselves at her door for the past five seasons, it should hardly surprise her parents she cannot be persuaded to the altar. True, George Clavering has a full head of dark hair and a smile that is as mischievous as it is attractive, but no lady of character would change her mind for one above-average specimen of the male race. For both, what began as a friendly bet between two bored guests at a ball turned into an earnest desire to help their proteges find happiness. And if some deeper feelings should stir in George to win Alice's heart, then he has no choice but to dampen them. After all, Lady Alice has sworn she will not marry, and George has applauded her decision. For him to try to weaken her resolve now would be unsportsmanlike.

An American heiress and a crown prince thought their secret marriage was annulled years ago--but now they must come face to face with their past. The third volume in the captivating Royal Wedding series from New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hauck! Corina Del Rey is happy with her life in Melbourne, Florida. She spends her days engrossed in her career as a journalist and has her sights set on climbing the corporate ladder, partly to distract herself from her dissolving family. Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom came to America to escape responsibility, but what he found complicates his life more than ever. He has tried to move on from his tragic experiences in Afghanistan. Now a star rugby player, he has no intention of looking over his shoulder at what could've been. But when an unexpected notice arrives in the mail requiring his and his wife's appearance before the courts to dissolve their marriage, Prince Stephen is shocked. He thought the secret marriage had been annulled long ago, but his memories of Corina Del Rey remain close. Does he still love her Can he even find her Above all, can he tell her the truth about that fateful night in Afghanistan seven years ago If he does, he might really lose her forever. A modern fairy tale with a twist, Rachel Hauck's How to Catch a Prince is a stunning romance read. Enchanting contemporary romance that can be read on its own Part of the Royal Wedding series! Book One: Once Upon a Prince Book Two: Princess Ever After Book Three: How to Catch a Prince Book Four: A Royal Christmas Wedding Book length: 86,000 words Praise for How to Catch a Prince: "Hauck writes a feel-good novel that explores the trauma and love of the human heart . . . an example of patience and sacrifice that readers will adore."--RT Book Reviews "Perfect for Valentine's Day, Hauck's latest inspirational romance offers an uplifting and emotionally rewarding tale that will delight her growing fan base."--Library Journal starred review

A dashing new neighbor… Temptation on her doorstep! To avoid an unwanted suitor at a ball, Hope Brookes asks another gentleman to rescue her. He obliges—with a surprisingly passionate kiss! He's revealed as her sinfully handsome new neighbor, Lucius, Marquess of Thundersley, and they forge a friendship over their balconies. It’s refreshing that Lucius is more interested in her writer dreams than her looks, so why can’t she stop thinking about that kiss? From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.The Talk of the Beau Monde Three unconventional sisters for three infamous lordsBook 1: The Viscount's Unconventional LadyBook 2: The Marquess Next DoorBook 3: How Not to Chaperon a Lady

In this charming historical romance, an enticing attorney and a determined suffragette learn the hard way that there’s more to life—and love—than getting their way.   No one could accuse the Appleton sisters of embracing tradition. After all, they’ve earned their living as spiritualists ever since their parents’ tragic death—and are succeeding famously. Now Winifred Appleton hopes to champion the rights of women by becoming a lawyer. But when she learns that no law school will accept a woman, Winifred is left with just one choice: accepting an apprenticeship from Charles Howe—and trying to ignore the fiery passion the handsome prosecutor arouses.   Intrigued by Winifred’s spirit—and tempted by her beauty—Charles believes that taking her under his wing is a flawless plan. She’ll surely buckle under the pressure of pursuing her career, leaving him free to propose a different kind of partnership: matrimony. But when the pair are pitted on opposite sides of a contentious murder trial, they learn that love is the only argument that matters.   Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from these Loveswept titles: Tempting a Devil, The Story Guy, and Friday Night Alibi.

From Bachelor Sheriff to Family Man Tired of pining for handsome sheriff Ward Gleason, seamstress Hazel Andrews plans to head East for a fresh start--until Ward finds an abandoned child. Hazel can't turn down his request that she watch the little girl while he investigates a spate of crimes. But spending time with Ward is sending local gossips--and Hazel's heart--into turmoil. Nothing in Ward's world is the same since he took charge of orphaned Meg...and that includes his growing feelings for Hazel. A fake engagement will allow them to care for the child together until Hazel moves away and finds someone more worthy. But with little Meg convinced she's already found her forever family, can Ward and Hazel dare to make her dreams come true, along with their own?

The No.1 Sunday Times bestseller! Don't miss this heartwarming summer read. The time had come to leave Creek Manor. Their relationship was doomed from the start, he was the master of the house and she the servant... Summer, Little Creek 1879 For most of her life, Judy Begg has been a loyal servant at Creek Manor and to Jack Fox, its future lord. But just as their childhood friendship blossoms into a secret engagement he abandons her. And with Creek Manor up for sale, Judy and her family lose everything. Devastated, Judy is nonetheless determined to make the best of her life. Resolving to forget about Jack, she battles to keep her family from poverty's door and her mother from the hands of her violent husband. Rob Dorning, the new owner of the manor, seems to be the answer to all of Little Creek's problems, but Judy isn't convinced. And when the ghosts of her past resurface, Judy will need to find more courage than ever before... Perfect for fans of A Village Scandal!