Showing results by narrator "Catherine Bilson" in All Categories

Persuasion was the last novel completed by Jane Austen and was first published posthumously in December, 1817. The story represents an interesting configuration of Austen’s characteristic narrative patterns. The heroine, Anne Eliot, is something of an old maid—she is twenty-seven years old, still single and is considered by family and friends to have lost her youthful beauty. Several years earlier, her engagement to Captain Frederick Wentworth had been broken off, due to the insistence of her family that the Captain lacked the wealth and status needed for a suitable husband.

Firmly regulated on the shelf as a wallflower, Miss Felicity Harrington has little hope for her future. Unwilling to remain as a lady’s companion forever, she accepted a devilish earl’s outrageous offer that she pretends to be his fiancée for a few weeks.

She won her kingdom with her sword, but to save it she will have to trust her heart. Brenna and Vali have been crowned Queen and King of Gyldarhagi, bringing an end to the reign of Gorm’s terror. But not everyone believes Brenna and Vali should be sitting on the throne. As the threat to their rule unfolds, Brenna faces a challenge far greater than anything she’s ever experienced.

In the enchanting depths of Cornwall, Evie Kernow, a spirited rebel banished from the glittering streets of London, embarks on a journey where love blooms unexpectedly. Amidst a land steeped in secrets and smugglers, she stumbles upon Gryffyn Pascoe, a brooding and formidable figure. Initially unimpressed by the locals, Evie finds herself irresistibly drawn to the handsome owner of a fine estate—a man who has forgotten the warmth of a smile.

Fainting at the feet of the handsome, extremely eligible young duke she is introduced to at her first London ball is the single most humiliating experience of Diana Creighton's life. Learning she's been nicknamed The Fainting Flower by the ton's young bucks means her prospects aren't likely to improve any time soon, so when Diana and her sister Clarissa are asked to accompany their aunt and her new husband on their honeymoon trip to Italy, they jump at the opportunity.

My dearest James, since the moment we met at the Bradford’s ball a year ago, I’ve been entranced by you. Do you remember our first meeting? I’ll never forget it. While the music played in the ballroom and everyone danced, I stepped outside for some fresh air and discovered a kitten which had gotten stuck between two branches.

I’ve cooked and cleaned through my lonely life, but it’ll be worth it when I find my mate. My dreams shatter when I discover I’m human—an outcast. I seek solace at a bar with a bottle of Jack Daniels. Then Tayte walks in, all sizzling seduction and heart-pounding heat. Turns out a sexy alpha-wolf is all the pain relief I need. Now I’m pregnant to the wolf. And the bears want me dead. I need the Alpha’s protection. But Tayte’s three-wolf pack is a package deal. And they claim I’m their mate.

Duncan MacKenzie is intent on destroying his enemy, but at every turn, he is challenged by fae compeller Ella Matheson, the sister of his enemy. He discovers she is his destined mate, but can they forge a love that defies the battle lines drawn between them?

The Eye of Horus is almost within Ankhesenamun's grasp. She now knows it definitely exists and she even knows where it was hidden just a few years ago. But when she reaches her destination, what awaits her there is nothing like she had expected. She was warned the gods wouldn't allow the Eye to be easily found. She was told she might crave its power for herself. She didn't take either warning seriously enough. Ankhesenamun will be tested until she breaks, and only then will the gods decide whether she is permitted to wield the Eye.

Ankhesenamun needs to produce an heir to the throne—quickly. Pharaoh Tutankhamun is young and weak. His chief advisors are planning his quiet removal, and Ankhesenamun hopes to hold them off by producing an heir who can become a stronger Pharaoh. When Pharaoh's advisors move the court from the desert city of Akhetaten back to ancient Memphis, Ankhesenamun is thrown into a new world of danger, secrets, and old gods. Her dreams warn her of a blond-haired man who she will fall desperately in love with—and who will die by her own hand.

After a lifetime spent at sea, all Poppy Basden wants is a home. The ugly warehouse isn’t exactly what she had in mind, but it’s a start. And while her white-haired devil of a neighbor makes it clear he wants her gone; Poppy is quietly determined to stand her ground. His weapons of choice are money and an arrogant temper. Hers are tender kisses, freshly baked biscuits, and a copper bath that comfortably fits two.

The plot follows the usual trajectory of a young girl falling in love and the relationship becoming compromised by unforeseen circumstances. In this case, Austen’s heroine is a naïve country girl, Catherine Morland, who has an addiction to reading the Gothic horror novels which were so popular in the Regency period. When she is invited to stay at the family seat of her love interest and discovers it to be a vast and ancient castle, her romantic imagination runs riot. What secrets lie hidden in this vast pile over which the widowed head of the house exercises an iron control?

Kay Montanaro has focused on building a career in the fiercely competitive corporate world, and she has come on top of her game. For six consecutive years, she brought more clients to the marketing consultancy company than any other sales rep. Professional success has come with a high price tag. Kay has gained weight, lost sight of her self-worth, and given up on love. Until three men smashed down the walls of her fortress of solitude.

Shieldmaiden Brenna may be young, but she knows her mind. As the daughter of King Aric’s most trusted Huscarl, she is well-schooled in the art of battle and weaponry: skills vital for defending what is hers. Having fought to defend her homeland against would-be usurpers, she knows the cost of plunder and pillage.

Mourning Thrax’s death, Ankhesenamun tries to find peace again. But as she resumes her normal life, her world is upended by another death—this time, that of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. As Ankhesenamun tries to keep control of her throne and her country, the chief advisors tighten their own hold on power. Stripped of all authority and confined to her chambers, Ankhesenamun finally does the unthinkable—she sends a message to the Hittite king offering the throne to one of his sons.

Three identical brothers known as the "power of three" are on a quest to find their mates after being sent back in time to the year 1210 when their Highlander shifter clan first began. Nothing will deter them, not when they must save their future line from extinction. Cherub, the faerie king’s daughter, is one of the few who holds the ability to open a portal and travel through time. As a time-walker, she’s responsible for ensuring those of her fae-blooded kind living on Earth find their soul-bound match, no matter what time they might live in.

From New York Times best-selling author Joanne Wadsworth comes the number one best-selling The Earl’s Secret Bride, The Prince’s Bride, and Her Pirate Prince. Expect passionate happily ever afters, no cliff-hangers, and a series that can be enjoyed in any order.

Emma wants more from life than a loveless marriage. A boring husband and dreary life will never do. Her heart yearns for love and passion and adventure. She could never fall for chauvinistic William Seymour. Her best friend’s brother-in-law is as traditional as they come. So why is arguing with him more exciting than dreams of faraway lands? Will Seymour is feeling pressured to settle down. He needs to find a suitable wife. An upstanding member of the ton. So why is he lusting after the flame-haired hellion who ignites his temper like no other?

Lady Susan Vernon, middle-aged and recently widowed, has retained her looks and appealing vivacity. She makes use of her bereavement and her loss of wealth by imposing herself on the hospitality of relatives, and by amusing herself in flirtation with the various men who fall under her spell. Lady Susan has a daughter, Frederica, who is bashful and innocent—in stark contrast to her unfeeling and manipulative mother. Her mother is anxious to marry Frederica off to a spouse of appropriate wealth and social standing, and also, perhaps, to capture a new mate for herself.

Falling pregnant and having their dreams shatter at what could have been the height of their lives was never part of the plan for Patrick and Katherine; but as they say, life is what happens when you're making other plans! Now, twenty years have passed and their college-aged daughter, Chastity, is dating a billionaire and it seems like she's destined to repeat their mistakes. But Chastity's choices bring her parents together, forcing them to confront the past and each other. Before long, old sparks ignite and an unexpected twist of fate changes everything.