Free Books

Free Kindle books that I downloaded today:

• A Hint of Rapture by Miriam Minger

When Maddie Fraser’s father was killed fighting for Bonnie Prince Charles, the spirited Scottish lass swore to avenge his death. Hooded and disguised, she led a series of daring raids against the forces of the Crown—vowing to love no man until the English invaders were driven from her native soil. Captain Garrett Marshall was entrusted with the capture of the mysterious brigand called “Black Jack.” But the sensuous, azure-eyed beauty hidden beneath the bandit’s manly garb tested Garrett’s loyalty to his King. Inflamed by a desire he could not ignore, the handsome officer would wed his bewitching enemy to save her from the gallows. But first he’d have to quell her hatred…and conquer her heart.

• Before the Midnight Bells (Once Upon a Romance) by Jessica Woodard

Eleanor Emberton isn’t sitting around waiting for a handsome prince to rescue her. In fact, she’s determined to save not only herself, but her whole family from her stepmother’s headlong plunge into financial ruin. When she meets a mysterious man at the ball, romance is the last thing on her mind, but she can’t help feeling an instant attraction. Before long she finds herself head over heels for her charming suitor. So what if he’s left out a few teeny, tiny details? Before the Midnight Bells is a fresh look at the Cinderella story, with humor, intrigue, and a healthy dose of passion.

• Celtic Storms (Celtic Steel) by Delaney Rhodes

Darina O’Malley watched the sun set in the bay from the great tower in O’Malley castle – saying a silent prayer for her cousin Kyra and hoping the message that was delivered to the MacCahan’s did not spell sudden doom for her and her people. If what her Uncle Ruarc had told her was true, she was to be married to a stranger in less than five days and her world would turn upside down. The realization that her clan held secrets which could destroy them forever chilled her blood. Who was this son of a Laird she was betrothed to and how would he react when he learned the truth?

• Rogue’s Honor (The Saint of Seven Dials) by Brenda Hiatt

“Brenda Hiatt has created a most different and dashing rogue.” ~Kasey Michaels
To escape her stepmother’s matchmaking machinations, Lady Pearl runs away, pretending to be a common housemaid, with the help of her abigail. When she is rescued from the near-disaster of recognition by a charming serving-man, Pearl pretends to be simpleminded to safeguard herself from any unwanted advances. But soon she begins to suspect that her rescuer is far more than the common servant he seemed at first. Luke St. Clair lives a double life, pretending to be a gentleman while in reality sustaining himself and the needy as the notorious Robin Hood-type thief, the Saint of Seven Dials. The last thing he needs in his life is a beautiful simpleton in need of protection. But “Purdy” proves to be anything but simple—or common! Once he learns the truth, does he dare continue, in the ballrooms of the elite, the flirtation that began in the slums of London? The risk is enormous, but Lady Pearl’s sweet kisses may just be worth it.

• Simon Said (The Professor Simon Shaw Murder Mysteries) by Sarah Shaber

Forensic historian Simon Shaw likes his murders old and cold, and his first case fits the bill. An archeologist friend has found a skeleton with a bullet hole in its skull under historic Bloodworth House, and Simon investigates with his usual doggedness until he discovers that the corpse is Anne Bloodworth, an heiress who disappeared in 1926. Shaw feels compelled to find out who killed her. But this turns out to be more than an academic exercise when someone who wants to hide past secrets tries to murder him!

• The Bride Wore Blue (Brides of Bath, Book 1) by Cheryl Bolen

For six long years Thomas Moreland has dreamed of the beautiful young noblewoman who rescued him from death. While amassing his fortune in India, not a day passed he did not recall Felicity’s fair loveliness, did not recall the silken tones of her sweet voice, did not desire to possess her. Now a widow, Felicity Harrison does not recognize the handsome nabob as the young man left for dead by highwayman years earlier. Though she wants nothing more than to snub the arrogant man who promises to rescue her family from financial ruin in exchange for presenting his sister to Society, she cannot snub him. She must force herself to bear his company. But the longer she is with him, the more she has to force herself to remain true to her dead husband’s memory. Why is it the humbly born Thomas Moreland possesses more nobility that any man of her class? And why is it she finds it harder and harder to mourn a dead man when Thomas’s virility awakens her deepest desires?

• The Rogue Knight by Marcia Lynn McClure

An aristocratic birthright and the luxurious comforts of profound wealth did nothing to comfort Fontaine Pratina following the death of her beloved parents. After two years in the guardianship of her mother’s arrogant and selfish sister, Carileena Wetherton, Fontaine’s only moments of joy and peace were found in the company of the loyal servants of Pratina Manor. Only in the kitchens and servant’s quarters of her grand domicile did Fontaine find friendship, laughter and affection. The life of a wealthy orphan destined to inherit loomed before Fontaine—a dark cloud of shallow, arrogant associations—of aristocracy, void of simple joys—and void of love. Still, it was her lot—and she saw no way of escaping. Yet, one cold winter’s night, a battered stranger appeared at the servant’s entrance, seeking shelter and help. He gave only his first name, Knight—and suddenly, Fontaine found herself experiencing fleeting moments of joy in life. Knight was handsome, powerful—the very stuff of the legends of days of old. Though a servant’s class was his, he was proud, strong and even his name seemed to validate his persona—and he blissfully distracted Fontaine from her dull, hopeless existence. Still, there were devilish secrets—strategies cached by her greedy aunt—and not even the handsome and powerful Knight could save her from them. Or could he? And if he did—would the truth force Fontaine to forfeit her Knight, her heart’s desire—the man she loved?