Most Popular Books by Brenda Joyce

"He murdered his wife," they whispered. Nicholas Bragg, Earl of Dragmore, was notorious--even after a British court found him innocent. Now they called him Lord of Darkness, as much for his rakish good looks as for his black reputation. She was an innocent at passion''s gate. Arriving uninvited at the massive stone manor, she shivered with terror--and excitement. Jane Barclay was his ward. Her sunny, innocent nature was in violent contrast to his hot temper. He was wild, explosive, an uncouth Texas rakehell--exactly the wrong kind of man for an English beauty to tame. Together they would be swept into the dark storm of their passionate destiny...and wild, all-consuming love.

She was called the Belle of the Southwest. Beautiful Candice Carter enjoyed the attentions of every eligible man in the New Mexico Territory, until her reckless heart led her to near death in the desert. But rescue came from Jack Savage, the hard-muscled Indian warrior who both terrified and fascinated her. Suddenly she was at the mercy of an arrogant outsider whose forbidden passion she dared not admit she wanted to taste. He was called Savage. From the moment he saw her, Jack branded Candice his woman. No matter that he could hang for touching her. Nothing could stop him from making her his reluctant bride. Vowing to teach her every sensual pleasure, he set out to tame the fiery spirit of the blond beauty who had stolen his soul. But as war raged between the white man and the Apache, he found himself torn between duty to his people and a forbidden love he could not resist and could not live without.

A cowboy ignites an irresistible passion in a demure French woman in this scorching Western romance from the New York Times–bestselling author. Leaving behind the sheltered life of a French convent, Miranda journeyed to the New World and an arranged marriage to a prosperous Texan rancher. Arriving in America, the innocent European met her fiancé’s friend Derek Bragg, a rough-hewn Texas Ranger, whose harsh manner and candid comments about her beauty enraged the shy miss. Although Bragg fought to deny his feelings for his charge, he knew that he was falling in love with her. Miranda, too, was struggling with her desire for her escort as they trekked across the treacherous wilderness. Drawn to the lawman—enflamed by his raw masculine virility—will Miranda sacrifice her innocence to the fire blazing out of control in her heart? Praise for Brenda Joyce “Captures and doesn’t let go.” —Johanna Lindsey, #1 New York Times–bestselling author “For scorching sensuality and raw passion, Brenda Joyce is unrivaled.” —Romantic Times “Romance at its best.” —Booklist

Brenda Joyce has enthralled millions of readers with her New York Times bestselling novels. Now, join us in the next chapter of her unforgettable storytelling: the Francesca Cahill novels. Step into the glittering world of New York City''s high society at the turn of the last century, where murder and pleasure are one and the same, and love becomes the ultimate weapon... Francesca Cahill comes from one of New York''s best families. Her mother is a leading socialite, her father, a millionaire. Their expectations for their daughter are simple-- marry well, and soon. But the intrepid and self-styled "Crime-Solver Extraordinaire" has other plans... Francesca discovered she had a penchant for sleuthing when she met Rick Bragg, New York City''s powerful and enigmatic Police Commissioner. Together, they solved what was known as the crime of the century. Now, their paths are destined to come together once again, but this time far more dangerously and fatefully. For Francesca is tempted to give in to the desire she and Rick have been resisting. And when Bragg''s arch-rival Calder Hart arrives in town, a respectable man is suddenly found dead, and now murder is the name of the game...

Dear Readers: I have a confession to make. I never know where my "muse" will take me next. It has been an exciting literary journey--my writing has evolved in many unexpected way, including recently into the realm of powerful and suspenseful contemporary women''s fiction, which I shall continue to write under my own name, Brenda Joyce. I have never lost sight, however, of my audience--my historical romance readers, and especially fans of my books featuring the Bragg family. To this day, many of you still clamor for more Bragg books. Well, imagine my surprise when my "muse" prompted me to begin a new historical romance suspense series--and then I realized a Bragg had to be the hero! And so the nom de plume B.D. Joyce was born, and with it, the first book in an ongoing series, Deadly Love. Welcome to the world of Francesca Cahill, crime-solver extraordinaire. Francesca is no ordinary heroine. She refuses to bow to convention, wears her heart on her sleeve, and is determined to right the ills and injustices of society/ Deadly love begins Francesca''s mad escapades when the neighbors'' little boy is kidnapped right out of his bed during a society ball. It is January 18, 1902. Francesca stumbles across the ransom note just as she meets New York City''s newly appointed police commissioner, Rick Bragg. And Fracesca can no more stay out of this investigation than she can stop herself from falling love with the city''s determined and powerful police commissioner. But little does she know that on this singular night, he life will change forever. Let me take you back in time to the lost, magical world of turn-of-the-century New York City--where the glittering mansions of society''s elite are only footsteps away from the impoverished back alleys of the city''sunderbelly--and into the heart of true danger and even truer passion. Enjoy! Best wishes and Happy Reading, B.D. Joyce (a.k.a. Brenda Joyce)

The time is turn-of-the-century New York City. Society''s elite host glittering balls inside sprawling mansions while outside, the teeming street harbor secrets of their own. New York City''s Police Commissioner Rick Bragg has been called upon to investigate a shocking crime. Reluctant to pull Francesca into a case that could be very dangerous, Rick also knows the beautiful and brilliant heiress has a natural ability for sleuthing that could aid him--even it if means working side by side with a woman who tempts him like no other. And so Franscesca and Rick begin a harrowing journey through the squalid underworld of the city that plunges them deeper and deeper in a peril neither could have imagined--and a desire that only continues to grow...

Join New York Times bestselling author Brenda Joyce for an epic story of undying love and forbidden desire in the Highlands… When Rivalry Becomes Passion With warfare blazing through Scotland, the fate of the Comyn-MacDougall legacy depends on one woman. Recently orphaned, young Margaret Comyn must secure her clan''s safety through an arranged marriage. But when an enemy invasion puts her at the mercy of the notorious Wolf of Lochaber, her every loyalty—and secret want—will be challenged. And a Kingdom Is at Stake Legendary warrior Alexander "the Wolf" MacDonald rides with Robert Bruce to seize the throne of Scotland. But when he takes the fiery Lady Margaret prisoner, she quickly becomes far more than a valuable hostage. For the passion between them threatens to betray their families, their country…and their hearts.

Go back in time to 15th century Scotland in New York Times bestselling author Brenda Joyce''s Masters of Time paranormal romance series. Dark Victory: Book 4 A dark, ruthless Highlander, the Black Macleod has refused his destiny. His life is revenge for the massacre of his family. But fate is impatient, and when a woman from another time dares to summon him, he cannot resist her powers—or her. A schoolteacher by day, Tabitha Rose uses her magic to protect others by night. When the vision of a dark Highlander, bloody and burned, appears to Tabby, she knows she has been called to help him. But what Tabby doesn''t expect is to be taken against her will to his dark, violent time. And when evil begins to stalk her, she realizes she must fight for far more than his destiny—she must fight for her love… Dark Lover: Book 5 Ian Maclean''s arrogance hides a terrible secret—for decades he was held prisoner by demons. Not a day goes by that he isn''t tormented by his darkest fears. Now he is about to sell to the highest bidder a page he''s stolen from the Book of Power—if one woman doesn''t stop him. Slayer Samantha Rose''s mission is to recover the stolen page—and get payback from the only man who''s ever rejected her. What she hasn''t counted on is the raging attraction between them. As the powers of evil from his past gather, Sam will do anything to help him—even following him into time and facing his worst nightmares with him…Highland warriors, sworn to protect innocence through the ages…

Like a pagan god, Rolfe the Relentless rode into Castle Aelfgar to claim it as his prize--and Lady Alice as his bride. Lauded for his bravery in France, in England he was the hated enemy. Once ensconced in his new domain, Rolfe became determined to tame the Saxon beauty Ceidre, Alice''s illegitimate sister, whose spirit and sensuality make him risk treason to have her--not Lady Alice--in his bed... Mysterious and seductive, she was no lady but a spy for the rebel cause of her noble half brothers. Refusing to bow to this arrogant warrior who ignited her forbidden passion, Ceidre was swept into a dangerous liaison tied to the fate of England and kings. Yet with his kisses on her lips, his skillful hands on her body, she would have to struggle not to surrender to... The Conqueror.

A Gilded Age socialite-turned-sleuth must clear her fiancé of murder in the New York Times–bestselling author’s historical mystery romance series. Called to the home of her fiancé’s former mistress late one night, Francesca Cahill finds her curiosity piqued. But upon arrival, she is shocked to find Daisy Jones’s bloodied body . . . and even more devastated when the evidence points to one suspect: her fiancé, Calder Hart. Francesca refuses to believe that Calder is capable of such an act. Still, she is unable to shake her instinctive sense that Calder is lying about something. The police are far less inclined to believe his innocence, and Calder is arrested for Daisy’s murder. But Francesca’s heart is not easily swayed—until a life-altering secret is exposed that could destroy their future together.

A collection of four romantic Christmas stories from various authors.

LOVERS . . . Belinda—The movie mogul’s sensual, stunning daughter, she was determined to make it on her own as a screenwriter. Independent and driven to succeed, she never dreamed she’d be sidetracked by her own need for a Hollywood superstud who made her feel like a woman . . . and act like a whore. Jack—The street tough who became the sexiest star in Hollywood. He was hooked on pleasure and pretty women, but the dark secret in his past made him hot to seduce Belinda for the sweetest of all reasons—revenge. AND LIARS In Hollywood the last words a woman should believe are spoken when she’s between black satin sheets and in her lover’s arms.

A scion of the imperious Bragg family, golden-boy Rathe Bragg finds a society party all rather a yawn until a feisty suffragette bursts into the room. Wielding a six-shooter and shrieking feminist slogans from atop the grand piano, the impassioned lady makes a startling first impression on those gathered, especially Rathe -- and from that moment the sparks between them only intensify. Irrepressible Grace O''Rourke, an intensely devout feminist, has outraged the entire town of Natchez with her radical ideas, and soon infuriates Rathe with her lack of regard for any opinions other than her own. Yet, despite her steadfast devotion to her cause, Grace warms to the virile gallant. But his bold suggestion of becoming his mistress stings the proud Grace, and she firmly rejects his scandalous proposition. But telling a Bragg "no" is the ultimate stimulant, and now, Rathe ardently pursues the lady whose eyes are ignited by a violet fire. Enjoy the entire Bragg saga --

Raised as a pirate’s daughter, Amanda Carre has not been tutored in the finer social graces. Alone in the world, she has never depended on anyone, until fate intervenes when Cliff de Warenne rescues her from a mob at her father’s hanging. Now she must set sail for England to find the mother she never knew, and her chaperone is an infamous ladies’ man…. The greatest gentleman privateer of his era, Cliff knows honor demands that he see this beautiful wild child to London and into her socialite mother’s arms. He’s aware that Amanda is utterly unprepared for a debut in London’s ton, so his only recourse is to become her guardian and champion her transformation into a lady—and find her a suitable match. But with every passing moment it becomes harder to deny his jealousy and ire—until Amanda makes her stunning debut, a lady at last. And when his passion is finally released, their love can no longer be denied.

Entreated by her estranged twin sister, Lana, to impersonate her for two days in order to save her life, Kait learns that Lana has many dangerous secrets and enemies, including a mysteriously seductive husband.

An orphan from London''s East End, a fugitive from the poorhouse, Violet Cooper was tired of sleeping on stoops and being hungry and cold. But she dared to enter a world forbidden to her and her kind. Even marriage to a gentle, elderly knight and the title Lady Goodwin could not open closed doors, stop the cold stares, or hush the shadowy rumors of murder.

A time travelling Highlander on a dark quest for vengeance cannot resist protecting a modern-day woman in need in this paranormal romance. As a Master of Time, Aidan once used his abilities to protect the Innocent across the ages. But he has long since abandoned the Brotherhood and forsaken his vows. Feared by all and trusted by none, he hunts alone, seeking vengeance against the evil that destroyed his son. He has not saved an Innocent in sixty-six years—until he hears Brianna Rose’s scream of terror, and leaps to modern-day Manhattan to rescue her . . . Brie is a gifted empath who spends her time fighting evil from the safety of her laptop—and fantasizing about the medieval Highlander she met just once. Her quiet life is upended the night she awakens consumed with Aidan’s pain and rage. When Aidan suddenly appears and takes her hostage, Brie cannot believe how dark and dangerous he has become. She knows she should be afraid, but instead, she will fight across time for his redemption . . . and his love.

With her mother''s passing, Alexandra Bolton gave up on love to take care of her family. Now, with the Bolton name in disgrace due to her father''s profligate ways, marrying an elderly squire might be the only way to save her family from absolute ruin. But when she meets the infamous Duke of Clarewood, old dreams—and old passions—are awakened as never before. Yet she cannot accept his shocking proposition! He is the wealthiest, most powerful peer in the realm, and having witnessed the cold horror of marriage as a child, he has vowed never to wed. But Alexandra Bolton inflames him as no woman has ever done, and she also serves him his first rejection! Now Clarewood—who always gets what he wants—will choose which rules to play by. But when passion finally brings them together, a terrible secret threatens to tear them apart….

Repackaged with a new low price, fans are sure to pick up this long-time favorite. Desire impels rebellious Lady Nicole toward a shocking liaison with the Duke of Clayborough. And though he is obsessed with her daring and sensuality, the Duke is bound by the dictates of honor to another woman--and resolves to take the raven-haired beauty as his mistress. But Nicole will be no man''s plaything, and determines to win no less than the Duke''s undying love.

New York Times bestselling author Brenda Joyce takes you back to the Highlands, where the battle for land, liberty and love rages on… A bastard daughter, Alana was cast away at birth and forgotten by her mighty Comyn family. Raised in solitude by her grandmother, she has remained at a safe distance from the war raging through Scotland. But when a battle comes close to home and she finds herself compelled to save an enemy warrior from death, her own life is thrown into danger. Iain of Islay''s allegiance is to the formidable Robert Bruce. His beautiful rescuer captures both his attention and his desire, but Alana must keep her identity a secret even as she is swept up into a wild and forbidden affair. But as Bruce''s army begins the final destruction of the earldom, Alana must decide between the family whose acceptance she''s always sought, or the man she so wrongly loves.

It is March of 1902, and Francesca Cahill-Fifth Avenue heiress, undaunted political activist and intrepid amateur sleuth-has just learned of a grave new danger haunting the streets of New York. A beautiful teenage girl named Emily O''Hare is missing and Francesca fears that the girl has been abducted. Only one person can help her learn the child''s fate-but Police Commissioner Rick Bragg may not want to get involved because Francesca has just stunned Rick by accepting a proposal of marriage...from none other than his own rival. Francesca still questions her decision to marry the powerful and notorious Calder Hart. But Rick Bragg is wed to another...and his dazzling wife has just returned after four years abroad to reclaim their marriage. Francesca remains torn between the two very different men-but she desperately tries to set aside the affairs of her heart when she discovers that Emily isn''t the first girl to vanish in recent weeks. And when Francesca discovers a trail of deception and lies, when someone very close to her investigation is murdered, Francesca realizes that the evil force behind the girls'' abductions may try to find a way to silence her too-if she dares to uncover the truth...

A dreamweaver spinning spells that entice and enchant, a masterful creator of unforgettable characters and incomparable romance , bestselling author Brenda Joyce works magic—from her award-winning American saga of the lusty remarkable Bragg family to the spellbinding medieval passion ofPromise of the Rose Estranged from society, wealthy and beautiful artist Sofie O''Neil finds solace in her private world, She longs just once to taste a forbidden love—to follow the dangerous diamond muggler Edward Delanza to paradise. But Edward wants far more from the innocent young heiress than a brief and passing encounter. For he is determined to heal her and possess her—now . . . and for all time.

The daughter of a poor London bookseller, Carolyn Browne wins renown as a gossip columnist using a male pen name, until a Russian prince catches on to her secret.

Highland warriors, sworn to protect innocence through the ages… A dark, ruthless Highlander, the Black Macleod has refused his destiny. His life is revenge for the massacre of his family. His enemies’ insults—that he is a man of stone—only amuse him. But fate is impatient, and when a woman from another time dares to summon him, he cannot resist her powers—or her…. A highlander driven by vengeance. The woman who will save him. A schoolteacher by day, Tabitha Rose uses her magic to protect others by night. When the vision of a dark Highlander, bloody and burned, appears to Tabby, she knows she has been called to help him, no matter how frightening he might be. But what Tabby doesn’t expect is to be taken against her will to his dark, violent time. And when evil begins to stalk her, she realizes she must fight for far more than his destiny—she must fight for her love….

Torn from his Romany mother’s arms as a small boy, Viscount Emilian St. Xavier has spent a lifetime ignoring the whispers of gypsy that follow him everywhere. A nobleman with wealth, power and privilege, he does not care what the gadjos think. But when the Romany come to Derbyshire with news of his mother’s murder at the hands of a mob, his world implodes. And Ariella de Warenne is the perfect object for his lust and revenge…. Ariella de Warenne’s heritage assures her a place in proper society, though as a radical and independent thinker she scorns her peers’ frivolous pursuits in the Ton, fashion and marriage. Until a Roma camp arrives at Rose Hill, and she finds herself drawn to their charismatic leader, Emilian. Even when he warns her away, threatening that he intends to seduce and destroy her, she cannot refuse him. For Ariella is just as determined to fight for their dangerous love….

Irrepressible heiress and intrepid sleuth Francesca Cahill moves from her own glittering world of Fifth Avenue to the teeming underbelly of society, a place of pride, passions…and sometimes deadly perversion. Despite the misgivings of her fiancé, Calder Hart, Francesca cannot turn away from a threat that is terrorizing the tenement neighborhood of Lower Manhattan. A madman has attacked three women, but while the first two victims survived, the third is found dead. All the victims are impoverished but beautiful Irishwomen—andFrancesca fears that her dear friends Maggie Kennedy and Gwen O''Neil could be next. Soon she is working with her former love, police commissioner Rick Bragg—Calder''s half brother and worst rival. But even as Calder''s jealous passions leave his relationship with Francesca teetering on the brink, Francesca is frantically on the killer''s trail, certain the Slasher will strike again, afraid she will be too late.…

Recapture the adventure and romance of New York Times bestselling author Brenda Joyce''s beloved de Warenne Dynasty THE PERFECT BRIDE: Lady Blanche Harrington has no desire to marry, but circumstances demand that she must. She dreads choosing a suitor, especially because one man, Rex de Warenne, has not stepped forward… A DANGEROUS LOVE: Ariella de Warenne may look like a proper lady, but her family knows her as an independent thinker and something of a radical. So no one is surprised—except maybe Ariella herself—when she falls for the most inappropriate man: Emilian, the leader of a Roma camp… AN IMPOSSIBLE ATTRACTION: The Duke of Clarewood witnessed his parents'' disastrous marriage, and he vowed never to wed. That is, until he meets the irresistible Alexandra Bolton, who inflames him as no other woman ever has… THE PROMISE: Alexi de Warenne married his childhood friend Elysse O''Neill to save her honor, but then leaves her to forge her own life. But Elysse knows she can win her husband''s heart, and she''ll do anything to claim her proper place at his side… The de Warenne Dynasty, Volume 3, Books 8 to 11 The Perfect Bride A Dangerous Love An Impossible Attraction The Promise

Highland Warriors, Sworn to Protect Innocence through the Ages… Ian Maclean’s arrogance hides a terrible secret—for decades he was held prisoner by demons. Not a day goes by that he isn’t tormented by his darkest fears of powerlessness. Now he is about to sell to the highest bidder a page he’s stolen from the Book of Power—if one woman doesn’t stop him. Every Rose Woman Has Her Destiny Slayer Samantha Rose’s latest mission is to recover the stolen page—and get payback from the only man who’s ever rejected her. What she hasn’t counted on is the raging attraction between them—or her growing realization of what Maclean has survived. As the powers of the evil from his past gather, Sam will do anything to help him—even if it means following him into time and facing his worst nightmares with him….

Six sexy historicals for one low price! Get six steamy novels by beloved author Brenda Joyce, in one easy download! Bundle includes The Prize, Deadly Illusions, The Masquerade, Deadly Kisses, The Stolen Bride, and A Lady at Last.

Jamaïque et Londres, 1820 Fille unique d’un célèbre pirate et d’une lady qui a refusé d’épouser son amant quand elle s’est retrouvée enceinte, Amanda Carre n’a jamais connu sa mère. A sa naissance, son père l’a emmenée vivre avec lui sur son bateau et, dès lors, Amanda n’a eu d’autre horizon que celui de l’océan et des voyages. Sauvage et passionnée, elle s’habille comme un homme et n’a peur de rien - jusqu’au jour où le destin la foudroie : son père, son seul repère en ce monde, a été arrêté en Jamaïque et, sur décision des autorités de l’île, va être pendu ! Déterminée à le sauver, Amanda fait irruption, pistolet au poing, dans le bureau du gouverneur au moment même où Cliff de Warenne, capitaine marchand au service de la Couronne, s’y trouve. Et devant Warenne stupéfait, Amanda menace le gouverneur de mort puis, se ravisant, promet de se donner à lui s’il gracie son père...

With over 7 million copies of her books in print and a name that consistently appears on the New York Times, USA Today and other national bestseller lists, Brenda Joyce''s novels are imbued with rich sensuality, haunting suspense and characters whose worlds become your own. Now, Brenda Joyce delivers a richly crafted contemporary novel set in the exclusive world of the British aristocracy, where secrets remain hidden at all costs, and where one woman dares to discover a lost legacy of passion...and murder. The Third Heiress The tragic death of her fiancé in a harrowing car accident plunges Jill Gallagher into a dark mystery. His final words to her: "I love you...Kate," force her to realize she neither truly knew this dashing British photographer, nor understood his true motives for being here in America. When she brings his body back to his English family, she enters a world of hostility, suspicion, and closely guarded secrets. Then she finds a century-old photograph of an American heiress named Kate Gallagher who looks remarkably like herself-and who disappeared nearly a century ago. What legacy of scandal has she unearthed? Who is so desperate to stop her? And can she trust the handsome, enigmatic stranger who may be her greatest ally...or a dangerous foe? At once otherworldly and vividly real, The Third Heiress is Brenda Joyce at her passionate and suspenseful best.

Recapture the adventure and romance of New York Times bestselling author Brenda Joyce''s beloved de Warenne Dynasty THE PRIZE: Orphaned Virginia Hughes is determined to rebuild her beloved childhood home, Sweet Briar. That is, until she is kidnapped by infamous sea captain Devlin O''Neill and finds her plans thwarted by a passion that threatens to seal both their fates forever… THE MASQUERADE: Tyrell de Warenne is shocked when Elizabeth Anne Fitzgerald—a girl he remembers as shy and bookish—shows up on his doorstep with a child she claims is his. And although he knows it''s impossible that he is the boy''s father, Tyrell is curious and plays along. But he hasn''t counted on the love that blossoms between him and Lizzie, a love too grand to be denied… THE STOLEN BRIDE: Eleanor de Warenne has all but given up on finding Sean O''Neill, the love of her life, who disappeared from his ancestral home years ago. But just days before her wedding to another man, Sean reappears, drastically changed from the man he once was. Eleanor must choose either her betrothal to a man of honor or the passion that Sean''s return has rekindled. A LADY AT LAST: Raised as a pirate''s daughter, Amanda Carre is alone in the world and has never been tutored in the finer social graces. Bound for England in search of her long-lost mother, she has only her chaperone, Cliff de Warenne, to instruct her in the ways of London society. But with every passing moment, it becomes harder to deny the explosive attraction between them… The de Warenne Dynasty, Volume Two, Books Four to Seven The Prize The Masquerade The Stolen Bride A Lady At Last

To save her family and fortune, a desperate widow must turn to a dangerous spy in the New York Times–bestselling author’s Regency romantic adventure. Once a penniless orphan, Evelyn D’Orsay became a countess and a bride at the tender age of sixteen. But the flames of revolution forced her to flee France, with the aid of a notorious smuggler. Recently widowed and without any means, Evelyn knows she must retrieve the family fortune from France for her daughter’s sake . . . but only one man can help her: the smuggler she cannot forget. Jack Greystone has been smuggling since he was a small boy—and he has been spying since the wars began. An outlaw with a bounty on his head, he is in hiding when he becomes aware of the Countess’s inquiries about him. He is reluctant to come to her aid yet again, for he has never been able to forget her. But he soon realizes he’ll surrender anything to be with the woman he loves . . .

Brave and battle-hardened Stephen de Warenne is to defend to the death that which is his by right of conquest -- including the golden-haired captive who awakens his soul''s most secret yearnings. For theirs is a passion that will not be denied -- a magnificent fire that burns hotter and brighter than the blazing flames of war that engulf the land.

Kari McKenzie and her family have sold their home and have moved a thousand miles away, to live on Grandpa Rob’s farm with his elderly sister, Lizzy. During the next few weeks, Kari learns things about her family that she had not known, and learns first-hand how keeping secrets from family members can affect the lives of many people, sometimes in unforgivable ways. While exploring her new surroundings, Kari helps in finding new evidence that may solve a seventy-five-year-old mystery and return a missing baby to its home.

Renowned for her passionate and sensual historical romances, bestselling author Joyce returns with the first installment in a brand-new historical romance trilogy. Original.

When a blackmailer threatens her future, a society sleuth must turn to the one man she can’t resist in this sexy Gilded Age mystery. New York City, 1902. On the morning of her wedding to Calder Hart, amateur sleuth Francesca Cahill is lured away to a private viewing of a portrait that could destroy her entire family: the nude that Hart has commissioned of her. Her desperate quest to recover the scandalous portrait leads her into a dangerous trap—one that keeps her from meeting Hart at the altar. And when Francesca finally arrives at the church, she finds it vacant. With her engagement over and a blackmailer intent on destroying her reputation, Francesca turns to Rick Bragg, the city’s powerful police commissioner. Together they scour the sordid streets of lower Manhattan, following a deliberately laid trail of clues in a race against the clock. And once it becomes clear that Bragg’s marriage is failing, Francesca must war with her feelings for him, battle Hart’s jealousy and escape a killer—all as she fights to win Hart back. But sometimes, passion just cannot be denied . . .

Claire Hayden has no idea that her world is about to be shattered. At the conclusion of her husband'''' 40th birthday party, he is found murdered, his throat cut with a weapon that hasn''t been used since World War II. He has no enemies. He has committed no crimes. He has no shady past. Claire''s search for information leads her to the mysterious Ian Marshall, an acquaintance of her husband who seems to know something. Someone has been killing this way for decade. Someone whose crimes go back to World War II. Someone who will do anything to make sure no one finds out. As Claire and Ian team up to track down the killer, Ian makes a shocking revelation: the killer may be close-and moving closer-to Claire. Full of twists and turns, The Chase is a fast-paced thriller with Brenda Joyce''s trademark plotting, sensuality, and characterization.