Castles and Courtship Series by Mindy Burbidge Strunk, Sally Britton, Martha Keyes, Rebecca Connolly, Kasey Stockton, Ashtyn Newbold, Deborah M. Hathaway

A gothic castle, a noble curmudgeon, and a candid miss.After the tragic death of his sister, Arawn Beavin withdrew from all Society and vowed to stay cooped up in his family’s castle for the rest of his life. If only his mother were so accommodating. As their year of mourning comes to an end, his mother summons her favorite modiste to the castle. Little does Arawn know the upheaval that will come along in the form of the modiste’s daughter... moreA gothic castle, a noble curmudgeon, and a candid miss.After the tragic death of his sister, Arawn Beavin withdrew from all Society and vowed to stay cooped up in his family’s castle for the rest of his life. If only his mother were so accommodating. As their year of mourning comes to an end, his mother summons her favorite modiste to the castle. Little does Arawn know the upheaval that will come along in the form of the modiste’s daughter. She is irreverent and completely disrespectful of his title.Even though Marjorie Fitzroy descends from nobility, it doesn’t mean she has enjoyed the benefits. It’s her mother’s occupation that has granted them access to England’s many great houses. But it is Marjorie’s first time in a castle and she can hardly wait to explore its corridors and dungeons. It does have a dungeon, does it not? But her excitement is quickly dispelled. The castle is nothing like those she read about in her favorite gothic novels. Except, perhaps for the grumpy marquess that resides within. He does nothing but brood and scowl at everything she says and does. Indeed, she finds little to like about him, but plenty of difficulty in avoiding him.When Arwan discovers that his sister’s death may not have been an accident, he enlists Marjorie to help solve the mystery. But he soon discovers that the wall he has built around his heart may not be as strong as he believed. Is it possible that they may not only discover the culprit behind his sister’s murder, but also their true feelings for each other? less

James Aldwick isn’t ready to settle down, but his father, Baron Retford, doesn’t give him a choice. The stigma of illegitimacy has haunted the baron his whole life, and it’s up to his son to reestablish their good name by marrying into a family with a perfect pedigree. A series of summer parties is the obvious course of action and the perfect opportunity to parade eligible ladies before the reluctant James... moreJames Aldwick isn’t ready to settle down, but his father, Baron Retford, doesn’t give him a choice. The stigma of illegitimacy has haunted the baron his whole life, and it’s up to his son to reestablish their good name by marrying into a family with a perfect pedigree. A series of summer parties is the obvious course of action and the perfect opportunity to parade eligible ladies before the reluctant James. Jessica Westcote, the youngest daughter of an earl, has resisted marriage to every stuffy lord her parents present to her. She wants a love match, not a business alliance. Unfortunately, the only man to ever evoke more than a tepid response from her heart is Mr. Aldwick, and passionate fury isn’t the same thing as ardent love. When an invitation to Retford Castle’s long list of events arrives, Jessica surprises herself by accepting. James is just as surprised to see his childhood nemesis and neighbor as a frequent guest, but he is certain his former foe won’t lay down arms long enough for a truce, let alone a courtship. Battle lines are drawn, but it isn’t long before those lines begin to blur. Are they friends or foes? Enemies or allies? As the end of summer approaches and James must make his choice, can Jessica forget the past long enough to imagine a future with him?Enjoy the other books in the multi-author Castles & Courtship series, which can be read in any order: An Amiable Foe by Jennie GoutetTo Know Miss May by Deborah M. HathawayA Heart to Keep by Ashtyn NewboldA Noble Inheritance by Kasey StocktonThe Rules of Matchmaking by Rebecca ConnollyA Suitable Arrangement by Martha Keyesand a title to come from Mindy Burbidge Strunk less

The arrangement may well be suitable, but is it bearable?As the new Earl of Lismore, it is Sandy Duncan’s duty to save both his family and Lochlarren Castle from impending ruin. He has always known he must marry well, but his father’s deathbed revelation of a slew of other debts creates an unexpected urgency to the situation. With his last breath, Sandy’s father extracts a promise from him to accept the match he has arranged: a marriage to the daughter of a low-born but wealthy English merchant... moreThe arrangement may well be suitable, but is it bearable?As the new Earl of Lismore, it is Sandy Duncan’s duty to save both his family and Lochlarren Castle from impending ruin. He has always known he must marry well, but his father’s deathbed revelation of a slew of other debts creates an unexpected urgency to the situation. With his last breath, Sandy’s father extracts a promise from him to accept the match he has arranged: a marriage to the daughter of a low-born but wealthy English merchant.While Juliana Godfrey has never had the recognition of Society’s most elite, she has been able to take comfort in what she does have: money—and she has that in spades. Her father’s newest ambition to marry her into the aristocracy, however, could provide her with both things. The fact that the Duncans are Scots—and Highland ones, at that—is not ideal, but an earldom simply cannot be refused.Despite being the face of the Duncan family’s salvation, Juliana’s reception at Lochlarren Castle is less than warm. As for the earl, he is bewildered to find his prospective bride arrogant and condescending, evidently expecting her future family to be barbaric. In spite of such shaky foundations, however, the match must proceed, bleak as the future may be to both participants. Will first impressions stand against the intimacy marriage brings, or are money and title all Sandy and Juliana can truly hope for from their union? less

Jane Richards is not interested in marriage at the moment, nor is she particularly concerned about it. The Season is an opportunity to be out and about, to engage with others, and to experience all that life, and London, have to offer. A house party to a castle in the Cotswolds isn't exactly what she had intended, but her curiosity gets the better of her, and she accepts... moreJane Richards is not interested in marriage at the moment, nor is she particularly concerned about it. The Season is an opportunity to be out and about, to engage with others, and to experience all that life, and London, have to offer. A house party to a castle in the Cotswolds isn't exactly what she had intended, but her curiosity gets the better of her, and she accepts. When she notices a gentleman who would be utterly perfect for one of her oldest friends, she determines she must intervene to make the match between them, but it will require help.Simon Appleby isn't sure why he agreed to a house party in the Cotswolds, but it is better than enduring excessive events in London, all engineered to force romantic connections among Society. But even he must admit that his friend has found his perfect match among the party guests, and is going to ruin his chances if left to his own devices. Simon finds himself colluding with the amusing, if willful, Jane Richards to throw their friends together at every possible opportunity, finding more entertainment in interfering than he could ever have imagined. And more surprises than he had counted on. less

They say reformed rakes make the best husbands... Lady Verity wants nothing more than to provide a safe home for her sister, whose simple-mindedness is often misunderstood. When Lady Verity's father and husband both die, passing their house to a stranger, she vows to do whatever she must to ensure her sister's safety. The new earl has a reputation for being a rake, and Lady Verity is prepared to make him an offer he cannot refuse... moreThey say reformed rakes make the best husbands... Lady Verity wants nothing more than to provide a safe home for her sister, whose simple-mindedness is often misunderstood. When Lady Verity's father and husband both die, passing their house to a stranger, she vows to do whatever she must to ensure her sister's safety. The new earl has a reputation for being a rake, and Lady Verity is prepared to make him an offer he cannot refuse.Daniel Palmer has run from his past for years, hiding from his failures and inadequacies by burying himself in cards, drink, and women. When a distant cousin and his heir both die, leaving Daniel with a title, house, and responsibilities he does not want, Daniel's impulse is to run. But his mother has different plans, and she invites the previous earl's widow and her two daughters to Arden Castle so they can become acquainted on neutral territory.When the countess and her daughters arrive, Daniel quickly learns that Lady Verity is hiding something from him. But as he grows closer to the truth, he learns that not everything is as it seems, and sometimes the greatest sacrifices lead to the finest rewards. less

Five gentlemen, one eligible young lady…and her reluctantly jealous best friend.Emma Eastwood can think of only two ways to escape a forced marriage to a detestable man: to run away, or to marry someone else. With few prospects for the second option, she escapes with the plan to audition to be a singer in London. When circumstances prevent her from reaching Town, she can think of no other place to hide than at the castle her friend Harry recently inherited... moreFive gentlemen, one eligible young lady…and her reluctantly jealous best friend.Emma Eastwood can think of only two ways to escape a forced marriage to a detestable man: to run away, or to marry someone else. With few prospects for the second option, she escapes with the plan to audition to be a singer in London. When circumstances prevent her from reaching Town, she can think of no other place to hide than at the castle her friend Harry recently inherited. When her plan to hide herself in the castle’s keep fails, Harry’s mother invites her to stay, but with one condition. She must secure a husband from the list of eligible bachelors attending their upcoming house party. But with Harry, the man she has always loved, just an arm’s length away, the task becomes much more difficult.After inheriting a castle, Harry Coleman hoped his luck would turn. But when he finds Emma in the keep, afraid and alone, he can’t help the feelings he buried years ago from resurfacing. But now it’s too late. He already engaged himself foolishly to a woman in London, and now all he can do is watch as five men descend upon his new home and vie for Emma’s heart—the only heart he has ever wanted.Living within the same stone walls of the castle, both Emma and Harry hide their feelings behind walls of their own. But strongholds can’t stand forever. What will happen if it all falls to ruin?A Heart to Keep is a sweet, wholesome regency romance novel.Enjoy the other books in the multi-author Castles & Courtship series that can be read in any order:An Amiable Foe by Jennie GoutetTo Know Miss May by Deborah M. HathawayA Heart to Keep by Ashtyn NewboldA Noble Inheritance by Kasey StocktonThe Rules of Matchmaking by Rebecca ConnollyA Suitable Arrangement by Martha KeyesAn Engagement with the Enemy by Sally BrittonCharming the Recluse by Mindy Burbidge Strunk less

He's supposed to convince her to marry someone else. What happens if he falls for her instead?Living on the small tidal island of St. Michael’s Mount, Miss Livvy May has the freedom to do as she wishes and go where she pleases, thriving in harmony with the Cornish seas. As much as she loves living on the Mount, however, there is one thing she wishes she could the fact that everyone wishes to know everything... moreHe's supposed to convince her to marry someone else. What happens if he falls for her instead?Living on the small tidal island of St. Michael’s Mount, Miss Livvy May has the freedom to do as she wishes and go where she pleases, thriving in harmony with the Cornish seas. As much as she loves living on the Mount, however, there is one thing she wishes she could the fact that everyone wishes to know everything . In an effort to help, Livvy’s father encourages her to find a spouse off of the Mount, but the very thought of leaving her home is unbearable—even if that home includes people who constantly misjudge and misunderstand her. But such a matter is hardly important when she has her books to keep her company. After all, reading is far easier than acknowledging the secrets she is desperate to keep to herself. Secrets about her past, about her family, about her heart—and whom she holds inside of it.Known as the Mount’s Charmer, August Moon has it all—a promising occupation as the castle’s undergardener, a family who loves him, friends who support him, and a community that adores him. The only thing that could make his life better? Finding a wife whose cheerful temperament and sense of adventure match his own. Such a thing is easier said than done, however, when his time is unexpectedly usurped by his supervisor, Mr. May, and a shocking August must help the unsociable Livvy May to find her place in Society or risk losing his place of work at the castle. Spending any amount of time with the woman will most assuredly be a waste of August’s time, but how can he willingly give up his position at the castle when he’s spent his whole life working to get there?With no choice but to accept Mr. May’s demands, August is determined to make quick work of the situation. But assisting the woman proves more than difficult as she refuses to comply with Society’s standards, putting his job—and his future—at risk. Livvy can’t begin to understand why the man is suddenly paying attention to her, but she is determined to keep her secrets to herself, especially the ones that involve August. And yet, when a fraction of the true Livvy shines forth, both of them must decide if their futures are better left spent apart or if falling in love is worth the risk of everything changing—and not entirely for the better.This is a clean, sweet, wholesome romance set in Cornwall during the Regency Era.Enjoy the other books in this series that can be read in any An Amiable Foe by Jennie GoutetTo Know Miss May by Deborah M. HathawayA Heart to Keep by Ashtyn NewboldA Noble Inheritance by Kasey StocktonThe Rules of Matchmaking by Rebecca ConnollyA Suitable Arrangement by Martha KeyesAn Engagement with the Enemy by Sally BrittonCharming the Recluse by Mindy Burbidge Strunk less