Christina McKnight

WHEN THE BEAST WITH A HEART OF GOLD Everything changed for Jasper Benedict, the Earl of Ailesbury, the night his family died in a tragic fire--the same fire that left him disfigured. Now, his scars have given him the name the Beast of Faversham. But when he stumbles upon a damaged carriage during a tempest, the beautiful woman inside reminds him of the man he wishes he could be: free of his past, and able to love. TAMES A BEAUTY WITH A WICKED PAST When her carriage breaks down outside Faversham Abbey, this is just the most recent in a long series of misadventures for Miss Adeline Price. Her beauty hides a fatal flaw: she's quick to judge, and rarely looks beneath the surface. But the longer she's around Jasper, the more she begins to want to be better--someone deserving of him. But when it comes time to reunite Adeline with her family in London, will Jasper believe that she sees not his scars, but the good, honorable man he is?

Marcus Adair, the Duke of Beargarner, has a secret: due to the gross overspending of his father, his dukedom is on the verge of bankruptcy. When his friend suggests he court Lady Godiva, daughter of the Earl of Garland, it seems like a marriage of convenience is the perfect solution. She'll get the benefits of his title and protection, and he'll get access to her father's shipping empire. But when Marcus meets Godiva, he's enchanted by her beauty and her bravery. A marriage in name only is no longer an option. Yet Godiva has been burned before, and she's vowed not to trust any man. Shunned by the ton for her portly appearance, Godiva has already had three marriage proposals broken. All that remains in her future, she thinks, is loneliness. Marcus seems like he could offer her more, a life that truly has joy in it, until she learns he's seeking her out for her father's contacts. With this new betrayal, Godiva is certain she's done with love.To win her heart, Marcus must convince Godiva that she's truly the bold, brilliant woman he sees. Can Godiva forget the past to welcome a future with her lord?Previously published as The Siege of Lady Aloria. This edition has been re-edited.

A TWIST OF FATE...Miss Katherina Elliott leads a simple life, teaching impoverished children, just as her parents did before her. Kate knows little of her family's past: only that every three months, a mysterious benefactor sends her enough money to pay the school's mounting bills. The envelope is brought by the solicitor across the street-a man Kate knows she shouldn't want but can't resist.Lord Joshua Stuart, the second son of the Duke of Beaufort, has never fit in with the rest of his family. Though he has a practice on Bond Street, he's always preferred working in Cheapside, where he can make a real difference. It has nothing to do with his attractive, sweet neighbor across the street, or so he tells himself. But when Kate's school is threatened, Joshua knows he must help her.As Joshua and Kate work to save the school, they grow closer, until their love for each other can no longer be denied. Their search brings them to the famed fortune teller, Madame Zeta, who holds the key to Kate's past. But when Kate's fate intertwines with Madame Zeta's, nothing will ever be the same. Will her love for Joshua survive fortune's twists, or will they end up as the final folly?

For years, Lady Chastity Neville has stood in the shadows of her dour older sister. But while bluestocking Prudence might be content to while away her hours alone with a book, Chastity secretly yearns to shed her wallflower ways. When she finds an old letter indicating her mother may have had a scandalous past, Chastity is drawn to the mystery of the woman she never knew. This Christmastide, she's determined to uncover the truth--and start a scandal of her own.Bastian Stanhope, the Earl of Mansfield, has lived his life in accordance to the wishes of others. Caring for his ailing mother is his main responsibility. But when he meets Lady Chastity, he's drawn to her compassion and adventurous spirit. For the first time, he's thinking of his own future. 'Tis the season for merry mischief, so to win Chastity's heart, he'll have to be a little bit wicked.With kisses underneath the mistletoe, Chastity's scandalous quest might just turn into the love of a lifetime...

WHEN LOVE IS MIXED WITH MAGIC, ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN.Descended from witches burned at the stake, Lady Emilia Noble knows all too well how society persecutes the different. She trusts no one but her own siblings, never daring to reveal to anyone outside the family that she, like her grandmother before her, can read a person's emotions through the changing colors of their aura. When her brother's foolhardy boast that he can predict the future entangles him with the unscrupulous Lord Abernathy, Emilia is faced with a new threat: the ruination of the family's finances and the unmasking of their secret past.Until Emilia meets Felix Huntar, the Duke of Kintore. For years, Felix has watched as his immoral uncle, Lord Abernathy, has cast shame upon their family through his dishonest machinations. Determined that Abernathy won't hurt anyone else, he vows to help Emilia resolve her family's debts. He's been drawn to her since the moment he met her, and slowly, she begins to trust him too. But when Abernathy threatens to reveal the Noble family's supernatural gifts, Emilia's worst nightmare becomes a very real reality.Can Felix and Emilia's love triumph over the forces of evil, or are they fated to be perpetually alone?

Lady Josephine Watkins never meant to shoot the Duke of Constantan. Driven by guilt and determined to see him well, she refuses to leave his side. She could not have guessed that the devilish duke would capture her heart. Devon Mowbray, Duke of Constantan, came to Favershame Abbey out of curiosity. He'd only planned to meet the earl known as the beast of Favershame, then be on his way. He never intended on the headstrong beauty sticking him with her arrow and stealing his heart in the process. Despite the magic burning between them, a dangerous secret leaves Devon no choice but to push Josie away. Unbeknownst to him, she's already unraveled the truth and become more determined than ever to have his heart. Is their love strong enough to withstand what threatens to keep them apart?

When happily ever after is the name of the game, gamblers must risk it all in this emotional conclusion to Christina McKnight's bestselling Craven House Series.WAGERS GO AWRYPayton Samuels has always known she wants more out of life than being the youngest daughter of the ton's most disreputable family. While her siblings are content to bet their future happiness on marriage, Payton learned early on from her mother that love is fleeting and leads only to disappointment. She's got a different plan: she'll work as a governess for Baron Ashford's children, but only long enough to win her fortune at one of his infamous masked gaming parties. When she loses big, Payton sees her chance at an independent life go up in flames--until Lord Ashford surprises her by paying her debts.WHEN LOVE IS IN THE CARDS.Since the tragic death of his wife, Damon Kinder, Lord Ashford, has been a man made of ice. His determination to never be hurt by love again runs so deep that he can't even connect with his children. When they quickly take to Payton, he thinks he's found a solution: she'll give them the affection and support he can't. As he spends more time around Payton, his heart begins to defrost, and he can't stop thinking about the captivating governess.But every seasoned gambler knows that eventually, luck runs out. Can two souls so burned by past loves forge a new future together?

THEIR MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE...For years, Lady Melloria Whitmore has believed her childhood best friend and secret love Brigham Clarke agreed to marry her out of a sense of duty. Knowing how important Brigham's work with Parliament is to him, she agrees to see him once a year, when he returns to his country estate for the holidays. This Christmas, Mellie vows to give Brigham the one thing he has always wanted: an heir. For one night, she'll share his bed, and she'll have that memory of passion to get her through the long winter nights without him. IS ABOUT TO BECOME A MARRIAGE OF LOVE.Except Brigham doesn't want just one night--he wants forever. He's loved Mellie all his life and making her his Viscountess Whitmore was his dream. He just never thought Mellie returned his feelings. So when Mellie begins her seduction under the Christmastide moon, Brigham receives the best gift of all: his wife's love.Publisher's Note: This novella was also published in HOT WINTER NIGHTS

A MAN TRYING TO ESCAPE FROM THE PAST...When Silas Anson inherits the earldom of Lichfield from a father he never knew, he has one goal: protect his siblings. To do so, he'll need to do two things: replenish the estate's depleted coffers, and gain the support of his powerful family--even though they betrayed his mother years ago. An arranged marriage with the daughter of the Marquess of Blandford will accomplish both of these objectives while giving him a chance at a normal, happy life.NEEDS A WOMAN WHO CAN SEE THE FUTURE.Except Lady Mallory Hughes isn't the normal debutante he expects. Along with a large dowry, she's inherited her family's gift for predicting the future. For years, her family has kept her hidden away from society, for fear she will bring the family shame. If she is ever to have a chance at an independent existence--and love--she must get through this week without alerting Silas about her visions. But when Mallory touches Silas, she sees his death. With Silas's life on the line, how can Mallory save him without revealing her gift, and risking their chance at a future together?Publisher's Note: This novella was also published in KISSED AT CHRISTMAS

Lady Sybil Anson thought she had it all. Even a match of the heart, despite so many London elite marrying for convenience. But the night before their betrothal was to become official, the love of her life vanished--with a hastily scrawled note and little more. She feared the worst as her heart ached for Gideon, and the scandal sheets simply made matters worse with their preposterous musings on the hows and whys of Viscount Galway's disappearance. Now, more than a year later, he's unexpectedly back, and Sybil will have her answers.Many, many years ago, Gideon Lyndon made a grave mistake. One he's spent most of his adult life trying to rectify. And despite the progress made, the sacrifices were extensive and damaging. On the verge of repairing one misdeed, he finds himself faced with his greatest challenge yet: winning back the woman he has loved since the moment he met her. But after a year of silence, convincing his headstrong paramour to take him back will not be easy. Especially since he can't even explain why he left--not if he wants to keep her safe.Publisher's Note: This novella was originally published in IT STARTED WITH A WHISPER

WHEN A BLUESTOCKING SPINSTER SETS HER MIND TO SOMETHING...Lady Patience Lane, daughter of the Earl of Desmond and legendary boxer Ivory Bess, grew up learning to fight, not how to mind her manners. She always expected she'd become a trainer like her mother until injuries from the ring led to her mother's untimely death. Now, she's determined to save other families from the same heartache, by teaching others about the dangers of boxing. Nothing could bring her back to the world she left--until she meets a mysterious stranger who sets her pulse racing.AND A DARK, DANGEROUS LORD INTERFERES...Sinclair Chambers, the Earl of St. Seville and known as "Sin" to his cohorts, inherited an insolvent estate. He has to make money, and fast, or his tenants will starve. The prize purses from the bareknuckle mills will go a long way to solving his problems if he can win them. To be a success in the ring, he needs the best trainer, and Patience Lane is the best there is--all he has to do is convince her that he'll only fight once. THEY JUST MIGHT FIND THEIR HAPPILY EVER AFTER IN EACH OTHER'S ARMS.The more time Sin and Patience spend together, the closer they become. Soon, Sin's thoughts are less about winning in the ring, and more about winning Patience's heart. But can a relationship born out of wicked deception stand the test of time?

THERE'S A FINE LINE BETWEEN LOVE AND HATE.Despite being thrown from her home and stripped of her place in society at a young age, Madame Marce Davenport is proud of what she's accomplished with her family and the notoriously scandalous Craven House. Except it's all built on a lie. When an arrogant duke strode into her home years ago, offering her a way to keep the brothel open, she agreed to his game of deception. But now that her siblings have found their happiness, Marce can finally live the life she's always wanted: one that embraces the truth. And that means severing ties with the man who has claimed too many of her days--both in reality, and fantasy.Rowan Delconti, the Duke of Harwich, has been angry for so long: at his father, at the woman who broke apart his parents'marriage, and at the children who won is father's love. He's determined his mother won't be unhappy again--even if it means pretending to be married to Marce so that his mother will think he's found love in his life. But the beautiful madame fuels his fire like no other, and the charade starts to feel all too real.When Marce and Rowan's secrets finally come to light, their passion may not be enough to staunch the hurt of the past. Can two people who were so wrong for each other, realize they've been right all along?

Three innocent debutantes must work to solve the mysterious death of their childhood friend. With undaunted determination they pledge to not only expose the man responsible for their friend's tragic death on her wedding night, but to also uncover other unscrupulous men of the ton who would jeopardize the future of other young women. The Disappearance of Lady Edith, The Undaunted Debutantes (Book One) One tragic night changed sensible, proper Lady Edith Pelton's life: when her best friend fell to her death, pushed down a flight of stairs by a nefarious lord. Now, Edith dedicates her time watching the man she thinks is responsible, while gathering other information to expose other scoundrels posing as gentlemen of honor about London. But when her spying is noticed by a perfect stranger, Edith finds herself with two mysteries--what happened to her friend, and how to win the heart of a brilliantly handsome lord. The Misfortune of Lady Lucianna, The Undaunted Debutantes (Book Two) Lady Lucianna Constantine, a quick-witted hellion, has no doubt who is responsible for the murder of her dear friend--and she will stop at nothing from exposing his transgressions, and those of every despicable man in London. Though her two dearest friends were unwilling to point a finger at the dastardly man, Lucianna has witnessed the cruelty of London's Beau Monde her entire life...starting with her own father. She is more than willing to singlehandedly take down every vile man that crosses her path. However, what happens when a most honorable man discovers Luci is the abhorrent woman who ruined both his life and stripped him of his rightful future? The Misadventures of Lady Ophelia, The Undaunted Debutantes (Book Three) If only Lady Ophelia Fletcher--quiet, reserved, with her nose always stuck in a book--had witnessed the death of her friend that fateful night. Now she writes a column, Mayfair Confidential, that she uses to expose men with unsavory pasts to make amends for holding her tongue the night her dear friend was murdered. She is more than willing to never call attention to herself. But when a handsome stranger arrives to meet with her father, Ophelia can't help but do a little investigating for her own benefit. At last, Ophelia has stumbled upon an adventure of her own--but does she possess the skills necessary to solve the mystery without the assistance of her friends?

Quiet, reserved, Lady Ophelia Fletcher always has her nose stuck in a book; hence why she didn't witness the death of her friend the fateful night of her passing. Now, she writes the Mayfair Confidential column to expose unsavory men as a way of making amends for not backing her other friend's claims of murder. When a handsome stranger arrives to meet with her father, Ophelia is helpless to keep from investigating the dashing lord.Colin Parnell, Lord Hawke, has a promise to uphold: find the book that proves his grandpapa worked as a spy for King George II and did not die as a no-good smuggler off the coast of Kent. Shrouded in mystery and scandal, the Parnell family has been at war with one another for decades, and Colin is determined to put a stop to it all by discovering proof of the family's honorable past. Unfortunately, the book he seeks is in the hands of a fiery-haired beauty, and he'll need to enlist Ophelia's help to uncover the truth.Ophelia is more than happy to use her skills to help Lord Hawke. But will their search for answers lead to misadventure, or will they get something greater than they bargained for: the truth and each other?

One tragic night changed sensible, proper Lady Edith Pelton's life: when her best friend fell to her death, pushed down a flight of stairs by a nefarious lord. Now, Edith dedicates her time to watching the man she thinks is responsible, while gathering information to expose other scoundrels posing as gentlemen of honor about London. When her spying is noticed by a perfect stranger, Edith finds herself with two mysteries--what happened to her friend, and how to win the heart of this brilliantly handsome lord. Triston Neville, Viscount Torrington, has been tasked with two duties for the upcoming Season: see that his sisters make the most of their debut, and avoid embroiling himself in another scandal. What he does not expect is the captivating, fair-haired beauty that literally falls into his path. When the mysterious Lady Edith suddenly disappears without a trace, Triston fears his past misdeeds may have returned to destroy his life once more. Can Triston piece together the puzzle in time to save Edith and prove that his love is nothing less than honorable?

Quick-witted hellion Lucianna Constantine has no doubt who was responsible for the death of her dear friend. And she will stop at nothing to expose his transgressions--and those of every despicable man in London. Lucianna has witnessed the cruelty of London's beau monde her entire life...starting with her own father. So she is more than willing to singlehandedly take down every vile man that crosses her path.Roderick Crofton, the Duke of Montrose, had his entire family fortune stolen when his father trusted the wrong men. After a scandalous article surfaces in the London Daily Gazette, written by the notorious Mayfair Confidential columnist, Roderick finds himself financially destitute, without a betrothed, and lacking the means to find the lords responsible for duping his sire. With little option left, Roderick has only one choice: find another wealthy heiress to wed. His quest brings him to Lady Lucianna Constantine, and soon, he can't deny that he wants her for more than just her dowry. However, Luci has secrets that could change everything. And when Roderick uncovers what those confidences entail, it could mean misfortune for all involved.

A widow scarred by love and loss...After years spent following her husband as he fought against Napoleon's troops, Lady Lettie Hughes returns to London a widow to take her rightful place among the ton as the daughter of an earl. Her parents and friends expect her to enter the Marriage Market and secure the match she should have pursued in her debut Season. But Lettie is not the same innocent girl she was before Waterloo. Nightmares of the battlefield plague her, and she doesn't see a place for herself in society anymore. A lord determined to save the woman he loves...Daniel Greaves, the Duke of Linwood, is a man who knows rejection and loss. He's lived the last six years alone, after the woman he was betrothed to cast him aside for another man. Instead of taking control of his title and lands, Daniel fell into a life a debauchery-gaming, women, and spirits. But now the woman who stole his future and left him hollow is back in London.When Lettie and Daniel are reunited, their connect burns as bright as it once did. But neither of them are the same people they were in their youth-they must trust one another to heal the wounds of their past to find a love that lasts forever.

FRIENDSHIP...Lady Theodora Montgomery departed Miss Emmeline's School of Education and Decorum for Ladies of Outstanding Quality to attend her first London Season--her three dearest friends by her side. With her sharp wit and skill on the archery field, Theo is far more interested in winning a large purse prize than securing a husband. But when she is unmasked on the tourney grounds, her face exposed to all, she fears her identity and days spent gallivanting around London will cause not only her undoing but the downfall of her friends as well.LOYALTY...Mr. Alistair Price, heir to the elderly Viscount Melton, arrived in London with his eight younger siblings in tow. He is charged with keeping his family name above reproach until the Season starts and his sister, Miss Adeline Price, is presented to society--though that proves far more difficult than Alistair ever expected when he discovers his rebellious sister climbing down the side of their townhouse and scurrying off to Whitechapel for an archery tournament. His focus remains on saving his family from the certain ruin and disgrace Adeline's actions invited--until Alistair catches sight of another female archer, her arrow connecting with far more than the center of her target.AND HONOR ABOVE ALL.With Theodora's future--and that of her friends--in jeopardy, will she agree to a marriage devoid of affection, or risk everything for the man who won her heart?

Highly anticipated second book in Christina McKnight's bestselling Craven House Series COURTSHIP WAS NEVER SO SCANDALOUSThe grandson of an unconventional marquis and son of a notorious woman, Elijah Watson, Marquis of Ridgefeld, has spent most of his life outside of London. His atypical upbringing has left him longing for roots and a traditional family life, and he's determined to live his life above reproach. When he meets Miss Samantha Pengarden, he believes he's found the woman he wants to marry-except she has other far more sensual ideas for him.Known throughout the ton as the illegitimate rebellious daughter of London's disreputable Craven House Madame, Samantha has never had to face the world without her shy twin by her side-until now. Her sister's marriage and the return of her blackguard father leaves her alone and adrift. When Elijah agrees to escort her to the town's most infamous establishments, she thinks she's finally found a man with a taste for scandal and a knowledge of matters of the flesh.But she never counted on Elijah being so honorable. When Samantha is listed as the mistress of the Marquis of Ridgefeld in White's betting book, her reputation is in ruins-and only Elijah can save her. Can two total opposites come together for a love certain to last a lifetime?

A CHRISTMAS WISH...Lady Pippa Godfrey has suffered the most ruinous London Season. She escapes to her Somerset estate for a quiet Christmastide holiday with her family, away from society's prying eyes. But before her parents can join her, a storm crashes down on Somerset to destroy any hope of Pippa's white Christmas dream. The roads have flooded and travel is impossible, leaving her stranded and alone. But a muddied, angry and devilishly handsome lord appears at her door demanding shelter.Lucas Hartfeld, the Earl of Maddox, has been summoned by his parents, the Marquis and Marchioness of Bowmont, to attend a holiday party in the wilds of the country, far from his London townhouse. He suspects they command his attendance for far different reasons than a simple country party. When a storm strands his carriage, he's forced to seek shelter at the only home for miles around, a local manor called Helton House.When Lady Pippa is reluctant to admit him, he does what he's been raised to do--demand she provide him and his servants with shelter until the storm passes. But the beautiful woman draws his interest far more than he's willing to admit. Can Lucas find a way out of the predicament his parents are planning?As Lady Pippa scrutinizes another arrogant, demanding lord, she is bombarded with memories of betrayals in her past. Can she forget those difficult life lessons to claim a Christmastide kiss from a perfect stranger?