Mary Jo Putney

Reissued and repackaged for the very first time since 1988, Lady of Fortune is a classic story of one woman's perseverance and strength in the face of insurmountable odds in the wake of the French Revolution. A countess turned servant . . . Forced to escape the French Revolution, resilient young Comtesse Marie-Christine D'Estelle flees to London. But when she finds herself unexpectedly penniless, Christa hides her aristocratic background to become a lady's maid. . . . Until rebuffing advances from both her tyrannical mistress's husband and her lover gets Christa cast into the street--directly into a hero's arms . . . A Royal Navy commander . . . After a long absence, Captain Lord Alexander Kingsley has returned to England on medical leave. Now head of his family, he must take charge of his younger siblings. He feels a special duty to his sister Annabelle, a shy debutante in need of a maid. So Alex is delighted to discover that the intriguing, outspoken, and lovely young woman who serendipitously landed in his arms is in need of just such a position . . . The heart of a household . . . With her warmth, charm, and surprisingly refined intellect, Christa soon wins the hearts of all the Kingsleys--especially Alex. And while their mutual attraction deepens to something more, the gap in their social stations seems an impossible obstacle. Only when Alex and Annabelle become the targets of fortune hunters, will the truth about Christa have a chance to be revealed. But will it mean a chance for true love to triumph?

Bestselling author M.J. Putney weaves a new tale in the Guardian series-a dazzling romantic fantasy that takes readers not only from the elegant streets of London to a dangerously tempting Mediterranean island but across time.Jean Macrae's family is one of the most prominent clans of Guardians, humans whose magical powers come from nature, but Jean considers her skills modest at best. She has never been able to summon the intense, earth-altering ability that has marked the most talented Guardians, and she is content without the adventure that such skill brings . . . until the day she is confronted by a handsome stranger whose magic imprisons her on his pirate ship.Captain Nikolai Gregorio is convinced that Jean's father abandoned him, as a child, to slavers. Now he seeks vengeance against the Macraes, no matter the cost. But Jean soon finds his untrained magical gifts far more dangerous than his thirst for revenge, especially when they intensify her own powers to an unthinkable-and enticing-degree.And when Jean and Nikolai's irresistible connection summons a woman from the future, they are charged with a formidable task: protect those who will oppose slavery's evil and forever change the future of two nations. This quest will sweep Jean and Nikolai into the most fantastic of realms and try their powers beyond even what the Guardians themselves would dare. And when ultimate disaster threatens, they will stake everything on a shattering test of love that could secure the fate of generations . . . or destroy them and all they cherish.The Guardian Trilogy: A Kiss of Fate, #1Stolen Magic, #2A Distant Magic, #3

Bestselling author M.J. Putney's spellbinding new romantic fantasy will sweep you from Wales's mysterious forests to the glittering menace of Georgian London-and into a shattering rendezvous with fate.Heir to an ancient title, Simon Malmain, the Earl of Falconer, is well known among the Guardians, humans with magical powers derived from nature. Well known, but not always well loved . . . for those who enforce the law are rarely embraced by those whom they protect-and this is equally true whether the law is magical or mundane.A routine mission to confront a rogue Guardian who has misused his powers turns disastrous when Simon's quarry, Lord Drayton, captures his pursuer in a transformation spell that can only be released by Drayton-or death. Aid arrives in the form of Meg, a fey young woman who first traps Simon, then frees him.As they flee together, Simon recognizes that Meg is also a victim of Drayton's evil enchantments, and he restores her nature and innate magic. Though her memory is still clouded, she is freed at last from a shadowy world of fear and lost identity. She agrees to help Simon bring down Drayton.The need for each other's magic binds them together-and releases the more ancient magic of passion. But desire cannot be satisfied until the rogue mage is stopped. For Drayton has a diabolical plan that will profoundly alter the course of Britain's future. Even the combined power of Simon and Meg may not be enough to stave off catastrophe. Only a desperate act of love may win back the future-or destroy all they hold dear.The Guardian Trilogy: A Kiss of Fate, #1Stolen Magic, #2A Distant Magic, #3

Two times, two places, two tender holiday romances...The Best Husband Money Can Buy*Regency England*Emma Stone, a lonely governess, inherits an unexpected fortune, and realizes that she can now have the husband and family she craves. Anthony Vaughn, the dashing distant cousin she has known since childhood, needs a fortune to pay his father's debts and preserve the family estate. Together they strike a bargain-even though Emma knows she risks not only her fortune but her heart...Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know*An American Western*English-born gambler Andrew Kane was ready to settle down when a wrongful conviction condemns him to be hanged. On his journey to the gallows, he meets despairing young widow Eliza Holden. Together, they find comfort and a stunning sense of connection. Can Eliza create a Christmas miracle for them both?

Celebrate I love writing Christmas stories because they include three of my favorite things-tradition, lots of emotion, and a guaranteed happy ending. That's why I'm delighted to reissue this holiday collection which includes four of my classic historical novellas, plus my only contemporary novella. What all these tales have in common is two people discovering life's greatest gift, love, at the happiest time of the year. Enjoy -Mary Jo PutneySunshine for Christmas follows a lonely young aristocrat to Italy for the holidays, where he finds something even more precious than sunshine. (The hero, Lord Randolph Lennox, was a secondary character in my RITA winning novel, The Rake.)The Christmas Cuckoo features level-headed young Meg who goes to the local coaching inn and comes home with the wrong Jack Howard. And like a true cuckoo in the nest, Jack doesn't want to leave The Christmas Tart is the tale of Nicole, a young Frenchwoman down on her luck in London, whose stark choice for survival gives her-and her kitten -a new chance for happiness.The Black Beast of Belleterre is a Beauty and the Beast Victorian tale of a beautiful young artist and the husband who believes he cannot be loved. Of course he's wrong In A Holiday Fling, a British actress and a Hollywood cameraman team up to film a Christmas show for a good cause. Anything that happens between them will be a strictly temporary holiday fling-or might it be more?About the AuthorA New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USAToday bestselling author, Mary Jo Putney's novels are known for psychological depth and intensity and include historical and contemporary romance, fantasy, and young adult fantasy. Winner of numerous writing awards, including two RITAs, three Romantic Times Career Achievement awards, and the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award from Romance Writers of America, she has had numerous books listed among Library Journal's and Booklist's top romances of the year.

*Named one of the year's Top 5 Romances by Library Journal**Romantic Times award for Best Historical Paranormal Romance*Laird of an ancient, powerful Scottish clan, Duncan Macrae is committed to ending the ceaseless strife between Scotland and England. But he also has other, secret powers-those of a Guardian, humans with mystical abilities to control nature's forces and see into the hearts of others. And from the moment he encounters the young and independent English widow Gwyneth Owens, his fiery spirit is irrevocably drawn to claim her as his own-a passion that will not only set his loyalty to his land against his sworn Guardian vows, but will also threaten everything he cherishes most.Though Gwynne's father was a Guardian, she believes that she has inherited only her mother's beauty, not her father's power. Then one kiss from the dangerously alluring Laird of the Macraes ignites a hunger that shakes her to her soul-and reveals visions of a looming catastrophe that threatens England and Scotland both. Only by becoming Duncan's wife, and ultimately betraying the man she loves, can she avert disaster.As destiny and two mighty nations clash, Gwynne and Duncan must push their powers and passions beyond the most forbidden limits if they are to save their love-and secure the future.

A Classic Sweet Regency RomanceA Wicked Wager Rich, handsome, and fashionably jaded, Jason, Lord Radford, knows he must marry to get an heir, but assumes that any well bred young lady will do, so he offers for Caroline Hanscombe, whose name he draws at random. Caroline is pressured by her family to accept, but shy and musical, she finds her new fianc alarming. Will this be a match made in heaven or hell? Or might Caroline quietly find herself a man who suits her better...?**Mary Jo Putney's first book, The Diabolical Baron was a RITA finalist and won the Romantic Times awards for Best New Regency Novel and Best New Regency Author, and the NJRW Golden Leaf Award for best historical romance.Putney Classic Romances: The Diabolical Baron, #1Carousel of Hearts, #2About the AuthorA New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USAToday bestselling author, Mary Jo Putney's novels are known for psychological depth and intensity. Winner of numerous writing awards, including two RITAs, three Romantic Times Career Achievement awards, and the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award from Romance Writers of America, she has had numerous books listed among Library Journal's and Booklist's top romances of the year.

Risking danger, she finds hope and loveThe Irregulars return safely home to 1803 England, their magic strengthened by their heroic efforts at Dunkirk. But Tory is shocked when she realizes that the ever deepening relationship with Allarde will cost him everything. If Tory really loves him, she must walk away so he can find a non-magical mate and avoid being disinherited. But does she have the strength to leave the love of her life?Cynthia's heroic efforts at Dunkirk have won her the respect of the Irregulars, but her sharp tongue keeps everyone at a distance. Does she have the courage to risk love?Then the Irregulars are drawn into a dangerous attempt to rescue a vitally important scientist from Nazi-occupied France. Countless lives are at stake, but when the mission goes awry, will they all survive to return home?The Lackland Academy Chronicles: Dark MirrorDark PassageDark DestinyM. J. Putney is the YA alter ego of New York Times bestselling author Mary Jo Putney. The winner of numerous awards for her romances, M. J. is fond of reading, cats, travel, most of all, great stories

This time danger threatens their homesTory and her friends are celebrating the success of a second mission to aid WWII Britain when an urgent summons calls them back to their own time: Napoleon is on the brink of invading England. Can a handful of young mages stop an army?In desperation, Merlin's Irregulars ask Rebecca Weiss, an untrained telepath from 1940, to come back to 1804 and change Napoleon's mind before it's too late. Rebecca agrees, willing to risk anything for the friends who saved her family-even her life and her budding relationship with Nick Rainford.A daring mission takes Tory and Rebecca and their friends into the heart of the Army of Boulogne, where Napoleon is gathering ships and plotting invasion. But while their success may save England, they must still face the bittersweet consequences of their decisions when they return home.The Lackland Abbey ChroniclesDark MirrorDark PassageDark DestinyM. J. Putney is the YA alter ego of New York Times bestselling author Mary Jo Putney. The winner of numerous awards for her romances, M. J. is fond of reading, cats, travel, and most of all, great stories

Her exile becomes her destinySixteen year old Lady Victoria Mansfield is the cherished youngest child of a lord, and she is destined for a life of wealth and privilege. But Tory has a shameful secret-a secret so powerful that, if exposed, it could strip her of her position and disgrace her family forever. Tory's blood is tainted...by magic.When a shocking accident forces Tory to demonstrate her despised power for all to see, she's immediately exiled to Lackland Abbey, a reform school for aristocratic young men and women who are cursed with magical power. There she can be cured of her deplorable talents and maybe, if she's lucky, be able to return to society.But all Tory has known and believed will be challenged at Lackland as she discovers friendship and love with fellow students who call themselves Merlin's Irregulars, and are pledged to defend Britain whatever the cost. Even if that means traveling through time to face the guns of Dunkirk.*Dark Mirror was nominated by YALSA as one of the best YA novels of 2011**This book includes "Fallen From Grace," a bonus short story set in the Dark Mirror world*M. J. Putney is the YA alter ego of New York Times bestselling author Mary Jo Putney. The winner of numerous awards for her romances, M. J. is fond of reading, cats, travel, most of all, great stories Visit her at mjputney.com or maryjoputney.com.The Lackland Abbey Chronicles: Dark MirrorDark PassageDark Destiny

A Classic Sweet Regency RomanceLove is in the air, but where is Cupid aiming his darts?Spirited and beautiful, Antonia Thornton is a baroness in her own right, and her companion and best friend is Judith Winslow, a quiet intellectual with a love of natural philosophy. Then Antonia's childhood friend, Adam Yorke, returns from India and brings his friend, the outrageously handsome Simon, Lord Launceston. They all like each other, love is in the air-and they are all too noble for their own good Can four confused young people sort themselves out properly before it's too late?Putney Classic Romance: The Diabolical Baron, #1Carousel of Hearts, #2About the AuthorA New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USAToday bestselling author, Mary Jo Putney's novels are known for psychological depth and intensity. Winner of numerous writing awards, including two RITAs, three Romantic Times Career Achievement awards, and the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award from Romance Writers of America, she has had numerous books listed among Library Journal's and Booklist's top romances of the year.

A lord yearning for adventure and a lonely woman longing for a home...The daughter of a Scottish father and a Chinese mother, Troth Montgomery grew up in Macao fluent in the language and culture of both parents, but her father's sudden death condemned her to a shadowy life as an interpreter in Canton. Then Kyle Renbourne, viscount and adventurer, discovers her true identity and persuades her to be his guide for a dangerous journey into the heart of the Celestial Kingdom.For Kyle, Troth is an enchanting combination of strength and wisdom unlike any woman he's ever met. As they travel together, attraction flares into a searing passion that ends when Kyle is captured and condemned to death. After a desperate prison cell marriage, Troth promises to carry news of his fate back to his family.Believing him dead, Troth makes the long journey to England, arriving in bitter winter at the estate of Kyle's brother. Though accepted as bride and widow, she is haunted by the memory of her dashing husband and the brief, forbidden love they shared as she struggles to adjust to her new life.Then the past reaches out to Troth, bringing passion, despair, and a danger that has followed her halfway around the world. In the wild hills of Scotland she must draw on her unique heritage to save all she holds dear-and find the love and home she has always dreamed of.The Bride TrilogyBook1: The Wild ChildBook 2: The China BrideBook 3: The Bartered BrideAbout the author: New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USAToday bestselling author Mary Jo Putney's novels are known for psychological depth and intensity. Winner of numerous writing awards, she has five times had books listed among the Library Journal's top five romances of the year, and three times had books among the top ten romances of Booklist, the magazine of the American Library Association.

A dashing sea captain, an indomitable woman, and a deadly mission...After building a fortune in the exotic East, American adventurer and merchant prince Gavin Elliott sets his sails for London to begin a new life. Then fate intervenes on an infamous island in the East Indies where he discovers an Englishwoman facing degradation and peril. Though saving her may cost Gavin his life, he cannot refuse to help the fierce beauty who touches his heart and soul with her unconquerable spirit.Alexandra Warren is returning home from Australia as a widow and mother when a pirate attack condemns her to a life of servitude. A miracle arrives in the form of a steely-eyed Yankee captain whose reckless courage wins them freedom and a safe passage home to London. Intimate strangers joined by too many secrets, they slowly begin to heal the past with attraction and tenderness--until an old enemy reaches out to threaten the passionate love Gavin has found with his irresistible bartered bride.The Bride TrilogyBook 1: The Wild ChildBook 2: The China BrideBook 3: The Bartered BrideAbout the author: New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USAToday bestselling author Mary Jo Putney's novels are known for psychological depth and intensity. Winner of numerous writing awards, she has five times had books listed among the Library Journal's top five romances of the year, and three times had books among the top ten romances of Booklist, the magazine of the American Library Association.

A mad heiress and a false fianc ...The younger son of an earl, Dominic Renbourne is offered an irresistible bribe by his arrogant, identical twin brother, Kyle, who is heir to the earldom. All he must do is take Kyle's place at Warfield Manor, where he is to politely court Lady Meriel Grahame, the orphaned and vastly wealthy heiress Kyle is pledged to marry. The deception need only take a few weeks and no one will be the wiser because the fey Lady Meriel lives in a world of her own. The last thing Dominic expects when he arrives is to be entranced by a silent sylph whose ethereal beauty is as stunning as her passionate love for Warfield's flowers and fields and creatures.Until now, Meriel has kept her distance from normal society, spending her days at one with nature and safe from the nightmare that nearly destroyed her as a child. She is content to live alone, until the handsome intruder begins to inspire dreams of the world beyond her sanctuary. He understands her as no one else ever has--and because she lives outside society's rules, she sees no need to restrain her desire for the man who is surely her destined mate.Though Dominic's sense of duty helps him control his longing for his brother's future bride, Meriel's untamed spirit proves more powerful than he can resist. In her garden paradise, passion binds them body and soul despite the agonizing consequences.Can Meriel forgive Dominic's deceit once she learns he is not Kyle, and can Kyle forgive the betrayal of the brother who had once been closer than his own shadow? Then past and present collide in a dangerous cataclysm that may bring destruction--or lasting love and a hope for beginnings.The Bride TrilogyBook 1: The Wild ChildBook 2: The China BrideBook 3: The Bartered BrideAbout the author: New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USAToday bestselling author Mary Jo Putney's novels are known for psychological depth and intensity. Winner of numerous writing awards, she has five times had books listed among the Library Journal's top five romances of the year, and three times had books among the top ten romances of Booklist, the magazine of the American Library Association.