Pampered, fun-loving Laurie Sinclair hates everything about the rough, ugly mining town of Lucky Creek, California. She only left Philadelphia because her wealthy father opened the Monarch Gold Mine—and because Brandon, the man she'd hoped to marry, sent her away. But when Brandon changes his mind, she's ready to pack her bags—until her father is suddenly killed in a mine explosion, and her brother is badly injured . . . As troubles mount for the Sinclairs, including a ruinous unexpected debt, they save themselves by selling half their mine ownership to Darcy McKenna, a friend of Laurie's late father. Brusque and brooding, Darcy is the opposite of exuberant Laurie. Yet as Laurie stays on to help him in the office, Darcy soon finds himself smiling and happier, while Laurie finds her interests are changing. She might even be falling for Darcy. But her heart won't truly be tested until Brandon shows up—and throws her life into chaos . . . Praise...

Gold Fever: 1850. Pampered New Englander Lucy Schneider finds herself on a wagon train bound for California, alongside her gold-hungry husband and coldhearted brother-in-law. When her husband dies, Lucy wants to return home, but she cannot abandon her young stepson. Fortunately Lucy has an admirer and protector in ruggedly handsome Clint Palance, a former trapper and Indian scout. She continues the journey, yet more misfortunate lies ahead as the pioneers ford rivers, battle Indians, and endure harsh weather. With California just around the bend, Lucy must say farewell to Clint just as their relationship has begun. Will Lucy ever be reunited with Clint? Or must she return to her former life in Boston, forsaking forever the beautiful West she has grown to love?Review"A captivating story of perseverance and dedication .... This book is absolutely fantastic and worth the read .... I had no idea how much I would fall in love with it .... a vivid and moving portrayal ...." --Lady Victoria Kelly's Historical Romance Book Reviews About the AuthorShirley Kennedy has published Regency romances for both Ballantine and Signet. Born and raised in Fresno, California, she has lived in Colorado, Texas, California, Bogota (Colombia) and Calgary (Alberta, Canada), where she earned a BS in Computer Sciences. Before returning to her first love, writing, she worked as a computer programmer/systems analyst for several years. Shirley currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada where she belongs to The Romance Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and Las Vegas Writers Group. Currently she's working on another western historical novel. Check out her website: ShirleyKennedy.com.

Different DaughtersFrom head to toe, Clarinda Capelle is the mirror image of her twin sister, Clarissa. But the similarity ends there. For while Clarissa is more than happy to while away her time attending parties and toying with wealthy suitors, Clarinda would much rather be racing her horse through the fields and following her own dreams--a trait that has all but scandalized her disapproving family....When the handsome Lord of Stormont takes over the neighboring estate, Clarinda is taken aback by both his boldness and his kind manner. He has sworn never to marry, but then he never expected to meet a woman as provocative as Clarinda. Their mutual attraction has ignited more than sparks of passion--a jealous Clarissa is hatching a devious scheme to snag the lord for herself. Now Clarinda must find a way to free herself from her sister's web--and capture the heart of the only man she could ever love....

In the dawn of the Regency era in Northern England, precious few mourn the sudden and shocking passing of the Earl of Lansdown. Certainly not Jane Elton, the young and beautiful widow whose life he made a misery. After her initial relief, Jane must contend with an unexpected and devastating reality: because she is childless, she and her family must descend several rungs down the social ladder. One hope remains. Could she be pregnant? A son would inherit; otherwise the title and estate will go to the Earl's slightly younger twin brother, his greedy wife, and many unpleasant offspring. Jane must also contend with the unrealistic hopes of her bitter and ambitious mother and dowerless sister. Enter Douglas Cartland, a notorious rake with a tragic past. During these first months of widowhood, Jane's conduct must be above reproach, but she cannot keep her distance. Especially when Cartland contrives to turn up everywhere she looks. Is Cartland really the scoundrel everyone believes him to be? Will Jane forfeit her title, her family's fortunes and her reputation for the sake of forbidden desire? Fate--and Cartland--have many surprises in store.Review"I could not put this book down. It is exactly the type of book that urges me to run to my nearest book store and search for anything else written by the author. I have, without a doubt, found a new favorite author in the romance genre. Everything about this book flowed smoothly and effortlessly. The characters drew me in immediately. I was hooked to the story and found myself sitting on edge, quite often. The relationship between Jane and Douglas is sexy in ways that pull you to them through their dialogue and flirting. The heat is evident and the attraction, undeniable."--Tiffany Schlarman for Reader Views"This Regency novel is set in Northern England and begins with the death of the Earl of Lansdown. His death was sudden and shocking, and the cause was quite unique. Since his widow, Jane, was childless, the estate will go to the next male in line, leaving Jane and her family penniless and homeless. However, there is a ten-month waiting period before settling the estate just in case the Earl had spawned an heir before he died, although Jane knows this is not possible. Her mother suggests Jane take a lover and do her best to conceive immediately. Jane rejects this idea until she meets Douglas Cartland, a notorious rake with a tragic past. Jane is now faced with a Herculean decision. Shirley Kennedy has written a refreshing, entertaining novel and has created a likeable heroine and hero the reader will miss when the book is ended."--Audrey Braver, Historical Novel Society About the AuthorShirley Kennedy has published Regency romances for both Ballantine and Signet. Born and raised in Fresno, California, she has lived in Colorado, Texas, California, Bogota (Colombia) and Calgary (Alberta, Canada), where she earned a BS in Computer Sciences. Before returning to her first love, writing, she worked as a computer programmer/systems analyst for several years. Shirley currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada where she belongs to The Romance Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and Las Vegas Writers Group. Her historical romance Heartbreak Trail was published by Camel Press in 2011. You can find Shirley online at ShirleyKennedy.com.

The ramshackle River Queen Hotel is home to vagabonds, gamblers, and heathens—and now, to new widow Rose Peterson. The rundown Gold Rush establishment is the only thing her late husband, Emmet, left her. Despite its raucous saloon and ladies of the evening, Rose can see the hotel's potential. Her late husband's family claim that sheltered Rose isn't capable of running the Sacramento inn herself. But she is determined to make a new life for herself and her young daughter, even if it means flying in the face of custom and propriety. She feels as if she hasn't a friend in the world. Except, perhaps, one. Decatur "Deke" Fleming, a tall, lanky Australian who once served as Emmet's farmhand. Pride prevents Deke from revealing his moneyed past; conscience keeps him from confessing his feelings for the still grieving widow. But when Rose is tempted by wealthy civic leader and hotel owner Mason Talbot, Deke may be the only person who can save her—and the one man...

High-spirited Evleen O'Fallon comes from a humble cottage in County Clare, Ireland. Rich, handsome Lord Thomas owns one of the biggest estates in all England. "Never love an Englishman," warns Evleen's mother, but when Evleen and Lord Thomas undertake a harrowing journey across the Irish Sea, a love that knows no boundaries begins to bloom. Suddenly Evleen finds herself an outcast in London's ton. No one will marry a twenty-four-year-old Irishwoman, no matter how beautiful, but Lord Thomas's heart rejects convention and he cannot deny his attraction to the lovely Irish girl. Soon Evleen is faced with a decision: should she return to her simple life in Ireland or should she find in Thomas's arms a love that breaks every boundary?ReviewA...tale with a determined, independent heroine and an equally strong-willed hero who both frustrate and fascinate one another. -- Romantic Times, April, 2001From the AuthorA recent, wonderful trip to Ireland inspired me to write The Irish Upstart. I was especially impressed with the 6th century monastic site of Conmacnoise with its Whispering Arch where "courtin couples...stand one on each side, whisperin' heir words of love to one another." Of course, Thomas and Evleen stand in that very spot in the story!

Letitia Tinsley's well-ordered spinster life is thrown into chaos when she learns her beloved brother has mysteriously disappeared from his gold mining claim in California. Determined to discover the truth, Letty sets out on the treacherous journey west. But there's only one thing more perilous than a single lady traveling alone into the rugged frontier-and that is sharing the passage with Garth Morgan. The wealthy bachelor is astoundingly arrogant-and dangerously handsome. Worse, Letty is forced to lean on his strong shoulders, again and again . . . Humbled by the harrowing expedition, Garth resolves to keep Letty safe-though the courageous beauty is unwilling to give an inch when it comes to trusting him. Still, despite her defiant resistance, he's ready to stand with her as she faces the truth about her missing sibling. And by the time they reach California, Garth is determined to stake his own claim on the lovely Miss Letty-if only she will let him . . . **