Teresa Danville, raised in Costa Rica by her "black sheep" father, presents a challenge to the diplomatic skills of Sir Andrew Graylin. Niece of an English duke, Teresa was not raised to London society, but to wielding pistols and overseeing a coffee plantation household. Bringing this exotic beauty (along with her brother and her parrot) to civilization gets the previously affiancéd Sir Andrew in deep trouble.

Rebecca Nuthall, downtrodden unpaid companion to a relative, is saved from drowning by Lord John Danville. Lord John has been ordered abroad by his father after indulging in a frivolous but near fatal duel. About to leave for Russia with his cousin Teresa Graylin and her diplomat husband, he persuades Teresa to take Rebecca along as governess for their little girl. In St Petersburg, Rebecca blossoms…until she is arrested for espionage. Once again, John must risk his life to rescue her. Regency Romance by Carola Dunn; originally published by Walker

Absentminded artist Polly literally falls into the arms of a gentlemanly but ragged stranger, a Russian in exile. But Kolya turns out to have friends in high places. When the Prince Regent summons him, Polly is afraid she'll never see him again - until a commission brings her to Brighton as well. Reunited, the unlikely pair finds themselves caught up in plots and intrigues.