Margins: The Book App

C Series

Series · 7 books · 1998-2003

By Edith Layton

Books in series

The Cad

1998

Bridget Cooke possesses the gifts London society prizes: genteel manners, intelligence, an exquisite figure. She lacks, however, a fortune. A companion to icy relatives, Bridget resigns herself to a life of solitude, especially because of the childhood scar that mars her lovely face. Little does she expect to receive the vigorous attentions of darkly handsome, rich widower Lord Ewen Sinclair, Regency England's most infamous rake. In a matter of days, the Sinclair whisks Bridget to the altar and into his passionate embrace. Dismissing the vicious rumors surrounding their hasty marriage, Bridget is sure of Ewen's love, even when he is mysteriously called away. But then a shocking secret from his past emerges, threatening her happiness. If Ewen is a cad and their wedding a lie, as the gossips say, then why does Bridget's very stubborn heart still believe his love is true?

The Choice

1999

In this eagerly awaited follow-up to The Cad, a poor but beautiful woman comes of age in post-Napoleonic England and is pursued by three devilishly persuasive suitors. After mastering the technique of resisting unwanted embraces, this headstrong woman may fall in love yet.

The Challenge

2000

Wealthy, handsome, and devastatingly charming, the expatriate Viscount Hathaway Wycoff could easily win most women's affections. But the lovely Lucy Stone isn't most women. Though the self-respecting beauty is drawn to him, she refuses to give in to passion. Once before Lucy had followed her heart—a journey that took her to America and left her there a penniless young widow and mother. A rich relative unexpectedly offers Lucy and her son passage back to England, answering her longtime prayer. She doesn't want to leave Wycoff, but given his scandalous reputation, it seems the right choice. Wycoff promises he will change to win her, but Lucy cannot allow herself to believe him. When a devious plot threatens all Lucy holds dear, she must turn to the man she's vowed not to trust. Neither knows what final destination fate has in store—but they are willing to risk everything to find out.

The Chance

2000

A brave nobleman who'd successfully fought Napoleon's toughest soldiers, Raphael Dalton was no stranger to treachery and warfare. Yet nothing this modest hero has experienced can prepare him for the famous beauty Annabelle, the toast of the London With his unruly red hair and solid, honest face, Rafe doesn't think he has a chance with the flirtatious beauty who seems not to notice him. And when scandal threatens to ruin the reputation of a friend's sister, Breanna, Rafe's hopes may be dashed for good. To stop malicious tongue-wagging, Rafe offers to marry the exotic, raven-haired beauty. It isn't only honor, though, that sparks the proposal, for a smodering attraction draws him to this spirited woman as well. Little does Rafe know, however, that Annabelle still wants him for her own. While he's a master at outwitting opponents on the battlefield, the painfully shy soldier is defenseless when it comes to the fairer sexand Annabelle will use every weapon she can, while Breanna hopes for his attention too. Now Rafe has the chance to find true love—but only if he doesn't lose his head...

The Conquest

2001

A Body Broken Many times Alexandria Gascoyne has been called upon to nurse forest animals back to health—but never before have her brothers brought her a wounded man! Though pale and grievously injured, the unconscious nobleman in Alexandria's bed is as striking a male as she has ever seen. But this is a time for tender healing, not for fantasy and dreams that leave an innocent maid flushed and breathless. A Heart Reborn An angel has brought the Earl of Drummond back to life. Her smile is a delight, her touch is ecstasy. Yet freedom-loving Drum knows he must leave the exquisite Alexandria as soon as he is able. Being discovered alone with this stunning country miss could lead to only scandal...or, worse, to matrimony! And Drum dares not expose her to the perils of world. But how can he abandon this incomparable lady who mended his damaged heart—then conquered it with kindness, passion, and love?

To Wed a Stranger

2003

Is it possible? The breathtaking Lady Annabelle has actually agreed to marry, sight unseen, a gentleman of her father's choosing—the self-proclaimed "exceptionally average" Miles Croft. The ton is aghast! After scandalously toying with so many hearts, why is the exquisite Annabelle chaining herself to the new Viscount Pelham, a complete—albeit most attractive—stranger? Could it be that her own heart has been irreparably shattered, and she wants nothing more to do with romance? Yet there is certainly nothing "average" about their wedding night! There is magic in Miles' touch, and the smoldering ecstasy it ignites threatens to consume them both. Dare Annabelle dream this is the one passionate and enduring love she ached for in secret, but never dreamed she'd be worthy of? Might this tender, mysterious lover truly be the scarlet lady's redemption—and could she be Miles' as well?

To Tempt a Bride

2003

From the moment she first saw tall, dashing Eric Ford, Camille's heart was lost. In her most cherished fantasy she is standing by his side, exchanging sacred wedding vows with her beloved. But Eric seems content to be no more than her unofficial protector, watching over the younger sister of his dear friend—and, despite her every attempt to open his eyes, it appears Camille's dream of wedded bliss might never come true. Eric knows a spirited and passionate beauty like Camille deserves much better than him, an ex-military man who has no patience for the games of the ton. Still, he aches each time a potential suitor approaches her, or when he sees her dancing in another man's arms. Eric knows he will never be complete until Camille is his. With each lingering glance and caressing touch he must tempt the lady to be his bride. But when danger and betrayal threaten, will it destroy a secret love…or bind two hearts for all eternity?

Author

Edith Layton

Author · 43 books

Edith Layton wrote her first novel when she was ten. She bought a marbleized notebook and set out to write a story that would fit between its covers. Now, an award-winning author with more than thirty novels and numerous novellas to her credit, her criteria have changed. The story has to fit the reader as well as between the covers. Graduating from Hunter College in New York City with a degree in creative writing and theater, Edith worked for various media, including a radio station and a major motion picture company. She married and went to suburbia, where she was fruitful and multiplied to the tune of three children. Her eldest, Michael, is a social worker and artist in NYC. Adam is a writer and performer on NPR's Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me. Daughter Susie is a professional writer, comedian and performer who works in television. Publishers Weekly called Edith Layton "one of romance's most gifted writers." Layton has enthralled readers and critics with books that capture the spirit of historically distant places and peoples. "What I've found," she says, "is that life was very different in every era, but that love and love of life is always the same." Layton won an RT Book Reviews Career Achievement award for the Historical genre in 2003 and a Reviewers' Choice award for her book The Conquest in 2001. Amazon.com's top reviewer called Layton's Alas, My Love (April 2005, Avon Books), "a wonderful historical." And her recent release, Bride Enchanted, is a Romantic Times 2007 Reviewers' Choice Award Nominee. Edith Layton lived on Long Island where she devoted time as a volunteer for the North Shore Animal League, the world's largest no-kill pet rescue and adoption organization. Her dog Daisy—adopted herself from a shelter—is just one member of Layton's household menagerie. Edith Layton passed away on June 1, 2009 from ovarian cancer.