Oh my God, Becky, look at her Duke

Lady Amelia Kincaid isn't the sort of duke's daughter accepted in Society. She's more of the sort who rescues squirrels and raises boa constrictors and incubates eggs in her corset. (What? She has small bosoms. There's plenty of room.) But when it comes to her brother's best friend, she's always wished she was a bit more ladylike.

Because Kipling is back in Town as the newly minted Duke of Bestingbum, and to Amelia's eternal sorrow, appears to already be betrothed. If Amelia wants to force someone as perfect as Kip to notice her after all these years, she's going to need some help from her best friend, Becky. Who happens to be a chicken.

Warning: Just as wonderfully silly and perfectly spicy as the rest of the Surprise! Dukes series. You're going to have a lot of fun!

Originally published as OMG Becky in the I Like Big Dukes anthology, summer 2023

This rake is about to learn a lesson he'll never forget!

If there's one thing Society knows about Thorne Cumming, the new Duke of Stroken—do not call him Stroke for the love of God—it's that he enjoys the pleasures offered by a lady. Or two ladies—or even a gentleman. Or all of them at once; he's not picky when it comes to pleasure, or to satisfying others. But now his uncle's gone and selfishly died, Thorne is having to learn how to Duke.

But dukes must choose their bedfellows carefully. In fact, there's an entire brigade of matchmaking mamas out there determined to throw their sweet little angels into said bed and cry scandal. And Thorne's doing everything he can to avoid such a disaster, mainly because despite what Society believes about his interests and abilities, he's busy saving the Crown from a traitor who is days away from falling into the trap he's been orchestrating for months!

Who would have thought his new valet would be the answer to both problems?

After years on stage, Kit Pastorino has come to London undercover; she wants to learn all she can about her estranged father before she reveals herself. What better way than to go into service dressed as a lad? Her new role as the Duke of Stroken's footman is going well…until she finds herself unexpectedly promoted to the man's valet. Her performing skills have never before been so useful—or more necessary.

But…Thorne is a charmer, and while he makes it clear he could bring her all sorts of pleasure, Kit is doing her best to resist his allure and maintain her disguise. Until the horrible, wonderful moment he finds out the truth about her: not just what lies beneath her trousers, but who she really is…and how she can help him spring his trap.

To save his honor, he's going to have to learn to trust again.

Drummond Kennedy is the leader of the King's Hunters, the mysterious group of masked lawmen tasked with keeping the royal peace throughout Scotland. He is strict, noble, and has firm rules for his men when it comes to working with women. Mainly: Do not do it, and if you have to work with one, then for the love of God don't get involved with her. He's speaking from experience here.

Too bad he didn't take his own advice.

Because with the recent assassination attempt on the king, evidence points to the Hunters in general and Drummond in particular, and he's perilously close to losing not just his place in court, but also his head. His honor as well, which is galling, but likely secondary in concern after the whole head-lopping-off part.

There's only one person who believes he's innocent and might possibly be in a position to help him regain said honor: sweet-tempered chambermaid Brigit who is turning out to be far more than he'd always suspected. Is it possible his long-time lover might actually have the ear of the Queen? As disconcerting as it is to consider working with a woman, Drummond is going to have to learn to trust again…before it's too late!

Warning: Your old book boyfriends will be jealous of the talented Hunter in this laugh-out-loud, super-spicy conclusion to the Kilty Pleasures series!

I have always known my purpose in life was to marry a powerful laird and bear his sons to cement alliances…I just expected him to be, you know, human.

But I forgot the old legends. The ones about the others who come a'raiding through the stone circles during a full moon. The ones about the beasts who steal maidens and make them do terrible things on their altars to the carnal gods.

The eve before my marriage, I am one of those stolen, and I know I should be terrified of this monster and what he's going to do to me…as a public spectacle. But is this not what I was born—and bred—to do?

My captor had best understand one thing: I am not easy prey.

Being stolen by orcs was bad enough, but now I have been saddled with one who thinks himself charming. Aye, so mayhap he is handsome—for an orc. But he is still a tusked, green, seven-foot-tall barbarian, and I have no intention of staying his prisoner.

However, he is a hunter, and when I escape, he tracks me down and makes me…apologize in the best sort of way. I shouldn't think of this as a game, but I can't deny the way it makes my blood pound to be chased through the forest by such a male, and with such pleasure at stake.

He doesn't realize I am a determined sort of female, and I know what I want. If running from him will obtain it, then I will run. And he will hunt.

I am no stranger to being owned by a male, but my new master is something I never imagined…

In my years in the Tarbert household, I have learned my worthlessness, and I pray that being sent with my distant cousin on her way to her new marriage might grant me a chance at some value. I see that hope disappear when our small party is attacked on the way to the wedding…by orcs.

I never imagined the old legends to be true, but I cannot deny them now; these primitive beasts have stolen me and can do what they wish with my body. But one…one protects me. He takes me as spoils of a wager.

I know what I must do: I must make him value me so he will not share me with the others. I must be bold, brazen, and hope he claims me as his own. Why does such a thought not fill me with dread?

Warning: Another super-spicy, instalove romp featuring the Harlot's Guide's list of positions.