The Beginning is a 9000-word prequel to the Steele Ridge series. 

Discover a new author with exhilarating excerpts from historical romantic suspense’s  stars. Each thrilling scene will entice you, drawing you in with mystery and intrigue.

Featuring twelve bestselling and award-winning historical romance authors. For more information, check out PastThrills.com. Please note these are excerpts, not the full books.

Too Dangerous for a Lady by New York Times Bestselling Author Jo Beverley - Meeting an old flame leads to fear, abduction and a threat to all London – but nothing's too dangerous for a lady in love.

Shev by USA Today Bestselling Author Tracey Devlyn – A Marquess of Shevington’s bleak existence sparks to life after hiring a mysterious governess whose secrets stir his curiosity and whose courage awakens his desire.

Beauty and the Rake by USA Today Bestselling Author Erica Monroe – When a scarred woman with a terrifying past agrees to spend two weeks with the roguish Metropolitan Police inspector who owns her father’s gambling debts, desire just might be the key to a happily ever after.

The Leading Lady by USA Today Bestselling Author Deb Marlowe - Lord Truitt Russell will do anything to apprehend the criminal Marquess of Marstoke, even ask for the help of the stubborn, irritating, gorgeous Callie Grant, but when fate demands a decision between revenge and love, which will he choose?

Romancing the Earl by USA Today Bestselling Author Darcy Burke - A reluctant earl and a bold adventuress join forces to solve his brother’s murder and search for a valuable artifact, but amidst the dangers they face, passion may be the greatest threat of all.

In Bed with a Spy by RITA-nominated Alyssa Alexander - The Marquess of Angelstone, code name Angel, is searching for the assassin that killed his fiancée four years ago. His only suspect is the woman who has captured his heart.

Lady Vice by Wendy LaCapra - When a fallen baroness is accused of murdering her estranged husband, her first love becomes her last chance.

Reckless Wager by Christy Carlyle - Set against the backdrop of London's dangerous East End in 1888, Victorian propriety and passions collide when a beautiful widow makes a wager with a wounded police detective bent on solving the Ripper mystery.

Captured Countess by Ann Lethbridge - where double agents play a seductively dangerous game in Napoleon’s war with England.

Shattered Secrets by Lana Williams - The new Earl of Berkmond reluctantly offers a marriage of convenience to his childhood friend, but his passion for her collides with the terrible secrets of his past.

The Rake to Rescue Her by Julia Justiss - When jaded Alastair Ransleigh begins an affair with the woman who once jilted him, hopes of finally escaping her spell change to a determination to rescue her from past misery and present danger.

A Good Rake is Hard to Find by Manda Collins - Leonora Craven is desperate to know just how her brother died, but to find out she'll need to join forces with her former love, Lord Freddy Lisle. Can a false betrothal help them gain entrance into the notorious Lords of Anarchy driving club, where fast carriages and danger aren't the only vices on offer?

Britt Steele is fiercely protective of what he loves. Even if it means putting his own ambitions aside. He’s worked too hard keeping a red wolf pack from extinction to let some city girl auction off their sanctuary. But Randi is no pushover. He’s watched—and wanted—her from behind a whiskey glass for months. She’s determined, much too tempting, and quickly turning Britt’s attempts at persuasion into seduction. And he’ll need every weapon in the Steele arsenal to change her mind.

Miranda Shepherd’s bar is her passion, but money's flowing out faster than she can pour a drink. To save her business, Randi must sell her family’s land to the highest bidder. One man stands in her way: ruggedly sexy Britt Steele. The definition of strong and silent, Britt’s gruff exterior hides a raw vulnerability she’s aching to explore. Yet Randi knows all about sacrificing for your dreams—and isn’t willing to give up on hers so easily. Still, Britt’s heated caresses are all too convincing.

Some offers are too good to be true. When the buyer's real motive surfaces, Randi and Britt join forces against a ruthless hunter. But protecting the wolves leaves them fighting for their own lives…and their new love.

When Evie winds up in his enemy’s crosshairs, Deke must unleash every weapon in his arsenal to save her, including his heart. But will he be too late? 

In a daring rescue, beautiful and wily secret operative Cora deBeau is reunited with her childhood friend Guy Trevelyan, who wants so much more from her now than friendship ...

He'll Stoke the Fire Until They Both Go Up In Flames...

But Cora's mission against the French has become personal, and even the fire between her and Guy won't deter her. When it comes to getting sweet, cruel revenge, nothing will stand in a lady's way ...

"Tracy Devlyn blends danger with passion to create a powerful love story that will endure in your memory."-Victoria Gray, author of Destiny

"A fantastic read with riveting plot twists and a heroine who shatters the reader's expectation of Regency-period women."-Adrienne Giordano, author of Man Law, the Private Protectors series.

"Dark historical suspense that will capture your imagination, fuel your fears, and captivate your heart." - Kelsey Browning, co-founder of Romance University

Book 1: The Beginning

The Steele brothers have a problem.

A big one.

In his own way, each is slowly dying inside.

Grif is jaded.
Reid is unsettled.
Britt is frustrated.
Jonah is bored.

But what none of them realize is their loyalty to their hometown will force them to decide between the life they each thought they wanted and a love they can’t live without.

In The Beginning, the Steele brothers go all-in to save their small-town from bankruptcy, and readers will catch their first glimpse of Grif and Carlie Beth, Reid and Brynne, and Britt and Miranda. And let’s not forget the baby brother billionaire, Jonah, who has secrets of his own.

Book 2: Going HARD

Slick sports agent Griffin Steele is living the highlife in Los Angeles, far from the shadow of the North Carolina mountains where he grew up. But when his hometown falls on hard times and needs his help, Grif reluctantly agrees to commute between coasts. He never expects the lush scenery, in the form of pretty tomboy Carlie Beth Parrish, to be such a temptation.

After an impetuous one-night stand with Grif Steele fifteen years ago, hardworking blacksmith Carlie Beth has tried to make a living and raise her daughter in the hometown she loves. Then, too-sexy-for-his-Rolex Grif blows back into town like the perfect storm, making Carlie feel less like a thirty-something mom and more like an infatuated teenager.

When a stalker targets his hometown and Grif suspects Carlie Beth might be the next victim, he can't help but step in to protect her. But once he discovers the fourteen-year-old secret she's been keeping from him, will he embrace the truth or will he turn his back on Steele Ridge and Carlie Beth forever?

Book 3: Living FAST

Green Beret Reid Steele needs a new career ASAP. After a knee injury permanently sidelines him from his dream job, Reid heads home to the mountains of Steele Ridge to regroup, but small-town life isn’t cutting it for a man accustomed to action. When sexy boutique owner Brynne Whitfield captures his attention, Reid thinks he’s found the perfect distraction from boredom. 

The last thing recently-dumped Brynne is interested in is another fast-talking man who will break her heart and dismiss her like yesterday’s trash. Even if Reid Steele’s body does make her yearn for things she knows are as bad for her as hot fudge sundaes.

When Brynne’s closest friend is murdered and she’s also targeted, Reid can’t resist the lure of action and goes on a hunt for answers to disturbing questions. But can he protect her from a cold-blooded killer—and win her battered heart?

Book 4: Loving DEEP

Britt Steele is on a mission to protect endangered red wolves in the mountains of North Carolina. But when the wolves' territory is threatened, he clashes with the new landowner, a woman who's capturing his heart even as she plans to sell that precious land to the highest bidder.

Miranda Shepherd's quirky bar is her passion, but money's flowing out faster than she can pour a drink. An outsider's bid to purchase the land she's long called home will save her business. Only one man stands in Randi's way--a dangerously handsome and persuasive man who poses equally dangerous questions that rock her whole world.

An unscrupulous trophy hunter wants the game-rich property and he'll stop at nothing to get his hands on the wolves' haven and another trophy for his collection. When members of the pack begin disappearing, Britt and Randi must join forces to protect the wolves and save the love of a lifetime.

When an ex-convict shows up in Steele Ridge, Joan knows he means to do her family harm. And she can’t help but put the blame at her estranged husband’s feet. After twenty years of marital limbo, Joan has sacrificed enough for the man.

Now she vows to fight back, but will her family’s broken past destroy her future with the love of her life?

Her sister might be the law and her brothers the brawn, but Riley Kingston is definitely the brains of the family. She’s a talented botanist well on her way to a PhD—so why does she feel like a failure? Fired from a dream project in Costa Rica, Riley’s stuck back in her hometown. Cataloguing plants on Steele land keeps her busy, but it’s far from compelling work. Until she discovers a fascinating new specimen. One with a body made for pleasure . . . and eyes filled with a pain she longs to understand.

Delta Force operator Coen Monroe doesn’t want to be studied. Not even by the sexy scientist whose inquisitive glances stir up desires he isn’t ready to handle. He came to Steele Ridge to be alone, to battle his nightmares and the memories triggering them. But Riley’s gentle seduction is as relentless as her curiosity. She soothes his wounded soul . . . and fires up his defensive instincts. But when her research sparks a deadly conspiracy, Coen is exactly what she needs.

When Riley is targeted by a sociopath bent on silencing her forever, Coen will do anything to protect her. But can he save the woman he loves without losing himself in the process?

The Marquess of Shevington’s bleak existence sparks to life after hiring a mysterious governess whose secrets stir his curiosity and whose courage awakens his desire.

A LOVE SO DEEP…

Marcus Keene, Lord Shevington, leads a life of idleness and indulgence—or so he would have everyone believe. The illusion he has carefully crafted to protect his country no longer holds the same appeal it once did. His life takes a dramatic turn when a five-year-old girl—his daughter—appears on his doorstep, scared and angry and carrying a missive from his former French mistress.

A SECRET SO DARK…

The unassuming, aloof governess Shev hires begins to break through to his daughter while protecting a dark secret of her own. A secret that is tearing her apart, day by day. What the governess does not understand is that mysteries are like catnip to Shev. Irresistible. Much like the governess herself. But all is about to change when his daughter’s French family arrives to take her away, and Shev’s faced with the prospect of an empty home once again and his heart’s desire slipping from his grasp. 

1 stubborn, sexy man + 1 smart, headstrong woman + something wrong in Steele Ridge = 1 unputdownable book.

Multiply that by 4 in this sexy and suspenseful box set!

Breaking FREE by Adrienne Giordano - The mysterious Steele family black sheep meets her match in an all-American Army Ranger with a secret of his own.

Roaming WILD by Tracey Devlyn - An undercover special agent tries to resist his best friend’s nerdy baby sister… and fails.

Stripping BARE by Kelsey Browning - The billionaire brother is forced to face the painful past of the woman he loves to save her life. (multicultural romance)

Enduring LOVE by Kelsey Browning, Tracey Devlyn & Adrienne Giordano - The reunion story of the Steele parents. Why did Eddy Steele abandon his family all those years ago?

When the love of his life chose an apprenticeship in Scotland over his marriage proposal, thief-taker Cameron Adair buried himself in his work—building an unmatched network of underworld spies. Forged by his reputation as a ruthless, greed-driven businessman, he has amassed a fortune. But he has one vulnerable spot in his armor—a brilliant, green-eyed apothecary, who continues to haunt his heart. When a murder investigation brings him back into contact with Charlotte Fielding, Cameron sets aside the past to find a killer and to distract a headstrong apothecary, clue by clue, kiss by kiss. 

Seduction is His Duty to King and Country

Ethan deBeau has charmed his way into the beds of countless women, enticing them to whisper all kinds of state secrets in his ear. But his latest assignment is completely different: find a missing young boy. It's practically child's play for a master spy such as Ethan. Until Miss Sydney Hunt threatens to unravel all his carefully laid plans. Who is the world is this woman?

But Tempting Her is All for Pleasure

Sydney has worked hard to maintain a facade of respectability—all while keeping a network of contacts among London's underground world. When she hears of strange activities at a local home for orphans, she's determined to find out what's really going on. Until she runs headlong into a notorious rake eager to expose every inch of her...

Praise for Checkmate, My Lord:

"Sexy and edgy...those who enjoy Brenda Joyce will delight in this."—Booklist

"Devlyn makes a unique mark on the genre with her powerful prose and gripping theme."—RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

The Stakes Are High, The Players in Position...

Catherine Ashcroft leads a quiet life caring for her precocious seven-year-old daughter, until a late-night visitor delivers a startling ultimatum. She will match wits with the enigmatic Earl of Somerton, and it's not just her heart that's in danger.

Let the Games Begin...

Spymaster Sebastian Danvers, Earl of Somerton, is famous for his cunning. Few can outwit him and even fewer dare challenge him-until now. After returning to his country estate, his no-nonsense neighbor turns her seductive wiles on him- but why would a respectable widow like Catherine risk scandal for a few passionate nights in his bed?

"Devlyn reveals the darkness of the spy game and entices readers with a talented and determined heroine."—Publishers Weekly

"Wildly romantic, quick paced, and entertaining from beginning to end."—The Book Girl

"Dark and sexy...full of adventure and mystery but also a powerful love story...a must read."—My Book Addition Reviews

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A young lady is faced with the impossible choice of losing her precious racing stable or accepting the treacherous hand of her handsome, wealthy neighbor.

Lily Weston struggles to save her family’s racing stable while her brother’s gambling submerges them deeper into debt.  She’s confident their prized thoroughbred will win a substantial purse at a prestigious race in a month, however, the machinations of her handsome neighbor hurtles Lily into a web of deceit…and temptation.

Julian’s attempts at wooing Lily gently have gone unnoticed.  When her brother’s bungling efforts to save their indebted racing stable goes awry, Julian finds himself in a unique position to help his beautiful neighbor and grasp his secret desire. 

"Devlyn makes a unique mark on the genre with her powerful prose and gripping theme."—RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

The Stakes Are High, The Players in Position...

Catherine Ashcroft leads a quiet life caring for her precocious seven-year-old daughter, until a late-night visitor delivers a startling ultimatum. She will match wits with the enigmatic Earl of Somerton, and it's not just her heart that's in danger.

Let the Games Begin...

Spymaster Sebastian Danvers, Earl of Somerton, is famous for his cunning. Few can outwit him and even fewer dare challenge him-until now. After returning to his country estate, his no-nonsense neighbor turns her seductive wiles on him- but why would a respectable widow like Catherine risk scandal for a few passionate nights in his bed?

"Devlyn reveals the darkness of the spy game and entices readers with a talented and determined heroine."—Publishers Weekly

"Wildly romantic, quick paced, and entertaining from beginning to end."—The Book Girl

"Dark and sexy...full of adventure and mystery but also a powerful love story...a must read."—My Book Addition Reviews