Lynne Connolly Richard and Rose

I am thrilled that Samhain Publishing have agreed to take the Richard and Rose series! The new, revised and re-edited books will be out beginning December 2008. Keep checking for news!

The series is set in the mid eighteenth century. Richard and Rose meet, fall in love and marry, but are beset by problems engendered by Richard's past life and his ownership of the staff agency Thompson's, which is not only a staff agency, but a spy network and private army.

Richard Kerre, Lord Strang is heir to the great earldom of Southwood. After his twin brother Gervase fled England from a scandal, Richard became determined to wreak his revenge on society. A series of outrageous scandals has made his name notorious.
Rosalind Golightly is the daughter of a country gentleman, and has lived all her life in Devonshire. She is reconciled to spinsterhood, having reached the ripe old age of 25.

Cover art by Natalie Winters

Yorkshire - the first Richard and Rose book
A spooky old house, murder and two people who find the love of a lifetime.

Passion, murder and unexpected love wait for Richard and Rose in Yorkshire.
When Rose Golightly accompanies her family on a visit to their cousins in Yorkshire she finds the once great Hareton Abbey is run down, ruinous. The only other guests at Hareton are the Kerre brothers, intimidating and haughty leaders of society.
A double tragedy throws Rose into the company of Richard Kerre, Lord Strang, when he is seriously wounded in the coach accident which leaves two people dead. They discover that what at first appeared accidental was in fact a deliberate act of sabotage. Rose and Richard set out to solve the mystery, and find passion in each other.
But Richard is to marry the frigid Julia Cartwright in a few weeks, and has deliberately closed his heart to love. He has turned his thoughts away from passion—until he meets Rose.
Love will not be denied and after a taste of Rose, Richard refuses to let her go.

"Yorkshire" finalled in the 2003 EPPIES.

Devonshire
Cover art by Natalie Winters

Devonshire

Devonshire society used to snub Rose Golightly. Now she finds herself a sister of an earl and the fiancée of one of the most admired men in society. Rose has always felt awkward and unsure of herself. But with Richard at her side she can face anything. And with him in her bed, she can be sure of lifelong passion.
Her brother’s refusal to collude in the smuggling that has plagued the Devonshire coast puts them in danger of their lives when the smugglers decide to take matters into their own hands. The gangs rule the coast, but when Rose’s brother stands up to them, it puts Rose’s life in danger.
Richard, Lord Strang keeps everyone at a distance apart from his twin brother Gervase and his adored Rose. Behind his sophisticated facade lies a man of shrewd intelligence, fierce loyalty, and deep devotion to those he loves. He is a man of principle who will fight when cornered, and dirty when he has the need. But Rose doesn’t yet know all his secrets.
It’s time to let Rose into every part of his life. Otherwise, he could lose her.

"Devonshire" was nominated for the 2003 Dorothy Parker Award for Excellence

"Venice" is the third Richard and Rose adventure, set in the most romantic city in the world. Forced to change their honeymoon plans, the new Lord and Lady Strang find themselves the target of card sharps and assassins. Will they win through?

"Harley Street" is the fourth in the series. Richard and Rose return to London after their honeymoon in order for Rose to enter society as the Viscountess Strang. A dark secret from Richard's past emerges, a secret so deeply hidden even he has been unaware of it. Rose must help Richard solve a murder, confront their old enemies the Drurys and restore his self respect by trying to put right a wrong committed in his rakish past.
"Harley Street" won the 2005 EPPIE for Romantic Suspense.