The Untamed Heiress

The Untamed Heiress
Julia Justiss

Imprisoned as a child by her spiteful father, Helena Lambarth vowed upon his death to never again live under a man's rule. But to honor her mother's last wish, she journeys to London to enter society–and finds herself a reluctant houseguest of the dashing Lord Darnell. Adam, Lord Darnell, has little time to oversee the bedraggled hoyden he's agreed to sponsor.Saddled with his father's debts, he knows his one hope is to win the hand of wealthy Priscilla Standish. If only she weren't so ordinary compared to the unconventional Helena–and if only his waiflike ward hadn't suddenly transformed into a bewitching young woman…The desire they spark in each other is undeniable. But can the love they try to resist conquer Helena's demons and free them both?

Dear Reader,

One of the questions writers often receive is “Where do you get your ideas?” In the case of The Untamed Heiress, the story simmered at the back of my mind for so long, I’m not sure where or when the idea originated. I just knew that someday, when the publishing world permitted, I wanted to write Helena’s story.

Growing up in a cruel isolation imposed by her father, Helena Lambarth is a wild creature who comes to London with absolutely no preparation for entering the highly structured world of Regency England. Wary of society and even more wary of men, she goes her own way with fierce independence. Until Adam, Lord Darnell, her reluctant host and sponsor, begins to touch her heart by demonstrating that men of honor, courage, integrity and compassion do exist. If only he hadn’t already pledged his hand to the wealthy, oh-so-conventional Priscilla Standish….

I hope you will enjoy as much as I did watching Adam melt the walls of ice Helena has erected around herself—even as her untamed spirit inspires him to find a way to meld duty with passion.

Happy reading!

Julia Justiss

Praise for the books of Julia Justiss

The Courtesan

“With its intelligent, compelling characters, this is a very well-written, emotional and intensely charged read.”

—Romantic Times BOOKclub, Top Pick

“These delightful lead protagonists display honor and loyalty…a solid secondary cast adds to a wonderful gender-bending Regency romance.”

—Harriet Klausner

Wicked Wager

“Unique true-to-period characters, intrigue and up-to-snuff action make for very enjoyable reading.”

—Romantic Times BOOKclub

My Lady’s Honor

“Julia Justiss has a knack for conveying emotional intensity and longing.”

—All About Romance

My Lady’s Pleasure

“Another entertaining, uniquely plotted Regency-era novel…top-notch writing and a perfect ending make this one easy to recommend.”

—Romantic Times BOOKclub

My Lady’s Trust

“With this exceptional Regency-era romance, Justiss adds another fine feather to her writing cap.”

—Publishers Weekly

The Proper Wife

“If The Proper Wife is not a perfect love story, it comes darn close.”

—The Romance Reader

“A spirited Regency-era romance that far outshines the usual fare…Justiss is a promising new talent.”

—Publishers Weekly

Julia Justiss

The Untamed Heiress

To my editor, Margo Lipschultz, for helping to mold

this story so that Helena’s wild spirit shines free

The Untamed Heiress

CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN