Books like Against the stream by Barbara Cartland

A young woman, Melissa Wade, leaves her tumultuous family life to become a companion to Cheryl, a ward of the Duke of Aldwick, only to find herself caught in a new web of danger and intrigue.

The River of Love is a romantic tale set in the 1980s, featuring a Duke and his beloved aboard a yacht, exploring love and devotion in a historical setting that touches upon foreign affairs and even grave robbing themes.

After a life‑threatening explosion, former lady-in-waiting Stella Marsden is brought back to health by a famed surgeon. Struggling with heartbreak and scandal, she must rediscover love and hope.

Fedora's family is destitute, except for the magnificent painting collection which is their heritage. Her father is oblivious to their poverty, frequently restoring paintings for other nobles for free. A letter from the Earl of Haversham requests her father's services, as if he were a tradesman! Fedora arranges with the Earl to keep her father's pride intact while receiving the money they so desperately need. She becomes more attracted to the Earl, despite the hostility emanating from Lady Sheelah, one of his guests. But then Fedora discovers a secret in the Earl's house that must keep them apart - forever!

A modern romance that follows a world‑traveling dessert chef as she is recruited by a renowned chef, blending culinary craft with a sizzling professional and personal connection.

A war‑time love triangle in 1940s Edinburgh: a woman caught between her husband, a soldier, and a laird who is the ghost of her first love.

Brigadier Ian McCraggan returns to Scotland to claim his ancestral castle but must negotiate with Moida, a striking woman who challenges his succession, while his heart is already pledged to another.

Skye Standish seeks freedom and adventure, but a trip to the rugged land of Mariposa turns into a deadly escape when the ruthless bandit El Diablo captures her and forces an unwanted marriage.

A passionate romance that unfolds in the shadow of war.

Cynthia loses both her fiancé Peter and her family estate, Birch Vale, and must contend with debt and new ownership, only to find herself drawn into a scandalous and passionate romance with the handsome yet fiery Robert Shelford.

Cynthia Standish confronts the arrogant Michael Fielding, plotting revenge while the attraction between them grows, creating a storm of romance and manipulation.

Lydia Stanfield's marriage crumbles when her severe injury confines her to a wheelchair, sparking jealousy and self-doubt as her husband, the celebrated musician Ivan Stanfield, faces newfound temptations.

Fenella lives a quiet domestic life at Four Gables until Major Rex Ransome, a dashing soldier, arrives seeking shelter.

A young woman with a bittersweet past of escorting her father seeks love aboard the Riviera, challenging a marriage of convenience and confronting the unexpected romance that may finally break her chain of longing.

A young widowed woman becomes companion to a free‑spirited girl who plans a trip to Cairo, bringing them into a society of parties, secrets, and unexpected love that tests their loyalty.

In 1929 London, Fiona, a penniless dance hostess, meets wealthy Jim MacDonald at the glamorous nightclub Paglioni's—but their budding romance faces challenges as Jim is already entangled with another woman.

The impoverished and pleasure-loving Earl of Eldridge inherits a fortune and decides to share his good luck with his friends. Throwing a grand party, he instructs that they each must bring a beautiful young woman. There will be a vote to decide who is the greatest beauty - and she will then belong to the Earl. Tremulously, Amorita Howe agreed to help her brother in his audacious scheme. Their dear old nanny required an expensive operation, and the penniless pair hoped to win the lavish prizes offered by the pleasure-loving Earl of Eldridge. The Earl's country house party was a most select and discreet affair: the innocent Amorita found herself among the most glamourous--and notorious!--Cyprians of London. Bravely playing her part, Amorita captured the handsome Earl's jaded heart with her shy beauty. She then fled...but the Earl pursued his cherished quarry, spurred by the Love that is a gift from the gods. A joyous, lifelong adventure....

Mona returns to her ancestral village after a passionate affair, hoping for peace while old secrets threaten to reveal herself. A new love may help her heal.