Hard Cash

The Cloister and the Hearth

The Cloister and the Hearth by Charles Reade

Christie Johnstone

This is a pre-1923 historical reproduction that was curated for quality. Quality assurance was conducted on each of these books in an attempt to remove books with imperfections introduced by the digitization process. Though we have made best efforts - the books may have occasional errors that do not impede the reading experience. We believe this work is culturally important and have elected to bring the book back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.

A Perilous Secret

The story begins with a young father, William Hope, who travels with his daughter, his “one remaining joy," since his wife's recent death by consumption. He hopes his love for his little girl—and his many talents—will be enough to keep them safe through their travels, but Hope has had trouble keeping his money in the past. . .

Peg Woffington

Published in 1853, this was Reade's second novel. Based on the life of the Irish actress Margaret Woffington (1720-1760), it was adapted from his successful 1852 stage comedy, Masks and Faces.

Love Me Little, Love Me Long

This 1859 novel is a kind of prequel to the later Hard Cash (1863)—focusing on the banking industry instead of mental institutions. It features a romance between David Dodd, a sailor, and Lucy Fountain. Though Lucy is an independent woman who would rather be alone, David's sincerity eventually wins her heart.

It Is Never Too Late to Mend

It Is Never Too Late to Mend by Charles Reade

Suddenly, I'm Married

Scarlett was left betrayed and broken beyond repair when her best friend Megan set her up with the male escort who stole her virginity...Or at least, that's what she thought he was. There was something odd about the strong and strikingly beautiful man that she spent a night with. Despite the pure hatred she felt for him, the deals he ended up offering wasn't one she could refuse. Scarlett always thought she'd marry her soulmate but turns out, that won't be the case for her. But could her mysterious husband make his way through her broken heart and fix it? It's hard to imagine but love has funny ways to manifest in places where it's least expected....

The Billionaire's Wife's Revenge

Betrayed by both her boyfriend Elijah and her step sister Rhoda, Alexander’s world collapses. With her mother’s life and her inheritance on the line and also a step father and sister eyeing her wealth and determined to bring her ruin, Rhoda finds herself in a contract marriage with Chris Reed, the future CEO of the Reed empire and the half-brother of Elijah Reed who happens to be the illegitimate son of the Reed family. For Chris, getting married to Rhoda was a straightforward business move. It was a criterion to inherit the company and gain a foothold in his grandfather’s company and to steer clear of love. While for her, it was for revenge against her step family and to protect her mother from their treachery and scheming. As they embark on this unconventional journey together, will their union bring solace or ignite new challenges? How far is Cindy, her step sister willing to go for the jealousy and envy she feels towards Rhoda? What happens between Rhoda and Chris after a passionate night’s encounter? When an old love from Chris' past comes back into his life and wants him for herself, what will be the fate of Chris and Rhoda's relationship? Find out in this gripping tale of love betrayal and revenge.

CEO's Feisty Little Wife

'His words weren't mere rules, but the laws.' Julia Sanchez wants to be a drama writer. But life took a strange turn for her when she was told to marry the most influential businessman, Marimo Martinez. However, there exists a problem. Marimo Martinez has been in a vegetative state for four years. His chances of survival are limited, yet Julia is forced to marry him. On the wedding day, Julia waited for Marimo to come on a wheelchair. To her surprise, Marimo came in a black tuxedo and was on the aisle, waiting for her. His features were breathtaking and stole her heart in a second. ****** "Wifey, let's make this night beautiful," Marimo said as he advanced to her. Julia gulped and slowly took backward steps. Her breath hitched when her back hit the pillar of the poster bed. Before she could run away, her petite figure landed on the soft mattress and those icy blue orbs fell onto hers. "Mr. Martinez, we don't know each other yet. Could you please—" she paused when she felt his cold fingers on her leg. The next second, she kicked him and Marimo fell to the floor with a loud bang.

One-Night Stand: Accidental Surrogacy for Billionaire

"Miss Brown, I am the butler here at your service," the butler replied. "My master wants to buy the baby in your belly." "What?!" Does that mean the abortion didn't take place? Did they kidnap her from the operating table just to buy the baby? But why her? "You..." Alice was about to ask a question, but the man in front of her calmly continued, as if he had expected her question, "You're pregnant with his child, and he needs a child. That's all I can tell you." Alice was forced to sign a surrogacy contract and eight months later gave birth to two healthy babies. Fortunately, the man was unaware of her daughter's existence. It wasn't until five years later that fate brought them together again...

The Lycan King Is My Baby Daddy

Endless caresses, endless kisses. Clinging to him as if her life depended on it, her body ached for more and she arched into the touch to receive more, more pleasure. "Oh darling, you taste so delicious, I can't get enough." He rubbed himself against her, telling her how much he wanted her, his deep, gruff voice resonating in her head. Her body also desired him. "Come for me, baby," He gave the order, and her body obeyed, following his command. "No!" she yelled, opening her eyes abruptly. Feeling confused and guilty, she gasped and sat up in bed. Scarlett's life takes an unexpected when she discovers that she is pregnant by a stranger with whom she had a one-night stand. She was humiliated and disowned by her parents. She ran away from the pack to start a new life. Will Scarlett find her way back to the father of her kids? What happens when he finds her and does everything possible to make her his? Will they scale through the challenges that life would throw at them? ***** Scarlett wakes up in bed with a stranger and doesn't even remember how she got there. She later discovers that the man she spent that night with was the Lycan King.

Unshackled Brilliance: Catching The CEO's Eye

"Sign the divorce papers and get out!" Leanna got married to pay a debt, but she was betrayed by her husband and shunned by her in-laws. Seeing that her efforts were in vain, she agreed to divorce and claimed her half of the properties. With her purse plump from the settlement, Leanna enjoyed her newfound freedom. The constant harassment from her ex's mistress never fazed her. She took back her identities as top hacker, champion racer, medical professor, and renowned jewelry designer. Then someone discovered her secret. Matthew smiled. "Will you have me as your next husband?"