Scandalous Spinsters

An outrageous propositionElizabeth Spencer needs a man. Preferably one who won't be too picky about the morality of her proposition, or his reputation. Lord Constantine Alexander can't afford another trip to debtors' prison, which makes him the perfect candidate. She doesn't expect him to have a heart of gold, or to hold up his end of the bargain-particularly when his high-in-the-instep family gets involved. Nor does she expect to find him irresistible, because while she needs a man, she doesn't particularly want one. A wicked bargainWhen a beautiful courtesan offers to satisfy his creditors, Con leaps at the opportunity. Never mind his mother and brothers are suspicious of his newfound fortune-being with Elizabeth is intoxicating enough to wipe any thought of scruples away. He soon realizes it's not just his future he's been gambling, but his future family. How can he convince London's premier courtesan he's more than a callow rake?

In the shadow of Halifax's high society, Madeline Murray stands as a guardian of the Everwell Society, preferring books and roses to any man's company. But when dark whispers threaten the Everwell Society, Maddy agrees to play bodyguard to Beau da Silva, a cocky captain of industry wrongfully accused of his father's murder. Doing a favour for one of Halifax's most notable families will save Everwell, and give Maddy the chance to be left alone, safe from heartbreak. Beau made a fortune using his natural charm and knack for spotting lucrative ventures. He's spent a lifetime chasing the next deal all to prove himself worthy of his father's love. Forced into hiding with a tantalizing Titian goddess unmoved by his charms, Beau uncovers family secrets and realizes that his lifelong pursuits have left him with a full bank account, but an empty life. As Beau discovers Maddy's romantic, passionate soul, he is convinced there is only one treasure he desires-her love. For Maddy, the possibility of a life entwined with Beau's represents a dream she never dared to dream. Can she trust the love of a man who seemingly has the world at his feet, but finds his greatest treasure in her?

A night she'll never forget…Miss Lucy Lancester has loved her brother's best friend, Roman Alexander, for as long as she can remember. So devotedly, she's vowed never to marry anyone else. But her beloved libertine is hardly aware of her existence, and not the least deserving of her affection. Deciding her cause is lost, she makes plans to open a girls' school in Bath. There's just one thing she needs to do before she confirms her spinsterhood forever: spend one blissful night in Roman's arms. But her handsome rogue isn't ready to have the tables turned. It will take more than a coquettish smile to turn his head. She must play a game…of persuasion. Publisher's Note: This story is continued in the full-length novel The Art of Ruining a Rake, and is intended as bonus content or as an introduction to the Scandalous Spinsters Series.

The second of five impoverished sisters, Miss Elinor Conley knows her dream of becoming a lady is farfetched. When an unmarried gentleman happens by her brother's smithy, it is up to her to act quickly-and rashly-to secure his interest. But Grantham Wendell, Lord Chelford, isn't in the market for anything more than a new horseshoe. What's a bachelor to do when an innocent miss turns up at his annual bacchanalia? He ought to make her leave, but his Twelfth Night party just became more entertaining... Publisher's Note: This book was originally published as The Cheer in Charming an Earl

A wager he can't afford to loseDevil-may-care rogue Lord Darius Alexander can't resist a wager. When a game of cards is suggested at the remote inn where he's stopped for the night, he antes up his family's savings, certain his Town bronze will give him the advantage. He never expects to lose his fortune to the irritatingly confident, uncommonly beautiful hoyden daring to play with the men. …Nor does he expect to lose his heart. A woman he doesn't deserve to winCaitlin Hart is known for her good sense. When a ridiculous reprobate tosses his savings onto the gaming table, she doesn't hesitate to divest him of it. But Lord Dare won't accept defeat like a gentleman. He suggests a compromise, and before long the handsome scoundrel is working back his losses on her small farm. But her neatly plowed fields might be too close for her heart's content, for soon she finds herself wondering if she can dare him to stay forever when the last of his coin is tucked safely into his pocket.

For money...There comes a time in every spinster's life when she accepts there is no white knight riding to her rescue. When Miss Georgiana Conley's infamous, wealthy aunt offers to make her an heiress in exchange for her company, Georgiana is relieved she will no longer burden her impoverished family. But though her scandalous aunt has retired to the country, she's not quite as lonely as she's led Georgiana to believe.She has a beau.Stephan Laurent, Lord de Winter, is handsome, charming, and suspiciously devoted to a woman twice his age. He must have designs on Georgiana's inheritance. Though she immediately vows to chase the silver-tongued fortune hunter away, she soon questions whether she is protecting her aunt, her inheritance...or her heart.

Wide-eyed ingenue Miss Abigail Conley isn't as naive about love as she pretends. Since meeting the beautiful but jaded Lady Cassandra Laurent at a midnight salon, she's thought of little other than trying to turn the lady's head. Opening her heart to another woman is a risk she's willing to take, but Cass is still reeling from an unrequited love of her own. A spur-of-the moment opportunity takes them on an unexpected journey across England. Will love be their destination?

THE TROUBLE WITH BEING WICKEDWhen Celeste Gray arrives in the sleepy village of Brixcombe-on-the-Bay, she thinks she's one step closer to leaving her notorious past behind. She even suspects the deliciously handsome-if somewhat stuffy-viscount next door is developing a tendre for her. That is, until the day Ashlin Lancester learns she's not the unassuming spinster she's pretending to be. THE PROBLEM WITH SEDUCTIONElizabeth Spencer needs a man. Preferably one who won't be too picky about the morality of her proposition, or his reputation. Lord Constantine Alexander can't afford another trip to debtors' prison, which makes him the perfect candidate. She doesn't expect him to have a heart of gold, or to hold up his end of the bargain-particularly when his high-in-the-instep family gets involved. Nor does she expect to find him irresistible, because while she needs a man, she doesn't particularly want one.

THE TROUBLE WITH BEING WICKEDWhen Celeste Gray arrives in the sleepy village of Brixcombe-on-the-Bay, she thinks she's one step closer to leaving her notorious past behind. She even suspects the deliciously handsome-if somewhat stuffy-viscount next door is developing a tendre for her. That is, until the day Ashlin Lancester learns she's not the unassuming spinster she's pretending to be. THE PROBLEM WITH SEDUCTIONElizabeth Spencer needs a man. Preferably one who won't be too picky about the morality of her proposition, or his reputation. Lord Constantine Alexander can't afford another trip to debtors' prison, which makes him the perfect candidate. She doesn't expect him to have a heart of gold, or to hold up his end of the bargain-particularly when his high-in-the-instep family gets involved. Nor does she expect to find him irresistible, because while she needs a man, she doesn't particularly want one. A GAME OF PERSUASIONMiss Lucy Lancester has loved her brother's best friend, Roman Alexander, for as long as she can remember. So devotedly, she's vowed never to marry anyone else. But her beloved libertine is hardly aware of her existence, and not the least deserving of her affection. Deciding her cause is lost, she makes plans to open a girls' school in Bath. There's just one thing she needs to do before she confirms her spinsterhood forever: spend one blissful night in Roman's arms. But her handsome rogue isn't ready to have the tables turned. It will take more than a coquettish smile to turn his head. She must play a game...of persuasion. THE ART OF RUINING A RAKEPracticed rake Roman Alexander, Lord Montborne, never meant to seduce his best friend's sister. He certainly never intends to do it again. The reckless scoundrel has never felt more compelled to be a better man. Nevertheless, he can't seem to forget her, or her passionate response to his kisses. How much danger can there be in one more try?