Lord Julian Ashford, Baron Moncrief, detests London. Detests society. Since his wife died over a decade ago, he has had little thought for anything other than his own grief. Filling his life with work and duty, he exists as a shell of his former self. And while he can think of nothing worse than entertaining a hoard of freeloading guests, the weekend house party is his daughter's celebration, and while happiness eludes him, he would do anything for her.Blythe Flintwood knows a thing or two about the hard knocks life can throw at a girl. Orphaned, alone, and reliant on her skills as an art conservator to pay her way, she appreciates the small things. A beautiful painting. A special friendship. A weekend house party at a country estate to celebrate her best friend's birthday. She takes nothing for granted.If only the grubby old lords in attendance would stop propositioning her at every opportunity.If only they would listen to her when she tells them she's not...

Vivianne Chevalier is done with dukes. After another broken promise for a starring role on the Paris stage, the dancer and courtesan vows to walk away from it all. The viperous competition from the other dancers. The manipulations of the European nobility who only care for their own pleasures. Greedy, heartless people who want nothing more than to get ahead, no matter the cost to others. After years of failure, she craves a simple life, like the one she foolishly turned her back on when she was young. His Grace Arley West is familiar with the traps and trappings of a dukedom.After all, he was not even six when he became the Duke of Osborne. The constant demands, requests for favours, false friends wanting money, and never really being sure if people respect him, or his title, all are a regular part of his life. Is it any wonder he has become a grumpy recluse, only leaving his villa to attend to his...

After twelve years in the country, Hamish, Lord Dalton, has returned to London to find a rich and titled wife. That's his story, and he's sticking to it. But Hamish has his own plans: to create a scandal and embarrass his critical, condescending father.If only he knew how.Iris Abberton wasn't always confined by expectation and obligation. As a young girl, she ran wild through the streets of London, causing chaos and playing tricks on the ton with her best friend, Hamish.Now, as the secret accountant for her father's company, she spends her days juggling ledgers and maintaining appearances. Her wild years are behind her. And she cannot afford a hint of scandal if she is to realise her dreams for the business.But what harm could there be in one tiny adventure? Just one evening of fun with her mischievous—and incredibly handsome—old friend.It's not as if their friendship has turned into something more.Iris's heart does not...