Virtue Series by Deneane Clark

She Wouldn't... The institution of marriage held no attraction for Grace Ackerly. The world, she had noticed, expected nothing more from women than that they be submissive, demure brood mares, allowed absolutely no rights or even opinions of their own. And yet, at twenty, an age at which most of Society considered her well past her prime, she need only wait a little longer to be safe. No—she was fairly comfortable declaring—she would never marry, no matter the temptation set before her... moreShe Wouldn't... The institution of marriage held no attraction for Grace Ackerly. The world, she had noticed, expected nothing more from women than that they be submissive, demure brood mares, allowed absolutely no rights or even opinions of their own. And yet, at twenty, an age at which most of Society considered her well past her prime, she need only wait a little longer to be safe. No—she was fairly comfortable declaring—she would never marry, no matter the temptation set before her. He Would... With a flashing green gaze potently combining warmth, humor and seductive promise, Trevor Christian Caldwell was resisted by few women. When one factored in the earldom of Huntwick and his legendary charm, his conquests became all the more indubitable. But never had there been a woman he truly respected. Not until now. Here, in Pelthamshire, a spirited redhead forced a decision he had never before considered: He would marry Grace Ackerly, no matter what protestations, no matter what travails. It was yet to be seen who would prevail. And how. less

It was divinely providential, acknowledged most mamas of the ton, how time could change a man. A mere younger son the year before, a notorious prankster and womanizer, Gareth Lloyd was now the dignified Marquess of Roth. And the sudden possession of such a large fortune made him the catch of the Season. He was also everything Miss Faith Ackerly despised. To her, a rake and a libertine could no more become a pillar of society than a leopard could change its spots... moreIt was divinely providential, acknowledged most mamas of the ton, how time could change a man. A mere younger son the year before, a notorious prankster and womanizer, Gareth Lloyd was now the dignified Marquess of Roth. And the sudden possession of such a large fortune made him the catch of the Season. He was also everything Miss Faith Ackerly despised. To her, a rake and a libertine could no more become a pillar of society than a leopard could change its spots. For a maid as prim as she was pretty, Gareth's wealth was no more an inducement to wed than his title. Yet those warm brown eyes did not show the soul of a scoundrel. They promised to protect and cherish, to fend off any foe ... though they indeed tempted her with the pleasures of the bedroom. No, no act of God could make her desire Gareth. But a leap of faith could lead to true love. less

The comrade of the Ackerley sisters' new brother-in-law was anything but unattractive. Lachlan Kimbal, the newest Marquess of Asheburton, loomed tall, dark and rich—and he was looking for a wife. Yet, wasn't right for Charity's sister, whom he seemed intent on courting. Amity was in love with another man. But the Ackerly family stuck together, the twins most of all, so they would perpetrate a deception. Thwarting the infuriating Scotsman would even be a laugh... moreThe comrade of the Ackerley sisters' new brother-in-law was anything but unattractive. Lachlan Kimbal, the newest Marquess of Asheburton, loomed tall, dark and rich—and he was looking for a wife. Yet, wasn't right for Charity's sister, whom he seemed intent on courting. Amity was in love with another man. But the Ackerly family stuck together, the twins most of all, so they would perpetrate a deception. Thwarting the infuriating Scotsman would even be a laugh. For one night Charity could act demure and gracious, strong yet obedient—everything that Lachlan sought. In that same night, he would prove himself everything she desired. less

The youngest of six sisters, Mercy Ackerly has known since thirteen what everyone else is about to learn: She’ll marry the elusive Duke of Blackthorne. WORTH THE WAIT It was love at first sight for thirteen-year-old Mercy Ackerly. The second she encountered the traveling Duke of Blackthorne, she fell in love…with his horses. And since Sebastian Tremaine was also perfect, they would someday be man and wife. From the start, Sebastian has felt oddly protective of Mercy... moreThe youngest of six sisters, Mercy Ackerly has known since thirteen what everyone else is about to learn: She’ll marry the elusive Duke of Blackthorne. WORTH THE WAIT It was love at first sight for thirteen-year-old Mercy Ackerly. The second she encountered the traveling Duke of Blackthorne, she fell in love…with his horses. And since Sebastian Tremaine was also perfect, they would someday be man and wife. From the start, Sebastian has felt oddly protective of Mercy. Delightfully straightforward, the girl is everything honest and sweet, which is why he approved when his best friend married into the family—and then so did his other friends. But now Mercy’s all grown up. Now she’s facing the ton’s matchmaking mamas and their deceitful daughters, is joining a world he despises, be it the ballrooms and routs or the opulent crush. He would shield her if he could, would do anything but entangle his heart. Sebastian will fight the inevitable for as long as he can. And then he’ll fight for it. Some matches are schemed for, some are arranged, and some have just been coming for a long, long time. less