Darley Series by Susan Johnson

The Barnes & Noble Review New York Times –bestselling author Susan Johnson serves up another delicious dose of historical romance in this tale of the unfortunately married Lady Grafton and the ultimate ladies' man, Julius, Marquis of Darley. The time is 1788. Elspeth, Lady Grafton, a vicar's daughter, is caught in a purgatory of a marriage to an older man, commonly referred to as Old Hellfire... moreThe Barnes & Noble Review New York Times –bestselling author Susan Johnson serves up another delicious dose of historical romance in this tale of the unfortunately married Lady Grafton and the ultimate ladies' man, Julius, Marquis of Darley. The time is 1788. Elspeth, Lady Grafton, a vicar's daughter, is caught in a purgatory of a marriage to an older man, commonly referred to as Old Hellfire. Her marriage was prompted only by the need to provide her brother with a commission in the army. At first, her virtue and virginity present Darley with the ultimate challenge: to seduce the unseduceable. But then he becomes the one seduced. The relationship that develops between the two is charming, and readers will find it satisfying to watch the ultimate rake fall so completely in love. Ginger Curwen less

It was common gossip that "Duff" D'Abernon, Marquis of Darley, had returned from Waterloo a changed man. Gone was the reckless youth and in his place was a sullen recluse more interested in tending his horses than attending balls. But now the Marquis was entering the game again, openly flirting with the beautiful, witty, and thoroughly disreputable Annabelle Foster. Annabelle's no stranger to scandal... moreIt was common gossip that "Duff" D'Abernon, Marquis of Darley, had returned from Waterloo a changed man. Gone was the reckless youth and in his place was a sullen recluse more interested in tending his horses than attending balls. But now the Marquis was entering the game again, openly flirting with the beautiful, witty, and thoroughly disreputable Annabelle Foster. Annabelle's no stranger to scandal. The actress-playwright is rumoured to have had liaisons with any number of powerful men, with an illegitimate daughter to show for it. She won't chance heartache again, even for a man as tempting as Duff D'Abernon. What she offers instead is a compromise: a true friendship between equals. Each agrees to the terms. A bargain is struck. And an idyllic summer begins. But what starts as friendship soon blossoms into searing passion. And the only thing worse than risking their hearts is not risking them at all... less

Hugh D'Abernon, Marquis of Darley, was in Sevastopol for one reason only: to reconnoitre the town for the British Secret Service. So if he encounters a woman of unparalleled beauty in need of his help, he will do his duty and smartly escort her back to town - then continue on his way. He will not consider being diverted from the task at hand. No matter how tempting the lady...Aurore Clement was unaccustomed to being so susceptible to a man's good looks... moreHugh D'Abernon, Marquis of Darley, was in Sevastopol for one reason only: to reconnoitre the town for the British Secret Service. So if he encounters a woman of unparalleled beauty in need of his help, he will do his duty and smartly escort her back to town - then continue on his way. He will not consider being diverted from the task at hand. No matter how tempting the lady...Aurore Clement was unaccustomed to being so susceptible to a man's good looks. From afar, it was simple enough to be prudent, but in close proximity to this handsome Tatar, it was quite a different matter. She would have to keep her distance and focus on more important concerns - like her work with the French command and caring for her wounded brother, a soldier with French forces. But Hugh and Aurore both have reasons for wanting to escape the reality of this fearsome war. And when the two meet again, there is no stopping the fierce passion that ignites between them... less