Gentleman's Club Series by Patricia Waddell

Kicking off a four-part series featuring a group of aristocratic friends from the same London gentlemen's club, this title introduces a marquis who comes to the aid of a shop girl accused of theft who steals his heart. Original.

With his title, wealth, and reputation for satisfying his lovers beyond all expectations, Norton Russell Foxhall, Earl of Granby, attracts women in droves. But no lady keeps his fires burning for long. It doesn't help that every woman ruins the chase by blatantly wanting him. Is there any female creature whose mind isn't embroiled in thoughts of marriage and wanton desire? "Contentedly wed" are two words that make Catherine Hardwick scoff... moreWith his title, wealth, and reputation for satisfying his lovers beyond all expectations, Norton Russell Foxhall, Earl of Granby, attracts women in droves. But no lady keeps his fires burning for long. It doesn't help that every woman ruins the chase by blatantly wanting him. Is there any female creature whose mind isn't embroiled in thoughts of marriage and wanton desire? "Contentedly wed" are two words that make Catherine Hardwick scoff. The bold, auburn-haired beauty would never yield to a man any more than she would acquiesce to ride her beloved stallion sidesaddle in a dress. Lost in irritable thought and galloping at full speed, Catherine doesn't notice the dashing young man in the road till she's nearly on top of him. She knows she must apologize, but she never expects the ruthless cad to exact such a devil's bargain from her. An arrogant earl demands a kiss in apology. An indignant lady grants him his one request. But there's no such thing as a simple kiss...and no saying no to such unruly, impossible, irresistible passion. less

LOVE HAS ITS REASONS When William Fitch Minstead, the sixth Earl of Ackerman, agrees to a private audience with a lovely stranger, he's rewarded with the fateful news that he is the father of a little girl. After the death of her friend Elizabeth Bradstreet, Miss Hilary Compton became Lizzie's guardian. It is clear that Miss Compton thinks Fitch has neglected a child he never knew existed and she intends to right that wrong... moreLOVE HAS ITS REASONS When William Fitch Minstead, the sixth Earl of Ackerman, agrees to a private audience with a lovely stranger, he's rewarded with the fateful news that he is the father of a little girl. After the death of her friend Elizabeth Bradstreet, Miss Hilary Compton became Lizzie's guardian. It is clear that Miss Compton thinks Fitch has neglected a child he never knew existed and she intends to right that wrong. Captivated by her charm and wit, the earl proposes a solution: a marriage of convenience. WHICH REASON DOES NOT KNOW Though she is only the daughter of a county squire, Hilary is independent to a fault – not the sort to submit to the whims of a handsome earl with a rakish reputation, even if Fitch insists that his service during the brutal Crimean War left him a changed man. Her decision would be so much easier were he the seducing scoundrel she had expected. Perhaps the arrangement he suggest is for the best – if she can keep herself from falling in love. less

Returning home to Belgravia from a certain boudoir in Trafalgar Square, Viscount Rathbone is surprised to see a beautiful young woman in the street at twilight - when no true lady walks along. Yet she is none other than the ward of the powerful Duke of Worley, Prudence Tamhill, whose virtue and charm have been singled out for praise by the Queen herself... moreReturning home to Belgravia from a certain boudoir in Trafalgar Square, Viscount Rathbone is surprised to see a beautiful young woman in the street at twilight - when no true lady walks along. Yet she is none other than the ward of the powerful Duke of Worley, Prudence Tamhill, whose virtue and charm have been singled out for praise by the Queen herself. Rathbone insists on escorting her safely home in his carriage, though her presence at this side will prove a singular temptation to a lord who knows very well that a stolen kiss is the sweetest. Never had Prudence imagined that one kiss could mean so much - or that it would change her life forever. Why did she allow him such liberties? The viscount has a reputation that would shame Casanova, and his friends are little better. When Prudence finds out that they staked a fortune upon a scandalous wager, daring Rathbone to enter her bedchamber at midnight, she is furious. To save her reputation, her guardian insists that they marry. And her troubles have only begun...because his passion for her is too tender to resist. less