Rogues and Gentlemen Series by Emma V. Leech

1815 Along the wild and untamed coast of Cornwall, smuggling is not only a way of life, but a means of survival. Henrietta Morton knows well to look the other way when the free trading 'gentlemen' are at work. Yet when a notorious pirate, known as The Rogue, bursts in on her in the village shop, she takes things one step further. Bewitched by a pair of wicked blue eyes, in a moment of insanity she hides the handsome fugitive from the local Militia... more1815 Along the wild and untamed coast of Cornwall, smuggling is not only a way of life, but a means of survival. Henrietta Morton knows well to look the other way when the free trading 'gentlemen' are at work. Yet when a notorious pirate, known as The Rogue, bursts in on her in the village shop, she takes things one step further. Bewitched by a pair of wicked blue eyes, in a moment of insanity she hides the handsome fugitive from the local Militia. Her reward is a kiss that she just cannot forget. But in his haste to escape with his life, her pirate drops a letter, inadvertently giving Henri incriminating information about the man she just helped free. When her father gives her hand in marriage to a wealthy and villainous nobleman in return for the payment of his debts, Henri becomes desperate. Blackmailing a pirate may be her only hope for freedom. less

Alexander Sinclair, the Fourth Earl of Falmouth, has a reputation for revelling in vice. But his taste for wine, women and dice is only a fraction of the dangerous truth, for the Earl is the force behind a powerful gang, smuggling contraband between France and Cornwall.     Never afraid to get his hands dirty and with an abiding love of living recklessly, Alex leads many of these runs himself, until one fateful night when the Revenue appear... moreAlexander Sinclair, the Fourth Earl of Falmouth, has a reputation for revelling in vice. But his taste for wine, women and dice is only a fraction of the dangerous truth, for the Earl is the force behind a powerful gang, smuggling contraband between France and Cornwall.     Never afraid to get his hands dirty and with an abiding love of living recklessly, Alex leads many of these runs himself, until one fateful night when the Revenue appear. Forced to sail into a violent storm, the ship is lost and Alex is washed ashore, barely alive, close to the French port of Roscoff.     Innocent beauty, Célestine Lavelle, has lost everything. The daughter of a noble French family forced to flee during the Revolution, she has been forced to work in the kitchens of the local whore house, where her future is shrouded in sin. Desperate and completely alone, the discovery of a half drowned English smuggler on the shore will lead her heart in directions she never dreamed of. Determined to save his beguiling rescuer, Alex plans that her future should be full of everything that is good and honourable, but will the temptation to take her as his own be too hard to resist? less

Sebastian Grenville, The Duke of Sindalton, known as Sin to the ton, has had his fair share of scandal. His father's involvement in what became referred to as 'The Scandal of the Century' plunged him into the spotlight at the tender age of twelve, and he's been there ever since. Egged on by his best friend, Beau - The Marquis of Beaumont, his life is one of dissipation and ease. But every duke needs an heir and everyone knows Sindalton is in the market for a wife... moreSebastian Grenville, The Duke of Sindalton, known as Sin to the ton, has had his fair share of scandal. His father's involvement in what became referred to as 'The Scandal of the Century' plunged him into the spotlight at the tender age of twelve, and he's been there ever since. Egged on by his best friend, Beau - The Marquis of Beaumont, his life is one of dissipation and ease. But every duke needs an heir and everyone knows Sindalton is in the market for a wife. Both men, bored to death by balls and matchmaking mamas, go to a friend's hunting lodge in Cornwall. But caught in a storm, Sindalton heads for cover. Seeking shelter in a cave, the duke is delighted when he stumbles upon Miss Georgiana Bomford, the niece of the local doctor. But the feisty red-headed beauty is unimpressed by his attempt to entice her. Sindalton, however, is captivated and intent on seduction, makes her the target of his all too tempting charms. But Georgiana is not who he thinks she is, and when they meet again in London, the scandalous past is in danger of repeating itself. less

Dishonoured and ashamed, the ton's scandalous darling, 'Beau' the Marquis of Beaumont, is forced to flee England to escape debtor's prison. After a chance encounter, it appears Miss Millicent Sparrow is his only remaining friend, however unlikely. Miss Sparrow lives up to her name... moreDishonoured and ashamed, the ton's scandalous darling, 'Beau' the Marquis of Beaumont, is forced to flee England to escape debtor's prison. After a chance encounter, it appears Miss Millicent Sparrow is his only remaining friend, however unlikely. Miss Sparrow lives up to her name. Damaged and terrified by her cousin's violent abuse, Milly is used to being overlooked and prefers it that way, until the desperation of her bleak world is gilded by rakishly handsome Beau's extraordinary friendship. Miss Sparrow’s lively letters help Beau through his banishment and when his father dies suddenly and Beau inherits the Dukedom, he seeks out his little bird. To his shock he finds a woman in despair and, moved by pity, he offers her the protection of his name by marriage. But Milly becomes impossible to overlook, and the more Beau needs his wife, the less interested she seems in her gorgeous husband. For this rake, getting a woman's attention has never been so complicated. less

Miss Violette Grey is a damsel in distress. The devil of it is, she just won't accept it. Alone and far from home in the big city, Violette is on a mission to find her missing brother - a war hero who never made it home - and she doesn't want a chaperone. But the chivalrous Aubrey Russell doesn't care. Accidentally thrust into the headstrong young lady's path, he decides she needs a protector... moreMiss Violette Grey is a damsel in distress. The devil of it is, she just won't accept it. Alone and far from home in the big city, Violette is on a mission to find her missing brother - a war hero who never made it home - and she doesn't want a chaperone. But the chivalrous Aubrey Russell doesn't care. Accidentally thrust into the headstrong young lady's path, he decides she needs a protector. Determined that the girl should not ruin herself in pursuit of the truth, Aubrey dogs her every step ... and finds himself in a spot of bother. Violette may be an innocent but she has an uncanny knack for finding trouble, and one way or another Aubrey is determined to save her from ruin. The only question is, will he be able to save himself? less

Blackmailed by his sister into giving a Christmas house party to celebrate her recent marriage, Edward Greyston, Marquess of Winterbourne, is quite certain the next few days will be an utter nightmare. Nightmares, however, are something Edward is all too familiar with. After the bloody battle of Waterloo, he has returned from the war a changed man, full of rage and guilt... moreBlackmailed by his sister into giving a Christmas house party to celebrate her recent marriage, Edward Greyston, Marquess of Winterbourne, is quite certain the next few days will be an utter nightmare. Nightmares, however, are something Edward is all too familiar with. After the bloody battle of Waterloo, he has returned from the war a changed man, full of rage and guilt. Suspecting one of his house guests, the bluestocking Belinda Holbrook, is about to trap unsuspecting and gullible Lord Nibley into marriage, he goes to warn him, only to get caught himself. Furious but honour bound to do the right thing, Edward finds himself married to a woman he doesn't trust and knows nothing about, and he has no intention of trying to find out more. Yet Belinda is made of sterner stuff and refuses to be afraid of the angry man she married. Somehow she determines to melt icy Lord Winterbourne's frozen heart, and she's prepared to be wicked to do it. less

Lucretia ‘Crecy’ Holbrook has a secret, a secret she has kept for many years. Even her dearest confident and sister, Belle, would not understand what Crecy is prepared to do, the risks she is prepared to take, to get her heart’s desire. For Crecy is not like the other smiling débutantes; she despises poetry, thinks dancing a chore and is quite prepared to throw something at the next fool to compare her to Aphrodite... moreLucretia ‘Crecy’ Holbrook has a secret, a secret she has kept for many years. Even her dearest confident and sister, Belle, would not understand what Crecy is prepared to do, the risks she is prepared to take, to get her heart’s desire. For Crecy is not like the other smiling débutantes; she despises poetry, thinks dancing a chore and is quite prepared to throw something at the next fool to compare her to Aphrodite. Far more likely to return from a country walk with a badger’s skull and some bloody, injured creature than a posy of wildflowers, Crecy is drawn to the dark, the damaged, and the unlovable. Her heart longs for one man alone, one with a wounded soul, one so dreadfully damaged that even her tender care might not be enough to save him. Viscount Demorte is everything she dreams of. With a reputation that covers blackmail, murder and madness, cruelly handsome Lord Gabriel Greyston, Viscount Demorte, is far more dangerous than any wounded dog, and his bite … just might leave Crecy ruined beyond repair. less

Lord Percy Nibley needs a wife, preferably before his mother’s nagging on the subject drives him to distraction. But being more comfortable with his rock collection than flirting, he’s not having a lot of luck. In desperation, the shy nobleman enlists the help of Baron Marchmain - Lord August Bright. August is nothing short of dazzling. Charming, witty and amusing, he’s the darling of the ton, and a notorious heart-breaker... moreLord Percy Nibley needs a wife, preferably before his mother’s nagging on the subject drives him to distraction. But being more comfortable with his rock collection than flirting, he’s not having a lot of luck. In desperation, the shy nobleman enlists the help of Baron Marchmain - Lord August Bright. August is nothing short of dazzling. Charming, witty and amusing, he’s the darling of the ton, and a notorious heart-breaker. August selects a suitable young lady for Lord Nibley; Miss Patience Pearson, a cool, level-headed woman, close to being on the shelf and with the reputation of a blue-stocking, meanwhile setting his own sights on capturing the heart of her vivacious younger sister, Caroline. But Patience is not easily charmed, guarding her sister with the tenacity of a lioness and August must be at his most devastatingly charming to get past her defences. Having finally done so, however … August isn’t at all sure he’s chosen the right sister. less

Dinah Osborne needs a husband and she needs one now. Not just any man will do. To meet the terms of her rather eccentric grandfather’s will, she must be safely engaged to marry a man of worth before her twenty-first birthday, or she’ll not receive a penny of her rather large inheritance. Sadly her social climbing grandfather’s notions of worth and her own are not in the least alike, and nothing but a Lord will satisfy the terms of his will... moreDinah Osborne needs a husband and she needs one now. Not just any man will do. To meet the terms of her rather eccentric grandfather’s will, she must be safely engaged to marry a man of worth before her twenty-first birthday, or she’ll not receive a penny of her rather large inheritance. Sadly her social climbing grandfather’s notions of worth and her own are not in the least alike, and nothing but a Lord will satisfy the terms of his will. But Dinah is alone in the world and has no entry into the select ranks of the ton. She does, however, know a thing or two about blackmail. Lord Benjamin Lancaster is a black-hearted rake, a hardened gambler, and the kind of man who fills Dinah with disgust. However a title is a title, and she’s quite content to use him for her own ends. Yet her fake fiancé is not quite as easy to handle as Dinah had hoped, and he’s determined to have more for his trouble than the financial reward promised him. Dinah is not immune to his deep blue eyes or his dark charm, but it doesn’t change the fact that he’s last man in London that she would ever give her heart to … less

When the beautiful Lady Isabella Scranford finds herself in the family way and her lover refuses to do the honourable thing, she knows her life is at an end. With a reputation for being a cold-hearted bitch, there will be no sympathy for her, only shame and ridicule. Finding that even her best - and only - friend refuses to be associated with her any longer, Isabella decides she cannot go on and makes a fateful decision. Henry Barbour is known locally as the Bear of Barchem Wood... moreWhen the beautiful Lady Isabella Scranford finds herself in the family way and her lover refuses to do the honourable thing, she knows her life is at an end. With a reputation for being a cold-hearted bitch, there will be no sympathy for her, only shame and ridicule. Finding that even her best - and only - friend refuses to be associated with her any longer, Isabella decides she cannot go on and makes a fateful decision. Henry Barbour is known locally as the Bear of Barchem Wood. Living alone in the vast and decaying splendour of Barchem Place, surrounded by wilderness and woodland, he inspires such tales of madness that no one locally will go near the once grand house. When a filthy and frightening man rescues Isabella from drowning, she begins to believe her fate has taken an even darker turn. Yet appearances can be deceptive and an unlikely bond is created between two damaged souls who need to hide from the world. As Isabella comes to understand the meaning of compassion, she begins to realise that the most important things in life are not at all what she expected them to be. less

Charity Kendell needs a miracle. She’s already hanging on to her family and their farm by her fingertips when her despised landlord, Viscount Devlin, sells her home from under her. Though she’s never met him, Charity knows Lord Devlin to be a gambler, a rogue, and a wastrel. Unprepared to allow such a man to throw her family from the only home they’ve ever known, she prepares to fight back. Baxter Linton, Viscount Devlin is in trouble... moreCharity Kendell needs a miracle. She’s already hanging on to her family and their farm by her fingertips when her despised landlord, Viscount Devlin, sells her home from under her. Though she’s never met him, Charity knows Lord Devlin to be a gambler, a rogue, and a wastrel. Unprepared to allow such a man to throw her family from the only home they’ve ever known, she prepares to fight back. Baxter Linton, Viscount Devlin is in trouble. He owes a gambling debt to a dangerous man who doesn’t appreciate waiting for his payment. To raise the money, Dev tries to sell off land, but an unfortunate riding accident leaves him injured before the deal can complete, and with no memory of who or where he is. When Dev’s amnesia disappears, he discovers himself at the tender mercy of Miss Kendell, the bossy virago whose furious letters still litter his desk. In the circumstances, Dev keeps his mouth shut. But when the handsome Viscount falls under spirited Charity’s spell, revealing the man he truly is becomes a daunting prospect. less

When his older brother and father die in quick succession, Fitzwilliam ‘Will’ Lancaster finds himself Marquess of Henshaw. It is a role he has always secretly coveted and spent his entire life preparing for. Unlike his predecessors he is determined that his name be one worthy of respect, one with no shameful shadow, not even the faintest hint of anything scandalous. And then Miss Selina Darling crashes into his life... moreWhen his older brother and father die in quick succession, Fitzwilliam ‘Will’ Lancaster finds himself Marquess of Henshaw. It is a role he has always secretly coveted and spent his entire life preparing for. Unlike his predecessors he is determined that his name be one worthy of respect, one with no shameful shadow, not even the faintest hint of anything scandalous. And then Miss Selina Darling crashes into his life. Miss Darling has an unfortunate habit of saying exactly what she thinks, without thinking about what she’s saying. The only man in her life who adores her without reservation is her scandalous father, Mr ‘Bertie’ Darling, beloved of opera singers and pretty bits of muslin throughout London. When the Marquess does the gentlemanly thing and rescues Selina from a tricky situation, things go quickly awry. The only way to avoid being the scandal of the century is to marry the wretched creature though it’s the last thing he wants. Before he knows what’s hit him, Will discovers himself married to a girl without an once of propriety and a penchant for embarrassing him in public. Try as she might, Selina cannot stay out of trouble nor find any way of pleasing her dour and determined, joyless husband. Yet she’s sure there is another man hiding beneath his impeccably tailored clothes, just itching to get out … if only she could reach him. less

Oscar Paget, Duke of Rothborn, is a Corinthian to his marrow. Sport is in his blood, no matter the variety. Winning is all he cares about. The handsome young duke has no desire for a wife to impede his exiting lifestyle and though engaged to the beautiful Lady Pearl Aldous since infancy, he keeps putting off the big day. Little does he know Pearl’s tomboyish younger sister, Ella, has been in love with him her whole life... moreOscar Paget, Duke of Rothborn, is a Corinthian to his marrow. Sport is in his blood, no matter the variety. Winning is all he cares about. The handsome young duke has no desire for a wife to impede his exiting lifestyle and though engaged to the beautiful Lady Pearl Aldous since infancy, he keeps putting off the big day. Little does he know Pearl’s tomboyish younger sister, Ella, has been in love with him her whole life. When Ella does something reckless to save Oscar from losing a bet to a man he despises, they are caught in a compromising situation. The only way to save her reputation is to marry her instead of Pearl. To Oscar, Ella can never be more than a friend. He considers her as a little sister, not a wife, and he knows there can be nothing more than a marriage of convenience between them. Ella knows nothing of the sort. All she must do now … is prove it. ***NOTE: This book and series contains mild swearing and mildly graphic and descriptive sex scenes - NOT erotica*** less

Lord Blackehart has not a drop of blue blood in his body, but he is the undeniable Lord of London’s underworld. Born into poverty and quickly abandoned, he is left to grow up in the misery of the workhouse. Rumours about him are many, that he cannot die, and that he killed a man when he was just twelve years old. Now a man in his prime he is built like a mountain and exudes power. Katherine Dove is illegitimate... moreLord Blackehart has not a drop of blue blood in his body, but he is the undeniable Lord of London’s underworld. Born into poverty and quickly abandoned, he is left to grow up in the misery of the workhouse. Rumours about him are many, that he cannot die, and that he killed a man when he was just twelve years old. Now a man in his prime he is built like a mountain and exudes power. Katherine Dove is illegitimate. She has borne the shame of this her whole life, but when her guardian and her only protection from the world at large dies, she discovers a clue to her parentage. A perilous journey to London in search of her father finds her in dark company, but Miss Dove is resourceful, and Luther Blackehart seems to be a man who can supply the answers to everything and anything she desires. less

The Duke of Ranleigh is lonely. He’s also bored out of his mind. Tired of the same people at the same parties and the same women all hoping to become his duchess, he knows something has to change. Though he’d die before he admitted it, Ranleigh has a romantic heart and is looking for the one … the woman who will make his jaded soul sing and fill the void in his life. ‘Archie’ Archibald has a secret, a secret Archie’s new friend the duke doesn’t know... moreThe Duke of Ranleigh is lonely. He’s also bored out of his mind. Tired of the same people at the same parties and the same women all hoping to become his duchess, he knows something has to change. Though he’d die before he admitted it, Ranleigh has a romantic heart and is looking for the one … the woman who will make his jaded soul sing and fill the void in his life. ‘Archie’ Archibald has a secret, a secret Archie’s new friend the duke doesn’t know. For Archie is no cheeky young buck as Ranleigh believes … but a girl. She swore she’d never deceive anyone about her identity again but finds herself thrust into Ranleigh’s world, and his confidence, before she has the chance to tell him the truth. ‘Far worse, and far more dangerous, Archie is falling for him. Archie must make a choice, reveal all and risk ruin – staking her hopes on the possibility the duke could return her feelings – or keep her peace and disappear from his life.Little does Archie realise … her secret might not be as safe as she supposed. less

A penniless young lady, rescued by providence. When Miss Fredericka Wycliffe’s eccentric Uncle Phin dies and leaves her all his worldly goods, she cannot believe her good fortune. A passionate missionary man, Phineas Wycliffe was not wealthy, but a little cottage in the Highlands of Scotland and a modest bequest seem like riches beyond Fredericka’s wildest dreams. The catch... moreA penniless young lady, rescued by providence. When Miss Fredericka Wycliffe’s eccentric Uncle Phin dies and leaves her all his worldly goods, she cannot believe her good fortune. A passionate missionary man, Phineas Wycliffe was not wealthy, but a little cottage in the Highlands of Scotland and a modest bequest seem like riches beyond Fredericka’s wildest dreams. The catch. To meet the terms of the will, Fredericka must swear on the bible to continue her uncle’s good works on his last and greatest challenge; to bring spiritual light into the dark world of her nearest neighbour, the Laird of the Moncreiffe clan who lives at the forbidding and half-ruined Tor Castle. A man with scars, both visible and hidden. Ross Moncreiffe is a hard man, and one best left alone. Raised through the ranks from lowly private to Captain of the Cameron Highlanders the war has left him scarred and angry. The last thing he wants is a priggish English miss living on his doorstep and trying to show him the error of his ways. Vanilla and cinnamon. Miss Wycliffe does not give her word lightly nor scare easily, however. Besides, tormenting this glowering, great Highlander is too delicious to resist. Something tells this intrepid miss that there’s more to the big Scot than meets the eye, and … just why does he always smell so good? Ross is indeed hiding a surprising passion and one he’d rather die than reveal. Let the battle of wills commence. less

A brother determined to save his family’s honour… Sampson Pelham, eldest son of the late and not at all lamented Viscount Cheam is surprised but not disheartened by the untimely passing of his sire. Run out of England with his reputation and honour blackened beyond pitch, Sampson’s father was a vile and violent man whom the family will do very well without. Now, however, Sampson faces the unenviable task of getting his house in order... moreA brother determined to save his family’s honour… Sampson Pelham, eldest son of the late and not at all lamented Viscount Cheam is surprised but not disheartened by the untimely passing of his sire. Run out of England with his reputation and honour blackened beyond pitch, Sampson’s father was a vile and violent man whom the family will do very well without. Now, however, Sampson faces the unenviable task of getting his house in order. Being one of four siblings universally known as “The Scandalous Brothers,” bringing his family back into the respectable world of the ton will be an uphill struggle. The thought of the youngest of his kin, seven-year-old twins, Selina and Susan, being branded “The Scandalous Sisters” when they eventually come out is too appalling to consider. Respectability is his goal, and Sampson is single-minded in his purpose. A chill in the air and an unmistakable spark of attraction… A governess for the unmanageable twins—one with impeccable references from one of the grandest families of the ton —is hired at once to accompany Sampson and his family to visit his half-brother, Captain Ross Moncreiffe, for Christmas. When a violent snowstorm separates the family on the road, Sampson finds himself marooned at a small inn in the company of the twins and their new governess… And soon suspects that Miss Wynter is not everything her references suggested she would be. A woman with a scandalous reputation… Miss Gwendolen Wynter is hiding a dark past under a new name and the veneer of respectability. Miss Guinevere de Wynn is the illegitimate daughter of the infamous Marie de Wynn—mistress to the Marquess of Davenport, the woman who robbed the marchioness of her jewellery and ran off with another lover. The de Wynn family are, in fact, notorious for indulging in every vice known to man and their infamy can be traced back generations. In a desperate bid for a quiet life, free from disgrace and mayhem, Gwen forges her references and secures employment in the first household available with such haste she neglects to discover details of the family she is to work for. When her attraction to the eldest of equally infamous The Scandalous Brothers becomes impossible to ignore, Miss Wynter must be at her iciest to avoid yet another scandal and to keep the truth of her identity from the man who is melting all her good intentions. less

A Rogues and Gentlemen Christmas Novella. Widowed farmer Ned Hardy is facing a bleak winter and a lonely Christmas alone, when a beautiful young woman turns up on his doorstep in the middle of the night, frozen and terrified. Stunned by the arrival of a fine lady who looks like a Christmas angel, all of Ned’s protective instincts flare to life. Grace Honeyfield is on the run from her abusive brother and the terrifying man he’s forcing her to marry... moreA Rogues and Gentlemen Christmas Novella. Widowed farmer Ned Hardy is facing a bleak winter and a lonely Christmas alone, when a beautiful young woman turns up on his doorstep in the middle of the night, frozen and terrified. Stunned by the arrival of a fine lady who looks like a Christmas angel, all of Ned’s protective instincts flare to life. Grace Honeyfield is on the run from her abusive brother and the terrifying man he’s forcing her to marry. Escaping into the darkness on a snowy night, she stumbles onto an isolated farm, and into the arms of a handsome farmer. Although not a gentleman by birth, Grace comes to realise Ned deserves the title more than any well-bred man of her acquaintance. When Ned offers to marry Grace to keep her safe, he dares hope that the future might hold more happiness than the past. To his astonishment Grace agrees to his proposal, and Ned can’t help but wonder if all his Christmases have come at once… AUTHOR'S NOTE. This 44K word book was previously published within Once Upon a Christmas Wedding, A Holiday Romance Collection Boxset less

The youngest son of a Marquess... Darkly handsome Ludo – universally known as Lascivious Lord Courtney – is the wickedest rake in Christendom. With a reputation that makes nice young ladies swoon, he is just not the marrying kind. A friend to the rescue... Unwitting wallflower Felicity Bunting is only trying to protect a friend when she finds herself in a compromising situation with this lusty lord. An unlikely pairing.. moreThe youngest son of a Marquess... Darkly handsome Ludo – universally known as Lascivious Lord Courtney – is the wickedest rake in Christendom. With a reputation that makes nice young ladies swoon, he is just not the marrying kind. A friend to the rescue... Unwitting wallflower Felicity Bunting is only trying to protect a friend when she finds herself in a compromising situation with this lusty lord. An unlikely pairing... She might not have meant to do it, but Bunty just accidentally trapped Lord Courtney into marriage.Neither of them is what the other ever expected to have, but perhaps they might be all they ever wanted.Previously published in the Have Yourself a Merry Little Scandal anthology less

A Rogues and Gentlemen Christmas NovellaCaught in the storm on his way home after a week of overindulgence, Viscount Debdon takes shelter in an abandoned farmhouse, only to realize…He is not alone.When his ghostly companion is revealed to be not only an earthly body but a heavenly one too, the temptation to remain lost in the woods is hard to resist.