The Heirs & Spares Series by Patricia A. Knight

Lady Eleanor Russell needed a husband. Immediately. With no male heir, when her father died, the vast family estate would revert to the Crown. But no man would choose an unattractive, outspoken, independent, spinster of mature years as a bride—so she’d buy a husband. An impoverished third son of aristocratic birth, Lord Miles Everleigh, tall, elegant and immensely handsome, relied on wealthy widows to clothe, house and feed him... moreLady Eleanor Russell needed a husband. Immediately. With no male heir, when her father died, the vast family estate would revert to the Crown. But no man would choose an unattractive, outspoken, independent, spinster of mature years as a bride—so she’d buy a husband. An impoverished third son of aristocratic birth, Lord Miles Everleigh, tall, elegant and immensely handsome, relied on wealthy widows to clothe, house and feed him. In exchange, they received a charming, accomplished companion, both in and out of the bedroom. But this lifestyle wore away a man’s self-respect; he was not the male whore his step-brother had named him. When Eleanor “bought” Miles as a husband, she never intended to lose her heart. When he accepted her proposal, Miles never imagined he’d want more from Eleanor than her money. less

Captain Duncan Worthington Everleigh had committed his life to king and country. When he returns to London in 1814, a startling revelation about the legitimacy of his brother the Duke alters his future. No discovery could be more life-changing than what he feels for Lady Florence Lloyd-Smith. To protect her, no sacrifice is too great, even if it costs him her love... moreCaptain Duncan Worthington Everleigh had committed his life to king and country. When he returns to London in 1814, a startling revelation about the legitimacy of his brother the Duke alters his future. No discovery could be more life-changing than what he feels for Lady Florence Lloyd-Smith. To protect her, no sacrifice is too great, even if it costs him her love. Too headstrong, independent, and beautiful for her own good, the widow Lady Lloyd-Smith isn’t the carefree lady of leisure she pretends to be. She has pulled herself from bitter poverty and through careful investment has amassed a substantial fortune. She has little time for men who treat all women as bubble-headed nodcocks or consider her tarnished because she’s in trade. She has little need for men at all, until she meets Captain Everleigh. The violence of her love for him leaves her trembling. Captain Duncan finds in Lady Florence a woman he can love with unchecked passion. Lady Florence finds in Captain Duncan a man who will love, honor, and protect her, even if it’s from himself. less