The Masqueraders Series by S.M. LaViolette, Minerva Spencer

Lady Elinor wants nothing to do with love. Her arranged marriage—and one glorious but ill-fated kiss with a handsome footman—cured her of any romantic notions she’d ever entertained. Now a widow, all Elinor plans to do is rebuild her life—without a man in it. She certainly has no intention of falling for the charming and entirely too tempting American who seems so determined to win her favor …... moreLady Elinor wants nothing to do with love. Her arranged marriage—and one glorious but ill-fated kiss with a handsome footman—cured her of any romantic notions she’d ever entertained. Now a widow, all Elinor plans to do is rebuild her life—without a man in it. She certainly has no intention of falling for the charming and entirely too tempting American who seems so determined to win her favor …. Stephen Worth is no longer the impoverished footman who lost everything because of the impulsive actions of a reckless young lady. Having reinvented himself long ago, his sole focus now is revenge. He’ll do whatever it takes to extract a pound of flesh from all who wronged him so long ago. And if that means ruining the lovely Elinor in the process? So be it. But it’s not long before Elinor finds herself drawn to Stephen despite her best intentions—and before Stephen starts to wonder if maybe a life with Elinor is worth more than his revenge. Can Stephen and Elinor overcome their painful pasts and take a second chance on love? Or is the cost of trust simply more than they’re willing to pay? less

Duchess Benedicta de Montfort stands to inherit a fortune. .. if her guardian doesn't kill her first. The only way to avoid whatever the unscrupulous man has planned is to hide until Benna comes of age. With the help of a faithful family retainer, Benna becomes Ben Piddock, a postilion seeking employment... moreDuchess Benedicta de Montfort stands to inherit a fortune. .. if her guardian doesn't kill her first. The only way to avoid whatever the unscrupulous man has planned is to hide until Benna comes of age. With the help of a faithful family retainer, Benna becomes Ben Piddock, a postilion seeking employment. Benna knows horses, and she's been mistaken for a tall, skinny boy all her life—so how hard can it be? Very hard, it turns out—especially when she falls in love with her devastatingly handsome employer, Jago Venable, the new Earl of Trebolton. Jago was working as a country doctor when he inherited his family's earldom in Cornwall. Along with the unwanted title is a bankrupt estate that's a royal mess and a raft of needy, impoverished relatives. One of the few bright spots is his new employee, Ben Piddock, a clever, dedicated, and unexpectedly witty lad—who is no lad, at all! Jago is amazed that Benna manages to hide her delicate beauty from the world while working twice as hard as any man. But as much as he admires and wants her, there's no way he can pursue a romance with his servant—no matter how bewitching. Yet beyond all reason, and despite his best intentions, he can't seem to stay away. It's clear they were never meant to be together, and yet none of that matters when they're in each other's arms. Is there even a possibility of a happily ever after—or will the caprices of fate conspire to keep the two lovers apart? less

His was a face that women carried with them into their nightmares, not their fantasies. .. John Fielding is not a gentleman. His brutal past has left him scarred, mind and body. But the scars are a valuable reminder of what's truly important. Revenge. And John will have his vengeance on the man who abandoned him when he was just a child. In fact, he'll make the entire bloodline pay for the sins of his father. No one can stop him. Except maybe Cordelia... moreHis was a face that women carried with them into their nightmares, not their fantasies. .. John Fielding is not a gentleman. His brutal past has left him scarred, mind and body. But the scars are a valuable reminder of what's truly important. Revenge. And John will have his vengeance on the man who abandoned him when he was just a child. In fact, he'll make the entire bloodline pay for the sins of his father. No one can stop him. Except maybe Cordelia. She's everything John is not—kind and generous and loving. A good person. She deserves so much better than living in the shadow of her cruel sister. And she certainly deserves better than a beast like him. But that doesn't stop John from wanting her. Cordelia shines a light into the darkest corners of his soul, making him question what he's been living for all these years. Now, he's only sure of one thing. Her love could save him. .. but only if his quest for revenge doesn't destroy them both first. less