The Beautiful Barringtons Series by Kathleen Ayers

“Chemise. Stockings. Piano. ”. Three words, uttered by the beautifully rakish Lord Welles, leave Margaret Lainscott speechless. His improper request, that she play the piano for him in her…underthings is as shocking as it is titillating. Margaret should never have asked his help in reintroducing her to Lord Carstairs... more“Chemise. Stockings. Piano. ”. Three words, uttered by the beautifully rakish Lord Welles, leave Margaret Lainscott speechless. His improper request, that she play the piano for him in her…underthings is as shocking as it is titillating. Margaret should never have asked his help in reintroducing her to Lord Carstairs. But his friend meets all of Margaret’s criteria for a husband; passably attractive, of below-average intelligence, and possessed of an obsessive outdoor hobby which will leave her free to pursue her own life. Welles is one of London’s most committed bachelors, known for his notorious dealings with women and his part ownership of one of London’s pleasure clubs. He’s long admired Miss Lainscott’s unrestrained passion at the piano; a passion he suspects is not reserved only for her music. Welles is certain Miss Lainscott will not entertain his improper request despite the attraction burning between them. A young lady such as Miss Lainscott would never ruin herself willingly. And Welles? Nothing would make him compromise his heart…. Until a duet with a passionate pianist changes his mind. The Theory of Earls is a steamy, sexy regency romance with a guaranteed happily ever after and the first in a new series, The Beautiful Barringtons. less

The widowed Duke of Averell is trying to be a better man. .. But when he spies a young woman, reading "The Iliad" beneath a tree, no less, Marcus forgets all his good intentions. Miss Weatherly is outspoken, intelligent and enamored of the ancient Greeks. When she brazenly offers to show him the constellations later that night, Marcus readily agrees. Unfortunately, Miss Weatherly is not the woman Marcus has come to Halloway Park to offer for... moreThe widowed Duke of Averell is trying to be a better man. .. But when he spies a young woman, reading "The Iliad" beneath a tree, no less, Marcus forgets all his good intentions. Miss Weatherly is outspoken, intelligent and enamored of the ancient Greeks. When she brazenly offers to show him the constellations later that night, Marcus readily agrees. Unfortunately, Miss Weatherly is not the woman Marcus has come to Halloway Park to offer for. The Study of a Rake is a steamy regency novella and part of the series, The Beautiful Barringtons. It can be read before or after The Theory of Earls. less

Lady Andromeda Barrington is the most unsuitable young lady in London. At least in the Duke of Granby’s opinion. Granby doesn’t care for bastard relatives or tainted pedigrees and Andromeda possesses both. Nor does he like opinionated young ladies who enjoy hurling insults in his direction. Andromeda is, in short, the most annoying creature he’s ever met... moreLady Andromeda Barrington is the most unsuitable young lady in London. At least in the Duke of Granby’s opinion. Granby doesn’t care for bastard relatives or tainted pedigrees and Andromeda possesses both. Nor does he like opinionated young ladies who enjoy hurling insults in his direction. Andromeda is, in short, the most annoying creature he’s ever met. When she arrives, uninvited, to a house party given at his estate, Granby can’t decide whether to kiss Andromeda senseless or send her packing. Andromeda is the victim of infatuation and bad luck. The infatuation is that of her sister for the Earl of Blythe, but the misfortune belongs solely to Andromeda after she is forced to attend a house party hosted by the Duke of Granby. She and the duke are previously, unpleasantly, acquainted. The entire party is bound to be awkward, and their mutual dislike difficult to hide. Her only recourse is to avoid the giant block of ice masquerading as a duke. Thankfully, Granby’s estate is enormous. But instead of mutual hostility upon arriving, Romy is greeted with unexpected attraction. Insults turn into flirtation. Heated discussions become lingering kisses. Her heart is ruined. Granby may not even have one. And the duke has already chosen another young lady to be his duchess. The Design of Dukes is steamy historical romance with a guaranteed happily ever after and next in the series The Beautiful Barringtons. less

Lady Theodosia Barrington is practically begging to be ruined. That’s the assumption of the Marquess of Haven after spying Theodosia at a house party given by the Duke of Granby. After his father left him little else but a title and a crumbling estate, Haven is in desperate need of an heiress. Not only is Theodosia rich as Croesus and beautiful, but she’s also a Barrington. Her brothers are the Duke of Averell and Leo Murphy, the two men Haven holds responsible for his financial difficulties... moreLady Theodosia Barrington is practically begging to be ruined. That’s the assumption of the Marquess of Haven after spying Theodosia at a house party given by the Duke of Granby. After his father left him little else but a title and a crumbling estate, Haven is in desperate need of an heiress. Not only is Theodosia rich as Croesus and beautiful, but she’s also a Barrington. Her brothers are the Duke of Averell and Leo Murphy, the two men Haven holds responsible for his financial difficulties. Theodosia is the solution to all of Haven’s problems. Lady Theodosia has long been infatuated with the Earl of Blythe. In an effort to prove her affection and, perhaps, induce him to offer for her, Theodosia paints a scandalous self-portrait of herself for Blythe as a gift. The small token of affection is incredibly improper. She regrets sending the miniature to Blythe almost immediately. Desperate to save her reputation before it can be destroyed by her own stupidity, Theodosia makes another rash decision. Retrieve the miniature from Blythe's home. Except, it isn't Blythe she finds waiting for her, but Haven. And her own ruination. less

A notorious bastard of a duke. Leo Murphy believes in playing the odds, as long as the house wins. As the owner of Elysium, London’s most exclusive gambling hell, Leo’s existence depends on predicting his opponent’s next move. Rarely is he surprised. Until he meets the young bride of Lord Masterson losing at cards. Georgina is beautiful, intelligent, possessed of a razor-sharp wit and a rebellious nature. She is completely unexpected... moreA notorious bastard of a duke. Leo Murphy believes in playing the odds, as long as the house wins. As the owner of Elysium, London’s most exclusive gambling hell, Leo’s existence depends on predicting his opponent’s next move. Rarely is he surprised. Until he meets the young bride of Lord Masterson losing at cards. Georgina is beautiful, intelligent, possessed of a razor-sharp wit and a rebellious nature. She is completely unexpected. Leo is so struck by Georgina he doesn’t know whether to bed her or befriend her. He decides to do both. A rebellious young American. Wed to the scandalous and elderly Lord Masterson, Georgina detests London. Mocked for her accent and her family’s pedigree, she wants nothing more than to return to New York. When the wickedly attractive Leo Murphy offers to teach her how to play cards, she assumes he merely wishes to admire her bosom. She’s half in love with him before the evening ends. A wager that ruins them both. One unforgettable night with Leo leaves Georgina compromised in both heart and body. Now she’s keeping secrets from everyone, especially from Leo. Will he forgive her? Or let Georgina go forever? less

There are many uses for a good custard. Seduction being one of them. Rosalind Richardson is in her third season, pleasantly plump and with an unrestrained passion for making tarts. Her dream is to become London’s finest purveyor of desserts and sweets. She’s certain the key to her future is a collection of unique recipes so exquisite, so rare, that her success and her independence is guaranteed. She only needs to find a copy of the cookbook... moreThere are many uses for a good custard. Seduction being one of them. Rosalind Richardson is in her third season, pleasantly plump and with an unrestrained passion for making tarts. Her dream is to become London’s finest purveyor of desserts and sweets. She’s certain the key to her future is a collection of unique recipes so exquisite, so rare, that her success and her independence is guaranteed. She only needs to find a copy of the cookbook. Marriage, especially to the much older, far too handsome Earl of Torrington would ruin all Rosalind’s plans. No matter how marvelous he kisses. The earl isn’t only breathtaking to look at, he’s well-versed in the culinary arts. And Torrington owns a copy of the very cookbook Rosalind is desperate to get her hands on. Soon, Rosalind is being tempted with tortes…and Torrington. Flour and sugar become sensual when whispered in Torrington’s smoky voice. Custard, it seems is meant to be tasted from a man’s fingers. The mere mention of cherries sends Rosalind’s pulse fluttering. Torrington, unreformed rake, and custard maker is seducing Rosalind…one decadent recipe at a time. Rosalind might well allow herself to be ruined while learning how to make the perfect cake. But does Torrington have the recipe to win her heart? less

Miss Olivia Nelson has never done anything reckless in her life. Determined to be the perfect young lady amongst a field of wild Barringtons, Olivia strives for politeness. Modesty. Restraint. But when Lady Phaedra Barrington declares her to be boring and goads her into venturing to Elysium, Olivia reluctantly agrees. Elysium, part gambling hell and part pleasure palace isn’t the sort of establishment Olivia should ever visit... moreMiss Olivia Nelson has never done anything reckless in her life. Determined to be the perfect young lady amongst a field of wild Barringtons, Olivia strives for politeness. Modesty. Restraint. But when Lady Phaedra Barrington declares her to be boring and goads her into venturing to Elysium, Olivia reluctantly agrees. Elysium, part gambling hell and part pleasure palace isn’t the sort of establishment Olivia should ever visit. Her future includes paying calls, taking sedate walks in the park and marriage to a proper, somewhat boring gentleman hand-picked by her grandfather. When a handsome stranger nearly ravishes her on Elysium’s second floor, Olivia is thrilled to have done something daring. Until she finds the same man seated across from her at the Duke of Averell’s dinner table. Winking at her. A proper gentleman, one with an ounce of decorum, would pretend not to recognize her. But Mr. Benjamin Cooke, Olivia soon finds out, is definitely not a gentleman. He’s ruthless. Unprincipled. Brilliant. Attractive. And worst of all, American. Cooke wants Olivia with a determination that is as thrilling as it is terrifying. Now Olivia is faced with an impossible decision. Will she be bound by duty? Or sacrifice everything to follow her heart? less

An unexpected encounter leads to a passionate affair…. Beatrice Howard, the widowed Duchess of Castlemare was once considered the jewel of London. Lauded and sought after for her beauty, decorum, and pedigree, Beatrice was also despised for her malicious and petty nature. After a tragic accident sends her fleeing to the remote village of Chiddon, Beatrice now hides from the society she once lorded over... moreAn unexpected encounter leads to a passionate affair…. Beatrice Howard, the widowed Duchess of Castlemare was once considered the jewel of London. Lauded and sought after for her beauty, decorum, and pedigree, Beatrice was also despised for her malicious and petty nature. After a tragic accident sends her fleeing to the remote village of Chiddon, Beatrice now hides from the society she once lorded over. Chiddon not only provides sanctuary from prying eyes, but also atonement for the terrible pain she’s caused others, especially Andromeda Barrington. Her life is peaceful. Content. Serene. Until Beatrice’s past suddenly interrupts her quiet existence in the form of the handsome and charming Lord Blythe. Ellis Aperton, Earl of Blythe has only recently returned from Rome after spending the last several years trying to become something other than an earl known more for his physical beauty and charm than anything else. It seems his only purpose is to marry well and produce an heir. A trifling existence. Driven to the country by the matchmaking of his mother, he finds himself in the remote village of Chiddon. A place of few amusements. A tavern. Scenic landscape. Blythe is bored senseless until he rescues a rider about to fall off her horse. The Duchess of Castlemare is less than pleased with his rescue. Blythe wishes he’d let the horse run off her. Thrown together in Chiddon, mutual discord blooms into an undeniable attraction neither of Beatrice nor Blythe can resist. Their affair is fierce. Passionate. Doomed. Blythe must return to London. Beatrice refuses to even entertain the thought. But the past cannot stay buried forever, not even in Chiddon. Will Beatrice finally face society once more? Or risk losing Blythe forever? less

Sister of the Duke of Averell, Phaedra has always been a bit wild and bold, even for a Barrington. While her sisters painted or gardened, Phaedra was learning to fence, run a gambling hell and now she’s taken up knife throwing. Everyone in London, indeed all of England, is holding their collective breath and making wagers in anticipation of Phaedra’s impending scandal. But no one, including Phaedra, expects her ruination to come at the hands of a ruthless American financier... moreSister of the Duke of Averell, Phaedra has always been a bit wild and bold, even for a Barrington. While her sisters painted or gardened, Phaedra was learning to fence, run a gambling hell and now she’s taken up knife throwing. Everyone in London, indeed all of England, is holding their collective breath and making wagers in anticipation of Phaedra’s impending scandal. But no one, including Phaedra, expects her ruination to come at the hands of a ruthless American financier. Morgan Stewart left his morals behind when he dug his way out of New York’s notorious Five Points. Manhattan society gives him a wide berth, not only because of his brutality in business but also the whisper of murder hovering about his broad shoulders. When Morgan glimpses Lady Phaedra Barrington striding confidently through a boxing establishment and later encounters her in London's most notorious gambling hell, he is struck for once by something other than brutal ambition. His heart, long forgotten, starts to beat once more. Phaedra is both terrified and enticed by the attention of such a dangerous gentleman. Morgan Stewart is not an appropriate suitor for the sister of a duke. Nor should she be kissing him in the moonlight or making wagers which are sure to put her in a precarious position. But she cannot stay away. Stewart is the only one who appreciates Phaedra’s skill at knife throwing and how to run a hazard table. He welcomes her bold behavior because it matches his own. The attraction between them is undeniable. Unexpected. Breathtaking . And it might cost Phaedra everything she holds dear. less

Lucy Waterstone is being bartered. Gerald Waterstone, her father, is drowning in debt and would never sell his precious horse farm. He’d much rather trade his lisping spinster of a daughter to Lord Dufton in return for being made whole. But it isn’t Lucy Dufton wants, rather the estate attached to her skirts. Marsden. She has no idea why Dufton covets Marsden or even what it is. The only thing Lucy cares about is avoiding Dufton. Fortunately, Dufton isn’t the only one who wants Marsden... moreLucy Waterstone is being bartered. Gerald Waterstone, her father, is drowning in debt and would never sell his precious horse farm. He’d much rather trade his lisping spinster of a daughter to Lord Dufton in return for being made whole. But it isn’t Lucy Dufton wants, rather the estate attached to her skirts. Marsden. She has no idea why Dufton covets Marsden or even what it is. The only thing Lucy cares about is avoiding Dufton. Fortunately, Dufton isn’t the only one who wants Marsden. Harrison Estwood, the object of Lucy’s girlish affections, also wants Marsden. He’s been trying to buy the property, only Marsden isn’t for sale. And Estwood doesn’t like or trust Lucy given the animosity between him and her father. Summoning what little courage she possesses, Lucy makes Estwood a daring proposal. After all, if she is to be bartered for a piece of property, Lucy would rather handle the negotiations herself. Marriage in return for Marsden. Will Estwood accept? A Proposal to Wed is Book 9 in The Beautiful Barringtons. less