Mightier Than the Sword Series by Ann Hawthorne

A heroine seeking inspiration. A hero seeking wilderness. A summer in a secluded estate. .. Felicity Deacon's darkly passionate poetry is known in the bookshops of London and the withdrawing rooms of noblewomen. .. until a mysterious tragedy robs her of any will to write. She accepts the invitation of a wealthy squire's widow, hoping the quiet summer away from the town will help her recuperate... moreA heroine seeking inspiration. A hero seeking wilderness. A summer in a secluded estate. .. Felicity Deacon's darkly passionate poetry is known in the bookshops of London and the withdrawing rooms of noblewomen. .. until a mysterious tragedy robs her of any will to write. She accepts the invitation of a wealthy squire's widow, hoping the quiet summer away from the town will help her recuperate. However, the name of the country house is known to her - the place now belongs to a childhood friend who broke her heart. .. Edmund Winters' life has been laid out for him by his ambitious he had to do whatever it takes to get away from his trade-bound roots and prove himself every inch a gentleman. If that requires marrying the haughty daughter of a local grandee, a loveless match is a small price to pay for acceptance by the ton . His youthful rebellion long forgotten, he is now planning to carry his late father's plans out. However, these are thrown into disarray when the living, breathing, and captivatingly beautiful reminder of that youthful rebellion arrives in Morwood Hall at his stepmother's invitation. .. However dutiful and strait-laced Edmund is trying to be, he cannot quite get away from his true feelings. However, he doesn't know that Felicity is harbouring a dark secret. .. less

A heroine in thrall to duty. A hero in thrall to his legacy. Will their arranged marriage lead to happiness? The only time Isabella Rivers ever broke the rules of good behavior was when she started writing Gothic novels - and even then she used a pen name to avoid embarrassing her genteel family. When her parents arrange her match with the Scottish Earl of Airth, she obeys with her usual quiet pragmaticism... moreA heroine in thrall to duty. A hero in thrall to his legacy. Will their arranged marriage lead to happiness? The only time Isabella Rivers ever broke the rules of good behavior was when she started writing Gothic novels - and even then she used a pen name to avoid embarrassing her genteel family. When her parents arrange her match with the Scottish Earl of Airth, she obeys with her usual quiet pragmaticism. However, not only does she find herself a stranger in a strange land - she also realizes her new husband is keeping many secrets from her…. George Trevelyan inherited the earldom after his dashing older brother’s death. Being unfavourably compared to his charming late sibling is the least of his problems, though - the estate is failing, the taxes are climbing higher, and soon he finds himself engaging in dangerous ventures just to keep the people who depend on him fed. He is determined to bear his burdens alone. However, his bride proves too inquisitive - and beautiful - to let him do that…. less