Ladies Least Likely Series by Misty Urban

When the war-scarred Viscount Penrydd washes up in 1799 Newport minus his memory, Gwenllian ap Ewyas decides not to tell him he owns, and threatened to sell, the property she’s made a refuge for her and other lost souls.Gwen found healing from her haunted past by making St. Sefin’s into a sanctuary for the hurt and abandoned, and she’ll do anything to preserve the place—including lie to the English lord who owns it until she can win him to her cause... moreWhen the war-scarred Viscount Penrydd washes up in 1799 Newport minus his memory, Gwenllian ap Ewyas decides not to tell him he owns, and threatened to sell, the property she’s made a refuge for her and other lost souls.Gwen found healing from her haunted past by making St. Sefin’s into a sanctuary for the hurt and abandoned, and she’ll do anything to preserve the place—including lie to the English lord who owns it until she can win him to her cause. But making Penrydd her stableboy is a dangerous game, especially when he’s a target for an outside menace moving into Newport. Even more unsettling for Gwen, under the scars and arrogance is a man she can admire and possibly love. But as shadows from both their pasts appear at St. Sefin’s, Gwen risks losing her livelihood, her home, and her heart when Penrydd learns just how far she’s gone to deceive him. less

In 1776 London, orphaned vicar’s daughter Amaranthe Illingworth supports her small household with her skills as a copyist, but her quiet routine is shattered the day three children show up at her door seeking aid from her brother, their tutor. Behind them storms in Malden Grey, would-be barrister and their erstwhile guardian, who accuses Amaranthe of kidnapping the young Duke of Hunsdon and his siblings... moreIn 1776 London, orphaned vicar’s daughter Amaranthe Illingworth supports her small household with her skills as a copyist, but her quiet routine is shattered the day three children show up at her door seeking aid from her brother, their tutor. Behind them storms in Malden Grey, would-be barrister and their erstwhile guardian, who accuses Amaranthe of kidnapping the young Duke of Hunsdon and his siblings.The former duke’s illegitimate son, Malden Grey has learned to live by his wits, and he’s told he’ll advance to the bar if he takes a proper wife. As she helps him restore order at Hunsdon House, Amaranthe seems a likely candidate—if only Mal can unearth the truth behind the rumors that she’s been forging, and selling, priceless medieval manuscripts. Amaranthe, in the meantime, needs to stay on her guard lest the charming Malden Grey steal her heart at the same time she’s hoping to borrow from his library a priceless book that could make her fortune.But when Mal’s foray into Amaranthe’s past yields a discovery that will change both of their destinies, they’ll have to fight together to clear their names and stake out a future together—if either has a future at all. less

Eleven years ago, ragtag near-orphan Harriette Smythe made a lifelong friend when she defended the young Earl of Renwick from the village boys persecuting him for his stammer and clubfoot. When Ren returns to London with all the polish of his Grand Tour and the need to take up his duties, he finds a woman in crimson silk shimmying through his window: Harriette, all grown up into a delectable woman, who offers him a startling proposal... moreEleven years ago, ragtag near-orphan Harriette Smythe made a lifelong friend when she defended the young Earl of Renwick from the village boys persecuting him for his stammer and clubfoot. When Ren returns to London with all the polish of his Grand Tour and the need to take up his duties, he finds a woman in crimson silk shimmying through his window: Harriette, all grown up into a delectable woman, who offers him a startling proposal.Harriette, now an artist, has been helping support her eccentric household with salacious sketches that have made her notorious, but she needs to redeem herself with a respectable—and rich—clientele if she wants to keep a roof over their heads. She offers Renwick a trade: she’ll help him select a bride from London’s marriageable maidens if he agrees to sit for a portrait.Ren soon falls back under the spell of wild, willful Harriette, the only person who thinks he’s perfect just as he is. But winning the one woman he cannot have will mean risking his life to free her from the grip of her past and the forces bent on tearing them apart. less

Leda Wroth is atoning for the crimes of her past in her new life as a lady’s companion, mentor, and fixer for those seeking love. But finding a wife for the Mad Baron is a task that will defeat even clever, capable Leda, for what woman would want a man—titled or not—rumored to have killed his first wife?Leda will stay in her comfortable establishment in Bath, thank you. Until a ghost comes in search of her—a ghost determined to expose the secrets Leda has kept hidden for eight long years... moreLeda Wroth is atoning for the crimes of her past in her new life as a lady’s companion, mentor, and fixer for those seeking love. But finding a wife for the Mad Baron is a task that will defeat even clever, capable Leda, for what woman would want a man—titled or not—rumored to have killed his first wife?Leda will stay in her comfortable establishment in Bath, thank you. Until a ghost comes in search of her—a ghost determined to expose the secrets Leda has kept hidden for eight long years.Jack Burnham, Baron Brancaster of Holme Hall, isn’t mad—he doesn’t think. But he does need a governess for his daughter, and Leda Wroth seems the woman to help him, even if he suspects she’s running away from something. Even if she raises longings for a life he knows he can’t have.But how can Jack convince Leda she’s safe with him when Holme Hall holds secrets of its own? For more than one betrayal haunts the windy cliffs of Norfolk where the mad baron’s wife died. And while Jack might try desperately to shield Leda from the mistakes of his own past, he can’t protect her from the ghosts in hers, which are hellbent on taking away everything she’s come to love. less

When his cousin’s death puts Leo Westrop in line to inherit a marquessate, he suddenly becomes the target of every match-making mama in London, including his own. To save himself, Leo offers his hand to the angel who delivers him from a compromising situation—Lillian Gower, the daughter of well-known antiquarians, who could finally help Leo secure a dig of his own.Lillian, in town chaperoning her younger cousin, doesn’t have a romantic bone in her body... moreWhen his cousin’s death puts Leo Westrop in line to inherit a marquessate, he suddenly becomes the target of every match-making mama in London, including his own. To save himself, Leo offers his hand to the angel who delivers him from a compromising situation—Lillian Gower, the daughter of well-known antiquarians, who could finally help Leo secure a dig of his own.Lillian, in town chaperoning her younger cousin, doesn’t have a romantic bone in her body. She knows Westrop is desperate, and she’s shrewd enough to she’ll go along with the pretense if he helps her publish her study of the lady’s slipper orchid.It’s not part of the bargain for him to escort her to balls and gardens. She doesn’t need his help organizing her uncle’s library. He certainly oughtn’t be winning over her cousin. And it’s a mistake to bring him to meet her parents—but an even bigger mistake to agree to help him with his own excavation. Because the attentions of the delicious Leo Westrop could make even the most sensible botanical illustrator lose her head.An undeniable passion draws them together even when they both know their betrothal of convenience must end. But when Lillian learns what he’s been after all along, what can Leo do to persuade her the feelings between them are real? less

Eight years ago, a usurping uncle drove Melisende and her father from their beautiful mountain home. Since then, Melisende has had one find the document proving her father the rightful Grand Duke of Merania. The last step of her search brings her to London, where one unexpected obstacle stands between her and her birthright—Philip Devlin.Devlin will never advance in government through the usual means; he’s Irish, Catholic, and a lesser son... moreEight years ago, a usurping uncle drove Melisende and her father from their beautiful mountain home. Since then, Melisende has had one find the document proving her father the rightful Grand Duke of Merania. The last step of her search brings her to London, where one unexpected obstacle stands between her and her birthright—Philip Devlin.Devlin will never advance in government through the usual means; he’s Irish, Catholic, and a lesser son. But he’s very good at gathering information, especially sensitive information, especially from women. Melisende of Merania has secrets, and he’s determined to learn them. Even if that means offering her protection against an unknown enemy set on stopping her by any means.Through ballrooms and alleys, intrigues and surprise attacks, Philip finds Melisende unlike any woman he’s known—a woman worth fighting for. But as her quest leads them to a mountaintop castle to confront a ruthless assassin, Melisende must choose which she loves Merania, or Philip. less

Anne Sutton has the beauty and breeding to make a gentleman’s wife, but not the dowry. When her parents offer her to the vile Calvin Vaughn, Anne does something a gentleman’s daughter would never she decides to ruin herself. And the best means at hand is Calvin’s prodigal older brother, Hew, lately returned from war.Hewitt Vaughn is either the hero of Acre or under a cloud of disgrace—he’s yet to find out which... moreAnne Sutton has the beauty and breeding to make a gentleman’s wife, but not the dowry. When her parents offer her to the vile Calvin Vaughn, Anne does something a gentleman’s daughter would never she decides to ruin herself. And the best means at hand is Calvin’s prodigal older brother, Hew, lately returned from war.Hewitt Vaughn is either the hero of Acre or under a cloud of disgrace—he’s yet to find out which. He’s home to recover from his wounds and take charge of the family estates; stealing his brother’s fiancée is decidedly not a way to redeem himself. But when the lovely, desperate Anne entreats Hew’s help, how can he, as a man of honor, deny her?When Anne’s plan spectacularly backfires, the only solution is a forced marriage—to each other. But as she makes a home in Newport, Anne wonders if Hewitt Vaughn is the smartest mistake she ever made. And Anne might be the future he never dreamed he could have, but to win her, Hew has to persuade her he would have chosen her anyway—and he’ll have to defeat the dangerous enemy who wants to take everything from them, including one another. less

A woman who won’t be ruinedLondon, 1792. Henrietta Wardley-Hines, bluestocking, plans to use her father’s new knighthood to wrangle her way into the Minerva Society, a group of powerful women committed to social reform. That means she must steer clear of rakes like the man they call Lord Daring, famous for ruining innocents.A man who refuses to repentHenrietta needs polish to be a force in higher circles, and Lord Darien Bales has that in spades... moreA woman who won’t be ruinedLondon, 1792. Henrietta Wardley-Hines, bluestocking, plans to use her father’s new knighthood to wrangle her way into the Minerva Society, a group of powerful women committed to social reform. That means she must steer clear of rakes like the man they call Lord Daring, famous for ruining innocents.A man who refuses to repentHenrietta needs polish to be a force in higher circles, and Lord Darien Bales has that in spades. He also requires her help—or that of her powerful relations—in blocking a legal suit to take away his brother’s inheritance. But Darien warns his enterprising new accomplice not to meddle in his latest scandal, the one with the duke’s daughter; he’s not in search of reform.When Henrietta’s debate for the Minerva Society lands her in jail, it is Darien who risks his own standing to clear her of accusations of treason. But he’ll have to risk life and limb—and confront her own betrayal—if Darien wants to convince the stubborn reformer who has upended his life that he is worthy of her heart.Rescuing the reformer is going to ruin the rake… less

He set out to transform her… but she will undo him. Lucasta Lithwick never asked to be fashionable. She only wanted to make music. But duty calls her to London to chaperone her cousin through a glittering Season—and into the path of Jeremiah Falstead, the new Lord Rudyard, whose cutting remarks earn him the nickname “Smart Jeremy.” When Lucasta dares to answer back, she becomes the target of his revenge. His plan? To turn her, the Season’s most unlikely wallflower, into its shining star... moreHe set out to transform her… but she will undo him. Lucasta Lithwick never asked to be fashionable. She only wanted to make music. But duty calls her to London to chaperone her cousin through a glittering Season—and into the path of Jeremiah Falstead, the new Lord Rudyard, whose cutting remarks earn him the nickname “Smart Jeremy.” When Lucasta dares to answer back, she becomes the target of his revenge. His plan? To turn her, the Season’s most unlikely wallflower, into its shining star.Jem’s motives begin as pride and wounded vanity, but every stolen glance, every sparring word with Lucasta awakens something far more dangerous—desire. Beneath her prim exterior lies a spirit as wild and ungovernable as his own, and soon Jem finds himself risking not only his secret but his heart.As transformation gives way to temptation, both must decide if love is worth the fall from Society’s grace… or if happily ever after belongs only in the music of their dreams.An irresistible Regency romance about two strong hearts learning that love, not fashion, is the most daring transformation of all. Fans of Julia Quinn and Tessa Dare will fall for this emotional enemies-to-lovers tale that proves even the most sensible hearts can lose their way when love—and a rogue—comes calling less