The Dowager's Garden Series by Sariah Drake

She wore a perfect smile over her torment. He knew that mask all too well…. Miss Alice Montrose's family teeters on the edge of financial ruin, leaving her with one option—she must marry wealth and restore their standing in society. When she receives an invitation to the Dowager Countess of Fairfax's birthday celebrations, Alice seizes the rare opportunity to find a wealthy husband... moreShe wore a perfect smile over her torment. He knew that mask all too well…. Miss Alice Montrose's family teeters on the edge of financial ruin, leaving her with one option—she must marry wealth and restore their standing in society. When she receives an invitation to the Dowager Countess of Fairfax's birthday celebrations, Alice seizes the rare opportunity to find a wealthy husband. Taken under the wing of the matchmaking dowager and her mysterious Garden society, she's determined to secure a match with the Season's most eligible bachelor, the Duke of Gainsbury. Captain Victor Lacey is everything Alice should avoid—scarred by war, wielding a razor-sharp tongue, and fiercely protective of his friend the duke. The insufferable captain brands her a fortune hunter, making it abundantly clear she'll never be worthy of his friend. Yet with each cutting remark, Alice finds herself drawn to the one man who sees past her facade to the despair she hides beneath. As the festivities at Fairfax Hall take an unexpected turn, Alice must choose between following the path laid before her or risk scandal for a love that could mend them both. Romancing Lady Rose is a closed door Regency romance novel and the first book in The Dowager's Garden series, where each book can be read as a standalone novel. less

She thought her scars made her unlovable. He was determined to prove her wrong. Eleanor Stanton has hidden in the shadows for two years, convinced the brutal attack that killed her brother and scarred her face has made her unworthy of love. When her father's failing health threatens to destroy her family, Eleanor must face the ton that whispers behind fans at her disfigurement. Enter Elias Yates, Duke of Gainsbury—the only man who sees past her scars to the fierce woman beneath... moreShe thought her scars made her unlovable. He was determined to prove her wrong. Eleanor Stanton has hidden in the shadows for two years, convinced the brutal attack that killed her brother and scarred her face has made her unworthy of love. When her father's failing health threatens to destroy her family, Eleanor must face the ton that whispers behind fans at her disfigurement. Enter Elias Yates, Duke of Gainsbury—the only man who sees past her scars to the fierce woman beneath. His shocking acceptance awakens dreams Eleanor thought buried forever. But as she falls deeper under his spell, she discovers the perfect duke harbors dangerous secrets of his own. When Eleanor uncovers what Elias does after midnight, their fairy-tale romance shatters. Now, with deadly enemies from her past closing in, she must return to the shadows or trust a man whose every kindness might have been a lie. A swoon-worthy closed-door Regency where a scarred heroine and a duke with secrets prove that true love sees beyond appearances. Book 2 in The Dowager's Garden series. Each book is a complete standalone with its own happily ever after. less

She is a widow who believes she's unworthy of second chances. He is a rake whose only loyalty is to himself. Myra Everly lost everything when her husband died: her home, her security, and any hope that a man could truly want her. Forced to accept charity from the Dowager Countess of Fairfax, the very woman who arranged her disastrous first marriage, she wants nothing more than to disappear into the wallpaper while she waits for the dowager to choose her next husband... moreShe is a widow who believes she's unworthy of second chances. He is a rake whose only loyalty is to himself. Myra Everly lost everything when her husband died: her home, her security, and any hope that a man could truly want her. Forced to accept charity from the Dowager Countess of Fairfax, the very woman who arranged her disastrous first marriage, she wants nothing more than to disappear into the wallpaper while she waits for the dowager to choose her next husband. Amos Wright, the most notorious American rake in London, is not known for his charity work. But when he agrees to finance the dowager's charity ball, he has one demand: the reclusive widow Myra must work alongside him. Suddenly he's everywhere she turns. Charming. Devastating. Completely inappropriate. And for the first time in her life, Myra finds herself truly desired by a man who makes no promises and offers no apologies for what he is. But when the terrible secret about her late husband's untimely demise is revealed, Myra must confront the mountain of lies built up around her. When the smoke clears and all is laid bare, can two people haunted by their own demons find the courage to claim a second chance at happiness? A scorching closed-door romance perfect for fans of unapologetic rakes, second chances, and heroines who deserve their happily ever after. Book 3 in The Dowager's Garden series. Each book is a complete standalone with its own swoon-worthy love story. less