Lords in Waiting Series by Dorothy Sheldon

“He has buried his heart behind duty. She is the one woman determined not to need his. ”. Miss Serena Collard has learned that a governess survives by keeping her distance. Families come and go. Affection fades. And promises rarely last. When she accepts a position at Greystone Hall, she vows this time will be different, she will teach, she will care, and she will leave untouched. Nathaniel Stone, Marquess of Greystone, has spent two years hiding from the grief that shattered his world... more“He has buried his heart behind duty. She is the one woman determined not to need his. ”. Miss Serena Collard has learned that a governess survives by keeping her distance. Families come and go. Affection fades. And promises rarely last. When she accepts a position at Greystone Hall, she vows this time will be different, she will teach, she will care, and she will leave untouched. Nathaniel Stone, Marquess of Greystone, has spent two years hiding from the grief that shattered his world. Guardian to three children who remind him daily of what he has lost, he keeps his emotions locked behind cold composure and careful silence. Until Serena arrives. She challenges him without meaning to. Sees what he has tried to hide. And slowly, dangerously, brings warmth back into a house that has forgotten how to live. But a governess can never belong to a marquess, and the deeper Serena becomes entwined in his family, the more impossible it is to guard her heart. When society’s expectations threaten to tear them apart, Nathaniel must choose between the safety of solitude… and risking everything for a love he never believed he deserved. A sweeping, slow-burn clean Regency romance filled with longing glances, quiet passion, and the healing power of a found family, perfect for readers who love wounded noble heroes and courageous heroines. If you enjoy Regency stories with complex characters and themes of redemption, “A Governess for the Wounded Marquess” is sure to enchant. This moving tale of healing, second chances, and a marriage of convenience offers a love story that lingers long after the final page. No cheating. No cliffhangers. Just a deeply satisfying happily ever after. Now free to read with Kindle Unlimited! less

“You realise what they will say if they find us here together, Your Grace. ”. “Yes, Miss Bramwell. They will say I must marry you. ”. Society calls him the Beast of Akendale. She is the woman society has already cast aside. Miss Helena Bramwell knows exactly how fragile a lady’s reputation can be... more“You realise what they will say if they find us here together, Your Grace. ”. “Yes, Miss Bramwell. They will say I must marry you. ”. Society calls him the Beast of Akendale. She is the woman society has already cast aside. Miss Helena Bramwell knows exactly how fragile a lady’s reputation can be. After the accident that left her with a permanent limp, and a broken engagement whispered about across London drawing rooms, Helena has already accepted that society will never see her as desirable again. The Duke of Akendale understands scandal far too well. Years ago, a terrible fire left Henry scarred and reclusive. Since then, he has lived quietly on his estate while society whispers behind his back and calls him the Beast of Akendale. When Helena and Henry are discovered alone together during a masquerade ball, those whispers explode into open scandal. The solution is obvious. Marriage. Henry offers Helena a simple his name, his protection, and complete freedom within his household. In return, she will help restore order to the quiet halls of Akendale. It is a practical bargain between two people society has already judged. But Helena sees the man behind the scars. And Henry soon realizes that the greatest danger is not scandal…. It is wanting the woman who was only meant to be his convenient bride. A beautifully layered, slow-burn Regency romance filled with quiet yearning, tender moments, and the healing warmth of found family. Perfect for readers who love scarred heroes and strong, compassionate heroines. If you’re drawn to character-driven historical romances with themes of redemption and second chances, "A Bride for the Scarred Duke" will truly capture your heart. This emotional marriage-of-convenience story unfolds into a love that stays with you long after the final page. No cheating. No cliffhangers. Just a truly satisfying happily ever after. Now available to read free with Kindle Unlimited! less