The Ashford Deception Trilogy Series by Eva Lyndale

A desperate widow, a cold-hearted spy, and a fake betrothal that could cost them their lives—or their hearts. Twenty-six-year-old widow Eliza Harrow knows that society’s version of protection is little more than a gilded cage. But when her earnest younger brother, Edmund, unwittingly handles stolen naval signal codes and supply routes as a clerk, Eliza must step out of the shadows to save him from the gallows... moreA desperate widow, a cold-hearted spy, and a fake betrothal that could cost them their lives—or their hearts. Twenty-six-year-old widow Eliza Harrow knows that society’s version of protection is little more than a gilded cage. But when her earnest younger brother, Edmund, unwittingly handles stolen naval signal codes and supply routes as a clerk, Eliza must step out of the shadows to save him from the gallows. Her only hope lies in a dangerous bargain with Nicholas Vale, Lord Ashford—a calculating agent for the War Office tasked with unearthing the leak. Ashford proposes a scandalous solution: a fake betrothal. The arrangement will shelter Edmund under the formidable Ashford name and grant Nicholas the proximity he needs to hunt the traitor through London's elite drawing rooms. However, Nicholas is a man who relies on absolute control, and Eliza fiercely refuses to be treated as a pawn in his strategic games. As they navigate encrypted invitations, hidden couriers, and the vicious whispers of the ton, the boundaries of their arrangement begin to blur. But the stakes turn deadly when the investigation points toward a traitor hiding behind the crest of Ashford’s own aristocratic family. With the War Office demanding a scapegoat and enemies closing in, Eliza and Nicholas must learn to trust each other's autonomy—before the glittering net of society destroys them both. Fans of Regency suspense, historical mystery, and slow-burn fake engagement romances will be captivated by Eva Lyndale’s thrilling tale of espionage and fierce independence. less

A marriage of convenience. A house built on secrets. A treasonous plot that could cost them their lives—and their hearts. In the thrilling second installment of The Ashford Deception Trilogy , Eliza Harrow and Nicholas Vale, Lord Ashford, find their tactical partnership tested as never before. Bound by a betrothal born of necessity to protect Eliza's brother, Edmund , the couple arrives at the imposing Langford Park... moreA marriage of convenience. A house built on secrets. A treasonous plot that could cost them their lives—and their hearts. In the thrilling second installment of The Ashford Deception Trilogy , Eliza Harrow and Nicholas Vale, Lord Ashford, find their tactical partnership tested as never before. Bound by a betrothal born of necessity to protect Eliza's brother, Edmund , the couple arrives at the imposing Langford Park. But the Ashford family estate is a fortress of polite cruelties, oppressive etiquette, and hidden treason. As they uncover a shadow network dealing in compromised naval signal codes , Eliza and Nicholas must navigate a house where every servant is a witness and every routine conceals a cipher. When Nicholas's War Office handler, Sir Lionel Harcourt, tightens the noose and threatens Edmund , Nicholas makes a desperate, unilateral choice that fractures the foundation of their newly minted marriage. Framed by a forged seal for the very crimes he sought to expose, Nicholas is confined by the Crown and rendered helpless. Now, the new Viscountess Ashford must step into the glare of London society to fight for her husband's life—and decide if their vows are a cage, or her greatest weapon. Perfect for fans of historical romance, Regency/Victorian espionage, strong heroines, and fake relationship/marriage of convenience tropes. less

London does not ease into scandal; it takes hold and refuses to release. When Viscount Nicholas Ashford is framed for treason by a shadowy network within his own elite circles, the War Office demands a quiet confession to protect the institution. Accused of selling naval signal codes and supply routes, Nicholas's first instinct is to protect his new wife, Eliza, by legally dissolving their marriage and forcing her into a safe exile... moreLondon does not ease into scandal; it takes hold and refuses to release. When Viscount Nicholas Ashford is framed for treason by a shadowy network within his own elite circles, the War Office demands a quiet confession to protect the institution. Accused of selling naval signal codes and supply routes, Nicholas's first instinct is to protect his new wife, Eliza, by legally dissolving their marriage and forcing her into a safe exile. But Eliza, a woman who has spent her life being managed by men, categorically rejects his noble sacrifice. She refuses to be arranged into absence. As the scandal sheets call for Ashford’s ruin , Eliza orchestrates a daring counter-offensive to clear his name. With the help of her brother Edmund and a loyal inner circle, she uncovers a conspiracy that leads straight to the heart of Nicholas’s own family—his uncle, Lord Adrian Vale, who used the Langford family crest to cover his crimes. To survive the season and the gallows, Nicholas must surrender his need for control, and Eliza must risk her reputation by springing a public trap to expose the true traitor. less