Deceived Series by Megan Derr

Five stories of men and the secrets and lies that shape their lives... Deceived-The hatred between Prince Benedict and his secretary Rae is well-known, and the source of much gossip at court. Each one too stubborn to walk away, determined to make the other one the first to break, they spend their days fighting or ruthlessly ignoring one another... moreFive stories of men and the secrets and lies that shape their lives... Deceived-The hatred between Prince Benedict and his secretary Rae is well-known, and the source of much gossip at court. Each one too stubborn to walk away, determined to make the other one the first to break, they spend their days fighting or ruthlessly ignoring one another. Determined to put an end to the matter once and for all, and to give the notoriously rakish Benedict a taste of his own medicine, Rae sets upon a deception only to realize that there is more than one deception afoot... Scandalous-Gideon has led a very strict life since the death of his parents, determined not to live the scandalous life that led to their untimely demise and to bring up his little brother in a more stable home. Journeying home to settle the matter of a new tutor for his brother, Gideon is waylaid overnight by foul weather at an inn. He encounters a beautiful young man who is more temptation than he is able to resist, and Gideon impulsively decides that one night, with a complete stranger, cannot possibly come to any harm... From Afar-Pierce has all that anyone could want in life-an adoring brother who raised him when their parents died, the fame and adoration from being an accomplished fencer, and the best friend a man could have. What he wants, however, is to know the identity of the person who leaves him ardent love letters and why his admirer will not step forward... Lessons-There is very little that Jude has not tried or seen, and his shameless behavior has earned him the reputation as the most notorious rake in the city. The one thing he does not do, however, is innocents. Then he chances upon a young man late at night in the park, amused to learn the man is attempting to write a love letter of all things. When he learns that Crispin despairs of ever catching the eye of his love because he is too innocent to be appealing, Jude impulsively offers to teach him all that he needs to know... The Highwayman-When he receives word that his home is being plagued by a highwayman, Bartholomew immediately sets off for the family estate to see to the matter. When he arrives home, however, he learns that very little is as he remembers it. Instead of one problem to solve, Bartholomew finds himself contending with a highwayman, a murderer, strangers, and an old friend who is nothing like the boy he grew up with... less

Though he is his father's heir, Bartholomew spends most of his time doing a whole lot of nothing, constantly reminded that his father doesn't need his help, and his siblings definitely don't want it. When he receives word that the village back home is being plagued by a highwayman, Bart leaps at the chance to prove to his family that he can handle more responsibility, that's he's more than an irritating older brother always getting in the way... moreThough he is his father's heir, Bartholomew spends most of his time doing a whole lot of nothing, constantly reminded that his father doesn't need his help, and his siblings definitely don't want it. When he receives word that the village back home is being plagued by a highwayman, Bart leaps at the chance to prove to his family that he can handle more responsibility, that's he's more than an irritating older brother always getting in the way. But upon his arrival, the home he remember so fondly seems long gone, replaced by strangers, murder, and an old friend who seems to be only a pale, sad shadow of the boy Bart used to know... less

Called to be the second to a young, rash duelest, Alexis seeks out the appointed second of the challenger. But the man he expects is not the man he encounters, and Alexis finds himself thinking of things vastly more interesting than settling challenges put forth by hot-headed young men, things that heat his own blood and which he thought well in his past... Approximate word count: 10,000

Terrell believes strongly in an ordered, practical life. Nothing good ever came from following reckless impulses. Nearly finished with school, it is time to focus on the next step in his life—settling down at his estate, Fivecoats, and marrying a suitable spouse to oversee it while he pursues his scholarly studies. When his father sends word that he has found the ideal suitor, Terrell can only be pleased—despite the misgivings of his best friend... moreTerrell believes strongly in an ordered, practical life. Nothing good ever came from following reckless impulses. Nearly finished with school, it is time to focus on the next step in his life—settling down at his estate, Fivecoats, and marrying a suitable spouse to oversee it while he pursues his scholarly studies. When his father sends word that he has found the ideal suitor, Terrell can only be pleased—despite the misgivings of his best friend. Marriage, after all, is perfectly practical; he has no need for nonsensical things like romance. Kirian wants nothing to do with reasonable. His parents chose to be happy over being practical, and he refuses to settle for less, no matter what everyone around him says. Then his brash behavior catches up to him, and he is forced into a marriage that seems to be in all ways practical, but in no way happy. But beneath the icy surface of his new spouse, Kirian sees something warm and appealing, something he realizes he desperately wants—but which seems to belong to another man. less

Addison hates the city. Dragged there by his Uncle, his hopes of museums and bookshops and historic monuments quickly turned into nightmares involving balls, dinner parties, and constantly dancing attendance upon his brat cousin. When his cousin falls sick, Addison seizes the rare chance for solitude and flees to the park... moreAddison hates the city. Dragged there by his Uncle, his hopes of museums and bookshops and historic monuments quickly turned into nightmares involving balls, dinner parties, and constantly dancing attendance upon his brat cousin. When his cousin falls sick, Addison seizes the rare chance for solitude and flees to the park. But he is not there long before he is accosted by a stranger, a man like no one Addison has ever encountered, someone who shows him a world he actually enjoys—but it is also a world to which he will never truly belong. less

After three years abroad on an arduous expedition, Maximilian is happy to be home, where he can pursue his studies in peace and enjoy not living in a dusty tent. He has arrived in time to attend his twin sister's wedding in a few months, and to finally meet her fiancé, Kelcey. But instead of reuniting with his sister, he is instead accosted by her irate fiancé, who wants to know where she has run off to and why... moreAfter three years abroad on an arduous expedition, Maximilian is happy to be home, where he can pursue his studies in peace and enjoy not living in a dusty tent. He has arrived in time to attend his twin sister's wedding in a few months, and to finally meet her fiancé, Kelcey. But instead of reuniting with his sister, he is instead accosted by her irate fiancé, who wants to know where she has run off to and why. When they confirm the wedding is most definitely canceled, Max has no choice but to fulfill the runaway clause in the marriage contract: he must find Kelcey a new spouse. But instead of a simple matter of escorting a man around town and arranging a suitable match, he instead finds himself swept up in all the trouble his infuriating sister left behind. less

Adeline has been at the mercy of others her entire life: the aunt and uncle who constantly remind her she should be grateful they took her in after her parents died of a tragic illness. Her guardian in the city who constantly reminds her that she should be grateful they're giving her a coming of age in the city. The suitors who make it clear she should be grateful they're lowering themselves to even consider her... moreAdeline has been at the mercy of others her entire life: the aunt and uncle who constantly remind her she should be grateful they took her in after her parents died of a tragic illness. Her guardian in the city who constantly reminds her that she should be grateful they're giving her a coming of age in the city. The suitors who make it clear she should be grateful they're lowering themselves to even consider her. The only person who's ever made her feel wanted was Lisette, the maid she once fell in love with. The maid who fled in the night with stolen goods, including the pearls that were all Adeline had left of her mother. Then, while at yet another ball where she feels alone, out of place, and trapped between choosing happiness or doing what's expected of her, Adeline encounters the beautiful Lady Wisteria—whom Adeline knows better as the maid Lisette... less