Dukes & Desires Series by Marion Chesney, M.C. Beaton

Charlotte Manners was as stupid as she was beautiful. But she was bright enough to lure Verity Bascombe to her home in London--and to convince Verity to write love letters in her name to the Duke of Denbigh. But then the Duke came to London and fell in love with both of them! Original Regency romance.

Poor Lucy was living a dream. She had married a gambler, a womanizer, and a drunkard. And she refused to admit that his frequent overnight absences were of any significance. The sting came when it was revealed that Lucy's parents had "bought" her husband for her. And then one night at a ball, Lucy met the charismatic Duke of Habard and suddenly anything seemed possible... morePoor Lucy was living a dream. She had married a gambler, a womanizer, and a drunkard. And she refused to admit that his frequent overnight absences were of any significance. The sting came when it was revealed that Lucy's parents had "bought" her husband for her. And then one night at a ball, Lucy met the charismatic Duke of Habard and suddenly anything seemed possible. ABOUT THE SERIES Countesses, Marquises, Lords and Ladies, Viscounts and Princesses all meet in the Royal series where they at once both live and try to avoid lives of scandal and sin, where love - we pray - trumps all but revenge is sometimes the name of the game, especially if inheritance, notoriety and fortune are part of the hand. Here, many threads are skillfully interwoven in a highly entertaining series that never fails to please or fall short of its mark. ABOUT THE AUTHOR From 1977 to the early 1990s, Marion Chesney wrote over one hundred romance novels. Now writing as M. C. Beaton, she is the bestselling award-winning author of two internationally successful mystery series - HAMISH MACBETH and AGATHA RAISIN. She lives in the United Kingdom. less

AS FAR AS MATRIMONIAL PROSPECTS WERE CONCERNED, LUCY BLISS WAS TOLD SHE'D MAKE AN EXCELLENT CLERGYMAN'S WIFE.Her mother, however, had loftier aspirations for her lovely younger sister Belinda. Belinda would marry a duke. More specifically, the Duke of Wardshire. Lucy was truly horrified... moreAS FAR AS MATRIMONIAL PROSPECTS WERE CONCERNED, LUCY BLISS WAS TOLD SHE'D MAKE AN EXCELLENT CLERGYMAN'S WIFE.Her mother, however, had loftier aspirations for her lovely younger sister Belinda. Belinda would marry a duke. More specifically, the Duke of Wardshire. Lucy was truly horrified. "Lucifer" Wardshire! Why, he was rumored to be as wicked as the devil, with orgies and mistresses--and worse!As the London Season unfolded, Lucy couldn't decide who was more abominable, her vulgar mama or the arrogant yet disconcertingly handsome duke. No matter, Lucy vowed to go to any lengths to protect her sister, even if her mission should take her into the very arms of the devilish duke himself.... less