The Academy of Love Series by Minerva Spencer, S.M. LaViolette

Honoria Keyes isn’t the gawky, impressionable fifteen-year-old girl she was when she first met Simon Fairchild. Twelve years have passed, and she’s a successful artist, enjoying her independence to the fullest. Simon has changed, too. Gone is the beautiful, gentle boy of Honoria’s dreams. In his place is a dangerous, damaged man intent on avoiding human contact—and emotions. It would be unthinkable to fall for this difficult, wounded recluse... moreHonoria Keyes isn’t the gawky, impressionable fifteen-year-old girl she was when she first met Simon Fairchild. Twelve years have passed, and she’s a successful artist, enjoying her independence to the fullest. Simon has changed, too. Gone is the beautiful, gentle boy of Honoria’s dreams. In his place is a dangerous, damaged man intent on avoiding human contact—and emotions. It would be unthinkable to fall for this difficult, wounded recluse. But then again, Honoria has never been one to do things the easy way …Simon returned from Waterloo a bitter, broken shell of the man he once was. As if his scarred body and mind aren’t bad enough, he’s also financially dependent on his brother, the duke, while he convalesces. The duke’s fondest wish is for Simon to marry and produce an heir—something Simon has no intention of doing. The one thing he never anticipated? All the unwanted feelings the lovely, talented, and infinitely intriguing Honoria would awaken in him …Can Honoria and Simon heal the wounds of the past and build a life together? Or will their attempt at happily ever after end up a portrait of failure? less

She's not who he thought she was. But he's not who he's pretending to be, either...Annis Bowman lost everything when she trusted the wrong man. Now, she needs money, and she needs it fast. Finding a wealthy husband is her only viable option. It's just her wretched misfortune that the only man who truly interests her is poor as a church mouse.Henry Singleton, the new Earl of Rotherhithe, is ready for desperate measures. He's tired of not knowing if women are interested in him—or his wealth... moreShe's not who he thought she was. But he's not who he's pretending to be, either...Annis Bowman lost everything when she trusted the wrong man. Now, she needs money, and she needs it fast. Finding a wealthy husband is her only viable option. It's just her wretched misfortune that the only man who truly interests her is poor as a church mouse.Henry Singleton, the new Earl of Rotherhithe, is ready for desperate measures. He's tired of not knowing if women are interested in him—or his wealth. Switching identities with one of his employees is the perfect solution. So, imagine his disappointment when the lovely Annis turns out to be a heartless fortune hunter.When a series of unfortunate events—and a huge coincidence—trap them in a marriage neither expected, can Annis and Henry overcome the misunderstandings, lies, and suspicion that stand between them? Or is their chance for a happily ever after doomed from the start? less

Their mercenary marriage of convenience was perfect…until love got in the way…Mary Barnett didn’t dream of marriage and family. Scarred and wary, she’s done everything she can to avoid men. Operating her family’s vast business would be her future. She had no way of knowing her father would place conditions on her inheritance. Namely, she only gets control of her fortune and family business when she marries... moreTheir mercenary marriage of convenience was perfect…until love got in the way…Mary Barnett didn’t dream of marriage and family. Scarred and wary, she’s done everything she can to avoid men. Operating her family’s vast business would be her future. She had no way of knowing her father would place conditions on her inheritance. Namely, she only gets control of her fortune and family business when she marries. The last time his family tried to force Miles Ingram to marry for money, he rebelled and went off to war. His subsequent employment as a dancing instructor might have been enough to sustain him—but when his brother dies, saddling him a destitute earldom, Miles can no longer hide from his obligations. He’ll need to marry, and fast…They’re complete opposites, but their goals are perfectly aligned. And it’s not long before they realize their hearts aren’t as far apart as they initially thought. Miles and Mary know their dance with love can only end in happily ever after, or heartbreak. But which will it be? less

Lady Winifred, the young Dowager Countess of Sedgewick, has already had one husband.She doesn't want another.And if Freddie ever did change her mind on the matter, she most certainly would not marry a ruthless, dominating, and heartless block of ice like the Duke of Plimpton.The Duke of Plimpton has already had one wife who did not love, or even like, him.Unfortunately, it seems he will have to take another... moreLady Winifred, the young Dowager Countess of Sedgewick, has already had one husband.She doesn't want another.And if Freddie ever did change her mind on the matter, she most certainly would not marry a ruthless, dominating, and heartless block of ice like the Duke of Plimpton.The Duke of Plimpton has already had one wife who did not love, or even like, him.Unfortunately, it seems he will have to take another.After conducting a dispassionate, meticulous, and thorough examination of the pool of possible duchesses, there is only one real candidate for Plimpton, and that is Lady Winifred Sedgewick.The fact that she loathes and despises him is irrelevant.When an unstoppable force meets an immovable object either one of them has to give or they both risk their own destruction.Or is there a third option?This is the super steamy, enemies-to-lovers conclusion of THE ACADEMY OF LOVE series. Pre-order your copy today! less