Waite Series by Mary Balogh

Eight years ago, Felicity, Lady Wren, married a wealthy older man in order to save her family from financial ruin. Now, widowed and free again, she yearns to experience all the bright pleasures of a busy social life with the ton. She longs for romance at last and a new marriage to someone young, handsome, and charming. She fixes her interest upon a charismatic lord with a rakish reputation and dreams of changing him... moreEight years ago, Felicity, Lady Wren, married a wealthy older man in order to save her family from financial ruin. Now, widowed and free again, she yearns to experience all the bright pleasures of a busy social life with the ton. She longs for romance at last and a new marriage to someone young, handsome, and charming. She fixes her interest upon a charismatic lord with a rakish reputation and dreams of changing him. Tom Russell, childhood friend of Felicity's, has never forgotten the passion that flared between them all too briefly before she chose Wren instead of him. But when she turns to him for support in her search for a new husband, he puts his own feelings aside in order to be the friend she needs. Even when she enlists his aid in making her lord jealous, he goes along with her scheme. Tom is perhaps too selfless and good-natured for his own good. And Felicity is perhaps too much in denial about her true feelings for her dearest friend. less

Lady Sophia Bryant had no intention of ever marrying. However, her own parents had been estranged for some fourteen years, and her one desire was to bring them together again in love. Surely, if she were to announce her betrothal—even a false one—they would be forced to see each other at last. Lord Francis Sutton was perfect for such deceit... moreLady Sophia Bryant had no intention of ever marrying. However, her own parents had been estranged for some fourteen years, and her one desire was to bring them together again in love. Surely, if she were to announce her betrothal—even a false one—they would be forced to see each other at last. Lord Francis Sutton was perfect for such deceit. Devilishly handsome and a notorious rake, he was always agreeable to games of passion, especially those in which he had nothing to fear and nothing to lose. The trap was set...if only Lady Sophia could keep her foolish heart from falling prey to her brilliant snares... less

The Lady and the Libertine Lord Edmund Waite was everything that Lady Mary Gregg despised in a man. He was lewd, lascivious, mocking—the most notorious and successful rake in the realm. Happily, Mary had nothing to fear from this lord of libertines. A bluestocking like her could never tempt a man whose taste ran to pretty playthings for his pleasures. How startled Mary was to find herself the object of Lord Waite's determined desires... moreThe Lady and the Libertine Lord Edmund Waite was everything that Lady Mary Gregg despised in a man. He was lewd, lascivious, mocking—the most notorious and successful rake in the realm. Happily, Mary had nothing to fear from this lord of libertines. A bluestocking like her could never tempt a man whose taste ran to pretty playthings for his pleasures. How startled Mary was to find herself the object of Lord Waite's determined desires. But even more surprising was her reaction to his shocking advances. How could she remain a lady with this man who knew so well how to make her feel like a woman? less