Books by Stephanie Laurens

Book SynopsisWhen a mysterious lady, her face hidden by a black veil, begs Gabriel Cynster for his help, he cannot refuse her plea. For despite her disguise, Gabriel finds the woman alluring and he is powerless to deny her. But he exacts payment as only a Cynster would demand: with each piece of information he uncovers, she must pay him in the form of a kiss. Lady Alathea Morwellan knows Gabriel is intrigued, but despite the sparks that fly between them, they have never passed a civil moment together. Yet as the stakes get higher, so does Gabriel''s desire for payment. And with each overpowering kiss, each passionate embrace, Alathea knows that she will not be able to resist his ultimate seduction...but what will happen when she reveals the truth?Trade ReviewMarvellous * CATHY Kelly *Althea Morwellan needs Gabriel Cynster's help to save her family's fortune from an unscrupulous con artist, but the beauty is determined to keep her family's precarious financial state a secret. Althea and Gabriel played together as children on neighbour * Althea has loved Gabriel since they were children, but their relationship deteriorated over time. As adults, the two strike verbal sparks from each other at every meeting. Because of their barely polite truce, Althea is unprepared for Gabriel's wild attra *In this latest of the Cynster family novels, Stephanie Laurens combines a mystery plot with a deeply sensual love story. There is something very intriguing about a hero and heroine who believe they know each other well, yet see each other in a very different light when they come together as intimate strangers. As always, the supporting cast of characters is charming and includes the growing numbers of the Cynster clan. A Secret Love is a riveting novel from first page to last. * Lois Faye Dyer, AMAZON.CO.UK REVIEW *

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Book SynopsisNew York Times bestselling Australian author Stephanie Laurens delivers the latest tale in the immensely popular Cynster series. When Chillingworth is elected an ''honorary Cynster'' at the end of All About Love, he knows he needs a wife, and an heir. His goal; a simple marriage without romance. He agrees to marry a woman he believes to be pliant and quiet. Unfortunately for him, the woman he thinks is Francesca Rawling is really her cousin, Franni. Francesca herself is proud, passionate and opinionated in short, the perfect bride for a Cynster...

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Book SynopsisAmelia Cynster is stunned to hear these words from Lucien Ashford—the enigmatic sixth Viscount Calverton and the man she has always loved—just before the handsome rogue passes out at her feet. Dawn is breaking and she''s already risked scandal by lying in wait for him just outside his London home. And though torn between indignant affront and astonished relief, she''s nevertheless thrilled that Luc has agreed to her outrageous marriage proposal.However, rather than submitting to a hasty wedding as Amelia had planned, the exasperating lord insists on wooing her properly…in public and in private. She longs for their time alone, when she can learn all about seduction from a master, yet frustratingly, they all too often find themselves beneath the stifling gaze of the ton.But there is method behind the viscount''s madness—he has a secret reason for wooing Amelia. And like all desirable things, his passion has a price.

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Book SynopsisTristan Wemyss, Earl of Trentham, never expected he''d need to wed within a year or forfeit his inheritance. But he is not one to bow to the matchmaking mamas of the ton. No, he will marry a lady of his own choosing. And the lady he chooses is the enchanting neighbor living with her family next door. Miss Leonora Carling has beauty, spirit and passion; unfortunately, matrimony is the last thing on her mind . . .To Leonora, Tristan''s kisses are oh-so-tempting, but once bitten, forever shy, she has determinedly turned her back on marriage. But Tristan is a seasoned campaigner who will not accept defeat. And when a mysterious man attempts to scare Leonora and her family from their home, Tristan realizes he''s been given the perfect excuse to offer his services—as protector, seducer and, ultimately, husband.

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Book SynopsisBold, passionate and possessive, the Cynster men let nothing stand in their way when it comes to claiming the women of their hearts.Gerrard Debbington, Vane Cynster''s brother-in-law, is one of London''s most eligible gentlemen. Uninterested in marriage, his driving passion is to paint the fabled gardens of Lord Tregonning''s Hellebore Hall -- an opportunity that is now at hand...if Gerrard agrees to create an honest portrait of Tregonning''s daughter as well.Gerrard chafes at wasting his talents on some simpering miss, only to discover that Jacqueline Tregonning stirs him as no other. Certainly, she is beautiful, but it is her passionate nature that strikes sparks with Gerrard''s own, igniting desire and sweeping them into each other''s arms, convincing Gerrard that he has found his ideal soul mate -- the lady he must have as his wife.But something is horribly wrong at Hellebore Hall. Evil and lies are reaching out to ensnare Jacqueline -- and Gerrard

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Book SynopsisThe men of the Bastion Club are powerful, loyal, and not averse to overcoming danger if they must. Now, after years of loyal service to the Crown, they each -- one by one -- must face that greatest danger of all ...love.The last of his line, Jack, Baron Warnefleet, has fled London after nearly being compromised into marrying a dreadful female. Turning his back on the entire notion of marriage, he rides home to the estate he has not seen for years, determined to set in motion an alternative course of action.But then in the lane before his gate, Jack rescues a startlingly beautiful lady from a menacing, unmanageable horse. However, while he begins by taking command, the lady continues by taking it back. Lady Clarice Altwood is no meek and mild miss. She is the very antithesis of thewoolly-headed young ladies Jack has rejected as not for him. Clarice is delectably attractive, beyond eligible, undeniably capable, and completely unforgettable. Why on earth is she rusticatin

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Book SynopsisIn a moment of recklessness, Gervase Tregarth, 6th Earl of Crowhurst, swears he''ll marry the next eligible lady to cross his path. Cloistered at his ancestral castle in Cornwall, with nary a suitable woman for miles, he never expects he''ll have to fulfill his pledge, at least not until the London Season begins. But then he meets his neighbor, the very appealing Madeline Gascoigne.Years of secret service to the Crown have taught Gervase the value of always having a loophole—there will be no wedding if he and Madeline are incompatible in any way. So he sets out to prove that they would make a most dreadful match . . . by luring her into his arms and, ultimately, his bed.From their very first kiss, Gervase discovers that the headstrong and independent Madeline is no meek country miss . . . and that the fire between them will burn long beyond that first seduction.

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Book SynopsisFor no gentleman is this more true than Charles Morwellan, the eighth Earl of Meredith. Although he''s seen the many successful unions of his Cynster connections, he has also watched his father''s obsessions nearly destroy their family and fortune, a mistake Charles will not repeat. But as Lord Meredith he must marry, so he offers for Sarah, the daughter of his neighbors Lord and Lady Conningham. She''s intelligent enough to run his social life, beautiful enough to grace his arm, and old enough to know the value of his offer. For most young ladies of the ton, the right marriage is the culmination of years of training, perfect deportment, and intricate plans that would impress a general. But as a lady of independent means with a life of her own, Sarah is unwilling to wed unless it is for unbounded love.But Charles always gets what he wants. He convinces Sarah to give him two weeks to win her; if he succeeds, they will marry immediately. And so begins an intense

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Book SynopsisNew York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens knows Regency London, and outside the exclusive enclave in which the aristocracy lived in wealth and comfort, lay another world . . .An intriguing manHandsome, enigmatic, and deliciously dangerous, Barnaby Adair has made his name by solving crimes within the ton. When Penelope Ashford appeals for his aid, he is moved by her plight—and captivated by her lush beauty.An undaunted womanMore than a pretty face in a satin gown, Penelope has devoted her will and intelligence to caring for London''s orphans. But now her charges are disappearing. She turns to Adair for help, never dreaming she''ll discover in him a man who matches her appetite for life and passion.Where the heart leadsAs Barnaby and Penelope unravel the mystery of the missing children, they uncover a shocking trail that leads to the upper echelons of society, and a ruthless criminal who is ready to destroy al

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Book SynopsisAs the mysterious leader of the Bastion Club known as 'Dalziel', Royce Varisey, tenth Duke of Wolverstone, served his country for decades, facing dangers untold. But as the holder of one of England's most august noble titles, he must now take on that gravest duty of all: marriage.

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Book SynopsisThe first book in a brand-new series, The Black Cobra Quartet, from New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author Stephanie Laurens, The Untamed Bride is the story of a bold, beautiful woman with a scandalous past and a battle-hardened, sinfully wealthy, completely unstoppable man who must join forces to fight a deadly foe known only as the Black Cobra—and who must also confront the dangers of the heart . . .

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Book Synopsis“A fabulously entertaining new quartet—with links to her popular Cynster series….Laurens adds a dash of exotic spice to her always reliable mix of sexy romance and risky intrigue.”—Booklist The fourth book in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Stephanie Laurens’s sensational Black Cobra Quartet, The Reckless Bride is a brilliant mix of intrigue, danger, and historical romance from one of the very best in the business. A breathtaking adventure set in England’s Regency Era, The Reckless Bride continues the acclaimed romance novelist’s extraordinary chronicle of love and duty, as brave ex-officers of the Crown band together to destroy the traitorous fiend known as The Black Cobra.

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Book SynopsisThe Cynsters are back in a brilliant new series from USA Today and New York Times bestseller Stephanie Laurens! Fans adore Laurens’s irrepressible fictional family of sexy scoundrels and passionate ladies and their amorous Regency Era exploits. In Laurens’s sensational new Cynster historical romance, it’s Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue when feisty Heather Cynster steps out of her safe, dull social circle in search of a dashing hero to wed…and ends up kidnapped, scandalized and whisked out of London, with her only hope for salvation—and love—resting with a notorious rogue lord.

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Book SynopsisArguably Regency England’s most scandalous family of misbehaving rogues and ladies, the Cynsters are back! New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens continues her delectable new historical romance series with In Pursuit of Eliza Cynster, focusing on the first of three Cynster sisters, each on a determined quest to find a hero who’s her match in every way possible. When Eliza is kidnapped from her sister’s engagement ball, the plucky miss refuses to be daunted—and her escape leads her straight into the arms of a most unlikely champion. Devoted Laurens and Cynster fans, as well as readers of the acclaimed romance fiction of Lisa Kleypas, will find pursuing Eliza Cynster to be an exceptional delight!

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Book Synopsis#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens returns with the next in her Cynster Sisters series...The Honorable Miss Mary Cynster always gets what she wants. As the last unwed Cynster of her generation, she is determined to remain in charge of her life and of the man she will marry. At the very bottom of her list of potential husbands is Ryder Cavanaugh, the daring and devastating Marquess of Raventhorne, an overwhelming and utterly unmanageable lion of the ton. But destiny has a different plan.Ryder needs Mary as his wife, not just because she is delightful, fiery, and tempting, but because he values all she could be. When fate and circumstance hand him the chance, he claims Mary as his marchioness...only to discover what he truly desires is not just to take her hand in marriage, but to capture her heart.

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Book SynopsisGareth Hamilton is stunned when he recognizes Emily Ensworth on his ship. The veil she wears is not enough to disguise her from him - or from the man hired to kill her. Whisking Emily to safety, Gareth realizes that the Black Cobra is on to them. In order to protect her, Gareth must let Emily in on the dangerous plot she is now intimately involved in. Emily Ensworth is no wilting flower. She knew the packet the dying soldier thrust upon her held vital information, and she has every intention of seeing it into safe hands. But she is also determined to bring the men trying to kill her to justice. Together, she and Gareth do their best to lure the Black Cobra and his men into the open. Putting their lives at risk draws Emily and Gareth ever closer together, the constant danger sparking a passion neither one can resist. But with threats lurking around every corner, Gareth and Emily must work harder than ever to make sure that their newfound love isn''t snuffed out before it ever has a chan

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Book SynopsisThey meet in a clash of swords, drenched in the moonlight of Britain’s rugged eastern coast: Captain Jack, his handsome features etched in silver and shadow, his powerful physique compelling “Kit” Cranmer to surrender. He is her dream lover come vividly alive, and his command of the smuggling gang is absolute. His all-knowing gaze penetrates her disguise as the “lad” leader of a rival gang with frightening ease and his “punishment” with kisses leaves her maidenly modesty in tatters.Suddenly Kit finds she’s only too delighted to explore with Jack the pleasures conventionally reserved for married ladies . . . little knowing what dangerous forces she’s unleashing. For even as Kit revels in midnight gallops and cottage rendezvous, Captain Jack is laying a gentle trap that will curtail her freedom . . . and bind her to him with a ring, a promise . . . and ties of devotion and desire.

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Book SynopsisWhen Devil, the most infamous member of the Cynster family, is caught in a compromising position with plucky governess Honoria Wetherby, he astonishes the entire town by offering his hand in marriage. No one dreamed this scandalous rake would ever take a bride. And as society mamas swooned at the loss of England's most eligible bachelor, Devil's infamous Cynster cousins began to place wagers on the wedding date. But Honoria wasn't about to bend society's demands and marry a man "just" because they'd been found together virtually unchaperoned. No, she craved adventure, and while solving the murder of a young Cynster cousin fit the bill for a while, she decided that once the crime was solved she'd go off to see the world. But the scalding heat of her unsated desire for Devil soon had Honoria craving a very different sort of excitement. Could her passion for Devil cause her to embrace the enchanting peril of a lifelong adventure of the heart?

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Book SynopsisHe vowed he''d never marry.To Vane Cynster, Bellamy Hall seems like the perfect place to temporarily hide from London''s husband hunters. But when he encounters irresistible Patience Debbington, Vane realises he''s met his match ...She vowed no man would catch her.Patience isn''t about to succumb to Vane''s sensuous propositions. Yes, his kisses leave her dizzy and his caresses made her melt; but Patience has promised herself she''ll never become vulnerable to a broken heart. Is this one vow that was meant to be broken?

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Book SynopsisHow can an honourable lady like Lady Catriona Hennessy unite with a rake like Richard Cynster? Though charmed by his commanding presence, she cannot give up her independence. Marriage had not previously been on Richard's agenda, but perhaps taming the lady was just the challenge he needs - if he can have the rights of the marriage bed without making any revealing promises of love?

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Book SynopsisAnd now, Stephanie Laurens has created her boldest Cynster yet - Gabriel - a man who has known the pleasure of many women, but who has given his heart to no one. She was desperate for his help... When a mysterious lady, her face hidden by a black veil, begs Gabriel Cynster for his help, he cannot refuse her plea. For despite her disguise, Gabriel finds the woman alluring and he is powerless to deny her. But he exacts payment as only a Cynster would demand: with each piece of information he uncovers, she must pay him - in the form of a kiss. He was powerless to resist... Lady Alathea Morwellan knows Gabriel is intrigued, but despite the sparks that fly between them, they have never passed a civil moment together. Yet as the stakes get higher, so does Gabriel's desire for payment. And with each overpowering kiss, each passionate embrace, Alathea knows that she will not be able to resist his ultima

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Book SynopsisAlasdair Cynster known to his intimates as Lucifer decides to rusticate in the country before the matchmaking skills of London's mamas become firmly focused on him, the last unwed Cynster. But an escape to Devonshire leads him straight to his destiny in the irresistible form of Phyllida Tallent, a willful, independent beauty of means who brings all his masterful Cynster instincts rioting to the fore. Lucifer isn't about to deny his desire for Phyllida, and he's determined to use all his seductive skills to enjoy the benefits of destiny's choice without submitting to the parson's noose. Phyllida has had a bevy of suitors, her charm and wit are well known throughout the countryside, but none of them has tempted her the way Lucifer does. His offer to teach her all about the ways of love is almost too tantalising to resist. And though she's not yet completely surrendered, she knows only a fool stands against a Cynster...and Phyllida is no one's fool.

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Book SynopsisPenelope Ashford may be rich, but she also has a social conscience. As Portia Cynster''s younger sister, she is forceful, wilful and blunt to a fault - and she has for years devoted her considerable energy and intelligence to caring for the forgotten orphans in London''s East End. But now her charges are mysteriously disappearing and, in desperation, Penelope turns to the one man she knows might be able to help her - Barnaby Adair.Handsome scion of a noble house, Adair has made a name for himself in certain circles where his powers of observation and deduction have seen him solve several unsavoury crimes. Despite his skills - or perhaps because of them - he makes Penelope distinctly uncomfortable, but the stakes are too high. Throwing caution to the wind, defying every rule for unmarried ladies, she appears on his doorstep late one night determined to recruit his talents. However, soon the pair are in more danger than they could have ever imagined.

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Book SynopsisThere is nothing more fascinating than a darkly handsome rake, especially one as controlled and elusive as Dillon Caxton, protg of Demon Cynster. Despite his dangerous air, Dillon is now a man of sterling reputation, but it wasn''t always so. Years ago, an illicit scheme turned into a nefarious swindle, and only the help of his cousin, Felicity, and her husband, Demon, saved Dillon from ruin. Now impeccably honest, his hard-won reputation zealously guarded, he''s the Keeper of the Register of all racing horses in England, the very register Lady Priscilla Dalloway is desperate to see. She has come to Newmarket, determined to come to the rescue of her horse-mad brother who has fallen into bad company. Together, Dillon and Pris uncover a massive betting swindle. Assisted by Demon, Felicity, and Barnaby Adair, they embark on a journey riddled with danger and undeniable passion as they seek to expose the deadly perpetrators. And along the way they discover the answer to that age old questiTrade ReviewStephanie Laurens combines outstanding characterisation with action and sensuality, bringing larger-than-life characters to the page with such skill and talent that they become real. All I need is her name on the cover to make me pick up the book * Linda Howard *

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Book SynopsisWhen Devil, the most infamous member of the Cynster family, is caught in a compromising position with plucky governess Honoria Wetherby, he astonishes the entire ton by offering his hand in marriage. No one had dreamed this scandalous rake would so tamely take a bride. As society''s mamas swooned at the loss of England''s most eligible bachelor, Devil''s infamous Cynster cousins began to place wagers on the wedding date. But Honoria wasn''t about to bend to society''s demands and marry a man just because they''d been found together unchaperoned. No. She craved adventure. Solving the murder of a young Cynster cousin fit the bill for a while, but once the crime was solved, Honoria was set on seeing the world. But the scalding heat of her unsated desire for Devil soon had Honoria craving a very different sort of excitement. Could her passion for Devil cause her to embrace the enchanting peril of a lifelong adventure of the heart?Trade ReviewGoverness Honoria Wetherby is determined not to marry; she plans to have adventures among the Egyptian pyramids in lieu of wedding a controlling husband. But even the best-laid plans can run afoul of luck and outrageous fortune, as is fatefully proven one stormy evening when Honoria happens upon a dying young man in the woods. After passing the night in a cottage alone with the corpse and his cousin, the rakish and very much alive Devil Cynster, it is decided--by the handsome rake--that Honoria has been compromised by the unchaperoned evening and the only remedy is to marry. Despite her flat refusal, Devil is determined to have the beautiful and feisty governess and his family is overjoyed that he is finally planning to marry. But Devil definitely has his work cut out for him as he attempts to convince Honoria to wed him and forego her plans for adventure. Luring Honoria to the altar is further complicated when she insists upon aiding him in the search for his cousin's killer. Which will Devil accomplish first: seducing Honoria or unveiling a murderer? Or will Honoria foil the first plan and solve the second before Devil can? * Devil's Bride is the first of several novels by Laurens that feature the members of the noble Cynster family in Regency England. The larger-than-life hero is bold, brave, daring and determined and meets his perfect match in the heroine, who is plucky, int *#NAME? * 'Really enjoyed’ *CATHY Kelly

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Book SynopsisHe vowed he''d never marry: Vane Cynster always knew which way the wind was blowing, and it was headed in a marrying direction. The other Cynster men might not mind stepping up to the altar, but Vane never wanted to be shackled to any woman, no matter how comely. Bellamy Hall seemed like the perfect place to temporarily hide from London''s husband hunters. But when he encountered irresistible Patience Debbington, Vane realized he''d met his match and soon he had more than seduction on his mind. She vowed no man would catch her: Patience wasn''t about to succumb to Vane''s sensuous propositions. Yes, his kisses left her dizzy but he was arrogant, presumptuous...and, despite his protests, bound to be unfaithful, just like every other man. Patience had promised herself that she''d never become vulnerable to a broken heart. But was this one vow that was meant to be broken?Trade ReviewStephanie Lauren's heroines are marvellous tributes to Georgette Heyer * CATHY Kelly *

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Book SynopsisHe will father your children...''When Catriona Hennessy, honourable Scottish Lady of the Vale, receives this prediction, she is exceedingly vexed. How can she unite with a rake like Richard Cynster - a masterful man with a scandalous reputation? More shocking still is her guardian''s will that decrees that she and Richard be wed within a week! Though charmed by his commanding presence, and wooed by his heated kisses, she will not - can not - give up her independence. So she forms a plan to get the heir she needs without taking wedding vows. Richard is just as stunned by the will''s command. Marriage had not previously been on his agenda, but lately he''s been feeling rather... restless. Perhaps taming the lady is just the challenge he needs. But can he have the rights of the marriage bed without making any revealing promises of love?Trade ReviewBeautiful Scotswoman Catriona Hennessy knows that she must eventually marry and so decides that she requires a mild-mannered, biddable husband, a man who will agree to father a daughter to inherit Casphairn Manor and who will leave her free to manage her holdings without interference. Unfortunately, the spirit of the earth that protects the manor and its valley, the Lady of the Vale, has other plans. The Lady firmly tells Catriona that the man who shall father her children is none other than Richard Cynster, better known throughout the land as "Scandal". Richard is definitely not the mild-mannered man Catriona had in mind, and even worse, he's English. Although Catriona fights the command of the Lady, all she gets for her efforts is a headache. * The two unlikely lovers are thrown together in a cold Scottish castle by the reading of a last will and testament. And while Richard is wildly attracted to the lovely Scottish lady, marriage doesn't cross his mind until the will is read and he is compelle *Laurens's latest tale will impress readers with its intense sensuality, colourful Scottish scenery and strong, expertly drawn characters--from the hero and heroine down to the most minor member of the cast. Combine those elements with a competent plot, th * Lois Faye Dyer, AMAZON.CO.UK REVIEW *

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Book SynopsisDemon Cynster has seen love bring his brethren to their knees, and he''s vowed that he will not share their fate until he spies Felicity Parteger sneaking around his country estate. Demon remembers Felicity as a mere chit of a girl, but now she stands before him begging for his help all lush curves, sparkling eyes and so temptingly worthy of the love he''s vowed never to surrender to any woman. Felicity knew Demon was one of the ton''s most eligible bachelors and a rogue of the worst sort, but he was the only one capable of getting her friend out of trouble. Her fascination with him had nothing to do with the power lurking just beneath his devil-may-care facade or with the desire that flares when he takes her in his arms. She knows he''ll never yield to her the love she desperately seeks, but could a marriage with passion alone even with a man like Demon be enough?Trade ReviewHarold Henry Cynster--better known as Demon to family and friends--leaves London society for the all-male environment of his Newmarket stables in an attempt to escape matchmaking mamas and the spate of marriages that have decimated the ranks of his bachelor cousins. But Demon barely sets one foot on his property before he notices a too-shapely boy settling into the saddle of his favourite Irish thoroughbred. Beautiful Felicity Parteger hasn't seen Demon Cynster since she was a young girl, when with clear-sighted practicality she had reasoned that the handsome rake was a threat to every female's heart and had scrupulously disappeared every time he visited her guardian, General Sir Gordon Caxton. When Demon finds her masquerading as a stable lad and demands an explanation, she has no choice but to confess that she's trying to uncover information about a racing syndicate that bribes jockeys. The General's son, Dillon, has fallen in with them and is now in hiding to escape their threats on his life. * With cool efficiency Demon attempts to take over her campaign to save Dillon. Felicity, however, refuses to sit at home and tend to her needlework while Demon has all the fun, and a partnership of sorts is formed. Much to Demon's delight, she also willing *In Rogue's Proposal, the fourth book in the Bar Cynster series, Laurens offers a hero and heroine full of honour, courage, wit and humour; Demon Cynster--a man who has never wanted love and marriage--meets his match in Felicity, an intelligent and passion * Lois Faye Dyer, AMAZON.CO.UK REVIEW *

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Book SynopsisSix notorious cousins, known to the ton as the Bar Cynster, have cut a swath through the ballrooms of London. Yet one by one, each has fallen in love and married the woman of his heart, until only one of them is left unclaimed...Alasdair Cynster. Known to his intimates as Lucifer, Alasdair had decided to rusticate in the country before the matchmaking skills of London''s mamas become firmly focused on him, the last unwed Cynster. But an escape to Devon leads him straight to his destiny in the irresistible form of Phyllida Tallent, a willful, independent beauty of means who brings all his masterful Cynster instincts rioting to the fore. Lucifer tries to deny the desire Phyllida evokes - acting on it will land him in a parson''s mousetrap, one place he''s sworn never to go. But destiny intervenes, leaving him to face the greatest Cynster challenge - wooing a reluctant bride.Trade ReviewReally enoyed it * CATHY Kelly *

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Book SynopsisWhere are all the exciting men in London? After spending years in the glittering ballrooms of the town, Amanda Cynster is utterly bored by the current crop of bland suitors. Determined to take matters into her own hands, one night she shockingly goes where no respectable lady ever should, but where many an intriguing gentleman might be found. But titillating excitement quickly turns to panic when Amanda discovers she''s quite out of her depth. She looks around for help - and is unexpectedly rescued by the Earl of Dexter. Lean, sensuous, and mysterious, he has delayed re-entering society, preferring instead a more interesting existence on its fringes.He''s the epitome of the boldly passionate gentleman Amanda has been searching for, but although his very touch makes it clear he''s willing to educate her in the art of love, Amanda has to wonder if such a masterful rake can be sufficiently tamed into the ways of marriage.Trade ReviewI'll buy anything with her name on it! * Linda Howard *Love it! * Cathy Kelly *

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Book SynopsisWhen a handsome man literally falls at her feet while she''s walking through a moonlit convent courtyard, Helena knows he must be there for a scandalous liaison. Yet she keeps his presence a secret from the questioning nuns - and for her silence the stranger rewards her with an enticing, unforgettable kiss. What Helena doesn''t know was that her wild Englishman is Sebastian Cynster, Duke of St. Ives. Seven years later, Sebastian spies Helena from across a crowded ballroom. This heiress is dazzling London society with her wit and beauty, tantalising all the eligible men with the prospect of taking her hand in marriage. But Helena is not looking for just any husband. She wants an equal, a challenge - someone who can live up to the promise of that delicious, never-forgotten kiss.Trade ReviewOne unforgettable night, Sebastian, the Duke of St Ives, stole a kiss from a beautiful young woman at a French convent. That is the prelude to Stephanie Laurens The Promise in a Kiss: A Cynster Christmas Novel. They didn't share their names but neither of them ever forgot the magic of that innocent kiss and when they meet again in London seven years later, each instantly recognises the other. Helena, the Comtesse d'Lisle, is searching for a manageable husband to thwart her controlling guardian, and Sebastian, a London rake who has sworn never to wed, is clearly not an appropriately biddable candidate. The lovely French comtesse is the one woman that can change Sebastian's view of marriage, but convincing Helena is a task that challenges even the powerful Duke of St Ives. While Sebastian is courting and seducing the reluctantly tempted Helena, her powerful guardian sets in motion a scheme that threatens the happiness of the lovers and endangers their lives. In this tale of the passionate couple that parented the unforgettable Bar Cynster siblings, author Stephanie Laurens pulls out all the stops with high adventure, duelling swords, intrigue and sensual romance. Rounding out the novel with witty dialogue, great secondary characters, and detailed descriptions of the London society scene of 1783, Laurens gives readers another Cynster novel they're sure to love. * Lois Faye Dyer, Amazon.com *

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