Most Popular Books by Stephanie Laurens

Four extraordinary romance authors pen scintillating stories of the most dangerous rogues-and the fiery women who can soften their hardened hearts... Playing with Fire by Susan Johnson Once Burned by Dee Holmes Melting Ice by Stephanie Laurens Simple Sins by Eileen Wilks

She was unquestionably a lady. Still, that had never stopped him before. He could see that she was not, he thought, that young. Even better. Another twinge of pain from behind his eyes lent a harshness to his voice. "Who the devil are you?" In no way discomposed, she answered, "My name is Caroline Twinning. And if you really are the Duke of Twyford, then I''m very much afraid I''m your ward.…" Max Rotherbridge couldn''t believe it. Along with the dukedom of Twyford, he—London''s most notorious rogue—had inherited wardship of four devilishly attractive sisters! Including the irresistible Caroline Twinning. The eldest Twinning was everything he had ever wanted in a woman, but even Max couldn''t seduce his own ward…or could he? After all, he did have a substantial reputation to protect. And what better challenge than the one woman capable of stealing his heart?

#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens returns to the quintessential question of what family means to a Cynster in this tale of the last unmarried member of the Cynster Next Generation and the final mission that opens his eyes. Toby Cynster is not amused when informed that his new mission is to be his last in the shadowy service of Drake, Marquess of Winchelsea. Courtesy of Toby being the last unmarried Cynster of his generation and the consequent martial obsession of his female relatives, he will be given no more excuses to avoid society and, instead, expected to devote himself to finding a suitable bride. But Toby sees no point in marrying—thanks to his siblings, he has plenty of nephews and nieces with whom to play favorite uncle, and he has no thoughts of establishing a family of his own. But then the mission takes an unexpected turn, leaving Toby to escort the irritatingly fascinating Diana Locke plus the three young children of a dying Englishman from Vienna to England. Diana is no more enthused about their journey than Toby, but needs must, and forever practical, she bows to events and makes the best of things for her godchildren’s sakes. She’s determined to see them to safety in England and does her best to ignore her nonsensical and annoying awareness of Toby. But then their journey becomes a flight from deadly pursuit, and their most effective disguise is to pass themselves off as a family—the sort of family Toby had been certain he would never want. Through a succession of fraught adventures, Toby, Diana, and the children lean on each other and grow and mature while furthering their ultimate aim of reaching England safely, and along the way, Toby and Diana both learn what having a family actually means to them, individually and together, and each discovers the until-then-missing foundation stone of their future lives. A classic historical adventure romance that sprawls across Europe to end in the leafy depths of the English countryside. A Cynster Next Generation novel. A full-length historical romance of 108,000 words.

USA Today bestselling author Stephanie Laurens takes us on a journey of extraordinary adventure. Four bold, brave, and determined ex-officers of the Crown band together to destroy the traitorous fiend known as the Black Cobra. He races to complete their mission against escalating odds—his task made more perilous when he loses his heart. She''s determined to defy convention and live a solitary life—until she tastes the reckless pleasure found only in his arms. Drawn together by fate, united by fiery passion, they pursue their shared destiny . . . one they''ll live to see only if they unmask the Black Cobra.

#1New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens continues the bold tales of the Cavanaugh siblings as the sole Cavanaugh sister discovers that love truly does conquer all. A lady with a passion for music and the maestro she challenges in pursuit of a worthy cause find themselves battling villains both past and present as they fight to secure life’s greatest rewards—love, marriage, and family. Stacie—Lady Eustacia Cavanaugh—is adamant marriage is not for her. Haunted by her parents’ unhappy union, Stacie believes that, for her, marriage is an unacceptable risk. Wealthy and well-born, she needs for nothing, and with marriage off the table, to give her life purpose, she embarks on a plan to further the careers of emerging local musicians by introducing them to the ton via a series of musical evenings. Yet despite her noble status, Stacie requires a musical lure to tempt the haut ton to her events, and in the elevated circles she inhabits, only one musician commands sufficient cachet—the reclusive and notoriously reluctant Marquess of Albury. Frederick, Marquess of Albury, has fashioned a life for himself as a musical scholar, one he pursues largely out of sight of the ton. He might be renowned as a virtuoso on the pianoforte, yet he sees no reason to endure the smothering over-attentiveness of society. Then his mother inveigles him into meeting Stacie, and the challenge she lays before him is…tempting. On a number of fronts. Enough for him not to immediately refuse her. A dance of subtle persuasion ensues, and step by step, Frederick finds himself convinced that Stacie’s plan has real merit and that it behooves him to support her. At least for one event. Stacie’s first musical evening, featuring Frederick as the principal performer, is a massive success—until Fate takes a hand and lands them in a situation that forces them both to reassess. Does Frederick want more than the sterile, academic life he’d thought was for him? Can Stacie overcome her deepest fears and own to and reach for her girlhood dreams? Impulsive, arrogant, and used to getting his own way, Frederick finds his answer easily enough, but his new direction puts him on a collision course with Stacie’s fears. Luckily, he thrives on challenges—which is just as well, because in addition to convincing Stacie that love can, indeed, conquer all, he and she must unravel the mystery of who is behind a spate of murderous attacks before the villain succeeds in eliminating all hope of a happy ending. A classical historical romance set in London and Surrey, in the heart of the ton. Third novel in The Cavanaughs—a full-length historical romance of 122,000 words. Praise for the works of Stephanie Laurens “Stephanie Laurens’ heroines are marvelous tributes to Georgette Heyer: feisty and strong.” Cathy Kelly “Stephanie Laurens never fails to entertain and charm her readers with vibrant plots, snappy dialogue, and unforgettable characters.”Historical Romance Reviews. “Stephanie Laurens plays into readers’ fantasies like a master and claims their hearts time and again.” Romantic Times Magazine

The latest wonderful Cynster novel from #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Stephanie Laurens. Henrietta Cynster may have seen many of the women in her family make wonderful matches, but she''s not sure that path is for her. Better known as the "match-breaker", for helping her friends realize their suitors aren''t the one. Everyone insists the necklace is the way to find true love, but if Henrietta had her way, she''d pass the quest to her younger sister and be done with it. Of course, fate had another plan...James Glossup needs a wife. And after she chases off his latest prospect, James decides that the only way forward is to have Henrietta on his side. Who better to help him but the woman known for spotting a bad match from a mile away? But as lady after lady is found lacking, James starts to wonder if what he''s been looking for has been right in from of him all along...

They proved their bravery fighting for His Majesty''s Secret Service and were rewarded with brides of great beauty and breeding. But one member of the Bastion Club has remained a bachelor . . . until now. "Christian, I need your help. There is no one else I can turn to . . . L." When Christian Allardyce, 6th Marquess of Dearne, reads those words, his world turns upside down. Lady Letitia Randall is a woman like no other, and the day he left her behind to fight for king and country was the most difficult of his life. He never forgot the feel of her lips against his, but never expects to see her again. Yet now she seeks his help, and Christian knows he will not resist her plea. Letitia believes that Christian abandoned her when she needed him most, and she hates to call on his aid. But to clear her brother''s name, she has sworn to use every weapon at her command, even if it means seducing her ex-lover. Yet all the while, Christian is waging a war of his own—a campaign of pure pleasure and sweet revenge that will take them both beyond the edge of desire.

#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens returns with another mysterious tale of the London underworld from the Casebook of Barnaby Adair. Miraculously spared from death, Malcolm Sinclair erases the notorious man he once was. Reinventing himself as thomas Glendower, he strives to make amends for his past, yet he never imagines penance might come via a secretive lady he discovers living in his secluded manor. Rose has a plausible explanation for why she and her children are residing in thomas''s house, but she quickly realizes he''s far too intelligent to fool. Revealing the truth is impossibly dangerous, yet day by day he wins her trust, and then her heart. But then her enemy closes in, and Rose turns to thomas as the only man who can protect her and the children. And when she asks for his help, thomas finally understands his true purpose, and with unwavering commitment, he seeks his redemption in the only way he can - through living the reality of loving Rose.

For 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 courtship. By day, Charles and Sarah are models of decorum indulging in innocuous walks, polite conversation, sedate waltzes. Each night they steal away to the lush, moonlit gardens, where sensual embraces turn to searing kisses, and much, much more. Both are swept away on a tide of passion and feeling neither can resist. And yet, after the wedding, despite nights of insatiable passion, Charles remains aloof, as if the near-sinful sweetness of their nights exists only in a dream. Sarah battles to prove that true love is a force that can''t be contained, a gift worth fighting for, but it''s only when she''s engulfed in a web of increasingly dangerous incidents that Charles discovers how much he''s willing to surrender to protect . . . the taste of innocence.

New 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...

#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens returns to the Cynsters’ next generation to bring you a thrilling tale of love, intrigue, and fabulous horses. A notorious rakehell with a stable of fabulous Thoroughbreds and a lady on a quest to locate such horses must negotiate personal minefields to forge a greatly desired alliance—one someone is prepared to murder to prevent. Prudence Cynster has turned her back on husband hunting in favor of horse hunting. As the head of the breeding program underpinning the success of the Cynster racing stables, she’s on a quest to acquire the necessary horses to refresh the stable’s breeding stock. On his estranged father’s death, Deaglan Fitzgerald, now Earl of Glengarah, left London and the hedonistic life of a wealthy, wellborn rake and returned to Glengarah Castle determined to rectify the harm caused by his father’s neglect. Driven by guilt that he hadn’t been there to protect his people during the Great Famine, Deaglan holds against the lure of his father’s extensive collection of horses and, leaving the stable to the care of his brother, Felix, devotes himself to returning the estate to prosperity. Deaglan had fallen out with his father and been exiled from Glengarah over his drive to have the horses pay their way. Knowing Deaglan’s wishes and that restoration of the estate is almost complete, Felix writes to the premier Thoroughbred breeding program in the British Isles to test their interest in the Glengarah horses. On receiving a letter describing exactly the type of horses she’s seeking, Pru overrides her family’s reluctance and sets out for Ireland’s west coast to visit the now-reclusive wicked Earl of Glengarah. Yet her only interest is in his horses, which she cannot wait to see. When Felix tells Deaglan that a P. H. Cynster is about to arrive to assess the horses with a view to a breeding arrangement, Deaglan can only be grateful. But then P. H. Cynster turns out to be a lady, one utterly unlike any other he’s ever met. Yet they are who they are, and both understand their world. They battle their instincts and attempt to keep their interactions businesslike, but the sparks are incandescent and inevitably ignite a sexual blaze that consumes them both—and opens their eyes. But before they can find their way to their now-desired goal, first one accident, then another distracts them. Someone, it seems, doesn’t want them to strike a deal. Who? Why? They need to find out before whoever it is resorts to the ultimate sanction. A historical romance with neo-Gothic overtones, set in the west of Ireland. A Cynster Next Generation novel—a full-length historical romance of 125,000 words. Praise for the works of Stephanie Laurens “Stephanie Laurens’ heroines are marvelous tributes to Georgette Heyer: feisty and strong.” Cathy Kelly “Stephanie Laurens never fails to entertain and charm her readers with vibrant plots, snappy dialogue, and unforgettable characters.”Historical Romance Reviews. “Stephanie Laurens plays into readers’ fantasies like a master and claims their hearts time and again.” Romantic Times Magazine

Bold, 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 will have to move Heaven and Earth to protect the remarkable woman who, for him, personifies the truth about love...

“Laurens’s books are always synonymous with sensuality and strong-willed heroes and heroines.” —Fresh Fiction The #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae, romance fiction superstar Stephanie Laurens has done it again with this passionate tale of an oh-so-proper lady and the dangerous man for whom she throws caution to the wind. The Lady Risks All in this delightfully sexy and sensuous historical romance novel from the creator of the recklessly romantic Cynster family—Regency England’s most irrepressible clan of sexy rogues and ladies—as well as the acclaimed Bastion Club books. The notorious Neville Roscoe, who lives boldly outside the bounds of proper society, is one of Laurens’s most unforgettable heroes—and the story of his seduction of prim, straight-laced Miranda Clifford is filled with intrigue, danger, and passion that will thrill not only Stephanie Laurens fans, but devoted readers of Lisa Kleypas, Johanna Lindsey, and Mary Balogh as well.

A novella, originally appearing in Secrets of a Perfect Night Once upon a time, a young woman attended a New Year''s Eve ball...The moon shone brightly, music filled the air. Kisses were stolen and promises made. But what happens when morning comes? A new year brings new scandal when a rake awakens in the bed of the flame-haired temptress who had seduced him years before. All of society has them bedded, but can he convince her to become wedded?

Enter the unforgettable world of New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens, creator of the phenomenal Cynster family. This amazing clan -- and their friends -- is a bold, powerful group of men who let nothing stand in their way when it comes to matters of the heart. And in this, Stephanie Laurens''s newest novel, a passionate man and a daring woman confront the ultimate question. . . . What Price Love? There is nothing more fascinating than a darkly handsome rake, especially one as controlled and elusive as Dillon Caxton, protégé of Demon Cynster. Despite his dangerous air, Dillon is 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, he guards his hard-won reputation and is the Keeper of the Register of all racing horses in England. His standing and aloofness make Dillon undeniably desirable to young ladies, but despite all the lures thrown his way, he remains uninterested -- his attention unfixed. Until "Miss Priscilla Dalling" erupts into his life. A stunning beauty, she affects Dillon as no other ever has, but what fascinates him even more is that this tempting young lady is clearly desperate, and equally clearly lying about wanting to see the Register to fulfill the whim of an eccentric aunt. Lady Priscilla Dalloway will do anything to see what''s in the Register -- even lie! Her twin brother, Russell, who had fought with their father and left the family home to work with the finest racehorses, has disappeared. Pris knows that clues to his whereabouts can be found in the tome Dillon Caxton refuses to let her see. She unleashes her feminine wiles on Dillon -- to no avail. But Dillon is now determined to learn the truth behind her quest. Exploiting the powerful attraction that flares between them, he succeeds in convincing Pris to tell him all, to trust him with her twin''s life. Together, Dillon and Pris locate Rus, only to discover that his life is being threatened by the perpetrators of a massive betting swindle. The time is ripe for Dillon to repay old debts by helping another as he himself was helped. Assisted by Demon, Felicity, and Barnaby Adair, Dillon and Pris embark on a journey riddled with danger -- and undeniable passion -- as they seek to overturn the swindle and expose Rus''s deadly enemies. And along the way they discover the answer to that age-old question: What price love?

What would you do if you were kissed by the most handsome stranger you''d ever seen? And what if that man was a Cynster? Every girl—even convent-educated ones—dreams of forbidden kisses. So when a man literally falls at Helena''s feet as she''s walking through the courtyard one moonlit Christmas Eve, the pretty, young comtesse d''Lisle knows he''s up to no good. He''s clearly a bit dangerous... and obviously caught in the middle of a clandestine rendezvous. Why else would he have risked his neck and jumped out of a window into the snow? It''s wrong, it''s outlandish . . . and it''s the most utterly romantic gesture she''s ever seen. So when the good sisters rush up, demanding to know if she has seen a man on the grounds, Helena ignores the years of strict upbringing that insist she reveal his presence. To lie would be a sin, but ''no one can be good all the time. As a reward for her silence, the stranger takes her in his arms and enticingly, unforgettably kisses her—and then departs, leaving a lingering if unspoken promise of all that might be, should fate decree that they meet again. Although Helena doesn''t know it, her wild Englishman is Sebastian Cynster, Duke of St. Ives, a nobleman who will prove to be her destiny. Seven years later, Helena has been transformed from a pretty schoolgirl to an aristocratic beauty. Her sparkling wit has made her sought after by London''s hostesses; her considerable dowry has made winning her hand the aim of many a gentleman . . . but she is deafeningly aware of how boring so many of these gentlemen are. Her manipulative guardian has unexpectedly allowed her to find a husband of her own choosing, and she has no intention of marrying any man who tries to tame her. There must be someone perfect for her . . . someone who can live up to the promise of that long-ago kiss. Then, at a ball, fate strikes. Once again, it is the Christmas season, and across the crowded room Helena stands transfixed . . . for there is the man whose kiss she has never forgotten, the man of her memory whom no other has ever been able to supplant. Her wild, mysterious Englishman, Sebastian Cynster, Duke of St. Ives. One look, and he''s determined to reclaim her . . . .

The pleasure of your company is requested at thewedding of Miss Eliza Cynster . . . but not until she’srescued from a daring abduction by the mostunexpected of heroes! Brazenly kidnapped from her sister Heather’s engagement ball, Eliza Cynster is spirited north to Edinburgh.Desperate and determined to escape, she seizes uponthe first possible champion who happens along—gentleman scholar Jeremy Carling. Villains and rescues are a far cry from Jeremy’s expertise,yet he cannot abandon a damsel in distress. But dangerlurks and hurdles abound in their race to escapethe mysterious laird, until a final confrontation on awindswept cliff reveals what their future life could hold—if both are bold enough to capture and own theunexpected love they now share.

Rediscover this classic tale of Regency romance by #1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens. Miss Antonia Mannering had made plans, and Lord Philip Ruthven played a large part in them. They had been childhood friends, but had not seen each other for years. She knew Philip was popular with the ladies, but he had never married any of them. Wouldn’t he now be ready for a wife? If she could prove to him that she could run his home, not disgrace him in Society and be a comfortable wife for him, surely he would be prompted to propose to her. But she never expected that love and passion would enter into their arrangement! Originally published in 1996

New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens knows the world of Regency London . . . especially the exclusive enclave of luxury in which the aristocracy lived in wealth and comfort. But outside that glittering circle lay another world . . . and Laurens pulls back the curtain that has hidden it from us—until now. Penelope Ashford, Portia Cynster''s younger sister, has grown up with every advantage—wealth, position, and beauty. Yet Penelope is anything but a pretty face in a satin gown—forceful, willful, and blunt to a fault, she has for years devoted her considerable energy and intelligence to caring for the forgotten orphans of London''s sooty and seamier streets. But now her charges are mysteriously disappearing. Desperate, Penelope turns to the one man she knows who might 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 serious and unsavory crimes within the ton. His pedigree, relentless intelligence, and discretion make him a deadly avenger in an elegant guise. Despite his skills—or perhaps because of them—he makes Penelope distinctly uncomfortable, but the stakes are too grave. Throwing caution to the wind, defying every rule for unmarried ladies, she appears on his doorstep late one night determined to recruit his talents. Barnaby is intrigued—both by her problem and her. Her bold beauty and undeniable brains make a striking contrast to the usual insipid ton misses. And as he''s in dire need of an excuse to avoid said insipid misses, he accepts her challenge, never dreaming she and it will consume his every waking hour. Enlisting the aid of Inspector Basil Stokes of the fledgling Scotland Yard, they infiltrate the streets of London''s notorious East End. But as they unravel the mystery of the missing orphans, they uncover a trail leading to the upper echelons of society and a ruthless and clever criminal adept at pulling strings who, becoming aware of them and their efforts, is only too ready to destroy all they hold dear, including their newfound understanding of the intrigues of the human heart.

A favorite Regency romance from #1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens… Jack Lester seeks the perfect bride—one who is attractive and kind but who also loves him in spite of his wealth. Which is why he keeps this trifling detail hidden. But when Sophie Winterton enters his life, believing he must marry into wealth to run his family''s estate, how will he convince her that she is the woman he desires—and that he can be the husband she deserves?

The #1 "New York Times"-bestselling author of the beloved Cynster series delivers a classic story of pursuit and surrender. Reissue.

Lucifer Cynster has sworn never to pledge his heart -- but fate has other plans... The last unwed Cynster, Alasdair -- known as Lucifer -- has escaped to Devon one step ahead of London''s matchmaking mamas. Yet, despite his dedication to avoiding the parson''s mousetrap, the irresistible Phyllida Tallent -- a willful, independent beauty -- brings all his masterful Cynster instincts rioting to the fore. Initially Lucifer tries to suppress the desire Phyllida evokes, but fate intervenes, leaving him facing the ultimate challenge for a Cynster -- wooing a reluctant bride. Her wit, charm, and beauty have garnered Phyllida a bevy of suitors, but not one has tempted her the way Lucifer does. His offer to teach her all about love is almost too tantalizing to refuse. And although she has not yet surrendered completely, Phyllida knows only a fool resists a determined Cynster. And Phyllida is certainly no one''s fool.

When a gentleman is restless and bored with the careless pleasures of London society, he needs to discover a new diversion, and if that diversion is a beautiful woman, so much the better. Temptation Jonas Tallent, who has masterfully taken the reins of his family''s estate, never expected a delectable morsel like Miss Emily Beauregard to step into his library, but he certainly isn''t about to hire her as manager for the village inn. A lady as tempting as Emily belongs in a ballroom, or a bedroom—preferably his. Surrender Emily herself hadn''t expected her current circumstances, but she has her reasons and doesn''t plan to share them, even with someone as seductive as Jonas. Yet he can be so devilishly persuasive. But a villain knows her secret, and soon danger threatens Em, her family, and the powerful love she and Jonas have found in each other''s arms.

Previously appeared in the anthology Royal Bridesmaids. A delightful novella from #1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens. Everyone''s eyes are on a royal couple, but there is more behind the scenes than they''ll ever know. Lady Nell Daughtry is certain her sister will be a perfect princess, if only she gets the reluctant bride safely to the church to marry Prince Frederick of Lautenberg. But what she doesn''t know is that, in the wedding party, she''s been paired with her former fiancé, Robert Knightly … and now she''ll be face-to-face with the man who walked away.

Never let it be said that a Cynster male can''t face up to the one unassailable truth: A successful marriage gives life its fullest meaning. To all of English society, Simon Frederick Cynster has a perfect life—one of enormous wealth and impeccable social status. His lean handsomeness turns the heads of naïve debutantes, while his sensual allure ensures he never lacks for more sophisticated partners for a night, or more, of pleasure. Yet despite all of this, Simon knows that there is something—or rather someone—missing in his life. To achieve true contentment, Simon must find a lady accomplished enough to be his wife, someone who will spend her days as a member of one of England''s most influential families ... and her nights pursuing duties of a more private—and personal—nature. But Simon knows what to expect if he reveals his intention to choose a bride; nothing could be more tiresome than having every blushing miss on the marriage mart thrust upon him. So he discreetly begins his search at a house party at Glossup Hall . . . and is astonished that the lady who immediately captures his interest is Portia Ashford. Simon has never considered Portia as a potential wife. He''s known the raven-haired beauty since childhood; she''s willfully independent and has always claimed to be uninterested in marriage. But an unexpectedly heated kiss abruptly alters the rules of their decade-long interaction. Soon they begin to long for the moments they can spend in each other''s arms. But all is not as it seems at Glossup Hall. As Simon and Portia begin to explore the depths of their mutual passion, a shocking murder is committed ... and it appears that the next victim will be Portia herself. And even more shocking than the fact that a murderer secretly walks among them is the realization that all of Simon''s considerable strength and influence may not be enough to protect Portia—his once and always perfect lover . . .

Stephanie Laurens, the phenomenal New York Times bestselling superstar is back with The Elusive Bride—the second book in her magnificent Black Cobra Quartet. Never before in print, this masterful blend of passion and intrigue follows The Untamed Bride, the first in the four-part historical romance series that Booklist calls, “fabulously entertaining.” A spellbinding tale of destiny, duty, desire, and peril—with ties to her popular Bastion Club novels and her well-loved romantic adventures featuring the endearing family of rogues, the Cynsters—The Elusive Bride confirms Laurens’s well-deserved standing as one of the genre’s premier storytellers.

New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens has created some of romance''s most unforgettable novels. Now she has created her most provocative love story—and amazing hero—to date. This is the book that dares to ask the question: Who is this man''s ideal bride? Michael Anstruther-Wetherby is a rising member of Parliament—a man destined for power. Aristocratic, elegant, and effortlessly charming, he is just arrogant enough to capture the interest of the ladies of the ton. And with his connections to the wealthy and influential Cynster family—his sister is married to Devil Cynster, the Duke of St. Ives—his future appears assured. Except that Michael lacks the single most important element of success: a wife. Political pressure sends him searching for his ideal bride, a gently bred, malleable young lady, preferably one with a political background. Michael discovers such a paragon but finds a formidable obstacle in his path—the young lady''s beautiful, strong-minded aunt—Caroline Sutcliffe. One of London''s foremost diplomatic hostesses, Caro has style and status but, having lived through an unhappy political marriage, wants nothing of the sort for her niece, who has already lost her heart to another. So Caro and the younger woman hatch a plot—Caro will demonstrate why an inexperienced young lady is not the bride for Michael. She succeeds in convincing him that what he really needs is a lady of experience by his side. And the perfect candidate is right under his nose—Caro herself. Then it is Michael''s turn to be persuasive, a task that requires every ounce of his seductive charm as he tempts and tantalizes Caro, seeking to convince her that becoming his bride will bring her all her heart desires . . . and more. But then a series of mysterious, and dangerous, accidents befall Caro—an assailant has stepped in with their own idea for Caro''s future—one that could involve murder. Before Caro can become Michael''s ideal bride, they must race to uncover the unknown''s identity before all hope of what they long for, and wish for, is destroyed.

The men of the Bastion Club proved their bravery secretly fighting for their country. Now their leader faces that most dangerous mission of all: finding a bride. As 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. Yet the young ladies the grand dames would have him consider are predictably boring. Far more tempting is his castle''s willful and determinedly aloof chatelaine, Minerva Chesterton. Beneath her serene façade lies a woman of smoldering sensuality, one who will fill his days with comfort and his nights with sheer pleasure. Determined to claim her, he embarks on a seduction to prove his mastery over every inch of her body . . . and every piece of her heart.

The 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 . . .

Where are all the exciting men in London? After spending years in the glittering ballrooms of the ton, Amanda Cynster is utterly bored by the current crop of colorless 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, lionized rake can be sufficiently tamed into the ways of marriage.

For a limited time and at a special price, discover #1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens''s The Black Cobra Quartet with The Untamed Bride, plus special excerpts from the next three novels in the series. In The Untamed Bride, They''re battle-hardened, sinfully wealthy, completely unstoppable—and all male: Four officers of the Crown, fighting against a deadly foe known only as the Black Cobra. He is a man who has faced peril without flinching, determined to fight for king and country. She is a bold, beautiful woman with a scandalous past, destined to become an untamed bride. Together they must vanquish the ruthless enemy, while confronting the dangers of the heart . . .

As the six Cynster families gather together for the holidays at snowbound Casphairn Manor in Scotland, Claire Meadows, widow and governess to Gabriel Cynster''s daughter starts a relationship with tutor Daniel Crosbie.

If you love Stephanie Laurens, the Cynsters, the Bastion Club, or the Black Cobra Quartet, then you won''t want to miss The World of Stephanie Laurens, available only from Avon Romance. Here you''ll find the Cynster Family Tree, a sneak peek excerpt from every Stephanie Laurens Avon Romance, a Q&A with the author, and much more! This is the one-stop source of information for everything about the books of the #1 New York Times bestselling author. Best of all: it''s free and available for download now!

#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens returns to the world of Barnaby Adair, his wife Penelope, and their growing band of sleuths in this mystery that reveals the dangerous underbelly of Regency London. Outside that glittering circle lay another world...and Laurens pulls back the curtain that has hidden it from us-until now. When Lady Halstead is found dead in her bed, her companion Violet Matcham is alarmed to learn that her Ladyship''s death was no accident...but a cold-blooded murder meant to silence an old woman who had discovered a secret she was never meant to learn. Violet enlists the help of Heathcote Montague, the most brilliant financial mind in London, to dig into Lady Halstead''s affairs and determine what her killer was trying to hide...all while attempting to stay one step ahead of a murder who is willing to end the life of any person who gets too close to the truth. Lordly sleuth, Barbaby Adair and his wife, Penelope, take a break from wedded and familial bliss to assist Scotland Yard''s, Inspector Basil Stokes, his wife Griselda, Violet and Heathcote as they investigate Lady Halstead''s unscrupulous family, discover a long list of connected crimes and track down the killer before he returns to silence the one person still alive who could unveil him-Violet.

Meet the gentlemen of the Bastion Club. The Earl of Crowhurst recklessly swears he''ll marry the next woman to cross his path, never expecting he''d have to fulfill this pledge.

Revisit the passions and intrigues of another, most romantic time! Together for the first time in one box set, four classic Regency romances from the incomparable #1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens. Tangled Reins Miss Dorothea has a choice to make: stick with her plan to remain a respectable spinster, or run into the arms of a disreputable scoundrel… Four in Hand Infamous rogue Max Rotherbridge suddenly has to protect four lovely young wards from other rakes like him. But it’s the eldest sister, Caroline, who is giving him real trouble. Because she’s the one he wants for his own… Impetuous Innocent At the hands of Viscount Dominic Ridgely, Georgiana Hartley is transformed into a lady who charms the ton with ease and draws a bevy of suitors. Everything is unfolding according to Dominic’s plan…until he realizes that he desires Georgiana himself. Fair Juno When the Earl of Merton suddenly finds himself playing the knight in shining armor to a damsel in distress, he knows his days as a notorious rake are numbered. But though the lady seems grateful for his assistance, she flees the scene without revealing her name.