Devil's Bride: Number 1 in series (Bar Cynster) - Softcover

Laurens, Stephanie

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0749937165 ISBN 13: 9780749937164

Publisher: Piatkus, 2007

Synopsis

When 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?

About this title

Review

Setting: Regency England
Sensuality: 8

Governess 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's 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; his family is overjoyed that he's 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, intelligent, practical, and wise. Lush sensuality, deft plotting, and charming secondary characters make this novel a stellar beginning for the Bar Cynster series. --Lois Faye Dyer

From the Back Cover

From New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens comes a breathtaking novel of passion and mystery

The Duke of St. Ives, known to those closest to him as Devil Cynster, comes from one of England's most powerful families, but even a dynasty as respected as the Cynsters has its skeletons. When the duke's young cousin is found murdered, Devil is determined to uncover the killer . . . even if it means disgracing a member of his own blood.

Matters aren't helped by the distracting presence of Honoria Wetherby. She may be "only" a governess, but Devil has never met a woman like her before—one with brains, beauty, and a fearless desire to help him in his quest for justice. Together, they embark on an adventure—one of danger, love, and passion—a journey that just might cost them their lives.

Edition details

• Publisher: Piatkus
• Publication date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0749937165
• ISBN 13: 9780749937164
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 400