New York Times best-selling author Stephanie Laurens is adored for her titillating Regency romances that have garnered her countless fans. Gyles Rawlings, the Earl of Chillingsworth, is a man determined to stay in control of his destiny. Even as he vows to wed a dutiful, blue-blooded lady for the purpose of fostering progeny, he deviously plans to fulfill his most sinful pleasures with a brazen strumpet. But standing at the altar on that fateful day, he unexpectedly finds himself falling in love with his beautiful bride-to-be.
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"I've read - and thoroughly enjoyed - Stephanie Laurens' Cynster, Bastion Club and Black Cobra series, but somehow I missed this one - the story of Gyles Rawlins, Earl of Chillingworth, an honory Cynster who made an appearance in most of the earlier Cynster novels. So, I was thrilled to find it at the library's used book sale, and read it in a day. Chillingworth decides he wants a marriage of convenience, but the reader knows from the beginning that it's never going to happen, especially after we meet the heroine shortly after he makes this proclamation. A variation is that we see much of the story from the hero's point of view, rather than predominantly from the heroine's point of view, which is more typical."
— Greta (4 out of 5 stars)
“Taut with sexual tension between the hero and heroine, rich with details of the world of Regency England, and well-supported with a solid plot, this latest Cynster tale is an excellent read.”
— Amazon.com, editorial review“Laurens gifts readers with a highly sensual romance and wonderful storytelling. Add a hint of danger and sizzling passion, and readers are in for one wild ride—air conditioning required! Very sensual.”
— RT Book Reviews (4½ stars, Top Pick!)“Fun, spicy, and sure to please.”
— Publishers Weekly" Trying to protect your heart from being hurt due to past experiences can often lead to a greater hurt, for your self and others, as the Earl of Chillingworth finds out. Only when he nearly loses what he fought hard against feeling and wanting does he admit to himself and others that he does indeed feel love for the woman he so desires "
— Colleen, 2/20/2014" I liked it but not nearly as much as the first six books which were absolutely amazing. At this point, the series just seems a bit forced and didn't have the same appeal to it. "
— Billie, 1/31/2014" This one was sufficiently different from the preceding to be almost as enjoyable as the first. "
— Mary, 1/27/2014" I think this is the best Cynster novel since Devil's Bride as Chillingham has been an intriguing character from the beginning and the arranged marriage story is one I've been hoping to read in Stephanie Laurens's unique vein. It doesn't disappoint as Francesca is an incredibly strong woman who knows precisely what she wants from marriage. It's a strange union, but it is said that opposites attract, as played out in this story. I loved it because it includes the Cynster clan and the wider ton society, which few of the Cynster novels have done. Thoroughly recommended. "
— Helene, 1/24/2014" Got a few laughs out of this one. "
— Liz, 1/19/2014" Nice addition to the series, but waiting until the very end to finish up the backstory was disappointing. "
— Annette, 1/13/2014" Pretty weak as far as this genre is concerned. I don't think she was trying with this one "
— Yvonne, 1/3/2014" 3 new evening gowns "
— Denae, 12/24/2013" well I actually like the characters and plot..but am not really sure why I felt so detached through out. "
— Sidra, 2/23/2013" Nothing like a corny historical romance novel to pass the time spent on the couch when you're sick. "
— Kelli, 2/11/2013" was a good book! "
— Stephanie, 9/30/2012" luego la escribo... T.T "
— Dany, 6/9/2012" This book is pretty descriptive when it comes to the romantic scenes. "
— Marilyn, 9/25/2011" Ugh. Hated it. Couldn't even finish this one. "
— Jaime, 6/2/2011" This was a good book. I thought Chillingworth was stubborn and I never understood why he was so against a love match for marriage. I liked the heroine. "
— Kathryn, 5/2/2011" Pretty weak as far as this genre is concerned. I don't think she was trying with this one "
— Yvonne, 4/17/2011" She goes a long way to manufacture the wedding scene, but it's a pretty good read. And excellent love scenes! "
— S, 11/25/2010" Currently Listening to book on CD, good historical romance society etc <br/>It was good, but kind of long and dragged on and on.. but listening on CD was a good way to do it I guess?? "
— Christy, 6/22/2010" Stephanie Laurens is an excellent writer and this book is a proof of it, all of the series. It is funny and sensual...well up until now..lets see how it goes. <br/>I liked this book very much. Its different from the others and a bit more passionate. <br/>Great read!!! "
— Anja, 5/26/2010" This was a good book. Story flowed...long, but didn't seem like it. Good enough to keep me reading this series....On to #8! "
— Danette, 12/29/2009" Ugh. Hated it. Couldn't even finish this one. "
— Jaime, 6/5/2009" This book is pretty descriptive when it comes to the romantic scenes. "
— Marilyn, 12/28/2008" <s>Couldn't finish this one.</s> <br/>Finished it, but still wasn't thrilled. "
— Laura, 10/7/2008" Nothing like a corny historical romance novel to pass the time spent on the couch when you're sick. "
— Kelli, 2/20/2008Stephanie Laurens began writing as an escape from the dry world of professional science, a hobby that quickly became a career. Her New York Times bestselling novels, set in Regency England, have made her one of the romance world’s most popular authors.