The Truth about Love

February 28, 2005
The latest in Laurens's beloved Cynster series takes a gothic turn, wrapping suspense and eroticism into a potent package. Dashing Gerrard Debbington is an acclaimed landscape painter, Lord Vane Cyster's protégé, and the ton's most eligible bachelor. All he lacks is the chance to paint the beautiful, unusual gardens at Hellebore Hall, the Cornwall home of reclusive Lord Tregonning. One day, the opportunity drops in his lap—so long as he agrees to also paint a portrait of Lord Tregonning's daughter. Reluctant to spend months in the company of a vapid society chit, Gerrard almost refuses, but the lure of the gardens proves too strong. At Hellebore Hall, Gerrard discovers that he's in deeper than he bargained for. Jacqueline, Lord Tregonning's daughter, is a remarkable young woman, and she inspires both his artistic passion and his love. She is also widely suspected to be the cause of two deaths: that of her former fiancé, who disappeared two years before, and her mother, who mysteriously fell to her death into the brooding Garden of Night. Lord Tregonning, convinced that a good portrait portrays the true nature of its subject, believes that Gerrard's depiction of Jacqueline will prove his daughter's innocence. So who is the real killer? The heat between Gerrard and Jacqueline sizzles and sparks, and the story consistently surprises in Laurens's best Regency yet.

A handsome, rakish artist is asked to paint an enticing young woman. They fall in love, of course. But said damsel reveals that she has put her father up to the commission, anticipating that the artist's rendering of her true self will prove her innocent of her mother's murder, of which she is suspected. Lovers thereafter turn detectives. Simon Prebble possesses just the right mixture of urbanity and virility to complement the author's efforts. His Apollonian approach adds dignity to a romantic escapade that in lesser hands could easily turn overwrought. Further, his fine voice and expert technique bring out the considerable grace of the writing. Actor and author successfully serve up this improbable premise with such poise, charm, and savoir faire as to seduce the listener into an enthusiastic (and massive) suspension of disbelief. Y.R. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine


The twelfth book in Laurens's Cynster series is narrated by Matthew Brenher in a clipped British upper-crust tone. The story unfolds around the English aristocracy and features Gerrard Bennington, a Cynster relative by marriage. He resolves to paint Jacqueline Tregonning's portrait in return for exclusive access to the unique gardens at her family estate. Brenher's precise diction pulls the listener into a story of infatuation that develops into love, as well as murder and mystery. This romantic suspense takes place in a lovely historical setting. Brenher's articulation is spot-on as listeners are drawn into a tale of passion and lies. A.M.G. � AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine