The Perfect Lover

January 27, 2003
A genteel party in England in 1835 becomes the setting for romance and a dash of violence as prolific romance author Laurens (On a Wicked Dawn) makes her hardcover debut, the 10th entry in a series about the arrogant Cynster males. Portia Ashford has one goal in mind as she accompanies her eccentric mentor, Lady Osbaldestone, to Glossup Hall in Dorset. Portia wants children, and has reluctantly accepted that she must marry in order to have them. She is determined to learn as much as possible about men, with an eye to choosing one. Also seeking a spouse at the gathering is a man whom she's detested since childhood, the self-satisfied Simon Cynster. He playfully tutors her on the subject of men while hiding his true intent, and he soon progresses far beyond the bounds of propriety. Portia plays along, unconcerned about pregnancy or social ostracism. When they're not thus frolicking, the couple glower disapprovingly at their married hostess, Kitty Glossup, who flings herself at male guests and a gardener or two. Half way through the book, Portia stumbles over Kitty's corpse and finds that she, too, is a target. Simon and Portia help a police inspector plan a scheme that causes further jeopardy for Portia, then a rousing conclusion and matrimonial bliss—no surprise, given there was never any serious obstacle between the young lovers. As with Laurens's earlier titles, the generous doses of erotica will appeal to devotees of romantic suspense. 7-city author tour.

Jane Austen meets Ana•s Nin in this erotic murder mystery set in nineteenth- century England. A country house party brings upper-crust acquaintances together for several days of social intrigue, in which the subtlest of nuances receives detailed attention. The murder of an indiscreet mistress only adds to the complexities of the dance. Simon Prebble brings the ideal mix of mastery and vulnerability to his performance. His refined British Broadcasting voice takes command of the story, yet leaves the listener nearly swooning during the many intimate moments. His characters, though easily differentiated, are never over-performed, and his narrative passages sound ever so perfectly proper. In this role, Prebble claims the unofficial title of audio heartthrob. R.L.L. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2005 Audie Award Finalist (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine

October 15, 2002
In the latest Cynster tale, carefree Simon Cynster and his nemesis, Portia Ashford, suddenly realize that they are made for each other, but this happy discovery is wrecked by a murderous stalker. With a one-day laydown on February 4, 2003.

Copyright 2002 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2003
Best-seller Laurens makes her hardcover debut in this delightful installment in her enduringly popular series of historical romances set in Regency England and featuring the Cynster family. Simon Frederick Cynster, the last unmarried Cynster of his generation, decides it's time to find a wife, but since he's used to seducing women, not courting them, he has no idea how to locate a suitable spouse without arousing the suspicions of every marriage-minded mama in the town. Meanwhile, Portia Ashford, who considers Simon an overprotective family friend, wants children of her own, which requires a husband, so she realizes the need to sharpen her spouse-hunting skills. Luckily, Portia and Simon wind up at the same party. Portia asks Simon to school her in the arts of love, while Simon, intrigued by the idea that formerly annoying Portia might potentially be an ideal wife, is more than willing to teach her everything he knows about desire. Just as their lessons are progressing along nicely, however, their flirtatious and unfaithful hostess is murdered by someone who believes Portia knows more than she should about the crime. Laurens' arrogant, rakish hero meets his match in her clever, equally stubborn heroine as both characters discover the importance of trust when it comes to love. Elegant writing flavored with wit, memorable characters, some superbly sensual and exquisitely detailed love scenes, and a plot laced with danger all come together beautifully in this wickedly fun, wonderfully sexy romance.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2003, American Library Association.)