To Distraction

July 17, 2006
Yet another brave member of the Bastion Club—a small band of wealthy, eligible gentlemen sworn to protect each other from the "marauding mamas" of London society—falls for an unconventional woman in the winning fifth novel of Laurens's Regency series. A former spy for the Crown, Jocelyn Deverell, Viscount Paignton, is in need of an heir, and for that he will need a wife. His aunt has just the match in Phoebe Malleson, her spirited, ruby-haired goddaughter. Unfortunately, Phoebe has no desire to marry, no matter how much Deverell might tempt her, having learned long ago to distrust men. Besides, Phoebe is busy with a secret crusade to rescue abused servants from wealthy households, a campaign she knows no man from the ton
would support. Undaunted, Deverell undertakes his most delicate mission yet, beginning a slow seduction that he hopes will win Phoebe's trust and, ultimately, her heart. When young female servants begin disappearing—apparently kidnapped—Phoebe finds herself caught in a deadly standoff with powerful criminals and must turn to Deverell. Though characters and language may ring familiar, Laurens introduces an enticing villain who promises to return, bringing the series some needed fresh air. Aptly titled, Laurens's latest generates enough heat to make you forget about sticky summertime weather.

August 15, 2006
Knowing that he must marry in order to ensure the succession of his title and entailed estates but thoroughly unimpressed with the young girls on the -marriage mart, - Jocelyn Deverell, Viscount Paignton, applies to his unconventional Aunt Audrey and is guided to beautiful, no-nonsense, and intelligent Phoebe Malleson, the perfect woman in all ways but one -she has no intention of marrying anyone. Intrigued by this challenge, Deverell pursues his clever quarry, but someone else has Phoebe in his sites for a far more deadly purpose. Sensual, compelling, and highly entertaining, this is a worthy addition to the -Bastion Club - series. Laurens ("What Price Love?") makes her home in Australia.

Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.