The first novel in #1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens's legendary Cynster series--now available in a trade paperback edition for the first time--a breathtaking tale of passion and mystery involving a duke known as "Devil" and the governess who beguiles him.

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 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.

She was unquestionably a lady. Still, that had never stopped him before. He could see that she was not, he thought, that young. Even better. Another twinge of pain from behind his eyes lent a harshness to his voice. "Who the devil are you?" In no way discomposed, she answered, "My name is Caroline Twinning. And if you really are the Duke of Twyford, then I'm very much afraid I'm your ward" Max Rotherbridge couldn't believe it. Along with the dukedom of Twyford, he...London's most notorious rogue...had inherited wardship of four devilishly attractive sisters! Including the irresistible Caroline Twinning. The eldest Twinning was everything he had ever wanted in a woman, but even Max couldn't seduce his own ward...or could he? After all, he did have a substantial reputation to protect. And what better challenge than the one woman capable of stealing his heart?

After the death of her dear father, Georgiana Hartley returns home to England...only to be confronted by the boorish advances of her wretched cousin. Knowing no one, she flees to Dominic Ridgely's estate, hoping the nobleman will bestow a neighbourly kindness upon her. The haughty viscount hears Georgiana's plea to find her a position as a lady's companion with thinly veiled disgust. A lovely innocent such as Miss Hartley subjected to that base existence? The very idea was preposterous. Instead, he takes matters into his own hands and introduces her to his sister's influence. Suddenly, Georgiana is transformed into a lady who charms the ton with ease and draws a bevy of suitors at every turn. Everything is unfolding according to Dominic's plan...until he realises that he desires Georgiana for his own.

Now in trade paperback for the first time--#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens's unforgettable tale of love and mystery that introduced her overwhelming popular Bastion Club novels

Tristan Wemyss, Earl of Trentham, has a most unexpected challenge: like all men of his class he must find a suitable wife, but within a year, and if he fails, he must forfeit his inheritance. Despite the many alluring young women paraded before him, he picks his neighbor, Miss Leonora Carling. Spirited, educated, and no man's fool, Leonora meets his requirements perfectly. Unfortunately, she has no desire to marry anyone . . .

But then unanticipated danger finds her and Leonora must beg Tristan for his aid. A mysterious stranger is attempting to force her family from their home, so when Tristan extends his services as protector she has little choice but to accept. Yet as they get ever-closer to uncovering the source of the threat, Tristan discovers his offer of convenience is becoming an offer of love.

#1 New York Times bestselling author Bold and clever, THE CAVANAUGHS are unlike any other family in early Victorian England. #1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens continues to explore the enthralling world of these dynamic siblings in the eagerly anticipated second volume in her captivating series. A Gentleman of Means One of the most eligible bachelors in London, Lord Christopher "Kit" Cavanaugh has discovered his true path and it doesn't include the expected society marriage. Kit is all business and has chosen the bustling port of Bristol to launch his passion-Cavanaugh Yachts. A Woman of Character Miss Sylvia Buckleberry's passion is her school for impoverished children. When a new business venture forces the school out of its building, she must act quickly. But confronting Kit Cavanaugh is a daunting task made even more difficult by their first and only previous meeting, when, believing she'd never see him again, she'd treated him dismissively. Still, Sylvia is determined to be persuasive. An Unstoppable Duo But it quickly becomes clear there are others who want the school-and Cavanaugh Yachts-closed. Working side by side, Kit and Sylvia fight to secure her school and to expose the blackguard trying to sabotage his business. Yet an even more dastardly villain lurks, one who threatens the future both discover they now hold dear

#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens unveils a dramatic new tale of desire and devotion in her beloved Cynster series. Marcus Cynster is waiting for Fate to come calling. He knows his destiny lies near his home in Scotland, but what will it be? Who is his fated bride? One fact seems certain: His future won't lie with Niniver Carrick, a young lady who attracts him mightily and whom he feels compelled to protect-even from himself. Fate, he's sure, will never be so kind as to decree that Niniver should be his. Delicate and ethereal, Niniver has vowed to return her clan to prosperity. Having accepted that she can never marry and risk a controlling husband, she needs help fending off unwelcome suitors. Powerful and dangerous, Marcus is perfect for the task. Suppressing her wariness over tangling with a gentleman who so excites her passions, she appeals to him for aid. Marcus quickly discovers his fated role is to stand by Niniver's side and, ultimately, claim her hand. Yet in order to convince her to be his bride, they must plunge headlong into a journey full of challenges, unforeseen dangers, passion, and yearning, until Niniver grasps the essential truth-that she is indeed a match for Marcus Cynster. "Laurens' sprawling series spans multiple generations and families with no end in sight, but with distinctive, engaging storylines and the ever fascinating and uniquely authentic Cynsters, why stop?" - Kirkus Reviews

#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens returns to Scotland, where destiny and passion intertwine... Thomas Carrick is determined to make his own life in the bustling port city of Glasgow, far from the demands of the Carrick clan, eventually with an appropriate wife on his arm. But disturbing events on his family's estate force Thomas to return to the Scottish countryside - where he is forced to ask for help from the last woman he wants to face. Thomas has never forgotten Lucilla Cynster and the connection that seethes between them, but to marry Lucilla would mean embracing a life he's adamant is not for him. Strong-willed and passionate, Lucilla knows Thomas is hers -her fated lover, husband, protector, mate. He is the only man for her, just as she is his one true love. How can he ignore a bond stronger than reason and choose a different path? She's determined to fight for their future and, while she cannot command him, she has enticements of her own to wield when it comes to tempting Thomas Carrick. "Laurens' sprawling series spans multiple generations and families with no end in sight, but with distinctive, engaging storylines and the ever fascinating and uniquely authentic Cynsters, why stop?" - Kirkus Reviews

We asked our readers what story they would most like to see from four bestselling authors. They responded . . .

A handsome hero returns from war, battle-scarred and world-weary. But family duty calls and he must find a bride.

A young lady facing yet another season without a suitor never expects to find herself the object of his affections.

It Happened One Season

Four amazing talents

Stephanie LaurensMary BaloghJacquie D'AlessandroandCandice Hern

have come together to create one of the most unforgettable events of the year. The results are spectacular--each story is as unique as a lover's first kiss.

Six notorious cousins, known to the ton as the Bar Cynster, have cut a swath through the ballrooms of London. Yet one by one, each has fallen in love and married the woman of his heart, until only one of them is left unclaimed...the most rakish of Stephanie Laurens' captivating clan...and he's not about to go easily.

Alasdair Cynster -- known to his intimates as Lucifer -- decides to rusticate in the country before the matchmaking skills of London's mamas become firmly focused on him, the last unwed Cynster. But an escape to Devon leads him straight to his destiny in the irresistible form of Phyllida Tallent, a willful, independent beauty of means who brings all his masterful Cynster instincts rioting to the fore. Lucifer tries to deny the desire Phyllida evokes -- acting on it will land him in a parson's mousetrap, one place he's sworn never to go. But destiny intervenes, leaving him to face the greatest Cynster challenge -- wooing a reluctant bride.

Phyllida has had a bevy of suitors -- her charm and wit are well known throughout the countryside -- but none of them has tempted her the way Lucifer does. His offer to teach her all about the ways of love is almost too tantalizing to resist. And though she's not yet completely surrendered, she knows only a fool stands against a Cynster...and Phyllida is no one's fool.

This title presents all the glitter and passion of Regency times through the lives and romantic escapades of the Lester Family.Miss Antonia Mannering was not going to dwindle into becoming an old maid! She and Lord Philip Ruthven had been childhood friends who had not seen each other for years. And although considered a very eligible bachelor, Philip remained unmarried.With Philip's close friend Harry Lester recently married, Antonia only hopes that she can convince Philip of the bliss marriage brings, that she can run his home and not disgrace him in Society. But is Philip ready to set up his nursery...with Antonia as his wife?

Jack Lester had every reason to hide the news of his recently acquired fortune: he wanted an attractive, capable bride who would accept him for himself, not for his newfound riches. An impossible task given the debutantes he had seen over the past few seasons!Yet it was essential that he make his choice before the society matrons discovered the Lester family were no longer as poor as church mice. He had to convince Sophie, the woman of his dreams, to marry him as poor Jack Lester. For if he told her the truth, how could he be certain of her motives?

When a gentleman is restless and bored with the careless pleasures of London society, he needs to discover a new diversion, and if that diversion is a beautiful woman, so much the better.

Temptation

Jonas Tallent, who has masterfully taken the reins of his family's estate, never expected a delectable morsel like Miss Emily Beauregard to step into his library, but he certainly isn't about to hire her as manager for the village inn. A lady as tempting as Emily belongs in a ballroom, or a bedroom--preferably his.

Surrender

Emily herself hadn't expected her current circumstances, but she has her reasons and doesn't plan to share them, even with someone as seductive as Jonas. Yet he can be so devilishly persuasive. But a villain knows her secret, and soon danger threatens Em, her family, and the powerful love she and Jonas have found in each other's arms.

#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens returns with a new series that captures the simmering desires and intrigues of early Victorians as only she can. 'Stephanie Laurens' heroines are marvelous tributes to Georgette Heyer: feisty and strong.' Cathy Kelly Ryder Cavanaugh's step-siblings are determined to make their own marks in London society. Seeking fortune and passion, THE CAVANAUGHS will delight readers with their bold exploits. An independent nobleman Lord Randolph Cavanaugh is loyal and devoted-but only to family. To the rest of the world he's aloof and untouchable, a respected and driven entrepreneur. But Rand yearns for more in life, and when he travels to Buckinghamshire to review a recent investment, he discovers a passionate woman who will challenge his ruthless self-control... A determined lady Felicia Throgmorton intends to keep her family afloat. For decades, her father was consumed by his inventions and now, months after his death, with their finances in ruins, her brother insists on continuing their father's tinkering. Felicia is desperate to hold together what's left of the estate. Then she discovers she must help persuade their latest investor that her father's follies are a risk worth taking... Together-the perfect team Rand arrives at Throgmorton Hall to discover the invention on which he's staked his reputation has exploded, the inventor is not who he expected, and a fiercely intelligent woman now holds the key to his future success. But unflinching courage in the face of dismaying hurdles is a trait they share, and Rand and Felicia are forced to act together against dangerous foes to protect everything they hold dear.

Demon Cynster has seen love bring his brethren to their knees, and he's vowed that he will not share their fate -- until he spies Felicity Parteger sneaking around his country estate. Demon remembers Felicity as a mere chit of a girl, but now she stands before him -- begging for his help -- all lush curves, sparkling eyes -- and so temptingly worthy of the love he's vowed never to surrender to any woman.

Felicity knew Demon was one of the ton's most eligible bachelors and a rogue of the worst sort, but he was the only one capable of getting her friend out of trouble. Her fascination with him had nothing to do with the power lurking just beneath his devil-may-care facade -- or with the desire that flares when he takes her in his arms. She knows he'll never yield her the love she desperately seeks, but could a marriage with passion alone -- even with a man like Demon -- be enough?

A land of legend and wild beauty - of clans, lairds, honor, and passion - Scotland forever stirs the soul ot romance. Noe, in one incomparable volume, four of Avon Romance's bestselling authors present stirring tales of hearts won and weddings to be, featuring a quartet of unforgettable heroines about to discover the rapture of love in a world as untamed as the men they will one day marry.

Se solicita el placer de su compania en la boda de Miss Eliza Cynster... pero no hasta que ella sea rescatada de un osado secuestro !por parte del mas inesperado de los heroes! Raptada descaradamente en el baile de compromiso de su hermana Heather, Eliza Cynster es llevada al norte, a Edimburgo. Desesperada y decidida a escapar, aprovecha el posible primer defensor que aparece: el erudito y caballero Jeremy Carling. Villanos y rescates son lejanos a la experiencia de Jeremy; sin embargo, no puede abandonar a una dama en apuros. Pero el peligro acecha y abundan los obstaculos en su carrera para eludir al misterioso terrateniente, hasta que una confrontacion final en un acantilado barrido por el viento revela lo que podria albergar su futuro, si ambos son lo bastante valientes para capturar y apropiarse del amor inesperado que ahora se tienen.

And now, Stephanie Laurens has created her boldest Cynster yet - Gabriel - a man who has known the pleasure of many women, but who has given his heart to no one.

She was desperate for his help...

When a mysterious lady, her face hidden by a black veil, begs Gabriel Cynster for his help, he cannot refuse her plea. For despite her disguise, Gabriel finds the woman alluring and he is powerless to deny her. But he exacts payment as only a Cynster would demand: with each piece of information he uncovers, she must pay him - in the form of a kiss.

He was powerless to resist...

Lady Alathea Morwellan knows Gabriel is intrigued, but despite the sparks that fly between them, they have never passed a civil moment together. Yet as the stakes get higher, so does Gabriel′s desire for payment. And with each overpowering kiss, each passionate embrace, Alathea knows that she will not be able to resist his ultimate seduction...but what will happen when she reveals the truth?

Amelia Cynster hears these words from the handsome, enigmatic, sixth Viscount Calverton and is stunned. It's near dawn and she's risked scandal by lying in wait for him just outside his London house. But he a agrees to her outrageous marriage proposal -- just prior to passing out at her feet. Amelia's torn between astounded relief and indignant affront, then decides she doesn't care. She has always loved him -- no other man will do -- and, frankly, she's tired of waiting.

Sometimes a young lady needs to take matters into her own hands.

But matters of the heart are never that simple. The first hitch in Amelia's plans comes when he refuses to agree to a hasty wedding -- insists on properly wooing her... in public and private. Soon, she longs for those moments away from the watchful gaze of the ton, in which she can learn all about seduction from a master. But unbeknown known to Amelia, he has a very good reason for wooing her. Every wicked gentleman has his price.

New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens knows Regency London, and outside the exclusive enclave in which the aristocracy lived in wealth and comfort, lay another world . . .

An intriguing man

Handsome, enigmatic, and deliciously dangerous, Barnaby Adair has made his name by solving crimes within the ton. When Penelope Ashford appeals for his aid, he is moved by her plight--and captivated by her lush beauty.

An undaunted woman

More than a pretty face in a satin gown, Penelope has devoted her will and intelligence to caring for London's orphans. But now her charges are disappearing. She turns to Adair for help, never dreaming she'll discover in him a man who matches her appetite for life and passion.

Where the heart leads

As Barnaby and Penelope unravel the mystery of the missing children, they uncover a shocking trail that leads to the upper echelons of society, and a ruthless criminal who is ready to destroy all they hold dear, including their newfound understanding of the irresistible intrigues of the heart.

When a mysterious lady, her face hidden by a black veil, begs Gabriel Cynster for his help, he cannot refuse her plea. For despite her disguise, Gabriel finds the woman alluring and he is powerless to deny her. But he exacts payment as only a Cynster would demand: with each piece of information he uncovers, she must pay him in the form of a kiss. Lady Alathea Morwellan knows Gabriel is intrigued, but despite the sparks that fly between them, they have never passed a civil moment together. Yet as the stakes get higher, so does Gabriel's desire for payment. And with each overpowering kiss, each passionate embrace, Alathea knows that she will not be able to resist his ultimate seduction...but what will happen when she reveals the truth?