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.

When a handsome man literally fell at her feet while she was walking through a moonlit convent courtyard, Helena knew he must have been there for a scandalous liaison. Yet she kept his presence a secret from the questioning nuns -- and for her silence the stranger rewarded her with an enticing, unforgettable kiss. What Helena didn't know was that her wild Englishman was Sebastian Cynster, Duke of St. Ives ... and that this dashing, dangerous nobleman was her destiny.

Seven years later, Sebastian spies Helena from across a crowded ballroom. This heiress is dazzling London society with her wit and beauty, tantalizing all the eligible men with the prospect of taking her hand in marriage. But Helena is not looking for just any husband. She wants an equal, a challenge -- someone who can live up to the promise of that delicious, never-forgotten kiss.

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.

The gentlemen of the Bastion Club have proven their courage while fighting England's enemies, but nothing has prepared them for dealing with that most formidable of challenges: the opposite sex.

Deverell, Viscount Paignton, is in desperate need of a wife. Unmoved by the matchmaking "herd," he seeks help from his aunt, who directs him to a lady she vows is perfect for him. Dispatched to a country house party to look the lady over, he discovers her not swanning about among the guests but with her nose buried in a book in the library.

Phoebe Malleson is tempted to distraction by Deverell, but marrying him isn't part of her plan. Moved by an incident in her past, Phoebe has a secret cause to which she's committed. Unfortunately, telling Deverell to go away doesn't work, and he quickly learns of her secret. But someone powerful has her cause targeted for destruction&#8212and her in their sights. Phoebe must accept Deverell's help...though the cost to them both might be dear&#8212and deadly.

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.

New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens returns with another thrilling story from the Casebook of Barnaby Adair . . . Miraculously spared from death, Malcolm Sinclair erases the notorious man he once was. Reinventing himself as Thomas Glendower, he strives to make amends for his past, yet he never imagines penance might come via a secretive lady he discovers living in his secluded manor. Rose has a plausible explanation for why she and her children are residing in Thomas's house, but she quickly realizes he's far too intelligent to fool. Revealing the truth is impossibly dangerous, yet day by day, he wins her trust, and then her heart. But then her enemy closes in, and Rose turns to Thomas as the only man who can protect her and the children. And when she asks for his help, Thomas finally understands his true purpose, and with unwavering commitment, he seeks his redemption in the only way he can - through living the reality of loving Rose.

No 1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens pulls back the curtain on a world that has been hidden from us . . . until now. Montague has devoted his life to managing the wealth of London's elite, but at a huge cost: a family of his own. Then the enticing Miss Violet Matcham seeks his help, and in the puzzle she presents him, he finds an intriguing new challenge professionally . . . and personally. Violet, devoted lady-companion to the aging Lady Halstead, turns to Montague to reassure her ladyship that her affairs are in order. But the famous Montague is not at all what she'd expected - this man is compelling, decisive, supportive, and strong -everything Violet needs in a champion, a position to which Montague rapidly lays claim. But then Lady Halstead is murdered and Violet and Montague, aided by Barnaby Adair, Inspector Stokes, Penelope, and Griselda, race to expose a cunning and cold-blooded killer . . . who stalks closer and closer. Will Montague and Violet learn the shocking truth too late to seize their chance at enduring love? 'If Amanda Quick-style historical mysteries are your guilty pleasure, than this latest Barnaby Adair adventure - filled with murder, secrets, red herrings and danger - will be your cup of tea . . . those who adore Adair and crew, and recall Montague from previous novels will take pleasure in this thriller' RT Book Reviews

Deverell, Viscount Paignton, is in desperate need of a wife. Unmoved by the matchmaking 'herd', he seeks help from his aunt, who directs him to a lady she vows is perfect for him. Dispatched to a country house party, he discovers the lady not swanning about among the guests but with her nose buried in a book in the library. Phoebe Malleson is tempted to distraction by Deverell, but marrying him isn't part of her plan. Unfortunately, telling Deverell to go away doesn't work, and he quickly learns of an incident in her past and a secret cause to which she's committed. But someone powerful has her cause targeted for destruction. Phoebe must accept Deverell's help...though the cost to them both might be dear - and deadly.

The men of the Bastion Club proved their bravery secretly fighting for their country. Now their leader faces that most dangerous mission of all: finding a bride. As the mysterious leader of the Bastion Club known as 'Dalziel', Royce Varisey, 10th Duke of Wolverstone, served his country for decades, facing dangers untold. But as the holder of one of England's most august noble titles, he must now take on that gravest duty of all: marriage. Yet the young ladies the grand dames would have him consider are predictably boring. Far more tempting is his castle's willful and determinedly aloof chatelaine, Minerva Chesterton. Beneath her serene facade lies a woman of smoldering sensuality, one who will fill his days with comfort and his nights with sheer pleasure.

A classic Regency romance from a master of the genre When the Earl of Merton suddenly finds himself playing the knight in shining armor to a damsel in distress, he knows his days as a notorious rake are numbered. But though the lady seems grateful for his assistance, she flees the scene without revealing her name. Past scandals and present dangers threaten his pursuit of the mysterious lady, but he knows she is to be his destiny. This is a first-time regular print hardcover edition of a title previously available as a mass market paperback.

"If one is not marrying for love, one may as well marry for something else. My future countess has to be sufficiently docile and endowed with at least passable grace of form, deportment and address".

Fate has made Gyles Rawlings a man determined to control his destiny. He has decided to wed a well-bred lady who will dutifully bear him sons, yet turn a blind eye while he takes his pleasure elsewhere. By all good accounts, Francesca will fit his bill. As for the "elsewhere", he's recently encountered a beautiful, brazen siren who will make a fine mistress, one with a fiery nature to match his own.

But at the altar, Gyles discovers his bride is the bold enchantress who has inspired his deepest fantasies. Finding passion and love in the same woman has long been a secret fear. But as his world is rocked on its axis, Gyles becomes obsessed with possessing the one thing he'd thought he would never want... his wife's heart.

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.

Where are all the exciting men in London? After spending years in the glittering ballrooms of the town, Amanda Cynster is utterly bored by the current crop of bland suitors. Determined to take matters into her own hands, one night she shockingly goes where no respectable lady ever should, but where many an intriguing gentleman might be found. But titillating excitement quickly turns to panic when Amanda discovers she's quite out of her depth. She looks around for help - and is unexpectedly rescued by the Earl of Dexter. Lean, sensuous, and mysterious, he has delayed re-entering society, preferring instead a more interesting existence on its fringes. He's the epitome of the boldly passionate gentleman Amanda has been searching for, but although his very touch makes it clear he's willing to educate her in the art of love, Amanda has to wonder if such a masterful rake can be sufficiently tamed into the ways of marriage.

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.

Christian, I need your help. There is no one else I can turn to . . . L.' When Christian Allardyce, sixth Marquess of Dearne, reads these words, his world is turned upside down. Lady Letitia Randall is a woman like no other, and the day he left her behind to fight for King and Country was the most difficult of his life. He never forgot the feel of her lips against his, but never expected to see her again. Yet now she seeks his help, and Christian knows he cannot resist her plea. Letitia believes Christian abandoned her when she needed him most, and she hates to call on his aid. But to clear his brother's name, she has sworn to use every weapon at her command, even it means seducing her former lover. Yet all the while, Christian is waging a war of his won - a campaign of pure pleasure and sweet revenge that will take them both beyond the edge of desire.

Gareth Hamilton is stunned when he recognizes Emily Ensworth on his ship. The veil she wears is not enough to disguise her from him - or from the man hired to kill her. Whisking Emily to safety, Gareth realizes that the Black Cobra is on to them. In order to protect her, Gareth must let Emily in on the dangerous plot she is now intimately involved in. Emily Ensworth is no wilting flower. She knew the packet the dying soldier thrust upon her held vital information, and she has every intention of seeing it into safe hands. But she is also determined to bring the men trying to kill her to justice. Together, she and Gareth do their best to lure the Black Cobra and his men into the open. Putting their lives at risk draws Emily and Gareth ever closer together, the constant danger sparking a passion neither one can resist. But with threats lurking around every corner, Gareth and Emily must work harder than ever to make sure that their newfound love isn't snuffed out before it ever has a chance.

Tristan Wemyss, Earl of Trentham, never expected he'd need to wed within a year or forfeit his inheritance. But he is not one to bow to the matchmaking mamas of the ton. No, he will marry a lady of his own choosing. And the lady he chooses is the enchanting neighbour living with her family next door. Miss Leonora Carling has beauty, spirit and passion; unfortunately, matrimony is the last thing on her mind . . . Once bitten, forever shy - never again will Leonora allow any man to capture her heart and break it. But Tristan is a seasoned campaigner who will not accept defeat, especially when a mysterious blackguard with dark designs on Leonora's family home gives him the perfect excuse to come to the lady's aid - as her protector, confidant, seducer...and husband.

When a handsome man literally falls at her feet while she's walking through a moonlit convent courtyard, Helena knows he must be there for a scandalous liaison. Yet she keeps his presence a secret from the questioning nuns - and for her silence the stranger rewards her with an enticing, unforgettable kiss. What Helena doesn't know was that her wild Englishman is Sebastian Cynster, Duke of St. Ives. Seven years later, Sebastian spies Helena from across a crowded ballroom. This heiress is dazzling London society with her wit and beauty, tantalising all the eligible men with the prospect of taking her hand in marriage. But Helena is not looking for just any husband. She wants an equal, a challenge - someone who can live up to the promise of that delicious, never-forgotten kiss.

Welcome to the Regency world of Stephanie Laurens - and to the Cynsters and their ever-expanding clan! Now, Charles Morwellan, who we first meet in A SECRET LOVE (0749937203), one of her most beloved Cynster novels, meets his match in this exciting, and utterly sensuous, story.Charles Morwellan has no intention of following in the footsteps of his family - marrying for love - and therefore wants to find a bride before fate finds him. He is convinced that it was total devotion to love that caused his father to shirk the responsibilities of the earldom and is determined not to make the same mistakes. What Charlie doesn't realise is the woman he chose, Sarah Conningham, wants nothing less than a love match and she has no intention of letting Charlie get away with pushing her out of his life. Now, it's up to Sarah to convince Charlie that you really can have it all.

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?

When Catriona, honourable Lady of the Vale, receives the prediction that Richard Cynster - a man with a scandalous reputation - will father her children, she is vexed.

More shocking is her guardian's will that decrees that she and Richard be wed within a week!

But can he have the rights of the marriage bed without making any promises of love?

When Devil - the most infamous member of thecynster family - is caught in a compromising position with plucky governess honoria wetherby, he astonishes the entire ton by offering his hand in marriage.

No one had dreamed this scandalous rake would so tamely take a bride. As society's ladies swoon at the loss of England's most eligible bachelor, Devil's infamous Cynster cousins begin to place wagers on the wedding date.

Honoria isn't about to bend to society's demands and marry a man just because they've been found together unchaperoned. No. She craves adventure. Solving the murder of a young Cynster cousin fits the bill for a while, but once the crime is solved, Honoria is set on seeing the world.

But the scalding heat of her unsated desire for Devil soon has Honoria craving a very different sort of excitement. Could her passion for Devil cause her to embrace the enchanting peril of a lifelong adventure of the heart?

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...Alasdair Cynster. Known to his intimates as Lucifer, Alasdair had decided 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.

Bored by society's rules and strictures, Kathryn 'Kit' Cranmer yearns for adventure - and she finds it on Britain's rugged eastern coast, dressed as a boy at the head of a rag-tag band of smugglers. But there is another who rules the night: the notorious Captain Jack, the ruthless leader of a rival gang who will allow no tresspassers...and who stops Kit's breath with his handsome, etched features and powerful physique. In no time, Captain Jack sees though Kit's brazen disguise - and tempts her with kisses that compel the beautiful adventuress to surrender her cherished independence for nights of incomparable bliss. But her lover is much more than he seems - a man of secrets and dangerous mystery - and becoming Captain Jack's woman will carry Kit into a world of sensuous pleasures and unparalleled perils...and to new heights of excitement beyond anything she's ever dreamed.

One of the most eligible gentlemen in the ton, Gerrard Debbington is besieged by offers from London's most sought-after beauties, but as the ton's foremost artistic lion, there's only one offer he wants to accept - the chance to paint the fantastical but seldom-seen gardens of reclusive Lord Tregonning's Hellebore Hall.That chance is dangled before Gerrard, but to grasp it he must fulfill Lord Tregonning's demand that he also create an open and honest portrait of the man's daughter. Gerrard loathes the idea of wasting his time and talents on some simpering miss, but with no alternative, he agrees. Only Gerrard is stunned by the deep emotions Jacqueline stirs, and captivated by her passionate nature and innate goodness. He is soon convinced that Jacqueline is the soulmate he needs as his wife.But something is horribly wrong at Hellebore Hall. Evil lurks in the beautiful gardens and along the rambling pathways. And that evil reaches out to ensnare Jacqueline, trapping her in a web of insidious whispers - whispers that paint her as a double murderess.