Setting: England, 1835
Sensuality: 8

A wealthy and powerful rake of the English ton, Simon Cynster has known Portia Ashford, equally wealthy and well-educated, since they were children. By sheer chance, he decides it's time to find a wife at the same time that she decides she wants children and must find a husband. Knowing each other so well is both a blessing and a curse, for when it dawns on Simon that he's in love with Portia, he's well aware that she'll feel challenged by his protectiveness and wary of having her independence curtailed. For her part, Portia feels safe exploring her newly awakened sensuality with Simon, but she’s not at all sure that he'll make a suitable husband. While they're feeling their way through a minefield of turbulent emotions, they're distracted by several unexplained "accidents," and when a member of the weekend house party they’re attending dies, Simon is confronted with the urgent need to keep Portia safe from harm.

Readers who have followed Laurens's tales of the Cynster family will be delighted with this latest novel from the author, for it brings together the "last unmarried male Cynster of his generation" and the lady who was his childhood nemesis. New readers, as well as dedicated fans, will be intrigued by the well-crafted plot, impeccable English setting, and the charming cast of characters. --Lois Faye Dyer


From Publishers Weekly
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.Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
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 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
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. John Charles
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


Book Description

Simon Frederick Cynster knows that a perfect bride -- and a perfect lover -- are one and the same. So he sets about finding a mate to suit his needs -- someone who will be a perfect lady by day. . .and a wanton lover by night.

But Simon is not about to broadcast his search to the entire ton and run the risk of every dowager foisting her flighty charges upon him. Instead, he carefully begins his search at a house party at Glossup Hall…and is astonished when willfully independent Portia Ashford immediately captures his interest.

He's known her since childhood and certainly never considered her a potential wife…until an unexpectedly heated kiss changes his mind forever. But as he and Portia begin to explore the depths of their passion, a shocking event occurs…one that puts Portia in deadly peril, and that will require Simon to use his considerable strength and influence to protect his once and always perfect lover.

FROM OUR EDITORS

The Barnes & Noble Review
In this captivating historical romance about Stephanie Laurens's intriguing Cynster family, an unexpectedly perilous house party is the setting for an equally unexpected love match between Simon Cynster and Portia Ashford. Simon has known Portia for ages, and his natural protectiveness toward her has always encouraged her defiance. Their clashes have only gotten worse since his sister wed her brother (in On a Wicked Dawn). But, when Portia decides it's time for her to explore the passions that inspire men and women to marry, she needs a tutor who is both discreet and accomplished. Despite Simon's rakish reputation, she knows she can trust him absolutely￯﾿ﾽif she can persuade him to go along with her wild plan. What she doesn't know is that Simon has also decided it's time to marry, and he's prepared to employ all his seductive wiles to persuade Portia to become not just his paramour but also his wife. In a family known for bold warriors and passionate lovers, Simon Cynster is about to prove himself The Perfect Lover. This volume also includes a teaser chapter for Laurens's exciting Bastion Club series, scheduled to debut in the fall of 2003. Sue Stone

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Simon Frederick Cynster knows that a perfect bride — and a perfect lover — are one and the same. So he sets about finding a mate to suit his needs — someone who will be a perfect lady by day. . .and a wanton lover by night.

But Simon is not about to broadcast his search to the entire ton and run the risk of every dowager foisting her flighty charges upon him. Instead, he carefully begins his search at a house party at Glossup Hall…and is astonished when willfully independent Portia Ashford immediately captures his interest.

He's known her since childhood and certainly never considered her a potential wife…until an unexpectedly heated kiss changes his mind forever. But as he and Portia begin to explore the depths of their passion, a shocking event occurs…one that puts Portia in deadly peril, and that will require Simon to use his considerable strength and influence to protect his once and always perfect lover.

SYNOPSIS

Simon Cynster's finally found his match in Portia Ashford. But as they explore the depths of their passion a shocking crime is committed. Will Simon's strength and influence be enough to protect his newfound lover from becoming the next victim?

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

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. (Feb.) Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal