Setting: Regency England

Sensuality: 8

Regency rake Alasdair Reginald Cynster, better known as Lucifer, is determined to avoid the epidemic of marriage that has claimed the rest of his male relatives. He leaves London for the Devon countryside and a quiet visit with an elderly friend, but gets the shock of his life when he stumbles on his friend's body, is coshed on the head by an unknown assailant, and wakes to find himself being tended by the lovely Phyllida Tallent. Entranced by the beautiful lady and her quick mind, Lucifer soon finds himself conspiring with Phyllida to solve the murder even as he grows daily more involved in the lives of the residents of Colyton. For her part, Phyllida had resigned herself to choosing a suitor from the unprepossessing noblemen living in and about Colyton. The sophisticated, handsome Lucifer takes her by surprise and shakes the foundations of her world. Neither Lucifer nor the willful Phyllida had planned to fall in love, but destiny clearly intends otherwise. If the unknown murderer has his way, however, neither of the two will live to enjoy a happy ending to their tale.

Stephanie Laurens deftly combines a strong mystery plot with a breathtaking love story in this, the latest Bar Cynster story. Lucifer has the charm, character, and powerful personality that readers adore in the Cynster men, while Phyllida perfectly balances him with quick wit, courage, and a strong will of her own. All About Love is sure to be a hit with devoted fans and new readers alike.--Lois Faye Dyer


From Publishers Weekly
In the sixth installment of Laurens's series of Regency-set romances involving the devilish men of the Cynster family (A Secret Love, etc.), the familiar "curse" that causes the Cynster men to fall in love with and marry independent women comes into play once again. Alasdair Reginald Cynster, widely known as Lucifer, arrives at the country home of his mentor, Horatio Welham, only to discover he's been murdered. Knocked unconscious himself, the last thing Lucifer feels before he blacks out is a woman's touch. When he awakens, he is at the family home of Phyllida Tallent, his angel of mercy. Although Phyllida and Lucifer join forces to solve Horatio's murder, Phyllida conceals a secret that she is unwilling to reveal despite a growing attraction to her handsome new companion. As for Lucifer, once he's recovered from his initial distaste at being in love, he sets about wooing Phyllida, and only her determination to remain independent keeps them apart. Phyllida and Lucifer are rich, engaging characters, and Laurens's writing shines. Loyal fans of the series will also be pleased to note that Devil and Demon, protagonists from the previous novels, make an appearance as well. (Feb. 6)Forecast: Laurens is quickly building a name with this exceptional series, and her growing number of fans will eagerly pluck this one off the shelves. With her skill at depicting strong female leads, she also is likely to attract a number of contemporary romance readers.Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.


Linda Howard
"She's one of my favorites!"


Book Description
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.


Download Description
Six notorious cousins, known to the town 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.


About the Author
New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens began writing as an escape from the dry world of professional science. Her hobby quickly became a career, and her series about the masterful Cynster cousins has captivated readers, making her one of the romance world's most beloved and popular authors. She currently lives in a suburb of Melbourne, Australia, with her husband and two teenage daughters.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

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.

About the AuthorNew York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens began writing as an escape from the dry world of professional science. Her hobby quickly became a career, and her series about the masterful Cynster cousins has captivated readers, making her one of the romance world's most belovedand popular authors. She currently lives in a suburb of Melbourne, Australia, with her husband and two teenage daughters.

SYNOPSIS

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.

FROM THE CRITICS

Kathe Robin - Romantic Times

Stephanie Laurens never fails to entertain and charm her readers with vibrant plots, snappy dialogue and unforgettable characters.

Linda Howard

She's one of my favorites!

Publishers Weekly