Antonia Mannering refused to become an old maid!She was a young woman with plans, and Lord Philip Ruthven played a large part in them. Though the childhood friends had not seen one another in years, she was perfectly aware that Philip had no lack of female companionship. But he had never married, and it was high time he did. If she could prove to him that she was capable of running his home and would not disgrace him in society, Antonia was certain he would propose a comfortable arrangement. But never had she expected that their hearts would somehow find their way into the bargain!

The Season has yet to begin, and the second member of the Bastion Club, tall, handsome Anthony Blake, Viscount Torrington, is already a target for every matchmaking mama in London. None of their flighty daughters can fix his interest, but a certain lady does...Alicia is living a deception. Desperation has caused the determined but penniless lady to boldly launch her ravishing younger sister into the ton and have her make a spectacular match. By masquerading as the widowed "Mrs. Carrington" Alicia can act as the perfect chaperone…but fashionable ladies are not accused of murder...When Tony Blake discovers Alicia standing over a dead body in his godmother’s garden, every instinct tells him she is innocent. His connections allow him to take control of the investigation, his social prominence provides her public support, but it is more than honor that compels him to protect her and to do everything in his seductive power to make her his.From Publishers WeeklyIn this steamy Regency, the second in Laurens's new Bastion Club series (following The Lady Chosen), Lord Anthony Blake, a former spy for England, finds himself at loose ends after the fall of Napoleon. Genteel widow Alicia Carrington, who's in London to chaperone her younger sister, puts an end to Anthony's ennui when she stumbles upon a dead body at a soiree and he stumbles upon her at the same time. A mysterious villain seems determined to frame Alicia for the murder, but the real danger lies in the secret she's hiding from everyone-including Anthony, who quickly insinuates himself into her life. As in all of Laurens's romances, the love scenes are passionate, and chemistry hums between the pair. Alicia is a classic Laurens heroine: plucky and determined. Anthony is high-handed at times but not offensively so. Although the romantic tension relies heavily on a few unspoken words, it's entertaining to watch the baffled couple finally admit to their feelings. Unfortunately, the mystery subplot is less compelling, depending as it does on following a paper trail that offers up little drama. Still, Laurens's fans should be more than satisfied with this heady tale.

Jack Lester has to find a bride…But where can he find the perfect woman? She has to be attractive, kind, a good conversationalist… and more important, she has to accept him as he is: devilishly handsome, charming and, as far as anyone knows, poor as a church mouse! If London society discovers his hidden wealth, he'll never find the right wife.Jack's heart races when he first lays eyes on Sophie Winterton. She is everything he desires – and more – but he is caught in his own trap. Believing that Jack needs to marry into wealth, Sophie rejects all his advances, certain he would never marry a poor girl like her. As they play out a game of cat and mouse, can Jack convince her that she is the woman he wants – and that he is the husband she deserves?

The seven members of the Bastion Club have served loyally in the perilous service of the Crown. Now they've banded together to support one another through their most dangerous mission of all: getting married.When Charles St. Austell returns home to claim his title as earl, and to settle quickly on a suitable wife as well, he discovers that experience has made him impatient of the young ladies who vie for his attention—with the exception of Lady Penelope Selborne. Years ago, Charles and Penelope's youthful ardor was consummated in an unforgettable afternoon. Charles is still haunted by their interlude, but Penny refuses to have anything more to do with him.If controlling her heart was difficult before, resisting a stronger, battle-hardened Charles is well nigh impossible, yet Penelope has vowed she won't make the same mistake twice, nor will she marry without love. But when a traitorous intrigue draws them together, then ultimately threatens them both—will Penny discover she has a true protector in Charles, her first and only love, who now vows to make her his own?From Publishers WeeklyRegency romance juggernaut Laurens shows signs of fatigue in the third book of her Bastion Club septet (after The Lady Chosen and A Gentleman's Honor). Lord Charles St. Austell, earl of Lostwithiel, is one of the seven noble members of the Bastion Club ("a last bastion against the matchmakers of the ton") who served as spies during the Napoleonic wars and who still do a bit of investigating for the Crown when they're not braving eager ladies on the marriage mart. At his country estate, Charles encounters old friend (and old flame) Lady Penelope Selborne, who's up to her neck in intrigue. Penny's late brother may have been involved in schemes to smuggle secrets to France during the war—schemes that seem to be continuing with new sources even after his death. The novel features all the steamy sensuality for which Laurens is known, but the sex scenes lack the spark typical of her best work; Penny and Charles spend far too much time staring longingly at each other, dutifully denying their own urges. The unwieldy spy plot, meanwhile, progresses with agonizing slowness as the two interrogate every suspicious newcomer in town. Dedicated fans will probably stick with Laurens through the remaining four Bastion Club titles, but she's going to have to pick up the pace if she's to keep others intrigued.

Publisher's WeeklyRegency romance juggernaut Laurens shows signs of fatigue in the third book of her Bastion Club septet (after The Lady Chosen and A Gentleman's Honor). Lord Charles St. Austell, earl of Lostwithiel, is one of the seven noble members of the Bastion Club ("a last bastion against the matchmakers of the ton") who served as spies during the Napoleonic wars and who still do a bit of investigating for the Crown when they're not braving eager ladies on the marriage mart. At his country estate, Charles encounters old friend (and old flame) Lady Penelope Selborne, who's up to her neck in intrigue. Penny's late brother may have been involved in schemes to smuggle secrets to France during the war-schemes that seem to be continuing with new sources even after his death. The novel features all the steamy sensuality for which Laurens is known, but the sex scenes lack the spark typical of her best work; Penny and Charles spend far too much time staring longingly at each other, dutifully denying their own urges. The unwieldy spy plot, meanwhile, progresses with agonizing slowness as the two interrogate every suspicious newcomer in town. Dedicated fans will probably stick with Laurens through the remaining four Bastion Club titles, but she's going to have to pick up the pace if she's to keep others intrigued. Agent, Nancy Yost. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Demon Cynster has seen love bring his brethren to their knees, and he's vowed that he will not share their fateuntil 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 eyesand 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 fagade-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?Demon Cynster has seen love bring his brethren to their knees, and he's vowed that he will not share their fateuntil 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 eyesand so temptingly worthy of the love he's vowed never to surrender to any woman.

All of Regency London knows that no Cynster male would ever walk away from a lady in distress...but their protection can come at a tantalizingly high price. 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 powerlerss 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?

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.

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.

When Gyles Rawlings, Earl of Chillingworth, was named an honorary Cynster (in All About Love), he was pleased at the recognition of his longtime friendship with the Cynsters but certain that the gesture would not affect his future in the slightest. Unlike the Cynsters, who are destined to wed for love, Gyles is determined that love will play no part in his marriage plans. That's why he's contracted to wed an heiress, sight unseen, to acquire an estate that had once been part of his family's land. He considers it a bonus that, while conducting the negotiations for his perfectly suitable bride, he's met an unforgettable beauty whose passionate nature is the perfect match for his own -- until he discovers that the brazen beauty he plans to make his mistress is, in fact, his promised bride, and she is determined her marriage will be a perfect fusion of passion and love.

In a moment of recklessness, Gervase Tregarth, 6th Earl of Crowhurst, swears he'll marry the next eligible lady to cross his path. Cloistered at his ancestral castle in Cornwall, with nary a suitable woman for miles, he never expects he'll have to fulfill his pledge, at least not until the London Season begins. But then he meets his neighbor, the very appealing Madeline Gascoigne.Years of secret service to the Crown have taught Gervase the value of always having a loophole-there will be no wedding if he and Madeline are incompatible in any way. So he sets out to prove that they would make a most dreadful match… by luring her into his arms and, ultimately, his bed.From their very first kiss, Gervase discovers that the headstrong and independent Madeline is no meek country miss… and that the fire between them will burn long beyond that first seduction.

One of the brightest stars of romantic fiction, the incomparable New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens flings wide the gates of the Bastion Club – an elite society of unmarried London gentlemen dedicated to determining their own matrimonial futures. Here, in one volume, are two of the author's most captivating and sensuous novels: a "prequel" that brilliantly sets the stage for the popular series and an early Bastion delight.Captain Jack's WomanRebellious Kathryn "Kit" Cranmer finds adventure at the head of a rag-tag band of smugglers. But her dashing, ruthless rival, the notorious Captain Jack, rules the night – and becoming this bold man of mystery's woman will carry Kit to new heights of excitement beyond anything she's ever dreamed.A Gentleman's HonorAnthony Blake, Viscount Torrington, believes Alicia Carrington when the frightened young beauty swears she's innocent in the murder of the villain who was blackmailing her. But it is more than honor that compels the handsome nobleman to protect her, and to do everything in his seductive power to make Alicia his.

To Have...When Devil, the most infamous member of the Cynster family, is caught in a compromising position with plucky governess Honoria Wetherby, he astonishes the entire tom by offering his hand in marriage. No one dreamed this scandalous rake would ever take a bride. And as society mamas swooned at the loss of England's most eligible bachelor, Devil's infamous Cynster cousins began to place wagers on the wedding date. ...And To HoldBut Honoria wasn't about to bend society's demands and marry a man "just" because they'd been found together virtually unchaperoned. No, she craved adventure, and while solving the murder of a young Cynster cousin fit he ill for a while, she decided that once the crime was solved she'd go off to see the world. But the scalding heat of her unsated desire for Devil soon had 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?TO HAVE. . .When Devil, the most infamous member of the Cynster family, is caught in a compromising position with plucky governess Honoria Wetherby, he astonishes the entire tom by offering his hand in marriage. No one dreamed this scandalous rake would ever take a bride. And as society mamas swooned at the loss of Englands most eligible bachelor, Devils infamous Cynster cousins began to place wagers on the wedding date.. . .AND TO HOLDBut Honoria wasnt about to bend societys demands and marry a man just because theyd been found together virtually unchaperoned. No, she craved adventure, and while solving the murder of a young Cynster cousin fit he ill for a while, she decided that once the crime wassolved shed go off to see the world. But the scalding heat of her unsated desire for Devil soon had 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?

Los solteros más codiciados y aventureros de Londres se han unido para formar el Bastion Club, una sociedad de élite para caballeros dedicada a determinar el futuro de sus miembros en lo referente al matrimonio.Los hombres del Bastion Club han demostrado su valor luchando secretamente por su país. Ahora su líder se enfrenta a la más peligrosa de todas las misiones: encontrar una novia.Actuando como el misterioso líder del Bastion Club conocido como «Dalziel», Royce Henry Varisey, X duque de Wolverstone, ha servido a su país durante décadas, enfrentándose a innombrables peligros. Pero como poseedor de uno de los títulos de nobleza más augustos de Inglaterra, ahora debe cumplir con la labor más crucial de todas: el matrimonio.No obstante, las jóvenes y las grandes damas que podrían ser apropiadas son predeciblemente aburridas. Mucho más tentadora resulta la terca y distante ama de llaves de su castillo, Minerva Chesterton. Bajo su sereno exterior se esconde una mujer de ardiente sensualidad, que colmaría sus días de comodidades y sus noches de puro placer. Decidido a reclamarla, se embarca en una seducción para demostrar su maestría sobre cada centímetro de su cuerpo… y cada fibra de su corazón.

Jonas Tallent, emparentado con los célebres Cynster, es apuesto, rico y de buena familia, y se dedica a disfrutar de la vida. Juega a las cartas hasta el amanecer y coquetea con las damas más deseadas de la sociedad londinense. Cuando empieza a sentirse inquieto y aburrido por tanta frivolidad, se ve obligado a tomar las riendas de la hacienda familiar en el Devon rural. Una de sus primeras decisiones es contratar un nuevo encargado para la posada de su propiedad, pero descubre que hay poca gente dispuesta a vivir en un lugar tan pequeño y tranquilo.Es entonces cuando Emily Beauregard, una refinada dama venida a menos, solicita el puesto. Jonas cree que las damas, en especial las que son tan atractivas como Emily, deben estar en los salones de baile o en los dormitorios, no en las posadas. Sin embargo, no tiene alternativa, y de mala gana permite que la joven demuestre su valía.Pero Emily guarda un secreto. No ha llegado a Devon impulsada sólo por la necesidad de mantener a sus hermanos, sino que la anima un objetivo muy concreto y ambicioso…

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?The first romances New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens ever read were those of Georgette Heyer, and romances set in Regency England continue to be her favorites. After escaping from the dry world of professional science, Stephanie took up writing such romances for her own pleasure. Four in Hand was one of the eight original Regency romances that she wrote before turning her hand to longer, historical romances set in the Regency period.Now residing in a leafy bayside suburb of Melbourne, Australia, Stephanie divides her free time between her husband, two teenage daughters and an affable idiot of a hound. She also enjoys gardening and needlework.

Tristan Wemyss, conde de Trentham, nunca esperó tener que casarse en el plazo de un año para no perder su herencia. Pero él no se someterá a los deseos de las madres casamenteras de la sociedad. No, él se casará con una dama de su propia elección. Y la dama que ha escogido es su encantadora vecina. La señorita Leonora Carling tiene belleza, espíritu y pasión; desgraciadamente, el matrimonio es la última cosa en su mente.Para Leonora, los besos de Tristan son muy tentadores. Pero, como dice el refrán, el que se quema con leche cuando ve una vaca llora y ella ha decidido alejarse del matrimonio.Tristan es un veterano experimentado y no aceptará la derrota. Por eso, cuando un misterioso hombre intenta ahuyentar a Leonora y su familia de su casa, Tristan comprende que tiene la excusa perfecta para ofrecer sus servicios como protector, seductor y marido.

Tristan Wemyss, conde de Trentham, nunca esperó tener que casarse en el plazo de un año para no perder su herencia. Pero él no se someterá a los deseos de las madres casamenteras de la sociedad. No, él se casará con una dama de su propia elección. Y la dama que ha escogido es su encantadora vecina. La señorita Leonora Carling tiene belleza, espíritu y pasión; desgraciadamente, el matrimonio es la última cosa en su mente.Para Leonora, los besos de Tristan son muy tentadores. Pero, como dice el refrán, el que se quema con leche cuando ve una vaca llora y ella ha decidido alejarse del matrimonio.Tristan es un veterano experimentado y no aceptará la derrota. Por eso, cuando un misterioso hombre intenta ahuyentar a Leonora y su familia de su casa, Tristan comprende que tiene la excusa perfecta para ofrecer sus servicios como protector, seductor y… marido.

Penelope Ashford se ha criado con todas las ventajas: riqueza, posición, y belleza. Sin embargo, dista mucho ser la típica señorita de sociedad: es enérgica, terca y directa hasta las últimas consecuencias; durante años se ha dedicado a dirigir una institución de asistencia para los huérfanos. Pero ahora sus pupilos están desapareciendo misteriosamente. Desesperada, recurre al único hombre que conoce y que podría ayudarla: Barnaby Adair.Apuesto descendiente de una noble familia, Adair se ha labrado un nombre dentro de la política y en los círculos judiciales. Sus poderes de seducción y observación combinados con pedigrí le han llevado a resolver diversos crímenes de gravedad dentro de la sociedad. Aunque la hace sentirse irritantemente incómoda, Penelope se presenta a altas horas de la noche ante la puerta de su residencia de soltero, decidida a reclutarle para su causa.Barnaby acepta su desafío, intrigado por su historia tanto como por la mujer, su audaz belleza e innegable intelecto forman un impresionante contraste con las demás señoritas de sociedad, por lo general insípidas. Reclutando la ayuda del inspector Basil Stokes, se infiltran en las calles de Londres. Pero mientras desentrañan el misterio, descubren el rastro de un criminal arraigado en la misma recientemente creada organización para proteger a los londinenses. Y dicho criminal está al tanto de ellos y de sus esfuerzos, y está preparado para amenazar todo lo que aprecian, incluido sus recientes conocimientos sobre las intrigas del corazón humano.