All About Love

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

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.

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