On a Wild Night (Cynster Series) »

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. Her novels set in Regency England have captivated readers around the globe, making her one of the romance world's most beloved and popular authors. She currently has 42 books in print, with the last 24 of those becoming New York Times bestsellers. Laurens lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband and two daughters.

The first of two sensational love stories featuring the twin Cynster sisters--one wild and one wicked--in Regency England. Amanda Cynster is bored with the current crop of suitors and is determined to take matters into her own hands. Heading to a place where no respectable lady should be, she panics and is unexpectedly rescued by the Earl of Dexter--who makes it clear to Amanda he's willing to educate her in the art of love.

Publishers Weekly

Veteran romance author Laurens adds to her early 19th-century Cynster family saga with this highly sensual tale featuring 23-year-old Amanda Cynster, cousin of the six former rogues who starred in Laurens's earlier entries (The Promise in a Kiss, etc.). After six years on the marriage mart, Amanda and her twin, Amelia, despairing of ever finding the right mate, have decided to broaden their search. While browsing for prospects in a notorious gaming hell, Amanda encounters Martin Fulbridge, fifth earl of Dexter. Banished from England by his father for a murder he didn't commit, Martin eschews London's elite circles and has been living abroad for the past 10 years. Nevertheless, he finds himself playing the part of Amanda's protector as she flits from one disreputable venue to another in a spurious quest for adventure. Inevitably, Amanda is "compromised," but she's unwilling to settle for anything less than a marriage based on love. The solving of the 10-year old murder mystery, though hasty, doesn't detract from the primary players and their witty repartee, but newcomers to the series may be put off by Amanda's anachronistic behavior (she has sex with Martin out of wedlock and frequently goes about without a chaperone). Still, readers will relish Laurens's spunky heroine and sizzling love scenes. (Apr. 2) Forecast: Avon is billing this book and its sequel (On a Wicked Dawn), which will be released only a month later, as Laurens's most sensual titles ever, and if that declaration doesn't move units, print advertising in Redbook and the Romantic Times will. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.