Cirrus@Austlit

'Michael Anstruther-Wetherby is a rising member of Parliament - a man destined for power. Aristocratic, elegant, and effortlessly charming, he is just arrogant enough to captivate the interest of the ladies of the ton. And with his connections to the wealthy and influential Cynster family - his sister is married to Devil Cynster, the Duke of St. Ives - his future appears assured.

'Except that Michael lacks the single most important element of success, a wife.

'Political pressure sends him searching for his ideal bride, a gently bred, malleable young lady, preferably with a political background. Michael discovers such a paragon but finds a formidable obstacle in his path - the young lady's beautiful, strong-minded aunt, Caroline Sutcliffe.

'One of London's foremost diplomatic hostesses, Caro has style and status but, having lived through an unhappy political marriage, wants nothing of the sort for her niece, who has already lost her heart to another.

'So Caro and the younger woman hatch a plot - Caro will demonstrate why an inexperienced young lady is not the bride for Michael. She succeeds in convincing him that what he really needs is a lady of experience by his side.

'And the perfect candidate right under his nose - Caro herself. Then it is Michael's turn to be persuasive, a task that requires every ounce of his seductive charm as he tempts and tantalizes Caro, seeking to convince her that becoming his bride will bring her all her heart desires... and more.

'But then a series of mysterious, and dangerous, accidents befall Caro - an assailant has stepped in with their own idea for Caro's future - one that could involve murder. Before Caro can become Michael's ideal bride, they must race to uncover the unknown's identity before all hope of what they long for, and wish for, is destroyed.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Never let it be said that a Cynster male can't face up to the one unassailable truth: that a successful marriage gives life its fullest meaning. To all of English society, Simon Frederick Cynster has a perfect life - one of enormous wealth and impeccable social status. His lean handsomeness turns the heads of naïve debutantes, while his sensual allure ensures he never lacks for more sophisticated partners for a night, or more, of pleasure. Yet despite all of this, Simon knows that there is something - or rather someone - missing in his life.

'To achieve true contentment, Simon accepts that he must find a lady accomplished enough to be his wife. Someone who will spend her days as a member of one of England's most influential families…and her nights pursuing duties of a more private - and personal - nature.

'But Simon knows what to expect if he reveals his intention to choose a bride; nothing could be more tiresome than having every blushing miss on the marriage mart thrust upon him. So he discreetly begins his search at a house party at Glossup Hall…and is astonished that the lady who immediately captures his interest is Portia Ashford.

'Simon has never considered Portia as a potential wife. He's known the raven-haired beauty since childhood; she's willfully independent and has always claimed to be uninterested in marriage. But an unexpectedly heated kiss abruptly alters the rules of their decade-long interaction. Soon they begin to long for the moments they can spend in each other's arms.

'But all is not as it seems at Glossup Hall. As Simon and Portia begin to explore the depths of their mutual passion, a shocking murder is committed…and it appears that the next victim will be Portia herself. And even more shocking than the fact that a murderer secretly walks among them is the realization that all of Simon's considerable strength and influence may not be enough to protect Portia - his once and always perfect lover.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'"Marrying you will be entirely my pleasure."

'Amelia Cynster hears these words from handsome, enigmatic Lucien Ashford, 6th Viscount Calverton, and is stunned. It's near dawn and she's risked scandal by lying in wait for him just outside his London house. But he agrees to her outrageous marriage proposal - just prior to falling unconscious at her feet. Amelia is torn between astounded relief and indignant affront, then decides she doesn't care. She has always loved him - no other man will do for her - and she's tired of waiting.

'Sometimes a young lady needs to take matters into her own hands.

'But matters of the heart are never that simple. The first hitch in Amelia's plans comes when Luc refuses to agree to a hasty wedding, but insists on properly wooing her...in public and in private. Soon she longs for those moments away from the watchful gaze of the ton in which she can learn all about seduction from a master. But unknown to Amelia, Luc has a very good reason for wooing her. Every wicked gentleman has his price.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'"Where are all the exciting men in London?"

'After spending years in the glittering ballrooms of the ton, Amanda Cynster is utterly bored by the current crop of colorless suitors. Determined to take matters into her own hands, one night she shockingly goes where respectable unmarried ladies never should, but where many an intriguing gentleman might be found.

'But titillating excitement quickly turns to panic when she discovers she's quite out of her depth. Desperate, she looks around for help - and is unexpectedly rescued... by Martin Fulbridge, the elusive Earl of Dexter. Lazy, sensuous and mysterious, he has delayed his re-entry into society, clearly preferring a more interesting existence on its fringes.

'He's the epitome of the boldly passionate gentleman Amanda has been searching for, but although his very touch makes it clear he's willing to educate her in the arts of love, Amanda has to wonder if such a masterful, lionized rake can be sufficiently tamed into the ways of marriage.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'But at the altar, Gyles discovers his bride is the bold enchantress who has inspired his deepest fantasies. Finding passion and love in the same woman has long been a secret fear. But as his world is rocked on its axis, Gyles becomes obsessed with possessing the one thing he'd thought he would never want... his wife's heart.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Demon Cynster has seen love bring his brethren to their knees, and he's vowed that he will not share their fate...until he spies Felicity Parteger sneaking about his racing stable. Demon remembers Felicity as a mere chit of a girl, but now she stands before him - begging for his help - all lush curves, sparkling eyes...and 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 Demon had nothing to do with the power lurking just beneath his devil-may-care facade - or with the desire that flares when he takes her in his arms. Felicity knows Demon will never yield her the love she desperately seeks, but could a marriage of passion alone - even with a man like Demon - be enough?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'"He will father your children..."

'When Catriona Hennessy, honorable Scottish Lady of the Vale, received this prediction, she was exceedingly aghast. How could she unite with a rake like Richard Cynster--a masterful man with a scandalous reputation? More shocking still was her guardian's will that decreed she and Richard be wed within a week! Though charmed by his commanding presence, and wooed by his heated kisses, she would not--could not--give up her independence.

'So she formed a plan to get the heir she needed without taking wedding vows. Richard was just as stunned by the will's command. Marriage had not previously been on his agenda, but lately he'd been feeling rather...restless. Perhaps taming the lady was just the challenge he needed. But can he have the rights of the marriage bed without making any revealing promises of love?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.