Scandals Bride [Mass Market Paperback]

Setting: Scotland, 1819
Sensuality Rating: 9

Beautiful Scotswoman Catriona Hennessy knows that she must eventually marry and so decides that she requires a mild-mannered, biddable husband, a man who will agree to father a daughter to inherit Casphairn Manor and who will leave her free to manage her holdings without interference. Unfortunately, the spirit of the earth that protects the manor and its valley, the Lady of the Vale, has other plans. The Lady firmly tells Catriona that the man who shall father her children is none other than Richard Cynster, better known throughout the land as "Scandal." Richard is definitely not the mild-mannered man Catriona had in mind, and even worse, he's English. Although Catriona fights the command of the Lady, all she gets for her efforts is a headache.

The two unlikely lovers are thrown together in a cold Scottish castle by the reading of a last will and testament. And while Richard is wildly attracted to the lovely Scottish lady, marriage doesn't cross his mind until the will is read and he is compelled to consider the subject. Richard's restless search for family and home becomes focused on Catriona and any doubts he has are quickly erased by his already raging physical attraction to her. Convincing Catriona that they are well-suited, however, is another matter entirely. Who will win this battle of wills--Richard or Catriona? And how will Richard resolve his need to protect and defend Catriona while leaving her free to fulfill her responsibilities to the Lady of the Vale?

Laurens's latest tale will impress readers with its intense sensuality, colorful Scottish scenery, and strong, expertly drawn characters--from the hero and heroine down to the most minor member of the cast. Combine those elements with a competent plot, throw in an intriguing glimpse of ancient mother earth worship in the British Isles, and it all adds up to a novel well worth reading. --Lois Faye Dyer

When Catriona Hennessey's uncle's cleverly crafted will offers her the choice of either marrying the scandalous Richard Cynster or leaving her innocent cousins penniless, Catriona is appalled. If she marries at all, she wants a consort who would allow her to continue to act as healer and serve "The Lady," as the women in her family have always done. She knows Cynster is far too overbearing to be that person. The Lady, however, has other ideas. Laurens takes full advantage of the current New Age interest in ancient Goddess worship to weave a steamy story with strong, well-matched protagonists, lively action, and love scenes that melt the pages. Although the novel is set during the British Regency, the period has little influence on this patricular story; readers who want a bit more Regency flavor might enjoy earlier books in the Cynster series. Laurens (A Rake's Vow, Avon, 1998) lives in Victoria, Australia.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Beautiful Scotswoman Catriona Hennessy knows that she must eventually marry and so decides that she requires a mild-mannered, biddable husband, a man who will agree to father a daughter to inherit Casphairn Manor and who will leave her free to manage her holdings without interference. Unfortunately, the spirit of the earth that protects the manor and its valley, the Lady of the Vale, has other plans. The Lady firmly tells Catriona that the man who shall father her children is none other than Richard Cynster, better known throughout the land as "Scandal". Richard is definitely not the mild-mannered man Catriona had in mind, and even worse, he's English. Although Catriona fights the command of the Lady, all she gets for her efforts is a headache. The two unlikely lovers are thrown together in a cold Scottish castle by the reading of a last will and testament. And while Richard is wildly attracted to the lovely Scottish lady, marriage doesn't cross his mind until the will is read and he is compelle Laurens's latest tale will impress readers with its intense sensuality, colourful Scottish scenery and strong, expertly drawn characters--from the hero and heroine down to the most minor member of the cast. Combine those elements with a competent plot, th Lois Faye Dyer, AMAZON.CO.UK REVIEW --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Catriona Hennessy wants an heir. Richard Cynster wants the rights of a husband. But neither wants the inconvenience of a wedding.

Catriona is aghast to learn that her guardian's will decrees that she must marry Richard Cynster…within the week! How could the proud Scottish lass possibly consent to a union with the Englishrake they call "Scandal," a masterful man with a deplorable reputation? It is true his commanding presence charms her, his heated kisses excite her -- and the mysterious Lady of the Vale whom she serves has prophesied that they will wed. But Catriona will never give up her independence!

Richard is equally stunned by the will's command, since marriage was not on his agenda. But lately he's been feeling strangely restless -- and perhaps taming the exquisite lady is just the challenge he needs. He burns for Catriona -- but can he entice her into the marriage bed without making any binding and revealing promises of love?

And when passion and love are truly destined, can even the most stubborn of hearts resist?

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 has also introduced the equally unforgettable members of the Bastion Club. She currently lives in a suburb of Melbourne, Australia, with her husband and two daughters.