Simon Cynster tiene una vida perfecta: posee una considerable fortuna y una envidiable posición social, pero debe encontrar una esposa adecuada. Hasta que se cruza con Portia Ashford, a la que conoce desde la infancia y siempre ha sido indiferente al matrimonio.

I think this was more drawn out than it should have been, and the characters were foolish sometimes. But overall it was fine. It was kind of fun to have the heroine pursuing the hero, which isn't as common. ( )

One a Wild Night
3 Stars

After months of failing to find a suitable husband from amongst the ranks of willing candidates, Amanda Cynster and her twin, Amelia are at their wits end. Deciding to broaden the field, Amanda enters the more unsavory environs of the ton to seek her mate, only to discover that she is in over her head. When things take a dangerous turn, Amanda is rescued by the enigmatic and secretive Earl of Dexter who, unfortunately, is not inclined to marry. Will Amanda be able to change his mind?

While the book starts out well, the pacing deteriorates toward the middle as the hero and heroine try to out-stubborn each other. The story picks up again at the end with the minor suspense plot, which is actually quite compelling. It is just a pity that its development and resolution come so late in the book after the endless descriptions of will she/ won't she, which are completely unnecessary.

Amanda is not the most likeable of heroines. Not only is she stubborn and willful in the extreme, she is also manipulative and not above using others to get her own way. Nevertheless, one cannot help but admire her determination to decide her own future; although it does require a healthy suspension of disbelief to accept that she would be allowed to swan about in all manner of disreputable places.

Martin is a typical Laurens' hero - a rake with a heart of gold, overly protective instincts and possessive tendencies. The scandal associated with his name has some truly heart-breaking consequences, but the investigation into the truth behind it takes too long to get going.

The romance is certainly hot, but Laurens wastes several excellent opportunities to ratchet up the sexual tension before the main act. Moreover, the number of sex scenes are excessive and repetitive. Less is often more in this area!

The cameo appearances by the Cynster cousins and their wives are entertaining although it is Lady Osbaldestone who steals the show.

All in all, not one of the better installments in the series. Hopefully, Amelia and Luc's book will be an improvement.
( )

Not the best example of Laurens' s imagination, I feel.
Amanda goes to a gaming hell to find the kind of man she wants for a husband and comes up with Martin. The rest of the book is just about that exciting. Not.
I must have bought the audio on sale without reading the paperback first. It is not on my list to reread.
Can't fault Simon Prebble's performance, though. ( )

I adore this series!! Stephanie Laurens is a master at the Alpha Rake!! I love the men pursuing their ladies!! ( )