In Devil’s Bride, our heroine, Honoria Ansthruther-Weathersby has no other wish than to tour the world, specifically Africa, but when she runs across a dying man on the road, and is soon overtaken by his cousin, Devil Cynster, and asked for her help in assisting the dying young man, she is dragged kicking and screaming into the world of the ton, into marriage to Devil, into his headstrong, proud Cynster family, and into love itself. :)

Introduced to his family, she is welcomed, and makes her puzzled way among the strange circle that is the six Cynster men—and Devil’s brothers and cousins live up to their names: Vane, Scandal, Demon, Gabriel, Lucifer—or at least, make a good attempt, driving Honoria to distraction with their secretive natures and their utter refusal to share any of their findings with her. Yet she’s sure they must have uncovered something; they can’t be gallivanting all over London only to come home empty handed. Yet as time wears on, Honoria and Devil are still no closer to finding Tolly’s killer—and yet, despite her best efforts, despite the offer she receives from Tolly’s brother Charles, Honoria and Devil are becoming much closer to each other. Dare Honoria even admit she might actually be falling in love with Devil? He surely does his utmost to convince her of his desires! And Honoria’s brother Michael is no help at all. What is he thinking, approving of their engagement?

Will Honoria finally submit? Or will she take Charles’ proposal? And will they ever find Tolly’s killer? Will Devil go crazy in the interim? You’ll have to read to find out!

While this isn’t the first Regency I’ve ever read, I have to say, I found it to be one of the most enjoyable. The characters were infuriating, and funny, and the love story was, for all its typical dressing, satisfying; the love scenes, landscape and history well drawn. My only complaint, and it is a slight one, (and I wonder if it’s not the reaction Ms. Laurens might have expected) was the Cynster sons’ nicknames were entirely too droll. I can’t help but roll my eyes at the (Devil, Vane, Scandal etc. fitting each quite well), particularly as my literature professors always did the same—such names being used ad nauseum in classic literature. But there’s the joke in Ms. Laurens’ use, I think (I hope! And if not, I apologize profusely to Ms. Laurens) and honestly, I found all six men, adorable. Yes, I enjoyed Devil’s Bride very much, and look forward to delving into the rest of Ms. Laurens’ family of oddball, valiant, handsome, loveable Cynsters! Give Devil’s Bride a try. I’m sure you will be pleasantly surprised!

~Webmistress