The Untamed Bride-Stephanie Laurens

The Untamed Bride
Stephanie Laurens
Avon, Oct 27 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780061795145

In 1822 in India, Colonel Derek “Del” Delborrough and four of his junior officers try to end the terror of the Black Cobra cult. They believe the leader of the Black Cobra Cult is Lord Roderick Ferrar, but lack substantial proof needed to bring down the heir to the powerfully connected Earl of Shrewsbury. .

The Governor’s niece Emily Ensworth arrives with a package that she says that Captain James MacFarlane gave to her to give to Del. James died saving Emily from the Black Cobra. Inside the package is a letter in which Ferrar used his personal unique seal to close it. The four men agree to separately go to England with three carrying a bogus copy and one the original. One month later, the four soldiers resigned their commission and vanish; Ferrar learns his letter is missing. He knows he must pursue them to England.

Del reaches Southampton where he is met by Deliah Duncannon who informs him his aunts arranged for his escorting her. As they talk Deliah notices a flare and yanks Del to the ground saving his life. She saw the culprit who probably saw her too; her description is that of Larkins, Ferrar’s right hand man. He agrees to take her with him to keep her safe. Their destination is Somersham Place, home of Devil Cynster. As they travel with the Black Cobra in pursuit, they fall in love, but the mission must come first.

The relationship between the lead couple is excellent as is the major support from the Cynster-Bastian heroes. However that said, all the couples from the extended saga (including this pair) are interchangeable; ironically (and cleverly) the women even discuss the common major traits that each of the women, their men, and their relationships contain. . The story line is fast-paced and the climax strong while also setting up the next tale to the delight of Stephanie Laurens’ fans.

Harriet Klausner