THE TRUTH ABOUT LOVE

Gerrard Debbington is one of the chosen few - the gentlemen who've learned their social and amorous skills at the feet of the masters. Handsome and wealthy, protégé and brother-in-law of Vane Cynster, Gerrard is part of the charmed Cynster family circle. One of the most eligible gentlemen in the ton, Gerrard is besieged by offers from London's most sought-after beauties, but as the ton's foremost artistic lion, there's only one offer he wants to accept - the chance to paint the fantastical but seldom-seen gardens of reclusive Lord Tregonning's Hellebore Hall.

That chance is dangled before Gerrard, but to grasp it he must fulfill Lord Tregonning's demand that he also create an open and honest portrait of the man's daughter. Gerrard loathes the idea of wasting his time and talents on some simpering miss, but with no alternative, he agrees…

Only to discover that Jacqueline Tregonning inspires him as no other lady has. Certainly Jacqueline is beautiful, but Gerrard is stunned by the deep emotions she stirs and captivated by her passionate nature and innate goodness. She understands him as no other woman ever has, and Gerrard is soon convinced that Jacqueline is the soulmate he needs as his wife.

But something is horribly wrong at Hellebore Hall. Evil lurks in the beautiful gardens and along the rambling pathways. And that evil reaches out to ensnare Jacqueline, trapping her in a web of insidious whispers - whispers that paint her as a double murderess.

The rumors are false, but someone is actively spreading them. Convinced that Jacqueline is innocent of all wrongdoing, Gerrard is confident his portrait will open others' eyes to the truth he sees, but then a long-dead body is discovered in the gardens, the campaign to blame Jacqueline escalates - Gerrard and she are running out of time. The days they spend together lead to nights of sweeping passion - and Gerrard vows to move heaven and earth to protect the woman who, for him, personifies the truth about love.


REVIEWS & ACHIEVEMENTS

A New York Times, Publishers Weekly & USA-Today Bestseller!

Nominated for a Quill Award by Publishers Weekly

Nominated by Romantic Times BOOKClub for Best Regency-set Historical Romance of 2005.

TOP PICK! 4½ stars
"Like a classic gothic novel, The Truth About Love unfolds as both a dark gripping mystery and a delicious romance. Laurens' exquisitely wrought plot and lyrical prose draw you into a story peopled with extraordinary characters and a lush, romantic setting filled with mythical and botanical lore. Whether you've read one Cynster novel or all of them, you'll cherish this one." Kathe Robin, Romantic Times

5 RIBBON RATING!
"Fans of the Cynster novels will enjoy the visits from old friends who drop in from time to time.With its rich plot and multifaceted characters, THE TRUTH ABOUT LOVE is captivating from the beginning to the end." Romance Junkies www.romancejunkies.com

"A glorious mix of passion and mystery. Awash with action and loaded with love, this is Regency romance plus!" Australian Woman's Day.

"The latest in Laurens's beloved Cynster series takes a gothic turn, wrapping suspense and eroticism into a potent package. The heat between Gerrard and Jacqueline sizzles and sparks, and the story consistently surprises in Laurens's best Regency yet." Publishers Weekly

"With its layer upon layer of intricate detail, vivid narrative, and realistic characterization and dialogue, THE TRUTH ABOUT LOVE is an outstanding story sure to please the reader and leave a lasting memory long after the last page is turned. A novel that will entertain and charm with its cast of extraordinary characters, I highly recommend THE TRUTH ABOUT LOVE." Terrie Figueroa, Romance Reviews Today.