Amelia Cynster, twin sister of Amanda Cynster from ON A WILD NIGHT, found life to be rather lonely and flat since her twin married. In fact, it seemed like it was time for her to marry, but unfortunately--no prospects. Unless she considered Lucien Ashford, an old family friend. She had been considering his devilish charm, long lean looks, and slightly distant manner for a few years. Lucien never gave a sign that he was interested in her or in any wife for that matter. It was time to take desperate measures, especially since she had managed to deduce prime information.

Lucien staggered home after celebrating most of the night tossing back drinks, and was ambushed by Amelia. He had long admired the vivacious blonde, but hid his feelings because of his personal situation. It was hard to stay upright, let alone aloof, as Amelia towed him inside his own darkened home. She then revealed that she knew of his financial problems, and suggested that marriage to her with her more than generous dowry would solve everything. He vaguely remembered saying yes before passing out at her feet. There was something he needed to tell her, but it was too hard to think. He simply closed his eyes, only to open them the next day to realize he wasn't poor; in fact, he was filthy rich. If he told Amelia, she might break off the engagement because she wouldn't be doing him a favor anymore, but if he didn't tell her and she found out--hell hath no fury like a Cynster woman fooled.

Amelia knew she'd made a practical bargain with Lucien; still she was determined to get him to say "I love you" before he said "I do." Lucien on the other hand was half in love with Amelia and hoped to get her well entrenched in his bed before confiding there might be a few things Amelia didn't deduce about him. The two engaged in cross purposes, public wooing, and private fights. Through it all the Cynster clan meddled, throwing in comments and suggestions, giving small shoves in the direction of the balking lovers.

ON A WICKED DAWN picks up where ON A WILD NIGHT left off. If a person believed that a book that started off with Amelia proposing to her desired beau wouldn't have anywhere else to go--especially since he accepted--then he or she would be so wrong. The book takes off at a mad pace with Amelia determined to seduce Lucien to get him to fall in love with her. Lucien tries to hold off his passionate fiancŽe until he does the right thing: confesses. There is the struggle between the two for the upper hand as well as the fight for true love.
Stephanie Laurens delivers another fun romp through the halls of the Cynster family. It was a unique twist to start the story with a proposal and acceptance, but could you expect anything else from a Cynster?

Reviewed by Morgan Wyatt
© September 2004