THE ELUSIVE BRIDE

Stephanie Laurens

Avon Books

ISBN:  978-0-06-1795152

February  2010

Historical Romance

THE ELUSIVE BRIDE is Ms. Lauren’s second book in her new series, The Black Cobra Quartet.  Here is a little of the prelude to The Black Cobra Quartet:  Five officers of the Crown are in India fighting against a deadly foe known only as the Black Cobra.  When one of these officers gives his life to secure crucial evidence, the other four swear to avenge him by getting this evidence back to England and into the hands of Royce Varisey, now Duke of Wolverstone, the one man powerful enough to bring down the Black Cobra.  To confuse the Black Cobra, all four officers will transport the “evidence” individually on different routes back to England, but no one, not even the officers themselves know who carries the true evidence.

After receiving a packet containing vital information from a dying soldier and then carrying out this soldier’s last wishes, Emily Ensworth has finally met someone that she thinks can be her “one”.  Major Gareth Hamilton is the first man ever that has made Emily’s nerves flutter.  Before Emily can figure out if the Major is her true one, he leaves India for England.  So, Emily has no other choice but to follow him, right?

Gareth Hamilton felt like he had met his “future” when he met Emily, but knew the timing was not right.  Duty, the Black Cobra and the memory of James MacFarlane called.  So, to say he is shocked when he notices her on the dock where his ship just landed is an understatement.  With no more than a fraction of a second to react, Gareth pulls Emily to safety and realizes that he has to explain to her that her life is in grave danger too from the Black Cobra.

Together, Emily and Gareth work hard at drawing the Black Cobra and his men out into the open.  While doing this, the two are uncontrollably drawn closer to each other.  With danger everywhere, can they make sure their newfound love survives? 

Once again Stephanie Laurens creates a masterpiece!  It is a testament to Ms. Laurens skill that her characters come so alive and that we grow so attached to them.  I can promise that you will be happily reacquainted with some of those Cynsters and members of the Bastion Club that you love so much!  My advice to all of you…either pre-order now, or be at the book store first thing on Jan 26, 2010! 

Reviewed by Tammy Faris

Rating:  4 ½