Title: On a Wild Night
Author: Stephanie Laurens
First published April 2, 2002
432 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9780060533687 (ISBN10: 0060533684)
Rating: 4.16
Overview
Looking for adventure, Lady Caroline Selsley is tired of the boring gentlemen in London who only offer her a life of monotony. One night, she decides to break all the rules and attend a scandalous party, where she hopes to find a man who can offer her a life of excitement.
But her plan backfires when she finds herself in trouble and in need of a hero. Enter the mysterious and intriguing Duke of Granby, who comes to her rescue.
Caroline is immediately drawn to his boldness and passion, and as he teaches her the art of love, she wonders if she can ever tame such a notorious rake. Will Caroline be able to convince the Duke to give up his wild ways and settle down with her, or will their love affair end in heartbreak?
About the Author
Stephanie Laurens was born in what is now Sri Lanka when it was still a British colony named Ceylon. Her family then moved to Melbourne, Australia, where she grew up.
She completed her education and earned a Ph.D. in Biochemistry in Australia, and later moved with her husband to Great Britain. They embarked on one of the last overland journeys from Katmandu to London.
Upon their arrival in London, they both began working as research scientists in Kent. They settled in a historic area, surrounded by a 16th-century cottage, the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and a nearby 14th-century castle.
After four years, they returned to Australia. Stephanie continued working in cancer research, leading her own research laboratory.
One evening, Stephanie realized she had run out of her beloved romance novels to read. She had long entertained the idea of writing her own novel, so she began crafting her own story during her free time.
That manuscript became Tangled Reins, her first published book. After achieving success with her novels, Stephanie left her scientific research career and became a full-time novelist.
Her books are mainly historical romances set in the Regency era.
Stephanie and her husband now reside on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading and tending to her garden.
Editoral Review
On a Wild Night by Stephanie Laurens is a historical romance novel that was first published on April 2, 2002. Laurens is a prolific writer of romance novels and On a Wild Night is a part of her popular “Cynster” series.
The book features strong, independent heroines and dashing, heroic heroes in a setting of Regency-era England.
The plot of the book centers around Amanda Cynster, who is being pressured by her family to settle down and get married.
Amanda, however, is determined to find her own true love. When she meets Martin Fulbridge, a notorious rake, at a ball, the attraction between the two is instantaneous.
But as they navigate their way through the social intrigues of the ton, they find themselves drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a mysterious villain who threatens to harm them both.
Laurens’ writing style is detailed and immersive, bringing the Regency period to life with precision and finesse.
The historical accuracy of the book is impeccable, from the fashion of that era to the social customs and expectations. The pacing of the book is well-balanced, with a mix of intrigue, romance, and action that keeps the reader engaged throughout.
One of the strengths of the book is Laurens’ character development. Amanda and Martin are vibrant and compelling characters, with distinct personalities and quirks that make them stand out.
Their chemistry is palpable, and the evolution of their relationship is both believable and satisfying. The book is also elevated by its supporting characters, who are similarly well-developed and fleshed out.
On the downside, Laurens’ prose can be overly descriptive at times, which may slow down the pace of the book. Additionally, the plot of the book is fairly predictable, which may disappoint readers who are looking for more twists and surprises.
Compared to other books in the romance genre, On a Wild Night stands out for its attention to historical detail and its well-drawn characters. It is similar in style to other Regency-era romance novels, but Laurens’ writing elevates the book above others in the genre.
Overall, On a Wild Night is a satisfying and engaging read that will please fans of historical romance. It is well-written, well-researched, and populated with likable and believable characters.
I would give this book a rating of 3.5/5, based on its strong points in character development, historical accuracy, and pacing, but slightly hindered by its predictable plot and at times overly descriptive prose. Nevertheless, it is an enjoyable book that will delight fans of Regency-era romance and historical fiction.
Highly recommended for fans of the genre.
