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Cover of The Truth About Love

The Truth About Love

696 pages

A lush, atmospheric historical romance where artistic passion collides with gothic suspense and fierce devotion.

What it feels like

Reading this book feels like stepping into a lush, shadowed garden where romance and danger are inextricably entwined. The narrative unfolds at a steady, deliberate pace, allowing the reader to luxuriate in the rich sensory details of a gothic English estate and the intense, simmering chemistry between the leads. The prose is formal yet deeply sensual, lingering on the hero's artistic observations and the heroine's hidden depths. As the atmospheric mystery deepens, the mood shifts from a quiet, simmering attraction to a dramatic, high-stakes fight for survival and love. It is a deeply satisfying experience for readers who love classic historical romances featuring fiercely protective heroes, capable heroines, and a sweeping emotional journey wrapped in a cloak of suspense.

Mood
  • atmospheric
  • sensual
  • shadowed
  • lush
Tone
  • romantic
  • earnest
  • suspenseful
  • dramatic
Pace
steady
Themes
artistic inspiration · protective devotion · uncovering hidden truths · transformative power of love
The writing
Lush and descriptive, leaning into formal historical cadences while lingering on sensory details and deep internal monologues.
The arc
Moves from reluctant obligation to intense, protective passion as dark secrets threaten a newfound love.
Who it's for
Readers who crave classic, steamy historical romances featuring fiercely devoted heroes and a dash of gothic mystery.
Content notes
  • murder
  • kidnapping
  • peril

About the book

When author Stephanie Laurens created the Cynsters, a phenomenon was born. Bold, passionate, and possessive, the Cynster men let nothing stand in their way when it comes to claiming the women of their hearts. Now, Stephanie Laurens has written her most romantic and powerful novel to date, one that dares tell 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, protege 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 constantly 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 she is beautiful, but Gerrard is stunned by the deep emotions she stirs and is captivated by her passionate nature and innate goodness. He is soon convinced that Jacqueline is the soul mate 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 when 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.

Description from Open Library.

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