Book Review: The Untamed Bride by Stephanie Laurens

The Untamed Bride
Author: Stephanie Laurens
Series: The Black Cobra Quartet (Book 1)
Publication: Avon (October 13, 2009)

Description: The first book in a brand-new series, The Black Cobra Quartet, from New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author Stephanie Laurens, The Untamed Bride is the story of a bold, beautiful woman with a scandalous past and a battle-hardened, sinfully wealthy, completely unstoppable man who must join forces to fight a deadly foe known only as the Black Cobra—and who must also confront the dangers of the heart . . .

My Thoughts: THE UNTAMED BRIDE was an engaging historical romance. It begins in India when five men are tasked with bringing down the infamous Black Cobra who is ruining the reputation of the British in India.

After the death of one of the five which occurred while discovering a key piece of information regarding the identity of the Black Cobra, the other four men make copies of the incriminating document and split up to return to England by four different routes.

Colonel Derek Delborough is the male lead of this episode which is the first in the Black Cobra Quartet. He is an experienced soldier having fought Napoleon before traveling to India. He's made his fortune and decided to sell out his commission. This trip to bring information to England is his last before beginning his future life. 

Delia Duncannon is also returning to England after some years in Jamaica with family. She's 29 and left England about five years earlier after a scandal. She too has made her own fortune and has decided to return to England to expand her business opportunities.

Del and Deliah meet at an inn where she saves his life after an attempted assassination. Del had been drafted to take Deliah back home since their families are neighbors. Del tries to fob her off because he knows that the Black Cobra has sent forces to attack him and get the document he's bringing to someone who can use it. 

The two are attracted which surprises both of them. After her disappointment in love, Deliah isn't looking for a new relationship. And Del hadn't given any thought to a future wife in his projected future. However, they suit each other wonderfully. She's no mealy-mouthed miss. She's a competent adult who is used to managing a household. She has opinions and isn't averse to sharing them. He's formidable and competent too.

I enjoyed the romance. I also enjoyed catching up with characters from earlier series by the author. In fact, I want to reread the earlier series of books which I likely read about twenty years ago. 

I bought this one October 27, 2009. You can buy your copy here.