The Reckless Bride, by Stephanie Laurens. A Review by Angie

The final installment in Stephanie Laurens’ Black Cobra Trilogy is perhaps the most exciting of all.  The Reckless Bride follows the story of Rafe Carstairs, keeper of the original letter that will expose the identity of the Black Cobra.  His return to English soil is fraught with several distractions, not in the very least Lady Esme Congreve and her niece, Loretta Michelmarsh.  At the request of Esme for Rafe to act as their guide, he and Hasaan accompany the ladies back towards England.  A long journey up the rivers of Europe throws Rafe and Loretta closer together, coinciding with Esme’s match-making plans.  Their attraction is almost instant, but neither side is willing to admit to it.  When a murderous plot against Esme is discovered, explaining non-cultist attacks on them throughout Europe, she seeks sanctuary at a convent run by a friend while Loretta continues on with Rafe.  Left to their own devices, they realize they cannot hold back from each other, and finally succumb to their passions.  But, Rafe’s mission is the most dangerous of all, and Loretta is reckless enough to follow him until he sees it through. With the help of almost every single character in other Laurens’ novels, the Duke of Wolverstone gets his villain, and our four brave heroes get their happy endings.

As usual, Laurens delivers a flawless plot, keeping you in suspense until the surprising conclusion and discovery of the Black Cobra.  Add to this page after page of steamy, sexy love scenes between the drop dead gorgeous Rafe and the determined Loretta, and you won’t be able to put this book down.  Believe it or not, I found myself becoming impatient with Rafe and Loretta’s trysts, because I wanted to get back to the Black Cobra plot!  Another great series from Stephanie Laurens!