I can’t wrap my head around it. The idea that a portrait could determine guilt or innocence in a murder case is a stretch. I find it hard to believe such a concept could hold true in any world. Throughout the book, I kept questioning the premise, thinking, “Wait… what? Really? No… really?”

Despite my skepticism, it’s still a good fun story. Gerrard and Jacqueline are cute together.
Overall it was a fun albeit slightly exasperating read.

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Also, also - How is this the 12th book in the series? The number of deaths surrounding the Cynster clan is astonishing! How are they not under constant surveillance by Scotland Yard? I know Devil, being a duke, can keep them away, but still! (Yes, I’m joking! I love all the mysteries!) ( )

The Truth About Love
3 Stars

Series note: This is book #12 in numerical order but book #15 in chronological order. However, the reading order is flexible as each book is stand-alone unless otherwise stated.

This installment returns once again to the stories of the Cynster brothers-in-law and focuses on Gerrard Debbington, whose sister, Patience, is married to Vane Cynster (book #2). Gerrard, a renowned artist, has sworn off women as he fears that falling in love will result in the loss of his ability to paint. Nevertheless, he soon changes his mind after meeting Jacqueline Tregonning, a spirited young woman who is the target of malicious gossip and evil lies. Gerrard and Jacqueline, with the help of family and friends, strive to unmask those responsible and find each other in the process.

As is always the case with SL's books, the characters and plots are engaging if one is able to suffer through her overly repetitive and verbose writing style. It seems that after reading over a dozen of her works, I have become mostly inured.

Even though Gerrard and Jacqueline's relationship is virtually identical to the other romance in the series with a reluctant hero finding his perfect mate, they are a sweet couple and their HEA is satisfying.

The most compelling aspect of the book is the mystery, which is one of the darkest in the series. The nefarious plot against Jacqueline and the violence it spurns is spine-chilling, and the culprits are truly evil and perverted.

All in all, I am enjoying my read of SL's backlist, but I wish she could find a good editor. ( )

This one was alright, I think probably this author is not really my style overall, but I'm working my way through this series anyway. =D And I liked this one more than many of the previous books. ( )

I adore this series!! Stephanie Laurens is a master at the Alpha Rake!! I love the men pursuing their ladies!! ( )

The word you are looking for is....'crap'. Not even got any of the charm of other's I've read by Lauren's, which makes the terrible plot and writing even worse to read than usual. ( )