Helpful Score: 5
The 10th of the Cynster novels. I love everything Laurens writes, but this is one of my favorites. It absolutely sizzles. It will definately warm you up on a cold night.
Helpful Score: 4
I've read everything Stephanie Laurens has written, & this one is my all-time favorite!
Stephanie Lauren\'s never fails to delight! This is #10 in the Cynster Series, and is wonderful ... it even contains a perplexing mystery!
A wealthy and powerful rake of the English ton, Simon Cynster has known Portia Ashford, equally wealthy and well-educated, since they were children. By sheer chance, he decides it's time to find a wife at the same time that she decides she wants children and must find a husband. Knowing each other so well is both a blessing and a curse, for when it dawns on Simon that he's in love with Portia, he's well aware that she'll feel challenged by his protectiveness and wary of having her independence curtailed. For her part, Portia feels safe exploring her newly awakened sensuality with Simon, but shes not at all sure that he'll make a suitable husband. While they're feeling their way through a minefield of turbulent emotions, they're distracted by several unexplained "accidents," and when a member of the weekend house party theyre attending dies, Simon is confronted with the urgent need to keep Portia safe from harm.
Readers who have followed Laurens's tales of the Cynster family will be delighted with this latest novel from the author, for it brings together the "last unmarried male Cynster of his generation" and the lady who was his childhood nemesis. New readers, as well as dedicated fans, will be intrigued by the well-crafted plot, impeccable English setting, and the charming cast of characters.
---------
A genteel party in England in 1835 becomes the setting for romance and a dash of violence as prolific romance author Laurens (On a Wicked Dawn) makes her hardcover debut, the 10th entry in a series about the arrogant Cynster males. Portia Ashford has one goal in mind as she accompanies her eccentric mentor, Lady Osbaldestone, to Glossup Hall in Dorset. Portia wants children, and has reluctantly accepted that she must marry in order to have them. She is determined to learn as much as possible about men, with an eye to choosing one. Also seeking a spouse at the gathering is a man whom she's detested since childhood, the self-satisfied Simon Cynster. He playfully tutors her on the subject of men while hiding his true intent, and he soon progresses far beyond the bounds of propriety. Portia plays along, unconcerned about pregnancy or social ostracism. When they're not thus frolicking, the couple glower disapprovingly at their married hostess, Kitty Glossup, who flings herself at male guests and a gardener or two. Half way through the book, Portia stumbles over Kitty's corpse and finds that she, too, is a target. Simon and Portia help a police inspector plan a scheme that causes further jeopardy for Portia, then a rousing conclusion and matrimonial bliss-no surprise, given there was never any serious obstacle between the young lovers. As with Laurens's earlier titles, the generous doses of erotica will appeal to devotees of romantic suspense.
Readers who have followed Laurens's tales of the Cynster family will be delighted with this latest novel from the author, for it brings together the "last unmarried male Cynster of his generation" and the lady who was his childhood nemesis. New readers, as well as dedicated fans, will be intrigued by the well-crafted plot, impeccable English setting, and the charming cast of characters.
---------
A genteel party in England in 1835 becomes the setting for romance and a dash of violence as prolific romance author Laurens (On a Wicked Dawn) makes her hardcover debut, the 10th entry in a series about the arrogant Cynster males. Portia Ashford has one goal in mind as she accompanies her eccentric mentor, Lady Osbaldestone, to Glossup Hall in Dorset. Portia wants children, and has reluctantly accepted that she must marry in order to have them. She is determined to learn as much as possible about men, with an eye to choosing one. Also seeking a spouse at the gathering is a man whom she's detested since childhood, the self-satisfied Simon Cynster. He playfully tutors her on the subject of men while hiding his true intent, and he soon progresses far beyond the bounds of propriety. Portia plays along, unconcerned about pregnancy or social ostracism. When they're not thus frolicking, the couple glower disapprovingly at their married hostess, Kitty Glossup, who flings herself at male guests and a gardener or two. Half way through the book, Portia stumbles over Kitty's corpse and finds that she, too, is a target. Simon and Portia help a police inspector plan a scheme that causes further jeopardy for Portia, then a rousing conclusion and matrimonial bliss-no surprise, given there was never any serious obstacle between the young lovers. As with Laurens's earlier titles, the generous doses of erotica will appeal to devotees of romantic suspense.
I have the whole series(all 16)Wish had gotten them in hard back so they won't wear out so fast. This is a series I will read over and over again.
This was my first "Cynister" novel. Great story line with a strong female character. Romance with mystery & suspense up until the end.
Once again Laurens lives up to her reputation with compelling characters, and as awlays, a little tweist to the typical boy-mets-girl-and-they-live-happily-ever-after. If your a fan, you enjoy this one.
This was a very good book. The book is so much about the hero and heroine's relationship and how it builds - especially on how it builds on the fact that they have known each other for so long, but in a different way. I thought each person's point of view filled in the gaps and thoughts beautifully.
Having said that, I also thought that the story-line (aka danger) didn't present itself until half way through the book. I had a good idea of what to expect, but kept expecting it to happen earlier than it did. It did leave a lot of time to get to know the characters, but I may have liked it better if the "action" started a bit earlier.
The plot did have a couple of twists and a bit of surprise, but the love between the h/h pretty much stole the show.
I would recommend this book. (England 1835)
Having said that, I also thought that the story-line (aka danger) didn't present itself until half way through the book. I had a good idea of what to expect, but kept expecting it to happen earlier than it did. It did leave a lot of time to get to know the characters, but I may have liked it better if the "action" started a bit earlier.
The plot did have a couple of twists and a bit of surprise, but the love between the h/h pretty much stole the show.
I would recommend this book. (England 1835)
We can only dream of mem like this. Loved it. Lots of smoke & fire.
Great series...Simon's story
Good book. I am looking forward to more "Cynster novels"
great read!
I actually thought this book was really interesting, and the background story going on was fun too. I thought with every encounter with Simon and Lauren just made the sexual tension between them steamier and steamier. Yes, there were parts that I skipped, but I feel like Laurens does that in most of her books = putting way too much detail, or going off topic into something else, or describing someone's thoughts a million times. It certainly wasn't the best book by her I read, but it was NOT the worst.
I really enjoyed this Stephanie Lauren book. Lots of interesting and likeable characters, in an old world setting, where shocking things happen. It's a great steamy romance with a murder mystery built into the last half.
Spicy, otherwise OK.
Looks like everyong enjoys Laurens - she is such a good author and this book is so good.
ok, not the best she has written.
Loved it! Really good character development, great love scenes, and a mystery. What's not to like?
excellent reading....romance
Loved the series. Great story
GOOD BOOK
Brand new book, never been read
This is a historical romance about a gentleman who wants a perfect bride and a perfect lover to be one and the same.
New York Times bestselling Stephanie Laurens poses the intriguing question What would you do to entice THE PERFECT LOVER?
Simon Frederick Cynster knows that a perfect bride - and a perfect lover - are one and the same. So he sets about finding a mate to suit his needs - someone who will be a perfect lady by day...and a wanton lover by night.
But Simon is not about to broadcast his search to the entire ton and run the risk of every dowager foisting her flighty charges upon him. Instead, he carefully begins his search at a house party at Glossup Hall...and is astonished when willfully independent Portia Ashford immediately captures his interest.
He's known her since childhood and certainly never considered her a potential wife...until an unexpectedly heated kiss changes his mind forever. But as he and Portia begin to explore the depths of their passion, a shocking event occurs...one that puts Portia in deadly peril, and that will require Simeon to use his considerable strength and influence to protect his once and always perfect lover...
One of those books that once you start you don't want to quit. Very enjoyable.
Simon Frederick Cynster knows that a perfect bride - and a perfect lover - are one and the same. So he sets about finding a mate to suit his needs - someone who will be a perfect lady by day...and a wanton lover by night.
But Simon is not about to broadcast his search to the entire ton and run the risk of every dowager foisting her flighty charges upon him. Instead, he carefully begins his search at a house party at Glossup Hall...and is astonished when willfully independent Portia Ashford immediately captures his interest.
He's known her since childhood and certainly never considered her a potential wife...until an unexpectedly heated kiss changes his mind forever. But as he and Portia begin to explore the depths of their passion, a shocking event occurs...one that puts Portia in deadly peril, and that will require Simeon to use his considerable strength and influence to protect his once and always perfect lover...
One of those books that once you start you don't want to quit. Very enjoyable.
Simon needs a perfect bride, as well as a perfect lover- a perfect lady by day, and a wanton lover by night.
One of the Cynster novels. Simon Cynster set about finding a mate--perfect lady by day...and a wanton lover by night. He carefully (and quietly begins his search at a house party and is astonished to find that "willfully independent" Portia Ashord captures his interest. He's known her since childhood and certainly never considered her a potential wife...until an unexpectedly heated kiss changes his mind forever. But as the explore the depths of their passion an event occurs that puts Portia in deadly peril, and that requires Simon to use his considerable strength and influence to protect his perfect lover.
In search of the perfect lover--and the perfect wife--Simon Frederick Cynster is stunned when his interest caught by the willful and independent Portia Ashford, a young woman he has known since childhood, a situation that is transformed by a shocking event that puts Portia in danger and that only Simon's remarkable influence and strength can alleviate
Simon Cynster is searching for the perfect bride. But he is not about to broadcast his search to the entire ton! He carefully begins his search at a houseparty & is astonished when Portia Ashford immediately captures his interest.
Simon Frederick Cynster knows that a perfect bride--and a perfect lover--are one and the same. So he sets about finding a mate to suit his needs--someone who will be a perfect lady by day...and a wanton lover by night.
But Simon is not about to broadcast his search to the entire ton and run the risk of every dowager foisting her flighty charges upon him. Instead, he carefully begins his search at a house party at Glossup Hall...and is astonished when willfully independent Portia Ashford immediately captures his interest.
He's known her since childhood and certainly never considered her a potential wife...until an unexpectedly heated kiss changes his mind forever. But as he and Portia begin to explore the depths of their passion, a shocking event occurs...one that puts Portia in deadly peril, and that will require Simon to use his considerable strength and influence to protect his once and always perfect lover.
But Simon is not about to broadcast his search to the entire ton and run the risk of every dowager foisting her flighty charges upon him. Instead, he carefully begins his search at a house party at Glossup Hall...and is astonished when willfully independent Portia Ashford immediately captures his interest.
He's known her since childhood and certainly never considered her a potential wife...until an unexpectedly heated kiss changes his mind forever. But as he and Portia begin to explore the depths of their passion, a shocking event occurs...one that puts Portia in deadly peril, and that will require Simon to use his considerable strength and influence to protect his once and always perfect lover.
From the back cover
Simon Fredrick Cynster knows that a perfect bride-and a perfect lover-are one and the same. So he sets about finding a mate to suit his needs-someone who will be a perfect lady by dayand a wanton lover by night.
But Simon is not about to broaden his search to the entire ton and run the risk of every dowager foisting her flighty charges upon him. Instead, he carefully begins his search at a house party at Glossup Halland is astonished when willfully independent Portia Ashford immediately captures his interests.
Hes known her since childhood and certainly never considered her a potential wifeuntil an unexpectedly heated kiss changes his mind forever. But as he and Portia begin to explore the depths of their passion, a shocking event occursone that puts Portia in deadly peril, and that will require Simon to use his considerable strength and influence to protect his once and always perfect lover.
Simon Fredrick Cynster knows that a perfect bride-and a perfect lover-are one and the same. So he sets about finding a mate to suit his needs-someone who will be a perfect lady by dayand a wanton lover by night.
But Simon is not about to broaden his search to the entire ton and run the risk of every dowager foisting her flighty charges upon him. Instead, he carefully begins his search at a house party at Glossup Halland is astonished when willfully independent Portia Ashford immediately captures his interests.
Hes known her since childhood and certainly never considered her a potential wifeuntil an unexpectedly heated kiss changes his mind forever. But as he and Portia begin to explore the depths of their passion, a shocking event occursone that puts Portia in deadly peril, and that will require Simon to use his considerable strength and influence to protect his once and always perfect lover.
