#226 (#24 of 2012) - A Secret Love ~ Stephanie Laurens - RE-READ

This was a re-read - the conclusions can be found HERE.

Rating:

Before 20/10 this time round 5 star.

#224 (#22 of 2012) - The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae ~ Stephanie Laurens

Third book in the Cynster Trilogy


ISBN or e-book:


978-0-7499-5509-0 and also as Kindle e-book


Publisher:


Piatkus


Main Characters:


Angelica Cynster and the elusive Dominic, Earl of Glencrae


Brief outline of plot and rating:


Running out of time the Earl comes back from the dead to take one final shot at capturing a Cynster sister and undertaking her ruin to save his clan.

***

I realise the above is not much of a description, but you really need to have read the two preceding books:  Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue and In Pursuit of Eliza Cynster.


I can guarantee you will love them just as much as I.


Rating for this one was a 4.5.


Hugs


Kay

#210 (#8 of 2012) The Ideal Bride ~ Stephanie Laurens

IBSN or ebook:

978-0-749-3726-3

Publisher:

Piatkus


Main Characters:

Michael Anstruther-Weatherby and Caroline Sutcliffe

Brief outline of plot and rating:

Michael is a rising member of Parliament and needs a wife to be granted a place in the Cabinet.  He has his eye on the young daughter of the former Member of his Seat.

Unfortunately, when he returns to meet the young lady and ask for her hand, he comes into contact with her aunt Caroline (a former childhood friend).

Although what he doesn't know is that Caroline has been summoned by Elizabeth to help her put off Michael as she's already in love with a young man.

Caroline herself is a political hostess of note, but following her marriage to a man many years older than herself when she was 17 she is determined to enjoy her widowhood.

Will Michael realise that Elizabeth is not the girl for him?  More to the point if he does, will he persuade Caroline that he's the man for her?

Another enjoyable book, which scores 3.5 stars ..... incidentally, it took a bit of working out what the connection with Breckenridge was, as I'd missed this book originally!!

#208 (#6 of 2012) - To Distraction ~ Stephanie Laurens

ISBN or e-book:

978-0-7499-4043-0

Publisher:

Piatkus

Main Characters:

Deverell, Viscount Paignton and Phoebe Malleson

Brief outline of Plot:

Deverell is another Bastion Club member that needs a wife, desperately. He seeks advise from his Aunt who recommends just the girl and is dispatched off to a house party in the country to meet her, and finds his prey rather surprisingly in the library, buried in a book.

Bookish Phoebe is tempted to distraction by him, but marrying him isn't on her agenda .... in any case she has secret life that needs to stay hidden.

Rating and conclusion:

4.5 rating with Stephanie at her best - I can't believe that I had missed this Bastion Club book for so long .... I had actually thought that I'd read them all.

Hugs

Kay

#207 (#5 of 2012) - Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue ~ Stephanie Laurens

Book 1 of the Cynster Girls Trilogy

ISBN or e-book:

978-0-7499-5504-5

Publisher:

Piatkus

Main Characters:

Heather Cynster and Timothy Danvers, Viscount Breckenridge

Brief outline of Plot:

Like all the Cynster girls, Heather is looking for true love and somebody to really sweep her off her feet.  Determined that she won't find that in the usual haunts of genteel young ladies she decides to take matters into her own hands and attends a racy soiree.

No sooner than she arrives she's cornered by her nemesis, Breckenridge and ordered home.  On her way out to the carriage she's abducted.  Breckenridge is given no choice but to give chase .... but will he rescue her, and will they fall in love?

Rating and conclusion:

5 stars all the way.  Take time out to read the first 2 books in the trilogy .... I can't wait until the final book in is released on ebook later this month.

Hugs

Kay

#206 (#4 of 2012) - Four in Hand ~ Stephanie Laurens

ISBN or e-book:

978-0-7783-0306-0

Publisher:

MIRA

Main Characters:

Miss Caroline Twinning and Max Rotherbridge, Duke of Twyford

Brief outline of Plot:

Unexpectedly, Max finds himself the guardian of 4 very beautiful sisters and he didn't bargain for falling in love the the eldest Miss Twinning either.  He has to fight off fellow Rakehells and find all the girls suitable matches .... can he full it off.

Rating and conclusion:

I wouldn't call this one of her very best, but then it was written very early on in her career I believe .... a perfectly creditable 3.5 star rating though.

Hugs

Kay

#205 (#3 of 2012) - Tangled Reins ~ Stephanie Laurens

ISBN or e-book:

978-0-7783-0205-6

Publisher:

Mira

Main Characters:

Miss Dorathea Darrent and the Marquis of Haselmere

Brief outline of Plot:

The beautiful and outspoken Miss Darent had no intention of marrying, and was well aware that her unfashionable curves and advancing years would also deter most gentleman of the fashionable ton.

However, she didn't realise that just one kiss over a blackberry bush would set her on a course with a dashing stranger and change her life for ever.

The dashing stranger was a rake of the first order, who had made up his mind never to marry, but for the death of his brother and that kiss changed his destiny too.

After their encounter Doreathea and her sister went to live with their Grandmother in London, and the ton with completely taken with her.  Having expected not to take, she was in fact having to fight of suitors., and the Marquis had to join the fray.

Would he win her?


Rating and conclusion:

3.5 star rating.  Really quite a  nice gentle and enjoying read, just what you would expect from a Stephanie Laurens tale....a nice unexpected baddie too.

Hugs

Kay

#192 (#128) - The Reasons for Marriage ~ Stephanie Laurens

ISBN:  978-0-7783-0225-4

Publisher:  Mira


Main Characters:

Miss Lenore Lester (Sister of Jack & Harry Lester) and Jason Montgomery, Duke of Eversleigh

Brief Outline of Plot:

Faced with the fact that his younger brother's death would leave him with an unacceptable heir, Jason decided that he needed a wife and listed his Reasons:  She must be happy to remain in the country until he requested her presence in London for some reason; She must be capable of running a large house/estate; Not an antidote, but dis-interested in other men; She must be well-born with an acceptable family; She must be slightly more mature that the general run of the mill marriageable young miss; She must not be dim-witted; She must be happy to find her own amusement, leaving him to continue with his usual activities; She must be willing to produce an heir or two........... with such a list, is it possible that such a paragon of virtue exists?

Conclusion and rating:

Nice to read the book preceding the others in this series:  A Lady of Expectations; An Unwilling Conquest and A Comfortable Wife, and actually probably the best of the 3 so far.  A 4 star read.

Hugs

Kay

#191 (#127) - In Pursuit of Eliza Cynster ~ Stephanie Laurens

Book 2 in Cynster Sister Trilogy

ISBN: 978-0-7499-5598-4

Publisher: Piatcus

Main Characters: Miss Elizabeth Cynster & Mr Jeremy Carling

Brief outline of plot:

Eliza Cynster is the second of the girls to be kidnapped by a mysterious Scottish Laird.  She taken from under the  very noses at the engagement ball of her Sister Heather (the Heroine from the first book in the Trilogy - I've actually not read it yet, but need to get my paws on it p.d.q.).  On the way to the rendezvous with the 'Laird' Eliza garners all her courage to watch for a likely rescuer.  Meanwhile Jeremy Carling has left the home of Royce, Duke of Wolverstone and on his journey has decided that he needs to marry.

Fate decides that Jeremy will be the one to witness Eliza's plea for help as he is going in the opposite direction. As a bookworm with hitherto no 'Alpha Male' qualities, will he prove to be her Man?

Conclusion:

A 4.5 star read, leaving me wanting to find out what will happen to the younger sister, Angelica, and also the the adventure of the first book between Heather and Lord Breckenridge.

Hugs

Kay

#186 (#122) ~ A Comfortable Wife ~ Stephanie Laurens

ISBN:  978-0-7783-0237-7

A quick review for this one - 3 stars.

A related title to the Lester stories, this one features Philip Marlowe, 7th Baron Ruthven and Miss Antionia Mannering.

She's known him practically all her life, but they haven't seen each other for years.  Antonia is hopeing that she will be just the comfortable wife she thinks he needs.  He's attracted to her, but does he want a comfortable wife?

Truth to well, whilst I love Stephanie Laurens, the whole of the Lester stories have been dull, dull as ditchwater actually .... is she just writing to many to a formula?  Read it for yourself and judge, if nothing else it will while away a train journey.

Happy

#175 (#111) - An Unwilling Conquest ~ Stephanie Laurens

A 3.5 star read, but slightly better than the book that went before (A Lady of Expectations).  This one features Jack's brother, Harry Lester and widow Mrs Lucinda Babbacombe.  A bit of a mystery running through the book, which is exactly what I like to see with her books.

Looking forward to reading "A Comfortable Wife" now.

#164 (#100) - A Lady of Expectations ~ Stephanie Laurens

ISBN:  978-0-7783-0228-5

It pains me to say this, as usually it just has to have her name on the book to entice me to read it, but this book was dull, dull, dull and only rated a 2 stars ... sorry!  Got to rate like I see it.

It probably is a required need in the story of the Lester's (I believe that this is book 2 .... I haven't read book 1 yet, but am assured that it's much better) - so read this but with the warning that it rally is a bit dull and you might be bored.

Jack Lester has acquired a vast fortune, and now needs to acquire a wife ... and only a golden headed one will do apparently .... so he whilst nobody is aware of his fortune he has stalked the ton's entertainment, but come up short.

The re-group and re-assess he goes hunting and finds just what he wants at a local ball .... Sophie Winterton.  She's poor and needs a rich husband, and whilst she also feels the strong attraction is convinced that they can only be friends as apparently poor Jack must find a rich wife!

Kay

#144 ~ A Lady of His Own

A Lady of His Own by Stephanie Laurens

My rating: 4 of 5 stars












Bastion Club Series #3



I really don't have any time at the moment, as I'm busy doing a really big stamp order and still have a long way to go ... so this is just a quick rating and brief outline of the characters (more for my own benefit than any one else!).

After years as a spy in France Charles St Austell, Earl of Lostwithiel, returns to London and launches himself on to the marriage mart .... however he is quickly disillusioned by the sweet young misses and their mamas, and hies back off to Cornwall to work on a case for Dalziel.

Before he went into the army he had had spent an unforgettable afternoon with his childhood friend, Lady Penelope Selbourne, which has haunted him ever since.

His return finds Penelope still unmarried, and her mind has told her she wants nothing more to do with him ... her body on the other hand has very different ideas.

Will they get it together? ............ find out in this 4 star read.

Buy it at Amazon HERE.

Happy Reading

Kay

#50 - A Rake's Vow ~ Stephanie Laurens

ISBN: 978-1-40741-357-0

What can I say .... it was pleasant, but not much of a story compared to some of her other efforts.

Vane Cynster (Spencer) takes shelter from an on-coming storm (and fate) at his Godmother's home and meets her Niece, Patience Debbington.

A mysterious thief and the equally mysterious Spectre of the Abbey Ruins need to be run to ground, which he does with ease and wins his girl.

A 3 *** Star effort is all I can give it.

Happy reading.

Kay

#46 - The Reckless Bride ~ Stephanie Laurens

ISBN:  978-0-349-40005-1

I am behind because of the horrendous weather here in our bit of the Kentish Countryside, so this is a scant review.  Probably in truth just a record of the fact that I read it, and gave it a star rating.

The fourth, and final book in the Black Cobra Quartet.  The story of Rafe (Reckless) Carstairs and Loretta Michelmarsh.

Very slow to get going at all this book, and only improved for the last third.  On that basis I am afraid that I could only merit a 2.5 *** star rating.  I feel bad about it, as it is no secret that Stephanie Laurens is a favourite of mine....but you have to tell it the way it is!


Happy reading.

Kay xoxox

#32 - What Price Love ~ Stephanie Laurens

ISBN:  978-0-7499-3712-6

The story of handsome Dillon (Cousin of Flick Cynster) and equally handsome Lady Priscilla Dalloway.

Having years ago got himself involved in a nefarious swindle involving betting at Newmarket, Dillon had fought long and hard to gain an impeccably hones reputation, and now guarded zealously the Register of all Horses eligible to Race.

Lady Priscilla had to uncover what was in the Register to try and help her twin (Rus) who had got involved with a horse switching swindle.

Together Dillon and Pricilla uncover swindle, which proves to massive and eventually fall in love.

It actually felt a little slow going in places, which could have been down to the tiny print involved if I was feeling generous.

I particularly loved the ending, especially how the four well born louts had their justice metered out.

All in all, I think a 3 *** star rating is the best I could do with this one.

#31 - Scandal's Bride ~ Stephanie Laurens

ISBN: 978-1-40743-186-4

Another of the Cynster stoires, this time Richard (Scandal) and his Witch Catriona Hennessy (Lady of the Vale).

A tale of witchcraft and love in the Lowlands of Scotland .... totally bewitching and a 4 star ****

I've got one Stephanie Laurens left in this pile, and then by necessity will have to move on to some new authors as the Julia Quinn and Liz Carlyle books haven't come in at the Library yet.

#30 - All About Love ~ Stephanie Laurens

ISBN:  978-0-7499-3721-8

Lucifer (Alasdair) Cynster and Miss Phyllida Tallent of Colyton (Twin Sister of Jonas from #5 - Temptation and Surrender).

She was willful and independent and reluctant to the very, very last .... proving that it's only possible to stall a Cynster when they have their mind set, not stop them!

A 3.5 star **** read.

Happy reading.

Kay

#27 - A Rogue's Proposal ~ Stephanie Laurens

IBSN:  978-1-40743-208-3

This isn't the cover that is on the copy I have from the library, but it's close enough .... you will know by now my hatred of putrid and trashy second rate illustrated covers that seem to prevalent with new copies of the books ~ I refuse to use them unless absolutely necessary!

Demon Cynster (Harry) returns to Newmarket to rusticate shortly after another Bar Cynster had fallen to the fickle hand of the parson's mousetrap.  Having vowed to surrender to no woman, he goes on to do just that when he comes across Flick Parteger (young ward of his Mentor General Sir Gordon Caxton) sneaking around and riding his prize horse on the gallops.

I can't deny I enjoyed the story, but it wasn't one of the best I have read, so rating as 3 Star ***.  That having been said, it's horses for courses, and my mother enjoyed it much more.

#23 ~ A Fine Passion

A Fine Passion by Stephanie Laurens

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Bastion Club Novel featuring Lord Jack Warnefleet and Lady Clarissa Altwood .... a truly fabulous read. I confess to welling up at the end.

A 4 Star **** read.

Hugs and happy reading.

Kay