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Cynster Next Generation #12
Miss Flibbertigibbet and The Barbarian
Nicholas Cynster rides up to Aisby Grange determined to secure the stallion known as The Barbarian for his family’s Thoroughbred breeding stable, only to be turned away by the owner’s daughter. Nicholas retreats, but is not about to be denied by any lady, no matter how startlingly beautiful and distracting.
Lady Adriana Sommerville knows Nicholas will be back and resigns herself to having to manage his interaction with her aging father. She successfully negotiates that potential quagmire only, at the very last moment, to discover the horse is missing.
Stunned, Addie insists on setting out in pursuit and is not so silly as to refuse Nicholas’s support.
But as they follow on the heels of The Barbarian, their adventures and encounters open both their eyes to the prospect of a more enduring partnership. Yet before they can follow that trail farther and before they can lay hands on the horse, through shock after shock, their pursuit uncovers a complicated plot that strips away masks and rescripts everything Addie and her siblings thought they knew about the Sommerville family.
A classic historical romance of adventure, discovery, and reconciliation set in the English countryside. A Cynster Next Generation novel. A full-length historical romance of 103,000 words.
Lady Adriana Sommerville knows Nicholas will be back and resigns herself to having to manage his interaction with her aging father. She successfully negotiates that potential quagmire only, at the very last moment, to discover the horse is missing.
Stunned, Addie insists on setting out in pursuit and is not so silly as to refuse Nicholas’s support.
But as they follow on the heels of The Barbarian, their adventures and encounters open both their eyes to the prospect of a more enduring partnership. Yet before they can follow that trail farther and before they can lay hands on the horse, through shock after shock, their pursuit uncovers a complicated plot that strips away masks and rescripts everything Addie and her siblings thought they knew about the Sommerville family.
A classic historical romance of adventure, discovery, and reconciliation set in the English countryside. A Cynster Next Generation novel. A full-length historical romance of 103,000 words.
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published March 16, 2023
336 people are currently reading
365 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
206 books5,589 followersStephanie Laurens was born in Sri Lanka, which was at the time the British colony of Ceylon. When she was 5, her family moved to Melbourne, Australia, where she was raised. After continuing through school and earning a Ph.D. in Biochemistry in Australia, Stephanie and her husband moved to Great Britain, taking one of the last true overland journeys from Katmandu to London.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 23, 2023
Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Series: Cynster Next Generation #12
Publication Date: 3/16/23
Period: Victorian – 1854
Number of Pages: 399
Stephanie Laurens's books are always excellent reads. While I will agree with some other reviewers and say that those first Cynster books were some of the best-ever books – maybe the first 6-8 books. I would have given them more than five stars if I could have. Saying that doesn’t mean that all of the later Cynster books aren’t first-rate, they just aren’t quite where the first ones were.
Nicholas Cynster is the oldest son of Demon and Felicity Cynster (A Rogue's Proposal -Cynster #4). Nicholas and all the members of his family are horse mad, and that is why they own the premier thoroughbred breeding stable in England. Nicholas is delighted to be managing those stables since his parents have moved to London. All is quiet at the stables with his parents and both siblings gone – at least it was quiet until he got word about a sighting of a thoroughbred that had disappeared from the racing books several books. The Barbarian would be a boon to their breeding program and Nicholas is determined to acquire him. A trip of several days to Aisby Grange to negotiate with the Earl of Aisby is totally worthwhile.
Lady Adriana Sommerville has been running the estate for quite some time so her mother can spend all of her time caring for the Earl who has been suffering from bouts of extreme brain fog (Alzheimer's). They keep everyone as far away as they can so word about the Earl doesn’t spread – it could mean disaster for all of them. However, what is she to do when this tall, handsome man appears at a most inopportune time? He has already seen her as her normal self because she didn’t know he was there and now can’t don her Miss Flibbertigibbet personality that is usually so effective at keeping others – especially men – away.
Just when Nicholas thinks all is settled and he’s ready to purchase the horse, The Barbarian is stolen right out of his paddock and the thief has several hour's head start on them. With so many villages and so many roads, it will take them forever to rescue the horse – but rescue him they will.
It was an entertaining ‘road trip’ story with unexpected twists and turns. The thief will surprise you as will the reason and when you throw in some family drama along with that, you have a really entertaining read. I hope you will enjoy Nicholas and Adriana’s journey to their HEA as much as I did.
Series: Cynster Next Generation #12
Publication Date: 3/16/23
Period: Victorian – 1854
Number of Pages: 399
Stephanie Laurens's books are always excellent reads. While I will agree with some other reviewers and say that those first Cynster books were some of the best-ever books – maybe the first 6-8 books. I would have given them more than five stars if I could have. Saying that doesn’t mean that all of the later Cynster books aren’t first-rate, they just aren’t quite where the first ones were.
Nicholas Cynster is the oldest son of Demon and Felicity Cynster (A Rogue's Proposal -Cynster #4). Nicholas and all the members of his family are horse mad, and that is why they own the premier thoroughbred breeding stable in England. Nicholas is delighted to be managing those stables since his parents have moved to London. All is quiet at the stables with his parents and both siblings gone – at least it was quiet until he got word about a sighting of a thoroughbred that had disappeared from the racing books several books. The Barbarian would be a boon to their breeding program and Nicholas is determined to acquire him. A trip of several days to Aisby Grange to negotiate with the Earl of Aisby is totally worthwhile.
Lady Adriana Sommerville has been running the estate for quite some time so her mother can spend all of her time caring for the Earl who has been suffering from bouts of extreme brain fog (Alzheimer's). They keep everyone as far away as they can so word about the Earl doesn’t spread – it could mean disaster for all of them. However, what is she to do when this tall, handsome man appears at a most inopportune time? He has already seen her as her normal self because she didn’t know he was there and now can’t don her Miss Flibbertigibbet personality that is usually so effective at keeping others – especially men – away.
Just when Nicholas thinks all is settled and he’s ready to purchase the horse, The Barbarian is stolen right out of his paddock and the thief has several hour's head start on them. With so many villages and so many roads, it will take them forever to rescue the horse – but rescue him they will.
It was an entertaining ‘road trip’ story with unexpected twists and turns. The thief will surprise you as will the reason and when you throw in some family drama along with that, you have a really entertaining read. I hope you will enjoy Nicholas and Adriana’s journey to their HEA as much as I did.
March 17, 2023
Another great Cynster Next Generation story!
Nicholas arrives at a manor to try and buy a renowned racehorse as a stud, but finds the daughter Addie blocking him. After some maneuvering, Nicholas convinces Addie to talk to her father about selling the horse to him. Just as they are making the final arrangements for the sale, they discover that the horse has been stolen! Now Nicholas and Addie will have to work together to track down the thief and the horse, and ultimately figure out what is going on. There is much more to this story than meets the eye!! The twists, turns and surprises will keep you going to the end.
The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character and action oriented storyline that has some steamy scenes. The characters are vibrant and engaging. They draw you into the story. The horse is as big a character as some other secondary characters! If you like historical romances with complex characters, twist and turns, as well as an intriguing puzzle to solve, then this is for you! I would recommend reading at least this Next Generation series in order, but to me it is best to start with the original Cynster series first, then follow in order with the rest of the Cynster series and the Cavanaugh series, then finally the Cynster Next Generation series. Mysteries are a major part or the storyline with strong make and female characters. Enjoy!
Nicholas arrives at a manor to try and buy a renowned racehorse as a stud, but finds the daughter Addie blocking him. After some maneuvering, Nicholas convinces Addie to talk to her father about selling the horse to him. Just as they are making the final arrangements for the sale, they discover that the horse has been stolen! Now Nicholas and Addie will have to work together to track down the thief and the horse, and ultimately figure out what is going on. There is much more to this story than meets the eye!! The twists, turns and surprises will keep you going to the end.
The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character and action oriented storyline that has some steamy scenes. The characters are vibrant and engaging. They draw you into the story. The horse is as big a character as some other secondary characters! If you like historical romances with complex characters, twist and turns, as well as an intriguing puzzle to solve, then this is for you! I would recommend reading at least this Next Generation series in order, but to me it is best to start with the original Cynster series first, then follow in order with the rest of the Cynster series and the Cavanaugh series, then finally the Cynster Next Generation series. Mysteries are a major part or the storyline with strong make and female characters. Enjoy!
March 20, 2023
It was great to once again be surrounded by the Cynsters clan, young and old. I liked the Horse stud strand very much when it first came round. This had the makings of being just as entertaining, but somewhere around the middle of the book, the tension slowed down and the detailed description of all the different lanes and directions followed to find the stolen Barbarian became a bit tedious. I wished I had a detailed map to journey with them. I had guessed early on who the "gentleman thief " must be and I am surprised no one else amongst the characters thought of it!
The romance developed as one would expect and the sex scenes were kept to an acceptable level. Thankfully we were spared misunderstandings and does he really love me etc.
So, perhaps not her absolute best but a very good story nonetheless.
Looking forward to reading Meg's story when it comes out.
The romance developed as one would expect and the sex scenes were kept to an acceptable level. Thankfully we were spared misunderstandings and does he really love me etc.
So, perhaps not her absolute best but a very good story nonetheless.
Looking forward to reading Meg's story when it comes out.
March 19, 2023
Miss Flibbertigibbet and the Barbarian by Stephanie Laurens brings us into the Cynster Clan. We met Nicholas Cynster. He has been sent by his family to check into a rumor about a horse called Barbarian. Nicholas is not usually the one who goes looking for new horses but he's available and so he goes off. only to run into the beautiful Lady Adriana Somerville. She agrees to share the information with her father to see if they are willing to sell the horse to the Cynsters.
Lady Adriana's family has a couple of issues. Her father seems to be suffering from dementia and his family is trying to keep it a secret. She has an older brother who has never seen eye to eye with the rest of the family but he is going to be the heir.er other older brother Dickie is off in London living the life of the young and rich. Adriana knows she has to keep Nicholas Cynster away from her father. Luckily her father was in good shape that day and agreed to sell Nicholas the horse. and that's when things get interesting. Adriana, Nicholas and a variety of other people end up going to track down the horse.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I have to admit I'm missing some of the books in this series but it doesn't seem to be taken away from the enjoyment of each book as I have a chance to read it. Miss Flibbertigibbet and the Barbarian by Stephanie Laurens is a great read!
Lady Adriana's family has a couple of issues. Her father seems to be suffering from dementia and his family is trying to keep it a secret. She has an older brother who has never seen eye to eye with the rest of the family but he is going to be the heir.er other older brother Dickie is off in London living the life of the young and rich. Adriana knows she has to keep Nicholas Cynster away from her father. Luckily her father was in good shape that day and agreed to sell Nicholas the horse. and that's when things get interesting. Adriana, Nicholas and a variety of other people end up going to track down the horse.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I have to admit I'm missing some of the books in this series but it doesn't seem to be taken away from the enjoyment of each book as I have a chance to read it. Miss Flibbertigibbet and the Barbarian by Stephanie Laurens is a great read!
Read
December 3, 2024Fell asleep while listening to this book. Tried to listen to on way to Bemidji for Thanksgiving. Maybe I missed too much, but it was easy to catch up.
Nicholas would like to buy a beautiful bay horse, the Barbarian.
One the day of the purchase, the horse has been stolen- right off the property.
They go on a wild chase around town- looking for the beast.
Through all the cities. They can never find the horse, no one has seen him.
A lot of riding back and forth- all over to find the horse.
Nicholas and Ade, Miss Flibbertigibbet get married in the end.
And get the horse.
Nicholas would like to buy a beautiful bay horse, the Barbarian.
One the day of the purchase, the horse has been stolen- right off the property.
They go on a wild chase around town- looking for the beast.
Through all the cities. They can never find the horse, no one has seen him.
A lot of riding back and forth- all over to find the horse.
Nicholas and Ade, Miss Flibbertigibbet get married in the end.
And get the horse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2023
Disappointing. Better than the preceding novel (not a ringing endorsement), but absolutely missing the nuance and interest of earlier Cynster books. I dearly wish an editor had come in and scrapped about 90% of the description. I absolutely do not need to know every minor character's movements, the full contents of every meal, the exact location of everyone to everyone else when there is no actual point and it does nothing to move the plot forward, enrich the story or deepen our understanding. Sooooooo much uninteresting detail. Even if this was a straightforward mystery, no one needs this much context.
I'd like to know about Meg, but feel like the Cynsters have had a good run and now they are really more of a burden. They can't be as complex with terrible childhoods, difficult parents, inner pain, etc -> it doesn't need to be this cliche, but that's the baggage that makes a person redeemable. I stuck with it because at this point I'm 30+ novels in and it's a matter of pride, but I think I'm going to give the next ones a miss.
If any editors for Stephanie Laurens are reading this, please do better. Many of her books were entertaining. And maybe, if this one cut out the needless details, this would have been too.
I'd like to know about Meg, but feel like the Cynsters have had a good run and now they are really more of a burden. They can't be as complex with terrible childhoods, difficult parents, inner pain, etc -> it doesn't need to be this cliche, but that's the baggage that makes a person redeemable. I stuck with it because at this point I'm 30+ novels in and it's a matter of pride, but I think I'm going to give the next ones a miss.
If any editors for Stephanie Laurens are reading this, please do better. Many of her books were entertaining. And maybe, if this one cut out the needless details, this would have been too.
February 13, 2025
Skipping book 11 for now, as this one actually falls next chronologically, and that's how I roll. Besides, not the first time having to skip around the series #s to keep chronological order in this series ;)
Lemme just start off by saying Demon and Flick (the MMC's parents) were my favourite of the OG 6 Cynsters, the boys who started it all. To be honest, their book is really what hooked me on this series back then, the ones who made me love the Cynsters series instead of staying hesitant. So their kids were always bound to be amongst my favourites. I had really loved Pru's book previously, so I was a lil hyped for this one. I can't help but to be all in, to be totally sold on a horse-focused plot. I've been a horse-obsessed girl since birth, lol, so any book with that as the focus, I'm like heck yea. Probs had something to do with why I especially fell for Demon and Flick in the first place. So anyway, my personal lil backstory of my special fondness for this Cynster branch aside, onto the rest of the review!
What I liked:
Road-trip! Sorry, I know lots of people find those sorts of plots boring, but I love a good old-fashioned road story :p
The Barbarian as a character in his own right. He had personality, sass, spirit. Gotta love a good diva stallion, y'know? Plus the fact that he so favoured Addie struck me in my 'Disney princess'-esque fancy, lol. Every girl needs a good, special, devoted horse! xD
The physicality between these MCs, especially compared to the previous one I read. Nicholas and Addie went right into the steam room, and it was sprinkled throughout the book, vs the last one, which was saved til right at the end, and that was it. I liked that there was a little more heat in this one.
I liked both characters, nothing about either of them really annoyed me, so, that's always good, lol.
Side characters, from Addie's brother Dickie, and the various staff who accompanied them on the hunt, to the family members left at home like her parents (I especially liked the little snippet scenes of her ma and pa talking, and how they had They were cute.), and her three younger siblings. The scenes with Nicholas easily managing the children's chaos was funny. The involvement of the
Circling back to family! Family is a constant, consistent theme throughout SL's books, and the way the families came together, worked altogether in the end, was nice. I don't read SL for grit and angst and horrible dramas and tortuous misunderstandings and such. To me, her works are very much comfort reads; good, smart, strong characters, who want to do good in the world, and everything works out with a little neat bow at the end, all while staying interesting in characters and happenings. So, yea!
And last, but not least, gotta love all the lil pop up cameos by others in the Cynsters fam! Looking forward to getting on with Meg's book next, especially after that lil snip at the end, the letter that Addie and Nicholas received, and his lil comment on 'Well, that's one way to get engaged...' Should be interesting!
Lemme just start off by saying Demon and Flick (the MMC's parents) were my favourite of the OG 6 Cynsters, the boys who started it all. To be honest, their book is really what hooked me on this series back then, the ones who made me love the Cynsters series instead of staying hesitant. So their kids were always bound to be amongst my favourites. I had really loved Pru's book previously, so I was a lil hyped for this one. I can't help but to be all in, to be totally sold on a horse-focused plot. I've been a horse-obsessed girl since birth, lol, so any book with that as the focus, I'm like heck yea. Probs had something to do with why I especially fell for Demon and Flick in the first place. So anyway, my personal lil backstory of my special fondness for this Cynster branch aside, onto the rest of the review!
What I liked:
Road-trip! Sorry, I know lots of people find those sorts of plots boring, but I love a good old-fashioned road story :p
The Barbarian as a character in his own right. He had personality, sass, spirit. Gotta love a good diva stallion, y'know? Plus the fact that he so favoured Addie struck me in my 'Disney princess'-esque fancy, lol. Every girl needs a good, special, devoted horse! xD
The physicality between these MCs, especially compared to the previous one I read. Nicholas and Addie went right into the steam room, and it was sprinkled throughout the book, vs the last one, which was saved til right at the end, and that was it. I liked that there was a little more heat in this one.
I liked both characters, nothing about either of them really annoyed me, so, that's always good, lol.
Side characters, from Addie's brother Dickie, and the various staff who accompanied them on the hunt, to the family members left at home like her parents (I especially liked the little snippet scenes of her ma and pa talking, and how they had They were cute.), and her three younger siblings. The scenes with Nicholas easily managing the children's chaos was funny. The involvement of the
Circling back to family! Family is a constant, consistent theme throughout SL's books, and the way the families came together, worked altogether in the end, was nice. I don't read SL for grit and angst and horrible dramas and tortuous misunderstandings and such. To me, her works are very much comfort reads; good, smart, strong characters, who want to do good in the world, and everything works out with a little neat bow at the end, all while staying interesting in characters and happenings. So, yea!
And last, but not least, gotta love all the lil pop up cameos by others in the Cynsters fam! Looking forward to getting on with Meg's book next, especially after that lil snip at the end, the letter that Addie and Nicholas received, and his lil comment on 'Well, that's one way to get engaged...' Should be interesting!
July 6, 2023
Lady Adriana Sommerville invented the alterego Miss Flibbertigibbet during her first London season as a result of the persistence of the Ton to treat her as the silly flighty curly blond hair blue-eyed dainty porcelain doll she physically appeared to be. It proved to be an effective mask to wear, keeping the more opportunistic away from her desirable connections and dowery. However, it's far from the impetuous, strong-willed, intelligent woman she is, one gifted with handling spirited powerful thoroughbred stallions like the Barbarian, a horse recently inherited by her father. Nicholas Cynster is head of the famous Cynster Newmarket breeding and racing stables, staying far away from London and ton events as he can. However, even he's heard of Miss Flibbertigibbet and imagine his surprise when his pursuit of an exception stallion named the Babarian leads him to meet someone supposedly Miss Flibbertigibbet, but in reality the perfect strong mate for him.
This is a warm sexy romance woven around and through a slight mystery plot involving horse theft, blackmail, and complex family dynamics. Most of the novel has them tracking the stolen through a significant section of England in 1854, quite an adventure and a Victorian road trip so to speak. Let's also not forget the antics of the Barbarian whose decided preference for Lady Adriana causes a few moments.
This is a warm sexy romance woven around and through a slight mystery plot involving horse theft, blackmail, and complex family dynamics. Most of the novel has them tracking the stolen through a significant section of England in 1854, quite an adventure and a Victorian road trip so to speak. Let's also not forget the antics of the Barbarian whose decided preference for Lady Adriana causes a few moments.
March 19, 2023
Disappointing
I have been a fan of Stephanie Laurens for many years. Her recent novels have been very similar. It's disappointing to buy her recent books and see nothing new or creative. The love scenes could have been copied and pasted, just new names inserted.
I have been a fan of Stephanie Laurens for many years. Her recent novels have been very similar. It's disappointing to buy her recent books and see nothing new or creative. The love scenes could have been copied and pasted, just new names inserted.
June 29, 2024
My rating for Miss Flibbertigibbet and the Barbarian, by Stephanie Laurens: 3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 stars.
This book, and the others in the Cynsters Next Generation series, is well-written -- but it is not as good as the earlier Cynster books. All of the books seem unnecessarily wordy, and many are just too long.
My main issue with this book is all the emphasis on the mystery. I felt that the book was more about the mystery than it was about the romance. I didn't mind the mystery, just felt that the romance should have taken center stage. I actually got a little bored with the mystery part of the story, because there was just so much detail about it. Much of that detail could have been left out, and the story would not have suffered.
The earlier Cynster books usually had a mystery or problem to solve, but the main story was always the romance -- in this series, in every book I've read so far, it seemed that the romances were very secondary to another plot point.
On thing I do appreciate about Laurens' romances are that the love scenes are usually not extremely explicit. I like love scenes in my romances, but don't care to read the really explicit, dirty ones. That is just not romantic to me.
Stephanie Laurens is an excellent writer, but this series so far has had too much emphasis on other plot points -- and not enough on the romances. Since I read Laurens' books for the romances, I don't really enjoy so much emphasis on other things.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
This book, and the others in the Cynsters Next Generation series, is well-written -- but it is not as good as the earlier Cynster books. All of the books seem unnecessarily wordy, and many are just too long.
My main issue with this book is all the emphasis on the mystery. I felt that the book was more about the mystery than it was about the romance. I didn't mind the mystery, just felt that the romance should have taken center stage. I actually got a little bored with the mystery part of the story, because there was just so much detail about it. Much of that detail could have been left out, and the story would not have suffered.
The earlier Cynster books usually had a mystery or problem to solve, but the main story was always the romance -- in this series, in every book I've read so far, it seemed that the romances were very secondary to another plot point.
On thing I do appreciate about Laurens' romances are that the love scenes are usually not extremely explicit. I like love scenes in my romances, but don't care to read the really explicit, dirty ones. That is just not romantic to me.
Stephanie Laurens is an excellent writer, but this series so far has had too much emphasis on other plot points -- and not enough on the romances. Since I read Laurens' books for the romances, I don't really enjoy so much emphasis on other things.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
November 21, 2023
I love Stephanie Laurens she always bring her stories to live for me!💖❤💖
Feeling much as she imagined a beached whale would, Addie was folding shawls and placing them in the new oak chest in the freshly painted nursery in the attic of the farmhouse when she heard her husband’s steps as he climbed the attic stairs. She dropped the last shawl into the chest, then shut the lid and turned to sit on it. Her hand resting on her distended belly, she smiled when Nicholas appeared in the doorway. “There you are.” His smile held pride, relief, and the glow of love. Then he glanced around before bringing his now-frowning gaze back to her face. “I worry about you being all the way up here alone.” She pointed to the new bellpull dangling beside the door. “Withers insisted on setting that up. If I need help, I only have to pull it.” Withers was their new butler, a younger man keen to please his master as well as his mistress. Nicholas considered the bellpull and nodded. “Good man.” Then he looked at the letter he held in his hands. A grin flitting about his lips, he walked to where Addie sat. “Here.” He offered her the sheet. “This came by courier. You’ll want to read it.” As, mystified, she accepted the letter, Nicholas added, “It seems that Toby, as he often is, was right.” Frowning, Addie scanned the sheet. “Right in what way?” “At our wedding, Toby predicted that Meg would be the next Cynster to marry.” Addie frowned, then focused on the script. As she read, her lips parted, then she reached the end of the missive, and her jaw dropped. Stunned, she looked at Nicholas. Grinning, he nodded. “Toby suggested it would be unexpected.” “Unexpected?” Addie looked back at the letter, then waved it at her husband. “This… This…” Nicholas arched a brow. “Is certainly one way to get engaged.”
Feeling much as she imagined a beached whale would, Addie was folding shawls and placing them in the new oak chest in the freshly painted nursery in the attic of the farmhouse when she heard her husband’s steps as he climbed the attic stairs. She dropped the last shawl into the chest, then shut the lid and turned to sit on it. Her hand resting on her distended belly, she smiled when Nicholas appeared in the doorway. “There you are.” His smile held pride, relief, and the glow of love. Then he glanced around before bringing his now-frowning gaze back to her face. “I worry about you being all the way up here alone.” She pointed to the new bellpull dangling beside the door. “Withers insisted on setting that up. If I need help, I only have to pull it.” Withers was their new butler, a younger man keen to please his master as well as his mistress. Nicholas considered the bellpull and nodded. “Good man.” Then he looked at the letter he held in his hands. A grin flitting about his lips, he walked to where Addie sat. “Here.” He offered her the sheet. “This came by courier. You’ll want to read it.” As, mystified, she accepted the letter, Nicholas added, “It seems that Toby, as he often is, was right.” Frowning, Addie scanned the sheet. “Right in what way?” “At our wedding, Toby predicted that Meg would be the next Cynster to marry.” Addie frowned, then focused on the script. As she read, her lips parted, then she reached the end of the missive, and her jaw dropped. Stunned, she looked at Nicholas. Grinning, he nodded. “Toby suggested it would be unexpected.” “Unexpected?” Addie looked back at the letter, then waved it at her husband. “This… This…” Nicholas arched a brow. “Is certainly one way to get engaged.”
August 1, 2025
Nicholas Cynster belongs to the family of Cynsters who are horse mad. His father is Demon Cynster, a renowned race owner and trainer of Thorough bred horses. His sister, Prudence, has just sent him a message to get a certain horse that has been just discovered in the Aisby Estate.
The horse is reputed to be a renowned stallion, just what the Cynster stable is looking for. So Nicholas sets out to buy the stallion who is named The Barbarian. When he arrives on the Aisby Estate, he is turned away by the owner's daughter, Lady Adriana Sommerville. She is uneasy about discussing the horse.
It turns out that the Earl is in bad health but his daughter gets her father to set terms for selling The Barbarian. The terms are agreed to and both seller and buyer are happy. Then it is discovered The Barbarian is missing.
Adriana and Nicholas set out to find the horse along with their crew. They are led on a merry chase as they do not want the thief to discover them until he reaches his destination.
What they discover is a complicated plot. This is another good Cynster book.
The horse is reputed to be a renowned stallion, just what the Cynster stable is looking for. So Nicholas sets out to buy the stallion who is named The Barbarian. When he arrives on the Aisby Estate, he is turned away by the owner's daughter, Lady Adriana Sommerville. She is uneasy about discussing the horse.
It turns out that the Earl is in bad health but his daughter gets her father to set terms for selling The Barbarian. The terms are agreed to and both seller and buyer are happy. Then it is discovered The Barbarian is missing.
Adriana and Nicholas set out to find the horse along with their crew. They are led on a merry chase as they do not want the thief to discover them until he reaches his destination.
What they discover is a complicated plot. This is another good Cynster book.
October 22, 2023
Nicholas Cynster is looking for a horse, a specific horse, one with the sobriquet Barbarian. It has been spotted at Ainsby Grange so he heads over. His introduction to the Sommervilles is helping the younger set take down their flour balloon bombs. A little odd but it smooths his introduction to Lady Adrianna. And that is good because she is going to be the one he is dealing with in the sale of the horse as her father is... not well and her mother is spending all of her time with him.
Addie doesn't understand the feelings she's having around this man but, when the horse disappears, she's going to have more time to figure it out as the two will be working together to figure out where the horse has gone.
I appreciated the fact that the obvious ending (at least if you're a regular Laurens reader) was actually subverted in a way I don't remember her ever doing anymore.
Addie doesn't understand the feelings she's having around this man but, when the horse disappears, she's going to have more time to figure it out as the two will be working together to figure out where the horse has gone.
I appreciated the fact that the obvious ending (at least if you're a regular Laurens reader) was actually subverted in a way I don't remember her ever doing anymore.
November 28, 2025
Not sure how I missed this Next Generation story, but it was just as good as the others I read.
Nicholas is stepping up to the plate to acquir a horse for his family's breeding concerns, and shows up to meet with the owner and negotiate a deal. However, instead of negotiating with the Earl, he meets his eldest daughter, and attempts to negotiate with her.
Addie is not overly impressed with Nicholas and deters him with a promise to take the interest he has in Barbarian to her father. He can return the next day for their answer.
When Nicholas returns the next day, he finds out the horse is missing and the hunt is on -- with Addie and Nicholas leading the search for the perpetrator and the horse.
The mystery and hunt encompasses several days, but love grows between Nicholas and Addie.
Nicholas is stepping up to the plate to acquir a horse for his family's breeding concerns, and shows up to meet with the owner and negotiate a deal. However, instead of negotiating with the Earl, he meets his eldest daughter, and attempts to negotiate with her.
Addie is not overly impressed with Nicholas and deters him with a promise to take the interest he has in Barbarian to her father. He can return the next day for their answer.
When Nicholas returns the next day, he finds out the horse is missing and the hunt is on -- with Addie and Nicholas leading the search for the perpetrator and the horse.
The mystery and hunt encompasses several days, but love grows between Nicholas and Addie.
March 29, 2023
2.5 stars
I've read many previous Cynster novels and liked them. This one, unfortunately, was a rough one to get through. I enjoyed the romance part of the book, but OMG, all the VERY detailed mappings and directions, over and over again!!! I listened to the audio book and just glazed over or fast forwarded the many boring plotting map sections.
I would have liked to read about "Miss Flibbertigibbet" in action in the ballrooms, but (unless I missed it) there was none of that. There was the mention of what she's like in the ballrooms.
The reader/narrator is good. I associate him with the Cynsters and it feels like revisiting the family with his familiar voice.
It sounds like there will be more to this series. Hoping to enjoy those better.
I've read many previous Cynster novels and liked them. This one, unfortunately, was a rough one to get through. I enjoyed the romance part of the book, but OMG, all the VERY detailed mappings and directions, over and over again!!! I listened to the audio book and just glazed over or fast forwarded the many boring plotting map sections.
I would have liked to read about "Miss Flibbertigibbet" in action in the ballrooms, but (unless I missed it) there was none of that. There was the mention of what she's like in the ballrooms.
The reader/narrator is good. I associate him with the Cynsters and it feels like revisiting the family with his familiar voice.
It sounds like there will be more to this series. Hoping to enjoy those better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2024
Excellent wild goose chase story! Nicholas Cynster is all set to purchase a horse called The Barbarian from the Earl of Aisby, who had been bequeathed the horse by a friend. But arriving at Aisby Hall, he meets Lady Adriana Sommerville, who informs him the horse isn't for sale. She's also trying to protect her father, who seems to be falling into a mental decline. But the day after Nicholas' arrival, the horse goes missing. With a sighting of a rider, along with The Barbarian, Addy, Nicholas, several workers from the estate, and later, Addie's older brother, Dickie, all starty combing the countryside, trying to find anyone who saw the horse and the person leading it. And along the way, feelings develop between Nicholas and Adriana.
March 20, 2023
Miss Flibbertigibbet and the Barbarian
Is Flibbertigibbet came into being during her first season when no one would take her seriously, so she gave them what they wanted. Running her father's estate she ends up in negotiations with Nicholas Cynster, Demons eldest son, for a stallion known as the Barbarian for his stud in Newmarket. During the retrieval of the stolen horse they fall in love and she reconciles her eldest brother with the family. Great author, great book. I would read anything she writes. One of my favorites.
Is Flibbertigibbet came into being during her first season when no one would take her seriously, so she gave them what they wanted. Running her father's estate she ends up in negotiations with Nicholas Cynster, Demons eldest son, for a stallion known as the Barbarian for his stud in Newmarket. During the retrieval of the stolen horse they fall in love and she reconciles her eldest brother with the family. Great author, great book. I would read anything she writes. One of my favorites.
December 4, 2024
Yet another book that slipped through contemporary reviewing, so here’s my thoughts on it nearly a year later. I love this whole expanded family series with few exceptions, and thankfully this isn’t one of them. I liked the characters, and the whole horse stealing angle, plus the identity of the thief and how it ties into Miss Flibbertigibbet’s life was interesting. May update this when I get around to a reread, but at the moment I’m feeling like it was a 3.5 star read.
March 29, 2023
Amazing!!
I love the dynamics of the Cynsters family. Nicholas and Eddie were simply perfect for each other. I loved the adventure, their love for horses. They were the perfect compliment for each other. I love the happier ever after. I look forward to the next book from this author and I recommend this book and all her others. Fantastic!!
I love the dynamics of the Cynsters family. Nicholas and Eddie were simply perfect for each other. I loved the adventure, their love for horses. They were the perfect compliment for each other. I love the happier ever after. I look forward to the next book from this author and I recommend this book and all her others. Fantastic!!
June 12, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is so fun to see the parents and siblings appear in this story. Stephanie always writes strong heroines and heroes with delightful writing. Great mystery, lovely steamy scenes, and overall a winning story. The title is fabulous and goes to show you can never judge a book or person by their cover. I look forward to the next book.
August 3, 2024
I'm having fun reading Stephanie Laurens again with the Cynsters Next Generation. Each book, so far, has been different as well as a quality read. I'm thoroughly enjoying them, and the characters. I wasn't sure for many years that I cared for the stories of the children, but really happy I've changed my mind.
March 18, 2023
A!says a joy
I read all Stephanie Laurens books. She is a firm favorite This is particularly pleasing. I recommend you read each of her books . many years of entertainment awaits you
I read all Stephanie Laurens books. She is a firm favorite This is particularly pleasing. I recommend you read each of her books . many years of entertainment awaits you
March 19, 2023
I love the Cynster family and will always read these books. However, I did feel like this book was short in action and long on repeated descriptions of Nicholas’ thought processes (and Addie’s) about whether they would marry. Just felt very repetitive and dragged on and on.
March 23, 2023
Excellent! Stephanie Laurens does it again with an exceptional tale with the Cynster ranks. I loved these characters and the plot. You just can't go wrong with her stories. Looking forward to reading the next installment of this wonderful series.
March 31, 2023
Cynster's, are a favorite family
I always enjoy Cynster books. They are one of my favorite families to read about. Going all the way back to Devil and his cousins. Every generation has been great. Nicholas did not disappoint.
I always enjoy Cynster books. They are one of my favorite families to read about. Going all the way back to Devil and his cousins. Every generation has been great. Nicholas did not disappoint.
March 28, 2024
Enjoyable
As for the mystery, that was evident from the moment The Barbarian went missing. The romance was so very Cynster. I am enjoying the younger generation as much as I enjoyed the original bunch. Very enjoyable 😉
As for the mystery, that was evident from the moment The Barbarian went missing. The romance was so very Cynster. I am enjoying the younger generation as much as I enjoyed the original bunch. Very enjoyable 😉
August 13, 2024
Totally enjoyed this book, except it was a little boring in constantly informing every place they travelled to looking for the horse. Sorta started skipping over that part, otherwise really liked all the characters and the interactions between all of them.
September 5, 2024
I used to love Cynsters, but after reading so namy books it feels predictable and terribly long. I mean i still enjoy it but have to read in parts so I am not so board by all the detailes and descriptions.
March 30, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, there was little of the angst and danger of other books but that didn’t take away anything from a lovely story, I liked that we got a relationship based read here. Very enjoyable read.
March 17, 2023
Listened to the audiobook all day. Could not put it down
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