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Cynster #14
The Taste of Innocence
For no gentleman is this more true than Charles Morwellan, the eighth Earl of Meredith. Although he's seen the many successful unions of his Cynster connections, he has also watched his father's obsessions nearly destroy their family and fortune, a mistake Charles will not repeat. But as Lord Meredith he must marry, so he offers for Sarah, the daughter of his neighbors Lord and Lady Conningham. She's intelligent enough to run his social life, beautiful enough to grace his arm, and old enough to know the value of his offer.
For most young ladies of the ton, the right marriage is the culmination of years of training, perfect deportment, and intricate plans that would impress a general. But as a lady of independent means with a life of her own, Sarah is unwilling to wed unless it is for unbounded love.
But Charles always gets what he wants. He convinces Sarah to give him two weeks to win her; if he succeeds, they will marry immediately. And so begins an intense courtship. By day, Charles and Sarah are models of decorum indulging in innocuous walks, polite conversation, sedate waltzes. Each night they steal away to the lush, moonlit gardens, where sensual embraces turn to searing kisses, and much, much more. Both are swept away on a tide of passion and feeling neither can resist.
And yet, after the wedding, despite nights of insatiable passion, Charles remains aloof, as if the near-sinful sweetness of their nights exists only in a dream. Sarah battles to prove that true love is a force that can't be contained, a gift worth fighting for, but it's only when she's engulfed in a web of increasingly dangerous incidents that Charles discovers how much he's willing to surrender to protect . . . the taste of innocence.
For most young ladies of the ton, the right marriage is the culmination of years of training, perfect deportment, and intricate plans that would impress a general. But as a lady of independent means with a life of her own, Sarah is unwilling to wed unless it is for unbounded love.
But Charles always gets what he wants. He convinces Sarah to give him two weeks to win her; if he succeeds, they will marry immediately. And so begins an intense courtship. By day, Charles and Sarah are models of decorum indulging in innocuous walks, polite conversation, sedate waltzes. Each night they steal away to the lush, moonlit gardens, where sensual embraces turn to searing kisses, and much, much more. Both are swept away on a tide of passion and feeling neither can resist.
And yet, after the wedding, despite nights of insatiable passion, Charles remains aloof, as if the near-sinful sweetness of their nights exists only in a dream. Sarah battles to prove that true love is a force that can't be contained, a gift worth fighting for, but it's only when she's engulfed in a web of increasingly dangerous incidents that Charles discovers how much he's willing to surrender to protect . . . the taste of innocence.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published January 30, 2007
246 people are currently reading
2127 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
206 books5,587 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 178 reviews
October 19, 2018
Not worthy of Stephanie Laurens book or a Cynster hero.
Devil’s Bride is the standard by which all Cynster romances are measured, and this is a pale imitation. Honestly, just read one of the first seven or so for a better hero.
PLOT:
Charlie, the hero, is in need of a wife, and like all the heroes in the series once he settles on who he wants he will stop at nothing to get her. He picks Sarah, a neighbor he’s known all his life, as much for her appropriateness as a Countess as for the fact he suspects she loves him. He makes his wish known, but she lays down the law that she wants a passionate marriage rather than a standard, grade B MOC. She wants to get to know him, before she will agree to marriage.
Fine. I doubt Sarah meant that they would have rampant groping sessions then sex as part of the “Getting to Know You Part” of the courtship. I imagine she was talking about emotions rather than hormones.
However, Charlie essentially seduces her with sex. Lots of sex. Lots. Every other scene. They meet at the summer house for a long grope session. Then it’s a trip to the orphanage that the worthy and boring heroine runs. More groping. Then tea with the vicar. Then anticipating the vows a lot then an outing to….zzzzzz.
Charlie is a lying skunk as he has no intention of having a passionate marriage other than after the lights are out. He doesn’t want his emotions to get the better of him as …dun dun dunnnnnn,… too many feelings lead to problems or something. He has this big bad reason for keeping his new bride cruelly at an emotional distance because of his father. No, he was not besotted with a mistress and broke the H’s mother’s heart. He didn’t have any bastards. He didn’t hate his son for insert reason number 25.
SL is a great writer, and it’s disturbing to leave such a low rating. I am probably being harsher than I should, but the push/pull of the heroine and hero has been done so much better by this same author this is just a cheap copy.
There is a subplot where some evil minion are trying to get the orphanage that’s okay.
The narration was well done.
Devil’s Bride is the standard by which all Cynster romances are measured, and this is a pale imitation. Honestly, just read one of the first seven or so for a better hero.
PLOT:
Charlie, the hero, is in need of a wife, and like all the heroes in the series once he settles on who he wants he will stop at nothing to get her. He picks Sarah, a neighbor he’s known all his life, as much for her appropriateness as a Countess as for the fact he suspects she loves him. He makes his wish known, but she lays down the law that she wants a passionate marriage rather than a standard, grade B MOC. She wants to get to know him, before she will agree to marriage.
Fine. I doubt Sarah meant that they would have rampant groping sessions then sex as part of the “Getting to Know You Part” of the courtship. I imagine she was talking about emotions rather than hormones.
However, Charlie essentially seduces her with sex. Lots of sex. Lots. Every other scene. They meet at the summer house for a long grope session. Then it’s a trip to the orphanage that the worthy and boring heroine runs. More groping. Then tea with the vicar. Then anticipating the vows a lot then an outing to….zzzzzz.
Charlie is a lying skunk as he has no intention of having a passionate marriage other than after the lights are out. He doesn’t want his emotions to get the better of him as …dun dun dunnnnnn,… too many feelings lead to problems or something. He has this big bad reason for keeping his new bride cruelly at an emotional distance because of his father. No, he was not besotted with a mistress and broke the H’s mother’s heart. He didn’t have any bastards. He didn’t hate his son for insert reason number 25.
SL is a great writer, and it’s disturbing to leave such a low rating. I am probably being harsher than I should, but the push/pull of the heroine and hero has been done so much better by this same author this is just a cheap copy.
There is a subplot where some evil minion are trying to get the orphanage that’s okay.
The narration was well done.
September 5, 2023
Paragraph after paragraph and page after page of description ad nauseum. I liked the plot, and I liked the characters, but I much prefer to learn about them through dialogue. Thus, I skimmed great portions of this book. It must have taken a couple hundred pages for them to finally get to home base in the summerhouse. The slight mystery element is all that kept me going as by the halfway point I really didn't care much if they ever realized they loved each other, and Charlie accepted that emotion for his wife or not.
Charles Morwellan, the eighth Earl of Meredith knows he must marry and produce an heir. He believes that love was the ruination of his father and has decided that that emotion will have no place in his marriage. What a fool. He has decided that Lady Sarah Conningham will make as excellent choice as his wife. Being neighbors they have known each other
For no gentleman is this more true than Charles Morwellan, the eighth Earl of Meredith. Although he's seen the many successful unions of his Cynster connections, he has also watched his father's obsessions nearly destroy their family and fortune, a mistake Charles will not repeat. But as Lord Meredith he must marry, so he offers for Sarah, the daughter of his neighbors Lord and Lady Conningham. She's intelligent enough to run his social life, beautiful enough to grace his arm, and old enough to know the value of his offer. For most young ladies of the ton , the right marriage is the culmination of years of training, perfect deportment, and intricate plans that would impress a general. But as a lady of independent means with a life of her own, Sarah is unwilling to wed unless it is for unbounded love.
But Charles always gets what he wants. He convinces Sarah to give him two weeks to win her; if he succeeds, they will marry immediately. And so begins an intense courtship. By day, Charles and Sarah are models of decorum indulging in innocuous walks, polite conversation, sedate waltzes. Each night they steal away to the lush, moonlit gardens, where sensual embraces turn to searing kisses, and much, much more. Both are swept away on a tide of passion and feeling neither can resist. And yet, after the wedding, despite nights of insatiable passion, Charles remains aloof, as if the near-sinful sweetness of their nights exists only in a dream. Sarah battles to prove that true love is a force that can't be contained, a gift worth fighting for, but it's only when she's engulfed in a web of increasingly dangerous incidents that Charles discovers how much he's willing to surrender to protect . . . the taste of innocence.
Charles Morwellan, the eighth Earl of Meredith knows he must marry and produce an heir. He believes that love was the ruination of his father and has decided that that emotion will have no place in his marriage. What a fool. He has decided that Lady Sarah Conningham will make as excellent choice as his wife. Being neighbors they have known each other
For no gentleman is this more true than Charles Morwellan, the eighth Earl of Meredith. Although he's seen the many successful unions of his Cynster connections, he has also watched his father's obsessions nearly destroy their family and fortune, a mistake Charles will not repeat. But as Lord Meredith he must marry, so he offers for Sarah, the daughter of his neighbors Lord and Lady Conningham. She's intelligent enough to run his social life, beautiful enough to grace his arm, and old enough to know the value of his offer. For most young ladies of the ton , the right marriage is the culmination of years of training, perfect deportment, and intricate plans that would impress a general. But as a lady of independent means with a life of her own, Sarah is unwilling to wed unless it is for unbounded love.
But Charles always gets what he wants. He convinces Sarah to give him two weeks to win her; if he succeeds, they will marry immediately. And so begins an intense courtship. By day, Charles and Sarah are models of decorum indulging in innocuous walks, polite conversation, sedate waltzes. Each night they steal away to the lush, moonlit gardens, where sensual embraces turn to searing kisses, and much, much more. Both are swept away on a tide of passion and feeling neither can resist. And yet, after the wedding, despite nights of insatiable passion, Charles remains aloof, as if the near-sinful sweetness of their nights exists only in a dream. Sarah battles to prove that true love is a force that can't be contained, a gift worth fighting for, but it's only when she's engulfed in a web of increasingly dangerous incidents that Charles discovers how much he's willing to surrender to protect . . . the taste of innocence.
March 2, 2018
Rating: 4 stars
A singularly romantic tale filled with the precarious twists and turns of loving the familiar, learning to trust, and the revelation that Love is Blindness. With all the amazing historical details that we've come to expect from these books, and characters who are very human and are lifted up by their love for one another to become so much more. Charlie and Sarah made me smile, nod in agreement and hope for an HEA that would fulfill everything they deserve from start to finish.
A singularly romantic tale filled with the precarious twists and turns of loving the familiar, learning to trust, and the revelation that Love is Blindness. With all the amazing historical details that we've come to expect from these books, and characters who are very human and are lifted up by their love for one another to become so much more. Charlie and Sarah made me smile, nod in agreement and hope for an HEA that would fulfill everything they deserve from start to finish.
October 18, 2013
Much better than the last one in the series! Sarah had the patience of a saint to deal with Charlie's idiocy about not showing his love for her her anywhere but in the bedroom. I'd have given him the cold shoulder in bed like he was doing to her everywhere else. I'm interested to see how SL redeems Malcolm Sinclair later in this series, since I've heard she will write his book soon.
July 14, 2021
This is book 14 in the Cynster series and gosh the heat is not fading from these romances. I am not sure how Laurens does it, how she keeps coming up with these different stories and yet refrains from repeating herself.
In this book we follow the characters Sarah and Charles as they navigate their way to love. Still with all the usual bodice ripper ingredients the story is engaging and exciting. The romance is heavy throughout and if you’re looking for that perfect romance pick me up this is it. You can read these as standalones or as part of the series, which I am doing.
Because I have read the rest of the series, I have to mention this is not one of my favourites and actually is quite tame. I did enjoy the book whilst reading, however it is not one that will stay with me, although perfect to sit with on a rainy afternoon. It just wasn’t gripping enough. She has written better storylines in the series which is why this is only a 3 stars from me.
In this book we follow the characters Sarah and Charles as they navigate their way to love. Still with all the usual bodice ripper ingredients the story is engaging and exciting. The romance is heavy throughout and if you’re looking for that perfect romance pick me up this is it. You can read these as standalones or as part of the series, which I am doing.
Because I have read the rest of the series, I have to mention this is not one of my favourites and actually is quite tame. I did enjoy the book whilst reading, however it is not one that will stay with me, although perfect to sit with on a rainy afternoon. It just wasn’t gripping enough. She has written better storylines in the series which is why this is only a 3 stars from me.
March 8, 2017
For a historical romance book this was quite painful to read and even harder to finish. I could have finished this within 3 days but it took a week and half to finish simply cause it was so so so very boring. I tried really hard to get into it but I couldn't. There was no conflict and pretty much no story. The plot was dragged out painfully slow, conversations and summaries would go on for pages endlessly and even the love scenes were tedious as ever. The love scenes in particular read more like how-to manuals then an actual love scene, it was almost robotic which was bizarre. It was as if the author couldn't decide how to tie it up so she kept going on and on for pages describing every. single. action. And no not the good kind either. Very painful to get through. I don't think I could really call it 'love scenes' cause it was so lifeless and drawn out and oh yes! redundant. It's even more depressing where you pretty much get the same love scene played out word for word more than once. Come on! No imagination or creativity whatsoever. There was more description then there was dialogue which I'm not a fan of. Very boring stale book.
June 19, 2024
Overall Rating:
⭐️: 5/5 🌶️🔥: 3.75/5
This was the first Cynster book that made me cry—like, REALLY cry.
The first part of the plot is essentially the characters coming together, and a bunch of love scenes. I loved every second of it.
After marriage, Charlie turns into an ass. If we didn’t get his POV and understand what he was feeling, I would've thrown this book across the room and not finished it. But I cried and loved it.
The book's second half had more plot, although it was pretty clear what was happening. I really enjoyed getting ALL the perspectives.
This book is LONG. I'm not sure if it's longer than others in the series, but it felt long. I tried the abridged version, but it was crap, so I went back to the unabridged, and honestly, all the details mattered.
😭
Cynster Book 14
Charles' is Gabriel's brother-in-law and Alathea's younger brother, and heir to the Earldom.
Chronological Yr: 1833 Feb
(It’s more of a 🌶️:4.5, but it’s not all super detailed or complete SMUT so I lowered the spice rating.)
⭐️: 5/5 🌶️🔥: 3.75/5
This was the first Cynster book that made me cry—like, REALLY cry.
The first part of the plot is essentially the characters coming together, and a bunch of love scenes. I loved every second of it.
After marriage, Charlie turns into an ass. If we didn’t get his POV and understand what he was feeling, I would've thrown this book across the room and not finished it. But I cried and loved it.
The book's second half had more plot, although it was pretty clear what was happening. I really enjoyed getting ALL the perspectives.
This book is LONG. I'm not sure if it's longer than others in the series, but it felt long. I tried the abridged version, but it was crap, so I went back to the unabridged, and honestly, all the details mattered.
😭
Cynster Book 14
Charles' is Gabriel's brother-in-law and Alathea's younger brother, and heir to the Earldom.
Chronological Yr: 1833 Feb
(It’s more of a 🌶️:4.5, but it’s not all super detailed or complete SMUT so I lowered the spice rating.)
October 13, 2013
3.5 Stars! One more Cynster book down! I wasn't thrilled with this one in the beginning, to be honest. It wasn't so much the characters themselves as it was their drawn-out 'getting to know each other' deal. All the sneaking away, and the baby-steps toward seduction... It took too long and was a bit repetetive. Then they get hitched early on in the story, which was a nice change of pace from the norm in this series. However, then Charlie really started aggravating me, with his wall he put up, his crazy rule that they would only act like they like each other in the bedroom, his stubbornness. I wanted to smack him and shake him. And to a lesser degree, Sarah, as well, for letting him treat her that way, and yet still oblingly letting him have his way in bed. I wouldn't have stifled my irritation like she did! Thankfully, there was an interesting mystery going on involving land purchases and railroad futures, and that was a welcome diversion. I liked the inclusion of the orphanage, and the action that happened there. And of course I enjoyed seeing some of the secondary characters again, revisiting Gabriel and Alathea, brief visits with some others of the Cynster clan, and most of all, Barnaby's role in it. I'm really growing quite fond of Barnaby, and can't wait until we get to his book in December. I have a feeling it will be good. I also was intrigued by the man who was behind the mystery, Malcolm Sinclair. I know this is not the last we will see of him, and I'm eager to see where SL will take his tale. Thankfully, by about the 2/3 mark of the story, Charlie came to his senses, and the rift between he and Sarah was mended. I'm glad he did, and didn't fight it anymore. He got a little smooshy and made the love confession by the end, so all was well on that score. That last third of the book made up for my earlier aggravation, and improved my opinion of it hugely. I leave this month's buddy read feeling content, and eager for next month's Cynster tale (which will be Simon's story, The Perfect Lover). Still feeling sad that our series read is seemingly approaching its end...
March 23, 2017
Longest book ever!!!
April 26, 2025
The first half of this book is really boring. This is the first time since I’ve been reading romance novels that I started skipping sex scenes. It’s soft porn. I can’t stand Sarah. And I can’t stand characters who think lust and love are the same thing. Even so, you need to read it because it’s the introduction of Malcolm Sinclair who is the MC in Loving Rose. Loving Rose is a five star read that you can’t miss, especially if you are a serious fan of Stephanie Laurens, and you will appreciate it even more if you have read this. So I suggest you borrow the ebook or paperback from the library and skim/skip it until Sarah and Charles are actually married. The second half is really good. Thus my three star rating: one star for the “sex lessons” and four stars for the actual plot. Then go, while it’s fresh in your mind, and read Loving Rose from The Casebook of Barnaby Adair. You’re welcome.
March 6, 2023
The Taste of Innocence
2 Stars
Charles Morwellan, Earl of Meredith, has decided to marry. To his mind, Sarah Connigham is the perfect candidate - beautiful, intelligent and mature enough to welcome a marriage of convenience. But Sarah is determined to marry for love and Charlie will have to use all of the weapons in his arsenal - wit, charm and skills in seduction - to win her over.
Series note: This is book #14 in the Cynster series but takes place after the Cynster Sister Trilogy (books #16-18). It is also linked to books #6 and #7 in The Bastion Club series. I strongly recommend reading Laurens' works in chronological order as they appear on her website - here.
After a string of engaging stories, Sarah and Charlie's book falls rather flat. The first half is tediously repetitious as Charlie tries to convince Sarah that he is worthy husband material. While the pacing picks up in the second half as the conflict between them emerges and the suspense plot gains momentum, it is still too drawn out.
The chemistry that characterizes the previous romances in this subset of Cynster brother-in-law novels is sorely lacking as Charlie and Sarah's interactions, both verbal and sexual, are more mechanical than emotional. Also, Charlie's reason for keeping his distance from Sarah is completely non-sensical and undermines his hero status.
In addition, the mystery revolving around the railway land scheme is overly convoluted and descriptive, with pages and pages of financial information, geographical details and train schedules (or so it seems). Moreover, readers coming into the series here without having read The Bastion Club will be lacking backstory on a major player in the story. While some information is provided, it is not sufficient to truly appreciate the character's personality and motivation.
In sum, this is one of the more disappointing installments. Hopefully, the next one will return to the tried and true.
2 Stars
Charles Morwellan, Earl of Meredith, has decided to marry. To his mind, Sarah Connigham is the perfect candidate - beautiful, intelligent and mature enough to welcome a marriage of convenience. But Sarah is determined to marry for love and Charlie will have to use all of the weapons in his arsenal - wit, charm and skills in seduction - to win her over.
Series note: This is book #14 in the Cynster series but takes place after the Cynster Sister Trilogy (books #16-18). It is also linked to books #6 and #7 in The Bastion Club series. I strongly recommend reading Laurens' works in chronological order as they appear on her website - here.
After a string of engaging stories, Sarah and Charlie's book falls rather flat. The first half is tediously repetitious as Charlie tries to convince Sarah that he is worthy husband material. While the pacing picks up in the second half as the conflict between them emerges and the suspense plot gains momentum, it is still too drawn out.
The chemistry that characterizes the previous romances in this subset of Cynster brother-in-law novels is sorely lacking as Charlie and Sarah's interactions, both verbal and sexual, are more mechanical than emotional. Also, Charlie's reason for keeping his distance from Sarah is completely non-sensical and undermines his hero status.
In addition, the mystery revolving around the railway land scheme is overly convoluted and descriptive, with pages and pages of financial information, geographical details and train schedules (or so it seems). Moreover, readers coming into the series here without having read The Bastion Club will be lacking backstory on a major player in the story. While some information is provided, it is not sufficient to truly appreciate the character's personality and motivation.
In sum, this is one of the more disappointing installments. Hopefully, the next one will return to the tried and true.
June 5, 2012
This was a very boring book. There was practically no plot, just a man and woman meeting each night to get to know each other. He wanted to marry her. She wanted to find out if he could or did love her. They never talked about much of anything, just made-out. I don't see how that would show love. Lust maybe, but not love. I think if he loved her, her would have convinced her to wait until they were married to have sex. I would want to find out what his morals and values were. How did he feel about extra-marital affairs? What were his ambitions, dreams, and hobbies? What role did he see for his wife? Did he want children and if so, how many? She wanted to find out - Does he have a penis? Will he share it with me? Will I like it? Pretty easy to guess the answer to those questions. This book is shallow and it drags on and therefore I had no desire to finish it.
March 19, 2013
i loved this book. unlike others where the hero doesn't accept he is in love until the end, this hero knew he was in love, and accepted the fact. he just didn't want it to control him. and when he realized he was wrong, he didn't let his pride take total control of him as he apologized. the SL books in have read always have a side story of some mystery and as before, i figured the villain almost as soon as i saw him. SL needs to improve that. i was happy to realize Sinclair didn't die. his repentance was sincere and he deserves a second chance. i noticed that in the book, Simon and Portia seems not to be married. weren't they the next romance after luc and Amelia? there was more conversations and less sexual encounter than in the other SL book i read. it is a book i can read again and even recommend.
September 15, 2016
I really really really enjoyed this book.
Seeing his friends fall into the marriage trap, Charles decides to get married.
Whom he sets his eyes upon, is the 23 year old Sarah- who has decided to remain a spinster by choice- in search of true love.
As he declared his intentions of courting her, Sparks ignite, and while Sarah seems intent on confessing her newly found love, Charles seems hell bent on hiding it.
What follows is a marriage with misunderstandings, mild angst, and a passionate heroine who doesn't give up.
I really enjoyed the middle of the story when Sarah fought for her marriage.
There is a mystery involving the orphanage and a culprit, but for the first time, it has a sort of satisfying ending.
Really liked it.
Safe read
4.5/5
Seeing his friends fall into the marriage trap, Charles decides to get married.
Whom he sets his eyes upon, is the 23 year old Sarah- who has decided to remain a spinster by choice- in search of true love.
As he declared his intentions of courting her, Sparks ignite, and while Sarah seems intent on confessing her newly found love, Charles seems hell bent on hiding it.
What follows is a marriage with misunderstandings, mild angst, and a passionate heroine who doesn't give up.
I really enjoyed the middle of the story when Sarah fought for her marriage.
There is a mystery involving the orphanage and a culprit, but for the first time, it has a sort of satisfying ending.
Really liked it.
Safe read
4.5/5
October 14, 2013
It was OK. I skipped a lot of pages in first half of the book since it just full of kissing and necking. The main characters were okay, just typical Cynster heroes and heroines.
Anyway, I like the subplot involving land profiteering and the orphanage. And I was intrigued with the villain who weren't really vilain, Malcolm Sinclair, who seems to be the hero in Ms Laurens next project.
Anyway, I like the subplot involving land profiteering and the orphanage. And I was intrigued with the villain who weren't really vilain, Malcolm Sinclair, who seems to be the hero in Ms Laurens next project.
March 19, 2015
3.5 stars
I read it very long time ago. I don't remember much but I know that ı liked it.
I read it very long time ago. I don't remember much but I know that ı liked it.
September 23, 2011
charles morwellan, earl of meredith 8, merasa sudah waktunya dirinya untuk menikah & mempunyai anak yg dpt meneruskan tradisi keluarga.
charles sudah tau wanita spt apa yg pantas menjadi countess-nya, wanita yg dari keturunan & latar belakang baik & bisa menjalankan tugas2nya spt countess of meredith & tentu saja menjadi ibu baik anak2 charles.
& siapa lagi yg bisa lebih pantas menjadi countess of meredith selain lady sarah conningham.
charles/charlie sudah mengenal sarah sejak masih kecil & mereka sering bertemua, yah mau ga mau karna mereka bertetangga yg artinya saudara saudari serta ibu charlie juga sudah mengenal sarah dengan baik.
lady sarah conningham sudah waktunya menikah namun belum bisa menemukan pria yg bisa menjadi pusat dunianya.
namun sebenarnya diam2 sarah menyukai charlie tp sarah tau itu tidak mungkin.
mereka memang sering bertemu bahkan bbrp kali berdansa bersama tp charlie tidak pernah menunjukkan ketertarikan macam apapun pada sarah, sptnya charlie menganggapnya hanya sbg tetangga saja.
tentu saja sarah kaget saat mendapat lamaran dari charlie.
tentu saja sarah senang tp sarah tidak bisa begitu saja menerima - walo ke 2 ortunya menekankannya untuk memikirkan baik2 - sarah butuh waktu untuk mengenal charlie yg baru, charlie sbg calon suaminya.
sarah & charlie sepakat untuk memberi diri mereka 2 minggu untuk saling mengenal sblm sarah memberikan jawabannya.
well, lebih mengenal bagi charlie tentu saja termasuk kiss donkkk :p
tapi mereka sepakat untuk secara diam2 saja karna kalo sampai ke 2 adik perempuan sarah juga keluarga charlie tau wah bisa2 malah rame sendiri & mereka tidak bisa secara baik2 saling mengenal.
dasar charlie dia merasa kalo dia merayu sarah semuanya akan lebih cepat apalagi ternyata sarah mampu menarik minat charlie lebih dr yg charlie perkirakan.
setiap malam sehabis mereka melakukan acara sosial charlie & sarah bertemu di summerhouse kediaman conningham.
disitu setiap malamnya charlie mengajak sarah memasuki dunia baru, dunia yg tidak pernah diimpikan oleh sarah.
disitu sarah melihat sisi lain charlie, membuatnya tidak lagi bisa berkata tidak & jatuh cinta lbh dlm pd charlie.
hari pernikahan sarah & charlie pun sangat sempurna.
seluruh keluarga berkumpul. bahkan sarah pun dikenalkan pd keluarga cynster, keluarga ipar charlie juga teman2 charlie.
sarah sangat2 bahagia.....bahkan malam pengantinnya pun sangat sangat sangattttttt sempurna.
tapi....hari pertamanya sbg countess meredith ternodai oleh sikap charlie yang tiba2 saja jadi menjauh & itu bertahan berhari2.
sarah spt menikah dgn 2 orang yg berbeda. di malam hari charlie kembali menjadi charlie yg dikenalnya namun di siang hari dia menjadi charlie, the earl of meredith.
sebenarnya apa yg salah dengan charlie???
sementara sarah bingung dengan sikap charlie, charlie sendiri bingung dengan dirinya sendiri.
charlie tau sikapnya pd sarah tidak masuk akal tp charlie tidak ingin spt ayahnya, yg terjebak cinta & dikendalikan oleh cinta.
charlie tidak bisa menyangkal dia mencintai sarah tp cintanya pd sarah itulah yg justru membuat charlie takut mendekatkan dirinya & merengkuh kebahagiaan dlm pernikahannya.
satu2nya hal yg bisa dilakukannya adl menciptakan jarak & tidak bertemu sesering mungkin dgn sarah.
jadilah setiap hari charlie pergi menemui malcolm sinclair membahas bisnis meninggalkan pengantin barunya sendirian.
sarah berusaha sabar karna teringat pd peramal yg mengatakan cintanya hanya dia yg bisa menentukan.
apapun tindakan charlie sarah berusaha memahami & menyibukkan dirinya sendiri.
namun sarah benar2 sakit hati saat suatu ketika sarah meminta bantuan charlie perihal masalah yg terjadi di rumah piatu yg ditinggalkan oleh sarah's godmother eh charlie yg biasanya suka menolong tiba2 saja dengan dingin & tegas memberitahukan sarah bahwa rumah piatu itu adl milik sarah yg tidak akan pernah charlie ikut campur baik dulu maupun sekarang apapun yg terjadi.
intinya kalo ku bilang charlie secara tersirat bilang bagian kehidupanmu yg lain diluar kehidupan sbg countess meredith charlie tidak mau tau.
sejak itulah sarah tidak lagi mau memberitahukan apapun pd charlie bahkan saat masalah di rumah piatu semakin memprihatinkan & mencemaskan.
kelihatannya ada orang yg sengaja menciptakan berbagai kecelakaan di rumah piatu.
charlie tentu saja dpt melihat kegelisahan sarah yg semakin hari semakin terlihat. sarah pun lebih sering menghabiskan harinya di rumah yatim tapi charlie tidak mampu menanyakan apa yg telah terjadi, tidak setelah kata2 yg diucapkannya sendiri pd sarah. sarah pun tidak tampak ingin mengatakan sesuatu.
sarah memang tidak mengeluh apa2 tp kegelisahan & kerutan di dahi sarah semakin hari semakin mendalam.
sementara itu sebenarnya charlie & yg lain2 memang sedang mencari tau ttg blackguard & masalah yg akhir2 ini sedang terjadi.
tapi tidak ada 1pun dari mereka yg memperkirakan bahwa target sang blackguard adl rumah piatu sarah.
sarah yg tidak dpt lagi diam saja berniat mengatakan pd charlie untuk mencari jalan keluar masalah di rumah piatu. sebelum niat itu terlaksana barnaby adair (kl ga salah nama belakangnya ya), salah 1 teman charlie datang.
sarah tanpa buang waktu menceritakan segala peristiwa yg terjadi minggu2 terakhir ini & menanyakan pd barnaby dia harus bagaimana.
charlie yg dengar dr barnaby ternyata di rumah piatu terjadi sesuatu yg gawat yg itu berarti juga mengancam keselamatan sarah, lgs jadi kesal & mengkonfron sarah.
charlie marah2 (yg menurutku ngapain dia marah2 wong salah dia sendiri) & kali ini sarah tidak diam saja.
amarah charlie dibalas oleh sarah dengan sangat baik membuat charlie jd diam tidak mampu membalas lagi.
sarah dengan jelas membalas charlie, mengingatkan charlie pd ucapannya waktu itu, ucapan yg menyiratkan dgn jelas charlie tidak mau ikut campur & tidak mau tau urusan sarah.
bravo sarah......
sekarang charlie tidak bisa tidak menarik ucapannya dulu & membantu masalah di rumah piatu.
apalagi setelah sarah terkena panah.
charlie ketakutan 1/2 mati akan kehilangan sarah.
nyaris kehilangan sarah membuka mata charlie dia tidak bisa lagi mengekang perasaannya.
charlie bersama keluarga cynster & teman2nya bertekad mencari dalang semuanya apalagi rumah piatu bahkan dibakar.
& mereka memang akhirnya tau siapa yg selama ini menebarkan teror tp mereka tidak menyangka sama sekali.
tp tau ga ini buku penjahatnya malah baik banget lho.
secara dia bukannya membunuh sarah eh dia malah membuat charlie membuka mata & hatinya & mengakui cintanya pd sarah.
dia dengan jelas membuat sarah melihat betapa charlie mencintainya.
dia yg membantu charlie mendapatkan kembali cinta sarah.
hhhhhhhhhhhh memang baik deh kamu.......
charles sudah tau wanita spt apa yg pantas menjadi countess-nya, wanita yg dari keturunan & latar belakang baik & bisa menjalankan tugas2nya spt countess of meredith & tentu saja menjadi ibu baik anak2 charles.
& siapa lagi yg bisa lebih pantas menjadi countess of meredith selain lady sarah conningham.
charles/charlie sudah mengenal sarah sejak masih kecil & mereka sering bertemua, yah mau ga mau karna mereka bertetangga yg artinya saudara saudari serta ibu charlie juga sudah mengenal sarah dengan baik.
lady sarah conningham sudah waktunya menikah namun belum bisa menemukan pria yg bisa menjadi pusat dunianya.
namun sebenarnya diam2 sarah menyukai charlie tp sarah tau itu tidak mungkin.
mereka memang sering bertemu bahkan bbrp kali berdansa bersama tp charlie tidak pernah menunjukkan ketertarikan macam apapun pada sarah, sptnya charlie menganggapnya hanya sbg tetangga saja.
tentu saja sarah kaget saat mendapat lamaran dari charlie.
tentu saja sarah senang tp sarah tidak bisa begitu saja menerima - walo ke 2 ortunya menekankannya untuk memikirkan baik2 - sarah butuh waktu untuk mengenal charlie yg baru, charlie sbg calon suaminya.
sarah & charlie sepakat untuk memberi diri mereka 2 minggu untuk saling mengenal sblm sarah memberikan jawabannya.
well, lebih mengenal bagi charlie tentu saja termasuk kiss donkkk :p
tapi mereka sepakat untuk secara diam2 saja karna kalo sampai ke 2 adik perempuan sarah juga keluarga charlie tau wah bisa2 malah rame sendiri & mereka tidak bisa secara baik2 saling mengenal.
dasar charlie dia merasa kalo dia merayu sarah semuanya akan lebih cepat apalagi ternyata sarah mampu menarik minat charlie lebih dr yg charlie perkirakan.
setiap malam sehabis mereka melakukan acara sosial charlie & sarah bertemu di summerhouse kediaman conningham.
disitu setiap malamnya charlie mengajak sarah memasuki dunia baru, dunia yg tidak pernah diimpikan oleh sarah.
disitu sarah melihat sisi lain charlie, membuatnya tidak lagi bisa berkata tidak & jatuh cinta lbh dlm pd charlie.
hari pernikahan sarah & charlie pun sangat sempurna.
seluruh keluarga berkumpul. bahkan sarah pun dikenalkan pd keluarga cynster, keluarga ipar charlie juga teman2 charlie.
sarah sangat2 bahagia.....bahkan malam pengantinnya pun sangat sangat sangattttttt sempurna.
tapi....hari pertamanya sbg countess meredith ternodai oleh sikap charlie yang tiba2 saja jadi menjauh & itu bertahan berhari2.
sarah spt menikah dgn 2 orang yg berbeda. di malam hari charlie kembali menjadi charlie yg dikenalnya namun di siang hari dia menjadi charlie, the earl of meredith.
sebenarnya apa yg salah dengan charlie???
sementara sarah bingung dengan sikap charlie, charlie sendiri bingung dengan dirinya sendiri.
charlie tau sikapnya pd sarah tidak masuk akal tp charlie tidak ingin spt ayahnya, yg terjebak cinta & dikendalikan oleh cinta.
charlie tidak bisa menyangkal dia mencintai sarah tp cintanya pd sarah itulah yg justru membuat charlie takut mendekatkan dirinya & merengkuh kebahagiaan dlm pernikahannya.
satu2nya hal yg bisa dilakukannya adl menciptakan jarak & tidak bertemu sesering mungkin dgn sarah.
jadilah setiap hari charlie pergi menemui malcolm sinclair membahas bisnis meninggalkan pengantin barunya sendirian.
sarah berusaha sabar karna teringat pd peramal yg mengatakan cintanya hanya dia yg bisa menentukan.
apapun tindakan charlie sarah berusaha memahami & menyibukkan dirinya sendiri.
namun sarah benar2 sakit hati saat suatu ketika sarah meminta bantuan charlie perihal masalah yg terjadi di rumah piatu yg ditinggalkan oleh sarah's godmother eh charlie yg biasanya suka menolong tiba2 saja dengan dingin & tegas memberitahukan sarah bahwa rumah piatu itu adl milik sarah yg tidak akan pernah charlie ikut campur baik dulu maupun sekarang apapun yg terjadi.
intinya kalo ku bilang charlie secara tersirat bilang bagian kehidupanmu yg lain diluar kehidupan sbg countess meredith charlie tidak mau tau.
sejak itulah sarah tidak lagi mau memberitahukan apapun pd charlie bahkan saat masalah di rumah piatu semakin memprihatinkan & mencemaskan.
kelihatannya ada orang yg sengaja menciptakan berbagai kecelakaan di rumah piatu.
charlie tentu saja dpt melihat kegelisahan sarah yg semakin hari semakin terlihat. sarah pun lebih sering menghabiskan harinya di rumah yatim tapi charlie tidak mampu menanyakan apa yg telah terjadi, tidak setelah kata2 yg diucapkannya sendiri pd sarah. sarah pun tidak tampak ingin mengatakan sesuatu.
sarah memang tidak mengeluh apa2 tp kegelisahan & kerutan di dahi sarah semakin hari semakin mendalam.
sementara itu sebenarnya charlie & yg lain2 memang sedang mencari tau ttg blackguard & masalah yg akhir2 ini sedang terjadi.
tapi tidak ada 1pun dari mereka yg memperkirakan bahwa target sang blackguard adl rumah piatu sarah.
sarah yg tidak dpt lagi diam saja berniat mengatakan pd charlie untuk mencari jalan keluar masalah di rumah piatu. sebelum niat itu terlaksana barnaby adair (kl ga salah nama belakangnya ya), salah 1 teman charlie datang.
sarah tanpa buang waktu menceritakan segala peristiwa yg terjadi minggu2 terakhir ini & menanyakan pd barnaby dia harus bagaimana.
charlie yg dengar dr barnaby ternyata di rumah piatu terjadi sesuatu yg gawat yg itu berarti juga mengancam keselamatan sarah, lgs jadi kesal & mengkonfron sarah.
charlie marah2 (yg menurutku ngapain dia marah2 wong salah dia sendiri) & kali ini sarah tidak diam saja.
amarah charlie dibalas oleh sarah dengan sangat baik membuat charlie jd diam tidak mampu membalas lagi.
sarah dengan jelas membalas charlie, mengingatkan charlie pd ucapannya waktu itu, ucapan yg menyiratkan dgn jelas charlie tidak mau ikut campur & tidak mau tau urusan sarah.
bravo sarah......
sekarang charlie tidak bisa tidak menarik ucapannya dulu & membantu masalah di rumah piatu.
apalagi setelah sarah terkena panah.
charlie ketakutan 1/2 mati akan kehilangan sarah.
nyaris kehilangan sarah membuka mata charlie dia tidak bisa lagi mengekang perasaannya.
charlie bersama keluarga cynster & teman2nya bertekad mencari dalang semuanya apalagi rumah piatu bahkan dibakar.
& mereka memang akhirnya tau siapa yg selama ini menebarkan teror tp mereka tidak menyangka sama sekali.
tp tau ga ini buku penjahatnya malah baik banget lho.
secara dia bukannya membunuh sarah eh dia malah membuat charlie membuka mata & hatinya & mengakui cintanya pd sarah.
dia dengan jelas membuat sarah melihat betapa charlie mencintainya.
dia yg membantu charlie mendapatkan kembali cinta sarah.
hhhhhhhhhhhh memang baik deh kamu.......
November 15, 2020
I've read maybe half a dozen of the Cynster series but I gave up a while ago because they were okay reads but they never set my world alight. They were never the most passionate, the wittiest or the most memorable of plots.
I've had this one on the shelf for so many years, put off by the 'okayness' of the others and the absolutely teeny tiny writing.
I actually quite enjoyed the build up to the marriage, though there was a lot of repetition in the events and naturally some cliche. The plot was 80% sex and 20% 'I love you, though I'm going to pretend I don't love you'. I like sizzle in my Regency romances but even I got bored of the constant sex in the early chapters.
I had no idea why Charlie was so determined not to love Sarah. Literally spent the majority of the book pretending to be a dick (while actually being a dick) for absolutely no reason. It was the main obstacle in their romance and it wasn't at all logical.
I liked the orphanage plot and the villain behind it all but by the time that whole subplot kicked off I was struggling to maintain interest through the main plot. The ending of the subplot was also so ridiculous I rolled my eyes.
It wasn't overly witty or full of banter which are usually big draws for me, it was just a very leisurely romance.
I felt it tried too hard to bring in the 187181 other Cynster characters. I completely lost track of all the names but figured one handsome man was as good as another so did it really matter if I couldn't tell them apart?
I've had this one on the shelf for so many years, put off by the 'okayness' of the others and the absolutely teeny tiny writing.
I actually quite enjoyed the build up to the marriage, though there was a lot of repetition in the events and naturally some cliche. The plot was 80% sex and 20% 'I love you, though I'm going to pretend I don't love you'. I like sizzle in my Regency romances but even I got bored of the constant sex in the early chapters.
I had no idea why Charlie was so determined not to love Sarah. Literally spent the majority of the book pretending to be a dick (while actually being a dick) for absolutely no reason. It was the main obstacle in their romance and it wasn't at all logical.
I liked the orphanage plot and the villain behind it all but by the time that whole subplot kicked off I was struggling to maintain interest through the main plot. The ending of the subplot was also so ridiculous I rolled my eyes.
It wasn't overly witty or full of banter which are usually big draws for me, it was just a very leisurely romance.
I felt it tried too hard to bring in the 187181 other Cynster characters. I completely lost track of all the names but figured one handsome man was as good as another so did it really matter if I couldn't tell them apart?
August 19, 2025
Fear of Love
As an Earl, Charlie decided it was time for him to marry, and he chose Sarah, the daughter of his neighbor. He approaches Sarah in a business-like manner, seeing her as a perfect Countess. Charlie doesn't want to love her because he saw his father nearly ruin his earldom because of his passionate love for his family. Unfortunately for Charlie, Sarah does want to marry for love. This romance shows the battle Charlie fights over the concept of love in a marriage. Luckily for him, Sarah has enough insight and empathy to help him. In a side plot, there is a villain who is doing anything to gain property. When he tries to gain Sarah's property, the villain comes against Charlie and the Cynsters.
As an Earl, Charlie decided it was time for him to marry, and he chose Sarah, the daughter of his neighbor. He approaches Sarah in a business-like manner, seeing her as a perfect Countess. Charlie doesn't want to love her because he saw his father nearly ruin his earldom because of his passionate love for his family. Unfortunately for Charlie, Sarah does want to marry for love. This romance shows the battle Charlie fights over the concept of love in a marriage. Luckily for him, Sarah has enough insight and empathy to help him. In a side plot, there is a villain who is doing anything to gain property. When he tries to gain Sarah's property, the villain comes against Charlie and the Cynsters.
June 29, 2021
1.5
Yo no sé por qué sigo... Bueno sí, porque no quiero desperdiciar lo que ya invertí en ellos, pero cada uno es más decepcionante que el anterior 😔.
Bien, al inicio es entretenido, no le encontraba mucho sentido a las decisiones de los personajes pero #RomanceDeÉpoca = none of my bussines, pero luego se vuelve extremadamente aburrido, es más, la trama de misterio que supuestamente hace al libro medio interesante ha sido la más aburrida e insípida de la saga, yo leía y leía y no avanzaba, y siendo 100% honesta, me salte varios párrafos de escenas repetitivas porque no eran relevantes y estaba harta.
El 1.5 es por respeto a la autora que me ha dado buenas historias y el comienzo, vuelvo a mencionar, estuvo bien, de hecho si la novela hubiera seguido así no tendría problema en ponerle 3 estrellas como mínimo, pero decae mucho.
ADEMÁS, el título y su relación con la historia. Pienso que por la cantidad de libros de este género que he leído ya me cansa, pero lo voy a poner sobre la mesa de nuevo, que un libro sea de época no quiere decir que puede a retratar la misoginia y el sexismo como trama principal, obviamente hay licencias por el contexto y etcétera etcétera, pero ya sexualizar la inocencia es demasiado.
¿A qué me refiero? A que se sexualiza la ignorancia y la desinformación. No, que una mujer no conozca su cuerpo ni su sexualidad no es sensual, es triste y lamentable, en vez de usar ése punto (como en otros libros, por ejemplo, el primero de la saga Bridgerton) para hablar de la importancia de la igualdad en cuanto a sexualidad con la pareja, de cómo es relevante descubrirse, del autocuidado y el amor propio, se utiliza como recurso para el disfrute del protagonista masculino, y la devoción de su pareja hacia él.
Yo no sé por qué sigo... Bueno sí, porque no quiero desperdiciar lo que ya invertí en ellos, pero cada uno es más decepcionante que el anterior 😔.
Bien, al inicio es entretenido, no le encontraba mucho sentido a las decisiones de los personajes pero #RomanceDeÉpoca = none of my bussines, pero luego se vuelve extremadamente aburrido, es más, la trama de misterio que supuestamente hace al libro medio interesante ha sido la más aburrida e insípida de la saga, yo leía y leía y no avanzaba, y siendo 100% honesta, me salte varios párrafos de escenas repetitivas porque no eran relevantes y estaba harta.
El 1.5 es por respeto a la autora que me ha dado buenas historias y el comienzo, vuelvo a mencionar, estuvo bien, de hecho si la novela hubiera seguido así no tendría problema en ponerle 3 estrellas como mínimo, pero decae mucho.
ADEMÁS, el título y su relación con la historia. Pienso que por la cantidad de libros de este género que he leído ya me cansa, pero lo voy a poner sobre la mesa de nuevo, que un libro sea de época no quiere decir que puede a retratar la misoginia y el sexismo como trama principal, obviamente hay licencias por el contexto y etcétera etcétera, pero ya sexualizar la inocencia es demasiado.
¿A qué me refiero? A que se sexualiza la ignorancia y la desinformación. No, que una mujer no conozca su cuerpo ni su sexualidad no es sensual, es triste y lamentable, en vez de usar ése punto (como en otros libros, por ejemplo, el primero de la saga Bridgerton) para hablar de la importancia de la igualdad en cuanto a sexualidad con la pareja, de cómo es relevante descubrirse, del autocuidado y el amor propio, se utiliza como recurso para el disfrute del protagonista masculino, y la devoción de su pareja hacia él.
May 17, 2009
I have a serious problem - I love cheesy romance novels but I always hate the characters. Usually it's the women who bug me to death, but in the case of this author, it's the men ... in this case, a man named Charlie who for some reason is afraid to love anyone because he thinks it'll make him week. He's also, as the title would suggest, addicted to "the taste of innocence." Barf.
Thankfully, Laurens writes about heroines who are smart, headstrong and don't suffer from the vapors or cases of disturbing naivete. In this case Sarah is a woman who knows what she wants and she's not afraid to manipulate the situation to get it. Thankfully for her, that manipulation involves a lot of less-than-innocent foreplay and ultimately, lots of sex with Charlie.
This was the first Laurens book I read and since then I've learned that while she has written about 1002 books in this series you definitely don't need to read them in order - which is good, because my local library only has random ones available. Also, characters keep popping up in all the books so you get a couple of side stories to add to the plot.
Overall, I wouldn't recommend you spend money on this book but if you can check it out for free, then go for it.
Thankfully, Laurens writes about heroines who are smart, headstrong and don't suffer from the vapors or cases of disturbing naivete. In this case Sarah is a woman who knows what she wants and she's not afraid to manipulate the situation to get it. Thankfully for her, that manipulation involves a lot of less-than-innocent foreplay and ultimately, lots of sex with Charlie.
This was the first Laurens book I read and since then I've learned that while she has written about 1002 books in this series you definitely don't need to read them in order - which is good, because my local library only has random ones available. Also, characters keep popping up in all the books so you get a couple of side stories to add to the plot.
Overall, I wouldn't recommend you spend money on this book but if you can check it out for free, then go for it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2021
Sarah and Charlie
What a fantastic read. One of my favourites read from this fantastic series. Charlie is determined to marry by convenience leaving his heart untouched. In Sarah, a childhood friend he finds the perfect candidate. They have many things in common and their families are close. They also share a passionate attraction to each other that bodes well to content future. However, despite her many attempts to gain a closer relationship with him, Charlie is determined to maintain a cordial distance from his passionate wife. But when Sarah finds herself in danger, she turns to another man for help, leaving Charlie reeling. Highly recommended
What a fantastic read. One of my favourites read from this fantastic series. Charlie is determined to marry by convenience leaving his heart untouched. In Sarah, a childhood friend he finds the perfect candidate. They have many things in common and their families are close. They also share a passionate attraction to each other that bodes well to content future. However, despite her many attempts to gain a closer relationship with him, Charlie is determined to maintain a cordial distance from his passionate wife. But when Sarah finds herself in danger, she turns to another man for help, leaving Charlie reeling. Highly recommended
March 9, 2012
I have never thought that there were a day that I would rate a book with one out of five. But, it happened with this book. Yes, it was that bad.
I found this book too painful to read. I tossed and turned during my read, and I just can't get into the book, or the characters. It was that boring. There was too much description of kissing, and love making (too much that I decided to skip lots of that part). While some might enjoy the detailed scene of love making, I found that it's too much and repetitive. At some point, I feel like I'm reading a porn novel!
I found this book too painful to read. I tossed and turned during my read, and I just can't get into the book, or the characters. It was that boring. There was too much description of kissing, and love making (too much that I decided to skip lots of that part). While some might enjoy the detailed scene of love making, I found that it's too much and repetitive. At some point, I feel like I'm reading a porn novel!
March 4, 2016
It was annoying after a while. They were always having sex in the first half of the story and never doing anything else. I kept wondering when they would get on with the plot already. I was also feeling annoyed with how Charlie was treating their marriage but that also kept me reading to see how they would resolve that conflict.
I'm actually getting tired of Stephanie Laurens books. After a while, it feels like I'm reading the same one over and over again. Same problems and same conflicts that they seem to deal with.
I'm actually getting tired of Stephanie Laurens books. After a while, it feels like I'm reading the same one over and over again. Same problems and same conflicts that they seem to deal with.
September 18, 2015
Of the first 150 pages of this book, there were maybe five pages that progressed the story line. Once Charlie and Sarah get married, it improves a bit, although there is still too much relationship wallowing and not enough of anything else. I found myself much more interested in Malcolm Sinclair than in either Charlie or Sarah, so that says it all as far as I'm concerned. If it hadn't been for Malcolm, I would have judged this book a complete waste of time. My time, at any rate.
February 4, 2017
Talk dammit. While this was really readable I wanted to make both characters just talk to each other, Charles Morwellan doesn't want love, doesn't want to be in love, his father soured him on love and almost bankrupted the estate, he wants to marry with logic on his side. Sarah Conningham wants love and she believes that with Charles she can find it.
Several of the problems are caused by not talking, which leads to almost disaster. Still engaging and interesting.
Several of the problems are caused by not talking, which leads to almost disaster. Still engaging and interesting.
September 27, 2020
The Taste of Innocence - Laurens
Audio performance by Simon Prebble
2 stars
Immediately forgettable romance from Laurens’ Cynster series. I’m offended by the hot at night, cold by day noble husband. It’s a ridiculous premise. And there was nothing else in content or character to add interest to the story.
Audio performance by Simon Prebble
2 stars
Immediately forgettable romance from Laurens’ Cynster series. I’m offended by the hot at night, cold by day noble husband. It’s a ridiculous premise. And there was nothing else in content or character to add interest to the story.
December 1, 2011
He llorado a moco tendido. Pero a ahora que lo pienso, no fue por el libro en sí xD
Que puedo decir, fue perfecto! Me ha encantado totalmente. Y estoy impaciente por leer el libro de Barnaby. D: ese va a estar aún más bueno!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Que puedo decir, fue perfecto! Me ha encantado totalmente. Y estoy impaciente por leer el libro de Barnaby. D: ese va a estar aún más bueno!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 17, 2021
This one was a real slog. So much sweetness and sappy, prolonged speech even during the love scenes.
May 15, 2023
Charles Morwellan is the eighth earl of Meredith. His father's obsessions nearly destroyed his family and fortune. Charles vows this will never happen to him. And now he knows it is time for him to marry. So he chooses the daughter, Sarah, of his neighbors, Lord and Lady Conningham. She is a lady and knows what is expected of the wife of an earl. He also intuitively knows that Sarah has always loved him from afar. He expects that she will jump at the chance to marry him.
But no, Sarah is independent wealthy due to her aunt. She also wants a marriage based on love and passion. She has seen too many marriages based on convenience and she wants much more. Charlie asks Sarah for two weeks to carry on a courtship. He is determined to get what he wants and wins her over.
He mistakenly believes the passion she wants is in the bedroom. Sarah wants her and his life to be a completely emotion filled marriage, not just one filled with passion and lust in the bedroom. Charlie wants only the bedroom passion and none of the emotional life.
And so the marriage gets off to a shaky start. There are misunderstandings. Charlie even tells Sarah that he has no interest in her separate life (she owns an orphanage and oversees it). He does not want to know anything about it. Then the mystery begins. Someone wants to buy the property that the orphanage sets on. It seems the railroad may be coming through in a few years and that property is integral to placement of the railway.
She declines to sell and then accidents begin. The fence is damaged and animals get out. The well is salted and the baby nurse breaks her arm because someone iced the outdoor steps. Sarah takes her concern to Barnaby, an investigator and friend of Charlie. Barnaby realizes the railway scheme he has been looking for is wrapped up in Sarah's orphanage. He tells Charlie who feels terror and then fury that Sarah has not told him.
She reminds him that he did not want to know about that part of her life. The scales fall from his eyes when he realizes that he can't have the aloof life he thought he needed.
The rest of the story revolves around clearing up who is the culprit. I liked the story even though it dragged a bit.
But no, Sarah is independent wealthy due to her aunt. She also wants a marriage based on love and passion. She has seen too many marriages based on convenience and she wants much more. Charlie asks Sarah for two weeks to carry on a courtship. He is determined to get what he wants and wins her over.
He mistakenly believes the passion she wants is in the bedroom. Sarah wants her and his life to be a completely emotion filled marriage, not just one filled with passion and lust in the bedroom. Charlie wants only the bedroom passion and none of the emotional life.
And so the marriage gets off to a shaky start. There are misunderstandings. Charlie even tells Sarah that he has no interest in her separate life (she owns an orphanage and oversees it). He does not want to know anything about it. Then the mystery begins. Someone wants to buy the property that the orphanage sets on. It seems the railroad may be coming through in a few years and that property is integral to placement of the railway.
She declines to sell and then accidents begin. The fence is damaged and animals get out. The well is salted and the baby nurse breaks her arm because someone iced the outdoor steps. Sarah takes her concern to Barnaby, an investigator and friend of Charlie. Barnaby realizes the railway scheme he has been looking for is wrapped up in Sarah's orphanage. He tells Charlie who feels terror and then fury that Sarah has not told him.
She reminds him that he did not want to know about that part of her life. The scales fall from his eyes when he realizes that he can't have the aloof life he thought he needed.
The rest of the story revolves around clearing up who is the culprit. I liked the story even though it dragged a bit.
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