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Cynster #2
A Rake's Vow
In A Rake's Vow, Vane Cynster vowed he′d never marry.
To Vane, Bellamy Hall seems like the perfect place to temporarily hide from London′s husband hunters. But when he encounters irresistible Patience Debbington,
Vane realizes he′s met his match ...
She vowed no man would catch her.
Patience isn′t about to succumb to Vane′s sensuous propositions. Yes, his kisses leave her dizzy and his caresses made her melt; but Patience has promised herself she′ll never become vulnerable to a broken heart. Is this one vow that was meant to be broken?
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 1998
589 people are currently reading
3555 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
206 books5,585 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 537 reviews
December 2, 2016
"Ah," he murmured, his voice very low. He shifted fractionally closer. "But, you see, I'm not a gentleman. I'm a Cynster." As if letting her into some secret, he gently informed her: "We're conquerors — not gentlemen."
This is the second book from the Bar Cynster series, and another great one too
The story
Vane Cynster is running away from fate. After seeing how the mighty have fallen (Devil in love with Honoria), he decides to go as far as possible, away from any temptation (as in women he might marry
). BUT, fate has her own plans. To avoid a thunderstorm, he seeks shelter at his godmother's house, and there he meets Patience. She's the niece of Lady Bellamy, Vane's godmother, and is staying at her house with her brother Gerrard (so nice to see him, he'll get his own book too). So, back to the story... They are very much attracted to each other, and Vane has seduction on his mind (don't they always
). The strange happenings at the Bellamy manor only help his cause, he was asked to stay and investigate.
Well we all know what he wants khm khm
BTW Minnie is the godmother :D
Anyway, what are they investigating? Well, there are thefts at the house, random things gone missing, and frequent appearances of the "Spectre", someone lurking in the ruins near the main house. And I have to say, this was a re-read, but I actually forgot who done it! Maybe because it was very Agatha Christie-like, you know, loads of characters in one house, something shifty going on, everyone's a suspect and all...
Patience
Patience is trying to raise her brother to adulthood (with no family she is the only one to do it), so she comes to her aunt's house in hope that he would be influenced by some of the men residing there. She has a very strong aversion to polished, elegant gentlemen rakes, and in Vane Cynster she sees only bad things and doesn't want him anywhere near her brother, and she tells him exactly that
. Oh boy, when she insulted him, I thought he'd really do something he would regret hahah, hell, I'd have hit her if she said something like that to me! BUT, lucky her, she sees she was in the wrong and decides to explore their sensual relationship. What she doesn't know is that Vane has his sights on her, she's what he wants, and he'll have her, even if it takes marriage to get her.
Vane
Vane is a typical Cynster. A gentleman, a rake, a conqueror. He fears tying himself to one woman and giving up control to her. After witnessing that exact thing happening to Devil, he decides to run away from women, from marriage, but ends up right at destiny's path. Patience is a woman that suits him perfectly. He can't resist her, and doesn't want to, really. He plans a seduction untill he realises he must have her forever, not just as a temporary lover. So he offers for her hand, and she flatly refuses
. Did I mention Vane's a typical Cynster? So that, of course, means they always get what they want, and they get it through careful seduction (and loads of sex
, but hey, I ain't complaining). He then finds out what will it take for her to accept him, and it's a price he's not sure he could make.
Why 4 stars?
Two things. Patience and her ramblings about the "elegant gentleman" as the personification of all evil in the universe
, that being the reason she constantly refuses Vane.
Vane being unable/unwilling to admit to himself/her that he loves her (although that doesn't take that long, but still)
Other than that, I really enjoyed their story, how they fell in love and slowly began to trust each other. Beautiful.
The love scenes. Hmm.
This is the second book from the Bar Cynster series, and another great one too
The story
Vane Cynster is running away from fate. After seeing how the mighty have fallen (Devil in love with Honoria), he decides to go as far as possible, away from any temptation (as in women he might marry
). BUT, fate has her own plans. To avoid a thunderstorm, he seeks shelter at his godmother's house, and there he meets Patience. She's the niece of Lady Bellamy, Vane's godmother, and is staying at her house with her brother Gerrard (so nice to see him, he'll get his own book too). So, back to the story... They are very much attracted to each other, and Vane has seduction on his mind (don't they always
). The strange happenings at the Bellamy manor only help his cause, he was asked to stay and investigate."Why did you stay?"
He tipped her face up so that her eyes locked on his. He studied her, her eyes, her face, for one instant longer. "I stayed to help Minnie, to help Gerrard… and to get something I want."
Well we all know what he wants khm khm
BTW Minnie is the godmother :DAnyway, what are they investigating? Well, there are thefts at the house, random things gone missing, and frequent appearances of the "Spectre", someone lurking in the ruins near the main house. And I have to say, this was a re-read, but I actually forgot who done it! Maybe because it was very Agatha Christie-like, you know, loads of characters in one house, something shifty going on, everyone's a suspect and all...
Patience
Patience is trying to raise her brother to adulthood (with no family she is the only one to do it), so she comes to her aunt's house in hope that he would be influenced by some of the men residing there. She has a very strong aversion to polished, elegant gentlemen rakes, and in Vane Cynster she sees only bad things and doesn't want him anywhere near her brother, and she tells him exactly that
. Oh boy, when she insulted him, I thought he'd really do something he would regret hahah, hell, I'd have hit her if she said something like that to me! BUT, lucky her, she sees she was in the wrong and decides to explore their sensual relationship. What she doesn't know is that Vane has his sights on her, she's what he wants, and he'll have her, even if it takes marriage to get her. "I asked you to be my wife, you offered to be my lover. I still want you as my wife." Her eyes flew open. He met her gaze, his face set, etched with passion, hard with determination. "But if I can't have you as my wife, then I'll have you as my lover." Forever, if need be.
Vane
Vane is a typical Cynster. A gentleman, a rake, a conqueror. He fears tying himself to one woman and giving up control to her. After witnessing that exact thing happening to Devil, he decides to run away from women, from marriage, but ends up right at destiny's path. Patience is a woman that suits him perfectly. He can't resist her, and doesn't want to, really. He plans a seduction untill he realises he must have her forever, not just as a temporary lover. So he offers for her hand, and she flatly refuses
. Did I mention Vane's a typical Cynster? So that, of course, means they always get what they want, and they get it through careful seduction (and loads of sex
, but hey, I ain't complaining). He then finds out what will it take for her to accept him, and it's a price he's not sure he could make.He sighed, and rested his forehead on hers. "It's not that." After a moment, he went on, "I don't like losing control—it's like losing myself—in you."
She felt him gather himself, felt the tension swell and coalesce about them.
"It's giving myself to you—so that I'm in your keeping." The words, low and gravelly, rolled through her; closing her eyes, she drew in a shallow breath. "And you don't like doing that."
"I don't like it—but I crave it. I don't approve of it, yet I yearn for it." His words feathered her cheek, then his lips touched hers. "Do you understand? I haven't any choice."
Why 4 stars?
Two things. Patience and her ramblings about the "elegant gentleman" as the personification of all evil in the universe
, that being the reason she constantly refuses Vane.Vane being unable/unwilling to admit to himself/her that he loves her (although that doesn't take that long, but still)
Other than that, I really enjoyed their story, how they fell in love and slowly began to trust each other. Beautiful.
The love scenes. Hmm.
April 21, 2021
Oh my, there are so many things I didn't like about this book... let me start with:
- the heroine! What an annoyance she was. She acted like she and only she had the right opinion, the right vision, the right to be right. She NEVER listened. Every time the hero tried to talk to her she used seduction to stop him talking.
Because of her parents failed marriage, she judges everybody thought the lenses of her father's actions. She super generalized.
- I hated the fact that this book was similar to the first. The hero saw her and right away already knew she was the one for him. And I also hated that like the previous book, she didn't want to marry while he tried and tried and tried. Couldn't the writer wait a few books to write about the same trope?
- But unlike the last book, the heroine was annoying. Being stubborn is one thing, being annoying is another. She couldn't see what was right in front of her face. I agree that you need to be sure before you marry someone, but do you really need to hear the words when the actions of the person is showing how much he loves you?
- Also, do we really needed to read 350 pages to discover the mystery? Does the heroine really needed 350 pages to decide if she was going to marry him or not? This book could have been 100 pages and we would have seen more than enough.
- this was basically just a book where the hero was trying to solve a mystery and on his free time he had a lot of sex with the annoying heroine. Or the other way around. Nothing really interesting happened here.
The 2 stars are for the hero, because he had quite a few nice qualities and for the heroine's brother, he was a sweet teenager.
- the heroine! What an annoyance she was. She acted like she and only she had the right opinion, the right vision, the right to be right. She NEVER listened. Every time the hero tried to talk to her she used seduction to stop him talking.
Because of her parents failed marriage, she judges everybody thought the lenses of her father's actions. She super generalized.
- I hated the fact that this book was similar to the first. The hero saw her and right away already knew she was the one for him. And I also hated that like the previous book, she didn't want to marry while he tried and tried and tried. Couldn't the writer wait a few books to write about the same trope?
- But unlike the last book, the heroine was annoying. Being stubborn is one thing, being annoying is another. She couldn't see what was right in front of her face. I agree that you need to be sure before you marry someone, but do you really need to hear the words when the actions of the person is showing how much he loves you?
- Also, do we really needed to read 350 pages to discover the mystery? Does the heroine really needed 350 pages to decide if she was going to marry him or not? This book could have been 100 pages and we would have seen more than enough.
- this was basically just a book where the hero was trying to solve a mystery and on his free time he had a lot of sex with the annoying heroine. Or the other way around. Nothing really interesting happened here.
The 2 stars are for the hero, because he had quite a few nice qualities and for the heroine's brother, he was a sweet teenager.
November 6, 2018
I have a new favorite historical romance series!!
This would have been a 4.5 star if not for the heroine.
I love it when a rake falls in love because they tend to fall the hardest!!
I enjoyed Vane Cynster but was not a fan of the heroine, Patience. She was naive and her actions were unbelievable. Her mother was head over heels in love with her father, to his embarrassment and always bragged about him being an "elegant gentleman". Well her father was a cheating, gambling, drinking, womanizer that never came home. So of course Patience naively believes that all "elegant gentleman" are cheating, gambling, drinking, womanizers.
Vane is handsome, wealthy, and the perfect "elegant gentleman", so Patience was prejudiced against him from the start. She refused his marriage proposal multiple times and offered to be his lover after he popped her cherry. Which made no sense considering she was from a respectable family. And Vane was pissed!!!
"You're a gentlewomen. Born and bred. The position requirements are in your blood. This morning you spread your self for me. You wanted me and I wanted you. You gave your self to me. You took me in and I took you. I took your maidenhead. I took your virginity. What innocence you had I took that too. But that was only the opening act in our script carved in stone. The final act is a wedding. Ours!"
She goes on to tell him that the sex was very enjoyable and she was looking forward to the next time... to the next gentleman that takes her fancy.
"I ask you to be my wife and you offer to be my whore."
The words were low, laced with contempt
Nothing she could have said, nothing she could have done would have hurt him or shocked him so much. Or be more certain to drive him from her. For a man like him, with his background, his honor, to refuse to be his wife but consent to be his mistress was the ultimate low blow. To his pride, to his ego, to his self worth as a man.
Aaaannd that is why Patience drove me crazy. She loved Vane but refused to marry him because all "elegant gentlemen" were to be avoided. The author may have used "elegant gentleman" over fifty times because I got sick of hearing it!
Don't get me wrong. I did like this book. But did not love it half as much as Devil's. The insta love before getting to know Patience was a bit much. There was a mystery and it was solved with zero justice to the villains. Gggrrrr....anoying!
I also felt that this was the same plot as the previous book. Hero meets heroine and instantly knows he wants to marry her but she refuses. Heroine has sex with hero multiple times with total disregard to pregnancy as the hero continues to chase her all while solving a mystery on the side. Everyone knows they are having sex but turn blind eyes for some reason. Heroine gets her shit together and they marry in the final chapter.
This would have been a 4.5 star if not for the heroine.
I love it when a rake falls in love because they tend to fall the hardest!!
I enjoyed Vane Cynster but was not a fan of the heroine, Patience. She was naive and her actions were unbelievable. Her mother was head over heels in love with her father, to his embarrassment and always bragged about him being an "elegant gentleman". Well her father was a cheating, gambling, drinking, womanizer that never came home. So of course Patience naively believes that all "elegant gentleman" are cheating, gambling, drinking, womanizers.
Vane is handsome, wealthy, and the perfect "elegant gentleman", so Patience was prejudiced against him from the start. She refused his marriage proposal multiple times and offered to be his lover after he popped her cherry. Which made no sense considering she was from a respectable family. And Vane was pissed!!!
"You're a gentlewomen. Born and bred. The position requirements are in your blood. This morning you spread your self for me. You wanted me and I wanted you. You gave your self to me. You took me in and I took you. I took your maidenhead. I took your virginity. What innocence you had I took that too. But that was only the opening act in our script carved in stone. The final act is a wedding. Ours!"
She goes on to tell him that the sex was very enjoyable and she was looking forward to the next time... to the next gentleman that takes her fancy.
"I ask you to be my wife and you offer to be my whore."
The words were low, laced with contempt
Nothing she could have said, nothing she could have done would have hurt him or shocked him so much. Or be more certain to drive him from her. For a man like him, with his background, his honor, to refuse to be his wife but consent to be his mistress was the ultimate low blow. To his pride, to his ego, to his self worth as a man.
Aaaannd that is why Patience drove me crazy. She loved Vane but refused to marry him because all "elegant gentlemen" were to be avoided. The author may have used "elegant gentleman" over fifty times because I got sick of hearing it!
Don't get me wrong. I did like this book. But did not love it half as much as Devil's. The insta love before getting to know Patience was a bit much. There was a mystery and it was solved with zero justice to the villains. Gggrrrr....anoying!
I also felt that this was the same plot as the previous book. Hero meets heroine and instantly knows he wants to marry her but she refuses. Heroine has sex with hero multiple times with total disregard to pregnancy as the hero continues to chase her all while solving a mystery on the side. Everyone knows they are having sex but turn blind eyes for some reason. Heroine gets her shit together and they marry in the final chapter.
October 4, 2014
So Laurens just took Devil's Bride and changed the names of the characters, right?
Have I mentioned how sick to death I am of bitchy, obnoxious heroines who think they know everything and act like they're better than everyone else? I liked Vane, of course, Laurens is pretty good at crafting compelling heroes, but her heroines need serious work. They're not endearing to the reader at all, just whiny, indecisive bags of shrewage. There is a major difference between being an independent, willful, strong woman, and just downright being a jumpy, judgmental asshole.
Have I mentioned how sick to death I am of bitchy, obnoxious heroines who think they know everything and act like they're better than everyone else? I liked Vane, of course, Laurens is pretty good at crafting compelling heroes, but her heroines need serious work. They're not endearing to the reader at all, just whiny, indecisive bags of shrewage. There is a major difference between being an independent, willful, strong woman, and just downright being a jumpy, judgmental asshole.
July 9, 2017
3.75 'Rake' Stars
Again, a very enjoyable read, apart from their constant reference to his 'rakish ways', and how many women he bedded. Yes, I know, in this time, it's normal, and the title said it all, but there was no need to be mentioned basically in every page... Another point was him considering making her his mistress, that didn't sit quite well with me. But major points for Vane for, unlike his cousin, the Devil, revealing the depth of his feeling and truly professing his love and devotion to Patience. I loved that!
Again, a very enjoyable read, apart from their constant reference to his 'rakish ways', and how many women he bedded. Yes, I know, in this time, it's normal, and the title said it all, but there was no need to be mentioned basically in every page... Another point was him considering making her his mistress, that didn't sit quite well with me. But major points for Vane for, unlike his cousin, the Devil, revealing the depth of his feeling and truly professing his love and devotion to Patience. I loved that!
June 17, 2010
I think this will most likely be the last Laurens book I try. I have not enjoyed the two I've read.
I actually liked the hero. I think he was the only aspect of this entire book I liked. I did not understand why he was so immediately besotted with the heroine. She was something of a cipher. I never got a good feel of her character or any strong ...well...anything about her. She was pretty, that was about it.
The mystery aspect was quite tedious. Not enough to hang a plot on at all. And like the first book Devil's Bride in this series, the author pretty much gives everybody hints big enough to paint billboards on about who the perpetrator is. So simply reading to see when the protagonists figure it out is a chore.
The main thing, though, that aggravated me to no end in this book is the heroine's steadfast refusal to marry the hero because he, as we are told, ad nauseum, is an 'elegant gentleman' just like her father. The heroine's father ignored his family because he was busily off in London being elegant, thus causing the heroine to choose to never marry. This is added to the fact that she had no problems boinking him whenever and wherever. I had major problems with a woman of her time, class and upbringing being so cavalier about sex and having no qualms about the possible consequences. And yet she would not even consider marrying him. It struck me as odd and wrong.
I was also bored.
I actually liked the hero. I think he was the only aspect of this entire book I liked. I did not understand why he was so immediately besotted with the heroine. She was something of a cipher. I never got a good feel of her character or any strong ...well...anything about her. She was pretty, that was about it.
The mystery aspect was quite tedious. Not enough to hang a plot on at all. And like the first book Devil's Bride in this series, the author pretty much gives everybody hints big enough to paint billboards on about who the perpetrator is. So simply reading to see when the protagonists figure it out is a chore.
The main thing, though, that aggravated me to no end in this book is the heroine's steadfast refusal to marry the hero because he, as we are told, ad nauseum, is an 'elegant gentleman' just like her father. The heroine's father ignored his family because he was busily off in London being elegant, thus causing the heroine to choose to never marry. This is added to the fact that she had no problems boinking him whenever and wherever. I had major problems with a woman of her time, class and upbringing being so cavalier about sex and having no qualms about the possible consequences. And yet she would not even consider marrying him. It struck me as odd and wrong.
I was also bored.
January 1, 2022
Once again a stellar Cynster read. Truth to tell I’d sort of forgotten large portions. But it’s been 10 years since I first read this title
May 6, 2022
A Rake's Vow
4 Stars
Vane Cynster is determined to avoid the same fate as his cousin, so when a storm starts brewing he decides to stop over at his Godmother’s estate. He should have known that one cannot escape their destiny, which comes in the guise of Patience Debbington, a woman who certainly knows her own mind and has no intention of giving up her independence for the likes of an elegant gentleman such as Vane Cynster.
Although the fated mates trope is somewhat out of place in a historical romance novel, it seems to work here with Vane and Patience struggling against the inevitable. Both are very appealing characters and their romance is certainly passionate. One problem, however, is their distinct lack of communication skills. Neither seems capable of opening up to the other to reveal their feelings, which could have saved a lot of unnecessary angst and allowed room for the suspense plot to develop.
The secondary characters are fleshed out well and contribute to the intriguing Agatha Christie-like country estate mystery atmosphere of the story. It is disappointing that the Cynster family does not play as significant a role in this book as in the previous one but the glimpses we get are wonderful.
As said, the minor suspense story takes too long to get going and the culprits are fairly obvious from the start - . Moreover, the ultimate motive for the “crime” has no foundation in the storyline and feels tacked on.
All in all, an enjoyable sequel and I look forward to continuing with the series.
4 Stars
Vane Cynster is determined to avoid the same fate as his cousin, so when a storm starts brewing he decides to stop over at his Godmother’s estate. He should have known that one cannot escape their destiny, which comes in the guise of Patience Debbington, a woman who certainly knows her own mind and has no intention of giving up her independence for the likes of an elegant gentleman such as Vane Cynster.
Although the fated mates trope is somewhat out of place in a historical romance novel, it seems to work here with Vane and Patience struggling against the inevitable. Both are very appealing characters and their romance is certainly passionate. One problem, however, is their distinct lack of communication skills. Neither seems capable of opening up to the other to reveal their feelings, which could have saved a lot of unnecessary angst and allowed room for the suspense plot to develop.
The secondary characters are fleshed out well and contribute to the intriguing Agatha Christie-like country estate mystery atmosphere of the story. It is disappointing that the Cynster family does not play as significant a role in this book as in the previous one but the glimpses we get are wonderful.
As said, the minor suspense story takes too long to get going and the culprits are fairly obvious from the start - . Moreover, the ultimate motive for the “crime” has no foundation in the storyline and feels tacked on.
All in all, an enjoyable sequel and I look forward to continuing with the series.
June 14, 2020
damn, i REALLY enjoyed this.
i thought i wouldn't, since i felt lukewarm about the first book in the series, and, to be fair, this one is very similar. but it felt a lot more cohesive, more polished. and i'm an absolute SUCKER for heroes who worship and pursue the heroine tirelessly.
there were plenty of sex scenes, but honestly i liked all of them, because while the characters weren't very complex, they were likable and had tons of chemistry.
the writing was a bit heavy but i didn't mind it. in fact, i quite enjoyed the cheesiness of it, it made me feel like i was a 90's housewife reading naughty books lol. simpler times.
as always, i wasn't interested in the mystery but it wasn't too prevalent in the story.
overall, a great read!
i thought i wouldn't, since i felt lukewarm about the first book in the series, and, to be fair, this one is very similar. but it felt a lot more cohesive, more polished. and i'm an absolute SUCKER for heroes who worship and pursue the heroine tirelessly.
there were plenty of sex scenes, but honestly i liked all of them, because while the characters weren't very complex, they were likable and had tons of chemistry.
the writing was a bit heavy but i didn't mind it. in fact, i quite enjoyed the cheesiness of it, it made me feel like i was a 90's housewife reading naughty books lol. simpler times.
as always, i wasn't interested in the mystery but it wasn't too prevalent in the story.
overall, a great read!
September 19, 2016
And so another one of the Cynster males wholeheartedly falls into the love-shackles of matrimony.
Plot
At the beginning of the book Vane can already be seen running like a headless cock. His behaviour gives the feeling as if fate is a real, live physical entity that is going to pounce on him, anytime. He fears that he's the next in line to be accosted by the love-bug. And as any romance reader knows, rakish heroes must pretend to be running away from love.
But a storm forces him to take refuge at his Godmother's residence and there he meets the alluring Patience Debbington. Right in the first look and the first touch, it becomes evident, fate has decreed its will on him. Love is in the air.
My Opinion
The book strongly reminded me of Kristen Ashley's characters. So much so that if Rock chick was ever to be based in early 19th century England's nobility, one would find something like the Cynster series. Same arrogant, bad-ass heroes and similarly stubborn women. And lots of baby and family loving works. The women are classy, gorgeous mamas (not actual mamas-geez!) and the males keep drooling over them.
Unfortunately this also means that there are times when you'll feel it is not historically accurate enough. An issue that I did not have with the first book. Despite that, the dialogues save it from being a contemporary.
The book had its own share of light mystery and lots of hot embraces. So it is definitely 100% entertainment material.
Plot
At the beginning of the book Vane can already be seen running like a headless cock. His behaviour gives the feeling as if fate is a real, live physical entity that is going to pounce on him, anytime. He fears that he's the next in line to be accosted by the love-bug. And as any romance reader knows, rakish heroes must pretend to be running away from love.
But a storm forces him to take refuge at his Godmother's residence and there he meets the alluring Patience Debbington. Right in the first look and the first touch, it becomes evident, fate has decreed its will on him. Love is in the air.
My Opinion
The book strongly reminded me of Kristen Ashley's characters. So much so that if Rock chick was ever to be based in early 19th century England's nobility, one would find something like the Cynster series. Same arrogant, bad-ass heroes and similarly stubborn women. And lots of baby and family loving works. The women are classy, gorgeous mamas (not actual mamas-geez!) and the males keep drooling over them.
Unfortunately this also means that there are times when you'll feel it is not historically accurate enough. An issue that I did not have with the first book. Despite that, the dialogues save it from being a contemporary.
The book had its own share of light mystery and lots of hot embraces. So it is definitely 100% entertainment material.
July 28, 2020
İlk kitapta karakterlerin takma isimlerinin Türkçeye çevrilmiş olması okurken çok rahatsız etmişti beni. Baş erkek karakterin adı Şeytandı. Tüm kitap boyunca Şeytan aşağı Şeytan yukarı sinir bozuyordu. Neyseki bu kitapta bu isimler Türkçeye çevrilmemiş. Vane'i kitap boyunca Fırıldak olarak okumak eziyet olacaktı yoksa 😊
March 4, 2012
Vane is another Cynster that will take away your mind, soul, and body again. I've come to think that all the Cynsters are going to do that. When I read Devil's Bride I wanted to know how he got the name "Vane". It was Devil who gave him that name, liking him to a wind vane. You'll understand when you read the book.
Patience--I don't think I ever got over the fact that her name is a virtue--Debbington was a charming enough heroine. I don't think I loved the fact that she would readily throw herself all over Vane the moment he walks in.
The whole book revolved on the catching of a thief and the Spectre that disturbs the whole Bellamy household. The climax was not as mind blowing as the one from Devil's Bride where they found out that
I loved the scenes where Vane seemed scared of Honoria, Devil's wife. I guess I'm not really going to forget those two characters. When Vane mentioned the orangery that his mother owned, I remembered Honoria and Devil dancing there because it wasn't permitted to dance while in mourning.
Anyway, as you might see in this review, I clearly loved the first Cynster novel and this one less but still loved it anyway.
I'm continuing the series.
NOTE: A Rake's Vow is the second installment in the Cynster series. Tip to readers, read the series chronologically. You won't get lost if you happen to read somewhere in the middle but it's really more fun to know the previous characters.
That's why I scoured the internet and book shops for this book. And when I had found it, I didn't regret all those months of searching.
Patience--I don't think I ever got over the fact that her name is a virtue--Debbington was a charming enough heroine. I don't think I loved the fact that she would readily throw herself all over Vane the moment he walks in.
The whole book revolved on the catching of a thief and the Spectre that disturbs the whole Bellamy household. The climax was not as mind blowing as the one from Devil's Bride where they found out that
I loved the scenes where Vane seemed scared of Honoria, Devil's wife. I guess I'm not really going to forget those two characters. When Vane mentioned the orangery that his mother owned, I remembered Honoria and Devil dancing there because it wasn't permitted to dance while in mourning.
Anyway, as you might see in this review, I clearly loved the first Cynster novel and this one less but still loved it anyway.
I'm continuing the series.
NOTE: A Rake's Vow is the second installment in the Cynster series. Tip to readers, read the series chronologically. You won't get lost if you happen to read somewhere in the middle but it's really more fun to know the previous characters.
That's why I scoured the internet and book shops for this book. And when I had found it, I didn't regret all those months of searching.
February 10, 2020
Ms Laurens writes the best lovemaking scenes, period. Every motion from h and H coming together to undressing to foreplay to action is so beautifully and sensually captured. You feel the tension the MCs are going through and you are left gasping for breath as MCs get their freak on. She also doesn't restricts herself to confines of the bedroom or just one position, which is the point of reading about rakes. The virgin heroine is introduced to the world of sensual delights by a noble rake and yet some authors don't explore the possibilities.
The plot is a disappointing and meandering mess filled with loads of characters who she treats as automatons doing only few things. A poet always writing, painter always painting, brat always pouting, etc. Until our MCs sexual escapades, I would've rated this only 1-star but the passion in those pages really packed a punch. Even though our h and H were a shadow of the first book, I think their hunger for each other saved the book.
A spinster falling for a rake who has somehow become enchanted with thoughts of possessing her. Same old story told with very little effort into making it believable. The mystery elements of the story were poorly done and H showing zero aptitude in solving it was a huge letdown. I hate when Hs are stupid in non-romantic portions. h didn't really had much to do here except struggle with her feelings alone in her room.
The plot is a disappointing and meandering mess filled with loads of characters who she treats as automatons doing only few things. A poet always writing, painter always painting, brat always pouting, etc. Until our MCs sexual escapades, I would've rated this only 1-star but the passion in those pages really packed a punch. Even though our h and H were a shadow of the first book, I think their hunger for each other saved the book.
A spinster falling for a rake who has somehow become enchanted with thoughts of possessing her. Same old story told with very little effort into making it believable. The mystery elements of the story were poorly done and H showing zero aptitude in solving it was a huge letdown. I hate when Hs are stupid in non-romantic portions. h didn't really had much to do here except struggle with her feelings alone in her room.
June 28, 2021
I wanted to rate this higher but I can’t because sadly this was an underwhelming read. It’s probably my fault, after how much I loved Devil’s Bride I went into this one with super high expectations. A Rake’s Vow doesn't begin to compare to Devil’s Bride, and that's okay.
The writing style was still lovely and Vane and Patience, though not as great as their predecessors, made a cute couple. The story was just not as gripping and exciting as I would have liked. It was simply too long and drawn out, we spent a lot of time dwelling on the mystery of the specter which I didn’t care for. We should have been spending time with the Cynsters instead. I missed the family and brotherhood moments that we got in the first book, the few scenes that featured other Cynsters were the best, especially the ones with Devil and Honoria who are still my favourites.
The writing style was still lovely and Vane and Patience, though not as great as their predecessors, made a cute couple. The story was just not as gripping and exciting as I would have liked. It was simply too long and drawn out, we spent a lot of time dwelling on the mystery of the specter which I didn’t care for. We should have been spending time with the Cynsters instead. I missed the family and brotherhood moments that we got in the first book, the few scenes that featured other Cynsters were the best, especially the ones with Devil and Honoria who are still my favourites.
July 10, 2018
Como dice el dicho, si a uno le van a dar ni aunque se quite!!! Vane se fue huyendo de las casamenteras y termino enamorándose de Patience y teniendo que conquistarla porque ella no se deslumbró fácilmente por él ni por su nombre
No fue divertida pero si entretenida, sirve para pasar el tiempo
No fue divertida pero si entretenida, sirve para pasar el tiempo
November 29, 2021
Es el segundo libro que leo de esta autora y ha estado mucho mejor que el primero.
Ha estado entretenido, la trama no esta nada mal, Y los personajes me han gustado.
La única pega que se me ha hecho largo, podría haber sido menos páginas para contar esta historia.
Ha estado entretenido, la trama no esta nada mal, Y los personajes me han gustado.
La única pega que se me ha hecho largo, podría haber sido menos páginas para contar esta historia.
July 15, 2014
Patience is a girl. Vane is a dude. He sees her in the garden of his godmother's house and decides he must ~do her and good. Because of the Curse of the Cynsters (or something), he realizes that she's going to have to also be his wife. She says no. They argue and have Really Awkwardly Intense Sex that seems to imply that Vane can shake the very foundations of the earth by wielding his Manly Wang.
Here's the thing: I'm not sure Laurens meant for this series to be as ridiculously humorous as it is, but there it is. I'm going to read through the Cynsters in whatever order I choose until the awkward / bad writing / bad plotting overwhelms the sheer levity of them. Is that wrong?
Patience was a standard-issue romance heroine and Vane was all moody and tempestuous and they boned! A lot! And it was ridiculous because it was always, always the Best Sex of Their Lives, Take X.
Anyone else have Cynster thoughts?
Here's the thing: I'm not sure Laurens meant for this series to be as ridiculously humorous as it is, but there it is. I'm going to read through the Cynsters in whatever order I choose until the awkward / bad writing / bad plotting overwhelms the sheer levity of them. Is that wrong?
Patience was a standard-issue romance heroine and Vane was all moody and tempestuous and they boned! A lot! And it was ridiculous because it was always, always the Best Sex of Their Lives, Take X.
Anyone else have Cynster thoughts?
December 3, 2025
Great book, but not one of my favorites in the series.
paused
May 3, 2024Paused @ 35%. There are a lot of similarities with Devil’s Bride (MMC is all-in, FMC needs to be convinced, there’s a mystery subplot), but so far it doesn’t have the same charm. I really enjoyed how the main characters in Devil’s Bride were both really smug about outmanoeuvring the other, whereas here the FMC is coming across as a bit too judgemental. I might come back to it later.
July 23, 2021
Solid historical. I skimmed quite a bit of the sex scenes lol.
December 20, 2019
Romping Romantic Regency
The Bar Cynster series is a favorite of mine. What’s not to love, six alpha males finding their strong partners, throw in some steamy sex, some crazy family and ton characters and enjoy.
This book follows Vane as he tries to help his Godmother find a thief while also finding love. Throw in a crazy cast of house guests and watch mayhem and love bloom
The Bar Cynster series is a favorite of mine. What’s not to love, six alpha males finding their strong partners, throw in some steamy sex, some crazy family and ton characters and enjoy.
This book follows Vane as he tries to help his Godmother find a thief while also finding love. Throw in a crazy cast of house guests and watch mayhem and love bloom
July 29, 2015
I had looked forward to reading Vane's story and was not terribly disappointed. I loved Vane. He reminds of Devil most of the time. I also liked Patience but not at first! I started to appreciate her at about 60% into the story. Again, the mystery aspect of the book was very thinly veiled and was prolonged than necessary. It was very easy to guess who the troublemakers were and that ruined some of the enjoyment of the book for me. Take out that part and I would be a happy lady. I don't mind just reading about Vane and Patience and the rest of the Cynsters, as well as Minnie's little party!
March 27, 2017
Nešto mi se čini da dugo nisam čitala neke istorijske knjige, pa je ovo bilo baš interesantno :D
Sviđa mi se kako je Stefani opisala i širila radnju. Pomalo liči na Eloizu Džejms, ali usuđujem se da kažem da je još interesantnije :D
Likovi su odlično opisani i sviđa mi se što su i ženski likovi jednako snažni i odlučni, kao i muški, iako poštuju sva tadašnja pravila društva i ostalo.
U svakom slučaju preporuka od mene :)
Sviđa mi se kako je Stefani opisala i širila radnju. Pomalo liči na Eloizu Džejms, ali usuđujem se da kažem da je još interesantnije :D
Likovi su odlično opisani i sviđa mi se što su i ženski likovi jednako snažni i odlučni, kao i muški, iako poštuju sva tadašnja pravila društva i ostalo.
U svakom slučaju preporuka od mene :)
May 27, 2021
3.5 stars.
Not in the mood to write reviews at the moment... I do appreciate that this book made the “mystery” a little more mysterious than the last. On to the next!
Safe; virgin heroine, hero manwhore, no om/ow drama
Not in the mood to write reviews at the moment... I do appreciate that this book made the “mystery” a little more mysterious than the last. On to the next!
Safe; virgin heroine, hero manwhore, no om/ow drama
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2014
Author: Stephanie Laurens
First published: 1998
Length: 374 pages
Setting: Northamptonshire, 1819 (Regency).
Sex: Frequent. Very explicit (erotic).
Heroine: 26yo. Father was a rake who's apparent disregard hurt her mother deeply.
With Vane more Beta Male than Devil's Alpha, A Rake's Vow takes on the hallmarks of a Cozy Mystery (with sex). Amateur detective Vane uses his native intelligence and "instinctive intuition" to solve a light mystery in the insular, eccentric community. Laurens comfortably emphasises the small cast of broadly drawn characters, any of whom could have dunnit, as well as the easy plot and enjoyable romance.
It's a nice, easy book with plenty of very explicit sex.
Cynster Family Saga Series, Bar Cynster:
Book 1 Devil's Bride (1998) - Honoria Anstruther-Wetherby and Sylvester "Devil" Cynster, Duke of St. Ives, Aug 1818.
Book 2 A Rake's Vow (1998) - Spencer "Vane" Cynster and Patience Debbington, Oct 1819
Book 3 Scandal's Bride (1999) - Catriona Hennessy and Richard "Scandal" Cynster, Dec 1819
Book 4 A Rogue's Proposal (1999) - Harold "Demon" Cynster and Felicity "Flick" Parteger, Mar 1820
Book 5 A Secret Love (2000) - Rupert "Gabriel" Cynster and Alathea Morwellan, Apr 1820
Book 6 All About Love (2001) - Alasdair "Lucifer" Cynster and Phyllida Tallent, Jun 1820
References:
Author's website: http://www.stephanielaurens.com/
What makes a cozy mystery?: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cozy_mys...
-CR-
First published: 1998
Length: 374 pages
Setting: Northamptonshire, 1819 (Regency).
Sex: Frequent. Very explicit (erotic).
Heroine: 26yo. Father was a rake who's apparent disregard hurt her mother deeply.
With Vane more Beta Male than Devil's Alpha, A Rake's Vow takes on the hallmarks of a Cozy Mystery (with sex). Amateur detective Vane uses his native intelligence and "instinctive intuition" to solve a light mystery in the insular, eccentric community. Laurens comfortably emphasises the small cast of broadly drawn characters, any of whom could have dunnit, as well as the easy plot and enjoyable romance.
It's a nice, easy book with plenty of very explicit sex.
Cynster Family Saga Series, Bar Cynster:
Book 1 Devil's Bride (1998) - Honoria Anstruther-Wetherby and Sylvester "Devil" Cynster, Duke of St. Ives, Aug 1818.
Book 2 A Rake's Vow (1998) - Spencer "Vane" Cynster and Patience Debbington, Oct 1819
Book 3 Scandal's Bride (1999) - Catriona Hennessy and Richard "Scandal" Cynster, Dec 1819
Book 4 A Rogue's Proposal (1999) - Harold "Demon" Cynster and Felicity "Flick" Parteger, Mar 1820
Book 5 A Secret Love (2000) - Rupert "Gabriel" Cynster and Alathea Morwellan, Apr 1820
Book 6 All About Love (2001) - Alasdair "Lucifer" Cynster and Phyllida Tallent, Jun 1820
References:
Author's website: http://www.stephanielaurens.com/
What makes a cozy mystery?: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cozy_mys...
-CR-
September 27, 2020
İlk kitabı daha çok beğenmiştim. Hikayeye bir türlü giremedim. Bunlar birbirlerine ne ara aşık oldular... Sadece tutku ve arzu bir de zayıf bir dedektiflik konusu... Vaktime yazık oldu.
January 10, 2022
Good book well written the “who done it part was slightly odd, but the chemistry and the romance was excellent. Cynsters are delicious!
Plot 6.5(1-10) steaminess 7.5(1-10)
Plot 6.5(1-10) steaminess 7.5(1-10)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 537 reviews