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Cynfell Brothers #7

Secretos pecaminosos (Serie de los hermanos Cynfell nº 7)

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Lujuria, gula, avaricia, pereza, ira, envidia y orgullo. Los hermanos Cynfell son la encarnación misma de una existencia pecaminosa. Pero ¿podría la mujer adecuada cambiar eso?

Orgullo

El elusivo hermano menor de los Cynfell es el único soltero que queda. Y Gideon tiene la intención de que siga siendo así. Después de haber conocido de primera mano lo frágil que era el matrimonio de sus padres, no le interesan las mujeres para nada más que un breve romance. Sin embargo, Cleo Talbot está dispuesta a cambiar eso.

Amigos desde la infancia, Gideon y Cleo siempre habían disfrutado de una relación fácil. Hasta que ella se comprometió con un hombre tonto. Gideon no puede evitarlo. Está furioso de que ella se rebaje a casarse con el idiota.

Cleo tampoco está muy contenta de estar comprometida con Niall Harper. Él es bastante inofensivo, pero después de decir que sí, el arrepentimiento llega rápidamente. ¿Por qué se dejó presionar para hacer tal acuerdo? ¿Podría la ruina ser realmente tan terrible? ¿Y por qué de repente Gideon está tan interesado en sus planes de boda?

Cuando queda claro que su inofensivo prometido no es tan inocente después de todo, Gideon y Cleo deben unir fuerzas para asegurarse de que no la obliguen a casarse con él. Con la ayuda de una persona del pasado de Gideon, alguien que representa un desafío para él, obligándolo a confrontar la mentira en la que ha estado viviendo, y con la colaboración de sus hermanos, ¿podrán llevar al criminal ante la justicia o Gideon y Cleo se quedarán con muchos remordimientos, sabiendo que quizás eran más que buenos amigos después de todo?

151 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 10, 2016

70 people are currently reading
211 people want to read

About the author

Samantha Holt

306 books701 followers
Samantha Holt resides in Warwickshire, England, with her twin girls, having followed her soldier husband around the UK for nearly 10 years. Growing up in Hampshire, she was inspired by the authors Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell, both of whom lived and wrote only miles from her home town.

Samantha loves the romance genre and has been devouring romantic literature for as long as she can remember. History is another passion of hers and she loves to combine her love for history and romance into exciting and passionate tales.

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5 stars
126 (43%)
4 stars
91 (31%)
3 stars
57 (19%)
2 stars
13 (4%)
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4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Debby *BabyDee*.
1,482 reviews80 followers
March 24, 2021
This the last book in Samantha Holt's Cynfell Brothers series was just okay for me. It was quite too short for me and did not give me the just desserts that I was hoping for an ending to the series. Gideon is the youngest brother and is avoiding matrimony at all cost and in comes Cleo a childhood friend to change his outlook on marriage. I wish that it was more developed into a true novella as the others but it seemed rushed to close the ending to the Cynfell saga. Because of that, my rating is a 2.5 (rounded 3) Stars.
Profile Image for Ann L.
4,821 reviews39 followers
July 13, 2016
I'm sad to say we have come to the end of an absolutely brilliant series.
This is the last brothers book and I was riveted from the first to last page.
I only wish that there were more brothers, maybe Samantha could work with a lost sister or we could have holiday specials.
Profile Image for Letschat1974.
821 reviews10 followers
May 18, 2020
3.5 Stars (4 enjoy Maureen Driscoll, Elisa Braden, Sophie Jordon)

I love series around family members or a group of friends. I love the series even more when the author intertwines those characters throughout the book series (it’s a pet peeve when authors don’t do that because what’s the point of the series and introducing the characters if they are not going to interact throughout the series).

The development and interest in main characters and secondary characters was enjoyable. I really did like the H/H for this book; very well paired as a couple. I loved the writing around the women empowerment (it wasn’t over the top for me).

writing style is easy to follow, humorous moments, the give and take dialogue enjoyable.

romantic/sexual content is written well throughout the book (kissing, oral, love making). I’d rate it 2/5 hotness and steam.

would absolutely recommend the book and the series even though there short stories. Will take 2-3 hours to read each book in the series.

I still enjoyed the book for a one time read and the series.
Profile Image for HR-ML.
1,274 reviews55 followers
January 17, 2025
Victorian novella. Gave this 3 stars.

Childhood friends saw each other in a new light.
Gideon, youngest in his family, had a secret.
He was tall, handsome, & the strong, silent type.
Cleo was a petite, slender and willowy redhead.
He wondered- when did she become beautiful?
Both enjoyed the outdoors and peace and quiet.

Cleo became engaged to Niall, heir to a viscount,
who she'd known for years. He had a secret too.
He displayed social awkwardness & droned on
about botany, & so on.

I liked the MCs but the story spent too much
time on the baddie. It had a tepid love scene
toward the end.
Profile Image for Pam Potter.
73 reviews
May 23, 2017
I enjoyed this book so much I am going back to read the rest of the series. You've got intrigue, mystery, unrequited love, protectiveness, etc. Then the hero shows up to save the day. Thank goodness the heroine knows how to save herself. This book moves pretty fast and I like that.
Thanks Samatha Holt for another great series I can get into.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give an honest review.
86 reviews
March 22, 2017
I received a free copy of this book for my honest review.

Gideon is the last of the brothers who's felt he was an outsider after discovering a secret when he was young. He's decided he didn't want to get married and risk his heart. He finally notices his childhood friend when the third in the group make a move for Cleo.

This book is the shortest of the series and seems to be the most rushed in the set; almost as though it was written to finish up the brothers' stories more than a story that needed to be told. Many of the tropes of romance books were used here with somewhat predictable results. A nice quick beach read but nothing really surprising here.
Profile Image for Amanda.
495 reviews3 followers
January 15, 2018
Another good read

It was quite a conclusion to the seven brothers. I liked the action and the great escape but do wonder what is next.
Profile Image for Aspoon.
719 reviews2 followers
February 27, 2022
This was a very lite suspenseful read not romance....just one or two lite kisses but more about catching a jewel thief.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,097 reviews22 followers
February 18, 2017
I have not read any other books in this series and did not feel lost but does make me want to read the rest. The author gives you a wonderful plot with wonderful characters that is filled with lies, danger, challenges, betrayal, emotional, intriguing, love that is just so sweet with a sinful enrich plot that you will fall in love with. The Cynfell family are a close knit family which support each other and are very loyal bunch. With all Gideon brothers being married he feels left out but he is in no hurry to tie the knot. He does have a dark secret which stands in his way and leaves him feeling more alone. Cleo has always been his friend since childhood they are very close. By the time Gideon decides Cleo is the right women for him he find another has taken his place leaving him wondering how he can correct this wrong. As his jealous spins his temper raises leaving him trying to save the women he loves.

Cleo’s parents wants her to get married but the only man she is interested in isn’t interested in her. She becomes engaged to Niall making everything as they know it change and not for the better. Niall is not all the he seem he is a dangerous man which puts Cleo in danger leaving Gideon doing all he can to show her the kind of man Niall is at the same time that Gideon his self is the right man for her. Once Cleo faces facts she works with Gideon to fight the danger she finds herself in and put an end to the marriage. This does work towards her favor making Gideon finally facing facts that she is and as always been the one for him.

I do think this would have been better if I had started with the first book in the series. I thought the author created very vivid scenes pulling the reader in keeping me very entertained. There were moments I held my breath as the danger comes leaving my heart pounding waiting to see just what else would happen. I enjoy the authors writing style the way she showed how important family really is. I enjoyed the buildup of the romance as well as the down fall of Niall. She pulls on your heart with the very touching love story from friends to more as she spins a compelling story of love and romance. The chemistry between these two is wonderful. What truly makes a wonderful romance is the bickering between the two. It was delightful and at times humorous. The character and the story is very believable the author create a wonderful time frame with true emotions and feeling. I was held spellbound from the first page until the end.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Reading Deals so I could give an honest review
********************
Profile Image for Sandra R.
3,356 reviews47 followers
March 10, 2017
Good writing and I liked the story, but I don't think it captured me as much as the other in the series. It felt a little rushed and I wasn't as engaged with the characters as I usually am. However, I love all this author's books and she is an auto buy for me. 3.5 stars
442 reviews14 followers
July 13, 2016
I have read several of Ms. Samantha Holt’s stories enjoying each and every single one of them no matter if they were regency, Scottish fantasy, Viking, paranormal or even contemporary I knew I just had to read this novella. Okay granted I haven’t read any of the other books in the Cynfell brothers stories and this is the last one in the series Ms. Holt has a way of writing that instantly draws you in and all the stories in the series can pretty much stand alone so even though I at first felt somewhat disconnected to the male protagonist I think this was mostly my fault since I haven’t read any of the other books. Of course this will give me the incentive to go back and read all of them now.
Gideon Cynfell feeling the sting of his parent’s discontent with each has avoided women and marriage for most of his life. Gideon always felt apart and disconnected from the rest of the Cynfell brothers even though all the Cynfell brothers were family and stuck together Gideon is still used to keeping to himself. Even though Gideon avoids all women there is one that he doesn’t avoid Cleo Talbot, a girl that he has known throughout his whole life. Gideon is used to being her friend until she becomes engaged to a man that Gideon can’t tolerate or trust. What is Gideon to do when he decides to save Cleo and his feelings become more than just a friend.
I really liked Gideon and as I stated before that I didn’t really connect with him at first but as the novella progressed I did begin to understand him. I think I felt a little sorry for him considering his family situation even with all the brothers extolling some sort of sinful existence there was still something said for all of them their closeness to one another and their bond as a family really made me take notice. Cleo was a lot of fun and I just totally loved her as an audacious beautiful strong heroine to Gideon’s quiet brooding demeanor. I did love their fun friendly relationship and how it grew to so much more. Hopefully Ms. Holt writes about Gideon’s parents since their interaction seem to have affected all the brothers. Even with it being a novella I felt the book had a complete story and there wasn’t any loose ends left either but I missed a lot of the interactions between all of the brothers since I haven’t read the rest of the Cynfell brothers stories which is more my fault than Ms. Holt’s I still enjoyed the book rated it four stars and will definitely get more books from Ms. Holt!
Profile Image for Mary Lou Hoffman.
1,954 reviews34 followers
July 29, 2016
Title: SINFUL SECRETS
Series: Cynfell Brothers #7
Category /Genre: Historical Romance
Grammar/editing: book received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Received from: Samantha Holt (in exchange for an honest review)


This is the seventh, and final, book in the Cynfell Brothers series. It does stand alone, but I still very much recommend reading them all and in the order of publication.

The seventh deadly sin is Pride – Gideon Cynfell. Gideon’s pride has been hurt; some may even say his pride has been tortured and left him feeling alienated and alone. Poor Gideon; I wanted to just hug and him and tell him that it’s not as bad as he has built it up in his mind to be.

His best friend from childhood is Cleo. Growing up in the country with only boys as neighbors, she was allowed to be a bit of a tomboy until her debutante year. Now, on the verge of being heralded as a spinster, she has instead accepted the proposal of another childhood friend, Niall Harper. Niall seems like the world champion stick-in-the-mud, milquetoast bore of all time, but he has a secret that would bring more scandal to their marriage than being left as a spinster would do to Cleo and her family. Gideon has allowed pride to define him until now, but sometimes jealousy is more powerful and can be a positive force. Ultimately, he has to set aside pride and jealousy in order to secure Cleo’s safety and his own.

I love how Samantha Holt writes such different characters. Each has such fully developed personalities. Just thinking the name Niall now gives me the slimy feeling – as it should from this character! Cleo and Gideon are just so right for one another in so many ways that it felt inevitable once he let go and allowed her light to shine on him.

On one hand, I am sad to say good-bye to the Cynfell family; on the other, I am looking forward to what great adventure will next spring from the mind and keyboard of Samantha Holt.
Profile Image for Sydnee Walsh.
1,285 reviews30 followers
July 13, 2016
This story was just as amazing as all the others in this series. This is a standalone but I would read the others in this series to know all the information that is given in this books. It will just make it easier to follow this books storyline. The love that is found between Gideon and Cleo is amazing. Gideon is the story we have all be waiting for. He is the youngest brother and has been in the books to keep you wanting to know all of their stories. The secret that he has will be something to learn. This secret is just another step for the Cynfell family. The tug of war for Cloe between Gideon and Niall is something to read.
Profile Image for Ree.
2,519 reviews53 followers
July 15, 2016
I haven't read all of the books in the series, but all I've read so far have been really good stories.

The brothers are a close-knit, loyal group and each story makes you love them a little more.

Gideon realises - quite late - how beautiful, and perfect for him his former childhood is. After learning that her fiance is not the man they originally believed he was, he sets out to make sure he gets his girl.

I love friends-to-lovers stories, and I enjoyed that Ms. Holt manages to incorporate the 7 Deadly Sins in the plots with seeming ease.
Profile Image for Charline Bonham.
637 reviews
October 3, 2016
Gideon has no use for marriage since watching his parents unhappy state. All his brothers are married but that not the only reason he feels left out. Cleo's parent want her to marry since she is past her season but the only one offering is not really the right choice but what can she do but accept him? By the time Gideon realizes how important she is to him, she is promised to another. Gideon has to work with his brothers to protect himself and Cleo. I was provided this ebook for an honest review.
Author 3 books91 followers
July 13, 2016
I adore this author and these brothers in this series!

Sinful Secrets is sweet, loving, filled with lies, fabulous friends and more that keep you glued to the pages until the very end.

You'll come to love the hero and he'll be your newest book boyfriend! I loved him with the heroine!

And the heroine.. I adored her with the hero!

Trust me, if you've loved other books in this series--you will devour and love this one too!!!

5 stars
Profile Image for Debra.
327 reviews1 follower
July 20, 2016
Always a wonderful treat

It wonderful if only dreams cafes true which handsome brother would I pick. It would be a pick between Jillian a d Gideon. Oh well that being said enjoy reading the last story in this chapter of the brothers. But not the last book by this writer and for that I'm grateful. Who knows Malik was not so bad maybe she might give him a chance at love. Continue success Samantha and blessing to you and your family. DH from New York City
Profile Image for Cindy Woods.
1,058 reviews20 followers
July 16, 2016
Sweet

This is the last book in a really good series! Too bad these brothers don't have cousins Holt can write about because I hate thus being the last book in the series. This wasn't my favorite, by far, but it's a nice, short story. I would recommend reading the entire series to appreciate this last book.
Profile Image for Nicole.
475 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2016
3.5 stars

Storyline was interesting and for those who've read the rest of the series it was probably even better. I however felt it was lacking that extra key element wether it be more suspension, romance or something else.
493 reviews6 followers
October 14, 2016
Touching

A very sweet love story. Best friends can make the best life partners. Samantha Holt has mixed love, adventure, intrigue secrets, and a tiny little bit of naughty to creat a wonderful story.
Profile Image for Devika Fernando.
Author 50 books196 followers
December 16, 2018
Another rather short and fast-paced but thoroughly entertaining read from this series. I found it less 'steamy' but as emotional and captivating as the previous volumes. The bit of suspense made it all the more enjoyable to read.

Great to read in one go!
Profile Image for Xantippi Leska.
665 reviews2 followers
July 17, 2016
Very good ending to the series. Loved the conflicted relationship between Gideon and Cleo and glad everything worked out for them to find their HEA.
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,770 reviews7 followers
March 31, 2020
Gideon
Cleo Talbot
an enjoyable story with a satisfying HEA
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,121 reviews13 followers
January 3, 2017
Sinful Secrets is a wonderful story, part of a great series. The plot is fast-paced and engaging. The characters are familiar and likeable (most of them).

The Cynfell family has gathered at Lockwood to celebrate the birth of Julian and Viola‰Ûªs son. Gideon, the youngest and only unmarried Cynfell brother is happy for Julian, for all his brothers because they have found love and have started families. However he has a secret that makes him feel uncomfortable. Gideon doesn‰Ûªt feel as though he belongs. When he goes out to walk off his restlessness, he comes across a damsel in distress. His childhood friend, Cleo Talbot, has gotten her boots stuck in the mud. He rescues her and gets her home safely.

As Gideon and Cleo talk and get to know each other again, he learns that she is soon to be betrothed to Niall Harper, another childhood friend. He remembers Niall as a rather clumsy, odd fellow, and can‰Ûªt believe Cleo would want to marry him or be happy with him. He soon learns that Niall has a secret of is own, one that puts Cleo in danger of more than an unhappy marriage. Gideon is determined to prove that Niall is not what he seems and prevent the marriage. Can he overcome his pride and reveal his secret to save her? Will revealing his secret bring scandal and hurt to those he loves or will it bring them all together? Will Gideon find his HEA?

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Janet.
5,197 reviews66 followers
April 5, 2017
Lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride. The Cynfell brothers are the very embodiment of a sinful existence. But could the right woman change that?
Pride
Gideon the elusive youngest Cynfell is the only bachelor remaining, he intends to keep it that way. After having first-hand knowledge of just how fragile his parents’ marriage was, he isn’t interested in women for anything more than a brief dalliance.
Friends from childhood, Gideon and Cleo had always enjoyed an easy relationship. Until she becomes engaged to a fool of a man, Niall Harper. Gideon can’t help it. He’s enraged that she should lower herself to marrying the idiot.
Cleo’s parents have pushed her into becoming engaged to Niall but she regrets it immediately
Then it becomes clear that her harmless fiancé is not so innocent after all, Gideon and Cleo must join forces to ensure she’s not forced into marrying him. With the help of a person from Gideon’s past, the of St Clair and his brothers, can they save Cleo from a disastrous marriage.
The final Cynfell novel & another really good read that I was loathe to put down & read it in two sittings. Gideon & Cleo were meant for each other & their close friendship had blossomed into love some time ago but neither realised & it was only when Cleo became betrothed to Niall that they realised their true feelings. Long lept secrets are revealed too. This is another well written book from the author & the characters have depth, strength & so likeable. I’ve loved my binge reading of the whole series & will definitely read again & can whole heartedly recommend
Profile Image for Marlene.
752 reviews3 followers
January 28, 2018
Story of Gideon Cynfell and his childhood friend Cleo. They find love while she is betrothed to a Jewell thief Niall. All the Cynfell s make an appearance. I noted some editing errors--Niles instead of Niall. Also Cleo's father is mixed up with her Uncle in his first appearance in the book.
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