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Cynster #23
A Match for Marcus Cynster
Restless and impatient, Marcus Cynster waits for Fate to come calling. He knows his destiny lies in the lands surrounding his family home, but what will his future be? Equally importantly, with whom will he share it?
Of one fact he feels certain: his fated bride will not be Niniver Carrick. His elusive neighbor attracts him mightily, yet he feels compelled to protect her—even from himself. Fickle Fate, he’s sure, would never be so kind as to decree that Niniver should be his. The best he can do for them both is to avoid her.
Niniver has vowed to return her clan to prosperity. The epitome of fragile femininity, her delicate and ethereal exterior cloaks a stubborn will and an unflinching devotion to the people in her care. She accepts that in order to achieve her goal, she cannot risk marrying and losing her grip on the clan’s reins to an inevitably controlling husband. Unfortunately, many local men see her as their opportunity.
Soon, she’s forced to seek help to get rid of her unwelcome suitors. Powerful and dangerous, Marcus Cynster is perfect for the task. Suppressing her wariness over tangling with a gentleman who so excites her passions, she appeals to him for assistance with her peculiar problem.
Although at first he resists, Marcus discovers that, contrary to his expectations, his fated role is to stand by Niniver’s side and, ultimately, to claim her hand. Yet in order to convince her to be his bride, they must plunge headlong into a journey full of challenges, unforeseen dangers, passion, and yearning, until Niniver grasps the essential truth—that she is indeed a match for Marcus Cynster.
Of one fact he feels certain: his fated bride will not be Niniver Carrick. His elusive neighbor attracts him mightily, yet he feels compelled to protect her—even from himself. Fickle Fate, he’s sure, would never be so kind as to decree that Niniver should be his. The best he can do for them both is to avoid her.
Niniver has vowed to return her clan to prosperity. The epitome of fragile femininity, her delicate and ethereal exterior cloaks a stubborn will and an unflinching devotion to the people in her care. She accepts that in order to achieve her goal, she cannot risk marrying and losing her grip on the clan’s reins to an inevitably controlling husband. Unfortunately, many local men see her as their opportunity.
Soon, she’s forced to seek help to get rid of her unwelcome suitors. Powerful and dangerous, Marcus Cynster is perfect for the task. Suppressing her wariness over tangling with a gentleman who so excites her passions, she appeals to him for assistance with her peculiar problem.
Although at first he resists, Marcus discovers that, contrary to his expectations, his fated role is to stand by Niniver’s side and, ultimately, to claim her hand. Yet in order to convince her to be his bride, they must plunge headlong into a journey full of challenges, unforeseen dangers, passion, and yearning, until Niniver grasps the essential truth—that she is indeed a match for Marcus Cynster.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2015
366 people are currently reading
2739 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
207 books5,592 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 219 reviews
May 17, 2021
**2nd read**
There's nothing like a Cynster!!
Those Cynster men make the perfect book boyfriends! They're so masculine, with the perfect amount of dominance and deference.
Totally enjoyed this one!!
There's nothing like a Cynster!!
Those Cynster men make the perfect book boyfriends! They're so masculine, with the perfect amount of dominance and deference.
Totally enjoyed this one!!
June 28, 2022
Marcus Cynster is waiting for the Lady to point his path's direction. He knows his bride lies in the Lady's domain. Marcus further believes his future bride couldn't be Niniver Carrick, a woman who attracts him passionately. Niniver has avoided Marcus because of her attraction to him. She also has come to the realization that as the Lady of Clan Carrick she can never marry. She has made a vow on her father's grave to bring the clan back to unity and prosperity. Niniver, despite her initial misgivings, needs a man's help to deal with her persistent suitors. She can think of only one man up to the task -- Marcus Cynster. Two years ago, he made her a promise that if she ever needed his help, he would willingly provide it. Well, she has decided to claim his promise. Marcus soon discovers who is his future bride -- Niniver Carrick. Now, he must try to just convince her it is her fate to be his wife.
I loved the protagonists. Marcus and Niniver were the perfect match for each other. They faced challenges, passion and dangers. The characterization was well-developed and felt like they were real persons. The Cynster clan made an appearance (Richard, Catriona, Lucilla and Thomas), as well as Sebastian, earl of Eairth. The plot was a romance coupled with a villain who wants Niniver's money. He is willing to stop at nothing to get his hands on it. The descriptions were well drawn out. The dialogue was realistic and fit each character's profile. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. I'm looking forward to the next one. Perhaps it will be Sebastian's book. I sure hope so. Adult situations.
I loved the protagonists. Marcus and Niniver were the perfect match for each other. They faced challenges, passion and dangers. The characterization was well-developed and felt like they were real persons. The Cynster clan made an appearance (Richard, Catriona, Lucilla and Thomas), as well as Sebastian, earl of Eairth. The plot was a romance coupled with a villain who wants Niniver's money. He is willing to stop at nothing to get his hands on it. The descriptions were well drawn out. The dialogue was realistic and fit each character's profile. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. I'm looking forward to the next one. Perhaps it will be Sebastian's book. I sure hope so. Adult situations.
May 20, 2015
Review - One of my absolute favourite Cynster novels! The best since the "original" six Cynster men in my opinion. I loved Niniver and her control over the clan. I also liked how the mystery from the previous book was finally solved, though you so need to have read the previous book (The Tempting of Thomas Carrick) in order to understand the beginning of the novel.
Genre - Historical / Romance
Characters - Marcus Cynster / Niniver Carrick / Ramsey MacDougal / Lucilla Cynster / Thomas Carrick / Catriona Cynster / Richard Cynster / Norris Carrick / Nolan Carrick / Nigel Carrick
Setting - Casphairn (Scotland)
Series - Cynster #23
Recommend - Yes
Rating - 19/20
Genre - Historical / Romance
Characters - Marcus Cynster / Niniver Carrick / Ramsey MacDougal / Lucilla Cynster / Thomas Carrick / Catriona Cynster / Richard Cynster / Norris Carrick / Nolan Carrick / Nigel Carrick
Setting - Casphairn (Scotland)
Series - Cynster #23
Recommend - Yes
Rating - 19/20
January 2, 2016
Meh.
Best part of the book was the dogs, for sure. I especially liked the dogs taking down the villain at the end of the book.
The rest...was boring.
Best part of the book was the dogs, for sure. I especially liked the dogs taking down the villain at the end of the book.
The rest...was boring.
April 22, 2015
"To him, she was a nymph irresistible temptation, but she was also the tender, caring, devoted woman he had sworn to protect."
THE STORY: Niniver Carrick has been chosen to be the leader of her clan. As the Lady of Clan Carrick, she has been the target of various men who want to woo her. Niniver has become desperate because her potential suitors have become more aggressive. Niniver decides to ask neighbor Marcus Cynster to help her discourage her suitors. Marcus is in transition in his life. After his twin sister married (in THE TEMPTING OF THOMAS CARRICK), Marcus has moved from the family home. It is his sister who will inherit the family lands in the Vale as she succeeds their mother as the Lady of the Vale. In order to make things easier for his sister and brother-in-law to take their place, Marcus has moved out to find his own path. For two years he has been thinking about Niniver but has waited for a sign as to whether or not she is the one for him. When Niniver comes to ask for his help, Marcus realizes that he wants Niniver to be his wife. He realizes that he will have to show Niniver that he can be her champion without threatening her authority with the clan.
OPINION: A MATCH FOR MARCUS CYNSTER is truly and appropriately the companion book to THE TEMPTING OF THOMAS CARRICK (which tells the romance of Marcus's twin sister). This book continues the story that began in THE TEMPTING OF THOMAS CARRICK. The overarching mystery regarding the death of Niniver's father is ultimately resolved here. This story, however, quickly moves beyond that continuing mystery to the question of Niniver's suitors. The plot works well here with enough action and drama to keep the story moving at a nice pace.
Niniver is a caring and competent woman. She is forging a new path for herself and her clan. She is not silly or stupid. She is somewhat clueless regarding Marcus's intentions toward her even while her clan all know that she is being courted, but it is not enough to diminish her character with me. She doesn't ask to be rescued, she takes her destiny in her own hands.
Marcus is adorable and is one of my favorite Cynster heroes. He has all the strength and arrogance of a Cynster but also has the definite traits of his father who able to be strong enough to support his woman without taking over for her. While Laurens has written the story of the strong man supporting a woman in position of authority with Marcus's parents and sister, this book has a twist. In the previous books, it is the man who has to adapt to the idea of a woman in authority, here Marcus's whole life has prepared him for the role and he is comfortable with it. Instead, it is Niniver who has to be shown that a man can be her helpmate without threatening her authority. I loved his compassion and constant concern with Niniver. He clearly demonstrates how a man can be supportive and yet be masculine and sexy.
The relationship between Marcus and Niniver is wonderfully developed. They spend a lot of time together doing normal things that allow the reader to see how the partnership develops between the two. I felt that this book did an amazing job of showing how the relationship between Marcus and Niniver will work. The give and take between them is demonstrated and it is clear that both find happiness in how their relationship works.
This is one of my favorite Cynster books primarily because Marcus is such a wonderful hero. I really liked him and the relationship between Marcus and Niniver which is a true partnership.
WORTH MENTIONING: Sebastian, Sebastian, Sebastian.
FINAL DECISION: This is one of my favorite Cynster books in a while. Marcus is in my top 5 heroes. He is adorable and I love how he is immediately supportive of Niniver but still manly and sexy.
CONNECTED BOOKS: A MATCH FOR MARCUS CYNSTER is the twenty-third book in the Cynster series. It is also the second book in the Next Generation Cynsters series and can be read independent of the other books in the Cynster series. It is, however, best read as the companion book to the first book in the Next Generation series, THE TEMPTING OF THOMAS CARRICK.
STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.
THE STORY: Niniver Carrick has been chosen to be the leader of her clan. As the Lady of Clan Carrick, she has been the target of various men who want to woo her. Niniver has become desperate because her potential suitors have become more aggressive. Niniver decides to ask neighbor Marcus Cynster to help her discourage her suitors. Marcus is in transition in his life. After his twin sister married (in THE TEMPTING OF THOMAS CARRICK), Marcus has moved from the family home. It is his sister who will inherit the family lands in the Vale as she succeeds their mother as the Lady of the Vale. In order to make things easier for his sister and brother-in-law to take their place, Marcus has moved out to find his own path. For two years he has been thinking about Niniver but has waited for a sign as to whether or not she is the one for him. When Niniver comes to ask for his help, Marcus realizes that he wants Niniver to be his wife. He realizes that he will have to show Niniver that he can be her champion without threatening her authority with the clan.
OPINION: A MATCH FOR MARCUS CYNSTER is truly and appropriately the companion book to THE TEMPTING OF THOMAS CARRICK (which tells the romance of Marcus's twin sister). This book continues the story that began in THE TEMPTING OF THOMAS CARRICK. The overarching mystery regarding the death of Niniver's father is ultimately resolved here. This story, however, quickly moves beyond that continuing mystery to the question of Niniver's suitors. The plot works well here with enough action and drama to keep the story moving at a nice pace.
Niniver is a caring and competent woman. She is forging a new path for herself and her clan. She is not silly or stupid. She is somewhat clueless regarding Marcus's intentions toward her even while her clan all know that she is being courted, but it is not enough to diminish her character with me. She doesn't ask to be rescued, she takes her destiny in her own hands.
Marcus is adorable and is one of my favorite Cynster heroes. He has all the strength and arrogance of a Cynster but also has the definite traits of his father who able to be strong enough to support his woman without taking over for her. While Laurens has written the story of the strong man supporting a woman in position of authority with Marcus's parents and sister, this book has a twist. In the previous books, it is the man who has to adapt to the idea of a woman in authority, here Marcus's whole life has prepared him for the role and he is comfortable with it. Instead, it is Niniver who has to be shown that a man can be her helpmate without threatening her authority. I loved his compassion and constant concern with Niniver. He clearly demonstrates how a man can be supportive and yet be masculine and sexy.
The relationship between Marcus and Niniver is wonderfully developed. They spend a lot of time together doing normal things that allow the reader to see how the partnership develops between the two. I felt that this book did an amazing job of showing how the relationship between Marcus and Niniver will work. The give and take between them is demonstrated and it is clear that both find happiness in how their relationship works.
This is one of my favorite Cynster books primarily because Marcus is such a wonderful hero. I really liked him and the relationship between Marcus and Niniver which is a true partnership.
WORTH MENTIONING: Sebastian, Sebastian, Sebastian.
FINAL DECISION: This is one of my favorite Cynster books in a while. Marcus is in my top 5 heroes. He is adorable and I love how he is immediately supportive of Niniver but still manly and sexy.
CONNECTED BOOKS: A MATCH FOR MARCUS CYNSTER is the twenty-third book in the Cynster series. It is also the second book in the Next Generation Cynsters series and can be read independent of the other books in the Cynster series. It is, however, best read as the companion book to the first book in the Next Generation series, THE TEMPTING OF THOMAS CARRICK.
STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.
January 25, 2018
"A Match for Marcus Cynster" is the story of Niniver and Marcus.
We met Niniver Carrick in the previous book, as the caring daughter to Laird Randall Carrick and sister to Nolan and Nigel. As Norris is murdered at the end of previous book, we start this one by discovering the fates of both Nolan and Nigel, and how Niniver, the hound loving daughter is elected as the Lady of the Clan, and how she takes that seriously.
One year hence, she has various suitors vying for her hand while her vow is to never get married. When some decided to get over zealous, she approaches her neighbor, Marcus Cynster, the only man she has ever felt attracted to, but whom she believes will never be retributive to her feelings, hence help her ward them off.
Marcus is the son to Richard and Catriona, and believes in the full power of Lady of the Vale and fate. Eagerly awaiting for signs of his true destiny, he is surprised when she comes knocking at his door- and soon all indications point towards her, and he agrees to help her, while slowly wooing her.
Intermingled with the plot of evil suitors, talented hounds and discovering yourself, this had an engaging plot which kept me hooked. I really love Cynster heroes and their relentless pursuant, but just like his father Richard, he did not shy away from being a supportive partner and husband to their respective wives, who had to shoulder bigger responsibilities than traditional male ego usually allows. They were appreciative of their women, and adored them with all their hearts. Niniver too, was strong, independent and yes, rescues our hero Marcus from his doom!
Their lovemaking scenes were expectedly ardorous, and I really liked the conclusion to this story. This has got me back on my Cynster addiction!
Safe with exceptions
4.75/5
We met Niniver Carrick in the previous book, as the caring daughter to Laird Randall Carrick and sister to Nolan and Nigel. As Norris is murdered at the end of previous book, we start this one by discovering the fates of both Nolan and Nigel, and how Niniver, the hound loving daughter is elected as the Lady of the Clan, and how she takes that seriously.
One year hence, she has various suitors vying for her hand while her vow is to never get married. When some decided to get over zealous, she approaches her neighbor, Marcus Cynster, the only man she has ever felt attracted to, but whom she believes will never be retributive to her feelings, hence help her ward them off.
Marcus is the son to Richard and Catriona, and believes in the full power of Lady of the Vale and fate. Eagerly awaiting for signs of his true destiny, he is surprised when she comes knocking at his door- and soon all indications point towards her, and he agrees to help her, while slowly wooing her.
Intermingled with the plot of evil suitors, talented hounds and discovering yourself, this had an engaging plot which kept me hooked. I really love Cynster heroes and their relentless pursuant, but just like his father Richard, he did not shy away from being a supportive partner and husband to their respective wives, who had to shoulder bigger responsibilities than traditional male ego usually allows. They were appreciative of their women, and adored them with all their hearts. Niniver too, was strong, independent and yes, rescues our hero Marcus from his doom!
Their lovemaking scenes were expectedly ardorous, and I really liked the conclusion to this story. This has got me back on my Cynster addiction!
Safe with exceptions
4.75/5
June 23, 2015
Stephanie Laurens and the Cynster men have a special place in my heart. She was one of the first historical romance authors I read (secretly going to the library when I was 12 and hoping the librarian would not notice or comment about the romance books between the other socially acceptable books).
Devil and Honoria (first Cynster book) are therefore my first dreamy historical couple. You always have a special place in your heart for those first romances, but eventually you move on. After reading like 6 or 7 Cynster couples I moved on, because 1) I found other interesting authors and 2) I saw through the Cynster-formula.
From what I remember there are two kind of Cynster couples.
1- The couple who have always known and are slowly coming to the realization that they cannot outrun their fate anymore. One of the couple will seduce the other, mostly the more experienced H will seduce the less or not experienced h. Until the h realizes her own sexual power and tries to take over. They realize, they overcome (external) obstacle, and they marry. Marcus Cynster and Niniver fall under this category.
2- The couple who have not always known (each other) but are so overcome by passion for each other and then realize they are purrrfect for each other. Honoraria and Devil fall under this category for sure, also Richard and Catronia (Marcus parents).
Anyways, because of this formulaic plot the books left me wanting after reading 6-7 stories and I therefore was not really interested in keeping up with the series. But every once in a while (if I see a Cynster book in the 'new releases') I am curious about the Cynster-clan and who is getting hitched. I read Marcus Cynster story and it was like dipping in a warm familiar pool. I liked it but there was nothing so memorable that I went crazy over it. It was a skim and go to the good parts read and predictable, but you still wanted to finish it. It was nice to revisit the old characters again, but the magic from the first books (for me) is gone. For the good old times 3 stars, but I am not waiting with bated breath for the following books.
Devil and Honoria (first Cynster book) are therefore my first dreamy historical couple. You always have a special place in your heart for those first romances, but eventually you move on. After reading like 6 or 7 Cynster couples I moved on, because 1) I found other interesting authors and 2) I saw through the Cynster-formula.
From what I remember there are two kind of Cynster couples.
1- The couple who have always known and are slowly coming to the realization that they cannot outrun their fate anymore. One of the couple will seduce the other, mostly the more experienced H will seduce the less or not experienced h. Until the h realizes her own sexual power and tries to take over. They realize, they overcome (external) obstacle, and they marry. Marcus Cynster and Niniver fall under this category.
2- The couple who have not always known (each other) but are so overcome by passion for each other and then realize they are purrrfect for each other. Honoraria and Devil fall under this category for sure, also Richard and Catronia (Marcus parents).
Anyways, because of this formulaic plot the books left me wanting after reading 6-7 stories and I therefore was not really interested in keeping up with the series. But every once in a while (if I see a Cynster book in the 'new releases') I am curious about the Cynster-clan and who is getting hitched. I read Marcus Cynster story and it was like dipping in a warm familiar pool. I liked it but there was nothing so memorable that I went crazy over it. It was a skim and go to the good parts read and predictable, but you still wanted to finish it. It was nice to revisit the old characters again, but the magic from the first books (for me) is gone. For the good old times 3 stars, but I am not waiting with bated breath for the following books.
June 21, 2015
No author, I repeat, No author can drag out a story as Stephanie Laurens. I promise I skipped half of the book while Marcus decided when he could ask her to marry him. The story was very boring to me. I didn't get a sense of the character of either the hero or the heroine. I am hoping this is the end of the Cynster Saga. I loved the early Cynster's, but the next generation is not doing anything for me.
February 2, 2024
A Match for Marcus Cynster
4 Stars
Series note: This is the companion to book #1 in the Cynsters: Next Generation series and focuses on Lucilla's twin, Marcus and Thomas's cousin, Niniver. It also explains the mystery that remains unsolved in the previous installment.
As the new Lady of her clan, Niniver Carrick is busy fulfilling her vow to care for her people. Unfortunately, several unwelcome suitors are making her task more difficult, and she is in need of assistance in fending them off. Marcus Cynster, her powerful and menacing neighbor, is perfect for the task even if she struggles with her attraction to him. Raised to be the protector and defender of a powerful woman, Marcus is more than eager to come to Niniver's aid as she might just be the woman destined to be his bride. Can a woman unwilling to wed and a man determined to win her overcome all obstacles?
Thankfully, Ninver and Marcus's story has none of the manipulation and angst that plagued Thomas and Lucilla's romance. Niniver is a sweet and caring heroine, who comes into her own as the story progresses, and Marcus's obvious love and respect for her is wonderful. They have good chemistry and it is easy to root for their HEA.
The mystery that began in book #1 is resolved quite quickly. While the identity of the culprit makes sense, there are a couple of unresolved points, such as why the were targeted and what exactly hoped to achieve with his actions.
A new threat is, therefore, introduced. Although neither his identity nor his motivation remains secret for long, he is still a danger to Niniver and Marcus, and the climax and resolution of this thread are intense and exciting.
All in all, this is a significant improvement on the previous book and I look forward to reading Sebastian Cynster's book next. From the description, it has links to the Bastion Club series, which I enjoyed immensely.
4 Stars
Series note: This is the companion to book #1 in the Cynsters: Next Generation series and focuses on Lucilla's twin, Marcus and Thomas's cousin, Niniver. It also explains the mystery that remains unsolved in the previous installment.
As the new Lady of her clan, Niniver Carrick is busy fulfilling her vow to care for her people. Unfortunately, several unwelcome suitors are making her task more difficult, and she is in need of assistance in fending them off. Marcus Cynster, her powerful and menacing neighbor, is perfect for the task even if she struggles with her attraction to him. Raised to be the protector and defender of a powerful woman, Marcus is more than eager to come to Niniver's aid as she might just be the woman destined to be his bride. Can a woman unwilling to wed and a man determined to win her overcome all obstacles?
Thankfully, Ninver and Marcus's story has none of the manipulation and angst that plagued Thomas and Lucilla's romance. Niniver is a sweet and caring heroine, who comes into her own as the story progresses, and Marcus's obvious love and respect for her is wonderful. They have good chemistry and it is easy to root for their HEA.
The mystery that began in book #1 is resolved quite quickly. While the identity of the culprit makes sense, there are a couple of unresolved points, such as why the were targeted and what exactly hoped to achieve with his actions.
A new threat is, therefore, introduced. Although neither his identity nor his motivation remains secret for long, he is still a danger to Niniver and Marcus, and the climax and resolution of this thread are intense and exciting.
All in all, this is a significant improvement on the previous book and I look forward to reading Sebastian Cynster's book next. From the description, it has links to the Bastion Club series, which I enjoyed immensely.
October 23, 2015
Very good book. I love the Cynsters stories and this one lived up to my expectations. We got to know Marcus somewhat in The Tempting of Thomas Carrick. He is the twin brother of Lucilla, who is heir to their mother as the Lady of the Vale. His role growing up was to protect and assist his sister, until such time as she marries. She has done so, leaving him now with no purpose. He does know that his future lies in the area where he grew up, and that Fate knows exactly who will share his life. He just needs the patience to wait for it to be revealed.
Niniver is the only daughter of the late Laird of Carrick. Thanks to various events outlined in the previous book (but mentioned in this one, so it can be read as a stand alone) and at the beginning of this one, she ends up as the Lady of Carrick, leader of the clan and the one with the responsibility of bringing the clan back from the brink of disaster. She is determined to stay unmarried, as any husband would expect to take over as leader, and that isn't possible. But when she has to spend valuable time fending off the attentions of unwanted suitors, she knows she needs help. Her neighbor, Marcus, had once told her that if she ever needed help, to ask and she is desperate enough to do so.
Thus starts the story of two people who are perfect for each other, but need to be convinced. Marcus has been attracted to Niniver for a couple years, but believes that Fate would not be so kind as to give him what he wants so easily. In many ways, he is right. He is reluctant to agree with the method of help she suggests, sensing that there could be pitfalls for both of them. Her method of convincing him was unique, but effective. It isn't too long before Marcus realizes that Niniver is the woman meant for him, but winning her hand isn't going to be easy. Because she is the head of the clan, he knows that he must be very careful not to diminish her in the eyes of her people. He can help and support, but he can't take over. For most men of this time period that would be an impossibility, but Marcus is a Cynster. He has been raised around strong and capable women and has enough confidence in his own manhood not to be threatened by her. The fact that his own father, and now his sister's husband, are in the same position has given him the perfect examples to follow. I loved being able to see his thoughts as he worked out the best ways to show her that he was the man for her. His sensitivity to her needs was outstanding. His only drawback was his reluctance to tell her of his feelings until he was sure that she felt the same way. That almost caused a permanent rift between them, until fate once again intervened.
Niniver had known Marcus all her life and had always been fascinated by him. But he is a Cynster, and far above her in her opinion, so she had never allowed herself to think of him as anything but a neighbor and friend. After the deaths of her father and older brothers, she is stunned to find that the clan considers her to be the logical successor to leading the clan. Though she has had no training (she is a woman, after all), she makes a vow to do whatever necessary to save the clan. She's reluctant to ask Marcus's help because she knows that she could easily fall in love with him, but he's really her only choice. Once she gains his consent, they are locked into spending quite a bit of time together. Niniver realizes that she was right to be worried about her heart, as she falls and falls hard. The last thing she wants is to become an object of pity, because there's no way he could feel the same way, so she buries her feelings deep so that he won't suspect.
I loved seeing the relationship develop. They had so much in common, such as their love of the dogs they bred and the lands they lived on. One of the best things about Marcus was that he understood Niniver so well and knew what she needed from him, even if she didn't yet realize it. There were wonderful scenes of him standing behind her as she dealt with various issues, there to support her but not interfere. The scene with two different tradesmen was a perfect demonstration. The scenes where he dealt with her unwanted suitors were really fun, especially the one who came to serenade her. The more time they spent together, the more their attraction grew, until they were no longer able to fight it. Marcus hoped that it would help her see what they could have together, but Niniver believed that only a short term affair was possible. When a misunderstanding has her believing that he is bowing down to pressure from the clan to marry her, she is devastated and sends him away.
There is one suitor who refuses to be chased away. He is desperate to gain Niniver's hand and everything that goes with it, even though she makes it plain that he has no chance. The things he does put her in danger, and nearly kill both her and Marcus. The final confrontation with him was quite intense in places, and very well done. The resolution was excellent and perfect for the life that Marcus and Niniver want going forward. The epilogue was great, and makes me wonder if Sebastian will be the next cousin to fall. I can't wait to see if I'm right.
Niniver is the only daughter of the late Laird of Carrick. Thanks to various events outlined in the previous book (but mentioned in this one, so it can be read as a stand alone) and at the beginning of this one, she ends up as the Lady of Carrick, leader of the clan and the one with the responsibility of bringing the clan back from the brink of disaster. She is determined to stay unmarried, as any husband would expect to take over as leader, and that isn't possible. But when she has to spend valuable time fending off the attentions of unwanted suitors, she knows she needs help. Her neighbor, Marcus, had once told her that if she ever needed help, to ask and she is desperate enough to do so.
Thus starts the story of two people who are perfect for each other, but need to be convinced. Marcus has been attracted to Niniver for a couple years, but believes that Fate would not be so kind as to give him what he wants so easily. In many ways, he is right. He is reluctant to agree with the method of help she suggests, sensing that there could be pitfalls for both of them. Her method of convincing him was unique, but effective. It isn't too long before Marcus realizes that Niniver is the woman meant for him, but winning her hand isn't going to be easy. Because she is the head of the clan, he knows that he must be very careful not to diminish her in the eyes of her people. He can help and support, but he can't take over. For most men of this time period that would be an impossibility, but Marcus is a Cynster. He has been raised around strong and capable women and has enough confidence in his own manhood not to be threatened by her. The fact that his own father, and now his sister's husband, are in the same position has given him the perfect examples to follow. I loved being able to see his thoughts as he worked out the best ways to show her that he was the man for her. His sensitivity to her needs was outstanding. His only drawback was his reluctance to tell her of his feelings until he was sure that she felt the same way. That almost caused a permanent rift between them, until fate once again intervened.
Niniver had known Marcus all her life and had always been fascinated by him. But he is a Cynster, and far above her in her opinion, so she had never allowed herself to think of him as anything but a neighbor and friend. After the deaths of her father and older brothers, she is stunned to find that the clan considers her to be the logical successor to leading the clan. Though she has had no training (she is a woman, after all), she makes a vow to do whatever necessary to save the clan. She's reluctant to ask Marcus's help because she knows that she could easily fall in love with him, but he's really her only choice. Once she gains his consent, they are locked into spending quite a bit of time together. Niniver realizes that she was right to be worried about her heart, as she falls and falls hard. The last thing she wants is to become an object of pity, because there's no way he could feel the same way, so she buries her feelings deep so that he won't suspect.
I loved seeing the relationship develop. They had so much in common, such as their love of the dogs they bred and the lands they lived on. One of the best things about Marcus was that he understood Niniver so well and knew what she needed from him, even if she didn't yet realize it. There were wonderful scenes of him standing behind her as she dealt with various issues, there to support her but not interfere. The scene with two different tradesmen was a perfect demonstration. The scenes where he dealt with her unwanted suitors were really fun, especially the one who came to serenade her. The more time they spent together, the more their attraction grew, until they were no longer able to fight it. Marcus hoped that it would help her see what they could have together, but Niniver believed that only a short term affair was possible. When a misunderstanding has her believing that he is bowing down to pressure from the clan to marry her, she is devastated and sends him away.
There is one suitor who refuses to be chased away. He is desperate to gain Niniver's hand and everything that goes with it, even though she makes it plain that he has no chance. The things he does put her in danger, and nearly kill both her and Marcus. The final confrontation with him was quite intense in places, and very well done. The resolution was excellent and perfect for the life that Marcus and Niniver want going forward. The epilogue was great, and makes me wonder if Sebastian will be the next cousin to fall. I can't wait to see if I'm right.
December 5, 2019
A sincere thank you to Ms. Laurens; should I decide to start a punk band, she provided me the name. Give it up for "Air Scenting Bitches!" Otherwise, this is incredibly repetitious and flat out dull. I like the story outline. Perhaps if it had been edited, if the prose had been less purple, if words had not been misused, if archaic words had not been peppered about, and if the same inner dialogues had not been repeated countless times I would have liked this. We will never know for sure.
I was looking at my notes jotted while reading, and these two really sum up this book:
September 17, 2019 – page 101
22.54% So far, she has used the word "propinquity" which is always unnecessary and has said the hero had a "blatantly square" jaw. Blatantly square? Do most square-jawed people hide their squareness, electing instead to have a subtly square jaw? Also, Niniver is a terrible name for our heroine. It sounds pinched and desiccated and I imagine other children would have called her "Ninny." No good can come of that.
September 20, 2019 – page 320
71.43% I like the main characters but this is so boring, so repetitive and so badly written I can't invest in them. Someone "got her mental feet under her." Someone "took a mental breath." These people have some multi-talented and anatomically complex minds! My mind has neither teeth nor lungs. I feel ill-formed ... "blatently" ill-formed.
I was looking at my notes jotted while reading, and these two really sum up this book:
September 17, 2019 – page 101
22.54% So far, she has used the word "propinquity" which is always unnecessary and has said the hero had a "blatantly square" jaw. Blatantly square? Do most square-jawed people hide their squareness, electing instead to have a subtly square jaw? Also, Niniver is a terrible name for our heroine. It sounds pinched and desiccated and I imagine other children would have called her "Ninny." No good can come of that.
September 20, 2019 – page 320
71.43% I like the main characters but this is so boring, so repetitive and so badly written I can't invest in them. Someone "got her mental feet under her." Someone "took a mental breath." These people have some multi-talented and anatomically complex minds! My mind has neither teeth nor lungs. I feel ill-formed ... "blatently" ill-formed.
July 9, 2015
Stephanie Laurens, I just can't quit your Cynsters. The formula hasn't varied in 23 books (more if we count Cobra Quartet, Bastion Club, etc). She does make some interesting plot choices regarding feminism and women's power in the early Victorian era but still commits some pretty egregious sins of the "purple-prose" variety in the bedroom. Still fun reading though.
I echo earlier sentiments that moving to Harlequin has done no favors for her cover art and if she's going to keep going I hope that Sebastian and Antonia get together bc we get to see Devil and Chillingworth spar again.
I echo earlier sentiments that moving to Harlequin has done no favors for her cover art and if she's going to keep going I hope that Sebastian and Antonia get together bc we get to see Devil and Chillingworth spar again.
August 15, 2015
Painfully boring!
February 8, 2018
2 e 1/2
"Niniver sembrava una principessa delle fiabe, fragile e delicata, eppure il potere del loro amore li metteva su un piano di parità.
Era la donna del destino, quella che il fato e la Signora avevano riservato per lui; non nutriva il minimo dubbio al riguardo.
Era il suo vero e unico amore, ora e per sempre."
La storia di Marcus è leggermente meglio di quella della sorella, e tuttavia lo schema di base è praticamente identico e per tale motivo anche le mie riserve si sono conservate XD Anche qui infatti abbiamo questa Signora che accoppia gente a caso (anche se qui per fortuna è meno presente, essendo Marcus uomo è quindi solo degno di far da spalla nell'ombra XD), anche qui abbiamo la coppia predestinata che più o meno consapevolmente si evita per anni e poi si riunisce per un problema nel clan, anche qui è la lei della situazione a prendere in mano le redini (anche se è lui a spingere per il matrimonio essendo il Cynster della situazione XD) , anche qui lui deve fare una mini fuga sul finale prima di decidersi, anche qui il "cattivo" viene liquidato in quattro e quattr'otto ecc ecc L'unica cosa diversa è sicuramente che Marcus e Niniver come coppia convincono molto più di Lucilla e Thomas e anche caratterialmente sono più equilibrati e complessi ;D Mi è dispiaciuto non aver avuto risposta alle questioni rimaste aperte nel volume precedente (ebbene si, parlo di Nolan e Niger che pare siano scomparsi a buffo) ma immagino di non poter pretendere grandi spiegazioni quando lo schema è così "rigido" ^^''
"Niniver sembrava una principessa delle fiabe, fragile e delicata, eppure il potere del loro amore li metteva su un piano di parità.
Era la donna del destino, quella che il fato e la Signora avevano riservato per lui; non nutriva il minimo dubbio al riguardo.
Era il suo vero e unico amore, ora e per sempre."
La storia di Marcus è leggermente meglio di quella della sorella, e tuttavia lo schema di base è praticamente identico e per tale motivo anche le mie riserve si sono conservate XD Anche qui infatti abbiamo questa Signora che accoppia gente a caso (anche se qui per fortuna è meno presente, essendo Marcus uomo è quindi solo degno di far da spalla nell'ombra XD), anche qui abbiamo la coppia predestinata che più o meno consapevolmente si evita per anni e poi si riunisce per un problema nel clan, anche qui è la lei della situazione a prendere in mano le redini (anche se è lui a spingere per il matrimonio essendo il Cynster della situazione XD) , anche qui lui deve fare una mini fuga sul finale prima di decidersi, anche qui il "cattivo" viene liquidato in quattro e quattr'otto ecc ecc L'unica cosa diversa è sicuramente che Marcus e Niniver come coppia convincono molto più di Lucilla e Thomas e anche caratterialmente sono più equilibrati e complessi ;D Mi è dispiaciuto non aver avuto risposta alle questioni rimaste aperte nel volume precedente (ebbene si, parlo di Nolan e Niger che pare siano scomparsi a buffo) ma immagino di non poter pretendere grandi spiegazioni quando lo schema è così "rigido" ^^''
Read
May 29, 2020dnf @ 20%, nah but why does every recent cynster book literally have the same plot
June 5, 2015
Another wonderful book from Ms. Laurens. I just can't get enough of the Cynsters. I'm especially happy that I enjoyed this book because I couldn't even finish the first "introduction" to this series, "By Winter's Light". I was worried that something had changed and that I wouldn't like any of Stephanie Laurens' new books. That didn't turn out to be the case, thankfully!
I had already been intrigued by both Marcus and Niniver in the last book in this series "The Tempting of Thomas Carrick" which features Niniver's cousin and Marcus' sister. I couldn't wait to read their story. It didn't disappoint.
I liked the fact that while Niniver is a strong, independent female, she isn't so stubborn as to not know when she needs help. Marcus fits in to the pattern of his other close male relatives who are masculine, confident men who are willing to stand as consorts to their women. It helps that Marcus realizes early on that Niniver is his "fated" (by The Lady) bride. It takes Niniver a bit longer to agree to their fate.
The story line that brings them together is an interesting one. Not totally predictable and not too complicated.
While this book could be read as a stand alone story, I would highly suggest reading "The Tempting of Thomas Carrick" first. It's not essential, but will help set the stage for Marcus and Niniver's story.
Epilogue Whore Alert: As with all good Cynster novels, there is a wonderful epilogue that brings many other family members together. This serves as a nice up date on their lives.
I had already been intrigued by both Marcus and Niniver in the last book in this series "The Tempting of Thomas Carrick" which features Niniver's cousin and Marcus' sister. I couldn't wait to read their story. It didn't disappoint.
I liked the fact that while Niniver is a strong, independent female, she isn't so stubborn as to not know when she needs help. Marcus fits in to the pattern of his other close male relatives who are masculine, confident men who are willing to stand as consorts to their women. It helps that Marcus realizes early on that Niniver is his "fated" (by The Lady) bride. It takes Niniver a bit longer to agree to their fate.
The story line that brings them together is an interesting one. Not totally predictable and not too complicated.
While this book could be read as a stand alone story, I would highly suggest reading "The Tempting of Thomas Carrick" first. It's not essential, but will help set the stage for Marcus and Niniver's story.
Epilogue Whore Alert: As with all good Cynster novels, there is a wonderful epilogue that brings many other family members together. This serves as a nice up date on their lives.
Read
January 12, 2016"A new generation of Cynsters takes up the reins and Laurens introduces a fresh perspective on the family. ..., there are passion and heated love scenes, as well as deep conversations and quiet understanding. Readers will savor Marcus’ respect for strong women" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).
Cynster, book 23
Cynster, book 23
June 1, 2015
I'm so glad Marcus believes in fate, I loved this story!
As usual, it has strong characters and a great story!
I've read so many book about the Cynster family, and I still can't get tired of them! :) Keep them coming!
As usual, it has strong characters and a great story!
I've read so many book about the Cynster family, and I still can't get tired of them! :) Keep them coming!
March 17, 2020
A nice ending to the underlying story for the Carrick Estate, and a well set up situation for Marcus to walk right into. Loved Niniver and her ability to keep going despite everything moving against her.
September 7, 2015
Review maybe coming soon, maybe. Having a bad track record getting reviews done recently...
May 19, 2015
Originally published at Reading Reality
I had read most of the early Cynster books a while back – it looks like I stopped at 15, Temptation and Surrender. So I knew enough of the early background without remembering each and every detail.
I remember enjoying the books, so I’m not sure why I stopped. After having read A Match for Marcus Cynster, I’m really, really not sure why I stopped, because I just plain enjoyed the heck out of this one.
On the other hand, I think I’m glad that I haven’t read the most recent previous book The Tempting of Thomas Carrick. Based on the descriptions of past events in Marcus’ book, it’s obvious that very recently a lot of bad things happened to a lot of good people. In Match, we find out just enough, without having to deal with the horrible events as they occurred.
The resolution of those events forms the backdrop for this book. And we learn quite enough to make that backdrop make sense.
Niniver Carrick has become the Lady of Clan Carrick after what can best be described as a series of extremely unfortunate events. While it appeared that her oldest brother Nigel murdered their father, the early events in Match show that next-brother Nolan was the real murderer, and that he murdered Nigel as well, leaving Niniver and her youngest brother Norris as the last members of the leading family of Clan Carrick.
Niniver has also discovered that her two older brothers’ machinations and gambling debts have left the clan in a gigantic financial mess. With time and care, it can be sorted out, but Niniver expects that someone else will have that sorting. While the Carrick family have been the traditional Lairds of Clan Carrick, her remaining brother doesn’t want the leadership, and Niniver assumes that she is ineligible.
The clan decrees otherwise, and votes Niniver in as Lady Carrick.
Leaving Niniver with a personal dilemma. She is not married. Now that she is Lady Carrick she believes that she will never find a man who would be willing to marry her but not attempt to wrest the leadership of the clan out from under her. It’s a realistic fear in her time and place.
The clan will not follow anyone but her. They trust her and no one else. If some putative husband attempts to usurp her power, it will fracture the clan, and she knows it. But the law is otherwise, her husband would expect to take over everything she owns and holds, not understanding that leadership of the clan is given, not inherited, and that that leadership is based on trust and not merely the right of inheritance.
Of course for any casual reader of the Cynster stories, or just by learning about Marcus Cynster from the pages of this book, it is easy to see that the men of the Cynster family have learned better. As a group, they have found, or been forced to realize at dear cost, that a marriage of equals is a much happier and more fulfilling marriage for both parties.
Marcus is perfectly suited to marry Niniver. He knows how to support her from beside or if necessary behind her, because he’s seen the men of his family support their wives the same way. Even better, he has loved Niniver from afar for years. He just has no idea if she feels the same, or if she feels much at all.
Until circumstances force her hand. The younger, unmarried men all seem to be contesting for Niniver’s hand, in spite of her continued refusals and rebuffs. She is caught between a rock and a hard place – many of their fathers are influential in the clan, and she can’t afford to alienate their support. But their sons are not just acting like buffoons, but their continued flouting of her authority is shaking the foundations of her leadership.
Niniver has to admit that she needs a man to run off these young louts in a manner which brooks no argument – with fists if necessary. She calls upon her neighbor, Marcus Cynster, for his assistance in this matter, and tries to ignore her own feelings. She has loved Marcus for years, but has no idea of his feelings for her. She assumes that he is like all the other men of his class, instead of looking at his family for examples. (Her immediate family was never the supportive type, she has no concept of the close-knit nature of his.)
Each of them believes that a few days of Marcus in residence at Carrick House will teach the young men a lesson. Neither of them reckons on an outsider who is stirring up trouble in the hopes of taking his own advantage.
And neither of them counts on the continued danger drawing them so close that they are able to step past all of the own reservations – and irrevocably towards each other.
Escape Rating B+: As I said at the beginning, I enjoyed the heck out of this book. It’s not just that Niniver and Marcus are very likeable, although they definitely are, but that their romance, that neither one of them is willing to admit is a romance, fits the characters and the situation so well.
As a heroine, Niniver is a treat. It is difficult in a historical romance for the heroine to have not merely personal but also professional agency in a way that does not feel anachronistic. Upper class women just didn’t aspire to careers, at least within the pages of historical romance. But Niniver is a leader, and in a way that feels like it is reasonably possible in her time and place. And she recognizes that the leadership is both a privilege and at times a burdensome responsibility.
She reasons, mostly correctly, that she can either be the Lady or be married, but not both. Eventually she, or rather the clan, might be in a financial position where a change in leadership would be survivable, but that time is not now.
I’ll confess to a bit of concern about her affair with Marcus. Not because she decides to have one, but that no one ever considers what will need to occur if she gets pregnant. Not that Marcus wouldn’t be thrilled to marry her under any circumstances, but for a woman who does a great deal of forward planning, this particular blindspot loomed a bit large.
Marcus is a good match for Niniver because he knows what he is getting into from the very beginning. She, or her position, don’t change his essential nature. He knows from the outset that Niniver needs a consort and not a Lord, and he understands and is willing to fulfill that role from the start. He protects her and supports her – it is her right and duty to conduct business for the clan. He usually manages to hit just the right note. And it’s not an act – he’s adopting the role he hopes to have from the beginning of their relationship.
Almost all of Laurens’ heroes and heroines have a difficult time either admitting they love each other or at least managing to say it to each other. This often results in a minor misunderstandammit late in the story, as is the case here.
However, the suspense element in this book nearly makes that misunderstanding fatal. Niniver is rightfully wary of any friends of her older brothers, because the fast crowd they got involved with directly contributed to the financial mismanagement of the clan. One of their crowd keeps hanging around, and it is obvious to the reader from the very beginning that Ramsey McDougal is up to no good. It was so obvious that he was behind all of Niniver’s current troubles that I kept wanting to shake Niniver and Marcus out of their complacency long before they finally figured out what MacDougall was up to.
So, although the villain was a bit bwahaha predictable, the hero and heroine were generally terrific. A Match for Marcus Cynster is a good book to read on a hot day, dreaming of the breeze over the Highlands. (Extra points for the creative use of THE love scene from Star Wars)
I had read most of the early Cynster books a while back – it looks like I stopped at 15, Temptation and Surrender. So I knew enough of the early background without remembering each and every detail.
I remember enjoying the books, so I’m not sure why I stopped. After having read A Match for Marcus Cynster, I’m really, really not sure why I stopped, because I just plain enjoyed the heck out of this one.
On the other hand, I think I’m glad that I haven’t read the most recent previous book The Tempting of Thomas Carrick. Based on the descriptions of past events in Marcus’ book, it’s obvious that very recently a lot of bad things happened to a lot of good people. In Match, we find out just enough, without having to deal with the horrible events as they occurred.
The resolution of those events forms the backdrop for this book. And we learn quite enough to make that backdrop make sense.
Niniver Carrick has become the Lady of Clan Carrick after what can best be described as a series of extremely unfortunate events. While it appeared that her oldest brother Nigel murdered their father, the early events in Match show that next-brother Nolan was the real murderer, and that he murdered Nigel as well, leaving Niniver and her youngest brother Norris as the last members of the leading family of Clan Carrick.
Niniver has also discovered that her two older brothers’ machinations and gambling debts have left the clan in a gigantic financial mess. With time and care, it can be sorted out, but Niniver expects that someone else will have that sorting. While the Carrick family have been the traditional Lairds of Clan Carrick, her remaining brother doesn’t want the leadership, and Niniver assumes that she is ineligible.
The clan decrees otherwise, and votes Niniver in as Lady Carrick.
Leaving Niniver with a personal dilemma. She is not married. Now that she is Lady Carrick she believes that she will never find a man who would be willing to marry her but not attempt to wrest the leadership of the clan out from under her. It’s a realistic fear in her time and place.
The clan will not follow anyone but her. They trust her and no one else. If some putative husband attempts to usurp her power, it will fracture the clan, and she knows it. But the law is otherwise, her husband would expect to take over everything she owns and holds, not understanding that leadership of the clan is given, not inherited, and that that leadership is based on trust and not merely the right of inheritance.
Of course for any casual reader of the Cynster stories, or just by learning about Marcus Cynster from the pages of this book, it is easy to see that the men of the Cynster family have learned better. As a group, they have found, or been forced to realize at dear cost, that a marriage of equals is a much happier and more fulfilling marriage for both parties.
Marcus is perfectly suited to marry Niniver. He knows how to support her from beside or if necessary behind her, because he’s seen the men of his family support their wives the same way. Even better, he has loved Niniver from afar for years. He just has no idea if she feels the same, or if she feels much at all.
Until circumstances force her hand. The younger, unmarried men all seem to be contesting for Niniver’s hand, in spite of her continued refusals and rebuffs. She is caught between a rock and a hard place – many of their fathers are influential in the clan, and she can’t afford to alienate their support. But their sons are not just acting like buffoons, but their continued flouting of her authority is shaking the foundations of her leadership.
Niniver has to admit that she needs a man to run off these young louts in a manner which brooks no argument – with fists if necessary. She calls upon her neighbor, Marcus Cynster, for his assistance in this matter, and tries to ignore her own feelings. She has loved Marcus for years, but has no idea of his feelings for her. She assumes that he is like all the other men of his class, instead of looking at his family for examples. (Her immediate family was never the supportive type, she has no concept of the close-knit nature of his.)
Each of them believes that a few days of Marcus in residence at Carrick House will teach the young men a lesson. Neither of them reckons on an outsider who is stirring up trouble in the hopes of taking his own advantage.
And neither of them counts on the continued danger drawing them so close that they are able to step past all of the own reservations – and irrevocably towards each other.
Escape Rating B+: As I said at the beginning, I enjoyed the heck out of this book. It’s not just that Niniver and Marcus are very likeable, although they definitely are, but that their romance, that neither one of them is willing to admit is a romance, fits the characters and the situation so well.
As a heroine, Niniver is a treat. It is difficult in a historical romance for the heroine to have not merely personal but also professional agency in a way that does not feel anachronistic. Upper class women just didn’t aspire to careers, at least within the pages of historical romance. But Niniver is a leader, and in a way that feels like it is reasonably possible in her time and place. And she recognizes that the leadership is both a privilege and at times a burdensome responsibility.
She reasons, mostly correctly, that she can either be the Lady or be married, but not both. Eventually she, or rather the clan, might be in a financial position where a change in leadership would be survivable, but that time is not now.
I’ll confess to a bit of concern about her affair with Marcus. Not because she decides to have one, but that no one ever considers what will need to occur if she gets pregnant. Not that Marcus wouldn’t be thrilled to marry her under any circumstances, but for a woman who does a great deal of forward planning, this particular blindspot loomed a bit large.
Marcus is a good match for Niniver because he knows what he is getting into from the very beginning. She, or her position, don’t change his essential nature. He knows from the outset that Niniver needs a consort and not a Lord, and he understands and is willing to fulfill that role from the start. He protects her and supports her – it is her right and duty to conduct business for the clan. He usually manages to hit just the right note. And it’s not an act – he’s adopting the role he hopes to have from the beginning of their relationship.
Almost all of Laurens’ heroes and heroines have a difficult time either admitting they love each other or at least managing to say it to each other. This often results in a minor misunderstandammit late in the story, as is the case here.
However, the suspense element in this book nearly makes that misunderstanding fatal. Niniver is rightfully wary of any friends of her older brothers, because the fast crowd they got involved with directly contributed to the financial mismanagement of the clan. One of their crowd keeps hanging around, and it is obvious to the reader from the very beginning that Ramsey McDougal is up to no good. It was so obvious that he was behind all of Niniver’s current troubles that I kept wanting to shake Niniver and Marcus out of their complacency long before they finally figured out what MacDougall was up to.
So, although the villain was a bit bwahaha predictable, the hero and heroine were generally terrific. A Match for Marcus Cynster is a good book to read on a hot day, dreaming of the breeze over the Highlands. (Extra points for the creative use of THE love scene from Star Wars)
January 13, 2024
Dieses Buch war ein Geschenk mit einem Augenzwinkern, von meiner Buchhändlerin des Vertrauens. 😅
Wahrscheinlich hätte ich es mir selbst gar nicht gekauft, musste aber feststellen dass der Klappentext recht vielversprechend klang.
Alles in allem muss ich auch sagen dass mich das Buch ganz gut unterhalten hat. Das Setting in Schottland gefiel mir gut.
Leider wurde das Potenzial des Plots meiner Meinung nach nicht ganz ausgereizt. Ich bin nicht wirklich warm mit den Charakteren geworden und gerade der Anfang der Story war dann doch sehr überstürzt. Vermutlich wollte man hier schnell zur wesentlichen Hauptstory kommen.
Mir gefiel es jedoch dass es hier um eine starke , unabhängige Protagonistin ging die als Clanoberhaupt fungierte und absolut nicht heiraten wollte, vor allem auch aus Angst, dass die Männer sie nur ihres Ranges willen heiraten wollen.
Wohin gegen der Protagonist sie einfach nur aus Liebe heiraten möchte und bereit ist in ihrem Schatten zu stehen. Dieser Plot gefiel mir.. hätte aber noch ein bisschen ausgereifter und mehr "slowburn" sein können.
Die Liebesszenen waren nicht obszön, jedoch mit sehr vielen Worten und bildlichen Vergleichen beschrieben... diese Ausschmückerei dieser einen Sache hörte in manchen dieser Szenen gefühlt nicht mehr auf.
Alles in allem hat es mich dennoch ganz gut unterhalten.
Wahrscheinlich hätte ich es mir selbst gar nicht gekauft, musste aber feststellen dass der Klappentext recht vielversprechend klang.
Alles in allem muss ich auch sagen dass mich das Buch ganz gut unterhalten hat. Das Setting in Schottland gefiel mir gut.
Leider wurde das Potenzial des Plots meiner Meinung nach nicht ganz ausgereizt. Ich bin nicht wirklich warm mit den Charakteren geworden und gerade der Anfang der Story war dann doch sehr überstürzt. Vermutlich wollte man hier schnell zur wesentlichen Hauptstory kommen.
Mir gefiel es jedoch dass es hier um eine starke , unabhängige Protagonistin ging die als Clanoberhaupt fungierte und absolut nicht heiraten wollte, vor allem auch aus Angst, dass die Männer sie nur ihres Ranges willen heiraten wollen.
Wohin gegen der Protagonist sie einfach nur aus Liebe heiraten möchte und bereit ist in ihrem Schatten zu stehen. Dieser Plot gefiel mir.. hätte aber noch ein bisschen ausgereifter und mehr "slowburn" sein können.
Die Liebesszenen waren nicht obszön, jedoch mit sehr vielen Worten und bildlichen Vergleichen beschrieben... diese Ausschmückerei dieser einen Sache hörte in manchen dieser Szenen gefühlt nicht mehr auf.
Alles in allem hat es mich dennoch ganz gut unterhalten.
December 4, 2022
better than the previous book
September 4, 2020
3 stars.
In a sense, dare I say it's getting a bit too repetitive? As even Marcus himself thought this was a recurring theme where the men (Richard, Thomas and now him) all had to go away and then come back and grovel.....
Maybe it's just me, but I always find male narrators doing female voices a bit cringing.
In a sense, dare I say it's getting a bit too repetitive? As even Marcus himself thought this was a recurring theme where the men (Richard, Thomas and now him) all had to go away and then come back and grovel.....
Maybe it's just me, but I always find male narrators doing female voices a bit cringing.
February 12, 2021
A bit too slow to get going. But still an enjoyable read.
May 31, 2025
3.4.
Today, she’d survived; tonight, she would live.
Today, she’d survived; tonight, she would live.
May 7, 2015
Review copy courtesy of the publisher.
I've read one other Cynster novel and I would say that I didn't love it. I didn't have high hopes for this one but I found that it wasn't too bad. I liked it! Now, even though Marcus Cynster has his name in the title of this book, make no mistake that this books is ALL about his intended, Niniver.
At the start of the story, I really liked Niniver - once I got over how strange her name was, of course. She's had to take over the running of the clan from her brothers' ineptitude. I liked that she was a take charge woman and had confidence in what she was doing but that she wasn't shrewish or a ball buster. That's not to say that she was ALL confidence. She definitely had doubts. But she was a pro at "Fake It Till You Make It" and I respected her for that. Oh and I also loved that she had a real soft spot for her hounds. She's got a nice little breeding program for her deerhounds and I have to say that I had no idea what they looked like. Once I Googled them, I saw how freaking huge they were and I was in love! Plus, all of her dogs actually listen to her! How cool is that?! It was my favorite part of the book! I think the thing I liked most about Niniver was how she had earned the respect of her fellow clansmen and clanswomen. She makes good, sound decisions which come from her heart AND her head. It was no wonder they wanted her to lead them!
Marcus was pretty great from the get-go. He owned and lived on a neighboring estate and it was my impression that Marcus and Niniver's families had been familiar to each other. Maybe not friends, just friendly. I liked the fact that Marcus hesitated when Niniver asked for the kind of help she did. I liked it because it wasn't that he didn't want to help; he just wanted to think it over to make sure that he COULD help and that he'd be the right man for the job. For me, it made me feel like he was an intelligent man and not someone who rushes to judgment. Of course, what happens when he hesitates was hilarious but I won't go into details about it. Just like with Niniver, Marcus had a love of dogs. Of course, his aren't as grand as Niniver's but it was pretty close! :) Maybe this is the case with all Cynsters but I really liked that Marcus believed in Fate and believed that Fate takes an active interest and hand in our lives and in pushing people towards one destiny or another. It felt a bit mystical and I thought it added a little bit of fun to the book.
The Sexy Time was pretty standard for a historical romance, which is to say that there wasn't a lot and what there was happened in the second half of the book. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed Marcus and Niniver together. The way he takes a backseat (sometimes literally!) when Niniver was handling clan affairs was really great, especially since it was obviously important to Niniver. On the other hand, his standing back and her need to be in front, being seen as the decision maker was fairly shoved down my throat, over and over again. They both kept thinking about it - him how he was being careful to make sure people listened to her and that he didn't overstep and her how important it was that she be in charge and how she couldn't/wouldn't marry because a man would expect to take over - over and over. It was major overkill.
This was a pretty good book but I'd really only recommend it to readers who are already fans of this author and of this series. There are well over 50 characters mentioned in this book and even though less than a quarter of those characters really matter, it was still a lot to contend with. I also felt that this book was at least 100 pages too long for my tastes. I was inside Marcus and Niniver's heads so much and it got to be repetitive and boring. Marcus's every little detail of his plan to woo Niniver was hashed, rehashed, dissected and rehashed again. Niniver not wanting to marry and the why's of it all were stated and obsessed over. I'm thinking also that this might be a book for readers who like to read authors who feel that 30 words are great when 10 words would do. Again though, I liked a good portion of this book but by the end, I just wanted it to be over.
I've read one other Cynster novel and I would say that I didn't love it. I didn't have high hopes for this one but I found that it wasn't too bad. I liked it! Now, even though Marcus Cynster has his name in the title of this book, make no mistake that this books is ALL about his intended, Niniver.
At the start of the story, I really liked Niniver - once I got over how strange her name was, of course. She's had to take over the running of the clan from her brothers' ineptitude. I liked that she was a take charge woman and had confidence in what she was doing but that she wasn't shrewish or a ball buster. That's not to say that she was ALL confidence. She definitely had doubts. But she was a pro at "Fake It Till You Make It" and I respected her for that. Oh and I also loved that she had a real soft spot for her hounds. She's got a nice little breeding program for her deerhounds and I have to say that I had no idea what they looked like. Once I Googled them, I saw how freaking huge they were and I was in love! Plus, all of her dogs actually listen to her! How cool is that?! It was my favorite part of the book! I think the thing I liked most about Niniver was how she had earned the respect of her fellow clansmen and clanswomen. She makes good, sound decisions which come from her heart AND her head. It was no wonder they wanted her to lead them!
Marcus was pretty great from the get-go. He owned and lived on a neighboring estate and it was my impression that Marcus and Niniver's families had been familiar to each other. Maybe not friends, just friendly. I liked the fact that Marcus hesitated when Niniver asked for the kind of help she did. I liked it because it wasn't that he didn't want to help; he just wanted to think it over to make sure that he COULD help and that he'd be the right man for the job. For me, it made me feel like he was an intelligent man and not someone who rushes to judgment. Of course, what happens when he hesitates was hilarious but I won't go into details about it. Just like with Niniver, Marcus had a love of dogs. Of course, his aren't as grand as Niniver's but it was pretty close! :) Maybe this is the case with all Cynsters but I really liked that Marcus believed in Fate and believed that Fate takes an active interest and hand in our lives and in pushing people towards one destiny or another. It felt a bit mystical and I thought it added a little bit of fun to the book.
The Sexy Time was pretty standard for a historical romance, which is to say that there wasn't a lot and what there was happened in the second half of the book. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed Marcus and Niniver together. The way he takes a backseat (sometimes literally!) when Niniver was handling clan affairs was really great, especially since it was obviously important to Niniver. On the other hand, his standing back and her need to be in front, being seen as the decision maker was fairly shoved down my throat, over and over again. They both kept thinking about it - him how he was being careful to make sure people listened to her and that he didn't overstep and her how important it was that she be in charge and how she couldn't/wouldn't marry because a man would expect to take over - over and over. It was major overkill.
This was a pretty good book but I'd really only recommend it to readers who are already fans of this author and of this series. There are well over 50 characters mentioned in this book and even though less than a quarter of those characters really matter, it was still a lot to contend with. I also felt that this book was at least 100 pages too long for my tastes. I was inside Marcus and Niniver's heads so much and it got to be repetitive and boring. Marcus's every little detail of his plan to woo Niniver was hashed, rehashed, dissected and rehashed again. Niniver not wanting to marry and the why's of it all were stated and obsessed over. I'm thinking also that this might be a book for readers who like to read authors who feel that 30 words are great when 10 words would do. Again though, I liked a good portion of this book but by the end, I just wanted it to be over.
May 2, 2015
I was really lucky to win an ARC of this book! (Which was so thrilling, by the way!) It is a wonderful addition to the Cynster series. This book follows The Tempting of Thomas Carrick, which is the story of Marcus' twin, Lucilla. It gives more information into the mystery that ended that book. I really enjoyed this book. I feel like, especially in these past few books, Stephanie has gotten back on track. I do love all of her books, and the Cynster series is my favorite, but there were a few in the middle that just weren't as good. I really liked both of the main characters, and seeing the interactions between the clan and Niniver, and the clan and Marcus. (Of course I liked the interactions between Marcus and Ninver!) SPOILER ALERTt: I think a part that I really liked was how aware Marcus was of Niniver's status as the head of her clan, and how he never wanted to do anything to undermine that status and standing. I liked that when he supported her, he wanted to make sure that people always looked to her as the leader, and the one making the decisions. SPOILER ENDED.
I liked seeing a bit more of the Cynster cousins at the end of the book. I can't wait to see whose story will be next, Sebastian's (I hope so!!!), or Michael, or maybe even Louisa?
Thanks again to Stephanie for the ARC, I greatly enjoyed reading it!
I liked seeing a bit more of the Cynster cousins at the end of the book. I can't wait to see whose story will be next, Sebastian's (I hope so!!!), or Michael, or maybe even Louisa?
Thanks again to Stephanie for the ARC, I greatly enjoyed reading it!
March 30, 2018
°
In genere nel matrimonio, soprattutto nella sua classe, l’uomo occupava una posizione di potere, in quanto possessore di un titolo, tenute, ricchezze e influenza. La donna forniva una dote, costituita da terre o altre tangibili forme di ricchezza, ma aveva una posizione inferiore, di appoggio al marito. Nel loro caso però, la situazione era ben diversa. Sì, lui possedeva terre, ricchezza e influenza, ma Niniver era stata eletta capo del suo clan. Se si fossero sposati, lui avrebbe dovuto sostenerla e non il contrario. L’idea che quello sarebbe stato il suo destino era stranamente rassicurante. Si poteva quasi dire che la sua nascita e il modo in cui era cresciuto lo rendessero più adatto che mai a svolgere quel ruolo. Essere il marito di una donna di potere non era un ruolo che molti uomini avrebbero apprezzato e tanto meno svolto con successo. Vari anni prima sua nonna Helena gli aveva fatto notare che solo uomini dotati di una grande sicurezza potevano diventare i consorti di donne del genere, com’era suo padre con sua madre, l’attuale Signora della valle, e come succedeva adesso fra Thomas e Lucilla.°
In questo nuovo libro della lunga saga Cynster, assistiamo alla chiusura di eventi cominciati ne “Il dono di Lucilla Cynster”, in cui abbiamo avuto modo di conoscere Niniver e i suoi fratelli. Unica femmina del Laird dei Carrick, Niniver ha sempre amato la sua gente e si è sempre prodigata per loro. Nonostante questo però, il padre non si è mai accorto della sue grandi capacità amministrative, così come del resto si è sempre disinteressato dei figli che non fossero il suo primogenito Nigel. Ma Nigel si è dimostrato più che debole e, insieme al fratello, non ha esitato di fronte a nulla, pur di diventare Laird e avere così accesso ai soldi del clan. Ora, dopo che entrambi i fratelli maggiori hanno fallito, spetterebbe al più piccolo di loro diventare il nuovo capo del clan, ma Norris, da sempre ignorato dal padre, è uno studioso e non intende rimanere sulle terre dei Carrick dove non si è mai sentito ben accetto, ma bensì andare a studiare a Londra. Pur se a malincuore Niniver accetta il suo desiderio e si appresta ad indire le votazioni per eleggere un nuovo Laird, abbandonando quella che è sempre stata la sua casa. Ma inaspettatamente, tutti gli uomini del clan la votano come loro capo e Niniver si trova nella non facile situazione di dover mettere riparo a tutti i guai causati dai fratelli maggiori, che hanno portato le loro finanze sull’orlo della rovina. Dopo qualche tempo, pur se con grandi difficoltà, la situazione sembra stare per stabilizzarsi, quando improvvisamente la giovane donna si trova al centro di un serrato corteggiamento da parte di alcuni giovani membri del clan che causano più di un incidente e per Niniver tutto diventa più complicato. È per questo che pur con riluttanza, si vede costretta a chiedere aiuto all’uomo che sta tentando di evitare da tempo: Marcus Cynster, l’unico uomo che le ha sempre fatto battere il cuore ma che è sempre stata convinta non provi nulla per lei. Fra spasimanti che non vogliono arrendersi, una disastrosa situazione finanziaria, un uomo perfido che trama nell’ombra e un clan che intende proteggere il suo capo, Marcus dovrà convincere una donna ostinata ma bellissima che lui è l’unico uomo capace di stare al suo fianco, e che il loro destino è stato deciso dalla “Signora” e non si può sfuggire ai suoi piani.
Molto viene perso dal lettore se non ha almeno letto il libro precedente di questa serie dal titolo “ Il dono di Lucilla Cynster”, in cui i caratteri di Marcus e Niniver vengono ben tratteggiati. Infatti Marcus non è esattamente un uomo del suo tempo: lui è abituato a proteggere le donne della sua famiglia pur rimanendo un passo indietro, lasciando che siano loro a detenere il potere, ma pronto ad intervenire se i loro ordini non vengono eseguiti o non vengono trattate con il dovuto rispetto. Del resto ha visto questo modo di rapportarsi alla propria compagna da suo padre, Richard, che tutti chiamano Scandal, fratello del Duca di S.Ives che ha sposato la Signora della valle Catriona, una sorta di sacerdotessa celtica che vive in un maniero tramandato per via femminile, e che è sotto la protezione della” Signora”, una divinità benevola che le ha dato singolari poteri, che vengono trasmessi di madre in figlia. La prossima in linea di successione è Lucilla, cui Marcus ha sempre fatto da protettore fin dalla più tenera età, ma ora, questa incombenza è ricaduta su suo marito, e il giovane è libero di andare verso il destino che la Signora gli ha riservato, essendo uno dei suoi protetti. Per questo, quando Niniver gli chiede aiuto, capisce che lei rappresenta il suo destino. Niniver al contrario, farà di tutto per arginare l’attrazione che scaturisce dal suo cuore, convinta che nessun uomo sarà in grado di capire il suo desiderio di riportare il clan agli antichi splendori e che nessun uomo accetterà una moglie che non è disposta a lasciare nelle sue mani la guida della sua gente. Ma la passione fra i due è intensa, e giorno dopo giorno il comportamento di Marcus sembra erodere tutte le sue difese.
Questa è una serie che io adoro. Amo tutti i personaggi che la Laurens ci ha fatto conoscere in questi anni: uomini affascinanti, forti abbastanza da non essere prevaricatori, ma estremamente protettivi nei confronti delle loro donne. Ma se di solito le forti compagne che incontrano devono lottare un po’ per ottenere un rapporto paritario, per Marcus è stato facile capire come aiutare Niniver senza sminuirla di fronte al suo clan, abituato fin dall’infanzia alla madre (sapendo da sempre che sarebbe stata Lucilla ad ereditare il maniero e il potere sulla valle),e nonostante ciò, così forte e sicuro di sé da non esserne minimamente infastidito. Niniver, del resto, ben si abbina alle nobili dame della famiglia, combattive e intelligenti, sempre pronte a lottare per quello in cui credono.
Questi nuovi libri raccontano le storie della nuova generazione, i figli dei Bar Cynster, e anche se al momento non raggiungono la bellezza dei primi 8 libri che per me rimangono i migliori (e che è possibile trovare in ebook editi però dalla Mondadori), la serie riesce a rinnovarsi. Ancora una volta la Laurens ci regala una storia passionale, intensa, piena di romanticismo e che le amanti della serie sicuramente apprezzeranno.
In genere nel matrimonio, soprattutto nella sua classe, l’uomo occupava una posizione di potere, in quanto possessore di un titolo, tenute, ricchezze e influenza. La donna forniva una dote, costituita da terre o altre tangibili forme di ricchezza, ma aveva una posizione inferiore, di appoggio al marito. Nel loro caso però, la situazione era ben diversa. Sì, lui possedeva terre, ricchezza e influenza, ma Niniver era stata eletta capo del suo clan. Se si fossero sposati, lui avrebbe dovuto sostenerla e non il contrario. L’idea che quello sarebbe stato il suo destino era stranamente rassicurante. Si poteva quasi dire che la sua nascita e il modo in cui era cresciuto lo rendessero più adatto che mai a svolgere quel ruolo. Essere il marito di una donna di potere non era un ruolo che molti uomini avrebbero apprezzato e tanto meno svolto con successo. Vari anni prima sua nonna Helena gli aveva fatto notare che solo uomini dotati di una grande sicurezza potevano diventare i consorti di donne del genere, com’era suo padre con sua madre, l’attuale Signora della valle, e come succedeva adesso fra Thomas e Lucilla.°
In questo nuovo libro della lunga saga Cynster, assistiamo alla chiusura di eventi cominciati ne “Il dono di Lucilla Cynster”, in cui abbiamo avuto modo di conoscere Niniver e i suoi fratelli. Unica femmina del Laird dei Carrick, Niniver ha sempre amato la sua gente e si è sempre prodigata per loro. Nonostante questo però, il padre non si è mai accorto della sue grandi capacità amministrative, così come del resto si è sempre disinteressato dei figli che non fossero il suo primogenito Nigel. Ma Nigel si è dimostrato più che debole e, insieme al fratello, non ha esitato di fronte a nulla, pur di diventare Laird e avere così accesso ai soldi del clan. Ora, dopo che entrambi i fratelli maggiori hanno fallito, spetterebbe al più piccolo di loro diventare il nuovo capo del clan, ma Norris, da sempre ignorato dal padre, è uno studioso e non intende rimanere sulle terre dei Carrick dove non si è mai sentito ben accetto, ma bensì andare a studiare a Londra. Pur se a malincuore Niniver accetta il suo desiderio e si appresta ad indire le votazioni per eleggere un nuovo Laird, abbandonando quella che è sempre stata la sua casa. Ma inaspettatamente, tutti gli uomini del clan la votano come loro capo e Niniver si trova nella non facile situazione di dover mettere riparo a tutti i guai causati dai fratelli maggiori, che hanno portato le loro finanze sull’orlo della rovina. Dopo qualche tempo, pur se con grandi difficoltà, la situazione sembra stare per stabilizzarsi, quando improvvisamente la giovane donna si trova al centro di un serrato corteggiamento da parte di alcuni giovani membri del clan che causano più di un incidente e per Niniver tutto diventa più complicato. È per questo che pur con riluttanza, si vede costretta a chiedere aiuto all’uomo che sta tentando di evitare da tempo: Marcus Cynster, l’unico uomo che le ha sempre fatto battere il cuore ma che è sempre stata convinta non provi nulla per lei. Fra spasimanti che non vogliono arrendersi, una disastrosa situazione finanziaria, un uomo perfido che trama nell’ombra e un clan che intende proteggere il suo capo, Marcus dovrà convincere una donna ostinata ma bellissima che lui è l’unico uomo capace di stare al suo fianco, e che il loro destino è stato deciso dalla “Signora” e non si può sfuggire ai suoi piani.
Molto viene perso dal lettore se non ha almeno letto il libro precedente di questa serie dal titolo “ Il dono di Lucilla Cynster”, in cui i caratteri di Marcus e Niniver vengono ben tratteggiati. Infatti Marcus non è esattamente un uomo del suo tempo: lui è abituato a proteggere le donne della sua famiglia pur rimanendo un passo indietro, lasciando che siano loro a detenere il potere, ma pronto ad intervenire se i loro ordini non vengono eseguiti o non vengono trattate con il dovuto rispetto. Del resto ha visto questo modo di rapportarsi alla propria compagna da suo padre, Richard, che tutti chiamano Scandal, fratello del Duca di S.Ives che ha sposato la Signora della valle Catriona, una sorta di sacerdotessa celtica che vive in un maniero tramandato per via femminile, e che è sotto la protezione della” Signora”, una divinità benevola che le ha dato singolari poteri, che vengono trasmessi di madre in figlia. La prossima in linea di successione è Lucilla, cui Marcus ha sempre fatto da protettore fin dalla più tenera età, ma ora, questa incombenza è ricaduta su suo marito, e il giovane è libero di andare verso il destino che la Signora gli ha riservato, essendo uno dei suoi protetti. Per questo, quando Niniver gli chiede aiuto, capisce che lei rappresenta il suo destino. Niniver al contrario, farà di tutto per arginare l’attrazione che scaturisce dal suo cuore, convinta che nessun uomo sarà in grado di capire il suo desiderio di riportare il clan agli antichi splendori e che nessun uomo accetterà una moglie che non è disposta a lasciare nelle sue mani la guida della sua gente. Ma la passione fra i due è intensa, e giorno dopo giorno il comportamento di Marcus sembra erodere tutte le sue difese.
Questa è una serie che io adoro. Amo tutti i personaggi che la Laurens ci ha fatto conoscere in questi anni: uomini affascinanti, forti abbastanza da non essere prevaricatori, ma estremamente protettivi nei confronti delle loro donne. Ma se di solito le forti compagne che incontrano devono lottare un po’ per ottenere un rapporto paritario, per Marcus è stato facile capire come aiutare Niniver senza sminuirla di fronte al suo clan, abituato fin dall’infanzia alla madre (sapendo da sempre che sarebbe stata Lucilla ad ereditare il maniero e il potere sulla valle),e nonostante ciò, così forte e sicuro di sé da non esserne minimamente infastidito. Niniver, del resto, ben si abbina alle nobili dame della famiglia, combattive e intelligenti, sempre pronte a lottare per quello in cui credono.
Questi nuovi libri raccontano le storie della nuova generazione, i figli dei Bar Cynster, e anche se al momento non raggiungono la bellezza dei primi 8 libri che per me rimangono i migliori (e che è possibile trovare in ebook editi però dalla Mondadori), la serie riesce a rinnovarsi. Ancora una volta la Laurens ci regala una storia passionale, intensa, piena di romanticismo e che le amanti della serie sicuramente apprezzeranno.
July 8, 2015
with Laurens' books you generally know what to expect, which can be nice -- there is a reason some books become "go to" or "comfort" reads and authors become auto-buys. in her books you'll get a strong hero & heroine, a plot that isn't overly complicated but keeps both interest & the story moving, a little mystery/danger/intrigue to bring the couple together, one of the MC's determining early on that the other is "the one" and then working to convince the other that they belong together. However one trend that has developed with Ms. Laurens' writing over the past few books continues with this that, for me at least, tends to distract from the story -- the repeated "introspections" by the MC's that are both long and repetitive when they occur as well as occurring repeatedly through out the book. I don't recall this occurring in her earlier books. however, in this one (as with the past few) I found myself skimming a number of passages and feeling about 20% of the verbiage could be cut without loosing any of the story and thus (slightly) affecting my enjoyment of the book. Ms. Laurens' books continue to be must reads for me and find their spot on the keeper shelf, however I find myself not rushing to read them immediately upon release as I had in the past.
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