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Cynfell Brothers #2
Sinful Deeds
Lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride. The Cynfell Brothers are the very embodiment of a sinful existence. But could the right woman change that?
Envy
Being the mistress of one of the most notorious rakes in London was never going to be easy, but Josephine believed she was strong enough. After all, she loved Dante Cynfell to distraction. He provided her with a comfortable home and all the art supplies she could ever need. After a short marriage that left her near destitute, the widow couldn’t help but fall into his arms...and his bed.
But after four years of tolerating his drunken behaviour and late night calls, Josephine has had enough. Her paintings have caught the eye of a great patron of the arts. With promises of fame and fortune ringing in her ears, she realises being a mistress simply will not satisfy her anymore. She wants true love, marriage, and respectability.
When Josephine ends their arrangement, Dante is shocked. She had a comfortable home, his adoration...hell, even his faithfulness. What more could a beautiful woman want?
Marriage? Well, that’s one thing Dante Cynfell doesn’t plan to offer any woman—not even Josephine. He’s witnessed too many miserable marriages. Why put the person you care about through such misery?
Positive he can win her back, he sets out to remind her how good they are together. One thing is for sure, Dante will not give her up easily—especially to another man. Josephine is about to learn that an envious Cynfell man is not to be trifled with.
Envy
Being the mistress of one of the most notorious rakes in London was never going to be easy, but Josephine believed she was strong enough. After all, she loved Dante Cynfell to distraction. He provided her with a comfortable home and all the art supplies she could ever need. After a short marriage that left her near destitute, the widow couldn’t help but fall into his arms...and his bed.
But after four years of tolerating his drunken behaviour and late night calls, Josephine has had enough. Her paintings have caught the eye of a great patron of the arts. With promises of fame and fortune ringing in her ears, she realises being a mistress simply will not satisfy her anymore. She wants true love, marriage, and respectability.
When Josephine ends their arrangement, Dante is shocked. She had a comfortable home, his adoration...hell, even his faithfulness. What more could a beautiful woman want?
Marriage? Well, that’s one thing Dante Cynfell doesn’t plan to offer any woman—not even Josephine. He’s witnessed too many miserable marriages. Why put the person you care about through such misery?
Positive he can win her back, he sets out to remind her how good they are together. One thing is for sure, Dante will not give her up easily—especially to another man. Josephine is about to learn that an envious Cynfell man is not to be trifled with.
ebook
First published May 1, 2015
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About the author
Samantha Holt
303 books701 followersSamantha Holt resides in Warwickshire, England, with her twin girls, having followed her soldier husband around the UK for nearly 10 years. Growing up in Hampshire, she was inspired by the authors Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell, both of whom lived and wrote only miles from her home town.
Samantha loves the romance genre and has been devouring romantic literature for as long as she can remember. History is another passion of hers and she loves to combine her love for history and romance into exciting and passionate tales.
Samantha loves the romance genre and has been devouring romantic literature for as long as she can remember. History is another passion of hers and she loves to combine her love for history and romance into exciting and passionate tales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
February 19, 2021
This the second book in the series I quite likes. I loved both characters but I loved the independent nature and spirit of the mistress. Very nice novella.
November 10, 2024
Tenía suficiente material para ser un libro de 300 páginas 😑
May 17, 2015
I love SH books. She just has this way of creating such a wonderful bond between the H/h. Dante Cynfell sees no need to ever marry as long as he has Josephine Beaumont as his mistress why would he? Jo Jo met Dante and was flattered when he showed an interest in her. Before she knew however four years have past and she feels the only thing they share is a bed.
I respected that she wanted more for herself and even though Dante is completely faithful only to her there is no security in her future. She sets out to seal her own success but her heart won't let Dante go. Dante tries but can a leopard change his spots? While I liked the couple I just wasn't as pulled into this story as I have past reads by her. There is a love scene but one expects that with a SH book no matter how short she always seems capable of adding one within the story. Enjoy!
I respected that she wanted more for herself and even though Dante is completely faithful only to her there is no security in her future. She sets out to seal her own success but her heart won't let Dante go. Dante tries but can a leopard change his spots? While I liked the couple I just wasn't as pulled into this story as I have past reads by her. There is a love scene but one expects that with a SH book no matter how short she always seems capable of adding one within the story. Enjoy!
July 25, 2017
SINFELL DEEDS is book two in Samantha Holt's Cynfell Brothers series. It features, the second eldest brother, Dante Cynfell and his relationship with his mistress, Josephine.
Josephine is a talented artist that loves Dante, but is tired of him taking her for granted. When her talent is recognized and promoted by a gentleman in the art world she see's the opportunity to break off her arrangement with Dante and take care of herself. He is genuinely surprised by her actions, having never realized she was unhappy. He tries to convince her to come back to him, but stubbornly refuses her request for marriage. Poor Dante learns how much this woman means to him and how much he needs her the hard way. He finally comes to his senses, swallows his pride, and works to become a man who deserves Jo... meaning he gives up his late nights out and ither rakehell ways.
Interesting story, not overly long or drawn out. Perfect for listening to on a short road trip as I did. I really appreciated that the narration was done by someone with a British accent. It added to the authenticity of the story. 4 stars
Josephine is a talented artist that loves Dante, but is tired of him taking her for granted. When her talent is recognized and promoted by a gentleman in the art world she see's the opportunity to break off her arrangement with Dante and take care of herself. He is genuinely surprised by her actions, having never realized she was unhappy. He tries to convince her to come back to him, but stubbornly refuses her request for marriage. Poor Dante learns how much this woman means to him and how much he needs her the hard way. He finally comes to his senses, swallows his pride, and works to become a man who deserves Jo... meaning he gives up his late nights out and ither rakehell ways.
Interesting story, not overly long or drawn out. Perfect for listening to on a short road trip as I did. I really appreciated that the narration was done by someone with a British accent. It added to the authenticity of the story. 4 stars
July 11, 2019
Sinful Deeds is actually book 2 in the Cynfell Brothers series by Holt. I really enjoyed this book. Dante Cynfell is a typical second brother in the peerage. He has nothing to do with his time but live solely for himself. His mistress Josephine Beaumont is weary of constantly feeling used. I thought this was a very unique storyline. I don’t think I have ever read a book about a mistress in Regency Era England. I enjoyed Josephine’s character. I would have to give this book a 5 star.
May 19, 2015
Josephine, a widow, was Dante Cynfell's mistress for four years, until she grew tired of the late-night visits when he promised to arrive earlier and the drunken behavior. The little remarks she heard from other women about being his mistress bothered her too. They loved each other immensely but because of his parents, he was terrified of marriage and vowed to never marry. Will Josephine ever change Dante's mind about making her his wife?
Fabulous book! Well written without a dull moment from cover to cover. They have a beautiful relationship. She only wants to be a wife and no longer wishes to carry the silent stigma of being a mistress. Her character is so strong. It was wonderful watching her stand up for herself and blossom into the artist she was meant to be.
The story briefly but crucially touches on the very sensitive subject of postpartum depression during a time when they didn't know what it really was. There's a point in the story when everything falls into place and you know this is exactly why things happened the way they did. It's heartbreaking.
Received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Fabulous book! Well written without a dull moment from cover to cover. They have a beautiful relationship. She only wants to be a wife and no longer wishes to carry the silent stigma of being a mistress. Her character is so strong. It was wonderful watching her stand up for herself and blossom into the artist she was meant to be.
The story briefly but crucially touches on the very sensitive subject of postpartum depression during a time when they didn't know what it really was. There's a point in the story when everything falls into place and you know this is exactly why things happened the way they did. It's heartbreaking.
Received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2015
Widowed Josephine has been the mistress to Dante. They have enjoyed their relationship, but lately she feels the need to wanting more from life and Dante. Dante has taken for granted that Josephine would always be there, but what will he do when she breaks off their arrangement? Dante will go to great lengths to prove he can be the man for Josephine as long as marriage is off the table. When these two are together it is sinful, but lust can only go so far. Can the find the middle ground and get their HEA?
May 27, 2015
Again - I love this series - but they are novellas, so I'm flying through.
June 13, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of an anthology from Booksprout and I have also purchased the book individually.
This was the first book of the series that I have read. While it is the second of the series, this can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. It is one that is completely different from other historical romances that I have read previously. As such, I was completely enchanted in reading this and trying to anticipate the different scenarios the author would do to bring these two together again.
Josephine has been Dante's mistress for 4 years after the death of her husband. Lately she has been unhappy with him. Jo-Jo, Dante's pet name for her, leaves him and try to become a successful artist after selling one of her paintings. Dante is SHOCKED! How could she leave him?!
The plot was well written and a delight to read. I was completely swept away. It was a relatively quick read and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
This was written in a dual POV format. It was enchanting to Dante's thoughts during this tumultuous period in his life. How he plots to get her back. Plus the jealously that appears at another gentleman's interest in her art.
This is a sexy read. There was really nothing overly graphic but it may offend some. I would highly recommend this to anyone OVER the age of 18, especially if you love historical romances.
This was the first book of the series that I have read. While it is the second of the series, this can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. It is one that is completely different from other historical romances that I have read previously. As such, I was completely enchanted in reading this and trying to anticipate the different scenarios the author would do to bring these two together again.
Josephine has been Dante's mistress for 4 years after the death of her husband. Lately she has been unhappy with him. Jo-Jo, Dante's pet name for her, leaves him and try to become a successful artist after selling one of her paintings. Dante is SHOCKED! How could she leave him?!
The plot was well written and a delight to read. I was completely swept away. It was a relatively quick read and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
This was written in a dual POV format. It was enchanting to Dante's thoughts during this tumultuous period in his life. How he plots to get her back. Plus the jealously that appears at another gentleman's interest in her art.
This is a sexy read. There was really nothing overly graphic but it may offend some. I would highly recommend this to anyone OVER the age of 18, especially if you love historical romances.
January 25, 2022
Sinful Deeds is a short story with Julian, Marquis of Lockwood brother Dante can't seem to understand what his mistress Josephine wants. Dante has given Josephine everything she could possibly want except the one thing Dante is unable to give her, marriage! As the two journey takes them on a of reality will they be able to find their happy ever after? Samantha Holt's book is well-written with well developed characters, an enjoyable story line that kept me interested right to the end and wanting more, sizzling passion, and uncertainties. With setting descriptions and action sequences are wonderfully vivid which brings this read together perfectly. With visit from characters who you found a special place in your heart for from the first in the series Sinful Confessions that brings this read together perfectly!
January 11, 2020
Horrendous narration. This is a review of the Audible version.
Where to begin? The story was just okay but the quality of the production and the narrator brought the rating down substantially. It was barely 5 minutes in when there was a truck heard on the audio. A window open in the recording studio? Then the incorrect pronunciations were very distracting. “Tryst”, “virile”, “frigate”, “chivalrous” were some of the most egregious. There were editing errors, too, but I don’t know if they were in the book or a narrator error.
And this was all in a short book. Very disappointing but I did finish it.
Where to begin? The story was just okay but the quality of the production and the narrator brought the rating down substantially. It was barely 5 minutes in when there was a truck heard on the audio. A window open in the recording studio? Then the incorrect pronunciations were very distracting. “Tryst”, “virile”, “frigate”, “chivalrous” were some of the most egregious. There were editing errors, too, but I don’t know if they were in the book or a narrator error.
And this was all in a short book. Very disappointing but I did finish it.
July 9, 2017
Super quick read. Second in a series, but easily a stand alone. Liked the first one, this was good too. I'm not fond of the mistress wants to marry now type of story, but as those go, this was exceptional. The mistress was very much in love with him, and he loved her, but as men may do, came to not appreciate her or recognize his feelings for her. And as almost all regency H's, was dead set against marriage. Their relationship actually develops more fully with their parting and the HEA is lovely.. (would have liked an epilogue!)
July 10, 2019
Josephine has been Dante’s mistress for four years. He has been faithful to her for their time together, but he cannot seem to abandon his other bachelor habits. She wants more than he can give her; she would like to be his wife. Hurt and discouraged, she leaves him to pursue a career as an artist (she is very talented). The separation is difficult of both of them. Dante looks for any way he can to convince her to come back to him. Will he find that way, and if he does, will he take it? Sinful Deeds is an emotional story with great characters.
March 23, 2022
LOVED THIS DANTE AND JO JO
Josephine had been DANTE mistress for four years she loved him desperately, in the end she wanted more. Josephine knew he would never marry her, she wanted to painter a great artist
DANTE could not understand this.
DANTE was in love with Josephine he gave her everything but would never marry her, not just her but did not want to be married to anyone, due to his parents marriage.
Great love story loved Dante.
Josephine had been DANTE mistress for four years she loved him desperately, in the end she wanted more. Josephine knew he would never marry her, she wanted to painter a great artist
DANTE could not understand this.
DANTE was in love with Josephine he gave her everything but would never marry her, not just her but did not want to be married to anyone, due to his parents marriage.
Great love story loved Dante.
November 20, 2017
3.5! I liked this better then the first. I liked that when the story had started the hero, Dante, and heroine, Josephine, had known each other for years before the story started so the love between them Felt more believable. I also liked how Josephine had a goal and wanted a career with her art and she wanted to be more in her life!
December 15, 2021
Short and cute. From the blurb you can expect the expected. A quickie read featuring a second son nobleman trying to win back the woman he loves, and yes he obviously didn't know until he lost her. Perfect type of angst. Heroine was sweet and firm in knowing she wants more than to be a mistress and she deserves it. Hero was wise enough to pull his head out of his ass and became a better man too.
August 9, 2023
Expectations
An interesting interaction between Dante and Josephine after four years. Despite her goals she can't extinguish her love nor can he seem to survive without her. Her attitude bothered me, both have weaknesses but Dante tried harder to change. Enjoyed the story but something was missing. On to the next brother.
An interesting interaction between Dante and Josephine after four years. Despite her goals she can't extinguish her love nor can he seem to survive without her. Her attitude bothered me, both have weaknesses but Dante tried harder to change. Enjoyed the story but something was missing. On to the next brother.
July 9, 2019
I would like to thank Bianca Blythe for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Interesting to have an MC that is a mistress and that she's not being slut shamed for her decisions. The ending was a bit of a let down. I read this as part of the Rogues like it hot boxset.
Interesting to have an MC that is a mistress and that she's not being slut shamed for her decisions. The ending was a bit of a let down. I read this as part of the Rogues like it hot boxset.
May 30, 2024
too much left out
I liked the story line but I felt with this one and the first book, she left a lot out and then it just ends. It’s like the author sees chapter 13 and says I have to end it. Same with other series from Ms Holt.
I liked the story line but I felt with this one and the first book, she left a lot out and then it just ends. It’s like the author sees chapter 13 and says I have to end it. Same with other series from Ms Holt.
March 9, 2017
True love
OMG I loved this story .....Dante and Josephine we're meant to be together you could feel the love from the beginning to the end. 2 Thumbs Up!!
OMG I loved this story .....Dante and Josephine we're meant to be together you could feel the love from the beginning to the end. 2 Thumbs Up!!
May 13, 2017
Another well-written historical romance novel by Samantha Holt. Dante and Josephine both came alive and captured my interest, and it was wonderful to see more than physical sparks between them.
September 28, 2017
Mundane
This story is rather mundane. There is no intrigue or excitement in the plot. I actually became disinterested and distracted.
This story is rather mundane. There is no intrigue or excitement in the plot. I actually became disinterested and distracted.
January 9, 2018
Another historical romp
It was a good story. It could stand alone though it is better as a part two. I don't know how realistic it is for the heroine to be an artist in that era.
It was a good story. It could stand alone though it is better as a part two. I don't know how realistic it is for the heroine to be an artist in that era.
February 18, 2018
Book two in series but can be read as standalone. Short sweet read with HEA. I love these novellas.
May 5, 2020
Another heartfelt story
I enjoyed this book as it helped two people become in love all over. It is a good love story.
I enjoyed this book as it helped two people become in love all over. It is a good love story.
March 13, 2017
Dante's Mistress
Josephine is tired of being "just" a mistress, she wants more. Marriage, a family and a doting husband. No more late night, drunken booty calls. Dante, being adamantly opposed to marriage, believes she is bluffing and doesn't take her seriously. He's shocked when she moves out of the house he set her up in. Determined to win her back, he does everything short of asking her to marry him. That he will never do.
Sinful Deeds is a pretty good novela, #2 of the Cynfell Brothers series, a collection of 7 books, one for each of the Cynfell Brothers. It kept my attention from page one to the last. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Josephine is tired of being "just" a mistress, she wants more. Marriage, a family and a doting husband. No more late night, drunken booty calls. Dante, being adamantly opposed to marriage, believes she is bluffing and doesn't take her seriously. He's shocked when she moves out of the house he set her up in. Determined to win her back, he does everything short of asking her to marry him. That he will never do.
Sinful Deeds is a pretty good novela, #2 of the Cynfell Brothers series, a collection of 7 books, one for each of the Cynfell Brothers. It kept my attention from page one to the last. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
May 15, 2023
I liked this story and for the most part, the transformation of both main characters was good, especially the exploration of Dante. It was a good, entertaining story.
March 9, 2017
Good series
This is the 2nd in the series. So far I've enjoyed both books. Well written and I like the variety of characters.
This is the 2nd in the series. So far I've enjoyed both books. Well written and I like the variety of characters.
June 22, 2015
I liked it a lot... Not love but it seems I've really picky in the books I love atm.
This was a good story/book, I loved that no matter how comfortable Josephine might been or could have been in her current life she wasn't willing to settle.... She needed more than nice things and food and a roof over her head in order to be happy, and no matter how well treated she might have been at times being a mistress was not how she wanted to live out her life or be known for,plus thou he might have cared for her and been faithful to her ( in the respect of not seeing other women) he want respectful in the way he neglected her and ignored soo many things about her,she needed his time and attention and love and at first Dante was seriously clueless.. But the great thing about her courage to fight for her self and her needs the no longer wanted to deny was in a way she ended up making not only a better live for Herself but also for him,in wanting understand her better and get her back he started to ask more from himself and challenge his status quo and I know not only did he come to love her more but gain a self respect he'd probably never known before as well.... And thankfully with Violas help understand things about his parents and marriage he desperately NEEDED to know he just didn't know he needed ....
Good story,even sex is mentioned often there's only one sex scene and it's all in balance and makes sense...
I was a good story and if any of the elements in the description appeal to you I'd happily recommend...
For me it was just ok,but too nice to condemn it to just 3 stars, and honestly at this moment I'm not sure if it's the book it's self or just my current mood, all I know is atm I'm looking for something in a story/book,something that grips me that keeps in an intense hold that keeps me turning pages even when I NEED to be doing something else ? You know ,one of books/stories you just CAN'T get enough of,doesn't matter what the genre ,it can be long or short , no matter just story that gets under your skin and leaves you not just wanting more but needing it!
I hope I find it soon ;)
Enjoy
This was a good story/book, I loved that no matter how comfortable Josephine might been or could have been in her current life she wasn't willing to settle.... She needed more than nice things and food and a roof over her head in order to be happy, and no matter how well treated she might have been at times being a mistress was not how she wanted to live out her life or be known for,plus thou he might have cared for her and been faithful to her ( in the respect of not seeing other women) he want respectful in the way he neglected her and ignored soo many things about her,she needed his time and attention and love and at first Dante was seriously clueless.. But the great thing about her courage to fight for her self and her needs the no longer wanted to deny was in a way she ended up making not only a better live for Herself but also for him,in wanting understand her better and get her back he started to ask more from himself and challenge his status quo and I know not only did he come to love her more but gain a self respect he'd probably never known before as well.... And thankfully with Violas help understand things about his parents and marriage he desperately NEEDED to know he just didn't know he needed ....
Good story,even sex is mentioned often there's only one sex scene and it's all in balance and makes sense...
I was a good story and if any of the elements in the description appeal to you I'd happily recommend...
For me it was just ok,but too nice to condemn it to just 3 stars, and honestly at this moment I'm not sure if it's the book it's self or just my current mood, all I know is atm I'm looking for something in a story/book,something that grips me that keeps in an intense hold that keeps me turning pages even when I NEED to be doing something else ? You know ,one of books/stories you just CAN'T get enough of,doesn't matter what the genre ,it can be long or short , no matter just story that gets under your skin and leaves you not just wanting more but needing it!
I hope I find it soon ;)
Enjoy
August 20, 2015
Title: SINFUL DEEDS
Series: Cynfell Brothers #2
Category /Genre: Historical Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Received from: Samantha Holt (in exchange for an honest review)
Grammar/editing: ungraded – book received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
This is the second book in the Cynfell Brothers series. Though each does stand alone, I would recommend reading in the order of publication. You can expect updates on the previous couples.
Dante Cynfell is the second son in this family. I am reminded that the traditional aristocracy procreated with the motto of “an heir and a spare.” Meaning that each family wanted there to be two boys born, because of the high infant mortality rates of the times.
Born as “the spare,” Dante lacks the seriousness of his brother. He lives a life of privilege with no responsibility. He doesn’t see his responsibility even for his mistress. When Josephine, Jo-Jo, tells him that she wants more or freedom, he really doesn’t understand what more a woman could want.
I loved the banter between these two. I also loved the growth they each experienced. It’s obvious from page one that they love each other, but they are both strong enough to ask for what they want and fight for what they need. I thought this was a great story and extremely well written. This was not the usual boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy fights for girl. Instead we start at boy loses girl and they both make the fight worthwhile. I cheered when he inevitably re-won the heart of the girl without making her lose herself in the process.
As stated in the previous review, the chores are often ignored when a truly good read is available – still guilty. I began this one as soon as I finished Sinful Confessions and now I’m done. I guess it’s time to get back to work… but rest assured, I have one eye on my kindle account to see when the next book in this series will be released.
Series: Cynfell Brothers #2
Category /Genre: Historical Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Received from: Samantha Holt (in exchange for an honest review)
Grammar/editing: ungraded – book received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
This is the second book in the Cynfell Brothers series. Though each does stand alone, I would recommend reading in the order of publication. You can expect updates on the previous couples.
Dante Cynfell is the second son in this family. I am reminded that the traditional aristocracy procreated with the motto of “an heir and a spare.” Meaning that each family wanted there to be two boys born, because of the high infant mortality rates of the times.
Born as “the spare,” Dante lacks the seriousness of his brother. He lives a life of privilege with no responsibility. He doesn’t see his responsibility even for his mistress. When Josephine, Jo-Jo, tells him that she wants more or freedom, he really doesn’t understand what more a woman could want.
I loved the banter between these two. I also loved the growth they each experienced. It’s obvious from page one that they love each other, but they are both strong enough to ask for what they want and fight for what they need. I thought this was a great story and extremely well written. This was not the usual boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy fights for girl. Instead we start at boy loses girl and they both make the fight worthwhile. I cheered when he inevitably re-won the heart of the girl without making her lose herself in the process.
As stated in the previous review, the chores are often ignored when a truly good read is available – still guilty. I began this one as soon as I finished Sinful Confessions and now I’m done. I guess it’s time to get back to work… but rest assured, I have one eye on my kindle account to see when the next book in this series will be released.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews