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Cynfell Brothers #3

Sinful Liaisons

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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?

Greed

It's not every day a duchess comes across a naked man on the roadside. It's not every day a duchess takes said naked man home with her. But Evelyn Chesworth can hardly leave the poor man in nought but his skin on the dangerous road to London. Particularly when he's so attractive...

Lord Pierce Cynfell is in a world of trouble. With his brother threatening to cut him off and his gambling debts increasing, his beautiful rescuer couldn't have come at a better time. He can't help but be attracted to the worldly, mature woman.

So he certainly isn't going to say no when she offers to write off his debts in return for one thing--his body.

However, it soon becomes clear more than his body is becoming involved. While everyone else might think he's only there for the money, the beautiful widow slowly draws him deeper until he wants to unlock every secret buried beneath those tight corsets.

Evelyn might let Pierce beneath her corsets but she's determined it will be no more than that. She has loved and lost twice in her life and won't let that happen again. Meanwhile, she has too many other things to worry about--like the preservation of her son's land.

When Pierce begins to show himself as more than a skilled lover, Evelyn has a choice--let herself be vulnerable again or send away the man who lights a fire in her body, heart and soul.

155 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 10, 2015

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321 people want to read

About the author

Samantha Holt

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

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

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5 stars
124 (39%)
4 stars
113 (35%)
3 stars
61 (19%)
2 stars
12 (3%)
1 star
7 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Trish R..
1,772 reviews58 followers
August 18, 2015
Just OK for me..

I read the first two of these and loved them both so I was thrilled to see this one out. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy it as much. Evelyn spent too much time pushing Pierce away then pulling him to her and treating him like a servant and he kept getting mad at her over it. And I figured at the end she would be telling herself she couldn’t marry him because of her son, and because she was 10 years older than him. Almost too much of a push-pull kind of relationship. And I’m not really into any kind of addiction on the hero or heroines part. He was addicted to gambling and she gave the impression of being addicted to sex.

There was a decent story behind there lust for each other. The blackmail made it a little more interesting, there just wasn't enough of it. However, I will read the next novella, about Jasper.

There was a lot of sexual tension and sex.
Profile Image for April.
1,850 reviews72 followers
August 24, 2015
“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?”

#3 in the wildly popular, “Cynfell Brothers” series. Each story can be read as a stand alone. Although, I would suggest reading “Sinful Confessions” and “Sinful Deeds” as well. I read this story in yes, one setting.

Greed, is young Lord Pierce Cynfell’s sin, greed and gambling until he meets Evelyn Chesworth, then all bets are off….
I liked how the author put an older Duchess with a younger Lord. Oh, and sparks doth fly, but there is danger lurking. When Evelyn proposes a three month proposition to Pierce in order to pay off his gambling debts, he can’t resist the offer…to become her lover for three months.

Fast paced, quick read filled with hot, steamy passion, danger, a big secret, blackmail, and what the power of love can accomplish in another wayward Cynfell. Greed may have started a bargain but can love end a lifetime of loneliness and greed?
Fans of Samantha Holt’s tales of love, passion, and secrets are sure to enjoy seeing another Cynfell brought to his knees and lose his desire for greed or lose everything in the process. Another enjoyable, enchanting and satisfying read. Can’t wait to see which Cynfell brother is next in this fantastic and unique series. Ms. Holt is a very impressive storyteller, who creates unique, intriguing and entertaining stories, filled with passion, love and romance. A must read for any and all fans of unique Historical romance with charming and passionate characters and intriguing and gratifying stories. Well done! Another hit for Ms. Holt!

*Received for an honest review from the author*

**Cross-posted on My Book Addiction Reviews dot com**

Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Hot/Steamy
Reviewed by: April R, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Profile Image for Cindy Woods.
1,058 reviews19 followers
September 28, 2015
Not as good as the others

This was a bit of a disappointment. It definitely was not nearly as good as the first two books in this series. Pierce is not as interesting a character, nor is the dutchess. I wasn't even that interested in the plot. I would recommend passing on this book after reading the first two.
Profile Image for Kath.
825 reviews
April 2, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, Pierce met his lady in a most unconventional way. Damn his gambling loss but in retrospect maybe he just won the jackpot. Great read!
195 reviews3 followers
August 9, 2017
The book starts out with a good looking man waking up naked along side a road. He is Lord Cynful. A coach comes along and passes him, then stops and offers him a ride. The owner of the coach is a Duchess. A great beginning, the story does require some suspension of belief. The Duchess is the aggressor in this story and the hero is the pursued. He is also younger than she. There are extended family members that are involved. This is not a story that should be read by those under 18 or by those that are offended by the sexually explicit content. There is a little mystery concerning some land that the deceased Duke gambled away. The book was interesting and I am interested in reading the rest of the series.
296 reviews3 followers
April 17, 2022
LOVING THIS SERIES - HOW MANY MORE BROTHERS

Piers Cynfell after losing a bet is picked up walking along the road with nothing on at all.

Evelyn a very wealthy independent widow stops to give him a lift.
THEN THE FUN BEGINS HE HAS NO MONEY AND PLENTY OF DEBTS, SHE OFFERS TO CLEAR THEM IF HE STAYS WITH HER
FOR THREE.MONTHS.
LOVE THIS GOOD READ.

Profile Image for Kathy.
1,110 reviews4 followers
May 29, 2017
An entertaining book from start to finish! A naked man in debt on the side of the road meets a beautiful Duchess - things can only go up from there.
Profile Image for Amanda.
495 reviews3 followers
January 11, 2018
A normal romance

It was the usual romance with the strong willed yet foolish woman. She leaps after the hero without thinking of the danger to herself or others.
Profile Image for April.
1,850 reviews72 followers
August 7, 2015
"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?"

#3 in the wildly popular, "Cynfell Brothers" series. Each story can be read as a stand alone. Although, I would suggest reading "Sinful Confessions" and "Sinful Deeds" as well. I read this story in yes, one setting.

Greed, is young Lord Pierce Cynfell's sin, greed and gambling until he meets Evelyn Chesworth, then all bets are off....
I liked how the author put an older Duchess with a younger Lord. Oh, and sparks doth fly, but there is danger lurking. When Evelyn proposes a three month proposition to Pierce in order to pay off his gambling debts, he can't resist the offer...to become her lover for three months.

Fast paced, quick read filled with hot, steamy passion, danger, a big secret, blackmail, and what the power of love can accomplish in another wayward Cynfell. Greed may have started a bargain but can love end a lifetime of loneliness and greed?
Fans of Samantha Holt's tales of love, passion, and secrets are sure to enjoy seeing another Cynfell brought to his knees and lose his desire for greed or lose everything in the process. Another enjoyable, enchanting and satisfying read. Can't wait to see which Cynfell brother is next in this fantastic and unique series. Ms. Holt is a very impressive storyteller, who creates unique, intriguing and entertaining stories, filled with passion, love and romance. A must read for any and all fans of unique Historical romance with charming and passionate characters and intriguing and gratifying stories. Well done! Another hit for Ms. Holt!

*Received for an honest review from the author*

**Cross-posted on My Book Addiction Reviews dot com**

Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Hot/Steamy
Reviewed by: April R, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Profile Image for Mary Lou Hoffman.
1,954 reviews35 followers
August 10, 2015
Title: SINFUL LIAISONS
Series: 7 Cynfell Brothers #3
Category /Genre: Historical Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Received from: Samantha Holt (in exchange for an honest review)
Grammar/editing: A – near perfect

This is the third book in the Cynfell Brothers series. Each does stand alone, but I highly recommend reading them in order as in each we are treated with an update to the previous couples.

In book one, we met Julian, the Marquees of Lockwood, personifying wrath. Book two brought Dante, the second of the seven brothers and the embodiment of Envy. Now we have Pierce, the fourth son living a life of greed.

One bet too many has Pierce waking on the side of a remote road without a stitch of clothing and only the vaguest memory of a night at the clubs. His rescuer is Evelyn Chesworth, the Duchess of Ardleigh, a widow acting as steward until her son has completed his education and is able to oversee the Duchy. Her proposition is unusual, to say the least.

I loved both of these characters. They have sarcasm and good-natured wit down to an art form that could be envied. The story line was wonderfully inventive and engrossing. Every time I set this aside to deal with life, I found myself gravitating back to it and happily neglecting demands. (Don’t worry, everything that had to get done was completed after I completed the book.)

I don’t think it’s a spoiler to tell you that it is an HEA; this is a romance story after all. That said, I am now sitting at my desk at work with a gooey-mushy, sappy, happy smile on my face and have been ever since I got to the epilogue. I know that book four will be “coming soon,” but it can’t be soon enough. Which brother will be next? Which sin? Name your vice, Samantha Holt. If it will get the next story to me sooner, I’ll be your enabler.
Profile Image for Cheryl Sanders.
2,244 reviews31 followers
October 9, 2015
This story is about Pierce Cynfell, fourth son, and Evelyn Chesworth, Duchess of Ardleigh. Instead of her being his mistress, she paid him to be her lover. The arrangement works until feelings get involved. I loved how the roles were reversed in the story. Things a man would think and feel were thought and felt by a woman and vice a versa. Evelyn is a very stubborn, independent woman and often said things that were hurtful to Pierce. The story flowed smoothly and Pierce and Evelyn had witty and clever conversations between them. The flirting was fantastic! I love how Evelyn wasn't afraid to speak her mind. All this and I haven't even gotten to the mystery part of the story but I'll let you get to that when you read this amazing book.

Samantha Holt writes great historicals with the perfect mix of steamy romance and enthralling mystery. I love a story that not only am I reading but "seeing" it all happen at the same time. This is another fabulous read by an amazing author. I can't wait to see what's next!

Received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was not compensated for my review.
I was not required to write a positive review.
The opinion expressed is my own.
Profile Image for Letschat1974.
821 reviews10 followers
April 19, 2021
3.5 Stars (4 enjoy Maureen Driscoll, Elisa Braden, Sophie Jordon)

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

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

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

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

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

I still enjoyed the book for a one time read and the series.
Profile Image for J. Kahele.
Author 15 books439 followers
September 16, 2015
A naked man…A Duchess?
Pierce Cynfell still streaming from a drunken night makes his way down an unfamiliar road, trying to find his way to civilization. He's hung-over and naked which made the story all the more interesting. He hears the sounds of a carriage, realizing his bare feet would not get him far, he waves to the driver atop of it, who ignores him as he races by, spattering dirt on him. But a few seconds later, the carriage halts. He runs up and when the door opens he is met by the eyes of a beautiful woman. Evelyn Chesworth, Duchess of Ardleigh.
This story is my third in the series and I have to say these stories get better each time. How could you not become engrossed in a story that starts with a man walking down a road, naked? I have to say I have become quite a fan of Samantha Holt. How she can create a world, craft amazing characters and really giving a feeling of a good read in these short stories, is amazing. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
Profile Image for Sydnee Walsh.
1,263 reviews30 followers
August 12, 2015
ARC in exchange for a honest review.
This book was another amazing telling of the Cynfell brother's. the fact that this brother has a serious gambling problem is a big thing. Pierce is a great man but his obsession is a big stone in his life. His family has pretty much had it with his debts. It's become a serious problem that is going to endanger the women in the family.
Then comes Evelyn an older wealthy widow. She hasn't had a man in her life in a long time. Her only son has been in Europe for two years. She has been left to her own devices for longer then she want to bare anymore. The spark she has with Pierce is a parent from the start.
To find out their story you need to read this book.
Profile Image for A Hopeless Romantic's Booklandia .
1,502 reviews17 followers
September 18, 2015
Basically he was a gambler in serious debt and she was a duchess with a very irresistible offer... what they didn't anticipate was falling in love with each other.

I love a independent woman but there were times I wanted to smack the heroine with the book... she wouldn't let her guard down any and it was frustrating. He had a heart of gold and I loved him for it... how could you not love a man that worshipped your body and wanted to love and take care of you (wink wink)?

When things started to get deeper in the story, they find out what they really mean to each other and yay, they get a HEA... I'm a sucker for a good love story with a HEA. On top of that this book was really good and I recommend it to all you historical lovers out there!

~ Lydia, 5 Stars
Profile Image for Shamona Hagan.
19 reviews
August 14, 2015
I really enjoyed this book immensely. It was well written and easy to read. I found it very entertaining and fun. I fell in love with the characters. It was funny, it was heartwarming, with a couple of heart stopping moments thrown in there. Even if you haven't read the two previous novels you are not lost as far as the story goes. Though as enjoyable as the story is it wouldn't hurt to read the other stories. I can't wait for the next novel in this series. I would recommend this series to my friends and anyone who enjoys stories with strong willed and stubborn characters.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Julie.
2,003 reviews31 followers
August 6, 2015
This is a Hot book. Pierce Cynfell wakes up naked on a country roadside after a night of gambling and drinking. A carriage roles by, Evelyn Chesworth takes pity on him and offers him a ride, when they get to their destination Evelyn, who is actually a Duchess, offers to pay of all his debt's in return for his body for 3 month's. Which he excepts, but he soon realizes there's more, and he's going to find out what it is.
I nice steamy, romance with a little intrigue in the storyline to add interest. A very enjoyable short read. I always love the Cynfell brothers stories.
Profile Image for Nicole.
4,250 reviews52 followers
August 17, 2015
How can you not like a book that starts off with the hero stranded naked on the side of the road. You know it's going to be a good one. Pierce has a little gambling problem and he's racked up a lot of debt. Now widowed Duchess Evelyn stumbles upon him and offers him an unlikely proposal to benefit them both. What starts out as a business proposal turns very personal. As Pierce and Evelyn explore untold pleasures Pierce gets to thinking about his life choices. Will Evelyn have the courage to love again or will she lose Pierce?
Profile Image for Bev Ross.
1,005 reviews12 followers
September 2, 2015
Sinful Liasons

I loved Pierces story it was so funny how they met#!! I won't spoil it for anyone but I knew within the first few pages that it was going to be great story! Ms. Holt weaves a very humorous romantic story ! I'm glad someone finally let a cougar have her day!! Wonderful story by a wonderful author!! I would recommend this book to everyone!!
Profile Image for Marlene.
752 reviews2 followers
March 8, 2016
I liked the redemption of Pierce into an honorable reformed rake. Her grace Evelyn was also quite interesting and free spirited. I wish all the brothers would have been in the story. so far their is Julian and his American wife, Jasper, Dante and Josephine, and a mention of Ash and Gideon. pierce is the Fourth son and Jasper is a year older. Julian is the Marquees and Dante is the 2nd son.
Profile Image for Patricia Schuette.
633 reviews3 followers
October 7, 2016
Sinful Liaisons (Cynfell Brothers Book 3)

Samantha Holt loves writing about the Cynfell family and I adore reading about them. This story is about Pierce the gambler who meets a Duchess under strange circumstances (he was nude walking down the road) and she asks him to be her lover.
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,770 reviews7 followers
March 31, 2020
Pierce Cynfell
Evelyn Chesworth
an enjoyable story with a satisfying HEA
Profile Image for Janet.
5,173 reviews65 followers
March 31, 2017
Lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride. The Cynfell brothers are the very embodiment of a sinful existence. But could the right woman change that?

Greed

Evelyn Chesworth, Duchess of Ardleigh is returning home when her carriage is halted by a naked man on the roadside. It's not every day a duchess takes said naked man home with her. But Evelyn Chesworth can hardly leave the poor man in nought but his skin on the dangerous road to London. Particularly when he's so attractive.
Lord Pierce Cynfell is in a world of trouble. With his brother Julian threatening to cut him off and his gambling debts increasing, his beautiful rescuer couldn't have come at a better time. He can't help but be attracted to the worldly, mature woman. So he certainly isn't going to say no when she offers to write off his debts in return for one thing--his body for three months
Evelyn is also being blackmailed by George Whitbury over her late husband’s gambling debts, there’s one problem the late Duke didn’t gamble.
Evelyn & Pierce enjoy each others company & as time passes they begin to rely more & more on each other & start to open up to one another. Pierce helps Evelyn with George & the blackmail, misunderstandings do jeopardise their relationship.
Another well written book in the Sinful series which I’m binge reading & thoroughly enjoying them. Pierce & Evelyn are likeable & very attracted to each other from the moment they met, so good to have an older woman & younger man. As with all rakes when they fall they fall hard & Pierce was no exception I highly recommend the series
Profile Image for Terre J.
478 reviews
July 12, 2017
I didn't immediately like our h, and the H wasn't irresistible, but y the end of the book I was glad they had a HEA.
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