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The Cynster Sisters Trilogy #2
A Salvo Con Tu Amor
Tres héroes, tres rescates, tres bodas.
Se solicita el placer de su compañía en la boda de la señorita Eliza Cynster, ¡pero no será hasta que el más inesperado héroe la rescate de un osado secuestro!
Cuando Eliza Cynster es secuestrada en el mismísimo baile de compromiso de su hermana Heather y sus captores la llevan rumbo a Edimburgo, su desesperación y su empeño en escapar la impulsan a recurrir al primer posible salvador que se cruza en su camino y que resulta ser Jeremy Carling, un erudito caballero que vive centrado en sus estudios.
Lidiar con villanos y llevar a cabo rescates son tareas a las que Jeremy no está acostumbrado ni mucho menos, pero no puede abandonar a una damisela en apuros. Eliza y él se embarcan juntos en una frenética huida donde los peligros acechan y los obstáculos abundan para escapar del misterioso noble escocés que ordenó el secuestro. Una última confrontación final en una fría cumbre revelará cómo podría ser su futura vida en común si tienen la valentía necesaria para aferrarse al inesperado amor que ha surgido entre ellos y admitir ante el mundo entero lo que sienten el uno por el otro.
482 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2011
267 people are currently reading
2397 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
206 books5,587 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 312 reviews
June 30, 2013
★★★☆☆ (This is a review of the audiobook.) Ugh. Maybe I read this too soon after the first one of The Cynster Sisters Trilogy, but I didn’t enjoy Eliza and Jeremy’s story as much. Way too repetitious. Same narrator as the first one, Matthew Brenher, whom I loved. Nevertheless, this time around even he sounds bored. Poor sod.
In the first one the mysterious laird was interesting and intriguing. Now he’s just TSTL and with too much internal dialogue which proves him TSTL, as he wasn’t considering the things he should. In the first one, his following Heather (to make sure she was all right) made sense; he really didn’t know who took her from the inn. In this one... not so much! He knows Eliza was rescued. The only thread to her safety is HIM! Duh! Well, him Maybe the laird should set him up with his mother?
Speaking of the mysterious laird’s mother, if the author mentions one more time about her obsession -- with no hint as to why she, too, is whack-a-doodle with revenge -- I’m going to write her an “Excuse me, I got it. You’re not going to tell us until Book #3. Roger that...” letter.
I also think
In addition, I think it was a BIG mistake to
I love a good “road trip,” but this one was too much of “if we go this way, then X, if we go that way, then Y.” I mean a lot of it.
Still, some tender interaction between a sweet heroine and a beta hero.
TSTL = Too Stupid To Live
In the first one the mysterious laird was interesting and intriguing. Now he’s just TSTL and with too much internal dialogue which proves him TSTL, as he wasn’t considering the things he should. In the first one, his following Heather (to make sure she was all right) made sense; he really didn’t know who took her from the inn. In this one... not so much! He knows Eliza was rescued. The only thread to her safety is HIM! Duh! Well, him Maybe the laird should set him up with his mother?
Speaking of the mysterious laird’s mother, if the author mentions one more time about her obsession -- with no hint as to why she, too, is whack-a-doodle with revenge -- I’m going to write her an “Excuse me, I got it. You’re not going to tell us until Book #3. Roger that...” letter.
I also think
In addition, I think it was a BIG mistake to
I love a good “road trip,” but this one was too much of “if we go this way, then X, if we go that way, then Y.” I mean a lot of it.
Still, some tender interaction between a sweet heroine and a beta hero.
TSTL = Too Stupid To Live
February 9, 2012
2 stars
Ok. So perhaps they weren't following a rainbow, but it sure felt as if they were climbing every mountain and fording every stream to find their dream - even though their dream was right beside them. Anyway, this is the second book in The Cynster Sisters Trilogy that I, for some reason, thought might be an improvement to the never-ending series of books about Cynster males and their compatriots. Yes, I am most assuredly a glutton for punishment since I knew before the middle of the first book, Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue, that there really was no improvement, yet I still started this book - and I wouldn't DNF it either. What can I say? I'm a completist.
However, I am delighted to inform you that the main couple here are, at least, atypical of Laurens' couples. You've got a relatively sweet beta male who doesn't really know what he's doing but figures it out anyway, and a heroine who seems sensible. I'd say that they are the only things I like about this book. It is such a great pity, really. Having finally completed this book, I have to say that if it weren't for the author's style of writing, I probably would have loved this romance. I was honestly delighted with it, but my irritation with the writing style overshadowed everything - to the point that it was almost agonizing for me to force myself to finish this book.
What drove me absolutely crazy was the repetitious writing. The reader is told over and over and over again that Jeremy is bookish but has a powerful physique, that Eliza isn't like the other Cynsters, that the mysterious laird's mother wants to ruin the Cynster girls for some stupid reason the author refuses to reveal yet, that the mysterious laird needs to follow through with this to get his hands on this mystical goblet that is absolutely necessary for him to keep his birthright (and how the hell that goblet has the power to do that, I've no clue), that the mysterious laird is so noble and protective that he needs to see that the rescuer of the current Cynster girl is an "appropriate protector" (gag me) and so he follows them until he does ("It hadn't escaped him that, once again, he'd been forced to assume the mantle of protector to a Cynster girl." 35%), etc. Author, I got it the first time you mentioned it in this book. I got it the second, third, and fourth time. I got it in the first book. I don't need to be reminded every 5% of the book!
The "reason" Jeremy and Eliza had to set out from Scotland to get to a kin's home was also flimsy. I couldn't see any reason for Eliza not hiding out at Cobby's house until her family came to fetch her. I didn't see why that wouldn't make a perfectly respectable and safe plan. Meg would be able to give countenance, and provided Eliza stayed indoors and away from windows, the kidnappers presumably wouldn't know where she was. Although, given the laird's almost godlike ability to track, that probably wouldn't have worked out, but that leads to my other problem. It was just so bloody convenient that this laird was able to track these two everywhere and to divine their plans with his brilliant deductive abilities, or that nearly everywhere Jeremy and Eliza asked about a gig, there were none to be rented, that Eliza couldn't ride, that there was an empty hut or cottage in which Jeremy and Eliza could spend the night as they climbed over every damn mountain in Scotland, that the bridges were washed out just as they were getting close to the border.... It was so convenient, it got ridiculous.
Thankfully, the pace picked up a bit about 3/4 of the way in (I know, not much of a consolation). The chase to Gyle Valley was a bit exciting, although that could probably have been the excitement of anticipating the end of the book. The sex scenes were probably hot. I probably might have enjoyed it more, but due to my overwhelming dislike of the author's writing style, I couldn't (or wouldn't) allow myself to become immersed in the book enough to let the sex scenes touch me. And finally, this book avoids the BIG MISunderstanding trope.
I was tempted to rate this book 0.5-1 star lower. That's how irritated I was with it, but I really liked Jeremy and Eliza's relationship so 2 stars it is.
And I must be mad to say this but...I'll be reading Angelica's book. (Yes, Albert Einstein was probably talking to me when he said, "Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, but expecting different results.") I really hope that she's the last one, but I won't be holding my breath. There are hints that the author will be going through the rest of the single Cynster ladies.
Climb every mountain, Ford every stream,
Follow every rainbow, 'Til you find your dream.
Ok. So perhaps they weren't following a rainbow, but it sure felt as if they were climbing every mountain and fording every stream to find their dream - even though their dream was right beside them. Anyway, this is the second book in The Cynster Sisters Trilogy that I, for some reason, thought might be an improvement to the never-ending series of books about Cynster males and their compatriots. Yes, I am most assuredly a glutton for punishment since I knew before the middle of the first book, Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue, that there really was no improvement, yet I still started this book - and I wouldn't DNF it either. What can I say? I'm a completist.
However, I am delighted to inform you that the main couple here are, at least, atypical of Laurens' couples. You've got a relatively sweet beta male who doesn't really know what he's doing but figures it out anyway, and a heroine who seems sensible. I'd say that they are the only things I like about this book. It is such a great pity, really. Having finally completed this book, I have to say that if it weren't for the author's style of writing, I probably would have loved this romance. I was honestly delighted with it, but my irritation with the writing style overshadowed everything - to the point that it was almost agonizing for me to force myself to finish this book.
What drove me absolutely crazy was the repetitious writing. The reader is told over and over and over again that Jeremy is bookish but has a powerful physique, that Eliza isn't like the other Cynsters, that the mysterious laird's mother wants to ruin the Cynster girls for some stupid reason the author refuses to reveal yet, that the mysterious laird needs to follow through with this to get his hands on this mystical goblet that is absolutely necessary for him to keep his birthright (and how the hell that goblet has the power to do that, I've no clue), that the mysterious laird is so noble and protective that he needs to see that the rescuer of the current Cynster girl is an "appropriate protector" (gag me) and so he follows them until he does ("It hadn't escaped him that, once again, he'd been forced to assume the mantle of protector to a Cynster girl." 35%), etc. Author, I got it the first time you mentioned it in this book. I got it the second, third, and fourth time. I got it in the first book. I don't need to be reminded every 5% of the book!
The "reason" Jeremy and Eliza had to set out from Scotland to get to a kin's home was also flimsy. I couldn't see any reason for Eliza not hiding out at Cobby's house until her family came to fetch her. I didn't see why that wouldn't make a perfectly respectable and safe plan. Meg would be able to give countenance, and provided Eliza stayed indoors and away from windows, the kidnappers presumably wouldn't know where she was. Although, given the laird's almost godlike ability to track, that probably wouldn't have worked out, but that leads to my other problem. It was just so bloody convenient that this laird was able to track these two everywhere and to divine their plans with his brilliant deductive abilities, or that nearly everywhere Jeremy and Eliza asked about a gig, there were none to be rented, that Eliza couldn't ride, that there was an empty hut or cottage in which Jeremy and Eliza could spend the night as they climbed over every damn mountain in Scotland, that the bridges were washed out just as they were getting close to the border.... It was so convenient, it got ridiculous.
Thankfully, the pace picked up a bit about 3/4 of the way in (I know, not much of a consolation). The chase to Gyle Valley was a bit exciting, although that could probably have been the excitement of anticipating the end of the book. The sex scenes were probably hot. I probably might have enjoyed it more, but due to my overwhelming dislike of the author's writing style, I couldn't (or wouldn't) allow myself to become immersed in the book enough to let the sex scenes touch me. And finally, this book avoids the BIG MISunderstanding trope.
I was tempted to rate this book 0.5-1 star lower. That's how irritated I was with it, but I really liked Jeremy and Eliza's relationship so 2 stars it is.
And I must be mad to say this but...I'll be reading Angelica's book. (Yes, Albert Einstein was probably talking to me when he said, "Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, but expecting different results.") I really hope that she's the last one, but I won't be holding my breath. There are hints that the author will be going through the rest of the single Cynster ladies.
April 13, 2019
Eliza Cynster is at her sister's engagement ball when she gets a mysterious note.
The second she reads it she thinks it just might come from her hero, the one man that is meant for her. Unfortunately, it didn't. Instead she finds herself kidnapped and whisked away to Scotland.
Unlike her sister, she failed to escape on her own. Not only there's no Breckenbridge there, but they kept her drugged all the way. But she did manage to alert a gentleman she knew, or at least she thinks she did. A tiny problem: the said gentleman is a known, absentminded, scholar Jeremy Carling. Luckily, he did notice her.
So he mounts a rescue. Not everything goes according to the plan. In Eliza's mind the trip should've included a carriage. In his, horses sounded like a perfect plan.
Oh, and did she mention that she's not the best rider. So now, they have no means of transportation, they have the laird and his minions on their heels, and they are stuck in the highlands.
I liked the book a lot. Much better than the first book IMO.
Jeremy is an atypical Laurens hero. Not a rake, or a man comfortable in violent situations, but a mild mannered scholar, who likes nothing more than to spend the day buried in Sumerian scrolls. But when the time came he did step up to the challenge. Of course, he did rather naively believe that everything will got the way that he predicted, but that's understandable.
Eliza is the quiet Cynster sister. She never wanted an adventure, but fate intervened. But when the reward comes in form of a gentleman that might be her hero, nothing is hard to do.
I like the fact that there is a lot of action in the book. From the escape (which I liked a lot), to the chase across the Scotland, and the dramatic fight on the cliffs, it suited my mood perfectly. But I also liked the quiet time that came afterward, when Eliza and Jeremy came to terms with their feelings. I really believe that they will be happy, and that the love has nothing to do with the adrenaline of their escape.
There are a lot of characters from previous Cynster and Bastion Club novels mentioned. If I understood correctly, Jeremy is the brother of a Bastion heroine. I liked seeing all of them (even though some names were unfamiliar).
All in all, a lovely book that I truly enjoyed.
And I'm more curious than ever about the laird and his motives in kidnapping Cynster sisters. I'm off to read The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae.
Rating:
4.5 stars
The second she reads it she thinks it just might come from her hero, the one man that is meant for her. Unfortunately, it didn't. Instead she finds herself kidnapped and whisked away to Scotland.
Unlike her sister, she failed to escape on her own. Not only there's no Breckenbridge there, but they kept her drugged all the way. But she did manage to alert a gentleman she knew, or at least she thinks she did. A tiny problem: the said gentleman is a known, absentminded, scholar Jeremy Carling. Luckily, he did notice her.
So he mounts a rescue. Not everything goes according to the plan. In Eliza's mind the trip should've included a carriage. In his, horses sounded like a perfect plan.
Oh, and did she mention that she's not the best rider. So now, they have no means of transportation, they have the laird and his minions on their heels, and they are stuck in the highlands.
I liked the book a lot. Much better than the first book IMO.
Jeremy is an atypical Laurens hero. Not a rake, or a man comfortable in violent situations, but a mild mannered scholar, who likes nothing more than to spend the day buried in Sumerian scrolls. But when the time came he did step up to the challenge. Of course, he did rather naively believe that everything will got the way that he predicted, but that's understandable.
Eliza is the quiet Cynster sister. She never wanted an adventure, but fate intervened. But when the reward comes in form of a gentleman that might be her hero, nothing is hard to do.
I like the fact that there is a lot of action in the book. From the escape (which I liked a lot), to the chase across the Scotland, and the dramatic fight on the cliffs, it suited my mood perfectly. But I also liked the quiet time that came afterward, when Eliza and Jeremy came to terms with their feelings. I really believe that they will be happy, and that the love has nothing to do with the adrenaline of their escape.
There are a lot of characters from previous Cynster and Bastion Club novels mentioned. If I understood correctly, Jeremy is the brother of a Bastion heroine. I liked seeing all of them (even though some names were unfamiliar).
All in all, a lovely book that I truly enjoyed.
And I'm more curious than ever about the laird and his motives in kidnapping Cynster sisters. I'm off to read The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae.
Rating:
4.5 stars
November 3, 2011
I was torn between a 2 and a 3 rating. This book, as is true of all of Laurens' later books, has way too much introspection. Too many characters filling too much of the book's pages rhapsodizing about their thoughts. I have the same complaints with later Robert B Parker books; I'd like more demonstration of what a character is thinking by actions, with sparse descriptions of thoughts, rather than continuous soliloquies. I also felt she kept bludgeoning a dead horse about some of the facts of this trilogy, like why the Scottish laird is forced into trying to kidnap a Cynster girl. I got the point 50 pages ago, no need to expound at length about it over and over again!
The last couple of books by her have been so formulaic and so overly descriptive of the characters' thoughts that I keep thinking this is the last book by Laurens that I will read. Which is a shame, because she was one of my favorite authors when I started reading romances. I will say that this book did not annoy me as much as the first book in this trilogy. But there's only so many times I can tolerate the same book spiffed up with some different minor details of character names and what they're running from. Surprisingly, the interminable musings about why the hero and heroine think they can't marry each other did not occur in this book (hooray!)
The last couple of books by her have been so formulaic and so overly descriptive of the characters' thoughts that I keep thinking this is the last book by Laurens that I will read. Which is a shame, because she was one of my favorite authors when I started reading romances. I will say that this book did not annoy me as much as the first book in this trilogy. But there's only so many times I can tolerate the same book spiffed up with some different minor details of character names and what they're running from. Surprisingly, the interminable musings about why the hero and heroine think they can't marry each other did not occur in this book (hooray!)
October 26, 2011
This book almost made me stop reading romance novels. I got very sick of the internal dialogue. Does he love me? He needs to tell me first. Does she love me? I'm going to wait for her to tell me. Blah, blah, blah. I skimmed large chunks of it and felt like the writing was very forced. Kinda like she had to meet a deadline and had to write a book, so she churned one out. There's going to be a third one to this series and I'll read it, but I certainly hope it's better. If not, this author may hit my do not read pile.
August 10, 2016
Listening to the CD (good narrator) and I have a bad feeling about this. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Stephanie Laurens, Devil's Bride is a wonderful romance with a spunky, intellectual heroine and an over-the-top alpha, uber yummy hero, Devil. Devil, as a nickname it hardly gets any better that that.
So far, with In Pursuit..., we have the dumber than dirt, passive heroine. She is at her sister's engagement ball, same sister who was kidnapped in a previous book which has caused the Cynster family to go on lockdown as the potential kidnapper simply wants any unmarried Cynster girl. Eliza receives a note at the ball from a secret admirer asking her to meet in a secluded room. What does she do? She goes. Forget about the fact she has not been allowed out of her house without one of her yummy alpha male relatives, but what about her reputation? Fellow Regency readers, we all know what meeting a gentleman or non-gentleman in a secluded library or garden means: seduction, forced marriage, or a compromised reputation.
Then...
And, the emotional shut down. If I had been kidnapped, drugged then forced to ride in a slow carriage with the kidnappers, I would be a little miffed, say furious. The best Eliza can do is show cold manners to put her kidnappers in their place. Personally, a 2' by 4' would work better or that nice chamber pot housed in every room. Eliza even admits she is the quiet one, but please.
Tune in later. Crossing my fingers that I have been hasty to judge.
AUGUST 5th UPDATE:
Okay, Eliza has improved quite a bit. Turns when she's not drugged, she is actually a spunky little heroine plus when she encounters the magic P of our beta but still hunky scholarly hero (this is beaten to death) she becomes quite the lust-filled lady.
Slugged through about5 or 6 discs to the point that Eliza and Jeremy (?) are safe, supposedly. Imagine my surprise to see two more discs so who knows what the hell is going to happen. Devil is disturbed. Ah, Devil... Anyhoo...
Okay, rant time. Yes, Laird, I'ma talkin' to you! Please don't read as this has spoilers for this book and the next.
August 10
Finally! Grateful to switch to "Read". Okay, the climax of the story happened and there were still a disc and half to listen to. Did the evil-doers come back and attempt another kidnapping; did Devil threaten Jeremy to marry Eliza, did something interesting happen? No. The ending dealt with Eliza and Jeremy's dismay that everyone assumed they were to be married and their liaison would not be a love match. Plus Jeremy may be the dumbest hero EVER. Despite Eliza having sex with him mucho then at home she crawls into bed with him night after night, he wonders, "Does she love me?" Boring, self-involved couple. Yawn city. Better off re-reading the first three or four of the Cynster novels.
I am now listening to Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets dvd because Harry rocks, J.K. Rowlins is a genius, and Jim Dale is the most brilliant narrator EVER!
So far, with In Pursuit..., we have the dumber than dirt, passive heroine. She is at her sister's engagement ball, same sister who was kidnapped in a previous book which has caused the Cynster family to go on lockdown as the potential kidnapper simply wants any unmarried Cynster girl. Eliza receives a note at the ball from a secret admirer asking her to meet in a secluded room. What does she do? She goes. Forget about the fact she has not been allowed out of her house without one of her yummy alpha male relatives, but what about her reputation? Fellow Regency readers, we all know what meeting a gentleman or non-gentleman in a secluded library or garden means: seduction, forced marriage, or a compromised reputation.
Then...
And, the emotional shut down. If I had been kidnapped, drugged then forced to ride in a slow carriage with the kidnappers, I would be a little miffed, say furious. The best Eliza can do is show cold manners to put her kidnappers in their place. Personally, a 2' by 4' would work better or that nice chamber pot housed in every room. Eliza even admits she is the quiet one, but please.
Tune in later. Crossing my fingers that I have been hasty to judge.
AUGUST 5th UPDATE:
Okay, Eliza has improved quite a bit. Turns when she's not drugged, she is actually a spunky little heroine plus when she encounters the magic P of our beta but still hunky scholarly hero (this is beaten to death) she becomes quite the lust-filled lady.
Slugged through about5 or 6 discs to the point that Eliza and Jeremy (?) are safe, supposedly. Imagine my surprise to see two more discs so who knows what the hell is going to happen. Devil is disturbed. Ah, Devil... Anyhoo...
Okay, rant time. Yes, Laird, I'ma talkin' to you! Please don't read as this has spoilers for this book and the next.
August 10
Finally! Grateful to switch to "Read". Okay, the climax of the story happened and there were still a disc and half to listen to. Did the evil-doers come back and attempt another kidnapping; did Devil threaten Jeremy to marry Eliza, did something interesting happen? No. The ending dealt with Eliza and Jeremy's dismay that everyone assumed they were to be married and their liaison would not be a love match. Plus Jeremy may be the dumbest hero EVER. Despite Eliza having sex with him mucho then at home she crawls into bed with him night after night, he wonders, "Does she love me?" Boring, self-involved couple. Yawn city. Better off re-reading the first three or four of the Cynster novels.
I am now listening to Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets dvd because Harry rocks, J.K. Rowlins is a genius, and Jim Dale is the most brilliant narrator EVER!
September 9, 2020
Not your typical Cynster novel.
I can see why some are not fond of this book. Ms Laurens changes things up and the hero is not her usual alpha and the heroine is not some strong willed miss. This is a story of two people learning their strengths together. My question is how did our heroine make it up that mountain pass in a dress?
I can see why some are not fond of this book. Ms Laurens changes things up and the hero is not her usual alpha and the heroine is not some strong willed miss. This is a story of two people learning their strengths together. My question is how did our heroine make it up that mountain pass in a dress?
August 30, 2016
I really used to like the Cynster series, but have felt like all of her characters are the same. Alpha male, rescues headstrong damsel in distress. He can't admit his love, so damsel takes a stand to force alpha to admit his love. This book definitely had elements of that, but the hero and the heroine were practical and had a quiet love I could definitely get behind. There are 2 big issues that make this book only OK. One, was that the villainous chase was reminiscent of the Black Cobra Quartet, which I hated. In some ways I get it. The Jeremy and Eliza relationship didn't have any big misunderstandings or surprises that could draw their story out longer, but there's only some much running through woods and towns between Scotland and England that a girl can stand. Several scenes were completely unnecessary and should have been edited out. Two, the Cynster series is a boisterous family full of beloved characters but they don't ALL have to appear in every book. At one point practically every single Cynster character along with Bastion Club and Black Cobra characters descend on Wolverstone. FOR ABSOLUTELY NO REASON! Even the main characters were perplexed by the sheer number of people (Line: Transfixed by the crowd waiting to greet them, Jeremy murmured, "And why?"). I'm with you Jeremy. I'm with you.
January 31, 2015
What a fun book. I always like Stephanie Laurens' books and this was no exception. Her heroines are always wonderfully strong and not afraid to go after what they want. When Eliza is kidnapped, the bad guys drug her for several days to ensure she doesn't cause trouble. When they stop, she is several days away from home. She takes the only opportunity she has to try to get help - screaming at a passing traveler. Jeremy is headed in the other direction and has passed before he recognizes Eliza. He follows, and their escape adventures ensue. Both Eliza and Jeremy are sure that the other is not going to be what is needed. Both are pleasantly surprised to find that the other as unsuspected abilities - and each is surprised to find what they themselves are capable of. Throughout the adventure, as Jeremy and Eliza cope with all changes they must make in the escape, they realize that they are different from the people they were when they started. And those people have fallen in love with each other. I really liked the events that happened after they arrived at Wolverstone - it was amazing how blind their families were! I am really looking forward to Angelica's story!
June 26, 2013
This was Eliza Cynster's story. Unfortunately, part of it read like her sister Heather's story. I wish Eliza's kidnapping would have gone a little more differently. Once Eliza and Jeremy had gotten away from Scropes, it seems that anything that could have gone wrong did. it was almost comical :)
I did love that their journey changed them. What should have taken a day, at most, turned into five days and nights of them falling in love and learning that who they thought they were (or how society saw them) wasn't exactly who they were. And the people they became were ones I liked. I relished the fact that both of them we're ticked off by everyone assuming they weren't in love. Their wedding announcement was wonderful :)
I'm anxious to read Angelica's story next and see how McKinsey, who really isn't McKinsey, is going to win her AND save his clan.
I did love that their journey changed them. What should have taken a day, at most, turned into five days and nights of them falling in love and learning that who they thought they were (or how society saw them) wasn't exactly who they were. And the people they became were ones I liked. I relished the fact that both of them we're ticked off by everyone assuming they weren't in love. Their wedding announcement was wonderful :)
I'm anxious to read Angelica's story next and see how McKinsey, who really isn't McKinsey, is going to win her AND save his clan.
September 24, 2022
In Pursuit of Miss Eliza Cynster
2 Stars
Series note: As the plot focusing on the kidnapping of a Cynster sister continues, this trilogy should be read in order.
Unfortunately, the storyline is almost a verbatim repeat of the first installment only this time Eliza and Jeremy are traipsing all over Scotland to avoid a maniacal kidnapper (unlike the pleasant kidnappers from book 1). Moreover, the fact that Eliza just happens to encounter a person she knows on a lonely road in the wilds of Scotland requires more than a healthy suspension of disbelief.
In terms of the romance, Eliza and Jeremy have absolutely no chemistry and their sex scenes are mechanical rather than sensual.
Even the appearance of some of my favorite SL couples - Royce and Minerva, Honoria and Devil - couldn't save this travesty.
The only interesting character is the enigmatic laird and I really hope his book doesn't turn out to be a dud!
2 Stars
Series note: As the plot focusing on the kidnapping of a Cynster sister continues, this trilogy should be read in order.
Unfortunately, the storyline is almost a verbatim repeat of the first installment only this time Eliza and Jeremy are traipsing all over Scotland to avoid a maniacal kidnapper (unlike the pleasant kidnappers from book 1). Moreover, the fact that Eliza just happens to encounter a person she knows on a lonely road in the wilds of Scotland requires more than a healthy suspension of disbelief.
In terms of the romance, Eliza and Jeremy have absolutely no chemistry and their sex scenes are mechanical rather than sensual.
Even the appearance of some of my favorite SL couples - Royce and Minerva, Honoria and Devil - couldn't save this travesty.
The only interesting character is the enigmatic laird and I really hope his book doesn't turn out to be a dud!
November 8, 2011
Originally posted at http://www.smexybooks.com/2011/11/rev...
When Heather Cynster is returned to her loving family by Viscount Breckenridge, the Cynster’s know that the kidnapper will try again, so Eliza Cynster is placed under heavy guard until the elusive Laird is found. However, the Cynster’s failed to take into account just how desperate the Laird is and Eliza is kidnapped right from under their noses. Spirited towards Edinburgh, Eliza sees a familiar face and seizes the chance to escape.
Jeremy Carling, a placid scholar of ancient tomes, is shocked to see Eliza Cynster screaming for help from a carriage. Not your usual knight in shining armour, Jeremy cannot abandon a damsel in distress and enlists his friends to save her.
As Eliza and Jeremy race through the wilds of Scotland, one step ahead of a desperate Laird and a vengeful kidnapper, they find themselves on the brink of something magnificent…if they have the courage to seize it.
I have been a longtime lover of Ms. Laurens’ Cynster series. A delightfully complicated family of dangerous men and courageous woman who aren’t afraid to go after what they want in life. Brimming with humor, suspense, and the obligatory happily ever after, I spent many a night happily following their journeys to "happily ever after." The Pursuit of Miss Eliza Cynster is the second in the Cynster Sisters trilogy that revolves around three sisters-Heather, Eliza, and Angelica. Eliza Cynster is the second oldest and the most mild mannered of the three. Now that Heather has found her true love, it is Eliza’s turn. While scanning the ballrooms of the ton, she receives a note stating that a certain young man would like to meet her in private. She goes in search of her mysterious admirer and is taken.
I wish I could gush about this story but I cannot. The best I can say is that it is nice. The characters are nice. The plot is nice. The rescue is nice. Even the villain is nice. There is no sense of adventure in here. No intrigue or suspense. No standing on the precipice, quivering in anticipation wondering what will happen. We never at any time doubt what will happen. Eliza and Jeremy are two of a kind. Calm, rationale, and mild mannered. No arguing. They listen to one another and work extremely well together.
There were a few problems I just couldn’t let go of. One was Eliza meeting a strange man. She knows she is the next in line to be kidnapped so why on earth would she agree to meet a strange man alone? Then we have Jeremy and Eliza running from the Laird. Not once do they discuss the kidnapping or the possible reasons behind it. Though we do learn why the Cynsters’ have been targeted, I found it odd that that Jeremy and Eliza never visit the topic. The Laird is an enigma that will leave you wondering. He needs a Cynster in order to save his clan. He has a high sense of honor and when it becomes apparent that Eliza has escaped his clutches he goes from villain to matchmaker. He decides that fate saved him from a "woman who can’t ride" and makes it his duty to see watch over Eliza as she makes her way home. What a thoughtful kidnapper.
The romance is slow and sweet. The time Eliza and Jeremy spend together allows for the flames of desire to morph into love. I did like that in being alone they were able to shed the trappings of society and explore their feelings fully. The physical scenes are well written and allow for the consummation of Jeremy and Eliza’s love in a realistic yet fanciful sense.
The most interesting character in the entire book for me is the man that the Laird hires to kidnap Eliza. Unfortunately, we don’t see much of him after Eliza escapes. I was also disappointed that the rest of the Cynster family were not given more standing in the story. I looked forward to seeing Devil’s scowling face or Mrs. O’s snarky comments. The ending is anti climatic as we knew what would happen from the beginning and nothing is left to the imagination or chance. My advice is to wait for a copy from your library. Definitely not the Cynsters of the past.
I give this a D+
When Heather Cynster is returned to her loving family by Viscount Breckenridge, the Cynster’s know that the kidnapper will try again, so Eliza Cynster is placed under heavy guard until the elusive Laird is found. However, the Cynster’s failed to take into account just how desperate the Laird is and Eliza is kidnapped right from under their noses. Spirited towards Edinburgh, Eliza sees a familiar face and seizes the chance to escape.
Jeremy Carling, a placid scholar of ancient tomes, is shocked to see Eliza Cynster screaming for help from a carriage. Not your usual knight in shining armour, Jeremy cannot abandon a damsel in distress and enlists his friends to save her.
As Eliza and Jeremy race through the wilds of Scotland, one step ahead of a desperate Laird and a vengeful kidnapper, they find themselves on the brink of something magnificent…if they have the courage to seize it.
I have been a longtime lover of Ms. Laurens’ Cynster series. A delightfully complicated family of dangerous men and courageous woman who aren’t afraid to go after what they want in life. Brimming with humor, suspense, and the obligatory happily ever after, I spent many a night happily following their journeys to "happily ever after." The Pursuit of Miss Eliza Cynster is the second in the Cynster Sisters trilogy that revolves around three sisters-Heather, Eliza, and Angelica. Eliza Cynster is the second oldest and the most mild mannered of the three. Now that Heather has found her true love, it is Eliza’s turn. While scanning the ballrooms of the ton, she receives a note stating that a certain young man would like to meet her in private. She goes in search of her mysterious admirer and is taken.
I wish I could gush about this story but I cannot. The best I can say is that it is nice. The characters are nice. The plot is nice. The rescue is nice. Even the villain is nice. There is no sense of adventure in here. No intrigue or suspense. No standing on the precipice, quivering in anticipation wondering what will happen. We never at any time doubt what will happen. Eliza and Jeremy are two of a kind. Calm, rationale, and mild mannered. No arguing. They listen to one another and work extremely well together.
There were a few problems I just couldn’t let go of. One was Eliza meeting a strange man. She knows she is the next in line to be kidnapped so why on earth would she agree to meet a strange man alone? Then we have Jeremy and Eliza running from the Laird. Not once do they discuss the kidnapping or the possible reasons behind it. Though we do learn why the Cynsters’ have been targeted, I found it odd that that Jeremy and Eliza never visit the topic. The Laird is an enigma that will leave you wondering. He needs a Cynster in order to save his clan. He has a high sense of honor and when it becomes apparent that Eliza has escaped his clutches he goes from villain to matchmaker. He decides that fate saved him from a "woman who can’t ride" and makes it his duty to see watch over Eliza as she makes her way home. What a thoughtful kidnapper.
The romance is slow and sweet. The time Eliza and Jeremy spend together allows for the flames of desire to morph into love. I did like that in being alone they were able to shed the trappings of society and explore their feelings fully. The physical scenes are well written and allow for the consummation of Jeremy and Eliza’s love in a realistic yet fanciful sense.
The most interesting character in the entire book for me is the man that the Laird hires to kidnap Eliza. Unfortunately, we don’t see much of him after Eliza escapes. I was also disappointed that the rest of the Cynster family were not given more standing in the story. I looked forward to seeing Devil’s scowling face or Mrs. O’s snarky comments. The ending is anti climatic as we knew what would happen from the beginning and nothing is left to the imagination or chance. My advice is to wait for a copy from your library. Definitely not the Cynsters of the past.
I give this a D+
October 3, 2011
IN PURSUIT OF ELIZA CYNSTER by Stephanie Laurens
Book #2 in the Cynster Sisters Series (Three heroes, three rescues, three weddings)
09/11 - HarperCollins Publishers – HARPERCOLLINS, 448 pages
If no one sees who I am, how will my hero find me?
When you are a Cynster sister, you are expected to find your true love, know how to ride a horse, and have the potential to be kidnapped. None of the sisters have any understanding of why someone wants to kidnap them but Miss Eliza Cynster it turns out is number two on the list.
Despite all the male presence to protect her Eliza is taken from her home and literally drug across the country en route to her final unknown destination. Eliza is not sure how to escape but believes her hero is out there and will come for her. What Eliza never expected was the quiet, bookish Jeremy Carling to be that man.
Jeremy knows the history of the Cynster family and when he is called upon to step up and save Eliza, he may question how he is going to do it but not if he is going to do it. With his incredible intelligence, a fluid plan, plus a great map Jeremy embarks on the adventure of a lifetime that he never expected would free him as much as it does Eliza.
The terrain is difficult, the journey hazardous, and the kidnappers are still lurking out there but Jeremy and Eliza know they have each other. Jeremy and Eliza are not afraid of the dark or the danger outside the door as they discover the inner secrets about each other, which turn out to be as revealing as what they find out about themselves. To the outside world, they are seen as meek and harmless, but lurking inside it appears they are fearless and determined to find true love.
This second book in the trilogy is as fascinating as the first with well-developed characters and a storyline that draws you in from page one. When you write with characters that are, more studious than adventuresome it is at times difficult to plot that course. However, Ms. Laurens shows that everyone is looking to tap into their inner, daring self.
Book #2 in the Cynster Sisters Series (Three heroes, three rescues, three weddings)
09/11 - HarperCollins Publishers – HARPERCOLLINS, 448 pages
If no one sees who I am, how will my hero find me?
When you are a Cynster sister, you are expected to find your true love, know how to ride a horse, and have the potential to be kidnapped. None of the sisters have any understanding of why someone wants to kidnap them but Miss Eliza Cynster it turns out is number two on the list.
Despite all the male presence to protect her Eliza is taken from her home and literally drug across the country en route to her final unknown destination. Eliza is not sure how to escape but believes her hero is out there and will come for her. What Eliza never expected was the quiet, bookish Jeremy Carling to be that man.
Jeremy knows the history of the Cynster family and when he is called upon to step up and save Eliza, he may question how he is going to do it but not if he is going to do it. With his incredible intelligence, a fluid plan, plus a great map Jeremy embarks on the adventure of a lifetime that he never expected would free him as much as it does Eliza.
The terrain is difficult, the journey hazardous, and the kidnappers are still lurking out there but Jeremy and Eliza know they have each other. Jeremy and Eliza are not afraid of the dark or the danger outside the door as they discover the inner secrets about each other, which turn out to be as revealing as what they find out about themselves. To the outside world, they are seen as meek and harmless, but lurking inside it appears they are fearless and determined to find true love.
This second book in the trilogy is as fascinating as the first with well-developed characters and a storyline that draws you in from page one. When you write with characters that are, more studious than adventuresome it is at times difficult to plot that course. However, Ms. Laurens shows that everyone is looking to tap into their inner, daring self.
February 4, 2022
This book is the second in the Cynster Sisters trilogy and has almost the same plot as the first (Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue): a mysterious Scottish laird has to obtain a "Cynster sister" to get back a goblet. We don't know why, we don't know by when, but we do know how: he's decided that his honor won't permit him to kidnap said sister himself, so he's hired a few goons to do the dirty work. Things don't go quite as planned and the Cynster girl gets rescued by a man of her station. During their escape, they fall in love.
This book does have a key difference between its predecessor, though: the conflict here is not miscommunication between the members of the couple. No, the conflict is that Eliza's family just assumed the two of them weren't in love.
But seriously though, the conflict of this book hinges on the wording of the wedding announcement. We loved it. Duh.
30-Word Summaries:
Laine: Viscount Breckenridge part two except (1) she can't ride a horse (2) they don't really know each other and (3) there are even more POVs from "the laird". It's great.
Meg: Some rando in Scotland needs her son to kidnap a “Cynster sister” and Eliza’s next. Luckily an acquaintance sees her and pulls off the worst rescue in the known universe.
This book does have a key difference between its predecessor, though: the conflict here is not miscommunication between the members of the couple. No, the conflict is that Eliza's family just assumed the two of them weren't in love.
But seriously though, the conflict of this book hinges on the wording of the wedding announcement. We loved it. Duh.
30-Word Summaries:
Laine: Viscount Breckenridge part two except (1) she can't ride a horse (2) they don't really know each other and (3) there are even more POVs from "the laird". It's great.
Meg: Some rando in Scotland needs her son to kidnap a “Cynster sister” and Eliza’s next. Luckily an acquaintance sees her and pulls off the worst rescue in the known universe.
December 13, 2011
I love Stephanie Laurens and have read all of the Cynster books over the years. This book is the 2nd in a series of three. So far, I found both book 1 & book 2 to be excessively repetative. I think she could have done a better job expanding the story line rather then telling us the same thing over-and-over. Because I like the idea of a good man (a Scottish Laird at that) forced to make hard choices, I plan to read the final book when it is published. I just want to see what his story is all about. This could have been so much better, instead I feel like it was rushed for publication destined to be a beach read, never to be re-read again. Dissapointing. I hope she takes better care with future projects. I'll donate this series to the local libary when I finish it.
November 12, 2016
What's it like to read the same book with different characters?
Basically THAT is what this book felt like. Just a redo of the previous cynster books, especially heather's- but instead it starred Jeremy and Eliza.
Eliza is the middle cynster sister. Jeremy is a scholar.
She thinks of him as a boring bookworm.
He thinks of her as a plain ninny.
As she's kidnapped by the same laird and Jeremy is forced to rescue her, they fall for each other in typical Cynster style.
I wish I wasn't bored by this, but I was.
However I do want to know if the Laird and Angelica end up with each other.
Safe read
2.75/5
Basically THAT is what this book felt like. Just a redo of the previous cynster books, especially heather's- but instead it starred Jeremy and Eliza.
Eliza is the middle cynster sister. Jeremy is a scholar.
She thinks of him as a boring bookworm.
He thinks of her as a plain ninny.
As she's kidnapped by the same laird and Jeremy is forced to rescue her, they fall for each other in typical Cynster style.
I wish I wasn't bored by this, but I was.
However I do want to know if the Laird and Angelica end up with each other.
Safe read
2.75/5
August 10, 2016
En realidad creo que es un 2,5/5
Es un libro con el que no he logrado conectar. Ni con sus personajes, a los que les falta mucha química entre ellos y que me han dejado un poco "fría " o indiferente, ni con la forma de escribir de la autora. Demasiado recargada, lenta y detallada para mi gusto. La historia prometía mucho, eso si, pero quizás la forma de desarrollarla de la autora no me ha acabado de convencer. Aun así, sirve para pasar un rato entretenido y reír un poco con las ocurrencias se nuestros protagonistas.
Es un libro con el que no he logrado conectar. Ni con sus personajes, a los que les falta mucha química entre ellos y que me han dejado un poco "fría " o indiferente, ni con la forma de escribir de la autora. Demasiado recargada, lenta y detallada para mi gusto. La historia prometía mucho, eso si, pero quizás la forma de desarrollarla de la autora no me ha acabado de convencer. Aun así, sirve para pasar un rato entretenido y reír un poco con las ocurrencias se nuestros protagonistas.
February 5, 2012
IN PURSUIT OF ELIZA CYNSTER by Stephanie Laurens
In Pursuit of Eliza Cynster is the second book in Stephanie Laurens’ Cynster Sisters trilogy and the 17th novel in the Cynster series of books. Like the previous Cynster sister book, In Pursuit focuses on the abduction, rescue and eventual HEA of a Cynster female. Including an adventure through two countries and countless little towns and villages, In Pursuit of Eliza Cynster will leave you breathless and longing for a glass of wine and the comfort of your own bed.
Eliza Cynster is tired of the constant presence of her over-protective brothers and cousins. Well aware of Heather Cynster’s kidnapping some weeks before, the Cynster males are taking no chance that the remaining eligible females are put into the precarious position of another potential abduction. But when a note , requesting her presence elsewhere, away from Heather and Breckenridge’s celebration, Eliza is more than ready for a change of scenery. But a mysterious man and a drugged induced stupor quickly force Eliza to realize, that she is the next target of a man named McKinsey.
Jeremy Carling is a scholar, a man who spends most of his time, reading, researching and studying ancient tomes and books. But, when a carriage carrying, what looks like a screaming Eliza Cynster, rumbles by, he remembers the threat against the famous Cynster sister’s and realizes, that he may be Eliza’s only hope for a rescue.
Following the carriage through rural England, he soon realizes that Eliza and her abductors are heading for Scotland. Not wanting to waste time, and possibly losing track of the carriage, Jeremy enlists the help of his brother in law and a couple of boyhood friends, to aid in the rescue of Eliza Cynster. But Eliza’s captives have already made preparations, and quickly escort Eliza out of town, but not before, Jeremy is able to get word to Eliza, that she is not alone.
Eliza’s abductors are hired by the mysterious Laird, known only as McKinsey, to the readers.—an aristocratic man intent on finding a woman of eligible marriage potential- so that he is able to procure the ‘golden chalice’ from his mother. Without the chalice, ‘McKinsey’ will lose everything—his castle, his land and his honor. Therefore, he gives warning to the hirees, that no harm must befall Eliza Cynster-she is to be treated with the utmost respect and care. But Victor Stropes is a hired gun; a man used to getting the job done at all costs. And McKinsey, knowing that Stropes and the others, are only doing their job, takes on the added burden of tailing the trio of kidnappers, wherever they go with Eliza, to ensure her safety.
Jeremy soon enlists the aid of his family, in the rescue of Eliza. When Eliza is hidden in the basement of a newly renovated townhouse by her captors, Jeremy is forced to execute her escape-but he soon finds out that each housing unit is outfitted with an alternate escape, buried deep under foundation. When Stropes and the others finally realize that their captive has alluded them, panic sets in, as McKinsey arrives to handle the exchange. Angered that Stropes and the others have not been able to protect Eliza from rescue, McKinsey releases Stropes from his contract, and declares their partnership ended. Stropes is so incensed that he is now perceived as a failure, sets out on his own, to re-capture Eliza and make good on the deal.
Jeremy Carling senses there is something different about Eliza Cynster. She is not like her sisters. She is quiet, unassuming and seemingly more fragile. When they set out, on their trek homeward, across the harsh Scottish countryside on horseback, he soon realizes, that she is unable to handle the pressures and nuances involved with riding a horse, and they are forced to set out on foot. But the knowledge that both Stropes and McKinsey have not stopped in their hunt to reclaim Eliza, have the young couple running for their lives.
Eliza is comforted to know, that the bookish Jeremy has taken it upon himself, to map out their route, ensuring their safety along the way. But even disguised as a young boy in britches, Eliza and Jeremy’s escape route, is soon discovered and Stropes, as well as a determined McKinsey, pursue them relentlessly. McKinsey’s dogged pursuit is now one of a guardianship over Eliza, fearing Stropes will capture at any cost. And McKinsey, the aristocratic gentleman that he is, is steeped in the knowledge, that Jeremy Carling, is better suited as a potential husband for Eliza Cynster, than he ever will be.
As the story unfolds, Eliza and Jeremy soon recognize that their relationship is more than just one of a search and rescue. Their feelings towards one another blossom, as each day unfolds, and they are forced to stay together each night, for their own safety and protection. But as their trek takes them closer to the Scotland/England border, Stropes disdain for Jeremy and his overwhelming need to re-capture Eliza at all cost, puts the couple at risk for injury and possible death. When Jeremy is shot and wounded by Stropes, McKinsey’s fury at the attempted killing, sparks a fight between the two men, and their resulting plunge off a cliff, force Jeremy and Eliza to the realization how much of a mad-man, Stropes had become. Presuming, both men had died from the fall, Eliza and Jeremy continue on their journey home, crossing the border between England and Scotland, into the welcoming arms of family and friends.
As with all romance storylines, Eliza and Jeremy’s happily ever after, is arguably predictable. During his recovery, the couple, question their love for each other, if only because, their respective families, are completely oblivious to the connection between the couple. But loves conquers all and in the end, another Cynster sister, is betrothed to the man, her hero and friend.
http://thereadingcafe.com/
In Pursuit of Eliza Cynster is the second book in Stephanie Laurens’ Cynster Sisters trilogy and the 17th novel in the Cynster series of books. Like the previous Cynster sister book, In Pursuit focuses on the abduction, rescue and eventual HEA of a Cynster female. Including an adventure through two countries and countless little towns and villages, In Pursuit of Eliza Cynster will leave you breathless and longing for a glass of wine and the comfort of your own bed.
Eliza Cynster is tired of the constant presence of her over-protective brothers and cousins. Well aware of Heather Cynster’s kidnapping some weeks before, the Cynster males are taking no chance that the remaining eligible females are put into the precarious position of another potential abduction. But when a note , requesting her presence elsewhere, away from Heather and Breckenridge’s celebration, Eliza is more than ready for a change of scenery. But a mysterious man and a drugged induced stupor quickly force Eliza to realize, that she is the next target of a man named McKinsey.
Jeremy Carling is a scholar, a man who spends most of his time, reading, researching and studying ancient tomes and books. But, when a carriage carrying, what looks like a screaming Eliza Cynster, rumbles by, he remembers the threat against the famous Cynster sister’s and realizes, that he may be Eliza’s only hope for a rescue.
Following the carriage through rural England, he soon realizes that Eliza and her abductors are heading for Scotland. Not wanting to waste time, and possibly losing track of the carriage, Jeremy enlists the help of his brother in law and a couple of boyhood friends, to aid in the rescue of Eliza Cynster. But Eliza’s captives have already made preparations, and quickly escort Eliza out of town, but not before, Jeremy is able to get word to Eliza, that she is not alone.
Eliza’s abductors are hired by the mysterious Laird, known only as McKinsey, to the readers.—an aristocratic man intent on finding a woman of eligible marriage potential- so that he is able to procure the ‘golden chalice’ from his mother. Without the chalice, ‘McKinsey’ will lose everything—his castle, his land and his honor. Therefore, he gives warning to the hirees, that no harm must befall Eliza Cynster-she is to be treated with the utmost respect and care. But Victor Stropes is a hired gun; a man used to getting the job done at all costs. And McKinsey, knowing that Stropes and the others, are only doing their job, takes on the added burden of tailing the trio of kidnappers, wherever they go with Eliza, to ensure her safety.
Jeremy soon enlists the aid of his family, in the rescue of Eliza. When Eliza is hidden in the basement of a newly renovated townhouse by her captors, Jeremy is forced to execute her escape-but he soon finds out that each housing unit is outfitted with an alternate escape, buried deep under foundation. When Stropes and the others finally realize that their captive has alluded them, panic sets in, as McKinsey arrives to handle the exchange. Angered that Stropes and the others have not been able to protect Eliza from rescue, McKinsey releases Stropes from his contract, and declares their partnership ended. Stropes is so incensed that he is now perceived as a failure, sets out on his own, to re-capture Eliza and make good on the deal.
Jeremy Carling senses there is something different about Eliza Cynster. She is not like her sisters. She is quiet, unassuming and seemingly more fragile. When they set out, on their trek homeward, across the harsh Scottish countryside on horseback, he soon realizes, that she is unable to handle the pressures and nuances involved with riding a horse, and they are forced to set out on foot. But the knowledge that both Stropes and McKinsey have not stopped in their hunt to reclaim Eliza, have the young couple running for their lives.
Eliza is comforted to know, that the bookish Jeremy has taken it upon himself, to map out their route, ensuring their safety along the way. But even disguised as a young boy in britches, Eliza and Jeremy’s escape route, is soon discovered and Stropes, as well as a determined McKinsey, pursue them relentlessly. McKinsey’s dogged pursuit is now one of a guardianship over Eliza, fearing Stropes will capture at any cost. And McKinsey, the aristocratic gentleman that he is, is steeped in the knowledge, that Jeremy Carling, is better suited as a potential husband for Eliza Cynster, than he ever will be.
As the story unfolds, Eliza and Jeremy soon recognize that their relationship is more than just one of a search and rescue. Their feelings towards one another blossom, as each day unfolds, and they are forced to stay together each night, for their own safety and protection. But as their trek takes them closer to the Scotland/England border, Stropes disdain for Jeremy and his overwhelming need to re-capture Eliza at all cost, puts the couple at risk for injury and possible death. When Jeremy is shot and wounded by Stropes, McKinsey’s fury at the attempted killing, sparks a fight between the two men, and their resulting plunge off a cliff, force Jeremy and Eliza to the realization how much of a mad-man, Stropes had become. Presuming, both men had died from the fall, Eliza and Jeremy continue on their journey home, crossing the border between England and Scotland, into the welcoming arms of family and friends.
As with all romance storylines, Eliza and Jeremy’s happily ever after, is arguably predictable. During his recovery, the couple, question their love for each other, if only because, their respective families, are completely oblivious to the connection between the couple. But loves conquers all and in the end, another Cynster sister, is betrothed to the man, her hero and friend.
http://thereadingcafe.com/
July 19, 2019
Auch wenn sie nicht so gut sind..muss ich trotzdem wissen wie es weitergeht 😅
March 26, 2024
3.5 stars
There was a whopping good kidnapping story at the center of this tale and two very appealing main characters. The chase scenes were downright exciting. The developing relationship between Eliza and Jeremy was refreshingly free of misunderstandings and lack of communication for the first 85% of the book, with the author choosing to focus on how two people come to know, appreciate, and value the other while working toward a common goal. Love that.
That’s the good news. The bad news is that the author almost drowned the good news in a sea of verbosity and overthinking. The self-reflection of both main characters went on and on and on. And on. The situation they found themselves in changed them fundamentally: yeah, I got that the first hundred times it was mentioned. Did they even want love in their lives? They wrestled that to the ground about a hundred times each. My advice to future readers: the minute the couple reach safety, at about the 85% mark, just skip to the last few pages to avoid going into a boredom coma.
There was a whopping good kidnapping story at the center of this tale and two very appealing main characters. The chase scenes were downright exciting. The developing relationship between Eliza and Jeremy was refreshingly free of misunderstandings and lack of communication for the first 85% of the book, with the author choosing to focus on how two people come to know, appreciate, and value the other while working toward a common goal. Love that.
That’s the good news. The bad news is that the author almost drowned the good news in a sea of verbosity and overthinking. The self-reflection of both main characters went on and on and on. And on. The situation they found themselves in changed them fundamentally: yeah, I got that the first hundred times it was mentioned. Did they even want love in their lives? They wrestled that to the ground about a hundred times each. My advice to future readers: the minute the couple reach safety, at about the 85% mark, just skip to the last few pages to avoid going into a boredom coma.
June 30, 2018
No es malo pero Stephanie Laurens nos tiene acostumbrados a libros mejores, quede cansada de todo lo que caminaron los protagonistas, subian colinas, bajaban colinas, arroyos, valles en fin todo una maraton, que a mi me agoto
Me gusto como Jeremy sin ser un héroe se convirtió en el que estaba buscando Eliza, la historia es bonita, pero la hubiera podido hacer mas corta
Me gusto como Jeremy sin ser un héroe se convirtió en el que estaba buscando Eliza, la historia es bonita, pero la hubiera podido hacer mas corta
June 20, 2021
I really like the development of the love story between Eliza and her hero Jeremy. She pulled her own weight (except for her inability to ride) and did not jump into his arms even though she was looking for her hero.
September 23, 2011
A mysterious Scottish laird is on the hunt for a Cynster sister to become his wife. He doesn't really want to do it; His mother is forcing him through blackmail. His first attempt to secure Cynster wife failed when Heather Cynster got away from the kidnappers he hired (in Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue.) Now, he is hoping for better luck by hiring a new man to snatch her younger sister Eliza.
But shortly after the kidnappers take to the road with their quarry in hand, Eliza manages to gain the attention of a gentleman in a passing carriage. That man, Jeremy Carling, will eventually become her rescuer. But escape from the captors is only the beginning. The laird and the man he hired won't let them get away so easily. The story follows their pursuit of the couple, as they try to make their way back to England and to safety.
The basic plot of the book is a great deal like its predecessor. The biggest difference is that here, more time in the story is focused on the getaway than the time our heroine spends in captivity. The love story is ok. Neither our hero or heroine is flighty or fickle. There is a quiet surety to their relationship as it develops. And despite their own insecurities, there is never any doubt to their feelings for each other.
But this book was far too long. The first half had decent pacing, but the second half just went on and on. Too many love scenes in too much detail. (Holy cow! I never thought I would say that about a book.) While they were good at the beginning, they lost their magic by the third or fourth round. And the maps. Good gravy, they consulted the maps every five minutes. And described the routes and roadways in excruciating detail. I found my eyes jumping over chunks of text every time someone pulled out a map because I knew what was coming next.
The story was most effective when it focused on Eliza and Jeremy discovering their feelings. It was also gratifying to watch them grow as individuals as they learned to be a couple. The laird is also interesting as we learn bits and pieces about him and his motivations. But the book was bloated. I believe an aggressive editor could have streamlined this into a much stronger piece. 3 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
But shortly after the kidnappers take to the road with their quarry in hand, Eliza manages to gain the attention of a gentleman in a passing carriage. That man, Jeremy Carling, will eventually become her rescuer. But escape from the captors is only the beginning. The laird and the man he hired won't let them get away so easily. The story follows their pursuit of the couple, as they try to make their way back to England and to safety.
The basic plot of the book is a great deal like its predecessor. The biggest difference is that here, more time in the story is focused on the getaway than the time our heroine spends in captivity. The love story is ok. Neither our hero or heroine is flighty or fickle. There is a quiet surety to their relationship as it develops. And despite their own insecurities, there is never any doubt to their feelings for each other.
But this book was far too long. The first half had decent pacing, but the second half just went on and on. Too many love scenes in too much detail. (Holy cow! I never thought I would say that about a book.) While they were good at the beginning, they lost their magic by the third or fourth round. And the maps. Good gravy, they consulted the maps every five minutes. And described the routes and roadways in excruciating detail. I found my eyes jumping over chunks of text every time someone pulled out a map because I knew what was coming next.
The story was most effective when it focused on Eliza and Jeremy discovering their feelings. It was also gratifying to watch them grow as individuals as they learned to be a couple. The laird is also interesting as we learn bits and pieces about him and his motivations. But the book was bloated. I believe an aggressive editor could have streamlined this into a much stronger piece. 3 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
May 5, 2012
I thought that after having enjoyed the first book in the trilogy, I would have liked this one. I was very disappointted. Don't get me wrong, I think the characters were great, I just don't think Ms. Laurens did these two justice. Our heroine is Eliza Cynster...of the sisters, she is the most typical society miss. Never a step out of line, quiet, smart but easy going. She also would love to find that elusive hero to take her away. At a ball given by her family, an unknown man sends a note and she steals off to meet him. Hence, kidnapping #2 unfolds. On the way to the wilds of Scotland, the drugged and terrified Eliza manages to hail another traveler on the road...Jeremy Carling, again a family friend. Jeremy is much more a scholar than a hero. He is Eliza's exact male match, better suited to a quiet country home...definitely not the hero type. Again, he gives chase and rescues the young lady in question. What follows is a lot of tramping over mountains and streams, and dodging bad guys. After reading the first book in the series, I could easily predict what was going to happen next with this book. I felt it was, if not an almost carbon copy of the first book, then very close. Maybe it was just me, but these characters were well developed, but weren't given their due. There is so much more that could have been done with their story and I just felt it fell short of Ms. Laurens previous efforts.
December 11, 2011
IN PURSUIT OF ELIZA CYNSTER by Stephanie Laurens is an exciting historical romance set in Regency England. This is Book 2 in the “Cynster Sisters” trilogy,but can be read as a stand alone. See “Viscount Breckenbridge To The Rescue”. Although, “In Pursuit of ELiza Cynster” does have it slow moments,it is does have an interesting cast of characters. Eliza being a Cynster is unable to seat a horse,oh well,we all can’t be perfect and we all have our faults. I think this story of Eliza Cynster and Jeremy Carling is interesting,with a few twists and turns. You can’t help but hope the best for the villian. Eliza is kidnapped from her sister’s wedding and taken to Scotland by a Scottish Laird to marry. But wait the kidnapper is he a villian or foe? While the Scottish Laird needs a Cynster’s sister to marry he is not such a villian. While Jeremy and Eliza try to escape her kidnapper with the help of a bunch of nerds,yes nerds,they find they have a lot in common and are drawn to each other. I enjoy this author’s works and was a tad disappointed in the beginning,but I felt the story pick up toward the end.While, to me “In Pursuit of Eliza Cynster” is not her best work it still a keeper and well worth reading. Received for review from the publisher. Details can be found at Avon,an imprint of Harper Collins Publishing and My Book Addiction Reviews.
March 3, 2016
Eliza Cynster es secuestrada en el baile de compromiso de su hermana Heather. En el camino logra divisar a Jeremy Carling, atrae su atención y así nuestro héroe va a su rescate. Veremos a Jeremy y a Eliza intentando huir de los secuestradores pero ¿lograrán llegar sanos y salvos a casa?
Después de haber leído el libro anterior, no podía quedarme con las dudas del secuestro y la razón de ello. Entonces, no voy a negar que me gustó leer a Eliza y Jeremy, pero sí tengo que reconocer que esperaba mucho más. La pareja fue agradable, ya sabíamos quien andaba detras de todo -aunque ellos no-, pero siento que hubo muchas páginas desperdiciadas con tanta huida y que no hubo una lucha real entre estos dos para darse cuenta que se querían. Una aceptación muy fácil contrario a lo que Laurens nos tiene acostumbradas. También me pareció ridículo lo que todos opinan de ellos y la razón de que tengan que casarse…
El misterio no se termina tampoco en este libro... Otro final muy feliz pero que me pareció muy cursi.
Después de haber leído el libro anterior, no podía quedarme con las dudas del secuestro y la razón de ello. Entonces, no voy a negar que me gustó leer a Eliza y Jeremy, pero sí tengo que reconocer que esperaba mucho más. La pareja fue agradable, ya sabíamos quien andaba detras de todo -aunque ellos no-, pero siento que hubo muchas páginas desperdiciadas con tanta huida y que no hubo una lucha real entre estos dos para darse cuenta que se querían. Una aceptación muy fácil contrario a lo que Laurens nos tiene acostumbradas. También me pareció ridículo lo que todos opinan de ellos y la razón de que tengan que casarse…
El misterio no se termina tampoco en este libro... Otro final muy feliz pero que me pareció muy cursi.
December 13, 2011
Got about 200 pages and gave up. Not because it was bad exactly, just really really boring. The romance was flat to nonexistent; by page 200 the h/h had barely spoken (to each other or anyone else). And the place descriptions were both flowery and detailed but not evocactive of much of anything in terms of setting a mood (other that zzz). That actually sounds like it was pretty bad, but it wasn't cracked out enough or frustrating enough for that, it was just boring.
November 21, 2014
the amount of hiking across the Scottish hills this heroine who has no liking for or practicing exercising does is roughly as likely as my ever accomplishing as much cleaning in a week as a Grace Livingston Hill heroine does in an afternoon while simultaneously baking, cooking, knitting, and being saccharine
March 19, 2022
ما يحق لرواية من هذا النوع انها تكون بهذا الطول. ولا يحق لها تكون بهذي الرتابة والتكرارية. كدت أصاب باصابة جسدية بس من قراءة هذه الرواية.
November 26, 2022
Kind of wacky, very fun. Heist and there’s only one bed? Very fun.
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