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Cynster #8
On a Wild Night
Where are all the exciting men in London?
After spending years in the glittering ballrooms of the ton, Amanda Cynster is utterly bored by the current crop of colorless suitors. Determined to take matters into her own hands, one night she shockingly goes where no respectable lady ever should, but where many an intriguing gentleman might be found.
But titillating excitement quickly turns to panic when Amanda discovers she′s quite out of her depth. She looks around for help -- and is unexpectedly rescued by the Earl of Dexter. Lean, sensuous, and mysterious, he has delayed re-entering society, preferring instead a more interesting existence on its fringes.
He′s the epitome of the boldly passionate gentleman Amanda has been searching for, but although his very touch makes it clear he′s willing to educate her in the art of love, Amanda has to wonder if such a masterful, lionized rake can be sufficiently tamed into the ways of marriage.
406 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 2, 2002
347 people are currently reading
2769 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
206 books5,586 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 239 reviews
November 25, 2018
5.0 "Stalkerific Female Stars"!!
Amanda Cynster
Amanda has set her sites on the Earl of Dexter but she is gonna have to lie, scheme, manipulate, and stalk him into submission. Her plan has a major flaw. Amanda has just awoken a sleeping lion. She is about to become the prey and he's determined to have her as his wife.
I Loved Amanda and her scheming ways!! It was a total joy to watch her weave her web and set her trap. Dexter was a perfect match for her vixen ways!! Dexter also had the brass balls to face Devil and the Bar Cynster to request Amanda's hand in marriage.
This series has been a total joy and it keeps getting better!!
Amanda Cynster
Amanda has set her sites on the Earl of Dexter but she is gonna have to lie, scheme, manipulate, and stalk him into submission. Her plan has a major flaw. Amanda has just awoken a sleeping lion. She is about to become the prey and he's determined to have her as his wife.
I Loved Amanda and her scheming ways!! It was a total joy to watch her weave her web and set her trap. Dexter was a perfect match for her vixen ways!! Dexter also had the brass balls to face Devil and the Bar Cynster to request Amanda's hand in marriage.
This series has been a total joy and it keeps getting better!!
November 28, 2009
Such a protracted courtship-slash-equivocation. And I do have respect for Laurens' writing, but this novel, for all its steamy-sexcapades, left a bitter aftertaste, as the premise is somehow an insult to any woman of reasonable intellect; as well as an affirmation for any misogynist.
It wouldn’t have been so bad, really, if it posed as a suspense novel instead--one that just happened to have an awful lot of naked scenes.
Amanda came off like a spoiled, coldly calculating, I’ll-have-it-all-laid-at-my-feet-or-no-deal tease of a woman. And the Cynster family, whom I adored in the 3 other novels I’ve read, became a clan that was not so much close-knit as being driven by snobbery and lack of wit. What the heck happened…
For a family led by 6 strong-willed men who were infamous for their rakehell days, it became difficult to take in the fact that, in this installment, the reader is led to assume that this family is actually more concerned with reputations and appearances. This was supposed to be a coterie of very passionate people, who have had no qualms in claiming mates of their own with whom they have a mutual explosive chemistry, past lives be-damned. The matter of “professing avowals of love” is something that they would just subsequently work with after they have been assured of being exclusively committed to one another. Something in the lines of ‘claim first, then surrender later.’
I could not understand why, even after it was made clear that the Cynsters (apparently) had the sense of not believing rumors, Martin’s past is such a huge obstacle for welcoming him in their family. I have always thought that, as long as the elder Cynsters were assured that there really is a core of honor in the man (and that there is a healthy dose of desire on both sides), they would not hesitate to use the full backing of their ‘tonnish’ power to clear the name of one whom they finally consider ‘one of their own.’ Everything in this novel is arse-backward.
For Amanda to make a full-on declaration of love from Martin as an ultimatum is not something I would have expected of a Cynster. A Cynster, as I have understood it from Devil, Chillingworth, *and* even from their mates, would have acknowledged the prospect of working for and evoking love AFTER being wed (how can it not when they only have eyes for each other). Working to have that love come out in the open after weeks or months of being married would have been the true measure of how a Cynster broke down any remaining barriers to love.
It made no sense to me to have Amanda demand so much from Martin, who was made to practically act like a lovesick swain (despite descriptions to the contrary), while she herself barely surrendered anything at all. Hell, she did not even act like a thoroughly ravished female after that first night with him.
The ironic thing is that, Amanda (with Amelia) admitted to settling for no less than husbands who were like the Bar Cynster men...and yet they could not understand why Martin (obviously Amanda's rendition of her 'Cynster-like' husband, else she would not have latched onto him) is acting as he is. They should have figured in that, in aiming for someone who were like their male cousins, they should have been braced for someone with similar temperament: apparently overbearing and possessive but who *can* be made to admit love later on.
If Laurens wanted to send a message that Amanda will not stand as a doormat vis-à-vis a dominant male, then she has gone about it in the wrong way.
And even the identity of the true killer was easy to deduce before one even reaches half of the book. All the time, I was like, ‘huh?’ and wondered if I was just being led to believe an *obvious* choice of who the killer is. I then tentatively hoped that Laurens was going to throw a curveball and twist everything around to make me sit back on my heels and wryly admit my wrong suppositions. But no, who I halfway guessed as the killer stubbornly kept the same identity even up the end. Darn it!
It wouldn’t have been so bad, really, if it posed as a suspense novel instead--one that just happened to have an awful lot of naked scenes.
Amanda came off like a spoiled, coldly calculating, I’ll-have-it-all-laid-at-my-feet-or-no-deal tease of a woman. And the Cynster family, whom I adored in the 3 other novels I’ve read, became a clan that was not so much close-knit as being driven by snobbery and lack of wit. What the heck happened…
For a family led by 6 strong-willed men who were infamous for their rakehell days, it became difficult to take in the fact that, in this installment, the reader is led to assume that this family is actually more concerned with reputations and appearances. This was supposed to be a coterie of very passionate people, who have had no qualms in claiming mates of their own with whom they have a mutual explosive chemistry, past lives be-damned. The matter of “professing avowals of love” is something that they would just subsequently work with after they have been assured of being exclusively committed to one another. Something in the lines of ‘claim first, then surrender later.’
I could not understand why, even after it was made clear that the Cynsters (apparently) had the sense of not believing rumors, Martin’s past is such a huge obstacle for welcoming him in their family. I have always thought that, as long as the elder Cynsters were assured that there really is a core of honor in the man (and that there is a healthy dose of desire on both sides), they would not hesitate to use the full backing of their ‘tonnish’ power to clear the name of one whom they finally consider ‘one of their own.’ Everything in this novel is arse-backward.
For Amanda to make a full-on declaration of love from Martin as an ultimatum is not something I would have expected of a Cynster. A Cynster, as I have understood it from Devil, Chillingworth, *and* even from their mates, would have acknowledged the prospect of working for and evoking love AFTER being wed (how can it not when they only have eyes for each other). Working to have that love come out in the open after weeks or months of being married would have been the true measure of how a Cynster broke down any remaining barriers to love.
It made no sense to me to have Amanda demand so much from Martin, who was made to practically act like a lovesick swain (despite descriptions to the contrary), while she herself barely surrendered anything at all. Hell, she did not even act like a thoroughly ravished female after that first night with him.
The ironic thing is that, Amanda (with Amelia) admitted to settling for no less than husbands who were like the Bar Cynster men...and yet they could not understand why Martin (obviously Amanda's rendition of her 'Cynster-like' husband, else she would not have latched onto him) is acting as he is. They should have figured in that, in aiming for someone who were like their male cousins, they should have been braced for someone with similar temperament: apparently overbearing and possessive but who *can* be made to admit love later on.
If Laurens wanted to send a message that Amanda will not stand as a doormat vis-à-vis a dominant male, then she has gone about it in the wrong way.
And even the identity of the true killer was easy to deduce before one even reaches half of the book. All the time, I was like, ‘huh?’ and wondered if I was just being led to believe an *obvious* choice of who the killer is. I then tentatively hoped that Laurens was going to throw a curveball and twist everything around to make me sit back on my heels and wryly admit my wrong suppositions. But no, who I halfway guessed as the killer stubbornly kept the same identity even up the end. Darn it!
December 26, 2017
Truly, S. Laurens' style is not to my taste. I've sworn off her before but was tempted by this free audiobook. How could I hate a book with so much hot sex? Because there's almost nothing else for the first two-thirds -- I mean, no plot, virtually no other characters, no nothing except Simon Prebble sounding like a dirty old man as he gets more and more excited. Could that be because he's over 70 and just doesn't have the right voice for a story like this? (And don't accuse me of ageism; he's not much older than me.)
Toward the end, when something other than shagging happens, it's almost interesting, but by then it's simply too late.
Toward the end, when something other than shagging happens, it's almost interesting, but by then it's simply too late.
December 3, 2017
A really enoyable novel ! I loved the heroine ! I know she seems spoilt and bit too bossy but she was a woman on a mission: to get the man she loved admit that he loved her too before she would agree to marry him. I applauded that. This girl had a lot of balls ! She took a huge gamble when she kept refusing to accept the H's marriage proposal because he never said the much required "I love you". I admired her determination to have a passion filled marriage with a spouse who was truly deserving of all her love. I loved this girl. She saw the H, she wanted him and boy did she manipulate and scheme to get him ! Kudos to a strong but very feminine young woman who is willing to think outside the box to get what she wants. The hero was absolutely sexy and enticing as well. Just his name alone is sexy: The Earl of Dexter. How hot is that?
I am not a big fan of all of Stephanie Laurens' writings but I really loved the way she developed this novel. There was so much chemistry and love between these two MC's. It was obvious to the reader that the H was in love with the heroine even before he admitted it. The other story line about the murder that the H had been accused of, in his past, was also very riveting and it was very satisfying to see the villain get his just desserts from the H and from the Cynster clan.
Just LOVED this novel !
I am not a big fan of all of Stephanie Laurens' writings but I really loved the way she developed this novel. There was so much chemistry and love between these two MC's. It was obvious to the reader that the H was in love with the heroine even before he admitted it. The other story line about the murder that the H had been accused of, in his past, was also very riveting and it was very satisfying to see the villain get his just desserts from the H and from the Cynster clan.
Just LOVED this novel !
August 3, 2019
On a Wild Night is the next instalment in the Cynster novels. This one is a little different from the others as the Cynster in this novel is female. Yes, we are onto the girls that feature throughout the other novels in the series. The overprotected Cynster twins. Up first is Amanda.
Amanda is sobering in comparison to some of the whimsical ladies of the ton that have featured previously. This girl is headstrong and definitely knows what she wants. She is such a strong character. Her prey is that of Martin. I particularly loved these two and really did pick up on the connection that Laurens was trying to convey. As we start out, the novel is told mostly from Amanda’s point of view making Martin elusive, I was totally as intrigued as Amanda when reading this, which is kind of what I want when reading this type of book. I want to feel as though I am seeking out this mysterious man. The best books are those that take you on a journey and Laurens did well in doing that with this book in the series. The characters are totally believable, like I said Amanda knows exactly what she wants and is cunning to get it, in my opinion she is a girl before her time. Martin compliments her in the sense that he is the perfect, wounded, brooding male.
This being a romance lets get onto the actual romance part. By god this is the steamiest book so far in my eyes. So much, how do I put this, coming together? Sex, I am talking about sex. It happens. A lot. Even the kisses seem to have upped a notch. However it is not done without class. It is almost like a dance between the characters trying to capture one another in a love bubble but every time one tries to get the upper hand they get the, well, cream? I was captivated.
This novel is set in London in the centre of all social gatherings. We get to see a different side to the ton, the underground belly of socialising which is refreshing to set the story in this way. A murder mystery subplot also weaves its way throughout which creates a bit of intrigue to the story.
Overall the steamiest so far, the plot can get a bit weak in some places and a bit repetitive, too much romping maybe? However the characters compliment the series like a nice refreshing gin and tonic on a summers day. My favourite so far! Next up Amelia.
Amanda is sobering in comparison to some of the whimsical ladies of the ton that have featured previously. This girl is headstrong and definitely knows what she wants. She is such a strong character. Her prey is that of Martin. I particularly loved these two and really did pick up on the connection that Laurens was trying to convey. As we start out, the novel is told mostly from Amanda’s point of view making Martin elusive, I was totally as intrigued as Amanda when reading this, which is kind of what I want when reading this type of book. I want to feel as though I am seeking out this mysterious man. The best books are those that take you on a journey and Laurens did well in doing that with this book in the series. The characters are totally believable, like I said Amanda knows exactly what she wants and is cunning to get it, in my opinion she is a girl before her time. Martin compliments her in the sense that he is the perfect, wounded, brooding male.
This being a romance lets get onto the actual romance part. By god this is the steamiest book so far in my eyes. So much, how do I put this, coming together? Sex, I am talking about sex. It happens. A lot. Even the kisses seem to have upped a notch. However it is not done without class. It is almost like a dance between the characters trying to capture one another in a love bubble but every time one tries to get the upper hand they get the, well, cream? I was captivated.
This novel is set in London in the centre of all social gatherings. We get to see a different side to the ton, the underground belly of socialising which is refreshing to set the story in this way. A murder mystery subplot also weaves its way throughout which creates a bit of intrigue to the story.
Overall the steamiest so far, the plot can get a bit weak in some places and a bit repetitive, too much romping maybe? However the characters compliment the series like a nice refreshing gin and tonic on a summers day. My favourite so far! Next up Amelia.
January 26, 2013
3.5-4 stars
While I really enjoyed this, I had to deduct some stars due to the inconsistent way the Cynster family behaved in this book. As close as they are, there's no way I can believe that NO ONE realized Amanda was going to the undesirable places she was going in search of a husband. There is also no way I'll ever believe that the Bar Cynster would accept Martin telling him about Amanda's actions and letting it be assumed they've slept together and they wouldn't be outraged, much less that they'd be willing to help him get her to say yes to his marriage proposal.
That being said, I did enjoy this. Amanda was a sneaky little thing who got what she wanted. I liked that she was willing to go out of her comfort zone and entice Martin into coming back to the ton.
While I really enjoyed this, I had to deduct some stars due to the inconsistent way the Cynster family behaved in this book. As close as they are, there's no way I can believe that NO ONE realized Amanda was going to the undesirable places she was going in search of a husband. There is also no way I'll ever believe that the Bar Cynster would accept Martin telling him about Amanda's actions and letting it be assumed they've slept together and they wouldn't be outraged, much less that they'd be willing to help him get her to say yes to his marriage proposal.
That being said, I did enjoy this. Amanda was a sneaky little thing who got what she wanted. I liked that she was willing to go out of her comfort zone and entice Martin into coming back to the ton.
November 12, 2025
These two were fantastic together.
Amanda knew what she wanted and she wanted Martin.
She was determined and savvy in getting her man.
Martin was fantastic. He couldn't understand what she needed but deep down he really did know.
This was a romance full of chemistry, fun and challenges to their HEA.
This will on my keeper shelf.
On to Luc and Amelia's story next.
Amanda knew what she wanted and she wanted Martin.
She was determined and savvy in getting her man.
Martin was fantastic. He couldn't understand what she needed but deep down he really did know.
This was a romance full of chemistry, fun and challenges to their HEA.
This will on my keeper shelf.
On to Luc and Amelia's story next.
January 28, 2013
Well, time again for the monthly series read of this. I was really, really looking forward to this one (and still am the next one a little bit), but though it was off to a pretty good start, it took a turn downhill somewhere around the middle or so. It wasn't really a bad read in the end, just some stuff happened that was almost unbelievable. I did like the characters pretty well for the most part. I think Dexter was one of the best men yet in the series. I found him to be a good hero, and I don't really think he did anything at all to irritate me, which is kinda surprising based on my experience with the series so far. Amanda was good too, for the most part, though she did get a little bit on my nerves. I liked how she took charge of her search for a husband, came up with a plan, and went a seized what she wanted. That I liked. I liked how she wasn't afraid to be daring, and do things outside the norm. What I didn't like was after she laid her plans, and everything went as she wanted, she then proceeded for a good chunk of the rest of the book to be a total freaking teenager about everything. Like pulled a little u-turn on me, and I was left with my mouth agape, like, wait a minute. Her plan was to get Dexter (or any other man who would have fit her checklist) interested, and snared for marriage. So I had fun watching him take her to her little 'exciting outings', the masquerade, driving at night, etc. But then things got heated, they do the dirty, and when he says he'll marry her, she gets all pissy because he didn't say the love words. Then she acts like a kid, leading him around like a puppy dog on a string, making him leap over hurdles and stuff to have the pleasure of her company. And still refuses to answer him. Even goes so far as to try to run off to Scotland for a week to 'think about' whether she wanted to marry him or not. Now this made me mad. She'd decided long before they fell into bed that she was going to marry him regardless, and that her whole goal was to do something scandalous that would necessitate him marrying her. So what the heck was the big deal about him not falling to his knees professing love?! She could've went ahead and married him and waited for him to say it like all the other heroines in the series so far. Which kinda leads me into my next gripe about it. All this sneaking around she's doing, going to torrid gaming hells and scandalous salons of the demimonde, with no disguise or alias, and she never got caught. And it was even specifically said that before their marriages, the Cynster men had frequented these places, so they would have obviously known some of the people of that set. And yet word never got back to anyone that a young unmarried girl going by Miss Cynster was floating around in such dangerous surrounds. Then, when they start sneaking around at ton parties she had to attend. OMG, I got so tired of reading about them getting buck-naked at other people's houses while parties attended by a hundred or more people are going on. Like it happened multiple times. And the one time was in a conservatory. Made of glass. Ok, I could understand a quick sneak away, lift the skirts, etc. Quickie. But not stripping totally down naked, and being absent from a party your family and friends are at for however long it took. Not believable at all. And yes, the sex scenes were nice and steamy, but it got annoying after awhile! Like pick a new locale or something besides 'at a crowded party'. And then. Oh gosh then... the one time they did it, after Dexter had spoken with the Cynster men (oh goodness, whole 'nother tangent there), the Cynsters were 'standing guard' outside the room where Amanda and Dexter had gone to do it. At a party at one of Amanda's aunt's houses. Ok, that threw me for a total loop. Not only was it completely, stupidly, ridiculously out of character for those Cynster men to act like that... it was yet another sex scene that was not needed at that time or place! The Cynster men were out of character in this book altogether. They went from being militantly protective of the twins, to saying pretty much 'Ok, you had pre-marital sex with our cousin, all while sneaking around to an uncountable number of scandalous places where young ladies married or not are not allowed to go? Cool! Welcome to the family, brah!' Proceed with chest bumps and high fives. I mean, wow. It was dumb. I almost couldn't believe it when I was reading it.
However! Don't get me wrong in my complaints. I still did enjoy this book quite well, and liked the characters better than most of the other ones I've read about so far in this series. I had fun with the places they went, and their chemistry together. I liked the mystery too, even though I had the suspect figured out pretty much right away, it was still interesting finding out the details, piecing together the why and how. I liked the supporting characters too, Lady Osbaldestone, and Luc especially. So I'm looking forward to the next one. I was kind of surprised that Amelia didn't have more of a role in this one though. I mean, the twins were inseparable in all the previous books, and yet in this one I could count the number of times they spoke together or were in the same room together on one hand. It just seemed a little odd to me. But I still liked this book well enough, and will be continuing on with the series still.
However! Don't get me wrong in my complaints. I still did enjoy this book quite well, and liked the characters better than most of the other ones I've read about so far in this series. I had fun with the places they went, and their chemistry together. I liked the mystery too, even though I had the suspect figured out pretty much right away, it was still interesting finding out the details, piecing together the why and how. I liked the supporting characters too, Lady Osbaldestone, and Luc especially. So I'm looking forward to the next one. I was kind of surprised that Amelia didn't have more of a role in this one though. I mean, the twins were inseparable in all the previous books, and yet in this one I could count the number of times they spoke together or were in the same room together on one hand. It just seemed a little odd to me. But I still liked this book well enough, and will be continuing on with the series still.
September 13, 2021
Wow! Amanda Cynster is one wild woman bent on finding a husband like her male cousins. She has been searching for him for several seasons and has not yet found him among the flops of the Ton. Soooo, she has decided to look on the wild side of London society. There she has found him. Martin Dexter, the disgraced Earl of Dexter. An old scandal sent him from the country ten years ago. Now he's back, but living on the fringes of polite society and is certainly no one Amanda could bring home to meet mommy and daddy. Very sexy and very sensual, with a touch of mystery. The first half was rather slow, but the second half picked up the pace.
Amanda is not about to let a little scandal stop her and she sets out to snare her lion and make him face both his demons and his love for her.
Amanda is not about to let a little scandal stop her and she sets out to snare her lion and make him face both his demons and his love for her.
December 19, 2024
4 stars
I absolutely loved the first part of this book where Amanda Cynster (the FMC) was scheming to get her man, which was so refreshing because usually it’s the foil who plays games! It was also fun because Martin (the MMC, a.k.a. Earl of Dexter) could see through her, but he was intrigued because he didn’t know if her end game was marriage or a walk on the wild side.
I wish the middle section was edited down a bit (a few scenes felt rinse-and-repeat, which made it drag a little, but still fun with the “who’s pursuing who???” vibe). Luckily, the story picked up again with a murder mystery that gave the story a nice wrap up.
I absolutely loved the first part of this book where Amanda Cynster (the FMC) was scheming to get her man, which was so refreshing because usually it’s the foil who plays games! It was also fun because Martin (the MMC, a.k.a. Earl of Dexter) could see through her, but he was intrigued because he didn’t know if her end game was marriage or a walk on the wild side.
I wish the middle section was edited down a bit (a few scenes felt rinse-and-repeat, which made it drag a little, but still fun with the “who’s pursuing who???” vibe). Luckily, the story picked up again with a murder mystery that gave the story a nice wrap up.
December 9, 2016
3 stars
Amanda was bratty. I gave her the benefit of the doubt but I couldn't look past her erratic and juvenile behavior. There's a big difference between a strong woman showing the world she won't be held back by her gender and just acting like an idiot. There was even a brilliant speech delivered by Luc basically saying what we were all thinking.... "Who the fuck do you think you are, Amanda?" and she scoffed and walked away. So, the author wanted knew how she was coming across and still went with it. I did like Martin so that helped me continue reading. I was highly disappointed with this one.
Amanda was bratty. I gave her the benefit of the doubt but I couldn't look past her erratic and juvenile behavior. There's a big difference between a strong woman showing the world she won't be held back by her gender and just acting like an idiot. There was even a brilliant speech delivered by Luc basically saying what we were all thinking.... "Who the fuck do you think you are, Amanda?" and she scoffed and walked away. So, the author wanted knew how she was coming across and still went with it. I did like Martin so that helped me continue reading. I was highly disappointed with this one.
October 16, 2025
Not enough working together to solve a mystery for my liking, but go get your man, Amanda Cynster. I approve.
July 25, 2016
This started out very well. But just went a tad too long.
So we've known the twins Amanda and Amelia since book one of the series- and once we got bar Cynsters and honorary Cynsters out- I knew they'd be next.
So this book, Amanda meets her match in the elusive and secluded Earl of Dexter, Martin who she ensnares from the first meeting. He on a similar note, gets addicted to the sweet lady Cynster and their rendezvous begin.
Time after time, they continue meeting- where Amanda plans to woo Dexter into a love match. Most of the book was their courting and super Smokin sex scenes.
That being said, the courtship did last too long for me. The end mystery was predictable, and though I enjoyed it- I wish it either reached the climax earlier or had more story to keep my lady parts and brain going.
Safe read.
3.5/5
So we've known the twins Amanda and Amelia since book one of the series- and once we got bar Cynsters and honorary Cynsters out- I knew they'd be next.
So this book, Amanda meets her match in the elusive and secluded Earl of Dexter, Martin who she ensnares from the first meeting. He on a similar note, gets addicted to the sweet lady Cynster and their rendezvous begin.
Time after time, they continue meeting- where Amanda plans to woo Dexter into a love match. Most of the book was their courting and super Smokin sex scenes.
That being said, the courtship did last too long for me. The end mystery was predictable, and though I enjoyed it- I wish it either reached the climax earlier or had more story to keep my lady parts and brain going.
Safe read.
3.5/5
January 17, 2024
This was my first Stephanie Laurens book and it won’t be my last! Girlfriend brought the spice! I wasn’t expecting that level or commitment from a historical romance. Nicely done!
Amanda and her twin have been out in society for a few years now but they haven’t met anyone that sparks their interest. Amanda decides to look outside society by going to a couple of places that the ton would not approve of. There she meets Martin, Earl of Dexter, who has been cast from good society due to a mistake in his past.
Martin is so easily roped in by Amanda it’s almost laughable. But he isn’t willing to give her the one thing she really wants. Too bad Amanda is determined to have it.
Amanda and her twin have been out in society for a few years now but they haven’t met anyone that sparks their interest. Amanda decides to look outside society by going to a couple of places that the ton would not approve of. There she meets Martin, Earl of Dexter, who has been cast from good society due to a mistake in his past.
Martin is so easily roped in by Amanda it’s almost laughable. But he isn’t willing to give her the one thing she really wants. Too bad Amanda is determined to have it.
August 8, 2020
Another fun Regency Romp.
A small lag in the middle but otherwise a great start to the stories of the females of the Cynster clan.
A small lag in the middle but otherwise a great start to the stories of the females of the Cynster clan.
May 26, 2024
2.5 stars. I liked the writing but mannnn this was so drawn out. Things got more fun towards the end with the mystery, but this was a struggle to get through overall.
May 14, 2019
The story of Amanda Cynster, one of the twin cousins of the Bar Cynster, who is determined to find the right man for herself this season.
Having met no men that caught her eye during her last few seasons in the ton, she decides to look for her prospective mate outside of it. To that end, she attends a number of establishments young ladies don't usually frequent, and finds herself talked into a card game bet with a fascinating partner.
Martin, the Earl of Dexter, has a scandal attached to his name and has been avoiding the ton, but the beautiful Amanda intrigues him more than any woman ever has, and he offers his aid in her risky plans.
The two of them start playing a game of cat and mouse, where both of them are trying to figure out what the other's motives are, while keeping themselves from losing their battle of wills. Martin soon can't help but ask her to marry him, but Amanda won't accept anything less than his heart, which he's not willing to risk.
An engaging story with a heroine that I liked a lot more than some of the previous ones in the series. The story feels broken down in two parts, with the first focusing on Amanda and Martin's falling in love, while the second focuses on solving the mystery that led to his exile and clearing his name.
. The mystery part felt a bit drawn out, but it allowed for more time with Luc, whose story follows next in On a Wicked Dawn.
Previous book reviews:
✦ All About Passion (Cynster, #7)
✦ All About Love (Cynster #6)
✦ A Secret Love (Cynster #5)
Having met no men that caught her eye during her last few seasons in the ton, she decides to look for her prospective mate outside of it. To that end, she attends a number of establishments young ladies don't usually frequent, and finds herself talked into a card game bet with a fascinating partner.
Martin, the Earl of Dexter, has a scandal attached to his name and has been avoiding the ton, but the beautiful Amanda intrigues him more than any woman ever has, and he offers his aid in her risky plans.
The two of them start playing a game of cat and mouse, where both of them are trying to figure out what the other's motives are, while keeping themselves from losing their battle of wills. Martin soon can't help but ask her to marry him, but Amanda won't accept anything less than his heart, which he's not willing to risk.
An engaging story with a heroine that I liked a lot more than some of the previous ones in the series. The story feels broken down in two parts, with the first focusing on Amanda and Martin's falling in love, while the second focuses on solving the mystery that led to his exile and clearing his name.
. The mystery part felt a bit drawn out, but it allowed for more time with Luc, whose story follows next in On a Wicked Dawn.
Previous book reviews:
✦ All About Passion (Cynster, #7)
✦ All About Love (Cynster #6)
✦ A Secret Love (Cynster #5)
May 6, 2022
One a Wild Night
3 Stars
After months of failing to find a suitable husband from amongst the ranks of willing candidates, Amanda Cynster and her twin, Amelia are at their wits end. Deciding to broaden the field, Amanda enters the more unsavory environs of the ton to seek her mate, only to discover that she is in over her head. When things take a dangerous turn, Amanda is rescued by the enigmatic and secretive Earl of Dexter who, unfortunately, is not inclined to marry. Will Amanda be able to change his mind?
While the book starts out well, the pacing deteriorates toward the middle as the hero and heroine try to out-stubborn each other. The story picks up again at the end with the minor suspense plot, which is actually quite compelling. It is just a pity that its development and resolution come so late in the book after the endless descriptions of will she/ won't she, which are completely unnecessary.
Amanda is not the most likeable of heroines. Not only is she stubborn and willful in the extreme, she is also manipulative and not above using others to get her own way. Nevertheless, one cannot help but admire her determination to decide her own future; although it does require a healthy suspension of disbelief to accept that she would be allowed to swan about in all manner of disreputable places.
Martin is a typical Laurens' hero - a rake with a heart of gold, overly protective instincts and possessive tendencies. The scandal associated with his name has some truly heart-breaking consequences, but the investigation into the truth behind it takes too long to get going.
The romance is certainly hot, but Laurens wastes several excellent opportunities to ratchet up the sexual tension before the main act. Moreover, the number of sex scenes are excessive and repetitive. Less is often more in this area!
The cameo appearances by the Cynster cousins and their wives are entertaining although it is Lady Osbaldestone who steals the show.
All in all, not one of the better installments in the series. Hopefully, Amelia and Luc's book will be an improvement.
3 Stars
After months of failing to find a suitable husband from amongst the ranks of willing candidates, Amanda Cynster and her twin, Amelia are at their wits end. Deciding to broaden the field, Amanda enters the more unsavory environs of the ton to seek her mate, only to discover that she is in over her head. When things take a dangerous turn, Amanda is rescued by the enigmatic and secretive Earl of Dexter who, unfortunately, is not inclined to marry. Will Amanda be able to change his mind?
While the book starts out well, the pacing deteriorates toward the middle as the hero and heroine try to out-stubborn each other. The story picks up again at the end with the minor suspense plot, which is actually quite compelling. It is just a pity that its development and resolution come so late in the book after the endless descriptions of will she/ won't she, which are completely unnecessary.
Amanda is not the most likeable of heroines. Not only is she stubborn and willful in the extreme, she is also manipulative and not above using others to get her own way. Nevertheless, one cannot help but admire her determination to decide her own future; although it does require a healthy suspension of disbelief to accept that she would be allowed to swan about in all manner of disreputable places.
Martin is a typical Laurens' hero - a rake with a heart of gold, overly protective instincts and possessive tendencies. The scandal associated with his name has some truly heart-breaking consequences, but the investigation into the truth behind it takes too long to get going.
The romance is certainly hot, but Laurens wastes several excellent opportunities to ratchet up the sexual tension before the main act. Moreover, the number of sex scenes are excessive and repetitive. Less is often more in this area!
The cameo appearances by the Cynster cousins and their wives are entertaining although it is Lady Osbaldestone who steals the show.
All in all, not one of the better installments in the series. Hopefully, Amelia and Luc's book will be an improvement.
February 7, 2021
3.25
So... Yo vivo por estos libros, son una constante y son como 30 entonces quedan para largo.
Aunque son bastante largos yo los considero libros ligeros porque una vez que te acostumbras a leer libros de época se van como agua.
En este libro nos encontramos con la primera mujer Cynster, Amanda, que se pone como objetivo seducir y enamorar a un hombre para que sea su esposa, muy The Wallflowers de Lisa Kleypas, y amo, es una chica muy inteligente, muy decidida y astuta, queen. Aunque es muy terca y orgullosa, pero bueno... Algún defecto tendría que tener.
Por otro lado, nuestro protagonista es un Cynster pero de otra familia lol, según el quiere proteger a la chica de otros tipos, pero obvio se termina enamorando. Pero this man has a past, y su reputación no está en una muy buena posición, esa es la misión tipo misterio que tiene esta novela, y no la disfrute ni la odie porque abarca el período final del libro que siempre es lo más x para mí, mis partes favoritas siempre están en el inicio, porque los sentimientos y acciones son más intensas.
Hay cosas muy icónicas de este libro como cuando la ayuda a ganar en el póker, cuando ven las estrellas en una barquita, cuando pasean a caballo, y cuando los otros Cynster súper imponentes lo enfrentan, así como de novela mexicana: "¿Cuáles son sus intenciones jóvenes?".
I had so much fun mientras lo leía, y lo disfruté mucho, una disculpa ...
So... Yo vivo por estos libros, son una constante y son como 30 entonces quedan para largo.
Aunque son bastante largos yo los considero libros ligeros porque una vez que te acostumbras a leer libros de época se van como agua.
En este libro nos encontramos con la primera mujer Cynster, Amanda, que se pone como objetivo seducir y enamorar a un hombre para que sea su esposa, muy The Wallflowers de Lisa Kleypas, y amo, es una chica muy inteligente, muy decidida y astuta, queen. Aunque es muy terca y orgullosa, pero bueno... Algún defecto tendría que tener.
Por otro lado, nuestro protagonista es un Cynster pero de otra familia lol, según el quiere proteger a la chica de otros tipos, pero obvio se termina enamorando. Pero this man has a past, y su reputación no está en una muy buena posición, esa es la misión tipo misterio que tiene esta novela, y no la disfrute ni la odie porque abarca el período final del libro que siempre es lo más x para mí, mis partes favoritas siempre están en el inicio, porque los sentimientos y acciones son más intensas.
Hay cosas muy icónicas de este libro como cuando la ayuda a ganar en el póker, cuando ven las estrellas en una barquita, cuando pasean a caballo, y cuando los otros Cynster súper imponentes lo enfrentan, así como de novela mexicana: "¿Cuáles son sus intenciones jóvenes?".
I had so much fun mientras lo leía, y lo disfruté mucho, una disculpa ...
January 24, 2015
I think I will classify Ms. Lauren's writing under a new genre, 20th century Regency, although even in the 20th century Miss Amanda Cynster's behavior would be considered fast. In the early 19th century it would have been considered not only fast but loose. Nevertheless the plot is better than most of her books and I enjoyed reading it. Martin, Earl of Dexter, is a bit more believable as a male hero. He does try to deal with Amanda in an honorable way as defined by the early 19th century, but of course since it is a Lauren's plot, he slips and then pursues the honorable course, given the slip. Also, Amanda does worry, although in the slightest degree, about getting pregnant. Even in the 1950's women worried more about that than she does in the supposed early 1800's. I imagine it is difficult for an author who grew up in the 1960's or later to truly understand this issue, but it represents a definite minus in her writing that she includes so many sex scenes, more indicative of 20th to 21st century mores. If the sex scenes were in a bordello or between an upper class man and a willing lower class woman, it would make more sense in the Regency genre. Oh well, back to a breath of fresh air and Ms. Heyer, who understands the period.
March 18, 2020
This book just wasn't for me. What I love the most in any novel was the banter between the couple and there was so little of it in the first half. Amanda's sneaking out while the entire Cynster clan being clueless was too unbelievable. Also for some reason, I couldn't get into the book even after the story picked up a bit. It was so disappointing considering I've loved so many of the previous books in the series. There were just too many loopholes and too little good things in this book
February 22, 2021
Me gusto mucho, mi único problema con estos libros son la cantidad de escenas de sexo que tienen. La trama de este me gusto mucho, el misterio sin resolver, pero tuve que saltarme muchas partes porque demasiado sexo me aburre, yo quería saber que más pasaría pero venia otra escena tras otra.
November 7, 2020
3.5 stars. This book has my dream ballroom seduction and escapade scenes!! It was hot!! BUT, midway, it got a bit too repetitive for me and got boring. I pushed through to the end anyway bc I liked the beginning so much. The ending picked up again, but the supposed mystery did nothing for me and it was very obvious who was the villain.
May 14, 2018
Great book! I loved how Amanda went after Martin, and I actually enjoyed the intrigue as well.
May 17, 2021
2021 reread - Is the heroine, Amanda, better than most other heroines because she is a Cynster, born and bred? Yes, don't @ me, I make the rules. Amanda is fantastic and great, and I was more than ready to jump in and beat up all the secondary characters who tried to make her doubt herself and her actions for unnecessary conflict. She decided that Martin was her hero and she set about getting him to understand that as well - that part was so much fun, the gallivanting among the demimonde. Martin was a bit of a stick in the mud, it's ok for him to gallivant, but she's too ladylike to see some tits in Covent Garden...
I was really loving revisiting this book until it's 2/3rds of the way thru and suddenly everyone (including all the grande dames who before that were behind Amanda holding out for a love confession) decided to tell Amanda she didn't need the exact thing she's been asking for the whole time. In every other book, all of the ladies support each other in standing their ground to get that love confession out loud, they did the same for Amanda until they decided she should give up after like a week and just marry him because that's what he wanted ... WHAT ABOUT WHAT AMANDA NEEDS, FUCKKKKKK. Too much of the last 1/3rd of the book was about all the things Amanda was willing to give that Martin repeatedly took from her without giving her anything in return. He really didn't deserve anything from her since he was not willing to give her anything at all.
In that same vein... Ugh shut up Luke. Martin is a rich, titled, white man who has for all intents and purposes gotten away with literal murder because of those three factors (yeah yeah he’s innocent, but at this point no one knows that for sure). He chose to remove himself from society because he wanted to, not because they kicked him out, so him taking his rightful place among people who didn't shun him at all was not the big deal these men made it out to be. Luke trying to put Amanda in what he perceives as her place - telling her she should be grateful this whiny man-child has chosen to grace her with his attentions, as if she, a mother fucking CYNSTER, were not wealthy and powerful in her own damn right - is beyond galling. Sit the fuck down Luke, you’re on thin ice for your up coming book. In no world is it ok for another man to tell any heroine that she should accept the scraps the hero is heretofore willing to toss her way and be grateful when he's not giving her anything at all except that D.
It was truly infuriating that Martin absolutely refuses to say out loud everything he's felt for Amanda since their first kiss. There was no reason what so ever either. The dead girl whose murder they solve wasn't his first love that he'd sworn off love forever because she died. He was just too manly to say the words, and that aint fucking cute. Stephanie Laurens didn't even bother giving Martin a reason for why he wouldn't say the words out loud, he just refused.
Side note: I've always thought it was absolutely stupid that Devil refuses to tell Honoria that he loves her out loud in words until some later book's epilogue ... it wasn't even this book! I just thought of it because of how stupid it is that Martin refuses to tell Amanda he loves her and his "confession" at the literal end of the book is not even that good. He quibbles over the meaning of love and still refuses to stay it simply or directly. Women should not have to be fucking mind reading, action interpreters so these men don't have to acknowledge their feelings - actions do not speak louder, say the fucking words.
What even is Martins prblm??? This big baby knows for basically the entire book what Amanda needs from him, what she is overtly asking for, and it is the actual truth, that he loves her, yet refuses to give her this one thing, the only thing she is asking for, and for what reason??? Spoiler alert, there is no reason, he’s just a big dumb baby who wants his cake and eat it too. It ultimately just doesn’t make much sense since his POV is overwhelmingly emotional and accepting of Amanda as his true love from the start of their physical relationship, why drag it out so long for no apparent reason?? I'm getting more than a little tired of and annoyed with the Cynsters and their toxic male bullshit inability to admit to feelings.
I may love almost every heroine in this series, but my absolute favorite heroes are the ones who are more in touch with their feelings and don't see then as emasculating (a bullshit toxic concept perpetuated by these alpha-hole heroes).
I was really loving revisiting this book until it's 2/3rds of the way thru and suddenly everyone (including all the grande dames who before that were behind Amanda holding out for a love confession) decided to tell Amanda she didn't need the exact thing she's been asking for the whole time. In every other book, all of the ladies support each other in standing their ground to get that love confession out loud, they did the same for Amanda until they decided she should give up after like a week and just marry him because that's what he wanted ... WHAT ABOUT WHAT AMANDA NEEDS, FUCKKKKKK. Too much of the last 1/3rd of the book was about all the things Amanda was willing to give that Martin repeatedly took from her without giving her anything in return. He really didn't deserve anything from her since he was not willing to give her anything at all.
In that same vein... Ugh shut up Luke. Martin is a rich, titled, white man who has for all intents and purposes gotten away with literal murder because of those three factors (yeah yeah he’s innocent, but at this point no one knows that for sure). He chose to remove himself from society because he wanted to, not because they kicked him out, so him taking his rightful place among people who didn't shun him at all was not the big deal these men made it out to be. Luke trying to put Amanda in what he perceives as her place - telling her she should be grateful this whiny man-child has chosen to grace her with his attentions, as if she, a mother fucking CYNSTER, were not wealthy and powerful in her own damn right - is beyond galling. Sit the fuck down Luke, you’re on thin ice for your up coming book. In no world is it ok for another man to tell any heroine that she should accept the scraps the hero is heretofore willing to toss her way and be grateful when he's not giving her anything at all except that D.
It was truly infuriating that Martin absolutely refuses to say out loud everything he's felt for Amanda since their first kiss. There was no reason what so ever either. The dead girl whose murder they solve wasn't his first love that he'd sworn off love forever because she died. He was just too manly to say the words, and that aint fucking cute. Stephanie Laurens didn't even bother giving Martin a reason for why he wouldn't say the words out loud, he just refused.
Side note: I've always thought it was absolutely stupid that Devil refuses to tell Honoria that he loves her out loud in words until some later book's epilogue ... it wasn't even this book! I just thought of it because of how stupid it is that Martin refuses to tell Amanda he loves her and his "confession" at the literal end of the book is not even that good. He quibbles over the meaning of love and still refuses to stay it simply or directly. Women should not have to be fucking mind reading, action interpreters so these men don't have to acknowledge their feelings - actions do not speak louder, say the fucking words.
What even is Martins prblm??? This big baby knows for basically the entire book what Amanda needs from him, what she is overtly asking for, and it is the actual truth, that he loves her, yet refuses to give her this one thing, the only thing she is asking for, and for what reason??? Spoiler alert, there is no reason, he’s just a big dumb baby who wants his cake and eat it too. It ultimately just doesn’t make much sense since his POV is overwhelmingly emotional and accepting of Amanda as his true love from the start of their physical relationship, why drag it out so long for no apparent reason?? I'm getting more than a little tired of and annoyed with the Cynsters and their toxic male bullshit inability to admit to feelings.
I may love almost every heroine in this series, but my absolute favorite heroes are the ones who are more in touch with their feelings and don't see then as emasculating (a bullshit toxic concept perpetuated by these alpha-hole heroes).
September 8, 2012
I wrote a general review below that covers all the Stephanie Laurens books I’ve read thus far. To add to that, this book, On a Wild Night, is not only my favorite of her books, but it’s one of my Top 5 Picks of all time. I’ve read this book at least three times and refer back to it on occasion for some of my favorite parts. It’s my go-to for the “perfect” romance story with hot sex scenes and a satisfying ending.
~
Story and Writing Style
I love, love, love Stephanie Laurens. She is one I look up to with my own writing. Her stories and characters are so unbelievably rich and colorful, so descriptive that you can see them standing before you. And the family trees she’s created—woof. As I myself am writing a series about seven siblings, I definitely use her example as a standard.
If you’re new to the world of Stephanie Laurens, however, be forewarned: this is not a “fluff” book you can just pick up and finish in a couple of hours. Her stories are intense, thick, but so, so worth every second put into it as there’s always excellent mystery, tension and astounding interplay between the characters. The romance is tangible and the sex scenes very descriptive, numerous and masterfully done. I tell reading buffs who are not normally into romances who want to try one or two to read one of Laurens’ books, because as it is a romance novel through and through, the writing style and the intrigue included in each story will, I believe, satisfy the hunger in non-romance lovers.
Characters
Not much else I can say besides a stolen line from above: unbelievably rich and colorful.
Sex
Long and descriptive. Every gasp to the tips of the toes and everything in between is covered in each sex scene that seemed to have taken weeks of dedication per scene considering how extensive Laurens goes. They’re hot, and the puppy love/heavy petting/foreplay that leads up to it is nice. She spaces them out very well, enough to keep you going and still leave you wanting more after the first scene of penetration.
~
Story and Writing Style
I love, love, love Stephanie Laurens. She is one I look up to with my own writing. Her stories and characters are so unbelievably rich and colorful, so descriptive that you can see them standing before you. And the family trees she’s created—woof. As I myself am writing a series about seven siblings, I definitely use her example as a standard.
If you’re new to the world of Stephanie Laurens, however, be forewarned: this is not a “fluff” book you can just pick up and finish in a couple of hours. Her stories are intense, thick, but so, so worth every second put into it as there’s always excellent mystery, tension and astounding interplay between the characters. The romance is tangible and the sex scenes very descriptive, numerous and masterfully done. I tell reading buffs who are not normally into romances who want to try one or two to read one of Laurens’ books, because as it is a romance novel through and through, the writing style and the intrigue included in each story will, I believe, satisfy the hunger in non-romance lovers.
Characters
Not much else I can say besides a stolen line from above: unbelievably rich and colorful.
Sex
Long and descriptive. Every gasp to the tips of the toes and everything in between is covered in each sex scene that seemed to have taken weeks of dedication per scene considering how extensive Laurens goes. They’re hot, and the puppy love/heavy petting/foreplay that leads up to it is nice. She spaces them out very well, enough to keep you going and still leave you wanting more after the first scene of penetration.
December 12, 2014
Amanda Cynster sets out to find a man who is like the Cynster males. Yes after rebelling all these years against the brothers/cousins who were ferocious in protecting her and her twin Ameila and all the Cynster females, Amanda and Amelia recognize they want a man who will value them and family above all else.
She goes outside the ton to find someone because after 5 seasons she knows who is around and no one is her hero. At a gaming hell she sees Dexter- a hero who helps her when challenged to a card game she has no chance of winning. Her pride doesn't allow her to refuse and her beauty convinces Dexter to act the part. Dexter has recently returned to London after being banished for allegedly murdering the father of a girl he ruined. He stays out of the fashionable events and sticks to the darker side. Amanda plots and schemes to get her man. She is smart, tricky and smitten. Dexter is almost a perfect hero. He knows she is plotting but can't help himself. Amanda is charming, sweet, and sexy as she convinces him to help her do some mildly risque things she has always wanted to do. I liked her at first, but then she became annoying when he did everything to win her. He becomes whipped and she still demands more. She helps him resolve his past while also becoming secretly promiscuous. They have a lot of sex while she waits for those 3 little words. Lady Olbedstone has some great scenes. I love a smart mouthed old lady who tells it like it is. Despite Amanda's annoyances this romance is one of the better Cynster novels.
She goes outside the ton to find someone because after 5 seasons she knows who is around and no one is her hero. At a gaming hell she sees Dexter- a hero who helps her when challenged to a card game she has no chance of winning. Her pride doesn't allow her to refuse and her beauty convinces Dexter to act the part. Dexter has recently returned to London after being banished for allegedly murdering the father of a girl he ruined. He stays out of the fashionable events and sticks to the darker side. Amanda plots and schemes to get her man. She is smart, tricky and smitten. Dexter is almost a perfect hero. He knows she is plotting but can't help himself. Amanda is charming, sweet, and sexy as she convinces him to help her do some mildly risque things she has always wanted to do. I liked her at first, but then she became annoying when he did everything to win her. He becomes whipped and she still demands more. She helps him resolve his past while also becoming secretly promiscuous. They have a lot of sex while she waits for those 3 little words. Lady Olbedstone has some great scenes. I love a smart mouthed old lady who tells it like it is. Despite Amanda's annoyances this romance is one of the better Cynster novels.
January 27, 2020
I absolutely loved the first 25% of this book and the last 25%. Amanda was smart, decisive, determined and goal-oriented, and she never doubted her plans. I loved when she said "of course not" every time Amelia asked if she was going to give up; she just regrouped and moved forward. The introduction of Martin was absolutely delightful and made me shiver. He's the kind of mysterious, dark, gruff hero I love, so I was thrilled. I loved seeing Amanda pull him into her orbit.
The last 25% was exciting and brought in a fun cast of characters. I haven't read any other books in the series, but I still really liked all the people who joined in the mystery-solving plans.
The middle 50%, though... The plot slowed down to a crawl with little forward movement. They starting having sex, and just when I thought Amanda was going to get her proposal and they would move forward with trying to find out who the real killer was, their roles switched and Martin became the active persuer, and that dragged on for chapters. I rarely say this, but there were too many sex scenes. Make that long, descriptive, flowery sex scenes. They were beautifully written but did very little to drive the plot or character development.
So for me, this would have been a 5 star read if some of the stuff in the middle had been edited down a little. The book is on the long side and could have handled that. Otherwise, it was very well written.
Also, Simon Prebble's narration in the audiobook... swoon. He has the perfect regency voice.
The last 25% was exciting and brought in a fun cast of characters. I haven't read any other books in the series, but I still really liked all the people who joined in the mystery-solving plans.
The middle 50%, though... The plot slowed down to a crawl with little forward movement. They starting having sex, and just when I thought Amanda was going to get her proposal and they would move forward with trying to find out who the real killer was, their roles switched and Martin became the active persuer, and that dragged on for chapters. I rarely say this, but there were too many sex scenes. Make that long, descriptive, flowery sex scenes. They were beautifully written but did very little to drive the plot or character development.
So for me, this would have been a 5 star read if some of the stuff in the middle had been edited down a little. The book is on the long side and could have handled that. Otherwise, it was very well written.
Also, Simon Prebble's narration in the audiobook... swoon. He has the perfect regency voice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2017
I always enjoy Stephanie Laurens books and this one is quite good.
Amanda is bored of the gentlemen she finds in the ballrooms and decides to look for her future husband in the places less obvious. On her first night in a game house she meets Martin who she finds a perfect candidate for her spouse. He becomes her parter in her unorthodox activities, though not a willing one. Still, he is definitely fascinated by Amanda but his past is an obstacle that can not be overcome easily.
I know that some reader find Amanda and Martin an annoying characters but I haven't any problem with them. In fact I cannot remember a story in which the heroine was so much engaged into pursuing the hero from the very beginning of the book. That was a really nice thing, quite refreshing.
The suspense part could be a little more developed or innovative but it is okay.
Definitely a nice read, I'm rating it 3.5 star, thinking about rising my stars up to 4.
Amanda is bored of the gentlemen she finds in the ballrooms and decides to look for her future husband in the places less obvious. On her first night in a game house she meets Martin who she finds a perfect candidate for her spouse. He becomes her parter in her unorthodox activities, though not a willing one. Still, he is definitely fascinated by Amanda but his past is an obstacle that can not be overcome easily.
I know that some reader find Amanda and Martin an annoying characters but I haven't any problem with them. In fact I cannot remember a story in which the heroine was so much engaged into pursuing the hero from the very beginning of the book. That was a really nice thing, quite refreshing.
The suspense part could be a little more developed or innovative but it is okay.
Definitely a nice read, I'm rating it 3.5 star, thinking about rising my stars up to 4.
June 10, 2020
An Old Favorite
I just adore this book for son many reasons. I care not one whit if it’s remotely possible for Amanda to behave this way or not. Willing suspension of disbelief and paving the way for a heroine with a wild streak. A very Cynster female.
I’m so glad this is available on Kindle. I lost my hard copy some time ago, which I’ll replace ASAP. This was my introduction to the world of Stephanie Laurens way back when. I rank her right up their with my favs of Julie Garwood, Nora Roberts, and Kathleen E. Woodwiss.
I love historical romance novels for their easy, lighthearted reads. They rarely disappoint and I’m totally okay with the way they unfold in the expected manner.
I just adore this book for son many reasons. I care not one whit if it’s remotely possible for Amanda to behave this way or not. Willing suspension of disbelief and paving the way for a heroine with a wild streak. A very Cynster female.
I’m so glad this is available on Kindle. I lost my hard copy some time ago, which I’ll replace ASAP. This was my introduction to the world of Stephanie Laurens way back when. I rank her right up their with my favs of Julie Garwood, Nora Roberts, and Kathleen E. Woodwiss.
I love historical romance novels for their easy, lighthearted reads. They rarely disappoint and I’m totally okay with the way they unfold in the expected manner.
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