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Devil's Brood Trilogy #1
The Lady By His Side
Listening Length: 12 hours and 43 minutes
A marquess in need of the right bride. An earl’s daughter in search of a purpose. A betrayal that ends in murder and balloons into a threat to the realm.
Sebastian Cynster knows time is running out. If he doesn’t choose a wife soon, his female relatives will line up to assist him. Yet the current debutantes do not appeal. Where is he to find the right lady to be his marchioness? Then Drake Varisey, eldest son of the Duke of Wolverstone, asks for Sebastian’s aid.
Having assumed his father’s mantle in protecting queen and country, Drake must go to Ireland in pursuit of a dangerous plot. But he’s received an urgent missive from Lord Ennis, an Irish peer—Ennis has heard something Drake needs to know. Ennis insists Drake attends an upcoming house party at Ennis’s Kent estate so Ennis can reveal his information face-to-face.
Sebastian has assisted Drake before and, long ago, had a liaison with Lady Ennis. Drake insists Sebastian is just the man to be Drake’s surrogate at the house party—the guests will imagine all manner of possibilities and be blind to Sebastian’s true purpose.
Unsurprisingly, Sebastian is reluctant, but Drake’s need is real. With only more debutantes on his horizon, Sebastian allows himself to be persuaded.
His first task is to inveigle Antonia Rawlings, a lady he has known all her life, to include him as her escort to the house party. Although he’s seen little of Antonia in recent years, Sebastian is confident of gaining her support.
Eldest daughter of the Earl of Chillingworth, Antonia has abandoned the search for a husband and plans to use the week of the house party to decide what to do with her life. There has to be some purpose, some role, she can claim for her own.
Consequently, on hearing Sebastian’s request and an explanation of what lies behind it, she seizes on the call to action. Suppressing her senses’ idiotic reaction to Sebastian’s nearness, she agrees to be his partner-in-intrigue.
But while joining the house party proves easy, the gathering is thrown into chaos when Lord Ennis is murdered—just before he was to speak with Sebastian. Worse, Ennis’s last words, gasped to Sebastian, are: Gunpowder. Here.
Gunpowder? And here, where?
With a killer continuing to stalk the halls, side by side, Sebastian and Antonia search for answers and, all the while, the childhood connection that had always existed between them strengthens and blooms…into something so much more.
First volume in a trilogy. A historical romance with gothic overtones layered over a continuing intrigue. A full length novel of 99,000 words.
A marquess in need of the right bride. An earl’s daughter in search of a purpose. A betrayal that ends in murder and balloons into a threat to the realm.
Sebastian Cynster knows time is running out. If he doesn’t choose a wife soon, his female relatives will line up to assist him. Yet the current debutantes do not appeal. Where is he to find the right lady to be his marchioness? Then Drake Varisey, eldest son of the Duke of Wolverstone, asks for Sebastian’s aid.
Having assumed his father’s mantle in protecting queen and country, Drake must go to Ireland in pursuit of a dangerous plot. But he’s received an urgent missive from Lord Ennis, an Irish peer—Ennis has heard something Drake needs to know. Ennis insists Drake attends an upcoming house party at Ennis’s Kent estate so Ennis can reveal his information face-to-face.
Sebastian has assisted Drake before and, long ago, had a liaison with Lady Ennis. Drake insists Sebastian is just the man to be Drake’s surrogate at the house party—the guests will imagine all manner of possibilities and be blind to Sebastian’s true purpose.
Unsurprisingly, Sebastian is reluctant, but Drake’s need is real. With only more debutantes on his horizon, Sebastian allows himself to be persuaded.
His first task is to inveigle Antonia Rawlings, a lady he has known all her life, to include him as her escort to the house party. Although he’s seen little of Antonia in recent years, Sebastian is confident of gaining her support.
Eldest daughter of the Earl of Chillingworth, Antonia has abandoned the search for a husband and plans to use the week of the house party to decide what to do with her life. There has to be some purpose, some role, she can claim for her own.
Consequently, on hearing Sebastian’s request and an explanation of what lies behind it, she seizes on the call to action. Suppressing her senses’ idiotic reaction to Sebastian’s nearness, she agrees to be his partner-in-intrigue.
But while joining the house party proves easy, the gathering is thrown into chaos when Lord Ennis is murdered—just before he was to speak with Sebastian. Worse, Ennis’s last words, gasped to Sebastian, are: Gunpowder. Here.
Gunpowder? And here, where?
With a killer continuing to stalk the halls, side by side, Sebastian and Antonia search for answers and, all the while, the childhood connection that had always existed between them strengthens and blooms…into something so much more.
First volume in a trilogy. A historical romance with gothic overtones layered over a continuing intrigue. A full length novel of 99,000 words.
13 pages, Audible Audio
First published March 9, 2017
512 people are currently reading
2549 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
206 books5,589 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 162 reviews
January 14, 2018
I enjoyed reading Sebastian and Antonia's love story. Once again Stephanie Laurens has taken us on a journey were the cynster's and now their children are coming of age and falling in love and serving their country and in this new tale the mystery is to find out were barrels of gun powder are being kept before the bad guys use them. Theirs mystery, great sex and a great love story,all the things that we come to expect from the cynster's and the powerful families of the haut ton !!!
August 3, 2018
3.5 stars.
Sexy slow burn, friends to lovers romance, mixed with a whodunnit murder mystery.
If you're a fan of romance alone and dislike the added element of mystery, then you probably won't be a fan of this story since the mystery plays an integral part of the entire novel. At times, especially in the first quarter of the story, the mystery is given precedence over the romance. But, that didn't bother me too much because I enjoy reading a good whodunnit. Plus, I was really interested in reading about Devil Cynster's heir: his 32 yr old son Sebastian, the Marquess of Earith. Devil Cynster, for the few who may not know, was the super sexy hunk of manly hotness from Devil's Bride. I wanted to see if Sebastian had inherited any of his daddy's sex appeal and scrumptious good looks. And, I wasn't disappointed ! Sebastian is just as sexy as his daddy, the duke. It's been a while since I read Devil's Bride and I had hoped that Devil and Honoria would've made an appearance in this novel, but unfortunately they were just mentioned a lot of times. Devil and Honoria are still alive and enjoying life at their country estate.
This novel's heroine is Antonia Rawlings, daughter of the Earl of Chillingworth and his wife Francesca. I can't recall reading their novel All About Passion, but I'll probably get around to it in the future. They did make a couple of cameo appearances in this story, though, and they seemed to be besotted with each other. Anyway, back to this novel ! Sebastian was asked, by his friend Drake ( the Marquess of Winchelsea ) to assist with an investigation that's of critical important to national security. Sebastian was tasked with interrogating an Anglo-Irish guy called Lord Ennis, who had important information about a possible threat to England, from the Young Irelanders group. The H had had an affair with Lord Ennis' wife 6 yrs ago and so he couldn't expect that man to invite him to a house party. That's where the heroine came into the story; Antonia had been invited to the week long house party and Sebastian asked to accompany her as her escort.
The MC's have known each other all their lives because their parents are great friends and they're close in ages because the heroine is 29 and Sebastian's 32. They haven't seen each other for a few years and they're both rather stunned to discover that that a rampant sexual attraction has become a new factor in their relationship. They fought their mutual chemistry for the first quarter of the story because they were concerned mainly with getting Lord Ennis to confide in Sebastian and reveal the grand threat to British national security. The MC's were suddenly thrown into greater proximity after Lord Ennis was murdered the same night he was supposed to meet the H at an appointed time to discuss the threat. The rest of the novel focused on the MC's attempts to aid the local magistrate, and the Scotland Yard inspector, with the whodunnit murder mystery and the search for the location of a huge stash of gunpowder. Before they're able to solve Lord Ennis' murder, the murderer ends up strangling Lady Ennis so there's a double murder mystery to solve.
I'm not going to give detailed spoilers about the murder mystery because that will totally ruin the story for future readers. But it did provide very entertaining reading for me, because the MC's were both equally involved in solving the mystery and in searching for the hidden cache of gunpowder. Antonia was a very self possessed, confident and intelligent heroine. She never allowed the H, the magistrate or the inspector to cut her out of the investigation and she played a key role in the interrogation of the suspects at the house party. As a woman, she was able to question the male suspects in a casual, charming manner because this is set in 1850 and men still thought that women were silly and frivolous. The author also provided a cameo appearance by the 80 something old Duke of Wellington and that scene was a lot of fun to read. There's no OW or OM drama in the story. Lady Ennis did make a few attempts to flirt with Sebastian but he failed to respond to her overtures. There were a few of the single men who tried a similar tack with Antonia but she also rebuffed their advances gently.
The main thing I enjoyed about the romantic storyline was the way Antonia seduced Sebastian. She didn't chase after him, but she also didn't run and hide from his subtle advances and flirtations the way a younger woman would've done. Their relationship was consummated in the second half of the storyline and it's actually Antonia who took the bull by the horns, so to speak. Sebastian wanted to sleep with her but he was beset by issues that included his loyalty to her family and the fact that their respective parents were good friends. The build up to the consummation of their relationship was slow and very sexy. I especially relished the scene where Antonia turned up unexpectedly in Sebastian's bedroom dressed only in her robe:
Poor Sebastian, the experienced rake, was dumbfounded, stunned like a starving dog who's just seen a mountain of meat !
The MC's were shot at, by the villain, but managed to save each other. The villain escaped and was then killed by one of his partners in crime. The identity of that person wasn't revealed and I suppose I'll have to until the next novel, in this trilogy, to find out more about him. But, the storyline was further complicated by the revelation that the Young Irelanders may not have been the main conspirators. The MC's mutual exchange of "I love you's" occurred in a dramatic and rather unconventional manner, right in the middle of a steamy sex scene:
Briefly, he closed his eyes—drew breath, drew strength—then he raised his lids and locked his gaze with hers.
“I love you. And I can’t change that—I don’t want to change that, even though I definitely do not appreciate some of the consequences.”
He drew in a deeper breath, felt his chest expand as if against some inner vise.
“So there’s your answer. I want you. I need you. But most important of all, I love you—so please be my wife, my marchioness, and stand by my side through all the years to come.”
He ended one teeny tiny step away from glaring at her. She held his gaze for an instant, then she smiled. Just smiled. And it was as if every last screen in her gray eyes had whisked away, and he was looking unimpeded into her soul—into the glorious joy that reigned there. In that instant, he decided to make the effort he just had more often; it would be worth every ounce of the struggle just to bask in that joy.
Then he remembered—and thrust deeper into her body, renewed lust buoyed on a surge of hope.
“Yes,” he prompted, his eyes almost crossing as she tightened in glorious welcome about him.
“You’re supposed to say yes.”
“Yes.” She tipped her head back as he surged inside her, and her fingers dug like claws into his shoulders. “Oh, God—yes!”
He huffed. It wasn’t at all clear to what she was agreeing; had he left it too late? But as if realizing her shortcomings, she hauled in a huge breath, straightened her head, and from beneath passion-weighted lids, her silver-gray eyes blazed into his.
“Yes,” she said, and there was no doubt of her certainty, of her commitment. “I’ll marry you, Sebastian Cynster. And I fully intend to cleave to you for the rest of our lives.”
Stephanie Laurens. The Lady By His Side (Cynsters Next Generation Novels Book 4) (Kindle Locations 4488-4511). Savdek Management Pty Ltd. Kindle Edition.
The double murder mystery was solved in this novel but the more important gunpowder conspiracy plot remained a threat. That storyline will be developed further in the 2nd and 3rd novels of the trilogy. If you do like spoilers for mysteries, then you can click to find out the identity of the killer: .
There was no cheating in this novel. And I must add that I hated the cover ! It just seemed so dated.
This is the H, Sebastian:
This is the heroine, Antonia:
Sexy slow burn, friends to lovers romance, mixed with a whodunnit murder mystery.
If you're a fan of romance alone and dislike the added element of mystery, then you probably won't be a fan of this story since the mystery plays an integral part of the entire novel. At times, especially in the first quarter of the story, the mystery is given precedence over the romance. But, that didn't bother me too much because I enjoy reading a good whodunnit. Plus, I was really interested in reading about Devil Cynster's heir: his 32 yr old son Sebastian, the Marquess of Earith. Devil Cynster, for the few who may not know, was the super sexy hunk of manly hotness from Devil's Bride. I wanted to see if Sebastian had inherited any of his daddy's sex appeal and scrumptious good looks. And, I wasn't disappointed ! Sebastian is just as sexy as his daddy, the duke. It's been a while since I read Devil's Bride and I had hoped that Devil and Honoria would've made an appearance in this novel, but unfortunately they were just mentioned a lot of times. Devil and Honoria are still alive and enjoying life at their country estate.
This novel's heroine is Antonia Rawlings, daughter of the Earl of Chillingworth and his wife Francesca. I can't recall reading their novel All About Passion, but I'll probably get around to it in the future. They did make a couple of cameo appearances in this story, though, and they seemed to be besotted with each other. Anyway, back to this novel ! Sebastian was asked, by his friend Drake ( the Marquess of Winchelsea ) to assist with an investigation that's of critical important to national security. Sebastian was tasked with interrogating an Anglo-Irish guy called Lord Ennis, who had important information about a possible threat to England, from the Young Irelanders group. The H had had an affair with Lord Ennis' wife 6 yrs ago and so he couldn't expect that man to invite him to a house party. That's where the heroine came into the story; Antonia had been invited to the week long house party and Sebastian asked to accompany her as her escort.
The MC's have known each other all their lives because their parents are great friends and they're close in ages because the heroine is 29 and Sebastian's 32. They haven't seen each other for a few years and they're both rather stunned to discover that that a rampant sexual attraction has become a new factor in their relationship. They fought their mutual chemistry for the first quarter of the story because they were concerned mainly with getting Lord Ennis to confide in Sebastian and reveal the grand threat to British national security. The MC's were suddenly thrown into greater proximity after Lord Ennis was murdered the same night he was supposed to meet the H at an appointed time to discuss the threat. The rest of the novel focused on the MC's attempts to aid the local magistrate, and the Scotland Yard inspector, with the whodunnit murder mystery and the search for the location of a huge stash of gunpowder. Before they're able to solve Lord Ennis' murder, the murderer ends up strangling Lady Ennis so there's a double murder mystery to solve.
I'm not going to give detailed spoilers about the murder mystery because that will totally ruin the story for future readers. But it did provide very entertaining reading for me, because the MC's were both equally involved in solving the mystery and in searching for the hidden cache of gunpowder. Antonia was a very self possessed, confident and intelligent heroine. She never allowed the H, the magistrate or the inspector to cut her out of the investigation and she played a key role in the interrogation of the suspects at the house party. As a woman, she was able to question the male suspects in a casual, charming manner because this is set in 1850 and men still thought that women were silly and frivolous. The author also provided a cameo appearance by the 80 something old Duke of Wellington and that scene was a lot of fun to read. There's no OW or OM drama in the story. Lady Ennis did make a few attempts to flirt with Sebastian but he failed to respond to her overtures. There were a few of the single men who tried a similar tack with Antonia but she also rebuffed their advances gently.
The main thing I enjoyed about the romantic storyline was the way Antonia seduced Sebastian. She didn't chase after him, but she also didn't run and hide from his subtle advances and flirtations the way a younger woman would've done. Their relationship was consummated in the second half of the storyline and it's actually Antonia who took the bull by the horns, so to speak. Sebastian wanted to sleep with her but he was beset by issues that included his loyalty to her family and the fact that their respective parents were good friends. The build up to the consummation of their relationship was slow and very sexy. I especially relished the scene where Antonia turned up unexpectedly in Sebastian's bedroom dressed only in her robe:
Poor Sebastian, the experienced rake, was dumbfounded, stunned like a starving dog who's just seen a mountain of meat !
The MC's were shot at, by the villain, but managed to save each other. The villain escaped and was then killed by one of his partners in crime. The identity of that person wasn't revealed and I suppose I'll have to until the next novel, in this trilogy, to find out more about him. But, the storyline was further complicated by the revelation that the Young Irelanders may not have been the main conspirators. The MC's mutual exchange of "I love you's" occurred in a dramatic and rather unconventional manner, right in the middle of a steamy sex scene:
Briefly, he closed his eyes—drew breath, drew strength—then he raised his lids and locked his gaze with hers.
“I love you. And I can’t change that—I don’t want to change that, even though I definitely do not appreciate some of the consequences.”
He drew in a deeper breath, felt his chest expand as if against some inner vise.
“So there’s your answer. I want you. I need you. But most important of all, I love you—so please be my wife, my marchioness, and stand by my side through all the years to come.”
He ended one teeny tiny step away from glaring at her. She held his gaze for an instant, then she smiled. Just smiled. And it was as if every last screen in her gray eyes had whisked away, and he was looking unimpeded into her soul—into the glorious joy that reigned there. In that instant, he decided to make the effort he just had more often; it would be worth every ounce of the struggle just to bask in that joy.
Then he remembered—and thrust deeper into her body, renewed lust buoyed on a surge of hope.
“Yes,” he prompted, his eyes almost crossing as she tightened in glorious welcome about him.
“You’re supposed to say yes.”
“Yes.” She tipped her head back as he surged inside her, and her fingers dug like claws into his shoulders. “Oh, God—yes!”
He huffed. It wasn’t at all clear to what she was agreeing; had he left it too late? But as if realizing her shortcomings, she hauled in a huge breath, straightened her head, and from beneath passion-weighted lids, her silver-gray eyes blazed into his.
“Yes,” she said, and there was no doubt of her certainty, of her commitment. “I’ll marry you, Sebastian Cynster. And I fully intend to cleave to you for the rest of our lives.”
Stephanie Laurens. The Lady By His Side (Cynsters Next Generation Novels Book 4) (Kindle Locations 4488-4511). Savdek Management Pty Ltd. Kindle Edition.
The double murder mystery was solved in this novel but the more important gunpowder conspiracy plot remained a threat. That storyline will be developed further in the 2nd and 3rd novels of the trilogy. If you do like spoilers for mysteries, then you can click to find out the identity of the killer: .
There was no cheating in this novel. And I must add that I hated the cover ! It just seemed so dated.
This is the H, Sebastian:
This is the heroine, Antonia:
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2017
The Lady By His Side was surprisingly much better than I thought it would be — or at least a whole lot less annoying than Laurens’ more recent work. It was definitely a significant improvement over the preceeding Adventurers Quartet series, which in my opinion was appalling.
The good:
By this point, I pretty much read Stephanie Laurens only to see what situations/plots she puts her characters in. It’s interesting to see the political happenings of the periods she writes about, and how she incorporates them into her story. This is one area she excels in, and her research in these matters is wonderfully detailed.
In this book, Laurens writes about the Young Irelanders political movement, and a plot involving copious amounts of gunpowder that the protagonists need to locate before it is used for nefarious purposes. It will be interesting to learn the motives and the identity of the as-yet nameless and mysterious old villain.
The bad:
That being said, everything else about this book is mostly predictable, from the protagonists’ behaviour to the mostly lacklustre secondary characters to the tedious descriptions of the love scenes (which I always skip, because seriously, who has the patience to read 20 pages of florid prose about bedroom gymnastics at a stretch? At least 3-4 times per book??). This book didn’t differ from her other works in that aspect.
*Spoiler:
Another thing that bothers me is how Laurens frames the national independence movements of the time as villains committing dastardly deeds against the colonial British Empire, when the British did far worse to the peoples it imposed its rule over for several centuries. But since she writes from the point of view of the British regency (and the following period), I guess she’s picked her side. Still, it would have been nice to see the other side in this book not tarred with the same brush as true evil villains such as those from the Adventurers Quartet or the Black Cobra series.
Also, the cover is awful.
The okay:
As regards to the two protagonists, I must say I called Antonia and Sebastian becoming a couple when they grew up back when Laurens wrote the early Cynster novels — why wouldn’t you pair up the children of two alpha frenemies who enjoyed annoying each other? I did expect Devil Cynster to put in an appearance, so it was disappointing that he didn’t, though we did get to see Gyles Rawlings poke fun at Sebastian’s ‘predicament’. To see the Duke of St. Ives ribbing the Earl of Chillingworth about their kids getting together would have added the much-needed entertainment factor the book sadly lacks.
The sort-of-good:
About the only thing I liked about the book was that Sebastian Cynster came across as a lot more real as a character than the usual crop of Laurens’ alpha male protagonists. He showed emotions other than neanderthal pig-headedness, possessiveness and overprotectiveness, and dominance, and was more your regular clueless male, which is, for Laurens’ novels, refreshing. The same goes for Drake Varisey, son of yet another previous Laurens protagonist, Royce Varisey, Duke of Wolverstone. Antonia, too, was a whole lot less annoying than the typical Laurens heroine.
Will I read the rest of the series? Yes, because Laurens is my go-to for cliched romance with a bit of plot. And because I’m still hoping the Duke of St. Ives, the Earl of Chillingworth, and the Duke of Wolverstone will show up to trade barbs over their offspring.
Read the review on my blog here.
Website | Blog | Twitter | Instagram
The good:
By this point, I pretty much read Stephanie Laurens only to see what situations/plots she puts her characters in. It’s interesting to see the political happenings of the periods she writes about, and how she incorporates them into her story. This is one area she excels in, and her research in these matters is wonderfully detailed.
In this book, Laurens writes about the Young Irelanders political movement, and a plot involving copious amounts of gunpowder that the protagonists need to locate before it is used for nefarious purposes. It will be interesting to learn the motives and the identity of the as-yet nameless and mysterious old villain.
The bad:
That being said, everything else about this book is mostly predictable, from the protagonists’ behaviour to the mostly lacklustre secondary characters to the tedious descriptions of the love scenes (which I always skip, because seriously, who has the patience to read 20 pages of florid prose about bedroom gymnastics at a stretch? At least 3-4 times per book??). This book didn’t differ from her other works in that aspect.
*Spoiler:
Another thing that bothers me is how Laurens frames the national independence movements of the time as villains committing dastardly deeds against the colonial British Empire, when the British did far worse to the peoples it imposed its rule over for several centuries. But since she writes from the point of view of the British regency (and the following period), I guess she’s picked her side. Still, it would have been nice to see the other side in this book not tarred with the same brush as true evil villains such as those from the Adventurers Quartet or the Black Cobra series.
Also, the cover is awful.
The okay:
As regards to the two protagonists, I must say I called Antonia and Sebastian becoming a couple when they grew up back when Laurens wrote the early Cynster novels — why wouldn’t you pair up the children of two alpha frenemies who enjoyed annoying each other? I did expect Devil Cynster to put in an appearance, so it was disappointing that he didn’t, though we did get to see Gyles Rawlings poke fun at Sebastian’s ‘predicament’. To see the Duke of St. Ives ribbing the Earl of Chillingworth about their kids getting together would have added the much-needed entertainment factor the book sadly lacks.
The sort-of-good:
About the only thing I liked about the book was that Sebastian Cynster came across as a lot more real as a character than the usual crop of Laurens’ alpha male protagonists. He showed emotions other than neanderthal pig-headedness, possessiveness and overprotectiveness, and dominance, and was more your regular clueless male, which is, for Laurens’ novels, refreshing. The same goes for Drake Varisey, son of yet another previous Laurens protagonist, Royce Varisey, Duke of Wolverstone. Antonia, too, was a whole lot less annoying than the typical Laurens heroine.
Will I read the rest of the series? Yes, because Laurens is my go-to for cliched romance with a bit of plot. And because I’m still hoping the Duke of St. Ives, the Earl of Chillingworth, and the Duke of Wolverstone will show up to trade barbs over their offspring.
Read the review on my blog here.
Website | Blog | Twitter | Instagram
January 30, 2018
"The Lady By His Side" is the story of Sebastian and Antonia.
Lord Sebastian Cynster, Marquess of Earith, is the oldest son of Devil and Honoria, and now in search for a bride as his age advances to mid 30s. His plans seemingly come to a halt, when Drake Varisey, eldest son of the Duke of Wolverston, and a servant to the crown asks his aid.
Drake had received an urgent missive from Lord Ennis, an Irish peer- and convinces Sebastian to attend the latter's house party with the help of Sebastian's childhood friend Antonia Rawlings. Sebastian had had an affair with Lady Ennis years ago, thus finds it monumentally important in gaining Antonia's support to enter the Ennis household-Antonia is someone whom he has always kept in his periphery- but as they reach the party, they become the center of each other's attention.
Being a spinster at 29, Antonia is about to embark on a matron life when the man who has always fascinated her asks for his help- and spellbound by his eyes as well as her adventurous spirit, she agrees to assist him.
The party then encounters two murders of its owners, as well as mysterious last words which leads to a country wide search- all the while Antonia and Sebastian give into their passionate feelings towards each other.
Enjoyable story with strong leads- however the story is more about the mystery and murder than the love between the leads. It revolves around the couple exploring and solving clues,and occasionally addressing their lust. Also ends abruptly as the mystery continues in light of their HFN.
SWE
3/5
Lord Sebastian Cynster, Marquess of Earith, is the oldest son of Devil and Honoria, and now in search for a bride as his age advances to mid 30s. His plans seemingly come to a halt, when Drake Varisey, eldest son of the Duke of Wolverston, and a servant to the crown asks his aid.
Drake had received an urgent missive from Lord Ennis, an Irish peer- and convinces Sebastian to attend the latter's house party with the help of Sebastian's childhood friend Antonia Rawlings. Sebastian had had an affair with Lady Ennis years ago, thus finds it monumentally important in gaining Antonia's support to enter the Ennis household-Antonia is someone whom he has always kept in his periphery- but as they reach the party, they become the center of each other's attention.
Being a spinster at 29, Antonia is about to embark on a matron life when the man who has always fascinated her asks for his help- and spellbound by his eyes as well as her adventurous spirit, she agrees to assist him.
The party then encounters two murders of its owners, as well as mysterious last words which leads to a country wide search- all the while Antonia and Sebastian give into their passionate feelings towards each other.
Enjoyable story with strong leads- however the story is more about the mystery and murder than the love between the leads. It revolves around the couple exploring and solving clues,and occasionally addressing their lust. Also ends abruptly as the mystery continues in light of their HFN.
SWE
3/5
March 11, 2017
Stephanie Laurens has begun another exciting trilogy featuring the Cynsters. We'll see all three of Devil Cynster's children marry as well as Wolverstone's oldest and Gyles Rawlings oldest.
What didn't I love:
1. Sebastian just didn't feel 'real' to me. He grew up in the Cynster family that is absolutely filled with strong, intelligent, willful women and he has the wonderful example of his father, fathers cousins and uncle to see how to treat them. Yet -- Sebastian has no clue??? Sorry -- couldn't buy that part, yet it is pretty much the central theme.
2. I know that the book isn't about Devil and Honoria, but I would have liked to see them make a cameo appearance and get a better view of the family dynamics. At least we got to have a short visit with Gyles and Franchesca. I assume we'll get Devil and Honoria in the next book.
3. I also thought that the book was too short and I didn't really get to know Sebastian or Antonia.
4. It wasn't as suspenseful (read that dangerous) as I would have thought. Compare it to the recent Adventurers books and how suspenseful they were and this one just doesn't measure up.
What did I love
That this entire series solves one mystery - like the recent Adventurers series. So, each book in the trilogy will provide a new couple with an HEA while solving a portion of the mystery.
What didn't I love:
1. Sebastian just didn't feel 'real' to me. He grew up in the Cynster family that is absolutely filled with strong, intelligent, willful women and he has the wonderful example of his father, fathers cousins and uncle to see how to treat them. Yet -- Sebastian has no clue??? Sorry -- couldn't buy that part, yet it is pretty much the central theme.
2. I know that the book isn't about Devil and Honoria, but I would have liked to see them make a cameo appearance and get a better view of the family dynamics. At least we got to have a short visit with Gyles and Franchesca. I assume we'll get Devil and Honoria in the next book.
3. I also thought that the book was too short and I didn't really get to know Sebastian or Antonia.
4. It wasn't as suspenseful (read that dangerous) as I would have thought. Compare it to the recent Adventurers books and how suspenseful they were and this one just doesn't measure up.
What did I love
That this entire series solves one mystery - like the recent Adventurers series. So, each book in the trilogy will provide a new couple with an HEA while solving a portion of the mystery.
June 21, 2020
Nice story. Not my favourite by a long way, but enjoyable reading. I don't like the cover though - not a fan of Victorian clothing either. 4☆
October 4, 2025
I want to say that the lady by his side was very well written and the plot was really good. I also want to say that having waited almost 20 years for a book, I've never been more disappointed. I have been waiting since honoria found out about the bet.. (devils bride).. I have been waiting for Sebastian's book and did not get the pay off I was looking for......... The buccaneer books had it but this book did not. I wanted FAMILY, i wanted to see devil interact with sebastian, and honoria, finding out he was engaged, or devils assistance with the case, I did not get it. The buccaneer books were fantastic, they had their little adventure AND FAMILY. I didn't get it here. I am so terribly sad. And this book was way too short!
Update: I figured it out, I wanted sebastians book to be like the capture of the earl of glencrae,
not similar in story line but similar in the fact that they had their adventure AND FAMILY involvement.
after 20 years of waiting for a book, we deserved a better book.
why is it a person who has written 10 star rating books,
and the one book i literally waited 20 years for , is the worst book she's ever written EVER.
NO other book has made me so angry, given me nightmares, because i was just so frustrated,
all the things ....... have you seen her other books? they are brilliant, flawless,
and yet the one book i waited 20 years for, the one series, are the worst ever,
sorry, still disappointed
Update: I figured it out, I wanted sebastians book to be like the capture of the earl of glencrae,
not similar in story line but similar in the fact that they had their adventure AND FAMILY involvement.
after 20 years of waiting for a book, we deserved a better book.
why is it a person who has written 10 star rating books,
and the one book i literally waited 20 years for , is the worst book she's ever written EVER.
NO other book has made me so angry, given me nightmares, because i was just so frustrated,
all the things ....... have you seen her other books? they are brilliant, flawless,
and yet the one book i waited 20 years for, the one series, are the worst ever,
sorry, still disappointed
November 22, 2017
So disappointed.
Couldn't even finish the book.
I just could not get past 60%.
I tried really hard because I like the author but this was a major disappointment.
I liked the premise a lot but the execution was so dull.
Bored me out of my freaking mind.
The romance was on such a back burner that it was completely dead.
The romance and the chemistry did nothing for me. At all.
I couldn't just connect to the characters.
I wish this was better since it had potential but just...no.
Can't do it.
Couldn't even finish the book.
I just could not get past 60%.
I tried really hard because I like the author but this was a major disappointment.
I liked the premise a lot but the execution was so dull.
Bored me out of my freaking mind.
The romance was on such a back burner that it was completely dead.
The romance and the chemistry did nothing for me. At all.
I couldn't just connect to the characters.
I wish this was better since it had potential but just...no.
Can't do it.
January 31, 2023
Not sure if it was the narrator or the book, but I found this dry and boring.
August 29, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It is book one of the newest Cynster Triogy. Part of the next generation series. During this time in England The sons, or daughters of dukes, or Earls, or other royalty, were called to help in any secret threats to the crown. Sebastian Cyntser, who is a,marquees, is asked by a spy master, and friend Drake Varisey, who is a dukes son. to help him be two places in one. Drake needs to head to Ireland, and he needs Sebastian to go to a house party in the country to accept a message, about a possible plot, concerning the young Ireland's. Sebastian needs to escort someone going to the party ,since he was not part of the guest list, but luckily he knows. one of the young ladies, She has,been friends with his family since childhood. She is also a daughter of loyalty, and no meek flower ,so he is sure she will be eager to go. Lady Antonia Rawlings is eager, as long as Sebastian does not try over protecting her. She is a woman grown, going with her maid, and remembers how bossy Drake, Sebastian, and his friends become. It all starts well , until the man they are to meet is found dying, and his,cryptic message, is very brief. Scotland Yard, and a,magistrate is,brought in. Approving of the papers Sebastian carries, allows them to keep investigating their mystery, while the yard looks,for a murderer. The mystery is interesting, while Antonia, and Sebastian are thrown alone together in their search. Conversation, little touches, a kiss soon leads to more, and Sebastian is trying to reel in his feelings, but he can't stand another gentleman near Antonia. Then comes another death, and the fear heightens. Everyone is stuck together watching each other. The excitement really jumps to a higher level, when Sebastian finds some evidence, and someone does not wish him , nor Antonia alive to share it. This book is not a,cliffhanger, but yet prepares you for book two.I liked the main characters. Antonia was no pampered miss, and knew what she was about. Sebastian, though proud, was still open to her ideas, and help. The sexual scenes are a bit surprising ,since it is a house party, all ripe for gossip. They of course use the age old way to excuse their closeness, since they are of the same social class. I am,sure you can guess. The only problem I had with the story, was the nearly immediate love affair between two people ,who have not been close for years, and the endless talking about the clue, or thinking about the clue, and trying to put the clue ,into multiple scenarios. That was tedious.They were alone for hours searching, you think they would learn more about the,likes and dislikes of,each other, but very little of that until the end, and then it was a forgone conclusion .Romance is very steamy in this one. It goes with the story, and is,loving, and equal to each partner. The couple thinks a lot about each other, what they remember, and what their social class, and parents are like, which does help you know them better. Still the aggressive nature to control the mystery, and romance, and each other to a point, let a lot of great conversation get passed up. I still enjoyed it, and will read the next. A solid four stars for me.. Remember timing is everything...time in this book could have been used better, and make it a,five.
October 19, 2018
.
I really enjoy reading historical romance novels. And this one is chocked full historical era descriptions. But I was not satisfied with the narrator, so there is a possibility that I would have enjoyed the story more so if I had read it on my own. It started way too slow, but eventually improved some. The women are way too bold and daring for the era they belong to. Sexual scenes were extremely lengthy and way too detailed, which I personally can do without.
The H/H belonged to the same social status and knew each other since they were children. However, they never considered each other as marriage material. Being thrown into this mystery together, they quickly discover a compatibility they had never noticed before. Some couples in that era court for the entire season before committing to marriage. Not so with these couples! They instantly become intimately involved while trying to solve a dangerous mystery together.
I personally prefer that each book in a series be able to stand on its own. However, these books do not stand up to that preference and conclude with a cliffhanger regarding the elusive mystery. By the conclusion of the second installment, they still aren't married and the mystery cliffhanger continues on.
The book was not able to stand on its own. It was not clean. Finally, it did not conclude with an H.E.A. for the merry couple, but the mystery remains unsolved and requires you read another book to solve. Therefore, this series not on the top of my list of favorites.
I really enjoy reading historical romance novels. And this one is chocked full historical era descriptions. But I was not satisfied with the narrator, so there is a possibility that I would have enjoyed the story more so if I had read it on my own. It started way too slow, but eventually improved some. The women are way too bold and daring for the era they belong to. Sexual scenes were extremely lengthy and way too detailed, which I personally can do without.
The H/H belonged to the same social status and knew each other since they were children. However, they never considered each other as marriage material. Being thrown into this mystery together, they quickly discover a compatibility they had never noticed before. Some couples in that era court for the entire season before committing to marriage. Not so with these couples! They instantly become intimately involved while trying to solve a dangerous mystery together.
I personally prefer that each book in a series be able to stand on its own. However, these books do not stand up to that preference and conclude with a cliffhanger regarding the elusive mystery. By the conclusion of the second installment, they still aren't married and the mystery cliffhanger continues on.
The book was not able to stand on its own. It was not clean. Finally, it did not conclude with an H.E.A. for the merry couple, but the mystery remains unsolved and requires you read another book to solve. Therefore, this series not on the top of my list of favorites.
July 28, 2020
Love seeing the chillingworth and Cynster next gen combine forces but the story was just a hair slow and very typically Cynster!
October 21, 2017
Where, oh where, has Stephanie Laurens gone? Her original Cynster series was wonderful - well written, great pacing, memorable characters. The series began to weaken as she moved to the younger generation and it hit bottom as she brought in all kinds of friends and relatives with tenuous connections to the original Cynsters. But now she has managed to make Sebastian Cynster so boring that it's definitely time to end the series. Added to the lackluster writing and plot is the latest twist in her novels - they are now serials, not stand-alone titles - the plot now evolves over several books - she tried this in her 4-part Adventurers series and I stopped reading after the first book - I loathe the sales push involved in forcing readers to read/buy multiple books to simply get to the end of the story. Had I known this was a similar format I would definitely given it a pass - which is exactly what I shall do to her future books.
September 2, 2018
¿Lo recomiendo? No. No sí, es tu primera vez leyendo a la autora y si no has terminado le leer la serie de Los Cynster y el Club Bastión (no creo que se puedan disfrutar igual por individual).
La novela me aburrió, me pase muchos párrafos rápidamente, estos tres libros manejan un "misterio" de los cuales Stephanie Laurens ya me tiene cansada, como he comentado sigo con la serie por el amor a los primeros libros de esta y sus personajes. Por esto mismo me molestó ( y no sé si será spoiler) pero esperaba que hubiera un pequeño momento aunque fuera de Honoria y Diablo (Cynster #1 "Diablo") interactuando con su hijo Sebastián 😞 nunca aparecieron, solo los padres de Antonia otros personajes de la serie (Cynster # 7 "Todo sobre la pasión). Hubo ahí un momento en la novela que alegró todo cuando Sebastián habla con su futuro suegro y no puedo rescatar más.
Voy a seguir leyendo lo que venga de los Cynster no lo puedo evitar 😭 aunque me siga llevando decepciones.
La novela me aburrió, me pase muchos párrafos rápidamente, estos tres libros manejan un "misterio" de los cuales Stephanie Laurens ya me tiene cansada, como he comentado sigo con la serie por el amor a los primeros libros de esta y sus personajes. Por esto mismo me molestó ( y no sé si será spoiler) pero esperaba que hubiera un pequeño momento aunque fuera de Honoria y Diablo (Cynster #1 "Diablo") interactuando con su hijo Sebastián 😞 nunca aparecieron, solo los padres de Antonia otros personajes de la serie (Cynster # 7 "Todo sobre la pasión). Hubo ahí un momento en la novela que alegró todo cuando Sebastián habla con su futuro suegro y no puedo rescatar más.
Voy a seguir leyendo lo que venga de los Cynster no lo puedo evitar 😭 aunque me siga llevando decepciones.
Read
May 30, 2017The Lady by His Side launches into the Devil's Brood trilogy about the next generation of Cynsters with Devil's son, Sebastien. And as has become a signature element of S.L.'s love stories, Antonia is as smart and savvy as the man who wants her. Hart to Hart transported back in time to the mid-19th century.
Political intrigue sets the stage for murder and mayhem among the glittering world of the privileged elites. These younger Cynsters and their future mates display as much emotional range and gravitas, and personal flare as their elders.
[Oh, and "long lips" is once again used to describe a man's mouth, which always makes me think of a duck's bill. Is this a variation on an IG posing thing?]
Political intrigue sets the stage for murder and mayhem among the glittering world of the privileged elites. These younger Cynsters and their future mates display as much emotional range and gravitas, and personal flare as their elders.
[Oh, and "long lips" is once again used to describe a man's mouth, which always makes me think of a duck's bill. Is this a variation on an IG posing thing?]
September 10, 2017
Quick airplane read, going into the lives of the next generation of the St Ives gang. Part one of a trilogy our characters are involved in a very shaky murder mystery at a house party, intended to introduce the overarching plot. Just did the sex scenes need to be so long??
September 5, 2020
3 stars.
We've got Devil's son Sebastian and Chillingworth's daughter Antonia as the H/h in this one. They are asked by Wolverstone's son Drake to attend a country house party to talk to the host who had contacted Drake about some plot against the Crown. All three characters are portrayed to be of much the same stamp as their parents.
During the house party, Sebastian discovered their host murdered before he could find out what the plot is and then it's a case of him and Antonia playing sleuths whilst letting their relationship develops. It's an ok read but with a bit of a cliffhanger that I hope will be resolved in the next book. For that cliffhanger, I'm giving it a 3 star.
We've got Devil's son Sebastian and Chillingworth's daughter Antonia as the H/h in this one. They are asked by Wolverstone's son Drake to attend a country house party to talk to the host who had contacted Drake about some plot against the Crown. All three characters are portrayed to be of much the same stamp as their parents.
During the house party, Sebastian discovered their host murdered before he could find out what the plot is and then it's a case of him and Antonia playing sleuths whilst letting their relationship develops. It's an ok read but with a bit of a cliffhanger that I hope will be resolved in the next book. For that cliffhanger, I'm giving it a 3 star.
September 27, 2017
3.5 stars.
I'm
Loving these stories by Staphie Laurens, these feisty women crack me up.
Good to know they have a back bone.
I'm
Loving these stories by Staphie Laurens, these feisty women crack me up.
Good to know they have a back bone.
June 1, 2025
3.4.
But I can’t be your marchioness—we can’t have the marriage we both want—unless you allow me to be me, to be the woman I truly am.”
But I can’t be your marchioness—we can’t have the marriage we both want—unless you allow me to be me, to be the woman I truly am.”
July 20, 2017
Sebastian is a true Cynster, like all the Cynster males in his family. Lady Antonia is her father's daughter (Earl of Chillingworth). Two Strong Personality. Each seeking the mate to the other. Shocking things happen when they come together.
March 20, 2017
Love the Cynsters
I have read all of the Cynster novels and this one was as great as all the others. It is wonderful to see what happens to the children.
I have read all of the Cynster novels and this one was as great as all the others. It is wonderful to see what happens to the children.
March 11, 2017
Another great Cynster Next Gen story by Stephanie Laurens
This is the start of a new trilogy about Devil Cynster's children. Since Devil and Honoria are their parents, you know they will be devilish, loyal, smart and also stubborn and fiercely protective of anyone they care for. This can make falling in love with one of them difficult. Sebastian Cynster, Devil's heir embodies all of these qualities. Fortunately, Antonia Rawlings has known him all her life and knows how he can be. She is more than qualified to whip him into shape and make him suitable to be hers. As she is the daughter of Gyles and Francesca Rawlings from one of the original Cynster stories, you know she can hands him. All of this happens in the beginning of the story. We get to watch as the maneuvering takes place amidst the trials of murder and other treacherous plots.
I see that others complained about this being an obvious start to another trilogy, like the Adventurer's Quartet that just ended. What is wrong with that? A lot of the stories I have been reading lately have been like that.
Someone else complained that the storyline is too similar to others and that it's not realistic for people to realise their feelings after having known one another a long time. I simply do not agree. Since they grew up together, it is easy to picture them knowing about the other person without looking at them closely. I met my husband in high school and we were just friends for many years. Then he married, got divorced and we reconnected. All of a sudden I saw things I hadn't noticed before and eventually we married. That's as real as it gets for me. So I can totally see that happening to them as well.
I like that this is based on actual historical events. I like that we are seeing the children from previous series. The connectedness is cool to me. I liked how they had to learn to deal with each other. Try it and see what you think. Get it from the library if you are worried about cost, but the Kindle edition is a better price at $6.49, much better than the paperback price of $14.39. So take your pick. I plan on enjoying the rest of the series and meeting Devil and Honoria's other children.
This is the start of a new trilogy about Devil Cynster's children. Since Devil and Honoria are their parents, you know they will be devilish, loyal, smart and also stubborn and fiercely protective of anyone they care for. This can make falling in love with one of them difficult. Sebastian Cynster, Devil's heir embodies all of these qualities. Fortunately, Antonia Rawlings has known him all her life and knows how he can be. She is more than qualified to whip him into shape and make him suitable to be hers. As she is the daughter of Gyles and Francesca Rawlings from one of the original Cynster stories, you know she can hands him. All of this happens in the beginning of the story. We get to watch as the maneuvering takes place amidst the trials of murder and other treacherous plots.
I see that others complained about this being an obvious start to another trilogy, like the Adventurer's Quartet that just ended. What is wrong with that? A lot of the stories I have been reading lately have been like that.
Someone else complained that the storyline is too similar to others and that it's not realistic for people to realise their feelings after having known one another a long time. I simply do not agree. Since they grew up together, it is easy to picture them knowing about the other person without looking at them closely. I met my husband in high school and we were just friends for many years. Then he married, got divorced and we reconnected. All of a sudden I saw things I hadn't noticed before and eventually we married. That's as real as it gets for me. So I can totally see that happening to them as well.
I like that this is based on actual historical events. I like that we are seeing the children from previous series. The connectedness is cool to me. I liked how they had to learn to deal with each other. Try it and see what you think. Get it from the library if you are worried about cost, but the Kindle edition is a better price at $6.49, much better than the paperback price of $14.39. So take your pick. I plan on enjoying the rest of the series and meeting Devil and Honoria's other children.
May 4, 2024
Sebastian Cynster knows he must seriously start looking for a wife. If he doesn't, his female relatives are going to find one for him. And yet, none of the current debutantes appeal to him. Then his friend, Drake Varisey, eldest son of the Duke of Woverstone, asks him to assist him.
Drake's father is involved in keeping the government and queen safe. Drake is helping his father and he must travel to Ireland where a dangerous plot has been reported. But also, Drake has received an ominous message from Lord Ennis, an Irish peer living in Kent. Ennis needs to talk with Drake. So Drake appeals to Sebastian to go in his place. It so happens that Ennis and his wife are hosting a house party. Sebastian had an affair six years with Lady Ennis and Drake feels this will over shadow any suspicions as to why he attends the party.
Lady Antonia Rawlings has already been invited to the party and Sebastian asks her if he may be her escort. They have known each other for years, having grown up together. Their fathers are best friends. Antonia is at a crossroads in her life; she has not married and has decided to use the week at the house party to work out a plan for the rest of her life.
Sebastian explains his reason for attending the party and Antonia agrees to be his partner-in-intrigue. She has always been drawn to Sebastian but feels she can mask her feelings for a week.
Sebastian sets up a meeting with Ennis and as he is to meet with him, he finds him dying. All Ennis can whisper is: Gunpoweder .....here. So all Sebastian and Antonia can do is to try to unravel the mystery and avoid a killer.
The mystery unfolds and the childhood connection between the two of them blossoms and comes to life.
Then we learn who the murderer is but there is more to the story - it will unfold in the next book. I liked this story very much.
Drake's father is involved in keeping the government and queen safe. Drake is helping his father and he must travel to Ireland where a dangerous plot has been reported. But also, Drake has received an ominous message from Lord Ennis, an Irish peer living in Kent. Ennis needs to talk with Drake. So Drake appeals to Sebastian to go in his place. It so happens that Ennis and his wife are hosting a house party. Sebastian had an affair six years with Lady Ennis and Drake feels this will over shadow any suspicions as to why he attends the party.
Lady Antonia Rawlings has already been invited to the party and Sebastian asks her if he may be her escort. They have known each other for years, having grown up together. Their fathers are best friends. Antonia is at a crossroads in her life; she has not married and has decided to use the week at the house party to work out a plan for the rest of her life.
Sebastian explains his reason for attending the party and Antonia agrees to be his partner-in-intrigue. She has always been drawn to Sebastian but feels she can mask her feelings for a week.
Sebastian sets up a meeting with Ennis and as he is to meet with him, he finds him dying. All Ennis can whisper is: Gunpoweder .....here. So all Sebastian and Antonia can do is to try to unravel the mystery and avoid a killer.
The mystery unfolds and the childhood connection between the two of them blossoms and comes to life.
Then we learn who the murderer is but there is more to the story - it will unfold in the next book. I liked this story very much.
July 8, 2017
The Caveat: I will be the first to admit Ms. Laurens' 'Quartet' series was not my favorite of her series works; however, her 'Brides' series had me at the edge of my seat, biting my nails, until the next installment was in my hands. With that said, I was a bit ambivalent about her current 'Next Generation' and 'Devil's Brood' offerings.
The Tease: "A marquess in need of the right bride. An earl’s daughter in search of a purpose. A betrayal that ends in murder and balloons into a threat to the realm" peaked my interest so I clicked, downloaded and was pleasantly surprised!
Sebastian (Devil's 1st son and namesake) assumes he can 'lark' into a house party as escort to family friend, Lady Antonia Rawlings, to assist his friend, Drake (son of the Duke of Wolverstone), receive an urgent message. Sebastian perceives Antonia as a typical young miss, sweet and pliable but she soon corrects his mistaken theories of her character. Sebastian escapes his father's shadow to become his own strong character and Antonia matches him with her own brand of manipulative insight and stalwart resolve. Together, they emerge intent on solving an imminent threat to their world against a background drawn loosely from historical events.
Stephanie Laurens' heroines are sassy, self-sufficient and strong. Her heroes are truly dream-worthy, who play into her readers' fantasies. Their interplay is always entertaining especially when they are pitted again diabolical circumstances.
My Opinion: Another must read from New York Times Best Selling author Stephanie Laurens!
The Tease: "A marquess in need of the right bride. An earl’s daughter in search of a purpose. A betrayal that ends in murder and balloons into a threat to the realm" peaked my interest so I clicked, downloaded and was pleasantly surprised!
Sebastian (Devil's 1st son and namesake) assumes he can 'lark' into a house party as escort to family friend, Lady Antonia Rawlings, to assist his friend, Drake (son of the Duke of Wolverstone), receive an urgent message. Sebastian perceives Antonia as a typical young miss, sweet and pliable but she soon corrects his mistaken theories of her character. Sebastian escapes his father's shadow to become his own strong character and Antonia matches him with her own brand of manipulative insight and stalwart resolve. Together, they emerge intent on solving an imminent threat to their world against a background drawn loosely from historical events.
Stephanie Laurens' heroines are sassy, self-sufficient and strong. Her heroes are truly dream-worthy, who play into her readers' fantasies. Their interplay is always entertaining especially when they are pitted again diabolical circumstances.
My Opinion: Another must read from New York Times Best Selling author Stephanie Laurens!
June 18, 2019
“Maintaining control often lay in ensuring others didn’t seize it.”
The Lady By His Side is the book one the Devil’s Brood trilogy as part of the Cynster: Next Generation by Stephanie Laurens. Before this book was written I had hoped this couple would be paired together, it only made sense. Antonia Rawlings and Sebastian Cynster have known each other forever. Their fathers were once rivals, turned friends. This book starts with Drake Varisey asking Sebastian to attend a house party in his stead to receive a tip for the home office. Sebastian enlists the help of Antonia, to act as an escort for her to the party. As they’re uncovering treasonous plots, they find themselves becoming increasingly attracted to each other. I love how Stephanie Laurens writes drama and suspense into her romances. Both Antonia and Sebastian are at a crossroads at the beginning of this story and it’s just a feeling of rightness when they find each other. The thing that made me laugh was at the end when absolutely no one was surprised they ended up together. It was almost like the author was simultaneously teasing the readers and confirming the romance at the same time. Loved It!
Bookstagram: @hopeless.book.romantic
The Lady By His Side is the book one the Devil’s Brood trilogy as part of the Cynster: Next Generation by Stephanie Laurens. Before this book was written I had hoped this couple would be paired together, it only made sense. Antonia Rawlings and Sebastian Cynster have known each other forever. Their fathers were once rivals, turned friends. This book starts with Drake Varisey asking Sebastian to attend a house party in his stead to receive a tip for the home office. Sebastian enlists the help of Antonia, to act as an escort for her to the party. As they’re uncovering treasonous plots, they find themselves becoming increasingly attracted to each other. I love how Stephanie Laurens writes drama and suspense into her romances. Both Antonia and Sebastian are at a crossroads at the beginning of this story and it’s just a feeling of rightness when they find each other. The thing that made me laugh was at the end when absolutely no one was surprised they ended up together. It was almost like the author was simultaneously teasing the readers and confirming the romance at the same time. Loved It!
Bookstagram: @hopeless.book.romantic
December 22, 2017
I enjoyed it. But then, I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by this author. I am from that extremely rare breed that’s read Stephanie Laurens’ work but has never read a single Cynster novel. This is my very first exposure to the family, and so I’m not disappointed as so many of the long-time fans appear to be. I didn’t walk into this book with preconceived notions of who Sebastian and Antonia were supposed to be or how they were supposed to behave. I thought Sebastian was protective and honorable, though very guarded with his emotions. Antonia comes across as quite brave and intelligent, but also highly manipulative. The two of them ‘fit’ each other. They’re both strong enough to challenge one another and wise enough to pick the battles that are truly important. The ending cuts off a bit abruptly, and I wasn't expecting that at all. So, be aware that this is part of a much larger story arc that spans several volumes.
June 14, 2017
I have loved the Cynsters since the first book and Stephanie Laurens continues to create stories filled with love, intrigue and strong characters and plots. The Lady By His Side is the first of a new series featuring Devil and Honoria's children. This is Sebastian and Antonia's story. Sebastian is a true Cynster in that he is a little arrogant, somewhat rakish, overly protective, and about to meet his downfall - the love of his life. Antonia Rawlings is her mother's daughter in that she is feisty, strong, and will show her love that she can handle anything that comes her way. Antonia and Sebastian are working together to uncover a plot and solve murders that occur at a house party. The mystery and intrigue keeps the reader enthralled to the very end. The love story grows in true Cynster style.
February 8, 2025
Devil's son and Chillingworth's daughter... interesting! Dalziel's son as a character too... sign me up! :)
March 20, 2017
FINAL DECISION: Good story, good romance, but I wish there was more on the romance and less on the mystery. These were highly anticipated characters and I wish there was more about their journey. That being said, I understand it is more difficult to write stories about well-adjusted happy characters so I appreciate that their story needed more.
THE STORY: Sebastian Cynster knows that it is time for him to find a wife because the women in his family are never patient about helping the men along if they need it. Just when Sebastian comes to that realization, he is asked by one of his friends, the heir to the Duke of Wolverstone, to help make contact with a peer who might have information about a plot against the country. Sebastian, however, needs a cover for attending the house party where he is to make contact. For that, he approaches another family friend, Antonia Rawlings to help provide a cover. Although the two grew up together, Sebastian has not had much contact with Antonia for years. He finds himself unexpectedly attracted to her. As to two work together to investigate the plot, they find themselves drawing closer.
OPINION: I enjoyed this one but the mystery story was predominate here and by necessity there was a lot of backstory to set up in order to begin the trilogy. As a result, I didn't see much conflict in the relationship between Sebastian and Antonia. Everything was nice between them (as might be expected between two family friends where the relationships are so intertwined) and I liked them as a couple, but there wasn't much tension between them.
There was also less hot sexiness between them -- probably because Sebastian wasn't going to act the rake with Antonia. I did like the book however, and I thought the mystery was filled with interest and tension. I thought this one is working out better than many of the other series with the same overarching mystery format. Plus, what is not to love about having two characters infused with so much history find love together. My only real negative is that I wish we had seen Devil and Honoria in the book. Missed them greatly.
WORTH MENTIONING: This book has a plot that is not resolved in this book. Although the romance is completed, there is an ongoing storyline that will be pursued by the next couple in the series.
CONNECTED BOOKS: THE LADY BY HIS SIDE is the first book in the Devil's Brood Trilogy. It is also intimately connected with the long running Cynsters series. This book however, can be read as a standalone.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
THE STORY: Sebastian Cynster knows that it is time for him to find a wife because the women in his family are never patient about helping the men along if they need it. Just when Sebastian comes to that realization, he is asked by one of his friends, the heir to the Duke of Wolverstone, to help make contact with a peer who might have information about a plot against the country. Sebastian, however, needs a cover for attending the house party where he is to make contact. For that, he approaches another family friend, Antonia Rawlings to help provide a cover. Although the two grew up together, Sebastian has not had much contact with Antonia for years. He finds himself unexpectedly attracted to her. As to two work together to investigate the plot, they find themselves drawing closer.
OPINION: I enjoyed this one but the mystery story was predominate here and by necessity there was a lot of backstory to set up in order to begin the trilogy. As a result, I didn't see much conflict in the relationship between Sebastian and Antonia. Everything was nice between them (as might be expected between two family friends where the relationships are so intertwined) and I liked them as a couple, but there wasn't much tension between them.
There was also less hot sexiness between them -- probably because Sebastian wasn't going to act the rake with Antonia. I did like the book however, and I thought the mystery was filled with interest and tension. I thought this one is working out better than many of the other series with the same overarching mystery format. Plus, what is not to love about having two characters infused with so much history find love together. My only real negative is that I wish we had seen Devil and Honoria in the book. Missed them greatly.
WORTH MENTIONING: This book has a plot that is not resolved in this book. Although the romance is completed, there is an ongoing storyline that will be pursued by the next couple in the series.
CONNECTED BOOKS: THE LADY BY HIS SIDE is the first book in the Devil's Brood Trilogy. It is also intimately connected with the long running Cynsters series. This book however, can be read as a standalone.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
July 9, 2023
Another entry in the Cynster’s Next Generation series, and this one is a lot more mystery focused than the last two entries have been! Focusing this time on Devil’s oldest son, Sebastian, and Chillingworth’s daughter Antonia - having grown up together and known each other their entire lives, they are shocked by their newfound attraction to each other. Wrapped up in a mystery plot featuring Irish independence and Anglo-Irish lords, the background to our romance features murder, mystery gunpowder and a house party - what more could our MCs need! I really liked the development of Antonia and Sebastian’s relationship - they had such a good friendship already established, with shared experiences and reference points. It’s interesting for authors to try and bridge that gap from friends to lovers, and I think it worked really well here. Again, Sebastian is used to strong willed and assertive women, so it wasn’t something he needed to learn to deal with. Antonia is also used to the way Cynster men carry on, and knew immediately what she wanted and how to get it. The interactions between them were fun and flirty, and the main thing holding them back from a relationship was down to their intertwined history and the closeness of their families, and not any outside pressures or ridiculous reasons. Being slightly older MCs as well gave a sense of maturity and finality to their actions, and they both felt like very real and actual people, with their own motivations and emotions outside of the usual romance-main-character points. The major thing I didn’t like is how Lauren’s writes the ‘enemies’ for her plots - they usual surround independence movements and somehow they are always the baddies and Colonial England is always the poor besieged and benign country just fighting for king and country. It rubs me the wrong way, especially when I just want some fun historical romance nonsense!
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