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Devil's Brood Trilogy #3
The Greatest Challenge of them All
A nobleman devoted to defending queen and country and a noblewoman wild enough to match his every step race to disrupt the plans of a malignant intelligence intent on shaking England to its very foundations.
Lord Drake Varisey, Marquess of Winchelsea, eldest son and heir of the Duke of Wolverstone, must foil a plot that threatens to shake the foundations of the realm, but the very last lady—nay, noblewoman—he needs assisting him is Lady Louisa Cynster, known throughout the ton as Lady Wild.
For the past nine years, Louisa has suspected that Drake might well be the ideal husband for her, even though he’s assiduous in avoiding her. But she’s now twenty-seven and enough is enough. She believes propinquity will reveal exactly what it is that lies between them, and what better opportunity to work closely with Drake than this latest mission with which he patently needs her help?
Unable to deny Louisa’s abilities or the value of her assistance and powerless to curb her willfulness, Drake is forced to grit his teeth and acquiesce to her sticking by his side if only to ensure her safety. But all too soon, his true feelings for her surface sufficiently for her, perspicacious as she is, to see through his denials, which she then interprets as a challenge.
Even while they gather information, tease out clues, increasingly desperately search for the missing gunpowder, and doggedly pursue the killer responsible for an ever-escalating tally of dead men, thrown together through the hours, he and she learn to trust and appreciate each other. And fed by constant exposure—and blatantly encouraged by her—their desires and hungers swell and grow…
As the barriers between them crumble, the attraction he has for so long restrained burgeons and balloons, until goaded by her near-death, it erupts, and he seizes her—only to be seized in return.
Linked irrevocably and with their wills melded and merged by passion’s fire, with time running out and the evil mastermind’s deadline looming, together, they focus their considerable talents and make one last push to learn the critical truths—to find the gunpowder and unmask the villain behind this far-reaching plot.
Only to discover that they have significantly less time than they’d thought, that the villain’s target is even more crucially fundamental to the realm than they’d imagined, and it’s going to take all that Drake is—as well as all that Louisa as Lady Wild can bring to bear—to defuse the threat, capture the villain, and make all safe and right again.
As they race to the ultimate confrontation, the future of all England rests on their shoulders.
Third volume in a trilogy. A historical romance with gothic overtones layered over an intrigue. A full length novel of 129,000 words
Lord Drake Varisey, Marquess of Winchelsea, eldest son and heir of the Duke of Wolverstone, must foil a plot that threatens to shake the foundations of the realm, but the very last lady—nay, noblewoman—he needs assisting him is Lady Louisa Cynster, known throughout the ton as Lady Wild.
For the past nine years, Louisa has suspected that Drake might well be the ideal husband for her, even though he’s assiduous in avoiding her. But she’s now twenty-seven and enough is enough. She believes propinquity will reveal exactly what it is that lies between them, and what better opportunity to work closely with Drake than this latest mission with which he patently needs her help?
Unable to deny Louisa’s abilities or the value of her assistance and powerless to curb her willfulness, Drake is forced to grit his teeth and acquiesce to her sticking by his side if only to ensure her safety. But all too soon, his true feelings for her surface sufficiently for her, perspicacious as she is, to see through his denials, which she then interprets as a challenge.
Even while they gather information, tease out clues, increasingly desperately search for the missing gunpowder, and doggedly pursue the killer responsible for an ever-escalating tally of dead men, thrown together through the hours, he and she learn to trust and appreciate each other. And fed by constant exposure—and blatantly encouraged by her—their desires and hungers swell and grow…
As the barriers between them crumble, the attraction he has for so long restrained burgeons and balloons, until goaded by her near-death, it erupts, and he seizes her—only to be seized in return.
Linked irrevocably and with their wills melded and merged by passion’s fire, with time running out and the evil mastermind’s deadline looming, together, they focus their considerable talents and make one last push to learn the critical truths—to find the gunpowder and unmask the villain behind this far-reaching plot.
Only to discover that they have significantly less time than they’d thought, that the villain’s target is even more crucially fundamental to the realm than they’d imagined, and it’s going to take all that Drake is—as well as all that Louisa as Lady Wild can bring to bear—to defuse the threat, capture the villain, and make all safe and right again.
As they race to the ultimate confrontation, the future of all England rests on their shoulders.
Third volume in a trilogy. A historical romance with gothic overtones layered over an intrigue. A full length novel of 129,000 words
350 pages, Paperback
First published July 13, 2017
630 people are currently reading
2019 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
209 books5,572 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 136 reviews
August 11, 2018
There was so much Girl Power in this novel, that it's like reading a version of Charlie's Angels set in 1850 England. The 3 women in this trilogy are even 2 brunettes and a blonde, just like in the original classic tv series:
The heroine in this final novel was kickass, badass and a smartass ! And, since she's the only daughter of the sexy duke Devil Cynster ( H from the fabulous Devil's Bride ) it not a surprise to me. Louisa is definitely Devil's Cynster's daughter; she's like the female equivalent of him and that's why I enjoyed this so much. Louisa was a woman who knows what she wants and knows how to get it. And what she wants, or who she wants rather, is Drake Varisey. Drake is the sexy H; he's the Marquess of Winchelsea and his dad's Royce, the Duke of Wolverstone ( the H from Mastered By Love ). I haven't read Mastered By Love yet, but Drake has followed in his daddy's footsteps and works for the Home Office doing a lot of spy stuff to safeguard the realm. Drake is the man in charge of uncovering the gunpowder plot that began in book 1, The Lady By His Side. And so far, he and his friends ( the MC's from the first 2 novels ) have been outmaneuvered by the villains. They've been running around in circles trying to accomplish 2 things and although they've killed 2 villains they still have a long way to go.
It's taken them 2 whole novels to come to the following conclusion :
Anyway, this novel was dominated by the strong women. Louisa and the 2 heroines from the first and second novel were instrumental in solving the mystery. In fact, Louisa was the one who actually solved the mystery due to help from her grandmother and the eccentric old Lady Obadelestone. Drake and the other 2 guys seemed to be there just to provide the brawn. Louisa and Drake reminded me of the duo from the tv series Bones where the woman does a lot of the analysis and the man does his brawny tough guy thing. At the very end of the mystery, it's actually Louisa who figured out the mystery and the identity of the remaining villain and the mastermind. Drake was a very intelligent man but he's kept himself apart from the inner circles of the Ton so he depended on Louisa's social skills when they needed to investigate within the aristocracy itself. He might've been a wealthy marquess and heir to a duke but he was too standoffish for his fellow Ton members to confide in him. That's why Louisa came in.
The parts of the story I had a little problem with ( vis a vis the realistic portrayal of women in 1850 England ) were:
1. I found it hard to believe that Louisa, Antonia and Cleo were given the freedom to come and go as they pleased without chaperones or ladies' maids. Louisa spent 2 nights having sex with Drake at his townhouse ( across the street from her father's ) and nobody even checked where she was. I know that's it set in the early Victorian era but surely unmarried young ladies were still expected to have chaperones at all times ?
2. The women were allowed to visit the morgue, look at corpses, inspect paperwork at breweries and other investigative work without any men lifting eyebrows. I guess the fact that they were aristocratic women meant that the men they came into contact with, in the course of the investigation, would not ignore them or treat them rudely.
The novel seemed a bit too modern, in terms of the investigative work but I did enjoy it a lot. It was better than the first and second novels because the mystery and the detective work was accelerated so that things were more exciting. It was also wonderful to see that the author had brought back the MC's from the first 2 novels; they had significant roles in this story and their continuing romances were a treat to read. Louisa came across as a very modern heroine. She basically told Drake that she wanted him and was going to get him ! That might not endear her to readers who may see this as a case of a heroine chasing a H. Normally I don't like to read about heroines going after the H but it was done well in this story. Louisa didn't come across as a desperate heroine, but more of a confident one who knew how to wield her sex appeal in spite of the fact that she was a virgin. That part surprised me but maybe she was confident around Drake because she'd known him since they were little kids and had always wanted him.
For his part, Drake was the strong silent type of badass H. He had always wanted Louisa but he kept away because he thought of her as Devil Cynster's social butterfly daughter, who kept collecting a long list of male admirers. Drake had been determined to never make a fool of himself over her the way he'd seen other men do. But, when Louisa got fed up of Drake's silent stoic attitude, she broke their impasse by grabbing him and kissing him:
After that point, Drake was a goner. He knew it was only a matter of time before he weakened and gave in to his desires for the heroine. The author did pay more attention to the romantic storyline in this novel and there was a bit more sex towards the end of the book. I won't give spoiler since it will ruin the mystery and intrigue for readers but I will emphasize that it was fantastic. The storyline took place over the course of a week or so and the plot never became monotonous. The eventual uncovering of the remaining villain and the arrest of the mastermind had me glued to the pages.
The author included three special epilogues that depicted the 3 weddings of the couples from all 3 books. But, what I enjoyed more than those 3 epilogues was the extra special finale epilogue that focused on Devil and Honoria ( from Devil's Bride ). It was a treat to see a fav old couple of mine again and ( in book years ) 32 yrs after they fell in love in their story ! Honoria has become an exceptional beautiful, elegant duchess and Devil's a sexy, handsome silver fox of a man. In the finale epilogue, Devil and Honoria are in bed together talking about how happy they are that their 3 kids have gotten married. Then Devil does something that I'd wanted him to do ever since I'd read Devil's Bride: he tells Honoria he's finally going to take her to visit Egypt. In Devil's Bride, when Honoria had been a mere governess, her big dream had been to travel to Egypt and I had wished that Devil had taken her there. In this finale epilogue, the 60 something yr old man finally realizes ( after 32 yrs ! ) that he needs to treat his wife to her lifelong dream:
"You might still be the duke, but you’ve trained Sebastian from the cradle—there’s no reason he can’t take on more of the daily chores.”
Devil allowed his eyes to feast on the face he had never grown tired of seeing beside him.
“If he did—and I’m sure he would if we asked—what would you like to do?”
She sighed and looked up at the canopy. “I’ve always wanted to travel. Remember? That’s what I intended to do before I met and married you.”
Before he’d seen her and seized her as his bride. The years rolled back in his memory. “Egypt.” He glanced at her.
“We could go and explore that country if you like. See the pyramids and all the rest. Float up the Nile. Visit Cairo and Alexandria.”
She found his hand with hers and gripped; when she turned her head and met his gaze, her brown eyes were bright.
“Yes! I’d love to see those sights—and finally doing so after seeing all our brood wed will be like coming full circle.”
Stephanie Laurens. The Greatest Challenge Of Them All (Kindle Locations 7391-7399). Savdek Management Pty Ltd. Kindle Edition.
Safety: There's no OW, no OM and no cheating.
This is the H, Drake:
This is the heroine, Louisa:
And, before I forget, I loved seeing that eccentric old Lady Obaldestone again. She and her partner in gossip ( the Dowager Duchess of St. Ives ) Helena were a magnificent duo in their cameo appearances. They were truly a couple of smart old grand dames who helped with the solving with the mystery.
The heroine in this final novel was kickass, badass and a smartass ! And, since she's the only daughter of the sexy duke Devil Cynster ( H from the fabulous Devil's Bride ) it not a surprise to me. Louisa is definitely Devil's Cynster's daughter; she's like the female equivalent of him and that's why I enjoyed this so much. Louisa was a woman who knows what she wants and knows how to get it. And what she wants, or who she wants rather, is Drake Varisey. Drake is the sexy H; he's the Marquess of Winchelsea and his dad's Royce, the Duke of Wolverstone ( the H from Mastered By Love ). I haven't read Mastered By Love yet, but Drake has followed in his daddy's footsteps and works for the Home Office doing a lot of spy stuff to safeguard the realm. Drake is the man in charge of uncovering the gunpowder plot that began in book 1, The Lady By His Side. And so far, he and his friends ( the MC's from the first 2 novels ) have been outmaneuvered by the villains. They've been running around in circles trying to accomplish 2 things and although they've killed 2 villains they still have a long way to go.
It's taken them 2 whole novels to come to the following conclusion :
Anyway, this novel was dominated by the strong women. Louisa and the 2 heroines from the first and second novel were instrumental in solving the mystery. In fact, Louisa was the one who actually solved the mystery due to help from her grandmother and the eccentric old Lady Obadelestone. Drake and the other 2 guys seemed to be there just to provide the brawn. Louisa and Drake reminded me of the duo from the tv series Bones where the woman does a lot of the analysis and the man does his brawny tough guy thing. At the very end of the mystery, it's actually Louisa who figured out the mystery and the identity of the remaining villain and the mastermind. Drake was a very intelligent man but he's kept himself apart from the inner circles of the Ton so he depended on Louisa's social skills when they needed to investigate within the aristocracy itself. He might've been a wealthy marquess and heir to a duke but he was too standoffish for his fellow Ton members to confide in him. That's why Louisa came in.
The parts of the story I had a little problem with ( vis a vis the realistic portrayal of women in 1850 England ) were:
1. I found it hard to believe that Louisa, Antonia and Cleo were given the freedom to come and go as they pleased without chaperones or ladies' maids. Louisa spent 2 nights having sex with Drake at his townhouse ( across the street from her father's ) and nobody even checked where she was. I know that's it set in the early Victorian era but surely unmarried young ladies were still expected to have chaperones at all times ?
2. The women were allowed to visit the morgue, look at corpses, inspect paperwork at breweries and other investigative work without any men lifting eyebrows. I guess the fact that they were aristocratic women meant that the men they came into contact with, in the course of the investigation, would not ignore them or treat them rudely.
The novel seemed a bit too modern, in terms of the investigative work but I did enjoy it a lot. It was better than the first and second novels because the mystery and the detective work was accelerated so that things were more exciting. It was also wonderful to see that the author had brought back the MC's from the first 2 novels; they had significant roles in this story and their continuing romances were a treat to read. Louisa came across as a very modern heroine. She basically told Drake that she wanted him and was going to get him ! That might not endear her to readers who may see this as a case of a heroine chasing a H. Normally I don't like to read about heroines going after the H but it was done well in this story. Louisa didn't come across as a desperate heroine, but more of a confident one who knew how to wield her sex appeal in spite of the fact that she was a virgin. That part surprised me but maybe she was confident around Drake because she'd known him since they were little kids and had always wanted him.
For his part, Drake was the strong silent type of badass H. He had always wanted Louisa but he kept away because he thought of her as Devil Cynster's social butterfly daughter, who kept collecting a long list of male admirers. Drake had been determined to never make a fool of himself over her the way he'd seen other men do. But, when Louisa got fed up of Drake's silent stoic attitude, she broke their impasse by grabbing him and kissing him:
After that point, Drake was a goner. He knew it was only a matter of time before he weakened and gave in to his desires for the heroine. The author did pay more attention to the romantic storyline in this novel and there was a bit more sex towards the end of the book. I won't give spoiler since it will ruin the mystery and intrigue for readers but I will emphasize that it was fantastic. The storyline took place over the course of a week or so and the plot never became monotonous. The eventual uncovering of the remaining villain and the arrest of the mastermind had me glued to the pages.
The author included three special epilogues that depicted the 3 weddings of the couples from all 3 books. But, what I enjoyed more than those 3 epilogues was the extra special finale epilogue that focused on Devil and Honoria ( from Devil's Bride ). It was a treat to see a fav old couple of mine again and ( in book years ) 32 yrs after they fell in love in their story ! Honoria has become an exceptional beautiful, elegant duchess and Devil's a sexy, handsome silver fox of a man. In the finale epilogue, Devil and Honoria are in bed together talking about how happy they are that their 3 kids have gotten married. Then Devil does something that I'd wanted him to do ever since I'd read Devil's Bride: he tells Honoria he's finally going to take her to visit Egypt. In Devil's Bride, when Honoria had been a mere governess, her big dream had been to travel to Egypt and I had wished that Devil had taken her there. In this finale epilogue, the 60 something yr old man finally realizes ( after 32 yrs ! ) that he needs to treat his wife to her lifelong dream:
"You might still be the duke, but you’ve trained Sebastian from the cradle—there’s no reason he can’t take on more of the daily chores.”
Devil allowed his eyes to feast on the face he had never grown tired of seeing beside him.
“If he did—and I’m sure he would if we asked—what would you like to do?”
She sighed and looked up at the canopy. “I’ve always wanted to travel. Remember? That’s what I intended to do before I met and married you.”
Before he’d seen her and seized her as his bride. The years rolled back in his memory. “Egypt.” He glanced at her.
“We could go and explore that country if you like. See the pyramids and all the rest. Float up the Nile. Visit Cairo and Alexandria.”
She found his hand with hers and gripped; when she turned her head and met his gaze, her brown eyes were bright.
“Yes! I’d love to see those sights—and finally doing so after seeing all our brood wed will be like coming full circle.”
Stephanie Laurens. The Greatest Challenge Of Them All (Kindle Locations 7391-7399). Savdek Management Pty Ltd. Kindle Edition.
Safety: There's no OW, no OM and no cheating.
This is the H, Drake:
This is the heroine, Louisa:
And, before I forget, I loved seeing that eccentric old Lady Obaldestone again. She and her partner in gossip ( the Dowager Duchess of St. Ives ) Helena were a magnificent duo in their cameo appearances. They were truly a couple of smart old grand dames who helped with the solving with the mystery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2017
WTF was stephanie thinking?
we have waited 20 years for these books and this book like the first book are EXTREMELY disappointing.
have you read the buccaneer books? how long, how detailed how involved, how family,
how fantastic???????????????????
where was the love in this book?????? or the previous book??????
michael and cleo fall in love in 2 days? there is none of the cynster make him wait make him say it,
there is ............. NOTHING.
I just can't express my disappointment
could she have even put 1/2 the love from the buccaneer books into the cynster books this would have been so much better........
i am sure someone else will be more specific and put it more elegantly, but maybe stephanie bowed to pressure from readers to write these books, but of all the cynster books she has ever written,
these last 2 are the most disappointing ......................
I am going to cry...............
the greatest challenge of them all has very intricate plot,
but it still lacks FAMILY...........
still crying
we have waited 20 years for these books and this book like the first book are EXTREMELY disappointing.
have you read the buccaneer books? how long, how detailed how involved, how family,
how fantastic???????????????????
where was the love in this book?????? or the previous book??????
michael and cleo fall in love in 2 days? there is none of the cynster make him wait make him say it,
there is ............. NOTHING.
I just can't express my disappointment
could she have even put 1/2 the love from the buccaneer books into the cynster books this would have been so much better........
i am sure someone else will be more specific and put it more elegantly, but maybe stephanie bowed to pressure from readers to write these books, but of all the cynster books she has ever written,
these last 2 are the most disappointing ......................
I am going to cry...............
the greatest challenge of them all has very intricate plot,
but it still lacks FAMILY...........
still crying
March 14, 2018
“The Lady by His Side” is the story of Drake and Louisa.
When Drake Varisey, Marquess of Winchelsea, and the son to Dalziel and Minevra takes on reign to uncover the mysery behind the rumors of a Young Irelander plot as well as come to terms with the findings of Sebastian/Antonia and Michael/Cleome- he inadvertantly finds himself in company of Lady Wild aka Lady Louisa Cynster, Sebastian and Michael’s sister and daughter to Devil and Honoria.
Drake has ignored their attraction for years, just as Louisa has always known that Drake was her destiny. Having waited 9 years in vain for him to realize his love and make her move, she finally inserts herself in the investigation and makes a final bid for his heart.
This book is 90% the mystery and 10% the ultimate copulation of Drake and Louisa. All the reveals from the last two books add up and the killer/betrayer is revealed in an action packed thriller which is occasionally interspersed with romance.
Glad Drake finally gives into his feelings and the book has sweet epilogues- however I was VERY bored and actually my eyes glazed over the never ending interrogations and evil mastermind monologues. Very longggggggg and drags on and on with little attention on the main leads.
Meh
SWE/ Unsafe
2/5
When Drake Varisey, Marquess of Winchelsea, and the son to Dalziel and Minevra takes on reign to uncover the mysery behind the rumors of a Young Irelander plot as well as come to terms with the findings of Sebastian/Antonia and Michael/Cleome- he inadvertantly finds himself in company of Lady Wild aka Lady Louisa Cynster, Sebastian and Michael’s sister and daughter to Devil and Honoria.
Drake has ignored their attraction for years, just as Louisa has always known that Drake was her destiny. Having waited 9 years in vain for him to realize his love and make her move, she finally inserts herself in the investigation and makes a final bid for his heart.
This book is 90% the mystery and 10% the ultimate copulation of Drake and Louisa. All the reveals from the last two books add up and the killer/betrayer is revealed in an action packed thriller which is occasionally interspersed with romance.
Glad Drake finally gives into his feelings and the book has sweet epilogues- however I was VERY bored and actually my eyes glazed over the never ending interrogations and evil mastermind monologues. Very longggggggg and drags on and on with little attention on the main leads.
Meh
SWE/ Unsafe
2/5
June 26, 2021
We finally get Drake's book! He has avoided his woman for years but it's finally their time!!
Cynsters only marry for love and Louisa, aka, "Lady Wild" has waited patiently for Drake to claim her. She has decided to stop waiting and claim him instead.
Cynsters only marry for love and Louisa, aka, "Lady Wild" has waited patiently for Drake to claim her. She has decided to stop waiting and claim him instead.
July 15, 2017
Series: Devil’s Brood Trilogy #3
Publication Date: 7/13/17
Stephanie Laurens always entertains us with charming characters, exciting plots, and characters that you will never forget. Her words just fly off the page, grab you and pull you right into the story and don't let you go until it is done.
This book is an exceptional wrap-up to the trilogy. You really can’t read this book as a stand-alone because it is part of a trilogy with an overarching mystery that must be solved for Queen and Country.
The first book featured Sebastian Cynster (Devil’s heir) and Antonia Rawlings (eldest daughter of the Earl of Chillingworth) who are sent to Kent to investigate a missive sent to Drake Varisey (Heir to the Duke of Wolverston) saying that the sender has important information he must share. As they investigate, they discover that the plot involves a large shipment of gunpowder being sent to London.
The second book featured Michael Cynster (Devil’s second son) and Cleo Hendon (only daughter of the Jack and Kit Hendon of Hendon Shipping Company). The gunpowder has now reached London and Michael and Cleo have to locate it and stop the plot if they can.
This book, the third and final one, features Lord Drake Varisey and Louisa Cynster (only daughter of Devil – also known as Lady Wild in the ton). Their task is to stop the gunpowder from being delivered to its final destination, identify the target and identify the mastermind behind the plot.
All of these ladies are strong, bold, intelligent, and determined not to be left out of the investigation. Louisa has a long history with Drake – their families have always been friends and Louisa has always known that Drake was the one for her. Drake basically always knew that Louisa was the one for him, but he was fighting it tooth and nail because he thought that love and marriage would be a weakness in his role for the Crown. However, when Louisa insinuates herself, uninvited, into the investigation, he soon comes to value how much she can contribute.
All three of the couples are featured in this book although the main focus is on Drake and Louisa. All of the couples are zipping all over London trying to investigate different aspects of the plot as well as trying to keep up their social obligations as betrothed couples.
Of course, one of my favorite characters is Lady Osbaldestone who is absolutely ancient by now and has been featured in many of the Cynster novels.
The mystery is intense and the target is unexpected as is the mastermind and his reasons for the plot. You’ll just have to read the story to find all of that out.
Publication Date: 7/13/17
Stephanie Laurens always entertains us with charming characters, exciting plots, and characters that you will never forget. Her words just fly off the page, grab you and pull you right into the story and don't let you go until it is done.
This book is an exceptional wrap-up to the trilogy. You really can’t read this book as a stand-alone because it is part of a trilogy with an overarching mystery that must be solved for Queen and Country.
The first book featured Sebastian Cynster (Devil’s heir) and Antonia Rawlings (eldest daughter of the Earl of Chillingworth) who are sent to Kent to investigate a missive sent to Drake Varisey (Heir to the Duke of Wolverston) saying that the sender has important information he must share. As they investigate, they discover that the plot involves a large shipment of gunpowder being sent to London.
The second book featured Michael Cynster (Devil’s second son) and Cleo Hendon (only daughter of the Jack and Kit Hendon of Hendon Shipping Company). The gunpowder has now reached London and Michael and Cleo have to locate it and stop the plot if they can.
This book, the third and final one, features Lord Drake Varisey and Louisa Cynster (only daughter of Devil – also known as Lady Wild in the ton). Their task is to stop the gunpowder from being delivered to its final destination, identify the target and identify the mastermind behind the plot.
All of these ladies are strong, bold, intelligent, and determined not to be left out of the investigation. Louisa has a long history with Drake – their families have always been friends and Louisa has always known that Drake was the one for her. Drake basically always knew that Louisa was the one for him, but he was fighting it tooth and nail because he thought that love and marriage would be a weakness in his role for the Crown. However, when Louisa insinuates herself, uninvited, into the investigation, he soon comes to value how much she can contribute.
All three of the couples are featured in this book although the main focus is on Drake and Louisa. All of the couples are zipping all over London trying to investigate different aspects of the plot as well as trying to keep up their social obligations as betrothed couples.
Of course, one of my favorite characters is Lady Osbaldestone who is absolutely ancient by now and has been featured in many of the Cynster novels.
The mystery is intense and the target is unexpected as is the mastermind and his reasons for the plot. You’ll just have to read the story to find all of that out.
August 7, 2017
I am about half way through this book and I am not sure I can finish it. Stephanie Laurens has always been one of my favorite authors, but I am going to stop automatically buying her books. The recent books, both of this triology and the Buccaneers, have left me disappointed. I struggle to like the characters and find the way she writes love scenes devoid of emotion. It is like sex is all a mind game between the H and h. I want the romance of the early Cynster novels back not the manipulative foreplay I have seen in the recent books. The characters in this triology had such wonderful potential. I never thought I would find it hard to like the son of the Duke of Wolverstone, but Drake is so far not impressive. Louisa is a likeable character, but even she falls flat. Devil Cynster's sons are also flat. I have never reviewed a book before and I am sure that there are many people who could do a much better job. I gave the book a 3 because I am still interested in the families involved, but I really miss the romance, the passion, and the love of the Laurens' former books.
February 20, 2018
I have read slow books, but this was absolutely glacial. How many false leads do we have to follow in excruciating detail before we get to any action? The answer is too many. I slogged through three of these quagmires to reach this lackluster conclusion.
November 2, 2017
3.5 stars
I felt the story spent too much time, effort and energy on the "plot". Drake and Louisa's story took a back seat. I felt it was boring at certain points of the story.
I felt the story spent too much time, effort and energy on the "plot". Drake and Louisa's story took a back seat. I felt it was boring at certain points of the story.
September 8, 2020
3 stars.
I don't think SL's strategy of an ongoing mystery over a trilogy worked that well. There was too much recapping, right at the beginning and then throughout the book with the three couples discussing the case numerous times and with other parties. I think it disengages the reader and detracts from both the mystery and the romance.
This is another crossover with the Bastion Club's Wolverston's son Drake and Devil's daughter Louisa who was introduced at the end of the last book. They basically take over the ongoing investigation of a plot against the Crown started by Sebastian and Michael who are now engrossed in their wedding preparations.
The finale was exciting enough but it just took too long to get there. That final conversation between Devil and Royce about stepping away and letting the next generation take over makes me think I need to step away from the Cynsters as well. I really think SL needs to leave the Cynsters alone and start on some other series that don't involve them at all.
And one last point that I'm not sure I've mentioned before. Why are the covers so ugly in these new books? The Italian ones seem to be so much better!
I don't think SL's strategy of an ongoing mystery over a trilogy worked that well. There was too much recapping, right at the beginning and then throughout the book with the three couples discussing the case numerous times and with other parties. I think it disengages the reader and detracts from both the mystery and the romance.
This is another crossover with the Bastion Club's Wolverston's son Drake and Devil's daughter Louisa who was introduced at the end of the last book. They basically take over the ongoing investigation of a plot against the Crown started by Sebastian and Michael who are now engrossed in their wedding preparations.
The finale was exciting enough but it just took too long to get there. That final conversation between Devil and Royce about stepping away and letting the next generation take over makes me think I need to step away from the Cynsters as well. I really think SL needs to leave the Cynsters alone and start on some other series that don't involve them at all.
And one last point that I'm not sure I've mentioned before. Why are the covers so ugly in these new books? The Italian ones seem to be so much better!
September 27, 2020
Fast paced Romantic Suspense
This is the last of the Devil’s Broad trilogy in the much larger Cynster and Next Generation Cynster series. You definitely have to read the two previous books to pick up where this starts. Overall great historical from start to finish.
This is the last of the Devil’s Broad trilogy in the much larger Cynster and Next Generation Cynster series. You definitely have to read the two previous books to pick up where this starts. Overall great historical from start to finish.
October 8, 2017
"She'd had enough of playing by his rules."
FINAL DECISION: This was the best of the three book trilogy as Drake and Louisa have a battle of wills over her involvement in Drake's investigation. The focus in this series is the mystery and that is true here as well, but the romance was satisfying.
THE STORY: Drake Varisey, Marquess of Winchelsea and heir to the Duke of Wolverstone has taken up the reins of trying to unravel the plot to blow something in London up. The one woman he doesn't want to help is Lady Louisa Cynster. For years, there has been something between these two and Louisa is determined to find out if there is any possibility of a future between them and he doesn't intend to allow Drake to avoid her anymore. Recognizing that he needs Louisa's vast social knowledge and connections, Drake allows Louisa to worm her way into his investigation, but he risks the emotional entanglement that he has been avoiding for years.
OPINION: This book pulls together the threads from the first two books of the series in both the mystery and the romances (as all three couples make appearances here). In fact, if I have a real complaint it is that it appears that all the real significant action was kept until this book which makes the first two books a little unnecessary.
Much of the book is about the mystery of what is going on with the gunpower that the characters have been searching for in the trilogy. There are differing points of view, including the villains in the story. That makes for a weighty story that has many moving parts.
Louisa is a woman who might be the strongest willed heroine that I've ever read by Laurens. She is already a mature woman who knows what her roll in life will be. She is giving Drake an audition so to speak. From the beginning she admits that there is no love between them because they haven't been able to interact enough. (Honestly, I thought their beginning a little cold which has been an unfortunate repeated refrain in Laurens more recent books. Too much intellectual evaluation, too little emotional upheaval). I like how she just does what she wants and doesn't flinch at all from Mr. All powerful Spymaster extraordinaire.
Drake is a man who keeps control by avoiding those things that could challenge his control -- namely Louisa. But as he cannot avoid her any longer, Drake is drawn closer and closer to the wonderfully competent and intelligent Louisa. And the closer he gets to her, the closer he wants to be.
I thought that these two had the best clashes as Drake is determined to avoid Louisa's charms (but he doesn't hold out well). I thought that this book best interwove the mystery and the romance. I also thought that the mystery was particularly good at the end as the unexpected target and motivations of the villains too center stage at the end of this book.
But what I loved most about this book was the extended epilogue which tied all the romances together in a beautiful fashion. That is what made this into a Cynster book for me.
WORTH MENTIONING: There is a bit with Devil and Honoria which is my favorite part -- because they remain my favorite Laurens' couple.
CONNECTED BOOKS: THE GREATEST CHALLENGE OF THEM ALL is the third book in the Devil's Brood Trilogy. While the trilogy books work together as one mystery is solved, I think a reader could read just this book and not miss any of the mystery since there is a recap in the beginning.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
FINAL DECISION: This was the best of the three book trilogy as Drake and Louisa have a battle of wills over her involvement in Drake's investigation. The focus in this series is the mystery and that is true here as well, but the romance was satisfying.
THE STORY: Drake Varisey, Marquess of Winchelsea and heir to the Duke of Wolverstone has taken up the reins of trying to unravel the plot to blow something in London up. The one woman he doesn't want to help is Lady Louisa Cynster. For years, there has been something between these two and Louisa is determined to find out if there is any possibility of a future between them and he doesn't intend to allow Drake to avoid her anymore. Recognizing that he needs Louisa's vast social knowledge and connections, Drake allows Louisa to worm her way into his investigation, but he risks the emotional entanglement that he has been avoiding for years.
OPINION: This book pulls together the threads from the first two books of the series in both the mystery and the romances (as all three couples make appearances here). In fact, if I have a real complaint it is that it appears that all the real significant action was kept until this book which makes the first two books a little unnecessary.
Much of the book is about the mystery of what is going on with the gunpower that the characters have been searching for in the trilogy. There are differing points of view, including the villains in the story. That makes for a weighty story that has many moving parts.
Louisa is a woman who might be the strongest willed heroine that I've ever read by Laurens. She is already a mature woman who knows what her roll in life will be. She is giving Drake an audition so to speak. From the beginning she admits that there is no love between them because they haven't been able to interact enough. (Honestly, I thought their beginning a little cold which has been an unfortunate repeated refrain in Laurens more recent books. Too much intellectual evaluation, too little emotional upheaval). I like how she just does what she wants and doesn't flinch at all from Mr. All powerful Spymaster extraordinaire.
Drake is a man who keeps control by avoiding those things that could challenge his control -- namely Louisa. But as he cannot avoid her any longer, Drake is drawn closer and closer to the wonderfully competent and intelligent Louisa. And the closer he gets to her, the closer he wants to be.
I thought that these two had the best clashes as Drake is determined to avoid Louisa's charms (but he doesn't hold out well). I thought that this book best interwove the mystery and the romance. I also thought that the mystery was particularly good at the end as the unexpected target and motivations of the villains too center stage at the end of this book.
But what I loved most about this book was the extended epilogue which tied all the romances together in a beautiful fashion. That is what made this into a Cynster book for me.
WORTH MENTIONING: There is a bit with Devil and Honoria which is my favorite part -- because they remain my favorite Laurens' couple.
CONNECTED BOOKS: THE GREATEST CHALLENGE OF THEM ALL is the third book in the Devil's Brood Trilogy. While the trilogy books work together as one mystery is solved, I think a reader could read just this book and not miss any of the mystery since there is a recap in the beginning.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
December 28, 2017
As a nobleman devoted to defending Queen and Country, Lord Drake Varisey, Marquess of Winchelsea, eldest son and heir of the Duke of Wolverstone. Step's into his father's shoes. To foil a threaten plot which would shake the foundations of the realm to its knees. Into this plot comes Lady Wild, Lady Louisa Cynster. For the past nine years, Louisa has known that Lord Drake is the husband, for her. She just has to make he see it as well. Unable to deny Louisa's abilities or the value of her assistance and powerless to curb her willfulness, Drake is forced to accept Louisa, sticking by his side to ensure her safety, while working to ensure that this plot against the Queen to closed. With constant exposure to each other, Louisa and Drake. Their desires and pangs of hunger swell and grow. Along with those barriers between them start to crumble, with a near-death attack. on his Lady. That make Drake relies that Lousia is the love of his life. Can he have it all. the Lady he has come to love more that life itself, and locat the mastermind behind the plot?
June 6, 2025
2.8
She was right; she didn’t require an escort. She warranted a keeper.
She was right; she didn’t require an escort. She warranted a keeper.
July 14, 2017
Fabulous!
After finishing Stephanie Laurens latest Cynster novel, all I can say is WOW! I first began reading Stephanie’s books about 4 years ago. The first being Devil’s Bride. I fell in love with her writing style. She has created this family that you want to become a part of any way you can.
In this latest book, it is the third in the Devil’s Brood Series and wonderfully picks up where number two leaves off. This story is about Louisa (Devil’s daughter) and Drake (Royca and Minerva’s son (Mastered By Love). They are racing a clock to stop a madman and his evil plot. The story is filled with mystery, intrigue and romance. I was captivated from the beginning! I actually stayed up to 3:00 am one night because I couldn’t put the book down!
Stephanie weaves the tale beautifully. Louisa is headstrong and determined and she reminds me so much of her father. Drake is equally headstrong and determined. The combination is a force to be reckoned with. Yes, it’s ultimately a love story. But, the mystery aspect of the book, and series, will capture any mystery lover! And the epilogue is absolutely wonderful! It truly comes full circle from the beginning of Devil’s Bride.
I know that I now must wait patiently until 2019 for another Cynster novel, but I know it will be worth the wait! So, I highly recommend this book and series! You will not be disappointed!
After finishing Stephanie Laurens latest Cynster novel, all I can say is WOW! I first began reading Stephanie’s books about 4 years ago. The first being Devil’s Bride. I fell in love with her writing style. She has created this family that you want to become a part of any way you can.
In this latest book, it is the third in the Devil’s Brood Series and wonderfully picks up where number two leaves off. This story is about Louisa (Devil’s daughter) and Drake (Royca and Minerva’s son (Mastered By Love). They are racing a clock to stop a madman and his evil plot. The story is filled with mystery, intrigue and romance. I was captivated from the beginning! I actually stayed up to 3:00 am one night because I couldn’t put the book down!
Stephanie weaves the tale beautifully. Louisa is headstrong and determined and she reminds me so much of her father. Drake is equally headstrong and determined. The combination is a force to be reckoned with. Yes, it’s ultimately a love story. But, the mystery aspect of the book, and series, will capture any mystery lover! And the epilogue is absolutely wonderful! It truly comes full circle from the beginning of Devil’s Bride.
I know that I now must wait patiently until 2019 for another Cynster novel, but I know it will be worth the wait! So, I highly recommend this book and series! You will not be disappointed!
September 2, 2019
This was #3 of a trilogy. I didn't like the other two books very much but they ended in cliffhangers. Had I known that I would never have started this series, but by the time you finish the first book you want to know what happens. Didn't like either of the characters either. Laurens is a favorite author but I think she missed the mark on this whole series (cliffhanger aggravation aside)
August 3, 2017
Though rated 3* because I believe others will enjoy this story, I confess for me this was a DNF. I set it aside at around the 63% mark. The writing was fine, the plot promising, but I found the characters unconvincing and the pacing sluggish. I wanted fire, what I got was kind of a stuttering, damp fuse. But, for those less jaded that me, could be a read you'd find enjoyable.
December 23, 2018
So I was hoping for a romance novel and got a mystery instead. If you like mysteries, great, but it's not for me. This does fall into a typical Stephanie Laurens novel...one character knows the other is perfect for them and so the dance goes. But I got so bored as I didn't care about resolving the issue with the gunpowder...and there's SO MUCH DISCUSSION on the gunpowder.
July 14, 2020
It feels like babysitters-club murder mystery rather than a romantic suspense. They are in their early 30 or late 20 and they act like bunch of teenager. The writing is so childish. The conversation and relationships so immature.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2022
Great story...💙💖💙 I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!!💜💖💜
“My advice,” Louisa’s far-seeing grandmother stated, “is to never forget what brought you together.” He knew perfectly well she wasn’t referring to the mission. Lady Osbaldestone nodded sagely. “That’s sound and wise counsel, to which I will add”—her black eyes narrowed on Drake’s face—“when aggravation strikes, try harder.” Drake stared at the ancient old lady, and she stared unwaveringly—challengingly—back at him. He didn’t need telling; he already knew—had already accepted—that love and, even more, loving Louisa was and always would be the most exciting, most distracting, most exacting, most scarifying, most satisfying, and inevitably, the greatest challenge he’d ever faced. The greatest challenge of them all. That realization, his acceptance of it, allowed him to smoothly incline his head to both ladies. “I will endeavor to remember.” He glanced at Louisa and reached for her hand. “And if I don’t, I’m sure I can rely on my wife to remind me.” That comment put a glorious smile on all three ladies’ faces. With an elegant bow to the two older grandes dames, Drake looped Louisa’s arm in his and led his own grande dame away—into their future, into whatever adventures and intrigues Fate might send them, into a life ruled by mutual passions and desires, by shared goals and shared challenges, by family, by loyalty, by honor and purpose, presided over by the one immutable power that held sway over all. Love. The old ladies were correct. Life began with, was sustained by, and ultimately was ruled by love.
“My advice,” Louisa’s far-seeing grandmother stated, “is to never forget what brought you together.” He knew perfectly well she wasn’t referring to the mission. Lady Osbaldestone nodded sagely. “That’s sound and wise counsel, to which I will add”—her black eyes narrowed on Drake’s face—“when aggravation strikes, try harder.” Drake stared at the ancient old lady, and she stared unwaveringly—challengingly—back at him. He didn’t need telling; he already knew—had already accepted—that love and, even more, loving Louisa was and always would be the most exciting, most distracting, most exacting, most scarifying, most satisfying, and inevitably, the greatest challenge he’d ever faced. The greatest challenge of them all. That realization, his acceptance of it, allowed him to smoothly incline his head to both ladies. “I will endeavor to remember.” He glanced at Louisa and reached for her hand. “And if I don’t, I’m sure I can rely on my wife to remind me.” That comment put a glorious smile on all three ladies’ faces. With an elegant bow to the two older grandes dames, Drake looped Louisa’s arm in his and led his own grande dame away—into their future, into whatever adventures and intrigues Fate might send them, into a life ruled by mutual passions and desires, by shared goals and shared challenges, by family, by loyalty, by honor and purpose, presided over by the one immutable power that held sway over all. Love. The old ladies were correct. Life began with, was sustained by, and ultimately was ruled by love.
July 22, 2024
This book is the third in a trilogy centered around a plot that threatens the very foundation of the realm in England. Lord Drake Varisey, the Marquess of Winchelsea works for the Home Office to help maintain and take care of political intrigues that concern the government. He has taken over the post when his father retired from the position.
The plot continues on from the two previous books. Ten barrels of gunpowder were brought into London secretly. It is strongly suspected that the gunpowder in intended to blow some government buildings to cause chaos.
All three grown Cynsters are involved, Sebastian, Michael and now Louisa. Also involved are Antonia, Cleo and of course, Drake. This team is charged with learning where the gunpowder is, who is responsible for bringing it into London and most importantly, what is the target.
The three teams are working together, trying to find answers to all three questions, and frantically find it before the gunpowder can be used.
Of course, romance is a big part of the story. In this story, Louisa and Drake are the featured couple. This book dragged somewhat. Also, it is more than a bit hard to believe that women of the aristocracy are working alongside the men. Still, it was a fun read.
The plot continues on from the two previous books. Ten barrels of gunpowder were brought into London secretly. It is strongly suspected that the gunpowder in intended to blow some government buildings to cause chaos.
All three grown Cynsters are involved, Sebastian, Michael and now Louisa. Also involved are Antonia, Cleo and of course, Drake. This team is charged with learning where the gunpowder is, who is responsible for bringing it into London and most importantly, what is the target.
The three teams are working together, trying to find answers to all three questions, and frantically find it before the gunpowder can be used.
Of course, romance is a big part of the story. In this story, Louisa and Drake are the featured couple. This book dragged somewhat. Also, it is more than a bit hard to believe that women of the aristocracy are working alongside the men. Still, it was a fun read.
August 18, 2019
Review - My absolute favourite of the Devil's Brood trilogy! This brings together the strings of the previous two novels in a book that I couldn't put down. It kept you on your toes, throwing in red herrings and, although you knew that they would stop the plot in time, you didn't quite know how they would stop it or what the reasoning was behind it anyway. Little details were leaked throughout that allowed you to start making connections. What I love about Stephanie Laurens' books is that they aren't just bodice rippers, there is always an element of mystery and political intrigue involved which keeps me reading.
Genre? - Historical / Romance
Characters? - Drake Varisey, Earl of Winchelsea / Lady Louisa Cynster / Lady Antonia Rawlings / Miss Cleome Hendon / Sebastian Cynster, Earl of Earith / Lord Michael Cynster / Queen Victoria / Prince Albert / Devil Cynster, Duke of St Ives / Honoria Cynster, Duchess of St Ives / Helena Cynster, Dowager Duchess of St Ives / Therese, Lady Osbaldestone
Setting? - London (England)
Series? - Cynster #26 / Devil's Brood #3
Recommend? – Yes
Rating - 19/20
Genre? - Historical / Romance
Characters? - Drake Varisey, Earl of Winchelsea / Lady Louisa Cynster / Lady Antonia Rawlings / Miss Cleome Hendon / Sebastian Cynster, Earl of Earith / Lord Michael Cynster / Queen Victoria / Prince Albert / Devil Cynster, Duke of St Ives / Honoria Cynster, Duchess of St Ives / Helena Cynster, Dowager Duchess of St Ives / Therese, Lady Osbaldestone
Setting? - London (England)
Series? - Cynster #26 / Devil's Brood #3
Recommend? – Yes
Rating - 19/20
July 14, 2017
A great ending to an intriguing trilogy
If you want to read this book, you really must read the two previous books: The Lady by His Side and then An Irresistible Alliance first. This book has excitement and adventure right from thee start. Even better are the 2strong main characters of Drake (Royce Wolverstone's heir) and Louisa (Devil Cynster's grande dame in training). These two are great together. The storyline is action packed, but we still got to watch them grow and develop. You see the 4 main characters from the 2 previous books, but you also see characters from the original Cynster series, as well as from other series that Stephanie Laurens has written. Now I want to go Bach and reread all those as well.
Read the other 2 books first and then hang on, because this one is a wild ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat and guessing for the whole story. Enjoy!
If you want to read this book, you really must read the two previous books: The Lady by His Side and then An Irresistible Alliance first. This book has excitement and adventure right from thee start. Even better are the 2strong main characters of Drake (Royce Wolverstone's heir) and Louisa (Devil Cynster's grande dame in training). These two are great together. The storyline is action packed, but we still got to watch them grow and develop. You see the 4 main characters from the 2 previous books, but you also see characters from the original Cynster series, as well as from other series that Stephanie Laurens has written. Now I want to go Bach and reread all those as well.
Read the other 2 books first and then hang on, because this one is a wild ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat and guessing for the whole story. Enjoy!
September 3, 2017
Finally! At last!
Although I found the first 2 books in this series were good but slightly disappointing, this book was outstanding and made those first 2 books even better. It just pulled everything together and summed everything up.
Drake and Louisa's story had everything in it, romance, danger and intrigue. Even though the first 2 books had the danger and the intrigue, I felt the romance was lacking. Not in this book!
Drake and Louisa have always known each other and had, since her come out ball, known there was something between them. As a result, Drake avoided being around Louisa as much as possible. But as she and Drake work together to solve the mystery of the gunpowder,their relationship grows so much closer. Drake finally realizes that this is the women who is meant to be his.
I like the way, at their childrens weddings, the parents acknowledged the passing of the baton to the new generation. So the stories of the new generation begin!
Although I found the first 2 books in this series were good but slightly disappointing, this book was outstanding and made those first 2 books even better. It just pulled everything together and summed everything up.
Drake and Louisa's story had everything in it, romance, danger and intrigue. Even though the first 2 books had the danger and the intrigue, I felt the romance was lacking. Not in this book!
Drake and Louisa have always known each other and had, since her come out ball, known there was something between them. As a result, Drake avoided being around Louisa as much as possible. But as she and Drake work together to solve the mystery of the gunpowder,their relationship grows so much closer. Drake finally realizes that this is the women who is meant to be his.
I like the way, at their childrens weddings, the parents acknowledged the passing of the baton to the new generation. So the stories of the new generation begin!
May 2, 2019
“In order to make a dream into a reality, you have to reach for it— with your hands, with your heart, with all you have in you.”
The Greatest Challenge of Them All is the fifth book in the Cynster: Next Generation series by Stephanie Laurens. The author is breaking up the series with duos and trilogies and this book is the last in a trilogy. I’ve been excited about this story for a long time, because they kept hinting at Louisa in previous books. I was kind of hoping her hero would be Drake, but I wasn’t sure they were going to go there. I love how Stephanie Laurens developed Louisa into a confident, knowledgeable woman, completely embracing her power. I thought it was funny how Drake ran from her because he knew she put him edge and instinctively knew how vulnerable she made him. I love how she pursued him knowing he was one for her. I would say their love is the greatest challenge for both of them.
Bookstagram: @hopeless.book.romantic
The Greatest Challenge of Them All is the fifth book in the Cynster: Next Generation series by Stephanie Laurens. The author is breaking up the series with duos and trilogies and this book is the last in a trilogy. I’ve been excited about this story for a long time, because they kept hinting at Louisa in previous books. I was kind of hoping her hero would be Drake, but I wasn’t sure they were going to go there. I love how Stephanie Laurens developed Louisa into a confident, knowledgeable woman, completely embracing her power. I thought it was funny how Drake ran from her because he knew she put him edge and instinctively knew how vulnerable she made him. I love how she pursued him knowing he was one for her. I would say their love is the greatest challenge for both of them.
Bookstagram: @hopeless.book.romantic
August 2, 2017
First of all, let me say that I read the paperback edition of this story but there was no link to review it as such.
Stephanie Laurens continues to amaze and delight with the continuation of the Cynster family. I have been a big fan since the very first book and have not been disappointed yet. This is the third and final in the Devil's Brood trilogy. The characters are entertaining and engaging, making you feel like you are part of the story. This is the finale of the mystery that started in book 1 and the story just glides along. Along with the mystery we watch as Lady Louisa Cynster and Lord Drake finally give into the love that has been building between them. Their strength and personality together create the ultimate love story.
Stephanie Laurens continues to amaze and delight with the continuation of the Cynster family. I have been a big fan since the very first book and have not been disappointed yet. This is the third and final in the Devil's Brood trilogy. The characters are entertaining and engaging, making you feel like you are part of the story. This is the finale of the mystery that started in book 1 and the story just glides along. Along with the mystery we watch as Lady Louisa Cynster and Lord Drake finally give into the love that has been building between them. Their strength and personality together create the ultimate love story.
January 14, 2021
I must admit I have been waiting for Louisa’s story ever since her cute debut in her Uncle Luc & Aunt Amelia’s (though not technically uncle & aunt - they are second cousins? third cousins?) story with adorably teething baby Louisa imperiously shouting “Dgoo!” at her father & Luc while nibbling on her play block 🤣
At this point, we all know that nothing will ever top Stephanie’s “golden age”: The original Bar Cynster novels.
I’m mainly rating it 4 stars out of sheer loyalty & nostalgia. Completely biased. I love Louisa, I love the Cynsters, I love Stephanie Laurens.
Is it as wonderful as the first generation Cynster love stories? No. But we all knew that before reading.
Did I still enjoy it? Of course.
At this point, we all know that nothing will ever top Stephanie’s “golden age”: The original Bar Cynster novels.
I’m mainly rating it 4 stars out of sheer loyalty & nostalgia. Completely biased. I love Louisa, I love the Cynsters, I love Stephanie Laurens.
Is it as wonderful as the first generation Cynster love stories? No. But we all knew that before reading.
Did I still enjoy it? Of course.
July 26, 2021
"A public trial is the only way to demonstrate to the nation the true nature of malignantly arrogant intelligences such as Nagle - people capable of manipulating others on a grand scale and who believe that they have the right to do so....But even more importantly, a public trial is the only way of reassuring the wider population that the old way of screening the aristocracy from justice are well and truly passed."
"...justice is arguably the most important cornerstone of our nation. People need to see that it works regardless of status - financial, personal or political. That it applies to everyone without fear or favor."
Maybe more of a 3.5. I did like Louisa figuring everything out and causing the distraction to prevent disaster. Maybe I just need a break from ton romances.
"...justice is arguably the most important cornerstone of our nation. People need to see that it works regardless of status - financial, personal or political. That it applies to everyone without fear or favor."
Maybe more of a 3.5. I did like Louisa figuring everything out and causing the distraction to prevent disaster. Maybe I just need a break from ton romances.
August 14, 2017
Another great book by Stephanie. Louisa and Drake are put together to help find the gunpowder before something big happens. They with Sebastian, Antonia, Michael and Cleo all work together to find out who this culprit is.
Louisa and Drake and know each other all their lives. She has know that he is the one for her. Drake is not so sure until they work together and then he realizes that Louisa is the woman for him.
So Cynsters united and foil the plot. The three couples are all united in this effort and the couples are united in love.
Worth the read. The lost of the Devil's Brood Trilogy. Love these books.
Louisa and Drake and know each other all their lives. She has know that he is the one for her. Drake is not so sure until they work together and then he realizes that Louisa is the woman for him.
So Cynsters united and foil the plot. The three couples are all united in this effort and the couples are united in love.
Worth the read. The lost of the Devil's Brood Trilogy. Love these books.
April 12, 2024
Third book in the mini series of the next generation of Cynsters. Here, Louisa Cynster and Drake Verisey, the Marquis of Winchelsea, work to prevent a bombing that will lead to chaos and social unrest. Along with Antonia and Sebastian, and Michael and Cleo, they all work to figure out what the plan is and prevent it from happening.
Excellent end to the mini series. Have to say there is a lot of humor in these three books, in that the men all think the women should be meek and mild, and fall in line. All I wanted to say is, What? Have you met your mothers? Aunts? Grandmothers? Are they that type of women? Too funny.
Excellent end to the mini series. Have to say there is a lot of humor in these three books, in that the men all think the women should be meek and mild, and fall in line. All I wanted to say is, What? Have you met your mothers? Aunts? Grandmothers? Are they that type of women? Too funny.
July 31, 2017
Love wins out
Love, love reading Stephanie Laurens books about the Cynster family!! This book also had the son of the infamous Duke of Wolvertone, Drake. Along with Sebastian , Michael Cynster, Antonia Rawlings, Cleo Hendon the 5 are working on a mystery that includes 10 barrels of gunpowder. This book has all 5 but now includes now Louisa Cynster, sister to Sebastian and Michael. The six work thru the mystery. There is so much happening that all I can say is read the book. It is hard to put down!
Love, love reading Stephanie Laurens books about the Cynster family!! This book also had the son of the infamous Duke of Wolvertone, Drake. Along with Sebastian , Michael Cynster, Antonia Rawlings, Cleo Hendon the 5 are working on a mystery that includes 10 barrels of gunpowder. This book has all 5 but now includes now Louisa Cynster, sister to Sebastian and Michael. The six work thru the mystery. There is so much happening that all I can say is read the book. It is hard to put down!
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