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The Cavanaughs #1
The Designs of Lord Randolph Cavanaugh
#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens returns with a new series that captures the simmering desires and intrigues of early Victorians as only she can. Ryder Cavanaugh’s stepsiblings are determined to make their own marks in London society. Seeking fortune and passion, THE CAVANAUGHS will delight readers with their bold exploits.
An independent nobleman
Lord Randolph Cavanaugh is loyal and devoted—but only to family. To the rest of the world, he’s aloof and untouchable, a respected and driven entrepreneur. But Rand yearns for more in life, and when he travels to Buckinghamshire to review a recent investment, he discovers a passionate woman who will challenge his rigid self-control…
A determined lady
Felicia Throgmorton intends to keep her family afloat. For decades, her father was consumed by his inventions and now, months after his death, with their finances in ruins, her brother insists on continuing their father’s tinkering. Felicia is desperate to hold together what’s left of the estate. Then she discovers she must help persuade their latest investor that her father’s follies are a risk worth taking…
Together—the perfect team
Rand arrives at Throgmorton Hall to discover the invention on which he’s staked his reputation has exploded, the inventor is not who he expected and a fiercely intelligent woman now holds the key to his future success. But unflinching courage in the face of dismaying hurdles is a trait they share, and Rand and Felicia are forced to act together against ruthless foes to protect everything they hold dear.
An independent nobleman
Lord Randolph Cavanaugh is loyal and devoted—but only to family. To the rest of the world, he’s aloof and untouchable, a respected and driven entrepreneur. But Rand yearns for more in life, and when he travels to Buckinghamshire to review a recent investment, he discovers a passionate woman who will challenge his rigid self-control…
A determined lady
Felicia Throgmorton intends to keep her family afloat. For decades, her father was consumed by his inventions and now, months after his death, with their finances in ruins, her brother insists on continuing their father’s tinkering. Felicia is desperate to hold together what’s left of the estate. Then she discovers she must help persuade their latest investor that her father’s follies are a risk worth taking…
Together—the perfect team
Rand arrives at Throgmorton Hall to discover the invention on which he’s staked his reputation has exploded, the inventor is not who he expected and a fiercely intelligent woman now holds the key to his future success. But unflinching courage in the face of dismaying hurdles is a trait they share, and Rand and Felicia are forced to act together against ruthless foes to protect everything they hold dear.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published April 24, 2018
746 people are currently reading
983 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 225 reviews
March 6, 2018
2.5 stars
I’m shocked at my own reading experience with this book considering that I have such love for Stephanie Lauren’s Cynster series. THE DESIGNS OF LORD RANDOLPH CAVANAUGH is the start of a new series and I launched at it with great enthusiasm and expectation.
I have to say, I started off interested and open-minded but by 35%, I was having difficulty with the book for a few reasons. Firstly, this might have well been a rookie’s guide to steam engines for all the technical information and description and sadly it had me very bored. This issue perpetuated throughout the book with much discussion of pistons, valves and boilers (I don’t mean those phrases as a double entendre either). My second issue was around the main characters themselves. Both characters, Felicia and Rand were basically pleasant characters but they had no chemistry. Their supposed connection came out of nowhere and it’s just wasn’t believable for me. It was everything instalove and I was turned off.
This is the least romantic book I’ve read from Stephanie Laurens, with slow burn of chemistry and I must admit I was desperate for some romantic connection earlier. Maybe I was just ‘over it’ when it did come. My rating and value for this book are given for the main characters themselves, I liked them each as people, just not together, so clearly this missed the spot with me.
If you’ve not read Stephanie Laurens, don’t start here. Start with Devil’s Bride.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
I’m shocked at my own reading experience with this book considering that I have such love for Stephanie Lauren’s Cynster series. THE DESIGNS OF LORD RANDOLPH CAVANAUGH is the start of a new series and I launched at it with great enthusiasm and expectation.
I have to say, I started off interested and open-minded but by 35%, I was having difficulty with the book for a few reasons. Firstly, this might have well been a rookie’s guide to steam engines for all the technical information and description and sadly it had me very bored. This issue perpetuated throughout the book with much discussion of pistons, valves and boilers (I don’t mean those phrases as a double entendre either). My second issue was around the main characters themselves. Both characters, Felicia and Rand were basically pleasant characters but they had no chemistry. Their supposed connection came out of nowhere and it’s just wasn’t believable for me. It was everything instalove and I was turned off.
This is the least romantic book I’ve read from Stephanie Laurens, with slow burn of chemistry and I must admit I was desperate for some romantic connection earlier. Maybe I was just ‘over it’ when it did come. My rating and value for this book are given for the main characters themselves, I liked them each as people, just not together, so clearly this missed the spot with me.
If you’ve not read Stephanie Laurens, don’t start here. Start with Devil’s Bride.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
June 6, 2018
Lord Randolph Cavanaugh arrives at Throgmorton Hall unannounced. He's checking up on one of his investments. He alights from his carriage to witness the explosion of the engine to the Throgmorton Steam-Powered Horseless Carriage. Lord Randolph further discovers that the inventor has died and his son, William John, has ascended to the position. William John's sister, Felicia, wants nothing to do with inventions or inventors. She has seen the damage they do to the family and staff. When she learns of William John's financial deception, Felicia is outraged. Randolph --Rand -- points out the consequences to all parties if the steam engine is not presented at the exhibition in Birmingham. William John will need the help of both Rand and Felicia if he is to make the invention run. Can the three of them work together for the sake of everyone?
The main characters are expressive and real. We feel the sentiment of the protagonists and the secondary characters. The love between Rand and Felicia is respectful and honest. The plot is simple but compelling. The epilogue wraps up Rand and Felicia's story and also teases the reader towards the next book in the series. A most delightful story with a HEA ending.
The main characters are expressive and real. We feel the sentiment of the protagonists and the secondary characters. The love between Rand and Felicia is respectful and honest. The plot is simple but compelling. The epilogue wraps up Rand and Felicia's story and also teases the reader towards the next book in the series. A most delightful story with a HEA ending.
April 22, 2018
Series: The Cavanaughs #1
Publication Date: 4/24/18
What a wonderfully, delightfully different take on a historical romance. It was such a refreshing change that I felt like starting at the beginning and reading it all over again. What, you might ask, is so different? Well, the romance itself. Rand and Felicia had never met – they didn’t hate each other, they weren’t childhood friends who had become enemies. There wasn’t a malevolent family member trying to do either of them harm. They were both warm and loving toward their families. Neither had any deep, dark secrets that they were in constant angst about. What wasn’t to love about it? Their relationship grew in trust, respect, honesty, and love over a period of time. They made a commitment to each other and vowed that nothing would deter them from that commitment no matter what happened with the things that were going on around them – and they stuck to that commitment. They looked toward the future and worked together through the obstacles that were put in their way.
It was lovely to see Ryder Cavanaugh’s brothers and sister all grown up and getting their own series. Ryder was paired with Mary Cynster in about book 20 or so of the Cynster novels – The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh. Rand, our hero in this novel, was actually Mary’s target husband in that book. Isn’t it lucky for us that Ryder won the lovely lady Mary instead? Now, all of Ryder’s brothers and his sister want the kind of love and marriage Ryder found with Mary.
Randolph Cavanaugh has been working hard to make a name for himself other than being a Cavanaugh and brother to a Marquess. He has a gift for financial management and investment and worked with Gabriel Cynster for several years while he learned the ropes. Now, he has his own investment firm – Cavanaugh Investments – and he’s doing very well. However, his latest investment seems to have hit a snag and he needs to check on it – since he’s in the area anyway. When he arrives unannounced, he discovers that his inventor has died and his son has taken over the project. The son is a capable inventor, but he’s run into some problems and the boiler has exploded. Ryder knows his reputation is riding on the successful completion of this invention and decides to stay around and manage the project himself. Of course, the inventor’s lovely sister, Felicity, wouldn’t be too hard to put up with either.
Felicia Throgmorton’s jaw drops when she learns that her brother William John has deceived Lord Randolph and that she has been, unknowingly, benefitting from that deception. She readily accepts Lord Randolph into their home and encourages him and her brother. Then, she discovers a long-forgotten affinity for inventing in herself and can sometimes help William John and Rand.
Then, you have the villain – and a wily dude he is – sort of – sometimes you just have to be careful who you hire. He wants nothing more than to sabotage the invention and assure it fails miserably. Rand and Felicia have to help work out the problems with the invention and thwart the villain all while they are very busily falling in love.
This book holds the first ‘form of address’ error I ever remember catching in a Stephanie Laurens book. Since this was an ARC, that may have been caught and addressed prior to the actual publication. She constantly addressed Rand as Lord Cavanaugh – and she even addressed his brother Kit as Lord Cavanaugh in the epilogue. Rand should have been Lord Randolph and Kit would have been Lord Christopher – or both could have been simply addressed (by close friends & relatives) as Cavanaugh, but that would have been confusing with three brothers who could have all been called that.
There was a lovely set-up for the next book contained in the epilogue. I can’t wait to read that one with Kit and Sylvia Buckleberry (don’t you just love that name?).
Delightful prose populates this book from beginning to end. Stephanie Laurens is in a class of her own when it comes to a lovely turn of phrase. I’ll give you a quote here, but remember this is an ARC, so the quote may have been altered or deleted by publication.
“He was beyond grateful he’d found her – the right wife, the perfect helpmate, the partner-in-life he hadn’t had the faintest inkling could exist, much less that such an intelligent, independent lady was the bride he’d instinctively, if unknowingly, been searching for – the one lady in the whole world he needed to complete his life.”
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves a wonderful romance.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 4/24/18
What a wonderfully, delightfully different take on a historical romance. It was such a refreshing change that I felt like starting at the beginning and reading it all over again. What, you might ask, is so different? Well, the romance itself. Rand and Felicia had never met – they didn’t hate each other, they weren’t childhood friends who had become enemies. There wasn’t a malevolent family member trying to do either of them harm. They were both warm and loving toward their families. Neither had any deep, dark secrets that they were in constant angst about. What wasn’t to love about it? Their relationship grew in trust, respect, honesty, and love over a period of time. They made a commitment to each other and vowed that nothing would deter them from that commitment no matter what happened with the things that were going on around them – and they stuck to that commitment. They looked toward the future and worked together through the obstacles that were put in their way.
It was lovely to see Ryder Cavanaugh’s brothers and sister all grown up and getting their own series. Ryder was paired with Mary Cynster in about book 20 or so of the Cynster novels – The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh. Rand, our hero in this novel, was actually Mary’s target husband in that book. Isn’t it lucky for us that Ryder won the lovely lady Mary instead? Now, all of Ryder’s brothers and his sister want the kind of love and marriage Ryder found with Mary.
Randolph Cavanaugh has been working hard to make a name for himself other than being a Cavanaugh and brother to a Marquess. He has a gift for financial management and investment and worked with Gabriel Cynster for several years while he learned the ropes. Now, he has his own investment firm – Cavanaugh Investments – and he’s doing very well. However, his latest investment seems to have hit a snag and he needs to check on it – since he’s in the area anyway. When he arrives unannounced, he discovers that his inventor has died and his son has taken over the project. The son is a capable inventor, but he’s run into some problems and the boiler has exploded. Ryder knows his reputation is riding on the successful completion of this invention and decides to stay around and manage the project himself. Of course, the inventor’s lovely sister, Felicity, wouldn’t be too hard to put up with either.
Felicia Throgmorton’s jaw drops when she learns that her brother William John has deceived Lord Randolph and that she has been, unknowingly, benefitting from that deception. She readily accepts Lord Randolph into their home and encourages him and her brother. Then, she discovers a long-forgotten affinity for inventing in herself and can sometimes help William John and Rand.
Then, you have the villain – and a wily dude he is – sort of – sometimes you just have to be careful who you hire. He wants nothing more than to sabotage the invention and assure it fails miserably. Rand and Felicia have to help work out the problems with the invention and thwart the villain all while they are very busily falling in love.
This book holds the first ‘form of address’ error I ever remember catching in a Stephanie Laurens book. Since this was an ARC, that may have been caught and addressed prior to the actual publication. She constantly addressed Rand as Lord Cavanaugh – and she even addressed his brother Kit as Lord Cavanaugh in the epilogue. Rand should have been Lord Randolph and Kit would have been Lord Christopher – or both could have been simply addressed (by close friends & relatives) as Cavanaugh, but that would have been confusing with three brothers who could have all been called that.
There was a lovely set-up for the next book contained in the epilogue. I can’t wait to read that one with Kit and Sylvia Buckleberry (don’t you just love that name?).
Delightful prose populates this book from beginning to end. Stephanie Laurens is in a class of her own when it comes to a lovely turn of phrase. I’ll give you a quote here, but remember this is an ARC, so the quote may have been altered or deleted by publication.
“He was beyond grateful he’d found her – the right wife, the perfect helpmate, the partner-in-life he hadn’t had the faintest inkling could exist, much less that such an intelligent, independent lady was the bride he’d instinctively, if unknowingly, been searching for – the one lady in the whole world he needed to complete his life.”
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves a wonderful romance.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
April 10, 2018
Intriguing, authentic, and romantic!
Full review to follow shortly closer to publication.
Full review to follow shortly closer to publication.
March 13, 2024
Fun fact about the Victorian Era: you could be institutionalized for masturbation. The fact that mental asylums, at the time, were full of people who were chronic masturbators says a lot about the era. The Victorians were a hot mess of rampant lust, stifled sexuality, and weirdly strict societal rules and morals.
So, of course, it’s a perfect setting for romance novels. (He said facetiously...) Seriously, though, I’m not sure why Victorian romance is such a popular sub-genre of romance novels. This was a time period in which almost everyone had syphilis and that men who grew bored of their wives could sell them or lose them in high-stakes card games. (I’m not making this shit up, people, this is history. Look it up.)
But, whatever: a highly white-washed (and sanitary) version of the Victorian Era apparently sells well, demographically, to women who have no idea how thoroughly misogynistic, unhygienic, and un-romantic the time period actually was. I blame Jane Austen, although that’s a bit unfair since Austen was writing mostly caustic and satirical social hit-pieces about the absurdity of the aristocracy in her own country, cleverly disguised as romances. It's not her fault that most people miss the satire and focus on the boring lovey-dovey bits.
Stephanie Laurens is one of many romance authors writing in the “historical romance” subgenre, with a strong emphasis on the Victorian era. Her most recent novel, “The Designs of Lord Randolph Cavanaugh”, is the first in a new series involving the family Cavanaugh.
Lord Randolph (“Rand” to friends and family) is a wealthy investor in up-and-coming technological innovations. His specialty is seeking out inventors with unique and potentially societally beneficial ideas, which is what he is doing when he arrives, unannounced, at Throgmorton Hall to see how one of his inventors, William Throgmorton, is doing with his latest invention, a steam-powered horseless carriage.
What he discovers is a household still in mourning from the death of William the Senior, while the son has been carrying on his father’s work, rather unsuccessfully. He never reported his father’s death to Rand for fear of losing his funding.
Rand quickly forgives the ruse, mainly to prove he’s a good guy to Junior’s hot sister, Felicia, but also because he’s invested quite a bit of money in this thing, so he needs to have it up and running for an upcoming invention exhibition.
Unbeknownst to everyone, however, certain parties don’t want to see the invention work, and a corporate spy (or the Victorian-era equivalent) has been dispatched to sabotage the invention.
Rand stays on to help William finish the engine, with an ulterior motive of hopefully getting a little one-on-one with Felicia. All the while, he must fight off intruders and figure out who has a vested interest in making sure the engine never works.
Overall, Laurens‘s novel isn’t bad, mainly because the emphasis is less on the romance and more on the art of innovation and scientific inquiry. This actually makes sense given the fact that Laurens, according to her bio, has a science background. It shows.
It’s also more about Rand’s personal growth from a sexist pig into a man who begins to recognize that Felicia is actually an intelligent and independent-spirited woman rather than just a potential notch on his belt. He also begins to see how easily society stifles and discourages women in fields like science and technology, a detriment to both women and science.
Laurens’s writing style attempts to emulate Austen in obvious ways. Most of the time, it works. Occasionally, it feels clunky and pretentious, like a contemporary author clearly trying to emulate Austen.
Regardless of its flaws, Laurens’s first novel in her proposed Cavanaugh series is still entertaining and fun.
So, of course, it’s a perfect setting for romance novels. (He said facetiously...) Seriously, though, I’m not sure why Victorian romance is such a popular sub-genre of romance novels. This was a time period in which almost everyone had syphilis and that men who grew bored of their wives could sell them or lose them in high-stakes card games. (I’m not making this shit up, people, this is history. Look it up.)
But, whatever: a highly white-washed (and sanitary) version of the Victorian Era apparently sells well, demographically, to women who have no idea how thoroughly misogynistic, unhygienic, and un-romantic the time period actually was. I blame Jane Austen, although that’s a bit unfair since Austen was writing mostly caustic and satirical social hit-pieces about the absurdity of the aristocracy in her own country, cleverly disguised as romances. It's not her fault that most people miss the satire and focus on the boring lovey-dovey bits.
Stephanie Laurens is one of many romance authors writing in the “historical romance” subgenre, with a strong emphasis on the Victorian era. Her most recent novel, “The Designs of Lord Randolph Cavanaugh”, is the first in a new series involving the family Cavanaugh.
Lord Randolph (“Rand” to friends and family) is a wealthy investor in up-and-coming technological innovations. His specialty is seeking out inventors with unique and potentially societally beneficial ideas, which is what he is doing when he arrives, unannounced, at Throgmorton Hall to see how one of his inventors, William Throgmorton, is doing with his latest invention, a steam-powered horseless carriage.
What he discovers is a household still in mourning from the death of William the Senior, while the son has been carrying on his father’s work, rather unsuccessfully. He never reported his father’s death to Rand for fear of losing his funding.
Rand quickly forgives the ruse, mainly to prove he’s a good guy to Junior’s hot sister, Felicia, but also because he’s invested quite a bit of money in this thing, so he needs to have it up and running for an upcoming invention exhibition.
Unbeknownst to everyone, however, certain parties don’t want to see the invention work, and a corporate spy (or the Victorian-era equivalent) has been dispatched to sabotage the invention.
Rand stays on to help William finish the engine, with an ulterior motive of hopefully getting a little one-on-one with Felicia. All the while, he must fight off intruders and figure out who has a vested interest in making sure the engine never works.
Overall, Laurens‘s novel isn’t bad, mainly because the emphasis is less on the romance and more on the art of innovation and scientific inquiry. This actually makes sense given the fact that Laurens, according to her bio, has a science background. It shows.
It’s also more about Rand’s personal growth from a sexist pig into a man who begins to recognize that Felicia is actually an intelligent and independent-spirited woman rather than just a potential notch on his belt. He also begins to see how easily society stifles and discourages women in fields like science and technology, a detriment to both women and science.
Laurens’s writing style attempts to emulate Austen in obvious ways. Most of the time, it works. Occasionally, it feels clunky and pretentious, like a contemporary author clearly trying to emulate Austen.
Regardless of its flaws, Laurens’s first novel in her proposed Cavanaugh series is still entertaining and fun.
April 24, 2018
In the throes of the Industrial Revolution, Britain’s inventors competed ferociously with each other to push the technology of the time to its available limits and beyond. Even more ferocious than the inventors were the investors, however, with fortunes made and lost by investing in the inventions which would power the future.
Lord Randolph Cavanaugh is such an investor, and William John Throgmorton’s horseless carriage is, he hopes, the greatest invention yet. The only problem is that it isn’t ready, and now there might be a saboteur out to make sure it never will be. Riding herd on the inventor might be the only way it will ever be ready in time for an upcoming exhibition.
What Rand doesn’t count on is the inventor’s sister, the lovely Felicia, who has no love for inventions after her father devoted his life and the family fortunes to them. He has to win her over to his way of thinking, which quickly becomes a desire to win her heart as well.
I actually really enjoyed the romance between the two. It was a quiet growth of respect and admiration, and a recognition between two like-minded souls, rather than the insta-lust which is too often what is portrayed as love in romance novels. It was really well done.
The 19th century engineering detailed in the text was lovingly researched and accurately written; Ms Laurens has obviously done her research on early steam-powered engines. As a former engineer, I found it intriguing but I suspect that the average reader might find it quite dull, as there was a lot of talk about valves and pistons and pressure - which is about as interesting as a discussion of modern-day motor mechanics to most.
I can imagine that many might think the 1840s too early for a steam-powered vehicle to be traversing England’s roads, but I checked up and there were similar vehicles being successfully built and demonstrated from the 1820s onwards.
This is a beautifully written period romance with so much historical accuracy behind it, and some genuinely unique and intriguing characters. I hope other readers aren’t put off by the sheer amount of engineering included in the book; it really is an integral part of Felicia and Rand’s story. I loved this and I’m happy to give it five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
Lord Randolph Cavanaugh is such an investor, and William John Throgmorton’s horseless carriage is, he hopes, the greatest invention yet. The only problem is that it isn’t ready, and now there might be a saboteur out to make sure it never will be. Riding herd on the inventor might be the only way it will ever be ready in time for an upcoming exhibition.
What Rand doesn’t count on is the inventor’s sister, the lovely Felicia, who has no love for inventions after her father devoted his life and the family fortunes to them. He has to win her over to his way of thinking, which quickly becomes a desire to win her heart as well.
I actually really enjoyed the romance between the two. It was a quiet growth of respect and admiration, and a recognition between two like-minded souls, rather than the insta-lust which is too often what is portrayed as love in romance novels. It was really well done.
The 19th century engineering detailed in the text was lovingly researched and accurately written; Ms Laurens has obviously done her research on early steam-powered engines. As a former engineer, I found it intriguing but I suspect that the average reader might find it quite dull, as there was a lot of talk about valves and pistons and pressure - which is about as interesting as a discussion of modern-day motor mechanics to most.
I can imagine that many might think the 1840s too early for a steam-powered vehicle to be traversing England’s roads, but I checked up and there were similar vehicles being successfully built and demonstrated from the 1820s onwards.
This is a beautifully written period romance with so much historical accuracy behind it, and some genuinely unique and intriguing characters. I hope other readers aren’t put off by the sheer amount of engineering included in the book; it really is an integral part of Felicia and Rand’s story. I loved this and I’m happy to give it five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
June 26, 2021
Did not expect to enjoy this much when reading the opening chapter. I get quickly annoyed with inventors' single minded focus and their schemes. But Stephanie Laurens' writing pulled me in. Fortunately the hero and heroine balanced out the drama with the steam engine invention.
April 20, 2018
Lord Randolph Cavanaugh aka Rand, the younger half-brother of Ryder Cavanaugh, Marquess of Raventhorne has carved out a life for himself as an investor. He is currently on his way to see William Throgmorton, an inventor with a project due in less than a month, whom he has not heard from in months. Throgmorton's invention is the Throgmorton Steam-Powered Horseless Carriage. As the exhibition at Birmingham is going to be attended by Prince Albert, Rand wants to make sure the project is on schedule and ready for presentation - he has a lot invested in this venture and will do whatever is necessary to ensure Throgmorton's success.
He arrives at Throgmorton Hall just as a loud explosion sounds, followed by the members of the house filing out and smoke escaping the opened door. He immediately offers his assistance to an older woman coming down the stairs, he settles the woman and then sees a young man being led from the house by an enraged young woman. A woman that makes Rand look twice...
Miss Felicia Throgmorton is not a fan of inventors, she has seen the carnage their obsession can produce and wants no part of it! When the explosion shakes the house, she immediately gets her staff and Cousin Flora out and then gets her brother, William John out. On the lawn she notices a stranger - a very handsome stranger with Flora. The man introduces himself and she sees her brother go pale. Rand asks to speak to their father and learns that he passed away months ago.
Concerned about his investment, Rand decides to stay for a few days and work with William John. He is attracted to Felicia, but has no time for a romance, this project is and will remain his first priority. But that doesn't stop him from getting to know her a bit better. For her part, Felicia is shocked and angered by her brother's deceit regarding the funds he received for the invention - Felicia now realized how imperative it is that the engine is a success. She grudgingly offers her assistance and is soon pulled into the thrill of the invention process.
But there are those that are not as excited at the prospect of Throgmorton's success, who will do whatever is necessary to see the engine fail. Rand and Felicia will grow closer as they work together with her brother and each other to ensure the engine is ready for the exhibit and to thwart any attempts at sabotage. Along the way, they will find a love that neither was looking for, but soon realize has been exactly what was missing in their lives.
This book is classic Stephanie Laurens, it has all her signature elements, a strong, intelligent hero paired with an equally intelligent heroine, steamish love scenes, a dash of danger, a bit of intrigue, a soulmate type bond, a twist that changes everything and a wonderful cast of secondary characters. The book is a little wordy, but I kept turning pages to see what was going to happen next! I was fascinated by the invention process and I actually felt a little sorry for the villain. The epilogue perfectly set up the next book in the series without taking anything away from Felicia and Rand.
I happily recommend this book and am looking forward to Kit's story!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
He arrives at Throgmorton Hall just as a loud explosion sounds, followed by the members of the house filing out and smoke escaping the opened door. He immediately offers his assistance to an older woman coming down the stairs, he settles the woman and then sees a young man being led from the house by an enraged young woman. A woman that makes Rand look twice...
Miss Felicia Throgmorton is not a fan of inventors, she has seen the carnage their obsession can produce and wants no part of it! When the explosion shakes the house, she immediately gets her staff and Cousin Flora out and then gets her brother, William John out. On the lawn she notices a stranger - a very handsome stranger with Flora. The man introduces himself and she sees her brother go pale. Rand asks to speak to their father and learns that he passed away months ago.
Concerned about his investment, Rand decides to stay for a few days and work with William John. He is attracted to Felicia, but has no time for a romance, this project is and will remain his first priority. But that doesn't stop him from getting to know her a bit better. For her part, Felicia is shocked and angered by her brother's deceit regarding the funds he received for the invention - Felicia now realized how imperative it is that the engine is a success. She grudgingly offers her assistance and is soon pulled into the thrill of the invention process.
But there are those that are not as excited at the prospect of Throgmorton's success, who will do whatever is necessary to see the engine fail. Rand and Felicia will grow closer as they work together with her brother and each other to ensure the engine is ready for the exhibit and to thwart any attempts at sabotage. Along the way, they will find a love that neither was looking for, but soon realize has been exactly what was missing in their lives.
This book is classic Stephanie Laurens, it has all her signature elements, a strong, intelligent hero paired with an equally intelligent heroine, steamish love scenes, a dash of danger, a bit of intrigue, a soulmate type bond, a twist that changes everything and a wonderful cast of secondary characters. The book is a little wordy, but I kept turning pages to see what was going to happen next! I was fascinated by the invention process and I actually felt a little sorry for the villain. The epilogue perfectly set up the next book in the series without taking anything away from Felicia and Rand.
I happily recommend this book and am looking forward to Kit's story!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
April 24, 2018
I received this book for free from Netgalley in order to prepare an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
FINAL DECISION: I found the topic very interesting dealing with an invention of the combustion engine, but I thought the romance bland and the ultimate story line didn't have much consequence. I liked the characters, but the story didn't give them enough to delve into.
THE STORY: Lord Randolph Cavanaugh is determined to make something of himself through his investments. Traveling to Throgmorton Hall to see the status of an investment in an engine and finds that the inventor has died. The son has taken on the task of finishing the engine. The daughter, Felicia, has been keeping the family afloat for years and is not a fan of inventors' obsessions. With someone out to make sure that the invention fails, Rand and Felicia must work together to save all their fortunes.
OPINION: I really love the Cynster books and I loved the story of Rand's brother, but I couldn't love this one.
The characters were really nice and I liked them, but just about everything about the story failed them. Nothing was particularly interesting to me.
The romance was really bland and I never felt a connection between Rand and Felicia. There romance felt formulaic to me without any real spark between the characters. I ultimately liked how they related to one another, but I never felt that these two had the desperate passion between them that I would expect. The whole romance felt too left brain for me.
Then there was the story itself. The beginning felt like it would be dramatic and interesting and while the Victorian topic of engines was interesting, the story itself didn't feel compelling. The twists hinted at in the blurb ended up less intriguing that I supposed.
The entire book felt too cold and plotted for me and lacked the passion on all levels that I look for in Laurens' books.
WORTH MENTIONING: Ryder and Mary Cavanaugh make a significant appearance here.
CONNECTED BOOKS: THE DESIGNS OF LORD RANDOLPH CAVANAUGH is the first book in the Cavanaughs series. This book is connected to THE TAMING OF RYDER CAVANAUGH which tells the story of Rand's older brother.
STAR RATING: I give this book 2 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to prepare a review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
FINAL DECISION: I found the topic very interesting dealing with an invention of the combustion engine, but I thought the romance bland and the ultimate story line didn't have much consequence. I liked the characters, but the story didn't give them enough to delve into.
THE STORY: Lord Randolph Cavanaugh is determined to make something of himself through his investments. Traveling to Throgmorton Hall to see the status of an investment in an engine and finds that the inventor has died. The son has taken on the task of finishing the engine. The daughter, Felicia, has been keeping the family afloat for years and is not a fan of inventors' obsessions. With someone out to make sure that the invention fails, Rand and Felicia must work together to save all their fortunes.
OPINION: I really love the Cynster books and I loved the story of Rand's brother, but I couldn't love this one.
The characters were really nice and I liked them, but just about everything about the story failed them. Nothing was particularly interesting to me.
The romance was really bland and I never felt a connection between Rand and Felicia. There romance felt formulaic to me without any real spark between the characters. I ultimately liked how they related to one another, but I never felt that these two had the desperate passion between them that I would expect. The whole romance felt too left brain for me.
Then there was the story itself. The beginning felt like it would be dramatic and interesting and while the Victorian topic of engines was interesting, the story itself didn't feel compelling. The twists hinted at in the blurb ended up less intriguing that I supposed.
The entire book felt too cold and plotted for me and lacked the passion on all levels that I look for in Laurens' books.
WORTH MENTIONING: Ryder and Mary Cavanaugh make a significant appearance here.
CONNECTED BOOKS: THE DESIGNS OF LORD RANDOLPH CAVANAUGH is the first book in the Cavanaughs series. This book is connected to THE TAMING OF RYDER CAVANAUGH which tells the story of Rand's older brother.
STAR RATING: I give this book 2 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to prepare a review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
June 21, 2018
Good beginning to a new series. Rand is the younger brother of Ryder Cavanaugh (The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh). He has an excellent reputation in the financial world, but he is ready for more in his life. On his way to visit his brother, Rand stops to check on an investment just in time to find it has exploded, leaving him in doubt about its future. His only hope lies in the hands of the inventor's son and daughter.
Since her father's death a few months earlier, it has been up to Felicia to keep their household going. After years of seeing the effects of her father's single-minded efforts, and seeing her brother going down the same road, she doesn't know how she's going to manage. The arrival of Rand Cavanaugh does nothing to soothe her fears.
With a backdrop of the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, this book had a slightly different feel than earlier books by the author. I enjoyed the look at the progress of an invention from start to finish, and how the progress of Rand and Felicia's relationship mirrored it.
Rand's arrival at Throgmorton Hall coincided with the latest setback in William John's attempt to get the steam-powered automobile working in time for the upcoming exhibition. The circumstances were an unpleasant surprise for him, as he has both money and reputation invested in its success. I liked that he didn't lose his temper over the situation, but instead was determined to do what he must to help ensure its success. One of those things was to get Felicia's cooperation. Felicia was shocked to find out the details of Rand's investment in her father's work, and that her father and brother had lied to her about it. The only options are to help make it a success or lose everything.
I liked the development of the relationship between Rand and Felicia. Neither of them expected it to happen. Rand is somewhat cynical about women, seeing most as manipulative thanks to his mother's actions in Ryder's book. But there is something about Felicia that captures his attention from the start. Felicia had had her Season several years before but didn't "take" and doesn't think it likely that she will find anyone now. Rand is intriguing, but the brother of a marquess isn't likely to look her way. I liked the fact that it was neither love nor lust at first sight with Rand and Felicia. Instead, it was the growing realization that they were meant for each other. I liked that it was Rand who first accepted what was happening between them, and also realized that rushing things with Felicia would be counterproductive. It was sweet to see the way that he recognized Felicia's abilities before she did, and did everything he could to encourage her. I loved seeing Felicia grow closer to Rand as they worked together. It took a while for her to realize what her feelings for him were until the growing attraction caused her to take a closer look at them. I enjoyed the building of that attraction, from the unexpected heat of their first kisses to the full expression of their attraction. I especially liked that they had already accepted that they were destined to be together before they took that step. As deeply as they felt, they also believed that getting through the exhibition had to come first. I loved the ending, as Rand and Felicia faced their future as true partners. For Rand "She offered him all he needed -- she anchored him and gave him the necessary insights to imbue his chosen life of investing with a wider, deeper purpose, transforming it into a more fulfilling, long-term endeavor. She was his future in every way." For Felicia that future "had come to her courtesy of the nobleman pacing by her side, the knight in shining armor who had swept into her life and slayed dragons left and right, then opened her eyes and shown her who she truly was. He'd released her true self to grow, then he'd taken her hand and encouraged her to be all she could be." The icing on the cake was a lovely epilogue, taking place at their wedding and showcasing their happiness for the next youngest Cavanaugh brother, and a nice lead-in for the next book in the series.
A big part of the story was, of course, the steam-powered horseless carriage itself. I loved the descriptions of the efforts to overcome the various obstacles and the teamwork of William John, Rand, and Felicia as they raced the clock to have it ready for the exhibition. Also present was the person who wanted to ensure that the machine failed, thus cementing his interests at the exhibition. It was interesting to see his agent's attempts and get the feeling that his heart wasn't really in it. There were some terrific twists and turns at the exhibition with some truly heart-pounding moments before it was all over.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Some parts were a little slow, but it always picked back up again. I am looking forward to the next book to see what Laurens has in store for Rand's brother Christopher.
Since her father's death a few months earlier, it has been up to Felicia to keep their household going. After years of seeing the effects of her father's single-minded efforts, and seeing her brother going down the same road, she doesn't know how she's going to manage. The arrival of Rand Cavanaugh does nothing to soothe her fears.
With a backdrop of the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, this book had a slightly different feel than earlier books by the author. I enjoyed the look at the progress of an invention from start to finish, and how the progress of Rand and Felicia's relationship mirrored it.
Rand's arrival at Throgmorton Hall coincided with the latest setback in William John's attempt to get the steam-powered automobile working in time for the upcoming exhibition. The circumstances were an unpleasant surprise for him, as he has both money and reputation invested in its success. I liked that he didn't lose his temper over the situation, but instead was determined to do what he must to help ensure its success. One of those things was to get Felicia's cooperation. Felicia was shocked to find out the details of Rand's investment in her father's work, and that her father and brother had lied to her about it. The only options are to help make it a success or lose everything.
I liked the development of the relationship between Rand and Felicia. Neither of them expected it to happen. Rand is somewhat cynical about women, seeing most as manipulative thanks to his mother's actions in Ryder's book. But there is something about Felicia that captures his attention from the start. Felicia had had her Season several years before but didn't "take" and doesn't think it likely that she will find anyone now. Rand is intriguing, but the brother of a marquess isn't likely to look her way. I liked the fact that it was neither love nor lust at first sight with Rand and Felicia. Instead, it was the growing realization that they were meant for each other. I liked that it was Rand who first accepted what was happening between them, and also realized that rushing things with Felicia would be counterproductive. It was sweet to see the way that he recognized Felicia's abilities before she did, and did everything he could to encourage her. I loved seeing Felicia grow closer to Rand as they worked together. It took a while for her to realize what her feelings for him were until the growing attraction caused her to take a closer look at them. I enjoyed the building of that attraction, from the unexpected heat of their first kisses to the full expression of their attraction. I especially liked that they had already accepted that they were destined to be together before they took that step. As deeply as they felt, they also believed that getting through the exhibition had to come first. I loved the ending, as Rand and Felicia faced their future as true partners. For Rand "She offered him all he needed -- she anchored him and gave him the necessary insights to imbue his chosen life of investing with a wider, deeper purpose, transforming it into a more fulfilling, long-term endeavor. She was his future in every way." For Felicia that future "had come to her courtesy of the nobleman pacing by her side, the knight in shining armor who had swept into her life and slayed dragons left and right, then opened her eyes and shown her who she truly was. He'd released her true self to grow, then he'd taken her hand and encouraged her to be all she could be." The icing on the cake was a lovely epilogue, taking place at their wedding and showcasing their happiness for the next youngest Cavanaugh brother, and a nice lead-in for the next book in the series.
A big part of the story was, of course, the steam-powered horseless carriage itself. I loved the descriptions of the efforts to overcome the various obstacles and the teamwork of William John, Rand, and Felicia as they raced the clock to have it ready for the exhibition. Also present was the person who wanted to ensure that the machine failed, thus cementing his interests at the exhibition. It was interesting to see his agent's attempts and get the feeling that his heart wasn't really in it. There were some terrific twists and turns at the exhibition with some truly heart-pounding moments before it was all over.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Some parts were a little slow, but it always picked back up again. I am looking forward to the next book to see what Laurens has in store for Rand's brother Christopher.
August 13, 2023
The Designs of Lord Randolph Cavanaugh
2 Stars
Series note: This is book #1 in the Cavanaughs spin-off. The series focuses on the younger siblings of Ryder Cavanaugh (book #20 in the Cynsters). Ryder's story provides important background on the family and should be read prior to this one.
Lord Randolph Cavanaugh has sworn off marriage and dedicated his life to making a name for himself as an entrepreneur. However, his latest investment is not going according to plan as the erstwhile inventor has gone silent. As such, Rand travels to Buckinghamshire where he discovers that the key to his success, not to mention his heart, is a strong and intelligent young woman, Felicia Throgmorton, who will do anything to protect her family and her home.
Unfortunately, this Cynster spin-off does not begin with a bang (despite the exploding experiment). Rand and Felicia have absolutely no chemistry whatsoever, and the suspense plot is woefully underdeveloped. In fact, the villain .
Most of the book is dedicated to the Throgmorton steam-powered carriage and there are numerous descriptions of pistons, engines, boilers, and other assorted mechanical devices and parts. All of this is rather tedious, and even the inclusion of Prince Albert's Great Exhibition (which is brought forward a few years) cannot make it any more interesting.
Overall, a bland and uninspired romance with virtually no conflict or suspense. Hopefully, the next book will be better but I might take a break for a pallette cleanser.
2 Stars
Series note: This is book #1 in the Cavanaughs spin-off. The series focuses on the younger siblings of Ryder Cavanaugh (book #20 in the Cynsters). Ryder's story provides important background on the family and should be read prior to this one.
Lord Randolph Cavanaugh has sworn off marriage and dedicated his life to making a name for himself as an entrepreneur. However, his latest investment is not going according to plan as the erstwhile inventor has gone silent. As such, Rand travels to Buckinghamshire where he discovers that the key to his success, not to mention his heart, is a strong and intelligent young woman, Felicia Throgmorton, who will do anything to protect her family and her home.
Unfortunately, this Cynster spin-off does not begin with a bang (despite the exploding experiment). Rand and Felicia have absolutely no chemistry whatsoever, and the suspense plot is woefully underdeveloped. In fact, the villain .
Most of the book is dedicated to the Throgmorton steam-powered carriage and there are numerous descriptions of pistons, engines, boilers, and other assorted mechanical devices and parts. All of this is rather tedious, and even the inclusion of Prince Albert's Great Exhibition (which is brought forward a few years) cannot make it any more interesting.
Overall, a bland and uninspired romance with virtually no conflict or suspense. Hopefully, the next book will be better but I might take a break for a pallette cleanser.
April 23, 2018
2.5 Stars
I debated on how to rate this as there are pros and cons I felt on the book. It’s been a while since I last read Stephanie Laurens and her Cynsters (I really need to catch up on those) so I was excited to read her new series that set in the Cynsters universe. Only it turned out not as I expected and not totally in a good way.
One of the things I like about this book is the heroine’s smartness and take charge nature. In an era when female still considered second-class citizens, Felicia’s adroitness - not only in taking over household management but later on involved in the process of ameliorating the invention - were rather refreshing; she wasn’t the typical lady of society. The love interest was also more than a wealthy, handsome young lord. He was independent, quick-witted, and shrewd in his dealing with inventions and inventors; not only that, he’s quite adept in giving hand to his financed inventors if necessary. That saying, the sparks between Rand and Felicia felt tame to this reader that the escalation to them practically married bar the ceremony didn’t sound convincing.
Moving on to what galled me. After the prologue where the to-be-villains identity seemingly being disguised, the revelation quite early in the story - and without ceremony at that - was rather disappointing. Here I thought, it would lend the cloak and dagger aura to the story; instead, they added the meh factor to it.
The other part that had me gritted my teeth was the switch of POVs. The Designs of Lord Randolph Cavanaugh is a multiple POVs in a third person account. Normally, I don’t have issue with this kind of storytelling. Heck, I’m one of those up-for-anything readers really. But the change of POVs between Rand and Felicia (and between the villains) were quite rampant and could happen every other paragraph, I found myself at times lost as to who’s telling what.
In a nutshell, while I cheer for the MCs personalities, I was unimpressed with other aspects of the story. It’s disappointing as this is the first entry in a series and after this I’m not sure if I’d be jonesing for the rest of the installments. What a bummer.
Advanced copy of this book is kindly given by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I debated on how to rate this as there are pros and cons I felt on the book. It’s been a while since I last read Stephanie Laurens and her Cynsters (I really need to catch up on those) so I was excited to read her new series that set in the Cynsters universe. Only it turned out not as I expected and not totally in a good way.
One of the things I like about this book is the heroine’s smartness and take charge nature. In an era when female still considered second-class citizens, Felicia’s adroitness - not only in taking over household management but later on involved in the process of ameliorating the invention - were rather refreshing; she wasn’t the typical lady of society. The love interest was also more than a wealthy, handsome young lord. He was independent, quick-witted, and shrewd in his dealing with inventions and inventors; not only that, he’s quite adept in giving hand to his financed inventors if necessary. That saying, the sparks between Rand and Felicia felt tame to this reader that the escalation to them practically married bar the ceremony didn’t sound convincing.
Moving on to what galled me. After the prologue where the to-be-villains identity seemingly being disguised, the revelation quite early in the story - and without ceremony at that - was rather disappointing. Here I thought, it would lend the cloak and dagger aura to the story; instead, they added the meh factor to it.
The other part that had me gritted my teeth was the switch of POVs. The Designs of Lord Randolph Cavanaugh is a multiple POVs in a third person account. Normally, I don’t have issue with this kind of storytelling. Heck, I’m one of those up-for-anything readers really. But the change of POVs between Rand and Felicia (and between the villains) were quite rampant and could happen every other paragraph, I found myself at times lost as to who’s telling what.
In a nutshell, while I cheer for the MCs personalities, I was unimpressed with other aspects of the story. It’s disappointing as this is the first entry in a series and after this I’m not sure if I’d be jonesing for the rest of the installments. What a bummer.
Advanced copy of this book is kindly given by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2018
This read has a slow commencement, nothing is rushed, everything was set up before the real action began.
Alas I thought it was only the first part of this read, but the more I advanced in my reading, the more I felt it was too slow.
I didn’t see any chemistry between the h&H, their interactions are too quiet, they lack of sensuality and longing.
I’m not fond of heroes thinking only with the head between their legs nor of swooning heroines with weak knees each time they see the man of their dreams, but here the lack of lust or any touching was very strange and unsettling.
By the middle of the story I was very bored, too many descriptions about the inventions, I took any opportunity and distraction to stop for a while, why I was so long to finish this book.
It is a multiple point of views story, I do think I rather liked the “vilain”, his reasons were well developed and his actions demonstrated he is not a bad man, he is just in a difficult situation.
After about Felicia and Randolph, each one separately is a nice character, but together they fall flat. Each one has something to prove and their encounter will catalyse their own life but outside their own achievement, sorry I didn’t felt for them.
Other aspects of the stories were not right for me. After what, 2/3 kisses, they jump in bed and share it all along toward the end of the book, quite surprising for me given the time period.
Plus the epilogue from Rand’s brother Kit POV was disconcerting, I understand it was a way to advertising the next book, but I would have preferred to see it from the couple’s side. And the potential h introduced there is rather unpleasant, glowering at Kit and giving him a frosty treatment because of his “reputation”.
Not very appealing.
A 3 stars rate for me.
Alas I thought it was only the first part of this read, but the more I advanced in my reading, the more I felt it was too slow.
I didn’t see any chemistry between the h&H, their interactions are too quiet, they lack of sensuality and longing.
I’m not fond of heroes thinking only with the head between their legs nor of swooning heroines with weak knees each time they see the man of their dreams, but here the lack of lust or any touching was very strange and unsettling.
By the middle of the story I was very bored, too many descriptions about the inventions, I took any opportunity and distraction to stop for a while, why I was so long to finish this book.
It is a multiple point of views story, I do think I rather liked the “vilain”, his reasons were well developed and his actions demonstrated he is not a bad man, he is just in a difficult situation.
After about Felicia and Randolph, each one separately is a nice character, but together they fall flat. Each one has something to prove and their encounter will catalyse their own life but outside their own achievement, sorry I didn’t felt for them.
Other aspects of the stories were not right for me. After what, 2/3 kisses, they jump in bed and share it all along toward the end of the book, quite surprising for me given the time period.
Plus the epilogue from Rand’s brother Kit POV was disconcerting, I understand it was a way to advertising the next book, but I would have preferred to see it from the couple’s side. And the potential h introduced there is rather unpleasant, glowering at Kit and giving him a frosty treatment because of his “reputation”.
Not very appealing.
A 3 stars rate for me.
April 29, 2018
I really wanted to enjoy this novel, and for the most part I did. I guess the story just lagged for me in quite a few parts when it got overly detailed about the invention.
April 22, 2018
Ryder Cavanaugh’s step-siblings are determined to make their own marks in London society.
Lord Randolph Cavanaugh is loyal and devoted but only to family. To the rest of the world he’s aloof and untouchable, a respected and driven entrepreneur. Rand yearns for more in life & is on his way to visit Ryder & Mary when he makes a detour to review a recent investment as the letters from William Throgmartin have dried up, he discovers a passionate woman who will challenge his ruthless self-control. Felicia Throgmorton intends to keep her family afloat. For decades, her father was consumed by his inventions and now, months after his death, with their finances in ruins, her brother, William John insists on continuing their father’s tinkering. Felicia is desperate to hold together what’s left of the estate. Rand arrives at Throgmorton Hall to discover the invention on which he’s staked his reputation has exploded, the inventor is not who he expected, and a fiercely intelligent woman now holds the key to his future success.
I love the author’s books & this didn’t disappoint, this was a straight forward story of two people meeting & whilst there was attraction they came to like, respect & finally love each other. No one was trying to separate them or sully their romance. It was a lovely love story, the kiss on the terrace was toe curlingly hot & showed that a well written kiss could far more sensuous than pages of sex as it was full of emotion. The story also revolved around the horseless carriage & a saboteur, this also had me gripped but it was the romance that made this a lovely book. I look forward to Kit’s story which was ‘set up’ in the epilogue
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Lord Randolph Cavanaugh is loyal and devoted but only to family. To the rest of the world he’s aloof and untouchable, a respected and driven entrepreneur. Rand yearns for more in life & is on his way to visit Ryder & Mary when he makes a detour to review a recent investment as the letters from William Throgmartin have dried up, he discovers a passionate woman who will challenge his ruthless self-control. Felicia Throgmorton intends to keep her family afloat. For decades, her father was consumed by his inventions and now, months after his death, with their finances in ruins, her brother, William John insists on continuing their father’s tinkering. Felicia is desperate to hold together what’s left of the estate. Rand arrives at Throgmorton Hall to discover the invention on which he’s staked his reputation has exploded, the inventor is not who he expected, and a fiercely intelligent woman now holds the key to his future success.
I love the author’s books & this didn’t disappoint, this was a straight forward story of two people meeting & whilst there was attraction they came to like, respect & finally love each other. No one was trying to separate them or sully their romance. It was a lovely love story, the kiss on the terrace was toe curlingly hot & showed that a well written kiss could far more sensuous than pages of sex as it was full of emotion. The story also revolved around the horseless carriage & a saboteur, this also had me gripped but it was the romance that made this a lovely book. I look forward to Kit’s story which was ‘set up’ in the epilogue
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
April 25, 2018
Lord Randolph Cavanaugh has become a very successful backer of new inventions. He’s smart and can tell what will and won’t succeed. When he doesn’t hear from one of his inventors who is working on the Throgmorton Steam-Powered Horseless Carriage he decides to stop by his home on the way to visit family. He learns that William Throgmorton has died, but his son, William John, is trying to finish the engine without much luck. Rand decides to stay and help as he has quite a lot of money invested in this. He is also attracted to Felicia Throgmorton and realizes she knows a lot about the engine also. The three of them work together on the engine as they are determined to attend the Birmingham Exhibition. Prince Albert will be judging the inventions. Felicia notices an artist in the area who wants to paint her home, but is that the only reason for him to be there? She later realizes he’s trying to keep them from attending the exhibition. They make it safely to Birmingham but someone at the exhibit tries to meddle with the engine. Does the Horseless Carriage win?
This is a romance so of course there is a love story. Rand and Felicia fall in love almost immediately and work together very well, which leads to marriage. One of his brothers is attracted to one of the bridesmaids who ignores him. Can’t wait for that story!
This is a romance so of course there is a love story. Rand and Felicia fall in love almost immediately and work together very well, which leads to marriage. One of his brothers is attracted to one of the bridesmaids who ignores him. Can’t wait for that story!
June 9, 2018
I really enjoyed this latest book by Stephanie Laurens. Rand as his friends refer to him is supposed to be going to visit his brother Ryder, Mary and their three children. He first set his mind to a home of an inventor, that he had invested with, and encouraged others to as well. He had not heard from the gentleman in almost three months, and soon his investment in the form of a horseless carriage, was to be presented to Prince Albert He finds things are not as they should be, and the steam engine is not near completion, nor is it working Rand agrees to stay on to keep progress moving forward. He has other issues as well, there is a daughter who lives there that keeps everything running, and he feels an attraction for, which is not at all like him. His other problem is that someone wants progress to cease on the invention, so it never makes it to the Prince. I thoroughly enjoyed this book The storyline was engaging, and I liked all the characters. The romance was tender, and the mystery on point I really liked the ending, and the Epilogue. When this author is on, her writing is enchanting. Some of his family is also in this book, and I enjoy that. The book does end , but leaves the story open for Kit. The next brother in line. It is five stars for me.
April 13, 2020
Not my favourite Stephanie Laurens but a pleasant enough read. Although lacking spice Rand and Felicia establish a solid partnership that is refreshing.
May 16, 2018
Nice idea for a plot and intriguing "career" for a female of this era, but I was quite bored and started skimming about halfway through.
Money tips for the main character provided gratis:
Here's an idea-- to conserve on household expenses, maybe you can cut your overhead by laying off some of the many many many servants??? How many footmen are really needed to take care of 3 (minor) gentry? And there are lots more people in service listed here. Was this amount of employees normal for what seems to be a fairly small and somewhat impoverished household? Feel free to comment if you know.
However, skimming this did make me realize that it's time for a reread of Pratchett's Raising Steam.
Money tips for the main character provided gratis:
Here's an idea-- to conserve on household expenses, maybe you can cut your overhead by laying off some of the many many many servants??? How many footmen are really needed to take care of 3 (minor) gentry? And there are lots more people in service listed here. Was this amount of employees normal for what seems to be a fairly small and somewhat impoverished household? Feel free to comment if you know.
However, skimming this did make me realize that it's time for a reread of Pratchett's Raising Steam.
May 13, 2018
3 stars
ABAOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 24, 2018
#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens returns with a new series that captures the simmering desires and intrigues of early Victorians as only she can. Ryder Cavanaugh’s stepsiblings are determined to make their own marks in London society. Seeking fortune and passion, THE CAVANAUGHS will delight readers with their bold exploits.
An independent nobleman
Lord Randolph Cavanaugh is loyal and devoted—but only to family. To the rest of the world, he’s aloof and untouchable, a respected and driven entrepreneur. But Rand yearns for more in life, and when he travels to Buckinghamshire to review a recent investment, he discovers a passionate woman who will challenge his rigid self-control…
A determined lady
Felicia Throgmorton intends to keep her family afloat. For decades, her father was consumed by his inventions and now, months after his death, with their finances in ruins, her brother insists on continuing their father’s tinkering. Felicia is desperate to hold together what’s left of the estate. Then she discovers she must help persuade their latest investor that her father’s follies are a risk worth taking…
Together—the perfect team
Rand arrives at Throgmorton Hall to discover the invention on which he’s staked his reputation has exploded, the inventor is not who he expected and a fiercely intelligent woman now holds the key to his future success. But unflinching courage in the face of dismaying hurdles is a trait they share, and Rand and Felicia are forced to act together against ruthless foes to protect everything they hold dear.
•••••••••
REVIEW: THE DESIGNS OF LORD RANDOLPH CAVANAUGH is the first instalment in Stephanie Laurens’ historical, romance THE CAVANAUGHS series. This is Lord Randolph Cavanaugh aka Rand, the younger half-brother of Ryder Cavanaugh, Marquess of Raventhorne (The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh), and Felicia Throgmorton’s story line. THE CAVANAUGHS is a spin off from the author’s Cynster / Cynster Sisters Duo where we met Ryder Cavanaugh and his wife Mary Cynster.
Told from several third person perspectives including Rand and Felicia THE DESIGNS OF LORD RANDOLPH CAVANAUGH follows the building romance between Randolph Cavanaugh aka Rand, and Felicia Throgmorton. With the approach of Birmingham Exhibition only days away, Lord Randolph ‘Rand’ Cavanaugh sets out to check on Cavanaugh Investments current expenditure- an exclusive stake in the Throgmorton Steam-Powered Horseless Carriage. All too aware of the potential for sabotage from competing firms, Rand takes notice of a new stranger who appears to have designs on Felicia Throgmorton, a stranger with the gift of an artist but secrets to hide. What ensues is the building romance between Felicia and Rand; the preparations for the upcoming Exhibition; and the potential fall-out as the Throgmorton Steam-Powered Horseless Carriage is targeted.
The relationship between Rand and Felicia falls victim to a lack of palpable sexual attraction. The limited interaction between the couple squashes any chemistry that could have otherwise turned passionate and romantic leaving this reader neither intrigued nor interested in the couple’s growing love. The emotional build up is absent.
The Cavanaugh siblings play secondary and supporting characters including Christopher aka Kit, Eustacia aka Stacie, Godfrey and Ryder. We are introduced to Felicia’s brother William John, and Clive Mayhew, an artist who has found himself in a precarious situation.
THE DESIGNS OF LORD RANDOLPH CAVANAUGH is a well-written but slow building story line that gets caught up in the historical and technical information of building a steam-powered engine. As our trio struggle to perfect their entry into the upcoming Exhibition, the story line follows a path of industrial and mechanical jargon rife with bits and parts, and steam-powered details that deviated from the growing relationship between our leading couple, as well as the build up towards sabotage and ruination. The building romance falls victim to the constant return to the mechanization of the steam-powered, horseless carriage; the conflict resolution was quick and anti-climactic.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABAOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 24, 2018
#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens returns with a new series that captures the simmering desires and intrigues of early Victorians as only she can. Ryder Cavanaugh’s stepsiblings are determined to make their own marks in London society. Seeking fortune and passion, THE CAVANAUGHS will delight readers with their bold exploits.
An independent nobleman
Lord Randolph Cavanaugh is loyal and devoted—but only to family. To the rest of the world, he’s aloof and untouchable, a respected and driven entrepreneur. But Rand yearns for more in life, and when he travels to Buckinghamshire to review a recent investment, he discovers a passionate woman who will challenge his rigid self-control…
A determined lady
Felicia Throgmorton intends to keep her family afloat. For decades, her father was consumed by his inventions and now, months after his death, with their finances in ruins, her brother insists on continuing their father’s tinkering. Felicia is desperate to hold together what’s left of the estate. Then she discovers she must help persuade their latest investor that her father’s follies are a risk worth taking…
Together—the perfect team
Rand arrives at Throgmorton Hall to discover the invention on which he’s staked his reputation has exploded, the inventor is not who he expected and a fiercely intelligent woman now holds the key to his future success. But unflinching courage in the face of dismaying hurdles is a trait they share, and Rand and Felicia are forced to act together against ruthless foes to protect everything they hold dear.
•••••••••
REVIEW: THE DESIGNS OF LORD RANDOLPH CAVANAUGH is the first instalment in Stephanie Laurens’ historical, romance THE CAVANAUGHS series. This is Lord Randolph Cavanaugh aka Rand, the younger half-brother of Ryder Cavanaugh, Marquess of Raventhorne (The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh), and Felicia Throgmorton’s story line. THE CAVANAUGHS is a spin off from the author’s Cynster / Cynster Sisters Duo where we met Ryder Cavanaugh and his wife Mary Cynster.
Told from several third person perspectives including Rand and Felicia THE DESIGNS OF LORD RANDOLPH CAVANAUGH follows the building romance between Randolph Cavanaugh aka Rand, and Felicia Throgmorton. With the approach of Birmingham Exhibition only days away, Lord Randolph ‘Rand’ Cavanaugh sets out to check on Cavanaugh Investments current expenditure- an exclusive stake in the Throgmorton Steam-Powered Horseless Carriage. All too aware of the potential for sabotage from competing firms, Rand takes notice of a new stranger who appears to have designs on Felicia Throgmorton, a stranger with the gift of an artist but secrets to hide. What ensues is the building romance between Felicia and Rand; the preparations for the upcoming Exhibition; and the potential fall-out as the Throgmorton Steam-Powered Horseless Carriage is targeted.
The relationship between Rand and Felicia falls victim to a lack of palpable sexual attraction. The limited interaction between the couple squashes any chemistry that could have otherwise turned passionate and romantic leaving this reader neither intrigued nor interested in the couple’s growing love. The emotional build up is absent.
The Cavanaugh siblings play secondary and supporting characters including Christopher aka Kit, Eustacia aka Stacie, Godfrey and Ryder. We are introduced to Felicia’s brother William John, and Clive Mayhew, an artist who has found himself in a precarious situation.
THE DESIGNS OF LORD RANDOLPH CAVANAUGH is a well-written but slow building story line that gets caught up in the historical and technical information of building a steam-powered engine. As our trio struggle to perfect their entry into the upcoming Exhibition, the story line follows a path of industrial and mechanical jargon rife with bits and parts, and steam-powered details that deviated from the growing relationship between our leading couple, as well as the build up towards sabotage and ruination. The building romance falls victim to the constant return to the mechanization of the steam-powered, horseless carriage; the conflict resolution was quick and anti-climactic.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
August 5, 2022
Rand and Felicia forge a bland but solid business and romantic partnership as they resolve the issues surrounding the invention and presentation of a commercially viable steam-powered horseless carriage.
December 28, 2019
Delightful story about inventing set in England during Victorian times.
June 30, 2021
I listened to the audio version which was narrated wonderfully.
Too many descriptions of inventions for my tastes, but a lovely historical romance with a dash of suspense.
Too many descriptions of inventions for my tastes, but a lovely historical romance with a dash of suspense.
January 9, 2019
Loved it! Great read
July 8, 2018
This book was a real bummer. No chemistry, no romantic struggle, and way too much about the actual machine. It was boring. After reading the Cynsters, this was a big let down.
March 19, 2018
I had a problem with the whole premise of this book. Lord Randolph is a leader of a syndicate of investors who have staked an investment in an inventor’s attempt to design a horseless carriage. It is in the 1840s. Everything rides on the success, the monetary success of this invention: Randolph’s success as an inventor; the fortunes of the Throgmorton family whose father and now son are obsessed with the invention to the point of spending all their money funding it; and the future of Felicia Throgmorton, the sister of the inventor who may have to become a governess if her brother’s invention fails and they lose their estate. So that’s all very important as the Throgmortons and Lord Randolph race to finish the invention and ward off sabotage in order to show the invention off at an exhibition where Prince Albert will appear.
But we know that no such invention was made in the mid-19th century and the tinkerers who were trying to develop such a horseless carriage weren’t making their fortunes on their inventions. They certainly weren’t developing a prototype that could drive across the roads of England.
I don’t know why Stephanie Laurens picked such an fantastical invention to set in that time period and make it the key element of the book. Even if they had invented such a thing, they wouldn’t have made the sums of money we’re told that everyone involved needs to earn from it in order to survive financially and see their futures assured. I just couldn’t suspend disbelief for that fact and it detracted from my ability to enjoy the romance between Randolph and Felicia, one which I normally would enjoy because of the depiction of Felicia as an intelligent woman with a preternatural talent for invention and physics despite not having had anything to do with such matters since the age of 12.
I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
But we know that no such invention was made in the mid-19th century and the tinkerers who were trying to develop such a horseless carriage weren’t making their fortunes on their inventions. They certainly weren’t developing a prototype that could drive across the roads of England.
I don’t know why Stephanie Laurens picked such an fantastical invention to set in that time period and make it the key element of the book. Even if they had invented such a thing, they wouldn’t have made the sums of money we’re told that everyone involved needs to earn from it in order to survive financially and see their futures assured. I just couldn’t suspend disbelief for that fact and it detracted from my ability to enjoy the romance between Randolph and Felicia, one which I normally would enjoy because of the depiction of Felicia as an intelligent woman with a preternatural talent for invention and physics despite not having had anything to do with such matters since the age of 12.
I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
April 27, 2018
Lord Rand Cavanaugh stops by the Throgmorton estate to check on the progress of an invention he's invested in. He arrives just as the steam engine blows up and must stay to ensure the inventor William John Throgmorton meets the deadline for an exhibition. However, William John's sister Felicia promises to make his stay enjoyable.
I read The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh when it came out and enjoyed it very much. This is sort of the next book though it is the first in this series. I find that Ms. Laurens can be hit or miss for me, and this book was one of the misses. I enjoyed the technical parts about the inventions and the design of the steam engine though I thought there was too much of it.
But this is supposed to be a romance. Felicia and Rand barely talk, share a few kisses, then jump into bed. They think vaguely that they'll need to speak to each other about their future at some point after the machine has been exhibited, but it's pretty bland. When there's no real passion happening, Ms. Laurens can venture into purple prose territory during the sex scenes in order to show there is some connection. She does that here during the one sex scene. And not that I need to have a lot of sex scenes, but here she basically bypasses the rest with a passing reference which just adds to the disconnection between Felicia and Rand.
This may be the first romance I've ever read where the h/h don't even say 'I love you' to each other. There's one declaration which is more of 'I admire you so you must be the one for me forever'. I found that pretty strange.
The writing is good as always with Ms. Laurens' books, but there did seem to be a lot of head-hopping. I'm fine with that between the h/h, but here it was all the characters and was sometimes confusing. Bonus: Ryder and Mary show up so there's that.
Not one of her best in my opinion.
I read The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh when it came out and enjoyed it very much. This is sort of the next book though it is the first in this series. I find that Ms. Laurens can be hit or miss for me, and this book was one of the misses. I enjoyed the technical parts about the inventions and the design of the steam engine though I thought there was too much of it.
But this is supposed to be a romance. Felicia and Rand barely talk, share a few kisses, then jump into bed. They think vaguely that they'll need to speak to each other about their future at some point after the machine has been exhibited, but it's pretty bland. When there's no real passion happening, Ms. Laurens can venture into purple prose territory during the sex scenes in order to show there is some connection. She does that here during the one sex scene. And not that I need to have a lot of sex scenes, but here she basically bypasses the rest with a passing reference which just adds to the disconnection between Felicia and Rand.
This may be the first romance I've ever read where the h/h don't even say 'I love you' to each other. There's one declaration which is more of 'I admire you so you must be the one for me forever'. I found that pretty strange.
The writing is good as always with Ms. Laurens' books, but there did seem to be a lot of head-hopping. I'm fine with that between the h/h, but here it was all the characters and was sometimes confusing. Bonus: Ryder and Mary show up so there's that.
Not one of her best in my opinion.
March 14, 2018
4.5 stars
I truly enjoy everything I read from this amazing author, the characters were well developed and I didn't deel any missing holes, we sweet and just a tad of intrigue.
I truly enjoy everything I read from this amazing author, the characters were well developed and I didn't deel any missing holes, we sweet and just a tad of intrigue.
August 15, 2018
I love this expansive series by Stephanie Laurens, and this book is no exception. However, I did have reservations at first because Rand’s character in ‘The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh’ was not a encouraging. You didn’t think of Rand and future ‘hero’ in the same breathe.
But my worries were for nought as this was a fun book. The meeting, and subsequent romance of Rand and Felicia was well done and not overly dramatic and unrealistic. Felicia’s relationship with her absentminded brother, William, was instrumental to the almost comedy of errors that provided Rand with a reason to stay.
The villain of the pieces as the usual uptight, closed minded sort, and there was a dark horse character that I was not sure would rise to the challenge of aiding our heroes, or help shove them into chaos.
A quick, fun way to spend a few hours. Will definitely be buying a copy to add to my Cynster shelf.
But my worries were for nought as this was a fun book. The meeting, and subsequent romance of Rand and Felicia was well done and not overly dramatic and unrealistic. Felicia’s relationship with her absentminded brother, William, was instrumental to the almost comedy of errors that provided Rand with a reason to stay.
The villain of the pieces as the usual uptight, closed minded sort, and there was a dark horse character that I was not sure would rise to the challenge of aiding our heroes, or help shove them into chaos.
A quick, fun way to spend a few hours. Will definitely be buying a copy to add to my Cynster shelf.
Read
July 14, 2018"Laurens has proved time and again that her fans adore a family chronicle. Now that the Cynsters are on hiatus, she brings us the Cavanaughs, a band of siblings building business empires in an age of industrialization and economic growth. Brimming over with this energetic atmosphere and drawing on the Victorian passion for invention/technology, Laurens crafts a love story that suits her style and the era’s history. Adding a bit of suspense, a strong heroine and a hero who appreciates her intelligence keeps readers rapt even though the villain’s identity is obvious from the beginning. Certainly a series starter to enjoy" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).
The Cavanaughs, series starter!
The Cavanaughs, series starter!
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