Lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride. The Cynfell brothers are the very embodiment of a sinful existence. But could the right woman change that?
Meet all the Cynfell brothers in this limited edition boxset!
Samantha Holt resides in Warwickshire, England, with her twin girls, having followed her soldier husband around the UK for nearly 10 years. Growing up in Hampshire, she was inspired by the authors Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell, both of whom lived and wrote only miles from her home town.
Samantha loves the romance genre and has been devouring romantic literature for as long as she can remember. History is another passion of hers and she loves to combine her love for history and romance into exciting and passionate tales.
I have really enjoyed some of Samantha Holt's other novellas and short format novels becuase of their light vibe, fun pacing, and likable characters. In this collection, as the description describes, these stories held darker notes. I found the heroes and their "sins" to be much less romantic and harder to like than the leads in Holt's other stories. The plots themselves still had a lot of interesting elements and I read several of the stories, but I found myself wanting to pick up my kindle to read about the next brother with less and less urgency. Therefore, after reading 4.5 of the 7 stories, I decided to set this aside. The writing is still good, but I found I like the vibe of Holt's other stories better and will stick to the "fairytale" and gentler storylines instead since those seem to fit my taste better.
If you're into bad boys, this may be the collection for you, but if you enjoy characters with fewer edges and a less dramatic relationship, I'd recommend trying a different Holt novella.
Lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride. The Cynfell brothers are the very embodiment of a sinful existence. But could the right woman change that?
Cynfell Confessions
Wrath
Locked behind the walls of Lockwood Manor, Julian Cynfell, the Marquis of Lockwood three times widowed whiles away his days writing angry letters, drinking and sleeping. He never expects his solitude to be interrupted by a brazen American heiress. Viola Thompson can’t believe her luck when the English lord she has been corresponding with for the better part of a year asks her to visit him. This has to mean an offer of marriage surely? Finally, Viola will prove to her family and friends that she is more than a ruined woman with no prospects. Not to mention she knows they will be a love match. No one could write such beautiful letters without being the perfect man. But when she arrives in cold, dreary England to be faced by a foul-tempered, grizzled, hungover handsome marquis, she wonders if it could be the same man who wrote such lovely letters. A short read but an entertaining series opener. Julian believes he has to now live his life alone after losing three wives but Viola awakens feelings in him that he’s not felt before. I read the book in two sessions, I liked both Julian & Vee they were meant to be together & his emergence from his darkness was well done. Oh what is it about libraries? Must be the sexiest room in the house. I’m hooked on the series & need to find out about the six brothers & their sins
Cynfell Deeds
Envy
Josephine Beaumont a widow had been the mistress of one of the most notorious rakes in London, Dante Cynfell. She loved Dante Cynfell to distraction, he provided her with a comfortable home and all the art supplies she could ever need. However Josephine has had enough of tolerating his drunken behaviour and late night calls. Her paintings have caught the eye of a Robert Allen a great patron of the arts plus she wants true love, marriage, and respectability. When Josephine ends their arrangement, Dante is shocked & doesn’t really believe her so is doubly shocked when she moves out of the house. Positive he can win her back, he sets out to remind her how good they are together, things don’t go smoothly & his jealousy doesn’t help either. Another short but page turning book which I read in two sessions & was loathe to put it down. Dante is against marriage after witnessing his parents’ union but he loves Josephine & enlists his brother Julian’s help to win her. Josephine is a strong woman who is also an extremely talented artist. Their road to an HEA isn’t smooth but it is entertaining.
Cynfell Liaisons
Greed
Evelyn Chesworth, Duchess of Ardleigh is returning home when her carriage is halted by a naked man on the roadside. It's not every day a duchess takes said naked man home with her. But Evelyn Chesworth can hardly leave the poor man in nought but his skin on the dangerous road to London. Particularly when he's so attractive. Lord Pierce Cynfell is in a world of trouble. With his brother Julian threatening to cut him off and his gambling debts increasing, his beautiful rescuer couldn't have come at a better time. He can't help but be attracted to the worldly, mature woman. So he certainly isn't going to say no when she offers to write off his debts in return for one thing--his body for three months Evelyn is also being blackmailed by George Whitbury over her late husband’s gambling debts, there’s one problem the late Duke didn’t gamble. Evelyn & Pierce enjoy each others company & as time passes they begin to rely more & more on each other & start to open up to one another. Pierce helps Evelyn with George & the blackmail, misunderstandings do jeopardise their relationship. Another well written book in the Sinful series which I’m binge reading & thoroughly enjoying them. Pierce & Evelyn are likeable & very attracted to each other from the moment they met, so good to have an older woman & younger man. As with all rakes when they fall they fall hard & Pierce was no exception I highly recommend the series
Cynfell Cravings
Gluttony
Lord Jasper Cynfell,wastrel, blackguard, a rake of the highest regard is having a drink when a young lady enters the den, two men immediately accost her. Jasper may be a rake but he can’t leave a woman to be attacked & robbed. Henrietta Foster is a vicar’s daughter and a volunteer at the village orphanage. Few women can claim to be as virginal and upstanding as Miss Foster. She can use her umbrella to good account though. The uptight Miss Foster vexes him at every turn. The laced-up woman won’t seem to leave him alone,even in his dreams. The pair seem to continually bump into each other. Hettie knows Jasper dislikes her and she dislikes him in return or does she. The reason she’s ventured to London is to find her sister Emma who has disappeared & for some reason, all paths keep leading to Jasper, as much as she’d like to ignore him. However, after Hettie is forced to accept Jasper’s assistance to track her sister down, they both find themselves inexplicably drawn to each other. I’m loving the Cynfell brothers’ stories & I think Jasper is my favourite so far. This is an easy reading entertaining book, it’s not very long between a novella & novel. Jasper & Hettie are so likeable & to all intents & purposes so different but Jasper has hidden depths which Hettie soon realises. With umbrellas, bushes & highwaymen the plot keeps the tempo up. I’d recommend the whole series
Cynfell Possession
Sloth
Lord Ash Cynfell has been suffering from headaches for a while but keeps them hidden even from his twin Harris. Everyone just thinks he takes to his bed from too much drink or that he’s just plain lazy. Miss Lila Radley was set to be the belle of the ball this summer. With her charming manners, beautiful looks and excellent connections, everyone anticipated her receiving endless proposals. After she witnesses a murder, Lila finds herself in the hands of two overwhelmingly attractive brothers,-entirely against her will. However, while the twin Cynfell brothers might be as devastating in looks as each other, only one intrigues her,the brooding Lord Ash Cynfell. Then the murderer finds them & Harris is shot so Ash & Lila flee to Kent. As with all the Cynfell brothers they are not what they seem & Ashton is no exception, his debilitating migraines, which he keeps secret, have given him the wrong label. Lila manages to worm the truth out of him & he grows in confidence as she sees him as wonderful not weak. Another very enjoyable story, the pace is very good & Ash & Lila are so likeable & the attraction between the pair sizzles. A highly recommend the whole series
Cynfell Temptations
Lust
When Lord Harris Cynfell is shot helping his twin brother Ash rescue Lila. He’s abandoned in a notorious den of vice, Stourbridge. Which happens to be owned by the most beautiful woman he’s ever met, the fallen Miss Anna Dubois. Unfortunately, his Cynfell charm fails him and Anna appears immune to him. When he meets her again several months later in London, he can’t resist having another try at cracking that icy façade. Even with his injury drawing pity from the lovely society ladies, he hasn’t found himself interested in anyone else recently. Anna is in London for one reason only, to find the child she was forced to abandon all those years ago. Anna is a strong woman who has worked hard to rise after being thrown out by her parents, she owns & runs Stourbridge. Harris is a typical Cynfell – gorgeous. He has been attracted to Anna ever since she helped nurse him after he was shot. The attraction between the two of them sizzles until it finally combusts. Another very enjoyable book in the series, all of which I recommend
Cynfell Secrets
Pride
Gideon the elusive youngest Cynfell is the only bachelor remaining, he intends to keep it that way. After having first-hand knowledge of just how fragile his parents’ marriage was, he isn’t interested in women for anything more than a brief dalliance. Friends from childhood, Gideon and Cleo had always enjoyed an easy relationship. Until she becomes engaged to a fool of a man, Niall Harper. Gideon can’t help it. He’s enraged that she should lower herself to marrying the idiot. Cleo’s parents have pushed her into becoming engaged to Niall but she regrets it immediately Then it becomes clear that her harmless fiancé is not so innocent after all, Gideon and Cleo must join forces to ensure she’s not forced into marrying him. With the help of a person from Gideon’s past, the of St Clair and his brothers, can they save Cleo from a disastrous marriage. The final Cynfell novel & another really good read that I was loathe to put down & read it in two sittings. Gideon & Cleo were meant for each other & their close friendship had blossomed into love some time ago but neither realised & it was only when Cleo became betrothed to Niall that they realised their true feelings. Long lept secrets are revealed too. This is another well written book from the author & the characters have depth, strength & so likeable. I’ve loved my binge reading of the whole series & will definitely read again & can whole heartedly recommend
I read the whole series a while ago & it introduced me to the author. I was so glad that all seven books had been put into one volume, I’d recommend the whole series
What an exciting collection of stories, each about a sexy Cynfell brother!! I read each individually before they were put together for this collection. Sinful Confessions Story 1. This ws the first book I have read by the author, but it made me want to read more. Really a novella, it was a quick read but held my attention and I could not put it down. Viola is an American who has come to England to see Julian who has been corresponding with her due to her father's business. The letters turn into a friendship and Viola is eager to meet Julian. Julian is in the depths of despair due to his previous wives, yes I mean 3, have all passed away and he feels cursed. In steps a breath of fresh air named Viola. I will be reading the 7 book series. Just a hint at these amazing books. I could not read them fast enough!!
Out of 7 books, one might expect to find a clunker; one should not find 7 awful books, and be left wondering how any got published. Take one flawed hero, one heroine who brings him to his knees (literally and figuratively), and the requisite number of love (more like roto-sex) scenes and these make this series. Then add contrived plots, and mismatched "facts" (the twins do/don't look alike), yada-yada-yada to Ms Holts' failings. Yeah now you're wondering "why did FJS read all this crap (sorry, this word was 1 of a limited choice) ?". I didn't! Read Book 1, thought it had to get better -- wrong! Book 2 was even worse (truth time; only read about 1/2), and didn't get past the first chapter or so on the others. These books definitely should be sold as a set; keep the stink contained. n
I received a complimentary copy of this boxset with no expectation for leaving a review. This review is being left voluntarily and any and all opinions are my honest thoughts on these books and the authors work. This is an awesome boxset of 7 books, following 7 brothers and the 7 deadly sins. We have Julian and Viola (wrath), Dante and Josephine (envy), Pierce and Evelyn (greed), Jasper and Hettie (gluttony), Ash and Lila (sloth), Harris and Anna (lust), and finally the baby of the family, Gideon and Cleo (pride). Each book is equivalent to a novella and can be read in an afternoon. One for each day of the week....yay! These books are filled with secrets, addictions, drama, angst, lust, love and a touch of erotica. They are standalones that are interconnected with each set of main characters making appearances in the other books. These woman have a strength about them that can rein these men in. Ms. Holts writing is through, concise, and invigorating. The storylines are exciting and emotional. Each story flows seamlessly into the next and are easy to follow. Her descriptions are clear. I definitely recommend this boxset!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3.5 Stars (4 enjoy Maureen Driscoll, Elisa Braden, Sophie Jordon)
I love series around family members or a group of friends. I love the series even more when the author intertwines those characters throughout the book series (it’s a pet peeve when authors don’t do that because what’s the point of the series and introducing the characters if they are not going to interact throughout the series).
The development and interest in main characters and secondary characters was enjoyable. I really did like the H/H for this book; very well paired as a couple. I loved the writing around the women empowerment (it wasn’t over the top for me).
writing style is easy to follow, humorous moments, the give and take dialogue enjoyable.
romantic/sexual content is written well throughout the book (kissing, oral, love making). I’d rate it 2/5 hotness and steam.
would absolutely recommend the book and the series even though there short stories. Will take 2-3 hours to read each book in the series.
I still enjoyed the book for a one time read and the series.
Wonderful opportunity to get all these great books! I love everything written by this author. This series is among her best work, with amazing characters, intense romances, and a fictional world that just pulls you in and never lets go. Each of the seven books is "focused" on one of the seven deadly sins, giving us just enough naughtiness to make life interesting.
The Cynfell family is unlike any other I've met in books, and I guarantee you'll enjoy each of these romances. Each character is unique, with well-developed differences - even with seven brothers - that the reader is never lost in the details. Each story's plot is fresh and creative, while guaranteeing us a romantic HEA and a cohesive storyline throughout. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this set of books.
This is a fantastic collection of stories about the Cynfell Brothers by Samantha Holt that will keep you 'plastered' to your Kindle until you've finished reading all seven books. I had read book two, Sinful Deeds, before and this piqued my interest in reading all the books. When learning about Dante and his mistress, Josephine, and his shock on discovering that she is ending their relationship because she wants more than just being a mistress - even to him! get yourself a copy, settle yourself down and enjoy! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Recommended!!! Get a copy to read now!
I probably should say cynfill wives after all there was enough to have a wives club. I really enjoyed the stories but I can’t pick just one that moved me. I loved how Julian met his wife through writing to her, she could have been a male order bride. Ash bride could have been a dreamer and Harris bride could have been a lady of the evening .all matched up perfect but I really liked guidons story and close. Who was not only best friends but close was tipically the girl next door. Great writing and it will keep you riveted. I do have to say there were too much sex in it and I skipped a lot of pages but I still liked the weddings.
This book is about the cynfell brothers and how they meet their wives and how their mother likes to get involved. The oldest meets an American woman which he thinks is funny because he said his another would have fun sending her back to America and he believes what the town tells him that he is bad luck and no good for a woman. He thinks he should send her away before she dies. This book is so good you cannot put it down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Great set, featuring 7 brothers in the Cynfell family, each uniquely enticing
I should probably give this 5 stars for the value alone. Each novel was a great stand-alone read, though the extended family thread runs through each. I have enjoyed all of Samantha Holt's books for great plots, character development, and historical settings. She manages to make you feel a participant.
Overall, the books were ok. There wasn't anything that I truly liked or hated. I did likenthe characters throughout all the stories, but they were so short. There wasn't time to really love them or get to know them. I wish they had been full-fledged books, but they were all under 150 pages. They definitely had spice, which is nice to have when books are so short, but it did take up quite a lot of pages when the books are as short as they are.
A book set of seven well-written stories of some rogue brothers and the women they come to love. I know this is a set I will be rereading. Do I recommend this set that is a big YES! I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and liked it so much I also bought it.
I mostly enjoyed this story. I love stories about relationships between people it doesn't have to be romance. However in this book there was too much sex and not enough conversations.
I have enjoyed reading, The Cynfell Brothers book. I love the way love came and healed all the seven brothers; despite what happened to their parents. I would love to read a book on their, parents...why they got married and the drama that pulled them apart.
Would of given a higher star rating it I could. The story line's had me hooked, loved the way the books linked, Could hardly bear to put the books down, found myself on edge wanting to read more. Fantastic reads
This series was amazing had lots of action,t,drama,and the characters were wonderful they all found their perfect mate and they all found lot's of love.You are an awesome writer.Thank you for these great book's
This was a delightful surprise as a collection of stories about 7 brothers and how they win their wives. Each story is well written and enjoyable. All characters are believable and have depth. Each story could have been a whole book I’m sure. A brilliant read!
I really enjoyed the Cynfell Brothers stories. I couldn't pick a favorite one. To sin with one Cyn would be simply worth it. I enjoy these stories involving the same family members.
Quite a collection. Seven brothers, all afraid of marriage, yet,each finds the woman just right for him. Each book has suspense and action. Some books contain too much sex but should not offend.
This was a great love story, it was full of mystery and intrigue. He at least found out his history, I had a sister from my Dads first marriage and didn't find out until after his death.
Terrible. Book one was only just tolerable, and that was with skimming. Book two was complete garbage. These brothers should have been left in the writer’s imagination.