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The Cynster Sisters Trilogy #1
Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue
Three heros, three rescues, three weddings.
You are cordially invited to the wedding of Miss Heather Cynster
...but not before she encounters kidnappers, danger, and a daring rescue at the hands of Viscount Breckenridge.
Determined to hunt down her very own hero, one who will sweep her off her feet and into wedded bliss, and despairing of finding him in London's staid ballrooms, Heather Cynster steps out of her safe world and boldly attends a racy soiree.
But her promising hunt is ruined by the supremely interfering Viscount Breckenridge, who whisks her out of scandal-and straight into danger when a mysterious enemy seizes her, bundles her into a coach, and conveys her out of London.
Now it's up to the notorious Breckenridge to prove himself the hero she's been searching for all along...
442 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2011
323 people are currently reading
3223 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 430 reviews
February 15, 2021
I have tried a few books by this author now but this will probably be the last. As Regency novels go, these are okay but not memorable.
Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue contains a pretty good story and some interesting characters but basically just goes on too long. The sex scenes were repetitive and the reason why the couple could not get together was dragged on far too long. A more compact book would have been much more entertaining.
Nevertheless it was not a bad read and I understand why Laurens has devoted fans.
Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue contains a pretty good story and some interesting characters but basically just goes on too long. The sex scenes were repetitive and the reason why the couple could not get together was dragged on far too long. A more compact book would have been much more entertaining.
Nevertheless it was not a bad read and I understand why Laurens has devoted fans.
June 1, 2012
Why do I do this to myself?? I stopped reading anything by Stephanie Laurens a while ago, but for some reason I picked this up when I saw it in the library. And nothing has changed.
The heroine in every Stephanie Laurens book I've read is so ridiculously stubborn, I want to pull my hair out.
I don't know about anyone else, but I don't want my heroines to be prissy little shrews. A woman can be independent and strong without having to bend every man to her will, or go against everything anyone else says. Here's how these books tend to go:
Hero: "Don't jump off of that cliff, you'll kill yourself on the rocks below."
Heroine: "You can't tell me what to do!" Heroine jumps off the cliff.
Hero: "Thank god."
This one wasn't quite as bad as some of the other Cynster books, but it was still enough to be extremely frustrating.
Plot-wise, it was ok...not incredibly original, but there were some good moments. Unfortunately, when you actually are wishing the heroine will have a fatal accident, the romance aspect of it is lost.
This one was not so shiny.
The heroine in every Stephanie Laurens book I've read is so ridiculously stubborn, I want to pull my hair out.
I don't know about anyone else, but I don't want my heroines to be prissy little shrews. A woman can be independent and strong without having to bend every man to her will, or go against everything anyone else says. Here's how these books tend to go:
Hero: "Don't jump off of that cliff, you'll kill yourself on the rocks below."
Heroine: "You can't tell me what to do!" Heroine jumps off the cliff.
Hero: "Thank god."
This one wasn't quite as bad as some of the other Cynster books, but it was still enough to be extremely frustrating.
Plot-wise, it was ok...not incredibly original, but there were some good moments. Unfortunately, when you actually are wishing the heroine will have a fatal accident, the romance aspect of it is lost.
This one was not so shiny.
March 5, 2012
I need a special rating for romance. One that depicts, "Oh, you know; 'historical' romance." There are a lot of things that are so typical to the genre that I'd get tired of complaining about them in every review, and this one has all of them.
What entertains me is finding the ones that sway away from the "norms." You know, heroines that don't have "delicate" hands, men who don't make every woman they meet swoon.
(I'm still in love with Deborah Simmons for that one hero of hers that's oh-so-dreamy, then we find out, people other than our heroine don't really think so. Or that other book where the heroine was all wild and the hero was the only one who seemed to think she was beautiful. It's not blatant, in either case, but Simmons tried, dammit.)
We're going over the tropes here, so I can make jabbing comments here and there throughout the year, on other romances.
1.) You know, in order for readers to think a man's "manly," he has to have lots and lots of "experience"---but, of course, he's never felt for those ladies what he does when he's with the heroine.
This book -- Well, dontcha know, Breckenridge is "the ton's foremost rake."
2.) The hero expects the heroine to be a "typical ton damsel" when shit hits the fan. Guys, I have no freaking clue what the hell a typical ton damsel is, in any sense except that one's never been the heroine of a "historical" romance. According to the stories, anyhow.
This book certainly had that. The going thing is "she's stronger than that," which seriously makes me wonder. I mean, the little I know about Victorian England tells me society was brutal. If "typical" was "weak," then how did any survive?
I dunno. It annoys me.
3.) One of the love interests will get hurt and/or kidnapped and it will be where "true feelings" are confessed and/or realized.
This book: check.
4.) If there is a man or woman who is homosexual, he or she is an antagonist. Look, I realize they were demonized back then, but you don't have to harp on it in "historical" fiction (which I can't stop putting in quotation marks, ay), and you don't have to make them charicatures.
This book had no such characters, but I've seen them in Sands' work before.
5.) We won't talk about how they must be smelling, but there's usually some miraculous chance to bathe before the first big sex scene.
This book: Yep. And holy crap, talk about opening the flood gates. It got to the point where I was practically saying, "Another detailed sex scene?" and then flipping a few pages forward.
6.) It takes a few days, a week, tops, to fall in love. True love.
This book: I can't remember. There was a lot of travelling. But it was about the same. Okay, fine, so they'd actually been "acquantainces" before this adventure. Not that they ever really talked, though, ay.
7.) The woman is a virgin. Okay, I'll give 'em that one, since they deal with young society women. But still. It gets old how much it's harped on, instead of just being. And it's always a big deal to her that he's experienced, so he can teach her. We wouldn't want him to be unexperienced, either.
This book: Well, of course. At least there was some worry from her that he would go back to being a "rake" once they were together.
I know I'm forgetting a few. I'll add them to other reviews when I think of them. I basically ignore them these days, always looking for the "something else." Because I'm weird. I used to read romance because Caelen would act out all the parts, and that was entertaining as hell, especially when he'd get someone else to play, against their will.
Now I really do learn stuff. I mean, most of my work has some element of romance, and it's good to know what's done to death in the genre dedicated to it. And to see what differences pique my interest and admiration.
From this book, I've learned, for the umpteenth time, I really, really hate the word "rake."
Oh! So this book has a prologue and sections from the "antagonist's" POV---which I didn't really read. I mean, I skipped the prologue, and skimmed his sections, so I had a different experience than most people who read this trilogy. Because, I actually thought he was a "bad guy."
What entertains me is finding the ones that sway away from the "norms." You know, heroines that don't have "delicate" hands, men who don't make every woman they meet swoon.
(I'm still in love with Deborah Simmons for that one hero of hers that's oh-so-dreamy, then we find out, people other than our heroine don't really think so. Or that other book where the heroine was all wild and the hero was the only one who seemed to think she was beautiful. It's not blatant, in either case, but Simmons tried, dammit.)
We're going over the tropes here, so I can make jabbing comments here and there throughout the year, on other romances.
1.) You know, in order for readers to think a man's "manly," he has to have lots and lots of "experience"---but, of course, he's never felt for those ladies what he does when he's with the heroine.
This book -- Well, dontcha know, Breckenridge is "the ton's foremost rake."
2.) The hero expects the heroine to be a "typical ton damsel" when shit hits the fan. Guys, I have no freaking clue what the hell a typical ton damsel is, in any sense except that one's never been the heroine of a "historical" romance. According to the stories, anyhow.
This book certainly had that. The going thing is "she's stronger than that," which seriously makes me wonder. I mean, the little I know about Victorian England tells me society was brutal. If "typical" was "weak," then how did any survive?
I dunno. It annoys me.
3.) One of the love interests will get hurt and/or kidnapped and it will be where "true feelings" are confessed and/or realized.
This book: check.
4.) If there is a man or woman who is homosexual, he or she is an antagonist. Look, I realize they were demonized back then, but you don't have to harp on it in "historical" fiction (which I can't stop putting in quotation marks, ay), and you don't have to make them charicatures.
This book had no such characters, but I've seen them in Sands' work before.
5.) We won't talk about how they must be smelling, but there's usually some miraculous chance to bathe before the first big sex scene.
This book: Yep. And holy crap, talk about opening the flood gates. It got to the point where I was practically saying, "Another detailed sex scene?" and then flipping a few pages forward.
6.) It takes a few days, a week, tops, to fall in love. True love.
This book: I can't remember. There was a lot of travelling. But it was about the same. Okay, fine, so they'd actually been "acquantainces" before this adventure. Not that they ever really talked, though, ay.
7.) The woman is a virgin. Okay, I'll give 'em that one, since they deal with young society women. But still. It gets old how much it's harped on, instead of just being. And it's always a big deal to her that he's experienced, so he can teach her. We wouldn't want him to be unexperienced, either.
This book: Well, of course. At least there was some worry from her that he would go back to being a "rake" once they were together.
I know I'm forgetting a few. I'll add them to other reviews when I think of them. I basically ignore them these days, always looking for the "something else." Because I'm weird. I used to read romance because Caelen would act out all the parts, and that was entertaining as hell, especially when he'd get someone else to play, against their will.
Now I really do learn stuff. I mean, most of my work has some element of romance, and it's good to know what's done to death in the genre dedicated to it. And to see what differences pique my interest and admiration.
From this book, I've learned, for the umpteenth time, I really, really hate the word "rake."
Oh! So this book has a prologue and sections from the "antagonist's" POV---which I didn't really read. I mean, I skipped the prologue, and skimmed his sections, so I had a different experience than most people who read this trilogy. Because, I actually thought he was a "bad guy."
May 26, 2013
Hadrian's Wall in Scotland,
built by the Romans around AD 122
★★★★☆ (This is a review of the audiobook.) I’ve never hear Matthew Brenher narrate before, but I liked his reading of this first in The Cynster Sisters Trilogy. He enunciates nicely and has a great Scottish accent, where applicable. Sometimes he needs to pause a bit, as he seemed to drone on at times, but I think that was due to my having read so many of this author’s books and she gets repetitive. It isn’t easy for a man to read me the love scenes, especially in Historical Romances (as opposed to PNR or UF), but he gave a very nice performance and his female voices weren’t falsetto deliveries.
I was surprised I enjoyed the story-line in one as much as I did. Ms. Sanders has a template she uses for her long running Cynster series, but in VBttR she gives the reader a little something different here: a kidnapping right off the get-go.
Then there is also the mysterious Highlander, and trying to figure out not only his intent, but also if he is potential hero material for a future book in this series, or truly evil. When Ms. Landers stuck to that, I was thoroughly entertained. That, and the first love scene worked for me. I thought it was going to be a five star read for me.
However, she lapsed back into the same old theme of the heroine not wanting to marry the hero until he says those three little words. There are so many good things about LS’s writing, but this theme she falls back on too many times. Maybe she’s of the view that she wants to stick with the sure thing, for her books have all been very successful. For a reason. I always enjoy parts of them a lot and still re-read Devil's Bride once a year.
Nevertheless, June, in our “buddy read” of this one in Romance Lovers for the Challenge Impaired, put it best: “I'm not a big fan of a woman that demands a love declaration, but has no courage to tell her man that she loves him.” I agree. Especially each and every time... and for too, too many chapters.
Love the trek through Scotland, though.
*Picture Credit: Public Domain found on Wiki.
built by the Romans around AD 122
★★★★☆ (This is a review of the audiobook.) I’ve never hear Matthew Brenher narrate before, but I liked his reading of this first in The Cynster Sisters Trilogy. He enunciates nicely and has a great Scottish accent, where applicable. Sometimes he needs to pause a bit, as he seemed to drone on at times, but I think that was due to my having read so many of this author’s books and she gets repetitive. It isn’t easy for a man to read me the love scenes, especially in Historical Romances (as opposed to PNR or UF), but he gave a very nice performance and his female voices weren’t falsetto deliveries.
I was surprised I enjoyed the story-line in one as much as I did. Ms. Sanders has a template she uses for her long running Cynster series, but in VBttR she gives the reader a little something different here: a kidnapping right off the get-go.
Then there is also the mysterious Highlander, and trying to figure out not only his intent, but also if he is potential hero material for a future book in this series, or truly evil. When Ms. Landers stuck to that, I was thoroughly entertained. That, and the first love scene worked for me. I thought it was going to be a five star read for me.
However, she lapsed back into the same old theme of the heroine not wanting to marry the hero until he says those three little words. There are so many good things about LS’s writing, but this theme she falls back on too many times. Maybe she’s of the view that she wants to stick with the sure thing, for her books have all been very successful. For a reason. I always enjoy parts of them a lot and still re-read Devil's Bride once a year.
Nevertheless, June, in our “buddy read” of this one in Romance Lovers for the Challenge Impaired, put it best: “I'm not a big fan of a woman that demands a love declaration, but has no courage to tell her man that she loves him.” I agree. Especially each and every time... and for too, too many chapters.
Love the trek through Scotland, though.
*Picture Credit: Public Domain found on Wiki.
January 7, 2022
OK so this book makes no sense. It asks the very important question, "What happens when sex telepathy works but it works so well you're convinced it was a trick?" Heather Cynster is attending a scandalous soiree when Breckenridge (Heather's cousin's wife's sister-in-law's dead husband's natural son - WE ARE NOT KIDDING, see The Ideal Bride for further backstory) decides to save her from social ruin and escorts her out to her carriage. What happens next? Heather is snatched right off of the pavement and kidnapped!
Breckenridge leaps into action to rescue her, but after a series of 100% completely logical conversations with Heather, he decides instead to shadow her while her captors escort her to Scotland. Along the way they fall in love, but it will take some sexual communication, wordy arguments, and a bull goring for them to finally admit it.
10-Word Summaries:
Laine: When unable to articulate feelings, one must rely on sex.
Meg: First comes kidnapping, then comes sex, then comes BJ communication.
Breckenridge leaps into action to rescue her, but after a series of 100% completely logical conversations with Heather, he decides instead to shadow her while her captors escort her to Scotland. Along the way they fall in love, but it will take some sexual communication, wordy arguments, and a bull goring for them to finally admit it.
10-Word Summaries:
Laine: When unable to articulate feelings, one must rely on sex.
Meg: First comes kidnapping, then comes sex, then comes BJ communication.
September 30, 2018
I loved this book! ❤️
Mystery, romance, suspense, unknown characters, old times, an abduction, a hero, an old flame... this sums it up.
Can’t wait to read the next book.
Mystery, romance, suspense, unknown characters, old times, an abduction, a hero, an old flame... this sums it up.
Can’t wait to read the next book.
February 9, 2012
Why I Listened: That's a question I asked myself numerous times throughout the book. Seriously though, I reviewed it for the Speaking of Audiobooks column at AAR but my review (rant) is just too long for the column. So, with permission, I'm posting it here. Read on at your peril.
What it's about: Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue is the first book in the Cynster Brides series by Australian author Stephanie Laurens. Heather Cynster, daughter of Martin and Celia, is abducted from a soiree in London. The abduction is witnessed by Viscount Breckenridge, a not-friend of hers. They don’t get along – he thinks she’s too young for him (there’s a 10 year age gap) and keeps his distance, she thinks he considers her a child. Breckenridge follows and tries to rescue her but Heather has discovered that the kidnappers wanted only a “Cynster daughter” not specifically Heather and given that she’s being treated well (they hired a maid for her, for “countenance”) she thinks it is best to stay in their clutches and extract information about the villain behind the scheme so as to protect her cousins and sisters. Breckenridge goes along with it and follows, keeping watch. If that sounds like a flimsy excuse for a plot to you, it would be because it is. Given the amount of time Heather spends with the kidnappers, she actually finds out precious little about them and even when she does, it is in brief conversations and DAYS are going by. She’s not frightened or in any way traumatised – it’s the most pathetic kidnapping in the history of the activity.
What worked for me and what didn't: Torturous. Tedious. Tautologous. In audio, Ms. Laurens habit of describing everything at least three times is so very much more annoying than in print. In print, I skim and I probably only read one word in three, which means I can keep up with the gist of the story but do not want to hit something. I found the same does not apply to audio. I definitely wanted to hit something.
If I had a dollar for every time Breckenridge was described (sometimes within the same paragraph as “the Foremost Rake of the Ton”, I’d be able to buy myself a Kindle. Possibly two. Breckenridge, or, as I like to call him FRT, is, to make matters worse, a very poor excuse for a rake. Depending on what part of the book you are listening to, he has either bedded “countless” ladies, or not as many as everyone thinks. However many ladies he has bedded, in his experience, most ladies don’t take any active part in the process (presumably they just lie there and think of England) and only a few have shown anything like passion. So, when FRT eventually beds the heretofore virginal Heather Cynster, he’s overwhelmed, stunned and amazed by her enthusiastic response – she’s active, takes the initiative, passionate. In one scene when she’s, er, “going downtown”, he reflects that he didn’t let ladies to that to him but she was different – WHAT? See? BAD rake. He should be booted out of the Society of Regency Rakes forthwith. Besides, anyone who knows anything about the Cynsters would know that if he was really that bad, Devil and his “ilk” wouldn’t let FRT within coo-ee of pure Heather.
Then there’s Heather – at the beginning, she’s given up searching in the traditional ballrooms of the ton for her “hero. She’s decided (not unlike her cousin (?) Amanda from On a Wild Night) to search in the racier environs to find the man who will sweep her off her feet. Later, when offered marriage by FRT due to the damage to her reputation, she refuses and states that she had resigned herself to being a spinster and wants to look after homeless children so her reputation or lack of it doesn’t matter. Next thing, she’s contemplating how it turns out that FRT is her perfect hero if only he would love her. Hur?
The villain is the worst villain in the history of villains. We don’t know his identity, but, after hiring people to abduct Heather, he includes a maid for countenance on the journey. Then, when she does escape with FRT, he follows, not to get her back – no!! He follows to make sure that the “bounder” who has her treats her well. There is very little in the book about the motivations of the villain other than that he’s only doing it because his mad-ass mother has made some sort of squirly bargain with him which forces him to “ruin the reputation of a Cynster daughter”. It is clear that he will be the bad guy in the series until he is eventually the hero of the final story in the trilogy.
Anyway, Heather and FRT escape together but due to (some more ridiculous) circumstances, they are forced to continue on foot and this takes a number of days. They head for Richard and Catriona Cynster’s estate and on the way there the “romance” part of the book begins. There is literally NOT SO MUCH AS A KISS before chapter 9. Their very first “romantic encounter” is also the full monty. There follows 3 chapters of sexytimes, each described in torturous purple prose - three times.
Once FRT and Heather arrive at the Vale there ensues further torture for the listener. FRT has vowed never to love (and thereby be vulnerable to another). Problem is, he’s already in love. Okay, so: New vow. He won’t tell her how he feels because that would give her too much power over him. Problem: she’s declared she won’t marry a man who doesn’t hold her in true “affection” which even he knows is code for “love”. So, he decides to show her his feelings by the power of his “mighty wang of lovin’”. Meanwhile, she’s decided she loves him but won’t marry him unless he loves her too and tells her so. She’s having no success in drawing out a declaration and so decides to show him her true feelings with her “magic hoo-ha”. *sexytimes*. Problem: afterwards she thinks he was just pretending in order to get her to agree to the wedding and says no anyway when he proposes yet again. It was enough to make me bang my head against a wall. Repeatedly. Over and over again. Many times. It takes an injury to FRT to sort matters out (I won’t give away what sort; it’s not quite “pecked to death by pigeons” (TM Julia Quinn) but, oh man - over-the-topsville it is).
I decided to listen to this book because, while I do grind my teeth these days at the triptych descriptions and the overuse of the word “evoke” (in all of its many many iterations) , and all the “him being him”s and “her being her”s I have nevertheless really enjoyed some of Ms. Laurens books (Devil’s Bride, On a Wicked Dawn, The Ideal Bride, A Gentlemen’s Honor). But I’m not a big fan of Simon Prebble's narration of her books. He’s a bit too overwrought for my taste (I listened to two of the Black Cobra quartet which he narrated). This one has a new-to-me narrator and I thought it was worth trying. Sadly, Matthew Brenher is the opposite of overwrought. While he does use some expression in his voice, there’s no passion or excitement – the intonation during a scene where they’re sipping tea is the same as during the time they’re traversing “passion’s landscape” (yes, that is a direct quote.) I thought his voice for our hero FRT was quite good, but Richard “Scandal” Cynster has developed an alarming Scottish accent in the 9 years he’s been living there and Catriona, from the sound of her, has apparently taken up chain smoking – and sometimes she slipped into a more Yorkshire accent than a Scots one which was a bit disconcerting. A brief appearance by Michael Anstruther-Wetherby (one of my favourite Laurens heroes) and his wife Caro was even more troubling. Michael sounded prissy and rather like he’d been castrated. In fact at the end of each sentence he uttered, I mentally added “and where ARE my testicles anyway?”. Caro sounded like she was in her 50’s and frumpy . Heather’s voice was okay, but Mr. Brenher does suffer from that common problem with male narrators where the female characters sound like they’re men in drag.
Also, I know that Ms. Laurens can write an extremely long and convoluted sentence, but I wondered whether Mr. Brenher had done any pre-reading before the narration performance. There were these pauses in odd and unexpected places which made the sentences sound like they had just abruptly stopped. It was so prevalent throughout the book, it was very off-putting. Because I was tortured by the silly plot and the overwrought descriptions, I had plenty of time to notice each occasion.
What else? The book came in at more than 15 hours of listening time. Given that most of it was adjectives, it could easily have been trimmed by half and nothing would have been lost of the plot (what there was of it).
I’ve decided I have to break up with Stephanie Laurens on audio. I just can’t bear it anymore. It may be that I will try some more in print where I can skim to my heart’s content and therefore save a layer of enamel on my teeth, but it won’t be soon.
What it's about: Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue is the first book in the Cynster Brides series by Australian author Stephanie Laurens. Heather Cynster, daughter of Martin and Celia, is abducted from a soiree in London. The abduction is witnessed by Viscount Breckenridge, a not-friend of hers. They don’t get along – he thinks she’s too young for him (there’s a 10 year age gap) and keeps his distance, she thinks he considers her a child. Breckenridge follows and tries to rescue her but Heather has discovered that the kidnappers wanted only a “Cynster daughter” not specifically Heather and given that she’s being treated well (they hired a maid for her, for “countenance”) she thinks it is best to stay in their clutches and extract information about the villain behind the scheme so as to protect her cousins and sisters. Breckenridge goes along with it and follows, keeping watch. If that sounds like a flimsy excuse for a plot to you, it would be because it is. Given the amount of time Heather spends with the kidnappers, she actually finds out precious little about them and even when she does, it is in brief conversations and DAYS are going by. She’s not frightened or in any way traumatised – it’s the most pathetic kidnapping in the history of the activity.
What worked for me and what didn't: Torturous. Tedious. Tautologous. In audio, Ms. Laurens habit of describing everything at least three times is so very much more annoying than in print. In print, I skim and I probably only read one word in three, which means I can keep up with the gist of the story but do not want to hit something. I found the same does not apply to audio. I definitely wanted to hit something.
If I had a dollar for every time Breckenridge was described (sometimes within the same paragraph as “the Foremost Rake of the Ton”, I’d be able to buy myself a Kindle. Possibly two. Breckenridge, or, as I like to call him FRT, is, to make matters worse, a very poor excuse for a rake. Depending on what part of the book you are listening to, he has either bedded “countless” ladies, or not as many as everyone thinks. However many ladies he has bedded, in his experience, most ladies don’t take any active part in the process (presumably they just lie there and think of England) and only a few have shown anything like passion. So, when FRT eventually beds the heretofore virginal Heather Cynster, he’s overwhelmed, stunned and amazed by her enthusiastic response – she’s active, takes the initiative, passionate. In one scene when she’s, er, “going downtown”, he reflects that he didn’t let ladies to that to him but she was different – WHAT? See? BAD rake. He should be booted out of the Society of Regency Rakes forthwith. Besides, anyone who knows anything about the Cynsters would know that if he was really that bad, Devil and his “ilk” wouldn’t let FRT within coo-ee of pure Heather.
Then there’s Heather – at the beginning, she’s given up searching in the traditional ballrooms of the ton for her “hero. She’s decided (not unlike her cousin (?) Amanda from On a Wild Night) to search in the racier environs to find the man who will sweep her off her feet. Later, when offered marriage by FRT due to the damage to her reputation, she refuses and states that she had resigned herself to being a spinster and wants to look after homeless children so her reputation or lack of it doesn’t matter. Next thing, she’s contemplating how it turns out that FRT is her perfect hero if only he would love her. Hur?
The villain is the worst villain in the history of villains. We don’t know his identity, but, after hiring people to abduct Heather, he includes a maid for countenance on the journey. Then, when she does escape with FRT, he follows, not to get her back – no!! He follows to make sure that the “bounder” who has her treats her well. There is very little in the book about the motivations of the villain other than that he’s only doing it because his mad-ass mother has made some sort of squirly bargain with him which forces him to “ruin the reputation of a Cynster daughter”. It is clear that he will be the bad guy in the series until he is eventually the hero of the final story in the trilogy.
Anyway, Heather and FRT escape together but due to (some more ridiculous) circumstances, they are forced to continue on foot and this takes a number of days. They head for Richard and Catriona Cynster’s estate and on the way there the “romance” part of the book begins. There is literally NOT SO MUCH AS A KISS before chapter 9. Their very first “romantic encounter” is also the full monty. There follows 3 chapters of sexytimes, each described in torturous purple prose - three times.
Once FRT and Heather arrive at the Vale there ensues further torture for the listener. FRT has vowed never to love (and thereby be vulnerable to another). Problem is, he’s already in love. Okay, so: New vow. He won’t tell her how he feels because that would give her too much power over him. Problem: she’s declared she won’t marry a man who doesn’t hold her in true “affection” which even he knows is code for “love”. So, he decides to show her his feelings by the power of his “mighty wang of lovin’”. Meanwhile, she’s decided she loves him but won’t marry him unless he loves her too and tells her so. She’s having no success in drawing out a declaration and so decides to show him her true feelings with her “magic hoo-ha”. *sexytimes*. Problem: afterwards she thinks he was just pretending in order to get her to agree to the wedding and says no anyway when he proposes yet again. It was enough to make me bang my head against a wall. Repeatedly. Over and over again. Many times. It takes an injury to FRT to sort matters out (I won’t give away what sort; it’s not quite “pecked to death by pigeons” (TM Julia Quinn) but, oh man - over-the-topsville it is).
I decided to listen to this book because, while I do grind my teeth these days at the triptych descriptions and the overuse of the word “evoke” (in all of its many many iterations) , and all the “him being him”s and “her being her”s I have nevertheless really enjoyed some of Ms. Laurens books (Devil’s Bride, On a Wicked Dawn, The Ideal Bride, A Gentlemen’s Honor). But I’m not a big fan of Simon Prebble's narration of her books. He’s a bit too overwrought for my taste (I listened to two of the Black Cobra quartet which he narrated). This one has a new-to-me narrator and I thought it was worth trying. Sadly, Matthew Brenher is the opposite of overwrought. While he does use some expression in his voice, there’s no passion or excitement – the intonation during a scene where they’re sipping tea is the same as during the time they’re traversing “passion’s landscape” (yes, that is a direct quote.) I thought his voice for our hero FRT was quite good, but Richard “Scandal” Cynster has developed an alarming Scottish accent in the 9 years he’s been living there and Catriona, from the sound of her, has apparently taken up chain smoking – and sometimes she slipped into a more Yorkshire accent than a Scots one which was a bit disconcerting. A brief appearance by Michael Anstruther-Wetherby (one of my favourite Laurens heroes) and his wife Caro was even more troubling. Michael sounded prissy and rather like he’d been castrated. In fact at the end of each sentence he uttered, I mentally added “and where ARE my testicles anyway?”. Caro sounded like she was in her 50’s and frumpy . Heather’s voice was okay, but Mr. Brenher does suffer from that common problem with male narrators where the female characters sound like they’re men in drag.
Also, I know that Ms. Laurens can write an extremely long and convoluted sentence, but I wondered whether Mr. Brenher had done any pre-reading before the narration performance. There were these pauses in odd and unexpected places which made the sentences sound like they had just abruptly stopped. It was so prevalent throughout the book, it was very off-putting. Because I was tortured by the silly plot and the overwrought descriptions, I had plenty of time to notice each occasion.
What else? The book came in at more than 15 hours of listening time. Given that most of it was adjectives, it could easily have been trimmed by half and nothing would have been lost of the plot (what there was of it).
I’ve decided I have to break up with Stephanie Laurens on audio. I just can’t bear it anymore. It may be that I will try some more in print where I can skim to my heart’s content and therefore save a layer of enamel on my teeth, but it won’t be soon.
December 1, 2018
Rating: stars
Heather Cynster starts off as a strong, intelligent h and later devolves into an annoying, clueless and yes, pushy twerp. The entire time, Timothy Davers aka Breckenridge, clearly loves her, works a bit of James Bond magic with disguise minus the gimmicks. And yet Heather is blind far too long. So long, in fact, I lost interest in whether or not if Breckenridge would oblige her. Nothing she did followed logic at all. Not until fate steps in to intervene.
Richard/Scandal & Catriona, along with their brood make an appearance. A few other characters from earlier books are mentioned and visit as well. This was a pleasant interlude, too.
The worst of it is that the Scottish 'villain' was extremely interesting. I wanted to see more of him than focus on the h & H. That's never a good sign.
This was my least favorite pairing. Let's say I am grateful for kidnapping subplot. I hope the next book will be much better. Onward.
Heather Cynster starts off as a strong, intelligent h and later devolves into an annoying, clueless and yes, pushy twerp. The entire time, Timothy Davers aka Breckenridge, clearly loves her, works a bit of James Bond magic with disguise minus the gimmicks. And yet Heather is blind far too long. So long, in fact, I lost interest in whether or not if Breckenridge would oblige her. Nothing she did followed logic at all. Not until fate steps in to intervene.
Richard/Scandal & Catriona, along with their brood make an appearance. A few other characters from earlier books are mentioned and visit as well. This was a pleasant interlude, too.
The worst of it is that the Scottish 'villain' was extremely interesting. I wanted to see more of him than focus on the h & H. That's never a good sign.
This was my least favorite pairing. Let's say I am grateful for kidnapping subplot. I hope the next book will be much better. Onward.
September 3, 2011
Summary:
I've been a follower of the Cynster family for quite some time. I love all of them, and most of the time I liked the books as well. But the further the series goes, the less I like the books. They are all really similar and I get the feeling that I already read the book.
The book started out great. The kidnapping and the ride north and the escape as well were riveting, I stayed up late because I couldn't put the book down. And then when Heather was finally free, things went downhill. Suddenly everyone is safe and now they can devote themselves to thinking about their feelings all the time. I barely finished the book.
Heather and Breckenbridge are a typical Cynster couple. Heather is headstrong, stubborn and will only wed for love. Breckenbridge is a warrior unwilling to admit that he actually has feelings. He evidently has his reasons for being wary, but they're not explained. And I got sick and tired of being reminded that Breckenbridge is the top rake in ton. To me, sleeping with someone before marriage doesn't make a rake (true, some of the ladies were married, but still...).
And the way that Breckenbridge finally found the courage to admit his love didn't sit well with me .
I like the glimpses we got of the earlier Cynster couples. As I said I have a weak spot for the entire family.
But the most interesting character in the book is the mysterious lair - I can't wait to find out what's his story.
Rating:
2.75 stars
Determined to hunt down her very own hero, one who will sweep her off her feet and into wedded bliss, and despairing of finding him in London's staid ballrooms, Heather Cynster steps out of her safe world and boldly attends a racy soiree.
But her promising hunt is ruined by the supremely interfering Viscount Breckenridge, who whisks her out of scandal-and straight into danger when a mysterious enemy seizes her, bundles her into a coach, and conveys her out of London.
Now it's up to the notorious Breckenridge to prove himself the hero she's been searching for all along...
I've been a follower of the Cynster family for quite some time. I love all of them, and most of the time I liked the books as well. But the further the series goes, the less I like the books. They are all really similar and I get the feeling that I already read the book.
The book started out great. The kidnapping and the ride north and the escape as well were riveting, I stayed up late because I couldn't put the book down. And then when Heather was finally free, things went downhill. Suddenly everyone is safe and now they can devote themselves to thinking about their feelings all the time. I barely finished the book.
Heather and Breckenbridge are a typical Cynster couple. Heather is headstrong, stubborn and will only wed for love. Breckenbridge is a warrior unwilling to admit that he actually has feelings. He evidently has his reasons for being wary, but they're not explained. And I got sick and tired of being reminded that Breckenbridge is the top rake in ton. To me, sleeping with someone before marriage doesn't make a rake (true, some of the ladies were married, but still...).
And the way that Breckenbridge finally found the courage to admit his love didn't sit well with me .
I like the glimpses we got of the earlier Cynster couples. As I said I have a weak spot for the entire family.
But the most interesting character in the book is the mysterious lair - I can't wait to find out what's his story.
Rating:
2.75 stars
December 4, 2013
Big. Fat. MEH. Every Stephanie Laurens I read is worse and worse. Since when did Ms. Laurens begin writing, a la Nora Roberts, in short, choppy sentences? It was almost painful to read, and frankly I felt as though my intelligence was being insulted.
The initial premise (abduction for mysterious reasons by a mysterious nobleman) was promising. It quickly devolved into Heather (which reminds me, which early 18th century noblewomen were named Heather? Isn't that a MallRats kind of name?) being SuperAwesome at fooling her captors and Breckenridge being SuperAwesome at following them.
The hot parts were so loooooooooooooong that, honestly, I started to flip through them (a bad sign). Much too much of a good thing.
Also, MUCH TOO MUCH of le Grande Misunderstanding, and MUCH TOO MUCH "Cynster stubbornness". Really? Only one family in all of Great Britain is allowed to have stubborn, illogical, highanded women(/men)? Heather got on my nerves - TSTL with regards to Breckenridge, but an almighty know-it-all about everything else); Breckenridge less so. Yes, I realize he was highhanded and closed-off to his feelings. However, I think what's really happening is that the hero is being written period-appropriate, and the heroine is being written as a modern woman. They don't necessarily match up. But I digress...
Finally: the paranormal bit at the end....unnecessary. I didn't care for it as a plot device and I thought it detracted from the story as a whole.
So, in summary: I think I will re-read Stephanie Laurens' earlier work, and take a pass on the newer.
The initial premise (abduction for mysterious reasons by a mysterious nobleman) was promising. It quickly devolved into Heather (which reminds me, which early 18th century noblewomen were named Heather? Isn't that a MallRats kind of name?) being SuperAwesome at fooling her captors and Breckenridge being SuperAwesome at following them.
The hot parts were so loooooooooooooong that, honestly, I started to flip through them (a bad sign). Much too much of a good thing.
Also, MUCH TOO MUCH of le Grande Misunderstanding, and MUCH TOO MUCH "Cynster stubbornness". Really? Only one family in all of Great Britain is allowed to have stubborn, illogical, highanded women(/men)? Heather got on my nerves - TSTL with regards to Breckenridge, but an almighty know-it-all about everything else); Breckenridge less so. Yes, I realize he was highhanded and closed-off to his feelings. However, I think what's really happening is that the hero is being written period-appropriate, and the heroine is being written as a modern woman. They don't necessarily match up. But I digress...
Finally: the paranormal bit at the end....unnecessary. I didn't care for it as a plot device and I thought it detracted from the story as a whole.
So, in summary: I think I will re-read Stephanie Laurens' earlier work, and take a pass on the newer.
August 11, 2025
I wanted a book I could pick up and put down for a family camping trip. This was an excellent choice. You can skip whole chapters and not miss a thing. I definitely read this book with half my brain engaged elsewhere. I have read and enjoyed Stephanie Laurens in the past, but she is getting very wordy. Hot sex scenes are great, but I prefer when they actually talk to each other. Being all up in the hero and heroine's heads is not my idea of a good book. Don't listen to the audio: I guarantee it will put you to sleep and reading and skipping vast portions of the book is much better. The plot was interesting and chasing that kept me reading.
Heather Cynster is twenty-five and after this Season she will be firmly on the shelf. Sooooo she decides to take a walk on the wild side in the hopes of finding a hero and true love. So stupid. She gets herself kidnapped and lucky for her London's reining rake saw it and gave chase. See, he has had a thing for Heather since her cousin's wedding four years ago. Anyway, Heather doesn't want to be rescued right away, she has gleaned information that she, specifically, was not the target, any old Cynster Chit would do. Heather loves her family and will do anything to protect them.
Viscount Breckenridge, renowned rake, and just can't let these people kidnap Heather, so he gives chase. When he sees a chance to rescue her: she won't go! Something about a mysterious Scottish lout who wants a Cynster Chit and if she can't discover who he is or why he wants one, her sisters and cousins would just be in danger too. What's a rake to do? Breakenridge dials into his inner hero and follows.
By the time Heather decides she isn't going to learn much, she is well and truly compromised by the time she agrees to being rescued by Breckenridge and now they have to make it back to London from the wilds of Scotland. Since Heather's cousin, Richard and his wife Catriona are close, they flee to the Vail and safety. But things really heat up and it might not be so safe in the Vale.
Heather Cynster is twenty-five and after this Season she will be firmly on the shelf. Sooooo she decides to take a walk on the wild side in the hopes of finding a hero and true love. So stupid. She gets herself kidnapped and lucky for her London's reining rake saw it and gave chase. See, he has had a thing for Heather since her cousin's wedding four years ago. Anyway, Heather doesn't want to be rescued right away, she has gleaned information that she, specifically, was not the target, any old Cynster Chit would do. Heather loves her family and will do anything to protect them.
Viscount Breckenridge, renowned rake, and just can't let these people kidnap Heather, so he gives chase. When he sees a chance to rescue her: she won't go! Something about a mysterious Scottish lout who wants a Cynster Chit and if she can't discover who he is or why he wants one, her sisters and cousins would just be in danger too. What's a rake to do? Breakenridge dials into his inner hero and follows.
By the time Heather decides she isn't going to learn much, she is well and truly compromised by the time she agrees to being rescued by Breckenridge and now they have to make it back to London from the wilds of Scotland. Since Heather's cousin, Richard and his wife Catriona are close, they flee to the Vail and safety. But things really heat up and it might not be so safe in the Vale.
January 28, 2012
1.5 stars
Short review: If you've read one Cynster book, no need to read another; you've read them all.
Long review: Silly me. I had hoped that a year or two (or more) without a Laurens book would be long enough to get me to like her next offerings. Unfortunately, it was not so. The same style, the same descriptions, the same alpha male, the same headstrong female. Blah.
Adding insult to injury, this book was boring. The pacing was slow, slow, slow. The first half of the book is the journey to Gretna Green. They are on the road, in hotels, interrogating the kidnappers and then meeting up at night to regurgitate what they had learned. Hardly anything happened, and the sexual tension? I don't know whether it was because I did not feel invested in this book, but I couldn't really feel it until the second half of the book.
The second half of the book, the start of which was Breckenridge's brilliant (and completely unoriginal) plan to seduce his lady into marriage, thinking that sex was the answer to everything. UGH!
And now I'm stuck at the point when the couple have a huge tiff because the hero (predictably) refuses to acknowledge that he loves her and wants to marry her, and the heroine (naturally) refuses to marry someone who doesn't love her.
No, this is not a spoiler because it's been used over and over.
As for the plot? Well, as far as I can tell at just over 50%, the plot was over by the middle of the book. And it didn't make sense! Who was the so-called villain? Why did he plot against the Cynsters? The whole thing felt so contrived in order to bring these two people together. It was so silly!
I had forgotten about Richard Cynster's book. I didn't like the "paranormal" aspects then, all those years ago, but I decided to let is pass. I still don't like the "paranormal" aspects.It does not, luckily, play a big part in the book - just a chapter or two. Nope, I was wrong. The "paranormal" aspects is being used as a cheating device.
*moan* That was me around 20% when I realized I had about 80% more to go.
UGGHH! That was me when I had realized that I had checked out the next book from the library as well.
Some day, I will learn that it is totally okay to easily DNF books or to leave series incomplete if I have lost interest or don't like them.
Short review: If you've read one Cynster book, no need to read another; you've read them all.
Long review: Silly me. I had hoped that a year or two (or more) without a Laurens book would be long enough to get me to like her next offerings. Unfortunately, it was not so. The same style, the same descriptions, the same alpha male, the same headstrong female. Blah.
Adding insult to injury, this book was boring. The pacing was slow, slow, slow. The first half of the book is the journey to Gretna Green. They are on the road, in hotels, interrogating the kidnappers and then meeting up at night to regurgitate what they had learned. Hardly anything happened, and the sexual tension? I don't know whether it was because I did not feel invested in this book, but I couldn't really feel it until the second half of the book.
The second half of the book, the start of which was Breckenridge's brilliant (and completely unoriginal) plan to seduce his lady into marriage, thinking that sex was the answer to everything. UGH!
And now I'm stuck at the point when the couple have a huge tiff because the hero (predictably) refuses to acknowledge that he loves her and wants to marry her, and the heroine (naturally) refuses to marry someone who doesn't love her.
No, this is not a spoiler because it's been used over and over.
As for the plot? Well, as far as I can tell at just over 50%, the plot was over by the middle of the book. And it didn't make sense! Who was the so-called villain? Why did he plot against the Cynsters? The whole thing felt so contrived in order to bring these two people together. It was so silly!
I had forgotten about Richard Cynster's book. I didn't like the "paranormal" aspects then, all those years ago, but I decided to let is pass. I still don't like the "paranormal" aspects.
*moan* That was me around 20% when I realized I had about 80% more to go.
UGGHH! That was me when I had realized that I had checked out the next book from the library as well.
Some day, I will learn that it is totally okay to easily DNF books or to leave series incomplete if I have lost interest or don't like them.
March 31, 2020
5 Estrelas!!!
Que livro bom meu deus *.* E pensar que custou apenas 5 euros numa promoção fantástica e que o já tinha à bastante tempo na estante, como assim ainda não tinha pegado nesta série???
Que livro MARAVILHOSO!
Quero já iniciar o segundo!!!
Que livro bom meu deus *.* E pensar que custou apenas 5 euros numa promoção fantástica e que o já tinha à bastante tempo na estante, como assim ainda não tinha pegado nesta série???
Que livro MARAVILHOSO!
Quero já iniciar o segundo!!!
June 15, 2020
Demorei a ler este livro devido a várias situações em redor, que me impediam de me focar apenas na leitura, mas depois de lhe pegar à séria, terminei finalmente a leitura.
Foi uma autora de estreia para mim, e posso dizer que Laurens me deixou fascinada com as descrições dos momentos emocionais do livro, assim como toda a sua narrativa. Fiquei curiosa com toda esta enorme série, pois este é o primeiro de uma trilogia, que está englobado numa série, no qual é o décimo sexto. Então à um monte de Cynsters para conhecer, sem dúvida nenhuma.
Quanto a esta história, posso dizer que gostei bastante, apesar de no começo ficar preocupada em como todo o ‘caminho’ estava a ser feito – porem uma reviravolta voltou a colocar tudo alinhado para mim e para o que eu esperava. É uma história pequena, descrita de forma longa e com muita emoção e detalhes que não arruínam o livro ou os personagens. Mantém-nos interessados em saber mais e em entender como se vão desfazer certos nós.
Relativamente aos nossos heróis, começaram como cão e gato que conforme as páginas vão avançando, amadurecem e param para entender e ouvir um ao outro. Heather surpreendeu-me, pois achei que ela ia ser uma daquelas heroínas mimadas e chatas, mas ela só aparentou isso. Timothy, ou formalmente chamado, Breckenridge, o típico libertino teimoso e de coração grande, mas que tenta esconder a todo o custo, e que em todas as acções que faz demonstra mais do que as palavras que não diz.
Sem contar com o mistério que ficou nas últimas páginas e as quais me deixaram curiosa demais.
Foi uma autora de estreia para mim, e posso dizer que Laurens me deixou fascinada com as descrições dos momentos emocionais do livro, assim como toda a sua narrativa. Fiquei curiosa com toda esta enorme série, pois este é o primeiro de uma trilogia, que está englobado numa série, no qual é o décimo sexto. Então à um monte de Cynsters para conhecer, sem dúvida nenhuma.
Quanto a esta história, posso dizer que gostei bastante, apesar de no começo ficar preocupada em como todo o ‘caminho’ estava a ser feito – porem uma reviravolta voltou a colocar tudo alinhado para mim e para o que eu esperava. É uma história pequena, descrita de forma longa e com muita emoção e detalhes que não arruínam o livro ou os personagens. Mantém-nos interessados em saber mais e em entender como se vão desfazer certos nós.
Relativamente aos nossos heróis, começaram como cão e gato que conforme as páginas vão avançando, amadurecem e param para entender e ouvir um ao outro. Heather surpreendeu-me, pois achei que ela ia ser uma daquelas heroínas mimadas e chatas, mas ela só aparentou isso. Timothy, ou formalmente chamado, Breckenridge, o típico libertino teimoso e de coração grande, mas que tenta esconder a todo o custo, e que em todas as acções que faz demonstra mais do que as palavras que não diz.
Sem contar com o mistério que ficou nas últimas páginas e as quais me deixaram curiosa demais.
June 26, 2018
Hace rato no leía a esta escritora, y como siempre es entretenido, no es un libro que va a dejar huella y ser super trascendental pero uno se entretiene leyendo estas historias
Me gusto el suspenso del secuestrador, y que todavía no se haya resuelto hace que uno quiera seguir leyendo la serie
Breckenridge entiende que hay que darle libertad a Heather para poder conquistarla, y ella es osada y no es la típica mujer victoriana, y eso es entretenido
Me gusto el suspenso del secuestrador, y que todavía no se haya resuelto hace que uno quiera seguir leyendo la serie
Breckenridge entiende que hay que darle libertad a Heather para poder conquistarla, y ella es osada y no es la típica mujer victoriana, y eso es entretenido
June 2, 2013
What a great story! In my opinion, this was not a typical Stephanie Laurens book. For me, there was a touch more humor, and a lot more action. I love the overlying story arch that is flowing through this book and leads to the next one. I am dying to find out about the Laird and his mother and why she's having him do what he's doing.
November 25, 2022
Viscount Breckinridge to the Rescue
3 Stars
Series note: This is book #1 in the Cynster Sisters trilogy focusing on Gabriel and Lucifer's sisters. The books revolve around an ongoing story arc and should be read in order, but the trilogy itself can be read at any point following The Ideal Bride as Breckinridge is first mentioned therein.
Overly verbose and descriptive as usual, but Breckinridge and Heather's nemeses-in-lust relationship has its moments, and the story arc is intriguing.
The first couple of chapters focusing on the initial kidnapping are fast-paced and exciting. However, the events soon become repetitive and the action is unnecessarily drawn out. The pacing picks up again at 2/3s in with the shift in focus to the reluctant hero/stubborn heroine trope that is typical of Laurens' works.
Heather and Breckinridge's romance is engaging as they work together toward a common goal and learn to see past superficial appearances. Unfortunately, once the threat has passed, they cease to communicate and revert to childish arguments.
The true highlight of the book is the cameo appearances by Richard and Catriona and their delightful brood. Other Cynster characters also arrive on the scene and it is fun to catch up with them.
Overall, not a bad beginning to the trilogy, and I am eager to learn the who and why behind the kidnapping. That said, Laurens seriously needs to employ word economics in her writing.
3 Stars
Series note: This is book #1 in the Cynster Sisters trilogy focusing on Gabriel and Lucifer's sisters. The books revolve around an ongoing story arc and should be read in order, but the trilogy itself can be read at any point following The Ideal Bride as Breckinridge is first mentioned therein.
Overly verbose and descriptive as usual, but Breckinridge and Heather's nemeses-in-lust relationship has its moments, and the story arc is intriguing.
The first couple of chapters focusing on the initial kidnapping are fast-paced and exciting. However, the events soon become repetitive and the action is unnecessarily drawn out. The pacing picks up again at 2/3s in with the shift in focus to the reluctant hero/stubborn heroine trope that is typical of Laurens' works.
Heather and Breckinridge's romance is engaging as they work together toward a common goal and learn to see past superficial appearances. Unfortunately, once the threat has passed, they cease to communicate and revert to childish arguments.
The true highlight of the book is the cameo appearances by Richard and Catriona and their delightful brood. Other Cynster characters also arrive on the scene and it is fun to catch up with them.
Overall, not a bad beginning to the trilogy, and I am eager to learn the who and why behind the kidnapping. That said, Laurens seriously needs to employ word economics in her writing.
February 13, 2015
Take one independent, stubborn, intelligent Cynster female, add one stubborn yet clueless alpha male, mix well with a kidnapping and escape and sit back and watch the fireworks. At the beginning of the book these two, who have known each other for several years, can't seem to get along. She feels he is far too interfering in her life, and he thinks she is young and reckless. When Breckenridge witnesses her getting kidnapped, he takes off after her, prepared to rescue her. What he finds is that Heather isn't willing to be rescued .. yet. It seems the kidnapper just wants one of the Cynster sisters, and it doesn't matter which. So she convinces Breckenridge to let her be and try to figure out who is behind it and why. When it gets too dangerous to continue, they escape on foot. Obviously, because they've been together unchaperoned they will have to marry. But Heather won't have it - she refuses to be forced into a marriage without love. She has realized that she is in love with him, but he won't admit to loving her. The last part of the book is taken up with them working out their relationship. The frustration level on both sides is off the charts and makes for great reading. The ending is perfect Cynster magic.
September 11, 2011
After reading so many Suspense novels lately where the Heroine is barging into situations blindly it was refreshing to meet Heather who was pretty much cut along the same grain as these other women, but with one difference. SHE HAD A BIT OF SENSE.
The first half was great fun to read, although I still think there's no way there could have been a trio of criminals who were touted to be so clever and yet be so stupid that Heather was able to sneak away from them every night!
That said, what the hell happened to the rest of this novel? We suddenly got pages and pages of these two wafting on about marrying/not marrying one another just because they wouldn't say I Love You? I must be the most unromantic person in the world reading romance novels because I thought this was absolutely idiotic.
The first half was great fun to read, although I still think there's no way there could have been a trio of criminals who were touted to be so clever and yet be so stupid that Heather was able to sneak away from them every night!
That said, what the hell happened to the rest of this novel? We suddenly got pages and pages of these two wafting on about marrying/not marrying one another just because they wouldn't say I Love You? I must be the most unromantic person in the world reading romance novels because I thought this was absolutely idiotic.
October 15, 2016
Overall, a good read.
Heather and Breckenridge; or viscount Timothy (he's never addressed as that though) are nemesis (who secretly lust after one another). One night, while Heather is out to trap a husband, and Timothy drives her away; she ends up getting kidnapped and Timothy ends up chasing her- thats the first half of the book. The rest half is them making love, pushing away, some minor hindrances and angst, and then a HEA.
This one stretched a bit too long for me. They both deliberately kept misunderstanding one another, which was annoying; and when they finally confess; the book ends too soon.
As I have said before, at this point the series is repetitive but comfort read.
Safe with exceptions
3/5
Heather and Breckenridge; or viscount Timothy (he's never addressed as that though) are nemesis (who secretly lust after one another). One night, while Heather is out to trap a husband, and Timothy drives her away; she ends up getting kidnapped and Timothy ends up chasing her- thats the first half of the book. The rest half is them making love, pushing away, some minor hindrances and angst, and then a HEA.
This one stretched a bit too long for me. They both deliberately kept misunderstanding one another, which was annoying; and when they finally confess; the book ends too soon.
As I have said before, at this point the series is repetitive but comfort read.
Safe with exceptions
3/5
December 20, 2015
Nuevo libro en español se la saga Los Cynster, ya conocemos la formula, lo que es un poco complicado es que da muchos saltos temporales, toda la saga , quiero decir, hay libros que temporalmente van despues de este y que bueno si ni conoces la saga, te puedes confundir, aunque en este caso particular se puede leer independientemente, en cuanto a la formula que la autora tiene para esta saga, pues es de sobra conocida, y que ya despues de tantos libros se hace un poco irritante, por lo menos a mi me daban ganas de sacudir a la protagonista y que despertara ante lo obvio. Mi opinion personal es que la autora deberia buscar un giro porque ya conocemos de antemano lo que va a pasar.
Es un libro entretenido, a pesar de lo anterior. Recomendable para las seguidoras de la saga (como yo).
Es un libro entretenido, a pesar de lo anterior. Recomendable para las seguidoras de la saga (como yo).
May 24, 2013
I usually rate a book compared to what else I have read from the author or the other books in the series .This was a really good book (4.5 stars) compared to the others in the series , so I'm going to give it 5 stars .
I enjoyed it very much , didn't skip much as usually do with the love scenes in SL books . It had mystery (which wasn't solved ), excitement, a good romance and a great hero and heroine and the buddy read was so much fun .
Looking forward to reading the next one !
I enjoyed it very much , didn't skip much as usually do with the love scenes in SL books . It had mystery (which wasn't solved ), excitement, a good romance and a great hero and heroine and the buddy read was so much fun .
Looking forward to reading the next one !
May 29, 2016
Gostei, mas... teria gostado mais se tivessem sido publicados os livros anteriores e houvesse intenção de publicar os seguintes, como claramente é indicado no epílogo!!! 200 páginas só para o sequestro?! Outras 200 páginas para então perceberem que estão apaixonados e é preciso uma situação de vida e morte para colocarem o orgulho e teimosia de lado e se declararem um ao outro?! Martírio mesmo...
July 28, 2011
4 1/2 stars!
I was thrilled when I saw Pam from Avon post on Facebook asking if anyone was interested in previewing the new Stephanie Laurens book. Um, yes! She is one of my 'Must Read' authors and up in my special bookcase so I would love to get my grubby hands on that ebook! Especially a full month early... I did a little dance as I downloaded it!
Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue is the 1st in a new trilogy yet it's the 16th Cynster novel. If you haven't read Laurens before, don't fret, you can easily start with this one.
The book starts quick and captures your attention. I must admit I had to flip back to the beginning (scroll back, rather...) and read it again to try and figure out who exactly was speaking in the prologue.
The first few chapters had me hooked. Heather was taken away in a coach yet there was a maid/chaperone to watch over her so technically they were keeping it all very proper. Yet, when Heather finds out that Viscount Breckenridge has followed her to rescue her, she tells him that she can't leave. She needs to find out who is behind this because she wasn't sure that she was the actual target. If her cousins/sister could be harmed, well, she had to find out what was going on. Completely sequel bait but I'm along for the ride.
The Cynster's are a beloved family that are quite distinctive in Laurens world. My favorite Cynster novel is 'A Secret Love' but I really love that 'friends become lovers' trope. The current novel, Breckenridge, has a little of the same vibe but most of it is tied up in the kidnapping so it has a different tension.
A few of the things I didn't like. It was hard to believe that she wouldn't just leave. Why in the world would you keep staying with your kidnappers? Get out of there! She gave good reasons though. Once they did in fact escape, Laurens takes you on quite a jaunt in a few different ways. It gets a little tedious as it goes back and forth to keep the tension going in the last half of the book. It did give her an opportunities to get in quite a few sexy-times, so I guess there is that... She also throws in a little fate/magic which seems is just done to bring us some closure with a few of the past characters. It felt a little too much which is why I didn't completely love this novel.
Having said that, I really like how Stephanie Laurens writes. She is a solid writer and takes you deliberately through every feeling and thought.
Laurens also uses crazy language. Adamintine? My Wordpress spell check doesn't even recognize that word! She tends to do that in all her novels, so it is like an exciting learning experience.
It's all very deliberate. So the tension is very sizzling.
I was thrilled to get a chance to read this book early, as I would have purchased it anyway. If you get the chance to read this novel, or any of Stephanie Laurens, I highly recommend it. It comes out August 30, 2011!
I was thrilled when I saw Pam from Avon post on Facebook asking if anyone was interested in previewing the new Stephanie Laurens book. Um, yes! She is one of my 'Must Read' authors and up in my special bookcase so I would love to get my grubby hands on that ebook! Especially a full month early... I did a little dance as I downloaded it!
Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue is the 1st in a new trilogy yet it's the 16th Cynster novel. If you haven't read Laurens before, don't fret, you can easily start with this one.
The book starts quick and captures your attention. I must admit I had to flip back to the beginning (scroll back, rather...) and read it again to try and figure out who exactly was speaking in the prologue.
The first few chapters had me hooked. Heather was taken away in a coach yet there was a maid/chaperone to watch over her so technically they were keeping it all very proper. Yet, when Heather finds out that Viscount Breckenridge has followed her to rescue her, she tells him that she can't leave. She needs to find out who is behind this because she wasn't sure that she was the actual target. If her cousins/sister could be harmed, well, she had to find out what was going on. Completely sequel bait but I'm along for the ride.
The Cynster's are a beloved family that are quite distinctive in Laurens world. My favorite Cynster novel is 'A Secret Love' but I really love that 'friends become lovers' trope. The current novel, Breckenridge, has a little of the same vibe but most of it is tied up in the kidnapping so it has a different tension.
A few of the things I didn't like. It was hard to believe that she wouldn't just leave. Why in the world would you keep staying with your kidnappers? Get out of there! She gave good reasons though. Once they did in fact escape, Laurens takes you on quite a jaunt in a few different ways. It gets a little tedious as it goes back and forth to keep the tension going in the last half of the book. It did give her an opportunities to get in quite a few sexy-times, so I guess there is that... She also throws in a little fate/magic which seems is just done to bring us some closure with a few of the past characters. It felt a little too much which is why I didn't completely love this novel.
Having said that, I really like how Stephanie Laurens writes. She is a solid writer and takes you deliberately through every feeling and thought.
Laurens also uses crazy language. Adamintine? My Wordpress spell check doesn't even recognize that word! She tends to do that in all her novels, so it is like an exciting learning experience.
It's all very deliberate. So the tension is very sizzling.
I was thrilled to get a chance to read this book early, as I would have purchased it anyway. If you get the chance to read this novel, or any of Stephanie Laurens, I highly recommend it. It comes out August 30, 2011!
August 14, 2011
VISCOUNT BRECKENRIDGE to the RESCUE by Stephanie Laurens
A Cynster Novel
08/11 - HarperCollins Publishers - Mass Market Paperback, 448 pages
When you go looking for a hero, will anything less than that be acceptable?
Well-bred Heather Cynster is 25 and sitting on the never getting married shelf. The one night she decides to live life outside the boundaries of proper society two terrible things happen – she meets the bane of her existence Timothy Danvers, Viscount Breckenridge, and finds herself being kidnapped. Now for most women the kidnapping would be the worst of it but Heather really does dislike Breckridge so for right now that encounter is worse than the carriage she is in bound up like a goose, not knowing who kidnapped her or why.
Breckenridge watched in horror as they stole Heather away and the last thing he wanted was to be her savior but that is the only recourse to this action. Breckenridge follows stealthy behind them and due to her captors being so remiss about watching her Heather is able to sneak out every night so they can try to hatch a plan of escape. But the more information Heather learns about her kidnappers tells her that the threat is so much larger than just to Heather. With this information Heather is prepared to stay the course of being kidnapped until they find out who is behind it and what this mysterious someone who no one really knows truly wants. When the tide turns and she no longer can pretend to being kidnapped Heather and Breckenridge set out for her cousin’s home and safety. While the trip is long and dangerous Heather shows she is a sturdy Cynster woman.
From the moment Breckenridge involved himself in Heather’s kidnapping he knew in that he would have to marry her as she is now compromised. Despite the dire circumstances no one inside proper London society will accept any other result. Breckenridge assumes that Heather understands this as well but to his surprise she does not and so the battle begins over what will happen. Cynster women are strong and opinionated so Breckenridge has to try every tactic in his arsenal to make sure she understands his offer is being offered with sincerity. Heather does not want a savior she wants to be shown love and affection – can Breckenridge provide that as well as a well-funded estate?
This book has great elements of suspense, romance and some battle of wills, which I always enjoy. The Cynster women are fascinating and the men involved with them are driven crazy, which makes it even more fun to read. I thought perhaps this might have wrapped up quicker at the end but that is never a problem as I enjoy the book going on forever.
A Cynster Novel
08/11 - HarperCollins Publishers - Mass Market Paperback, 448 pages
When you go looking for a hero, will anything less than that be acceptable?
Well-bred Heather Cynster is 25 and sitting on the never getting married shelf. The one night she decides to live life outside the boundaries of proper society two terrible things happen – she meets the bane of her existence Timothy Danvers, Viscount Breckenridge, and finds herself being kidnapped. Now for most women the kidnapping would be the worst of it but Heather really does dislike Breckridge so for right now that encounter is worse than the carriage she is in bound up like a goose, not knowing who kidnapped her or why.
Breckenridge watched in horror as they stole Heather away and the last thing he wanted was to be her savior but that is the only recourse to this action. Breckenridge follows stealthy behind them and due to her captors being so remiss about watching her Heather is able to sneak out every night so they can try to hatch a plan of escape. But the more information Heather learns about her kidnappers tells her that the threat is so much larger than just to Heather. With this information Heather is prepared to stay the course of being kidnapped until they find out who is behind it and what this mysterious someone who no one really knows truly wants. When the tide turns and she no longer can pretend to being kidnapped Heather and Breckenridge set out for her cousin’s home and safety. While the trip is long and dangerous Heather shows she is a sturdy Cynster woman.
From the moment Breckenridge involved himself in Heather’s kidnapping he knew in that he would have to marry her as she is now compromised. Despite the dire circumstances no one inside proper London society will accept any other result. Breckenridge assumes that Heather understands this as well but to his surprise she does not and so the battle begins over what will happen. Cynster women are strong and opinionated so Breckenridge has to try every tactic in his arsenal to make sure she understands his offer is being offered with sincerity. Heather does not want a savior she wants to be shown love and affection – can Breckenridge provide that as well as a well-funded estate?
This book has great elements of suspense, romance and some battle of wills, which I always enjoy. The Cynster women are fascinating and the men involved with them are driven crazy, which makes it even more fun to read. I thought perhaps this might have wrapped up quicker at the end but that is never a problem as I enjoy the book going on forever.
January 23, 2012
I only occasionally read these types of romance books and this book is a perfect example of why that is the case. The author is obviously capable of crafting a tale. I was interested in what was happening and impressed by her descriptive prowess. That said, I found the characters revolting and incredibly caricatured. Seriously? The man has to be constantly described as a "warrior" or "masculine." And I lost count of the number of times the author referred to him as "the foremost rake of the ton." The female lead is "fragile," "delicate" and of course, a virgin ... blah, blah, blah. Here's an excerpt: "He hissed as her hands, small, scorching, demanding, found his chest... her face, delicate features limned in silver moonlight.. the heavy muscles defining his upper chest, then sliding her palms higher to stroke the firm muscles and heavy bones of his shoulders.... wondering what a virgin might think to do next." Why all the cliches? I think these authors have convinced themselves that this is what the readers want, but is it really?
And the sheer length of this book is astounding. I was reading this on a Nook, which I had checked out from the library and which came pre-loaded with books. I'm new to the e-reader and was testing it out. According to the Nook this book is 344 pages long. And I felt every one of them. It takes a ridiculously long time for Laurens to bring her characters to a realization that they actually do care for each other. She goes back and forth between the characters' inner monologues about their feelings for each other. It was painful.
And of course, the reason these authors write books set during various historical time periods is to make it acceptable to have marriage as the only acceptable outcome for the female characters. Wake up. This isn't the world we live in anymore. Thank goodness!
So here's my recommendation for all the readers. Switch over to m/m erotica. Be honest about why you're reading the books... sex, right? That's fine. That's why I read books like this. But at least with books written by authors like Marie Sexton (Coda books -- give them a try!) you get engaging characters set in the real world, who struggle with real emotions and issues, without all the dreck about heaving bosoms and virginal protagonists who nonetheless are having hot and heavy sex with those masculine rogues.
And the sheer length of this book is astounding. I was reading this on a Nook, which I had checked out from the library and which came pre-loaded with books. I'm new to the e-reader and was testing it out. According to the Nook this book is 344 pages long. And I felt every one of them. It takes a ridiculously long time for Laurens to bring her characters to a realization that they actually do care for each other. She goes back and forth between the characters' inner monologues about their feelings for each other. It was painful.
And of course, the reason these authors write books set during various historical time periods is to make it acceptable to have marriage as the only acceptable outcome for the female characters. Wake up. This isn't the world we live in anymore. Thank goodness!
So here's my recommendation for all the readers. Switch over to m/m erotica. Be honest about why you're reading the books... sex, right? That's fine. That's why I read books like this. But at least with books written by authors like Marie Sexton (Coda books -- give them a try!) you get engaging characters set in the real world, who struggle with real emotions and issues, without all the dreck about heaving bosoms and virginal protagonists who nonetheless are having hot and heavy sex with those masculine rogues.
January 27, 2021
Este libro me ha parecido malísimo, esperaba mucho de los protagonistas y el argumento de la historia fue simplemente horroroso. El supuesto secuestro de Heather fue ridículo y el desarrollo de la historia de amor más ridícula aún. Cynster me ha decepcionado
May 29, 2013
Cynster buddy read time again! I actually liked this one really well and give it 3.75 Stars! I have to say it was a happy surprise for me to enjoy it. I'm kinda really wanting to get to the next one, though sadly I have to wait until June 27th for our next buddy read, which is entirely too far away for my tastes at this moment :(
I really liked Breckenridge (Breckie!), he was the typical strong, protective, stubborn SL hero, but he never really did anything to annoy me like some of them do. I liked how he was patient with her, listened to her thoughts and ideas about the kidnapping situation, and was determined to help. And the kidnapping, that was fun. I didn't think it'd happen right off the bat in the story, so it was great. Hooked me right in and kept me going. I loved the mystery, who is this mysterious laird, why does his crazy mother want revenge on the Cynsters so badly? I think I'm half in love with him already. Sure, he's supposed to be intimidating, but I'm intrigued. Can't wait to get into the next one, and the one after that :D
I also enjoyed the setting in Scotland, it was a welcome break from the usual rounds of balls and drawing rooms and love scenes at other peoples' parties. The scenery was described well enough for me to easily imagine their journey, their stops at the villages along the way. It was also kinda nice to get to visit with Richard and Catriona again, and meet their family. I'm never one to complain about kids in stories, so their roles in the story were good for me. The sort of almost paranormal aspect of the necklace and Catriona's predictions were neat too, has me even kinda looking forward to Mary and Henrietta's books. I even have to say that I did not skip any love scenes in this book. Actually even really enjoyed their first one. So all around this was a nice surprise in the Cynster series this month, I'm happy with this one.
I really liked Breckenridge (Breckie!), he was the typical strong, protective, stubborn SL hero, but he never really did anything to annoy me like some of them do. I liked how he was patient with her, listened to her thoughts and ideas about the kidnapping situation, and was determined to help. And the kidnapping, that was fun. I didn't think it'd happen right off the bat in the story, so it was great. Hooked me right in and kept me going. I loved the mystery, who is this mysterious laird, why does his crazy mother want revenge on the Cynsters so badly? I think I'm half in love with him already. Sure, he's supposed to be intimidating, but I'm intrigued. Can't wait to get into the next one, and the one after that :D
I also enjoyed the setting in Scotland, it was a welcome break from the usual rounds of balls and drawing rooms and love scenes at other peoples' parties. The scenery was described well enough for me to easily imagine their journey, their stops at the villages along the way. It was also kinda nice to get to visit with Richard and Catriona again, and meet their family. I'm never one to complain about kids in stories, so their roles in the story were good for me. The sort of almost paranormal aspect of the necklace and Catriona's predictions were neat too, has me even kinda looking forward to Mary and Henrietta's books. I even have to say that I did not skip any love scenes in this book. Actually even really enjoyed their first one. So all around this was a nice surprise in the Cynster series this month, I'm happy with this one.
August 9, 2015
This was my first foray into the "Cynster" world, and frankly, I wasn't hooked. I thought the plot was a little lengthy for my taste and took too much time to develop. *Spoiler alert: the three/four day travel sequence was ridiculous and didn't need to drag on as much as it did. There was a weird paranormal element added towards the end of the book, and I'm only assuming that in order to understand it, one needed to have read the previous works of Laurens. Laurens also left me hanging, which I understand is the perfect transition into a second novel.
Now to the characters...my favorite. Heather was frustrating on so many levels. She was naive, ironically so. I understand how the author tried to paint her as a heroine, risking her life for the sake of her family, but I just couldn't get behind her. I found myself many times wanting to scream at her for being so oblivious. But, that's neither here nor there. Breckenridge, on the other hand, I quite liked. Yeah, he was "the most notorious rake of the ton" (that only came up in the novel about fifty times), but he had an endearing quality about him. He was sensitive, deep, brooding at times, and wonderful. I would really enjoy if Laurens wrote a story about how Breckenridge dumped Heather and pursued someone with a little more pizzazz.
This all being said, give the book a shot. It had it's moments, but they were fleeting. I will give the second book in this series a shot so Laurens can redeem herself with her next heroine.
Now to the characters...my favorite. Heather was frustrating on so many levels. She was naive, ironically so. I understand how the author tried to paint her as a heroine, risking her life for the sake of her family, but I just couldn't get behind her. I found myself many times wanting to scream at her for being so oblivious. But, that's neither here nor there. Breckenridge, on the other hand, I quite liked. Yeah, he was "the most notorious rake of the ton" (that only came up in the novel about fifty times), but he had an endearing quality about him. He was sensitive, deep, brooding at times, and wonderful. I would really enjoy if Laurens wrote a story about how Breckenridge dumped Heather and pursued someone with a little more pizzazz.
This all being said, give the book a shot. It had it's moments, but they were fleeting. I will give the second book in this series a shot so Laurens can redeem herself with her next heroine.
June 7, 2018
It was ok, unfortunately, all of the books are starting to become alike, someone is kidnapped, they get rescued, fall in love and marry the hero.
Re-read/listen 2017
Still not one of my favorites in the Cynster books. Heather reads as very young and naive for her age. Even in that era.
Re-read/listen 2017
Still not one of my favorites in the Cynster books. Heather reads as very young and naive for her age. Even in that era.
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