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The Cavanaughs #3
The Beguilement of Lady Eustacia Cavanaugh
#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens continues the bold tales of the Cavanaugh siblings as the sole Cavanaugh sister discovers that love truly does conquer all.
A lady with a passion for music and the maestro she challenges in pursuit of a worthy cause find themselves battling villains both past and present as they fight to secure life’s greatest rewards—love, marriage, and family.
Stacie—Lady Eustacia Cavanaugh—is adamant marriage is not for her. Haunted by her parents’ unhappy union, Stacie believes that, for her, marriage is an unacceptable risk. Wealthy and well-born, she needs for nothing, and with marriage off the table, to give her life purpose, she embarks on a plan to further the careers of emerging local musicians by introducing them to the ton via a series of musical evenings.
Yet despite her noble status, Stacie requires a musical lure to tempt the haut ton to her events, and in the elevated circles she inhabits, only one musician commands sufficient cachet—the reclusive and notoriously reluctant Marquess of Albury.
Frederick, Marquess of Albury, has fashioned a life for himself as a musical scholar, one he pursues largely out of sight of the ton. He might be renowned as a virtuoso on the pianoforte, yet he sees no reason to endure the smothering over-attentiveness of society. Then his mother inveigles him into meeting Stacie, and the challenge she lays before him is…tempting. On a number of fronts. Enough for him not to immediately refuse her.
A dance of subtle persuasion ensues, and step by step, Frederick finds himself convinced that Stacie’s plan has real merit and that it behooves him to support her. At least for one event.
Stacie’s first musical evening, featuring Frederick as the principal performer, is a massive success—until Fate takes a hand and lands them in a situation that forces them both to reassess.
Does Frederick want more than the sterile, academic life he’d thought was for him?
Can Stacie overcome her deepest fears and own to and reach for her girlhood dreams?
Impulsive, arrogant, and used to getting his own way, Frederick finds his answer easily enough, but his new direction puts him on a collision course with Stacie’s fears. Luckily, he thrives on challenges—which is just as well, because in addition to convincing Stacie that love can, indeed, conquer all, he and she must unravel the mystery of who is behind a spate of murderous attacks before the villain succeeds in eliminating all hope of a happy ending.
A classical historical romance set in London and Surrey, in the heart of the ton. Third novel in The Cavanaughs—a full-length historical romance of 122,000 words.
A lady with a passion for music and the maestro she challenges in pursuit of a worthy cause find themselves battling villains both past and present as they fight to secure life’s greatest rewards—love, marriage, and family.
Stacie—Lady Eustacia Cavanaugh—is adamant marriage is not for her. Haunted by her parents’ unhappy union, Stacie believes that, for her, marriage is an unacceptable risk. Wealthy and well-born, she needs for nothing, and with marriage off the table, to give her life purpose, she embarks on a plan to further the careers of emerging local musicians by introducing them to the ton via a series of musical evenings.
Yet despite her noble status, Stacie requires a musical lure to tempt the haut ton to her events, and in the elevated circles she inhabits, only one musician commands sufficient cachet—the reclusive and notoriously reluctant Marquess of Albury.
Frederick, Marquess of Albury, has fashioned a life for himself as a musical scholar, one he pursues largely out of sight of the ton. He might be renowned as a virtuoso on the pianoforte, yet he sees no reason to endure the smothering over-attentiveness of society. Then his mother inveigles him into meeting Stacie, and the challenge she lays before him is…tempting. On a number of fronts. Enough for him not to immediately refuse her.
A dance of subtle persuasion ensues, and step by step, Frederick finds himself convinced that Stacie’s plan has real merit and that it behooves him to support her. At least for one event.
Stacie’s first musical evening, featuring Frederick as the principal performer, is a massive success—until Fate takes a hand and lands them in a situation that forces them both to reassess.
Does Frederick want more than the sterile, academic life he’d thought was for him?
Can Stacie overcome her deepest fears and own to and reach for her girlhood dreams?
Impulsive, arrogant, and used to getting his own way, Frederick finds his answer easily enough, but his new direction puts him on a collision course with Stacie’s fears. Luckily, he thrives on challenges—which is just as well, because in addition to convincing Stacie that love can, indeed, conquer all, he and she must unravel the mystery of who is behind a spate of murderous attacks before the villain succeeds in eliminating all hope of a happy ending.
A classical historical romance set in London and Surrey, in the heart of the ton. Third novel in The Cavanaughs—a full-length historical romance of 122,000 words.
346 pages, Paperback
First published July 18, 2019
505 people are currently reading
673 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
206 books5,587 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 79 reviews
September 18, 2019
3.5 Stars
The narration was excellent. The voice was deep and resonating. He had very distinct voices for each character. All-in-all -- excellent narration. I chuckled about the book being named for Lady Eustacia as the central character - but the narrator is male, so you sort of feel like Frederick is getting one up on her - and he'd get a kick out of that.
I can’t believe I’m rating a Stephanie Laurens book anywhere in the 3’s. I liked the story, but I didn’t love it. I thought it was very predictable, just a tad slow, and the villain seemed almost like an afterthought – and – they didn’t really take any steps to try to find the culprit. You would have thought they would have had the police, a private investigator – something, but they didn’t. They just talked about what happened each time and tried to figure out which of them was the target, then it was business as usual until the next time. Well – duh – it doesn’t matter who is the target – you love each other and somebody is trying to kill one of you! Then, when their brainstorming session tells them who the villain is (it is a pretty big leap), they pretty much let him off. Yes, this person tried to murder them 4 times and they just told him he was a bad boy and told him to go live on the continent. I also thought Stacie’s very deep emotional problem was resolved much too quickly and easily. She suffered from deep mental trauma that had lasted for years and then – Frederick says a few words and all is well. Say what?????
I liked both Stacie and Frederick and both were very relatable characters. I loved that there wasn’t insta-lust and the relationship took time to develop – especially on Stacie’s part.
It was fun to have short visits with Stacie’s brothers from earlier books and to get to know Godfrey a little better since his will be the next book.
It was a pleasant read and I did enjoy it, it just frustrated me.
The narration was excellent. The voice was deep and resonating. He had very distinct voices for each character. All-in-all -- excellent narration. I chuckled about the book being named for Lady Eustacia as the central character - but the narrator is male, so you sort of feel like Frederick is getting one up on her - and he'd get a kick out of that.
I can’t believe I’m rating a Stephanie Laurens book anywhere in the 3’s. I liked the story, but I didn’t love it. I thought it was very predictable, just a tad slow, and the villain seemed almost like an afterthought – and – they didn’t really take any steps to try to find the culprit. You would have thought they would have had the police, a private investigator – something, but they didn’t. They just talked about what happened each time and tried to figure out which of them was the target, then it was business as usual until the next time. Well – duh – it doesn’t matter who is the target – you love each other and somebody is trying to kill one of you! Then, when their brainstorming session tells them who the villain is (it is a pretty big leap), they pretty much let him off. Yes, this person tried to murder them 4 times and they just told him he was a bad boy and told him to go live on the continent. I also thought Stacie’s very deep emotional problem was resolved much too quickly and easily. She suffered from deep mental trauma that had lasted for years and then – Frederick says a few words and all is well. Say what?????
I liked both Stacie and Frederick and both were very relatable characters. I loved that there wasn’t insta-lust and the relationship took time to develop – especially on Stacie’s part.
It was fun to have short visits with Stacie’s brothers from earlier books and to get to know Godfrey a little better since his will be the next book.
It was a pleasant read and I did enjoy it, it just frustrated me.
June 26, 2021
Loving the Cavanaugh series. Not as smokey hot as the Cynster series but very good!
I love it when a man sneakily tries to win the heart of his wife or fiancé without wanting the female to figure out his goal. Totally loved this couple.
I love it when a man sneakily tries to win the heart of his wife or fiancé without wanting the female to figure out his goal. Totally loved this couple.
September 18, 2019
Series: The Cavanaughs #3
Publication Date: 7/18/19
Number of Pages: 442
3.5 Stars
I can’t believe I’m rating a Stephanie Laurens book anywhere in the 3’s. I liked the story, but I didn’t love it. I thought it was very predictable, just a tad slow, and the villain seemed almost like an afterthought – and – they didn’t really take any steps to try to find the culprit. You would have thought they would have had the police, a private investigator – something, but they didn’t. They just talked about what happened each time and tried to figure out which of them was the target, then it was business as usual until the next time. Well – duh – it doesn’t matter who is the target – you love each other and somebody is trying to kill one of you! Then, when their brainstorming session tells them who the villain is (it is a pretty big leap), they pretty much let him off. Yes, this person tried to murder them 4 times and they just told him he was a bad boy and told him to go live on the continent. I also thought Stacie’s very deep emotional problem was resolved much too quickly and easily. She suffered from deep mental trauma that had lasted for years and then – Frederick says a few words and all is well. Say what?????
I liked both Stacie and Frederick and both were very relatable characters. I loved that there wasn’t insta-lust and the relationship took time to develop – especially on Stacie’s part.
It was fun to have short visits with Stacie’s brothers from earlier books and to get to know Godfrey a little better since his will be the next book.
It was a pleasant read and I did enjoy it, it just frustrated me.
Publication Date: 7/18/19
Number of Pages: 442
3.5 Stars
I can’t believe I’m rating a Stephanie Laurens book anywhere in the 3’s. I liked the story, but I didn’t love it. I thought it was very predictable, just a tad slow, and the villain seemed almost like an afterthought – and – they didn’t really take any steps to try to find the culprit. You would have thought they would have had the police, a private investigator – something, but they didn’t. They just talked about what happened each time and tried to figure out which of them was the target, then it was business as usual until the next time. Well – duh – it doesn’t matter who is the target – you love each other and somebody is trying to kill one of you! Then, when their brainstorming session tells them who the villain is (it is a pretty big leap), they pretty much let him off. Yes, this person tried to murder them 4 times and they just told him he was a bad boy and told him to go live on the continent. I also thought Stacie’s very deep emotional problem was resolved much too quickly and easily. She suffered from deep mental trauma that had lasted for years and then – Frederick says a few words and all is well. Say what?????
I liked both Stacie and Frederick and both were very relatable characters. I loved that there wasn’t insta-lust and the relationship took time to develop – especially on Stacie’s part.
It was fun to have short visits with Stacie’s brothers from earlier books and to get to know Godfrey a little better since his will be the next book.
It was a pleasant read and I did enjoy it, it just frustrated me.
March 21, 2021
Stephanie Laurens works better for me in audio. When reading, I'm distracted by her wordiness. Justin Hill's narration fixed that problem. This audiobook was free via Audible Plus; the rest of the series cost $$, but I may try them someday.
November 26, 2022
y’all I put this on hold for a year but I’m finally back to historical romance
July 22, 2019
3.75 stars (maybe 4?) I loved the role music played in both hero and heroine's lives. Also, this book and the previous one in this series focus much more on relationship-building and contain fewer steamy scenes, and I found that refreshing -- the relationships aren't driven as much by physical attraction (though that was definitely there) as by emotional attraction. Or maybe equal parts of both, but the book dwells more on the latter. Full review to come.
November 30, 2019
Very similar to Ms. Lauren's Regency / Lester family series. This story focuses more on the main character's [Stacia's] emotional state and the psychological damage inflicted by her mother.
The villain doesn't show up, or hinted at, until 3/4's of the way through the book.
The villain doesn't show up, or hinted at, until 3/4's of the way through the book.
January 27, 2021
Stacie is in her mid-20's, wealthy, established in the haut ton and is dead set against marriage, having witnessed first hand in her parents just how bad a marriage can be. Stacie is also the spitting image of her mother who was a beautiful but manipulative evil bitch, and since everyone says she's just like her mother, Stacie refuses to ever place herself in a position to hurt a husband and children by her actions. Instead, Stacie takes her passion for classical music and sets out to help gifted British musicians to command international soloist status by showcasing them in carefully orchestrated musical evenings. But to assure attendance by the members of the haute ton, she needs a draw, to dangle something to lure them in.
Thus enters Frederick, Marquess of Aylesbury. Frederick is a gifted pianist and composer but notoriously reticent and reclusive. He's not performed in public in over 10 years (reasons are a spoiler so you have to read the book). Stacie seeks a meeting with Frederick, determined to persuade him to play at her event. Naturally they strike sparks off each other, and as their mutual dedication to music draws them closer, romance develops but so does danger to their lives.
I enjoyed this, the background of British classical musicians in 1844 being of great interest to me. I liked the characters. The danger plot was one that has been trod many times before but brought a nice bit of excitement and mystery in the last third of the book.
Thus enters Frederick, Marquess of Aylesbury. Frederick is a gifted pianist and composer but notoriously reticent and reclusive. He's not performed in public in over 10 years (reasons are a spoiler so you have to read the book). Stacie seeks a meeting with Frederick, determined to persuade him to play at her event. Naturally they strike sparks off each other, and as their mutual dedication to music draws them closer, romance develops but so does danger to their lives.
I enjoyed this, the background of British classical musicians in 1844 being of great interest to me. I liked the characters. The danger plot was one that has been trod many times before but brought a nice bit of excitement and mystery in the last third of the book.
November 10, 2019
Stephanie Laurens does love keeping it in the family
So after adoring Ryder and Mary’s story, then reading about Rand and Kit’s forays into marriage, I wasn’t so sure about Stacie’s story which seemed to revolve around music. However, after diving in, I rather enjoyed watching Frederick, someone you may assume would be a weaker personality given his occupation, as he masterfully manipulated Stacie into marriage.
Stacie, like Ryder and Mary, is a master manipulator. Yet she finds herself being steadily herded towards the altar - seemingly without any knowledge of what Frederick is doing. But, to be fair, Stacie has other things on her mind. Like the legacy left behind by Lavinia.
Anyway, while not a massively long book, I devoured it quickly. There are shades of previous plots (quite obvious once you get to a certain part of the book), but even the recycled storyline did not diminish my enjoyment of the book.
Now, with four of the Cavanaugh siblings married off, we are only awaiting Godfrey’s story for this branch of the massive series to be complete before heading off to God knows which extended family next 😉
3.5 stars ⭐️
So after adoring Ryder and Mary’s story, then reading about Rand and Kit’s forays into marriage, I wasn’t so sure about Stacie’s story which seemed to revolve around music. However, after diving in, I rather enjoyed watching Frederick, someone you may assume would be a weaker personality given his occupation, as he masterfully manipulated Stacie into marriage.
Stacie, like Ryder and Mary, is a master manipulator. Yet she finds herself being steadily herded towards the altar - seemingly without any knowledge of what Frederick is doing. But, to be fair, Stacie has other things on her mind. Like the legacy left behind by Lavinia.
Anyway, while not a massively long book, I devoured it quickly. There are shades of previous plots (quite obvious once you get to a certain part of the book), but even the recycled storyline did not diminish my enjoyment of the book.
Now, with four of the Cavanaugh siblings married off, we are only awaiting Godfrey’s story for this branch of the massive series to be complete before heading off to God knows which extended family next 😉
3.5 stars ⭐️
February 5, 2025
Ugh a rare miss for my tried and true Stephanie Laurens. Stacie's reasoning may make sense given events of the past, but it made for a stupid and boring conflict in a book where nothing else was even remotely interesting. The supposed villain was introduced so late, then resolved with a handful of conversations; it was so lame. I don't know what it was, but this one did not feel like SL...
August 22, 2024
This time, Laurens gave too many summaries without enough actions or feelings of the main characters. Additionally, there was too much careful writing and attention to mundane details. This is a very slow story about very flat characters. Too bad, because there was potential for a great love story here.
July 20, 2019
Love this series!
I highly recommend this series. The story lines were engrossing and a little different from her other series. I think this will be my favorite series. Definitely looking forward to Godfrey’s story.
I highly recommend this series. The story lines were engrossing and a little different from her other series. I think this will be my favorite series. Definitely looking forward to Godfrey’s story.
July 26, 2019
Another great story by Stephanie Laurens
I must admit that all the Cavanaugh stories are great, but this one is more poignant. Stacie grew up under her mother's thumb. Unlike most young women of the Ton, she has no interest in marriage for very good reasons, in her opinion. She does, however, love music. To that end she comes up with a scheme to draw Frederick Brampton, a reclusive Lord, into her musical endeavors. This story has more emotional punch than others. In fact,the mystery and action don't start, until about 70% through the story.
The pace is leisurely, but turns rapid once the mystery occurs. The tone is positive with a mostly character oriented storyline that includes lots of action at the end. There are some steamy scenes and vivid and endearing characters. I would recommend reading at least the Cavanaugh stories in order, if you have not read Stephanie Laurens yet. Start with The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh of the Cynster Sisters duo, before reading the rest in order. Now we have to wait for Godfrey's book, the last unwed Cavanaugh, which won't be out until July 2020, sigh...! Enjoy!
I must admit that all the Cavanaugh stories are great, but this one is more poignant. Stacie grew up under her mother's thumb. Unlike most young women of the Ton, she has no interest in marriage for very good reasons, in her opinion. She does, however, love music. To that end she comes up with a scheme to draw Frederick Brampton, a reclusive Lord, into her musical endeavors. This story has more emotional punch than others. In fact,the mystery and action don't start, until about 70% through the story.
The pace is leisurely, but turns rapid once the mystery occurs. The tone is positive with a mostly character oriented storyline that includes lots of action at the end. There are some steamy scenes and vivid and endearing characters. I would recommend reading at least the Cavanaugh stories in order, if you have not read Stephanie Laurens yet. Start with The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh of the Cynster Sisters duo, before reading the rest in order. Now we have to wait for Godfrey's book, the last unwed Cavanaugh, which won't be out until July 2020, sigh...! Enjoy!
October 29, 2020
I usually really like Stephanie Laurens, but I am finding myself not really a fan of the Cynster's Next Generation and the Cavanaugh's. I'm not really sure why, but it has been so difficult for me to read these; I had to force myself to finish.
I really feel like during the original novels and then the trios and duos, I really liked the books. These seem a little different. The sex and loves scenes are...less. I don't know they just aren't as exciting, as long, or as frequent. It seems to all revolve around the plot, which is fine because books need a plot, but these are considered romance and I just don't feel it.
I found Stacie to be a little annoying and Frederick was also a little annoying. I don't even know why. I also felt like the whole plot was just very... blah. Nothing sticks out to me, I don't remember anything really, and I forgot Frederick's name and had to look it up.
Everything I have said seems very negative, but I don't think it's just a bad book, it just didn't really capture my attention. I really like Stephanie Laurens, so I read more in this series and I felt the same way about it for some reason. I will continue to give these a try just because I have liked her for so long.
I really feel like during the original novels and then the trios and duos, I really liked the books. These seem a little different. The sex and loves scenes are...less. I don't know they just aren't as exciting, as long, or as frequent. It seems to all revolve around the plot, which is fine because books need a plot, but these are considered romance and I just don't feel it.
I found Stacie to be a little annoying and Frederick was also a little annoying. I don't even know why. I also felt like the whole plot was just very... blah. Nothing sticks out to me, I don't remember anything really, and I forgot Frederick's name and had to look it up.
Everything I have said seems very negative, but I don't think it's just a bad book, it just didn't really capture my attention. I really like Stephanie Laurens, so I read more in this series and I felt the same way about it for some reason. I will continue to give these a try just because I have liked her for so long.
October 2, 2021
My rating: 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
This book is well-written, because Stephanie Laurens is a talented writer. I've read a lot of her books, and have always enjoyed them -- so I wanted to read this series, too.
I liked Stacie, and understood her fears that she would "become" her mother. Many women fear that they will take on the traits that they most dislike in their mothers. But Stacie's fear was much stronger, since her mother was truly diabolically evil. It didn't help that people were constantly telling her that she was exactly like her mother.
Frederick was a little harder for me to like. He was just so arrogant, and didn't have any problem with doing whatever it took to get his way. He was very manipulative, and sometimes quite rude. I did like that he was always kind to Stacie, and to his own family -- but I would have liked him more if he had been a little less arrogant and manipulative.
I liked that Frederick very soon realized that Stacie was the woman for him, but he didn't try to rush her. He knew she needed time to overcome her fear that she would treat her husband just as badly as her mother treated her father.
There was one other very minor issue, which did NOT affect the rating I gave this book. I really didn't like the cover of this book at all. The book describes Frederick as incredibly handsome and Stacie as a vision of beauty. I may be the only reader with the opinion that the couple on the cover just doesn't do justice to those descriptions of Frederick and Stacie. They are attractive, but I didn't think they were anything special.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
This book is well-written, because Stephanie Laurens is a talented writer. I've read a lot of her books, and have always enjoyed them -- so I wanted to read this series, too.
I liked Stacie, and understood her fears that she would "become" her mother. Many women fear that they will take on the traits that they most dislike in their mothers. But Stacie's fear was much stronger, since her mother was truly diabolically evil. It didn't help that people were constantly telling her that she was exactly like her mother.
Frederick was a little harder for me to like. He was just so arrogant, and didn't have any problem with doing whatever it took to get his way. He was very manipulative, and sometimes quite rude. I did like that he was always kind to Stacie, and to his own family -- but I would have liked him more if he had been a little less arrogant and manipulative.
I liked that Frederick very soon realized that Stacie was the woman for him, but he didn't try to rush her. He knew she needed time to overcome her fear that she would treat her husband just as badly as her mother treated her father.
There was one other very minor issue, which did NOT affect the rating I gave this book. I really didn't like the cover of this book at all. The book describes Frederick as incredibly handsome and Stacie as a vision of beauty. I may be the only reader with the opinion that the couple on the cover just doesn't do justice to those descriptions of Frederick and Stacie. They are attractive, but I didn't think they were anything special.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
April 24, 2024
Hero in pursuit of heroine who fears becoming a cruel ho like her mother.
A mixed bag with uneven characterization and too much plot.
Frederick is initially an ass because he’s an unparalleled musical genius and absolutely loathes how members of the ton fawn all over him. He’s a man who hates the effusive praise he receives for his talent. Why? No idea. He’s aware he’s a fairly cold-blooded and reserves all this passion for his music.
Stacie avoids marriage and love because she fears becoming her unfaithful, emotionally manipulative mother—despite there being absolutely NO EVIDENCE to show she’s anything like her mother. Her fear is ridiculous and outsized, and does not make sense; unfortunately this intrudes throughout the entire story and serves as the main impediment to the romance.
The story takes a fun turn when Frederick realizes he loves Stacie and needs to wage a sneaky campaign to convince her to marry him. Frederick is wonderfully patient and realizes he can’t bulldoze her into marriage. He’s not above manipulating her a little, which I found delightful instead of underhanded; it works because Frederick takes her feelings seriously while also knowing her fears are unfounded. His persistent campaign is the main source of joy in the story.
They marry, but only after she makes him swear he will never fall in love with her. He must never love her—otherwise she will have NO CHOICE but to subject Frederick to the same cruel behaviour and infidelity her mother shamelessly flaunted in front of her heartbroken father. Does this sound like a genuinely human motivation? I didn’t buy it. Too bad for Stacie, because her husband has been in love with her the entire time.
After they marry Stacie makes a pretty quick turnaround in her firm resolution to never love and be loved in return. Just nonsense.
This book is overlong and VERBOSE. I didn’t really care about Stacie’s mission to promote local musicians, and the details surrounding that portion of the plot became incredibly tedious. There’s also nonsensical drama involving multiple failed murder attempts. Overall a fairly dull read.
A mixed bag with uneven characterization and too much plot.
Frederick is initially an ass because he’s an unparalleled musical genius and absolutely loathes how members of the ton fawn all over him. He’s a man who hates the effusive praise he receives for his talent. Why? No idea. He’s aware he’s a fairly cold-blooded and reserves all this passion for his music.
Stacie avoids marriage and love because she fears becoming her unfaithful, emotionally manipulative mother—despite there being absolutely NO EVIDENCE to show she’s anything like her mother. Her fear is ridiculous and outsized, and does not make sense; unfortunately this intrudes throughout the entire story and serves as the main impediment to the romance.
The story takes a fun turn when Frederick realizes he loves Stacie and needs to wage a sneaky campaign to convince her to marry him. Frederick is wonderfully patient and realizes he can’t bulldoze her into marriage. He’s not above manipulating her a little, which I found delightful instead of underhanded; it works because Frederick takes her feelings seriously while also knowing her fears are unfounded. His persistent campaign is the main source of joy in the story.
They marry, but only after she makes him swear he will never fall in love with her. He must never love her—otherwise she will have NO CHOICE but to subject Frederick to the same cruel behaviour and infidelity her mother shamelessly flaunted in front of her heartbroken father. Does this sound like a genuinely human motivation? I didn’t buy it. Too bad for Stacie, because her husband has been in love with her the entire time.
After they marry Stacie makes a pretty quick turnaround in her firm resolution to never love and be loved in return. Just nonsense.
This book is overlong and VERBOSE. I didn’t really care about Stacie’s mission to promote local musicians, and the details surrounding that portion of the plot became incredibly tedious. There’s also nonsensical drama involving multiple failed murder attempts. Overall a fairly dull read.
December 20, 2020
Frederick, Marquess of Albury, is renown for his skill at the piano but he is equally well known for not playing in public. Lady Eustacia "Stacey" Cavanaugh would like to change that. She feels like the musicians of England are in the shadow of the great names from the continent. Her plan is to have Frederick come and play in a series of musical evenings to inveigle the ton to also come and listen to her proteges.
He isn't easily persuaded. But Stacey is a master manipulator (which has a negative connotation for me so it made the story an interesting one to listen to) so she bides her time and finally convinces him to play for her. But while thanking him, they have an accident putting them in a compromising position and Frederick gallantly proposes. He soon wants to make their fake engagement real but will have to work to convince Stacey that she's nothing like her mother.
I was actually enjoying this story quite a bit. There was A Woman in Frederick's past and she doesn't (gasp!) actually come back to haunt him. But then there was a murderer thrown in? For Reasons. It wasn't a story woven throughout the whole book and made little sense to me since Laurens is such a good writer there could have a different way to convince Stacey she could love.
He isn't easily persuaded. But Stacey is a master manipulator (which has a negative connotation for me so it made the story an interesting one to listen to) so she bides her time and finally convinces him to play for her. But while thanking him, they have an accident putting them in a compromising position and Frederick gallantly proposes. He soon wants to make their fake engagement real but will have to work to convince Stacey that she's nothing like her mother.
I was actually enjoying this story quite a bit. There was A Woman in Frederick's past and she doesn't (gasp!) actually come back to haunt him. But then there was a murderer thrown in? For Reasons. It wasn't a story woven throughout the whole book and made little sense to me since Laurens is such a good writer there could have a different way to convince Stacey she could love.
June 24, 2020
My least favorite heroine.
Take this review with a grain of salt because today was mammogram day and that always makes me grumpy. But boy did this story drag for me. It should have been a perfect fit for me. I love music and especially love musical leading men. Bruno Mars could get me to do almost anything by writing a song about me. But there was no depth to Frederick or Eustacia-her very name drove me nuts (sorry to anyone with this name. It's just not my favorite.) Musicians are typically passionate people but I felt nothing. The conflict in this book was so small...or was there even one? Idk. You would think multiple murder attempts would be super engaging but no, not this time. I might have even been rooting for the villain to succeed in order to add some spice. And writing this lack luster review literally has me shaking my head. Laurens' writing is usually on par with other greats like Mary Balough, Julia Quinn, and Gaelen Foley, but not this time. I'm sad because this is my first "don't like" for Laurens. As for steam rating, it was very PG or even G rating. It was more like reading about a brother and sister.
Take this review with a grain of salt because today was mammogram day and that always makes me grumpy. But boy did this story drag for me. It should have been a perfect fit for me. I love music and especially love musical leading men. Bruno Mars could get me to do almost anything by writing a song about me. But there was no depth to Frederick or Eustacia-her very name drove me nuts (sorry to anyone with this name. It's just not my favorite.) Musicians are typically passionate people but I felt nothing. The conflict in this book was so small...or was there even one? Idk. You would think multiple murder attempts would be super engaging but no, not this time. I might have even been rooting for the villain to succeed in order to add some spice. And writing this lack luster review literally has me shaking my head. Laurens' writing is usually on par with other greats like Mary Balough, Julia Quinn, and Gaelen Foley, but not this time. I'm sad because this is my first "don't like" for Laurens. As for steam rating, it was very PG or even G rating. It was more like reading about a brother and sister.
July 25, 2019
Stacie Cavanaugh has an idea to encourage members of the Ton to patronize English musical students, but she needs the help of Frederick, Marquess of Albury and a noted musician, to make her dream come true. He isn't interested in performing for the Ton though he was once a musical star, but he is interested in Stacie so eventually he agrees.
I'm hot and cold on Stephanie Laurens books. Some I enjoy very much and others I find predictable and overdramatic. This is one of the latter types. I thought the book started out strong with the musical emphasis, but later the number of unsuccessful murder attempts was ridiculous (hence the overdramatic label). The romantic plot with Stacie's dismal view toward marriage and Frederick working to overcome it was predictable.
I also find Ms. Laurens' writing can verge on the purple, especially in the sex scenes. The almost breathless sentence fragments annoy me. I do like the Cavanaughs and I'm hoping I'll enjoy Godfrey's story more.
I'm hot and cold on Stephanie Laurens books. Some I enjoy very much and others I find predictable and overdramatic. This is one of the latter types. I thought the book started out strong with the musical emphasis, but later the number of unsuccessful murder attempts was ridiculous (hence the overdramatic label). The romantic plot with Stacie's dismal view toward marriage and Frederick working to overcome it was predictable.
I also find Ms. Laurens' writing can verge on the purple, especially in the sex scenes. The almost breathless sentence fragments annoy me. I do like the Cavanaughs and I'm hoping I'll enjoy Godfrey's story more.
April 29, 2024
It's March 1844, and Lady Eustacia Cavanaugh, Stacie, is determined to get Lord Frederick Brampton, Marquis of Albury, to be the featured performer at a series a musical soirees she wants to plan. Her goal is to promote English musicians to the ton, from the school at St. Martin's in the Fields. The problem? Frederick has foresworn off playing in public, and has focused on becoming one of the leading experts in music history. But when he sees Stacie, he immediately knows he will play for her, and on top of that, is going to marry her. But Stacie has no interest in marriage, having seen the destruction her mother wrought on Stacie's father, and later, Stacie and her brothers. But Frederick is persistant. But as always, there are threats to Stacie and Frederick.
Great story, but I think since going on self publishing, the stories don't quite have the depth. And having done a binge of the Cynsters Next Generation, and these, some of the plots are very repetitve.
Great story, but I think since going on self publishing, the stories don't quite have the depth. And having done a binge of the Cynsters Next Generation, and these, some of the plots are very repetitve.
July 23, 2019
Another Cavanaugh's twisted road to love
Stacie Cavanaugh looks just like her mother, who was cruel, selfish, and manipulative. Stacie has sworn she will never marry or allow any man to fall in love with her, so that she will never hurt anyone the way her mother hurt her father. She has decided to devote her life to promoting the careers of English musicians, which means she will need the help of the elusive Lord Frederick. Of course, not only does beautiful music happen, but marriage and love. Everything would be perfect if someone wasn't trying to kill them. This book is another of Stephanie Laurens ' tales of people who become more together than they thought possible, with a mystery to solve on the way to happily ever after.
Stacie Cavanaugh looks just like her mother, who was cruel, selfish, and manipulative. Stacie has sworn she will never marry or allow any man to fall in love with her, so that she will never hurt anyone the way her mother hurt her father. She has decided to devote her life to promoting the careers of English musicians, which means she will need the help of the elusive Lord Frederick. Of course, not only does beautiful music happen, but marriage and love. Everything would be perfect if someone wasn't trying to kill them. This book is another of Stephanie Laurens ' tales of people who become more together than they thought possible, with a mystery to solve on the way to happily ever after.
August 23, 2019
Loved this book. The characters are great. Stacie and Frederick meet when she comes to ask him to help her find gifted musicians at local schools. She wants to give them a chance to show they talent
He is a gifted pianist.
They work together to give these students exposure to the ton.
They accidentally get engaged and plan to end it then they are working together and finally decide to marry but not love each other.
She is afraid she will become her mother and Frederick never expected to find a woman like Stacie.
They wed and then the sparks fly. They overcome some diffculties and find that love that has been there from the beginning.
Great read.
Love her books.
He is a gifted pianist.
They work together to give these students exposure to the ton.
They accidentally get engaged and plan to end it then they are working together and finally decide to marry but not love each other.
She is afraid she will become her mother and Frederick never expected to find a woman like Stacie.
They wed and then the sparks fly. They overcome some diffculties and find that love that has been there from the beginning.
Great read.
Love her books.
Read
January 7, 2020Lady Eustacia Cavanaugh is the only daughter in the clan.Stacie as she is called lived right in the eye of the storm with her manipulative mother. Now that she's grown and the evil mother dead Stacie is determined to lead her own life avoiding marriage and children because she is afraid she's incapable of love.
But she can live with her love of music and her plan to bring worthy performers to the ton's attention. Enter Frederick, a marquess with brilliant musical talent but a reclusive streak. Stacie convinces him to play at her public event and the courtship dance is on.
Warm and engaging with a mystery thrown into the mix.
But she can live with her love of music and her plan to bring worthy performers to the ton's attention. Enter Frederick, a marquess with brilliant musical talent but a reclusive streak. Stacie convinces him to play at her public event and the courtship dance is on.
Warm and engaging with a mystery thrown into the mix.
November 11, 2022
I very rarely leave a review of a book but for this one I had to make an exception. It's probably one of the worst books I have ever wasted my time reading. I used to love Stephanie Laurens books but these latter books lack the energy and storylines of her earlier work. Most of the book comprises of Eustacia (call me Stacie) and Federick pondering over their respective thoughts and feelings towards each other. Very two dimensional in the descriptions of our Hero and Heroine. More importantly no feel for the mores of the time it's supposed to be set in.
March 17, 2023
Scrapes a three as I liked the characters. Way too long for the actual plot. Nobody talks and thinks in the precise way of these people. The reason for the heroine not wanting to get married was completely unbelievable. It might have been slightly believable if she hadn’t been so aware of it. She actually has thoughts where she says I can’t get married because. As the reason was rubbish it made no sense the heroine hadn’t realised it was nonsense. If it had been unconscious feelings then it would have made more sense.
October 7, 2024
So far, I liked this part the most.
Maybe because one of the main plot threads was music, which I love.
And finding the songs mentioned in the book was pure pleasure 💗
I RECOMMEND THE WHOLE SERIES!
[...]
-Life is like a symphony - it has different movements, all with different cadence and rhythm, but in reality you play one note, one chord, one rhythm at a time...
[...]
-We have already begun our symphony, you and I - all we have to do to bring it to a glorious end is to dedicate ourselves to it and keep playing
Maybe because one of the main plot threads was music, which I love.
And finding the songs mentioned in the book was pure pleasure 💗
I RECOMMEND THE WHOLE SERIES!
[...]
-Life is like a symphony - it has different movements, all with different cadence and rhythm, but in reality you play one note, one chord, one rhythm at a time...
[...]
-We have already begun our symphony, you and I - all we have to do to bring it to a glorious end is to dedicate ourselves to it and keep playing
August 28, 2019
Stephanie Laurens did it again to me! I am not totally in love with her writing but I am a sucker for any and all of her series.
This was no different than the rest that captured me. It was a quick read, but the story was easy to build up and the ending was nothing to be left wondering about. If you're a fan of Stephanie Laurens and haven't picked up this book, you must--it's one of her best, just like the rest of them.
This was no different than the rest that captured me. It was a quick read, but the story was easy to build up and the ending was nothing to be left wondering about. If you're a fan of Stephanie Laurens and haven't picked up this book, you must--it's one of her best, just like the rest of them.
March 28, 2021
Not sure if the original author has turned prudish or if the publisher has someone else writing under her name, but lately there's almost no sex in her books and the sex scenes that are there are all just her usual super-repetitive prose (which the ghost writer has not only copied but exaggerated) about their overwhelming emotional bond. I'm fine with romance novels that skip over sex, but then just skip over it. This is silly.
October 28, 2022
If one ignores the errors in regards to titles and the question of the author possibly forgetting the details about her own characters (it really would help if she gave us definite dates of who was born on what date and who died when because it may simply be that she is writing correctly but since we don't know exactly when such events happened, the little info we are given makes us question her), it's not a bad book. Ending lacked something though.
August 5, 2019
Concentration needed
I knew I would enjoy reading this book because I try not to miss any of Ms. l's books. I feel like I have gotten to know the Cynster and Cavanaugh families. The complicated psychological characters depicted in both Stacie and A. Took some concentration but was an interesting development. I easily gave a 5 rating.
I knew I would enjoy reading this book because I try not to miss any of Ms. l's books. I feel like I have gotten to know the Cynster and Cavanaugh families. The complicated psychological characters depicted in both Stacie and A. Took some concentration but was an interesting development. I easily gave a 5 rating.
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