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Cynster #7
All About Passion
New York Times bestselling Australian author Stephanie Laurens delivers the latest tale in the immensely popular Cynster series. When Chillingworth is elected an 'honorary Cynster' at the end of All About Love , he knows he needs a wife, and an heir. His goal; a simple marriage without romance. He agrees to marry a woman he believes to be pliant and quiet. Unfortunately for him, the woman he thinks is Francesca Rawling is really her cousin, Franni. Francesca herself is proud, passionate and opinionated in short, the perfect bride for a Cynster...
426 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 4, 2001
352 people are currently reading
2414 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 243 reviews
October 13, 2019
Me gustó mucho y estuve casi a punto de ponerle 4 estrellas, pero finalmente me decidí por las 3. Lo anterior, más que nada, porque la historia es bastante simple y el componente que se inserta para darle más intriga a la trama es demasiado, demasiado, demasiado previsible. En todo caso, es lo que moviliza la relación de los personajes principales que, de lo contrario, se hubiera quedado estancada. Quizá esto era lo que le importaba a la autora, más que un misterio que sorprendiera al lector.
Es una novela bastante larga en comparación a lo que se estila en el género, pero esto permite saborear la evolución de unos personajes que realmente me gustaron mucho y, a pesar de que el argumento es bastante cotidiano, nunca se pierde el interés. Lo único que quizá me quedó un poco al debe es que nunca se deja claro cuáles son las verdaderas razones por las que Gyles es tan reticente a involucrarse sentimentalmente en una relación, pero esto quizá es culpa mía, porque me salté mi principio de leer las series en orden. Éste es séptimo libro de la serie Cynster, de los que no he leído ninguno de los anteriores.
De todas maneras, es una lectura que recomiendo; las escenas íntimas están muy bien y son muy coherentes con los personajes y las diferentes situaciones que viven.
Reto Rita 3.0 (octubre)
Es una novela bastante larga en comparación a lo que se estila en el género, pero esto permite saborear la evolución de unos personajes que realmente me gustaron mucho y, a pesar de que el argumento es bastante cotidiano, nunca se pierde el interés. Lo único que quizá me quedó un poco al debe es que nunca se deja claro cuáles son las verdaderas razones por las que Gyles es tan reticente a involucrarse sentimentalmente en una relación, pero esto quizá es culpa mía, porque me salté mi principio de leer las series en orden. Éste es séptimo libro de la serie Cynster, de los que no he leído ninguno de los anteriores.
De todas maneras, es una lectura que recomiendo; las escenas íntimas están muy bien y son muy coherentes con los personajes y las diferentes situaciones que viven.
Reto Rita 3.0 (octubre)
November 20, 2018
Finally!! I've been impatiently waiting to get to the Earl of Chillington's book.
Francesca
Chillington has decided to marry for convenience. He has no intention of falling in love. But fate has different plans!! A green eyed, voluptuous gypsy!
This was perfection!! I love this series and this is a close second to Devil's story!
Francesca
Chillington has decided to marry for convenience. He has no intention of falling in love. But fate has different plans!! A green eyed, voluptuous gypsy!
This was perfection!! I love this series and this is a close second to Devil's story!
June 3, 2019
Ok, so this was not terrible, it just wasn't amazing.
For those of you who are reading this series and know it well, you will know that Chillingworth has been one of those characters lingering on the outskirts of the story and now he finally has his own novel. I overall love the individual characters and I love the links throughout to past characters.
I was under the impression Chillingworth wasn't a nice character from the other novels in the series, was this book supposed to show me a different side to him? For me it did not. I did not like him and imagined him to be fat and balding whilst reading about him in previous stories, in this novel I just added, arrogant and stubborn into the mix too. What a shallow character stuck in his own pompous mind. I for one think Francesca deserved better. Talking of Francesca, what a lovely character, the only word that springs to mind is emerald. Lots and lots of emerald in this one folks! You'll know what I mean!
It was repetitive, it was bland, and then all of sudden it was like Laurens tried to liven it up a bit but it wasn't very enjoyable. Not sure where we go from here as we are rapidly running out of Cynsters!
For those of you who are reading this series and know it well, you will know that Chillingworth has been one of those characters lingering on the outskirts of the story and now he finally has his own novel. I overall love the individual characters and I love the links throughout to past characters.
I was under the impression Chillingworth wasn't a nice character from the other novels in the series, was this book supposed to show me a different side to him? For me it did not. I did not like him and imagined him to be fat and balding whilst reading about him in previous stories, in this novel I just added, arrogant and stubborn into the mix too. What a shallow character stuck in his own pompous mind. I for one think Francesca deserved better. Talking of Francesca, what a lovely character, the only word that springs to mind is emerald. Lots and lots of emerald in this one folks! You'll know what I mean!
It was repetitive, it was bland, and then all of sudden it was like Laurens tried to liven it up a bit but it wasn't very enjoyable. Not sure where we go from here as we are rapidly running out of Cynsters!
Want to read
November 5, 2022stepback: https://youtu.be/8Rw_nnruKPo?t=693
February 9, 2013
I absorbed the first four or five chapters in this book. I was so drawn into finding out if Gyles Rawlings "Chillingworth" would finally find out who Francesca really was. He has been so determined to have a wife that is meek and quite and won't give him any trouble. It is amazing that he never asks who Francesca is he just assumes that first woman he meets and Rawling House is the one he is going to marry. It was fun watching him dig himself further and further into a hole with Francesca. It was also wonderfully funny to read how he reacted when he finally saw Francesca walking down the isle instead for Franni. I also enjoyed Devil's remarks upon seeing the Bride.
This story is a little different than the previous books in this series. While there is a little mystery on who is trying to kill Francesca or Gyles it isn't the focus of the story. This story is more about Gyles coming to terms with a woman that he never wanted to have as a wife. Francesca is the one woman that will shake up his ordered life and finally show that love and family are the most important things in the world. It is fun to watch Gyles fall for his feisty wife. There is a real depth of emotion in all these stories and this one isn't any exception. Ms. Laurens also continues to write some of the hottest love scenes in the publishing world. There aren't any of the C words but the page burn with the passion of the main characters.
It was nice to see Devil and Honoria an Demon in this story. Although Demon only put in a small appearance. This is a very good story to add to this series and one that I had looked forward to for sometime.
This story is a little different than the previous books in this series. While there is a little mystery on who is trying to kill Francesca or Gyles it isn't the focus of the story. This story is more about Gyles coming to terms with a woman that he never wanted to have as a wife. Francesca is the one woman that will shake up his ordered life and finally show that love and family are the most important things in the world. It is fun to watch Gyles fall for his feisty wife. There is a real depth of emotion in all these stories and this one isn't any exception. Ms. Laurens also continues to write some of the hottest love scenes in the publishing world. There aren't any of the C words but the page burn with the passion of the main characters.
It was nice to see Devil and Honoria an Demon in this story. Although Demon only put in a small appearance. This is a very good story to add to this series and one that I had looked forward to for sometime.
October 12, 2021
Passionate but charmless, this humourless romance weighs down the reader with its absent storyline and caloric writing style.
When I first read this in my late teens, I thought this was so sexy and cool. It's still on the steamier side (out of the 2 SL books I've read), but ultimately, it lays the pathos a bit thick.
Gyles needs to marry but he’s scared of being in love, so he chooses to marry a miss that fits the bill and the lucky lady is Francesca Rawling. During his visit to Francesca’s uncle in order to arrange the marriage paperwork, Gyles comes across a woman he is attracted to but beyond concluding she must be an “Italian companion” of Francesca’s, he never truly questions why she is there. In fact, it’s not until he is at the alter that he realizes he is marrying the gypsy because the gypsy is Francesca. Ultimate meet-cute, non?
There’s not much to the plot other than it culminates in Gyles admitting he loves Francesca. That’s it. Well, Francesca gets used to running Gyles’ estate, Gyles researches for a political bill, and oh there’s a murder mystery thrown in at the end. But that’s it.
Thin plots are fine but not when they are accompanied by a densely bloated writing style. The florid prose meant many scenes rubbed me the wrong way. A lot of scenes that would have made me laugh, in another writer’s hands, made me roll my eyes such as when Francesca dresses in a certain way to provoke Gyles or when Francesca chides Lancelot. It was cheesy but it wasn’t fun.
Alas, there was no cheesy fun because Gyles and Francesca don’t joke about anything ever. I don’t think the two ever cracked a joke except when Francesca teases Gyles for not watching his parents do it (??) and in that case, I would have preferred no jokes about the subject.
Passionate, yes. Pleasant, no. I am fond of the novel but there was an overbearing pathos to it I was not here for.
When I first read this in my late teens, I thought this was so sexy and cool. It's still on the steamier side (out of the 2 SL books I've read), but ultimately, it lays the pathos a bit thick.
Gyles needs to marry but he’s scared of being in love, so he chooses to marry a miss that fits the bill and the lucky lady is Francesca Rawling. During his visit to Francesca’s uncle in order to arrange the marriage paperwork, Gyles comes across a woman he is attracted to but beyond concluding she must be an “Italian companion” of Francesca’s, he never truly questions why she is there. In fact, it’s not until he is at the alter that he realizes he is marrying the gypsy because the gypsy is Francesca. Ultimate meet-cute, non?
There’s not much to the plot other than it culminates in Gyles admitting he loves Francesca. That’s it. Well, Francesca gets used to running Gyles’ estate, Gyles researches for a political bill, and oh there’s a murder mystery thrown in at the end. But that’s it.
Thin plots are fine but not when they are accompanied by a densely bloated writing style. The florid prose meant many scenes rubbed me the wrong way. A lot of scenes that would have made me laugh, in another writer’s hands, made me roll my eyes such as when Francesca dresses in a certain way to provoke Gyles or when Francesca chides Lancelot. It was cheesy but it wasn’t fun.
Alas, there was no cheesy fun because Gyles and Francesca don’t joke about anything ever. I don’t think the two ever cracked a joke except when Francesca teases Gyles for not watching his parents do it (??) and in that case, I would have preferred no jokes about the subject.
Passionate, yes. Pleasant, no. I am fond of the novel but there was an overbearing pathos to it I was not here for.
May 6, 2022
All About Passion
4 Stars
Gyles Rawlings, Earl of Chillingworth, has vowed never to succumb to the allures of love. Required to marry in order to secure the family line, Gyles selects the perfect candidate for a pliant wife, Francesca Rawlings, and proceeds to arrange the nuptials. Fate, however, has other plans as Gyles's betrothed is neither timid nor obedient. Rather, she is a proud, passionate and opinionated vixen who evokes all of his possessive, barbarian traits. Will Francesca be able to capture his heart as well?
The appeal of Chillingworth's character in the previous installment lay in his rakish yet enigmatic persona. This mysterious air held the potential for an incredible romance. Unfortunately, although his story is entertaining enough, the tropes are all very familiar and there is nothing unique or original to make it particularly noteworthy.
Gyles and Francesca's relationship contains several themes that are common to historical romance including a mistaken identity, a hero resistant to love, a feisty heroine determined to win her husband's devotion not to mention the trips round Hyde Park and waltzing at Almack's. It has all been done before and by Laurens herself no less.
That said, Gyles and Francesca are exceedingly likable and their chemistry is tangible. The minor mystery plot increases the tension even though it is rather predictable and easy to guess the villain.
All in all, an easy and entertaining read. Looking forward to the next one.
4 Stars
Gyles Rawlings, Earl of Chillingworth, has vowed never to succumb to the allures of love. Required to marry in order to secure the family line, Gyles selects the perfect candidate for a pliant wife, Francesca Rawlings, and proceeds to arrange the nuptials. Fate, however, has other plans as Gyles's betrothed is neither timid nor obedient. Rather, she is a proud, passionate and opinionated vixen who evokes all of his possessive, barbarian traits. Will Francesca be able to capture his heart as well?
The appeal of Chillingworth's character in the previous installment lay in his rakish yet enigmatic persona. This mysterious air held the potential for an incredible romance. Unfortunately, although his story is entertaining enough, the tropes are all very familiar and there is nothing unique or original to make it particularly noteworthy.
Gyles and Francesca's relationship contains several themes that are common to historical romance including a mistaken identity, a hero resistant to love, a feisty heroine determined to win her husband's devotion not to mention the trips round Hyde Park and waltzing at Almack's. It has all been done before and by Laurens herself no less.
That said, Gyles and Francesca are exceedingly likable and their chemistry is tangible. The minor mystery plot increases the tension even though it is rather predictable and easy to guess the villain.
All in all, an easy and entertaining read. Looking forward to the next one.
September 12, 2009
Great book, the story is really about passion and how it was manifested in many guises. Gyles (Chillingworth) isn't really a Cynster but he's an honorary member, I enjoyed reading about him through the previous Cynster novels and his character is really amusing. Upon reading this book I knew I would like it as I'm very intrigued with his character. This didn't disappoint, I'm very pleased with the story, as it went on it made me curious and anxious at the same time to read about Chillingworth's internal battle on falling in love. As for Francesca's character, I warmed up to her immediately, as far as the Cynster books I've read, she's my new favorite. She's different from the other heroines, she's more spirited, reckless, wild and passionate (I can't find a more pat term), and zealous. She's also very candid and transparent. The author really took time in describing how the Gyles and Francesca spent their time together and get to know each other better. She's a really strong woman who knows what she wants and knows how to get it, however hurtful the process is. In doing what she did, the results are more rewarding. On another note, the mystery is very predictable. I knew from the start who's been causing some accidents but the writing a letter and meeting somewhere plot is really getting worn out, I think she used it like four times already and usually it's nearing the end of the novel we would read about it, then all loose ends would be tied up. Despite of that, I'll still pick up this book and recommend it.
September 20, 2012
Okay, I've now read 7 of these Cynster novels, and I'm still not seeing what all the fuss is about. They are enjoyable, easy reading, but none of them have given me warm fuzzies or made me blush as they are advertised to.
I always read in reviews of more current books, "Ooh, it's hot like the Cynster books", so I managed to buy or borrow them all, and I obviously have a very different definition of hot than most.
Calling the heroine's mouth a "wanton cavern" is not hot. Spending 6 pages describing in detail one kiss is not hot (the amount of saliva her characters swap is astounding). Her "loving" scenes (since we can't refer to it as sex apparently) just drag on and on and on. I'm not saying I need throbbing Tab A inserted into moist slot Tab B and bam! that's it, but pages of "quivering nerves" and "knowingly kneading" end up being quite boring.
And the fact that she insists on all of her couples having sex every single night and every single morning after they are married (even if the hero has been a complete ass and doesn't even deserve to be breathing the same air as the heroine) makes me wonder what planet these books take place on. This book was probably the worst in that regard since the characters get married so early in the book.
But after all that, I can't stop reaching for the next book in the series, so in that regard the books are perfect. And at least I know now how "hot like the Cynster books" really is.
I always read in reviews of more current books, "Ooh, it's hot like the Cynster books", so I managed to buy or borrow them all, and I obviously have a very different definition of hot than most.
Calling the heroine's mouth a "wanton cavern" is not hot. Spending 6 pages describing in detail one kiss is not hot (the amount of saliva her characters swap is astounding). Her "loving" scenes (since we can't refer to it as sex apparently) just drag on and on and on. I'm not saying I need throbbing Tab A inserted into moist slot Tab B and bam! that's it, but pages of "quivering nerves" and "knowingly kneading" end up being quite boring.
And the fact that she insists on all of her couples having sex every single night and every single morning after they are married (even if the hero has been a complete ass and doesn't even deserve to be breathing the same air as the heroine) makes me wonder what planet these books take place on. This book was probably the worst in that regard since the characters get married so early in the book.
But after all that, I can't stop reaching for the next book in the series, so in that regard the books are perfect. And at least I know now how "hot like the Cynster books" really is.
July 24, 2021
I started the Cynster Series because my library has them all as audio and e-books and I use to audio books to exercise, house clean and run errands with. I just love them and find myself sneaking back to the library to grab the e-book so I don't have to stop the story. The touch of mystery just makes these books all the more appealing to me, a die-hard Romantic-Suspense fan.
Chillingworth was made an honorary Cynster at the end of the last book. He was both honored and dismayed by this. Honored because these Cynster cousins were his best friends and dismayed because the Cynster Curse dictates that the men all marry for love and that scares the dickens out of Chillingworth. He knows that he is duty bound to marry and produce an heir, but he is determined to do so on his terms, not Love's.
Francesca Rawlings, a distant cousin of Giles Rawlings, Earl of Chillingworth, was raised by parents who were deeply in love with each other and will accept nothing less from her husband. A case of mistaken identity sees these two married and each expecting something quite different from their union.
Chillingworth was made an honorary Cynster at the end of the last book. He was both honored and dismayed by this. Honored because these Cynster cousins were his best friends and dismayed because the Cynster Curse dictates that the men all marry for love and that scares the dickens out of Chillingworth. He knows that he is duty bound to marry and produce an heir, but he is determined to do so on his terms, not Love's.
Francesca Rawlings, a distant cousin of Giles Rawlings, Earl of Chillingworth, was raised by parents who were deeply in love with each other and will accept nothing less from her husband. A case of mistaken identity sees these two married and each expecting something quite different from their union.
July 13, 2016
This was utterly amazing!
The earl of Chillingsworth was made an honorary Cynster in the last book- so ofcourse he tries to deny fate and arrange a marriage of convinience with "meek and timid" Francesca.
What he ends up with is a strong, willful and gorgeous wife who overcomes his every resolves, opens his heart to love and steals it.
This book was SO DAMN HOT! The detailed sex scenes between the main couple were scorching. I loved the chemistry and their inability to resist each other even one time.
Their wedding chapters, were undoubtedly, one of the best Ive ever read.
Francesca faced a lot of challenges. Her husband's determination to shut himself off, to not accept her help or love- but she fought each and every barrier down.
There was an unexpected psycho love angle and the last 1/4th of the book was slow- but other than that enjoyed it.
Safe read.
4.5/5
The earl of Chillingsworth was made an honorary Cynster in the last book- so ofcourse he tries to deny fate and arrange a marriage of convinience with "meek and timid" Francesca.
What he ends up with is a strong, willful and gorgeous wife who overcomes his every resolves, opens his heart to love and steals it.
This book was SO DAMN HOT! The detailed sex scenes between the main couple were scorching. I loved the chemistry and their inability to resist each other even one time.
Their wedding chapters, were undoubtedly, one of the best Ive ever read.
Francesca faced a lot of challenges. Her husband's determination to shut himself off, to not accept her help or love- but she fought each and every barrier down.
There was an unexpected psycho love angle and the last 1/4th of the book was slow- but other than that enjoyed it.
Safe read.
4.5/5
May 14, 2019
Gyles, Earl of Chillingworth and honorary Cynster, meets his match in Francesca and is determined to stay away from her, while arranging his marriage to who he believes is a docile woman who will do his bidding and not complicate his life or evoke any feelings in him, while at the same time allow him to regain ownership about a part of land that used to belong to his family.
He mistakenly assumes, however, that his fiance is the quiet young lady he's seen around the estate and not the actual woman he can't deny he desires, whom he believes to be his fiances companion, and discovers his mistake far too late.
This is how the two end up married, with a misunderstanding already between them as well as disappointment for entering a marriage unlike the one they each desired. Francesca wants love and Gyles only wants to fulfill his duty, unwilling to risk his heart.
Francesca decides to be patient and give their relationship time to become deeper, hoping that he'll come to love her, while Gyles does his best to resist, only to eventually fail.
The story includes a small mystery that wasn't one at all to me, since I knew all along who .
A lot less frustrating than the previous book of the series thankfully, which gives me hope for the rest of the books in the series that continues with one of the twin Cynster sisters, Amanda's story next in On a Wild Night.
Previous book reviews:
✦ All About Love (Cynster #6)
✦ A Secret Love (Cynster #5)
✦ A Rogue's Proposal (Cynster #4)
He mistakenly assumes, however, that his fiance is the quiet young lady he's seen around the estate and not the actual woman he can't deny he desires, whom he believes to be his fiances companion, and discovers his mistake far too late.
This is how the two end up married, with a misunderstanding already between them as well as disappointment for entering a marriage unlike the one they each desired. Francesca wants love and Gyles only wants to fulfill his duty, unwilling to risk his heart.
Francesca decides to be patient and give their relationship time to become deeper, hoping that he'll come to love her, while Gyles does his best to resist, only to eventually fail.
The story includes a small mystery that wasn't one at all to me, since I knew all along who .
A lot less frustrating than the previous book of the series thankfully, which gives me hope for the rest of the books in the series that continues with one of the twin Cynster sisters, Amanda's story next in On a Wild Night.
Previous book reviews:
✦ All About Love (Cynster #6)
✦ A Secret Love (Cynster #5)
✦ A Rogue's Proposal (Cynster #4)
January 3, 2013
Giles Chillingworth, a well known rake within the ton, realizes he needs a wife to help manage land and estate. He decides to enter a marriage of convenience with Francesca, a distant cousin with Italian heritage whose dowry will bring him additional land. Giles is so determined to treat this union as a business transaction, he doesn't even want to meet his bride-to-be before the ceremony. He is shocked to discover that he does know Francesca, and the physical passion between them is something he cannot ignore. As Giles and Francesca develop a strong physical bond, Francesca tries to break down the barriers to his heart. As Francesca and Giles work on their marriage, a series of events leads them to believe someone is making attempts on Francesca's life.
I enjoyed Chillingworth in the previous Cynster books and thought this would be interesting. Unfortunately, this book was extremely boring. Most of the book seemed to focus on Francesca managing household duties and the "mystery" was ridiculous, even by romance novel standards. This book can be skipped.
I enjoyed Chillingworth in the previous Cynster books and thought this would be interesting. Unfortunately, this book was extremely boring. Most of the book seemed to focus on Francesca managing household duties and the "mystery" was ridiculous, even by romance novel standards. This book can be skipped.
December 20, 2012
Yet another amazing Cynster Tale from Stephanie Laurens! This time, instead of an actual Cynster, the story focuses around the Earl of Chillingworth, who was made an honorary Cynster at the end of the previous book. At the beginning of the story the reader just doesn't like him because he is determined to enter into an arranged marriage in order to avoid the Cynster curse... yet, it is easy for the reader to deal with as you KNOW that his plans will fail. Even though you are aware that at the end Chillingworth will be madly in love with Francesca, the journey to that point is filled with trying moments, and smirks (ok sometimes flat out laughter) at his attempts to deny what everyone else can see. I loved this book!
September 12, 2021
Honorary Cynster. But unfortunately not an actual one..
I had high hopes for this book. I really liked chillingworth in the previous installments but all that charm was lost in this book.
I don't like it when Heros are so adamant on not falling in love. But I'll tolerate it if they come to their senses quickly. But Gyles doesn't come to this conclusion quickly, it takes him till the very end to get his already out of his ass. And it was downright frustrating. I really wish I skipped out on this one. 😑
I had high hopes for this book. I really liked chillingworth in the previous installments but all that charm was lost in this book.
I don't like it when Heros are so adamant on not falling in love. But I'll tolerate it if they come to their senses quickly. But Gyles doesn't come to this conclusion quickly, it takes him till the very end to get his already out of his ass. And it was downright frustrating. I really wish I skipped out on this one. 😑
December 7, 2012
3.5 stars
I liked Chillingworth more than I liked the last few Cynster men. However, his fluctuating moods and actions with her drove me crazy. Francesca was a fiesty little thing who won him over. All in all, another great addition to this series :)
I liked Chillingworth more than I liked the last few Cynster men. However, his fluctuating moods and actions with her drove me crazy. Francesca was a fiesty little thing who won him over. All in all, another great addition to this series :)
July 8, 2025
Es un libro un poco extenso para lo que pasa, y la verdad fue predecible, pero me gustó bastante. Amé como desde el primer momento, a pesar de que él no quiere casarse por amor, estos dos se gustaban y no podían alejarse del otro. Hubo una parte donde pensé que él, al no querer enamorarse, la iba a engañar con otras por lo que le dice, pero no. Desde el momento que la ve, ya no ve a nadie más. 🥰
Detesté desde el principio a la prima de Francesca, que persona tan molesta, aunque comprendo que tenía una enfermedad mental, de verdad me caían mal sus actitudes para con Gyles, el esposo de su prima Francesca y sobretodo para con Francesca.
Detesté desde el principio a la prima de Francesca, que persona tan molesta, aunque comprendo que tenía una enfermedad mental, de verdad me caían mal sus actitudes para con Gyles, el esposo de su prima Francesca y sobretodo para con Francesca.
June 24, 2020
If you want to know the moment when the Cynsters went from being a fun, sexy, wild ride through one family and instead became a dynastic, interconnected, interfamilial series, this is it. While Devil and Honoria Cynster make a couple of appearances, we have a new family - the Rawlingses - to read about. Gyles Rawlings, Earl of Chillingworth, whom we've met in several earlier books, was officially named an Honorary Cynster in All About Love. To spite the family (that he's not really a part of), he decides to go about finding a wife in the most cold-blooded manner possible. He arranges a marriage with his cousin, Francesca, because her dowry is some land he wants for his estate.
But reader, don't worry - this is a Cynster book so you're gonna get some batshit. He doesn't actually want to /meet/ Francesca. Instead, he just wants to spy on her. So when he sees a boring blonde Englishwoman, he doesn't introduce himself or anything. He just assumes it's his intended bride. But guys, it's not. It's his OTHER cousin, Frances, aka Franni. He bumps into Francesca but doesn't ask her name either. They make out (a lot) and she is down with it since she thinks they're going to get married. He doesn't realize until the wedding day, during the ceremony, that he's marrying the "wrong" cousin.
And that's all in the first 3rd of the book. The rest of the book is pure Laurens Cynster: lots of sex, murder plot, more sex, jewelry porn... If you enjoyed the first six books, you'll enjoy this one. It somehow takes everything that comes before it over the top (except for perhaps Scandal's Bride, because how do you top literal deity?).
16-Word Summaries:
Laine: Francesca is a Cynster-adjacent wife - perfect countess, headstrong, really into sex, and target of a murderer.
Meg: Gyles decides to marry his cousin. Unfortunately he doesn’t figure out which cousin until the ceremony.
www.linktr.ee/plottrysts
But reader, don't worry - this is a Cynster book so you're gonna get some batshit. He doesn't actually want to /meet/ Francesca. Instead, he just wants to spy on her. So when he sees a boring blonde Englishwoman, he doesn't introduce himself or anything. He just assumes it's his intended bride. But guys, it's not. It's his OTHER cousin, Frances, aka Franni. He bumps into Francesca but doesn't ask her name either. They make out (a lot) and she is down with it since she thinks they're going to get married. He doesn't realize until the wedding day, during the ceremony, that he's marrying the "wrong" cousin.
And that's all in the first 3rd of the book. The rest of the book is pure Laurens Cynster: lots of sex, murder plot, more sex, jewelry porn... If you enjoyed the first six books, you'll enjoy this one. It somehow takes everything that comes before it over the top (except for perhaps Scandal's Bride, because how do you top literal deity?).
16-Word Summaries:
Laine: Francesca is a Cynster-adjacent wife - perfect countess, headstrong, really into sex, and target of a murderer.
Meg: Gyles decides to marry his cousin. Unfortunately he doesn’t figure out which cousin until the ceremony.
www.linktr.ee/plottrysts
January 3, 2012
After the Bar Cynster, Chillingworth is the next I'd wanted to see wed. This is his book and even though Gyles Rawlings, Earl of Chillingworth, understands he must marry he doesn't want to marry for love but for convenience. He watched his father die at 7 years of age and then watched his mother mourn the loss of her beloved husband. His man of business picks his wife, Francesca Rawlings. And when the Earl visits and makes his offer to Francesca's guardian and uncle, he gets a glimpse of who he thinks Francesca. He also meets a Gypsy who stirs his passion. He mistook Franni, Francesca's cousin as herself and she's the woman he thinks is the Gypsy who as he thinks is too passionate to be a wife. Boy what a shock he got on his wedding day when he found out Francesca was the Gypsy he stole kisses from and the woman he took a couple of strolls with is Franni the cousin.
From the wedding on it's fairly predictable, they have great sex, the Earl fights his feelings for his wife and someone is trying to kill Francesca. The mystery is well written but predictable but still enjoyable to read about. This is a happily ever after ending but I think they let the attempted murderer go to easily and I would personally have demanded some type of help at an enclosed facility.
This gets a 3 for a few reasons. It's very predictable and the sex scenes, though unique and not the traditional sort of virginal sex scenes, are very wordy and took up pages when a page would of done well enough in my opinion. Still a good read though and I am glad I read it and I can't wait to read the next in the series.
From the wedding on it's fairly predictable, they have great sex, the Earl fights his feelings for his wife and someone is trying to kill Francesca. The mystery is well written but predictable but still enjoyable to read about. This is a happily ever after ending but I think they let the attempted murderer go to easily and I would personally have demanded some type of help at an enclosed facility.
This gets a 3 for a few reasons. It's very predictable and the sex scenes, though unique and not the traditional sort of virginal sex scenes, are very wordy and took up pages when a page would of done well enough in my opinion. Still a good read though and I am glad I read it and I can't wait to read the next in the series.
June 29, 2012
I really liked the beginning of the story, when Chillingworth organizes his perfect marriage of convenience with a bland obedient puppet, while being violently attracted by an exotic witch. And of course, the exotic witch is in fact his intended, and the other her cousin.
I liked that Francesca does not behave impulsively (and stupidly) and slowly works on getting her husband recognize that he cares for her, does not want a marriage of convenience with her and loves her.
Chillingworth is torn between his desires, what he actually does and what he thinks he should do, which explains why some topics are totally taboo conversation topic, but he still manages to convey the same message through some actions and then blows hot and cold.
Nothing really original in this episode, but everything fits well together and that makes it a good one.
The rhythme is a bit slower than in the previous ones and the investigation for Francesca's attempted murderer starts quite late in the book and does not hold such an important place (moreover the culprit is more than obvious). I did not mind, as I believed it helped to reinforce the relationship between H/h.
I liked that Francesca does not behave impulsively (and stupidly) and slowly works on getting her husband recognize that he cares for her, does not want a marriage of convenience with her and loves her.
Chillingworth is torn between his desires, what he actually does and what he thinks he should do, which explains why some topics are totally taboo conversation topic, but he still manages to convey the same message through some actions and then blows hot and cold.
Nothing really original in this episode, but everything fits well together and that makes it a good one.
The rhythme is a bit slower than in the previous ones and the investigation for Francesca's attempted murderer starts quite late in the book and does not hold such an important place (moreover the culprit is more than obvious). I did not mind, as I believed it helped to reinforce the relationship between H/h.
August 23, 2013
The time has come!
The next book in the Cynster series lays eyes upon Gyles, Earl of Chillingworth! He has made reoccurring appearances in the Cynster gent's stories and now, it's his turn.
Chillingworth wishes to marry Francesca, a miss he believes to be demure and tame so he can run wild and also inherit some land. He mistakes her cousin Franni for her, so imagine his surprise when he ends up marrying the exotic and untameable beauty, Francesca! Their love story begins, and of course we know from the start they're perfect for each other, but Chillingworth is hesitant to love, to open his heart to vulnerability. At times frustrating, I did really enjoy their story, the sensuality was amazing!
The mystery not so amazing, since it was painfully obvious who was threatening Francesca's life.
On another note, I am painfully excited for Amelia and Amanda's stories up next!
The next book in the Cynster series lays eyes upon Gyles, Earl of Chillingworth! He has made reoccurring appearances in the Cynster gent's stories and now, it's his turn.
Chillingworth wishes to marry Francesca, a miss he believes to be demure and tame so he can run wild and also inherit some land. He mistakes her cousin Franni for her, so imagine his surprise when he ends up marrying the exotic and untameable beauty, Francesca! Their love story begins, and of course we know from the start they're perfect for each other, but Chillingworth is hesitant to love, to open his heart to vulnerability. At times frustrating, I did really enjoy their story, the sensuality was amazing!
The mystery not so amazing, since it was painfully obvious who was threatening Francesca's life.
On another note, I am painfully excited for Amelia and Amanda's stories up next!
June 21, 2016
UNA SAGA MAGNÍFICA Y EXQUISITA
(8,5/10)
Hace ya unos cuantos años que me declaré fan de Stephanie Laurens; en mi opinión logra algo muy complejo: utilizando mayoritariamente las descripciones (aunque sus diálogos son una delicia también) nos hace sumergirnos en historias llenas de tópicos referentes a esa época histórica concreta a la vez que nos presenta unas particularidades que hacen que cada una de sus historias sean algo más que lo típico en una novela romántica histórica.
En esta novela en concreto, el que durante todas las anteriores fue un secundario irónico y arrogante se nos presenta en toda su gloria. Lo conocemos todo de él: pasado y presente, fortalezas y debilidades.
Los parajes dónde discurre la mayor parte de la trama (bastas extensiones de naturaleza con un modo de vida rural) me han enamorado. Un mundo rural pero con un componente salvaje, indómito, nada de bucólicas haciendas en la tranquila campiña inglesa.
En cuanto a la premisa con la que comienza esta historia. ..... un enredo que dará mucho juego, y muchas sorpresas.
(8,5/10)
Hace ya unos cuantos años que me declaré fan de Stephanie Laurens; en mi opinión logra algo muy complejo: utilizando mayoritariamente las descripciones (aunque sus diálogos son una delicia también) nos hace sumergirnos en historias llenas de tópicos referentes a esa época histórica concreta a la vez que nos presenta unas particularidades que hacen que cada una de sus historias sean algo más que lo típico en una novela romántica histórica.
En esta novela en concreto, el que durante todas las anteriores fue un secundario irónico y arrogante se nos presenta en toda su gloria. Lo conocemos todo de él: pasado y presente, fortalezas y debilidades.
Los parajes dónde discurre la mayor parte de la trama (bastas extensiones de naturaleza con un modo de vida rural) me han enamorado. Un mundo rural pero con un componente salvaje, indómito, nada de bucólicas haciendas en la tranquila campiña inglesa.
En cuanto a la premisa con la que comienza esta historia. ..... un enredo que dará mucho juego, y muchas sorpresas.
September 4, 2015
Review - I think this is the best Cynster novel since Devil's Bride as Chillingham has been an intriguing character from the beginning. It's a strange union, but it is said that opposites attract, as played out in this story. I loved it because it includes the Cynster clan and the wider ton society, which few of the Cynster novels have done. Thoroughly recommended. The arranged marriage story is one I've been hoping to read in Stephanie Laurens's unique vein. It doesn't disappoint as Francesca is an incredibly strong woman who knows precisely what she wants from marriage.
Genre? - Romance / Erotica / Historical / Drama
Characters? - Gyles Rawlings, Earl of Chillingham / Francesca Rawlings / Devil Cynster / Honoria Cynster / Vane Cynster / Demon Cynster / Flick Cynster / Lucifer Cynster / Scandal Cynster / Gabriel Cynster
Setting? - London & Lambourn (England)
Series? - Cynster #7
Recommend? - Yes
Rating - 20/20
Genre? - Romance / Erotica / Historical / Drama
Characters? - Gyles Rawlings, Earl of Chillingham / Francesca Rawlings / Devil Cynster / Honoria Cynster / Vane Cynster / Demon Cynster / Flick Cynster / Lucifer Cynster / Scandal Cynster / Gabriel Cynster
Setting? - London & Lambourn (England)
Series? - Cynster #7
Recommend? - Yes
Rating - 20/20
August 16, 2016
El protagonista, un aristócrata machote que no se quiere enamorar, decide que lo mejore es tener un matrimonio concertado con su prima. Por supuesto, la susodicha prima es una mujer de primera y le va a poner firme... y se acabó, no hay más, por que una vez se casan el libro se inunda de una monotonía que la autora intenta solventar torpemente haciendo que la vida de la protagonista este en peligro por un villano que se ve venir de lejos.
Eso sí, la Laurens aprovecha el matrimonio para hacer honor al título escribiendo escenas carnales que te ponen más caliente que el palo de un churrero.
Sólo lo recomendaría si el género te apasiona o te va la marcha.
Eso sí, la Laurens aprovecha el matrimonio para hacer honor al título escribiendo escenas carnales que te ponen más caliente que el palo de un churrero.
Sólo lo recomendaría si el género te apasiona o te va la marcha.
June 3, 2014
3.5 - Francesca has probably been one of my favourite, if not my favourite heroine in this series so far. Passionate, independent and competent. Chillingworth was okay... more of the same. It took him longer than the other heroes to stop acting stupid and accept his feelings for her, which got boring after awhile.
The main reason that this wasn't a 4 star book for me was that the plot wasn't as exciting as some of the others... Chillingworth saw more adventure in Gabriel's story than in his own. Francesca's passionate personality deserved a better adventure!
The main reason that this wasn't a 4 star book for me was that the plot wasn't as exciting as some of the others... Chillingworth saw more adventure in Gabriel's story than in his own. Francesca's passionate personality deserved a better adventure!
October 3, 2020
Overall just kind of below average for me. I was willing to allow for the hero's initial misconception about his ideal wife, and the mistaken identity plot which was a bit much, but I could move past it. The book didn't really ever get going for me though, the hero holds to his previously conceived notions entirely too long, there's sort of a half hearted mystery and kind of cliche villain, it dragged. The couple were alright but never really pulled me in. Just kinda meh.
September 29, 2016
4.5 stars. I liked this one... Both H and h were interesting and sexy. Their chemistry was sizzling and the plot was interesting. The mystery was predictable but I didn't mind it because I was enjoying the way the H/h were loving one another. Laurens was light on the angst which I really appreciated!
February 21, 2021
Según yo solo iba a leer 100 páginas y luego me iba a dormir pero eso no ocurrió, una vez empecé no puede dejar de leerlo. Tenia muchas ganas de leer acerca del miembro honorario de los Cynster y no me arrepiento, me encanto la historia y Francesa es de los mejores personajes.
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September 1, 2024I’m sure nobody’s keeping track of my account, but this is around the time where I confess that I am rereading the entire series and I finished this one and I was really reminded that I should be doing work instead. Not because it was worse than any of the other ones I’ve read as far but because the amount of cousins to keep up with (including the main couple) was insane considering they will never appear again
December 1, 2025
Lo difrute mucho...
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