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Cynster Next Generation #9.5
The Secrets of Lord Grayson Child
#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens returns to the world of the Cynsters’ next generation with the tale of an unconventional nobleman and an equally unconventional noblewoman learning to love and trust again.
A jilted noblewoman forced into a dual existence, half in and half out of the ton, is unexpectedly confronted by the nobleman who left her behind ten years ago, but before either can catch their breaths, they trip over a murder and into a race to capture a killer.
Lord Grayson Child is horrified to discover that The London Crier, a popular gossip rag, is proposing to expose his extraordinary wealth to the ton’s matchmakers, not to mention London’s shysters and Captain Sharps. He hies to London and corners The Crier’s proprietor—only to discover the paper’s owner is the last person he’d expected to see.
Izzy—Lady Isadora Descartes—is flabbergasted when Gray appears in her printing works’ office. He’s the very last person she wants to meet while in her role as owner of The Crier, but there he is, as large as life, and she has to deal with him without giving herself away! She manages—just—and seizes on the late hour to put him off, so she can work out what to do.
But before leaving the printing works, she and he stumble across a murder, and all hell breaks loose.
Izzy can only be grateful for Gray’s support as, to free them both of suspicion, they embark on a joint campaign to find the killer.
Yet, working side by side opens their eyes to who they each are now—both quite different to the youthful would-be lovers of ten years before. Mutual respect, affection, and appreciation grow, and amid the chaos of hunting a ruthless killer, they find themselves facing the question of whether what they’d deemed wrecked ten years before can be resurrected.
Then the killer’s motive proves to be a treasonous plot, and with others, Gray and Izzy race to prevent a catastrophe, a task that ultimately falls to them alone in a situation in which the only way out is through selfless togetherness—only by relying on each other will they survive.
A classic historical romance laced with crime and intrigue. A Cynster Next Generation-connected novel—a full-length historical romance of 115,000 words.
A jilted noblewoman forced into a dual existence, half in and half out of the ton, is unexpectedly confronted by the nobleman who left her behind ten years ago, but before either can catch their breaths, they trip over a murder and into a race to capture a killer.
Lord Grayson Child is horrified to discover that The London Crier, a popular gossip rag, is proposing to expose his extraordinary wealth to the ton’s matchmakers, not to mention London’s shysters and Captain Sharps. He hies to London and corners The Crier’s proprietor—only to discover the paper’s owner is the last person he’d expected to see.
Izzy—Lady Isadora Descartes—is flabbergasted when Gray appears in her printing works’ office. He’s the very last person she wants to meet while in her role as owner of The Crier, but there he is, as large as life, and she has to deal with him without giving herself away! She manages—just—and seizes on the late hour to put him off, so she can work out what to do.
But before leaving the printing works, she and he stumble across a murder, and all hell breaks loose.
Izzy can only be grateful for Gray’s support as, to free them both of suspicion, they embark on a joint campaign to find the killer.
Yet, working side by side opens their eyes to who they each are now—both quite different to the youthful would-be lovers of ten years before. Mutual respect, affection, and appreciation grow, and amid the chaos of hunting a ruthless killer, they find themselves facing the question of whether what they’d deemed wrecked ten years before can be resurrected.
Then the killer’s motive proves to be a treasonous plot, and with others, Gray and Izzy race to prevent a catastrophe, a task that ultimately falls to them alone in a situation in which the only way out is through selfless togetherness—only by relying on each other will they survive.
A classic historical romance laced with crime and intrigue. A Cynster Next Generation-connected novel—a full-length historical romance of 115,000 words.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2021
121 people are currently reading
948 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 51 reviews
July 19, 2021
Series: Cynster Next Generation #10, Cynster #30
Publication Date: 7/15/21
Period: Victorian London (1852)
Number of Pages: 337
OMGoodness! Yet another wonderful addition to the Cynster series. While the two lead characters in this book aren’t technically Cynster’s, they are friends of Cynsters and have been featured in other books; they cried out for their own HEA. Of course, we have visits from the current batch of Cynster’s. Toby, Martin, and Wilchelsea are featured, but not strongly. While this is part of a wonderful series, it can easily be read as a standalone.
Our two lead characters have a history – a wonderful, romantic, loving history – and a terrible, heartbreaking history. Our soulmates were separated by that constant evil – misunderstanding. They didn’t even have a face-to-face misunderstanding – just misunderstanding and misconceptions from something overheard. Rather than confront the issue, one of our characters just disappears – and leaves the other wondering what happened for ten long years.
Lady Isadora (Izzy) Descartes was madly, totally, head-over-heels in love and she was sure he felt the same way. She was sure he’d offer for her sooner rather than later and she constantly dreamed of the life, the family, the love they would share. That he came along at just the right time, when her family was on the brink of ruin, didn’t have anything to do with how much she loved him. Her family didn’t understand that though. When he just disappeared from the face of the earth, no word, no messages, nothing, she was in deep despair. What had she done? Did he really care for her so little?
Lord Grayson Child was madly, totally, head-over-heels in love and he was sure she felt the same way. He had every intention of spending the rest of his life with her – creating the family and home he knew they both wanted. Then – when he found out – when he found out – his heart was torn from his chest and smashed on the floor. His Izzy – he couldn’t imagine … So, lost, lonely, heartbroken, and forlorn, he abandons London, he abandons England, he abandons his family, he just leaves.
Ten years later, he returns to London as rich as Croesus – but he doesn’t want people to know that. He doesn’t want to be on every match-making mama’s project list and he doesn’t want business negotiations to start out with him at a disadvantage because they know he has deep pockets. So, he is incensed when he reads articles in The London Crier hinting about how rich he is. Well, he’ll just go to the offices of Molyneaux Printing Works, which produced the popular gossip rag, and have a nice little chat with I. Molyneaux, the owner.
Grey is in shock to discover Izzy at the publishing office – and Izzy is equally surprised to see Grey. She hadn’t seen or heard a thing of him in ten years. Those had been ten very long and painful years for her – and now – here he is. Uh-Oh!
They both feel the same attraction they had ten years ago – but neither will acknowledge it nor comment on it. When he demands she discontinue printing the teaser articles about him, she just looks puzzled. After a lengthy discussion about the article, etc. they head out of the now-closed office. But – instead of leaving, they discover a dead body.
When Izzy immediately becomes the focus of the police, Grey knows he has to help her find the murderer and he also has to protect her from becoming the next victim.
This was a beautiful romance with an intense, fast-paced, suspenseful mystery. The writing was lovely and the characters were so very likable. I can definitely recommend this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 7/15/21
Period: Victorian London (1852)
Number of Pages: 337
OMGoodness! Yet another wonderful addition to the Cynster series. While the two lead characters in this book aren’t technically Cynster’s, they are friends of Cynsters and have been featured in other books; they cried out for their own HEA. Of course, we have visits from the current batch of Cynster’s. Toby, Martin, and Wilchelsea are featured, but not strongly. While this is part of a wonderful series, it can easily be read as a standalone.
Our two lead characters have a history – a wonderful, romantic, loving history – and a terrible, heartbreaking history. Our soulmates were separated by that constant evil – misunderstanding. They didn’t even have a face-to-face misunderstanding – just misunderstanding and misconceptions from something overheard. Rather than confront the issue, one of our characters just disappears – and leaves the other wondering what happened for ten long years.
Lady Isadora (Izzy) Descartes was madly, totally, head-over-heels in love and she was sure he felt the same way. She was sure he’d offer for her sooner rather than later and she constantly dreamed of the life, the family, the love they would share. That he came along at just the right time, when her family was on the brink of ruin, didn’t have anything to do with how much she loved him. Her family didn’t understand that though. When he just disappeared from the face of the earth, no word, no messages, nothing, she was in deep despair. What had she done? Did he really care for her so little?
Lord Grayson Child was madly, totally, head-over-heels in love and he was sure she felt the same way. He had every intention of spending the rest of his life with her – creating the family and home he knew they both wanted. Then – when he found out – when he found out – his heart was torn from his chest and smashed on the floor. His Izzy – he couldn’t imagine … So, lost, lonely, heartbroken, and forlorn, he abandons London, he abandons England, he abandons his family, he just leaves.
Ten years later, he returns to London as rich as Croesus – but he doesn’t want people to know that. He doesn’t want to be on every match-making mama’s project list and he doesn’t want business negotiations to start out with him at a disadvantage because they know he has deep pockets. So, he is incensed when he reads articles in The London Crier hinting about how rich he is. Well, he’ll just go to the offices of Molyneaux Printing Works, which produced the popular gossip rag, and have a nice little chat with I. Molyneaux, the owner.
Grey is in shock to discover Izzy at the publishing office – and Izzy is equally surprised to see Grey. She hadn’t seen or heard a thing of him in ten years. Those had been ten very long and painful years for her – and now – here he is. Uh-Oh!
They both feel the same attraction they had ten years ago – but neither will acknowledge it nor comment on it. When he demands she discontinue printing the teaser articles about him, she just looks puzzled. After a lengthy discussion about the article, etc. they head out of the now-closed office. But – instead of leaving, they discover a dead body.
When Izzy immediately becomes the focus of the police, Grey knows he has to help her find the murderer and he also has to protect her from becoming the next victim.
This was a beautiful romance with an intense, fast-paced, suspenseful mystery. The writing was lovely and the characters were so very likable. I can definitely recommend this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 20, 2021
A reminder of why Ms Laurens’ historical romances are must reads
Finally a book in this Next Generation series that starts off with suspense and keeps on delivering. This book brings to mind her Bastion Club and Cobra series. Great plot and character arcs, interesting secondary characters and HEA.
Finally a book in this Next Generation series that starts off with suspense and keeps on delivering. This book brings to mind her Bastion Club and Cobra series. Great plot and character arcs, interesting secondary characters and HEA.
July 16, 2021
I really loved some of the books from these series but this book was just mediocre. If you want a cosy mystery with well researched information about the newspaper industry in XIX century and a subtle, clean romance with a lot of yada yada this is definitely a book for you. But if you count on a book similar to Cynster sisters trilogy or Mastered by love you will be disappointed as the main characters are too plain (Gray was more interesting and cocky as a secondary character than in this book) and the steam level is -1 (just a few kisses and one flowery, vague description of a wedding night which was nowhere near the usual sex scenes in Mrs Laurens books).
February 24, 2024
I am REALLY liking this one. But...does anyone see more than one secret for him?
I am as much of a sucker for Drake as I was/am for his father (as Daziel especially). Inclusion in the story of all classes really impressed me. And excellent mystery. The love story is minimal--as is entirely appropriate for this one. But that it took both of them to "save the day" was wonderful.
2022--Any book that makes me google to learn what it means...how it works pretty much gets a +star. I USUALLY google place so it doesn't automatically resonate
2023 -- just keep reading
2024--yup this has become an annual. More and more I enjoy the characters who are not noblepersons. :-)
I am as much of a sucker for Drake as I was/am for his father (as Daziel especially). Inclusion in the story of all classes really impressed me. And excellent mystery. The love story is minimal--as is entirely appropriate for this one. But that it took both of them to "save the day" was wonderful.
2022--Any book that makes me google to learn what it means...how it works pretty much gets a +star. I USUALLY google place so it doesn't automatically resonate
2023 -- just keep reading
2024--yup this has become an annual. More and more I enjoy the characters who are not noblepersons. :-)
September 10, 2021
I love a good mystery!
Mystery 5/5
Storyline 4.8/5
Heat 1/5 but that’s ok
I haven’t read a novel related to the Cynsters in a while and none involving “the next generation”. I definitely have some catching up to do. I had really forgotten about this series but this particular one is a standalone but it does intrigue the reader to look look into related stories.
While the hero and heroine are not directly related, I love the interaction and cliffhanger for the (hopefully) next in the series. While I’m waiting I’ll go back and catch up those that I’ve missed.
As a rule, when I review the story, I don’t go into details, because impressions are better and there are probably at least a few repeats of the story on Goodreads without my rehashing the story but what I appreciated was the atmosphere of the times. The evolution into the Industrial Age. The feeling that must have been prevalent as new “gadgets and machines” were created during the time period.
Great read. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Mystery 5/5
Storyline 4.8/5
Heat 1/5 but that’s ok
I haven’t read a novel related to the Cynsters in a while and none involving “the next generation”. I definitely have some catching up to do. I had really forgotten about this series but this particular one is a standalone but it does intrigue the reader to look look into related stories.
While the hero and heroine are not directly related, I love the interaction and cliffhanger for the (hopefully) next in the series. While I’m waiting I’ll go back and catch up those that I’ve missed.
As a rule, when I review the story, I don’t go into details, because impressions are better and there are probably at least a few repeats of the story on Goodreads without my rehashing the story but what I appreciated was the atmosphere of the times. The evolution into the Industrial Age. The feeling that must have been prevalent as new “gadgets and machines” were created during the time period.
Great read. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
July 16, 2021
Wow! I loved this story with action and superb characters
First of all, I have to say that the Cynsters and all the other related stories or automatically on my want-to-get list. I love these and this is no exception. Gray has gone to the office of The London Crier to convince the editor to stop printing teasers about him. Once there, he finds his former love Izzy is the owner, editor and main writer! Shortly thereafter, they both find themselves investigating the murder of her photographer. The details of a small weekly newspaper and of the time period are fascinating. I could not put this down until I had read the whole thing.
The pace is fast and the tone is intense yet hopeful with a character oriented storyline that has some action and only suggestions of steam at the end. The characters and the mystery are the focus of the story. This is wonderfully written. If you like your historical romances with complex non-traditional characters and action then this is for you. You don't have to read the previous Cynster Next Generation stories (or any other Cynster stories) to get this, but you will get the most out of this story if you do. Enjoy!
First of all, I have to say that the Cynsters and all the other related stories or automatically on my want-to-get list. I love these and this is no exception. Gray has gone to the office of The London Crier to convince the editor to stop printing teasers about him. Once there, he finds his former love Izzy is the owner, editor and main writer! Shortly thereafter, they both find themselves investigating the murder of her photographer. The details of a small weekly newspaper and of the time period are fascinating. I could not put this down until I had read the whole thing.
The pace is fast and the tone is intense yet hopeful with a character oriented storyline that has some action and only suggestions of steam at the end. The characters and the mystery are the focus of the story. This is wonderfully written. If you like your historical romances with complex non-traditional characters and action then this is for you. You don't have to read the previous Cynster Next Generation stories (or any other Cynster stories) to get this, but you will get the most out of this story if you do. Enjoy!
March 22, 2022
Recently I’ve been reading from some new authors and this one in particular has far surpassed any other I’ve encountered thus far. Stephanie Lauren is an outstanding writer. Her writing style, plot and character developments were exceptionally done. This book (also the audiobook) reminded me of Georgette Hayer’s works, which I thoroughly enjoy. The differences with S.L. is the added layers of suspense, intrigue and the very swoony/steamy kisses.
I loved how the story unfolds. The audiobook was almost 14 long so there was a lot of room for redundancy and unimportant details that drag a good plot to an early grave. But not this one. This book had me hooked from the very beginning and with the steady pace and consistent plot developments, it was quite engaging and kept me interested for its entirety.
While the romance is not the main feature, it is very well done. It’s neither overstated nor is it overshadowed by all other events that take place. Rather it lends perfectly to the overall progression of the story and is very sweetly done. I absolutely loved Isadora & Grayson. They were both charming and sweet individuals. Their interactions were cute and always left me with a smile on my face. The maturity with which they handled their misunderstandings was admirable to say the least. I always appreciate when couples have open and honest communication, it just eliminates unnecessary angst & dama and endears me even more to the MCs.
The climax was very exciting and I really liked how everything played out. Even the way in which the villain was caught. So after 10 years Izzy & Gray finally get their HEA and they could not have had a more perfect ending. There is no doubt that I’ll be reading/listening from this author again.
CONTENT
Romance: PG-13 Clean (Some on page intimacy but not very detailed), Steamy kisses.
Language: Mild
Violence: Moderate
I loved how the story unfolds. The audiobook was almost 14 long so there was a lot of room for redundancy and unimportant details that drag a good plot to an early grave. But not this one. This book had me hooked from the very beginning and with the steady pace and consistent plot developments, it was quite engaging and kept me interested for its entirety.
While the romance is not the main feature, it is very well done. It’s neither overstated nor is it overshadowed by all other events that take place. Rather it lends perfectly to the overall progression of the story and is very sweetly done. I absolutely loved Isadora & Grayson. They were both charming and sweet individuals. Their interactions were cute and always left me with a smile on my face. The maturity with which they handled their misunderstandings was admirable to say the least. I always appreciate when couples have open and honest communication, it just eliminates unnecessary angst & dama and endears me even more to the MCs.
The climax was very exciting and I really liked how everything played out. Even the way in which the villain was caught. So after 10 years Izzy & Gray finally get their HEA and they could not have had a more perfect ending. There is no doubt that I’ll be reading/listening from this author again.
CONTENT
Romance: PG-13 Clean (Some on page intimacy but not very detailed), Steamy kisses.
Language: Mild
Violence: Moderate
Read
March 24, 2024This book has not aged well in the fact that it was just boring. The title suggests that the MMC has a big secret, but once it's revealed, it's SO dumb! I couldn't believe how much was made over it. The Hero is too 2D perfect. Like, if you wrote down the attributes of a perfect hero, then embodied those characteristics but left off the personality, you would get Grey.
This is really more of a murder plot, with a sliver of lame, low drama romance.
Modern readers will be bored to death. (Murder joke)
This is really more of a murder plot, with a sliver of lame, low drama romance.
Modern readers will be bored to death. (Murder joke)
July 19, 2021
Fantastic going from Georgian to Victorian
I Love they way this is so different from the Georgian novels. When Drakewas conceived about forty years ago his mother's worry would her husband be faithful. CAN YOU SEE Louisa wondering that with her friends. No Drake would know what his behaviour should be. Dukes in his father's day had everyone bowing in terror. An earls daughter would ot tell him to move, hewould not talk to a young employee, his wife would not expect to join a business meeting.what a change in society photographs trains policemen etc.The change in attitude to people in trade. This was so knowledgeable. The hero and heroine were perfect. In the previous novel we briefly met humans it did wet your appetite for the novel. You were drawn into the plot rightful the start. Every page hands some new piece of information.You just cannot put this book down.
I Love they way this is so different from the Georgian novels. When Drakewas conceived about forty years ago his mother's worry would her husband be faithful. CAN YOU SEE Louisa wondering that with her friends. No Drake would know what his behaviour should be. Dukes in his father's day had everyone bowing in terror. An earls daughter would ot tell him to move, hewould not talk to a young employee, his wife would not expect to join a business meeting.what a change in society photographs trains policemen etc.The change in attitude to people in trade. This was so knowledgeable. The hero and heroine were perfect. In the previous novel we briefly met humans it did wet your appetite for the novel. You were drawn into the plot rightful the start. Every page hands some new piece of information.You just cannot put this book down.
July 4, 2023
Una compagna di scuola di mia figlia (una bambina deliziosa, che ho ancora nel cuore) durante gli anni delle elementari trovava difficile comporre temi e riassunti perché non riusciva a rinunciare a ogni più piccolo particolare: se voleva raccontare della visita di un amico, doveva via via registrare il suono del campanello, l'apertura della porta, l'ingresso in casa, i saluti, il liberarsi di cappotto e berretto... e così via, a costo di riempire pagine e pagine del suo quaderno.
Questo romanzo (il primo che leggo della saga dei Cynster) mi ha ricordato irresistibilmente quella bambina, ma la simpatetica comprensione iniziale si è via via trasformata in impazienza, e l'impazienza in irritazione, finché non ho provveduto (come la maestra di allora) a tagliare mentalmente il superfluo tracciando attraverso le pagine virtuali segnacci rossi e blu.
Eppure avevo grandi aspettative da questa autrice, la cui scrittura immaginavo scabra e magari scioccante, tanto che avevo messo da parte per tempi di maggiore tranquillità d'animo i romanzi già acquistati. Niente di più diverso: mentre seguivo, sempre più distrattamente, i protagonisti passare, giorno dopo giorno, per la sequenza dei gesti più banali e quotidiani, la storia procedeva a passo di lumaca fino alle ultime pagine, nelle quali più o meno tutto accade nel tempo che intercorre tra l'accensione di una miccia e l'esplosione di una bomba.
Questo romanzo (il primo che leggo della saga dei Cynster) mi ha ricordato irresistibilmente quella bambina, ma la simpatetica comprensione iniziale si è via via trasformata in impazienza, e l'impazienza in irritazione, finché non ho provveduto (come la maestra di allora) a tagliare mentalmente il superfluo tracciando attraverso le pagine virtuali segnacci rossi e blu.
Eppure avevo grandi aspettative da questa autrice, la cui scrittura immaginavo scabra e magari scioccante, tanto che avevo messo da parte per tempi di maggiore tranquillità d'animo i romanzi già acquistati. Niente di più diverso: mentre seguivo, sempre più distrattamente, i protagonisti passare, giorno dopo giorno, per la sequenza dei gesti più banali e quotidiani, la storia procedeva a passo di lumaca fino alle ultime pagine, nelle quali più o meno tutto accade nel tempo che intercorre tra l'accensione di una miccia e l'esplosione di una bomba.
April 3, 2024
Exciting Victorian era romantic suspense
Set in Victorian England, this book takes place during a dynamic and exciting time. The heroine, Izzy, publishes a weekly newspaper. Through her eyes, you see the world becoming more connected as steam-powered printing presses and new photographic technology speed sharing news; European telegraph systems allow for almost immediate communications; railroads make traversing long distances in a single day possible.
This is a second chance romance, combined with a suspenseful mystery. After falling in love ten years ago, Gray ran away from Izzy following a misunderstanding. He reenters her life when he approaches the newspaper with a complaint about an upcoming article. A murder at the office occurs almost immediately. With Izzy as the police's main suspect, both begin investigating to find the real killer.
The mystery is exciting, and the reader uncovers and analyzes the clues with Izzy and Gray. As both get to know each other again, the romance is convincing. (By historical standards, Laurens writes older characters (Izzy is about 28 and Gray is in his early 30's) and both have survived life experiences that make them more interesting. (This is a closed door romance. )
While part of a series, this definitely works as a standalone. Characters from previous novels have cameos, but it's easy to follow the action.
Set in Victorian England, this book takes place during a dynamic and exciting time. The heroine, Izzy, publishes a weekly newspaper. Through her eyes, you see the world becoming more connected as steam-powered printing presses and new photographic technology speed sharing news; European telegraph systems allow for almost immediate communications; railroads make traversing long distances in a single day possible.
This is a second chance romance, combined with a suspenseful mystery. After falling in love ten years ago, Gray ran away from Izzy following a misunderstanding. He reenters her life when he approaches the newspaper with a complaint about an upcoming article. A murder at the office occurs almost immediately. With Izzy as the police's main suspect, both begin investigating to find the real killer.
The mystery is exciting, and the reader uncovers and analyzes the clues with Izzy and Gray. As both get to know each other again, the romance is convincing. (By historical standards, Laurens writes older characters (Izzy is about 28 and Gray is in his early 30's) and both have survived life experiences that make them more interesting. (This is a closed door romance. )
While part of a series, this definitely works as a standalone. Characters from previous novels have cameos, but it's easy to follow the action.
May 17, 2022
This is a vast improvement of my disappointment in the last couple of Laurens novels! I was completely caught up in the Intrigue and specific historical setting of Victorian era printing, newspapers, and photography that gave birth to photojournalism, including wedding photography.
Lord Grayson Childs reads a teaser in a London weekly that he assumes seeks to out his wealth which would make him a target not only in the marriage mart but more critically to every schemer and Captain Sharp. He heads off the confront the newspaper's editor and owner and 'persuade' the paper to find some other exposé. What he finds is Lady Isabella, the woman he abandoned without explanation 10 years earlier.
Lady Isabella has led a double life since being practically jilted by Gray: both the scion of the nobility Lady, and a fake widow owner of a publishing company and weekly newspaper. After agreeing not to pursue the story on Gray so long as he finds another story for her, the two of them discover the murdered body of a staff member which launches them into a murder investigation that leads to a terrorist plot to disrupt the new telegraph cables under the English Channel.
This is an exciting tale with fascinating detail serving as the support for Gray and Izzie's love story. I am very happy that Laurens dropped the fake widow identity as between Izzie and Gray early.
Lord Grayson Childs reads a teaser in a London weekly that he assumes seeks to out his wealth which would make him a target not only in the marriage mart but more critically to every schemer and Captain Sharp. He heads off the confront the newspaper's editor and owner and 'persuade' the paper to find some other exposé. What he finds is Lady Isabella, the woman he abandoned without explanation 10 years earlier.
Lady Isabella has led a double life since being practically jilted by Gray: both the scion of the nobility Lady, and a fake widow owner of a publishing company and weekly newspaper. After agreeing not to pursue the story on Gray so long as he finds another story for her, the two of them discover the murdered body of a staff member which launches them into a murder investigation that leads to a terrorist plot to disrupt the new telegraph cables under the English Channel.
This is an exciting tale with fascinating detail serving as the support for Gray and Izzie's love story. I am very happy that Laurens dropped the fake widow identity as between Izzie and Gray early.
February 8, 2022
Lord Grayson Child is peeved. Someone has discovered his secret. And not only have they uncovered it, they are threatening to expose it on the front page of the London Crier. That's why he's standing outside the offices waiting for everyone to leave, because then he can confront the owner. But he's not expecting the know the owner much less have a past with them.
Lady Isadora "Izzy" Descartes never expected to see Grayson Child again. Ten years earlier, he had seemed on the brink of proposing and then... he was gone. Left destitute by her gambling father, Gray had seemed like the perfect man, someone she could love and who could save her family. But then he was gone. So she learned how to earn money for herself, running a London gossip sheet.
I do like it when characters in a shorter story have history. It means that them falling in love makes more sense. It also makes sense then that Izzy and Gray would be able to move in lock step when a dead body, a murdered body, shows up in her dark room.
Lady Isadora "Izzy" Descartes never expected to see Grayson Child again. Ten years earlier, he had seemed on the brink of proposing and then... he was gone. Left destitute by her gambling father, Gray had seemed like the perfect man, someone she could love and who could save her family. But then he was gone. So she learned how to earn money for herself, running a London gossip sheet.
I do like it when characters in a shorter story have history. It means that them falling in love makes more sense. It also makes sense then that Izzy and Gray would be able to move in lock step when a dead body, a murdered body, shows up in her dark room.
August 12, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the main characters, the story itself and the path it took us on. The reason I held back from five stars is that it didn’t have enough romance for me.
The main characters- Gray and Izzy knew each other 10 years earlier and were almost engaged at that point. So the current story didn’t really show them falling in love or the attraction between them. While I loved that there were no silly misunderstandings and no drama between them, I really wanted more longing, more touching and more kisses.
I had hopes for more after reading the previous book in the series where Gray is introduced. He seemed like a slightly different character than the one we got to know. No less likable, but I think I wanted to see a little more cockiness and teasing than we had.
This was a great story with lots of detail about newspapers and photography of the time- which was very interesting, I just wanted a little more passion along the way
The main characters- Gray and Izzy knew each other 10 years earlier and were almost engaged at that point. So the current story didn’t really show them falling in love or the attraction between them. While I loved that there were no silly misunderstandings and no drama between them, I really wanted more longing, more touching and more kisses.
I had hopes for more after reading the previous book in the series where Gray is introduced. He seemed like a slightly different character than the one we got to know. No less likable, but I think I wanted to see a little more cockiness and teasing than we had.
This was a great story with lots of detail about newspapers and photography of the time- which was very interesting, I just wanted a little more passion along the way
April 11, 2024
A book about a friend of the Cynsters who was in the previous book, Games Lovers Play. Like Marcus Cynster, Lord Grayson Child returns after 10 years in America, and sees that the girl he loved is still single. But Lady Isadora Descartes leads a double life - society lady at night, owner and operator of the weekly newspaper, The London Crier. And Grayson meets her again when he visits to protest a leading gossip story that might be about hiim, but maybe not. But while at the paper's office, upon leaving, they find that the newspaper's photographer has been killed - while they were still there! And to top it off, the police officers who are the first to arrive suspect Isadora. But then, the power of the press comes to the fore, as Isadora, her staff, and surprisingly, Grayson, work to write the story of the murder, including photographs, in order to catch the killer. In the meantime, Grayson and Isadora find that their love never died.
July 16, 2021
Lord Grayson Child has returned from America after a ten-year absence. He has also become very wealthy, so he panics when a newspaper plans an expose on a rich lord. It turns out the owner of the paper is Lady Isadora Descartes, the woman he was courting and left without any explanation ten years ago.
I'll be honest; the romance is only so-so here. It's not steamy at all which I actually prefer in Ms. Laurens's writing because she tends to go very purple in her sex scenes. What I really enjoyed about the book was the historical descriptions of running a newspaper/press and photography in Victorian England. It seems well-researched and I very much enjoyed that aspect of the story. I thought this more of a historical fiction book rather than a historical romance. That was fine with me but may not satisfy other readers.
I'll be honest; the romance is only so-so here. It's not steamy at all which I actually prefer in Ms. Laurens's writing because she tends to go very purple in her sex scenes. What I really enjoyed about the book was the historical descriptions of running a newspaper/press and photography in Victorian England. It seems well-researched and I very much enjoyed that aspect of the story. I thought this more of a historical fiction book rather than a historical romance. That was fine with me but may not satisfy other readers.
April 13, 2023
I know Stephanie Lauren’s doesn’t write an angst romance but seriously how was there no angst here?? This dude overhears a convo that makes him think one thing and he doesn’t even talk to the lady he apparently “loves?” He just disappears?? And she’s left basically jilted in the eyes of society considering it was apparently very obvious that they were one step away from a betrothal. She’s then dealing with the fall out there, her families financial ruin etc and yet when he shows up again she’s just stoked to see him and immediately trusts him? At least he had some angst about her (one line) but she’s just cool with him taking over her entire existence in the name of protection and down to start again without any explanation or apology?
April 26, 2024
Audiobook. This was boring and plot-heavy. The romance was dull. He took off without a word ten years ago, just disappears from England, and she’s not salty? I don’t need angst, but there’s no tension, no yearning, no frisson of anything. It’s all very lukewarm.
I was immediately invested in Isadora. I was eager to learn more about this woman who saved herself after heartbreak and abandonment by creating a sustainable source of income for herself. I was hoping to see the ways her life is affected by her liminal position in society—but once Gray re-enters her life, he occupies all the space in her life. I lost interest in the mystery, especially because character development and romance/relationship building is sacrificed in favor of a plot that went on for far too long.
I was immediately invested in Isadora. I was eager to learn more about this woman who saved herself after heartbreak and abandonment by creating a sustainable source of income for herself. I was hoping to see the ways her life is affected by her liminal position in society—but once Gray re-enters her life, he occupies all the space in her life. I lost interest in the mystery, especially because character development and romance/relationship building is sacrificed in favor of a plot that went on for far too long.
February 5, 2022
More investigation than romance.
I’ve been reading the Cynster, and spin-off series since the early 2000s, and it’s come to a point where I no longer rush to read the newly released titles. They have become very formulaic, and aren’t as dynamic as the early Cynster or Bastion Club books. However, you can usually count on thee being a decent romance tucked in amongst the murder mystery. But not with this book. I felt this was more a cosy mystery, Victorian style, for all the romantic moments this book offered. It was still an okay story, but if you’re expecting the usual Cynster-like romance, then this ain’t it.
3.5 ⭐️
I’ve been reading the Cynster, and spin-off series since the early 2000s, and it’s come to a point where I no longer rush to read the newly released titles. They have become very formulaic, and aren’t as dynamic as the early Cynster or Bastion Club books. However, you can usually count on thee being a decent romance tucked in amongst the murder mystery. But not with this book. I felt this was more a cosy mystery, Victorian style, for all the romantic moments this book offered. It was still an okay story, but if you’re expecting the usual Cynster-like romance, then this ain’t it.
3.5 ⭐️
December 4, 2021
So I have to admit by being shocked at the top reviews for this book. They clearly failed to note a huge difference in the story that makes it different every other story in the Cynster series. There is no stimulus in this book. I would almost argue there’s very little love plot. The characters spend very little time alone together and not even that much time rehashing their past relationship. And what makes it worse is I thought my library didn’t have it so I bought it on audible. So now I have a book that I will never read again. Sad.
July 24, 2021
The Secrets of Lord Grayson Child
Lady Isabella Descartes and Lord Grayson Child were very much in love but he abruptly left town after overhearing a conversation that hurt him deeply. She didn't know of this and was heartbroken. After 10 years have past, he's back in England and they meet once again. After a lot of intrigue the do marry and he has bought her childhood home. Very good story, love all the Cemetery books. I have read them all, many more than once.
Lady Isabella Descartes and Lord Grayson Child were very much in love but he abruptly left town after overhearing a conversation that hurt him deeply. She didn't know of this and was heartbroken. After 10 years have past, he's back in England and they meet once again. After a lot of intrigue the do marry and he has bought her childhood home. Very good story, love all the Cemetery books. I have read them all, many more than once.
June 13, 2025
Purple prose and oh, so terribly twee. I feel like I’ve overindulged on bars of chocolate.
The one redeeming aspect of this strange (for this author) book is the fascinating insight into the burgeoning newspaper industry in mid- 19thC London. If you are seeking one of Lauren’s sizzling romances forget it. A few mildly heated kisses and an awful lot of the aforementioned purple prose describing the closed door wedding night of Gray and Izzy is all that’s on offer.
The one redeeming aspect of this strange (for this author) book is the fascinating insight into the burgeoning newspaper industry in mid- 19thC London. If you are seeking one of Lauren’s sizzling romances forget it. A few mildly heated kisses and an awful lot of the aforementioned purple prose describing the closed door wedding night of Gray and Izzy is all that’s on offer.
August 5, 2021
Murder, mystery and romance all in one package.
Enjoyed this read, unusual in those times that a woman was in charge of her own business let alone ran a newspaper. Enjoyed the process of solving the identity of the murderer to eventually capture, with the feel good romance of the two main characters.
Enjoyed this read, unusual in those times that a woman was in charge of her own business let alone ran a newspaper. Enjoyed the process of solving the identity of the murderer to eventually capture, with the feel good romance of the two main characters.
August 12, 2021
By MR
I think this most be one of her early works because it's nothing like any other Stephanie Laurens novels I've read before and I've read quite a few ...I managed to struggle through three quarters of the book then gave up in the end it was so boring anyone interested in the printing process of a newspaper might find it interesting otherwise give it a miss
I think this most be one of her early works because it's nothing like any other Stephanie Laurens novels I've read before and I've read quite a few ...I managed to struggle through three quarters of the book then gave up in the end it was so boring anyone interested in the printing process of a newspaper might find it interesting otherwise give it a miss
October 17, 2021
Lord Child is dreamy
An overheard plot separates sweethearts for years, but fate brings them back together. Plot about photographs and printing the news was a timely and interesting backdrop for the rekindled romance. Laurens continues to delight with both history and romance! Looking forward to the next one!
An overheard plot separates sweethearts for years, but fate brings them back together. Plot about photographs and printing the news was a timely and interesting backdrop for the rekindled romance. Laurens continues to delight with both history and romance! Looking forward to the next one!
November 15, 2021
3.5 Another in the loooong line of Cynster books. This one was interesting with the descriptions of the inside of a newspaper business and the nefarious plot against the government. The climax was a bit unbelievable but enjoyable. Again women seem to be more assertive and capable and the men seem to be okay with it. Boring romantic interludes. Lotsa words, little action.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2023
Rounded up, though I am not an audio person.
Grayson discovers the woman he abandoned 10 years ago is the editor of a weekly newspaper, who he thought was going to expose his wealth. Together they discover the photographer murdered in the other room. Together they go about proving Izzy's innocence and finding their attraction is still there.
Grayson discovers the woman he abandoned 10 years ago is the editor of a weekly newspaper, who he thought was going to expose his wealth. Together they discover the photographer murdered in the other room. Together they go about proving Izzy's innocence and finding their attraction is still there.
September 4, 2023
Wasn’t what I was looking for in a “Cynster” novel. The storyline was interesting and the romance was sweet, but quite secondary to the plot. However, I found the writing overly descriptive, which made the plot really drag, especially in the parts that were intended to be quick and exciting.
That said, it probably make for a good tv show.
That said, it probably make for a good tv show.
July 22, 2021
I really liked this story. I loved the characters. They were perfect for each other. I really liked the plot, the mystery and the how to figure it out for them. Good to see characters from previous tales too. Can't wait to read the next installment of this series or any new book by Laurens.
July 27, 2021
Riveting
I could not put this down. Conspiracy, murder, government intrigue, this book has it all. Times have changed as younger people rise up to take their place in an England facing new challenges incorporating a changing balance of power. Well done!
I could not put this down. Conspiracy, murder, government intrigue, this book has it all. Times have changed as younger people rise up to take their place in an England facing new challenges incorporating a changing balance of power. Well done!
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