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Cynster #11
The Ideal Bride
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here
Michael Anstruther-Wetherby is a rising member of Parliament—a man destined for power. Aristocratic, elegant, and effortlessly charming, he is just arrogant enough to capture the interest of the ladies of the ton. And with his connections to the wealthy and influential Cynster family—his sister is married to Devil Cynster, the Duke of St. Ives—his future appears assured.
Except that Michael lacks the single most important element of success: a wife.
Michael Anstruther-Wetherby is a rising member of Parliament—a man destined for power. Aristocratic, elegant, and effortlessly charming, he is just arrogant enough to capture the interest of the ladies of the ton. And with his connections to the wealthy and influential Cynster family—his sister is married to Devil Cynster, the Duke of St. Ives—his future appears assured.
Except that Michael lacks the single most important element of success: a wife.
Political pressure sends him searching for his ideal bride, a gently bred, malleable young lady, preferably one with a political background. Michael discovers such a paragon but finds a formidable obstacle in his path—the young lady's beautiful, strong-minded aunt—Caroline Sutcliffe.
One of London's foremost diplomatic hostesses, Caro has style and status but, having lived through an unhappy political marriage, wants nothing of the sort for her niece, who has already lost her heart to another.
So Caro and the younger woman hatch a plot—Caro will demonstrate why an inexperienced young lady is not the bride for Michael. She succeeds in convincing him that what he really needs is a lady of experience by his side.
And the perfect candidate is right under his nose—Caro herself. Then it is Michael's turn to be persuasive, a task that requires every ounce of his seductive charm as he tempts and tantalizes Caro, seeking to convince her that becoming his bride will bring her all her heart desires . . . and more.
But then a series of mysterious, and dangerous, accidents befall Caro—an assailant has stepped in with their own idea for Caro's future—one that could involve murder. Before Caro can become Michael's ideal bride, they must race to uncover the unknown's identity before all hope of what they long for, and wish for, is destroyed.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2004
375 people are currently reading
2242 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
206 books5,588 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 180 reviews
December 1, 2017
For some strange reason I have never read anything by this author before which is odd because
a) I love Regency romances
b) She is an extremely prolific writer and
c) She lives in Australia and can therefore be claimed as an Aussie author.
Anyway I enjoyed my first sortie into her books, starting way down the list at number 11 in a series!
The Regency aspect was well done - Georgette Heyer would be proud of her. She would not of course have approved of all the sex scenes and I myself got tired of them very quickly. A whole chapter at a time devoted entirely to the main couple's bedroom activities was tedious. Quality not quantity was needed here. That or an editor with a red pen.
Apart from that though I thought the characters were fun, the story was interesting and the little mystery was adequate. The whole thing was an entertaining was to pass a few hours and I will try more of this author's work.
a) I love Regency romances
b) She is an extremely prolific writer and
c) She lives in Australia and can therefore be claimed as an Aussie author.
Anyway I enjoyed my first sortie into her books, starting way down the list at number 11 in a series!
The Regency aspect was well done - Georgette Heyer would be proud of her. She would not of course have approved of all the sex scenes and I myself got tired of them very quickly. A whole chapter at a time devoted entirely to the main couple's bedroom activities was tedious. Quality not quantity was needed here. That or an editor with a red pen.
Apart from that though I thought the characters were fun, the story was interesting and the little mystery was adequate. The whole thing was an entertaining was to pass a few hours and I will try more of this author's work.
April 17, 2021
I am re-reading all my 5 star rated romance novels. There are 63 on my shelf (and counting). This is book 59.
(Tropes: Friends to Lovers, Mistaken Identity-ish, Unstarched (him)
This is how my 59th re-read held up.
Ooof.
Michael, the hero, appears beyond stiff and stuffy. And not in a “I can’t wait to see the heroine unstarch and muss up the hero’s hair, cravat and bedclothes” – but more – “what the hell does she see in him?” I get why he wants her, but the other way? Nope.
They start as “friends”, and then bam, the sexual attraction hits them like a hammer. But as far as I am concerned it never moves past that stage.
They lust, and lust and lust. Then they have more sex than I have read combined in the last 5 romance novels. SL can write great sexual tension and sex scenes, I’ll give her that, but my god – pages, and pages, and pages, upon pages.
Michael has redeeming qualities, but there lacks believable warmth, tenderness and simply romance.
He also inhabits an unsettling prowling way of seducing her that made my skin crawl.
And don’t get me started on the mystery. It takes a lot of space, and simply was not intriguing.
Changed from 5 stars to 2 stars.
(Tropes: Friends to Lovers, Mistaken Identity-ish, Unstarched (him)
This is how my 59th re-read held up.
Ooof.
Michael, the hero, appears beyond stiff and stuffy. And not in a “I can’t wait to see the heroine unstarch and muss up the hero’s hair, cravat and bedclothes” – but more – “what the hell does she see in him?” I get why he wants her, but the other way? Nope.
They start as “friends”, and then bam, the sexual attraction hits them like a hammer. But as far as I am concerned it never moves past that stage.
They lust, and lust and lust. Then they have more sex than I have read combined in the last 5 romance novels. SL can write great sexual tension and sex scenes, I’ll give her that, but my god – pages, and pages, and pages, upon pages.
Michael has redeeming qualities, but there lacks believable warmth, tenderness and simply romance.
He also inhabits an unsettling prowling way of seducing her that made my skin crawl.
And don’t get me started on the mystery. It takes a lot of space, and simply was not intriguing.
Changed from 5 stars to 2 stars.
July 12, 2019
3.0 "Not a Real Cynster" stars
This was fun, but it didn't focus on a Cynster....just an in-law and friend.
Devil did make a cameo appearance...Love him
This was fun, but it didn't focus on a Cynster....just an in-law and friend.
Devil did make a cameo appearance...Love him
January 17, 2023
Charming story of a serious-minded man with a future in government and a strong-willed widow with a mind of her own. It was an excellent audio book companion. I paused this series last year because I got bored and am now starting up again.
Michael Anstruther-Wetherby is a man with a bright future in government, but in order to advance much farther he needs a wife. It's not that he is opposed to the institution of marriage, being a good friend of the Cynster family he has seen how happy they are. He knows a love match is not likely, but he does want a suitable wife. He has set his sights on a young, well-bred young lady, Elizabeth, whose family is a near neighbor. He just didn't figure on her aunt, Caroline Sutcliffe, being opposed to the match and doing everything in her power to divert his attentions.
As a young widow, Caroline doesn't want to see her niece trapped into a loveless marriage. When Michael makes his interest in Elizabeth known, Caroline sets out to make him reconsider Elizabeth's suitability. She succeeds, but then finds his attentions fixed on her.
While Caro and Michael dance around each other, there is danger stalking Caro and Michael realizes that he will need to keep her safe if he wants to woo her properly.
Michael Anstruther-Wetherby is a man with a bright future in government, but in order to advance much farther he needs a wife. It's not that he is opposed to the institution of marriage, being a good friend of the Cynster family he has seen how happy they are. He knows a love match is not likely, but he does want a suitable wife. He has set his sights on a young, well-bred young lady, Elizabeth, whose family is a near neighbor. He just didn't figure on her aunt, Caroline Sutcliffe, being opposed to the match and doing everything in her power to divert his attentions.
As a young widow, Caroline doesn't want to see her niece trapped into a loveless marriage. When Michael makes his interest in Elizabeth known, Caroline sets out to make him reconsider Elizabeth's suitability. She succeeds, but then finds his attentions fixed on her.
While Caro and Michael dance around each other, there is danger stalking Caro and Michael realizes that he will need to keep her safe if he wants to woo her properly.
March 21, 2013
I'll be honest and say I didn't really care for the last couple of books in this series. While they were enjoyable, I was frustrated with the characters. Michael and Caro were a nice change. They were both strong characters that were likable.
Once again, I'm invested in the world of the Cynsters.
Once again, I'm invested in the world of the Cynsters.
March 24, 2013
Again with the Cynsters in RLftCI. We decided to go in chronological order instead of published order, so we'll be skipping around the series a bit from this one on. I was ready to read this one until the time came to do it. Then I found myself not in the right mood for a Laurens book. I had a hard time getting into it, and this time I don't think it was the author at fault. It took me until a little over halfway through before I was really interested. The characters were good in this one, both were likable and pleasant. They never really did anything to get on my nerves too bad. I'll admit I skimmed the sex scenes again. Only so many pages of that purpleosity I can take... But I was so glad that there were nowhere near as many as there was in On a Wicked Dawn, so it wasn't such an ordeal. What did really peeve me was the fact that Caro was a virgin. Puh-lease. If you are gonna have your heroine be a widow from a decade long marriage, then don't freakin' cop out and make her a virgin. And what a lame excuse for why she was too. Lame! That aggravated me. Also how they handled the villain in the end. I wanted more of a punishment. I wasn't sure what to think about Ferdinand, and while I was surprised by how that played out, it worked for me. I also liked meeting Breckenridge. He just might be interesting... All in all, despite my trouble getting into it, it wasn't bad. Didn't strike me as very memorable either, but it wasn't bad. We'll be doing Temptation and Surrender next I do believe. Here's to hoping for the best :)
November 25, 2022
The Ideal Bride
2 Stars
Laurens writes entertaining stories with appealing characters and interesting mysteries. However, this book highlights the main issue with many of her works, namely her overwrought, excessively wordy, and often melodramatic writing style.
Despite her tendency toward purple prose and obscure references to emotional responses, Laurens writes sensual sex scenes that highlight her characters' chemistry and intimacy. That said, there are simply too many of these in this installment, and I found myself skimming. Likewise, the overly detailed passages dedicated to Michael and Caro's political savviness detract from the otherwise engaging romance and intriguing mystery.
Michael and Caro's friends-to-lovers relationship does not start out on the right foot. Michael initially comes across as pretentious and pompous in his cold and calculating reasons for finding the ideal bride to advance his political career. Caro isn't all that likable at the beginning either. She deliberately manipulates and deceives Michael rather than simply explaining her concerns about his plans to marry her much younger niece. Thankfully, these issues are resolved quickly without to much angst, and their romance improves as the plot progresses.
In terms of the suspense, there are several interwoven threads that with more cohesive and succinct writing could have resulted in an intense and satisfying thriller. As it stands, the question of who is trying to kill Caro and why is lost in the convoluted and even boring writing.
In sum, Laurens works have such potential and I keep returning to them for the hidden gems amongst all the waffling.
2 Stars
Laurens writes entertaining stories with appealing characters and interesting mysteries. However, this book highlights the main issue with many of her works, namely her overwrought, excessively wordy, and often melodramatic writing style.
Despite her tendency toward purple prose and obscure references to emotional responses, Laurens writes sensual sex scenes that highlight her characters' chemistry and intimacy. That said, there are simply too many of these in this installment, and I found myself skimming. Likewise, the overly detailed passages dedicated to Michael and Caro's political savviness detract from the otherwise engaging romance and intriguing mystery.
Michael and Caro's friends-to-lovers relationship does not start out on the right foot. Michael initially comes across as pretentious and pompous in his cold and calculating reasons for finding the ideal bride to advance his political career. Caro isn't all that likable at the beginning either. She deliberately manipulates and deceives Michael rather than simply explaining her concerns about his plans to marry her much younger niece. Thankfully, these issues are resolved quickly without to much angst, and their romance improves as the plot progresses.
In terms of the suspense, there are several interwoven threads that with more cohesive and succinct writing could have resulted in an intense and satisfying thriller. As it stands, the question of who is trying to kill Caro and why is lost in the convoluted and even boring writing.
In sum, Laurens works have such potential and I keep returning to them for the hidden gems amongst all the waffling.
August 8, 2016
Another wonderful addition to this series!
Michael Anstruther Wetherby, Honorias brother has crossed 30 and single. He is in the political sphere, starts feelings pangs of being single and in desperate need a wife.
He sets his eyes on Elizabeth, the young 19 year old who he thinks will suit his political ambitions.
Sadly, his well laid plans are thwarted by Elizabeth's aunt, Caroline Sutcliffe, known as the Merry Widow, who has her own scars to hide behind her charming nature. As he realizes the inappropriateness of his choice, he falls for the easygoing yet mysterious Caro.
What follows is a really sweet courting and love story between Caro and Michael. I did enjoy their unusual courting, the mystery behind the attempts on Caro's lives and how Michael realized the way to reach Caro's heart by seeing our dearest Honoria and Devil.
Not the best, but one of the finer books in the Cynsters.
Safe read.
3.75/5
Michael Anstruther Wetherby, Honorias brother has crossed 30 and single. He is in the political sphere, starts feelings pangs of being single and in desperate need a wife.
He sets his eyes on Elizabeth, the young 19 year old who he thinks will suit his political ambitions.
Sadly, his well laid plans are thwarted by Elizabeth's aunt, Caroline Sutcliffe, known as the Merry Widow, who has her own scars to hide behind her charming nature. As he realizes the inappropriateness of his choice, he falls for the easygoing yet mysterious Caro.
What follows is a really sweet courting and love story between Caro and Michael. I did enjoy their unusual courting, the mystery behind the attempts on Caro's lives and how Michael realized the way to reach Caro's heart by seeing our dearest Honoria and Devil.
Not the best, but one of the finer books in the Cynsters.
Safe read.
3.75/5
July 5, 2015
Hurt in a previous marriage Caro doesn't want any relationship until she meets Michael. Michael has to convince her that he's there because he wants her not what she can bring to him.
Sweet, sometimes sad book. Enjoyed it. A couple of mysteries to go with it too.
Sweet, sometimes sad book. Enjoyed it. A couple of mysteries to go with it too.
November 7, 2019
I haven't read a virgin widow in forever, what a delight.
Anyway, this came in a box of used books that I ordered from the Ripped Bodice earlier this year, so I'm very happy that I liked it. Somehow I missed Stephanie Laurens when I dove deeper into the world of romance, and I'm glad I could check her off the list.
Anyway, this came in a box of used books that I ordered from the Ripped Bodice earlier this year, so I'm very happy that I liked it. Somehow I missed Stephanie Laurens when I dove deeper into the world of romance, and I'm glad I could check her off the list.
March 9, 2016
Le he dado 3 estrellas a este libro siendo generosa. No es una mala novela romántica, los personajes están bastante bien y a pesar de eso tengo que decir que se me ha hecho aburrida. Sí, aburrida. Caro es un personaje femenino que me ha gustado mucho, el protagonista masculino ya es más típico, seguro de sí mismo, poderoso, arrogante... ¿por qué me ha aburrido esta historia? Pues tiene bastantes páginas y letra pequeña pero más que pasar muchas cosas, sucede siempre lo mismo. Al principio Michael no está interesado en Caro, aunque por la sinopsis sabremos que es así y este interés cambia muy rápido, no se lo cuestiona mucho y eso no me ha gustado. No hay muchos inconvenientes para detener esta relación, el misterio que hay en torno a los atacantes de Caro no es muy interesante y la causa de que sea aburrida y repetitiva son las continuas escenas amorosas. Cada dos por tres hay páginas y páginas dedicadas a los besos y demás comportamientos relacionados con el sexo entre los personajes.
Aunque yo no soy una persona que necesite escenas explícitas en una historia romántica no me molestan si están bien llevadas y sobre todo, si hay tensión y emoción con respecto a ellas, si son necesarias, pero cuando están cada dos por tres sin aportar nada y cortando el avance de la trama... eso es lo peor de lejos de esta novela. La gran mayoría de estas escenas están de relleno, son aburridas y cortan el ritmo, con lo cual le doy 3 estrellas por que me ha gustado Caro pero son 3 estrellas muy justitas porque hacia el final ya no tenía ganas de leer. Y ese es otro punto a tratar, el final tiene una parte curiosa que se podría haber explotado mejor y otra predecible. Agridulce ha sido esta historia, podría haber mejorado mucho con unos cuantos retoques.
Aunque yo no soy una persona que necesite escenas explícitas en una historia romántica no me molestan si están bien llevadas y sobre todo, si hay tensión y emoción con respecto a ellas, si son necesarias, pero cuando están cada dos por tres sin aportar nada y cortando el avance de la trama... eso es lo peor de lejos de esta novela. La gran mayoría de estas escenas están de relleno, son aburridas y cortan el ritmo, con lo cual le doy 3 estrellas por que me ha gustado Caro pero son 3 estrellas muy justitas porque hacia el final ya no tenía ganas de leer. Y ese es otro punto a tratar, el final tiene una parte curiosa que se podría haber explotado mejor y otra predecible. Agridulce ha sido esta historia, podría haber mejorado mucho con unos cuantos retoques.
February 17, 2016
2.5 stars
When I first started reading historical romances I used to love the Cynster books by Stephanie Laurens. I don't know what happened but I just can't get into them like I used to. Maybe it's my fault and my taste changed too much in the years since I started reading them or maybe it's the writing that changed. Anyway, I'm not enjoying them like I used to.
The Ideal Bride wasn't a bad book. It was just a little too long, with not enough happening in it for my taste. I found myself skimming pages and I hate doing that. There were no highs or lows in this romance. The main hero and heroine are likable enough, but something pleasant isn't enough to evoke a strong response from me. Much more of a lukewarm romance.
When I first started reading historical romances I used to love the Cynster books by Stephanie Laurens. I don't know what happened but I just can't get into them like I used to. Maybe it's my fault and my taste changed too much in the years since I started reading them or maybe it's the writing that changed. Anyway, I'm not enjoying them like I used to.
The Ideal Bride wasn't a bad book. It was just a little too long, with not enough happening in it for my taste. I found myself skimming pages and I hate doing that. There were no highs or lows in this romance. The main hero and heroine are likable enough, but something pleasant isn't enough to evoke a strong response from me. Much more of a lukewarm romance.
June 13, 2019
Another of the Cynster books, in this one Honoria's brother Marcus is looking for a bride. Great book as always from this author.
Re-read 2017
Still, love the Cynster's though some of their books aren't as entertaining now that I'm older. This one, however, is still as enjoyable as the first time that I read it. I believe that it's due to the storyline and the main female character being a widow rather than a young girl in the Ton.
Re-read 2019
Still one of my favorites in the Cynster series.
Re-read 2017
Still, love the Cynster's though some of their books aren't as entertaining now that I'm older. This one, however, is still as enjoyable as the first time that I read it. I believe that it's due to the storyline and the main female character being a widow rather than a young girl in the Ton.
Re-read 2019
Still one of my favorites in the Cynster series.
January 1, 2011
I felt this book dragged way too much. There was way too many erotic scenes for me. I want to skip them but I don't because I feel that I might miss something...I don't. I know it is a mystery book too but I do not consider it to be much of a mystery if I figure out who the bad guy is a quarter of the way into the book.
Read
May 13, 2011stephanie laurens pertama yg ku baca yg ngebuat aq ngotot pengen koleksi novel SL yg lain terutama yg cynster series.
ideal bride bercerita ttg Michael Anstruther-Wetherby (xixixixixi tumben ya aq inget nama lengkap begini???), seorang anggota parlemen. michael adl kakak ipar dari Devil Cynster, the Duke of St. Ives.
ingin mendapat posisi lebih tinggi tapi kondisi mengharuskan michael untuk segera menikah.
pandangannya jatuh pada ellisabeth (kagak ingat nama belakangnya). ellisabeth dari keluarga terkemuka, berpendidikan & punya seorang bibi yg menikah dengan seorang diplomat terkenal inggris, caroline sutcliffe.
tapiiiii diperjalanan ternyata ellisabeth sudah memiliki kekasih, edward namanya (kalo ga salah), asisten pribadi caro.
dengan bantuan caro, ellisabeth ingin menampilkan sosok dirinya yg sama sekali unsuitable untuk menjadi istri seorang politikus.
rencana itu berhasil, tanpa usaha keras, namun sekarang michael jadi tertarik pd caro.
caro yg sering dijuluki "janda ceria" ternyata sangat berbeda dengan julukan tersebut.
bertahun2 menikah dengan camden sutcliffe ternyata caro masih "murni".
michael ingin menjadikan caro istrinya (tentu saja caro lebih pas jd istri politikus dibandingkan ellisabeth) tp caro menolak karna tidak ingin lagi menjadi orang yg dipergunakan dalam kancah politik.
caro juga menyukai michael tp dia lbeih rela menjadi mistress michael daripada jd istri michael.
ais dasar caro aneh2 aja nih. tp yah maklumlah kalo diliat dari masa lalu yg dialami caro selama menikah dengan camden.
michael tidak mau menyerah, dia tetap ingin caro menjadi istri resminya tp sementara dia harus mengikuti keinginan aro dulu sambil membujuk caro agar berubah pikiran.
tapi sblm itu michael harus mengungkpakan kejadian2 misterius yg terjadi disekeliling caro.
yup kayaknya caro diincar seseorang deh.
kudanya diketapel seseorang, lalu ada penghadangan dijalan.
ternyata masa lalu caro menyimpan banyak rahasia.
rahasia2 besar yg dapat merusak segala image diri camden yg bersih.
camden ternyata memiliki 2 anak haram.
1 anak perempuan yg tak pernah diakuinya (anak yg didapatnya dari adik iparnya sendiri) & 1 anak laki2 yg walo tak dapat diakuinya tp setidaknya mendapatkan perhatian camden.
anak laki2 yg akrab dengan caro, hal yg tidak disukai michael mengingat reputasi si anak laki2 sbg seorang playboy sejati (duh sapa ya nama tuh orang??? lupa berattttt yg kuingat orangnya cakep tak terkira).
caro adl pribadi yg sangat mandiri & elegan. pribadi yg sangat menarik.
aq suka banget nih ma caro.
ngomong2 pssstttt nih novel bebas sensor benerrrrr.
ya ampun bahasanya terbuka sekaleeee. aq baca sambil kipas2.
mantap benerrrrr xixixixixixii
tapi aq ngincer buku2 SL lainnya bukan cuma gara2 adegan ini ya hehehehehehe
tp karena SL gaya berceritanya sangat menarik, sangat membuat penasaran.
tiap karakter dalam novelnya sangat kuat & kekeluargaan dalam tiap novelnya pun benar2 membuat iri.
keluarga cynster walo hanya keluarga ipar michael tp mereka tanpa pikir panjang membantu michael menyelesaikan masalah caro.
top deh pokoknya.
ideal bride bercerita ttg Michael Anstruther-Wetherby (xixixixixi tumben ya aq inget nama lengkap begini???), seorang anggota parlemen. michael adl kakak ipar dari Devil Cynster, the Duke of St. Ives.
ingin mendapat posisi lebih tinggi tapi kondisi mengharuskan michael untuk segera menikah.
pandangannya jatuh pada ellisabeth (kagak ingat nama belakangnya). ellisabeth dari keluarga terkemuka, berpendidikan & punya seorang bibi yg menikah dengan seorang diplomat terkenal inggris, caroline sutcliffe.
tapiiiii diperjalanan ternyata ellisabeth sudah memiliki kekasih, edward namanya (kalo ga salah), asisten pribadi caro.
dengan bantuan caro, ellisabeth ingin menampilkan sosok dirinya yg sama sekali unsuitable untuk menjadi istri seorang politikus.
rencana itu berhasil, tanpa usaha keras, namun sekarang michael jadi tertarik pd caro.
caro yg sering dijuluki "janda ceria" ternyata sangat berbeda dengan julukan tersebut.
bertahun2 menikah dengan camden sutcliffe ternyata caro masih "murni".
michael ingin menjadikan caro istrinya (tentu saja caro lebih pas jd istri politikus dibandingkan ellisabeth) tp caro menolak karna tidak ingin lagi menjadi orang yg dipergunakan dalam kancah politik.
caro juga menyukai michael tp dia lbeih rela menjadi mistress michael daripada jd istri michael.
ais dasar caro aneh2 aja nih. tp yah maklumlah kalo diliat dari masa lalu yg dialami caro selama menikah dengan camden.
michael tidak mau menyerah, dia tetap ingin caro menjadi istri resminya tp sementara dia harus mengikuti keinginan aro dulu sambil membujuk caro agar berubah pikiran.
tapi sblm itu michael harus mengungkpakan kejadian2 misterius yg terjadi disekeliling caro.
yup kayaknya caro diincar seseorang deh.
kudanya diketapel seseorang, lalu ada penghadangan dijalan.
ternyata masa lalu caro menyimpan banyak rahasia.
rahasia2 besar yg dapat merusak segala image diri camden yg bersih.
camden ternyata memiliki 2 anak haram.
1 anak perempuan yg tak pernah diakuinya (anak yg didapatnya dari adik iparnya sendiri) & 1 anak laki2 yg walo tak dapat diakuinya tp setidaknya mendapatkan perhatian camden.
anak laki2 yg akrab dengan caro, hal yg tidak disukai michael mengingat reputasi si anak laki2 sbg seorang playboy sejati (duh sapa ya nama tuh orang??? lupa berattttt yg kuingat orangnya cakep tak terkira).
caro adl pribadi yg sangat mandiri & elegan. pribadi yg sangat menarik.
aq suka banget nih ma caro.
ngomong2 pssstttt nih novel bebas sensor benerrrrr.
ya ampun bahasanya terbuka sekaleeee. aq baca sambil kipas2.
mantap benerrrrr xixixixixixii
tapi aq ngincer buku2 SL lainnya bukan cuma gara2 adegan ini ya hehehehehehe
tp karena SL gaya berceritanya sangat menarik, sangat membuat penasaran.
tiap karakter dalam novelnya sangat kuat & kekeluargaan dalam tiap novelnya pun benar2 membuat iri.
keluarga cynster walo hanya keluarga ipar michael tp mereka tanpa pikir panjang membantu michael menyelesaikan masalah caro.
top deh pokoknya.
September 20, 2010
When you read any romance novel, you expect a little skin but this book had way too much. I skipped over nearly a third of the book because there was so much. It was boring.
November 12, 2021
This one is a little too old school romance for my preferences. Caro is a tour de force in the drawing rooms among the political and diplomatic elite but she's too buttoned-up and willing to defer to Michael or anyone, she reacts to the plot she's not driving it. What really got me was how Michael knows better than she what her body needs ... blech I can't say that without wanting to barf a little. In the beginning she full on panics when he kisses her and he just ignores it because he knows she wants him to keep going... ugh no, stop, let's talk about consent and respecting our partner's boundareies. They're a decent match for each other, but this one is just not a match for me, it's just not as much fun as the others in the series.
Also, I don't remember any of this being mentioned in Breckinridge's book with Heather! It was a surprise to me how big of a role he played here since I don't remember Michael and Caro in his book at all.
Also, I don't remember any of this being mentioned in Breckinridge's book with Heather! It was a surprise to me how big of a role he played here since I don't remember Michael and Caro in his book at all.
August 27, 2017
I enjoyed this book more that the last couple in this series, thankfully. I would have liked to give it 3 1/2 stars. But, oh well.
This story of Michael and Caro was still a bit too slow moving for my tastes. And too many pages devoted to the sex. Fortunately, that dissipated as the book progressed. Michael is a diplomat knowing that promotion requires a wife who can actively support him . Caro is the widow of a diplomat who is trying to dissuade him from his choice. It worked. However, they discovered that they were perfect for each other. Good HEA. Actually left me hoping for a good story in the next installment.
This story of Michael and Caro was still a bit too slow moving for my tastes. And too many pages devoted to the sex. Fortunately, that dissipated as the book progressed. Michael is a diplomat knowing that promotion requires a wife who can actively support him . Caro is the widow of a diplomat who is trying to dissuade him from his choice. It worked. However, they discovered that they were perfect for each other. Good HEA. Actually left me hoping for a good story in the next installment.
November 10, 2019
Please don’t be influenced by my 2 stars. As much as I’ve loved previous books by this author I’ve (at chapter 7) lost interest in this story.
The story started off with a complete bang! as lady Caro enters the scene holding on for dear life of her runaway gig/horse and Michael comes to her rescue and saves the day. Apparently the reason the usually gentle horse took off was someone took a shot at it.
Michael, who is intent on asking for Caro’s niece Elizabeth to marry him (thinking she would make a suitable wife for a man in politics). However Elizabeth loves another, Caro has come to help Elizabeth and plot to help Michael see just how unsuitable a wife she would be.
Chapter 7 I’m finding the story a little on the slow side.
The story started off with a complete bang! as lady Caro enters the scene holding on for dear life of her runaway gig/horse and Michael comes to her rescue and saves the day. Apparently the reason the usually gentle horse took off was someone took a shot at it.
Michael, who is intent on asking for Caro’s niece Elizabeth to marry him (thinking she would make a suitable wife for a man in politics). However Elizabeth loves another, Caro has come to help Elizabeth and plot to help Michael see just how unsuitable a wife she would be.
Chapter 7 I’m finding the story a little on the slow side.
August 19, 2020
Back on track. The last few books in this series were not ideal Laurens’ in my opinion. The Ideal Bride brings the series back to it’s roots. Strong male and female characters, well developed plot and subplots. Hoping the other 17 remaining books are on par with this.
October 9, 2023
Niet heel best
April 11, 2022
I wasn't sure I'd like a Cynster adjacent story but Stephanie Laurens proved me wrong. Fabulous story. One of my favorite of the series.
June 4, 2008
Honoria's brother, Michael Anstruther-Wetherby, is looking forward to a bright future in politics, but he needs a wife. He thinks he's found the perfect woman in Elizabeth, a young and innocent miss, but her widowed aunt Caroline is against the match. Caro has vast experience in the political and diplomatic field, and finds herself the new target of Michael.
This one falls back in time, ten years before the previous book (The Perfect Lover), and taking place right after Amelia marries, so that's a little disconcerting right on the get-go. Michael and Caro are both interesting and mature characters, but there's a little bit of a disconnect from the reader, not allowing us to really connect with them. I was also a little weary of the "surprise" virgin widow plot twist. The climax to the attempted murder plotline was a bit more interesting than previous stories. Overall a solid effort, but the politics background dragged it down.
This one falls back in time, ten years before the previous book (The Perfect Lover), and taking place right after Amelia marries, so that's a little disconcerting right on the get-go. Michael and Caro are both interesting and mature characters, but there's a little bit of a disconnect from the reader, not allowing us to really connect with them. I was also a little weary of the "surprise" virgin widow plot twist. The climax to the attempted murder plotline was a bit more interesting than previous stories. Overall a solid effort, but the politics background dragged it down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2011
Even though she’s very accomplished in the diplomatic milieu, Caroline is determined not to act as a political or diplomatic hostess for any man ever again. But all that diplomatic experience made it almost easy for her to manage people without seeming to be a managing woman. So why can’t she manage Michael?
Michael has been very successful in his diplomatic career, but to be seriously considered for the next appointment, he must be a married man. So he chooses a young woman he thinks will be his ideal bride; unfortunately for him, his chosen one has already chosen someone else, so her Aunt Caro uses her diplomatic skills to try to convince Michael that he should choose someone else. She’s so successful that Michael turns his sights on her, but when he proposes marriage, she’s vehemently opposed, having decided that this merry widow is ready for an affair, not a marriage to another diplomat. Michael has his work cut out for him!
Michael has been very successful in his diplomatic career, but to be seriously considered for the next appointment, he must be a married man. So he chooses a young woman he thinks will be his ideal bride; unfortunately for him, his chosen one has already chosen someone else, so her Aunt Caro uses her diplomatic skills to try to convince Michael that he should choose someone else. She’s so successful that Michael turns his sights on her, but when he proposes marriage, she’s vehemently opposed, having decided that this merry widow is ready for an affair, not a marriage to another diplomat. Michael has his work cut out for him!
February 5, 2015
I have to say that I'm really glad that I read this, It's been a while for me since I've read Stephanie Laurens as I have largely turned off historicals recently. I was charmed by Caro and Michael, by their maturity and ease with each other. The characters had an easy respect for each other and a friendship and understanding that made their relationship development believable. While the plot was formulaic, even down to Caro's innocence and the mystery sub-plot that wasn't that mysterious... I enjoyed the political nuances and the country-romance feel of the book. I was very much in the mood for this story and may very well have broken the historical-romance funk I've been in!
March 6, 2016
La verdad es que me ha gustado mucho la historia, pero la forma en la que escribe se me ha hecho muy pesada, en especial las escenas en las que le desata los lazos del vestido... se me ha hecho un algo pesada. Y las escenas de intimidad entre los dos me han resultado un poco repetitivas. Por otro lado el final me ha encantado, me ha sorprendido y ha hecho que la novela mejorara bastante, a pesar de ciertos momentos un tanto predecibles.
August 21, 2012
This book was just OK. It was slow moving and I never felt excited while reading it. It took me much longer to read than most books do.
February 25, 2024
Refreshing and Different in Series
This book stood out to me because of how well the two main characters worked together. They truly seemed to compliment each other and share the same world.
Caro was interesting and stood out from a lot of other heroines I've read. Her diplomatic ties, ability to read people and situations case on display, and it was obvious her skills were seen as a strength and asset to be respected.
Michael wasn't as high handed as other men in the series, which worked well. The times that he did act more like the others honestly didn't feel right for him - felt forced - and sometimes seemed to be countered by other words or actions, which further rendered those moments unfitting. This was at its worst when he first focused on Caro before they fully came together. As the book went on, Michael felt much more natural and well suited for Caro. He also put more in Caro's hands and respected her position/pov than I recall any heroes doing. He's probably my favorite hero in the series because of it.
The plot pace was decent, although there were quite a lot of verbose intimate scenes, and mystery was done well. I guessed some aspects, but not all. Caro and Michael worked together and were fairly open with each other throughout. One situation which could have been used as a point of drama with secrets and misunderstandings was actually used as a point of trust and understanding acceptance. This was refreshing.
There were aspects that frustrated me, such as repeated elements from previous books, the heroine being seemingly oblivious to the potential for a pregnancy, the repetition of certain words/phrases ('ingenuous' and 'tack' being the worst offenders), and the aforementioned high-handed 'presumptuous male' moments. The latter two mostly took place in the first half of the book. Luckily, these both improved in the second half, and the book ended on a high note for me.
SPOILERS
One aspect that seemed unnecessary and fairly unrealistic was that Caro was a virgin after 10ish years of marriage because her husband was self conscious of their age gap... (though she still should have been given the shoddy reason). He could have been diseased or just unable at all. Or Caro could just have not been a virgin. She could have still felt undesirable/not enough if her husband jumped back to his affairs quickly after their marriage. The experience could have even been lacking to still maintain the sense of discovery and awakening with Michael. This aspect didn't ruin the story for me, but suspended disbelief.
This book stood out to me because of how well the two main characters worked together. They truly seemed to compliment each other and share the same world.
Caro was interesting and stood out from a lot of other heroines I've read. Her diplomatic ties, ability to read people and situations case on display, and it was obvious her skills were seen as a strength and asset to be respected.
Michael wasn't as high handed as other men in the series, which worked well. The times that he did act more like the others honestly didn't feel right for him - felt forced - and sometimes seemed to be countered by other words or actions, which further rendered those moments unfitting. This was at its worst when he first focused on Caro before they fully came together. As the book went on, Michael felt much more natural and well suited for Caro. He also put more in Caro's hands and respected her position/pov than I recall any heroes doing. He's probably my favorite hero in the series because of it.
The plot pace was decent, although there were quite a lot of verbose intimate scenes, and mystery was done well. I guessed some aspects, but not all. Caro and Michael worked together and were fairly open with each other throughout. One situation which could have been used as a point of drama with secrets and misunderstandings was actually used as a point of trust and understanding acceptance. This was refreshing.
There were aspects that frustrated me, such as repeated elements from previous books, the heroine being seemingly oblivious to the potential for a pregnancy, the repetition of certain words/phrases ('ingenuous' and 'tack' being the worst offenders), and the aforementioned high-handed 'presumptuous male' moments. The latter two mostly took place in the first half of the book. Luckily, these both improved in the second half, and the book ended on a high note for me.
SPOILERS
One aspect that seemed unnecessary and fairly unrealistic was that Caro was a virgin after 10ish years of marriage because her husband was self conscious of their age gap... (though she still should have been given the shoddy reason). He could have been diseased or just unable at all. Or Caro could just have not been a virgin. She could have still felt undesirable/not enough if her husband jumped back to his affairs quickly after their marriage. The experience could have even been lacking to still maintain the sense of discovery and awakening with Michael. This aspect didn't ruin the story for me, but suspended disbelief.
March 26, 2020
I loved this book and the novelty of a different than usual storyline! Honestly after the disappointment of the last few books in this series, I didn’t expect this book to be so good. I intentionally skipped Simon's book, choosing to read in chronological order rather than published order. Also, Michael's interaction with Amelia in her book was intriguing and I remember liking him when he played a part in Honoria and Devil's marriage. The prologue made it sound like Michael and Caro will be at loggerheads because of his cold reasons of choosing Caro's niece. It was surprising to find them being childhood acquaintances meeting after ages.
The best part in this book is the maturity of the lead couple and the emotional bond they share. I loved that Michael was so understanding and patient in waiting for Caro to become convinced to their marriage. Always being used to the male lead pressuring and prodding his lady to accept his offer in historical romances, it was a pleasure to find someone who understands a lady's misgivings and handing her the reins to their future. Michael is now among my favourite heroes in this series, alongside Devil and Gabriel. It was also refreshing to find a hero who is not governed by primitive conqueror instincts :P
Caro, for her part, was wonderfully confident, assured and delightful. I loved how she directed and made a lot of decisions in her relationship with Michael. Although she had reasons aplenty to be skittish and put up hurdles in Michael's pursuit of her, at many places she followed her desires despite the fears. Although a bit long, the book was so engrossing that I couldn't put it down.
My only complaint is the weak reasoning behind Camden and Caro's farce of a marriage. I can see why he chose her to be his hostess, but there could’ve been a better explanation to him treating her so poorly in their marriage. I hope that this is the start of better books in this series.
PS : I have high hopes for the Viscount of Breckenridge! :D
The best part in this book is the maturity of the lead couple and the emotional bond they share. I loved that Michael was so understanding and patient in waiting for Caro to become convinced to their marriage. Always being used to the male lead pressuring and prodding his lady to accept his offer in historical romances, it was a pleasure to find someone who understands a lady's misgivings and handing her the reins to their future. Michael is now among my favourite heroes in this series, alongside Devil and Gabriel. It was also refreshing to find a hero who is not governed by primitive conqueror instincts :P
Caro, for her part, was wonderfully confident, assured and delightful. I loved how she directed and made a lot of decisions in her relationship with Michael. Although she had reasons aplenty to be skittish and put up hurdles in Michael's pursuit of her, at many places she followed her desires despite the fears. Although a bit long, the book was so engrossing that I couldn't put it down.
My only complaint is the weak reasoning behind Camden and Caro's farce of a marriage. I can see why he chose her to be his hostess, but there could’ve been a better explanation to him treating her so poorly in their marriage. I hope that this is the start of better books in this series.
PS : I have high hopes for the Viscount of Breckenridge! :D
August 28, 2021
My rating: 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
This book is well-written, because Stephanie Laurens is a talented writer. I read it several years ago, but recently decided to re-read the entire Cynster series, since I had enjoyed them all. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I still like this book -- maybe not quite as much as the first read, but I still liked it a lot.
Michael was OK, but it bothered me that he was so set on marrying simply to help his political ambitions. He was so calculating about it, just looking for someone who would be a good political hostess -- he didn't seem to even consider that he should care for her. That attitude changed some after he got re-acquainted with Caro, but he was still too determined to marry mostly because of his ambitions. He also seemed to be mostly in lust with Caro, not love, up until almost the end of the book.
I liked Caro, but thought she did some dumb things that put her in danger. She was just determined NOT to believe that someone was trying to kill her, and didn't want any restrictions placed on her typical behavior. I did wish, too, that Michael had told why her first marriage was so odd.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
This book is well-written, because Stephanie Laurens is a talented writer. I read it several years ago, but recently decided to re-read the entire Cynster series, since I had enjoyed them all. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I still like this book -- maybe not quite as much as the first read, but I still liked it a lot.
Michael was OK, but it bothered me that he was so set on marrying simply to help his political ambitions. He was so calculating about it, just looking for someone who would be a good political hostess -- he didn't seem to even consider that he should care for her. That attitude changed some after he got re-acquainted with Caro, but he was still too determined to marry mostly because of his ambitions. He also seemed to be mostly in lust with Caro, not love, up until almost the end of the book.
I liked Caro, but thought she did some dumb things that put her in danger. She was just determined NOT to believe that someone was trying to kill her, and didn't want any restrictions placed on her typical behavior. I did wish, too, that Michael had told why her first marriage was so odd.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
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