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Black Cobra Quartet #2
The Elusive Bride
A second battle-hardened, completely unstoppable, all-male hero, an ex-officer of the Crown, confronts the deadly enemy known only as the Black Cobra.
He's focused on his mission, then sees a lady he never dreamed he'd see again—with an assassin on her heels.
She secretly followed him, unaware her path is deadly—or that she'll join him to battle a treacherous foe.
Through ever-present peril, through passion, desire, and ecstasy, they race to reach England—and their destiny.
He's focused on his mission, then sees a lady he never dreamed he'd see again—with an assassin on her heels.
She secretly followed him, unaware her path is deadly—or that she'll join him to battle a treacherous foe.
Through ever-present peril, through passion, desire, and ecstasy, they race to reach England—and their destiny.
452 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
194 people are currently reading
1495 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
206 books5,586 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 230 reviews
February 13, 2010
I want to state for the record: When I purchase a book from the grocery store, I don't expect Anna Karenina. I want a good story, some good dialogue, some smutty sex and writing that doesn't make me actively cringe. That is all.
That being said, I don't know how this book got published. Clearly Ms. Laurens's previous titles and selling power were enough to release this tripe into the universe. To call this book stupid would be an understatement. Editors were asleep at the wheel and deserve a pay cut for this one. Trees should be planted to make up for the paper used to print this. Myself? I want compensation for the time I spent reading it.
First, let's start with the insipid diary in which the titled Miss pours her heart out over her "one." Her "one and only gentleman just for her." Barf-o-rama. Everysingleentry!!!!!! I started skipping them because they were unreadable. My sister writes more interestingly of love and she's fresh out of high school.
Second, what was with the threat from the cult without a cause? The cultists are coming! The cultists are coming! There was a paragraph towards the end that alluded to the hedonistic cult without a cause--money and wealth and power--led by nefarious sons of Shrewton. As the locus of the group was in England (and I am theorizing here due to a lack of explanation), what was the need for the menacing Muslim-esque jihadist assassins? (They were quite stereotypically extremist, obedient and expendable.)
Next, the sex. How disappointing. There were palms and exploration. Kisses and sighs. Need! Want! Passion! But what happened to the heaving coral tipped nipples and straining erections that lovers of smutty historical fiction relish? I began skimming those parts too. Quelle bore.
Lastly, the writing. Unfortunately, the diary was not the only unreadable part. Commas and convoluted sentences abound and the fragmented sentences were annoying.
I have read some of Stephanie Laurens's other books and expected better.
That being said, I don't know how this book got published. Clearly Ms. Laurens's previous titles and selling power were enough to release this tripe into the universe. To call this book stupid would be an understatement. Editors were asleep at the wheel and deserve a pay cut for this one. Trees should be planted to make up for the paper used to print this. Myself? I want compensation for the time I spent reading it.
First, let's start with the insipid diary in which the titled Miss pours her heart out over her "one." Her "one and only gentleman just for her." Barf-o-rama. Everysingleentry!!!!!! I started skipping them because they were unreadable. My sister writes more interestingly of love and she's fresh out of high school.
Second, what was with the threat from the cult without a cause? The cultists are coming! The cultists are coming! There was a paragraph towards the end that alluded to the hedonistic cult without a cause--money and wealth and power--led by nefarious sons of Shrewton. As the locus of the group was in England (and I am theorizing here due to a lack of explanation), what was the need for the menacing Muslim-esque jihadist assassins? (They were quite stereotypically extremist, obedient and expendable.)
Next, the sex. How disappointing. There were palms and exploration. Kisses and sighs. Need! Want! Passion! But what happened to the heaving coral tipped nipples and straining erections that lovers of smutty historical fiction relish? I began skimming those parts too. Quelle bore.
Lastly, the writing. Unfortunately, the diary was not the only unreadable part. Commas and convoluted sentences abound and the fragmented sentences were annoying.
I have read some of Stephanie Laurens's other books and expected better.
December 16, 2021
The Elusive Bride
3 Stars
The focus in this installment is on Major Gareth Hamilton and Miss Emily Ensworth as they travel across Egypt and Europe on their way to deliver the decoy letter containing the identity of the leader of the Black Cobra Cult. The events in this book occur in parallel with those of book #1.
While the overall suspense plot has potential, and it is entertaining to trace Gareth and Emily's journey via Google Maps, the repetitive episodic pattern of the narrative serves little purpose other than to fill the pages. Moreover, the insipid entries from Emily's diary interspersed throughout are childish and immature. She is more interested in learning whether Gareth is worthy husband material than the fact that murderous cultists are trying to kill her.
Gareth and Emily's romance falls flat as compared to Del and Deliah's. Emily's decision to chase after Gareth as she believes he is the "One" (i.e., the man she can love and marry) is exceedingly foolish. Her non-sensical pursuit together with Gareth's reticence with regard to the possibility of a relationship undermines what little chemistry they have.
The cameo appearances by the various members of the Bastion Club and their spouses are entertaining, and it is good to catch up on the various couples' lives.
The next book focuses on Logan Moncreith who has apparently lost his memory. It should be interesting to see how this affects the decoy letter plot device.
3 Stars
The focus in this installment is on Major Gareth Hamilton and Miss Emily Ensworth as they travel across Egypt and Europe on their way to deliver the decoy letter containing the identity of the leader of the Black Cobra Cult. The events in this book occur in parallel with those of book #1.
While the overall suspense plot has potential, and it is entertaining to trace Gareth and Emily's journey via Google Maps, the repetitive episodic pattern of the narrative serves little purpose other than to fill the pages. Moreover, the insipid entries from Emily's diary interspersed throughout are childish and immature. She is more interested in learning whether Gareth is worthy husband material than the fact that murderous cultists are trying to kill her.
Gareth and Emily's romance falls flat as compared to Del and Deliah's. Emily's decision to chase after Gareth as she believes he is the "One" (i.e., the man she can love and marry) is exceedingly foolish. Her non-sensical pursuit together with Gareth's reticence with regard to the possibility of a relationship undermines what little chemistry they have.
The cameo appearances by the various members of the Bastion Club and their spouses are entertaining, and it is good to catch up on the various couples' lives.
The next book focuses on Logan Moncreith who has apparently lost his memory. It should be interesting to see how this affects the decoy letter plot device.
April 11, 2020
#55 - 2020
Genre: Historical Romance
Aku baca buku ini tanpa membaca buku pertamanya, karena awalnya beli tanpa cek dulu di Goodreads, tapi ternyata masih bisa dipahami walaupun gak baca yang pertama.
Garis besarnya menceritakan petualangan Gareth Hamilton dan Emily Ensworth dalam melawan kelompok Kobra Hitam, yang membuat mereka mengarungi perjalanan dari India sampai ke Inggris.
Dalam hal ini Emily berniat mengejar Gareth yang dia anggap jodohnya. Tindakan yang cukup berani buat wanita di zaman ini (1822). Emang niat sih dia cari jodoh, begitu ketemu sudah pas aja nganggep Gareth jodohnya.
Buku ini sebagian besar menceritakan perjalanan pulang ke Inggris mereka yang dibayangi oleh kelompok Kobra Hitam. Emily menjadi target karena membawa surat dari Captain MacFarlane yang ada kaitannya dengan kelompom tersebut.
Selama perjalanan ini Emily menggunakan segala charmsnya untuk membuat Gareth tertarik kepadanya, walaupun sebenarnya Gareth sudah tertarik juga dari awal ketemu. Kagum juga sama keagresifan Emily, biasanya kan cewek2 jaman itu digambarkan stiff dan meek gitu.
Sayangnya kurang seru plot percintaan mereka, kurang ada problem yang berarti, terlalu smooth, jadi gak terlalu menarik buatku. Terlalu datar-datar saja, mungkin pengarang lebih menitik beratkan ke cerita perlawanan menghindari kelompok Kobra Hitam, dan apa dibalik intrik kelompok tersebut.
Genre: Historical Romance
Aku baca buku ini tanpa membaca buku pertamanya, karena awalnya beli tanpa cek dulu di Goodreads, tapi ternyata masih bisa dipahami walaupun gak baca yang pertama.
Garis besarnya menceritakan petualangan Gareth Hamilton dan Emily Ensworth dalam melawan kelompok Kobra Hitam, yang membuat mereka mengarungi perjalanan dari India sampai ke Inggris.
Dalam hal ini Emily berniat mengejar Gareth yang dia anggap jodohnya. Tindakan yang cukup berani buat wanita di zaman ini (1822). Emang niat sih dia cari jodoh, begitu ketemu sudah pas aja nganggep Gareth jodohnya.
Buku ini sebagian besar menceritakan perjalanan pulang ke Inggris mereka yang dibayangi oleh kelompok Kobra Hitam. Emily menjadi target karena membawa surat dari Captain MacFarlane yang ada kaitannya dengan kelompom tersebut.
Selama perjalanan ini Emily menggunakan segala charmsnya untuk membuat Gareth tertarik kepadanya, walaupun sebenarnya Gareth sudah tertarik juga dari awal ketemu. Kagum juga sama keagresifan Emily, biasanya kan cewek2 jaman itu digambarkan stiff dan meek gitu.
Sayangnya kurang seru plot percintaan mereka, kurang ada problem yang berarti, terlalu smooth, jadi gak terlalu menarik buatku. Terlalu datar-datar saja, mungkin pengarang lebih menitik beratkan ke cerita perlawanan menghindari kelompok Kobra Hitam, dan apa dibalik intrik kelompok tersebut.
February 6, 2018
2.5 Well, what can I say... I've had enough of the Black Cobra 🐍 it just drones and drones about it throughout all the books in this series
July 10, 2010
A villain and cult-leader named Black Cobra is terrorizing early 19th century India. Five English officers are appointed to finding out who the man is and bring his reign of terror to an end. It turns out he’s also English, a member of the East India Company, but the five have no way of proving it.
Months later, one of them is killed, providing irrefutable proof of the Englishman’s wrongdoing and the four remaining are tasked with getting the proof, a letter, back to homeland. Three copies are made and the four embark on their long journeys home, each via different route…
This is the story of Major Garreth Hamilton who takes the diplomatic route to Aden, only to be (foolishly) followed by the woman that delivered the proof and after one glimpse thinks he's her "one". But since his "escape" seems rather cowardly, she needs to determine Garreth "one-ness" by herself...The minute she steps on terra firma she's attacked by a Black Cobra cultist resulting in Garreth saving her life. Now, he has no choice but to take her with him.
Sounds familiar?
Of course it does. It's almost the exact replica of the previous book, The Untamed Bride, and all the problems apply, so I won't list them again.
Dull, slow-paced, detached etc. And Emily's diary entries didn't help matter much. Completely redundant, page-count fodder, and slowing the pacing even more.
I'm done with this series and getting rid of all the SL books I have in my library. So long and goodbye.
Months later, one of them is killed, providing irrefutable proof of the Englishman’s wrongdoing and the four remaining are tasked with getting the proof, a letter, back to homeland. Three copies are made and the four embark on their long journeys home, each via different route…
This is the story of Major Garreth Hamilton who takes the diplomatic route to Aden, only to be (foolishly) followed by the woman that delivered the proof and after one glimpse thinks he's her "one". But since his "escape" seems rather cowardly, she needs to determine Garreth "one-ness" by herself...The minute she steps on terra firma she's attacked by a Black Cobra cultist resulting in Garreth saving her life. Now, he has no choice but to take her with him.
Sounds familiar?
Of course it does. It's almost the exact replica of the previous book, The Untamed Bride, and all the problems apply, so I won't list them again.
Dull, slow-paced, detached etc. And Emily's diary entries didn't help matter much. Completely redundant, page-count fodder, and slowing the pacing even more.
I'm done with this series and getting rid of all the SL books I have in my library. So long and goodbye.
May 8, 2016
Stephanie laurens is one of my fav authors in history romance genere,but this book is not my cup of tea.
April 29, 2022
A lot of sex and a lot of cloak and dagger.
October 21, 2021
The first novel in this series renewed my faith in Laurens as an author (the lengthy Cynster series and Bastion finale were beginning to make me doubt). This one was just as exciting as the first, with lots of action, adventure, mayhem and very interesting lead characters. The heroine is very analytical, so we get in her head alot. The hero does a lot of the usual Laurens dithering over whether he wants the heroine to know he loves her, and lots of alpha male posturing, but the adventure and espionage urrounding them distracts from that. An interesting plot and interesting characters will keep me reading this short series.
September 4, 2019
Setelah membaca novel yg pertama, "The Untamed Bride" maka buku ke-2 ini mengambil setting dari India ke arah Selatan. Petualangan Emily Ensworth dan Mayor Gareth Hamilton ini jauh lebih seru daripada buku pertama. Mereka bersembunyi di kawanan orang Berber, berkunjung ke istana Tunis, bersembunyi dan diburu di daerah Perancis Selatan dll dlm perjalanan mereka menuju Inggris.
Lady Emily spt yg diceritakan di buku pertama adalah kurir yg membawa surat dari almarhum Kapten James MacFarlane. Ternyata surat itu adalah bukti kuat keterkaitan Roderick Ferrar, anak kesayangan Earl Shrewton, dgn Black Cobra, organisasi kejahatan yg dibentuknya di India bersama saudara-saudara tirinya. Utk menghilangkan keterlibatan mereka, surat tsb beserta salinannya hrs diperoleh mereka sblm jatuh ke tangan ayah mereka. Jadilah mereka berpacu pd waktu utk mendapatkan surat bukti terkutuk itu.
Dlm petualangannya ini, Emily bertemu kembali dgn Gareth dan Emily tidak menyembunyikan ketertarikannya dan berusaha terus memancing ketertarikan Gareth kpd dirinya. Gareth berusaha keras menyembunyikan perasaannya kpd Emily bahkan dgn tegas melarang Emily menciumnya. Emily sempat kesal tapi tetap berusaha melindungi Gareth terutama dari Begum (istri Sultan) yg terang-terangan tertarik pd mayor ganteng ini. Akhirnya Gareth tak bisa lagi memungkiri hasratnya yg menggebu-gebu pd Emily. Tapi Emily masih menanti kata "cinta" keluar dari mulut Gareth di sela-sela petualangan mereka.
Awalnya saya kurang suka dgn karakter Emily yg rada agresif ini, tapi belakangan terpukau juga dgn kecerdasannya, seperti persuasif asertifnya dia menangani Begum yg ganjen itu. Atau saat dia melontarkan ide-ide cemerlang solutifnya di saat-saat kritis utk membantu Gareth.
Novel ini sayangnya kepanjangan ceritanya, mungkin kalau diedit gak sampai 500 hlm. Cerita ini juga dibumbui dgn curhat Emily di diary-nya ttg perasaannya pada Gareth, juga petualangannya. Dari segi suspense, novel ini seru krn banyak adegan actionnya yg bak-bik-buk ala abad 19 dimana pihak Gareth berseteru dgn Black Cobra yg terus mengejar mereka.
Lady Emily spt yg diceritakan di buku pertama adalah kurir yg membawa surat dari almarhum Kapten James MacFarlane. Ternyata surat itu adalah bukti kuat keterkaitan Roderick Ferrar, anak kesayangan Earl Shrewton, dgn Black Cobra, organisasi kejahatan yg dibentuknya di India bersama saudara-saudara tirinya. Utk menghilangkan keterlibatan mereka, surat tsb beserta salinannya hrs diperoleh mereka sblm jatuh ke tangan ayah mereka. Jadilah mereka berpacu pd waktu utk mendapatkan surat bukti terkutuk itu.
Dlm petualangannya ini, Emily bertemu kembali dgn Gareth dan Emily tidak menyembunyikan ketertarikannya dan berusaha terus memancing ketertarikan Gareth kpd dirinya. Gareth berusaha keras menyembunyikan perasaannya kpd Emily bahkan dgn tegas melarang Emily menciumnya. Emily sempat kesal tapi tetap berusaha melindungi Gareth terutama dari Begum (istri Sultan) yg terang-terangan tertarik pd mayor ganteng ini. Akhirnya Gareth tak bisa lagi memungkiri hasratnya yg menggebu-gebu pd Emily. Tapi Emily masih menanti kata "cinta" keluar dari mulut Gareth di sela-sela petualangan mereka.
Awalnya saya kurang suka dgn karakter Emily yg rada agresif ini, tapi belakangan terpukau juga dgn kecerdasannya, seperti persuasif asertifnya dia menangani Begum yg ganjen itu. Atau saat dia melontarkan ide-ide cemerlang solutifnya di saat-saat kritis utk membantu Gareth.
Novel ini sayangnya kepanjangan ceritanya, mungkin kalau diedit gak sampai 500 hlm. Cerita ini juga dibumbui dgn curhat Emily di diary-nya ttg perasaannya pada Gareth, juga petualangannya. Dari segi suspense, novel ini seru krn banyak adegan actionnya yg bak-bik-buk ala abad 19 dimana pihak Gareth berseteru dgn Black Cobra yg terus mengejar mereka.
February 15, 2018
Miałam pisać obszerną opinię na temat tej książki, ale się powstrzymam. Spodziewałam się troszkę więcej niż to, co dostałam. Ogólnie nigdy nie wymagam od romansów historycznych zbyt wiele, dlatego zawsze dobrze się przy nich bawię, ale tym razem książka nawet moich niezbyt wygórowanych wymagań nie była w stanie spełnić. Jestem trochę zła, bo uważam, że sam motyw ucieczki przed Kultem Czarnej Kobry był całkiem fajny, to autorka zrobiła z tego nudną podróż, przerywaną od czasu do czasu atakami Hindusów. Bawiły mnie sceny, w których ludzie nie mający bladego pojęcia o walce, potrafili przetrzebić szeregi pogoni, wspierani przez angielskie damy. I nikt nie został poważnie ranny, chociaż wyszkoleni mordercy ginęli jeden po drugim.
Główna bohaterka była irytująca w swej pewności, że Gareth to ten jedyny i jeździła za nim po całym świecie. Serio? Była wręcz zdesperowana i sama pchała mu się do łóżka, chociaż ten jej nie chciał, właśnie że względu na grożące niebezpieczństwo. Emily nawet w chwili, kiedy groził im atak, ciągle pisała w pamiętniku, że Gareth będzie jej, a Czarna Kobra ciągle jej przeszkadza w planach matrymonialnych. Lubię bohaterki pewne siebie, które nie boją się wyzwań, lecz w tym przypadku autorka pokazała ją chyba od tej gorszej strony, pozbawiając Emily instynktu samozachowawczego i dumy.
Mimo słabej książki, myślę nad zakupieniem kolejnych część z tej serii, tylko po to, by dowiedzieć się, czy w końcu złapią Czarną Kobrę.
Główna bohaterka była irytująca w swej pewności, że Gareth to ten jedyny i jeździła za nim po całym świecie. Serio? Była wręcz zdesperowana i sama pchała mu się do łóżka, chociaż ten jej nie chciał, właśnie że względu na grożące niebezpieczństwo. Emily nawet w chwili, kiedy groził im atak, ciągle pisała w pamiętniku, że Gareth będzie jej, a Czarna Kobra ciągle jej przeszkadza w planach matrymonialnych. Lubię bohaterki pewne siebie, które nie boją się wyzwań, lecz w tym przypadku autorka pokazała ją chyba od tej gorszej strony, pozbawiając Emily instynktu samozachowawczego i dumy.
Mimo słabej książki, myślę nad zakupieniem kolejnych część z tej serii, tylko po to, by dowiedzieć się, czy w końcu złapią Czarną Kobrę.
November 17, 2025
This second in the Black Cobra series follows Major Gareth Hamilton as he tries to get home to England with a letter which can be used to finally end the Black Cobra's reign of terror in India.
Emily Ensworth is the governor of India's niece. She has been spending time in India in the hopes of finding a husband. She's very picky and none of the men she met in England pleased her. She gets involved in the Black Cobra problems. But she also takes a look at Gareth Hamilton and thinks he's the One for her. However, with him leaving India to bring the message to England, she finds it necessary to chase after him to see if he is actually the One she's been searching for.
The two join forces largely because the Black Cobra's minions have targeted both of them and the race is on from India through Egypt and France to England fighting the Black Cobra's forces all along the way.
And Gareth is fighting his own feelings too. As a man without family, he isn't sure how to relate to the charming and bright Miss Ensworth except to protect her. Emily wants more. There were quite a few love scenes in this one along with battle scenes.
I enjoyed this historical romance/romantic suspense title.
Emily Ensworth is the governor of India's niece. She has been spending time in India in the hopes of finding a husband. She's very picky and none of the men she met in England pleased her. She gets involved in the Black Cobra problems. But she also takes a look at Gareth Hamilton and thinks he's the One for her. However, with him leaving India to bring the message to England, she finds it necessary to chase after him to see if he is actually the One she's been searching for.
The two join forces largely because the Black Cobra's minions have targeted both of them and the race is on from India through Egypt and France to England fighting the Black Cobra's forces all along the way.
And Gareth is fighting his own feelings too. As a man without family, he isn't sure how to relate to the charming and bright Miss Ensworth except to protect her. Emily wants more. There were quite a few love scenes in this one along with battle scenes.
I enjoyed this historical romance/romantic suspense title.
March 15, 2019
Mom and I found this to be a fun read. Some how we seem to read similar tropes all at once. We again ended up travel cross the land in warm weather; trying to out run/beat the enemy. It was a plast and we can’t wait to countinue the series.
August 24, 2025
The Elusive Bride by Stephanie Laurens
Genre: Period Romance
Okay. So. Y'all. Where to start? I'm honestly not sure what compelled me to read on with this series after The Untamed Bride made my brain dissolve from boredom, but I did. And I'll be honest, this book is far from terrible and is a great improvement.
The first thing I noticed was that the MMC was called Gareth. And I'm sorry but I just can't get past that, it's too funny. Yes, I know this is a period series, and Gareth was probably a far more popular name for young men (I presume they're young?) In 1822, but still. The name Gareth makes me visualise an OAP, and I just cannot imagine a Major Gareth Hamilton in a romantic situation with the pretty little young lady, Miss Emily Ensworth. Gareth was also just a bit of a dick to Emily at times. Like their conversation after their first kiss? Go away, Gareth (hehe, sorry, that name's funny).
Emily was your typical period FMC - a bit more bold than the average 1800s lady; knew what she wanted and wouldn't stop until she got it. Honestly, you go, girl. Knew her way around a sword and would fight for herself too. SO much better than the bland as Deliah Duncannon. I need to address the name of her maid, though - Dorcas - commonly described as a "Very English maid" (not sure whether that was sarcasm?) Also pretty sure that Dorcas is her first name, so I thought the name Gareth was funny (it is), but the first time Laurens casually dropped the name Dorcas into a sentence I CACKLED.
Other than those three characters, the others were kind of bland (I wish Arnia had more to her, that could've been a real something); and if I'm being honest I had very little clue where G and E were, and who they were talking to half the time - the little location tags at the top of Emily's diary entries did help me to keep a vague idea (loved the addition of those by the way, if ONLY they'd been in Untamed).
Still hated the prelude, don't see why it's at all necessary. Yes, this one was shorter than the last, but still.
Thankfully, the spice was a lot better, but still occasionally 🌽ographic and worded DISGUSTINGLY (in a bad way). I did have to put the book down and do a lap of my house after each scene to make it more tolerable.
I didn't DNF this book, but I only skimmed the last few chapters because I lost interest in all honesty - kinda like how Emily should have in Gareth (oop) I don't care if he's the hottest man you've ever seen, Emily, his name is GARETH. Get a hold of yourself.
The Black Cobra's army/team, whatever you want to call it, is terrible. They had so many chances to capture or kill Emily, Gareth, and the others, and they didn't. And then they just go and cry about it to each other (and the "Uncle" - ooh, I'm so scared! Turns out he was a big baby in the end, though, which was a bit laughable). Honestly, I think I could do a better job than them, and that's saying a lot, which also makes it shocking that Gareth and the team haven't brought them down yet. Get a move on, guys (oh wait, there's two more books until I'm guessing the Black Cobra crumbles to the ground? Yay! So excited! /sarc).
Happy for Emily and Gareth, I guess. But especially Emily, who's found her "one" (he's called Gareth, though <3). Potentially would read again.
3 ☆
Genre: Period Romance
Okay. So. Y'all. Where to start? I'm honestly not sure what compelled me to read on with this series after The Untamed Bride made my brain dissolve from boredom, but I did. And I'll be honest, this book is far from terrible and is a great improvement.
The first thing I noticed was that the MMC was called Gareth. And I'm sorry but I just can't get past that, it's too funny. Yes, I know this is a period series, and Gareth was probably a far more popular name for young men (I presume they're young?) In 1822, but still. The name Gareth makes me visualise an OAP, and I just cannot imagine a Major Gareth Hamilton in a romantic situation with the pretty little young lady, Miss Emily Ensworth. Gareth was also just a bit of a dick to Emily at times. Like their conversation after their first kiss? Go away, Gareth (hehe, sorry, that name's funny).
Emily was your typical period FMC - a bit more bold than the average 1800s lady; knew what she wanted and wouldn't stop until she got it. Honestly, you go, girl. Knew her way around a sword and would fight for herself too. SO much better than the bland as Deliah Duncannon. I need to address the name of her maid, though - Dorcas - commonly described as a "Very English maid" (not sure whether that was sarcasm?) Also pretty sure that Dorcas is her first name, so I thought the name Gareth was funny (it is), but the first time Laurens casually dropped the name Dorcas into a sentence I CACKLED.
Other than those three characters, the others were kind of bland (I wish Arnia had more to her, that could've been a real something); and if I'm being honest I had very little clue where G and E were, and who they were talking to half the time - the little location tags at the top of Emily's diary entries did help me to keep a vague idea (loved the addition of those by the way, if ONLY they'd been in Untamed).
Still hated the prelude, don't see why it's at all necessary. Yes, this one was shorter than the last, but still.
Thankfully, the spice was a lot better, but still occasionally 🌽ographic and worded DISGUSTINGLY (in a bad way). I did have to put the book down and do a lap of my house after each scene to make it more tolerable.
I didn't DNF this book, but I only skimmed the last few chapters because I lost interest in all honesty - kinda like how Emily should have in Gareth (oop) I don't care if he's the hottest man you've ever seen, Emily, his name is GARETH. Get a hold of yourself.
The Black Cobra's army/team, whatever you want to call it, is terrible. They had so many chances to capture or kill Emily, Gareth, and the others, and they didn't. And then they just go and cry about it to each other (and the "Uncle" - ooh, I'm so scared! Turns out he was a big baby in the end, though, which was a bit laughable). Honestly, I think I could do a better job than them, and that's saying a lot, which also makes it shocking that Gareth and the team haven't brought them down yet. Get a move on, guys (oh wait, there's two more books until I'm guessing the Black Cobra crumbles to the ground? Yay! So excited! /sarc).
Happy for Emily and Gareth, I guess. But especially Emily, who's found her "one" (he's called Gareth, though <3). Potentially would read again.
3 ☆
April 8, 2011
3rd September
Dear Diary,
Yesterday was the most frightening and the most wonderful day of my life! First we were pursued by Black Cobra cultists as Captain MacFarlane was escorting me to my uncle in Bombay. The captain sent me ahead with his men while he and his lieutenant stayed behind to delay the pursuers. His tactics worked, but the captain was murdered by the cultists. I kept my word and delivered his packet to Colonel Delborough and his men, and that’s when the wonderful thing happened. As Major Hamilton walked me to my escort, I suddenly knew that he was “the one” I’ve been waiting for – my sisters were right when they said I would know!
1st October
Dear Diary,
Gareth Hamilton doesn’t yet know that he is “The One”, so I had to follow him to Aden when he suddenly left Bombay. But some cultists appeared on the dock and tried to murder me! Luckily for me, Major Hamilton is very good at what he does, and I am safe. But he has now decided that my people & I must travel with him for safety’s sake – what a lucky happenstance!
8th October
Dear Diary,
Traveling on the sea is boring when I have no opportunity to spend time with Gareth. At least that’s what I thought until the cultists attacked – once again, Major Hamilton saved my life! Naturally, I kissed him in thanks, and I am here to report that Gareth is no frog!!
22nd October
Dear Diary,
Why didn’t I appreciate the comfort of the sea?! Camels stink – and they spit! And the sand in this desert gets into everything! And how am I going to pursue my goal with Gareth when the Berber nomads we're traveling with insist that unmarried women cannot spend time alone with a man?!
Reader’s note: While Emily is spending most of her time trying to get the chance to seduce Gareth, he is busy trying to keep the cultists from killing them and getting the letter that he has been tasked to deliver to England, the letter that Captain MacFarlane died for, the letter that would prove who the Black Cobra is - so he keeps telling himself that he doesn’t have time for the games that Emily is playing. Once they are safely in England, then he can see where his feelings for her might go. But this is a romance, so of course life-and-death situations must allow some time for the romantic moments.
There were a couple of surprises in this story, so kudos to the author for that, but many of the diary entries made Emily look frivolous and brainless, which took much away from the intensity of the action. I have to believe that was the author’s intent, and to some degree it worked. At times, tho, I wanted to tell Emily how frivolous and brainless she was acting! Then she would redeem herself by doing something thoughtful and intelligent. FINALLY, it seemed, she realized that her pursuit of Gareth for personal reasons was making things more difficult for him, and potentially more dangerous for all of them. Does that mean she gave up?! No, she just got smarter at it – see, we knew she was intelligent!
Two officers of the Crown still need to deliver their letters, so on to the next!
Dear Diary,
Yesterday was the most frightening and the most wonderful day of my life! First we were pursued by Black Cobra cultists as Captain MacFarlane was escorting me to my uncle in Bombay. The captain sent me ahead with his men while he and his lieutenant stayed behind to delay the pursuers. His tactics worked, but the captain was murdered by the cultists. I kept my word and delivered his packet to Colonel Delborough and his men, and that’s when the wonderful thing happened. As Major Hamilton walked me to my escort, I suddenly knew that he was “the one” I’ve been waiting for – my sisters were right when they said I would know!
1st October
Dear Diary,
Gareth Hamilton doesn’t yet know that he is “The One”, so I had to follow him to Aden when he suddenly left Bombay. But some cultists appeared on the dock and tried to murder me! Luckily for me, Major Hamilton is very good at what he does, and I am safe. But he has now decided that my people & I must travel with him for safety’s sake – what a lucky happenstance!
8th October
Dear Diary,
Traveling on the sea is boring when I have no opportunity to spend time with Gareth. At least that’s what I thought until the cultists attacked – once again, Major Hamilton saved my life! Naturally, I kissed him in thanks, and I am here to report that Gareth is no frog!!
22nd October
Dear Diary,
Why didn’t I appreciate the comfort of the sea?! Camels stink – and they spit! And the sand in this desert gets into everything! And how am I going to pursue my goal with Gareth when the Berber nomads we're traveling with insist that unmarried women cannot spend time alone with a man?!
Reader’s note: While Emily is spending most of her time trying to get the chance to seduce Gareth, he is busy trying to keep the cultists from killing them and getting the letter that he has been tasked to deliver to England, the letter that Captain MacFarlane died for, the letter that would prove who the Black Cobra is - so he keeps telling himself that he doesn’t have time for the games that Emily is playing. Once they are safely in England, then he can see where his feelings for her might go. But this is a romance, so of course life-and-death situations must allow some time for the romantic moments.
There were a couple of surprises in this story, so kudos to the author for that, but many of the diary entries made Emily look frivolous and brainless, which took much away from the intensity of the action. I have to believe that was the author’s intent, and to some degree it worked. At times, tho, I wanted to tell Emily how frivolous and brainless she was acting! Then she would redeem herself by doing something thoughtful and intelligent. FINALLY, it seemed, she realized that her pursuit of Gareth for personal reasons was making things more difficult for him, and potentially more dangerous for all of them. Does that mean she gave up?! No, she just got smarter at it – see, we knew she was intelligent!
Two officers of the Crown still need to deliver their letters, so on to the next!
March 12, 2010
This certainly isn't one of the best works of Ms. Laurens. I placed very high expectations on her works, particularly after reading The Devil's Love.
The book is about Major Gareth Hamilton and his three other comrades racing back to England to deliver a letter written by the Black Cobra to the Duke of Wolverton, which was fortunately intercepted by Captain McFarlane. Ms Emily Ensworth first met Major Hamilton when she delivered the letter entrusted to her by the Captain to the Colonel. Since that meeting, Emily became sightful that Gareth might be the 'one'; the person whom she will spend her life with forever. To confirm her 'theory', she opted to chase and follow the Major, hoping to discover if he meets the qualifications of being her 'one'.
When I first read the book, I immediately did not like Emily's character. Ms Laurens described Emily as a too perfect person. She sticks to her decisions, very determined to uncover Gareth's potential, too smart, too witty, and very sensible. Somehow although her personality may seem perfect, I found it annoying and an utter bore.
And also, despite that I absolutely love happy, good-endings...I was wishing that a major character would just die in the book. I mean, there were so many attacks sprung onto the Major's travelling group, but the worst was just a stab, but the guy recovered very quickly. And the most annoying part was that won every single ambush or attack. Grrr....It really didn't seem natural at all. After reading a quarter of the book, I could already predict that everyone would be healthy and whole in the end of the book.
The rest of the book, I was just mumbling to myself, "Just cut the crap already! And reach England and live happily ever after...>.>" The romance wasn't attractive and it bored me again...So I give it 3 stars, but to me it seems a little too generous, but oh well...
The book is about Major Gareth Hamilton and his three other comrades racing back to England to deliver a letter written by the Black Cobra to the Duke of Wolverton, which was fortunately intercepted by Captain McFarlane. Ms Emily Ensworth first met Major Hamilton when she delivered the letter entrusted to her by the Captain to the Colonel. Since that meeting, Emily became sightful that Gareth might be the 'one'; the person whom she will spend her life with forever. To confirm her 'theory', she opted to chase and follow the Major, hoping to discover if he meets the qualifications of being her 'one'.
When I first read the book, I immediately did not like Emily's character. Ms Laurens described Emily as a too perfect person. She sticks to her decisions, very determined to uncover Gareth's potential, too smart, too witty, and very sensible. Somehow although her personality may seem perfect, I found it annoying and an utter bore.
And also, despite that I absolutely love happy, good-endings...I was wishing that a major character would just die in the book. I mean, there were so many attacks sprung onto the Major's travelling group, but the worst was just a stab, but the guy recovered very quickly. And the most annoying part was that won every single ambush or attack. Grrr....It really didn't seem natural at all. After reading a quarter of the book, I could already predict that everyone would be healthy and whole in the end of the book.
The rest of the book, I was just mumbling to myself, "Just cut the crap already! And reach England and live happily ever after...>.>" The romance wasn't attractive and it bored me again...So I give it 3 stars, but to me it seems a little too generous, but oh well...
August 8, 2010
The second installment of the Black Cobra Quartet follows the journey of Major Gareth Hamilton (for the backstory, see the synopsis for Book 1) and his copy of the letter. After their brief meeting, both Major Hamilton and Emily Ensworth, niece of the Governor of Bombay, have an instant attraction. When Emily learns that Major Hamilton has left she does all in her power to discover his destination and beat him there. What she doesn’t know is that he is on a mission to destroy as many of the Black Cobra cult as possible. As soon as Major Hamilton espies Emily on the dock, he saves her from certain death. He decides the only way to keep her safe is for her to join him on his journey north to England. As they elude danger and political intrigue throughout the middle east, it becomes apparent that they are more than attracted to each other.
While there are many exotic locations and much action, this novel falls short. The main characters are somewhat unbelievable and annoying at times. There is plenty of action but the descriptions are too long and one loses interest. Laurens began each chapter with a journal entry from Emily. Frankly, I could have done without these entries. They seemed to make the chapters continue forever and served little purpose. This book was fairly tedious and not one that I would recommend.
While there are many exotic locations and much action, this novel falls short. The main characters are somewhat unbelievable and annoying at times. There is plenty of action but the descriptions are too long and one loses interest. Laurens began each chapter with a journal entry from Emily. Frankly, I could have done without these entries. They seemed to make the chapters continue forever and served little purpose. This book was fairly tedious and not one that I would recommend.
August 9, 2019
While this might be ok as a romance, it falls short of the bar Stephanie Laurens has set in past books. I enjoyed her Adventurers Quartet, and thought this would be the same...
Emily is a child. She should not be as she's 24. I could not countenance how mere hours after her wild escape, and not even an hour after finding out her escort was dead, she is mooning over someone. She did not know McFarlane well, but I would expect some sadness at least. Her diary entries are insipid as well. She is always complaining about not having enough time with Gareth, and when she complains about the cultists, its always that they put him too much on edge to give her the attention she needs to see if he is her one.
She has been spending years looking for a husband, I get that. However, she is also in peril for the whole book, so I would think that might be a tad more important to her.
Gareth does not get fleshed out that well, he is a possessive man, a warrior, and that's about all we see. There are plenty of parts were he is worried about Emily more than himself, but that's mostly when the cultists are attacking, he needs to know she is safe, which makes much more sense then her mooning...
All in all, this took me a while to get through, as I could not read a lot at once because I would get bored and/or annoyed. If you are just looking for a romance, give it a try.
Emily is a child. She should not be as she's 24. I could not countenance how mere hours after her wild escape, and not even an hour after finding out her escort was dead, she is mooning over someone. She did not know McFarlane well, but I would expect some sadness at least. Her diary entries are insipid as well. She is always complaining about not having enough time with Gareth, and when she complains about the cultists, its always that they put him too much on edge to give her the attention she needs to see if he is her one.
She has been spending years looking for a husband, I get that. However, she is also in peril for the whole book, so I would think that might be a tad more important to her.
Gareth does not get fleshed out that well, he is a possessive man, a warrior, and that's about all we see. There are plenty of parts were he is worried about Emily more than himself, but that's mostly when the cultists are attacking, he needs to know she is safe, which makes much more sense then her mooning...
All in all, this took me a while to get through, as I could not read a lot at once because I would get bored and/or annoyed. If you are just looking for a romance, give it a try.
February 17, 2018
I have just managed upto page 49 of this very absurd badly written book which I had begun to think pretty nauseating on page 2 when she begins to talk about her One -so she has to pursue him. No doubt to prove to herself that he is the one, this well brought up miss will jump and hump in his bed every 5 pages- hey the publisher loves it ,the public thinks it normal British high society behaviour as interpreted by a bone ignorant writer and editor. As for a Pashtun servant called Mooktu and his wife called Arnia,-Narnia minus N-well these are names only an illiterate so called writer would consider Indian.
Page 49- some cult after them.The hero is disguised as an Arab.And the Captain of the ship yowls loud and clear 'Major Hamilton'.Xray vision I must say.Why couldn't he have yelled a little louder,it would have stopped me from going off to sleep. Not wasting my time on this typical badly written, badly edited muck.
Page 49- some cult after them.The hero is disguised as an Arab.And the Captain of the ship yowls loud and clear 'Major Hamilton'.Xray vision I must say.Why couldn't he have yelled a little louder,it would have stopped me from going off to sleep. Not wasting my time on this typical badly written, badly edited muck.
March 16, 2010
Emily Ensworth has come to India to determine whether she can find someone better suited to her requirements for a husband and ends up in the middle of a dangerous mission to uncover the Black Cobra. One of the quartet known as Hasting's own is Major Gareth Hamilton and little does he realize that Emily has decided that he is the one for her which complicates his mission to act as a decoy to draw out the Black Cobra's minions. The growing mutual attraction is juxtaposed with violent struggles across several countries as Gareth and Emily strive to get themselves and their companions safely to England while fighting off fanatics determined to prevent a successful outcome.
October 1, 2021
Still by far my least favorite.
2018–too much internal angst.
2019--but it IS entertaining to track the trips via Google maps. Still, for me, too many pure sex pages and too much idiotic angst that could be taken care of sooooo damn easily, by ... like ... words. :-)
2021--still enjoying the map play.
2018–too much internal angst.
2019--but it IS entertaining to track the trips via Google maps. Still, for me, too many pure sex pages and too much idiotic angst that could be taken care of sooooo damn easily, by ... like ... words. :-)
2021--still enjoying the map play.
March 12, 2020
3 Stars
March 31, 2024
Inhalt:
„In den Armen des Spions“ ist der zweite Band der Reihe „Black Cobra Quartet“ der Autorin Stephanie Laurens. In der Reihe geht es um vier Offizier im Dienst der Ostindien Company, die den Geheimbund der Schwarzen Kobra aufhalten müssen. In jedem Buch der Reihe bekommt einer der Offiziere seine Geschichte. Im ersten Band erhalten die vier Hauptprotagonisten einen Brief, der den Drahtzieher der Schwarzen Kobra entlarven kann. Sie treten mit dem Geheimdienst in Verbindung und arbeiten zusammen mit dem Duke of Wolverstone (bekannt aus der Reihe Bastion Club) einen Plan aus, um den Brief sicher nach England zu bringen. Und so reist jeder der vier Offiziere auf einer anderen Route mit einer Kopie oder eventuelle auch mit dem Original des Briefes nach England.
Im vorliegenden Buch begleiten wir Major Gareth Hamilton und Miss Emily Ensworth, die eine bedeutende Rolle bei der Erlangung des Briefes gespielt hat, bei ihrer Reise von Indien nach England.
Innerhalb der Handlung in England treten wieder Personen aus anderen Reihen der Autorin wie Bastion Club und die Cynster-Reihe auf.
Meinung:
Wie immer bei Stephanie Laurens sind ihre Geschichten nicht einfach historische Liebesroman, sondern eher romantische Thriller im historischen Setting. Es gibt Kämpfe, Verfolgungsjagden und es ist teilweise blutig und grausam. In diesem Buch ist das ganze mit einem „Roadtripp“ verknüpft. Die Protagonisten müssen sich auf dem ganzen Weg von Indien über Ägypten und Malta vor den Verfolgern der Schwarzen Kobra verstecken und schweben ständig in Gefahr. Stephanie Laurens kann spannend schreiben und ich habe die Bedrohung und auch die immer unterschwellig vorhandene Angst gut fühlen können. Was ich nicht so gut fühlen und greifen konnte war die Anziehung der beiden Protagonisten. Ich konnte noch verstehen, dass Gareth sich zu Emily hingezogen fühlt, aber erst einmal sicher nach England kommen und seinen Auftrag erfüllen will, bevor er eine Beziehung eingeht. Emily dagegen scheint das ganze auch nach mehreren Anschlägen und Kämpfen mit der Schwarzen Cobra bloß lästig zu finden, weil es sie daran hindert Gareth in ihr Bett zu bekommen.
Eigentlich schreibt Stephanie Laurens starke, selbständige und intelligente vernünftige Frauenfiguren. Meiner Meinung nach war Emily nicht wirklich vernünftig, sie wollte ihr Ding durchziehen, was ja erst Mal nicht verkehrt ist, aber sie hat sich nicht den Situationen angepasst.
Was mir sehr gut gefallen hat, war der Auftritt der Personen aus der Reihe Bastion Club und hier vor allem der Duke of Wolverstone. Der Duke of Wolverstone ist einer meiner Lieblingscharaktere innerhalb der Reihen von Stephanie Laurens.
Obwohl mir die beiden Hauptprotagonisten nicht so gut gefallen haben und ich generell das Setting eines Roadtripps nicht so gerne mag, aber die Geschichte spannend und gut geschrieben ist gebe ich dem Buch 3,5 Sterne.
„In den Armen des Spions“ ist der zweite Band der Reihe „Black Cobra Quartet“ der Autorin Stephanie Laurens. In der Reihe geht es um vier Offizier im Dienst der Ostindien Company, die den Geheimbund der Schwarzen Kobra aufhalten müssen. In jedem Buch der Reihe bekommt einer der Offiziere seine Geschichte. Im ersten Band erhalten die vier Hauptprotagonisten einen Brief, der den Drahtzieher der Schwarzen Kobra entlarven kann. Sie treten mit dem Geheimdienst in Verbindung und arbeiten zusammen mit dem Duke of Wolverstone (bekannt aus der Reihe Bastion Club) einen Plan aus, um den Brief sicher nach England zu bringen. Und so reist jeder der vier Offiziere auf einer anderen Route mit einer Kopie oder eventuelle auch mit dem Original des Briefes nach England.
Im vorliegenden Buch begleiten wir Major Gareth Hamilton und Miss Emily Ensworth, die eine bedeutende Rolle bei der Erlangung des Briefes gespielt hat, bei ihrer Reise von Indien nach England.
Innerhalb der Handlung in England treten wieder Personen aus anderen Reihen der Autorin wie Bastion Club und die Cynster-Reihe auf.
Meinung:
Wie immer bei Stephanie Laurens sind ihre Geschichten nicht einfach historische Liebesroman, sondern eher romantische Thriller im historischen Setting. Es gibt Kämpfe, Verfolgungsjagden und es ist teilweise blutig und grausam. In diesem Buch ist das ganze mit einem „Roadtripp“ verknüpft. Die Protagonisten müssen sich auf dem ganzen Weg von Indien über Ägypten und Malta vor den Verfolgern der Schwarzen Kobra verstecken und schweben ständig in Gefahr. Stephanie Laurens kann spannend schreiben und ich habe die Bedrohung und auch die immer unterschwellig vorhandene Angst gut fühlen können. Was ich nicht so gut fühlen und greifen konnte war die Anziehung der beiden Protagonisten. Ich konnte noch verstehen, dass Gareth sich zu Emily hingezogen fühlt, aber erst einmal sicher nach England kommen und seinen Auftrag erfüllen will, bevor er eine Beziehung eingeht. Emily dagegen scheint das ganze auch nach mehreren Anschlägen und Kämpfen mit der Schwarzen Cobra bloß lästig zu finden, weil es sie daran hindert Gareth in ihr Bett zu bekommen.
Eigentlich schreibt Stephanie Laurens starke, selbständige und intelligente vernünftige Frauenfiguren. Meiner Meinung nach war Emily nicht wirklich vernünftig, sie wollte ihr Ding durchziehen, was ja erst Mal nicht verkehrt ist, aber sie hat sich nicht den Situationen angepasst.
Was mir sehr gut gefallen hat, war der Auftritt der Personen aus der Reihe Bastion Club und hier vor allem der Duke of Wolverstone. Der Duke of Wolverstone ist einer meiner Lieblingscharaktere innerhalb der Reihen von Stephanie Laurens.
Obwohl mir die beiden Hauptprotagonisten nicht so gut gefallen haben und ich generell das Setting eines Roadtripps nicht so gerne mag, aber die Geschichte spannend und gut geschrieben ist gebe ich dem Buch 3,5 Sterne.
April 4, 2020
This is my first read for Laurens. I actually had bought 2 of this same book, drawn in by the cover and title and probably brief description on the back.
First of all, after FINALLY finishing, the title continues to bug me! It sounded like she was being pursued by someone, not being the pursuer and then that was totally in her mind! I almost DNF. Took over a month of starts and stops. I think I kept reading first, to see if Emily and Gareth would finally have get together sexually without all the social norms and butting in of people during their travels.
Their relationship was almost secondary to the overall story of the Black Cobra and all the assassins trying their best to kill them all.
I didn't like the diary entries, she was pursing him after one meeting, Is he the one? Lord, I was rolling my eyes. They were a distraction. Gareth's thoughts were also included and he was hoping she was the one too! He seemed so distant and not interested until sexy times happened,then he became possessive and 100% invested,other than saying the L word
The many expected and unexpected fights with the cultists became repetitive and lacked real description and Team Gareth always won despite overwhelming odds! Team Gareth was always traveling in a caravan and somehow escaping notice of the ever present cultists.
I was hoping for an exciting capture of Emily with Gareth having to rescue her! Well, it happened once, she actually met Uncle! I felt like the rescue was anti-climatic and the bad guys slithered away.
There were some secondary characters that were not developed or used as much as they could have. Emily had no relationships other than her obsession with Gareth.
I did like that Laurens used beautiful descriptive words for the romance/intimacy parts. The scenes were romantic, providing a visual without too descriptive that you felt like scrubbing your eyes out.
I think it was silly and not addressed the reluctance for Gareth to profess his love for Emily. He had already slept with her numerous times (finally) and proclaimed they would be married. They didn't talk about their feelings, she hoped and he enjoyed her!
This can be read as a stand alone, but I did feel that I had missed some history going on between the characters that were brought in later and even the story line, obviously had 3 other men trying to bring the letter. I finished because I really wanted to see how it was resolved in the end. I was surprised a couple of times with the events that played out. Of course, the issue of the Black Cobra was left unresolved and now I need to read The Brazen Bride to see what happens next!
First of all, after FINALLY finishing, the title continues to bug me! It sounded like she was being pursued by someone, not being the pursuer and then that was totally in her mind! I almost DNF. Took over a month of starts and stops. I think I kept reading first, to see if Emily and Gareth would finally have get together sexually without all the social norms and butting in of people during their travels.
Their relationship was almost secondary to the overall story of the Black Cobra and all the assassins trying their best to kill them all.
I didn't like the diary entries, she was pursing him after one meeting, Is he the one? Lord, I was rolling my eyes. They were a distraction. Gareth's thoughts were also included and he was hoping she was the one too! He seemed so distant and not interested until sexy times happened,then he became possessive and 100% invested,other than saying the L word
The many expected and unexpected fights with the cultists became repetitive and lacked real description and Team Gareth always won despite overwhelming odds! Team Gareth was always traveling in a caravan and somehow escaping notice of the ever present cultists.
I was hoping for an exciting capture of Emily with Gareth having to rescue her! Well, it happened once, she actually met Uncle! I felt like the rescue was anti-climatic and the bad guys slithered away.
There were some secondary characters that were not developed or used as much as they could have. Emily had no relationships other than her obsession with Gareth.
I did like that Laurens used beautiful descriptive words for the romance/intimacy parts. The scenes were romantic, providing a visual without too descriptive that you felt like scrubbing your eyes out.
I think it was silly and not addressed the reluctance for Gareth to profess his love for Emily. He had already slept with her numerous times (finally) and proclaimed they would be married. They didn't talk about their feelings, she hoped and he enjoyed her!
This can be read as a stand alone, but I did feel that I had missed some history going on between the characters that were brought in later and even the story line, obviously had 3 other men trying to bring the letter. I finished because I really wanted to see how it was resolved in the end. I was surprised a couple of times with the events that played out. Of course, the issue of the Black Cobra was left unresolved and now I need to read The Brazen Bride to see what happens next!
July 12, 2022
Seguimos con la Cobra Negra tratando de evitar q la carta original llegue a destino. Esta vez nuestro héroe es Gareth Hamilton quien toma una ruta totalmente diferente para llegar a Inglaterra y cumplir su parte de la misión. En su camino se cruza con Emily Ensworth y no de manera fortuita. A Emily la conocimos como la joven dama q entregó la carta original a los cuatro amigos de McFarlane. Obviamente volvemos a tener la misma escena en el club de oficiales momentos después de q el cuerpo de James fuera entregado, pero desde una perspeciva diferente desde la q podemos leer y sentir la conexión entre Gareth&Emily.
La aventura de estos dos se ha sentido más peligrosa, tal vez xq hemos viajado con ambos todo el camino desde Aden hasta Eleven - a diferencia de la historia de Del&Deliah a quienes seguimos recién cuando acabaron de desembarcar en Inglaterra - tal vez x eso el romance tardó un poco en "concretarse" pero las chispas del peligro y la ansiedad por la persecusión estuvieron ahí todo el tiempo. No hay muchas sorpresas en cuanto a las personalidades de nuestros protagonistas, Gareth es un calco de Del, guerrero, noble, honorable hasta las trancas al punto de tener q obligar a su dama a tomar el toro x las astas; algo q Emily no tiene ningún problema de hacer. Ella no es una damita virgen al uso, para nada inocente, sabe lo q quiere y va a ello. Muy valiente, cosa q ya demostró al inicio de la historia. Me gustó su personalidad abierta y decidida sin perder su aire de rosa inglesa. Aunq creo q exageraron un poco con el título de novia "esquiva" xq Emily es la q lleva la voz cantante en cuanto al romance, xq si dependíamos de Gareth no habría acción hasta después de Navidad.
Hay buena interacción entre ambos protagonistas y aunq hay muchos secundarios ninguno roba el protagonismo en ningún momento. Ni siquiera cuando ya en suelo inglés vuelven a aparecer los Cynsters y los miembros del Club Bastion, incluído el todopoderoso Wolverstone, aunq su participación es mucho menos destacada q en el libro anterior, supongo q xq toda la trama de acción ya se había diluido bastante en el camino q siguieron Gareth&Emily.
También tenemos más de nuestros antagonistas y se devela la verdadera fuerza del mal q resulta ser otra persona y no el Ferrars q nos habían pintado originalmente. No es una sorpresa xq ya se vislumbraba algo así desde el libro anterior, pero igualmente resulta bastante interesante en toda la madeja tejida por la autora.
Continuamos con Montieth...
La aventura de estos dos se ha sentido más peligrosa, tal vez xq hemos viajado con ambos todo el camino desde Aden hasta Eleven - a diferencia de la historia de Del&Deliah a quienes seguimos recién cuando acabaron de desembarcar en Inglaterra - tal vez x eso el romance tardó un poco en "concretarse" pero las chispas del peligro y la ansiedad por la persecusión estuvieron ahí todo el tiempo. No hay muchas sorpresas en cuanto a las personalidades de nuestros protagonistas, Gareth es un calco de Del, guerrero, noble, honorable hasta las trancas al punto de tener q obligar a su dama a tomar el toro x las astas; algo q Emily no tiene ningún problema de hacer. Ella no es una damita virgen al uso, para nada inocente, sabe lo q quiere y va a ello. Muy valiente, cosa q ya demostró al inicio de la historia. Me gustó su personalidad abierta y decidida sin perder su aire de rosa inglesa. Aunq creo q exageraron un poco con el título de novia "esquiva" xq Emily es la q lleva la voz cantante en cuanto al romance, xq si dependíamos de Gareth no habría acción hasta después de Navidad.
Hay buena interacción entre ambos protagonistas y aunq hay muchos secundarios ninguno roba el protagonismo en ningún momento. Ni siquiera cuando ya en suelo inglés vuelven a aparecer los Cynsters y los miembros del Club Bastion, incluído el todopoderoso Wolverstone, aunq su participación es mucho menos destacada q en el libro anterior, supongo q xq toda la trama de acción ya se había diluido bastante en el camino q siguieron Gareth&Emily.
También tenemos más de nuestros antagonistas y se devela la verdadera fuerza del mal q resulta ser otra persona y no el Ferrars q nos habían pintado originalmente. No es una sorpresa xq ya se vislumbraba algo así desde el libro anterior, pero igualmente resulta bastante interesante en toda la madeja tejida por la autora.
Continuamos con Montieth...
May 8, 2019
During a visit to her uncle in India, Emily Ensworth and her military escort are attacked by assassins of the Black Cobra. Young Captain MacFarlane entrusts Emily with a packet and turns back with a couple of soldiers to slow the attackers. Emily and her escort escape to Bombay and deliver the packet, but MacFarlane and his soldiers are killed. The packet holds the proof of the identity of the Black Cobra as a member of the British Aristocracy.
Absolute proof is essential to bring down such a high ranking and vicious criminal. Getting the physical proof to England is a priority. Elaborate and separate routes to England are planned for four of MacFarlane’s fellow soldiers, three with copies of a letter and one with the original and incriminating seal. They resign their commissions and head home. In the brief handover of the packet, Emily meets Major Gareth Hamilton and wonders if he might be her ‘one,’ the man for her. She plots to travel part of the way to England with him in order to determine if they have a future. On the docks in Aden, the Black Cobra attempts to kill Emily; obviously she is now a target for her role in saving the packet.
Emily and Gareth team up with their entourages to survive and get their copy of the packet to England. The journey takes them through multiple attacks, narrow escapes, and some fairly exotic helpers. Emily’s diary entries debating his suitability as the ‘one,’ and Gareth’s reluctance to commit to a relationship are both a bit overdone, and I really don’t think that cultists refer to their group as a cult even though outsiders do, so I have some reservations with this book. The Elusive Bride is a quick read with lots of action. The twists at the end draw the reader into the next volume of the quartet. Recommended.
Readalikes:
Catherine Coulter’s Bride series; Amanda Quick – The Third Circle; Christine Feehan – Lair of the Lion; Gaelen Foley – Lady of Desire; Cathy Maxwell – Adventures of a Scottish Heiress; Brenda Joyce – Scandalous Love; Anne Stuart – Never Kiss a Rake; Jillian Stone – A Private Duel with Agent Gunn.
Pace: Rapid
Characters: Good within genre stereotypes; strong woman
Story: Character-driven
Writing style: Engaging
Tone: Suspenseful; steamy
Frame: Journey from India to England through Egypt, Malta, France; 1822
Absolute proof is essential to bring down such a high ranking and vicious criminal. Getting the physical proof to England is a priority. Elaborate and separate routes to England are planned for four of MacFarlane’s fellow soldiers, three with copies of a letter and one with the original and incriminating seal. They resign their commissions and head home. In the brief handover of the packet, Emily meets Major Gareth Hamilton and wonders if he might be her ‘one,’ the man for her. She plots to travel part of the way to England with him in order to determine if they have a future. On the docks in Aden, the Black Cobra attempts to kill Emily; obviously she is now a target for her role in saving the packet.
Emily and Gareth team up with their entourages to survive and get their copy of the packet to England. The journey takes them through multiple attacks, narrow escapes, and some fairly exotic helpers. Emily’s diary entries debating his suitability as the ‘one,’ and Gareth’s reluctance to commit to a relationship are both a bit overdone, and I really don’t think that cultists refer to their group as a cult even though outsiders do, so I have some reservations with this book. The Elusive Bride is a quick read with lots of action. The twists at the end draw the reader into the next volume of the quartet. Recommended.
Readalikes:
Catherine Coulter’s Bride series; Amanda Quick – The Third Circle; Christine Feehan – Lair of the Lion; Gaelen Foley – Lady of Desire; Cathy Maxwell – Adventures of a Scottish Heiress; Brenda Joyce – Scandalous Love; Anne Stuart – Never Kiss a Rake; Jillian Stone – A Private Duel with Agent Gunn.
Pace: Rapid
Characters: Good within genre stereotypes; strong woman
Story: Character-driven
Writing style: Engaging
Tone: Suspenseful; steamy
Frame: Journey from India to England through Egypt, Malta, France; 1822
December 3, 2020
Continuation of the first book, this time, the story was about Major Gareth Hamilton and his trip to head back to England via other route. He was the decoy and his mission was to distract the Black Cobra and take out as many cultists he could. Emily Ensworth, the governor's niece followed his route because she believed that he was her 'one'. After saving her from one of the cultists, Gareth felt he had no choice but to protect her and so they travelled together. Going from one city to another, they had to avoid the cultists, finding ways to get to their next destination, safe places to stay, also needed to be aware of the cultists and be prepared for sudden attack / ambush.
I started this book with extra interest because Emily was the one who helped brought the letter from MacFarlane to his colleague. I expected more intriguing plot. Unfortunately, I was bored after not even reaching half of the book. Needed to drag myself a bit to finish this one. The entire plot was in a way similar to the first book. I immediately hated Emily's diaries part in the novel. Her thoughts of finding the 'one' was off-putting. The action part that was supposed to make the entire book more interesting was very plain and dull too. Every fight seemed so easy to win. By the time they moved onto another city, I already knew that this novel would be all about travelling, avoiding cultists, sudden attack/ambush, winning and repeat. Gareth only got some non-dangerous stab in this entire journey while the cultists lost more than 2 dozens people. 2 of High Cobra's elites was dumb AF and made me wondered how the heck could they led such big and impactful group. I have read other novels by Stephanie Lauren, and by far this is the most disappointing one.
I started this book with extra interest because Emily was the one who helped brought the letter from MacFarlane to his colleague. I expected more intriguing plot. Unfortunately, I was bored after not even reaching half of the book. Needed to drag myself a bit to finish this one. The entire plot was in a way similar to the first book. I immediately hated Emily's diaries part in the novel. Her thoughts of finding the 'one' was off-putting. The action part that was supposed to make the entire book more interesting was very plain and dull too. Every fight seemed so easy to win. By the time they moved onto another city, I already knew that this novel would be all about travelling, avoiding cultists, sudden attack/ambush, winning and repeat. Gareth only got some non-dangerous stab in this entire journey while the cultists lost more than 2 dozens people. 2 of High Cobra's elites was dumb AF and made me wondered how the heck could they led such big and impactful group. I have read other novels by Stephanie Lauren, and by far this is the most disappointing one.
May 10, 2021
Read as a stand-alone and I had no issue following along with previous book plot points. This book's introduction into the world swarming with 'the Black Cobra' was plenty descriptive.
But. Okay. Really. How many times does the heroine have to muse on about 'seeing whether or not we suit.' This chick jumps aboard a speedboat, jettisons herself into the hero's orbit, knowing there's a dangerous situation afoot, and just lackadaisically tries to get the hero to fall in love with her....for the whole damn book. Assassins, fires, crazy knife fights, danger in every port--and yo' girl's concerned she's not going to have enough free time to 'get close to my potential future when there's so much going on.'
Girl. Girl. The plot is soooo wild, and this chick's got enough ink apparently to make a diary entry every night about how she's upset she didn't get alone time with her main matchstick in time for him to catch her fire. This book takes place over MONTHS. She has months of these entries guys. Months.
I was just constantly in awe, reading this. How can a main character can have so much badass potential, but be so single-mindedly focused that it pulls the whole story off balance?
Wasn't great.
I admit: you might wanna' give this one a pass.
But. Okay. Really. How many times does the heroine have to muse on about 'seeing whether or not we suit.' This chick jumps aboard a speedboat, jettisons herself into the hero's orbit, knowing there's a dangerous situation afoot, and just lackadaisically tries to get the hero to fall in love with her....for the whole damn book. Assassins, fires, crazy knife fights, danger in every port--and yo' girl's concerned she's not going to have enough free time to 'get close to my potential future when there's so much going on.'
Girl. Girl. The plot is soooo wild, and this chick's got enough ink apparently to make a diary entry every night about how she's upset she didn't get alone time with her main matchstick in time for him to catch her fire. This book takes place over MONTHS. She has months of these entries guys. Months.
I was just constantly in awe, reading this. How can a main character can have so much badass potential, but be so single-mindedly focused that it pulls the whole story off balance?
Wasn't great.
I admit: you might wanna' give this one a pass.
September 27, 2021
This book is the second in the Black Cobra series by Stephanie Laurens.
The story begins in India where a damning piece of evidence has been handed over to the four remaining special group called Hasting's own. Captain James McFarlane handed it over to Emily Ensworth as they were being chased down by Black Cobra cultists. McFarlane has given up his life to get this piece of evidence back to his military friends.
They know they must get this piece of evidence back to England to the proper authorities who can rid the world of the Black Cobra.
In this book, Emily who is the niece of the Governor of Bombay feels a connection with one of the officers, Major Gareth Hamilton. She feels he is the "one" for her. She finds out the route that Hamilton is taking back to England with one of the four copies of evidence. She inviegles her way into Major Hamilton retinue headed back to England.
This book is the story of their adventures getting back to England safely and with the evidence.
I enjoyed it very much.
The story begins in India where a damning piece of evidence has been handed over to the four remaining special group called Hasting's own. Captain James McFarlane handed it over to Emily Ensworth as they were being chased down by Black Cobra cultists. McFarlane has given up his life to get this piece of evidence back to his military friends.
They know they must get this piece of evidence back to England to the proper authorities who can rid the world of the Black Cobra.
In this book, Emily who is the niece of the Governor of Bombay feels a connection with one of the officers, Major Gareth Hamilton. She feels he is the "one" for her. She finds out the route that Hamilton is taking back to England with one of the four copies of evidence. She inviegles her way into Major Hamilton retinue headed back to England.
This book is the story of their adventures getting back to England safely and with the evidence.
I enjoyed it very much.
August 8, 2021
Ok
This is the third book I’ve read by this author and I’m beginning to think all her characters are a bit too similar. In addition to that if you aren’t a fan of the concept of ‘the one’ then the sheer number of times the heroine says it in this book will drive you batty. Also felt like the book could’ve ended sooner, like it was being unnecessarily drawn out. The action kept it moving though.
As to this series the entire concept of the evil cult is pretty terrible. I mean that it’s not well thought out and easy to poke holes into. For example, either it’s a cult and they’re fanatics or they are paid mercenaries. You don’t pay someone to be in a cult, so why are they trying to buy more men? White English men leading an Indian cult??? Cults are usually led & held together by one charismatic person - not multiple people. Why would modern Englishmen found a cult where their people couldn’t use guns?
This is the third book I’ve read by this author and I’m beginning to think all her characters are a bit too similar. In addition to that if you aren’t a fan of the concept of ‘the one’ then the sheer number of times the heroine says it in this book will drive you batty. Also felt like the book could’ve ended sooner, like it was being unnecessarily drawn out. The action kept it moving though.
As to this series the entire concept of the evil cult is pretty terrible. I mean that it’s not well thought out and easy to poke holes into. For example, either it’s a cult and they’re fanatics or they are paid mercenaries. You don’t pay someone to be in a cult, so why are they trying to buy more men? White English men leading an Indian cult??? Cults are usually led & held together by one charismatic person - not multiple people. Why would modern Englishmen found a cult where their people couldn’t use guns?
May 13, 2023
I am not sure why I am subjecting myself to this series. This one was particularly bad. Even my main squeeze Simon Prebble sounded annoyed as he was narrating. In addition to the colonialism and wacky idea of the cult the characters were blah. Emily, the female protagonist, was annoying AF, immature, and insipid. Garrett was fine and I appreciated that he was like “im trying to complete this mission and save people from mortal peril so now is not the time to get romantic.” Whereas Emily was like “OMG HE IS THE ONE DIARY SO I HAVE TO SEDUCE HIM NOW OR HE WILL NEVER BE MINE!”
Also, minor spoiler, at one point they are like “we are safe now but we get to the coast and there is a storm we will be trapped!” And I’m like “so wait in this town where you are safe dumbasses.” But instead they high tail it to the coast where they are trapped and more bloodshed ensued.
Do not recommend.
ALSO ALSO ALSO
The bride is not elusive.
Also, minor spoiler, at one point they are like “we are safe now but we get to the coast and there is a storm we will be trapped!” And I’m like “so wait in this town where you are safe dumbasses.” But instead they high tail it to the coast where they are trapped and more bloodshed ensued.
Do not recommend.
ALSO ALSO ALSO
The bride is not elusive.
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