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Cynster #13
What Price Love?
Enter the unforgettable world of New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens, creator of the phenomenal Cynster family. This amazing clan -- and their friends -- is a bold, powerful group of men who let nothing stand in their way when it comes to matters of the heart. And in this, Stephanie Laurens's newest novel, a passionate man and a daring woman confront the ultimate question. . . .
What Price Love?
There is nothing more fascinating than a darkly handsome rake, especially one as controlled and elusive as Dillon Caxton, protégé of Demon Cynster. Despite his dangerous air, Dillon is a man of sterling reputation, but it wasn't always so. Years ago, an illicit scheme turned into a nefarious swindle, and only the help of his cousin, Felicity, and her husband, Demon, saved Dillon from ruin. Now impeccably honest, he guards his hard-won reputation and is the Keeper of the Register of all racing horses in England. His standing and aloofness make Dillon undeniably desirable to young ladies, but despite all the lures thrown his way, he remains uninterested -- his attention unfixed.
Until ""Miss Priscilla Dalling"" erupts into his life. A stunning beauty, she affects Dillon as no other ever has, but what fascinates him even more is that this tempting young lady is clearly desperate, and equally clearly lying about wanting to see the Register to fulfill the whim of an eccentric aunt.
Lady Priscilla Dalloway will do anything to see what's in the Register -- even lie! Her twin brother, Russell, who had fought with their father and left the family home to work with the finest racehorses, has disappeared. Pris knows that clues to his whereabouts can be found in the tome Dillon Caxton refuses to let her see.
She unleashes her feminine wiles on Dillon -- to no avail. But Dillon is now determined to learn the truth behind her quest. Exploiting the powerful attraction that flares between them, he succeeds in convincing Pris to tell him all, to trust him with her twin's life. Together, Dillon and Pris locate Rus, only to discover that his life is being threatened by the perpetrators of a massive betting swindle.
The time is ripe for Dillon to repay old debts by helping another as he himself was helped. Assisted by Demon, Felicity, and Barnaby Adair, Dillon and Pris embark on a journey riddled with danger -- and undeniable passion -- as they seek to overturn the swindle and expose Rus's deadly enemies. And along the way they discover the answer to that age-old question: What price love?
400 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2006
233 people are currently reading
2105 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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February 17, 2018
What Price Love?
Rating: 4 ½ stars
Dillon Caxton is gorgeous, strong-willed and passionate, a consummate risk-taker who has paid his dues. So when he meets his match in Lady Priscilla/Pris Dallow/Dalloway, equally beautiful, stubborn and hot-blooded, there is no turning back for either of them.
Set in Newmarket amidst the glitter and muck of the racing culture, there is love, intrigue, and loads of glam as Dillon and Pris maneuver courtship rites, the upper echelons of the ton and the seedier elements surrounding them. It’s a race—yes pun intended—against time as Pris struggles to track down and save her twin brother, Rus.
Another interesting aspect of this novel is the intense characterization. Pris and Dillon are stunningly beautiful people. Most people are flabbergasted upon meeting them, unable to get past the exterior. Since neither the h or H is superficial and understand there is more to them beneath the surface, they both gain an immediate understanding of one another almost from the moment they meet. They are kindred souls. The attraction is truly more than skin deep, since physical perfect is something that never lasts.
I was partial to the entire introspection about the twin bond. Twins run prominently in my family, so I appreciated the ‘mystical twin’ ties between Pris and Rus. Another turn in the ongoing theme of familial love throughout Ms. Laurens’ books.
Also, there is the inescapable strength and tenacity shared by Laurens’ heroines in every book. These women demand love in their relationships and refuse to settle. They all have the self-respect, the will to defy the ton and society to settle for nothing less. Pris is assertive and powerful. Dillon is just as unyielding but his love for Pris and desire for more in his life leaves him vulnerable to the whims of the ton. This won’t do for either of them. It was thrilling to watch the matrons of the Cynster clan converging together to make things happen for these two. Plus, you get to see little Cynsters-in-training doing their thing. Priscilla and Dillon deserved more than the limits of their world and their fiery natures. I was so pleased to see them get their HEA.
I truly enjoyed reading this book (well, I love this author, heh). One of the high points of these later Cynster books are glimpses of earlier characters, the amazing historical details, and visually rich and superlative writing.
Rating: 4 ½ stars
Dillon Caxton is gorgeous, strong-willed and passionate, a consummate risk-taker who has paid his dues. So when he meets his match in Lady Priscilla/Pris Dallow/Dalloway, equally beautiful, stubborn and hot-blooded, there is no turning back for either of them.
Set in Newmarket amidst the glitter and muck of the racing culture, there is love, intrigue, and loads of glam as Dillon and Pris maneuver courtship rites, the upper echelons of the ton and the seedier elements surrounding them. It’s a race—yes pun intended—against time as Pris struggles to track down and save her twin brother, Rus.
Another interesting aspect of this novel is the intense characterization. Pris and Dillon are stunningly beautiful people. Most people are flabbergasted upon meeting them, unable to get past the exterior. Since neither the h or H is superficial and understand there is more to them beneath the surface, they both gain an immediate understanding of one another almost from the moment they meet. They are kindred souls. The attraction is truly more than skin deep, since physical perfect is something that never lasts.
I was partial to the entire introspection about the twin bond. Twins run prominently in my family, so I appreciated the ‘mystical twin’ ties between Pris and Rus. Another turn in the ongoing theme of familial love throughout Ms. Laurens’ books.
Also, there is the inescapable strength and tenacity shared by Laurens’ heroines in every book. These women demand love in their relationships and refuse to settle. They all have the self-respect, the will to defy the ton and society to settle for nothing less. Pris is assertive and powerful. Dillon is just as unyielding but his love for Pris and desire for more in his life leaves him vulnerable to the whims of the ton. This won’t do for either of them. It was thrilling to watch the matrons of the Cynster clan converging together to make things happen for these two. Plus, you get to see little Cynsters-in-training doing their thing. Priscilla and Dillon deserved more than the limits of their world and their fiery natures. I was so pleased to see them get their HEA.
I truly enjoyed reading this book (well, I love this author, heh). One of the high points of these later Cynster books are glimpses of earlier characters, the amazing historical details, and visually rich and superlative writing.
March 6, 2023
What Price Love?
4 Stars
Series note: This is book #13 in numerical order but book #16 in chronological order. While the plot itself is standalone, there are references to events from book #4.
The focus is once again on a Cynster brother-in-law. In this case, the hero is Dillon Caxton, Felicity Cynster's cousin (book #4). After a severe indiscretion in his youth, Dillon has dedicated his life to restoring his reputation and serves as the keeper of the Stud Register for the Newmarket racing commission. Amidst suspicions that race-fixing is afoot, Dillon encounters Miss Pris Dalling, who is intent on seeing the register. A battle of wills ensues as Dillon is just as determined to thwart her goal and learn her secrets. Is she somehow involved in a crime, and how far will she go to see the register? Dillon is about to find out.
Felicity and Demon's book is one of my few five-star SL reads, and while Pris and Dillon's isn't quite as good, it does hit all the right notes.
To begin with, Dillon and Pris's romance is different in tone from most of the other couples in the series due to the adversarial nature of their relationship and the fact that they are constantly trying to manipulate one another. Their verbal sparring is engaging and they have an intense physical and emotional bond.
Similar to Gerrard and Jacqueline's book, there is a darker undertone to the mystery and especially the final chapters where the truly despicable villain .
Overall, the last few books have been a significant improvement both in plotting, characterization and even in writing (although it is still too long-winded and repetitious). I hope the rest of the series continues in this vein.
4 Stars
Series note: This is book #13 in numerical order but book #16 in chronological order. While the plot itself is standalone, there are references to events from book #4.
The focus is once again on a Cynster brother-in-law. In this case, the hero is Dillon Caxton, Felicity Cynster's cousin (book #4). After a severe indiscretion in his youth, Dillon has dedicated his life to restoring his reputation and serves as the keeper of the Stud Register for the Newmarket racing commission. Amidst suspicions that race-fixing is afoot, Dillon encounters Miss Pris Dalling, who is intent on seeing the register. A battle of wills ensues as Dillon is just as determined to thwart her goal and learn her secrets. Is she somehow involved in a crime, and how far will she go to see the register? Dillon is about to find out.
Felicity and Demon's book is one of my few five-star SL reads, and while Pris and Dillon's isn't quite as good, it does hit all the right notes.
To begin with, Dillon and Pris's romance is different in tone from most of the other couples in the series due to the adversarial nature of their relationship and the fact that they are constantly trying to manipulate one another. Their verbal sparring is engaging and they have an intense physical and emotional bond.
Similar to Gerrard and Jacqueline's book, there is a darker undertone to the mystery and especially the final chapters where the truly despicable villain .
Overall, the last few books have been a significant improvement both in plotting, characterization and even in writing (although it is still too long-winded and repetitious). I hope the rest of the series continues in this vein.
March 2, 2013
I've read and enjoyed other books by Laurens, but I'm struggling to finish this one. The main characters bond over how difficult it is to be really really ridiculously good looking, and their contempt of people who are dazzled by their beauty (except each other, of course), which is incredibly off-putting. They start having sex quite early in the book, without any thought to contraception or discussion of their relationship.
Laurens' most irritating writing quirks, repeating herself and using unnecessary sentence fragments to do so--
To explain.
To expound.
To truly explicate.
To thoroughly emphasize.
These tendencies are on full display with nothing to distract the reader.
I'd recommend going to the early books in the Cynster series. This one has no momentum from plot and features a pair of underdeveloped narcissists.
Laurens' most irritating writing quirks, repeating herself and using unnecessary sentence fragments to do so--
To explain.
To expound.
To truly explicate.
To thoroughly emphasize.
These tendencies are on full display with nothing to distract the reader.
I'd recommend going to the early books in the Cynster series. This one has no momentum from plot and features a pair of underdeveloped narcissists.
May 27, 2018
I discovered books by Stephanie Laurens just few years ago, after many years of reading historical romances. And I'm still amazed by actually how good her books are. What Price Love? is a great example.
Pris's twin brother discovered some cheating plot on horse races, than disappeared without a word. Pris, therefore, abandons her native Ireland and goes to look for her brother. It turns out that the scam is connected in some way with the registration of racing horses, guarded by Dillon. Dillon and Pris are fascinated with each other from the very beginning. But if they want to thwart cheaters' plans, they have to trust each other and solve the mystery together.
As always with Stephanie Laurens, the characters are great. They arouse good feelings from the very beginning. Pris is a really strong heroine (probably too strong for her own good), she doesn't sit waiting for help, she acts. And Dillon totally understands her and is willing to help her anyway. They make a lovely couple (and pairing well the main characters is usually a case with Stephanie Laurens).
I also quite enjoy the suspense part, it could be more developed or eventful with some more twists. There is nothing really surprising about it but it is okay. The balance between the romance part and the suspense is good. I love that there is a strong appearance of some other characters known from previous books, they make a great background. Pris and Dillon relationship looks believable and is enough developed, I have no problem with finding deep feeling between them.
This is a pretty nice addition to the series with lovely MC.
Pris's twin brother discovered some cheating plot on horse races, than disappeared without a word. Pris, therefore, abandons her native Ireland and goes to look for her brother. It turns out that the scam is connected in some way with the registration of racing horses, guarded by Dillon. Dillon and Pris are fascinated with each other from the very beginning. But if they want to thwart cheaters' plans, they have to trust each other and solve the mystery together.
As always with Stephanie Laurens, the characters are great. They arouse good feelings from the very beginning. Pris is a really strong heroine (probably too strong for her own good), she doesn't sit waiting for help, she acts. And Dillon totally understands her and is willing to help her anyway. They make a lovely couple (and pairing well the main characters is usually a case with Stephanie Laurens).
I also quite enjoy the suspense part, it could be more developed or eventful with some more twists. There is nothing really surprising about it but it is okay. The balance between the romance part and the suspense is good. I love that there is a strong appearance of some other characters known from previous books, they make a great background. Pris and Dillon relationship looks believable and is enough developed, I have no problem with finding deep feeling between them.
This is a pretty nice addition to the series with lovely MC.
November 4, 2025
Enemies to lovers troupe, kinda.
These two had chemistry and sparks galore.
Heroine was a tad bit too stubborn for my taste, but I did like her.
Hero was a dream. Loved him.
I found the mystery of her brother and the fix on the horse racing was boring and over done I think.
The middle of the book did drag.
Enjoyable read.
These two had chemistry and sparks galore.
Heroine was a tad bit too stubborn for my taste, but I did like her.
Hero was a dream. Loved him.
I found the mystery of her brother and the fix on the horse racing was boring and over done I think.
The middle of the book did drag.
Enjoyable read.
September 13, 2013
Finally. I don't know that I've ever been so happy to finally reach the end of a book.
While I've absolutely loved some of the books in this series, this one just didn't work for me. I don't like the heroine and how it kept being repeated that she was just so stinkin' beautiful people went dumb when they saw her. While there was an interesting mystery, I thought thy spent too much time hashing and rehashing their plans rather than just doing it. The last 25-30 pages were outstanding and held all the action. Too bad I had to read the first 440 to get to it.
Don't let my rating fool you though. I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment in the series and I really want to read Barnaby Adair's book cause the more I see him, the more I like him :)
While I've absolutely loved some of the books in this series, this one just didn't work for me. I don't like the heroine and how it kept being repeated that she was just so stinkin' beautiful people went dumb when they saw her. While there was an interesting mystery, I thought thy spent too much time hashing and rehashing their plans rather than just doing it. The last 25-30 pages were outstanding and held all the action. Too bad I had to read the first 440 to get to it.
Don't let my rating fool you though. I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment in the series and I really want to read Barnaby Adair's book cause the more I see him, the more I like him :)
May 14, 2023
I'm listening to the abridged audio of this book, and I love it! I love the mystery element in these books, that is what keeps me interested in this series. However, I have found while reading this series that there is a abundance of "dead space" in them that I often skip read. When listening to an unabridged audio my mind often wanders, and I miss something important, or I get bored. Not the case with this abridged audio version. The plot moves quickly, and I don't feel I've lost anything. Narration by Elizabeth Sastre was great, but her Irish accent could have been a little more pronounced and I was difficult to tell the male characters from the female. I didn't feel that I had missed a thing by not listening to the longer version.
Lady Priscilla Dalloway is on a mission to find her twin brother, Russell, who has gone missing and hasn't been heard from for over two months. She just knows that he is messed up in something dangerous that involves his passion for horse racing. She finds herself, her cousin and her aunt in the horseracing mecca of England and face to face with the most handsome and dangerous of men, Dillion Caxton.
Dillion Caxton was involved in a scandal in his younger, wilder days, but he has strived to overcome that and with the help of Demon Cynster he has become the Keeper of the Register, England's horseracing Bible. He is not about to repeat his past mistakes, even for a beautiful woman who affects him like none other ever has.
Pris is convinced that the answer to her brother's problems lies in this Register, and she is determined to do whatever it takes, including seducing its Keeper to get a look at its contents. Well, two can play that game and Dillion is not about to let a spirited beauty get the better of him. But when someone takes a shot at her, Dillion can do nothing less than protect her, even though he knows she is not telling him the truth.
Lady Priscilla Dalloway is on a mission to find her twin brother, Russell, who has gone missing and hasn't been heard from for over two months. She just knows that he is messed up in something dangerous that involves his passion for horse racing. She finds herself, her cousin and her aunt in the horseracing mecca of England and face to face with the most handsome and dangerous of men, Dillion Caxton.
Dillion Caxton was involved in a scandal in his younger, wilder days, but he has strived to overcome that and with the help of Demon Cynster he has become the Keeper of the Register, England's horseracing Bible. He is not about to repeat his past mistakes, even for a beautiful woman who affects him like none other ever has.
Pris is convinced that the answer to her brother's problems lies in this Register, and she is determined to do whatever it takes, including seducing its Keeper to get a look at its contents. Well, two can play that game and Dillion is not about to let a spirited beauty get the better of him. But when someone takes a shot at her, Dillion can do nothing less than protect her, even though he knows she is not telling him the truth.
July 2, 2019
3.5 stars
April 10, 2014
Story About Cynster Extended Family
WHAT PRICE LOVE? is the thirteenth Cynster novel. This is the story of Dillon Caxton, Flick's cousin from A ROGUE'S PROPOSAL. Dillon got involved in a horse race fixing scheme that his cousin helped extract him from. For ten years, Dillon has worked to rebuild his honor. He has succeeded and is now trusted with the register of all the racing horses in England. Priscilla Dalloway is determined to get access to the register. She is concerned about her twin brother who has disappeared. Her only clue is the register. She will do whatever it takes even if she has to seduce Dillon.
The mystery in this book is very good. I was interested all the way through. I also really liked the romance which was very compelling between Dillon and Pris. I really liked how they recognize one another as like beings. They are both a bit reckless. Usually in these novels there are a balance between the personalities of the characters. Here the characters are alike and understand one another.
My one complaint is that Pris is too reluctant to marry Dillon. Her position is quite illogical and I found that part of her personality a bit annoying. It was only a small annoyance and did not destroy my enjoyment of the book as a whole.
WHAT PRICE LOVE? is the thirteenth Cynster novel. This is the story of Dillon Caxton, Flick's cousin from A ROGUE'S PROPOSAL. Dillon got involved in a horse race fixing scheme that his cousin helped extract him from. For ten years, Dillon has worked to rebuild his honor. He has succeeded and is now trusted with the register of all the racing horses in England. Priscilla Dalloway is determined to get access to the register. She is concerned about her twin brother who has disappeared. Her only clue is the register. She will do whatever it takes even if she has to seduce Dillon.
The mystery in this book is very good. I was interested all the way through. I also really liked the romance which was very compelling between Dillon and Pris. I really liked how they recognize one another as like beings. They are both a bit reckless. Usually in these novels there are a balance between the personalities of the characters. Here the characters are alike and understand one another.
My one complaint is that Pris is too reluctant to marry Dillon. Her position is quite illogical and I found that part of her personality a bit annoying. It was only a small annoyance and did not destroy my enjoyment of the book as a whole.
August 16, 2016
This is a book about two really really pretty people.
Getting this out there because it was basically the basis for the story line.
Pris is a gorgeous belle. Her twin Rus gets mixed up in horse trade and racing world and disappears. She realizes to find and save him she needs to see the records- hence she travels and meets Dillion, who is Flick's really handsome cousin.
They meet, interact, having really really hot sex in various locations, solve mysteries and live hea.
The cynsters have started following a set pattern for me by now- so I can basically predict how the book is gonna go. That being said, the lovemaking remains sexy and once in a while a book surprises me.
This was one of the average reads from the series.
Safe read.
3.5/5
Getting this out there because it was basically the basis for the story line.
Pris is a gorgeous belle. Her twin Rus gets mixed up in horse trade and racing world and disappears. She realizes to find and save him she needs to see the records- hence she travels and meets Dillion, who is Flick's really handsome cousin.
They meet, interact, having really really hot sex in various locations, solve mysteries and live hea.
The cynsters have started following a set pattern for me by now- so I can basically predict how the book is gonna go. That being said, the lovemaking remains sexy and once in a while a book surprises me.
This was one of the average reads from the series.
Safe read.
3.5/5
April 28, 2018
I like SL's characters but not in this book. For the first half, I thought Pris was stupid at her best. I mean, she goes to a new place to save her brother and knows absolutely nothing about what is going on. She couldn't trust Dillon to share what she knew but she sure as hell could have sex with him.
Dillon definitely grew up from being irresponsible but I got bored of reading about how he and Pris were really handsome, beautiful and no one could take their eyes off them. I understood they were good looking, I definitely don't need that to be repeated once in every two pages.
This book has left me really disappointed except for the last few pages where there is some fast-paced action.
Dillon definitely grew up from being irresponsible but I got bored of reading about how he and Pris were really handsome, beautiful and no one could take their eyes off them. I understood they were good looking, I definitely don't need that to be repeated once in every two pages.
This book has left me really disappointed except for the last few pages where there is some fast-paced action.
August 27, 2020
It was actually refreshing to see two strong, confident characters. No simpering unsure his in this book. A well development Regency in Lauren’s world of the Cynster family. A nice suspense/mystery based historical romance.
January 16, 2011
A wonderful romance novel that involves twins and their exceptional close connection that adds more drama and humor to the story. What Price Love is about a female twin who finds out that her male twin is involved in a situation that may end in his untimely death. Her love for her brother drives her to involve herself in his mischief, in the hopes of saving him from whatever it is he’s into. Unknown to her, her involvement indirectly gets her involved with a man who’s out to find the truth. She finds out that her search for her twin is related to the man’s search for the truth, and together, they embark on a back-to-back play of mischief between two stubborn adults who just do not want to give up. The story eventually leads them to realize how in many ways, they are very similar to each other, and towards the end, how meant for each other they are.
I’ve always found that stories that involve twins are very interesting, and this story is another great example. Bringing two stubborn people together has been a common theme throughout many romance novels that I have read through the years. The involvement of one twin for their twins happiness is also something that I’ve seen many times in romance novels, with this story not being an exception.
One of the great things in this story, is that there is a lot of drama and humor involved between the two main characters. The story also takes place in a wonderful environment, with interesting characters popping out throughout the story. The addition of many other interesting characters is actually either a preview, or a chance to look back at the other books in the series by Stephanie Laurens. Their quirky characteristics give the story a lot more flair, and drive the main characters to do things amusing to the reader. I have never seen as much involvement of supporting characters in a story, as I have seen in this story. Not to mention the adorable conversations that take place between the characters, most especially with the philosophical-sounding British dialogue. One reason why I love English/European-based romance novels. Conversations are always something that you can look back on and laugh at. Not shallow at all, and give us a chance to see how intelligent and mysterious Europeans were even at that time.
Probably, the only thing that can be frustrating in What Price Love is the inconsistency of the timeline. Throughout the story, it seems to me that the involvement of the 2 main characters with each other is too quick, and too unrealistic. Though the story is very wonderfully woven together, it seems as if the days have been rushed and the flow of the story passes too quickly. But at the same time, there is a lot of suspense present in the story, a little too much for a romance novel. But then again, the suspense just makes the story even juicer and a lot more worth your money.
Reading the book has made me interested in the other Cynster novels written by Stephanie Laurens (which were mentioned to me by my friends). A good read, with an interesting plot and an interesting bunch of characters.
I’ve always found that stories that involve twins are very interesting, and this story is another great example. Bringing two stubborn people together has been a common theme throughout many romance novels that I have read through the years. The involvement of one twin for their twins happiness is also something that I’ve seen many times in romance novels, with this story not being an exception.
One of the great things in this story, is that there is a lot of drama and humor involved between the two main characters. The story also takes place in a wonderful environment, with interesting characters popping out throughout the story. The addition of many other interesting characters is actually either a preview, or a chance to look back at the other books in the series by Stephanie Laurens. Their quirky characteristics give the story a lot more flair, and drive the main characters to do things amusing to the reader. I have never seen as much involvement of supporting characters in a story, as I have seen in this story. Not to mention the adorable conversations that take place between the characters, most especially with the philosophical-sounding British dialogue. One reason why I love English/European-based romance novels. Conversations are always something that you can look back on and laugh at. Not shallow at all, and give us a chance to see how intelligent and mysterious Europeans were even at that time.
Probably, the only thing that can be frustrating in What Price Love is the inconsistency of the timeline. Throughout the story, it seems to me that the involvement of the 2 main characters with each other is too quick, and too unrealistic. Though the story is very wonderfully woven together, it seems as if the days have been rushed and the flow of the story passes too quickly. But at the same time, there is a lot of suspense present in the story, a little too much for a romance novel. But then again, the suspense just makes the story even juicer and a lot more worth your money.
Reading the book has made me interested in the other Cynster novels written by Stephanie Laurens (which were mentioned to me by my friends). A good read, with an interesting plot and an interesting bunch of characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2008
This book was so engrossing! In addition to the usual "I'm feisty, you're feisty, together we're spicy" romance plotline, there's a very intricate plot about horse racing and switching out horses and a gambling racket. It was fascinating! I actually enjoyed it a lot, even though I'm kind of burned out on romance novels.
In that respect, saddling herself with an innocent, sweet young thing like Miss Blake wasn't what one would expect of a clever and intelligent femme fatale. Yet Miss Dalling qualified as clever and intelligent, and her type of beauty was the epitome of fatale--the sort men died for.
In that respect, saddling herself with an innocent, sweet young thing like Miss Blake wasn't what one would expect of a clever and intelligent femme fatale. Yet Miss Dalling qualified as clever and intelligent, and her type of beauty was the epitome of fatale--the sort men died for.
July 17, 2011
So this is what the two main characters have in common: they're both so unbelievably gorgeous that beauty means nothing to them and they're able to look beneath the superficial. Seriously? And the steamy scenes got so flowery and abstract, I just started skipping over them. THAT is unheard of for me. It's a good thing Laurens is such a good writer because this formula that she uses with all the Cynster novels is wearing thin.
February 2, 2021
2.5 stars. Better than #12, but nothing to rave about. From strangers to proposal in 1 week??? It’s like Laurens isn’t even trying any more!
In a time & place where female virginity is a high commodity, Pris sure didn't have a hard time relieving herself of her's with a man she had only met 2 days prior and didn't trust with her brother's safety!
I'm just so sick of romance novels that place a high price on virginity & reputation, either through explaination or time period & setting, to then write in a heroine that doesn't give a second thought to disavowing herself of said virginity within minutes of meeting the hero. And then there's the impossible to believe relationships that go from nothing to you're-the-love-of-my-life in mere days without ever getting to know one another. Just because this is fiction doesn't mean it shouldn't be believable!
In a time & place where female virginity is a high commodity, Pris sure didn't have a hard time relieving herself of her's with a man she had only met 2 days prior and didn't trust with her brother's safety!
I'm just so sick of romance novels that place a high price on virginity & reputation, either through explaination or time period & setting, to then write in a heroine that doesn't give a second thought to disavowing herself of said virginity within minutes of meeting the hero. And then there's the impossible to believe relationships that go from nothing to you're-the-love-of-my-life in mere days without ever getting to know one another. Just because this is fiction doesn't mean it shouldn't be believable!
January 27, 2021
Same review as the next few. Too long and too much side story and drama /mystery /crime for my personal taste. As I like my crime and mystery books separately from my romance books, this one was just not my favorite. In fact, these last cynster books really should have been Barnaby Adair mystery books with a loose tie to the cynsters universe, like marvel universe
September 13, 2013
Cynster time again! I liked this one decently enough. Not a favorite in the series, but I didn't dislike it. Was the odd man out in the group this month I guess. Sure, Pris got a bit annoying with her self-assurance in her looks, and the way the author kept rubbing it in our faces that she was so amazingly, inconceivably gorgeous got old after the first chapter or two, but in a Cynster world full of stunningly beautiful people, I have to say I'm kinda used to too many overly attractive people. So while it was slightly annoying, it wasn't a deal breaker. Dillon was cut straight from the Cynster cloth, so nothing new in terms of the hero either. He was so Cynster-ish I had to keep reminding myself that he wasn't a Cynster by blood. Was kind of hoping for a more refreshing change of pace hero-wise, but if I haven't realized by now that SL has a certain hero-mold she uses constantly, I prolly never will, lol. What I liked was seeing familiar characters from previous books, and the focus on the horse racing world. Yea, I still had to put up with more balls and soirees, and the subsequent sneaking away for naughty times by our couple, than I was hoping for, but oh well. Again, guess it's to be expected. What's a ball in the Cynster world if our couple doesn't slip away to get buck-naked in other people's houses? /sarcasm
I didn't hate it though. I thought the mystery was solved a little too quickly, all the work and build-up to find Rus, and figure out the scam, and then the tense moments, the switch, the race, the calling out of the perpretrators... all that was handled by the halfway point in the book, and I was left feeling like... ok, what now? Then it was slow-going while Dillon and Pris have their misunderstandings and failures to communicate, a trip to London, more balls and sex at balls, some dancing, some more sex, and then finally, towards the end the villain behind the scam comes out of the woodwork for a hasty attempt at revenge that is taken care of super-quick. Then the HEA. It was alright. Not thrilling, but alright. A nice, predictable addition to the series. Still continuing on though! Counting Barnaby's book, we've only got 5 more in the series to read before we're done (at least til the next Barnaby book comes out next year). I'm actually starting to feel a little sad that the end is approaching, something I never would've thought I'd feel back in the early books in the series.
I didn't hate it though. I thought the mystery was solved a little too quickly, all the work and build-up to find Rus, and figure out the scam, and then the tense moments, the switch, the race, the calling out of the perpretrators... all that was handled by the halfway point in the book, and I was left feeling like... ok, what now? Then it was slow-going while Dillon and Pris have their misunderstandings and failures to communicate, a trip to London, more balls and sex at balls, some dancing, some more sex, and then finally, towards the end the villain behind the scam comes out of the woodwork for a hasty attempt at revenge that is taken care of super-quick. Then the HEA. It was alright. Not thrilling, but alright. A nice, predictable addition to the series. Still continuing on though! Counting Barnaby's book, we've only got 5 more in the series to read before we're done (at least til the next Barnaby book comes out next year). I'm actually starting to feel a little sad that the end is approaching, something I never would've thought I'd feel back in the early books in the series.
July 12, 2013
Gostei muito do livro!!
O Preço do Amor nos conta a história de Dillon e Priscilla, dois deuses da beleza que estão acostumados a serem assediados constantemente por sua aparência, em detrimento de seu verdadeiro eu. OS dois são pessoas impetuosas, intimamente livres e quando se encontram percebem logo essa conexão intima.
E a história do romance deles é muito boa, a autora, que é super descritiva, nos envolve completamente com os dois. O romance deles é sensual, perigoso e indiscreto, afinal ela é uma lady e ele sendo um cavalheiro super bem quisto na sociedade, então presume-se que eles têm que cumprir um série de regras e normas ditadas pelo ton inglês, mas isso não é algo que eles se importam muito.. huahuahau..
O que me faz não dar 5 estrelas para esse livro é o universo do turfe, que é extremamente dessecado pela autora. Claro que é absolutamente compreensível, visto que, o mistério que envolve a trama gira em torno das corridas de cavalo, mas tem horas que enche o saco!
Mas depois que o mistério é quase todo revelado, a atenção se volta novamente para o casal, e eu posso até ousar afirmar que valeu a pena aguentar a história do turfe no meio do livro! Nossa, volta e volta com tudo! Após uma tentativa frustrada de pedir Pis em casamento, Dillon vai com tudo para seduzir e liberar a alma rebelde de Pris - só pra ele é claro - e essa parte do livro é ótima!!
Eu super recomendo, Stephanie escreve muito bem, ela nos leva a entrar na mente das suas personagens, perscrutar os seus mais íntimos sentimentos e emoções. E tirando a super descrição do turfe, o mistério da trama é bem legal e envolvente.
E como já foi dito em outras resenhas, prepare-se, pois só a primeira noite do casal é quase um capitulo e embora seus outros interlúdios não se estendam mais a 21 páginas, eles continuam sendo muito bem descritos, sexies, quentes e sem ser vulgar em momento algum!
Boa leitura (:
O Preço do Amor nos conta a história de Dillon e Priscilla, dois deuses da beleza que estão acostumados a serem assediados constantemente por sua aparência, em detrimento de seu verdadeiro eu. OS dois são pessoas impetuosas, intimamente livres e quando se encontram percebem logo essa conexão intima.
E a história do romance deles é muito boa, a autora, que é super descritiva, nos envolve completamente com os dois. O romance deles é sensual, perigoso e indiscreto, afinal ela é uma lady e ele sendo um cavalheiro super bem quisto na sociedade, então presume-se que eles têm que cumprir um série de regras e normas ditadas pelo ton inglês, mas isso não é algo que eles se importam muito.. huahuahau..
O que me faz não dar 5 estrelas para esse livro é o universo do turfe, que é extremamente dessecado pela autora. Claro que é absolutamente compreensível, visto que, o mistério que envolve a trama gira em torno das corridas de cavalo, mas tem horas que enche o saco!
Mas depois que o mistério é quase todo revelado, a atenção se volta novamente para o casal, e eu posso até ousar afirmar que valeu a pena aguentar a história do turfe no meio do livro! Nossa, volta e volta com tudo! Após uma tentativa frustrada de pedir Pis em casamento, Dillon vai com tudo para seduzir e liberar a alma rebelde de Pris - só pra ele é claro - e essa parte do livro é ótima!!
Eu super recomendo, Stephanie escreve muito bem, ela nos leva a entrar na mente das suas personagens, perscrutar os seus mais íntimos sentimentos e emoções. E tirando a super descrição do turfe, o mistério da trama é bem legal e envolvente.
E como já foi dito em outras resenhas, prepare-se, pois só a primeira noite do casal é quase um capitulo e embora seus outros interlúdios não se estendam mais a 21 páginas, eles continuam sendo muito bem descritos, sexies, quentes e sem ser vulgar em momento algum!
Boa leitura (:
November 29, 2011
Ha sido gratificante e inesperado en parte, poder haber leído esta nueva versión de Dillon Caxton. Una en la que el paso de los años “ficticios” ha sido relevante para que un personaje que leí en su momento, madurara de tal manera que su nueva perspectiva haya ocultado a la perfección mis opiniones sobre su primera aparición en la Serie Cynster.
Recuerdo que en su participación en “La Propuesta de Un Canalla” deseé patearlo más de tres ocasiones ¬¬ era un inmaduro, imbécil… y realmente me preguntaba por qué su prima insistía en protegerlo. En este libro he conocido la respuesta. Laurens ha hecho crecer a su personaje con todas partes buenas y malas, dándoles así, ese toque de humanidad, que te hace involucrarte en la historia, en sus dificultades y alegrías. En definitiva, disfrutar de un libro tan bien elaborado como solo ella puede escribir. En este tomo en particular, lo que más me agradó fue que se eligió a la compañera adecuada para Dillon, una mujer igual de fuerte que él, una que en ningún momento intentó ser la damisela en apuros, una igual de valiente y temeraria como cualquier otra Cynster. Y tal vez un poco más. El libro ha superado todas mis expectativas con creces. Estoy sorprendida y gratamente satisfecha. Este al igual que el libro anterior, ha sido de mis favoritos en toda la serie. Y lo recomiendo completamente. :D
Recuerdo que en su participación en “La Propuesta de Un Canalla” deseé patearlo más de tres ocasiones ¬¬ era un inmaduro, imbécil… y realmente me preguntaba por qué su prima insistía en protegerlo. En este libro he conocido la respuesta. Laurens ha hecho crecer a su personaje con todas partes buenas y malas, dándoles así, ese toque de humanidad, que te hace involucrarte en la historia, en sus dificultades y alegrías. En definitiva, disfrutar de un libro tan bien elaborado como solo ella puede escribir. En este tomo en particular, lo que más me agradó fue que se eligió a la compañera adecuada para Dillon, una mujer igual de fuerte que él, una que en ningún momento intentó ser la damisela en apuros, una igual de valiente y temeraria como cualquier otra Cynster. Y tal vez un poco más. El libro ha superado todas mis expectativas con creces. Estoy sorprendida y gratamente satisfecha. Este al igual que el libro anterior, ha sido de mis favoritos en toda la serie. Y lo recomiendo completamente. :D
August 11, 2010
Dillon Caxton is disillusioned with love. Blessed with wealth, status, and stunning good looks, he has no time for marriage-hungry misses. As a guardian of the "sport of kings" he has a daring criminal scheme to thwart-one that threatens to wreak havoc on the thoroughbred racing world.
Lady Priscilla Dalloway has to rescue her horse-mad twin brother from the dangerous swindle in which he's become embroiled.
Lady Priscilla Dalloway has to rescue her horse-mad twin brother from the dangerous swindle in which he's become embroiled.
September 11, 2013
One of my least favorite in the series , the best words to describe it are boring and repetitive . There was a mystery and they had a plan to find the villain so they were repeating their plans and findings over and over. The romance part wasn't bad but it was lost in the whole mystery thing and it didn't have anything new compare to the other books in the series. Or I simply wasn't in the mood for this book!
If it wasn't for a challenge and the buddy read , I would have DNFed it!
If it wasn't for a challenge and the buddy read , I would have DNFed it!
February 24, 2009
Regency romance set not in London, for a change, but amongst the horse racing at Newmarket.
January 13, 2025
ค่าแห่งความรัก ที่ไม่ใช่หนังสือของลินน์ เกรแฮมที่เพิ่งออกขายไปนะคะ แต่เป็นการตั้งชื่อเองของแม็กซ์กับเรื่อง What Price Love? ของสเตฟานี ลอว์เรนส์ หนังสือที่ถ้าสั้นกว่านี้สักหนึ่งร้อยหน้าจะสมบูรณ์แบบกว่านี้ แต่ด้วยความยาวที่เกินขนาดก็เลยทำให้เบื่อไปเสียก่อน ทั้งที่พูดตามตรงก็ถือว่าสนุกพอตัวทีเดียว
เรื่องเริ่มต้นตามสไตล์หนังสือในครอบครัวซินสเตอร์ แม้ว่าดิลล่อนจะไม่ใช่ซินสเตอร์ แต่การเป็นญาติทางเมียก็เพียงพอแล้วจะทำให้เขาแสนเท่ห์ หล่อ รวย และเก่ง ความผิดปกติก็คือ ดิลล่อนมันไม่ได้หล่อ เท่ห์อย่างนี้ในเล่มที่เขาออกมามีบทบาทเป็นตัวละครรอง (The Rogue's Proposal) ความเท่ห์แม็กซ์เชื่อว่าสร้างกันได้ ด้วยวัยที่เพิ่มขึ้น ดิลล่อนปรับตัวเปลี่ยนนิสัยจากเด็กเอาแต่ใจกลายเป็นผู้ใหญ่ที่รับผิดชอบ อันนี้โอเค
แต่ความหล่อนี่สิ งงมาก เพราะดิลล่อนไม่ได้หล่อธรรมดา แต่เป็นหล่อประเภทลืมหายใจ หล่อจนคนสนใจแต่ความหล่อไม่สนใจตัวตนภายในของเขา (นี่เป็นเรื่องปรับทุกข์ที่เขาคุยกะนางเอกที่สวยจนลืมหายใจพอกัน) ความหล่อนี่มันเป็นของเฉพาะตัวนะ ลองโผล่หน้ามาว่าหน้าตาธรรมดา ทำยังไงมันก็ไม่หล่อขึ้นมาหรอกนะ ยิ่งสมัยนั้นไม่มีศัลยกรรมด้วย ยิ่งเป็นไปไม่ได้ใหญ่
อีกประเด็นนึงที่ขัดใจมากก็คือเรื่องชื่อนางเอก พริส ย่อมาจากพริสซิล่า นี่เป็นชื่อที่น่าเกลียดที่สุดที่แม็กซ์เคยได้ยินมา อ่านยังไงก็ซึ้งไม่ออกน่ะ รู้สึกเหมือน piss พิกล
ถ้าตัดประเด็นพวกนั้นไป เนื้อเรื่องก็ถือว่าสนุกอ่านได้ คนที่ชอบชุดซินสเตอร์ก็คงชอบค่ะ คนที่ไม่เคยอ่านชุดนี้ก็อ่านได้ จะมีก็แต่คนที่เบื่อเรื่องแนวซินสเตอร์แล้วนะค่ะที่ไม่ควรอ่านอย่างยิ่งเพราะสเตฟานี่ไม่ได้สร้างสรรเนื้อหาสาระอะไรใหม่ ทุกอย่างเดินตามรอยเท้าความสำเร็จในอดีต
สำหรับแม็กซ์ที่ไม่ถึงกะเบื่อซินสเตอร์ แต่ก็ไม่คลั่งเหมือนแต่ก่อน ก็อ่านไปได้ เพราะองค์ประกอบของชุดซินสเตอร์ที่แม็กซ์ชอบก็คือ พระเอกรู้ใจตัวเองว่าต้องการอะไร เขาอาจะไม่พูดออกมาว่ารัก แต่เขารู้เกือบในทันทีว่าต้องการนางเอกให้เข้ามาอยู่ในชีวิต และทำทุกวิถีทางไม่ว่าเจ้าเล่ห์อย่างไรเพื่อให้เธอมาเป็นของเขา
หนังสือเรื่องนี้เป็นรักในสนามม้า เพราะเกิดที่ Newmarket อันเป็นตลาดแข่งม้าชื่อดังของอังกฤษ นางเอกมาตามหาน้อง/พี่ฝาแฝดที่หลงเข้ามาพัวพันกับแก็งค์ต้มตุ๋น ส่วนดิลล่อนเป็นผู้เก็บรักษาสมุดประวัติม้าที่นางเอกแสนจะอยากเข้ามาอ่าน เพราะรวบรวมข้อมูลว่าเกิดอะไรขึ้นกับแฝดของเธอกันแน่
พล็อตปัญญาอ่อน
แต่อย่างที่บอกอ่านได้นะคะ ถ้าไม่คิดอะไรมาก อ่านความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างพระเอกกะนางเอกก็ถือว่าสอบผ่าน แม้นางเอกจะทำเป็นเล่นตัวไม่เชื่อใจพระเอกสักกะที แต่ก็กลับตัวทันก่อนที่แม็กซ์จะหมดความอดทนแล้วขว้างหนังสือทิ้ง
แม็กซ์ว่าเรื่องนี้ไปเยอะ แต่พูดจริงนะว่าสนุกอ่านได้ ที่ติเยอะก็คงเพราะแม็กซ์ยังเพ้อฝันอยู่กับอดีตอันแสนรุ่งเรื่องของสเตฟานี สมัยที่เธอเขียน Devil's Bride อยู่น่ะค่ะ
เรื่องเริ่มต้นตามสไตล์หนังสือในครอบครัวซินสเตอร์ แม้ว่าดิลล่อนจะไม่ใช่ซินสเตอร์ แต่การเป็นญาติทางเมียก็เพียงพอแล้วจะทำให้เขาแสนเท่ห์ หล่อ รวย และเก่ง ความผิดปกติก็คือ ดิลล่อนมันไม่ได้หล่อ เท่ห์อย่างนี้ในเล่มที่เขาออกมามีบทบาทเป็นตัวละครรอง (The Rogue's Proposal) ความเท่ห์แม็กซ์เชื่อว่าสร้างกันได้ ด้วยวัยที่เพิ่มขึ้น ดิลล่อนปรับตัวเปลี่ยนนิสัยจากเด็กเอาแต่ใจกลายเป็นผู้ใหญ่ที่รับผิดชอบ อันนี้โอเค
แต่ความหล่อนี่สิ งงมาก เพราะดิลล่อนไม่ได้หล่อธรรมดา แต่เป็นหล่อประเภทลืมหายใจ หล่อจนคนสนใจแต่ความหล่อไม่สนใจตัวตนภายในของเขา (นี่เป็นเรื่องปรับทุกข์ที่เขาคุยกะนางเอกที่สวยจนลืมหายใจพอกัน) ความหล่อนี่มันเป็นของเฉพาะตัวนะ ลองโผล่หน้ามาว่าหน้าตาธรรมดา ทำยังไงมันก็ไม่หล่อขึ้นมาหรอกนะ ยิ่งสมัยนั้นไม่มีศัลยกรรมด้วย ยิ่งเป็นไปไม่ได้ใหญ่
อีกประเด็นนึงที่ขัดใจมากก็คือเรื่องชื่อนางเอก พริส ย่อมาจากพริสซิล่า นี่เป็นชื่อที่น่าเกลียดที่สุดที่แม็กซ์เคยได้ยินมา อ่านยังไงก็ซึ้งไม่ออกน่ะ รู้สึกเหมือน piss พิกล
ถ้าตัดประเด็นพวกนั้นไป เนื้อเรื่องก็ถือว่าสนุกอ่านได้ คนที่ชอบชุดซินสเตอร์ก็คงชอบค่ะ คนที่ไม่เคยอ่านชุดนี้ก็อ่านได้ จะมีก็แต่คนที่เบื่อเรื่องแนวซินสเตอร์แล้วนะค่ะที่ไม่ควรอ่านอย่างยิ่งเพราะสเตฟานี่ไม่ได้สร้างสรรเนื้อหาสาระอะไรใหม่ ทุกอย่างเดินตามรอยเท้าความสำเร็จในอดีต
สำหรับแม็กซ์ที่ไม่ถึงกะเบื่อซินสเตอร์ แต่ก็ไม่คลั่งเหมือนแต่ก่อน ก็อ่านไปได้ เพราะองค์ประกอบของชุดซินสเตอร์ที่แม็กซ์ชอบก็คือ พระเอกรู้ใจตัวเองว่าต้องการอะไร เขาอาจะไม่พูดออกมาว่ารัก แต่เขารู้เกือบในทันทีว่าต้องการนางเอกให้เข้ามาอยู่ในชีวิต และทำทุกวิถีทางไม่ว่าเจ้าเล่ห์อย่างไรเพื่อให้เธอมาเป็นของเขา
หนังสือเรื่องนี้เป็นรักในสนามม้า เพราะเกิดที่ Newmarket อันเป็นตลาดแข่งม้าชื่อดังของอังกฤษ นางเอกมาตามหาน้อง/พี่ฝาแฝดที่หลงเข้ามาพัวพันกับแก็งค์ต้มตุ๋น ส่วนดิลล่อนเป็นผู้เก็บรักษาสมุดประวัติม้าที่นางเอกแสนจะอยากเข้ามาอ่าน เพราะรวบรวมข้อมูลว่าเกิดอะไรขึ้นกับแฝดของเธอกันแน่
พล็อตปัญญาอ่อน
แต่อย่างที่บอกอ่านได้นะคะ ถ้าไม่คิดอะไรมาก อ่านความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างพระเอกกะนางเอกก็ถือว่าสอบผ่าน แม้นางเอกจะทำเป็นเล่นตัวไม่เชื่อใจพระเอกสักกะที แต่ก็กลับตัวทันก่อนที่แม็กซ์จะหมดความอดทนแล้วขว้างหนังสือทิ้ง
แม็กซ์ว่าเรื่องนี้ไปเยอะ แต่พูดจริงนะว่าสนุกอ่านได้ ที่ติเยอะก็คงเพราะแม็กซ์ยังเพ้อฝันอยู่กับอดีตอันแสนรุ่งเรื่องของสเตฟานี สมัยที่เธอเขียน Devil's Bride อยู่น่ะค่ะ
June 16, 2021
Ya extrañaba mi dosis de romance de época, una disculpa.
-Obviando lo de siempre: es ficción, el machismo y sexismo no se justifica por la época, pero hacemos como lectores el compromiso de entender el contexto y no sacarlo, proyectarlo y/o permitirlo en nuestra vida real.- Ahora sí continúo.
La primera mitad es muy muy muy adictiva, pero la segunda se torna muy lento y aburrido la verdad; una cosa interesante es que el misterio no es como el de los libros anteriores, no hay un asesinato o un robo directamente, está más relacionado con malos entendidos, persecuciones y venganzas, lo cual lo hizo (por lo menos al inicio) un poco más interesante y novedoso.
Son libros de época muy entretenidos, con muy buena ambientación, increíble narración, con buenos y completos personajes relacionados a los de libros anteriores, con un buen desarrollo de romance, etc, etc, pero ahora sí la COSA MÁS INTERESANTE de este libro fueron sin duda los protagonistas, me explico:
Normalmente en los libros de romance siempre hay un dominante, (la mayor parte de las veces es un hombre porque #rolesdegénero, pero a veces también hay chicas), el caso es que en este ejemplar los dos son dominantes, y no es muy común que eso pase de una forma tan marcada. Puede que los dos sean decididos o de carácter fuerte, pero siempre como lectores y humanos, sabemos que hay uno que tiene aunque sea un poquito de más poder sobre el otro en algunos aspectos, en cambio en esta historia no, todo su romance (muy bien narrado, porque la autora narra increíblemente bien) es un juego de poder, en cada beso, cada conversación, cada encuentro, hay una lucha de poder por conseguir información, pero eventualmente por el simple hecho de querer tener el mando sobre el otro, puede parecer terrible, pero es extremadamente entretenido estar viendo como los dos ganan y pierden a la vez, como van cediendo o cerrando terreno frente al otro.
Esto en la primera mitad del libro, porque después notamos claramente que se van rindiendo a los deseos del otro, pero inicialmente me pareció un gran trabajo de la autora, creo que conseguir dos personajes muy atractivos, fuertes, con objetivos, límites, intereses propios y con algo de egoísmo a un mismo nivel sin que parezcan copias es difícil, y hacerlos una pareja con química aún más.
-Obviando lo de siempre: es ficción, el machismo y sexismo no se justifica por la época, pero hacemos como lectores el compromiso de entender el contexto y no sacarlo, proyectarlo y/o permitirlo en nuestra vida real.- Ahora sí continúo.
La primera mitad es muy muy muy adictiva, pero la segunda se torna muy lento y aburrido la verdad; una cosa interesante es que el misterio no es como el de los libros anteriores, no hay un asesinato o un robo directamente, está más relacionado con malos entendidos, persecuciones y venganzas, lo cual lo hizo (por lo menos al inicio) un poco más interesante y novedoso.
Son libros de época muy entretenidos, con muy buena ambientación, increíble narración, con buenos y completos personajes relacionados a los de libros anteriores, con un buen desarrollo de romance, etc, etc, pero ahora sí la COSA MÁS INTERESANTE de este libro fueron sin duda los protagonistas, me explico:
Normalmente en los libros de romance siempre hay un dominante, (la mayor parte de las veces es un hombre porque #rolesdegénero, pero a veces también hay chicas), el caso es que en este ejemplar los dos son dominantes, y no es muy común que eso pase de una forma tan marcada. Puede que los dos sean decididos o de carácter fuerte, pero siempre como lectores y humanos, sabemos que hay uno que tiene aunque sea un poquito de más poder sobre el otro en algunos aspectos, en cambio en esta historia no, todo su romance (muy bien narrado, porque la autora narra increíblemente bien) es un juego de poder, en cada beso, cada conversación, cada encuentro, hay una lucha de poder por conseguir información, pero eventualmente por el simple hecho de querer tener el mando sobre el otro, puede parecer terrible, pero es extremadamente entretenido estar viendo como los dos ganan y pierden a la vez, como van cediendo o cerrando terreno frente al otro.
Esto en la primera mitad del libro, porque después notamos claramente que se van rindiendo a los deseos del otro, pero inicialmente me pareció un gran trabajo de la autora, creo que conseguir dos personajes muy atractivos, fuertes, con objetivos, límites, intereses propios y con algo de egoísmo a un mismo nivel sin que parezcan copias es difícil, y hacerlos una pareja con química aún más.
September 1, 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.
Dillon was OK, but it bothered me that he just decided he was going to marry Priscilla, without discussing it with her for a long time. He just assumed she would be OK with that, and started making plans without her input. Then he was surprised when his proposal didn't go well? Duh!
It also seemed like Dillon and Priscilla were mostly in lust, not love, for a large part of the book.
Priscilla was OK, but it bothered me that she kept doing things that put her in danger. She knew her brother was in danger, so she does things that put her in danger too? That was just dumb. I get that she didn't trust Dillon yet, but still ...
I also got a little tired of the repetitive reminders of how beautiful Priscilla was, and how handsome Dillon was. I get it, they were both very good looking -- but I didn't need reminding of that so often.
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.
Dillon was OK, but it bothered me that he just decided he was going to marry Priscilla, without discussing it with her for a long time. He just assumed she would be OK with that, and started making plans without her input. Then he was surprised when his proposal didn't go well? Duh!
It also seemed like Dillon and Priscilla were mostly in lust, not love, for a large part of the book.
Priscilla was OK, but it bothered me that she kept doing things that put her in danger. She knew her brother was in danger, so she does things that put her in danger too? That was just dumb. I get that she didn't trust Dillon yet, but still ...
I also got a little tired of the repetitive reminders of how beautiful Priscilla was, and how handsome Dillon was. I get it, they were both very good looking -- but I didn't need reminding of that so often.
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.
May 17, 2023
Aburrido – Lo alargue
Continuando con los Cynster este se centrara en el primo de Flick – Dillon y Prisilla una joven que hace parte de la aristocracia irlandesa, quien se encuentra buscando a su hermano gemelo desaparecido.
Todo retornara entonces al mundo de los caballos en Newmarket. Dillon ahora reformado ha ocupado el lugar de su padre como el encargado del registro de los purasangres, y el hermano desaparecido es un aristócrata que suela con convertirse en el mejor entrenador de caballos.
Las cosas no pintan bien ya ye se sospecha que algunas carreras han sido “arregladas” valiéndose del intercambio de caballos.
Pris por su parte cree que dándole un vistazo al registro le dará pistas sobre el paradero de su hermano, y es aquí donde se cruzara su camino con Dillion quien obviamente sospechara de ella y sus intenciones. Todas estas situaciones y desencuentros los acercaran así la atracción seguirá su curso.
Como acostumbra aquí todo el drama va por cuenta del arreglo de las carreras hay persecuciones y hasta intentos de asesinato, los culpables no quieres asumir su responsabilidad.
Igual que en las historias anteriores ella no aceptara la proposición de Dillion, no quiere que se sienta responsable por ella, todo por algunos malentendidos por su identidad. Aun así las cosas se solucionaran y pasaran a estar juntos.
Este se me hizo más largo de lo habitual – Lo leí entre libros. No es mi tipo de historia y su romance tampoco de los mas fascinantes. , no entiendes mucho el cómo surgió el amor, y pese a lo largo no fueron protagonistas muy profundos, especialmente ella.
La autora no me logra enganchar del todo, creo que los estoy leyendo más por mi TOC de series inconclusas. (Creo que ya llevo mucho para no terminarlos – Realmente rara vez me han gustado los libros que narran las siguientes generaciones) Les daré una ojeada y tomare una decisión.
Continuando con los Cynster este se centrara en el primo de Flick – Dillon y Prisilla una joven que hace parte de la aristocracia irlandesa, quien se encuentra buscando a su hermano gemelo desaparecido.
Todo retornara entonces al mundo de los caballos en Newmarket. Dillon ahora reformado ha ocupado el lugar de su padre como el encargado del registro de los purasangres, y el hermano desaparecido es un aristócrata que suela con convertirse en el mejor entrenador de caballos.
Las cosas no pintan bien ya ye se sospecha que algunas carreras han sido “arregladas” valiéndose del intercambio de caballos.
Pris por su parte cree que dándole un vistazo al registro le dará pistas sobre el paradero de su hermano, y es aquí donde se cruzara su camino con Dillion quien obviamente sospechara de ella y sus intenciones. Todas estas situaciones y desencuentros los acercaran así la atracción seguirá su curso.
Como acostumbra aquí todo el drama va por cuenta del arreglo de las carreras hay persecuciones y hasta intentos de asesinato, los culpables no quieres asumir su responsabilidad.
Igual que en las historias anteriores ella no aceptara la proposición de Dillion, no quiere que se sienta responsable por ella, todo por algunos malentendidos por su identidad. Aun así las cosas se solucionaran y pasaran a estar juntos.
Este se me hizo más largo de lo habitual – Lo leí entre libros. No es mi tipo de historia y su romance tampoco de los mas fascinantes. , no entiendes mucho el cómo surgió el amor, y pese a lo largo no fueron protagonistas muy profundos, especialmente ella.
La autora no me logra enganchar del todo, creo que los estoy leyendo más por mi TOC de series inconclusas. (Creo que ya llevo mucho para no terminarlos – Realmente rara vez me han gustado los libros que narran las siguientes generaciones) Les daré una ojeada y tomare una decisión.
March 9, 2023
This is another great story about the Cynster family. This story features Dillon Caxton; he is the protege of Demon Cynster and the cousin of Felicity, wife to Demon. He is a man of great character but years ago it wasn't so. He became involved in a scheme that turned into a scandal. Demon and Felicity rescued Dillon from ruin. Ever since then, he guards his reputation. He has been maned Keeper of the Register of all racing horses in England.
Suddenly he meets Priscilla Dalling. She wants to look at the Register, saying her eccentric aunt has a need to know some details. Dillon knows she is lying and wonders why. Priscilla (Dalloway) is lying about her name and the real reason to see the Register. Her twin brother, Russell, left their home in Ireland after a fight with their father. He has gone to work for a horse owner but has disappeared. She thinks she can find clues about him in the Register.
Dillon at first denies her request to look at the book and finally convinces Pris to tell him the real reason - Rus is missing. She tells him all and they do locate him, only to discover that that his life is threatened by the schemers of a huge betting swindle.
Dillon realizes that this is the time for him to repay old debts by helping Rus, just as he himself was once helped. So Dillon and Pris start on the journey to overturn this swindle and expose the enemies of Rus. And the enemies are very deadly; even the dreaded underground is involved in the swindle.
There is some suspense involved along with danger and passion as well. There is also the question of what price love?
I enjoyed reading this book; I always like reading more about the Cynster family and there is some involvement in this story.
Suddenly he meets Priscilla Dalling. She wants to look at the Register, saying her eccentric aunt has a need to know some details. Dillon knows she is lying and wonders why. Priscilla (Dalloway) is lying about her name and the real reason to see the Register. Her twin brother, Russell, left their home in Ireland after a fight with their father. He has gone to work for a horse owner but has disappeared. She thinks she can find clues about him in the Register.
Dillon at first denies her request to look at the book and finally convinces Pris to tell him the real reason - Rus is missing. She tells him all and they do locate him, only to discover that that his life is threatened by the schemers of a huge betting swindle.
Dillon realizes that this is the time for him to repay old debts by helping Rus, just as he himself was once helped. So Dillon and Pris start on the journey to overturn this swindle and expose the enemies of Rus. And the enemies are very deadly; even the dreaded underground is involved in the swindle.
There is some suspense involved along with danger and passion as well. There is also the question of what price love?
I enjoyed reading this book; I always like reading more about the Cynster family and there is some involvement in this story.
February 24, 2020
Lady Priscilla Dalloway has a good reason for masquerading as Miss Priscilla Dalling. She's looking for her brother, her twin Russ. After their father forbade him from working with horses, Russ disappeared. Pris just wants to make sure that he is still okay. It turns out, he is not. He has stumbled on a swindle that could send ripples across the racing world. Luckily, Pris has met just the man to help.
Dillon Caxton knows about swindles. He was involved in setting one up in his youth. Luckily, his cousin and her husband were around to not only pull him out but set him on the straight and narrow path. Now, he can do the same for Pris and her brother. Not that he has any problem with that as Pris is decidedly an interesting attraction.
In some ways, this does feel like a rewrite of Flick and Demon. There are horses, a woman hiding her identity, everyone being "mad" about horses, the woman trying to help a male family member involved in a horse swindle. Okay, there are quite a number of ways this is the same. But Pris and Dillon are their own people and Laurens is a good writer so, while the similarities can be hard to overlook, it's not impossible.
Dillon Caxton knows about swindles. He was involved in setting one up in his youth. Luckily, his cousin and her husband were around to not only pull him out but set him on the straight and narrow path. Now, he can do the same for Pris and her brother. Not that he has any problem with that as Pris is decidedly an interesting attraction.
In some ways, this does feel like a rewrite of Flick and Demon. There are horses, a woman hiding her identity, everyone being "mad" about horses, the woman trying to help a male family member involved in a horse swindle. Okay, there are quite a number of ways this is the same. But Pris and Dillon are their own people and Laurens is a good writer so, while the similarities can be hard to overlook, it's not impossible.
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