Good Read - just not as intense and urgent as some

I’ve never met a Stephanie Laurens book that I didn’t love – and this one is no different. Demon (A Rogue's Proposal) was one of my favorites in the original Cynster books and now, I get a peek at him in his sixties and I loved him all over again. Those original books presented us with the most memorable and larger-than-life characters, and it is nice to see them as they’ve grown older. Meeting their children has been so much fun. I’ve loved all of the later books too, but those heroes are pale in comparison to the originals.

I love the narrator's voice and he certainly has the range to do a distinctive voice for each character. The reading is in short, choppy bursts rather than long smooth sections. It may be the author's writing style that causes this, but I'd really prefer the longer, smoother sections.

Twenty-nine-year-old Prudence (Pru) Cynster now runs the breeding program for the Cynster stables. She’s the oldest of four siblings and all except the youngest are involved in running the stables. As head of the breeding program, Pru knows that they need a fresh infusion of breeding stock to remain in the top position. Pru has decided not to marry – she cares nothing for fripperies, balls, teas – she’d much rather be out among the horses – but – her mother is trying to persuade her to have ‘just one more season’. Then, to Pru’s delight, she receives a letter from Ireland asking if the Cynsters might be interested in an ‘arrangement’ with the writer's breeding stock. The letter includes enough information about the horses to intrigue Pru and she knows she has to leave immediately for Ireland – well – immediately after managing to convince her father to allow it. She sends a letter to Ireland to let them know she’s coming and sets off.

After his father’s death, Deaglan Fitzgerald, now Earl of Glengarah, returns home to Ireland to find a neglected estate. His father never cared for the estate nor the people who resided on it – the ONLY thing he cared about was collecting prime horseflesh. He didn’t collect for making a profit or using the horses in any way – he only wanted to possess the very best horses. Deaglan is slowly putting things to right on the estate and his next task needs to be the stables because they are a drain on the estate – not adding anything at all – other than the beauty of the horses themselves.

Deaglan was on his way into his castle when his brother Felix came hurrying up to him – filled with excitement. Deaglan manages to calm him and find out what has happened. Shocked, but not unhappy, Deaglan learns that Felix has written to the Cynster stables – using Deaglan’s name – and a P.H. Cynster is on his way – to arrive that very afternoon!

When the visitor’s carriage arrives, a beautiful woman alights – hmmm – she must be P. H. Cynster’s sister or wife. Lucky man if it is his wife. So, why is it taking so long for P. H. Cynster to leave the carriage – then, the footman shuts the door leaving only the beautiful woman and her two servants standing there. Deaglan can’t believe it – P. H. Cynster is a woman!

As Pru and Deaglan evaluate the horses and work together – sinister things begin to happen. Are they accidents? It doesn’t seem like it. As they work together and as they try to puzzle out what is causing the ‘things’ to happen, they become closer and closer.

This is a pretty steamy read and it begins early on – but Pru puts some limitations on their relationship from the very beginning. Daeglan agrees to the stipulations, but he’s not sure he’s happy about them. Can he overcome Pru’s objections to marriage?

This book isn’t quite as intense and urgent as some of this author’s books, but it does have arson, murder attempts, theft, and betrayal – they are just somewhat blander than some.

I highly recommend the book – I loved it.

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STOP!!! MUST READ!

laurie Stevens is a wonderful aurtho, but i truly enjoyed this book more than any i have tead/heard in months, maybe more. this stiry is ful of intrigue, mtstery, and romance. Has a strong independent woman, a handsome Lord who needs rescuing, funny families, a traitor, eautiful horses, and ..well..the list goes on. what more can you want in a book? and avid readers who guess the plot or 'who done it?' ' before the story ends, THIS IS ONE BOOK YOU WON'T BE GUESSING THE END WHILE READING.: MAYBE NOT AT THE STORY'S END. Don't miss this one!!

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Pretty good but not SL’s best...

The good...
I liked the interaction between Prue and Declan. I liked that there was a lot less misinterpretation of each other than in some of her novels. I really enjoyed the new characters introduced to the series and that it does not take place in England.

The rest...
The Irish accents- I thought overall they were done well, except for Declan. His was very much on and off which was a bit distracting. No, they aren’t pure accents, but honestly I have heard so much worse and MB is a good performer.
The horses- I understand that someone who really knows horses can find things wrong with the presentation, and some of it doesn’t make sense... and it would’ve been better if Prue did not ride side saddle...that said, it’s a novel. And while the horses are certainly a large part of the novel, I don’t think there was anything wrong with how it’s presented since most of us wouldn’t know the right or wrong of it anyway.
The ending... well... its not a bad ending, it’s just not my favorite ending.
It felt unfinished as far as a typical SL book.

In the end, I would probably listen to it again if I was listening thru the whole series, but I’m glad it is on Escape because I think I would have been disappointed if I had paid for it.

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loved it

loved this story as well as others written by Stephanie. Matthew's voice variations is superb.

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Great story, poor narration

I loved this book! However, the narration was quite disappointing, especially the Irish accent.

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Enjoyable story

Really enjoyed the characters who were both strong and intelligent. It had to do with horses which at first I didn’t think I would like. But it was warm, exciting mystery twists and just a fun Cynster book. So glad I got it!

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Mystery and Romance

Excellent story of Prudence Cynster investigating, an Earl’s stables for new horse flesh for new stock for breeding. During her stay, she feels an connection between the Earl and herself. But someone doesn’t want the contract between the Cynster’s and the Earl to be successful and make several attempts on the Earl’s life. Good story with great narrative.

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I didn't want it to end!

this was a well written addition to the Cynster family novels. I have been pulled into the family again and love that Ms Laurens creates multidimensional characters whom we can laugh, cry and empathize with.
Can't wait to see what comes next. Such an amazing author.

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I couldn't finish it.

There are so many problems with this book it is hard to know where to start. The narration is terrible! The voices of some of the characters are like caricatures. Even the sex is boring both because of the narration and the writing.

The book is largely about horses. And it is obvious from almost the first that the author knows nothing about Thoroughbred horses, horse racing, or horse breeding. And she didn't get any help from someone who has the knowledge. Phrases like, "putting them through their paces," had me rolling my eyes. And to write a stable of 52 horses where half are stallions! Ha, ha, ha!!! And the stable has interesting curves and add-ons. There is a reason that stables are built on straight lines - feeding and watering.

And Deaglan and Prudence both ride young stallions right and left. And Pru does this side saddle!! Not possible! There is a reason that almost no one uses Thoroughbred stallions as riding horses. By two-year-olds all they want to do is breed mares. People ride Warmbloodd, and Arabian stallions because of their mellow temperaments, but not Thoroughbreds.

I could write pages on what is wrong with the parts about horses. But you get the idea. I don't recommend this book to anyone!

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Sadly not very enjoyable

I must say I usually enjoy books written by Ms. Laurens however I found this one to be quite tedious, the writing seemed old fashioned and stuffy and even the mystery plot quite boring!
I thought Pru not very likeable for most of the book, and never warmed to her character. The narrator, Mr. Brenher tried but was not able to bring these folks alive, so sadly this was a total miss for me. Even though bought on sale I wish I'd saved my money

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1 person found this helpful