Rating: 
Summary: Worth waiting for
Review: I read the series out of order, I read A Rakes Vow first then Devil's Bride. I couldn't wait for this book to come out. I was glad to see that Stephanie Laurens didn't have Scandal bump into his beloved like Devil and Vane did. It was a different path for Scandal, he married her then learned to love her and so did Catriona. The love scenes weren't overpowering. I Can't wait to see how Ms. Laurens sets up Demon.
Rating: 
Summary: ANOTHER GREAT STORY
Review: I disagree with the two before me that did not care for this book. One didn't think there was enough sex, the other didn't think that Catriona held off long enough...these people didn't get this story. It is the most romantic concept of all - a man who is willing to commit and sticks with his committment to being "second" and put someone else and a way of life ahead of his own needs. And still be sexy as all get out !! I really liked it and I know lots of readers will too. If you want each story by an author to be the same, there are writers willing to do that. Ms. Laurens is not one of them. The characters do what makes sense according to their backgrounds and circumstances. Enjoy!
Rating: 
Summary: OK, but other books in series were better
Review: "Devil's Bride," Stephanie Laurens' first book, made me a fan. I enjoyed "A Rake's Vow," although I felt it lacked the ingredients I so enjoyed in "Devil's Bride" -- great love scenes without page after page of "he thinks, she thinks." After "Scandal's Bride," I'm starting to wonder about this author. I'm not sure if she's getting bad advice from an editor or what, but she needs to go back to her first book and compare. "Scandal's Bride" has too much "he thinks, she thinks," and too few detailed love scenes. An overall decent book, but if you haven't read Stephanie Laurens before, get "Devil's Bride" and skip this one.
Rating:
Summary: Another winner for this up-and -coming talent
Review: Richard "Scandal" Cynster has always strived to live up to his nickname, starting with his illegitimate birth. By 1819, Scandal is one the aristocracy's leading rakes, vowing to never marry. However, his life abruptly changes when he learns that he has been named in the last will and testament of Seamus, guardian to Lady Catriona Hennessy. Curious about the will and wondering about his mother's home, Seamus heads to Scotland.Catriona is stunned to learn that the cold Seamus reached from beyond the grave to thwart her efforts to be free. His will demands that his ward marry the barbaric Scandal. Given a choice she plans to reject Scandal. However, neither she nor Scandal were prepared to fall in love with each other. Additionally, neither lover was ready for the danger from an unknown assailant who wants to keep them apart. The third Cynster novel, SCANDAL'S BRIDE, lives up to the reputation of Regency excellence generated by its predecessors (see DEVIL'S BRIDE and A RAKE'S VOW). The story line is filled with action, sexy romance, and plenty of entertainment. The lead protagonists are an intriguing duo who loathes the idea they love one another. Stephanie Laurens clearly has pumped life into the sub-genre, leaving her audience clamoring for the next Cynster tale, Demon's story. Harriet Klausner
Rating: 
Summary: Another in the Cynster Series
Review: This is the third in the Cynster series started by Devil's Bride and Rake's Vow. It is pretty good although I liked the other two better. The plot "conflict" seemed too contrived in the second half of the book. Catriona agrees to Richard's demand too easily and too early. All this said, I did enjoy the book and shall look forward to the forthcoming fourth forthwith.
Rating: 
Summary: EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED!
Review: After reading the part after the will and all that jargon about her being a witch!? Why Richard why?? This was the worst book that I have every read! Witches and gentlemen do not mix!!!!!!!! I was so disappointed. I could not believe what I was reading. I hoping and hoping that he would leave her and find someone BETTER at the ton. A story needs to be rewritten about Richard with someone else as his wife. :(
Rating:
Summary: Unappealing heroine...
Review: I am not claiming that everyone will feel as I do but I really didn't like the heroine in this. I appreciate a strong female in any book. But I don't appreciate this one. Catriona's heritage of "the Vale" was loosely justified. And maybe I am stepping on the toes of the feminists but I don't appreciate her dominance in this book. Richard's character was way to strong to capitulate to a female. I didn't think their relationship was a result of compromise as in the first two Cynster books. The hero didn't stay true to his character. I struggled to hang on to this story. It took me almost three weeks to read it. I chose to read two books in the midst of this one. I was just disappointed with this one. But that doesn't mean I won't finish the series because I like the story line of the Bar Cynster. And I have already read the last three in the series. I came across them first and loved "On a Wicked Dawn" and "All About Passion." I will keep reading.
Rating:
Summary: Thank God for the appearance of the other Cynsters
Review: What happened with Scandal's story? I can appreciate that Stephanie Laurens was probably trying to be different after the similar plot of the first two books, but why the Lady of the Vale story?
Of all the heroines in the Bar Cynster novels, I am not sure which one I like the least - Catriona or Patience. Richard deserves better. And I certainly don't believe that Helena and Devil would have bought the whole Lady of the Vale concept either. In fact, I don't think that any of the Cynsters would have bought it at all and act as if it were all normal.
Sure the love scenes are hot, but the only thing that really saved this for me was the extended appearance of Devil and Honoria and the other members of the family. It was just hilarious when they started appearing at Catriona's doorstep. I actually didn't want them to leave. For that part alone, this book is worth reading.
Rating:
Summary: EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED!
Review: Is amazingly easy to do. In spite of the stretching Miss Laurens had to do to make this plot work and in spite of the 'mysticism' inherent in the 'Lady of the Vale' aspect, this is one of my favorite Cynster novels. Richard is everything good that Devil is without the unwillingness to bend. I found him so much warmer and more human with his doubts, so much less arrogant in his posture. He is strong and protective and possessive without ever crossing the line into overbearing. Yes, there are places where I argue with the plot development, with the characterization, even with the pacing. And I found the handling of Algaria idiotic. To echo another reviewer, no way would this man, as protective as he is, allow this woman, whose violent nature has already manifested once, to be nursemaid to his children. Still, of the nine Cynster novels I've read, this hero and Lucifer turned out to be my favorites of all the Cynster males thus far. For total enjoyment it's necessary to be able to feel for AND WITH the character. I ask myself whether I'd marry him and answer 'yes'. I couldn't say the same thing for Devil. And then I reverse and ask myself if I'd marry HER if I were in his position. No. Sigh. My own recalcitrance at being manipulated would prevent me. To me manipulation is unacceptable, a complete turn-off either in books or in real life. It's a good way for a book to find its way into my trashcan. Although it was a close thing with Devil, none of Miss Lauren's books have landed there. Hooray for Stephanie.
Rating:
Summary: Unappealing heroine...
Review: I am not claiming that everyone will feel as I do but I really didn't like the heroine in this. I appreciate a strong female in any book. But I don't appreciate this one. Catriona's heritage of "the Vale" was loosely justified. And maybe I am stepping on the toes of the feminists but I don't appreciate her dominance in this book. Richard's character was way to strong to capitulate to a female. I didn't think their relationship was a result of compromise as in the first two Cynster books. The hero didn't stay true to his character. I struggled to hang on to this story. It took me almost three weeks to read it. I chose to read two books in the midst of this one. I was just disappointed with this one. But that doesn't mean I won't finish the series because I like the story line of the Bar Cynster. And I have already read the last three in the series. I came across them first and loved "On a Wicked Dawn" and "All About Passion." I will keep reading.
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