The only part I liked about this book is when Devil and Honoria showed up. There's is excellent character development for Vane and I really disliked Patience's character. Of course the touch of mystery is what kept me reading 'til the end. I always loved the Cynsters and but I didn't quite like how Vane got a hold of Patience, it's like he was the humblest of the humble, they didn't meet halfway unlike Devil and Honoria. I'm really biased towards the first book and even though I didn't like this one, I'm still looking forward to reading the rest of the Cynster novels because of the recurring characters. ( )

The first encounter between Vane Cynster and Patience was when she fell into his arms searching for a trinket in the dark. After this he decides that he's interested. She decides that his reputation is such that she can't risk a relationship with him as it would only be temporary and that's not what she wants from life

The two main characters spark off the page and they're quite interesting. Very enjoyable story and characters. I will be reading more in this sequence. ( )

You have to love the Cynster’s on a purely girly level you have to. A group of strong virile males who love family and protect it at all cost? Not to mention just how handsome the whole lot of them are. But ah this all seems to play against one Vane Cynster (as in weather vane thank you very much) because right of the bat Patience labels him an “elegant gentleman” which of course he is. But in her terms this means a man who doesn’t love and feels fit to sleep with anything he wants while keeping a wife and nursery at home. Ah but Miss Patience doesn’t know the Cynster’s very well now does she.

The second book in the thrilling series by Stephanie Laurens A Rakes Vow kept my attention throughout. While it was not quite as exciting as the first book Devil’s Bride, but not to worry it is wonderful. You get to follow Vane as he is leaving the dedication ceremony for the church he and his Cousins had to help re-roof thanks to Honoria. And true to his name while Vane has no plan at all to be leg shackled and seeks to get out of the storm at his Godmothers house, but fate has another idea in mind. And from the moment he seems Miss Patience Debbington, he knows fate had another idea in mind.

We follow Vane as he isn’t sure what to do about fates plan, and than his inevitable acceptance. And Patience having some issues of her own with the whole idea. All the while we have aback cast of characters, and someone who is stealing things. Now the plot with the thief and the scepter at times drama drags. But in the end it is curious and you do follow some sweeps and turns. Although I knew one person involved in it from the moment they mentioned a certain clue, (no I am not going to give it away.). Truly though bar a few small blips is fantastic. Huzzah to Stephanie Laurens and Huzzah to the Cynster men bring on the next one! ( )

This is the 2nd book in the Cynster series. The story line was similiar to the first book, but not as engrossing. Vane faced some challenges before Patience would agree to a relationship, but the entire affair was more in the head with little action.When they got together it was intense and often. The mystery plot was compelling but the finale was a let down.Patience was the leary heroine who wanted no part of marriage and wished to remain independent but she lacked the fire I found in Horatia( Devil's Bride) in book one.
all in all I enjoyed the book ( )

This book started out really strong for me. There's a strong male hero and a stubborn female heroine, some great tension between them, and a fun cast of secondary characters. Add in some great, steamy scenes between our couple, and you've got a really fun read. It lost a little momentum towards the end, and the happily-ever-after felt a little bit abrupt to me, but it didn't ruin my fun at all. I look forward to reading more from the Cynster series, and can recommend this one to anybody looking for a fun, romantic read. (Just don't get too invested in the background mysteries. You may be disappointed.) ( )