Scandal's Bride

Granting anything by Stephanie Laurens only 2 stars pains me, especially with my love for Richard.
Sadly, I can't back Catriona's character, regardless of gender. Her actions, if portrayed by a man, would be disgusting for everyone. Her actions are unsettling, and I can't endorse it.

Although the story is undeniably steamy, Catriona doesn't deserve Richard.

The romance kept me reading but the paganism had my eyebrow burried in my hairline.

Don't get me wrong, I actually like paranormal romances and the idea of having some goddess worshippers who don't use protective colouring in 19th Century Scotland? Nope not ringing true with me, someone would notice and it would create a huge scandal, or at least regular visits from bible thumpers.

There was also a certain amount of sub-text where the female main character had to submit to the male main character and where the relationship seemed to be less a meeting of equals and more a power play, there was a huge missed opportunity here.

I *did* enjoy the read but it left me with a certain amount of uneasy feelings about the plot and where the writer show more was taking me. show less

There's not much to this hero besides his *Alpha Maleness*, or to differentiate him from the other heroes so far in this series. I can overlook the unlikely premise pretty easily, but the hairbrained scheme to handle it is a bit far, and involves definite consent issues. =/ Entirely too much of the plot focuses just on their piss-poor communication skills. And though I think the sex was a bit less flowery than in the one before, which is a plus, it felt as if at least half of the book was taken up by their sex scenes, lol. If there was interesting backstory, character growth, *plot*, something in between those I wouldn't even much mind, but as it was it felt very shallow and seemed to go on for ages.

Scandal's Bride
3.5 Stars

Richard ‘Scandal’ Cynster is summoned to the home of his mother’s husband for the reading of his will. Not expecting much of a bequest, Richard is shocked at the deceased’s demand that he marry Miss Catriona Hennessy or the family will forfeit their inheritance. While marriage is not off the cards for Catriona, she always expected to wed a meek and biddable man who would allow her, her freedom. Unfortunately, Richard is anything but subservient. Can these two fiercely independent and strong willed people make a go of it?

Richard has played a minor role in the series up until know, but this is his moment to shine and he certainly does so. Not only is he a caring, considerate and honorable man who places show more family above all else (much like all the Cynster men), he is also sexy and insatiable - a killer combination.

Catriona is a likable heroine right up until the moment that she drugs and virtually rapes Richard and plans on keeping the resulting pregnancy a secret from him. Her actions put a damper on a romance that would otherwise have tremendous potential. She also comes across as somewhat naive about her position and fails to understand the very real danger she is in from the “suitors” who are only interested in her land.

Aside from Catriona’s behavior, this book involves another trope that I am not at all enamored of - the lack of communication between the hero and heroine. Thankfully, this issue does not drag on for too long and is resolved quite quickly.

The minor mystery is also a weak due to a very disappointing climax and resolution. One villain is ultimately redeemed (another annoying trope as attempted murder should not be treated so lightly) and the other more or less gets way without punishment. Very unsatisfying.

All in all, not the strongest romance or story in the series thus far although I am pleased to have read it as Richard definitely make it worthwhile. show less

2.5 stars

Least fave of the three I’ve read so far. Catriona was annoying, and the whole “Lady” religion was rather vague. The drugging business toward the beginning was dumb, but I wasn’t really worked up or offended by it. Laurens was walking a line with how she wrote it, but I found the whole thing just silly and contrived.

I liked Richard, the arrival of Cynsters (although it was laid on a bit thick how wonderful and accepting they were), and getting a nice long stretch of happiness for the couple, but I won’t be rushing to read the next book.

This book is definitely different from most Regency Historical stories. This story is about a disciple of the Lady. Catriona Hennessey is the "lady of the vale" she inherited the title when her mother died. This being the Regency period and the fact that Catriona is only sixteen her nearest relative is appointed her guardian. This guardian is the husband of Richard Melville Cynster's biological mother. While there is no magic in the book there is a lot of herbal lore throughout the story. While Catriona is independent, intelligent and strong willed she is a little to over sure of her power to protect herself. Richard is adrift. He needs to find a place to fit in to be the warrior and protect he was born and raised to be. I do love the show more way the two find their way to love and acceptance. There are a bunch of things that cause trouble between the two of the them but they do work it out. It was also nice to see Devil and Honoria (who is pregnant with a second child), Vane and Patience (who is pregnant with a first child), Helena the Dowager, Amanda and Amelia and Gabriel. This is the thing that Catriona need. She has never been around a such a large, close knit family and it is a experience that she thrives on and see that changes need to be made. Again Ms. Lauren writes for hot, steamy love scenes that will leave you fanning yourself and searching for something cold to drink. show less

I enjoyed the first 4 books in the Cynster series. Nice book. I really liked. I would recommend.