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Cynster Next Generation #13
Miss Prim and the Duke of Wylde
A gentleman seeking a suitable wife is forced by Fate and unhelpful circumstance to become engaged to a lady who had no idea that in selflessly assisting him she was auditioning for that part.
In the leadup to her tenth Season, Meg Cynster—known to the ton’s eligible bachelors as Miss Prim—takes to the country to ponder the question: If not marriage, then what? She has yet to find an answer when she comes upon a supremely elegant curricle, drawn by a pair of high-spirited horses presided over by an unconscious gentleman. Others present know where he’s staying, but can’t manage the horses. With no real choice, Meg accepts the responsibility and drives the gentleman home. Unfortunately, he’s too inebriated to just leave, so she rouses him enough to help him inside.
But then others arrive, and Meg learns the gentleman is none other than Drago Helmsford, the notorious Duke of Wylde—and in order to protect her reputation, she and Drago are forced to declare that they are engaged.
Although a shocking surprise for everyone, by all measures, the match is highly desirable. Meg and Drago have no option but to allow the engagement to stand until the end of the Season, when they can quietly call it off. Consequently, they have to keep the fact that their engagement is a sham an absolute secret from everyone, including all members of their families.
Through the ensuing whirl of the Season, with all eyes focused avidly on them, they duly pretend to be an affianced couple—roles that, to their surprise, come to them remarkably easily. With every member of their families and all the powerful in society being unrelentingly encouraging, both Meg and Drago, with eyes wide open, start to consider the possibility that marrying the other might just be the answer they’d each been seeking when they’d first met.
Then accidents start happening and quickly escalate to attacks, and it becomes clear that someone is intent on preventing Meg from marrying Drago. Why is unclear, but with the threat hanging over them, the Cynsters and Helmsfords rally around to ensure Meg makes it to the altar. But even after the wedding, when Drago and Meg retreat to his estate, the attacks continue until, with their hearts and future on the line, Drago and Meg risk all in a gamble to expose the faceless villain and bring the ever-present danger to an end.
In the leadup to her tenth Season, Meg Cynster—known to the ton’s eligible bachelors as Miss Prim—takes to the country to ponder the question: If not marriage, then what? She has yet to find an answer when she comes upon a supremely elegant curricle, drawn by a pair of high-spirited horses presided over by an unconscious gentleman. Others present know where he’s staying, but can’t manage the horses. With no real choice, Meg accepts the responsibility and drives the gentleman home. Unfortunately, he’s too inebriated to just leave, so she rouses him enough to help him inside.
But then others arrive, and Meg learns the gentleman is none other than Drago Helmsford, the notorious Duke of Wylde—and in order to protect her reputation, she and Drago are forced to declare that they are engaged.
Although a shocking surprise for everyone, by all measures, the match is highly desirable. Meg and Drago have no option but to allow the engagement to stand until the end of the Season, when they can quietly call it off. Consequently, they have to keep the fact that their engagement is a sham an absolute secret from everyone, including all members of their families.
Through the ensuing whirl of the Season, with all eyes focused avidly on them, they duly pretend to be an affianced couple—roles that, to their surprise, come to them remarkably easily. With every member of their families and all the powerful in society being unrelentingly encouraging, both Meg and Drago, with eyes wide open, start to consider the possibility that marrying the other might just be the answer they’d each been seeking when they’d first met.
Then accidents start happening and quickly escalate to attacks, and it becomes clear that someone is intent on preventing Meg from marrying Drago. Why is unclear, but with the threat hanging over them, the Cynsters and Helmsfords rally around to ensure Meg makes it to the altar. But even after the wedding, when Drago and Meg retreat to his estate, the attacks continue until, with their hearts and future on the line, Drago and Meg risk all in a gamble to expose the faceless villain and bring the ever-present danger to an end.
444 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2023
470 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
210 books5,578 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
September 1, 2023
Barbara’s rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars
Series: Cynster Next Generation #13
Publication Date: 8/17/23
Period: Early Victorian
Number of Pages: 444
A funny thing happened on the way to the proposal. Drago Helmsford, Duke of Wylde, must marry before his thirty-fifty birthday. (Yes, it is another of those stories where an otherwise loving father messes up his kid’s life by including really asinine things in his will – and this time, for really asinine reasons). His parents were a love match, but he never thought he’d have one as well, so upon advice from his Aunt Edith, he decides to propose to Alison Melwin. He met her once and she was quiet, shy, unassuming, and shouldn’t cause any trouble. The night before he is to propose, he and his friends really tie one on – rip-roaring-drunk. So, he passes out the next day on his way to propose – out cold – on a lonely stretch of road. Only to be rescued by a lovely young lady. And to repay her good deed – well – the two of them are discovered as she’s helping him into his cottage (actually upstairs to his bed). Not only discovered, but he just happened to be kissing her when his aunt, her companion, Alison, and Alison’s mother walked in. OOPS. He doesn’t know who the young woman who rescued him is, but the only way to save her is to announce their betrothal. Then, he finds out she is a Cynster. OMGoodness!
Meg Cynster is approaching her tenth season and is in the country assessing what she wants to do with the rest of her life. Obviously, she won’t be a wife and mother because she’s never found even one gentleman who remotely interested her. While she’s out gathering herbs, she comes across a man who appears dead, draped across the seat of a very expensive curricle. She doesn’t know him, but the two farmhands who are also there, but can’t handle his horses, tell her which cottage he is staying in. Even totally passed out drunk he’s handsome and appeals to her. The real trouble starts when she gets him to the cottage and no one is there. How can she get a man who is twice her size into the cottage alone? She cannot leave him outside with a storm on the way. Then, he kisses her – and she lets him.
With an agreement for a pretend betrothal, they go about fooling friends and family alike – until they aren’t fooling. But then, there are the attacks. Is someone trying to harm Meg? Or is it Drago they are after? Neither of them has any enemies – none. So, who could want to harm either of them? Why?
For me, it was an okay read, but I probably wouldn’t read it a second time. While it was written in the typical Laurens style, it was slow-moving with very little excitement. Even the attacks were over before they’d started. Mostly, it was descriptions of the many entertainments they attended and the political affiliations they were making. I really liked Meg and Drago and some of the supporting characters such as his mother and Alison. I loved that there were so many Cynsters who made appearances – from Devil and Hooria to the more recently married cousins. Meg’s brother Toby also gets a bit of page-time in this story and that is nice because his book is next. At the end of this book, there is a synopsis of several other Laurens books and one of those was Devil Cynster’s book – the first of the series. I read the sample chapter of that book and it made me realize that the author has changed her writing style over the years. The first chapter or so of that book was fast-paced, and exciting, and made me want to read it again. Perhaps I’m wrong, but the style just seems different now.
Series: Cynster Next Generation #13
Publication Date: 8/17/23
Period: Early Victorian
Number of Pages: 444
A funny thing happened on the way to the proposal. Drago Helmsford, Duke of Wylde, must marry before his thirty-fifty birthday. (Yes, it is another of those stories where an otherwise loving father messes up his kid’s life by including really asinine things in his will – and this time, for really asinine reasons). His parents were a love match, but he never thought he’d have one as well, so upon advice from his Aunt Edith, he decides to propose to Alison Melwin. He met her once and she was quiet, shy, unassuming, and shouldn’t cause any trouble. The night before he is to propose, he and his friends really tie one on – rip-roaring-drunk. So, he passes out the next day on his way to propose – out cold – on a lonely stretch of road. Only to be rescued by a lovely young lady. And to repay her good deed – well – the two of them are discovered as she’s helping him into his cottage (actually upstairs to his bed). Not only discovered, but he just happened to be kissing her when his aunt, her companion, Alison, and Alison’s mother walked in. OOPS. He doesn’t know who the young woman who rescued him is, but the only way to save her is to announce their betrothal. Then, he finds out she is a Cynster. OMGoodness!
Meg Cynster is approaching her tenth season and is in the country assessing what she wants to do with the rest of her life. Obviously, she won’t be a wife and mother because she’s never found even one gentleman who remotely interested her. While she’s out gathering herbs, she comes across a man who appears dead, draped across the seat of a very expensive curricle. She doesn’t know him, but the two farmhands who are also there, but can’t handle his horses, tell her which cottage he is staying in. Even totally passed out drunk he’s handsome and appeals to her. The real trouble starts when she gets him to the cottage and no one is there. How can she get a man who is twice her size into the cottage alone? She cannot leave him outside with a storm on the way. Then, he kisses her – and she lets him.
With an agreement for a pretend betrothal, they go about fooling friends and family alike – until they aren’t fooling. But then, there are the attacks. Is someone trying to harm Meg? Or is it Drago they are after? Neither of them has any enemies – none. So, who could want to harm either of them? Why?
For me, it was an okay read, but I probably wouldn’t read it a second time. While it was written in the typical Laurens style, it was slow-moving with very little excitement. Even the attacks were over before they’d started. Mostly, it was descriptions of the many entertainments they attended and the political affiliations they were making. I really liked Meg and Drago and some of the supporting characters such as his mother and Alison. I loved that there were so many Cynsters who made appearances – from Devil and Hooria to the more recently married cousins. Meg’s brother Toby also gets a bit of page-time in this story and that is nice because his book is next. At the end of this book, there is a synopsis of several other Laurens books and one of those was Devil Cynster’s book – the first of the series. I read the sample chapter of that book and it made me realize that the author has changed her writing style over the years. The first chapter or so of that book was fast-paced, and exciting, and made me want to read it again. Perhaps I’m wrong, but the style just seems different now.
August 22, 2023
On the whole Ms Laurens 's books can be relied on to be entertaining, although they are not always excellent or flawless. This particular episode focuses very much on the social life of the haut ton and although set in the second half of the 19th century, little is said of the major developments in the society of the time; the advent of trains, the new industries for example. Although there are some bedroom scenes, they are kept to a minimum and not too graphic.
To me what did not ring true was the very beginning, the first encounter between Drago and Meg. The recovery from having passed out through too much drink and announcing his betrothal to Meg was far too quick!
I had surmised from early on who the villain must be, but the denouement was well orchestrated.
It was nice, although at times it seemed a bit didactic, to reconnect with all the Cynsters and as I fondly remembered the story linking this or that couple, it made me want to read Toby's story which it seems will be published in March 2024.
To me what did not ring true was the very beginning, the first encounter between Drago and Meg. The recovery from having passed out through too much drink and announcing his betrothal to Meg was far too quick!
I had surmised from early on who the villain must be, but the denouement was well orchestrated.
It was nice, although at times it seemed a bit didactic, to reconnect with all the Cynsters and as I fondly remembered the story linking this or that couple, it made me want to read Toby's story which it seems will be published in March 2024.
August 26, 2023
harry potter takes on Regency
Incredible.
In the deepest sense.
I kept waiting for this story to properly get going, but the most exciting events occured in the 1st 10% of the book.
After the betrothal of the main characters, we are walked thru painstaking facsimiles of the london high society. It reads more like a museum lecture than actual storytelling... which could be because its laboriously recounted.
Not much gets past the regency for dummies explanations.
The story just never takes off, and it seems the writers reverence of the characters is a part of the issue.
There's no story arc where they overcome obstacles or become better people... in fact, they are held up as such paragons that becoming better people is never necessary.
is the enshrinement due to it being a next gen book?
hard to say!
I ended up skipping to an ending which was as unsatisfying as the rest of the book.
Incredible.
In the deepest sense.
I kept waiting for this story to properly get going, but the most exciting events occured in the 1st 10% of the book.
After the betrothal of the main characters, we are walked thru painstaking facsimiles of the london high society. It reads more like a museum lecture than actual storytelling... which could be because its laboriously recounted.
Not much gets past the regency for dummies explanations.
The story just never takes off, and it seems the writers reverence of the characters is a part of the issue.
There's no story arc where they overcome obstacles or become better people... in fact, they are held up as such paragons that becoming better people is never necessary.
is the enshrinement due to it being a next gen book?
hard to say!
I ended up skipping to an ending which was as unsatisfying as the rest of the book.
August 29, 2023
No good deed goes unpunished...or does it?
Meg is walking near her cousin's house, when she encounters a carriage that has stopped with upset horses. She takes care of them only to discover that the driver is in a drunken stupor! She helps him home and ends up in a compromising situation. Drago, the driver, knows what he has to do. He announces their engagement. The plan is to end the engagement at the end of the season. But as they go around, their pretense starts feeling more and more real. Then dangerous actions start happening. Can they figure out what is happening and why, in order to make it to their happy-ever-after?
The pace is breakneck and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with an action and character oriented storyline that has some steamy scenes. The characters are vibrant and engaging. Read at least this series in order. But to go to the very beginning, read the Cynster series in order, the Cynster Sisters Trilogy, followed by the Cynster Sisters Duo, then the Cavanaughs series, the Bastion Club series in order, as well as The Black Cobra Quartet and finally this one, Cynster Next Generation. There is also, Lady Osbaldstone's Christmas Chronicles and The Casebook of Barnaby Adair which both include some characters from the Cynster series books. These are all intertwined, culminating with children from the Bastion Club and Black Cobra showing up in the Cynster Next Generation books. All of these books have mysteries, action and steamy scenes, with lots of humor as well. Enjoy!
Meg is walking near her cousin's house, when she encounters a carriage that has stopped with upset horses. She takes care of them only to discover that the driver is in a drunken stupor! She helps him home and ends up in a compromising situation. Drago, the driver, knows what he has to do. He announces their engagement. The plan is to end the engagement at the end of the season. But as they go around, their pretense starts feeling more and more real. Then dangerous actions start happening. Can they figure out what is happening and why, in order to make it to their happy-ever-after?
The pace is breakneck and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with an action and character oriented storyline that has some steamy scenes. The characters are vibrant and engaging. Read at least this series in order. But to go to the very beginning, read the Cynster series in order, the Cynster Sisters Trilogy, followed by the Cynster Sisters Duo, then the Cavanaughs series, the Bastion Club series in order, as well as The Black Cobra Quartet and finally this one, Cynster Next Generation. There is also, Lady Osbaldstone's Christmas Chronicles and The Casebook of Barnaby Adair which both include some characters from the Cynster series books. These are all intertwined, culminating with children from the Bastion Club and Black Cobra showing up in the Cynster Next Generation books. All of these books have mysteries, action and steamy scenes, with lots of humor as well. Enjoy!
August 24, 2023
Loved It!!
I loved Drago and Meg's story. Of course I love the Cynsters and all of their stories. There was intrigue and the mystery of who was plotting against them. They were of course perfect for each other. I loved the way the story was brought together. I highly recommend this author and this book along with the others in this series. I can't wait for the next book about Toby.
I loved Drago and Meg's story. Of course I love the Cynsters and all of their stories. There was intrigue and the mystery of who was plotting against them. They were of course perfect for each other. I loved the way the story was brought together. I highly recommend this author and this book along with the others in this series. I can't wait for the next book about Toby.
September 22, 2023
Disappointed again
I hate that I keep hoping for the old magic. To me, A Match for Marcus Cynster was the end of the era, and The Inevitable Fall of Christopher Cynster was the last gasp, the last one I found satisfying, sadly and with infinite regret.
The four books between those and everything after TIFOCC have been stories driven by descriptive plots with tantalizing name dropping, but zero character development. I feel like I never get to know the next generation, they are names with no personalities or inner worlds, moved along in the story happening around them.
Waste of money, but I keep trying.
I hate that I keep hoping for the old magic. To me, A Match for Marcus Cynster was the end of the era, and The Inevitable Fall of Christopher Cynster was the last gasp, the last one I found satisfying, sadly and with infinite regret.
The four books between those and everything after TIFOCC have been stories driven by descriptive plots with tantalizing name dropping, but zero character development. I feel like I never get to know the next generation, they are names with no personalities or inner worlds, moved along in the story happening around them.
Waste of money, but I keep trying.
June 22, 2024
I like this more than I expected to. Not entirely the usual Cynster book. Yes some repeat of "things" in earlier books but I defy those critical reviewers who haven't published dozens of books not to repeat activities, themes etc. I'm certain one of the reasons I do like this so much is the pointing out of not-the-heir activities/expectations/expertise available to all in the Cynsters.... As is in The Irresistible Alliance, another favorite.
February 25, 2025
Another nice little entry into the Cynsters saga. This one was a nice little throwback to the world and whirl of the ton after spending the last few books out in the country. Sometimes I get a little bored of too many ballroom and ton events type of scenes, but this time, it hit right, and I really enjoyed all the socialising! Especially, (and, as always, with this series) any time more Cynster fam members showed up! This time, there were quite a few mentions and little participations from as-yet unwed (therefore, so far unwritten about) Cynster cousins, most especially (and notable to me) Aidan and Evan, Justin, Amarantha, and the currently-affianced (according to this story) Lydia! I'm holding out massive hopes we will one day get at least the stories of the remaining children of at the least our OG 6 Cynster guys!! Like, with so many Cynster family members, I totally understand that SL can't write books for every single little twig on every Cynster branch, but I really, really, really hope that we might get books for at least all the kids of the OG 6. I know right now, SL is in a Barnaby Mysteries era, and that's awesome, because I love that series too, but... I have to admit this author has totally spoiled me with an abundance of Cynster stories, and I will always crave more!
As such, I also enjoyed all the other Cynster diaspora pop-ups, quite especially the mentions of Heather and Brecky, Angelica and Dom, Mary and Ryder, and more, and how SL threw in how some of those other dispersed children and etc already had spouses and families, etc. Because, again, like I said, I totes understand how she can't write a book for every single one. But... I, at least, would adore the stories of the last remaining mainline kids. We have not yet gotten a single story for any kid of Lucifer or Gabriel yet... so... please SL? Maybe? One of these days? I know she's taking it easier nowadays, enjoying her garden and family time and grandkids and all that, so I definitely understand, and so, so definitely don't begrudge that for one of my fave authors, obvs, I want only the best for her, and I can totally be as patient and calmly awaiting as an ancient boulder sitting on a mountain top, but... I just want to get it out there that I'd be soooo totally here for more should they ever happen!! ;)
But, back to this particular book! I enjoyed both mains, I liked the social whirl, and I found the mystery aspect interesting. At first, it seemed like the villain might be too obvious, but then it was somebody else, and of course, I loved, as always, how the varied and widespread family, in addition to Drago's family, all came together to protect the couple, and facilitate an HEA for everyone. Another satisfying Cynster entry, but, I think I'm going to wait awhile before finishing the last two available that I have yet to read. They both are set about 10 years or so after this one, and I think that's a good time to take a little break from this world, part in hopes that someday I might get some more stories of other fam that fits in the timeline in the meanwhile, and also because... I'm just straight-up not yet ready to be 'done' with this world yet. Yea, yea, I know I have some Barnaby's to read yet, I've got two on the TBR, one on my to-get list, and the fourth is coming out soonish, so it's not like I have to totally leave the Cynster world, but they will take a lil mental reset to 'go back in time' from everything I just read, back to a decade or so earlier when the Barnaby's are set. I'll get there though!
As such, I also enjoyed all the other Cynster diaspora pop-ups, quite especially the mentions of Heather and Brecky, Angelica and Dom, Mary and Ryder, and more, and how SL threw in how some of those other dispersed children and etc already had spouses and families, etc. Because, again, like I said, I totes understand how she can't write a book for every single one. But... I, at least, would adore the stories of the last remaining mainline kids. We have not yet gotten a single story for any kid of Lucifer or Gabriel yet... so... please SL? Maybe? One of these days? I know she's taking it easier nowadays, enjoying her garden and family time and grandkids and all that, so I definitely understand, and so, so definitely don't begrudge that for one of my fave authors, obvs, I want only the best for her, and I can totally be as patient and calmly awaiting as an ancient boulder sitting on a mountain top, but... I just want to get it out there that I'd be soooo totally here for more should they ever happen!! ;)
But, back to this particular book! I enjoyed both mains, I liked the social whirl, and I found the mystery aspect interesting. At first, it seemed like the villain might be too obvious, but then it was somebody else, and of course, I loved, as always, how the varied and widespread family, in addition to Drago's family, all came together to protect the couple, and facilitate an HEA for everyone. Another satisfying Cynster entry, but, I think I'm going to wait awhile before finishing the last two available that I have yet to read. They both are set about 10 years or so after this one, and I think that's a good time to take a little break from this world, part in hopes that someday I might get some more stories of other fam that fits in the timeline in the meanwhile, and also because... I'm just straight-up not yet ready to be 'done' with this world yet. Yea, yea, I know I have some Barnaby's to read yet, I've got two on the TBR, one on my to-get list, and the fourth is coming out soonish, so it's not like I have to totally leave the Cynster world, but they will take a lil mental reset to 'go back in time' from everything I just read, back to a decade or so earlier when the Barnaby's are set. I'll get there though!
June 29, 2024
My rating for Miss Prim and the Duke of Wylde, by Stephanie Laurens: 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
This book, and the others in the Cynsters Next Generation series, is well-written -- but it is not as good as the earlier Cynster books. All of the books seem unnecessarily wordy, and many are just too long.
My main issue with this book is all the emphasis on the mystery. I felt that the book was more about the mystery than it was about the romance. I didn't mind the mystery, just felt that the romance should have taken center stage. I actually got a little bored with the mystery part of the story, because there was just so much detail about it. Much of that detail could have been left out, and the story would not have suffered.
The earlier Cynster books usually had a mystery or problem to solve, but the main story was always the romance -- in this series, in every book I've read so far, it seemed that the romances were very secondary to another plot point.
On thing I do appreciate about Laurens' romances are that the love scenes are usually not extremely explicit. I like love scenes in my romances, but don't care to read the really explicit, dirty ones. That is just not romantic to me.
Stephanie Laurens is an excellent writer, but this series so far has had too much emphasis on other plot points -- and not enough on the romances. Since I read Laurens' books for the romances, I don't really enjoy so much emphasis on other things.
One other thing bothered me about this book, although it was minor and did NOT affect my rating. The Hero of the book is 35, but the guy on the cover looks about 20. I get that that may not be the author's fault, but that model is NOT 35.
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, and the others in the Cynsters Next Generation series, is well-written -- but it is not as good as the earlier Cynster books. All of the books seem unnecessarily wordy, and many are just too long.
My main issue with this book is all the emphasis on the mystery. I felt that the book was more about the mystery than it was about the romance. I didn't mind the mystery, just felt that the romance should have taken center stage. I actually got a little bored with the mystery part of the story, because there was just so much detail about it. Much of that detail could have been left out, and the story would not have suffered.
The earlier Cynster books usually had a mystery or problem to solve, but the main story was always the romance -- in this series, in every book I've read so far, it seemed that the romances were very secondary to another plot point.
On thing I do appreciate about Laurens' romances are that the love scenes are usually not extremely explicit. I like love scenes in my romances, but don't care to read the really explicit, dirty ones. That is just not romantic to me.
Stephanie Laurens is an excellent writer, but this series so far has had too much emphasis on other plot points -- and not enough on the romances. Since I read Laurens' books for the romances, I don't really enjoy so much emphasis on other things.
One other thing bothered me about this book, although it was minor and did NOT affect my rating. The Hero of the book is 35, but the guy on the cover looks about 20. I get that that may not be the author's fault, but that model is NOT 35.
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.
December 7, 2023
Meg Cynster, the youngest single female Cynster of her generation, is facing the onset of her 10th Season on the Marriage Mart. She feels that after 9 seasons of not meeting the man for her, it's time to redirect her life. Then one day while visiting her brother and his family, she comes to the rescue of the Duke of Wylde in a seriously unique 'meet cute' and all changes. Meg and Drago, the Duke of Wylde find themselves engaged, at least temporarily though of course, this being an historical romance, that changes quickly. The plot on which their romance is hung involves Drago's need to marry by August and his 35th birthday or lose the financial wherewithall to support the Dukedom (yes - it's pretty preposterous - it's fiction) and mysterious murderous attacks on Meg that start once their 'fake' engagement is announced.
I really enjoy Laurens' books and the Cynster family which is on the brink of moving down yet another generation. Since Meg is one of Demon's progeny, we get to see a great deal more of Demon and Flick, from the Bar Cynster generation, than we have in a very long time. Plus members of the next generation are introduced here as they rally to help Meg and Drago capture the one wishing evil on them -- who was obvious from the beginning. I also realized at one point that another core aspect of the plot was that of choices for marriage - do I keep waiting for The One or do I settle or change direction away from marriage - something true today and in Victorian London. Also Laurens gives us a really detailed look at weddings at the very highest social levels of Victorian Era and the experience of a young woman being introduced to her new home and responsibilities as a Duchess.
Not one of the strongest in the series, and thus only 3 stars.
I really enjoy Laurens' books and the Cynster family which is on the brink of moving down yet another generation. Since Meg is one of Demon's progeny, we get to see a great deal more of Demon and Flick, from the Bar Cynster generation, than we have in a very long time. Plus members of the next generation are introduced here as they rally to help Meg and Drago capture the one wishing evil on them -- who was obvious from the beginning. I also realized at one point that another core aspect of the plot was that of choices for marriage - do I keep waiting for The One or do I settle or change direction away from marriage - something true today and in Victorian London. Also Laurens gives us a really detailed look at weddings at the very highest social levels of Victorian Era and the experience of a young woman being introduced to her new home and responsibilities as a Duchess.
Not one of the strongest in the series, and thus only 3 stars.
June 29, 2025
Drago Helmsford is the Duke of Wylde. He is approaching this 35th birthday and must marry according to the will left by his late father. He is meeting at an inn with his three best friends, commiserating on the fact that he plans to offer marriage to a local young woman the next day. All four of the friends are way into their cups.
Meg Cynster is a daughter of Demon and Flick Cynster. She will be entering her tenth season in London and has come to the country to mull over her future. She is known as "Miss Prim" to bachelors; she sees no reason to marry if she does not love the man or feel an affinity for him. She is visiting a Cynster cousin and his family.
As she is out hunting herbs the next morning, she comes across a curricle and two magnificent horses. Investigating further, she locates the driver unconscious. When he comes to, two woodsmen recognize him but can't handle the horses. Meg can, as she was raised by the master horseman. She takes him to his bolt place intending to leave him there. But others arrive and Duke Drago is forced to offer marriage to her so as not ruin her reputation.
Drago and Meg agree to go through a sham engagement, thinking Meg can cry off at the end of August. So they enter the Season, attending balls, soirees, etc. All eyes are on them. After all, she is a Cynster and Drago is a Duke. They seem suited to each other. In fact, Drago and Meg are beginning to think perhaps they could make a go of a marriage.
Then accidents start happening and then it turns into a series of attacks. Someone is trying to prevent Meg from marrying Drago. They decide to marry but the attacks still continue.
They decide to use Meg as bait to draw out the attacker for once and all. They need to end the danger that seems to be increasing.
This was a good read.
Meg Cynster is a daughter of Demon and Flick Cynster. She will be entering her tenth season in London and has come to the country to mull over her future. She is known as "Miss Prim" to bachelors; she sees no reason to marry if she does not love the man or feel an affinity for him. She is visiting a Cynster cousin and his family.
As she is out hunting herbs the next morning, she comes across a curricle and two magnificent horses. Investigating further, she locates the driver unconscious. When he comes to, two woodsmen recognize him but can't handle the horses. Meg can, as she was raised by the master horseman. She takes him to his bolt place intending to leave him there. But others arrive and Duke Drago is forced to offer marriage to her so as not ruin her reputation.
Drago and Meg agree to go through a sham engagement, thinking Meg can cry off at the end of August. So they enter the Season, attending balls, soirees, etc. All eyes are on them. After all, she is a Cynster and Drago is a Duke. They seem suited to each other. In fact, Drago and Meg are beginning to think perhaps they could make a go of a marriage.
Then accidents start happening and then it turns into a series of attacks. Someone is trying to prevent Meg from marrying Drago. They decide to marry but the attacks still continue.
They decide to use Meg as bait to draw out the attacker for once and all. They need to end the danger that seems to be increasing.
This was a good read.
November 2, 2023
Final nail in the coffin for Stephanie Laurens, as far as I am concerned. By a quick count, I have read around 75 books by Stephanie Laurens, all the multigenerational Cynster novels as well as the Cavanaughs and Adventures and on and on. So I wanted this to be better. I struggled with Miss Flibbertigibbet and the Barbarian, but for old time's sake SLOGGED my way through this one.
But now I'm done.
This book was stale, predictable, formulaic, and entirely lacking in any compelling qualities. I saw the arc of the story, the major characters, the villain, the decoy, the "love" story within the first quarter, maybe third if I'm being generous of the book. As I was reading, I was constantly thinking about the author and her writing and honestly did not care at all about any of the characters.
I only continued to read because writing is a skill which I respect. I kept on hoping the twist would come. And even formulaic tropey romances can be enjoyable with the right amount of tension, with amusing banter, with good dialogue. This book had none of that. I don't know if there are ghost writers at this point, if Stephanie Laurens had to just crank out a few last books for a contract or if this was written by a robot, but there was no spark, no drive, no emotion.
Dull, boring, uninspired. Hard pass. Sorry, but even 70 good books won't make up for the last several lackluster efforts, particularly this dud.
I strongly recommend finding an author who is trying something new.
But now I'm done.
This book was stale, predictable, formulaic, and entirely lacking in any compelling qualities. I saw the arc of the story, the major characters, the villain, the decoy, the "love" story within the first quarter, maybe third if I'm being generous of the book. As I was reading, I was constantly thinking about the author and her writing and honestly did not care at all about any of the characters.
I only continued to read because writing is a skill which I respect. I kept on hoping the twist would come. And even formulaic tropey romances can be enjoyable with the right amount of tension, with amusing banter, with good dialogue. This book had none of that. I don't know if there are ghost writers at this point, if Stephanie Laurens had to just crank out a few last books for a contract or if this was written by a robot, but there was no spark, no drive, no emotion.
Dull, boring, uninspired. Hard pass. Sorry, but even 70 good books won't make up for the last several lackluster efforts, particularly this dud.
I strongly recommend finding an author who is trying something new.
August 19, 2023
I love Stephanie Laurens books, especially the original Cynster novels. The next generation don’t quite have that same edge somehow, perhaps it’s the Victorian rather than the Regency setting, having said that I have still enjoyed most of the next generation series. I say this first because I don’t like having to rate a Stephanie Laurens book as only three stars.
Here the Miss Prim title was quickly explained away and totally irrelevant, so why use it? Apart from being drunk at the start of the book there was nothing to suggest Drago had been a rake or was wild up to that point. The real characters of Meg and Drago throughout the book were nothing like was suggested at the start. A gradual change I could have understood but not the immediate one that occurred. For me the plotline was not credible or exciting and I found the parts about them being groomed to take their leading place in politics and high society pretty boring. But there were some good passages too so it’s not all negative.
Here the Miss Prim title was quickly explained away and totally irrelevant, so why use it? Apart from being drunk at the start of the book there was nothing to suggest Drago had been a rake or was wild up to that point. The real characters of Meg and Drago throughout the book were nothing like was suggested at the start. A gradual change I could have understood but not the immediate one that occurred. For me the plotline was not credible or exciting and I found the parts about them being groomed to take their leading place in politics and high society pretty boring. But there were some good passages too so it’s not all negative.
December 19, 2024
While the reason for the charade is stupid and flimsy at best, I enjoyed reading about their engagement. I liked how open and honest both were, how invested in their upcoming marriage they were, and not having to read about sexual interludes every other page was so refreshing. She is the only woman (besides Francesca but that wasn't wholly true. There was a lot of sexual interplay before the wedding), in this series to make it through her wedding a virgin (that I've read). Her almost being kidnapped, and that meaning they wouldn't be allowed to get married, was absolute bullshit and really annoying to keep reading about. The way they acted like their marriage was on hold until the villain was caught was also stupid because ducal households do not just pause. The ending was underwhelming and a letdown, so the three stars are for the entire engagement part, everything else is a one-star, in my opinion.
March 31, 2024
Drago Helmsford, the Duke of Wyld, has decided to take a wife. His aunt has the perfect candidate. But a drunken night of revelry leads to a misunderstanding and he ends up engaged to Meg Cynster. Though she is in her tenth season, it is more by choice than anything else. When they realize that they are probably going to have to bite the bullet and stay engaged for awhile, Meg and Drago do something unusual in a romance novel, they actually talk to each other and come up with a plan. As they are pretending to be engaged, they learn that they might actually like each other well enough to actually get married. It is then that the accidents start to happen... who is trying to kill them? And which one of them is the true target?
If you've read Laurens before, you'll know who and can probably figure out why but that didn't lessen my enjoyment of the book.
If you've read Laurens before, you'll know who and can probably figure out why but that didn't lessen my enjoyment of the book.
October 8, 2023
This book drew me in straight away and held my attention throughout the whole book. Drago has a plan to marry a suitable woman in order to meet the terms of his father’s will. That is until fate steps in and changes everything. I really enjoyed this story. The relationship between Drago and Meg was straightforward and honest. I really enjoyed hearing the POV from both Drago and Meg. I found it helped me understand what they were feeling and thinking. The story itself was really good. I must admit I worked out very early on who was behind the attempts of murder etc but for the life of me I couldn’t work out why. The eventual reason was well thought out and pretty ingenious. I loved the ending and can’t wait to read Toby’s story.
March 1, 2025
Listening to the audiobook there were a lot of immersive details that set the scenes and period, which was okay for me since I was listening in accompaniment to some routine work. This was primarily a character driven work, where we are given a GREAT amount of detailed information regarding the state, mood and feelings of each primary character, the social and financial structure of the period and the roles of everyone in both of their families. The author obviously did considerable research into Regency wedding traditions, and put ALL the details in this story.
For me it was saved by the fact that the primary characters were smart and their emotional arc was realistically depicted.
(If I was reading this book I would have probably skimmed a bit in some parts)
For me it was saved by the fact that the primary characters were smart and their emotional arc was realistically depicted.
(If I was reading this book I would have probably skimmed a bit in some parts)
September 4, 2023
I love reading about the Cynster family! Each book has always been such a great read! This book did not disappoint with Meg finally meeting the man she would marry and love forever. Drago needs to marry before his 35th Bday, he’s in the country to ask for a Lady’s hand but fate turns him to another. Meg Cynster helps an inebriated man to his cottage but is caught in a compromising position with him. While they announce there fake engagement they get to know each other. Over the next several weeks unexplained attacks being happen. Drago thinks it has to do with Meg and she him. But when she’s almost abducted they finally tell their families. A wonderful book with a beautiful ending.
April 11, 2024
Great story. It's March of 1855, and the 34 year old Duke of Wylde has to find a bride by his birthday in August, or lose the money that goes with the ducal estates. His decision - ask a young girl in the surrounding neighborhood. However, Fate, in form of Meg Cynster, crosses his path, and he ends up in a fake betrothal with Meg. Going into her 10 season, Meg isnt's sure of her future, other than it isn't connected to the Cynster horse empire. But soon, attacks on Meg's life start, and the question is who's behind them. Even after their marriage, when Wylde and Meg agree they want more from each other, the attacks continue.
August 20, 2023
I love Stephanie Laurens books and they are always really well written.
However I do not think this next generation series will ever hold me like the originals did- still a good book.
For this one in particular Meg almost felt a little like a push over and compared to the other characters Laurens has written she wasn't a favorite. We live the redeemed rake but not sure if Drago felt like a rake? Did he avoid his responsibilitys social yes... but other than that not really.
Will always keep reading her books but this one is not a favourite
However I do not think this next generation series will ever hold me like the originals did- still a good book.
For this one in particular Meg almost felt a little like a push over and compared to the other characters Laurens has written she wasn't a favorite. We live the redeemed rake but not sure if Drago felt like a rake? Did he avoid his responsibilitys social yes... but other than that not really.
Will always keep reading her books but this one is not a favourite
March 25, 2024
Wrong title!
Don’t be put off buy the tittle. There is thankfully nothing ‘prim’ about Meg and it’s only really referred to in the beginning so why that was used is unclear. Maybe for marketing?
Anyway, other than that it was a good book. I liked how it set out the courting process of a Duke, basically a royal wedding (remember a Duke is one down from a prince!) and then how they settled in to married life as aristocrats. Looking forward to Toby’s book as the narrative is probably going to be very different, in a good way!
Don’t be put off buy the tittle. There is thankfully nothing ‘prim’ about Meg and it’s only really referred to in the beginning so why that was used is unclear. Maybe for marketing?
Anyway, other than that it was a good book. I liked how it set out the courting process of a Duke, basically a royal wedding (remember a Duke is one down from a prince!) and then how they settled in to married life as aristocrats. Looking forward to Toby’s book as the narrative is probably going to be very different, in a good way!
August 22, 2023
Couldn’t wait to read! Loved the story line and the feel of family but eventually found the book to be massively boring! And although they professed their feelings and eventually their love, I couldn’t feel it coming through on the page. Easy to pinpoint the villain and the danger level was cheesy to say the least. couldn’t wrap my head around how unrealistic it all seemed. This was the first I’ve read from her that I can remember, not sure if I’ll continue with this author..
August 23, 2023
Miss Prim and the Duke of Wylde
Demons youngest, Meg, ends up with a fake betrothel with the notorious Duke of Whose. During their engagement and even after their marriage someone tries to abduct or kill Meg. Her brother and cousins along with his brother and best friends try to find who and why and when the culprit and his scheme are found out it's a big shock. Love anything written by this author.
Demons youngest, Meg, ends up with a fake betrothel with the notorious Duke of Whose. During their engagement and even after their marriage someone tries to abduct or kill Meg. Her brother and cousins along with his brother and best friends try to find who and why and when the culprit and his scheme are found out it's a big shock. Love anything written by this author.
March 8, 2024
3.5/5 bridgerton type book with less smut. Very solid book if this is what you’re going for. The “mystery” aspect was extremely easy to predict. But the author is a romance writer, not mystery. So the mystery was a fine little aspect that gave the book something other than just the romance. I’ve been reading her books for decades. So for me, I loved all the extra Cynster family members that were throughout the book since I’d previously read about them.
August 18, 2023
Meg and Drago
This was an exciting book. With intrigue, love, marriage and the worst betrayal. I didn't even see that coming until it was revealed. I have read quite a few of Ms. Laurens books, and I can say the she writes intrigue into each of her books. Her books keep me devoted until the very end.
This was an exciting book. With intrigue, love, marriage and the worst betrayal. I didn't even see that coming until it was revealed. I have read quite a few of Ms. Laurens books, and I can say the she writes intrigue into each of her books. Her books keep me devoted until the very end.
August 21, 2023
I really liked this story! I so enjoyed Drago and Meg's adventure into their mystery. I liked all the characters and the plot. So good to read about characters in the family that we haven't seen in a bit, meet new family and friends. Can't wait to read the next installment of this wonderful series.
Read
September 4, 2023Drago and Meg's story was worth the wait! I loved the family dynamics and how 2 of the oldest families came together so seamlessly. Almost as is Fate had decreed this was the path these families were on from the start! Once the story gets rolling you won't want to stop reading. And Tony's story is next. I can't wait! I love these books!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2023
From the first time I picked up a Cynster novel, they have never disappointed.
Drago's and Meg's story kept me glued from page 1 and it was tough to put it down.
I had thoughts as to the identity of the villain(s) and although I was 70% right (since one was really a pawn to the other), I was sorry that the main villain hurt one of our main characters.
Drago's and Meg's story kept me glued from page 1 and it was tough to put it down.
I had thoughts as to the identity of the villain(s) and although I was 70% right (since one was really a pawn to the other), I was sorry that the main villain hurt one of our main characters.
October 28, 2023
This book rather dragged on and on and on. And the more it did this the less I enjoyed it. As if the author wanted to make sure she included all the haute ton research she or someone else had done for her.
The story line started off strong. There was even humour which was unfortunately lost along the way. And then there were the oddities ..... I don't know if the author has ever come across 3 year olds like Meg's nephew whom she accompanied to the zoological gardens. No kid that age is capable of talking or commenting like this.
There were too many goodie-two-shoes, none of the characters bar Thomas and Hubert had flaws. Come on!!!!!
Too much hailing and accepting of this union! Quite nauseating really
I feel I have wasted the hours I spent reading this. I expected better after reading 'Miss Flibbertigibbet and the Barbarian' which I enjoyed.
The story line started off strong. There was even humour which was unfortunately lost along the way. And then there were the oddities ..... I don't know if the author has ever come across 3 year olds like Meg's nephew whom she accompanied to the zoological gardens. No kid that age is capable of talking or commenting like this.
There were too many goodie-two-shoes, none of the characters bar Thomas and Hubert had flaws. Come on!!!!!
Too much hailing and accepting of this union! Quite nauseating really
I feel I have wasted the hours I spent reading this. I expected better after reading 'Miss Flibbertigibbet and the Barbarian' which I enjoyed.
March 7, 2024
Another great tale
Stephanie Lauren does it again. She has created another lively tale with romance and a bit of mystery, and with cameo appearances by several of the previous characters we have enjoyed. Even though her books have a common theme, there is always a new and different twist. I can't wait for the next book (Toby's).
Stephanie Lauren does it again. She has created another lively tale with romance and a bit of mystery, and with cameo appearances by several of the previous characters we have enjoyed. Even though her books have a common theme, there is always a new and different twist. I can't wait for the next book (Toby's).
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