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Cynster #12
The Truth About Love
Bold, passionate and possessive, the Cynster men let nothing stand in their way when it comes to claiming the women of their hearts.
Gerrard Debbington, Vane Cynster's brother-in-law, is one of London's most eligible gentlemen. Uninterested in marriage, his driving passion is to paint the fabled gardens of Lord Tregonning's Hellebore Hall -- an opportunity that is now at hand...if Gerrard agrees to create an honest portrait of Tregonning's daughter as well.
Gerrard chafes at wasting his talents on some simpering miss, only to discover that Jacqueline Tregonning stirs him as no other. Certainly, she is beautiful, but it is her passionate nature that strikes sparks with Gerrard's own, igniting desire and sweeping them into each other's arms, convincing Gerrard that he has found his ideal soul mate -- the lady he must have as his wife.
But something is horribly wrong at Hellebore Hall. Evil and lies are reaching out to ensnare Jacqueline -- and Gerrard will have to move Heaven and Earth to protect the remarkable woman who, for him, personifies the truth about love...
448 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 15, 2005
322 people are currently reading
2187 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
206 books5,589 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 188 reviews
April 26, 2021
Very Bizarre murder plot, but I absolutely loved the crazy twist!
October 18, 2017
An outstanding story filled with searing romance, panoramic landscapes and a sprawling estate crawling with intrigue and sinister mystery. Gerrard and Jacqueline are dynamic, passionate and electrifying together.
Although it was obvious to me who the villains were, I couldn't wait to see how it all played out. The ending was imaginative and stunning.
This novel is filled with mesmerizing descriptions and some of the best research in historical fiction. It's why I love this family series and why I continue to read the Cynster family saga.
Although it was obvious to me who the villains were, I couldn't wait to see how it all played out. The ending was imaginative and stunning.
This novel is filled with mesmerizing descriptions and some of the best research in historical fiction. It's why I love this family series and why I continue to read the Cynster family saga.
February 14, 2023
The whole book is based on the premise that a portrait can review hidden secrets in the subject. In this case that a portrait can show guilt or innocence. I say that it's merely the artist's opinion of the subject that shows through and in this case, the artist is more than a little biased. As always with a Laurens Cynster book you have a touch of mystery and in this case the mystery is actually the driving plot point. You also get ad nauseam sex scenes for pages on end. I'm not a fan of the six-page sex scene. I really loved the characters, especially the side kick, Barnaby. I do so hope he gets his own book; I really liked him.
Gerrard Debbington is Vane Cynster's brother-in-law. Patience is his sister. He is a acclaimed artist and as a Cynster relation, has no interest in marriage. He wants to paint the garden's of Hellebore Hall, but the owner, Lord Tregonning will only allow that if Gerrard paints a portrait of his daughter, Jacqueline.
Painting a society chit is not what Gerrard wants to spend months doing, but the prize of painting the gardens is too great to pass up. Of course, that all changes when he meets Jacqueline and falls under her spell. The mystery he is tasked to solve with this portrait has hung over Jacqueline for more than a year.
Gerrard Debbington is Vane Cynster's brother-in-law. Patience is his sister. He is a acclaimed artist and as a Cynster relation, has no interest in marriage. He wants to paint the garden's of Hellebore Hall, but the owner, Lord Tregonning will only allow that if Gerrard paints a portrait of his daughter, Jacqueline.
Painting a society chit is not what Gerrard wants to spend months doing, but the prize of painting the gardens is too great to pass up. Of course, that all changes when he meets Jacqueline and falls under her spell. The mystery he is tasked to solve with this portrait has hung over Jacqueline for more than a year.
July 26, 2018
Really enjoy all these characters and how hey are all kind on entwined
August 23, 2020
Well developed Regency
My only regret is there was no map of the gardens.
This book finally gets the suspenseful subplot woven throughout the romance. A few of the books in the series were not as successful with that.
My only regret is there was no map of the gardens.
This book finally gets the suspenseful subplot woven throughout the romance. A few of the books in the series were not as successful with that.
February 10, 2012
Love love love love it! I mean, it's the typical historical romance but it was the exchange between hero and heroine that got me hooked on this book. There was also a lot of things that kept me "hooked" but I guess you just have to read it and find it out for yourself!
So, it started of with rich-famous-painter-meet-damsel-in-distress. And first, Gerrard Debbington, yeap, he's the painter & our hero, have reserves on painting our heroine but there's a catch because upon painting Jacqueline Tregonning, she's our damsel in distress, he can also paint the famous gardens of Hellebore Hall. So, finally, he decides to go to Hellebore Hall, accompanied by his good friend Barnaby Adair. They arrive and meet the people residing at Hellebore Hall. Gerrard meets Jacqueline for the first time and he's curious and very much attracted to her but has reserves thinking he might lose his painting prowess if ever he falls in love with her. But still he pursues her and then goes his journey to win her. But then there's a mystery to be solved and until then they can't really be together.
Both main characters were likable and at the same time lovable. Gerrard shows this persona where at first I though he was this cold very faraway person but then, it was revealed that he's very compassionate and loving. He goes out of his way to win Jacqueline over. Loved the part where Jacqueline was proving that he does not intend to marry her, and they get into a fight about it, it was really funny and sweet.
Jacqueline, on the other hand, she's the type that I can relate to, she doesn't have any special talents, except for the embroidery that was mentioned at the beginning, but she is as normal and mediocre as anyone out there. And during reading, throughout the story, everything she did was a normal reaction with regards to her situation. I can see it actually happening in real life. I felt like her situation wasn't over exaggerated like some stories are.
Love Barnaby too, it seemed like he was the opposite of Gerrard. Where Gerrard was artistic he was the logical one. Where Gerrard was quiet and reserve, he was the funny, outgoing one. And they both put their heads together to solve the mystery around Jacqueline. Love Aunt Millicent too, she's very supportive and kept things together. Lord Tregonning, Jacqueline's dad, was at first annoying because how can you just let your daughter be a victim of rumor and gossip. But then comes the end and everything was all put to order. Eleanor was annoying especially when she was trying to seduce Gerrard. Jordan was just an ass.
I don't want to give anything away really because it was such a nice story, more than nice actually. I enjoyed it a lot. And there was this one chapter where I just love their dialogues that I kept on twitting them on twitter. I loved how Gerrard never let go of Jacqueline even though she was determined not to marry him; with a good reason of course. But Gerrard, in that chapter, was convincing her that everything's going to be alright and that he won't let her go and he would keep on "seducing" until she accepts him as her husband. It was so cute, I swear!
So, all in all, it was really an amazing read! This made me smile a lot! Made me giddy too! The word we use is "kinikilig". I don't know how to translate that to English but yeah, that describes how I felt. Anyway, I do recommend this book. It was my first Stephanie Laurens novel and I can definitely say I wasn't disappointed! Hoping to read more from her in the future! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ :D
So, it started of with rich-famous-painter-meet-damsel-in-distress. And first, Gerrard Debbington, yeap, he's the painter & our hero, have reserves on painting our heroine but there's a catch because upon painting Jacqueline Tregonning, she's our damsel in distress, he can also paint the famous gardens of Hellebore Hall. So, finally, he decides to go to Hellebore Hall, accompanied by his good friend Barnaby Adair. They arrive and meet the people residing at Hellebore Hall. Gerrard meets Jacqueline for the first time and he's curious and very much attracted to her but has reserves thinking he might lose his painting prowess if ever he falls in love with her. But still he pursues her and then goes his journey to win her. But then there's a mystery to be solved and until then they can't really be together.
Both main characters were likable and at the same time lovable. Gerrard shows this persona where at first I though he was this cold very faraway person but then, it was revealed that he's very compassionate and loving. He goes out of his way to win Jacqueline over. Loved the part where Jacqueline was proving that he does not intend to marry her, and they get into a fight about it, it was really funny and sweet.
Jacqueline, on the other hand, she's the type that I can relate to, she doesn't have any special talents, except for the embroidery that was mentioned at the beginning, but she is as normal and mediocre as anyone out there. And during reading, throughout the story, everything she did was a normal reaction with regards to her situation. I can see it actually happening in real life. I felt like her situation wasn't over exaggerated like some stories are.
Love Barnaby too, it seemed like he was the opposite of Gerrard. Where Gerrard was artistic he was the logical one. Where Gerrard was quiet and reserve, he was the funny, outgoing one. And they both put their heads together to solve the mystery around Jacqueline. Love Aunt Millicent too, she's very supportive and kept things together. Lord Tregonning, Jacqueline's dad, was at first annoying because how can you just let your daughter be a victim of rumor and gossip. But then comes the end and everything was all put to order. Eleanor was annoying especially when she was trying to seduce Gerrard. Jordan was just an ass.
I don't want to give anything away really because it was such a nice story, more than nice actually. I enjoyed it a lot. And there was this one chapter where I just love their dialogues that I kept on twitting them on twitter. I loved how Gerrard never let go of Jacqueline even though she was determined not to marry him; with a good reason of course. But Gerrard, in that chapter, was convincing her that everything's going to be alright and that he won't let her go and he would keep on "seducing" until she accepts him as her husband. It was so cute, I swear!
So, all in all, it was really an amazing read! This made me smile a lot! Made me giddy too! The word we use is "kinikilig". I don't know how to translate that to English but yeah, that describes how I felt. Anyway, I do recommend this book. It was my first Stephanie Laurens novel and I can definitely say I wasn't disappointed! Hoping to read more from her in the future! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ :D
October 17, 2013
"In the heat of the night, they'd burned. Soared. Shattered." Lots of exposure before the murderer's identity. #12 Cynster series did not continue past #1 Barnaby.
Deeply serious artists with seriously deep pockets, Lord Gerrard (landscapes) must paint Lady Jacqueline (embroidery) to prove true innocence in her mother's fatal fall into the sinister Gothic Garden of Night. Mutually entranced by deep eyes-endowments-charms-neckline, breath-stops betray their first-glance L-word. I languish in lush multi-syllable language depicting rich old aristocratic Britain.
Bon mots may not be original "What will be will be" p375, are catchy, "such as I don't follow fashion ... We set it" p67. Pal Barnaby, curious about crimes, convinces me to stay the distance, despite others' sardonic "indeed" that incongruously reminds me of Stargate's sober Tealc. Strong brave men are comfort, protect passive women vessels.
Tough funny females are more admirable; sadly easier to identify with weaklings. For the younger naive girl to not think of marriage first seems foolish, not forceful. The finale, disclosure, hostage rescue, reveals warped crazy deviant villains.
Question:
Huntress Greek Artemis is Roman Diana, Athena is also a virgin (protector), so three separate gardens seem redundant. If Gerrard's ominous dream is ignored anyway p11, couldn't the portent be cut?
Deeply serious artists with seriously deep pockets, Lord Gerrard (landscapes) must paint Lady Jacqueline (embroidery) to prove true innocence in her mother's fatal fall into the sinister Gothic Garden of Night. Mutually entranced by deep eyes-endowments-charms-neckline, breath-stops betray their first-glance L-word. I languish in lush multi-syllable language depicting rich old aristocratic Britain.
Bon mots may not be original "What will be will be" p375, are catchy, "such as I don't follow fashion ... We set it" p67. Pal Barnaby, curious about crimes, convinces me to stay the distance, despite others' sardonic "indeed" that incongruously reminds me of Stargate's sober Tealc. Strong brave men are comfort, protect passive women vessels.
Tough funny females are more admirable; sadly easier to identify with weaklings. For the younger naive girl to not think of marriage first seems foolish, not forceful. The finale, disclosure, hostage rescue, reveals warped crazy deviant villains.
Question:
Huntress Greek Artemis is Roman Diana, Athena is also a virgin (protector), so three separate gardens seem redundant. If Gerrard's ominous dream is ignored anyway p11, couldn't the portent be cut?
August 15, 2019
Tengo la sensación de que los últimos libros no son tan buenos como los primeros de la serie, los argumentos son un poco repetitivos y estoy empezando a aburrirme con ellos.
Tampoco ayuda leerlos en español, no es por criticar el trabajo de traducción, pero empiezo a sospechar que cuando leo la versión original me gusta bastante más que si lo leo traducido.
Tampoco ayuda leerlos en español, no es por criticar el trabajo de traducción, pero empiezo a sospechar que cuando leo la versión original me gusta bastante más que si lo leo traducido.
August 5, 2013
This was a good bit darker than anything I've read by Stephanie Laurens before. It was a nice departure from the usual Cynster novel; yet Gerrard was just as arrogant as the rest of the Cynster men :)
August 8, 2013
3.5 Stars. I was still feeling pretty happy with the Cynsters when it came time for this August buddy read. I wasn't quite as eager for this one as I had been for those last three, but I was still looking forward to it. Gerrard was a likable character when we first met him as a young man in A Rake's Vow, so I was kind of interested in seeing him as a grown man, confident in himself. He didn't disappoint in that aspect, this guy was nothing if not confident, arrogant at times. He learned well from his Cynster men relatives for sure. I liked him though. I also liked Jacqueline, she was more reserved, but still strong. The mystery in this one was good, it kept me guessing until almost the end. I had suspects, but was never sure, and the reasons behind the murders had me curious as well. My only complaint really is the abrupt conclusion. Like, there was the big build-up, climactic action, and then the answers come out, but then the aftermath was more like closed door, behind the scenes. I was wanting more details of how the villain was dealt with, the reactions of all the people who had witnessed the action, etc. Of course the ending was a happy one, and it was sweet, but I wasn't ready for the action to close so quickly. I was super happy though that Gerrard confessed his love without a fight, it went well, and avoided a huge drawn out drama about it. I liked how it was handled. The supporting cast was also good to see again, Gerrard's aunt Minnie and her maid Timms, and seeing some of the Cynster clan. I especially liked meeting Mr. Barnaby Adair. His character was great, I liked his humor and charm, and he was indispensable when it came to the mystery. I'm really looking forward to seeing him again! This month's book was enjoyable, I liked it. Looking forward to next month's :)
March 6, 2023
The Truth About Love
3 Stars
Series note: This is book #12 in numerical order but book #15 in chronological order. However, the reading order is flexible as each book is stand-alone unless otherwise stated.
This installment returns once again to the stories of the Cynster brothers-in-law and focuses on Gerrard Debbington, whose sister, Patience, is married to Vane Cynster (book #2). Gerrard, a renowned artist, has sworn off women as he fears that falling in love will result in the loss of his ability to paint. Nevertheless, he soon changes his mind after meeting Jacqueline Tregonning, a spirited young woman who is the target of malicious gossip and evil lies. Gerrard and Jacqueline, with the help of family and friends, strive to unmask those responsible and find each other in the process.
As is always the case with SL's books, the characters and plots are engaging if one is able to suffer through her overly repetitive and verbose writing style. It seems that after reading over a dozen of her works, I have become mostly inured.
Even though Gerrard and Jacqueline's relationship is virtually identical to the other romance in the series with a reluctant hero finding his perfect mate, they are a sweet couple and their HEA is satisfying.
The most compelling aspect of the book is the mystery, which is one of the darkest in the series. The nefarious plot against Jacqueline and the violence it spurns is spine-chilling, and the culprits are truly evil and perverted.
All in all, I am enjoying my read of SL's backlist, but I wish she could find a good editor.
3 Stars
Series note: This is book #12 in numerical order but book #15 in chronological order. However, the reading order is flexible as each book is stand-alone unless otherwise stated.
This installment returns once again to the stories of the Cynster brothers-in-law and focuses on Gerrard Debbington, whose sister, Patience, is married to Vane Cynster (book #2). Gerrard, a renowned artist, has sworn off women as he fears that falling in love will result in the loss of his ability to paint. Nevertheless, he soon changes his mind after meeting Jacqueline Tregonning, a spirited young woman who is the target of malicious gossip and evil lies. Gerrard and Jacqueline, with the help of family and friends, strive to unmask those responsible and find each other in the process.
As is always the case with SL's books, the characters and plots are engaging if one is able to suffer through her overly repetitive and verbose writing style. It seems that after reading over a dozen of her works, I have become mostly inured.
Even though Gerrard and Jacqueline's relationship is virtually identical to the other romance in the series with a reluctant hero finding his perfect mate, they are a sweet couple and their HEA is satisfying.
The most compelling aspect of the book is the mystery, which is one of the darkest in the series. The nefarious plot against Jacqueline and the violence it spurns is spine-chilling, and the culprits are truly evil and perverted.
All in all, I am enjoying my read of SL's backlist, but I wish she could find a good editor.
August 9, 2016
A good addition to the series.
Gerrard is a well renowned painter and Patience's brother. He is summoned reluctantly by Lord Tregonning to paint his daughter, Jaqueline and in turn given a chance to sketch his very mysterious, rarely visited garden of night.
He and his friend Barnaby travel to the elusive garden to gain once in a lifetime opportunity to visit it.
While entranced by the beauty of the place, what fascinates both the man and the artist is the innocent Jaqueline, who is under suspicion for many follies and Gerard gets a once in a lifetime opportunity to prove her innocence.
What follows is a series of trysts, murder attempts, mysteries, confessions and a HEA.
These books have started following a well set pattern (barring a few)- But they are still fresh enough to keep me interested.
As usual, super hot make out and love making scenes.
and finally, a beautiful epilogue!
Safe read
4/5
Gerrard is a well renowned painter and Patience's brother. He is summoned reluctantly by Lord Tregonning to paint his daughter, Jaqueline and in turn given a chance to sketch his very mysterious, rarely visited garden of night.
He and his friend Barnaby travel to the elusive garden to gain once in a lifetime opportunity to visit it.
While entranced by the beauty of the place, what fascinates both the man and the artist is the innocent Jaqueline, who is under suspicion for many follies and Gerard gets a once in a lifetime opportunity to prove her innocence.
What follows is a series of trysts, murder attempts, mysteries, confessions and a HEA.
These books have started following a well set pattern (barring a few)- But they are still fresh enough to keep me interested.
As usual, super hot make out and love making scenes.
and finally, a beautiful epilogue!
Safe read
4/5
July 26, 2010
Use the word "shattered" one more time, Ms. Laurens, I dare you.
Also, what is with all this eye-flashing and sparking and such? I realize that eyes are very expressive and reveal a lot about a person's mood, but this author seems to think that her heroines' eyes are made out of fireworks and sparklers. Novice writing, for all this is the 12th in a set.
Also, what is with all this eye-flashing and sparking and such? I realize that eyes are very expressive and reveal a lot about a person's mood, but this author seems to think that her heroines' eyes are made out of fireworks and sparklers. Novice writing, for all this is the 12th in a set.
October 2, 2012
It was ok. Just a run of the mill historical romance. I don't really get how painting someone's portrait is supposed to prove they're not a murderer. Kind of stupid to me. If I had been reading the print version I probably would have dropped it but it was more tolerable in audio format. Could have been 100 pages shorter.
November 6, 2017
I️ am sick to death of the idea that jealousy equals love
March 1, 2019
Rubbish story found it hard to finish
February 1, 2021
The quick, quick version:
A man is given a year to complete a portrait (that will somehow exonerate the subject of her mother's murder???) in exchange for exclusive access to a famous garden he and many other artist the country over have been dying to access. He shows up at the estate and his driving passion for the gardens escapes out the window upon first glance of the portrait's subject. A whirlwind romance spaning 2-3 weeks ensues where, of course, the couple is somehow conviced that they are in love, not lust mind you, with one another--the I-will-sacrifice-myself-for-you kind of love that is so believably acheived in less than a month. Now, this is the general course of a histroical romance novel, so maybe I shouldn't be all that picky with regards to the romance timeline, but it's something that bothers me every time! But then again, I'm a slow burn kinda gal, so I have a hard time translating flaring passion for long lasting love that a marriage requires to work in the long term, but I digress.
Even more miraculously, he completes the painting in this short time even though, given the time period for the Cynster series, oil paint would have required many weeks to dry since metal driers haven't yet been discovered, and mass produced oil paint wouldn't have been introduced into the market until 10+ years after the Regency period has ended. Yet, somehow Gerrard was able to mix his own paints & create a master piece within a few weeks--which also included a round trip between Cornwall & London--with an oil painting that somehow dried within 24hrs several decades before this was made possible through chemical discoveries.
Am I being nit picky regarding historical accuracy here? Maybe, but the author is already asking for the reader to ignore so many other details that make no sense, and as a chemist, especially one specializing in paint, I couldn't overlook this detail as the painting played such a key role in the plot. Not to mention that I figured out the murderer & plot twist not long into the story. It's always the one you most medium suspect.
A man is given a year to complete a portrait (that will somehow exonerate the subject of her mother's murder???) in exchange for exclusive access to a famous garden he and many other artist the country over have been dying to access. He shows up at the estate and his driving passion for the gardens escapes out the window upon first glance of the portrait's subject. A whirlwind romance spaning 2-3 weeks ensues where, of course, the couple is somehow conviced that they are in love, not lust mind you, with one another--the I-will-sacrifice-myself-for-you kind of love that is so believably acheived in less than a month. Now, this is the general course of a histroical romance novel, so maybe I shouldn't be all that picky with regards to the romance timeline, but it's something that bothers me every time! But then again, I'm a slow burn kinda gal, so I have a hard time translating flaring passion for long lasting love that a marriage requires to work in the long term, but I digress.
Even more miraculously, he completes the painting in this short time even though, given the time period for the Cynster series, oil paint would have required many weeks to dry since metal driers haven't yet been discovered, and mass produced oil paint wouldn't have been introduced into the market until 10+ years after the Regency period has ended. Yet, somehow Gerrard was able to mix his own paints & create a master piece within a few weeks--which also included a round trip between Cornwall & London--with an oil painting that somehow dried within 24hrs several decades before this was made possible through chemical discoveries.
Am I being nit picky regarding historical accuracy here? Maybe, but the author is already asking for the reader to ignore so many other details that make no sense, and as a chemist, especially one specializing in paint, I couldn't overlook this detail as the painting played such a key role in the plot. Not to mention that I figured out the murderer & plot twist not long into the story. It's always the one you most medium suspect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2018
It seems silly to me that an entire community would believe a daughter would kill her mother, particularly with absolutely no evidence or motive. People are not sheep. Nor are all of them--at the same time-- likely to be idiots, or that easily swayed
June 6, 2022
Me ha gustado mucho, pero se me ha hecho muy largo en el ultimo tramo.
July 8, 2025
Adored this one! Loved the heroine & hero—so well suited. The hero is a painter and SL does a stellar job in her artistic descriptions. Most importantly, fab sex scenes and solid mystery plot twist. Highly rec!!
April 22, 2012
What the hell, I'll review another romance novel. I might as well admit that I read them.
So, the best thing about this book is the cover. GREAT cover. I think it's funny that the cover is so non-typical of romance novels (no shirtless hero, nor gasping female), but the book is pretty typically romance novel-y. I don't think the plot is typical, just the way the way it was written. So dramatic. I thought the portrait painting aspect was interesting, and I enjoyed the description of the gardens, but the rest had me snickering. The sex scenes weren't bad, just drawn out in the wrong moments, causing some sort of weird slow motion feeling. This is the second book I've read by Stephanie Laurens, and I find that the thing I enjoyed most about both books is that she describes what characters are wearing, and how they get dressed and undressed, including the men, which is important to me. It probably wouldn't be important to other people, but I have always remembered events and people and time periods by what people were wearing. It gives a nice visual aspect that I appreciate. I do wish she had more humor in her characters though. Not like a screwball comedy, just something real. I couldn't feel any warmth towards these characters.
Back to the great cover- I wish Loretta Chase's books had covers like this. I love her writing, but her book covers are just atrocious. (Avon Romance- worst covers ever) I can't read them in public. I shudder and not in a good way. So 5 stars to the art director- hehehe.
So, the best thing about this book is the cover. GREAT cover. I think it's funny that the cover is so non-typical of romance novels (no shirtless hero, nor gasping female), but the book is pretty typically romance novel-y. I don't think the plot is typical, just the way the way it was written. So dramatic. I thought the portrait painting aspect was interesting, and I enjoyed the description of the gardens, but the rest had me snickering. The sex scenes weren't bad, just drawn out in the wrong moments, causing some sort of weird slow motion feeling. This is the second book I've read by Stephanie Laurens, and I find that the thing I enjoyed most about both books is that she describes what characters are wearing, and how they get dressed and undressed, including the men, which is important to me. It probably wouldn't be important to other people, but I have always remembered events and people and time periods by what people were wearing. It gives a nice visual aspect that I appreciate. I do wish she had more humor in her characters though. Not like a screwball comedy, just something real. I couldn't feel any warmth towards these characters.
Back to the great cover- I wish Loretta Chase's books had covers like this. I love her writing, but her book covers are just atrocious. (Avon Romance- worst covers ever) I can't read them in public. I shudder and not in a good way. So 5 stars to the art director- hehehe.
November 14, 2017
I enjoy every book for Stephanie Laurens I read, however, there are some of her books that I liked more than this one.
Jacqueline is accused of killing her mother. Gerrard Debbington is a famous painter asked by her father to create her portrait. Jacqueline and her aunt hope the picture will show her innocence and put an end to rumours of her crimes. Gerrard who initially is reluctant to paint a portrait of a non-family member, soon becomes interested in Jacqueline and actively engaged in proving her innocence.
I'm not really sure why I didn't like this book as much some of the others in this series. Maybe because of the lack of witty dialogues, many of which are in other books. Jacqueline and Gerrard are a nice couple and I had no doubt about the feelings between them.
Jacqueline is accused of killing her mother. Gerrard Debbington is a famous painter asked by her father to create her portrait. Jacqueline and her aunt hope the picture will show her innocence and put an end to rumours of her crimes. Gerrard who initially is reluctant to paint a portrait of a non-family member, soon becomes interested in Jacqueline and actively engaged in proving her innocence.
I'm not really sure why I didn't like this book as much some of the others in this series. Maybe because of the lack of witty dialogues, many of which are in other books. Jacqueline and Gerrard are a nice couple and I had no doubt about the feelings between them.
April 3, 2008
After the suspicious death of her mother, all eyes turn towards Jacqueline, whose fiance had mysteriously vanished as well. Desperate to prove her innocence, she entices renowned painter Gerrard Debbington to paint an honest portrait of herself to prove she had nothing to do with the deaths.
This was a sweet book with some appealing characters, but it fell flat to me, and was quite boring. It took me a while to get through it, and seemed like there wasn't enough to capture the reader. Nothing bad about it, just not executed well.
This was a sweet book with some appealing characters, but it fell flat to me, and was quite boring. It took me a while to get through it, and seemed like there wasn't enough to capture the reader. Nothing bad about it, just not executed well.
April 3, 2011
The mystery was a bit of a surprise as I have a relatively non-perverted mind set. I don't want to get into any spoilers so I'll leave it at that. I have a longstanding deep seated adoration for the 'artist' type so this romance novel's plot devices worked on me. There was enough sexy scenes to keep the mystery going quickly. Ms. Laurens has a lovely way of describing and pacing the plot to keep the reader interested.
Writing 3 stars
Characters 3 stars
Hot scenes 3 stars
Mystery 2 stars
Writing 3 stars
Characters 3 stars
Hot scenes 3 stars
Mystery 2 stars
November 9, 2016
Decent storyline but having to wade through the copious "passion scenes" was tiresome. The book would have been half as long and infinitely better without all of them. I like Stephanie Lauren's and have read many of her books. Not sure why she feels that some of them need so much sexualization. A little goes a long way. Stick to making the storyline better please!
February 20, 2010
3.5 The first 100 pages were boring. I hate murder mysteries anyways. If it wasn't for the steam factor I would have never finished this book. At least Laurens didn't recycle scenes from past books in this series. I will continue with the Cynster series, but would have skipped this one.
December 15, 2012
Disappointing and dull. Aside from the premise that an artist is somehow able to magically discern innocence, the characters were rather uninteresting. No, that's not true. Barnaby is interesting, but he's not a main character. The first Stephanie Laurens novel that has not pleased me.
July 1, 2013
Me ha costado dolor y sufrimiento acabar este libro. Estaba en la página 100 y no había pasado nada interesante y el libro sigue así hasta las últimas 10 hojas, en las que por fin pasa algo que se resuelve de la manera más tonta.
No me ha gustado nada. No lo recomiendo.
No me ha gustado nada. No lo recomiendo.
January 11, 2017
”Adevărata față a dragostei” este o captivantă carte historical-romance, cu un aer ușor gotic, plină de mister, intrigi, suspans, romantism și momente fierbinți.
Recenzia mea:
http://www.delicateseliterare.ro/adev...
Recenzia mea:
http://www.delicateseliterare.ro/adev...
December 1, 2021
While this is a great murder mystery, I'm afraid I found Gerrard a little too arrogant for my liking, not really enjoying his character from the first. Jacqueline however was written very well and I loved how the tragedy around her was woven into her coming into herself as a person.
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