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Cynster Next Generation #7
A Conquest Impossible to Resist
#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens returns to the Cynsters’ next generation to bring you a thrilling tale of love, intrigue, and fabulous horses.
A notorious rakehell with a stable of fabulous Thoroughbreds and a lady on a quest to locate such horses must negotiate personal minefields to forge a greatly desired alliance—one someone is prepared to murder to prevent.
Prudence Cynster has turned her back on husband hunting in favor of horse hunting. As the head of the breeding program underpinning the success of the Cynster racing stables, she’s on a quest to acquire the necessary horses to refresh the stable’s breeding stock.
On his estranged father’s death, Deaglan Fitzgerald, now Earl of Glengarah, left London and the hedonistic life of a wealthy, wellborn rake and returned to Glengarah Castle determined to rectify the harm caused by his father’s neglect. Driven by guilt that he hadn’t been there to protect his people during the Great Famine, Deaglan holds against the lure of his father’s extensive collection of horses and, leaving the stable to the care of his brother, Felix, devotes himself to returning the estate to prosperity.
Deaglan had fallen out with his father and been exiled from Glengarah over his drive to have the horses pay their way. Knowing Deaglan’s wishes and that restoration of the estate is almost complete, Felix writes to the premier Thoroughbred breeding program in the British Isles to test their interest in the Glengarah horses.
On receiving a letter describing exactly the type of horses she’s seeking, Pru overrides her family’s reluctance and sets out for Ireland’s west coast to visit the now-reclusive wicked Earl of Glengarah. Yet her only interest is in his horses, which she cannot wait to see.
When Felix tells Deaglan that a P. H. Cynster is about to arrive to assess the horses with a view to a breeding arrangement, Deaglan can only be grateful. But then P. H. Cynster turns out to be a lady, one utterly unlike any other he’s ever met.
Yet they are who they are, and both understand their world. They battle their instincts and attempt to keep their interactions businesslike, but the sparks are incandescent and inevitably ignite a sexual blaze that consumes them both—and opens their eyes.
But before they can find their way to their now-desired goal, first one accident, then another distracts them. Someone, it seems, doesn’t want them to strike a deal. Who? Why?
They need to find out before whoever it is resorts to the ultimate sanction.
A historical romance with neo-Gothic overtones, set in the west of Ireland. A Cynster Next Generation novel—a full-length historical romance of 125,000 words.
A notorious rakehell with a stable of fabulous Thoroughbreds and a lady on a quest to locate such horses must negotiate personal minefields to forge a greatly desired alliance—one someone is prepared to murder to prevent.
Prudence Cynster has turned her back on husband hunting in favor of horse hunting. As the head of the breeding program underpinning the success of the Cynster racing stables, she’s on a quest to acquire the necessary horses to refresh the stable’s breeding stock.
On his estranged father’s death, Deaglan Fitzgerald, now Earl of Glengarah, left London and the hedonistic life of a wealthy, wellborn rake and returned to Glengarah Castle determined to rectify the harm caused by his father’s neglect. Driven by guilt that he hadn’t been there to protect his people during the Great Famine, Deaglan holds against the lure of his father’s extensive collection of horses and, leaving the stable to the care of his brother, Felix, devotes himself to returning the estate to prosperity.
Deaglan had fallen out with his father and been exiled from Glengarah over his drive to have the horses pay their way. Knowing Deaglan’s wishes and that restoration of the estate is almost complete, Felix writes to the premier Thoroughbred breeding program in the British Isles to test their interest in the Glengarah horses.
On receiving a letter describing exactly the type of horses she’s seeking, Pru overrides her family’s reluctance and sets out for Ireland’s west coast to visit the now-reclusive wicked Earl of Glengarah. Yet her only interest is in his horses, which she cannot wait to see.
When Felix tells Deaglan that a P. H. Cynster is about to arrive to assess the horses with a view to a breeding arrangement, Deaglan can only be grateful. But then P. H. Cynster turns out to be a lady, one utterly unlike any other he’s ever met.
Yet they are who they are, and both understand their world. They battle their instincts and attempt to keep their interactions businesslike, but the sparks are incandescent and inevitably ignite a sexual blaze that consumes them both—and opens their eyes.
But before they can find their way to their now-desired goal, first one accident, then another distracts them. Someone, it seems, doesn’t want them to strike a deal. Who? Why?
They need to find out before whoever it is resorts to the ultimate sanction.
A historical romance with neo-Gothic overtones, set in the west of Ireland. A Cynster Next Generation novel—a full-length historical romance of 125,000 words.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2019
676 people are currently reading
1705 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
218 books5,566 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 95 reviews
June 26, 2021
Best of the Next Generation books so far! Absolutely enjoyed this one!
Flick and Demon's daughter Pru is mad for horses. She inherited all her of mother's and father's love for horse and ability to catalog the best horses for racing. Pro has no desire to marry...until she finds the right man with just the right stable.
Flick and Demon's daughter Pru is mad for horses. She inherited all her of mother's and father's love for horse and ability to catalog the best horses for racing. Pro has no desire to marry...until she finds the right man with just the right stable.
June 2, 2019
Series: Cynster Next Generation #7
Publication Date: 3/14/19
Number of Pages: 435
I’ve never met a Stephanie Laurens book that I didn’t love – and this one is no different. Demon (A Rogue's Proposal) was one of my favorites in the original Cynster books and now, I get a peek at him in his sixties and I loved him all over again. Those original books presented us with the most memorable and larger-than-life characters, and it is nice to see them as they’ve grown older. Meeting their children has been so much fun. I’ve loved all of the later books too, but those heroes are pale in comparison to the originals.
Twenty-nine-year-old Prudence (Pru) Cynster now runs the breeding program for the Cynster stables. She’s the oldest of four siblings and all except the youngest are involved in running the stables. As head of the breeding program, Pru knows that they need a fresh infusion of breeding stock to remain in the top position. Pru has decided not to marry – she cares nothing for fripperies, balls, teas – she’d much rather be out among the horses – but – her mother is trying to persuade her to have ‘just one more season’. Then, to Pru’s delight, she receives a letter from Ireland asking if the Cynsters might be interested in an ‘arrangement’ with the writer's breeding stock. The letter includes enough information about the horses to intrigue Pru and she knows she has to leave immediately for Ireland – well – immediately after managing to convince her father to allow it. She sends a letter to Ireland to let them know she’s coming and sets off.
After his father’s death, Deaglan Fitzgerald, now Earl of Glengarah, returns home to Ireland to find a neglected estate. His father never cared for the estate nor the people who resided on it – the ONLY thing he cared about was collecting prime horseflesh. He didn’t collect for making a profit or using the horses in any way – he only wanted to possess the very best horses. Deaglan is slowly putting things to right on the estate and his next task needs to be the stables because they are a drain on the estate – not adding anything at all – other than the beauty of the horses themselves.
Deaglan was on his way into his castle when his brother Felix came hurrying up to him – filled with excitement. Deaglan manages to calm him and find out what has happened. Shocked, but not unhappy, Deaglan learns that Felix has written to the Cynster stables – using Deaglan’s name – and a P.H. Cynster is on his way – to arrive that very afternoon!
When the visitor’s carriage arrives, a beautiful woman alights – hmmm – she must be P. H. Cynster’s sister or wife. Lucky man if it is his wife. So, why is it taking so long for P. H. Cynster to leave the carriage – then, the footman shuts the door leaving only the beautiful woman and her two servants standing there. Deaglan can’t believe it – P. H. Cynster is a woman!
As Pru and Deaglan evaluate the horses and work together – sinister things begin to happen. Are they accidents? It doesn’t seem like it. As they work together and as they try to puzzle out what is causing the ‘things’ to happen, they become closer and closer.
This is a pretty steamy read and it begins early on – but Pru puts some limitations on their relationship from the very beginning. Daeglan agrees to the stipulations, but he’s not sure he’s happy about them. Can he overcome Pru’s objections to marriage?
This book isn’t quite as intense and urgent as some of this author’s books, but it does have arson, murder attempts, theft, and betrayal – they are just somewhat blander than some.
I highly recommend the book – I loved it.
Publication Date: 3/14/19
Number of Pages: 435
I’ve never met a Stephanie Laurens book that I didn’t love – and this one is no different. Demon (A Rogue's Proposal) was one of my favorites in the original Cynster books and now, I get a peek at him in his sixties and I loved him all over again. Those original books presented us with the most memorable and larger-than-life characters, and it is nice to see them as they’ve grown older. Meeting their children has been so much fun. I’ve loved all of the later books too, but those heroes are pale in comparison to the originals.
Twenty-nine-year-old Prudence (Pru) Cynster now runs the breeding program for the Cynster stables. She’s the oldest of four siblings and all except the youngest are involved in running the stables. As head of the breeding program, Pru knows that they need a fresh infusion of breeding stock to remain in the top position. Pru has decided not to marry – she cares nothing for fripperies, balls, teas – she’d much rather be out among the horses – but – her mother is trying to persuade her to have ‘just one more season’. Then, to Pru’s delight, she receives a letter from Ireland asking if the Cynsters might be interested in an ‘arrangement’ with the writer's breeding stock. The letter includes enough information about the horses to intrigue Pru and she knows she has to leave immediately for Ireland – well – immediately after managing to convince her father to allow it. She sends a letter to Ireland to let them know she’s coming and sets off.
After his father’s death, Deaglan Fitzgerald, now Earl of Glengarah, returns home to Ireland to find a neglected estate. His father never cared for the estate nor the people who resided on it – the ONLY thing he cared about was collecting prime horseflesh. He didn’t collect for making a profit or using the horses in any way – he only wanted to possess the very best horses. Deaglan is slowly putting things to right on the estate and his next task needs to be the stables because they are a drain on the estate – not adding anything at all – other than the beauty of the horses themselves.
Deaglan was on his way into his castle when his brother Felix came hurrying up to him – filled with excitement. Deaglan manages to calm him and find out what has happened. Shocked, but not unhappy, Deaglan learns that Felix has written to the Cynster stables – using Deaglan’s name – and a P.H. Cynster is on his way – to arrive that very afternoon!
When the visitor’s carriage arrives, a beautiful woman alights – hmmm – she must be P. H. Cynster’s sister or wife. Lucky man if it is his wife. So, why is it taking so long for P. H. Cynster to leave the carriage – then, the footman shuts the door leaving only the beautiful woman and her two servants standing there. Deaglan can’t believe it – P. H. Cynster is a woman!
As Pru and Deaglan evaluate the horses and work together – sinister things begin to happen. Are they accidents? It doesn’t seem like it. As they work together and as they try to puzzle out what is causing the ‘things’ to happen, they become closer and closer.
This is a pretty steamy read and it begins early on – but Pru puts some limitations on their relationship from the very beginning. Daeglan agrees to the stipulations, but he’s not sure he’s happy about them. Can he overcome Pru’s objections to marriage?
This book isn’t quite as intense and urgent as some of this author’s books, but it does have arson, murder attempts, theft, and betrayal – they are just somewhat blander than some.
I highly recommend the book – I loved it.
July 16, 2019
Always a pleasure to catch up with the Cynsters
I’ve been reading this series since the early 2000s, and I have, for the most part, enjoyed each and every one. Pru’s story reminds me a lot of the earlier Laurens books, with its easy to read style, and enjoyable characters.
Set in Ireland at the end of the Potato Famine, we get a brief glimpse into what was a horrendous part of Irelands history, and although that doesn’t play much of a role in the narrative, it does help ground the world building.
In all, an enjoyable story.
4 stars
I’ve been reading this series since the early 2000s, and I have, for the most part, enjoyed each and every one. Pru’s story reminds me a lot of the earlier Laurens books, with its easy to read style, and enjoyable characters.
Set in Ireland at the end of the Potato Famine, we get a brief glimpse into what was a horrendous part of Irelands history, and although that doesn’t play much of a role in the narrative, it does help ground the world building.
In all, an enjoyable story.
4 stars
April 11, 2023
Horse Mad fun
This is the story of Demon Cynster's first born Prudence, who is as horse mad as her mother and father. She has decided to improve the bloodlines of Cynster Racing, through her travels she finds herself an Irish Wicked Rogue with horses she falls in love with and the Wicked Earl as well. For all horse mad romance lovers
This is the story of Demon Cynster's first born Prudence, who is as horse mad as her mother and father. She has decided to improve the bloodlines of Cynster Racing, through her travels she finds herself an Irish Wicked Rogue with horses she falls in love with and the Wicked Earl as well. For all horse mad romance lovers
March 26, 2019
It has all the elements of a beautiful Cynster romance . An enjoyable story of love, family, horses , dogs , beautiful natural settings and challenges met. I couldn’t put it down!
May 13, 2019
Enjoyed this historical romance set amidst the 'horsey set' of Victorian England and Ireland - a lot! And I'm not even particularly mad about horses! There's a lot about superior race horses in this one.
It's the early years of the Victorian Era, and Prudence Cynster, 29 year old spinster, exceptional horse woman and head of her family's race horse breeding program, is on the hunt for new breeding stock to refresh the bloodlines in her family's stable. The Cynster Stables are racing royalty, and thus their standards are high. Pru's hunt takes her to West Coast Ireland, to the Fitzgerald family holdings, whose deceased patriarch was obsessed with fine horseflesh and had a "collection" of what are essentially the equivalent of purebreds in the world of racing equines - called "foundation bloodlines". There Pru meets the first man to excite any kind of sensual response in her, the current head of the Fitzgerald family, the Earl of Glengarah. Of course, he's a former rake now dedicated to pulling his family's estates back from the brink after the Great Famine, and setting up a breeding agreement between the Cynster Stable and his pater's 'collection' of horses is imperative.
The Earl isn't exactly ready for the sparks flying between the two of them either. In truth, their romance while key, moves rather quickly, without real impediment, into an affair, then true love, and finally a wedding. What really is captivating and drives the story is all the information about the horses (I repeat - I'm not into horses and I found this fascinating), race horse breeding, and the 'accidents' and attempted murder that begins to disrupt Pru's and the Earl's negotiations of a breeding agreement and life-long marital relationship.
What's also nice about this particular historical romance from Laurens is that neither Pru nor the Earl expect to find love in their lives. Pru in particular had carved a life for herself the assumed she would never marry, given no one she'd ever met sustained her interest or elicited a passion in her to equal her love and knowledge of horses. The Earl never expected to find a woman who shared his passion and sense of responsibility for his estates and, of course, horses.
It's the early years of the Victorian Era, and Prudence Cynster, 29 year old spinster, exceptional horse woman and head of her family's race horse breeding program, is on the hunt for new breeding stock to refresh the bloodlines in her family's stable. The Cynster Stables are racing royalty, and thus their standards are high. Pru's hunt takes her to West Coast Ireland, to the Fitzgerald family holdings, whose deceased patriarch was obsessed with fine horseflesh and had a "collection" of what are essentially the equivalent of purebreds in the world of racing equines - called "foundation bloodlines". There Pru meets the first man to excite any kind of sensual response in her, the current head of the Fitzgerald family, the Earl of Glengarah. Of course, he's a former rake now dedicated to pulling his family's estates back from the brink after the Great Famine, and setting up a breeding agreement between the Cynster Stable and his pater's 'collection' of horses is imperative.
The Earl isn't exactly ready for the sparks flying between the two of them either. In truth, their romance while key, moves rather quickly, without real impediment, into an affair, then true love, and finally a wedding. What really is captivating and drives the story is all the information about the horses (I repeat - I'm not into horses and I found this fascinating), race horse breeding, and the 'accidents' and attempted murder that begins to disrupt Pru's and the Earl's negotiations of a breeding agreement and life-long marital relationship.
What's also nice about this particular historical romance from Laurens is that neither Pru nor the Earl expect to find love in their lives. Pru in particular had carved a life for herself the assumed she would never marry, given no one she'd ever met sustained her interest or elicited a passion in her to equal her love and knowledge of horses. The Earl never expected to find a woman who shared his passion and sense of responsibility for his estates and, of course, horses.
December 11, 2024
I find these books on horses and breeding fascinating, I loved Pru and especially enjoyed how determined Deaglan was to win her and how he let her be herself without once questioning her or trying “protect” her out of doing what she was good at.
March 15, 2019
A lot better than her last few books.
May 1, 2021
Historical romance, an underlying mystery, and a lot of characters who just love breeding race horses!
April 1, 2019
Compared to Laurens’s early Cynster books, A Conquest Impossible to Resist is… bland. Despite several murder attempts, it lacks urgency and intensity: in the romance, in the murder plot, and (despite repeated mentions of the Cynsters’ need for breeding stock) in Prudence’s overall motivation. Deaglan’s motivation works a little better, but he’s a pale imitation of the larger-than-life rakes of the original generation. I don’t object to taking a break from the somewhat over-the-top alpha-male heroes usually favored by Laurens, and I’m happy to see an alpha male who is nonetheless willing to deal with the heroine as an equal—in fact, that part of the relationship was refreshing.
But overall, in the romance as in the rest of the book, there is far too much telling and not enough showing. It even spills into what should, in some scenes, have been dialog. In some places, there’s too much dialogue, but in others, the author tells you the gist rather than show you what was said… and invariably, what isn’t shown would have worked better as dialogue to bring the characters alive.
I think that’s my problem with the whole book, in fact. There’s nothing really wrong with it, but it never really came alive for me, never sucked me into its world so thoroughly that the world outside disappeared.
I could blame that on myself—on being too tired, distracted, and/or stressed with work to really get into the book—but just as a test, I started reading the first Cynster novel, Devil's Bride , right after this one. The difference is clear and palpable. The writing pulled me out of myself and into Honoria’s world immediately, despite the fact that I’ve read the book at least five times before. Devil’s Bride isn’t perfect, for reasons that lie outside the scope of this review, but taken as a benchmark (it remains one of Laurens’s best and most popular romances), it casts A Conquest Impossible to Resist completely in the shade.
As a final and regretful note, this is not, by far, the first of Laurens’s recent books that lack her early spark. I have hung on a lot longer than I might otherwise, but I’m close to giving up on her. At this point, I’m reading out of habit and loyalty rather than any real excitement for the new books. Very few of her novels since leaving Avon are on my “keep and reread” shelf. And that saddens me.
A slightly longer version of this review was originally published on The Bookwyrm's Hoard blog.
But overall, in the romance as in the rest of the book, there is far too much telling and not enough showing. It even spills into what should, in some scenes, have been dialog. In some places, there’s too much dialogue, but in others, the author tells you the gist rather than show you what was said… and invariably, what isn’t shown would have worked better as dialogue to bring the characters alive.
I think that’s my problem with the whole book, in fact. There’s nothing really wrong with it, but it never really came alive for me, never sucked me into its world so thoroughly that the world outside disappeared.
I could blame that on myself—on being too tired, distracted, and/or stressed with work to really get into the book—but just as a test, I started reading the first Cynster novel, Devil's Bride , right after this one. The difference is clear and palpable. The writing pulled me out of myself and into Honoria’s world immediately, despite the fact that I’ve read the book at least five times before. Devil’s Bride isn’t perfect, for reasons that lie outside the scope of this review, but taken as a benchmark (it remains one of Laurens’s best and most popular romances), it casts A Conquest Impossible to Resist completely in the shade.
As a final and regretful note, this is not, by far, the first of Laurens’s recent books that lack her early spark. I have hung on a lot longer than I might otherwise, but I’m close to giving up on her. At this point, I’m reading out of habit and loyalty rather than any real excitement for the new books. Very few of her novels since leaving Avon are on my “keep and reread” shelf. And that saddens me.
A slightly longer version of this review was originally published on The Bookwyrm's Hoard blog.
August 22, 2020
2019--First time ever I have considered that fox hunting in Great Britain might have originated not in human blood lust, but protection of livestock. I appreciate alternative views. Don't appreciate present day continuation of the tradition, but it's a thought.
Maybe because I never went through the HORSES phase as a young female, this one didn't appeal to me as much as most. I like Toby...for the future, I guess.
2020--I admit that I really enjoy the expectation that P. H. Cynster is male...and his response. :-) Up to 4 stars on the reread.
Maybe because I never went through the HORSES phase as a young female, this one didn't appeal to me as much as most. I like Toby...for the future, I guess.
2020--I admit that I really enjoy the expectation that P. H. Cynster is male...and his response. :-) Up to 4 stars on the reread.
August 4, 2021
My rating: 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 this one is just far too long. Much of the detail of the plot could have been left out, and the story would not have suffered.
My main issue with this book is the mystery aspect. There was so much emphasis on it and the details of how they worked to stop it, that it almost overrode the romance. The earlier Cynster books usually had a mystery 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 the mystery.
I also didn't like that the books, especially this one, were so long. A great deal of that length was due to unnecessary details of the mystery. That could have been covered sufficiently with much less detail.
Stephanie Laurens is an excellent writer, but this series so far has had too much emphasis on the mysteries -- and not enough on the romances. Since I read Laurens' books for the romances, I don't really enjoy so much emphasis on the mysteries.
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 this one is just far too long. Much of the detail of the plot could have been left out, and the story would not have suffered.
My main issue with this book is the mystery aspect. There was so much emphasis on it and the details of how they worked to stop it, that it almost overrode the romance. The earlier Cynster books usually had a mystery 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 the mystery.
I also didn't like that the books, especially this one, were so long. A great deal of that length was due to unnecessary details of the mystery. That could have been covered sufficiently with much less detail.
Stephanie Laurens is an excellent writer, but this series so far has had too much emphasis on the mysteries -- and not enough on the romances. Since I read Laurens' books for the romances, I don't really enjoy so much emphasis on the mysteries.
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.
March 20, 2019
Humm, the reviews for this book are surprising. I have read just about everything Stephanie has written and all of the Cynster books. This book is a twist on the plot if you read a lot of Regency romance's.Usually there is something that brings the H & H together, murder, scandal, problems with the family ect. But this is Prudence's story and to any who have read books that included her growing up you know she is not a normal girl of that period. If she had a problem or needed help she would never turn to a strange man of the ton. Pru would just ask the man in her family for help. She grew up with some of the worst Rake's being her father, uncles and cousin's. She has always been horse crazy, and spent more time with her father Demon in the stable then on the dance floor. After a number of season's due to her mother Felicity/Flick making her go. And a number of offer's of marriage that she turned down.
She is in charge of the Cynster breeding program, she receives a letter from the Earl of Glengarah about breeding from their horse's. No on has ever been able to view the collection of Glengarah horse's. So she goes to Ireland, and meet Deaglan other rake, but she is there to see the horse's.
But when they meet for the first time in her life, she has an attraction to the handsome Earl.
Deaglan, is also surprised by his immediate response to a high lady of the ton.
These two have to follow there attraction, and find common ground, and love so they are already trusting each other before the drama starts.
Someone does not want a deal between the Cynster's and the Glengarah and will stop at nothing
to stop it.
Please give this book a change, it is different but just as wonderful as all of Stephanie's stories are.
She is in charge of the Cynster breeding program, she receives a letter from the Earl of Glengarah about breeding from their horse's. No on has ever been able to view the collection of Glengarah horse's. So she goes to Ireland, and meet Deaglan other rake, but she is there to see the horse's.
But when they meet for the first time in her life, she has an attraction to the handsome Earl.
Deaglan, is also surprised by his immediate response to a high lady of the ton.
These two have to follow there attraction, and find common ground, and love so they are already trusting each other before the drama starts.
Someone does not want a deal between the Cynster's and the Glengarah and will stop at nothing
to stop it.
Please give this book a change, it is different but just as wonderful as all of Stephanie's stories are.
March 16, 2019
Wow! Well worth the wait!
I will admit that I love reading Stephanie Laurens books. They are fun and exciting! This story, however, far exceeded my expectations! Pru is a wonderfully complex character, and Deaglan complements her perfectly. She is a typical Cynster, and not your ordinary debutante. It will take a special man to rein her in, and he fits the bill! Things seem to be developing quite satisfactorily, until you look down and see that you are only half way through this story...and then Wham! The mystery part of the story hits and you are drawn into that, until you are left sighing with delight, and a little sadness when it is over.
The pace starts out leisurely and then kicks into high gear when the action starts up. The tone is quite simply romantic AND mysterious, with a storyline that starts out character oriented and moves into action oriented. The steamy scenes are beautifully done and all the characters, including the animals, are vivid and well drawn. I can't wait for Christopher's story next year, but in the meantime, we have 2 Cavanaugh stories and Lady Osbaldstone's Christmas treat to hold us off until then. As for his one, if you like your historical romances with superb characters, as well as action, then this is the perfect story for you! Enjoy! But if you haven't already met the Cynsters yet, I guarantee you will have to start back at the very beginning to meet them all, with side trips into a few other series, to meet additional characters!
I will admit that I love reading Stephanie Laurens books. They are fun and exciting! This story, however, far exceeded my expectations! Pru is a wonderfully complex character, and Deaglan complements her perfectly. She is a typical Cynster, and not your ordinary debutante. It will take a special man to rein her in, and he fits the bill! Things seem to be developing quite satisfactorily, until you look down and see that you are only half way through this story...and then Wham! The mystery part of the story hits and you are drawn into that, until you are left sighing with delight, and a little sadness when it is over.
The pace starts out leisurely and then kicks into high gear when the action starts up. The tone is quite simply romantic AND mysterious, with a storyline that starts out character oriented and moves into action oriented. The steamy scenes are beautifully done and all the characters, including the animals, are vivid and well drawn. I can't wait for Christopher's story next year, but in the meantime, we have 2 Cavanaugh stories and Lady Osbaldstone's Christmas treat to hold us off until then. As for his one, if you like your historical romances with superb characters, as well as action, then this is the perfect story for you! Enjoy! But if you haven't already met the Cynsters yet, I guarantee you will have to start back at the very beginning to meet them all, with side trips into a few other series, to meet additional characters!
dnf
February 13, 2020it's a sad day. Laurens had already moved off my auto-buy list and to "oh, good the library has it so I'll read it" list. I've had trouble pushing through some of her books the past few years but this is the first time i'm just not interested to finish one. This is a big DNF for me at page 100. I'm just bored. Pru and Deaglan seem to have plenty going for the characters, i like them (or at least don't dislike them) but the story is dull, they have no chemistry (despite what we are repeatedly told). they feel challenged by the other as they spar to gain information with out giving out any of their own in anticipation of getting an upper hand in the future negotiations, but the bits we get to "listen" to falls flat 1/2 the time. inner dialog keeps on about how must avoid the great temptation the other presents, how every touch or look excites. when finally, after an accident results in them being in each others arms, the tempest is too much and a long passionate kiss ensues, so amazing they almost got caught unawares by his brother who is noisily heading toward the horse exercise ring where they are. however the reading of said kiss had the heat of a cool shower rather than feeling the need of one afterward. all that was left was bored. Since the book needs to be returned to the library in a few days, and i've plenty of other books to read, rather than try to force myself to continue, i'll shall instead let this one quietly go be dull with out me.
September 7, 2024
Prudence Cynster is in charge of the breeding program in the Cynster stables. She is always on the lookout for good stock to keep the Cynsters breeding stock refreshed. She is twenty-nine years of age; she has turned her back on getting a husband. Much to the dismay of her mother.
Enter Deaglan Fitzgerald, the Earl of Glengarath Castle in Ireland. Years earlier he argued with his father about the running of the estate. It was the time of the Potato Famine. He was banished from the estate as a result of the falling-out. He headed to London and led the life of a wealthy rake there.
His father died and Deaglan returned to Glengarath, determined to rectify all the damage done to the estate by his father's neglect. Unknown to Deaglan, his brother Felix writes to the Cynster Family, knowing they are the premier breeding program in Britain. Felix asks if they would be interested in the Glengarath horses.
Of course, the Cynsters are interested and a letter is sent that P H Cynster will be coming to visit the Irish estate to check out the horses. Both Felix and Deaglan assume it is a male coming; however it turns out to be a female. Pru and Deaglan are attracted to each other right off the bat but put aside the attraction to concentrate on the horses.
They work their way to an agreement on the horses. Then accidents happen and it becomes apparent that someone does not want the horse breeding agreement to happen.
This was another great Cynster story!
Enter Deaglan Fitzgerald, the Earl of Glengarath Castle in Ireland. Years earlier he argued with his father about the running of the estate. It was the time of the Potato Famine. He was banished from the estate as a result of the falling-out. He headed to London and led the life of a wealthy rake there.
His father died and Deaglan returned to Glengarath, determined to rectify all the damage done to the estate by his father's neglect. Unknown to Deaglan, his brother Felix writes to the Cynster Family, knowing they are the premier breeding program in Britain. Felix asks if they would be interested in the Glengarath horses.
Of course, the Cynsters are interested and a letter is sent that P H Cynster will be coming to visit the Irish estate to check out the horses. Both Felix and Deaglan assume it is a male coming; however it turns out to be a female. Pru and Deaglan are attracted to each other right off the bat but put aside the attraction to concentrate on the horses.
They work their way to an agreement on the horses. Then accidents happen and it becomes apparent that someone does not want the horse breeding agreement to happen.
This was another great Cynster story!
April 23, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book... as I do with all Stephanie's novels. Perhaps they are not perfection in themselves, but I love this idea of 'recording' a family history, of all Cynster 'clan'. Because as in all book series that I love or learn to love, I always want to know 'and what happened after it and what became of them all'. So, perhaps they are not all in all a greatest novels of all time in terms of style, tension and flow, but they all made my days happier and I was able to immerse into Cynster time and world. And I especially love the idea of family love and connection and everything what such a secure and warm net gives to person. All male and female characters are in a way similar, but again different enough in terms of personal inclinations and interests. In my opinion the whole series is much, much better and more true to the 'zeitgeist' of this particular era than lot more of other books and authors that provide us with unbelievable plots, characters and their acting that are totally unconvincing and could not even happen in this time.
So, Stephanie, thank you very much for your books (some of them I have read several times) and please don't stop. I especially like when I meet characters from previous book in every new book.
Thank you - you made my world happier:)
So, Stephanie, thank you very much for your books (some of them I have read several times) and please don't stop. I especially like when I meet characters from previous book in every new book.
Thank you - you made my world happier:)
September 19, 2019
This book is all wrapped up in the buying, and selling of breeding rights between two families. I really enjoyed all the banter between the two main characters, and the sexual tension. Prudence had turned her back on London , in favor of her families horse breeding program. She is a Cynster and her family is famous for knowing how to breed great racers. She has gone off to Ireland after the promise of the line of three pure breeds, being now open for a look, since the father has died. Deglean, and his brother Felix run the estate. They breed hunting dogs, and many other prospects on their land, and have survived the famine. She does not want marriage, and has found no man that has interested her, but the Irish Lord, with a reputation for being a rake, does. He loves horses, and is in many way her equal. Their is also a mystery, since it seems that someone wants him dead. The villain wasn't hard to figure out, but the how, and reason why was interesting. The secondary characters in the castle were also well developed. I love the way the writer, told us what we needed, and included other information, so we did not get bored going through 57 horses. Their is steamy sexual content in this one. It was not over the top, but it was numerous. The ending was done well, and it had an Epilogue that I enjoyed as well. 5 stars.
January 8, 2023
A Conquest Impossible to Resist by Stephanie Laurens
There is nothing like a Cynster falling in love. In Stephanie Laurens’ book, A Conquest Impossible to Resist, we meet Prudence and Deaglan. Prudence is a Cynster. She went to Ireland in hopes of checking out horses for their racing/breeding program. No one at Glengarah was more surprised than Deaglan to meet Prudence.
Deaglan had a falling out with his father years ago and was banished from Glengarah. However, upon his death Deaglan returned and began to rebuild his home. One of the items that he had to deal with was an entire stable of elite horses, but that is on the back burner until P H Cynster appears.
Prudence and Deaglan begin an assessment of the various horses, both keeping their opinions and needs to themselves. Slowly as the assessment continued so did the understanding of the fire between them. A HOT TORRID FIRE.
Stephanie Laurens’ books are always populated by various interesting characters from the family. In this case, the book has Deaglan’s family and a lovely mystery to solve while reading about Prudence and Deaglan. At the end the castle is full of the Cynster family celebrating the new partnership.
A Conquest Impossible to Resist by Stephanie Laurens is a good read. I enjoyed the characters, storyline and the mystery.
There is nothing like a Cynster falling in love. In Stephanie Laurens’ book, A Conquest Impossible to Resist, we meet Prudence and Deaglan. Prudence is a Cynster. She went to Ireland in hopes of checking out horses for their racing/breeding program. No one at Glengarah was more surprised than Deaglan to meet Prudence.
Deaglan had a falling out with his father years ago and was banished from Glengarah. However, upon his death Deaglan returned and began to rebuild his home. One of the items that he had to deal with was an entire stable of elite horses, but that is on the back burner until P H Cynster appears.
Prudence and Deaglan begin an assessment of the various horses, both keeping their opinions and needs to themselves. Slowly as the assessment continued so did the understanding of the fire between them. A HOT TORRID FIRE.
Stephanie Laurens’ books are always populated by various interesting characters from the family. In this case, the book has Deaglan’s family and a lovely mystery to solve while reading about Prudence and Deaglan. At the end the castle is full of the Cynster family celebrating the new partnership.
A Conquest Impossible to Resist by Stephanie Laurens is a good read. I enjoyed the characters, storyline and the mystery.
May 2, 2019
“But seduction is all about the journey, isn’t it?”
A Conquest Impossible to Resist is sixth book in the Cynster: Next Generation series by Stephanie Laurens. This book is hot to the touch, you can feel the chemistry simmering between Prudence and Deaglan. Stephanie Laurens finally takes us to Ireland in this story and I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed seeing how she wrote about the Irish famine and how Deaglan’s estate fared during those times. Pru might be my favorite so far. I love how she writes her female characters, strong, capable, independent women. I feel each book and each generation in her books embraces and finds power in pursuing their passions. I think Pru has been the best example of this because she decided her passion for horse breeding was more important than society demands and wouldn’t marry unless there was love and understanding of her passion. It was lovely seeing both Pru and Deaglan realize what they meant to each other. (Also, I love the Easter egg during the epilogue when they introduced the new hero/heroine at their wedding. It’s a great throwback to the original series.)
Bookstagram: @hopeless.book.romantic
A Conquest Impossible to Resist is sixth book in the Cynster: Next Generation series by Stephanie Laurens. This book is hot to the touch, you can feel the chemistry simmering between Prudence and Deaglan. Stephanie Laurens finally takes us to Ireland in this story and I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed seeing how she wrote about the Irish famine and how Deaglan’s estate fared during those times. Pru might be my favorite so far. I love how she writes her female characters, strong, capable, independent women. I feel each book and each generation in her books embraces and finds power in pursuing their passions. I think Pru has been the best example of this because she decided her passion for horse breeding was more important than society demands and wouldn’t marry unless there was love and understanding of her passion. It was lovely seeing both Pru and Deaglan realize what they meant to each other. (Also, I love the Easter egg during the epilogue when they introduced the new hero/heroine at their wedding. It’s a great throwback to the original series.)
Bookstagram: @hopeless.book.romantic
March 14, 2022
3.5 stars. What I liked: The horses! This is why I picked it up. Lots of interesting stuff about horse breeding. Horses are great! Also, the characters are excellent. Pru is a fully realized professional woman (from a wealthy and progressive family of course!). The wicked Earl is gorgeous and charming and a good person! The family members and castle staff in Ireland are all well drawn and interesting. The relationship between the Earl and Pru is fun, and their banter is excellent.
What was meh: We didn’t really get into the purple prose until maybe midway. But it had me chuckling about ‘comets of desire’ for example. The mystery was interesting but seemed a bit disconnected from the story. It felt like it was taped on. I spotted the villain from a mile away and therefore got annoyed that the other characters were slow. Surely they had auditors back then? Sheesh! Finally, this book could have lost 100 pages. There is plenty of action but it just dwells a bit too long on everything.
But the horses!!
What was meh: We didn’t really get into the purple prose until maybe midway. But it had me chuckling about ‘comets of desire’ for example. The mystery was interesting but seemed a bit disconnected from the story. It felt like it was taped on. I spotted the villain from a mile away and therefore got annoyed that the other characters were slow. Surely they had auditors back then? Sheesh! Finally, this book could have lost 100 pages. There is plenty of action but it just dwells a bit too long on everything.
But the horses!!
May 22, 2020
Review - I really enjoyed this book. I loved the relationship between Prue and Deghlan. It was interesting to see the negotiations between the two and how they played off each other. I've been finding it quite hard recently to read romances but I got sucked into this one, with all the intrigue. For once I actually guessed who the villain was quite early on as well, which actually surprised me when it was revealed. When some of the original characters are featured, like Demon and Felicity, I forget that this is now 20 or 30 years after the original story and they are now in their 50s or 60s. It's really interesting to see the development of the family through time.
Genre? - Historical / Romance
Characters? - Prudence Cynster / Deghlan Fitzgerald, Earl of Glengarah / Demon Cynster / Toby Cynster / Felicity Cynster / Felix Fitzgerald / Jay O'Shaunessey
Setting? - Glengarah (Ireland)
Series? - Cynster #27
Recommend? – Yes
Rating - 18/20
Genre? - Historical / Romance
Characters? - Prudence Cynster / Deghlan Fitzgerald, Earl of Glengarah / Demon Cynster / Toby Cynster / Felicity Cynster / Felix Fitzgerald / Jay O'Shaunessey
Setting? - Glengarah (Ireland)
Series? - Cynster #27
Recommend? – Yes
Rating - 18/20
November 5, 2022
This was better than the Devil's Brood books as it wasn't weighted down so much by the mystery plot. It still doesn't hit the same notes as the first Cynster books. And of course, there's my issue with the author making mistakes with information about her characters. Honestly, I think she needs an editor whose job is to keep track of all the character and family details so she doesn't make such mistakes. Like in this book, a male relation was said to be a distant cousin from the maternal line of the hero, but then a few pages later the character in question says he is the BROTHER of the hero's mother. In another case, the paternal aunt of the hero refers to the hero's aunt as her sister-in-law, which would not be the case. She would be a connection, but the only person who should hold the title of sister-in-law would be the hero's mother. Maybe the casual reader wouldn't catch this, but an OCD detail-oriented person like me will and it drives us crazy.
March 25, 2019
Horse-mad finds love
Prudence was determine to built onto her fathers stables to stay on top of racing curcuit.
Receiving a letter from Ireland about a stable of prime horse flesh no one has even seen before. Pru knew she had to go see the horses herself.
Deaglan knew he needed to find a way use his late fathers horses to build the estate finances. His brother Felix decided to sent a letter to Cynsters to find a breeding program for their horses.
Deaglan knew his horses would impress Pru and help the estate.
Unknown to Pru and Deaglan fate had other plans for them . Being thrown together working the horses to find their value.
Pru and Deaglan found love and their one true soulmate.
Prudence was determine to built onto her fathers stables to stay on top of racing curcuit.
Receiving a letter from Ireland about a stable of prime horse flesh no one has even seen before. Pru knew she had to go see the horses herself.
Deaglan knew he needed to find a way use his late fathers horses to build the estate finances. His brother Felix decided to sent a letter to Cynsters to find a breeding program for their horses.
Deaglan knew his horses would impress Pru and help the estate.
Unknown to Pru and Deaglan fate had other plans for them . Being thrown together working the horses to find their value.
Pru and Deaglan found love and their one true soulmate.
October 18, 2020
Another great romance by Stephanie.
Prudence Cynster loves and breathes horses.
She wants to make a deal with Deaglan Fitzgerald, is Earl of Glengarah, and has horses and they are rumored to be great.
Prudence goes to see these horses. She wants this deal to happen. Deaglan and Prudence work together to make this deal happen.
Then those sparks start to happen between them.
Things then start to happen that threatens to stop the deal from happen.
But Prudence and Deaglan work together to find out what is happen and who it is doing this.
They come to find the love that they never expected to have. They find their love with each other.
It is right and just right for them.
Love this.
Another great Cynster book.
Prudence Cynster loves and breathes horses.
She wants to make a deal with Deaglan Fitzgerald, is Earl of Glengarah, and has horses and they are rumored to be great.
Prudence goes to see these horses. She wants this deal to happen. Deaglan and Prudence work together to make this deal happen.
Then those sparks start to happen between them.
Things then start to happen that threatens to stop the deal from happen.
But Prudence and Deaglan work together to find out what is happen and who it is doing this.
They come to find the love that they never expected to have. They find their love with each other.
It is right and just right for them.
Love this.
Another great Cynster book.
May 7, 2024
The audiobook narrator was fantastic and did an amazing job with distinctive voice and speech patterns for various characters. The historical regency story is very character driven, with both of the leads being very competent and dedicated to their work. The unusual occupation of the heroine, as a manager of her family's horse breeding program, is not only shown in her knowledge and skill with horses, but also explained in context of her family history. The emotional growth of both main characters was very well done - we get to see not only how, but why they are compatible life partners. Neither one plays games, and consent is well established even though there is an imbalance of power and experience.
March 17, 2019
Amazing, wonderful, perfect...
When's the next one? Oh yes, I've got to wait until the end of April, that feels like a very long time to wait.
I have read every one of Stephanie's books and loved every one of them.
If you like regency, or in this case Victorian, romance, you will love the characters and stories and get more hooked with each one you read. Start with any one of them, they can all be read as stand alone novels, but the characters keep showing up in other books and you soon realise that all either family, friend or work colleagues. It's a great world to escape to, but be warned, they're addictive!
When's the next one? Oh yes, I've got to wait until the end of April, that feels like a very long time to wait.
I have read every one of Stephanie's books and loved every one of them.
If you like regency, or in this case Victorian, romance, you will love the characters and stories and get more hooked with each one you read. Start with any one of them, they can all be read as stand alone novels, but the characters keep showing up in other books and you soon realise that all either family, friend or work colleagues. It's a great world to escape to, but be warned, they're addictive!
May 24, 2019
I have read everything Stephanie has written and enjoyed them all. This story is one of those that focuses on the relationships between the characters first and the complication in the plot second. It’s a slow burn for the complication, which doesn’t occur until about chapter ten. This is the reason for my three star rating, I prefer the intrigue a little earlier on.
As expected the characters are strong minded and focused on getting what they want. There is a lot of information about horses and horse breeding as it is Demon Cynster’s daughter Prue who is one of the main characters. Greed plays a large role in the plot and this leads to attempts on the characters’ lives. There is a satisfying conclusion.
The minor characters are interesting in their own right and the ending leaves an opening for the next Cynster to meet their match.
As expected the characters are strong minded and focused on getting what they want. There is a lot of information about horses and horse breeding as it is Demon Cynster’s daughter Prue who is one of the main characters. Greed plays a large role in the plot and this leads to attempts on the characters’ lives. There is a satisfying conclusion.
The minor characters are interesting in their own right and the ending leaves an opening for the next Cynster to meet their match.
December 5, 2024
Prudence Cynster who has always loved horses like her parents has been running the famous and elite family stables for last 4 yrs. She hears of a secret cache of possible purebreds never offered on the market in Ireland, after the death of the old Earl. She decides to go and check it out instead of another boring season husband hunting with the ton. She'd rather her younger sister deal with society and drama.
She meets the new Earl Deaglan Fitzgerald who has come home to repair the estate after years of neglect by his father. This is pretty hot, slow burn romance with lots of horses, mystery and betrayal.
She meets the new Earl Deaglan Fitzgerald who has come home to repair the estate after years of neglect by his father. This is pretty hot, slow burn romance with lots of horses, mystery and betrayal.
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