Fans of Stephanie Laurens discussion
Introductions
I found SL by accident in an Oxfam bookshop, when I saw two of her books: A Rake's Vow and A Rogue's Proposal. I didn't realise that they were part of a series, and I read A Rake's Vow first because it had an earlier copyright date. I was taken aback by Patience's surrender to Vane (I still find it too quick and complete). But I loved Vane and really enjoyed the book, so wanted to read more. I did a little investigation and realised it was part of a series and, since I *have* to read series in the correct order, I bought Devil's Bride. Then I was hooked, and had to read the rest! I caught up with the ones which had already been published and then had to wait impatiently for more - this was in the mid-2000s.But what really surprised me was the explicit nature of the sexual scenes in The Rake's Vow - I was blissfully unaware of the whole genre of historical romance with sex! (I thought they were all like Georgette Heyer - whose books I still love). So SL led me to discover several other authors, and revived my love of historical romance.
My favourites are the first Cynster series and the Bastion Club (including Captain Jack's Woman). I frequently re-read them. My favourite characters are Simon from A Secret Love, Charles St. Austell, Earl of Lostwithiel of A Lady of His Own and Dalziel (although I find it difficult to choose!). I think my favourite book is Captain Jack's Woman.
I was pleased to see that some of the books are out in audio, as I love audiobooks.
My name is Laura :) and I love SL books !!!When did you start reading Ms. Laurens' book(s)?
2011 - picked up Heather and Elza's stories in the store and then had read Devils and it just rolled from there LOL
Which is your favorite book from Ms. Laurens?
Well Edge of Desire probably and A Secret Love
What book(s) made you a Ms. Laurens fan?
Devil's Bride - the hero never says I love you- entriguing
What SL book series is your favorite?
Bastion Club - all the guys are just awesome
Who are/is your favorite SL character(s)? Which SL book series is said character from?
Dalziel from Bastion Club. He's just badd ass LOL little spooky in a couple of books but he's better than james bond almost like a M - him being a duke is no surprise to me. Then Christian, Devil and Gabriel :) I have a lot of favorites in this series !!!
Question - Has anyone tried reading the books in chronological order? I did !!! took me 2 months but I read from Capt Jacks to Simon's book. It was fun to do.
Laura wrote: "Question - Has anyone tried reading the books in chronological order? I did !!! took me 2 months but I read from Capt Jacks to Simon's book. It was fun to do. ..."Yes! I did. It's great fun to do, isn't it? How did you work out the order?
E. wrote: "I just felt that there should be a topic for introducing oneself in the group.Some details one can add in one's introduction:
When did you start reading Ms. Laurens' book(s)?
Which is your favor..."
Hi I have read most of her books and my favorite is Devil's Bride when I am feeling a little blue I go back and read it again. It makes me laugh and smile when I read how he tries to make her do what he wants her to do. I use to be a truck driver and went to ebooks so that I could carry all of my books with me.
Hj wrote: "Laura wrote: "Question - Has anyone tried reading the books in chronological order? I did !!! took me 2 months but I read from Capt Jacks to Simon's book. It was fun to do. ..."Yes! I did. It's..."
I got the order from Stephanie's website. Luckily she had it all laid out and I just put it in a spreadsheet :) It was a fun challenge !!!!
Most of the time I read the books in order, though sometimes I just skip some to read ahead because said characters piqued my interest more than the book(s) I skipped. But for the most part I do read in order.
E. wrote: "I just felt that there should be a topic for introducing oneself in the group.Some details one can add in one's introduction:
When did you start reading Ms. Laurens' book(s)?
Which is your favor..."
I started reading SL about 7 years ago. I love the calvary men. That is my favorite. But I love all of her books. The Cystners are the best family. My favorite character is Devil. I have read all these books in order and Devil was the first. He intrigues me. Each series has built on one another and makes you love the family.
I found a trade paperback with the first two books on a bargain book table back in 2008. Pulled out one of my old notebooks (it's the right one--a sign!) and finished Devil's Bride 1-30-09 and Rake's Vow 2-01-09. Now, to be fair, I read really fast and that year I was traveling for work so I had a lot of time to read at night. But, I'd like to thank you for getting me started reading romance again, specifically Regencies. I read the rest pretty much in order over the next few years and added Lisa Kleypas, Jo Beverley, Mary Balogh, Julia Quinn, Suzanne Enoch and others. Y'all inspired me to start writing myself again and I'm finishing my first two books in a contemporary series under the pseudonym Julee J. Adams. So, please keep them coming and I appreciate all you do!
Hi I'm steph19 its been so long since I started reading Ms.Laurens I remember I fortunately started with devil's bride and have now read everything she has written.I think I was struggling to find a new author and Honoria is a great character brushing against Devil's controlling nature.my favourite is Gabriel's and alatheas story a secret love
I love the cynster series the most but each series is great
I love the twins amelia and Amanda and their spouses.
Absolutely hooked keep them coming please always rereading and waiting on the next one.
Hello everyone! My favorite in the Cynster series is a Secret Love. I have read that book 5 to 10 times. The cynsters is my favorite series from SL but i love how this series also connects to the Bastian club. I've been reading her books for the past 4 years and it started with the Devil's Bride.
I love all of Stephanie Laurens books. I have been reading them forever. She is one of my favorite author.
Has anyone read any of her stand-alones?I have, but I don't remember if I had read all of them or not. Not counting the medieval one, which I'm debating if I want to read or not, given that said time period isn't really a fave of mine to read, though I do read books in that time period.
E. wrote: "Has anyone read any of her stand-alones?I have, but I don't remember if I had read all of them or not. Not counting the medieval one, which I'm debating if I want to read or not, given that said..."
I think I've read everything she's written except Desire, so I just went and checked the list of her books to see which ones you mean. I can identify several short stories (which are generally excellent) and her early Regencies. However, even the early books were often linked. The early books are good, well up to the standard of the competition, but I think SL definitely improved as she went on.
Did you have any specific titles in mind?
Not really. I just wanted to know if anyone had read them.I do like the Lester trilogy, too.Rogues' Reform
I have read them and they were good but not as good as the first Cynster books. I haven't read Desire yet. Is it very good?
Ashley wrote: "I have read them and they were good but not as good as the first Cynster books. I haven't read Desire yet. Is it very good?"Edge of Desire is one of my favorites - I think its pretty good and different in a way. The relationship between Letita and Christian was there before the war which was different to me. If I need a pick me up its one of my go to books :)
Has anyone read Desire's Prize yet? I have it on my Kindle but i haven't read it yet. I agree the Edge of Desire is very good. Looking forward to her next book.
Hi, I've been reading SL since 2005 when I stumbled across a battered old copy of Devil's Bride at my local library. From then, I've been hooked!Favourite books: Devil's Bride, Mastered by Love, and Gentleman's Honour.
Am looking forward to the release of the next Barnaby Adair Case book ;-D
I had to look up A Gentleman's Honor because I always get the names of the Bastion Club novels mixed up for some reason! But it's a good one, I agree - I like Tony Blake, and Alicia is a great heroine. The mystery is good, too.I'm also looking forward to The Masterful Mr. Montague, but even more to Loving Rose: The Redemption of Malcolm Sinclair: Number 3 in series, because he has interested me as a character for a long time, since To Distraction and The Taste of Innocence. I look forward to seeing how a character as bad as he was in To Distraction can be redeemed!
Incidentally, The Taste of Innocence is my least favourite Cynster book with All About Love. The common theme is a husband who doesn't want to love his wife. (Of course, the Cynsters believed in true love being the only basis for marriage, but neither of the heroes in these books is a Cynster.) I don't like angst, and I also don't like unkindness, and there are both aplenty. While I regularly re-read my Laurens collection, I tend to skip over these!
Any different views? Or agreement?
My least fave Cynster book is The Promise in a Kiss due to what happened in-between that book and Devil's Bride. I have nothing against the result of said event, but I don't like it.I'm also looking forward in how SL redeems Malcolm Sinclair. Definitely looking forward to the next two books coming out.
E. wrote: "My least fave Cynster book is The Promise in a Kiss due to what happened in-between that book and Devil's Bride. I have nothing against the result of said event, but I ..."I'm trying to work out what you mean, and I think you must mean Scandal? If so, I agree, I'm not keen on that episode.
After reading Scandal's book I like to think that Sebastion was kinda suckered into it like Richard was. Sort of the Lady's grand plan? Helena is a very strong woman too. Took the whole thing in stride, not a lot of women would do that. I think there is a good story there, too bad SL didn't elaborate :)
Laura wrote: "After reading Scandal's book I like to think that Sebastion was kinda suckered into it like Richard was. Sort of the Lady's grand plan? Helena is a very strong woman too. Took the whole thing in st..."I hadn't thought of it like that. Good idea! It makes it more palatable.
Laura wrote: "After reading Scandal's book I like to think that Sebastion was kinda suckered into it like Richard was. Sort of the Lady's grand plan? Helena is a very strong woman too. Took the whole thing in st..."I can see it like that. It's just that I have certain perimeters that I don't like reading about. I can handle reading it, but it's hard to swallow sometimes. But that's just me.
E. wrote: "I can see it like that. It's just that I have certain perimeters that I don't like reading about. I can handle reading it, but it's hard to swallow sometimes. But that's just me. ..."I do understand. I still find it difficult to believe that Helena would really take it in her stride. I can imagine that she would act with grace and accept the baby, especially publicly, but I'm sure she demanded an explanation and apology in private.
I don't know whether anyone else has already mentioned the prequel to the series, which really upset me. Having seen this very romantic beginning, it was difficult to imagine a time when the husband would commit adultery and for all to work out to everyone's satisfaction. I found myself wishing that the prequel had never been written -- it raised more issues for me than solutions. Any comments?
Yes,I had the same thoughts after reading the prequel- they had such an interesting beginning, and seemed very much in love. I really wanted a deeper explanation, what I've read in the books doesn't mesh together in a satisfactory way.
Yes, I agree. Having read Scandal's book I found it hard to take, but assumed that the marriage between his father and Helena hadn't been that close. Then later I read the prequel (The Promise in a Kiss) and, as you say, it made the adultery really difficult to understand or accept. I'm still not convinced by it. I certainly don't believe that Helena's desire for another child to look after would make up for the betrayal and loss of trust.
Thanks for the title, Hj. Now I can see how the previous comments are tied together and I hadn't recognized it.
Charlene wrote: "Thanks for the title, Hj. Now I can see how the previous comments are tied together and I hadn't recognized it."You're welcome!
FYI - just saw this but 200 years ago yesterday, Napoleon was exiled to Ebla which he only stayed there for 9 months then came back again. 200 years !!! Amazing. Which means all of these characters, if they really had existed, LOL , would have been in the middle of the war. Kinda interesting and thought I share http://www.nbcnews.com/news/europe/na...
Laura wrote: "FYI - just saw this but 200 years ago yesterday, Napoleon was exiled to Ebla which he only stayed there for 9 months then came back again. 200 years !!! Amazing. Which means all of these characters..."It is amazing, isn't it, that i was 200 years ago. The Cynster and the Bastion books often refer to the war, of course. And next year is 200 years since Waterloo!
Kinda makes you wonder what the characters would be doing at this time 200 years ago. The Bastion guys would still be spying and Devil and the cousins watching and wondering if something elese happens should they sign up to help? I know they aren't real but its fun to imagine :)
When Devil's Bride opens, the six Bar Sinister were all back from the first war, having served apparently invincibly in the Cavalry. There are references to the war and covert agents and escapes and rescues through all the books dated as occurring during the war years. That is part of my fascination with historical romance - if the author is as good as Laurens in studying the history of the time, the reader learns so much about those times. I often wonder if the Cynsters ever came across Johanna Lindsey's Malory Family. I get a different sense of the times from every author in this genre and that's enlightening in many ways. thanks for the education, Stephanie.
Gretchen wrote: "When Devil's Bride opens, the six Bar Sinister were all back from the first war, having served apparently invincibly in the Cavalry. There are references to the war and covert agents and escapes an..."Absolutely, Gretchen, it's amazing how much history you learn accidentally while reading well-written and well-researched historical romances!
From reading Scandal's book, I sorta remember some details about how the parents reacted with Sebastian trying to explain his actions and Helena accepting Scandal plus Devil not minding at all. Given that aspect, I also remember the prequel distantly.That said, I can understand Laura's view about the Lady's plan and all. Yet I also think "it takes two to tango" and that: 1) Sebastian is human and due to the "long" visit (don't remember how long he was away), he abstained a bit until he was seduced (I think?); 2) Sebastian being a rake and a highly sexual person, he surrendered to the seduction (and how long did it take before he surrendered?); and 3) Sebastian should had "come clean" (and yes, I understand that there are some couples who can't handle adultery and break off...or I may have read too many women's magazines about it) to Helena, who is a strong woman and will forgive him, so that when Scandal arrives, her reaction from Scandal's book would have been more realistic given that she wanted another baby (and said baby is the innocent consequence of said scandal) and has already forgiven Sebastian (which really wasn't thoroughly explained in both books; no discussion at all about it (if I remember correctly) between Helena and Scandal about said affair, only showed that readers should understand Sebastian and Helena's deep bond to forgive such transgression from reading the prequel) by that time. Also, there are more questions and not enough answers to satisfy me as to that said event, which wasn't really answered that much.
I just felt that the prequel would have been better as a novella and I rather would have liked to have a prequel book based on any of the younger Cynster brothers and their ladies. Or make it a trilogy of the three with Sebastian and Helena being secondary characters in each of their books. So in that sense, I agree w/ Charlene that there were more questions than answers that the prequel gave me.
I do think that the love between Sebastian and Helena is genuine. The prequel showed it like that. I may even add that the historical period made said adulterous action probably the norm and "acceptable" in that society. It's just that the image of the "Cynster love" that Ms. Laurens painted in the series just sorta felt tarnished a bit due to the prequel, though I'm sticking to how the legendary "Cynster love" is from the characters' personalities and not from elder's actions. Again, makes it more acceptable. I guess I'm making a lot of concessions about it, but I adore the Cynster series, flaws and all.
Going to a different subject, I also appreciate the way Ms. Laurens gave such a view about historical England.
Hello all! I'm Kit :DWhen did you start reading Ms. Laurens' book(s)?
Read my actual first one around 2007-08, it was either The Lady Chosen or The Promise in a Kiss, can't remember which. I like to consider the start to be when I read Devil's Bride in July of 2012, though, because that's the true start in my mind since I don't recall the other one, and that's when I started reading SL on a regular basis. I read the entire Cynster series (plus Barnaby #1, and we are going to read the rest of the available Barnaby books starting this month) in the chronological order with buddies in another group. But I'd been working on collecting the Cynster series (on and off) for like 10 years before actually reading one. It started with a book (think it was All About Love) that a friend had given me, but when I found out it was part of a series, I couldn't read it, because I'm one of those people who just have to read series in order or it drives me bonkers. So I started picking them up here and there, also picked up some of the Bastion Club books and a couple of her Regency ones on the way. Turned into me trying to collect them all, lol.
Which is your favorite book from Ms. Laurens?
So far, my favorite is probably the Cynster sisters' trilogy, with the kidnap plot and the laird. The third book of that is the one I rated highest, but I enjoyed them all a lot. I also really liked Captain Jack's Woman a lot.
What book(s) made you a Ms. Laurens fan?
It was probably A Rogue's Proposal that really hooked me into that series. The first three Cynster books were entertaining, but the fourth one is where I really got invested in the family.
What SL book series is your favorite?
So far, I've only read the Cynsters, the first Barnaby Casebook, and about half of the Bastion Club. I'm leaning towards saying the Cynsters is my favorite, but I like them all!
Who are/is your favorite SL character(s)? Which SL book series is said character from?
For heroines, Flick (from Cynsters) is probably my favorite I think, though I liked Angelica and Mary (Cynster) as well. Oh, and I can't forget Kit from Captain Jack's Woman, besides the fact we share a name, she was a good heroine in my mind :)
For heroes, I can't really decide, though Dalziel (Bastion Club) is immensely intriguing and I enjoy every little glimpse I've gotten of him so far. Can't wait to get to his story!
For random characters, I really love Lady Osbaldestone whenever she makes an appearance. In my mind, she's totally played by Dame Maggie Smith, ala her Dowager character in Downton Abbey, lol. Can't help but see her as Lady O.
Kit★ wrote: "Hello all! I'm Kit :DWhen did you start reading Ms. Laurens' book(s)?
Read my actual first one around 2007-08, it was either The Lady Chosen or The Promise in a Kiss, can't remember which. I lik..."
Good to meet you, Kit! I like your comprehensive response to the questions. I'm like you when it comes to series; as soon as I realise that a book is part of a series I don't want to read it it until I come to it in turn after reading the others.
I'm intrigued by your reference to reading the Cynster series "with buddies in another group", which sounds ongoing if you're also going to be reading the other Barnaby books together. Is that a specially Laurens group? Is it private or can you link to it? I'd love to find a group which is a bit more active than this one!
Me too !!! LOL I'd love to find a group that talks about the books :) Is it on FB ?
It's an open group here on GR, they do all sorts of romance, contemporary, historical, paranormal, etc, Romance Lovers for the Challenge-Impaired. They do all kinds of buddy reads, series reads and challenges, it's a great group :) A few of us decided to tackle the series, so we did one book a month until we made it through them all. The discussions were a blast! Definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the books.
I have been reading Stephanie Laurens books forever and the Cynster Series was my favorite, but I like all of her books.
Hi. I'm ShanelleStarted reading Stephanie Laurens probably about 2004 - 2005. found 'A Gentleman's Honor' in a secondhand bookshop. I was kinda hooked from there. My favourite book, besides 'A Gentleman's Honor', has to be 'Mastered by Love' but 'Devil's Bride' is also way up there. I love the Bastion Club series. The hero's are to die for. I love a man who knows what he wants and goes after it. One of my favourite characters has to be Lady Osbaldestone, strong, straight shooting and take no nonsense. The kind of woman you want to be on your side and friends with. My favourite male character has to be Dalziel or Royce Varisey, Duke of Wolverstone.
Shanelle wrote: "Hi. I'm ShanelleStarted reading Stephanie Laurens probably about 2004 - 2005. found 'A Gentleman's Honor' in a secondhand bookshop. I was kinda hooked from there. My favourite book, besides 'A Ge..."
Hi Shanelle! I also discovered Stephanie Laurens via a second-hand bookshop. In my case the first one I read was A Rake's Vow, and I remember that I couldn't really understand the hero's attitude to marriage. The other one was A Rogue's Proposal. They made me seek out Devil's Bride and then all the rest.
I can see why you were hooked from reading A Gentleman's Honor! I love that book, too. I prefer the Bastion Club series to the Cynsters, generally, although I do like them. I'm very fond of Dalziel, too, although I have a soft spot for a couple of other Bastions and for Captain Jack!
You join us just in time for a new Cynster, due out tomorrow, By Winter's Light!
Hi Shanelle! I'm a fan of Lady Osbaldestone too :D
Kit★ wrote: "Hi Shanelle! I'm a fan of Lady Osbaldestone too :D"She's in the List of Characters in By Winter's Light which is set in 1837. I can't believe she's still alive!
I'll be sad when she finally has to kick the bucket, no doubt!
HJ wrote: "Kit★ wrote: "Hi Shanelle! I'm a fan of Lady Osbaldestone too :D"She's in the List of Characters in By Winter's Light which is set in 1837. I can't believe she's still alive!"
She may become a centenarian if she stays alive that long. ;-)
But seriously, I dig Lady O. ;-)
I'm just starting By Winter's Light! I'm really excited to see what there kids are like.
Fans of Stephanie Laurens
Books mentioned in this topic
By Winter's Light (other topics)A Rogue's Proposal (other topics)
Devil's Bride (other topics)
A Gentleman's Honor (other topics)
A Rake's Vow (other topics)
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Some details one can add in one's introduction:
When did you start reading Ms. Laurens' book(s)?
Which is your favorite book from Ms. Laurens?
What book(s) made you a Ms. Laurens fan?
What SL book series is your favorite?
Who are/is your favorite SL character(s)? Which SL book series is said character from?
Let's start!
I'm E.R. I had bought Devil's Bride a long time ago and it got me hooked to SL. One of my favorite SL books is A Rake's Vow, among others. Definitely the Cynsters is my favorite SL book series. One of my favorite SL character is Patience; I feel that those who married Cynster men are very strong female characters that are admirable for marrying said men.
So who is next?