The Games Lovers Play by Stephanie Laurens - 2 stars rounded down from 2.5 stars

[Theresa]

Unfortunately, this is one of the Cynster series that is more a transitional book than a good story. It's not even as long as her works usually are, and I thought it dragged and was too long. The emotional and relationship drama was not particularly compelling or interesting, while those secondary plots that were more interesting and in fact serve as a transtion in the Cynster Family interconnected series from the generation of the regency to the next generation at the beginning of the Victorian Age were not prominent enough. It's clear they will be the basis for more books going forward, likely in a more compelling manner.

It is the end of 1851, Vicotria has been on the throne for many years, the Napoleonic Wars were fought and the antics of the Prince Regent endured by a prior generation. investment in and development of railroads and manufacturing are starting to govern politics and the financial stability of the aristocracy. Devlin, the Earl of Alverton and his wife, Therese, a Cynster, are leaders of the younger generation of the aristocracy starting to rule Britain, stepping into the shoes of their parents. They have very similar personalities, both like control, being of managing ways, and deeply in love with each other but for one reason or another does not want the other to know or for society either. Rather, they have for 5 years presented the perfect aristocratic marriage of affection and contentment. Except for one thing: they are madly secretly in love with each other and Devlin at least wants to admit his love. Frankly, the whole premise is weak IMHO. Hohum.

However, the side story of Martin, a long lost Cynster and Therese' younger brother, returning after making his mark in America is interesting if insufficiently explored. Ditto the story of Grayson Childs, the heir to the dukedom neighboring the earldone of Alverston, who also went to America for many years and only just returned, clouded in mystery as to what he did during those years and his purpose in returning. Grayson has been given his story in the next book from Laurens - I'll catch up eventually. But it was interesting to see how this generation, which has not had to go to war - yet - had younger sons head off to America to make their fortunes and prove their worth. The economic background of investment, railroads, and manufacturing was also interesting and quite different from the land management that was the sole economic involvement of the prior generation.

I wish there had been a lot more about the culture, history, and politics of the time, which has played in Laurens' books in the past.

I actually started this months ago, put it aside and just decided to finish it as the next in the series is out and more are in the pipeline. This is one of my favorite regency authors, and while there are occasionally duds, most are really enjoyable.