I always loved the Cynsters and but I didn't quite like how Vane got a hold of Patience, it's like he was the humblest of the humble, they didn't meet halfway unlike Devil and Honoria. Vane felt the touch of her gaze, felt the hunter within him rise in response to that artless glance; his wariness returned. His features grim, Vane closed the door--and followed the cat. Apr 18, Crystal rated it really liked it. There was, however, activity in the stables, grooms hurriedly settling horses in preparation for the storm.
Then, gaze still transfixed, his mind fully occupied by the vision before him, he strolled forward, his footsteps muffled by the thick lawn. He halted opposite a large bow window, two paces from the semicircular flower bed before it. Directly behind the lady, clothed in fine, wind-driven sprigged muslin, bent over, fossicking in the flowers. Myst merely blinked her large blue eyes. With a sigh, Patience leaned as far forward as she dared and poked among the weeds and perennials.
Bent over at the waist, reaching into the flower bed, gripping its soft edge with the toes of her soft-soled shoes, was hardly the most elegant, let alone stable, position. Not that she need worry over anyone seeing her--everyone else was dressing for dinner. Which was precisely what she should be doing--would have been doing--if she hadn't noticed that the small silver vase which had adorned her windowsill had vanished.
As she'd left the window open, and Myst often used that route to come and go, she'd reasoned that Myst must have toppled the vase in passing and it had rolled out, over the flat sill, and fallen into the flower bed below. The fact that she had never known Myst unintentionally to knock over anything she'd pushed aside; it was better believing that Myst had been clumsy than that their mysterious thief had struck again.
Myst blinked again, and looked past her. Then the sleek grey cat rose and elegantly padded out of the flower bed. So saying, she managed to straighten--which left her facing the house, looking directly at the blank bow windows of the downstairs parlor. With the storm darkening the skies, the windows were reflective. They reflected the image of a man, standing directly behind her.
With a gasp, Patience whirled. Her gaze collided with the man's--his eyes were hard, crystalline grey, pale in the weak light. They were focused, intently, on her, their expression one she couldn't fathom. He stood no more than three feet away, large, elegant and oddly forbidding. In the instant her brain registered those facts, Patience felt her heels sink, and sink--into the soft soil of the flower bed. The man reacted so swiftly his movement was a blur--he gripped her upper arms and hauled her forward.
She landed against him, breast to chest, hips to hard thighs. The breath was knocked out of her, leaving her gasping, mentally as well as physically. Hard hands held her upright, long fingers iron shackles about her arms. His chest was a wall of rock against her breasts; the rest of his body, the long thighs that held them braced, felt as resilient as tensile steel.
Patience looked up and met the stranger's hooded gaze. As she watched, his grey eyes darkened. The expression they contained--intensely concentrated--sent a most peculiar thrill through her. She blinked; her gaze fell--to the man's lips. Long, thin yet beautifully proportioned, they'd been sculpted with a view to fascination. They certainly fascinated her; she couldn't drag her gaze away. The mesmerizing contours shifted, almost imperceptibly softening; her own lips tingled.
She swallowed, and dragged in a desperately needed breath. Her breasts rose, shifting against the stranger's coat, pressing more definitely against his chest. Sensation streaked through her, from unexpectedly tight nipples all the way to her toes. She caught another breath and tensed--but couldn't stop the quiver that raced through her. The stranger's lips thinned; the austere planes of his face hardened.
His fingers tightened about her arms. To Patience's stunned amazement, he lifted her--easily--and carefully set her down two feet away. He was so tall, large, lean but well muscled, yet his coordination had been faultless, the smooth grace investing the languid courtesy rendering it compelling in some ill-defined way.
His words, uttered in a voice so deep she could have mistaken it for the rumble of the storm, eventually impinged on her consciousness; struggling to harness her thoughts, she gestured to the door at her right. Vane met her wide gaze, and managed not to smile wolfishly--no need to frighten the prey. The view he now had--of delectable curves filling a gown of ivory sprigged muslin in a manner he fully approved--was every bit as enticing as the view that had first held him--the gorgeous curves of her derriere clearly delineated beneath taut fabric.
When she'd shifted, so had those curves. He couldn't remember when a sight had so transfixed him, had so tantalized his rake's senses. She was of average height, her forehead level with his throat. Her hair, rich brown, lustrously sheening, was confined in a sleek knot, bright tendrils escaping to wreathe about her ears and nape. Delicate brown brows framed large eyes of hazel brown, their expression difficult to discern in the gloom.
Her nose was straight; her complexion creamy. Her pink lips simply begged to be kissed. He'd come within a whisker of kissing them, but tasting an unknown lady before the requisite introductions was simply not good form. His silence had allowed her to steady her wits; he sensed her growing resistance, sensed the frown gathering in her eyes.
Vane let his lips curve. He knew precisely what he wanted to do--to her, with her; the only questions remaining were where and when. Her eyes narrowed fractionally. She drew herself up, clasping her hands before her. The shock hit him, heavy as a cannonball, and left him winded. Vane stared at her; a chill bloomed in his chest. It quickly spread, locking muscle after muscle in reactive denial. He glanced at her left hand. No band of any sort decorated her third finger.
She couldn't be unmarried--she was in her mid-twenties; no younger woman possessed curves as mature as hers. Of that, he was sure--he'd spent half his life studying feminine curves; in that sphere he was an expert. Perhaps she was a widow--potentially even better. She was studying him covertly, her gaze sliding over him. Vane felt the touch of her gaze, felt the hunter within him rise in response to that artless glance; his wariness returned. Looking up, she nodded--Vane almost groaned. Last chance--a spinster, impecunious, and without connections.
He could set her up as his mistress. She must have read his mind; before he could formulate the question, she answered it. A crack of thunder all but drowned out her words; under cover of the noise, Vane swore beneath his breath, only just resisting the impulse to direct his ire heavenward. Having assimmilated the style, and thus the standing, of Minnie's unexpected caller, Patience made no attempt to hide her opinion; dismissive contempt colored her tone. Was that subtle reproof she detected in his far-too-suave tones?
Swallowing a hoity humph, Patience swept on. She felt his presence, large and intensely masculine, prowling in her wake. Her senses skittered; she clamped a firm hold on them and lifted her chin. As I mentioned, the household is presently dressing for dinner. The word, uttered softly, reached her as she halted before the side door; Patience felt a cool tingle slither down her spine.
And felt the touch of his grey gaze on her cheek, on the sensitive skin of her throat. She stiffened, resisting the urge to wriggle. She looked down, determined not to turn and meet his eyes. Jaw firming, she reached for the door handle; he beat her to it. He'd stopped directly behind her, and reached around her to grasp the handle; she watched his long fingers slowly close about it. She could feel him behind her, mere inches away, could sense his strength surrounding her.
For one definable instant, she felt trapped. Heart racing, Patience sucked in a breath and sailed into the dim passage. Without slowing her pace, she inclined her head in regal, over-the-shoulder dismissal. Poised on the threshold, Vane watched her retreat through narrowed eyes. He'd sensed the awareness that had flared at his touch, the quiver of consciousness she hadn't been able to hide.
For gentlemen such as he, that was proof enough of what might be. His gaze fell on the small grey cat which had hugged Patience Debbington's skirts; it now sat on the runner, considering him. As he watched, it rose, turned, and, tail high, started up the corridor--then stopped. Turning its head, it looked back at him. Behind him, lightning flashed. He looked back at the darkened day. Thunder rolled--a second later, the heavens opened. Rain pelted down, sheets of heavy drops obliterating the landscape. But the second gong will go any minute, so cut line.
Propping his shoulders against the mantelpiece, Vane smiled. Wrapped in expensive shawls, her rotund figure encased in silk and lace, a frilled widow's cap atop sprightly white curls, Minnie watched him through eyes bright with intelligence, set in a soft, lined face. She sat enthroned in her chair before the fire in her bedchamber; in its mate sat Timms, a gentlewoman of indeterminate years, Minnie's devoted companion. Amelia and Amanda are cutting a swath through the ton, scattering hearts right and left.
The elders are all well and busy in town, but Devil and Honoria are still at the Place. Daresay that wife of his will keep him in line. Minnie sighed, then slanted an assessing glance at Vane. Still keeping the ton's ladies on their toes? Her tone was all innocence; head bowed over her knitting, Timms snorted. Vane smiled, suavely charming. Still smiling, Vane looked down and smoothed his sleeve. Minnie chuckled and drew her hands free of her shawl. Utterly vague, but quite harmless.
Just don't express any interest in her tatting unless you've an hour to spare. Then there's Agatha Chadwick--she was married to that unfortunate character who insisted he could cross the Irish Sea in a coracle. Both are very appealing characters and their romance is certainly passionate. One problem, however, is their distinct lack of communication skills.
Neither seems capable of opening up to the other to reveal their feelings, which could have saved a lot of unnecessary angst and allowed room for the suspense plot to develop. The secondary characters are fleshed out well and contribute to the intriguing Agatha Christie-like country estate mystery atmosphere of the story.
It is disappointing that the Cynster family does not play as significant a role in this book as in the previous one but the glimpses we get are wonderful. As said, the minor suspense story takes too long to get going and the culprits are fairly obvious from the start - view spoiler [Kleptomania is usually committed by women, and Alice is a prime suspect. All in all, an enjoyable sequel and I look forward to continuing with the series. Como dice el dicho, si a uno le van a dar ni aunque se quite!!! Sep 19, Quirky Omega rated it liked it Shelves: And so another one of the Cynster males wholeheartedly falls into the love-shackles of matrimony.
Plot At the beginning of the book Vane can already be seen running like a headless cock. His behaviour gives the feeling as if fate is a real, live physical entity that is going to pounce on him, anytime. He fears that he's the next in line to be accosted by the love-bug. And as any romance reader knows, rakish heroes must pretend to be running away from love. But a storm forces him to take refuge at h And so another one of the Cynster males wholeheartedly falls into the love-shackles of matrimony. But a storm forces him to take refuge at his Godmother's residence and there he meets the alluring Patience Debbington.
Right in the first look and the first touch, it becomes evident, fate has decreed its will on him. Love is in the air. My Opinion The book strongly reminded me of Kristen Ashley's characters. So much so that if Rock chick was ever to be based in early 19th century England's nobility, one would find something like the Cynster series. Same arrogant, bad-ass heroes and similarly stubborn women. And lots of baby and family loving works. The women are classy, gorgeous mamas not actual mamas-geez!
Unfortunately this also means that there are times when you'll feel it is not historically accurate enough. An issue that I did not have with the first book. Despite that, the dialogues save it from being a contemporary. The book had its own share of light mystery and lots of hot embraces.
View all 11 comments. Jul 27, Diana rated it really liked it Shelves: Great book, but not one of my favorites in the series. This is the second book from the Bar Cynster series, and another great one too. Vane is a typical Cynster. Vane is another Cynster that will take away your mind, soul, and body again. It's the second book of the Cynster series. Patience is a thoroughly sympathetic heroine, and the intrigue and mystery here is fairly well crafted and fun to follow. I first read "Devil's Bride" a year ago, so was very happy to move on to Vane's story in the series. I enjoyed rea This is the second book from the Bar Cynster series, and another great one too.
I enjoyed reading this book. Mar 01, Celina rated it really liked it Shelves: I've come to think that all the Cynsters are going to do that.
It was Devil who gave him that name, liking him to a wind vane. You'll understand when you read the book.
Patience--I don't think I ever got over the fact that her name is a virtue--Debbington was a charming enough heroine. I don't think I loved the fact that she would readily throw hersel Vane is another Cynster that will take away your mind, soul, and body again. I don't think I loved the fact that she would readily throw herself all over Vane the moment he walks in. The whole book revolved on the catching of a thief and the Spectre that disturbs the whole Bellamy household.
The climax was not as mind blowing as the one from Devil's Bride where they found out that view spoiler [ family No, not a Cynster had killed Tolly, their cousin who's a Cynster. I guess I'm not really going to forget those two characters. When Vane mentioned the orangery that his mother owned, I remembered Honoria and Devil dancing there because it wasn't permitted to dance while in mourning. Anyway, as you might see in this review, I clearly loved the first Cynster novel and this one less but still loved it anyway.
I'm continuing the series. A Rake's Vow is the second installment in the Cynster series. Tip to readers, read the series chronologically. You won't get lost if you happen to read somewhere in the middle but it's really more fun to know the previous characters. That's why I scoured the internet and book shops for this book. And when I had found it, I didn't regret all those months of searching. I liked this more this time than the first time I read it.
Ahhh, Vane and Patience. The problem I had with this story was their inability to say 3 small words The words were "I love you". She loved him, but wouldn't put herself out there and say it. He loved her, but was too manly to put those feelings into words. She wouldn't agree to marry him without hearing the words, and wouldn't tell him what s ETA: She wouldn't agree to marry him without hearing the words, and wouldn't tell him what she wanted from him to agree. He wanted to show her his feelings. It finally took Patience's aunt, Vane's godmother, Minnie, to make them both see what they needed to so they could get to the alter.
In the background was this little mystery going on. Things kept disappearing from Minnie's guests belongings. Oh, there was also this "spector" flashing lights outside Minnie's home at night. They traveled all the way to London to flush out the culprit. It worked ; I like how there's a mystery in the background of the love story. It was the same in the first book of the series, and I wonder if this will be through the whole series. It's fun and glaringly obvious that I'm no Sherlock Holmes cause I was clueless as to who it was that was swiping the trinkets.
Looking forward to the next in the series: Nov 03, Julz rated it liked it Shelves: This was about a rake obviously falling in love with a girl who never ever wants to get married to an "elegant gentleman", such as the H, because her elegant-gentleman father was a cheat who neglected his wife and children. The majority of the book was the H chasing the h hot and heavy, trying to convince her to change her mind while they solve a little mystery on the side.
The story is cute and 3. The story is cute and sexy she had no problem with fornication ;D with hardly any heavy angst. If you love stories with a dashing hero who is madly in love with the heroine with very little conflict of the dark and despairing variety at least in my opinion, so take that from the source , then you'll like this one. View all 3 comments. Jul 01, Kat Desi rated it liked it Shelves: I had looked forward to reading Vane's story and was not terribly disappointed.
He reminds of Devil most of the time. I also liked Patience but not at first! Again, the mystery aspect of the book was very thinly veiled and was prolonged than necessary. It was very easy to guess who the troublemakers were and that ruined some of the enjoyment of the book for me. Take out that part and I would be a happy lady. I don't mind just I had looked forward to reading Vane's story and was not terribly disappointed. I don't mind just reading about Vane and Patience and the rest of the Cynsters, as well as Minnie's little party!
May 30, jen rated it it was ok.
I was kind of bored by this one. The hero and heroine are vacationing in an English country home. They're brought together as they attempt to discover who stole Aunt Minnie's pearls. Dec 20, Ridh rated it liked it Shelves: This is my fourth attempt at writing a review because this page keeps being stupid. This book's rating went up and down so many times, I have to compromise and give it 3.
Quick Overview We have Patience Debbington, a 26 year old orphan who has taken responsibility of her easily influenced 17 year old brother. While at th This is my fourth attempt at writing a review because this page keeps being stupid. Overall this actually was a good book. It didn't leave a rotten feeling in my stomach, but I think I'm going to get my hands on a cheery book to get me back in the zone.
Dec 29, Anita rated it liked it Shelves: Patience's father was a "Gentleman". The kind of Gentleman that marries, gets his wife pregnant and stashes her in the country while he goes about and enjoys the good life in London. Patience's mother loved her father and made excuses for his absences. No wonder that Patience doesn't have a very good opinion of marriage or Gentlemen either.
But, she does have a younger brother, Gerrard, and at 17, she is determined that he not grow up to be the "Gentleman" his father was. Vane Cynster finds himse Patience's father was a "Gentleman". Vane Cynster finds himself with a storm on his heels and in need of shelter. Since a similar situation led to the marriage of his cousin, Devil, he is determined that fate not take him as another victim. Vane ends up at his Godmother's estate and with her niece, Patience.
Well, so much for trying to outwit Fate. Being a Gentleman, Vane offers marriage. Now what's a Gentleman to do? Why, change her mind, of course. There are some strange goings on at Minnie's estate. Small items have gone missing and there is a Specter in the ruins.
A Rake's Vow has ratings and reviews. (Cynster #2) . This is the second book from the Bar Cynster series, and another great one too Photobucket. Editorial Reviews. bahana-line.com Review. To this second book of her Bar Cynster series, A Rake's Vow (Cynster Book 2) - Kindle edition by Stephanie Laurens. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets.
There is a whole houseful of people and Minnie has asked Vane to sort it all out. Sep 07, C Joy rated it it was ok Shelves: The only part I liked about this book is when Devil and Honoria showed up. There's is excellent character development for Vane and I really disliked Patience's character. Of course the touch of mystery is what kept me reading 'til the end. I always loved the Cynsters and but I didn't quite like how Vane got a hold of Patience, it's like he was the humblest of the humble, they didn't meet halfway unlike Devil and Honoria.
I'm really biased towards the first book and even though I didn't like this The only part I liked about this book is when Devil and Honoria showed up. I'm really biased towards the first book and even though I didn't like this one, I'm still looking forward to reading the rest of the Cynster novels because of the recurring characters. Nov 23, Denise rated it liked it. While I liked Vane, and I did not dislike Patience, something was just missing from this story.
The mystery was no big mystery at all and I don't understand view spoiler [ why the culprits, when caught, were not going to be thrown out or punished??? It was however nice to see Devil and Honoria with their baby. Jul 03, Hitesha Deshpande rated it did not like it. But a Rake's vow was disappointing. It didnt manage to carry of the charm and magic which make historical romances so endearing.
Sep 14, Cruth rated it liked it Shelves: Stephanie Laurens First published: Father was a rake who's apparent disregard hurt her mother deeply.
Amateur detective Vane uses his native intelligence and "instinctive intuition" to solve a light mystery in the insular, eccentric community. Laurens comfortably emp Author: Laurens comfortably emphasises the small cast of broadly drawn characters, any of whom could have dunnit , as well as the easy plot and enjoyable romance. It's a nice, easy book with plenty of very explicit sex. Apr 18, Crystal rated it really liked it. I am quite torn with this one. The mystery aspect was secondary and superfluous in my mind. Patience was a difficult character to like, and I did not appreciate, without explanation, the whole holding demons in check for Vane.
That could be because I did not read the first book. Vane was a patient man, pun intended, and the sexy times ended up saving it for me. Apr 14, Margareta rated it liked it. Aug 04, Agnieszka rated it liked it. Mar 01, MB What she read rated it liked it Shelves: I like these early ones best. This one gets re-read a lot because I actually own it. Jul 09, Erica rated it it was amazing. The second of the Cynster novels, this is in many aspects a much better effort than the first one. Central to all of them or at least the first six are the Bar Cynster: This is Regency England, shortly after the Napoleonic Wars, and the Cynster clan encompasses your typical alpha males.
Outwardly they are perfect gentlemen, always turned out to perfection The second of the Cynster novels, this is in many aspects a much better effort than the first one. Outwardly they are perfect gentlemen, always turned out to perfection and looking frightfully dashing. They are arrogant to their fingertips, never prepared to admit that they are wrong or to bow down to anyone, certainly not a woman.
The leading male in this book, Vane, summarises this to the leading lady early in the book: The plot is pretty simple. Vane, on his way to somewhere or other, is forced to seek shelter with his godmother Minnie by an unexpected thunderstorm. As an aside, this appears a popular theme with this author: