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laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh
3.5 Stars
Series note: This is book #2 in the Cynster Sister duology and the final book focusing on the original generation of Cynsters (beginning with Devil's Bride). The series continues with the next generation of Cynster children.
Mary Cynster, the only remaining unwed Cynster in her generation, has already chosen the man she believes to be her hero. Now she merely requires confirmation from the Lady's necklace. Unfortunately, fate has someone else in mind, someone completely unsuitable to Mary's way of thinking - Ryder Cavanaugh, Marquess of Raventhorne, the most unmanageable man in the ton. For Ryder, Mary is a challenge, and everyone knows he always wins.
The first half of the book focuses on Mary and Ryder's romance as he attempts to convince her that he is her destined hero. With that out of the way, the second half revolves around the mystery of who wants Ryder and/or Mary dead.
From the initial descriptions, Ryder is supposedly from the same commanding and powerful mold as Devil Cynster, Royce Varisey and Dominic Guisachan. While the potential is certainly there, he never completely succeeds in matching the forcefulness of these men's natures and personalities. With regard to his feelings for Mary, his reasons for choosing her as his wife are uninspired - it seems he is more attracted to the closely-knit Cynster clan than to Mary herself.
Mary herself is described as confident and assertive, yet her managing ways come across as haughty and imperious. Her decision to marry Ryder after is inconsistent with her stated desire to find her hero as she is not fully convinced at the time that he is her "one".
Despite these issues, they have solid chemistry, and the tension of the suspense plot adds to the intimacy of their relationship. Speaking of which, the identity of the villain is obvious from the start, and it is rather amazing that the other characters fail to see the truth staring them in the face.
The true highlight of the story is actually the epilogue as numerous Cynster couples and their children arrive at Somersham Place for a family reunion. It is fun to catch up with them all, although readers who have not managed to wade through the previous 19 books may find it difficult to keep track. This epilogue also functions to introduce the next generation of Cynsters who will be the focus of future installments. Hopefully, they will be entertaining.
3.5 Stars
Series note: This is book #2 in the Cynster Sister duology and the final book focusing on the original generation of Cynsters (beginning with Devil's Bride). The series continues with the next generation of Cynster children.
Mary Cynster, the only remaining unwed Cynster in her generation, has already chosen the man she believes to be her hero. Now she merely requires confirmation from the Lady's necklace. Unfortunately, fate has someone else in mind, someone completely unsuitable to Mary's way of thinking - Ryder Cavanaugh, Marquess of Raventhorne, the most unmanageable man in the ton. For Ryder, Mary is a challenge, and everyone knows he always wins.
The first half of the book focuses on Mary and Ryder's romance as he attempts to convince her that he is her destined hero. With that out of the way, the second half revolves around the mystery of who wants Ryder and/or Mary dead.
From the initial descriptions, Ryder is supposedly from the same commanding and powerful mold as Devil Cynster, Royce Varisey and Dominic Guisachan. While the potential is certainly there, he never completely succeeds in matching the forcefulness of these men's natures and personalities. With regard to his feelings for Mary, his reasons for choosing her as his wife are uninspired - it seems he is more attracted to the closely-knit Cynster clan than to Mary herself.
Mary herself is described as confident and assertive, yet her managing ways come across as haughty and imperious. Her decision to marry Ryder after
Spoiler
they are found in a compromising positionDespite these issues, they have solid chemistry, and the tension of the suspense plot adds to the intimacy of their relationship. Speaking of which, the identity of the villain is obvious from the start, and it is rather amazing that the other characters fail to see the truth staring them in the face.
The true highlight of the story is actually the epilogue as numerous Cynster couples and their children arrive at Somersham Place for a family reunion. It is fun to catch up with them all, although readers who have not managed to wade through the previous 19 books may find it difficult to keep track. This epilogue also functions to introduce the next generation of Cynsters who will be the focus of future installments. Hopefully, they will be entertaining.
tellmeastoryxx's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
attytheresa's review against another edition
4.0
This is not only the last of my quarantine listens (they aren't helping me get to sleep any longer so time to abandon), but the second and final of the Cynster Sisters duo. The amethyst necklace has been given to cousin Lucilla, the next female Cynster to marry but not yet ... and yes, that book already exists but I've had enough for now, LOL.
Mary is the last Cynster girl of her generation, the last opportunity for a good 10 years or more for any family of the ton to create an alliance with the wealthy and powerful Cynster family. But Mary is no biddable miss, and is determined not only to choose her own mate but remain in control of her destiny, including the terms of her marriage. She's set her eyes on Randolph Cavanaugh, one fo the young men of her generation, and hopes the necklace's magic will awaken him to her. Of course, that's not what's happened because young men like Randolph are too immature or green to be even thinking about marriage, can't even bring themselves to dance a waltz with a young lady. Frankly, he's terrified of Mary! BUT, the necklace does work its magic, only in an unexpected way.
It brings Ryder Cavanaugh to her attention, the elder step-brother of Randolph by a decade or so, and holder of the title and estates. Ryder needs a wife, needs to 'set up his nursey', and sets his eyes on Mary, the last of the Cynster girls of her generation, as his perfect bride. You see, he wants to unite his family, mend the rifts caused by his stepmother, and knows Mary. coming from the closely knit Cynster family, will be perfect for the job. It's very entertaining to watch stubborn Mary pursue Randolph, rebuff Ryder all while being attracted to him, while Ryder just keeps pursuing her.
It all reaches a head quite quickly when Ryder is attached in the street and Mary saves his life. Ther marriage follows and all seems to be heading towards a HEA when more accidents and attacks happen but to Mary this time. Ultimately, the villain identified and stopped, and at the very end, we see Mary start to unite the Cavanaugh family into the cohesive loving unit Ryder years for, as well as merging into the Cynster Clan.
There's also a great epilogue that has us revisiting all the Cynsters at the annual summer gathering, catching up on the stories we know, seeing the promise of the next generation - many of whom have had their stories told.
Benhar was once again the reader here and it was ok - but I have reached the point that too many of the male and female voices he uses just don't work for me. I think that's why in part I'm ready to stop my quarantine listens here. If I start up again, I might search out some other readers if I'm sticking with my favorite Laurens.
Mary is the last Cynster girl of her generation, the last opportunity for a good 10 years or more for any family of the ton to create an alliance with the wealthy and powerful Cynster family. But Mary is no biddable miss, and is determined not only to choose her own mate but remain in control of her destiny, including the terms of her marriage. She's set her eyes on Randolph Cavanaugh, one fo the young men of her generation, and hopes the necklace's magic will awaken him to her. Of course, that's not what's happened because young men like Randolph are too immature or green to be even thinking about marriage, can't even bring themselves to dance a waltz with a young lady. Frankly, he's terrified of Mary! BUT, the necklace does work its magic, only in an unexpected way.
It brings Ryder Cavanaugh to her attention, the elder step-brother of Randolph by a decade or so, and holder of the title and estates. Ryder needs a wife, needs to 'set up his nursey', and sets his eyes on Mary, the last of the Cynster girls of her generation, as his perfect bride. You see, he wants to unite his family, mend the rifts caused by his stepmother, and knows Mary. coming from the closely knit Cynster family, will be perfect for the job. It's very entertaining to watch stubborn Mary pursue Randolph, rebuff Ryder all while being attracted to him, while Ryder just keeps pursuing her.
It all reaches a head quite quickly when Ryder is attached in the street and Mary saves his life. Ther marriage follows and all seems to be heading towards a HEA when more accidents and attacks happen but to Mary this time. Ultimately, the villain identified and stopped, and at the very end, we see Mary start to unite the Cavanaugh family into the cohesive loving unit Ryder years for, as well as merging into the Cynster Clan.
There's also a great epilogue that has us revisiting all the Cynsters at the annual summer gathering, catching up on the stories we know, seeing the promise of the next generation - many of whom have had their stories told.
Benhar was once again the reader here and it was ok - but I have reached the point that too many of the male and female voices he uses just don't work for me. I think that's why in part I'm ready to stop my quarantine listens here. If I start up again, I might search out some other readers if I'm sticking with my favorite Laurens.
palnic26's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
cait_mari's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
helenephoebe's review against another edition
4.0
Review - I loved Mary, and the Epilogue was fantastic to get to see how the Cynsters and their connections all meld together. The fact that all of the Cynsters are unusual and that they want more than a typical ton union gives an alternate insight into their universe. In my opinion, one of the best of the Cynster series. The focus on family and how to build one was intriguing, as it's not something generally associated with the Georgian and Victorian periods.
Genre? - Romance / Erotica / Historical / Mystery
Characters? - Mary Cynster / Ryder Cavanaugh / Randolph Cavanaugh / Henrietta Cynster / Louise Cynster / Arthur Cynster / Lavinia Cavanaugh / Kit Cavanaugh / Honoria Cynster / Devil Cynster / Stacie Cavanaugh / Godfrey Cavanaugh
Setting? - London & Raventhorne (England)
Series? - Cynster #20
Recommend? - Yes
Rating - 18/20
Genre? - Romance / Erotica / Historical / Mystery
Characters? - Mary Cynster / Ryder Cavanaugh / Randolph Cavanaugh / Henrietta Cynster / Louise Cynster / Arthur Cynster / Lavinia Cavanaugh / Kit Cavanaugh / Honoria Cynster / Devil Cynster / Stacie Cavanaugh / Godfrey Cavanaugh
Setting? - London & Raventhorne (England)
Series? - Cynster #20
Recommend? - Yes
Rating - 18/20
kateemma's review against another edition
couldn’t finish. just the lack of angst for me. he did nothing to earn her. no fight for her. just… there.
haewilya's review against another edition
2.0
I skipped half of it. The pair was fun to read about but the mystery sucked. I loved the glimpses of the Cynsters family/connection though.