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A review by laurenjodi
The Designs of Lord Randolph Cavanaugh by Stephanie Laurens
2.0
The Designs of Lord Randolph Cavanaugh
2 Stars
Series note: This is book #1 in the Cavanaughs spin-off. The series focuses on the younger siblings of Ryder Cavanaugh (book #20 in the Cynsters). Ryder's story provides important background on the family and should be read prior to this one.
Lord Randolph Cavanaugh has sworn off marriage and dedicated his life to making a name for himself as an entrepreneur. However, his latest investment is not going according to plan as the erstwhile inventor has gone silent. As such, Rand travels to Buckinghamshire where he discovers that the key to his success, not to mention his heart, is a strong and intelligent young woman, Felicia Throgmorton, who will do anything to protect her family and her home.
Unfortunately, this Cynster spin-off does not begin with a bang (despite the exploding experiment). Rand and Felicia have absolutely no chemistry whatsoever, and the suspense plot is woefully underdeveloped. In fact, the villain.
Most of the book is dedicated to the Throgmorton steam-powered carriage and there are numerous descriptions of pistons, engines, boilers, and other assorted mechanical devices and parts. All of this is rather tedious, and even the inclusion of Prince Albert's Great Exhibition (which is brought forward a few years) cannot make it any more interesting.
Overall, a bland and uninspired romance with virtually no conflict or suspense. Hopefully, the next book will be better but I might take a break for a pallette cleanser.
2 Stars
Series note: This is book #1 in the Cavanaughs spin-off. The series focuses on the younger siblings of Ryder Cavanaugh (book #20 in the Cynsters). Ryder's story provides important background on the family and should be read prior to this one.
Lord Randolph Cavanaugh has sworn off marriage and dedicated his life to making a name for himself as an entrepreneur. However, his latest investment is not going according to plan as the erstwhile inventor has gone silent. As such, Rand travels to Buckinghamshire where he discovers that the key to his success, not to mention his heart, is a strong and intelligent young woman, Felicia Throgmorton, who will do anything to protect her family and her home.
Unfortunately, this Cynster spin-off does not begin with a bang (despite the exploding experiment). Rand and Felicia have absolutely no chemistry whatsoever, and the suspense plot is woefully underdeveloped. In fact, the villain
Spoiler
turns out to be more heroic than treacherousMost of the book is dedicated to the Throgmorton steam-powered carriage and there are numerous descriptions of pistons, engines, boilers, and other assorted mechanical devices and parts. All of this is rather tedious, and even the inclusion of Prince Albert's Great Exhibition (which is brought forward a few years) cannot make it any more interesting.
Overall, a bland and uninspired romance with virtually no conflict or suspense. Hopefully, the next book will be better but I might take a break for a pallette cleanser.