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A review by laurenjodi
The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh by Stephanie Laurens
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.