Scandal's Bride (Cynster Novels) [Mass Market Paperback]

Stephanie Laurens (Author)

Book Description

Series: Cynster Novels | Publication Date: March 1, 1999

How can an honourable lady like Lady Catriona Hennessy unite with a rake like Richard Cynster? Though charmed by his commanding presence, she cannot give up her independence. Marriage had not previously been on Richard′s agenda, but perhaps taming the lady was just the challenge he needs - if he can have the rights of the marriage bed without making any revealing promises of love?

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Setting: Scotland, 1819
Sensuality Rating: 9

Beautiful Scotswoman Catriona Hennessy knows that she must eventually marry and so decides that she requires a mild-mannered, biddable husband, a man who will agree to father a daughter to inherit Casphairn Manor and who will leave her free to manage her holdings without interference. Unfortunately, the spirit of the earth that protects the manor and its valley, the Lady of the Vale, has other plans. The Lady firmly tells Catriona that the man who shall father her children is none other than Richard Cynster, better known throughout the land as "Scandal." Richard is definitely not the mild-mannered man Catriona had in mind, and even worse, he's English. Although Catriona fights the command of the Lady, all she gets for her efforts is a headache.

The two unlikely lovers are thrown together in a cold Scottish castle by the reading of a last will and testament. And while Richard is wildly attracted to the lovely Scottish lady, marriage doesn't cross his mind until the will is read and he is compelled to consider the subject. Richard's restless search for family and home becomes focused on Catriona and any doubts he has are quickly erased by his already raging physical attraction to her. Convincing Catriona that they are well-suited, however, is another matter entirely. Who will win this battle of wills--Richard or Catriona? And how will Richard resolve his need to protect and defend Catriona while leaving her free to fulfill her responsibilities to the Lady of the Vale?

Laurens's latest tale will impress readers with its intense sensuality, colorful Scottish scenery, and strong, expertly drawn characters--from the hero and heroine down to the most minor member of the cast. Combine those elements with a competent plot, throw in an intriguing glimpse of ancient mother earth worship in the British Isles, and it all adds up to a novel well worth reading. --Lois Faye Dyer

From Library Journal

When Catriona Hennessey's uncle's cleverly crafted will offers her the choice of either marrying the scandalous Richard Cynster or leaving her innocent cousins penniless, Catriona is appalled. If she marries at all, she wants a consort who would allow her to continue to act as healer and serve "The Lady," as the women in her family have always done. She knows Cynster is far too overbearing to be that person. The Lady, however, has other ideas. Laurens takes full advantage of the current New Age interest in ancient Goddess worship to weave a steamy story with strong, well-matched protagonists, lively action, and love scenes that melt the pages. Although the novel is set during the British Regency, the period has little influence on this patricular story; readers who want a bit more Regency flavor might enjoy earlier books in the Cynster series. Laurens (A Rake's Vow, Avon, 1998) lives in Victoria, Australia.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Avon (March 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380805685
• ISBN-13: 978-0380805686
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (77 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #47,522 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #4 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Romance > Authors, A-Z > ( L ) > Laurens, Stephanie

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better than A Rake's Vow, on par with Devil's Bride!!!, March 23, 1999

By 

Sarah "sssspro" (North East, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Scandal's Bride (Cynster Novels) (Mass Market Paperback)

Of the hundreds of books I've read, I very rarely give a 5 star rating...I think I would prefer to give this a 9 out of 10, but since that's not an option, I'm giving it five stars. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and got some belly laughs when the Cynaster family visits Scandal and Catriona en mas. The poor only child gets inundated with family. I like the story, and although I can commiserate with Mrs. Giggles that the Cynaster males have no obvious flaws, I think that's part of the charm. As escapest reading, once and a while its nice to read about strong males who are "perfect", that's part of the escape. Now, I wouldn't want that to be a trend and read it in every new book, but Mrs. Laurens does such a good job with these males that I think that's their appeal. No one believes that anyone like that exists, though we wish they did. I have but two small objections to the book, which might seem petty in the extreme. The first is the excessive usage of the word "humph". I think everyone "humphed", and a page was not complete without it. The other small critisism was the amount of times Scandal appreciated the "swing of" our heroine's "hips". I loved the romance scenes and the quality which gave Scandal pause as to whether this was reality or a dream. I also like the fact that they don't get caught up in the "misunderstanding" plot. They seem to, but work through it and get on with the story. Do not pass go, do not collect $200...go out and BUY THIS BOOK!!!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Oh Lord - please give me a Cynster for my very own!!!, May 23, 2001

By 

Book Addict "B.A." (Virginia USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Scandal's Bride (Cynster Novels) (Mass Market Paperback)

Stephanie Laurens is truly an incomparable author of lusty romance and vibrant characters. This is the third Cynster story, devoted to Richard Cynster and his pursuit of the fiery Catriona Hennesey. We are lured into a tale of passion, magic and age-old lore, filled with wonderful characters, interesting stories and settings, and overlying all an amazing romance between the two protagonists. Richard is everything a woman could possibly desire, and Catriona is a strong-willed woman who will find a way to achieve her goals no matter what the cost. I loved this book (yes the sensuality level is "R" on this one) and have reread it several times. The Cynster saga is almost perfect - start with "Devil's Bride" if you have not yet discovered them!!

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sensual and sweet, May 28, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Scandal's Bride (Cynster Novels) (Mass Market Paperback)

My favorite of Ms. Laurens Bar Cynster series, this book contains both the sensual love story and the sweet partnership that develop between the lead characters. After Richard and Catriona marry because of the stipulations of a will, they struggle to create a relationship that will satisfy both her responsibilities and his need to be needed. Using the theme of a "hero without a cause", this book is more thoughtful than some of Stephanie Laurens' other novels. It's a satisfying very satifying, gentle book to read on a rainy day.