Temptation and Surrender (Cynster Book 15)

A tap on the door preceded Jonas. He came in, his attention fixing immediately on her, his gaze traveling, openly possessive, from the top of her curls to the tips of her apricot satin slippers. His slow smile warmed her; when his dark eyes rose to hers, love glowed in their depths. He arched a brow. “Are you ready?” She glanced back at the mirror. “Yes.” She turned to him. “Issy?” “She’s the epitome of calm impatience. She’s sitting clutching her bouquet in the drawing room with Henry to keep her company. It’s still too early to start for the church—the later-arriving guests would never forgive us.” “Indeed not. Some are traveling from quite a distance.” The point held importance for both her and Issy; they’d both learned, by not having, to value what they now had. This was what they needed their future to hold—family, putting down new roots in the village that was theirs, growing new branches to their old family tree. Lifting her own bouquet from the dressing table, Em smoothed the long ribbons, then turned and seized the moment to look at Jonas—to drink in the sight of him, her husband, her mate—then she smiled and went forward to join him. His lips curved gently; he raised his brows. “What?” She smiled up at him, let her own love show. “I was just thinking a thought I often have these days.” His brows rose higher. “Is this a thought I want to know?” She chuckled. “I think so—I realized some time ago that the real treasure that waited for me in Colyton had nothing to do with gold and jewels.” His smile was triumphant. “I was waiting here—you came and found me.” She laughed and whirled to the door. “Indeed. I found you, I found love. I discovered I had a Tallent for loving.” He chuckled and followed her. “Talent and a Tallent—if I have any say in it, you’ll have opportunity aplenty to exercise both for the rest of your life.” “I’ll hold you to that,” she promised. “I intend to make sure I do.” Jonas smiled and, agreeing entirely with her sentiment, let her have the last word.

My rating: 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.This book is well-written, because Stephanie Laurens is a talented writer. I read it several years ago, but recently decided to re-read the entire Cynster series, since I had enjoyed them all. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I still like this book -- maybe not quite as much as the first read, but I still liked it a lot.I liked Jonas, and liked that he was willing to give Emily a chance as his innkeeper, even though he knew she didn't really have any experience. I also liked that he realized she was the one for him fairly early on in the book. I did think, though, that he should have made sure she knew that he wanted her as his wife -- because she assumed he just wanted her as his mistress.I liked Emily well enough, but I wanted her to tell Jonas what she was searching for sooner. She was just too afraid to trust him with her family's secret, even though she realized he was a good man fairly soon after she met him.It did seem like Jonas and Emily were mostly in lust, not love, especially at first. But they got past that, and I really liked that Jonas wasn't afraid to tell her he loved her. By the way, as is typical of the other Cynster books, this one has quite a few sex scenes.My rating system is below.1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.

I'm one who buy Stephanie Laurens' books because her name is on the cover. This was one of the more charming "twigs" on the Cynster tree. As others have reviewed it in depth, it's rather silly to repeat that. My deduction of stars is based on the girls and the villain. The girls aren't high spirited. They're brats. I found myself wanting to smack some sense into them on a pretty regular basis. The villain was also a little weak. Where's the menace? Where's the creep? Her villains in the Black Cobra/Bastion Club series were far more fun. That being said, it was a fun read. Quality literature? Nope. Fun read on a weekend when I should be doing my laundry? Heck yes!

Great condition

Maybe it's because I've read all the others up to this point - but when the villan is easily pinpointed from the moment we are introduced to him - and the mysterious location sought - just as easily figured out - it takes from the aura of mystery and suspense.I also found the cover distasteful - for the era within the story does not match it by any means.this cover looks more like a modern day affair rather than the spectacular days of balls and reticules, rakes and rogues.I love this series otherwise - and will continue to stay up with it - and hold onto it

Brilliant! There were a few negative reviews but more positive reviews so am glad that I followed my instincts in purchasing this book. The only thing that I don't care for are the too frequent & all too descriptive sex scenes. I'm not a prude, but the author's talent in the story lines are able to stand on their own. Otherwise, I enjoyed the book very much!

So where does my reticence come from? The story is unusual, although the mystery was easily solved, the characters are well developed and it was nice to come across Phyllida and Lucifer again, so I think it must be the repetitive sex scenes. The book could have been 100 pages shorter and still be entertaining. Sex scenes in themselves are not a problem, it is when they occur on a daily basis and do not give any new insight on the growing relationship between the characters that they become tedious.I really liked the colourful minor characters, Coombe, Potheridge, Lady Fortemain.At times, Stephanie 's style is too verbose and would benefit from greater concision.Well, no writer is perfect and over the years she has given me many enjoyable hours, so I am not complaining, simply pointing out where her novels could be even better.

I have liked all Stephanie Laurens books. I like the Cynster series. This book is loosley connected. The mystery is quite good. I did not get who the culprit was until the very end. If you like regency romances you will like this. The characters are well rounded and likeable. All in all a good read.

I liked this book and have since read more of the series.The story line flowed well and was believable as well as enjoyable.The characters developed well and seemed to come alive durning the reading.☺

Not one of Stephanie's best for me. Would have liked a more believable story with a lot less sex.

it was very good