A Rake's Vow (Cynster Novels)

Amazon.com

To this second book of her Bar Cynster series, Stephanie Laurens brings a thorough command of Regency style, as well as graphic, uninhibited love scenes. Elegant, commanding Vane Cynster graciously bows to fate when he seeks shelter from a storm and meets the woman he realizes he's destined to marry--Patience Debbington, the spinster niece of Vane's kindhearted godmother. Although her attraction to Vane is immediate and electrifying, Patience distrusts "elegant gentlemen" like her father, who broke her mother's heart by failing to return her love. To pursue Patience, Vane settles into his godmother's household, which consists of various poor relatives and assorted hangers-on, and is caught up in the search for a petty thief and occasional "Spectre" who is harassing them. It requires all of Vane's investigative abilities to catch the criminal, and all of his considerable powers of persuasion--as well as many ardent couplings with Patience--to convince her that family, loyalty, and love come first for him. Laurens is especially skillful at capturing Regency males, aristocrats whose refined restraint barely masks their powerful underlying urges. Appearances by others of the extended, devoted Cynster family ensures that readers will become increasing attached to this ongoing series. --Ellen Edwards

Book Description

He vowed he'd never marry.

To Vane Cynster, Bellamy Hall seems like the perfect place to temporarily hide from London's husband hunters. But when he encounters irresistible Patience Debbington, Vane realises he's met his match ...

She vowed no man would catch her.

Patience isn't about to succumb to Vane's sensuous propositions. Yes, his kisses leave her dizzy and his caresses made her melt; but Patience has promised herself she'll never become vulnerable to a broken heart. Is this one vow that was meant to be broken?

Customer Reviews:

Stephanie Laurens delivers again!.......2007-03-08

Once again, Stephanie Laurens serves up a delicious tale about the Cynster men. I love the characters and the subplot of mystery and danger, but as always, her love story takes the cake. An EXCELLENT read!!!

Not so good!.......2006-12-27

After a few Stephanie Laurens' books, I almost gave up but someone told me about her first Cynster book - Devil's Bride. When I saw a good deal on the Devil's Bride/A Rake's Vow combo, I bought it.

Devil's Bride did not disappoint me but A Rake's Vow did.

How many times can Vane "arrogantly raised his brows", or "coolly arrogant, raised a brow", or "quirked a brow", or "a brow arogantly quirked"? I counted, in one instance, 5 in 2 pages. I attempted to say: "Stop raising your eyebrows or you will stick with a surprised expression forever" - just like my mother always said.

Vane was my favorite of all Devil's cousins and Ms. Laurens did not do him justice in this book. Why did he feel that Patience is "The One"? There was no indication or explanation for the way he felt - just that it was "fate".

I think I am done with Ms. Laurens. Her style of writing is not to my liking. I like Mary Balogh or Jo Beverley better. Their books are not trenched with sex scenes and you know why the couples fall in love.

Not to Bad.......2006-03-26

This is the second in the Cynster Series after Devil's Bride. This is cousin Vane's story. He meets Patience at his godmother's estate and instantly knows she's fated to be his bride. The problem with that, is you never really know why. Towards the end of the book he decides he loves her but earlier in the book you never really know why she is the special one to him. I did like that the whodunit Ms. Laurens likes to put in each of her Cynster novels is more of a challenge this time. But that kind of fizzles out in the end too. However, this is still a satisfying story and anyone interested in the series should read it.

A Real Drag.......2005-06-27

Okay, for those of you who are Bar Cynster fans, here me out, not that I need to defend my opinion in anyway.

I believe Stephanie Laurens has exceptional writing skills, especially when it comes to her love scenes. I really believe that in that particular case, she's at the top of her class in this area.

But what I find typical of her stories is that her love scenes usual sizzles while her surrounding story/mystery-line fizzles.

The characers and mainly the plot surrounding the love story appears either uninspired, half-hearted and lagging. In fact, the only sure-fire thing you can look foward to (and never be disappointed in)is the love scenes themselves.

Unfortunately, I find it to be the very case with "A Rake's Vow". For one, she tries to convince us that Vane is this alpha-male, ladies' man that does as he pleases. He, just like all the Cynster males, vow that they shall never marry.

I don't know if its just me, but I truly would like know why they were so against the martial state in the first place. This was never made clear, so you never knew the real motives behind the "Bar Cynster" get-togeter to begin with....

Anyway, Vane then suddenly meets his match -all of a sudden- when he meets this 26 year old spinster who has nothing to claim to her name but an annoying younger brother and a cat.

For all we hear of how dashing these Cynster males are, Vane's love interest, with the way she was described as this spinster who never really got out much, doesn't really suit his tastes, in my opinion. I just feel that Patience (the herione's name)could have had a lot more going on for her than was described in her side of the story. Compared to all the other heriones in the Bar Cynster series, she's the most boring!

Besides the characters not being overly consistent with their viewpoints, the mystery just plain as hell, sucked. After reading 4 of her books, I am convinced more than ever that S. Laurens lacks the talent to write a decent plot/mystery line to hold together the romance that helps build her characters and push the story along.

I find that it is not so much the characters that lack depth so much, but the plot itself and with this book - like most of her books- I get bored easily after reading only 10 pages or less, despite the well-detailed, page-scorching sex scenes.

I am one of those people who appreciate a well-thought out, engaging mystery, if there is to BE one, along with the tittilating sex..... But if I had to choose ONE aspect over another, I'd choose a good plot/mystery over steamy love scenes all the time.

A "Rake's Vow" could do no justice for me, I am sorry to say...

great.......2005-03-27

well this book is really great i thought. i haven't read devil's bride so i was unprejudiced that way though, although this wasn't my first step. laurens novel and by faaar not the first romance i've read!

I'll admit the mystery could have been done a bit better...I had figured out who the culprits are, but not why they were and exactly what they were doing...so there was a bit of suspense.

The romance was very well worked out...The chemistry between Vane and Patience was very believable (and YES the sex scenes are also believable...even though the regency era was officially 'prude' doesn't mean that people were!) Laurens is the master of the steamy, emotional love scenes, and while there were plenty of them in this book, there weren't too many.

Yes you could get annoyed at Patience for her constant refusal of his marraige proposal, but once the author explains her reason, you can understand.

I also thought it was a bit odd how quickly Vane changed his mind not to get married...almost as if by that time in the book the author decided not to continue on that point.

wonderful book, i look forward to reading the rest of the series!

Average customer rating:

Wow!!
Fulfilling The Vow
Dynamic Characters Stand Out
Linda Lael Miller triumphs again with The Vow.
Miller at her most eloquent

The Vow: A Novel of the American West
Linda Lael Miller
Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

One Wish
Courting Susannah
Two Brothers (Two novels: The Lawman, The Gunslinger)
Springwater Seasons
Springwater Wedding

ASIN: 0671003992

Book Description

After twelve years, the headstrong Annabel McKeige is back in the frontier town of Parable, Nevada. Back to face the husband she left behind...the son she never saw grow to manhood...and the home where her heart broke when she lost a beloved daughter. But her intentioins regarding their marriage are soon clear -- even if her motives are not.

Gabe McKeige loved Annabel too fiercely to let a chance like this slip away. But the iron-willed rancher is also too proud to beg -- he didn't twelve years ago, and he won't now. So, Gabe sets out to woo Annabel the only way he knows...with passion-filled kisses and sensual touches that conjure the sweet firestorm of their marriage bed. And Annabel is finding that the man she once left is unbearably hard to resist....

Customer Reviews:

Wow!!.......2002-01-20

This bk is awesome. Really it is. It's different than other romances and contains alot of depth in the characters. I put off reading this bk for a long time b/c I didn't like the idea of a Mother leaving her child and husband for 12yrs. I could not fathom a reason why anyone would do this especially in the 1800's!! Well, I bought Anabelle's reason for leaving (I certainly did not agree with it) and I loved how she stayed true to Gabriel all those years.

It was also interesting to watch the H/H interact with a grown child as well as how he interacted with them. I would have liked to have seen more of a scene where Nicholas vented his anger to his Mother over why she left him but even without that scene the bk was great.

If your looking for something different than the usual romance this is it.

Fulfilling The Vow.......2000-07-15

"The Vow", another of Linda Lael Miller's great works. When Annabel returns to her home in Parable, Nevada, the sparks fly between Annabel and her husband, Gabe McKeige. Both are too stubborn to admit that although they lost a beloved child years before, their love for each other did not die. After unsuccessfully trying to deny their feelings, eventually the passion erupts, the fire is rekindled, and the promises made long ago are once again being fulfilled in "The Vow."

I love Ms. Miller's books and each gets better than the last. Read "The Vow" and I promise you will not be disappointed.

Dynamic Characters Stand Out.......1998-04-10

The hook of course is our heroine, Annabel, AND her entrance back into town. Knowing LLM for many years I immediately started anticipating who was the had-to-be major dynamic hero, Gabriel. I was not disappointed. All of the major characters had many different colors. Linda maintains her artistic touch to create a masterpience with lots of passionate interaction. In addition to everything, I delighted at the two suprises she saved until the very end! Last but certainly not least the town, Parable, Nevada, was where it HAD to take place.

Linda Lael Miller triumphs again with The Vow........1998-03-18

The Vow is set in Nevada, 1878.
It's main characters, Annibel and Gabe Mckeige and their son Nicholas have had an unusual and intriguing past which gives the book it's uniqueness.
Annibel, following the death of their daughter Susannah, was inconsolable and Gabe and she could not seem to comfort each other.
As with many couples facing the death of a child, they drew apart rather than closer together.

Annabel ran to her elderly aunt in Boston, fully expecting Gabe to come after her.
When it was clear he would not, she set out for England where her family was from.

The book actually begins when she returns to Parable, Nevada with a startling request for her husband (at least in those days).
That's when all the sparks and fun begin, and they don't end until the conclusion of the book.

Linda Lael Miller has written so many books that I love and will keep forever that the list would be endless here, but The Vow is now there on the shelf.
I hope you will order a copy and see for yourself how much she can make you laugh and cry and see the reality of life in this book.
I think I'll re-read it tomorrow!

Miller at her most eloquent.......1998-02-20

A dozen years have passed since Annabel Mckeige's dad died and, unable to cope with her grief, she deserted her spouse Gabe and her seven year old son Nicholas. Over the subsequent years, Annabel continued to correspond with her child. However, she has finally returned to her hometown of Parable, Nebraska.

Neither Nicholas or Gabe have any intention of falling in with her plans. Her son cannot forgive her and her spouse refuses to allow the woman he still loves leave him again. Before the battling adults can declare all out war on each other, their son gets in deep trouble with the law. They agree to put aside their differences while trying to help the boy they both love.

THE VOW is a beautiful tale of love lost and regained, while demonstrating that this is the strongest, most enduring emotion humans can hope to experience. As seen through the eyes of the three Mckeiges, the talented Linda Lael Miller provides a magical western romance that is a relationship drama that would be a masterpiece in any era.

Download Description

When three best friends come together for their sorority sister's tony wedding on New Year's Eve, they make a vow at the stroke of midnight to get married within one year. As the three women embark on their search to find their soul mates, they navigate the full-contact sport known as being a SSBFDLA (successful, single, black, female dating in L.A.) and negotiate the shark-infested waters of making a name for themselves in Hollywood.

Can Trista, the hyper-driven celebrity agent, find the time to schedule a meaningful romance? Will Amaya, the sexy starlet, convince the married hip hop-label exec she has been seeing to leave his wife and slip a ring on her finger or will the NBA star steal her heart in the final seconds? After undergoing a complete makeover, will Vivian, the jaded gossip columnist, win back the father of her child?

Set against the seductive backdrop of money, power, and sex, The Vow follows these women as they discover that their desire to find a husband isn't as important as finding themselves.

Customer Reviews:

Entertaining read.......2007-09-03

I liked this book a lot. Funny, insider peek at sisters with glam jobs and lives. For about 90 percent of the book I was prepared to rate it 5 stars. Only the last 10 percent fell a little flat. The ending was a tad too pat, but still a good read. Well above average. And worth the time investment.

Simply.....FABULOUS!.......2007-07-30

I love the charachters and think the book was very well written. True for many of us out there, yet funny to keep it light-hearted. Recommended for all that would enjoy a powerful, fun and sexy novel.

Loved It - Sweet Story.......2007-07-17

I loved this book. When I first picked it up I wasn't expecting much, so it took me a while to get around the reading it, but I'm so glad I did. This book was well written with lots of drama amoung the four wild and crazy friends. I was expecting not to like the male characters but I admit the men were admirable and respectable, with a few trifling moments thrown in for good measure. The original cover is better. If you can get past the cover the story inside is delightful and very entertaining

Wonderful!.......2007-03-07

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was nice to read about three African American women trying to find love. They remind me of me and my friends and some of the challenges that we have faced. A must read for 30-something crowd.

Interesting and entertaining, but a bit far-fetched........2007-03-03

I would note that the book has three authors, not just one, and all are accomplished women, so Amazon should list all three.

I was continuously curious about the book, and but it took be a while to buy it. I was attracted to the premise -- the loves lives of professional black woman are complex. But the dialogue was almost trite at some points, when it really deserved to be more serious. We don't all cuss at our girlfriends and say things like, "I know that's right!" in response to every affirmation. I thought that was silly. But as the plot developed, I couldn't put the book down, and I appreciated the fact that the plot was not predictable. It seemed far-fetched sometimes, but I enjoyed the ride. I agree with another reviewer that the ending could have been smoother.

I hope this gets made into a movie -- I think it would make a great black movie.

A Vow to Cherish (Prequel to Within This Circle)

Average customer rating:

A deeply moving story about real love and commitment...
Read the reissue even if you've read the original
Hauntingly Beautiful!
honest and touching
This is a great book

A Vow to Cherish (Prequel to Within This Circle)
Deborah Raney
Manufacturer: Steeple Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Domestic Life | Women's Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Romance | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Regency | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0373785623

Book Description

The award-winning classic novel turned bestselling movie by beloved author Deborah Raney

When his precious wife of thirty years received a devastating diagnosis, John Brighton's world fell apart. As his wife slipped from him day by day, his love was tested as never before, and he found himself confronted by a weakness he never knew he had. A confidante desperately needed in this dark time, a young widow named Julia Sinclair, seemed to understand his pain as no one else could. Torn between doing what he knew was right and what his heart told him could not be wrong, John soon discovered that the heart can't be trusted where true love is concerned.

Customer Reviews:

A deeply moving story about real love and commitment..........2006-11-11

A Vow to Cherish touched me deeply--for many reasons. To me, this story is about having no regrets and allowing God to work things out in our lives with His perfect timing. I remember seeing the movie when it first came out and holding my breath as I watched John fall in love with Julia. I recall the same conflicting feelings when I read this book. Part of me wanted John to be happy with Julia. I truly felt for the guy. Part of me also cared deeply about his commitment to his wife.

The author did a fabulous job taking a difficult situation and covering it with flesh. The emotion and the loneliness were real as was the temptation both John and Julia experienced. Many people would justify John and Julia's relationship outside of marriage--especially for John. I hurt for the man. My mother was bedridden with MS for twenty years and my father cared for her until the very end. He cherished her and remained faithful when so many men in the same situations dumped their spouses when they could no longer perform their wifely duties.

John Brighton honored his vow to cherish his wife until they parted at her death. I'm convinced it made all the difference for his enduring happiness. John could then marry Julia free from guilt and knowing he gave his wife his undivided love and attention to the very end--once he overcame the temptation to vault his flesh into a forbidden zone that he would end up regretting later.

I've never read a book that more vividly portrays the deep pain of loneliness and all of the issues that go with it. My heart swelled and my throat tightened more than once through this beautiful story. I loved it!

Read the reissue even if you've read the original.......2006-07-27

Loved the first one, but with Raney's matured writing the edited reissue is even more poignant and relevant.

Hauntingly Beautiful!.......2006-06-13

Not often does an author have the chance to go back and rewrite her first book, but Deborah Raney had that opportunity. I read the original edition, saw the movie inspired by her book, and now I've read the new one. She has updated numerous things and added more depth, making an already good novel hauntingly beautiful.

John Brighton's wife has Alzheimer's, a cruel disease that afflicts entire families. I know. My mother died of Alzheimer's. I found Raney's book to be healing for me. With deep understanding and compassion, she exposes layer after layer of emotion a husband feels when his wife leaves him a bit at a time.

More cruel than sudden death or divorce, Alzheimer's robs the patient of their dignity as it robs the family of their loved one. After my mother died, daddy said he felt as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. That hurt and I couldn't understand how he could say it. Until I read A Vow to Cherish. As Raney reveals John's deep love for his wife, she also discloses how the disease wore him down. No one suffers Alzheimer's alone.

Beautifully written and filled with credible characters, Raney once again demonstrates why she's an award winning author. A Vow to Cherish stands on my all-time-favorites book shelf.

honest and touching.......2006-06-07

John and Ellen Brighton attend the high school graduation of their youngest child. The nest would soon be empty and they were looking forward to having time for each other. They plan to travel and just enjoy themselves. Then something started to go horribly wrong. Ellen began having periods of confusiion, saying things that didn't make sense. She gets lost and can't find her way home. A doctor gives them the shattering news. Ellen is in the early stages of Alzheimers. Nothing can be done to help her and the situation will gradually get worse.

In Chicago, Julia Sinclair has lost her husband and after years of sending her sons to St. Mark's private school, which she can no longer afford, she is desperate to get out of Chicago. She applies for a job at the Parkside Manor, a nursing home in the same town where John and Ellen live. When Ellen moves to the Manor, Julia meets John and they are attracted to each other. She can provide the companionship he misses so much. Someone to talk to, someone who understands. But John still loves Ellen, and he made a vow to cherish her in sickness and health on their wedding day. How can he go back on that vow just because she no longer knows him? A Vow to Cherish is a touching story of love and commitment and is an honest portrayal of the destroying disease of Alzheimers. The characters are so real you'll feel you know them. This book will touch your heart

This is a great book.......2004-12-12

As a person who has a relative dealing with Alzheimer's, I
think this is a great book. The movie was great also.
We all need our family and friends to help us during hard
times but we need God the most.

LaVyrle Spencer : Three Complete Novels : Morning Glory / Vows / The Gamble (3 Novels in 1 Volume)

Average customer rating:

Three great stories
Great book
Hummingbird
Three great stories!

LaVyrle Spencer : Three Complete Novels : Morning Glory / Vows / The Gamble (3 Novels in 1 Volume)
LaVyrle Spencer
Manufacturer: Putnam Adult
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Spencer: Three Complete Novels
Three Complete Novels : The Endearment / Bitter Sweet / Forgiving
Three Complete Novels : Bygones / November of the Heart / Family Blessings
Three Complete Novels : Home Song / That Camden Summer / Small Town Girl
Sweet Memories

Accessories:

philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer

ASIN: 0399139230

Book Description

The Hellion, Separate Beds and Hummingbird. First time ever in hardcover! Three passionate romance novels in one volume from the New York Times bestselling "Gatekeeper of Romance". Her fans adore her and keep her sitting pretty on the bestseller lists.

Customer Reviews:

Three great stories.......2006-04-21

I loved this book! All three stories were great. THE HELLION was heart breaking, Rachel's father was so domineering and caused people 20 years of unhappiness. SEPARATE BEDS was the most interesting to me, I thought it took Clay a long time to figure out what is really important to make a good marriage, that similar life styles and backgrounds are not it. Catherine had to learn that she was a good person, how to show love and except the fact that she was loveable. I really liked the humor that was in HUMMINGBIRD, and what a man Jesse was! Abigail was so "up-tight", it was such fun to see Jesse make her loose her control. But in the end, it was Jesse that had to admit she had got to him too.

Great book.......2004-02-27

If you are a LaVyrle Spencer fan, you'll love these stories!

Hummingbird.......2002-10-02

I haven't read this compilation of 3 books. But I have the book Hummingbird. It is 1 of my favorite books... one that I could never part with. I have already read it several times. I can't really comment on the other 2 books but for the Hummingbird book alone it is well worth it.

Three great stories!.......2000-04-04

This book contains three wonderful novels by LaVyrle Spencer. The Hummingbird is one of the most well written books I have had the pleasure of reading. Abbie's character unfolded gradually and I felt myself really identifying with her. Jessie was such a devil, but I absolutely fell for him. The Hellion makes you think about lost love and what it would be like to rekindle the romance of yesteryear. It took me a while to warm to Rachel. Tommy Lee was pretty much a diamond in the rough. I really empathized with him. I liked Separate Beds, but it was my least favorite of the three. Catherine frustrated me throughout much of the story. She was just so darn stubborn! It kept me reading, though. All in all, a very enjoyable read. Each time I started one of the new books, I was reluctant to leave behind the characters from the previous story.

After the Vows Were Spoken: Marriage in American Literary Realism

Average customer rating:

After the Vows Were Spoken: Marriage in American Literary Realism
Allen F. Stein
Manufacturer: Ohio State Univ Pr (Txt)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Baby on the Way/Three Complete Novels in One Volume: The Vow/ Wild Texas Rose/ The Daddy Candidate

Average customer rating:

Baby on the Way/Three Complete Novels in One Volume: The Vow/ Wild Texas Rose/ The Daddy Candidate
Linda; London, Cait; Schulze, Dallas Turner
Manufacturer: Harlequin Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000TMFVNU

Baby on the Way: The Vow / Wild Texas Rose / The Daddy Candidate (By Request, 3 Novels in One)

Average customer rating:

Baby on the Way: The Vow / Wild Texas Rose / The Daddy Candidate (By Request, 3 Novels in One)

Manufacturer: Harlequin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0373201044

Average customer rating:

Broken Vows: A Novel of Alienation
Robert J. Charles
Manufacturer: W W Norton & Co Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0934878005

Cancel All Our Vows: A Novel of Love and Infidelity (44925802095?, FGMM258095C)

Average customer rating:

Cancel All Our Vows: A Novel of Love and Infidelity (44925802095?, FGMM258095C)
John D. MacDonald
Manufacturer: Fawcett Gold Medal Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0722580959

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books