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Cynster #15
Temptation and Surrender
Handsome, wealthy, and well-born, Jonas Tallent has everything a gentleman needs to enjoy London society to the fullest - and he has. He's played cards until dawn, flirted with eligible young ladies, and made love to some ineligible ones.
But now he's restless, bored with the mindless frivolity and careless pleasure, so its with a sense of relief that he takes up the reins of his family's estate in rural Devon. His most pressing need is to hire a new manager for the inn--the center of village life. Such a small task, yet he discovers few decent applicants are willing to live in a quiet country backwater.
Then genteel but impoverished Miss Emily Beauregard applies for the position. Jonas's initial response is an emphatic "no!" Ladies, especially one as attractive as Emily, belong in the ballroom or the bedroom, not running an inn. But with no alternatives, he grudgingly allows Emily to try, and she rapidly proves herself worthy, resurrecting the inn with tact and skill.
But Em has a secret. Its not only the need to provide for herself and her orphaned siblings that has brought her to Devon. She's surreptitiously searching for a family treasure hidden in the village, the only clues to its location a cryptic rhyme handed down through the generations. Emily is determined to solve the puzzle, find the treasure and reinstate her family to its rightful place in society.
Yet Em hasn't bargained on Jonas. His experience is temptation, his attentions irresistible, and he's determined to aid her in her quest. He eventually persuades her to trust him, and together they unravel the clues . But someone else is watching, waiting, and once the family legacy is unearthed, the villain strikes, threatening Em, her family, and the love she and Jonas have discovered in each others' arms.
But now he's restless, bored with the mindless frivolity and careless pleasure, so its with a sense of relief that he takes up the reins of his family's estate in rural Devon. His most pressing need is to hire a new manager for the inn--the center of village life. Such a small task, yet he discovers few decent applicants are willing to live in a quiet country backwater.
Then genteel but impoverished Miss Emily Beauregard applies for the position. Jonas's initial response is an emphatic "no!" Ladies, especially one as attractive as Emily, belong in the ballroom or the bedroom, not running an inn. But with no alternatives, he grudgingly allows Emily to try, and she rapidly proves herself worthy, resurrecting the inn with tact and skill.
But Em has a secret. Its not only the need to provide for herself and her orphaned siblings that has brought her to Devon. She's surreptitiously searching for a family treasure hidden in the village, the only clues to its location a cryptic rhyme handed down through the generations. Emily is determined to solve the puzzle, find the treasure and reinstate her family to its rightful place in society.
Yet Em hasn't bargained on Jonas. His experience is temptation, his attentions irresistible, and he's determined to aid her in her quest. He eventually persuades her to trust him, and together they unravel the clues . But someone else is watching, waiting, and once the family legacy is unearthed, the villain strikes, threatening Em, her family, and the love she and Jonas have discovered in each others' arms.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published February 24, 2009
318 people are currently reading
2,219 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
254Ìýbooks5,537ÌýfollowersStephanie Laurens was born in Sri Lanka, which was at the time the British colony of Ceylon. When she was 5, her family moved to Melbourne, Australia, where she was raised. After continuing through school and earning a Ph.D. in Biochemistry in Australia, Stephanie and her husband moved to Great Britain, taking one of the last true overland journeys from Katmandu to London.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
May 7, 2021
Things NOT to do when you find a king's ransom in treasure:
1) Tell Everyone in the village you found a lost treasure
2) Take Treasure to the village inn and let everyone gawk at the gold, rubies, diamonds, and pearls
3) Tell Everyone in the village where you are locking it up
4) When a villain knocks your lover out cold while trying to steal the key to the treasure, use sex as a cure for his concussion headache while he's asleep. If a man did this to a woman, it would be a crime.
5) Leave your children to run around unattended when villains are desperately trying to steal the treasure, so they will be tempted to ransom your children.
6) Ignore the handsome artist that just arrived in town as a potential suspect, because artists are incapable of committing crimes. ( I swear if he were ugly and poor, he would have been the prime suspect)
1) Tell Everyone in the village you found a lost treasure
2) Take Treasure to the village inn and let everyone gawk at the gold, rubies, diamonds, and pearls
3) Tell Everyone in the village where you are locking it up
4) When a villain knocks your lover out cold while trying to steal the key to the treasure, use sex as a cure for his concussion headache while he's asleep. If a man did this to a woman, it would be a crime.
5) Leave your children to run around unattended when villains are desperately trying to steal the treasure, so they will be tempted to ransom your children.
6) Ignore the handsome artist that just arrived in town as a potential suspect, because artists are incapable of committing crimes. ( I swear if he were ugly and poor, he would have been the prime suspect)
July 9, 2024
As with the other books in this series you get a little plot with a whole lot of loooog sex scenes. The plot, what there is of it, is great for an Historical Romance with Mystery. But, dang, there are a lot of sex scenes to get through to get to that plot. This is the review I have written for just about every book in this series and it is the same formula Laurens uses for every book she writes. But the characters are engaging, the Historical Romance plot with mystery is fun and the books are an easy listen when your mind is engaged elsewhere: housework, shopping, exercise.
Jonas Tallent, brother-in-law to a Cynster, is a handsome rogue who finds himself bored with London and back in his family's home in rural Devon village of Croydon while daddy is off and about. Jonas finds he actually likes country life, but the village pub leaves a lot to be desired, so he seeks a new manager to bring it up to snuff and make a profit. That could be a problem as this village is rather small and very quiet.
Miss Emily Beauregard (Croydon) is desperate to find a place for herself and her four siblings after fleeing her uncle's house where they worked as unpaid servants. At 25, she is on her own and her funds are running low when she sees the advisement for the position of manager Jonas's pub and inn and feels it is an answer to her prayer. She quite bowls him over and soon wins over everyone in the village. But our dear Emily is here with an alternative mission and a secret too. Her ancestors actually founded the village, and a family rhyme says they left a treasure there.
Everyone can see that Emily and her siblings may be down on their luck, but they are most certainly gentry, and they are accepted and treated as such. This allows Emily access to the best homes in order to conduct her clandestine search for the Croydon treasure. As Jonas takes note of her peculiar behavior, he becomes fascinated by Emily. Emily wasn't looking for the wild attraction she found with Jonas. But when danger stalks her family, she is glad to have him there to protect them. 3 1/2-Stars
Jonas Tallent, brother-in-law to a Cynster, is a handsome rogue who finds himself bored with London and back in his family's home in rural Devon village of Croydon while daddy is off and about. Jonas finds he actually likes country life, but the village pub leaves a lot to be desired, so he seeks a new manager to bring it up to snuff and make a profit. That could be a problem as this village is rather small and very quiet.
Miss Emily Beauregard (Croydon) is desperate to find a place for herself and her four siblings after fleeing her uncle's house where they worked as unpaid servants. At 25, she is on her own and her funds are running low when she sees the advisement for the position of manager Jonas's pub and inn and feels it is an answer to her prayer. She quite bowls him over and soon wins over everyone in the village. But our dear Emily is here with an alternative mission and a secret too. Her ancestors actually founded the village, and a family rhyme says they left a treasure there.
Everyone can see that Emily and her siblings may be down on their luck, but they are most certainly gentry, and they are accepted and treated as such. This allows Emily access to the best homes in order to conduct her clandestine search for the Croydon treasure. As Jonas takes note of her peculiar behavior, he becomes fascinated by Emily. Emily wasn't looking for the wild attraction she found with Jonas. But when danger stalks her family, she is glad to have him there to protect them. 3 1/2-Stars
September 7, 2018
Rating: 3 stars
Not bad, not the best.
A decent effort with the best part being the search for treasure.
I still enjoy this series but am looking forward to the next book.
Not bad, not the best.
A decent effort with the best part being the search for treasure.
I still enjoy this series but am looking forward to the next book.
November 25, 2022
Temptation and Surrender
3 Stars
Series note: This is book #15 in numerical order. However, the events take place in 1825, so it is book #12 in chronological order. As the plots in this series are unrelated, the reading order is flexible. Personally, I am reading SL's backlist in chronological order.
Putting aside the overly descriptive passages, the flowery prose and the anachronistic premise that a woman would be hired as an innkeeper in the Regency period, the romance is sweet and the mystery is engaging.
Despite Jonas's aggressive hero-in-pursuit approach to courtship and Emily's occasional TSTL moments, they are an engaging couple and it is easy to root for the HEA. Emily's siblings are charming, especially the terrible twins whose precociousness keeps everyone on their toes. The updates to Lucifer and Phyllida (book #6) are an added bonus.
The mystery revolving around Emily's search for the Colyton treasure is entertaining as they involve the entire village in the quest. While the villain is obvious from the start, the climax and resolution are intense and exciting.
All in all, a solid addition to the series and a definite improvement on the Adventurer's Quartet. Progresssing chronologically, the next 3 books focus on Lucifer's three sisters.
3 Stars
Series note: This is book #15 in numerical order. However, the events take place in 1825, so it is book #12 in chronological order. As the plots in this series are unrelated, the reading order is flexible. Personally, I am reading SL's backlist in chronological order.
Putting aside the overly descriptive passages, the flowery prose and the anachronistic premise that a woman would be hired as an innkeeper in the Regency period, the romance is sweet and the mystery is engaging.
Despite Jonas's aggressive hero-in-pursuit approach to courtship and Emily's occasional TSTL moments, they are an engaging couple and it is easy to root for the HEA. Emily's siblings are charming, especially the terrible twins whose precociousness keeps everyone on their toes. The updates to Lucifer and Phyllida (book #6) are an added bonus.
The mystery revolving around Emily's search for the Colyton treasure is entertaining as they involve the entire village in the quest. While the villain is obvious from the start, the climax and resolution are intense and exciting.
All in all, a solid addition to the series and a definite improvement on the Adventurer's Quartet. Progresssing chronologically, the next 3 books focus on Lucifer's three sisters.
April 19, 2013
This was a nice change from the other books in this series that I've read. Jonas wasn't too alpha male, and he didn't deny his feelings for too terribly long. Emily was another strong and smart heroine. Stephanie Laurens is good at writing those. I loved the treasure hunt in the story and how that turned out :)
April 29, 2021
I love that Jonas is strong, but not as obnoxious as the other males in this series. I like how they have a slow courtship.
April 22, 2013
3.5 Stars! Time again for the Cynsters! Going into this one, all I was hoping was that it would be tolerable. I couldn't even remember who Jonas was, and how he was connected to the Cynsters, so I had no real expectations for him either. I soon figured who he was though, and it was kinda nice seeing Phyllida and Lucifer again, even though their story hadn't been one of my favorites. I enjoyed their roles in this one. I liked Em pretty well, my only gripe about her really was her tendency to go all brainless when Jonas was around. But once she got into the relationship, and he quit being so stalkerish, they went together pretty well. What I especially liked was the small village setting, and Em's running of the inn. It was a nice break from the London ton stuff, and I liked seeing the inn's rejuvenation. The treasure hunt was kinda fun too, especially in the second half of the story when Jonas and Filing were in on the hunt and the pace really got going. I was actually kind of excited when they were close to finding it, and when they did finally, and everyone being all celebratory. The villainous uncle was a bit cartoony in his bluster and obliviousness, but the second villain, he kinda came out of left field. Not that it was hard to figure out he was bad, but his whole reason for being there was kinda out of the blue. But it was alright, I didn't mind too badly. His disappearance in the end is a little worrying though, wonder if he's going to pop up again somewhere. I'm also wondering if Em's brother Henry will be making a reappearance somewhere down the line too. I liked her dealing with her siblings, but I wouldn't have minded seeing more of them in interaction, the younger ones and the older ones both. All in all though, I was pleasantly surprised to find I rather enjoyed this one. I still skimmed a couple of the love scenes, but not all of them this time around, though that was more because I was getting invested in the characters than because of any improvement in the flowery prose. I'm glad that this one was enjoyable though, now I'm actually a little eager for next month's Cynster ( as we're going chronologically). 3.5 Stars!
March 1, 2009
Well, I must admit to being a closet fan of Stephanie Laurens. Her 'Cynster' series and Lindsey's 'Malory' series were what started me on my series seduction. I find reading pleasure and contentment in running across characters I already know and love and look forward to seeing if my imagination regarding future partners for these characters is anywhere close to what the authors themselves come up with. Laurens latest Cynster novel is "Temptation and Surrender", about Jonas Tallent, sister to Phyllida who is wife to Lucifer. Got it?
Jonas' good looks, and his familial connection to the infamous Cynsters, have made him the toast of the ton. But lately town pleasures seem to pall and Jonas wasn't altogether displeased when his father's duties called him away and he asked Jonas to head to Colyton to oversee the Grange. The biggest task facing Jonas in Colyton is to find a replacement for the recently deceased innkeeper. So far none of the applicants have been promising. Then a new applicant arrives and Jonas' world is turned upside down...her name is Emily Beauregard.
Emily's real last name is Colyton and now 25, she is the sole custodian of her younger siblings. Almost out of money and facing an uncertain future, she's excited to find the notice regarding the job of innkeeper in Colyton. That would be perfect! Food, a roof, and a job...all in the same place. And she and her siblings can search for the Colyton treasure with no one the wiser. Of course, that's assuming she can get the job with her youth and family responsibilities working against her. She's expecting to charm an older gentleman, and gets the surprise of her life when instead, she gets Jonas! And he's making her search almost impossible as he's always watching her...and kissing her, and seducing her.
Yes Laurens books do tend to be a bit wordy...and a tad overblown, but I still enjoy the stories at their core. Her heroes are strong yet have their gentle side, and her heroines are some of the stronger female characters you'll find in historical romances. "Temptation and Surrender" adds the lure of hidden treasure and a chance to read a bit about Lucifer and Phyllida...I just couldn't pass that up.
Jonas' good looks, and his familial connection to the infamous Cynsters, have made him the toast of the ton. But lately town pleasures seem to pall and Jonas wasn't altogether displeased when his father's duties called him away and he asked Jonas to head to Colyton to oversee the Grange. The biggest task facing Jonas in Colyton is to find a replacement for the recently deceased innkeeper. So far none of the applicants have been promising. Then a new applicant arrives and Jonas' world is turned upside down...her name is Emily Beauregard.
Emily's real last name is Colyton and now 25, she is the sole custodian of her younger siblings. Almost out of money and facing an uncertain future, she's excited to find the notice regarding the job of innkeeper in Colyton. That would be perfect! Food, a roof, and a job...all in the same place. And she and her siblings can search for the Colyton treasure with no one the wiser. Of course, that's assuming she can get the job with her youth and family responsibilities working against her. She's expecting to charm an older gentleman, and gets the surprise of her life when instead, she gets Jonas! And he's making her search almost impossible as he's always watching her...and kissing her, and seducing her.
Yes Laurens books do tend to be a bit wordy...and a tad overblown, but I still enjoy the stories at their core. Her heroes are strong yet have their gentle side, and her heroines are some of the stronger female characters you'll find in historical romances. "Temptation and Surrender" adds the lure of hidden treasure and a chance to read a bit about Lucifer and Phyllida...I just couldn't pass that up.
March 16, 2009
Since Stephanie Laurens' books are pretty formulaic, (i.e. just change names, hair color, and insert new suspense/mystery elements here), I skimmed through this one. There was really nothing new.
* * * Spoiler Alert! * * *
There were several major annoyances for me:
1) The ancient treasure clue that a village of 18th century supposedly regular church-goers couldn't guess but which was immediately obvious to me in 2009. Duh???
2) The supposedly intelligent and strong heroine who turns TSTL under pressure. (She takes the time to run through the woods, and write a lengthy note but is in too much of a hurry to 'save her sisters' to bother to grab a gun or a knife or a stick or a lantern or tell anyone verbally that she needs help. Then she needs to be rescued by the hero without even bothering to offer more than a token resistance, even though she had the means.) Aargh! I lost all respect for her at that point.
3) The very obvious villain.
* * * Spoiler Alert! * * *
There were several major annoyances for me:
1) The ancient treasure clue that a village of 18th century supposedly regular church-goers couldn't guess but which was immediately obvious to me in 2009. Duh???
2) The supposedly intelligent and strong heroine who turns TSTL under pressure. (She takes the time to run through the woods, and write a lengthy note but is in too much of a hurry to 'save her sisters' to bother to grab a gun or a knife or a stick or a lantern or tell anyone verbally that she needs help. Then she needs to be rescued by the hero without even bothering to offer more than a token resistance, even though she had the means.) Aargh! I lost all respect for her at that point.
3) The very obvious villain.
March 22, 2010
I think I have now reached the end of this series. I'm glad I read it because I wanted to read a whole series and I liked the Cynster family. I should have stopped once the Bar Cynster were all married off, the books took a big nose dive for me when they started the stories of in-laws and friends of the family. For the most part there was something I liked in each book but none of the books were ever as good as the first- Devil's Bride. I will probably re-read that one soon.
On Audio
On Audio
April 20, 2014
Good Addition to the Series
TEMPTATION AND SURRENDER is the fifteenth book in the Cynster series. It is the story of Jonas Tallent, the twin brother of Phyllida from ALL ABOUT LOVE. He has taken the reigns of his family's estate and is searching for a new innkeeper for the town inn. He doesn't have any prospects until he is approached by Emily Beauregard who is seeking a position. Jonas ends up hiring her. Emily and her brother and sisters are in town forj another purpose however. They are searching for their family treasure in the village. Jonas wants to know her secrets and wants her.
This was a softer romance. There are no great conflicts between the characters. Instead there is a confrontation with Emily's uncle, the search for the treasure and a danger from a villain that occupies the story. I liked Emily and Jonas together but they quickly are in a relationship. There are none of the not wanting to admit they are in love. Jonas is nice and quick to recognize that he wants to marry Emily. The story is full of the friendly characters of the village. It was nice seeing them and Phyllida and Lucifer again.
This book is more of the familiar sweet variety than the torrid, angst filled type. I liked it but I didn't find it or the characters compelling -- just nice.
TEMPTATION AND SURRENDER is the fifteenth book in the Cynster series. It is the story of Jonas Tallent, the twin brother of Phyllida from ALL ABOUT LOVE. He has taken the reigns of his family's estate and is searching for a new innkeeper for the town inn. He doesn't have any prospects until he is approached by Emily Beauregard who is seeking a position. Jonas ends up hiring her. Emily and her brother and sisters are in town forj another purpose however. They are searching for their family treasure in the village. Jonas wants to know her secrets and wants her.
This was a softer romance. There are no great conflicts between the characters. Instead there is a confrontation with Emily's uncle, the search for the treasure and a danger from a villain that occupies the story. I liked Emily and Jonas together but they quickly are in a relationship. There are none of the not wanting to admit they are in love. Jonas is nice and quick to recognize that he wants to marry Emily. The story is full of the friendly characters of the village. It was nice seeing them and Phyllida and Lucifer again.
This book is more of the familiar sweet variety than the torrid, angst filled type. I liked it but I didn't find it or the characters compelling -- just nice.
June 17, 2014
I'd been doing really well and reading all the Cynster novels in the correct order, but my library was missing a couple in between and seeing as I've read all the Bastian Club series which catches up with certain family members, I figured I was safe to read this instalment. It's been a while since I last read a Stephanie Laurens novel, but this one did not disappoint. I loved all the Colyton's and I couldn't help but feel sorry for the misfortune of the twins (that's not a spoiler, once you start reading the book part of the plot will become obvious). Yes it is slightly obvious as to what's going to happen (it's a historical romance by Stephanie Laurens) but that's what I wanted to read and it was incredibly enjoyable. It certainly made a ten hour coach journey fly by! I'm going to get back to reading the in between instalments some time in the near future and I would highly recommend this series to all historical romance lovers. I would suggest that you at least read some of the early instalments in the Cynster series to get a better love of the family first, especially as this book does throw out previous references. It's a fantastic read regardless, it just means more to the fans with the Cynster catch-up (at least it does to me anyway).
October 3, 2009
I tend to enjoy Laurens, but I also tend to skip her love scenes. So my enjoyment of the book is a ratio of how many love scenes I have to skip and how frequently they come. If I don’t skip the love scenes, or I only skip one or two, then I like it a lot. If I skip most of them, and there are a lot of them, then... This one fell in the middle. I skipped most of them, but there weren’t that many, and overall, I enjoyed the book. The heroine and her younger siblings have all run off from a moderately evil uncle (he only used them as servants without pay, and clothed them reasonably well) to find the legendary family treasure. But they’re running low on funds, so heroine applies for post of innkeeper/manager. Hero’s family owns the village inn, and it’s such a remote inn, though on a main road, he’s having trouble finding good ones. There’s instant electricity between them, and she resists while he pursues. Usual Laurens story ensues. Suspense subplot involves the family treasure and evil uncle. Standard Laurens fare. If you like the author, you'll like the book.
August 31, 2009
I really thought I would like these books, but after reading two of them, I realized they are pretty much stock-fiction. The characters are all the same, the mystery element changes very little and the love scenes even use the same language. If I have to read about "primitive male urges" or "elemental feelings" again, I might be forced to throw the book across the room, which makes these books safer on the library shelves than in my hands.
July 16, 2009
The story line and plot was very good, but too many intimate scenes. If you want a quick read this one if for you (a lot of chapters to scim). I especially enjoyed the parts where Emily and family transform the Inn into a viable part of the little village. The bringing together of people from earlier stories was very well done.
February 25, 2021
An interesting plot & storyline.
4 � but I rated it a 3�,simply due to the fact of the extensive sexual scenes ,which were absolutely not needed to show true feelings btwn the main characters.
The book could have been 50 pgs shorter thus & more appealing to the reader.
On the whole it is a captivating,well written novel.
4 � but I rated it a 3�,simply due to the fact of the extensive sexual scenes ,which were absolutely not needed to show true feelings btwn the main characters.
The book could have been 50 pgs shorter thus & more appealing to the reader.
On the whole it is a captivating,well written novel.
April 13, 2021
I liked this overall. Felt there was a bit too much sex, which bores me and I just page past. I also thought there were moments when Emily’s word choice was a bit pretentious. But overall, she and her siblings were lovely and engaging.
June 17, 2023
Book 14 in the Cynster novels. I'm jumping around in the series because the library only had a few & I came in at the end.
It's a fun read as a desperate young woman tries to find a fortune in jewels supposedly hidden by a family member with only a rhyme to lead her.
It's a fun read as a desperate young woman tries to find a fortune in jewels supposedly hidden by a family member with only a rhyme to lead her.
October 1, 2018
I enjoyed the story but it was very predictable.
December 3, 2021
I love this book too..... I hope you enjoy it too.....💖💜💖💜
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.
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.
March 5, 2017
OMG, A REGENCY MALE WHO ACTUALLY GOES SPEECHLESS WHEN THE WOMAN HE LIKES IS WITH HIM?! A MALE WHO NEEDS AND ACTUALLY WANTS THE WOMAN FOR MORE THAN JUST QUENCHING HIS BURNING LOINS?!
I love Jonas Tallent and no one can tell me otherwise. Strong, sweet and absolutely head over heels for Emily Beauregard, the new inn's manager, Jonas Tallent is exactly the kind of man you want to be friends with!
Rather than just harping on about his "primitive barbarian" side, Temptation and Surrender take a different tactic. It focuses more on the emotional connection between a man and a woman, rather than on the 'delicate fragile woman who is submissive to the male macho'.
So wonderful that this made me feel sad for Vane's story. Had this story been swapped for Vane's sad and cookie-cutter tale, the Bar Cynster series would have been perfect!
Alas, I still love this book. Although the antagonist sort of came out of nowhere, that's just but one thing that made me slightly iffy. Along with Emily regarding herself as a *spoiler* one too many times. Repetition just makes it annoying.
But apart from that, this book is just amazing!
I love Jonas Tallent and no one can tell me otherwise. Strong, sweet and absolutely head over heels for Emily Beauregard, the new inn's manager, Jonas Tallent is exactly the kind of man you want to be friends with!
Rather than just harping on about his "primitive barbarian" side, Temptation and Surrender take a different tactic. It focuses more on the emotional connection between a man and a woman, rather than on the 'delicate fragile woman who is submissive to the male macho'.
So wonderful that this made me feel sad for Vane's story. Had this story been swapped for Vane's sad and cookie-cutter tale, the Bar Cynster series would have been perfect!
Alas, I still love this book. Although the antagonist sort of came out of nowhere, that's just but one thing that made me slightly iffy. Along with Emily regarding herself as a *spoiler* one too many times. Repetition just makes it annoying.
But apart from that, this book is just amazing!
May 14, 2014
Jonas Tallent, Mr. Good Guy, doesn't get the credit he deserves.
Emily has a ton of secrets and she's not going to tell Jonas any of them. He has to ferret them out, one by one.
The background story of how to run an inn is lots of fun, full of description. Emily's siblings are a rollicking bunch. The villains aren't terribly competent, and the happy ending is always in sight.
An easy pleasurable read.
Emily has a ton of secrets and she's not going to tell Jonas any of them. He has to ferret them out, one by one.
The background story of how to run an inn is lots of fun, full of description. Emily's siblings are a rollicking bunch. The villains aren't terribly competent, and the happy ending is always in sight.
An easy pleasurable read.
June 8, 2011
Like many other reviewers of this book I found myself skimming through most of it. Actually, I skipped almost the last 100 pages because the storyline had just become predictable and bland. I think it is time for Stephanie Laurens to put the Cynsters and their storylines to bed ... permanently.
May 12, 2012
Sonunda bitti..
hayatımda okuduğum en sıkıcı kitaplardan birisiydi..çevirisini de sevmedim...
olayların akışı konu güzeldi ama işleyişi,analizi çok basitti.
daha iyi olabilecek bir kitaptı..
hayatımda okuduğum en sıkıcı kitaplardan birisiydi..çevirisini de sevmedim...
olayların akışı konu güzeldi ama işleyişi,analizi çok basitti.
daha iyi olabilecek bir kitaptı..
May 27, 2021
I liked this one. It was a great romance build up and I loved the added mystery where I was actually curious to see how it would end which is always a plus.
October 2, 2021
A beautiful story. And the treasure was an interesting change from others in the series.
March 2, 2022
Loved the quest.
April 17, 2022
I loved this book! Jonas and Emily were electric from the first moment and their story was wonderful;. They both loved and supported each other and it was so satisfying to read.
June 2, 2022
Love the Cynster series.
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