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    Devil's Bride
    Devil's Bride
    Devil's Bride
    Audiobook15 hours

    Devil's Bride

    Written by Stephanie Laurens

    Narrated by Simon Prebble

    4/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    When Devil, the most infamous member of the Cynster family, is caught in a compromising position with plucky governess Honoria Wetherby, he astonishes the entire town by offering his hand in marriage. No one dreamed this scandalous rake would ever take a bride. And as society mamas swooned at the loss of England's most eligible bachelor, Devil's infamous Cynster cousins began to place wagers on the wedding date.

    But Honoria wasn't about to bend society's demands and marry a man "just" because they'd been found together virtually unchaperoned. No, she craved adventure, and while solving the murder of a young Cynster cousin fit the bill for a while, she decided that once the crime was solved she'd go off to see the world.

    But the scalding heat of her unsated desire for Devil soon had Honoria craving a very different sort of excitement. Could her passion for Devil cause her to embrace the enchanting peril of a lifelong adventure of the heart?
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRecorded Books, Inc.
    Release dateOct 16, 2009
    ISBN9781440779718
    Devil's Bride
    Author

    Stephanie Laurens

    #1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens began writing as an escape from the dry world of professional science, a hobby that quickly became a career. Her novels set in Regency England have captivated readers around the globe, making her one of the romance world's most beloved and popular authors.

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    Reviews for Devil's Bride

    4/5

    459 ratings24 reviews

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    • 4/5
      The story line was a good one only negative thing I have to say about it that it was so long in ending.
    • 5/5
      Love listening to this audiobook. Very suspenseful and very realistic. Great for a history lesson even.
    • 5/5
      I absolutely adored both main characters in this book!!!!! Very easy to sit and get lost in this book for hours, as the storyline reels you in immediately.
    • 3/5
      The mystery is a weak point, (I don't read this genre for the mysteries, but if it's going to be so obvious then just treat it as a smaller plot point. Don't build it up and have a big reveal where it supposedly all comes together, when it's been pretty plain all along. I don't mind if I figure it out before the characters, but if it takes them an additional 20 chapters to catch up then they just don't come out appearing very bright). Also the sex scenes were, I don't know, trying to be poetic or vague or something, and it was distancing for me. (Stuff like 'and then time fractured' or 'then the starburst exploded' or something, they're not direct quotes but they were definitely along those lines and I thought 'whaaat??' with each. lol). And probably because of that disconnect, it felt like too much of the book was taken up by those scenes (not a usual complaint from me. ;) ). There were also a lot of characters introduced, but that should ease considerably with the rest of the series (which I am going to continue forward with). I enjoyed the prequel novella more, but I see it was actually written a few years after this one, so maybe she just improves as she goes along. I'm willing to risk a little time to test the theory.
    • 5/5
      Simon Prebble’s narration makes an excellent novel absolutely fantastic. His voice as Devil Cynster, Duke of St. Ives sends shivers down my spine, not only during the romantic portions of the novel but in ever word he utters in his deep, gravelly commanding speech.
    • 4/5
      Devil's Bride
      4 Stars

      Honoria Prudence Anstruther-Wetherby (quite a mouthful, isn’t it?) is just settling in to her new governess position when she inadvertently stumbles upon a dying man. To confound matters, the victim’s cousin soon puts in an appearance and the two spend the night together in a cottage. The problems begin the next morning when Honoria’s reputation is place in jeopardy and her companion turns out the be none other than Sylvester “Devil” Cynster, 6th Duke of Ives. So begins the ultimate clash of will between a man unaccustomed to the word “no” and a woman determined to maintain her independence at all costs.

      This is my second attempt at Devil’s Bride and I’m glad that I gave it another chance. The romance is entertaining, the characters engaging and the mystery adds spice to the story.

      Honoria and Devil are the perfect match. Between her stubbornness and his arrogance there is never a dull moment and their passion both in and out of the bedroom scorches the pages.

      The secondary characters in the form of the rest of the Cynster family are wonderful. The Bar Cynster cousins are completely incorrigible but in an endearing way and the Cynster wives/mothers provide Honoria with an incredible sense of belonging. The Dowager Duchess is a definite favorite.

      The mystery is the weakest element mainly due to the fact that the villain is obvious from the start. Nevertheless, it adds an extra layer of intensity to Honoria and Devil’s romance.

      All in all, a fun read and the epilogue made me smile. Looking forward to continuing with the series.
    • 3/5
      Stephanie Laurens is one of the biggest names in historical romance, having been prolific for years. She's an "auto-buy" author for many romance fans with at least nine series so far. By far the longest of her series are the Cynster books about the Bar Cynster family. Arguably (there is a prequel written long after the original novel of the bunch) the first book in that series, published way back in 1998, is Devil's Bride about the 6th Duke of St. Ives and his chosen bride.Sylvester, known to all and sundry as Devil, is the 6th Duke, head of this large and intimidating family. Honoria Prudence Anstruther-Wetherby is a finishing governess on her way to her latest post when, in advance of a coming storm, she stumbles across a young man who has been shot and is bleeding out. No shrinking violet, Honoria tries to stem the tide of blood but cannot do anything else for him until a dark, imposing man on horseback arrives and helps her get the injured man to a woodsman's cottage. The two spend the night in the cottage with the dying man, thoroughly compromising Honoria. In the morning, she learns that her companion throughout the night was Devil Cynster and the dead man, his young cousin Tolly. Devil is determined to marry the lovely governess but she has no intention of marrying him, coming as she does from a family that is his own family's equal. She dreams of traveling the world, seeing Egypt, and remaining free of any marital or maternal ties. But Devil is used to getting what he wants. She stays at his family home throughout the ensuing funeral, meeting and being seamlessly folded into the Cynster family so skillfully she cannot object mostly because she wants to find who murdered Tolly almost as much as the rest of the Cynster men. None of the other women know that he was murdered and Devil doesn't want Honoria anywhere close to the quiet investigation he and the others are conducting so, of course, she inserts herself as often as possible.Devil is an autocratic and arrogant character. He never doubts that Honoria will eventually cave to his wishes and marry him. And in fact he generally does have the upper hand and plays her so that she has no choice but to fall in with what he wants. But if he is strong-willed and single-minded, so is she, and she fights for the information she wants from him even as she gives ground in other ways. The narration moves back and forth from Honoria to Devil so that the reader sees each move in this game from both perspectives. The sex scenes between these two not quite combatants, not quite lovers are incredibly steamy and if Devil's restraint in the bedroom, waiting for Honoria to agree to marriage, is a little unrealistic, the unfulfilled, or perhaps more accurately unconsummated, desire arcing between them does heighten the sexual tension as the story goes on. As this is the introduction to the Cynster clan, there is an enormous character list in this book and none of the secondary characters are all that well differentiated from the others, with the notable exception of the Dowager Duchess. Laurens introduces each of the family members with a light hand, perhaps in anticipation of them having their own books in the series, which they eventually do. The murderer is never in question in the book, requiring little in the way of uncovering plot lines for the reader. (The characters, on the other hand, are frustratingly blind to the truth right in front of them.) Without much of a mystery, the second half of the book is chock full of extended sex scenes, Devil demanding Honoria agree to what they clearly both want, and her silence on the matter, followed by more hot, sexy times, renewed demands, and more silence (repeat at will). There's a certain something about the book which makes it definitely feel of its time, perhaps the very alpha male hero or maybe the heroine who gives up long cherished dreams without a backwards glance once her hormones fire up, but I am willing to try another Cynster novel the next time I get the urge to read an historical romance and see how I like the rest of the family.
    • 5/5
      I enjoy most of Laurens' s books, and I really like Devil Cynster, overbearing rake that he is (well, he did become duke of a very large holding and fortune at age 15).He pretty much meets his match in Honoria, who stymies him from the time they meet. The murder of one younger cousin sets up the introduction to readers of the current set of eligible rakes of the family.The story is sound, the characters very interesting, and the murder investigation draws things together. I have reread it several times, despite my copies vanishing with visitors. I finally stopped that leak by getting audio. Simon Prebble does a good job, once again. His try at women's voices is no worse than most, and is only fitting that a man with a pleasant baritone interpret a collection of male characters. I feel that it would have been disastrous to use a female narrator.
    • 5/5
      I love this book!! Devil is one of my all time favorite regency heroes. He is just so strong silent Alpha to the extreme!! I have reread this book several time because I love it so much!
    • 3/5
      This is, mostly, a good book. I really like Devil, and while Honoria gets on my nerves at times, she comes around at the end and turns into a good character. The plot is a bit of a stretch, but I'm willing to forgive that - even though it does make me think of Scooby Doo once in a while. I like Scooby Doo, in general. The sex in this book is really hot, and there's quite a bit of it. Quite satisfying in that respect. ;) The writing is tolerable, as well, and while this book isn't, perhaps, the quality of some romance novels I've read, it's certainly fun enough that I'll pick up the others if I see them.
    • 3/5
      I was tempted to paste in the review I just did of the other Laurens' book I read. Actually, I think I will, since it fits:

      Laurens writes smoothly (IMO she overwrites a bit), there is a good deal of suspense, the heroine is sufficiently plucky and independent, the hero stalwart, brave and hunky. It's a very satisfactory, sexy, light read, that kept me entertained the entire time I read it, and which I totally forgot the moment I put it aside.
      In this case, the hero is nicknamed Devil, he has a driver named Webster for a little humorous wordplay when they interact, and this heroine is Honoria, a geeky-spinster turned sexpot. Here there's a mystery to be solved, but really, when there are a limited number of people to consider, it's usually pretty obviously who had the most to gain, and yep, that's who dunnit.

      There's nothing glaringly wrong with this book, but it's like cotton candy - fluffy and sweet, but not filling.
    • 5/5
      It's fun seeing the rakish hero pursue the modest spinster. Devil is pretty irresistible though, so she doesn't hold out for too long. Very nice story of the lovers adjusting to being married.

      Only 99 cents at Amazon.
    • 2/5
      Honoria's character is inconsistent. I imagine it's to show that passion interferes with her otherwise calm and competent nature, but the writing doesn't convince me. There's a lot of sex - I must have skimmed almost a quarter of the book - but Laurens mixes it up and doesn't seem to repeat herself. Never fear though, penetration and fertilisation are still paramount.
    • 5/5
      I read this book again and again! It's just one of those books I can get lost in!
    • 5/5
      I have loved this book since I first read 11 or 12 years ago. I have read it several times since then and will probably continue to re-read in the future. This is my favorite book of the first ten books in this series. I think that Ms. Laurens is a wonderfully creative writer that brings life to larger than life characters. The males are all Alpha to their bones but they are also very loving and caring with all those that are weaker than they are. They are what heroes should be and seldom are anymore. Devil is no exception in that regard. As head of the family is aware of his responsibilities and takes them on without complaint. I loved the way that he manages to get Honoria to fall in love with him and how he falls under her spell. Ms Laurens also can write some of the steamiest love scenes. Even by today's standard they are still arousing to the senses. There is no explicit language. That wasn't acceptable when this book was written but she still manages to convey the essence of passion and desire these two feel and experience.I also like the mystery of who killed Tolly, one of the younger cousins. Ms Laurens does a very good job of keeping you guessing right up to the end. She also makes you really want for the killer to be caught and punished for all he puts Devil and Honoria through. When you finally find out who has been causing all the trouble you are more than willing to help Devil take care of the little weasel.Ms Laurens does a very good job of setting up future books for the remaining five of the Bar Cynster. I remember waiting for each new book to come out. Wanting to find out who would be next to fall before Fate decree. I will also say the Ms Laurens does her research and makes the books feel like the time period they were written in. For those that like historical romance you will love these books and I highly recommend them to all.
    • 5/5
      Honoria Wetherby's life changes when she stumbles upon a dying man on a country lane during a storm. Her horse runs off, leaving her and the patient stranded. She is rescued by Sylvester "Devil" Cynster, the Duke of St. Ives. He takes them to a small cottage to wait out the storm. During the night, the young man (Devil's cousin) dies. In the morning, they are discovered. Although their time together was spent innocently, Devil has compromised Honoria and decides he must marry her. Honoria, however, has no desire to marry the handsome "Devil." She values her independence and seeks adventure and travel. Devil takes her to his home and introduces her to his mother, the Dowager Duchess, while Honoria continues to refuse his proposal. Then, Devil makes a proposition which Honoria, at the encouragement of her older brother, is forced to accept. She will stay with his family for 3 months...while they are in mourning (and, unbeknownst to him, to help solve his cousin's murder). Devil has his own plans that involve convincing Honoria to be his bride. Regency romance novels are hit or miss. Sometimes they are so predictable as to be utterly unreadable. This was not the case with "Devil's Bride." In fact, this story does not end with a wedding. I think it's safe to say that yes, Honoria does in fact marry Devil. The marvelous thing is that it's not the end of the story. There's much, much more that happens after they are wed. Their story continues as they search for clues that lead to Tolly's (Devil's cousin's) killer. This book is so well-written. It grabbed my interest right away and I could not put it down. The "mystery" is not complicated; you'll know pretty soon who it is, but it is still enjoyable to watch the characters solve it. The book's strength is in the character development. Honoria and Devil are both strong and likable characters, and it's a delight to watch their relationship grow. If you're a fan of a love story between a husband and wife, you'll enjoy this book. I can't wait to read the rest in the series!
    • 5/5
      Being an avid romance reader, alot of the plots and characters often become the same. I was wonderful to see a male character who after playing the field finds his true lifemate and then acts horoably by wooing her before seducing her. The female character was strong and a stubborn as the male character causing many arguements which were often quite funny. it is a book that I would truely reccommend and I can't wait to continue with the series
    • 3/5
      Meh. This Regency romance with a mystery plot struck me as standard romance novel--nothing too eye-rolling or wretched in style compared to most in the genre, but nothing that was pulling me through the pages either, and fits the marriage of convenience trope as well. After 100 pages I started skipping and skimming and finally just turned to the to the last few chapters to see if I was right whodunnit (which I'd guessed from the opening chapters--way too obvious). I think my biggest disappointment was the heroine, Honoria. She starts out with hopes of someday traveling to Africa and had set herself up as an independent women with plans toward that goal, but ultimately casts those dreams aside without a pang to have the Duke's babies. And there goes the one quality that made Honoria original or interesting. Part of a series centered on the men of the Cynster family I definitely won't be reading more of. (And btw, I found the cutesy/sinister nicknames for the men of that family--like "Devil" and "Scandal" eye-rolling.)
    • 5/5
      Loved this book! I had strong reservations since I had read Devil's parents story first, loved it, and then found out Sebastian cheated on Helena and died young. However, I truly enjoyed the characters of Honoria and Devil. The villain of the story was not a surprise - it was almost too easy to figure out.
    • 5/5
      I don't remember what made me decide to select this series to read, someone mentioned it on PBS I think. So in true me style. I collected all 15 books published in the Cynster series, before reading the first one. And I can say another GREAT choice of mine. This book is wonderfully written. Taking you through a colorful mystery of a family murder, as well as throwing that lovely Regency romance at you. Honoria is a wonderfully strong minded, stubborn female. And she's put up against the Duke of St Ives Devil Cynster. And what a DEVIL he truly is. He will set any ladies spine a tingling. If you like romance, and you like action. Give this book a read. You will meet the strong clan of Cynster men, their Women, and help solve a murder Mystery.
    • 3/5
      While attempting to help a dying man, Honoria Wetherby finds herself in a compromising situation with the man's cousin, a Duke, no less. Although nothing happened, the Duke, who was immediately taken with Honoria, insists that they marry. Honoria agrees to spend time with the family but has no intentions of marrying anyone. Her resolve wavers though under the undeniable rakish charm of the Duke. Meanwhile, the family and Honoria are attempting to solve the murder that started their relationship. Hmmm, it has been a long time since I read a romance that had so much, well, romance in it. I have to say that Laurens is a very good writer for the genre. She certainly knows how to build the sexual tension. I was hoping for more about the mystery side, but all in all it was a nice read. I will probably read more in the Cynster series, but it is not at the top of my list. I would say if you like historical romance, with well-written sex scenes, this a book you should try.
    • 3/5
      his is, mostly, a good book. I really like Devil, and while Honoria gets on my nerves at times, she comes around at the end and turns into a good character. The plot is a bit of a stretch, but I'm willing to forgive that - even though it does make me think of Scooby Doo once in a while. I like Scooby Doo, in general. The sex in this book is really hot, and there's quite a bit of it. Quite satisfying in that respect. ;) The writing is tolerable, as well, and while this book isn't, perhaps, the quality of some romance novels I've read, it's certainly fun enough that I'll pick up the others if I see them.
    • 5/5
      Devil's Bride is the first in Laurens long running (maybe a bit too long running) Cynster Series. Honoria Wetherby is determined to not get married. But fate, and a stormy night, have other plans for her. After getting caught at a cabin in a storm and forced to share it with a corpse and his very much alive relative Devil Cynster - Honoria's reputation is pretty much compromised. Devil is ready to move forward with marriage - she is in denial. Their courtship runs equal with the murder mystery of Devil's dead cousin.Say what you will about Laurens latter works (rehashes, same old same old,purplish prose galore) the beginnings of this series and many books into it were to me the best historical romances out there at the time. I enjoy rereading this book and that to me - even after almost ten years - is proof it has staying power.
    • 5/5
      This is the first historical romance that I read. Normally I had avoided historical romances because I thought they were boring. However Stephanie Laurens writing manages to combine humor and romance together to make her stories seem like they could take place today instead of the 1800's. This is the story of Honoria Anstruther-Wetherby and Devil Cynster. The Cynsters are cousins who are hailed as heros because they all went to the war of 1812 and they all returned which was not a common occurance. Devil is the head of the family because he is the oldest cousin. He is brooding and mysterious but with a warm and kind heart. Honoria and Devil meet in an odd way and then become engaged in an odd way but you forget that in the story because it seems like Honoria and Devil were made for each other and would have met each other anyway. I loved this book it's funny, romantic and makes you wish you knew your own " Cynster". :-)