Scandal's Bride (CYNSTER, #3) (Bar Cynster)

by Stephanie Laurens

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

• ISBN10: 0060095016
• ISBN13: 9780060095017
• Publish Date: 20 November 2001 (first published 1 March 1999)
• Publish Status: Unknown
• Out of Print: 11 April 2013
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: HarperCollins Publishers
• Format: eBook
• Pages: 432
• Language: English

Reviews

[stacey_is_sassy]

****DNF 27% - No rating as I did not finish this story.****

Look, I went in knowing that there was going to be a contentious issue so I shouldn't be surprised that I didn't like it. I decided to take a risk and not judge by other peoples opinions. Honestly, the "issue" wasn't even the reason I stopped. By the time I got there, I was done and it had just given me a good enough reason to say enough is enough.

I ABSOLUTELY HATED THE HEROINE!!

Such a self-absorbed, arrogant and manipulative character did not deserve to find happiness or contentment. The whole... I'm a witch, I will turn you into a toad if you annoy me... was really cringe-worthy and unbelievable. Then, I hated that she was purposely looking for a weak man to dominate because she couldn't have a man tell her what to do. Of course, the hero is too strong and virile, so she decides to use and abuse him...literally. Not at all the kind of heroine I'm looking for in my historical romance reads. Sure, I like my heroines to have a backbone but this was something else entirely.

Anyways, Scandal's Bride didn't work for me. Don't judge by my review alone, you may find that my issues are not your issues. If you're looking for spoilers, you won't have to try too hard, there are plenty to be found.

[wyvernfriend]

The romance kept me reading but the paganism had my eyebrow burried in my hairline.

Don't get me wrong, I actually like paranormal romances and the idea of having some goddess worshippers who don't use protective colouring in 19th Century Scotland? Nope not ringing true with me, someone would notice and it would create a huge scandal, or at least regular visits from bible thumpers.

There was also a certain amount of sub-text where the female main character had to submit to the male main character and where the relationship seemed to be less a meeting of equals and more a power play, there was a huge missed opportunity here.

I *did* enjoy the read but it left me with a certain amount of uneasy feelings about the plot and where the writer was taking me.