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Rating: 
Summary: Sebastion would NEVER be unloyal to Helena
Review: Helena first meets Sebastian Cynster when he literally falls at her feet, then proceeds to kiss her under the mistletoe. Seven years later, Helena has left her native France for London to find a manageable husband, and finally release herself from her guardian's thumb. Upon their meeting again in a London ballroom, she discovers Sebastian is the Duke of St. Ives and he's a passionate pursuer.This is one of a whole series of novels centered on the Bar Cynster family. This story, which was written after some of the others, goes back in time to the love story of the patriarch (Sebastian) of the clan. Although there is a conflict to be solved concerning the manipulative plans Helena's guardian has for her, this is mostly a love story surrounding how these two characters come together. I've read a total of three or four of Ms. Lauren's books, but this one was my first and favorite. Overall, I feel this was a good read and a great love story. Her stories tend to be brooding but quite sensual. I gave it four stars, instead of five, for a couple of reasons. First, the intrigue between Helena, Sebastian, and her guardian was for me rather anticlimatic in it's resolution. I'll leave it at that so the ending isn't given away. Secondly, the thing with Ms. Lauren's novels is they're all relatively the same. She doesn't do much with subplots, so I became bored and no longer read her work. If you read her novels and like them, you'll like this one. However, after reading some of the other reviews of this book, I would like to add the fact I haven't read the novel where Sebastian was unfaithful to Helena. It upsets me to find it out now. I believe if I had read that particular book, and knew that fact beforehand, it would most likely change my view of this story. If you've never read Ms. Laurens previously, I still feel this would be a good choice to try her out.
Rating: 
Summary: I just couldn't get into it!!!
Review: I have loved all of the Cynster novels but I just couldn't get into this one. Knowing that Sebastian is going to be unfaithful to Helena in the future made me unable to get into the book. I mean how can you credit happily ever after when the hero has a child with someone else? That ruined the book for me. I'm with one of the other reveiwers who said that Stephanie Laurens should have had Richard's mother drug Sebastian as Catroina did Richard. That would at least had made the cheating understandable AND made this book something worth reading! All those who love the Cynster novels would do well to give this one a miss.
Rating:
Summary: Could get past it...
Review: I just couldn't get past the fact that I know Sebastian is unfaithful to Helena in a couple of years. Story is OK, but I guess its disappoing (very un-romance like) to know that despite how 'devoted' they are to each other in this story in a few years (there's only a few years separating Devil & Scandal, right?), he cheats on her. I probably shouldn't have bothered buying this book; I couldn't give it a fair shake.
Rating: 
Summary: overall.... great story and characters
Review: I read PROMISE IN A KISS first, so i wasn't aware that this book was written last in the Bar Cynster series. i am deeply disappointed knowing that Stephanie Laurens would even dare to let Sebastian an affair on Helena, since he's so dedicated to her in this book! i mean, look at how concerned he was when Fabien accidently injures her. i know Stephanie Laurens probably had a reason for providing the affair, but i don't like that she did it. and why write in an affair, when Helena and Sebastian are the two defining characters, it really does ruin the overall effect of his dedication towards her. I would have given the book 5 stars, if not for the affair. said that, i still think this story was written well. Sebastian was a great character in this book. He had presence, charisma, confidence and wit. Helena was a wonderful heroine. She wouldn't allow for Sebastian to dominate her spirit. I look forward to reading the other Bar Cynsters. Especially Sylvester, Simon and Gabriel.
Rating:
Summary: A Promise Broken
Review: Like so many other reviewers, I had trouble getting past Sebastian's future infidelity revealed in the Bar Cynster series. At first, it didn't really play a big part in how I viewed the story. The beginning is captivating and holds a great deal of promise for the rest of the book. But towards the end, when the honesty and unfailing devotion come into play, it gets a little hard to swallow. I think Helena and Sebastian would have been better served to be written with less emphasis put on the "powerful" nature of their characters. The reader expects their love to be just as powerful as they are themselves, and that characteristic is in direct opposition with a future already revealed. I am a fan of Laurens, and have read the entire Cynster series. Aside from the inconsistencies between this and the later novels, this is not one of the better books she has written. I found myself easily putting it down at the slightest distraction, skipping paragraphs and wondering how far ahead I could go without losing the train of the story. I think Laurens' fans will be disappointed. Those readers who haven't yet read her other books will probably view the novel in a more favorable light.
Rating: 
Summary: AMAZING
Review: This book was amazing. For all of you who are as fascinated with Regency Romance, and the era immediately preceeding, as well as the Bar Cynster this is the book for you!
Rating:
Summary: AMAZING
Review: This book was amazing. For all of you who are as fascinated with Regency Romance, and the era immediately preceeding, as well as the Bar Cynster this is the book for you!
Rating:
Summary: Stephanie Laurens is one of the best
Review: This is a great christmas special novel. I have read other "christmas special" novels in romance series that go back in time and explain the beginning. None of them were as captivating and true to the story line as this one. Stephanie Laurens really stayed true to her previous character types and the stories she created. It was fun to see "where it all started." I enjoyed finding out how french born Helena met and fell in love with Sebastian. I also loved getting to "meet" the parents of the bar cynster and Charles' mother. The one who I read about and was the explanation for why Charles was after Devil. I can't recommend this novel enough. Especially to those followers of the cynster series. The novel is full of adventure and sensuality. Stephanie Laurens always has the perfect mix. Definitely a novel worth reading.
Rating:
Summary: Enchanting (but disappointing in one aspect)
Review: This is the enchanting story of the pair who gave birth to the Cynster dynasty - Helena and Sebastian.
For years, Helena has lived a sheltered life in a French convent school. Then one unforgettable night, Sebastian Cynster, Duke of St. Ives, falls at her feet after being mesmerized by her beauty. Helena in return, just stared back at him, taking in his good looks. Neither asked for each other's names, but shared a magical kiss that held every promise of a wonderful future.
Seven years later, they cross paths again, this time in London, and both recognize each other and remember that special kiss. Helena is told that Sebastian is dangerous and therefore decides to stay away from him. Yet unbeknown to her, Sebastian, despite previously declaring to remain a bachelor, has recently decided to marry and had set his eyes on her.
Of course, Sebastian is a true Cynster - arrogant, commanding, and so darn sexy. Helena is strong-willed, proud and a perfect match for him. In fact, they remind me of none other than Devil and Honoria. The sparring, battle of wills and sensual games they play are captivating. And the sexual tension is great.
There are some dramatic elements thrown in as well. The blackmail and threats made against Helena by her conniving guardian leads to a swashbuckling climax. Another thing I enjoyed about this book is the appearance of other Cynster family and connections like Sebastian's only sister, Augusta, his brothers, Lady Osbaldestone and we read a little bit about Almira, Charles' mother.
However, as much as I enjoyed this novel, I cannot give it 5 stars for the mere fact that I have already read the other Cynster books, and therefore find it rather difficult to accept how Sebastian could have cheated on Helena. Sebastian loved Helena so much - in fact, more than his own life - that I kept asking myself HOW and WHY? As a stand alone book, I wouldn't have hesitated to give this 5 stars, but as it is, Laurens' didn't give us an acceptable reason as to Sebastian's infidelity, except for a brief mention in Devil's Bride that he felt sorry for Richard's mother. Why couldn't she have written instead that Sebastian was drugged? This is my only gripe in this novel that his whole infidelity wasn't fleshed out or even mentioned.
As romantic and enchanting as this novel is, I have to deduct 1 star, but overall, this is a good book.
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