The latest addition to the Cynster Novels by Stephanie Laurens, and it follows the formula to a "t". You should remember Gerrard Debbington, the younger brother to Patience who is married to Vane. Well, he is now old enough to succumb to fate's whim. Gerrard is a painter of the first water and he travels to Cornwall to paint the legendary gardens of Hellebore Hall. There is a caveat, the owner of the hall requires Gerrard to also complete a portrait of his daughter, Miss Jacqueline Tregonning. But not because she is pretty and Lord Tregonning requires a picture of his only offspring. There is murder afoot, and the neighbors all believe Miss Tregonning is responsible. Gerrard must prove her innocence, even as he takes hers

Gerrard featured in two other Cynster novels and I thought I knew him. But this wasn't the same Gerrard. I know he's somewhat older, but I just didn't believe that this was the same guy.

Stephanie Laurens is one of the staples in current Historical Romances. Her lush sensual relationships make you want more.

After the successes of her past two releases, it appears that Miss Laurens just couldn't find a romance worth writing about. After the first two chapters I could plot out exactly what would happen, who the bad guys were and why, and even how the love scenes would be scripted. All signs that my favorite romance author needs to take a break and look for fresh ideas. I was disappointed.

If you're new to the Cynsters, I would recommend visitng the earlier novels. Read this one after you're hooked.

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Created Mar 19, 2005 at 12:57pm • Submit your own review...