Romance

The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh
3.5 Stars

Series note: This is book #2 in the Cynster Sister duology and the final book focusing on the original generation of Cynsters (beginning with Devil's Bride). The series continues with the next generation of Cynster children.

Mary Cynster, the only remaining unwed Cynster in her generation, has already chosen the man she believes to be her hero. Now she merely requires confirmation from the Lady's necklace. Unfortunately, fate has someone else in mind, someone completely unsuitable to Mary's way of thinking - Ryder Cavanaugh, Marquess of Raventhorne, the most unmanageable man in the ton. For Ryder, Mary is a challenge, and everyone knows he always wins.

The first half of the book focuses on Mary and Ryder's romance as he attempts to convince her that he is her destined hero. With that out of the way, the second half revolves around the mystery of who wants Ryder and/or Mary dead.

From the initial descriptions, Ryder is supposedly from the same commanding and powerful mold as Devil Cynster, Royce Varisey and Dominic Guisachan. While the potential is certainly there, he never completely succeeds in matching the forcefulness of these men's natures and personalities. With regard to his feelings for Mary, his reasons for choosing her as his wife are uninspired - it seems he is more attracted to the closely-knit Cynster clan than to Mary herself.

Mary herself is described as confident and assertive, yet her managing ways come across as haughty and imperious. Her decision to marry Ryder after they are found in a compromising position is inconsistent with her stated desire to find her hero as she is not fully convinced at the time that he is her "one".

Despite these issues, they have solid chemistry, and the tension of the suspense plot adds to the intimacy of their relationship. Speaking of which, the identity of the villain is obvious from the start, and it is rather amazing that the other characters fail to see the truth staring them in the face.

The true highlight of the story is actually the epilogue as numerous Cynster couples and their children arrive at Somersham Place for a family reunion. It is fun to catch up with them all, although readers who have not managed to wade through the previous 19 books may find it difficult to keep track. This epilogue also functions to introduce the next generation of Cynsters who will be the focus of future installments. Hopefully, they will be entertaining. ( )

Mary is certain she knows who she is going to marry, she wants the necklace to help her find the man she should marry, and honestly the maguffin doesn't really figure in the story. Mary finds herself distracted by Ryder Cavanaugh, the brother of the man she wants, but she finds that Ryder is more interesting. Ryder, now thinking about settling down, finds himself distracted by her and wanting to pursue her. They also find themselves under threat which brings on some crazy plotting and resolution. It's interesting but somehow it felt like about three plots lost themselves under the romance. ( )

The best thing about this book? It's the last of Cynsters! Or it better be. I'm done with this family.

And speaking of the best things in this story, I loved the epilogue because it helped me close the chapter and book on this family.

At this point all of these books have come to morph into one another and the characters are so similar that they're not jumping out at me.

The story was just okay and it dragged on needlessly. If you've invested your time in this series, then by all means read it, for the epilogue alone will make you happy. If you've never read this author before, I wouldn't start with this one.

Melanie for b2b
( )

This book is apparently the 20th in this series, though I have not read any of the previous offerings. I agree wholeheartedly with the reviewer below who called it too long and frankly overblown. I found myself skipping over the love scenes because they were laughably absurd. The supernatural subplot of the necklace got barely any time, and the supposed mystery was no mystery at all- it was clear from the first attack on the hero just who the culprit must be. It a shame rally because I liked both Mary and Ryder and think they were a good match given their independence and commitment to preserving it. The relationship certainly seemed to be an equal partnership but unfortunately reading this book simply became a chore as it droned on and on. Maybe better for those who already love the Cynster family; I however won't be rushing out to pick up others in the series. ( )