A Rake's Vow

A Cynster Novel

By: Stephanie Laurens

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

Length: 14 hrs

Publisher's summary

Stephanie Laurens authors USA Today best-selling historical romance novels, such as Devil's Bride. Exciting and deeply sensuous, A Rake's Vow continues the Bar Cynster series.

Unlike his brothers, Vane Cynster vows to never marry. The eligible women of London have different plans for him, however. Seeking safety at Bellamy Hall, the residence of his eccentric godmother, Vane doesn't expect to meet any new unmarried women. But upon his arrival, he encounters the voluptuous Patience Debbington in the garden.

When their gazes meet for the first time, she is filled with a sensation that leaves her quivering. Thoroughly overwhelmed, Vane realizes that he has never met a woman quite like Patience Debbington. As Vane's seductions prove more and more irresistible, Patience's oath to never open herself to heartache may soon be broken.

Simon Prebble narrates this tale with the intuitive boldness and sensitivity of a true master.

Savor another Cynster novel.

©1998 Savdek Management Proprietory Ltd. (P)2001 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Stephanie Laurens brings a thorough command of Regency style, as well as graphic, uninhibited love scenes....Laurens is especially skillful at capturing Regency males, aristocrats whose refined restraint barely masks their powerful underlying urges." (Amazon.com review)

Wonderful Continuation

Of course none of the males of the Bar Cynster are alike and why should they be? In this story, the listener is treated to a clear characterization of Vane Cynster, Devil Cynster's second in command. This story takes you on a wonderful journey wrapped in a hint of mystery, passion, and love. Vane is a typical Cynster male, while his female counterpart, Miss Patience Debbington shows you don't have be born a Cynster to make others bend to your will.

Great Storyline But.....

I read most of Ms. Laurens books when they were first published. Being a “skim reader”, I catch much more than the first time around. I’ve found although I enjoy the storyline, I find instances where she will use three or four sentences in a row, each describing the same thing or action using words. This is a personal observation, but the man who narrates the books sounds like he has been classically trained for theatre. I had to get past his the way he enunciated.

Love the last line. So evocative

Simon Prebble is such a great narrator that I really loose the male/female voice differences. His Voices for his characterizations are so consistent that you know how he has patterned all the characters in his brain. Just a joy to listen to.

While I was miffed that it took so long for Patience to get over her "elegant gentleman" misconception, in the end I loved her championship and protective stance of those she loved.

I know Scandal's story is next, but Demon has stated a challenge and I can't wait to listen to the series.

Great reader - boring book

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed the first book in the series, but I found this one boring. I just did not get attached to the characters and I thought the story too contrived. I stopped after the first four chapters and then went to the last chapter to wrap it up. No big deal. However, the reader is excellent. I have always enjoyed his performances.

I enjoy Stephanie Laurens many book series

Just enough fun, mystery, romantic challenges for some relaxing and entertaining reading. When life is stressful …….

Happy sigh....

Caveat: I consider the Cynster series to be the best historical romance series I’ve found in over 40 years of obsessive reading.
How lovely to enjoy the story of the next Cynster to fall - in love. This time it’s cousin Vane who drives away from Devil and Honoria’s wedded bliss only to have a storm send him into the arms of his destiny. When Vane races out of a storm to find shelter at his godmother’s house, he knows immediately when Patience Debbington falls into his arms that his life is changed forever.
Fate holds him there when Vane knows he has to stay and resolve the strange goings on at Minnie’s house.
When their intimacy grows, Vane is further challenged by Patience’s refusal to marry.
Prebble is outstanding as narrator.

Reduce repetitive sex content

Too many sex sense with the same content. Shorten book by deleting some of that content.

Storyline had potential but a bit thin.

Characters were interesting but the story line was pretty thin. The mystery aspect was nice but much really happens.

great all around

loved the book and the narrator. I can actually listen to him and love the story even more.

Skip this one in the Cynster series

Weak plots. Lots of long, boring, kissing scenes. Slow moving. Half the length would have been better. Never explored why vain and Patience loved each other , besides they “looked good/beautiful.” Both unusually stubborn, not really likable.