Scandal's Bride

By: Stephanie Laurens

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

Length: 13 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Stephanie Laurens authors USA Today best-selling historical romances such as A Rake's Vow and Devil's Bride. Lauren's Scandal's Bride is the hot and exciting third novel in her riveting Bar Cynster series.

Cynster men are invariably handsome rogues, and Catriona Hennessy, Scottish Lady of the Vale is well aware of their reputation. She is aghast when it is decreed by her guardian that she must marry the scandalous Richard Cynster within one week's time. Like her mother before her, Catriona is a beautiful, independent woman who needs no man to rule over her or the Vale. But what she does need is an heir--will the charming Richard Cynster be willing to give her what she wants? Facing unavoidable marriage, Richard savors the challenge of taming spirited Catriona. Simon Prebble's masterful narration of Laurens' tale will leave listeners feeling exhilarated.

©1999 Savdek Management Proprietory Ltd. (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

Another Great Story by Stephanie Laurens

Would you consider the audio edition of Scandal's Bride to be better than the print version?

I read this book, and then later on listen to it as I was driving across the country, I have to say listening to it brought more into it, that I didn't pick up from reading the book. Listening to the love scenes from Simon was another surprise, reading it is one thing, but when another person is reading this to you, and as interesting as he makes it, that was a whole other sphere.

What about Simon Prebble’s performance did you like?

All of it.

One of Ms. Lauren's best

Would you consider the audio edition of Scandal's Bride to be better than the print version?

I enjoyed the written version; the mystical / alternate traditions of the Vale created a wonderful backdrop. That said, Mr. Prebble's reading takes the experience to another level.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I didn't have a favorite character in this book. The main characters were enjoyable but it is their interactions with everyone else that makes this story different from the average historical / paranormal romance.

Which scene was your favorite?

Catronia's conversation with the girls in the still room brought home what the Cynster books are really all about - Family.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listened to the book in two sittings and wished I hadn't had to stop; unfortunately my pillows get offended if I neglect them for too long.

becoming a favourite reread

so enjoy this author and narrator combination, great plot and subplot, no handwringing simpering fools, multifaceted characters. Warning it does have some sexually explicit sceenes, but not over the top.

Great fun and enjoyable.

Any additional comments?

This was my first Cynster book and there will be more. It is the third in the series so I srarted in the middle. The story was enjoyable on its own but had previous characters nicely woven into it. A great romance with conflict and worth the credit. Narrator was spot on both male and female voices.

another great one

I love this whole series - it is just the thing for my morning commute. Nothing serious, although the "romantic" scenes have distracted me from driving from time to time! :) The thing I love most about them though it the NARRATOR who is nothing short of amazing! There are 6 main men (and as many women) characters in this series, and he manages to give each of them and himself as narrator a slightly different voice. A true talent as I have been listening to audio books for a long time and I can tell you not many narrators can pull that off!

Once again a winner!

Stephanie Laurens is consistently good. This is the story of Scandal and Catriona his witchy wife. A beautiful tale of passion and love that will keep you spellbound. Beautifully written and narrated with absolute perfection.

One of Lauren's Best

Would you consider the audio edition of Scandal's Bride to be better than the print version?

Simon Prebble's narration of the Cynster series is outstanding. His abilities give the Cybster novels an extra dimension that ratchets them to a different sphere.

What did you like best about this story?

The mix of mysticism, action, mystery, and eroticism is unique within the Cynster series. Richard's character complies with the norms of the family male, yet he is devoted to service as well as being a dominant force.

What does Simon Prebble bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His narration is tongue in cheek at times while adhering to the spirit of the novels. This isn't a scholarly work, and he "works" the Romance novel aspect.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The couple's evolution, especially after the near-death experience, is moving.

Any additional comments?

This is a fun, sensual read that is pure escapism.

Patience, it does get better...

Even though this 3rd installment in the Cynsters series moves along slowly, it does get better. I love all the Cynster roguish men especially Richard (Scandal). He is a warrior without a cause, strong and determined but, he doesn't let his strength over power his wife Catriona, who is strong willed and think's she doesn't need a strong man. In reality that is just what she needs to balance out her life. In today's world, it is so hard to find your soulmate but that is what Richard and Catriona have found in one another. So keep listening and enjoy their everlasting love..

Infidelity due to comforting another woman

The circumstances of Richard’s birth tainted the second book in this series for me because the patriarch was featured as the hero in book one. Yet that hero cheated on the heroine in the name of comforting another married woman the only way he could—by giving her a child—an act of cheating on his wife, the mother of his first born, and breaking his wedding vows. I thought Richard’s story would give a better answer to this major character flaw in the patriarch’s character. It didn’t. It made it worse by stating the patriarch had attempted to hide the child from his wife but she took Richard in and raised him as her own. Wow, talk about ruining a hero. Although I like this series, Richard’s character does not belong in it. He should be an illegitimate cousin they took in and raised as their own, not the results of the patriarchs infidelity. If you want to read this as a stand alone, it’s good. If you are reading/listening to the series, I recommend you skip Richard’s story. It’s a black mark on the Sinister men.

He was not the scandal...she was

This is my favorite book. The passion and sex scenes in this series is starting to become more detailed. Not a problem for me, Simon Prebble makes everything sound so passionate anyway. Scandal's Bride has a twist in that she comes to him the first three times. I thought it was a wonderful twist. I like to hear the details of a marriage sometimes instead of always reading about the courtship. This was a great book!