The Promise in a Kiss: A Cynster Novel

I thought this was a great beginning to a series that simple got better with each novel. The idea of meeting someone when you are so young and sharing a kiss that promises or hints at a life of love. It was sweetly romantic, but my favorite part is the narration...Simon Prebble is simply great! He makes the story. Best narrator I have heard on audible!

Stephanie Laurens has finally put down the story of Devil Cynster's parents, Sebastian Cynster, the 5th Duke of St. Ives and the woman who steals his heart, Helena, the Comtesse d'Lisle. I've read many of the Cynster novels, and this one is special because it goes back to the beginning where it all started and let's us know Sebastian and what a great man he was. Additionally, we also meet the notorious Almira, mother of Charles, who has already died when Devil's Bride is taking place. Plus it features so many characters that are much older in the Cynster novels as we know them - Lady O, the older Helena as Dowager Duchess, and many more. I thought that Devil's Bride would always be my favorite, but I think that Promise in a Kiss has replaced it. Such a great book for anyone who loves Stephanie Lauren's work.

This book can be thoroughly enjoyed by itself or after having read any or all of the Cynster novels. :)

Stephanie Laurens continues to present high quality stories and Simon Prebble continues to be the voice of the Cynsters. This should actually be book 1 in the series, but it still reads well as book 7.5

The story got lost in the sex scenes. Just when the story started to get interesting they would go at it again, and the author just drags it out and goes on and on and on. The outcome is extremely predictable.

I love all the Cynster Novels. They are fun and romantic. This is a good one to read first as it is the story of the french mother of future Cynsters.

This is my first audible book by this narrator, he is amazing. I thought I wouldn't like it being narrated by a man, but he does a great job with all the voices. Very interesting story. I had not read any of the other novels in this series, now I suppose I'll have to listen to all of them! I have read other books by this author. This one is a favorite now. Might have to buy the hard copy just to have it on hand. Highly recommend this one!

By all means, Simon Prebble! As with all of his stories, he is animated, passionate, and provides enough diversity in his voices, that you almost think there are multiple narrators. I get LOST in Simon's readings.

I really enjoyed Helena. She is a strong woman and you get a better understanding of why she made the best choice for The Duchess of St. Ives.

He is always so animated and passionate. He's really one of the best I have had the priviledge of listening to!

It all started with a promise...in a kiss!

SPOILERS: I liked learning more of the background to Sebastian. We don't hear much of him in the first of the Cynster novels. We only hear of the "scandal" and it might bear a bitter taste to most who didn't listen to this story. Not that his actions are approved by me! I just now get a better feeling as to why he was lead down that path. Of course, without that leading, we would have never had Richard and the scandal that almost wasn't! The book also gives brief introductions to the other Cynsters like Almira (Charles' mother) and Sebastians brothers, as well as Lady Osbortsten, who is prominant in most of the Cynster novels that take place in London!

The book would be great it the narrator had someone else. Mr. Pebble is the worst narrator ever! I refuse to purchase anything that he has narrated.

The narrator

Everything

Get a better narrator

These characters are so insipid and there is no story. The same things happen over and over. Didn't finish it.

Another Masterpiece by the unstoppable Stephanie Laurens! I read this Cynster novel last but loved it no less than all the others! I've always enjoyed Helena's character and knew there was a hidden passion to her! Her love story captivated me from start to finish! Simply wonderful! Enthralling, passionate and like a great tennis match, keeps you on the end of your seat until long after the players have left the court!!