The Promise in a Kiss

Where it all begins, written so many years later..

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. :)

11 of 11 people found this review helpful

A Sweetly romantic tale

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!

9 of 10 people found this review helpful

A job well done by both narrator and writer

LOVED this book. Wonderfully detailed and well written and narrated. The love story was portrayed in such a manner that one can completely see why the love and admiration was there between the hero and heroine. A definite recommendation

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

timeline

If you could sum up The Promise in a Kiss in three words, what would they be?

This book is an emotional peril, rather than physial danger like the others, I had to listen to this one a second time before I realized that this is Devil's parents story. ( I got involved with the Cynster's with the females stories,) Here we meet Elmira, Martin's first wife, Charles, the Heir , now a toddler,

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Simon Prebble only reads good books.

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.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A Promising Start to the Cynster Family

What made the experience of listening to The Promise in a Kiss the most enjoyable?

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.

Who was your favorite character and why?

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.

What about Simon Prebble’s performance did you like?

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

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

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

Any additional comments?

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!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I was very disappointed in this book

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.

3 of 5 people found this review helpful

Stunning

What a treat to read such a masterfully written novel with superb narration. It is richly historic and unbelievably sensual. I will definitely continue reading this series!!

lovely

What a treat to hear my favorite book series out loud...well done!! now on to the next...

A Perfect Prequel

This is the love story of Helena and Sebastian, Devil Cynster’s parents. It’s full of all the good stuff... stolen kisses in a French convent, an evil guardian, a Duke as a hero, a strong ( but naive ) heroine, and rescues of damsels in distress. It’s a great story of two very strong people and how they come together in the cultural context of 1784 England.
If you love the Cynster’s, this is a must read. If you haven’t started the series yet... Start here! And the narration is perfection!