Publishers Weekly
02/25/2019
In this lackluster second Cavanaughs historical romance (after The Designs of Lord Randolph Cavanaugh), Laurens brings together two individuals who are, unusually, passionate about something other than elite society or each other. Lord Christopher “Kit” Cavanaugh has moved to Bristol to launch a yacht building business, which will improve the economy by hiring men displaced by the advent of steamships. Embittered by the long-ago schemes of his mother, Kit had painted himself as a rake to avoid a loveless marriage, but now he is surprisingly open to the right woman. When his business accidentally displaces the school for indigent boys, he’s reunited with its founder, Sylvia Buckleberry, a vicar’s daughter committed to social justice whom he met at his brother’s wedding. Back then, Sylvia hid her interest behind disdain, but when they’re thrown together again, the attraction is mutual. They must overcome their initial clash and work together to defeat various enemies and obstacles. Though the setting is appealing, the plot and characters are unconvincing and do not deliver Laurens’s customary sparkle and satisfaction. Agent: Nancy Yost, Nancy Yost Literary. (Apr.)
From the Publisher
"Stephanie Laurens' heroines are marvelous tributes to Georgette Heyer: feisty and strong." -Cathy Kelly
"Stephanie Laurens never fails to entertain and charm her readers with vibrant plots, snappy dialogue, and unforgettable characters." -Historical Romance Reviews
"Stephanie Laurens plays into readers' fantasies like a master and claims their hearts time and again." - RT Book Reviews
"One of the most talented authors on the scene today... Laurens has a real talent for writing sensuous and compelling love scenes."
-Romance Reviews
"Laurens successfully brings her Adventurers Quartet, following The Daredevil Snared (2016), to a resounding conclusion. The broad literary canvas, swashbuckling adventures, dangerous intrigue, and steamy romance of these novels are rare treats for readers who miss those old-school historical romances by Shirlee Busbee and Katherine Woodiwiss." —Booklist on LORD OF THE PRIVATEERS
"Laurens's rich characterization and well-thought-out plot make for a captivating adventure romance and provide elements of danger and surprise throughout the story. The vivid narrative, combined with quick cuts from scene to scene, make for an engrossing read with an ending poised to continue the adventure with yet another Frobisher brother." –Publisher's Weekly, starred review, on The Daredevil Snared
"When it comes to dishing up lusciously sensual, relentlessly readable historical romances, Laurens is unrivalled."
-Booklist
"Laurens's writing shines."
-Publishers Weekly
"An unusual and winsome historical romance." –Publishers Weekly on THE DESIGNS OF LORD RANDOLPH CAVANAUGH
"Brimming over with energetic atmosphere and drawing on the Victorian passion for invention/technology, Laurens crafts a love story that suits her style and the era's history. Adding a bit of suspense, a strong heroine and a hero who appreciates her intelligence keeps readers rapt even though the villain's identity is obvious from the beginning. Certainly a series starter to enjoy." -RT Book Reviews on THE DESIGNS OF LORD RANDOLPH CAVANAUGH
