The Promise in a Kiss (Cynsters series)

Based on Stephanie Laurens' descriptions of Sebastian and his feelings for Helena, there is NO way he would have cheated. It made the whole story very unbelievable and, frankly, not anything I cared to finish. I stopped about 3/4 of the way through before I just couldn't do it anymore. :)
I cannot recommend this book to anyone looking for a good romance.

Oh, please grow up already people! I really can not believe all the negative drivel being written about this book. My quarrel with Ms. Laurens is that she didn't take time to flesh out the relationship between Sebastian and Scandal's Mom. I find it entirely believable that Sebastian had an "affair" which produced an offspring. Sebastian as devoted as he was to Helena, was still a product of his times. As was Helena. My wonder has been that in all the other books in the series - with the exception of a really very timid effort in a "Rogue's Proposal" with Harry - there is really no mention of mistresses or lovers and the inevitable dynamics of these very desirable men deciding to be with only their wives. No other off-springs from all the "partying" done before they got married yet as soon as they did get married they were producing like rabbits. Gabriel is my favorite Cynster but Sebastian as portrayed in this prequel runs a close second along with his son, Devil. My other quarrel with Ms. Laurens is, I need to know how Sebastian died. I am sad that he had to die so young especially since his brothers are all still alive and of course Lady Osbaldestone who seemed to have lived forever (love her). And I also feel a bit cheated that there is no recorded interaction between Devil and his Dad. I enjoyed the book immensely and would definitely recommend it. Truth be told, I am in a state of depression right now as I have read every single book in the Cynster and Bastion Club Series and cannot seem to get too interested in any other writer right now. I am in love with these (Cynster) guys and can't get enough of them. Don't get me wrong, I do have some criticisms of Ms Laurens writing! My biggest pet peeve being that there doesn't seem to be enough attention paid to personal hygiene after all those intensive bouts of lovemaking. Everyone who writes about that period will mention that after such activities - especially after the first time ever - you need to freshen up a bit (if you know what I mean). And especially too (or maybe even) because Ms. Laurens is so detailed (which I absolutely love) in other areas. My other pet peeve is her over-use of some words. I literally screamed after reading the word "witchy" in Scandal's Bride for the thousandth time. But I love her work and cannot wait to read more from her.
So go ahead and fall in love with this devastatingly appealing first Cynster and then get to know the others. I love them all and so will you...

I just read this book and really enjoyed it. Very passionate and fun. Loved it as much as Kenyon's Fantasy Lover and Anything, My Love by Cynthia Simmons. All passionate page turners you shouldn't miss.

This was the first book I read by Stephanie Laurens. It was absolutly great.The story line was great and the love scenes where just wonderful.I rate this book as high as KIngdon of dreams by Judith McNaught. It's a keeper because you can readit over and over and still not get tired of it. One of the beat on my list

Written in Laurens's typical style (packed with incomplete sentences, overly significant glances and tiny gestures, and domineering men), "Promise" is best read as a stand-alone novel, without its association with earlier stories in the Cynster series; if you don't have prior knowledge of the unhappiness and infidelity to which Sebastian & Helena are doomed, you'll probably enjoy the standard happily-ever-after plot.

I read the first couple of chapters and then skimed through hoping to find out why he cheated,but got absolutley nothing. If as in this book she claims or is trying to claim that Seb and Hel where so in love why did he cheat???????????????????? For a writer to want you to believe something and then print something else, just makes you wonder IF SHE WILL COME BACK AND SAY THAT DEVIL HAS ANOTHER CHILD WITH ANOTHER WOMAN BECAUSE HE CHEATED EVEN THOUGH SHE PORTRAYS THAT HE LOVES HON, WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF THEM DO THEY ALL CHEAT ON THEIR WIFES AND HUSBANDS, I MEAN REALLY YOU JUST CAN'T TRUST HER AS A WRITER CAN YOU. LAST BOOK I SHALL EVER READ FROM HER.

This is my first Stephanie Laurens' book and after having read reviews here that Sebastian is unfaithful to Helena after only a few years of marriage,I think it will be my only one. I can understand how people who have read the other books in the Cynster series could not get into this book. How could you believe this book knowing that info beforehand?

I have liked Stephanie Laurens for a long time, especially her Cynster series, and this was just a great way to start it all off. I loved the strong hero, and the feisty heroine. An amazing beginning to a fantastic series!