The Lady By His Side (Cynsters Next Generation) (Volume 4)

As always, Laurens comes through with another great story. I have read every book she has published and most of them I have read multiple times. Her stories are a perfect mix of romance and suspense. Once I start reading a Stephanie Laurens story I know I won't put it down till I finish it.

This was a boring book. The main characters spend page after page looking for barrels. Sebastian has no personality and Antonia is just plain unpleasant. I was very disappointed by this story and I will not be reading the next two books in this trilogy. And the picture of Sebastian shows him with dark skin when the narrative says he is fair, pale. The picture makes him look like a snake oil salesmen

This was a boring book. The main characters spend page after page looking for barrels. Sebastian has no personality and Antonia is just plain unpleasant. I was very disappointed by this story and I will not be reading the next two books in this trilogy. And the picture of Sebastian shows him with dark skin when the narrative says he is fair, pale. The picture makes him look like a snake oil salesmen

I enjoyed it. But then, I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by this author. I am from that extremely rare breed that’s read Stephanie Laurens’ work but has never read a single Cynster novel. This is my very first exposure to the family, and so I’m not disappointed as so many of the long-time fans appear to be. I didn’t walk into this book with preconceived notions of who Sebastian and Antonia were supposed to be or how they were supposed to behave. I thought Sebastian was protective and honorable, though very guarded with his emotions. Antonia comes across as quite brave and intelligent, but also highly manipulative. The two of them ‘fit’ each other. They’re both strong enough to challenge one another and wise enough to pick the battles that are truly important. The ending cuts off a bit abruptly, and I wasn't expecting that at all. So, be aware that this is part of a much larger story arc that spans several volumes.

I have loved the Cynsters since the first book and Stephanie Laurens continues to create stories filled with love, intrigue and strong characters and plots. The Lady By His Side is the first of a new series featuring Devil and Honoria's children. This is Sebastian and Antonia's story. Sebastian is a true Cynster in that he is a little arrogant, somewhat rakish, overly protective, and about to meet his downfall - the love of his life. Antonia Rawlings is her mother's daughter in that she is feisty, strong, and will show her love that she can handle anything that comes her way. Antonia and Sebastian are working together to uncover a plot and solve murders that occur at a house party. The mystery and intrigue keeps the reader enthralled to the very end. The love story grows in true Cynster style.

There is no imagination or humor in this book. If you've read one Stephanie Laurens book you've read them all. She just rehashes the same characters over and over again. And such dull characters! They are perfect -- rather sickeningly so. I appreciate that her female characters are intelligent and strong but they aren't very likable. And the males are all the same as well: overprotective warriors. Which isn't a bad thing, but they are all carbon copies in every book. So you can read one Stephanie Laurens book and enjoy it but don't bother buying another one because she has nothing new to offer.