Miss Prim and the Duke of Wylde

Cynster Next Generation Series, Book 14

By: Stephanie Laurens

Narrated by: Matthew Brenher

#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens explores what happens when fate tosses two people who had no intention of marrying each other into the hothouse of a noble betrothal under the avid eyes of the ton. A gentleman seeking a suitable wife is forced by fate and unhelpful circumstance to become engaged to a lady who had no idea that in selflessly assisting him she was auditioning for that part.

In the leadup to her tenth Season, Meg Cynster—known to the ton’s eligible bachelors as Miss Prim—takes to the country to ponder the question: If not marriage, then what? She has yet to find an answer when she comes upon a supremely elegant curricle, drawn by a pair of high-spirited horses presided over by an unconscious gentleman. Others present know where he’s staying, but can’t manage the horses. With no real choice, Meg accepts the responsibility and drives the gentleman home. Unfortunately, he’s too inebriated to just leave, so she rouses him enough to help him inside.

But then others arrive, and Meg learns the gentleman is none other than Drago Helmsford, the notorious Duke of Wylde—and in order to protect her reputation, she and Drago are forced to declare that they are engaged.

Although a shocking surprise for everyone, by all measures, the match is highly desirable. Meg and Drago have no option but to allow the engagement to stand until the end of the Season, when they can quietly call it off. Consequently, they have to keep the fact that their engagement is a sham an absolute secret from everyone, including all members of their families.

Through the ensuing whirl of the Season, with all eyes focused avidly on them, they duly pretend to be an affianced couple—roles that, to their surprise, come to them remarkably easily. With every member of their families and all the powerful in society being unrelentingly encouraging, both Meg and Drago, with eyes wide open, start to consider the possibility that marrying the other might just be the answer they’d each been seeking when they’d first met.

Then accidents start happening and quickly escalate to attacks, and it becomes clear that someone is intent on preventing Meg from marrying Drago. Why is unclear, but with the threat hanging over them, the Cynsters and Helmsfords rally around to ensure Meg makes it to the altar. But even after the wedding, when Drago and Meg retreat to his estate, the attacks continue until, with their hearts and future on the line, Drago and Meg risk all in a gamble to expose the faceless villain and bring the ever-present danger to an end.

©2023 Savdek Management Proprietary Limited (P)2023 Blackstone Publishing

Miss Prim wins.

As always Ms Lauren’s delivers an amazing romance. This book was great just enough romance intrigue and family.

Still love the Cynsters

I have been a fan of Stephanie Laurens and her Cynster series from the very beginning and I still love seeing the family and all the offspring in this second generation as well. This one is exactly what you have come to expect from this series and keeps me coming back for more.

Matthew Brenner is the voice of these stories for me and I couldn't listen to anyone else voicing the Cynster family.

Good story!

Excellent narration- he is always good! This book is entertaining and engaging! Would definitely recommend!

Tops for Recent Historical Romance

This is one of the better Historical Romance novels in recent years, and Laurens is at the top of HR writers. I have played this a minimum of 12 times - in between other books and series- and just realized I haven’t yet written my review. Egads!

It starts with Wylde being too drunk to drive his carriage and Meg having to “rescue” him and his horses. Instead of a neighbor, Wylde proposes to Meg when they are found in a compromising position. Because of their places in society, they are forced to move forward as if the engagement was true. He needs to be married within a few months, but someone is trying to compromise or kill Meg beforehand. The best part is Wylde’s honor throughout and how they begin to see how absolutely right they are for each other - on all levels.
Brenher was ok on narration and a male voice worked for the story.

Good

While little to no angst between the H and h, which I appreciate, the romance rolled along nicely. There is a villain and peril to our pair which keeps things interesting and engaging.