Devil Information

Selecting cheap wedding  party favour s to give to your guests will go a long way to having the perfect modern  wedding without costing you a fortune, so it is a good idea to slim down  costs wherever possible.
However, just because your inexpensive wedding favors are low cost doesn’t mean they can’t still be nice and memorable. With just a little bit of creativity and cleverness, you can give your guests a lovely token of your marriage without going over your budget.

Whatever mode of wedding you choose to have, a small wedding favor for everyone is never out of fashion. Remember, in addition to their gifts to the newlyweds, guests have also given the honor of their presence.

Therefore, it is polite to show your gratitude by sending them home with a small token of appreciation. As your guest list grows larger, so does the possible expense of your wedding favors. For this cause, many couples are taking advantage of the cheap yet beautiful wedding favors now available.

A good tip to remember when shopping for inexpensive wedding favors components is to avoid purchasing items with a distinct wedding subject pre-printed on them, That cute little box shaped like a miniature wedding cake is likely to cost much more than another equally cute favor box. Another great idea for wedding favors are to use small candles.

Candles are a very popular and fashionable at the moment, so they are just the thing, especially considering how garish they can be. Another advantage to using candles for your wedding favors is that they can also be used as part of your decorations at the reception before being sent home with your guests.

You can take it a step further by lowering the lights and burning the candles at the tables, creating a lovely candlelit ambiance for your romantic jubilation. Once you nicely decorate the candles according to your theme, added your names and the wedding date, and given them your own creative personal touch, you have made some low cost wedding favors, but still beautiful, for your special day.

Devil of the Highlands

They call him the Devil . . .

He is the most notorious laird of Scotland: fierce, cold, deadly . . . and maybe even worse. Yet Evelinde has just agreed to wed him. Anything, she thinks, is better than her cruel stepmother. Though Evelinde should be wary of the rumors, she can’t help but be drawn to this warrior . . . for the Devil of the Highlands inspires a heat within her that is unlike anything she has ever known.

They may call him whatever they wish, but Cullen, Laird of Donnachaidh, cares only for the future of his clan. He must find a wife, a woman to bear him sons and heed his commands. He has no need for beauty or grace, but one taste of his lovely bride’s sweet lips and the sultry feel of her skin arouse an untamed passion. Perhaps there’s more to marriage than he thought . . .

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Epilogue please
I enjoy Sands, but whats so hard about leaving readers with a look in the future of the main characters. i hate when there is not an epilogue and I will check to make sure there is one before I buy another book. That why I rated 3 stars instead of 4. Other than that great one day read.

5 Stars The Devil of Donnachaidh
This is a great read. Lynsay Sands’ descriptive ability creates vivid images in your mind. I can just see Evelinde riding her horse with her gown trailing behind her trying to dry it.

I have always enjoyed the hilarity in all Lynsay Sands’ books. I usually read paranormal romance and Sands’ Argeneau Vampire Series were so funny that I picked up this novel for a peak at her historical romances. I was so happy it encouraged me to seek out all her historical romances.

3 Stars Lacks the wit and charm of Sands’ usual style
After finishing a long-awaited historical by Lynsay Sands, I have just one thing to say: What happened to the funny? Sands has always delivered laugh out loud outrageousness, regardless of genre. But although there are a few, small amusing scenes, not one of the made me smile, let alone laugh.

As an historical romance, it’s perfectly fine. The characters are fine, if a bit stereotypical, and the plot is predictable and easily figured out. In short–it’s just another rubber stamp historical without any of the wit, charm and humor that Sands normally puts in her writing.

2 Stars Dullard of the Highlands and his whiny wife
*sigh* I actually enjoy Lynsay Sands usually. I’ve read all of her vampire books and they’re fun, quick reads. This was the first historical by her that I’ve read. I already own “The Brat”, so it might not be my last, but I’m kind of hoping it would be.

The biggest complaint that I probably have is that if I totaled all of the dialogue in this 351 page book, it MIGHT cover 8 or so pages. Seriously, these people don’t talk to each other at ALL. That’s a bone of contention between the hero and heroine, so I’m being a bit tongue in cheek, but only somewhat. I’d rather have prose than dialogue if it’s just unnecessary dialogue, but SOME is always a good thing.

The mystery was just silly. Evelinde is a combination of smart and dumb-@zz stupid. Cullen is a decent enough guy (especially for the time period), but he seems almost… slow. And I’m not talking about his reticence. I’m just referring to how long it takes him to understand what’s going on.

Everyone relies WAAAY too much on their “feelings” of whether someone’s guilty or not. The “decision” that Evelinde makes to solve the mysteries is done completely off-hand, without any thought or care for how she was going to do it. The mystery was solved so easily, and so quickly, that the idea that it may have remained unsolved for 12 or so years is absolutely absurd!

While in her other books this author writes a decent and hot sex scene, the ones in this book seem completely out of place. They are short, the content isn’t within character of the hero and heroine, and there’s no heat whatsoever. They are completely uninspired. And considering how poor they are, there are too many of them. I’d rather have fewer, better scenes, but if they’re going to be bad, please spare me the frequency.

There are only a few things that redeem this book at all, thus earning it two stars rather than one (although it’s still not as bad as some of the 1 star books I’ve read, and I’ve got to give it credit for that).

First was the wedding. That was cute and amusing. I like the idea of her “flopping” like a “fish”. Then again, so many of the phrases used in that regard are out of place in a 13th century novel.

Second were the characters of Mildrede and Mac. They were cute and fun characters. They were probably the most “real” of any in the book. Mildrede having to be “calmed” when Edda was cruel to Evelinde was cute. I liked that Mac became Cullen’s confidant. They’re good foils.

Third was that there was some comedy in it. It was a relatively quick book, and that’s sometimes just what you want. But I’d rather have a quick GOOD read than one that I just… well… don’t like!

Skip this one; read her vamp books instead!

4 Stars Devil of the Highlands
Cullen Laird of Donnachaid didn’t care what people thought of him; all he cared about was protecting his clan. His only need for a wife was to bear his children and follow his orders and nothing more but his needs quickly changed when he met his bride Evelinde.

Evelinde thought her husband to be cold, heartless and frightening from the rumors she heard about him, but if marrying him meant she would be away from her evil stepmother, then so be it. For all she thought her husband to be, Evelinde never expected the strong feelings of passion he evoked in her and the need only he could satisfy.

Devil of The Highlands was good. I found Cullen to be rather likable but wasn’t very crazy about Evelinde. Cullen was the strong silent type and although he didn’t speak much, he is what kept me interested in the story. I liked the mystery aspect of the story and the supporting characters added some comedic relief as well. All in all Devil of the Highlands was an entertaining story and a good read for historical romance lovers.

Ley

Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

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Devils Bride Cynster Novels

To Have…

When Devil, the most infamous member of the Cynster family, is caught in a compromising position with plucky governess Honoria Wetherby, he astonishes the entire tom by offering his hand in marriage. No one dreamed this scandalous rake would ever take a bride. And as society mamas swooned at the loss of England’s most eligible bachelor, Devil’s infamous Cynster cousins began to place wagers on the wedding date.

…And To Hold

But Honoria wasn’t about to bend society’s demands and marry a man “just” because they’d been found together virtually unchaperoned. No, she craved adventure, and while solving the murder of a young Cynster cousin fit he ill for a while, she decided that once the crime was solved she’d go off to see the world. But the scalding heat of her unsated desire for Devil soon had Honoria craving a very different sort of excitement. Could her passion for Devil cause her to embrace the enchanting peril of a lifelong adventure of the heart?

TO HAVE. . .

When Devil, the most infamous member of the Cynster family, is caught in a compromising position with plucky governess Honoria Wetherby, he astonishes the entire tom by offering his hand in marriage. No one dreamed this scandalous rake would ever take a bride. And as society mamas swooned at the loss of Englands most eligible bachelor, Devils infamous Cynster cousins began to place wagers on the wedding date.

. . .AND TO HOLD

But Honoria wasnt about to bend societys demands and marry a man just because theyd been found together virtually unchaperoned. No, she craved adventure, and while solving the murder of a young Cynster cousin fit he ill for a while, she decided that once the crime was solved shed go off to see the world. But the scalding heat of her unsated desire for Devil soon had Honoria craving a very different sort of excitement. Could her passion for Devil cause her to embrace the enchanting peril of a lifelong adventure of the heart?

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars I really enjoyed this book, but where’s my “I love you!”
*gasp* Where’s my “I love you?” I never realized how important this was until I finished this book and realized our hero never says it to his heroine. I even went back and skimmed through the book again, sure I had missed it. Grrrr.

Besides that, this was a really good book. I enjoyed it, immensely. Devil was adorable, with his puffed up sense of importance, and Honoria was exactly the type of no nonsense woman he needed to keep him in line. These two have quite a love affair and the fact that it had plenty of sexy love scenes was just icing on the cake. The book starts out with a bang, with the murder of Devil’s cousin which Honoria happened to come across right at the end. This forces our hero and heroine to spend the night together and of course the following morning everyone thinks they have been caught in flagrante delicto. Devil then proceeds to inform everyone that he will be marrying Miss Honoria as soon as his period of mourning for his cousin is over. Honoria is quite adamant that they will not be marrying but with the sort of suave manipulations that Devil has been using all his life, he soon manuevers her right where he wants her. Into his arms and into his bed.

Their lovemaking was just so much fun! I loved how Devil wanted a clear and concise declaration from Honoria that she was accepting his suit before he allowed her to seduce him. I laughed when he said that, then kicked her out of his bedroom. Priceless.

The plot involving the entire Cynster family was at first pretty intricate but it quickly turns into a tried and true battle over title and money. Stephanie Laurens threw in enough twists and turns to make it fresh and interesting, though, and the villain was dastardly enough to make it all worthwhile.

This was my first Cynster book and I enjoyed it all so much. I loved all the new characters, especially all the Cynster men and I am looking forward to reading more and testing out their invincibility complex once all these delicious men find their own ladies. All the men seem to have their own sense of personality and flair and they all seemed so mysterious and intriguing. It was extremely enjoyable reading about the scion of this proud and noble family, Devil Cynster, and how he fell so hard and fast for Honoria. While he may never say, “I love you,” it was plain as day he did, so it wasn’t too bad. There is a scene when he thinks Honoria has betrayed him and his cold anger and jealousy was thrilling and shiver inducing and believable as only a man in love could be. I can’t wait to read more.

2 Stars If you don’t like the adjective ‘regally’, don’t read this book!
The first part of this book was a total disaster. Honoria was supposed to be determined, and confident, and independent. But despite this, she let the hero, who was an arrogant bully, lead her around. ***spoiler warning!*** He kept telling her they are going to get married. She kept telling him no. But she let him get away with not just words, but actions as well – presenting her as his bride, installing her in his house, commanding her, kissing her whenever he felt like doing it… And she didn’t want any of this. Except for his kisses – because whenever he kissed her, she couldn’t think anymore. And even if they were in a middle of a fight, all he had to do was kiss her and she would forget everything. Come on! I hate heroines who can be controlled by simple kisses, especially if the hero is as unlikable as this one!

Then Honoria wakes up one morning and decides that her dreams of Africa were only a childish dreams, and that she is in love with Devil and that she will indeed marry him. Oh, what a surprise! And I forgot to mention – everything she did up until this point she did ‘regally’. This adjective was used so many times that I was going mad!!!! She sat regally, she nodded regally, she walked regally, she stood regally, she lifted her chin regally… Oh, come on!!

Well, the middle part of the book was quite fine, and the time when Devil wanted to give her time to freely decide whether to marry him or not was actually quite funny. But unfortunately, this part didn’t last. Soon, the adjective ‘regally’ came along again, and there were a few so very long and so very boring love scenes that I almost fell asleep at the spot. I like love scenes, but I don’t want to read 10 pages about how he kissed her and another 10 about how he kissed her breasts and another 10 about how he undressed her and another 10 about how they finally made it… So very boring!

Then there was the ‘mysterious’ killer, and the way they tried to discover him… Boring. And the final confrontation… And then they decided to simply burn their cousin at he spot. But they wanted to make it look like an accident, like the hut simply caught fire. Oh, but the furniture managed to escape in time, so it didn’t burn. And no one came to see what was burning. Oh, and did I mention it that I hate it when the hero finds out the heroine is pregnant in a middle of a crowd? It could be one of the sweetest moments of the book, but the opportunity was wasted. But that is all this book is – a wasted opportunity!

2 Stars So Glad I Didn’t Buy It
This is the second Stephanie Laurens book I’ve read and it will definitely be my last. I borrowed it because it reviewed so highly, but was disgusted at the end of 30 pages. Like several other reviewers I was incredulous that Devil was planning his marriage to a woman he had just met as his dying young cousin lay steps away. Predictable plot, uninteresting characters with stupid names, and many historical inaccuracies. It was a chore to finish.

5 Stars Naughty and just postively a wonderful read!
I don’t remember what made me decide to select this series to read, someone mentioned it on PBS I think. So in true me style. I collected all 15 books published in the Cynster series, before reading the first one. And I can say another GREAT choice of mine. This book is wonderfully written. Taking you through a colorful mystery of a family murder, as well as throwing that lovely Regency romance at you. Honoria is a wonderfully strong minded, stubborn female. And she’s put up against the Duke of St Ives Devil Cynster. And what a DEVIL he truly is. He will set any ladies spine a tingling. If you like romance, and you like action. Give this book a read. You will meet the strong clan of Cynster men, their Women, and help solve a murder Mystery.

5 Stars LOVE those Cynsters and the story, but Honoria – not so much!
Stephanie Laurens is one of a kind. I love the Cynster family and her series on The Bastion Club. I fell in love with Devil immediately and that is the only reason this gets 5 stars instead of 4. While there is much to admire about Honoria’s character and independence, many times I just wanted someone to slap her. Like Olympia Dukaukis’ character slapped Shirley McClain’s character in Steel Magnolias.

Honoria was too independent to the point of being not a believable character. I still love the book, the story and the Cynster family and friends.

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Devil May Care

Ellie is young, rich, engaged and in love. These are the carefree days before marriage and new responsibility, and anything goes –including house-sitting at eccentric Aunt Kate’s palatial estate in Burton, Virginia. Ellie feels right at home here with the nearly invisible housekeepers and the plethora of pets, but she soon realizes that there are disturbing secrets about the local aristocracy buried in a dusty old book she has carried into the mansion. And her sudden interest in the past is attracting a slew of unwelcome guests — some of them living and some, perhaps not. And the terrible vegeance that Ellie and her friends seem to have aroused — now aimed at them — surely cannot be…satanic.

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The Irish Devil Irish Eyes Romance

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars I haven’t even finished
This book is great and definitely a keeper. Donna FLetcher gives the reader of stubborn pride but even stronger love. I enjoyed all the characters and she goes in depth making the reader a part of their family. Fletcher gives a tale of a women who will not be broken down and a warrior whose might makes everyone quiver including the heroine, but not in fear. As they fight against the odds their love strengthens. The secondary characters are wonderful and I cannot wait for her next book.

5 Stars Just a great book
I loved this book.It is a great read. I really like how faith is a very strong person and is not scared of the irish devil. The only part i didn’t like was that her father treated her so wrong.

2 Stars 2 stars
I’m not sure whether to give this 2 or 3 stars. The writing itself is okay, and I liked the characters well enough, but the plot…. ARGH.

The heroine had survived an attempted rape/murder with her virginity intact, but with a big ol’ scar to show for it. Of course, nobody believes she’s still a virgin, and everybody thinks she’s shameless for not having the decency to die, especially the evil stepmother.

To get rid of her, they marry her off to “the devil” (WHY is it that so many historical heroes are nicknamed “the devil”? Particularly when anyone can easily see they’re just pussycats? Gah.).

And then we get the conflict. At first it’s pretty amusing, though it’s not played for laughs, that every time they start to consummate their marriage, they get interrupted. Then he sees her scar, asks about it, and when she tells him, he asks if she’s still a virgin.

She refuses to answer. FOR HALF OF THE BOOK. I do not understand this. He’s supposed to “trust her.” Um, she has to answer him first so he has something to trust or not.

And… when they finally do get around to having sex, he doesn’t want her on top (his leg’s been injured) because it’s too painful for a virgin. She asks how/when he knew, and he says he’s always known. **banging my head on the wall** ARGH.

For this we spent half the book listening to them go back and forth? And then in the last 20 pages, they decide to figure out who attacked her, and that was also extremely anticlimatic.

Okay, I decided. 2 stars it is.

5 Stars Charming romance
The Irish Devil is your typical medieval romance. Wealthy,handsome,fearsome lord of the castle marries the outcast,scarred stepchild. There’s a little mystery and plenty of sex.I found this story very romantic.

1 Star Weak
Not only is this book light on history. There is no history in it. I think it might most charitably be described as a fantasy in which the characters wear medieval costume and their social structure is loosely based on that of medieval Europe. This author appears to lack a basic grasp of the history of the period and of historical novel writing in general. Sadly, it appears that not only has she failed to do her homework, but she actually seems to hold a measure of contempt for the time period she’s writing about. I can’t help wondering why she bothered. Why not just write a contemporary?

From a historical perspective, this book’s woes begin on page one. Even the heroine’s name – Faith – is so anachronistic it’s jolting. (Naming girls after virtues is a Puritan custom that began approximately 400 years after the story takes place.) The pages that follow contain far too many historical weaknesses to name.

But it’s not just history. Anachronisms aside, this novel is just poorly written. Although she has other books in print, Ms. Fletcher is an amateur. Her work is rife with grammatical errors, dangling modifiers, misspellings and comma splices. Many words are simply misused (i.e., “limpid” instead of “limp,” “desirous” instead of “desirable”). The hero is irritating and cartoonish; the secondary characters are stereotypical. The heroine can’t decide whether she wants to be a sad caricature of everyone’s conception of a medieval lady or an independent, twentieth-century woman. The plot is flimsy and devoid of any plausible conflict.

Yes, these things do matter. Yes, they do disrupt the story. When a reader buys a book, I don’t think it’s too much to ask for the author to hold up her end of the bargain by researching her period and by brushing up on the basics of English grammar, spelling and sentence structure. This is no more than having respect for the reading public and holding to the principle that any job worth doing is worth doing well.

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