The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh audiobook

I just love the way Stephanie Laurens write,her deep stroke and detailed descriptions that only amplified the power of love in this story.Her first book i have ever read had been "In Pursuit of Eliza Cynster" that i read couple of years ago and are one of the best novels i have ever read and "The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh" are just as good!In the former books the Cynster women got a necklace that would help them find their true heroes,so in this book the strongly independent Mary Cynster never imagined that it would be her nemesis,the fiercely resolute Ryder Cavanaugh that suspiciously shows up in every place she visits just to irritate her...and charm the hell out of her!I loved how Mary searched and chased after suitable husbands,and Ryder was just behind her to steal her off everytime!I completely fell in love with both characters,their banter and awesome chenmistry was off-page electrifying!This book brought mix of humor,romance,adventure and mystery.I smiled so wide many times that people around me wondered what i was reading and i just blushed as an answer!This book is the sweet and perfect kind of romance for me,Ryder and Mary are the kind of couple who will always depend on each other,their wondrous passion and need of each other would never lessen even if they would live 100 years more.

Originally posted at http://smexybooks.com/2013/06/review-...Favorite Quote: “If you think I’m going to be the first female in my family to go to the altar a virgin, you’re mistaken.”The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh is a romance story in the truest form and provides us with a wrap up to the original Cynster series. We witness the last Cynster (of age) to marry-Miss Mary Cynster. I have been a huge fan of this series since reading the first book-Devil’s Bride. Mary is first seen in Devil’s Bride as a young child who holds vigil with the rest of the family when her brother Tolly is killed. That being the catalyst to bringing Honoria and Devil together. I am astounded that it’s been fifteen years since the first book published .Mary Cynster is thrilled when her sister, Henrietta, finally finds her true love and the family necklace comes to her. This talisman is supposed to direct the wearer to her hero. Unfortunately for Mary, it seems to be directing her towards someone she is positive is not the one for her-Ryder Cavanaugh, the Marquess of Raventhorne. Mary doesn’t want a man whose temperament and willpower rivals hers. She wants a man that she can direct; as to retain her independence. Mary knows deep down that Ryder is not a man who will ever dance to her tune. Besides, she is convinced it is his half brother, Randolph, who is her perfect match.Ryder Cavanaugh has never been particularly interested in marriage, but from his first meeting with Mary and her seemingly lack of interest in him, he finds himself taken with this woman and the challenge she presents. Everyone knows the quickest way to send Ryder running the other way is to lavish him with attention; her lack is her undoing. Once Ryder learns she has her eye on his younger brother, he proceeds to shadow her, showing up at various functions and striving to prove to her that Randolph is definitely not the one for her. Ryder decides she is to be his future marchioness and proceeds to set the stage for her conquest. Mary has other plans, though .“I’m not going to allow you to seduce me.” A reckless challenge. He was curious as to how she thought she might stop him, but all he said was, “Just don’t try to avoid me-trust me, that won’t work.”He wouldn’t allow it.When Ryder is attacked by footpads and suffers a potentially fatal wound, Mary finds him and uses her formidable skills to rally the troops and saves his life. She decides to stay at his home to oversee his recovery. Ryder’s stepmother swoops down on them with two gossipy friends in tow, effectively catching Mary and Ryder together alone. She seals their matrimonial fate and Ryder finds himself getting exactly what he wanted.Though still not as action packed as earlier novels, The Taming Of Ryder Cavanaugh did have the dry humor and a steamy romance that are trademark to Ms. Lauren’s novels; it just lacked the intrigue and suspense. You discover early on who the villain is and the reasons behind their criminal activities. A smooth plot line that delicately reveals itself along a steady paced story, I found it was the characters who completely dominate this story. Mary and Ryder are perfect for each other. Both are intelligent, sensuous, natural born leaders who complete each other-like two halves of a puzzle. While Mary have never seriously contemplated marriage to Ryder, she realizes once he proposes that she has already begin to fall for him. He effectively wooed her all those weeks as she was chasing his brother. Mary decides that she will tame her “lion” and her plays of seduction leave him both confused and enchanted. He has met his match in Mary and he, unlike some alpha heroes, chooses to nurture and uphold her spirit rather than attempt to crush it. Ryder doesn’t want or need to dominate her, though he is fiercely protective of her. He doesn’t ask she surrender all her control to him. They are equals and that in itself further wins Mary’s heart.Ryder is quite the gentleman though when his growly side comes out, you understand just why Mary went willingly into marriage with him. Seductive, playful, and experienced; he uses all his tricks to bind Mary to him both in and out of bed, but only ends up trapping himself. A place he is very happy to be. This is not to say he is a pushover. Not at all. He is just like Devil (Devil’s Bride-book one) in alpha-ness, but he realizes that his happiness is dependent on Mary’s so he does everything possible to make sure she never regrets marrying him. Their love scenes are more tell then show (Laurens has always had a bit of a heavy hand with the lyrical prose in her love making scenes) but their smoking hot chemistry leaps from the pages. I love that while Ryder may be the more experienced, he has no qualms about letting Mary take control in the bedroom. And when he realizes she likes to watch him undress…the gloves, err, I mean, the waistcoats, come off slowly. Plenty of humor in their relationship makes for some hilarious scenes and dialogue.Ryder cast his eyes assessingly over the mare, then lifted Mary to her saddle. He watched as she settled and accepted the reins from the groom. “I take it she’s from Demon’s stables?” “Yes.” She looped the reins through her gloved fingers with casual expertise. “He provides all the family’s horses.” “I’ve heard he’s careful about matching horses to riders.” Clearly recognizing the question behind his statement, she smiled and nodded. “Indeed—­he refuses to let us ride any beast we can’t control.” Leaning forward, she smoothed a palm over the mare’s glossy neck. Arched a brow as she met his eyes. “So we all learn to control the animals we ride.”The majority of the book is watching Mary and Ryder dance, spar, fall in love, and settle into marriage. No real conflict between them at all. That surprised me. I expected a bit more coercing on Ryder’s part. Maybe a past lover putting up a fight to keep Ryder in her bed or resistance from the Cynster circle as to Ryder’s age or past escapades.. Their journey to marriage and even beyond is all very easy and tame. The action doesn’t pick up until the last quarter as our villain goes to extreme lengths to destroy this couple. I would have liked some explanation as to some of the accidents that happened. We never learn exactly HOW they were accomplished and it bears reasoning that in some instances, they should have never been able to happen. I did enjoy the various Cynsters that were woven in throughout the story. It isn’t often we get so many of them in one book and with such stage time. The main conflict is climatic in that all is explained (though, as I stated earlier, it’s very easy to figure out) and the ending wraps everything up nice and neat. We even get a wonderful long epilogue showing all the Cynsters, what they have been up to, and their plans for the future.All in all, I enjoyed this installment though I would venture to say that unless you are a faithful reader of this series, this one may be a tame historical in comparison to what’s available and also very confusing in relation to all the characters involved. Rating: B-

Además de que me he enamorado perdidamente de los protagonistas, es un historia muy bien llevada, donde el suspenso y las diferentes situaciones que se presentan en cada capítulo te mantendrán con la curiosidad al máximo.

Fantastic book. I love the Cynsters series and this was another terrific one. Mary is ready to find herself a husband. She is very strong-willed and has no intention of giving up control of her life so she wants a husband she can manage. Ryder is definitely not the type of man she wants but he has set his sights on her, and like her he is determined to get what he wants.Mary is a Cynster woman. She is independent, intelligent and strong willed. Most of the (non-Cynster) men she knows are the type who will do things their way and their wives have no say and she wants nothing to do with that type. She has set her sights on Ryder's younger brother, but as she puts her plans into motion Ryder keeps interfering. I loved the dialogue between her and Ryder from the very beginning. She doesn't hold back when talking to him and it doesn't take her long to discover that he is much more satisfying to converse with that his brother was. Pretty soon Ryder is the man on her mind but she is still reluctant to get involved with him. When she ends up in a position where marriage is the only option she decides to make the best of it. By this time she is starting to realize that Ryder is the one for her, but she also needs to make him realize that being partners is the best way to go on. One of the best quotes in the book is from a letter to Mary from Minerva, Duchess of Wolverstone: "Rather than go against them - which only results in immediately meeting the solid and instinctive wall of their resistance - I have found it pays to find a way to work with them. Once you make it clear you are entirely willing to find a way to solve whatever issue they have - that you are content to work alongside them rather than oppose them - the poor dears are usually so grateful they'll happily share the reins, and then one can steer the applecart in a more amenable direction." This makes sense to Mary and starts her evolving from the bossy control freak into a woman who knows the art of compromise. There were times that her take charge manner was exactly what was needed and others where it just didn't work. In the second half of the book they are trying to figure out who is trying to kill them. I enjoyed seeing them work together and how each was learning about the other. Ryder was an interesting hero. He had determined that it was time for him to marry, but he wanted to do it his way without interference from matchmaking mamas. He had settled on Mary as his choice and was slightly dismayed to find her pursuing his brother. He knew that they would not suit, but also knew that she would resist his advances. I loved the way that he started out by simply getting in her way over his brother, then moved on to pursuing her somewhat subtly. I loved the way that when she finally figured it out she confronted him, he listened but told her he would have her. Ryder had settled on her because she was suitable, but soon realized that her wit and attitude really appealed to him. He also wanted her because, as a Cynster, she knew and appreciated the value of family. His own family was pretty fractured and he wanted her to help him build a family like hers. He was also determined to stay in control of his emotions, though that became increasingly harder. When he was attacked and nearly killed it was Mary who saved his life. It also put her in a compromising position that Ryder immediately took advantage of: "I haven't reached where I am today without learning to take advantage of every blessing Fate sends my way. So no, I won't be searching for any way to undo what Fate has done." I love the way that he seems to understand her so well. He is protective and possessive but he is also accepts that her traits are what make her the woman she is so he doesn't try to change her. He still spends a lot of time trying to convince himself that his emotions are still completely under his control, when they obviously are not. Especially as she becomes the focus of the attacks he begins to realize that he needs her in his life. The final one really brings it home as they fear they have really reached a point of no escape. I loved the way that the mystery of the attacks played out and how it allows the Cavanaugh family to move on.One of the best parts of the book is the epilogue as the entire family gathers for its summer retreat. Honoria and the original Cynster brides talk about the family and how far it has come. The importance of family is reinforced as they note that Mary was the last of the current group to get married. They also talk about their children and what they will be like when it's their turn. I especially liked Honoria's thought about trying to manage Devil when their daughters come of age. I hope this sets the stage for books about the next generation, who will be living at the beginning of the Victorian period.

I liked this so much! There was little to no angst between Ryder and Mary. We got to see them interact and fall in love. I was surprised by who the villain was...didn't expect it from the glimpses we got of them, but at the same time, I'm probably dense in not seeing it LOLThe epilogue was wonderful! We get to see all the children from the couples we've come to love. I get that Stephanie Laurens is probably setting it up for us to read their books later, but I kind of wish she'd stop here. The only way Devil and Honoria's oldest son can be a Duke is if Devil dies and I don't want to see that :)

Adorei!!

Good Ending to This Generation of CynstersTHE TAMING OF RYDER CAVANAUGH is the twentieth book in the Cynster series. It is the story of Mary Cynster who was a small child when the events of the first novel took place. Mary is a very strong woman. In many ways she reminds me of Honoria in that she will be the matriarch of her own family. Mary is looking for her own hero but Ryder Cavanaugh is looking at her for a potential wife. Mary and Ryder are simply adorable. Ryder may be a rake but he has a soft heart and really wants to build a strong family. I really like these books where the conflict between the characters is small. The real conflict is who is trying to kill Ryder. Laurens does a great job her of having these characters drawn together by the threats that come upon them. I also really liked how Mary refuses to allow herself to become a victim that needs to be protected. Ryder and Mary are a team. For me, the best Cynster books are the ones where the main characters work as a unit to solve the mystery. This book is one of the better books. For fans of the series, the epilogue is wonderful. It was really special to see all the couple and their children. Having Honoria and Devil see what their live together has helped create was so moving. They are still my favorite couple and I look forward to reading about the next generation.I'd rate this book a 4.25.

Once again I just fell in love with they whole Cynster family, and by extension the Cavanaugh family. This book will keep you laughing and worrying throughout much of it. I liked how Ryder was a smart enough man that he knew what he needed to do in order to claim Mary as his own. That he needed to let her figure things out for himself and not really push the issue. Both Mary and Ryder are strong willed people who would rather people follow them instead of giving them orders. They are very much alike, and it is fun seeing them do the so romance dance as they truly fall in love. But you also have the mystery here, because someone is trying to hurt them. I do have to admit that they mystery in this book was really good, I had an inking of who the culprit was but often second guessed myself as time went on. But I do think that ir was the interactions between the families with Mary and Ryder that I enjoyed the most. From Mary's close nit Cynster family who was always there to lend a hand, to Ryder and his not so warm step-mother and his younger half siblings. I love the fact that Ryder initially pursued Mary because he wanted for his family what she has with hers. If you have read any of the other Cynster books you will love this one, I think this one has to be among my favorites from this family.

For now, the last of the Cynster books, as it will take some years before the next generation is ready to be married. I was looking forward to this one, and not disappointed in the least. Even when I thought the book would become predictable, it did not, Stephanie Laurens gave her own twists to some common tropes.Finally it is time for Mary Cynster to find her own true hero. Of course, organized as she is, she has already selected him herself; she just needs the Lady’s necklace to confirm her choice. And she needs the infuriating Ryder Cavanaugh to leave her alone, while she focuses on his younger half brother Randolph. Mary wants a man she can manage, so she can lead her own life, and not be subject to the alpha tendencies like those of her male relatives, and the husbands of her sisters and cousins. And Randolph comes from one of the oldest families in the realm, just like the Cynsters are, so this will be a perfect match. Ryder certainly is not used to getting dismissed like this tiny girl just did. He is one of the acknowledged lions of the ton, a rake, but he knows it is time he is married and start his own family. And he wants to find his own bride before the matchmaking ladies of the ton decide it is time as well, and throw their daughters, friends’ and relatives’ daughters at him at every opportunity. And now Mary Cynster has caught his eye. He likes her, and has known her from a distance for some years now, and she is the last of her generation. The last chance for many families to make an alliance with the mighty Cynster clan. With Henriette just getting engaged, the focus is not yet on Mary, but it will be soon. When Ryder finds out that Mary has set her sights on Randolph, he tells her that Randolph is all wrong for her, he is not mature enough yet, and she just scares him. Mary does not believe him of course, but observation sure makes him right. So now she has to find someone else. Ryder tries to help her, with telling her details about the men she seems interested in, and in the mean time securing a place by her side for most of the time. And he does manage to claim a waltz with her every time, ensuring she is not immune to him after all. Yes, Mary is attracted to Ryder, but she certainly does not consider him husband material. He is way too arrogant and managing himself, she will not be able to set him to her hand. But Ryder manages to surprise her, by telling her that as his wife, he would give her a lot of leeway, and not always dictate to her. Before she can digest that tempting bit, on her way home with her parents’ carriage, Mary sees Ryder (who always went home on foot, as it is faster, and who would dare attack a man as huge as he is), stumble out of an alley and collapse. She makes the carriage stop, and runs to his side. Handling things as quickly and efficiently as she is used to, Mary literally saves his life with putting pressure on the wound in his side, while her servants fetch his to take him home. The doctor sews him back together, but the fact that he stays unconscious, is not good. Mary is determined to stay at his side, not willing to let him die without her ever having the chance to contemplate marriage to him for real. She will bully him back to life if she must. Sending of a note to her parents about her whereabouts, she makes her self comfortable for her vigil. As Ryder has the constitution of an ox, and he heals fast, he does regain consciousness a few hours later, and is happily surprised to see Mary next to his bed. So when early the next morning the doorbell rings, she is convinced it is her parents, coming to check up on her. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Ryder’s stepmother, who hates and loathes him, has come for a visit with two of the biggest gossips of London in her wake. And when she spots Mary on the stairs, she rudely barges into Ryder’s bedroom to confront them. Ryder hides being wounded very well, and tells her that Mary is his fiancée. Mary knows it is the only solution possible to avoid a scandal, and that they have no other choice, so she is very reasonable about it all. Ryder has already made clear to her that he wants her as his wife, she just wanted some time to get to know each other better, before she made her decision. And now it is out of her hands. And so, after a quick courtship and wedding between two very powerful characters, they are off to his country seat to enjoy their honeymoon, and for Mary to get used to the part of being a Marchioness. And to make her husband truly love her, as Cynsters always marry for love. But danger follows them to the country, where this time it is Mary who is targeted time and again. Ryder really does not have a clue who wants him and Mary dead, he cannot believe his stepmother or half siblings have anything to do with this. Even the Cynsters and their relatives and allies cannot find anything about who is behind this all. From the first, I liked Mary. She is a very sensible and decisive young lady, used to taking the reigns and organizing whatever needs organizing. She knows she has little chance of that with Ryder, as he is way too much like her, but there is that powerful attraction between them, and he is the first man she came across when she wore the Ladies’ necklace for the first time. How can she find out if he is her true hero after all? Still, all the signs seem to point at him.Ryder longs for a family of his own, and a better bond with his half siblings, something that is not really possible with his stepmother hating him so much. He envies the Cynsters their family life and really wants that for himself and his family. So in that part, he makes a good choice with Mary, she knows how to be part of a large and loving family. She also entertains him and he finds himself having conversations with her about a lot of different topics, she is really smart as well as beautiful. I liked both Mary and Ryder, I thought Ryder would be more controlling and alpha, but he was not. He gave Mary the time and space she needs, and did not set about seducing her to make her see reason, as happens so often in historical romances. Instead, it was Mary who came to his bed in the middle of the night and would not take no for an answer. I have to admit, I did have to look up a few words in the google dictionary. Stephanie Laurens does have a wonderful way with words but she does not use short and easy ones. Her books contain a lot of dialogue, both internally and face to face, and she has a very distinctive writing style. I would recognize her writing anytime. I have been a fan of her books for over 25 years now, and I hope to be able to read them for at least 25 years more. A few books ago, I was getting bored with the Black Cobra books as they were too similar in my opinion, but with the Cynster Sisters, she totally made them fresh again. As an epilogue, the whole extended family is together, and it was fun to see them interact, and to meet all their many children. There sure are some hellions to watch out for in future books! I am looking forward to her new series.9 stars.© 2013 Reviews by Aurian

** spoiler alert ** I loved this romance! Definitely a favorite among these recent reads. Mary and Ryder have such an interesting dynamic. Both are assertive but not in a way that’s downright abrasive. They bicker but it’s sweet and you realize they do truly care for each other. I am forever in love with the “area man horrified to discover he is in love with own wife” trope and thus this was really sweet. Their moment together when they thought they’d die was lovely. I love a good unbending of pride. In general, I thoroughly enjoyed this.

Another brilliant read from Stephanie..