A CONQUEST IMPOSSIBLE TO RESIST is the seventh book in the Cynster Next Generation series by Stephanie Laurens. If there's one thing Prudence Cynster knows, it's horses. On the hunt for quality horses for her family's renowned stables and breeding program, Pru's search takes her to Ireland and Glengarah Castle. Deaglan Fitzgerald, Earl of Glengarah, is devilishly handsome and throwing out some serious "Mr. Rochester" vibes to make romance readers swoon. Rather than just evaluating horses, Pru and Deaglan end up evaluating each other and falling in love during the process.

Like many stories by Stephanie Laurens, there is both mystery and romance in A CONQUEST IMPOSSIBLE TO RESIST, though the romance shines through before the mystery presents itself. Stephanie Laurens is one of the few authors I know of who can balance mystery and romance equally for an entertaining story, and she does it again with this tale of love and horses. Prudence Cynster comes from a family of wealth and privilege, but one that understands and appreciates talent and hard work -- both of which she has. Although Pru could easily sit back and do nothing more than enjoy her family's wealth and attend various entertainments in high society, she prefers to work at something she loves. Horses are a vital part of her life and her family's. Her family trusts her to go on a scouting expedition to Ireland to look over the Earl of Glengarah's horses and determine whether a deal should be brokered. What Pru finds is a man with the same appreciation for horses and who values family as much as she does. I love stories in which the hero and heroine have a lot in common and work together to solve a problem or defeat some villain. Although Pru and Deaglan are ostensibly on opposite sides of the negotiating table, they recognize each other as equals and combine their mental powers to unmask the figures behind all the trouble on Deaglan's estate. The sexual tension and evocative setting of the Irish countryside and castle create a compelling picturesque world for readers to get lost in.

A CONQUEST IMPOSSIBLE TO RESIST is a tale of horses, scoundrels, and a dazzling mix of romance and mystery. Prudence Cynster is another in a long line of shrewd and confident heroines written by Stephanie Laurens, and Deaglan is a hero worthy of her. This is an absorbing mystery to curl up with on a rainy day and delight in. As always, I can't wait to read the next Stephanie Laurens historical romance.