THE BEGUILEMENT OF LADY EUSTACIA CAVANAUGH is the third book in the βCavanaughsβ series by Stephanie Laurens. As with most books by Stephanie Laurens, I adored reading THE BEGUILEMENT OF LADY EUSTACIA CAVANAUGH. This book is slightly different from other books in this series in that the focus is almost totally on the romance that develops between the hero and heroine. Usually in a book by this author the romance and mystery are equal. The mystery and element of danger is off in the distance and sneaks up on the main characters. Much like in DEVILβS BRIDE, this hero must discover what is preventing the heroine from even considering marriage and persuade her to change her mind. Although Frederick, Marquess of Albury is no Devil Cynster, heβs suitably charming and a perfect match for Stacie.
Stacie is a woman on a mission when she first meets Frederick. While intelligent and normally self-possessed, Stacie is passionate about promoting local musicians. Itβs popular for members of high society to support and showcase musicians from other countries, even though there is plenty of local talent. Seeing this injustice, Stacie vows to make things right. Enter the very attractive, though reserved, Marquess of Albury. Frederickβs musical skills are great but rarely exhibited and would be the perfect draw to a showcase of local musicians. There is an initial physical attraction between these two, but itβs a mutual respect and admiration that leads to deeper feelings. Of course, the fact that Stacie isnβt intentionally trying to capture his attention is both baffling and incredibly intriguing. I like the way Stacie and Frederick work as a team while trying to achieve their goal. Frederick is first to realize that his feelings for Stacie are intense and something heβd like to turn into a more long-term commitment. Stacieβs mother is the main reason she has such a warped view of herself in relation to men and romantic love. I find Stacieβs psychological baggage fascinating and like something out of an Alfred Hitchcock film. Frederick proves to be the right man to help Stacie work through her issues since he appreciates the woman she is and provides the love and understanding she needs.
THE BEGUILEMENT OF LADY EUSTACIA CAVANAUGH has a perfectly paired couple who find happiness together through a shared love of music. I loved this strong heroine, music-themed love story, and having a villainβs evil scheme thwarted. I eagerly await Stephanie Laurensβ next book.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens continues the bold tales of the Cavanaugh siblings as the sole Cavanaugh sister discovers that love truly does conquer all. A lady with a passion for music and the maestro she challenges in pursuit of a worthy cause find themselves battling villains both past and present as they fight to secure life’s greatest rewards—love, marriage, and family.
Stacie—Lady Eustacia Cavanaugh—is adamant marriage is not for her. Haunted by her parents’ unhappy union, Stacie believes that, for her, marriage is an unacceptable risk. Wealthy and well-born, she needs for nothing, and with marriage off the table, to give her life purpose, she embarks on a plan to further the careers of emerging local musicians by introducing them to the ton via a series of musical evenings. Yet despite her noble status, Stacie requires a musical lure to tempt the haut ton to her events, and in the elevated circles she inhabits, only one musician commands sufficient cachet—the reclusive and notoriously reluctant Marquess of Albury.
Frederick, Marquess of Albury, has fashioned a life for himself as a musical scholar, one he pursues largely out of sight of the ton. He might be renowned as a virtuoso on the pianoforte, yet he sees no reason to endure the smothering over-attentiveness of society. Then his mother inveigles him into meeting Stacie, and the challenge she lays before him is…tempting. On a number of fronts. Enough for him not to immediately refuse her.
A dance of subtle persuasion ensues, and step by step, Frederick finds himself convinced that Stacie’s plan has real merit and that it behooves him to support her. At least for one event.
Stacie’s first musical evening, featuring Frederick as the principal performer, is a massive success—until Fate takes a hand and lands them in a situation that forces them both to reassess.
Does Frederick want more than the sterile, academic life he’d thought was for him?
Can Stacie overcome her deepest fears and own to and reach for her girlhood dreams?
Impulsive, arrogant, and used to getting his own way, Frederick finds his answer easily enough, but his new direction puts him on a collision course with Stacie’s fears. Luckily, he thrives on challenges—which is just as well, because in addition to convincing Stacie that love can, indeed, conquer all, he and she must unravel the mystery of who is behind a spate of murderous attacks before the villain succeeds in eliminating all hope of a happy ending.
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