FOES, FRIENDS AND LOVERS is the tenth book in the “Cynsters Next Generation” historical romance series by Stephanie Laurens. Gregory Cynster inherited Bellamy Hall from his great-aunt. He’s headed there with no inkling of the hive of activity that awaits him. Bellamy Hall is not your average country estate. Likewise, Caitlin Fergusson is not your average chatelaine. Caitlin also doubles as steward for the estate and is another in a long line of strong and fabulous heroines written by Stephanie Laurens. Inevitably, Gregory is attracted to her strength, intelligence, and beauty, and falls for her. This is my favorite type of romance – with the hero and heroine working together toward a common goal, and to thwart a villain.
This story is told from alternating perspectives, which allows the reader to get a better understanding of the two main characters. At the opening of this book, Gregory expects to settle into a somewhat quiet life in the country. What he walks into is a self-sustaining co-operative of artistic and inventive people keeping the estate running under the steadfast stewardship of Caitlin Fergusson. Gregory’s reaction is an example of why Stephanie Laurens is one of my favorite historical romance authors. With a different author writing this story, there might be some blowup between Gregory and Caitlin, with some harsh words and histrionics that go on for a good chunk of the book. That doesn’t happen here. Gregory is naturally surprised by the way things are run, but he quickly comes to appreciate the setup and the people involved in benefitting the estate. He looks to see how he can best help rather than make any demands. He also quickly develops an admiration, paired with the immediate physical attraction, for Caitlin. Caitlin feels the connection as well, but there are obstacles. Thankfully, these obstacles are not something that take the entire book to resolve. I would characterize this love story as a “slow burn”, because although the initial attraction sparks soon after meeting, the relationship builds as the story progresses. Working together, sharing longing looks, and engaging in snappy banter all contribute to the sexual tension that simmers over several chapters.
The element of danger in FOES, FRIENDS AND LOVERS sort of snuck up on me. In some previous books in this series, the author gives you the perspective of the unknown villain lurking in the shadows. In this book, the bulk of the story is about Bellamy Hall and Gregory and Caitlin finding their way together. The relationship is firmly established before any trouble shows up on the horizon. In this story, it becomes very evident who the villain is. The mystery is not “who” but “why”. Just as the romance is a slow burn in FOES, FRIENDS AND LOVERS, the danger presented by the villain builds slowly – from a minor irritant to an epic conclusion.
FOES, FRIENDS AND LOVERS is a delightful romance with a superb supporting cast of characters. I look forward to the next Stephanie Cynster novel set in the world of the Cynster family.
Gregory Cynster arrives at the property willed to him by his great-aunt with the intention of converting Bellamy Hall into a quiet, comfortable, gentleman's country residence, only to discover the Hall overrun by an eclectic collection of residents engaged in a host of business endeavors under the stewardship of a lady far too young to be managing such reins.
With the other residents of the estate, Caitlin Fergusson has been planning just how to deal with the new owner, but coming face to face with Gregory Cynster throws her and everyone else off their stride. They'd anticipated a bored and disinterested gentleman who, once they'd revealed the income generated by the Hall's community, would be content to leave them undisturbed.
Instead, while Gregory appears the epitome of the London rake they'd expected him to be, they quickly learn he's determined to embrace Bellamy Hall and all its works and claim ownership of the estate.
While the other residents adjust their thinking, the burden of dealing daily with Gregory falls primarily on Caitlin's slender shoulders, yet as he doggedly carves out a place for himself, Caitlin's position as chatelaine-cum-steward seems set to grow redundant. But Caitlin has her own reasons for clinging to the refuge her position at Bellamy Hall represents.
What follows is a dance of revelations, both of others and also of themselves, for Gregory, Caitlin, and the residents of Bellamy Hall. Yet even as they work out what their collective future might hold, a shadowy villain threatens to steal away everything they've created.
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