The Romance Reader: 'The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae'

"The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae," (Avon) by Stephanie Laurens: The final of the Cynster sister kidnapping trilogy is surprisingly delightful because Stephanie Laurens veers away from the predictable plot line.

Thank goodness.

In doing so, Laurens' allows the heroine to take center stage, and Angelica performs the role flawlessly.

Laurens' version of the often-used "captor becoming the captive" plot line also gives readers a near perfect hero.

In the first two books, Dominic is introduced as a respected, revered, powerful and often feared laird. In this book, his heart is captured by the petite Angelica Cynster.

Even as Dominic abducts Angelica from a London ballroom, he behaves gallantly. And then when he asks for Angelica's help in saving his clan, rather than forcing her, he becomes an undeniable hero.

The mystery behind the kidnappings is cleared up rather early in this final book in the trilogy. Without spoiling anything, suffice it to say Dominic's mother has a twisted mind, and wants revenge for something Angelica's mother didn't really do. She's hidden a valuable object that Dominic needs to save his clan from losing all of its lands and holdings.

Thankfully, Laurens' spares readers another story about a frightened, yet confused and romantically aroused damsel being dragged page after page on a long journey with her dashing captor. Angelica's willingly partnership with Dominic puts a delightful twist on the tale, giving her the opportunity to share her wits, stubbornness and charm.

While the romantic tension is lacking, it's not missed.

Cynster fans will also delight with the several scenes involving Cynsters featured throughout the series, which began with "Devil's Bride" in 1998.

Laurens' fans get a bonus with "The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae" - consider it a reward for getting through some of the extraneous verbiage readers often have to endure (or skip) when reading a Laurens' tale - with the short story, "The Wedding Planner" included in the book.

Printed a year ago as an e-book anthology entitled "Royal Weddings" with Gaelen Foley and Loretta Chase, Laurens' contribution is a fun story about a woman who began planning weddings for family members after the death of her fiance. She's planning a royal wedding when a charming man from her past shows up as the head groomsman. She fights the attraction, he doesn't. He wins. She's glad.

Overall rating: 4 of 5 hearts. As is usually the case with Laurens' stories, the story must be excavated by sifting through a lot of excessive wordage - especially in the steamy scenes. But readers who are willing to do so will be richly awarded with a delightful story featuring perhaps one of the most charming heroines and gallant heroes you will ever meet.

Dominic is put in a wretched position by wicked mother, but his sense of honor leads him to handle the situation with aplomb. Even though he was the behind the kidnapping of the three Cynster sisters, the manner in which he did so put him beyond the pale. In particular in his story with Angelica, he is a perfect gentleman in every way and the perfect match for the independent, smart and savvy Cynster sister.

The happily-ever-after is very good, but very drawn out. And perhaps it's a bit corny that the three sisters all share a wedding, but really, what else could have happened? Even though the kidnapping trilogy is over, Laurens sets the scene for another Cynster book in the future, when Angelica gives the charmed necklace that has apparently secured her and her sisters' romantic happiness, to cousin Henrietta.

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ALSO THIS WEEK

"A Secret Wish," by Barbara Freethy (e-book ) 4 of 5 hearts. This short-story e-book is three stories in one; three women, three birthdays, three wishes. And of course in each case, they find true love. Liz is celebrating a solitary birthday when she meets John, who then whisks her off on a magical night of happiness. When she awakes the next morning, she realizes he was her wish come true but there is an obstacle they have to overcome. Angela has a loving family and a great husband she adores; but she doesn't have the baby she so desperately wants, and it looks like she never will. While sadly thinking about what she doesn't have, she encounters two girls who help her realize sometimes dreams change. Carole is celebrating her birthday in grand style, with the sort of party she always envisioned she would want with her dream-come-true life. But she realizes she isn't happy. A trip to the past she thought she had wanted to escape helps her realize what is really important -- and helps her real dream come true. This is a fun story that is quick and easy to read.

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ABOUT THE WRITER

Lezlie Patterson is a former columnist for The State newspaper in Columbia, S.C. Readers may send her email at lezlie.patterson@gmail.com.

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© 2012, McClatchy-Tribune News Service.

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