★★★★★! The Russian/Kuzan Family, book 4 of 4. Prince Stefan Bariatinsky & Countess Lisaveta’s against all-odds love-story during the Russo-Turkish War! US EDITION SERIES INFO & REVIEWRussian/Kuzan Family seriesBook 4Formats: USED paperback in US/UK. And Audiobook.(Kindle to be released worldwide in the future) The Russian/Kuzan Family series takes us to a less used setting, the Russian Empire following three generations of alpha males with amber eyes. The Kuzan family is Russian Royalty, wealthy beyond belief, entitled, worldly and sophisticated. Their stories will sweep you off your feet with the glittering ballrooms of St. Petersburg and Moscow, hunting lodges in the country, private railroad cars, European shopping excursions and much more…Susan Johnson aka C.C. Gibbs, is published by different publishers in the US and UK, hence the different titles and covers.These are stand-alones, but most enjoyed if read in order:Book 1: (Year 1874)Seized By Love (US) / At Your Mercy (UK) Book 2: (Year 1899)Love Storm (US) / A Storm Of Desire (UK) Book 3: (Year 1919)Sweet Love Survive (US) / Surrender To You (UK) Book 4: (Year 1877)Golden Paradise (US) GENERAL, PRINCE STEFAN ORBELIANI-BARIATINSKY: 34 years/Prince-General-playboy/$$$$/black hair/black eyes with golden flecks. COUNTESS LISAVETA LAZAROFF, PRINCESS KUZAN: 22 years/Princess-Countess-scholar/dark brown hair/amber eyes.It should be noted that several historic people served as inspiration for this fourth and final book in the Kuzan family/Russian series:Prince Stefan’s parents and family background was inspired by Prince Alex Bariatinsky and Princess Elizabeth Orbeliani’s liason. The character of Stefan was inspired by General Michael Skobeleff (Mikhail Skobelev) aka the “White General” who rode in battle on his white horse dressed in white uniform and diamond studded sword so that his men would see him and know where to follow…It’s 1877 and Russian General, Prince Stefan Bariatinsky (friend of book 1) is on a month-long furlough from the Russo-Turkish War. He is riding at breakneck speed through the Turkish desert, heading back home to his mountain retreat to spend time with his Gypsy mistress when instead he finds himself having to rescue Countess Lisaveta Lazaroff. Fiercely independent scholar Lisaveta (cousin of book 1), is traveling through the desert covered up in traditional native clothing and Stefan assumes her to be a bluestocking/spinster. When Stefan realizes that underneath all that fabric is a stunningly beautiful lady his journey takes a detour. Prince Stefan and Lisaveta are electrifying together, but they have so much to overcome; a malicious fiancé, jealous mistresses, Prince Stefan’s womanizing ways and Lisaveta’s determination not to fall in love with a rake… And more importantly, Stefan is the Tsar’s General fighting a war and ultimately their story is contingent on Stefan’s ability to lead his army in battle. The suspense will keep you on your toes to the very end.Prince Stefan Bariatinsky and Countess Lisaveta Lazaroff are a stunningly beautiful, captivating and sexy couple. Both are strong characters and together they are simply unforgettable!Interesting setting! Suspenseful plot! Sizzling sex! Top-10 hero and one of my favorite love stories of all times! ***Hero rating: 5+ stars Heroine rating: 5 starsSex scenes rating: 5 starsSex scenes frequency: 4.5 starsStoryline concept rating: 5 starsStorytelling skills rating: 5 starsStory ending rating: 5 stars******************************Overall rating: 5+ starsWould I recommend this series: Yes.Would I re-read this series: Yes.Would I read future books by this author: Yes. Be sure to join CCGibbsFANS here on GR for the latest news:https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...(Public group for members 18 years and older)
I've always been a big fan of Susan Johnson, especially her historicals. This one fell a little short for me. While I appreciated that amount of history that she installs in her books, this one seemed to have just a bit to much. It is a 'Russian' book, and while the history of that country is fascinating, the amount in this book was a little hindering of the plot. The hero and heroine were both interesting characters. But there were times that I felt they both were a little to shallow for their own good. A decent book overall.
