Tras la puerta del deseo

The House of Rohan #4

by Anne Stuart

Una larga lista de trágicos amores perseguía al vizconde Benedick Francis Alistair Rohan. Frío y cínico, estaba cansado de los caprichosos juegos de la vida y quería una remilgada mujer a la que poder ignorar mientras satisfacía su apetito sexual. Lady Melisande Carstairs era como un tornado que arrasaba la vida de Benedick. Poseedora de una energía sin límites y del alma de una reformista, siempre vencía, ya fuera salvando las almas de prostitutas o seduciendo al hombre del que se había enamorado. Cuando le informó a Benedick de que el Ejército Celestial, el grupo al que pertenecía su hermano, había pasado de practicar un simple desenfreno carnal a ejercer la violencia más sádica, él se vio obligado a investigar encubierto. Sin embargo, ahí también estaría Melisande, jugando a un peligroso juego en nombre de la justicia. Anne Stuart te ofrece una inteligente mezcla de romance, intriga y pasión que te atrapará. Es posible que le robes horas al sueño para poder acabar un libro suyo.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Regency, Adult

336 pages, Paperback

First published June 21, 2011

About the author

Anne Stuart is a grandmaster of the genre, winner of Romance Writers of America's prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, survivor of more than thirty-five years in the romance business, and still just keeps getting better.

Her first novel was Barrett's Hill, a gothic romance published by Ballantine in 1974 when Anne had just turned 25. Since then she's written more gothics, regencies, romantic suspense, romantic adventure, series romance, suspense, historical romance, paranormal and mainstream contemporary romance for publishers such as Doubleday, Harlequin, Silhouette, Avon, Zebra, St. Martins Press, Berkley, Dell, Pocket Books and Fawcett.

She’s won numerous awards, appeared on most bestseller lists, and speaks all over the country. Her general outrageousness has gotten her on Entertainment Tonight, as well as in Vogue, People, USA Today, Women’s Day and countless other national newspapers and magazines.

When she’s not traveling, she’s at home in Northern Vermont with her luscious husband of thirty-six years, an empty nest, three cats, four sewing machines, and one Springer Spaniel, and when she’s not working she’s watching movies, listening to rock and roll (preferably Japanese) and spending far too much time quilting.

Anne Stuart also writes as Kristina Douglas.

Reviews

[Danielle The Book Huntress · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would hesitate to give this 5 stars because Benedick wasn't Anne Stuarty enough for me. He seemed more like a typical European historical romance hero. I like when I read an Anne Stuart book and the hero immediately keeps me in the mode that this is not a run-of-the-mill historical romance hero. It's hard for me to describe that, but it's a feeling I have when I read her books. Benedick had a bit of the danger/rake edge, but he seemed more than anything just to be a titled hero used to getting his way and used to having his pick of willing females. He was stubborn and entitled and very much used to be the shotcaller. I'm sure he could throw down physically if necessary, but he doesn't exude the air of menace I like in a dangerous hero, especially an Anne Stuart hero.

When I read a rake, I like the authentic rakes who are not just rakes because they are seducers, but they are equally roguish and dark in some way. Benedick had some angst in that both of his wives died in childbirth (his second wife was cheating on him and died birthing another man's baby). His first wife was his true love. But the angst part wasn't what defined him as a character. He seemed fairly well-adjusted. Does that make me a screwed up person that I like screwed up characters so much? If it does, I guess I have to own it. I didn't like the ick factor of how Benedick had slept with many of the girls in Melissande's house for rehabilitating prostitutes, although I did like their personalities and their suggestions for Melissande, along with tidbits about their past profession. I liked Emma, the young woman who is Melissande's friend and who has a strong connection to the youngest Rohan sibling, Brandon. I'm eagerly awaiting their book.


I really liked Melissande. I liked how she genuinely loved her first husband, even though he was really old and didn't satisfy her in bed. I found that endearing. I also liked that she was independent and wasn't stupid enough to just fall for Benedick like any other woman did. He really had to earn her love. I don't like when the hero can have the heroine so easy. Benedick did work his seductive wiles on her, but it was through his emotional connection to her that he gained her heart.

I am fairly certain (especially considering that I did a reread of Breathless not too long after reading this) that part of my disappointment is because the first three books were so impressive to me that this one didn't impact me the same way. Having said that, it's Anne Stuart, so it's still fantastic even when it's not as fantastic. I'd be lying if I didn't say one of my favorite parts were that Lucien and Miranda are in this book quite a bit. They are so cute together! And it annoys Benedick because he hates Lucien so much.

The mystery kind of threw me. I thought I had figured out who the killer was, but it was a different character, so that was nice. I always give props when the writer keeps me guessing who the culprit was.

I like how sexy Anne Stuart's newer historical are. I love everything about them. I could live in her historical romances and basque in the sensuality of them. Even though I didn't feel as much of an emotional connection to this book, it was still enjoyable. Easily a four star for me.

[Suzanne (Under the Covers Book blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Anne Stuart book and I am kicking myself that I haven't read anything by her sooner! I am also feeling a little shamed that I have started this series on the fourth book, I am normally a stickler for reading a series in order.

Lord Benedick Rohan has come to London for two reasons, 1, to find a bland wife with whom he can create an heir and a spare and 2, to shag himself silly. But when Lady Melisande Carstairs, or Charity Carstairs, turns up on his door demanding that he helps her shut down a secret organization that his younger brother has gotten involved in, all his plans seem to crumble.

Anne Stuart has a new fan, I loved this book it's one of my favourite historicals this year. The hero, Benedick had an edge of darkness making him bad boy enough to get your pulse racing but not so awful that you wonder what the hell Melisande is doing. As for Melisande, what a great heroine, she was head strong and moral and yes she may have had a TSTL moment when she decided it would be a good idea to rush off to a depraved secret society and try and stop them single-handedly, but I was already charmed by her so all is forgiven.

The chemistry between them was very much evident as well, I loved their passionate relationship, you could feel the attraction between them even when they were arguing. I also liked that she didn't paint Benedick as a perfect man, he was rude, sometimes cruel and unlike some heroes you know that only a certain kind of woman would ever force him to look at his emotions, and Melisande was that woman.

A great book, and I am now going to go back to the beginning and read them from the start!

September 2013 reread I stand by everything I said above, I still love this book, Benedick is delicious and Melisande was a fantastic heroine.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

“He wasn't marrying her. Even if she'd have him, which she certainly wouldn't, he had no intention of leg-shackling himself to such a difficult woman. She'd always be racing off to save some new stray lamb, and if she even caught wind of the Scorpion's criminal associations she'd probaby try to save them, as well. She was a dangerous woman, never content with the status quo, and she would drag who ever was fool enough to marry her along for the ride.”

What a great series this has turned out to be. I enjoyed this one, however is was probably my least favorite book of the series. I enjoyed the story, but the characters just didn't win me over quite as effectively. I'm not even quite sure why. I think it may have started with the names. If a characters's name doesn't flow easily through my mind as I'm reading, it eventually becomes an annoyance for me. And I'm sorry, but the name Melisande. while a beautiful name indeed, started to annoy me right off the bat. And her so-called nickname Charity I found to be a bit cheesy. The name Benedick, I didn't mind so much, I liked it's reference to Shakespeare, however I am used to seeing it spelled Benedict. I know, I'm being picky, but this was a point of annoyance for me. Secondly, the chemistry between the characters seemed a little forced. I always felt like he was forcing himself on an unwilling participant (up until the end, of course).

I did enjoy the ending, however I could feel the author's impatience for moving on to the next story.. and she passed it right along to me. I think things ended quite abruptly, and there was a whirlwind of feelings that exploded right there at the end (mostly on his part), leaving me feeling a little stunned and almost confused.



Ok, so what did I like about the story? Hmm... I must have liked something??? Honestly, these unlikely romances are addictive. What can I say. I know, my review is a disaster. Sorry. On to book 5! :D

[Sammy Loves Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worst hero ever!!
Heroine was too naive for a widow!!

2.5 stars rounded up!

[Juliana Philippa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully matched leading characters make this a supremely enjoyable romance (4 stars—updated to 4.25 on second reading)

This was my first Anne Stuart and was a great one to start with. The plot is a good one, the chemistry sizzles, there are some wonderfully humorous lines, and the secondary characters are well-written, with two of them being extremely compelling (my guess is they get their own romance). I loved Melisande and Benedick together; there is a wonderful mix of antagonism and attraction to their relationship. They're both strong characters, but they also have vulnerabilities that the other sees and responds to. This is definitely an opposites-attract situation, so for all readers who love that setup you should be happy here.

{ Heroine }
I loved Lady Melisande "Charity" Carstairs and thought she was a great heroine. She's supposed to be plain and boringly-dressed, but she's a confident woman with a very strong sense of self. I think Stuart did a wonderful job of making her come across as very capable and independent, but also vulnerable and a little unsure of herself; it was just the right mix of the two sides. I also loved that she had an interest - that she actually pursued! So often we're given heroines who are supposedly brilliant scientists or devoted to helping orphans ... yet we never see any evidence of their so-called passion and it barely at all figures into the story or their character. That was not the case here. Melisande - or "Charity," as society refers to her - is very focused on helping prostitutes who want to leave that life and runs the home out of her own house.

While I normally prefer historical romance heroines who don't have any past loves or romantic experience, I really liked the history that Stuart created for Melisande. She married relatively young to a man who was some 50 years older than her and while he was known to be crabby and not very nice, there was affection between them and she took care of him. There had never been any sexual attraction - on her part, at least - so when her husband dies, she is interested in pursuing a relationship with someone whom she is actually attracted to. The guy ends up being weak, a fortune hunter, and not very talented in the bedroom skills department, so she decides maybe sex is just not for her and she will focus on finding fulfillment in her work and helping others. I loved that while not having real self-confidence about her charms, she had tried to take charge of her own sexuality and sought to satisfy her curiosity - and she does so again (eventually) with Benedick.

{ Hero }
First off, let me say that while I have not read another Anne Stuart book, I have read plenty of reviews for them, so I have a pretty clear picture of the plot ploys she normally uses and how she writes her heroes. From what I understand, compared to her other leading men Benedick is practically a saint. In the beginning of the book, Viscount Rohan is a somewhat selfish man, but he is at no times unfeeling or wholly bent on only satisfying himself. Don't get me wrong, he's definitely not the most caring guy you'll meet - far from it - but he's not offensive and is - almost against one's will - quite likable.

Benedick cares about his brother and he battles his own inner demons, having had one fiancee who killed herself and two wives who both died in childbirth, along with their babies. When Melisande tells him the resurrected Heavenly Host is engaging in rape and soon murder, he at first doesn't believe her, but once he thinks even the possibility might exist, he is willing to help to stop it. She's told him his brother may be involved and yes, that is one of the big motivations for him, but from the beginning I did not see at the sole one.

I loved the way he teased Melisande and kept trying to tempt her into seduction. Benedick is a very sensual character and I loved his interactions with Melisande, how he sometimes called her "Cherity," how he would react with complete fright whenever the subject of reforming or do-gooding came up - I just loved the persona he created and his cultivated attitude of indifference and seduction. It's a great setup, of course, because here's Mr. Sensuous and Talented Charmer set up against Mrs. Saint who Has Forsaken Her Desires - what self-respecting man can resist such a challenge?

{ Other }
I thought the plot was a good one; I figured out who the new Heavenly Host leader was relatively quickly, but that's because Stuart isn't really that subtle in her hints. In the end though, while the mystery is what propels the book, it's not the main focus; instead, the developing relationship between Melisande and Benedick takes center stage - as it should, IMO - and there is a strong secondary story involving his brother, Brandon, that is very emotional (and, I'm guessing, a setup for the next book in the series).

{ Criticism }
I recently wrote this in another review - why does this always happen?! - but I really hate it when the author has the heroine admit to having harbored a secret crush on the hero ever since she first saw him. I mean really? It was 10+ years ago and she didn't know him, all that she knew of him was that he was good-looking. Stuart doesn't write it as if Melisande has been pining for him (thank god!); one gets the sense that he was kind of "out of sight out of mind" since that first season when she saw him. But why not just have her attraction and feelings start now, why do authors always have to create some way-back-when emotions that are now being revived and made real.

So as I said, I've read a lot of reviews for Stuart's books and just like she has a standard hero type (the villain-maybe-turned-hero), she also has a plot ploy that I think she uses very, very frequently. I'm talking about the unbelievably annoying I'm-going-to-push-you-away-and-say-some-really-cruel-and-nasty-things-because-now-we've-slept-together-and-I-realize-I-may-have-feelings-for-you-and-as-an-idiot-of-the-male-persuasion-that-means-I'm-terrified-so-I'm-going-to-act-like-an-ass-to-save-us-both (enough hyphenations for you?). Honestly, for me that ploy ranks just as badly as Big Misunderstandings and Things Left Unsaid - it's like a horrid mixture of both!! Really, really cannot stand it and if it were not for that - fine, throw one last obstacle in front of the relationship, sure, but come up with something original!! - this would be getting 4.5 stars or maybe even 5. Also, because Benedick is such a bastard with that little tantrum of his, I think he should have been made to grovel more. I don't care if he felt horribly guilty and despairing as a result - he should have had to beg a little more.

The Epilogue was weak. I love Epilogues and think they almost always make a romance book better, but if it's not done well than it's even worse than not having one at all. What the Epilogue covers is appropriate, cute, sweet, and all that good stuff, but Melisande is completely off-page for the entire thing (though mentioned and in the house). It's supposed to be an extension of the HEA, so for me having both the hero and heroine in it is kind of essential!!

{ Series }
Prequel - The Wicked House of Rohan (Alistair Rohan and Kathleen Strong)
Book 1 - Ruthless (Francis Rohan and Elinor Harriman)
Book 2 - Reckless (Adrian Alistair Rohan and Charlotte Spenser)
Book 3 - Breathless (Miranda Rohan and Lucien de Malheur)
Book 4 - Shameless (Benedick Rohan and Melisande Carstairs)
Book 5 - My bet: Brandon and Emma (fingers crossed!)

This was the first Anne Stuart book I've read and it can definitely be done as a stand-alone. Some of the main characters from past books reappear, so might be more enjoyable if you've read the others, but is not a must.

If I'm right about Book 5 - and I don't see how I wouldn't be, since this book practically acts as a prequel for their relationship - then reading this book first is definitely recommended, since you get the whole back story of their relationship. Utterly heartbreaking and will make such a good book!!

{ Bottom Line }
The two leading characters are wonderful together - fantastic dynamic, strong chemistry, great dialogue - and the secondary characters are compelling. Besides for an annoying plot ploy towards the end, was a fabulous read and I would definitely recommend it. I will end up buying my own copy so I can reread in the future.

[This review is of an advance reading copy of the book provided by Harlequin through NetGalley]

[Roma Cordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my third book in a row, of Anne Stuart and I am loving it.

[WhiskeyintheJar · Rating 3 out of 5]

We have the Viscount Benedick Rohan, a man who lost two wives to childbirth complications, venture to London to find a, oh, so proper wife he can wed, bed, impregnate for the oh, so important heir and spare (if I had a sibling you best be knowing I'd refer to them as the spare), and then abandon/ignore to run off merrily with some mistress.
He arrives home to find his baby brother a shell of a man, due to his injuries he received from fighting in the Afgan Wars, addicted to opium, and doing secretly naughty things as a member of, those oh, so scandalously bored aristocrat's group, The Heavenly Host.
This prompts him to order in his evening's entertainment (totally understand, I check the pizza delivery box way more than the pickup one) who arrives eager to please, but oh, wait! The evening's entertainment comes along with a side of avenging angel!

Thus, we meet Lady Melisande Carstairs. A widow who now devotes her time to sheltering and helping fallen women rehab and transition to what are deemed more respectable lines of work. Melisande is a tough cookie, take no shit, butt kicking, never been french kissed, never been fully undressed for sexual congress...er, what? Yes, our heroine, is of course, while having had partook, is vastly inexperienced and naive about bed sport. Guess, who is going to enlighten her....

While Ms. Stuart's quality writing is present, Benedick is not her average hero. He lacks the heaping amounts of darkness that his predecessors had. This might make him more appealing to the masses. Melisande, while more of a believable, in her actions and thoughts, character, never really distinguishes herself from the many, many, many plucky/innocent regency misses. Where they shine is in Ms. Stuart's ability to construct caustic, witty, and push/pull sexual tension banter. This was my favorite aspect of the book.

The main story thread of Benedick and Melisande investigating the Heavenly Host, he to try to save his brother and her to try to save the women forced to participate, was slow and meh for me. It's the reason our characters are thrown together but like I said, the dialogue is where this book excels.

This started off strong and really sagged towards the middle and end. Yes, yes, I get it, you're afraid she'll die in childbirth and you're afraid he'll suck in bed and not really love you. Stuff it and just give me more banter!

All in all a decent regency read but probably just for the OCD people who want to finish up the series.

*Scorpion and Miranda make an appearance in this :) They are from book 3 "Breathless" which was my favorite from the series but should be warned Scorpion was one hell of a DARK character.
**Also, we get a smattering of tidbits about the sidecouple (Benedick's brother and Melisande's bf) in this book and whoa doggy do I want to read their story.

[Usha · Rating 3 out of 5]

SidneyKay, a goodreads friend wrote a lovely review of this book. In fact, she writes some of the best reviews. I also follow her http://sidneykay.blogspot.com.

Thank you for the recommendation Kay, it was worth it. I agree, this one is best of the series. Now I am so intrigued by Scorpion.

[Tzippy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm so sick of this trope where the "hero" is a waste-of-space demeaning jerk who treats the heroine like crap but hey, at least he's not a rapist like the other guy!

Honestly. This book would have been ten times better had Benedick not been in it. He was completely unecessary. Not a good quality in a leading man. Miranda and Lucien knew what was happening, and Melisande knew where it was happening, and if they'd had a way to meet, they could have cut out the middleman and stopped it all on their own. Granted, it wouldn't have been much of a romance without a love interest, but let's be honest here, it wasn't much of a romance with one, either.

Reason #1 Why Benedick is horrible: Melisande comes to Benedick and tells him that his family's secret club is kidnapping, raping, abusing, and possibly even killing women, and his response is, Eh. Then she says his brother is one of the perpetrators, and all of a sudden, he's like, My poor brother! I have to rescue him! (He barely improves upon his attitude, by the way. At the very last second, he decides to save the girl, too, but seriously, it's the least he could have done.)

Reason #2 Why Benedick is horrible: After Benedick flirts with Melisande extensively, she shows up at his house for a liason, assuming that he won't turn her down because of his previous behavior. He shames her, telling her that she holds no interest for him because she's awkward and inexperienced, et cetera. Then he feels bad that he hurt her feelings, so he sleeps with her. And then afterwards...in order to drive her away, he repeats exactly what he said before! I don't understand! If you felt bad about hurting her feelings, why would you do it again in exactly the same way?!

Reason #3 Why Benedick is horrible: The countdown to the human sacrifice is beginning. Benedick does nothing except look for his brother to keep his hands clean, despite promising Melisande that he would stop the sacrifice. His sister and brother-in-law come and take the responsibility off his hands, and then Melisande's friend comes to report her missing, and all of a sudden he's like, Oh yeah, I was supposed to do something about that too, right?

Reason #4 Why Benedick is horrible: When he finds Melisande, she's naked and tied up, and this doesn't really bother him, even when she tells him she's been sexually abused. She begs him for his robe so she can have something to wear, and he doesn't want to give it, but finally hands it over very reluctantly. Then he's like, Okay, see ya later, I'm off to take revenge on the guys who tried to frame my brother. And he hits her.

Reason #5 Why Benedick is horrible: He insults her as he proposes marriage. Blah blah blah "You're annoying but I can't stay away from you" blah blah blah. Every woman's dream proposal!

Reason #6 Why Benedick is horrible: Do you think he apologizes for any of his actions? Even a little? Oh, how naive.

[Lelyana's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aku sukaaaaaaaaaaaa buku ini, menggemaskan, hero nya bikin gregetan pengen nabok , heroine nya juga bener2 shameless. Baca buku ini penuh dengan emosiyg bercampur aduk, sebentar sedih,senang, blushing, marah, bahkan ada saat2 pengen bunuh heronya........... yuk kita simak ceritanya...

Benedick Rohan datang ke London dengan tekad akan menemukan istri baru demi keturunan yg belum pernah di dapatnya dalam 2 perkawinan terdahulu, dan melakukan sebanyak2nya royal sex dengan sebanyak2nya variasi dan sebanyak2 nya perempuan. Ha !

Setelah 6 bulan selibat, dan 2 pernikahan yg tidak memuaskan dan selalu berakhir dengan kematian kedua istrinya dalam persalinan (juga bayinya), Rohan bertekan menemukan calon istri yg proper, yg bisa di cuekin setelah hamil, dan terpilihlah miss siapa gitu (lupa namanya) yg sangat proper, dingin dan kurus spt papan...

Sampai di rumah dia buru2 kirim surat ke Violetta, mantan whore yg ahli sekali dengan mulutnya. Violetta tentunya dengan senang hati "terbang" memenuhi panggilan Benedict, sayang nya keburu ketauan oleh Melisande Castair, yg menampung Violetta setelah "pensiun" jd whore.

Melisande muncul di rumah Benedick tepat pada saat Violetta sedang berusaha membuka celana Benedict dan berlutut mau oralit ..hahha...langsung dibentaknya lah Violetta, tapi Violetta bilang "but I like it"...ya ampuuun hahahaha....untungnya Violetta nurut sama Melisande yg melotot,dan langsung ngacir pulang...
Benedict kesel banget sama Melisande acara oralitnya jd gagal, dan menghina , tapi Melisande cuek aja, dan langsung pulang juga setelah marah2 ke Benedict.

Bisa di tebak, Benedick langsung kehilangan selera buat cari perempuan lain untuk memuaskan hasrat nya (halah), malah terbayang2 wajah Melisande,bukan Violetta...
Melisande juga gitu ternyata,,,nah si mantan whore,Emma Cadbury (kalo ga salah ya), bilang kalo Melisande tertarik sama si Viscount Rohan yg keren itu.Tentu saja Melisande membantah...

Sampai pada suatu sore,saat Benedick jalan2 dengan calon yg di incarnya untuk jd istri itu, dia ketemu Melisande dan gerombolan gadis2 mantan whore nya yg lagi jalan2 juga, eh malah di ijinkan buat ngobrol lho sama calonnya.Jadilah mereka berdebat ..dan bukan ngobrol...hehheehe
Benedick makin naksir sama Melisande dan membayangkan gimana kalo Melisande aja yg jd istrinya..ahaaaiii...
Tapi gayung tak bersambut saat itu...

Sampai pada satu hari, Melisande tiba2 menerobos masuk ke rumah Benedict dan minta tolong buat mencarikan gadis yang hilang yang di duga dikperkosa dan di jadikan korban pesta orgy di klub nya si Benedick (dulu,waktu dia msh muda), Heavenly Host, tempat orang2 kaya ngumpul dan melakukan kegiatan sex gila2an disana.
Tentu saja Benedick menolak mentah2,dan menganggap tuduhan Melisande berlebihan.
Tapi waktu Melisande menyebut nama Brandon Rohan,adik nya yg kelakuannya makin aneh belakangan ini, Benedict langsung menyetujui permintaan Melisande.

Mereka mulai rencana penyelidikan mereka dengan mendatangi pesta kecil keluarga Elsmere yg di sinyalir termasuk member aktif Heavenly Host, dan Maelisande di dandanin abis2an sama para mantan2 whore yg dia tampung. Yang membuat Benedick agak sedikit marah dan kaget...dengan dandanan ala biarawati aja udah bikin dia pengen "menyerbu" Melisande, apalagi dengan dandanan yg oh-so-sexy- that- I-want-to-drag-her-to-the-nearest-bed-and-take-her hahahahahahhaa

Di pesta, mereka acting seperti pasangan yg dimabuk cinta dan ga sabar buat pulang lagi nyari tempat tidur terdekat (hmmm..Benedick ga bener2 acting sih, soalnya memang itu yg dia pengen) hahahhahha

Besok nya mereka merencanakan berkuda ke lokasi yg mereka curugai sebagai markas Heavenly Host, sambil p[iknik juga sih..karena begadang malem nya, mereka ketiduran, dan si Melisande mimpi sambil ngeraba2 Benesick yg dikiranya suaminya alm,Thomas yg jd muda lagi..terbangun ,sama2 malu sih..

Gak sabar,akhirnya mereka menyelidiki rumah kecil spt pondokan dan saat masuk, mereka kejeblos ke satu lubang besar, jatuhlah mereka timap2an, alhasil kaki Melisande jd terkilir...nah, saat mereka mau keluar, ada suara2 yg mereka kenal, ngumpet di tuang kosong tempat itu, malahsi Benedick seduced Melisande sambil geser2in beng2nya di badan Melisande , ih,kampungan banget sih caranya hahahha...hm, ga sanggup nolak, saat itu juga Melisande di ehm...bikin climax dengan jari2 Benedick Rohan yg ajaib ...ya ampuuuun sempet2nya....

Ga sampe uhuk2 seru sih, cuma Benedick nyesel juga, sambil gendong Melisande naik kuda, panik juga dan sampe rumah dia heboh maksa2 panggil dokter,dan saat dokter minta dia keluar, ngotot ga mau keluar dan tetap berada di samping Melisande..ahaai..sweet banget deeh...
Benedick sempat di peringatkan oleh Emma yg mantan madam buat ga nyakitin hati Melisande, dan emang sebelum ninggalin Melisande, Benedick ngomong kalo dia aja yg nyelidiki, urusan mereka udah over.

Melisande yg bandel,tetap aja besoknya ke pesta dengan kaki pincang,saat memutuskan tetap menyelidiki dan akan merayu Benedick,karena dia pengen punya "pengalaman" dengan cowok paling keren se London *drolling*....
Jadilah dia ratu pesta malam itu karena di dandanin habis2an sama para mantan2 whore itu..Benedick yg tadinya ga mau dateng, dateng juga karena mau menyelidiki, gila2an keselnya sama Melisande yg udah di kerubutin para lelaki (yang menurut Benedick, tersedot gara2 belahan bajunya yg ga sopan), Melisande cuek aja, malah dengan manis nya, after semua orang di usir Benedick yg tiba2 jd super posesif, dia katanya mau jadi mistress nya Benedick

Terang aja di tolak mentah2...Melisande bukan tipe yg cocok jd mistress, jd istri juga ga bisa secara dia kan barren setelah 10 tahun menikah,dan umurnya udah 30 thn, Benedick kan cari pewaris..nah, tersingguglah Melisande, tp tetap memperlihatkan senyuman ke Benedick,dan bilang, okelah,kalo gitu aku cari laki2 lain aja..hahhahaha

Namun, saat Benedict pulang dan sampai kamarnya, Melisande sdh duduk dengan nyamannya di tempat tidur Benedick dengan baju tidur ala perawannya yg serba ketutup itu. Beenedick geli banget,yaelaaah, mau ngerayu rake kok gituuuu
Setelah tawar menawar yg seru akhirnya Benedick gak tahan juga dan jadilah mereka tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitttttttt *sensor*

Sayang nya after lovemaking yg seru , Benedick mengeluarkan kata2 yg bener2 nyakitin hati melisande... bahwa mereka sebaiknya ga usah ketemu lagi, Melisande udah dapet "pelajaran" yg di butuhka buat jd mstress,dan dia ga mungkin punya istri yg ga bisa punya anak...akubaca nya pun sampe sakit hati nih sama Benedict..pengen getooooooookkk Benedick dengan mul;ut nya yg kurang ajar itu

Untung melisande bukantipe perempuan yg merengek2 di depan lelaki, dia cuma senyum, dan bilang,okelah...dan pergi, walau dengan hatitersayat2...tetap di pergi dengan kepala terangkat ke atas, dengan pride...go Melisande..you rock !!!

Menyesal berat dengan kata2nya yg kejam,Benedick mabuk2an ,sampe terjatuh dan kepalanya bocor..rasaiiiiiiiiiiiinn...sukurin, lelaki durajana..huuh .. itu lah akibat nya kalo menzolimi perempuan,habis manis sepah di buang ! Menyebalkan ! Tabok Benedict !

Dengan alasan tolol, dia bilang ke Miranda adiknya,kalo dia tuh ga perlu cinta sama istrinya,makanya dia cari istri yg plain dan setuju, after melahirkan mereka hidup sendiri2, Benedick ga mau jatuh cinta. Dan dia malah menyetuji pertunangan denngan Dorothea Pnnington (akhirnya inget namanya), cuma agar bisa melupakan Melisande. Malah saat dorothea minta cium, Benedick menghindar, dalam hati dia bilang, mending nyium ular sawah deh...wakkakakkak...dasar cowok munafik..makanyaaa...mestinya dia cari Melisande aja deehh.....
Miranda bilang,kalo melisande ga bisa hamil,ya gapapa, jd dia ga perlu mati saat melahirkan kan? Bener juga ya hehhe...sayang Benedick selalu keras kepala, dan mereka mau prioritas dulu deh, cari Brandon yang hilang..

Sementara itu, Melisande yg merana, di rawat dengan baik oleh para perempuan2 yg di tampungnya..tapi, tetap berusaha menyelidiki Heavenly Host, walau pun dengan patah hati mendengar kabar pertunangan Benedick...
Emma yg punya hubungan bathin dengan Brandon (saat merawat Brandon usai perang),juga membantu Melisande dalam penyelidikan itu...

Penyelidikan dan pencarian jadi makin berbahaya, dengan ada nya kematian2 dan korban2 ppersembahan...siapa korbannya? siapa yang mati sih? Lalu ada apa di Heavenly Host?
Misteri nya lumayan menyayat hati nih,ketauan kalo penjahatnya ternyata sahabat Benedick sendiri, Brandon dan Melisande jadi korban...dan akhirnya Benedict sadar kalo dia memang cinta sama Melisande dan ga bisa menghindar lagi...

Sedih banget waktu baca tentang Melisande yg di korbankan, di raba2 di lecehkan sama anggota klan itu...kejam banget , sampe Melisande saat di temukan Benedick, minta Benedict make love sama dia, bilang I need you, biar bisa menghapus memori nya tentang pelecehan orang2 jahat itu...Benedict sampe gimanaaaaa gitu waktu make love sama Melisande sambil berdiri...ini make love yang penuh emosi...dan aku jd terhanyut,ikut sedih baca nya *wept*

Melisande dengan cuek nya bilang...gimanakalo aku ga cinta kamu? Rasain !

Benedick sampe mohon2 Melisande, ga apa deh kamu ga bisa punya anak, gw ga perlu anak, gw perlu elu, gitu hahahahha..dasar Melisande nya emang cinta juga sama Benedick..yah, diterimalah dengan tangan terbuka....

Bagus banget bukunya, aku campur aduk emosi deh baca nya, senang,sedih,marah..semua ada disini..Anne stuart berhasil bikin aku nangis ... cerita nya dark..tapi seksi...buat yg suka bacaan yg serius,dengan misteri dan sedikit kekejaman dan cinta yg membara di dalam nya...dan gak keberatan emosi nya di aduk2 sampe habis2an...buku ini recommended banget...

[Missy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I kind of enjoy the plot in this book more than the plots in the first three books. It wasn't just all about seduction and sex. There was an actual mystery to solve.

At first, I wasn't sure why the author kept bringing up how much Benedick dislikes his brother-in-law, Lucien (the hero from book 3). When the H/h from book 3 makes an appearance and helps Benedick in the last 25% of the book, I supposed the author's reason for discussing Lucien and Miranda so much was to prepare readers for their appearance?

I'm beginning to tire of innocent heroines who do not know the goings-on in the marriage bed. What was more disappointing is that the heroine is a widow and had one lover, yet the author still made her an innocent.

[willaful · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit different from other Stuart books, because the hero is not a bad boy and has loved before. Even so, it felt stale and extremely repetitive; he just keeps thinking the same thoughts over and over. I liked the characters, but otherwise it was pretty meh. The secondary romance had a lot of potential but was given short shrift, so perhaps another book about those characters is coming.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books I Own. December Reads. Tropes: Historical Romance, Victorian Romance, Widow/Widower, Enemies to Lovers, Erotica ( a little).

MC's h. Melisande Carstairs, widow of Thomas Carstairs, 32, aka Charity Carstairs (taken in Ladies of the Evening to help them reform and find other trades, 'Dovecotes' and Charity & Benedick call the girls the "Gaggle") She works with Emma Cadbury, 32, former Madame.

H. Benedick, Francis Alistair Rohan, Sixth Viscount Rohan, widower twice (Annis) (Barbara) both died in childbirth. He loved Annis but not Barbara. First fiance Georgiana (brother Scorpion)committed suicide. Chose new bride Dorothea Pennington but upon conversing changed his mind.
"Lucky in cards, unlucky in love." he was an excellent gamester. Home: Bury House in London. Estate in Somerset.Grandparents Francis Rohan, Count de Giveney and Elinor Hariman, Countess de Giveney (Bk.1)
Parents home in Dorset,Marquess & Marchioness of ? Adrian & Charlotte (Bk.2). siblings: Charles (married with children),Miranda & Lucien (Scorpian) (Bk.3) & Brandon & Emma Cadbury (Bk.5)(Disabled in war)(calls Benedick "neddie")

Benedick and Melisande meet when he requested Violet Highstreet come to his home Bury House to "give him a blow job".
Melisande went to Benedick's townhouse to retrieve Violet. Benedick had never met Melisande and thought she was an Abbess (Madame). Violet likes her former work (apparently she was the best in London according to Emma Cadbury former Madame) but has nowhere else to go so she leaves with Melisande "Charity". Intrigued by Melisande he asks his butler Richmond about her. He finds out she is indeed a lady but one who is doing goodworks.

Problem: The Heavenly Host was disbanded under the Scorpion's watch but recently started up again. Melisande "Charity" went to Rohan because one of her girls Aileen, Betsey's (12) real sister is missing and feared dead. The Rohan's had started the Heavenly Host private club over 50 years ago for the depraved aristo's sexual habits. Melisande heard Brandon, Benedick's youngest brother was a member. Melisande refused to let Rohan take care of it. She insisted she would be involved because she didn't trust him completely.

Romance: Rohan's thoughts about Melisande: She dresses like a dowdy nun. Her dresses are dreary and her bonnet's an abhorration but he likes her form even though her dress hides it making her look completely unattractive. He likes her spunk and forthright manner and she must be 30 something but seems so innocent about sexual congress and the art of flirtation and seduction. He loves teasing her and getting a rise out her. He loves it when he can make her blush. He would like to seduce her.

Melisande's thoughts about Rohan: She remember's him during her one season. He only had eyes for Annis Duncan. He was so good looking and handsome. She imagined being with him. When he came back into her life he dared to assume her a madame like her bestfriend Emma assuming she would give him a blow job. That was the first time she'd even heard of it. He represented all the depraved aristocrat's that took advantage of the women she was trying to save from prostitution. Her experience with sex was almost nil. Her experiences didn't satisfy her only the men. She only needed to be involved with him to find Aileen and stop the Heavenly Host from hurting the young women she was trying to save. He made her feel queasy, nervous, unsettled, trying to upset and fluster her. He was her enemy but she liked to look at him and wondered what it would be like to run her fingers through his hair and to kiss him.


Melisande and Benedick's Romance: Their meetings started with Melisande's desire to save young woman of being abused at the Heavenly Host. Agreed on a plan to save Brandon (Benedick's goal) and the young victims (Melisande's goal) they went to a dinner party/ball at the Ellesmere's longtime members of the Heavenly Host (started by the Wicked Rohans). Melisande danced for the first time a waltz with Benedick. She lead him into the library to talk. She found out news about where the Heavenly Host meet. He told her that when a couple went into the library they weren't expected out until an hour later. She a novice at lovemaking due to her marrying a 70 year old who had a wasting disease had no idea making love could take longer that 10 minutes. Rohan proceeded kissing her and showing her how hard he was. The next day they travelled by horseback to the burnt remains of Kersley Hall in Kent. They went to a cottage, suddenly the ground gave way and they plunged below into an underground tunnel. Melisande sprained her ankle. Rohan and Melisande heard voices. Two men one a Pennington, brother to Dorothea and another older aristocrat. While they were hidden in a tiny chamber, Benedick touched Melisande intimately giving her an orgasm. Her first. The two men, thought they heard something but did talk about the Heavenly Host. As soon as it was safe B & M left, Rohan carried her, holding her in his arms and her horse followed behind. A doctor suggested bed rest and keeping off her feet for a couple of weeks. Melisande didn't want to let Rohan take care of the evil happening at the Heavenly Host by himself, so she went to the Worthington Ball telling people at the ball she was waiting for Rohan, like Harry Merton (an old school chum of Rohan's). Rohan arrived and was surprised Melisande "Charity" was there. She told him she wanted to be his mistress. He said no even though he was attracted to her. Melisande was meant to be married to a good man who went along with her causes. Melisande was determined and went to his house on Bury Lane and waited in bed for him. He was still opposed but relented and made love to her all night long. The next morning her evicerated her by telling her he didn't want to continue a relationship. She went home and took some laudanum and slept for two days. Rohan drank himself trying to blot out Melisande and missing her not succeeding in either.

Emma knocked and knocked on Melisande's door waking her up because Betsey their youngest charge was missing. Melisande dressed and hired a hack to take her to Kersley Hall but she lied and told Emma she was going to Rohan's house first and he would go with her. She wore her monk's robe. She found Betsey locked in a room but before she could get her out she was struck on the head and knocked out.

Meanwhile, Miranda, Rohan's younger sister (pregnant with her 6th baby) and her scourge of a husband, Luc the Scorpion arrived to help save Brandon. Luc's men found him unconsious drugged up on opium with his monk's robe and a knife. He was covered in blood. He did wake up before Luc, Miranda and Rohan went to Kersley hall to stop the sacrifice. Emma also rushed over to Rohan's home to let them know Melisande had been missing for a day. Miranda talked to her brother before he went to Kersley telling him he would be marrying Melisande because he loved her. He was just afraid to lose her in childbirth.

The family asked Emma to stay and watch Brandon. It is a good thing she did because he tried to hang himself. He recognized her as she nursed him in the Sister's hospital when he was sent home from the Afghan war.

Rohan found Melisande bound and naked tied to a table where the Heavenly Host fellowship ate. She was distraught and felt unclean. She asked him to "fuck" her to get all the grubby hands that touched her to cleanse her. He did. He gave her his robe. He went to the sacrifice room and confronted Harry (the Heavenly Host leader). He lunged forward to tackle Harry holding the knife (pretending to be his brother Brandon to make it look like a Rohan had done the virgin sacrifice). At the same moment, there was another cave in. Stones fell down, luckily Rohan had gotten Betsey out but Harry was crushed under to rubble.

Everyone arrived back at Bury House safe and sound. Rohan proposed to Melisande and she accepted. A couple of years later she had a son. She was his first wife who survived childbirth. His joy was complete. His family was there to rejoice along with him. Miranda and Luc were expecting their 8th child.

Opinion: I enjoyed this Romance/Mystery story. The author A.S. did a remarkable job on character development and I liked the fact you see glimpses of the entire Rohan family and of Melisande's Dovecotes. We can look forward to Brandon and Emma's story next since we saw their beginning in this book. There was a good balance between the mystery unravelling and the budding romance between Rohan and Melisande. It was nice to know their thoughts about one another and about Emma, Melisande's friend and Miranda, Rohan's sister advice to both MC's Melisande and Benecick and their love for each other. These women could see what they could not. I really enjoyed the budding romance, the innocence of Melisande, the struggle Rohan had with feeling love for Melisande and his ability to be honest about his true feelings for her. He liked her feet and her soft curves and he made sure there were enough sweet cakes for her. She wanted to run her fingers through his hair and she liked it when he held her. They both liked to argue with each other too. I liked the term they both used for Charity's Dovecotes, The "Gaggle". I enjoyed this story more than the first book about Rohan's grandparents in France. I rated this 4 stars.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This whole series blows my mind. Shameless is another example why Anne Stuart is a superior writer/author.

We start with two less-than-perfect characters and immediately love them both. Someone is scarred, someone isn't tiny, blond and breathtakingly beautiful, someone has deep fears which incringe on everyday life and decisions. It doesn't matter how warped or twisted or scared or unreasonable these characters are, we love them. And that my friends, is good writing.

Benedick seemed tame in comparison to the other leading men in this series, especially after Lucien (still shaking my head over him). But his mouth could slice you apart with few words. Melisande was tough enough to take it and dish it out. And there starts the beginning of love. They had a common goal (I hate rehashing books/plots) and were forced to work together.

The side story of Brandon (the little bro home from the war) was intriguing and I suspect his story is next. He is completely broken mentally and physically so it will be interesting to see how his story plays out if his story is next.

[ᴥ Irena ᴥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more of a reminder of what this book is about than a proper opinion. I liked it. I'll rate it a bit higher since I got a sort of an epilogue for the previous book here. Miranda and Lucien make an appearance and they are great.

"“You’ve known her all your life,” Lucien retorted. “Do you really think I have a chance in hell of keeping her home?”
“Oh, you’re a fearsome creature, indeed, Scorpion.”
“Stuff it. Your sister is enough to terrify anyone.”

This isn't a 'thirty years later' type of story as previous books. Benedick Francis Alistair Rohan is Miranda's older brother. Lady Melisande Carstairs has opened her home to prostitutes who want to make their life better. That's how she found out about the horrible things the Heavenly Host is into.
Rohan and Melisande's relationship start as a partnership to find Benedick's younger brother and to stop the Heavenly Host, which isn't only a gathering of bored aristocrats anymore.
Previous books had two love stories. This one has only a hint of that.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book, the widow, Melisande, helps former prostitutes build a better life. As their protector, she goes to Benedict's (son of the MCs in "Reckless", brother of the FMC in "Breathless") house to stop a "job" he requested from one of the women.

Since then, they've formed an alliance to put an end to the Heavenly Host's encounters, which have grown more violent with the sacrifice of women without their consent. This alliance allows them to get to know each other better and eventually fall in love with each other ofc.

Despite being a widow, Melisande is terribly inexperienced, to the point of being tiresome. Benedict is a banal character, nothing to say about him.

This book was OK.

[*CJ* · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Shameless” is the story of Melisande and Benedick.

An enjoyable read.

A reprobate twice widowed hero who is in search of a mistress, but finds himself walled by the heroine- a widow who has taken it upon herself to save women who were once into sex trade.
What begins as a battle of wills soon turns into a sexy romance when they join forces to uncover a scandal, feelings get involved and we get loads of sexy moments between the two.

I’d term this as a dark historical romance - what I enjoyed was that the heroine was strong, there was obvious attraction between the two and the hero kept it in his pants after meeting her again. I do enjoy a well written banter.

Safe
4/5

[SidneyKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

July 3, 2011
Sigh... I didn't want this story to end.

Loved, loved, loved this story. From the beginning when the heroine interrupts our hero as he is being serviced by one of her saved soiled doves, to the irritated shouted marriage proposal at the end, this story was a delight to read!

Well, fellow Romanceland readers, what can I say about Anne Stuart? She's done it again! Now, prepare yourself - if you are expecting the typical tortured, dark, angst-ridden Stuart storyline, you're in for a treat. While there are moments of angst and torture, this book is more along the lines of an earlier Stuart gem, The House Party. I would almost say this is a lighthearted read, but with Anne Stuart that could never happen. Yes, there are moments of derision and pain, but mostly there are moments of wonderful banter, delightful struggles and one of the best romance couples I've read in a long time. I smiled almost all the way through this book as I watched our heroine, the strong-willed rescuer of tainted ladies, hater of messy sex Melisande as she overturned our hero's (Benedick, the well-endowed rake) structured plans for his future. The sparks flew all over the pages when these two butted heads. I loved both of these characters, and while some readers may think Melisande had her TSTL moments, I never saw them as that; she was just very strong-willed. She was also adorably naive and her seduction at the hands of the charming Benedick was downright hot! Benedick is a Rohan after all... and what a fight he put up against the inevitable tumble into love. It was great! I smiled throughout his downfall.

Now, don't get me wrong, this is not a wacky laugh riot. There are moments of darkness, and a very deliberate pain-filled moment on the hero's part, but it is over quickly, so don't despair. And for those of you who want a tortured guy, I suspect the secondary character of Brandon will have his own book and I don't see too much humor happening with his story.

Speaking of the secondary characters, they are a strong supporting cast, not over-powering and I'm sure they will be around for more. There is a villain, although he is easy to spot, and the reactivation of the Heavenly Host group, but that storyline is very minor and mostly gives the couple a reason to be together.

I I had any quibble it would be with the repeated regurgitation of Benedick's family history and past. But that's just a little quibble and didn't ruin my enjoyment of the book.

I loved the interplay between this couple, found it to be a strong love story and I highly recommend Shameless.

[Jen Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Anne Stuart book, but I can assure you, it won't be my last. Shameless is one of the best Historical Romance books I have read this year. It's fourth in the House of Rohan series, but at no time was I lost or confused by jumping in mid-series. I am, however, compelled to go track down and read the earlier installments, on the chance they are as good as this one.

Benedick Rohan has outlived two wives and a fiance. He has decided that he needs to find himself a new bride. You see, both his former wives died in childbirth. He needs an heir, but doesn't want tender feelings for the woman he marries, in case he becomes a widower once again. Rohan also has a great sexual appetite, so he plans to acquire a mistress, as well, to slake his lusts.

Melisande could not be more his opposite. Since she became a widow, she has turned her back on carnal pleasures. In fact, she has opened her home to fallen women who want to make new lives for themselves. She would have never crossed paths with Rohan, if one of her ladies had not responded to his invitation for a tryst. Melisande went to "rescue" the woman, much to Rohan's chagrin. She infuriates him, but he can't help but be intrigued by her.

A few weeks later, Melisande learns of a secret organization, called the Heavenly Host, which is using and abusing prostitutes. She seeks out Rohan's help when she learns that his brother is part of the group. A woman who escaped the Host told Melisande that the men were planning to sacrifice a virgin, so she and Rohan need to infiltrate the group before they take a life.

Over the course of their investigation, Rohan and Melisande are drawn together like magnets. He quickly teaches her that there is more pleasure to be had in carnal relations than she ever dreamed possible. Even though she's been married, Melisande is innocent in many ways. She blossoms under Rohan's attentions.

I loved watching these two fall for each other. The sexual tension was tighter than a bowstring and the author plays it to perfection. And the payoff was outstanding. My only beef was Rohan's defense mechanism of lashing out when Melisande gets too close. I understand it, but it was hard to stomach. And I wanted to kick him in the man-jewels more than once.

I really enjoyed the secondary characters as well... especially Emma and Brandon. I am already on the edge of my seat, waiting for their story. 4 1/2 stars.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viscount Benedick Rohan has returned to London in search of a wife. Since his last two wives have died in childbirth, Benedick wants to find a biddable woman to give him an heir and retire to the country never to bother him again. After that he can accommodate as many mistresses, widows and whores as he can stand. His request for a nights entertainment leads to a meeting with Lady Melisande Carstairs. Melisande is on a mission to save as many prostitutes as possible by opening her home to them. She and Benedick clash after their first meeting, but she is quickly back to ask a favor. A secretive club called the Heavenly Host is meeting again, but this time their sexual games have turned dark. Several of the women under her care have been found beaten and raped. They told her the club is planning on sacrificing a virgin during the full moon. Melisande appeals to Benedick to help her shut down the club. He decides to go along with her plan when he learns that his younger brother has entangled himself in this group.

This is the fourth book in Anne Stuart's House of Rohan series and my favorite. Melisande is a strong woman who has devoted her life to her various charities. She is widowed and has no wish to find another husband. Benedick is not Stuart's usual dark hero. He is a alpha male but not over the top. He can be a bit of a jerk, but he isn't uncaring. He doesn't want a wife that he will fall in love with since he is afraid she will die like that last two and leave him alone. But after meeting Melisande and getting to know her, he can't get her off of his mind.

I loved the verbal sparring between the hero and heroine. They didn't just bicker with each other, they argued. In addition, we get to see the return of Lucien and Miranda (from the previous book). They are as entertaining as ever. I also liked the secondary story of Benedick's younger brother Brandon who was injured during the Afghan war. I would love to see a book about him and Emma, but don't think Stuart has any plans to continue the series. If she does, I'll definitely be reading it. My rating: 4.5 Stars.

[Thenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Benedick Rohan intends to be bad for a while, since he feels he deserves it after everything that's happened in his life, but circumstances and Melisande "Charity" Carstairs won't let him!

Benedick follows in his family's footsteps, in a tamer version, and shares his family's good looks and charm.
Melisande uses the means her elderly late husband left her to help unfortunate women, defying society's rules on the process.

They are opposite in some regards and surprisingly similar in others, and after fighting the attraction between them for a while, finally give in to it.

An enjoyable read, just like the ones preceding it. I'm curious about the youngest Rohan sibling, Brandon... I feel there is a story there between him and Emma. Let's see if it'll ever see the light of day.

Previous book reviews:
✦ Breathless (The House of Rohan, #3)
✦ Reckless (The House of Rohan, #2)
✦ Ruthless (The House of Rohan, #1)
✦ The Wicked House of Rohan (The House of Rohan, #0.5)

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨


First Impressions
Shameless is the fourth installment in the "House of Rohan" series and this one was on the top of my TBR for the Happily Ever After A Thon that was focused on historical romance. I am not sure why I keep forgetting about this author or this series but I have loved it so much here. Shameless was probably the most tame book of the series as a whole though. For those new to this author or this series, the heroes are definitely more edgier and darker in many respects. This author was a epic rake and so delicious but not quite as dark as some of the previous heroes in the series but I am not truly complaining. This book was delicious and entertaining.

First Line
Benedick Francis Alistair Rohan, Sixth Viscount Roha, arrived at his town house with a mission.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Benedick Rohan
The Heroine: Melisande Carstairs

Summary
Benedick Rohan, is a bit different from some of the other members in his family. He has been burned by love and faced tragedy and is wanting someone prim and proper for a wife, so he can indulge his appetites and not get emotionally entangled. Then Lady Melisande Carstairs come storming into his life like a fierce fiery storm intent on bringing down the revived Heavenly Hosts. At first, Benedick doesn't believe the claims, but while posing undercover together, clues start to add up that makes it so the revived Heavenly Hosts are leagues worst than what they once were and innocent girls are at risk of being murdered....will Melisande and Benedick survive this dangerous game....

What I Loved
Shameless had such a sensual ring to the story. I loved the chemistry between Benedick and Melisande. They had such fun banter with each other. There is a level of angst between them though. I loved the dramatic differences between them. Despite Melisande being someone who has a home of women and girls who have lived as sex workers, she is very naive when it comes to the more sexual appetites and Benedick is more than willing to teach her. But through the teaching, something more deeper develops between them. Their dialogue with each other, the sensual moments and the fun feels in their relationship is what really made this book work so well for me.

What I Struggled With
The pacing was a bit off in this book here, it just had some slow parts at times. The ending was very rushed. I didn't quite feel the swoons in this book as I have felt in the other books in the series. While I loved the sensual notes within this story, the feels was a bit lacking in this one here. I just didn't feel the "love" aspects of their relationship and would have liked to have felt the build up of the emotional intimacy more in this story.

Overall View
Shameless was a titilating sensual romance that had deep notes of danger, intrigue and a couple that have such dramatic differences but find such unity when they least expect it.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Romance
Time Era: England-Victorian Era
Character Types: Rake/Rogue, Bluestocking, Widow/Widower
Themes: Delicious Swoons/Kisses, Danger/Suspense, London Underground, Sensual, Working Together Undercover
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Opposites Attract

Book Perspective
3rd POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both

If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Charlotte Featherstone
Elizabeth Hoyt
Anna Campbell

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes but you could read these as standalones if needed.

Steam/Spice Explanations

Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.

[Kathy Davie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fourth in the House of Rohan's historical romance series set in the London of 1842. The couple focus is on Lord Benedick Rohan and Lady Melisande "Charity" Carstairs.


My Take
Too funny! It's like a sex manual for the innocent with Charity taking in soiled doves and finding them new careers. Naturally, these ladies of the evening repay her with lots of useful advice that Benedick just doesn't see coming. Too bad she didn't follow their advice about the nightgown…!

It's all rather slapstick comedy beginning with the scene where Violet runs off to service Lord Rohan with Charity running right behind her to "rescue" her. Or is it Keystone Kops? Lord knows there are all sorts of people running in and out of Benedick's house. Then there's the nasty self-righteousness of Miss Pennington. Wait, just wait until you read her proposal to Benedick! Stuart is a wicked, wicked woman with a sense of humor.

Stuart skims through the society of 1842 with occasional dips into its reality. Although, Benedick is a delight with his come-ons and innuendos carefully designed to ruffle Lady Carstairs' feathers. If only Benedick didn't so enjoy how well they ruffled.

Richmond makes a funny: "I assure you, my lord, I have absolutely no sense of humor whatsoever." He's a good guy. Then there's the Pennington at the opposite end of the spectrum. Listening to her brag about how independent she is: "I have often been bold enough to walk on my own […with only her maid and footman with her]".

I like that Stuart's heroines are all "flawed" per society's [and our own] expectations. Charity is old and not all that eligible for someone of Benedick's status. Her daily activities are far beyond the pale for what is expected of society ladies. And Stuart describes her as frumpy.

At last! The wallflowers are getting the attention they deserve.

On the whole, it was fun to read. More comedic as opposed to the eroticism of the earlier installments.


The Story
Benedick is back in London after undergoing his year of mourning for Barbara. He's determined to tup his way throughout all of London and marry the Honorable Miss Dorothea Pennington. But first, he is very much looking forward to a visit with Violet Highstreet, a prostitute with a very talented mouth.

He just doesn't expect the "procuress" who comes running in right behind Violet. Too many of London's highflyers have retired and Lady Carstairs is cutting cut a swath through the gentlemen's enjoyments. And she seems quite determined to make his lordship's life a misery what with wanting to penetrate the Heavenly Host and prevent their nefarious goings-on.

It's the last thing Benedick wants to do...spend any more time with Charity. She is simply getting more and more delicious to his eye and it's all he can do to not drag her off.


The Characters
Lady Melisande "Charity" Carstairs is the 30-year-old widow of Sir Thomas Carstairs. He cut up rich and it's enabled Charity to fund her charity project: rescuing prostitutes and retraining them to work in more respectable jobs. Mrs. Emma Cadbury was once a very respected madame; now, at 32, she's Charity's second-in-command with most of her stable living in Charity's home and learning trades. The ladies currently in training include Violet Highstreet of the talented mouth, Mollie Biscuits who has turned cook, the gimpy Raffaela, the too-young Betsey and her missing sister Aileen, and the bruised and battered Maudie. Miss Mackenzie is Charity's old governess and now her society chaperon.

Lord Benedick Francis Alistair Rohan, 6th Viscount Rohan, has buried two wives who died in childbirth. He's determined that he will marry a third time, but without any love for the woman for he can't bear having to go through this again. His brother Charles is happily married as is his sister Miranda Rohan de Malheur, Countess of Rochdale...even though he hates her husband, the Scorpion, a.k.a., Lucien de Malheur (see Breathless ). Brandon is the youngest brother. He suffered a terrible wound that left him limping and half his face destroyed in the war in Afghanistan. Now he's working his way through the alcohol and opium hoping for an early release. [Except that Stuart is setting us up for his romance.] His parents are Adrian and Charlotte, the Marquess and Marchiness of Haverstoke (see Reckless ).

Richmond is Benedick's extremely competent butler; he's been around since Benedick was a wee boy. With all the familiarity that engenders!

The Honorable Miss Dorothea Pennington is the nastiest, most intolerant piece of work…! Harry Merton is an old friend of Benedick's although Stuart drops some hints that he's not all that he seems. Wilfred Hunnicut was a fortune hunter who didn't rise to Charity's expectations. Not that those were very high. Lord and Lady Elesmere are members of the Heavenly Host along with Miss Pennington's brother Arthur. The Grand Master of the Heavenly Host has his nefarious plans well in hand and it all involves drugs and blackmail.


The Cover
The cover has a nightly, dreamy quality with its shades of purple and a firm-jawed woman swathed in yet more purple, her black hair falling down her back, and a profile of her naked breast.

The title refers to Lady Carstairs' shameless adoption and housing of...oh, my dear, can you believe it?...soiled doves. Yes, right here in our very own neighborhood. It's positively Shameless!

[Caroline The HEA Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

(this review was originally published on Secret HEA Society)

Shameless is the 4th book in the House of Rohan series. I am a big fan of this series and I just couldn't wait to read this last installment. It was on my Auto-read list, it was such a sure thing in my mind that I would read it that I didn't read the book synopsis. So when I started the book, I didn't really connect the dots. You see, the first 3 books followed the House of Rohan on 3 generations. So I was expecting Shameless to be about the kids of the previous heroes. Ah! Of course I should have read the synopsis! Shameless is set about 5 or 10 years (I can't remember the exact number!) after the end of Breathless and is about Miranda's (Heroine of Breathless, you still following?) oldest brother.

What a good surprise! When I finally realized who it was about and how it was situated , it all clicked together and I'm pretty sure I squealed. *wink* . Benedick, the hero was married during the set of Breathless and for some reason I didn't think he would get his story. I thought him safe in a somewhat good marriage. I also saw him as a stuffy lord. Oh what a delight it was to realize he was actually quite wicked and such a cynic person.So what? Yes I love my heroes wicked, evil and dangerous, and Anne Stuart delivers! Each time! All the heroes of this series are wicked in their own way, they are all very different but each very delicious.

Benedick is a cynic but he has his reasons. He's been married twice and both wives died in childbirth leaving him without an heir. So he decided to find a wife to get that heir and a spare. He just wants a brooding mare, someone he can just forget all about outside the bedroom. As you can imagine, it won't work that way ;).

Melisande is not your typical lady. For once she lives with more than 20 former prostitutes! She's the widow of a wealthy elderly lord. Now with her money she tries to reform prostitutes and help them find a real respectable job. As you can imagine she's not really someone who would be invited to balls and party by Society. I found Melisande very likable, she's a good woman and she really wants to help save these girls. I found her devotion to her 'gaggle' very endearing.She might have been married but Melisande is still a near-virgin when it comes to the pleasures of sex. It was cute to see such an innocent woman leaving with women who enjoyed having sex so much and it made me laugh a few times.

When Melisande hears that the secrete society called the Heavenly Hosts has been revived and that now they started becoming very violent with prostitutes/young women she decides to act. Melisande knows Benedick's brother, Brandon, is a member of this secret society so she decides to warn Benedick about it and asks for his help. I really enjoyed seeing them together, they have such a chemistry! *swoon* They don't plan to get involved with each other but it's like it's out of their hands. The more they fight it, the harder it is. God, I loved Benedick, he's such a jerk! He has a vicious tongue, very cutting. The smex scenes are hot and very well written. Benedick is confident in his skills and I just love that in my heroes *g*.

If you read Breathless, you'll remember Brandon, the youngest Rohan. He was so young and cute and innocent. Really brave too. The man we meet in Shameless is just a shadow of his old self. Brandon has been to war and he's come back wounded both physically and in spirits. He gave up on life and he's become reckless. We get glimpses of him and what happened when he came back from war. Now, I have to tell you I'm REALLY hoping he's getting his book because if not I'll be pissed. Why? Because we get glimpses of his story and a possible romance and I couldn't believe it ended this way. Anyway, I can't say more but I am crossing all my fingers and toes we'll get his book. (I've spent 2 hours on the web searching for any indication there would be one but *sob* I couldn't find any info about it *sob*)

I LOVED that we got to see quite a lot of the HEA of Miranda and Lucien (Heroes from Breathless, yes I also do Cliffnotes as you can see *wink*). I remember raging at the ending of Breathless because it didn't have an epilogue. *squeeeeeeeeee* We get it in Shameless. Seriously I was grinning the whole time we got to see Lucien and Miranda. And we see them from Benedick's POV, which is pretty hilarious since he HATES his brother-in-law so much. I loved seeing their life through his eyes. I can't thank Anne Stuart enough for indulging us like that. *g*

I was ecstatic when I finished Shameless! It has an epilogue!!! *squeee* And a very good one. It's not cheesy I promise, because I'm not sure Anne Stuart can do cheesy. But it left me smiling and feeling very good. <3

Shameless is a wonderful book, it really does justice to this series. You want to root for the characters and it's hard to stop reading once you started. It keeps you enthralled and always wanting more while giving you some closure about the story (and about the previous book). I still feel pretty emotional about this book. It sure left his mark in my mind and in my heart (see? I can be cheesy!)

ps: I'm sorry about it being such a long review. And THIS is the short version ;)

I give Shameless 4 1/2 Stars.

With a Shiny HEA, full of hopes and happiness

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Anne Stuart, thank you so much for giving us this fun, fun book. It was delicious and decadent and I'm kinda in love with all your characters. All of them. Especially the broken ones.

First things first, despite being the 4th book in the series I had no problems at all jumping into the lives of the characters. I have read the free prequel (The Wicked House of Rohan - available here) and enjoyed it immensely, but seeing as the prequel deals with the current Viscount's great-uncle (I think, maybe it was his great, great... no, I'm pretty sure there was only one great in there) reading it isn't strictly necessary. Although it does give backstory on the whole Heavenly Host thing. Heck, just go read the freebie first. You know, because it's good and sexy and you'll thank me in the morning. The point I'm trying to make here is that if you haven't read the previous books you won't be going crazy trying to figure out what's going on. Benedick's sister and her husband (the main characters from book 3) are introduced in a humorous way and you find out the particulars of their romance from Benedick's rather biased version of events.

Meanwhile, we're drawn into the lives of Benedick, who's decided it's high time he got himself a biddable wife to get a few heirs on while he continues carousing with the less respectable women of London, and Melisande, who's made it her mission to save and rehabilitate the soiled doves of London and give them a life that doesn't involve selling themselves for sex. As you can imagine, their goals are at odds with one another.

Melisande was so much fun. For a widow who's experienced sex before, she was sweetly innocent about the pleasure that can be found between and man and a woman. Her soiled doves (I'm sorry, I think that phrase is so wonderfully evocative. I can see those damn dirty doves every time I read it) have done their best to educate her, but her sexual experience involves a man several decades older than her who was on his deathbed and a man who didn't appear to have any particular skill between the sheets. She thinks that she's simply one of those women who don't find pleasure with a man. Until, that is, Benedick shows her the error of her ways.

Strongly written with characters that have distinct and powerful voices, Shameless is a historical romance with a strong-willed woman, a dangerously sexy rake and villains who delight in causing mayhem and destruction.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This installment of the House of Rohan was not as good as the last three. Benedick Rohan is the older brother of Miranda (Breathless) and son to Adrian and Charlotte (Reckless). He is unlucky when it comes to keeping his wives alive. They keep dying in childbirth. So he has come to London to find a breeder to give him some heirs and lots of women to keep him occupied otherwise.

Unfortunately for Benedick, Melisande has made it her crusade to reform old prostitutes, madame, light 'o loves and so on. She had been married to an elderly man and when he died he passed all his money onto her.

Their first confrontation is over one of Melisande's fallen being asked to service Benedick. Melisande bursts into the room a moment before the deed was to have taken place. This put her on Benedick's radar for the first time. From there we see Melisande ask Benedick to help her uncover the new group of Heavenly Hosts and stop the midnight virginal sacrifice they are going to perform.

I felt parts of this story were lacking when compared to the last 3.
-Like both Melisande and Benedick had supposedly had the "loves" of their lives and those people had both died. I am not real fond of a storyline where someone is searching for a second love.
-The bad guy in the story is plainly obvious. There was no reason to include him in the story except for the fact that he is the big baddie.
-The secondary romance between Emma and Brandon was kind of left hanging (no pun intended). I have no idea what happened with it. Is there a 5th book coming out?
-Miranda and Lucien have spit out more kids than I would think possible. At the end of Shameless they are working on #8? How much time was between these books?
-I didn't feel like Benedick was a "bad" as his predecessors. Those dudes were awesomely wicked. Benedick, while he had a nasty tongue, he wasn't really THAT wrong. Just mildly wrong.

You would think from my list above that I didn't like the book. But I really did. And I still love Stuart's writing. Her heroes are yummy and bad. Her love scenes are hot and sexy. I do wish she would write faster.

[Duchess Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne Stuart is officially the queen of the tortured hero, and this series is phenomenal. I have been consumed with Benedick and Melisande. Each of them is unique and yet Ms. Stuart has found a way to make me adore them both.

Benedick is similar to the other Rohans (and Lucien) in that his lifestyle has led him to live the rest of his days in a nihilistic, apathetic stupor. To top it off, he's had the worst run of luck with wives, losing three women to either madness or childbirth. He is determined to get his heir and a spare in spite of that. But he is equally determined not to fall in love. Bwahaha!!! Fat chance of that! Lady Melisande is more than a match for him. Warning: slightly spoiler-ish, quote ahead. (If you don't read much romance)

"Benedick lay on his back in the slowly gathering dawn. his body felt so richly sated that any move made on his part would require superhuman effort, and he had no intention of attempting it. he felt...he could think of no adequate word for it. Confused was inadequate, shattered too emotional when he was a man who eschewed emotions. He lay in his own bed, the bed he'd never shared with anyone, and listened to her breathe...

Ah, Melisande captures the heart of yet another Rohan rake. The Heavenly Host is once again a large part of the story, though their depravity is much worse than is has been in the previous books. I do wonder what's going on with the youngest Rohan brother, Brandon. There is a definite side story involving him and the infamous madame that Melisande has befriended, but the book ends just when I thought that something would come to light between the two of them. I'm hoping that this means that there is another Rohan book in the making. I know that I am a lifelong fan of Anne Stuart's. I absolutely adore her heroes and their rakish ways, their introspective minds, and their completely sappy hearts. Each of them is laid low by their women, in near perfect ways. I recommend this series, once again, to any HR readers who love the tortured hero, the reformed rake, and the quietly strong, wonderfully outspoken woman.

[Crista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps I am getting a bit spoiled by Anne Stuart's consistency and her "formula" that works so well for me. I love Anne Stuart's bad boy's, I love that her books contain secondary love stories that are as compelling as the primary love stories, and I love that I know what I'm going to get when I pick up one of this awesomely talented author's books.

Shameless threw me for a loop.

Although I loved the story and recommend the book wholeheartedly, it left me a bit disappointed because it definitely deviated from what I've grown accustomed to and what has addicted me to Ms. Stuart's writing.

Benedick is different from all the other Rohan men in that he is basically a really nice guy! The problem for me is that when I read Anne Stuart....I don't WANT a nice guy! I want a guy that rides that thin line between good and evil. I want a gamma, and Benedick is not that guy! Although he was resistant to loving Melisande, it was for a good reason. He was very sensitive and had been hurt in the past. I loved Benedick, but again...I don't necessarily want to LOVE an Anne Stuart hero. I want to be intrigued, fascinated, and even a bit scared of them....but never view them as sweet and sensitive!

Another very difficult aspect of Shameless was the lack of a secondary romance. We are introduced to Benedick's brother and Melisande's friend who obviously have a story that needs to be told. Anne Stuart usually finds a way to incorporate the secondary story into the book, but not so with this couple. I felt very duped and disappointed when Shameless left with a cliffhanger for this couple! Now I have to wait for their story....and I am not patient:)!

Overall, I strongly recommend this series and although this one failed to meet all my expectations, it was still excellent, captured my attention right away, and is a worthy addition to this awesome series!

[♥ Rebecca ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably my second favourite of the series after Ruthless. Benedick was actually nice, which is weird, because I read this series for its dark heroes. Sure, he is a rake, but he isn't an asshole like his father and grandfather were. And Melisande is the first heroine not to get kidnapped by the hero at some point in the story. I guess I wasn't in the mood for a dark hero as much as I thought, since I still enjoyed this so much.

But what happened to Brandon?! Anne Stuart's novels always have a secondary romance and they are always wonderful, but in this one we don't find out what happens. We don't even know if Brandon is ok!

And I would have liked to know what happened to the Heavenly Host. If not arrested, I hope they were all publicly shamed, especially Pennington, just to punish his sister.

[Auj · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good and I liked the epilogue and was hoping that scene would happen. This book made me so excited for the Brandon Emma romance, as Brandon's been one of my favorite characters from the last book.
And Benedick was pretty hot.

The plot premise on Goodreads confused me; I thought it meant that Melisande was controlling the whole Heavenly Host thing.