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Bastion Club #5
To Distraction
The gentlemen of the Bastion Club have proven their courage while fighting England's enemies, but nothing has prepared them for dealing with that most formidable of challenges: the opposite sex.
Deverell, Viscount Paignton, is in desperate need of a wife. Unmoved by the matchmaking "herd," he seeks help from his aunt, who directs him to a lady she vows is perfect for him. Dispatched to a country house party to look the lady over, he discovers her not swanning about among the guests but with her nose buried in a book in the library.
Phoebe Malleson is tempted to distraction by Deverell, but marrying him isn't part of her plan. Moved by an incident in her past, Phoebe has a secret cause to which she's committed. Unfortunately, telling Deverell to go away doesn't work, and he quickly learns of her secret. But someone powerful has her cause targeted for destruction—and her in their sights. Phoebe must accept Deverell's help…though the cost to them both might be dear—and deadly.
Deverell, Viscount Paignton, is in desperate need of a wife. Unmoved by the matchmaking "herd," he seeks help from his aunt, who directs him to a lady she vows is perfect for him. Dispatched to a country house party to look the lady over, he discovers her not swanning about among the guests but with her nose buried in a book in the library.
Phoebe Malleson is tempted to distraction by Deverell, but marrying him isn't part of her plan. Moved by an incident in her past, Phoebe has a secret cause to which she's committed. Unfortunately, telling Deverell to go away doesn't work, and he quickly learns of her secret. But someone powerful has her cause targeted for destruction—and her in their sights. Phoebe must accept Deverell's help…though the cost to them both might be dear—and deadly.
475 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 15, 2006
184 people are currently reading
1757 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
206 books5,586 followersStephanie Laurens was born in Sri Lanka, which was at the time the British colony of Ceylon. When she was 5, her family moved to Melbourne, Australia, where she was raised. After continuing through school and earning a Ph.D. in Biochemistry in Australia, Stephanie and her husband moved to Great Britain, taking one of the last true overland journeys from Katmandu to London.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
June 20, 2022
✨She indeed stepped! back! onto! that! dick!✨
If you’ve seen the stepback for this one, you definitely understand. If you haven’t, it’s gorgeous and very telling about this book. There were SO many moments where him and his *impressive hardness* were pressed all up on her back: sneaking glances over shoulders and little spoon cuddles and grasping windowpanes while decidedly *not* focusing on the view. Murmurs against lips and whispers pressed to ears at society functions did many numbers on me. I don’t even know how to count anymore. Waking up sprawled across a slumbering body and being pulled in closer to infinity.
I loved the progression of their relationship, especially considered the length of the book. From the beginning, their attraction was instantaneous and I found myself wondering how this book could possibly keep my attention for 450 pages. I thought they were going to get together super quickly and then stall out but when I tell you the tension! Unmatched! It took a situation I thought I had a handle on and just completely rewrote my expectations. His lessons of seduction were wonderfully paced. So while yes, their attraction was instant, the tension buildup and progression into them falling in love lasted throughout the entire book.
The steam was so good!! I didn’t know what to expect but we got several great scenes and I don’t think I could’ve asked for much more. They weren’t crazy explicit but they gave what they needed to give and were detailed and hot. There were also a bit of fantasy-esque situations that were hot and helped strengthen their relationship. Phoebe doesn’t trust many men (for reasons to be divulged) and I think those intimate scenes helped reshape some of her reservations. She was able to relinquish power in a healthy way, while still having control of the situation with one spoken word. The scenes didn’t trivialize or downplay her trauma, but instead helped her be comfortable with him (not in spite of his size and power but because of them?).
There were also clear safe words and consent and I found that his inherent power in the relationship was handled well. There was a scene in the first third of the novel where he realizes he has the capability to scare her or overpower her and they’re both very shaken by it. When she’s scared, he reevaluates his privilege and really worked on being better. I also really appreciated how he never tried to take over her business and really deflected to her for every decision. She was worried he would assert his penis privilege and that people would start looking to him, but they never did. It was really fun and sweet to watch; her hesitation about being in a relationship turned into viewing them as an “us” and a “we.”
At this point, around two-thirds through maybe, their relationship is pretty solid and steady (but there’s still pining and emotions). The plot shifts to her business and more of a thrilling pace. (“Making love and getting shit done” I think I wrote in my notes.) There’s a villain and different tension and a clear climax it was building to. It also created the perfect third-act-breakup-that’s-not-actually-a-breakup scene. I really love when the couple is forced apart not of their own volition: gunpoint, non-mortal-but-appears-mortal wound, kidnapping. It also really worked here because there was only one other avenue their end tension could’ve been and that was a fight scene that wouldn’t have made sense, since the entire book worked up to negating that point.
Overall, this was a long book that didn’t feel long at all. I’ll definitely be reading the entire series and rereading this one when I want to be romanced and swept away. It was a whirlwind and made me want to use the word “sensual” a lot. The stepback is my favorite ever and I definitely have a new kink for anything to do with feeling hardness pressed up against backs and turning unintentionally into muscly, human-shaped walls that wrap around fronts.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.75*/5
*The tension and passion bumped this one from 3.5🌶s because I was simply not prepared for this man and all of his skills. Many particular sets of them yes.
TWs: Attempted assault of the heroine in the past, sex trafficking, abduction. I do also think there are parts of this that wouldn’t be published today, specifically about fetishizing other cultures. I don’t know much about this and am not an expert by any means, but it’s a theme in older romances and there were references here that I personally feel could’ve been changed.
______________
Initial reaction:
So this book was INCREDIBLE. My heart was RACING by the end. My work gave us all fitbits and it told me the ol ticker was werking
But literally 😩 so good idk how I’m gonna write a review and I thought I had the next book but I DONT so now I have to go buy the rest of the books in this series.
If you’ve seen the stepback for this one, you definitely understand. If you haven’t, it’s gorgeous and very telling about this book. There were SO many moments where him and his *impressive hardness* were pressed all up on her back: sneaking glances over shoulders and little spoon cuddles and grasping windowpanes while decidedly *not* focusing on the view. Murmurs against lips and whispers pressed to ears at society functions did many numbers on me. I don’t even know how to count anymore. Waking up sprawled across a slumbering body and being pulled in closer to infinity.
I loved the progression of their relationship, especially considered the length of the book. From the beginning, their attraction was instantaneous and I found myself wondering how this book could possibly keep my attention for 450 pages. I thought they were going to get together super quickly and then stall out but when I tell you the tension! Unmatched! It took a situation I thought I had a handle on and just completely rewrote my expectations. His lessons of seduction were wonderfully paced. So while yes, their attraction was instant, the tension buildup and progression into them falling in love lasted throughout the entire book.
The steam was so good!! I didn’t know what to expect but we got several great scenes and I don’t think I could’ve asked for much more. They weren’t crazy explicit but they gave what they needed to give and were detailed and hot. There were also a bit of fantasy-esque situations that were hot and helped strengthen their relationship. Phoebe doesn’t trust many men (for reasons to be divulged) and I think those intimate scenes helped reshape some of her reservations. She was able to relinquish power in a healthy way, while still having control of the situation with one spoken word. The scenes didn’t trivialize or downplay her trauma, but instead helped her be comfortable with him (not in spite of his size and power but because of them?).
There were also clear safe words and consent and I found that his inherent power in the relationship was handled well. There was a scene in the first third of the novel where he realizes he has the capability to scare her or overpower her and they’re both very shaken by it. When she’s scared, he reevaluates his privilege and really worked on being better. I also really appreciated how he never tried to take over her business and really deflected to her for every decision. She was worried he would assert his penis privilege and that people would start looking to him, but they never did. It was really fun and sweet to watch; her hesitation about being in a relationship turned into viewing them as an “us” and a “we.”
At this point, around two-thirds through maybe, their relationship is pretty solid and steady (but there’s still pining and emotions). The plot shifts to her business and more of a thrilling pace. (“Making love and getting shit done” I think I wrote in my notes.) There’s a villain and different tension and a clear climax it was building to. It also created the perfect third-act-breakup-that’s-not-actually-a-breakup scene. I really love when the couple is forced apart not of their own volition: gunpoint, non-mortal-but-appears-mortal wound, kidnapping. It also really worked here because there was only one other avenue their end tension could’ve been and that was a fight scene that wouldn’t have made sense, since the entire book worked up to negating that point.
Overall, this was a long book that didn’t feel long at all. I’ll definitely be reading the entire series and rereading this one when I want to be romanced and swept away. It was a whirlwind and made me want to use the word “sensual” a lot. The stepback is my favorite ever and I definitely have a new kink for anything to do with feeling hardness pressed up against backs and turning unintentionally into muscly, human-shaped walls that wrap around fronts.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.75*/5
*The tension and passion bumped this one from 3.5🌶s because I was simply not prepared for this man and all of his skills. Many particular sets of them yes.
TWs: Attempted assault of the heroine in the past, sex trafficking, abduction. I do also think there are parts of this that wouldn’t be published today, specifically about fetishizing other cultures. I don’t know much about this and am not an expert by any means, but it’s a theme in older romances and there were references here that I personally feel could’ve been changed.
______________
Initial reaction:
So this book was INCREDIBLE. My heart was RACING by the end. My work gave us all fitbits and it told me the ol ticker was werking
But literally 😩 so good idk how I’m gonna write a review and I thought I had the next book but I DONT so now I have to go buy the rest of the books in this series.
June 7, 2019
***3.5 "Rescuing all the ladies" stars
Deverell and Phoebe
I so didn't see this one taking this turn. Totally enjoyed the story and the cameos from the previous couples of the Bastion club.
Deverell and Phoebe
I so didn't see this one taking this turn. Totally enjoyed the story and the cameos from the previous couples of the Bastion club.
March 14, 2018
Rating: 5 stars
Deverell and Phoebe rock! Loved this book and this couple. I got a kick in how it tied into the last Cynster book I read which takes place years after this duo become involved.
Laurens addresses areas that are near and dear to me, particularly ones concerning the exploitation women face in society and how we can make a difference.
Can't wait to read the next installment of the Bastion Club.
Deverell and Phoebe rock! Loved this book and this couple. I got a kick in how it tied into the last Cynster book I read which takes place years after this duo become involved.
Laurens addresses areas that are near and dear to me, particularly ones concerning the exploitation women face in society and how we can make a difference.
Can't wait to read the next installment of the Bastion Club.
January 30, 2018
So Phoebe and Dev were my second favorite, mainly cause Phoebe was just awesome and Dev let her be awesome and that was just soooo romantic and adorable and I was feeling the love...
Plus we get some Malcolm Sinclair and tho he really needed a skillet whack or sixty, I still kinda like the guy.
Plus we get some Malcolm Sinclair and tho he really needed a skillet whack or sixty, I still kinda like the guy.
July 31, 2013
Dear romance writers: when a woman makes it abundantly clear she's not interested in marriage or courtship, and in fact calls the hero a threat and is shivering in fear at him, and he's GOING TO PURSUE HER ANYWAY BY GAD, that's not romance, that's stalking. Abuse. Non-consensual. STOP WRITING THIS.
September 2, 2014
Was going to wait, but went ahead and picked this one up anyway. Googled around until I found a guy who could fit my idea of Deverell, and decided upon Eric Belanger .
3.5 Stars! Ok, finally getting down to getting this review written. Life's been getting in the way of my reading and writing of reviews, hate it when that happens :p
I liked this one pretty well. I thought the mystery was sort of slow to develop. It didn't really become a big focus of the story until the latter half of the book, but when it finally did become a bigger focus of the story, it was pretty interesting. I really liked this first introduction of Malcolm Sinclair, seeing how and why he got his beginning in the darker side of things. It was especially interesting getting this opportunity to learn more about him prior to our future buddy read of his book. Really looking forward to that one.
As for the couple in this one, I thought they went together well. Sure, at first I was bothered by how he could plainly see that she was petrified whenever he tried to get close, due to her past experience. I was also wishing she would 'fight back' or something when he tried to use his sexual powers of persuasion, but once they started getting to know each other more, and their relationship developed, it didn't bother me as much. I ended up kind of liking how it developed, the way he seduced her using her own imagination as a tool, eased her into it. Usually that slow easing into the steps of passion and whatnot gets on my nerves, but it worked in this one, without delving into 'love lessons' territory. I liked Phoebe quite well, she was entirely likable, smart and resourceful, and I liked how she handled Deverell's intruding into her life. As for Deverell, he of course liked to be in charge, and be pushy like most all the other guys who inhabit this world of SL's books, but I liked him for the most part. I also enjoyed the role his Aunt Audrey played, along with Phoebe's Aunt Edith. The little 'romance' between Aunt Audrey and that guy who was helping to support Phoebe's agency was sort of cute, too. Especially how he was so shy and awkward, and she just kind of railroaded him. I also liked the little talking to Aunt Edith gave to Malcolm there at the end.
The agency Phoebe had set up, and all of her rescue missions were interesting. I liked how it was unusual, and it made Phoebe's character. There was still plenty of the social whirl, but the time spent at the agency with Emmeline and the other members of Phoebe's gang was a highlight. However, as usual, Dalziel stole the spotlight whenever he appeared. I liked his role in this book, as always, (as well as seeing the other members of the Bastion Club who came in to help). Finishing this story means I'm one step closer to getting to his story, and that is what I'm eager for. However, Gervase is up next, so to him I shall go.
Another good addition to the series. Onward! 3.5 Stars.
3.5 Stars! Ok, finally getting down to getting this review written. Life's been getting in the way of my reading and writing of reviews, hate it when that happens :p
I liked this one pretty well. I thought the mystery was sort of slow to develop. It didn't really become a big focus of the story until the latter half of the book, but when it finally did become a bigger focus of the story, it was pretty interesting. I really liked this first introduction of Malcolm Sinclair, seeing how and why he got his beginning in the darker side of things. It was especially interesting getting this opportunity to learn more about him prior to our future buddy read of his book. Really looking forward to that one.
As for the couple in this one, I thought they went together well. Sure, at first I was bothered by how he could plainly see that she was petrified whenever he tried to get close, due to her past experience. I was also wishing she would 'fight back' or something when he tried to use his sexual powers of persuasion, but once they started getting to know each other more, and their relationship developed, it didn't bother me as much. I ended up kind of liking how it developed, the way he seduced her using her own imagination as a tool, eased her into it. Usually that slow easing into the steps of passion and whatnot gets on my nerves, but it worked in this one, without delving into 'love lessons' territory. I liked Phoebe quite well, she was entirely likable, smart and resourceful, and I liked how she handled Deverell's intruding into her life. As for Deverell, he of course liked to be in charge, and be pushy like most all the other guys who inhabit this world of SL's books, but I liked him for the most part. I also enjoyed the role his Aunt Audrey played, along with Phoebe's Aunt Edith. The little 'romance' between Aunt Audrey and that guy who was helping to support Phoebe's agency was sort of cute, too. Especially how he was so shy and awkward, and she just kind of railroaded him. I also liked the little talking to Aunt Edith gave to Malcolm there at the end.
The agency Phoebe had set up, and all of her rescue missions were interesting. I liked how it was unusual, and it made Phoebe's character. There was still plenty of the social whirl, but the time spent at the agency with Emmeline and the other members of Phoebe's gang was a highlight. However, as usual, Dalziel stole the spotlight whenever he appeared. I liked his role in this book, as always, (as well as seeing the other members of the Bastion Club who came in to help). Finishing this story means I'm one step closer to getting to his story, and that is what I'm eager for. However, Gervase is up next, so to him I shall go.
Another good addition to the series. Onward! 3.5 Stars.
July 12, 2021
To Distraction
3 Stars
Jocelyn Deverell, the new Viscount Paignton, is in need of a wife and his aunt has the perfect woman in mind, Phoebe Malleson. Unfortunately, due to a painful incident in her past, Phoebe is set against marriage and would prefer to spend her time reading and working on her "special project". What will it take for Deverell to convince her to take a chance on him?
As always, Stephanie Laurens' characters are engaging and the story resonates deeply, especially Phoebe's secret occupation , and her desire for a true partner, who respects her intelligence and independence.
Likewise, Deverell's patience and willingness to invest time and effort in supporting Phoebe's plans rather than dictating to her make him the perfect match for her.
Nevertheless, as with most of her books, Laurens is in dire need of a skilled editor. The first few chapters are quite slow and there is a great deal of unnecessary repetition, particularly the sex scenes. The pacing picks up toward the middle and the climax and resolution are satisfying once the suspense plot gets going.
Overall, not the best installment in the series despite Deverell and Phoebe's sweet romance. Gervase's book is up next, but I am most eager for Dazliel's story.
3 Stars
Jocelyn Deverell, the new Viscount Paignton, is in need of a wife and his aunt has the perfect woman in mind, Phoebe Malleson. Unfortunately, due to a painful incident in her past, Phoebe is set against marriage and would prefer to spend her time reading and working on her "special project". What will it take for Deverell to convince her to take a chance on him?
As always, Stephanie Laurens' characters are engaging and the story resonates deeply, especially Phoebe's secret occupation , and her desire for a true partner, who respects her intelligence and independence.
Likewise, Deverell's patience and willingness to invest time and effort in supporting Phoebe's plans rather than dictating to her make him the perfect match for her.
Nevertheless, as with most of her books, Laurens is in dire need of a skilled editor. The first few chapters are quite slow and there is a great deal of unnecessary repetition, particularly the sex scenes. The pacing picks up toward the middle and the climax and resolution are satisfying once the suspense plot gets going.
Overall, not the best installment in the series despite Deverell and Phoebe's sweet romance. Gervase's book is up next, but I am most eager for Dazliel's story.
March 4, 2017
5 books in to the series and I'm getting sick of the formula. Guy sees woman, becomes relatively obsessed with marrying her, entices her to it with LOTS of sex outside of marriage and showing his protective side and then he solves a mystery and eventually the sex convinces the heroine that marriage isn't such a bad idea. It really needs a change up. Like maybe they could marry at the beginning of the book. Or maybe the heroine could become obsessed with the guy. Eh.
In this one, Deverell is told about Phoebe and how perfect she would be for him, except she's sworn off marriage at the age of 25. (Of course she has, that's pretty much a prerequisite for these heroines). So Deverell indicates his interest. She sticks to her guns and so Deverell decides to seduce her, get her into bed and let that convince her. This continues for a good 50% of the book. The mystery shows up later and has to do with Phoebe's extracurricular activites and the secrets she keeps from Deverell.
Deverell creeped me out in this one. He's border line stalker. He corners her in a ballroom and says, "I'm going to learn ALL of your secrets." after he's known her for a week. He gets all pissy because she won't tell him what's going on and won't trust her (and this after two days). I agree with the heroine when she says that they don't have a relationship which would require her to share her secrets. So he proceeds to kiss her to show her differently. I still think she was correct - a physical relationship does not require her to share her secrets. So in his insatiable curiosity and need to know everything about the woman he plans to marry (even though she's not in agreement) he goes through her financials, has her followed and her house watched and stalks her at every ball. It's not like he suspects she's a criminal. He just wants to know. Creepazoid. And it disturbs me how he treats her like a possession. Plus he's bossy and controlling. He's not my favorite hero.
The rest of the story is just okay. As with all of these they're entirely too long (probably wouldn't be so bad if we took out half of the gratuitous sex scenes...and I usually like sex scenes. There's just too many).
In this one, Deverell is told about Phoebe and how perfect she would be for him, except she's sworn off marriage at the age of 25. (Of course she has, that's pretty much a prerequisite for these heroines). So Deverell indicates his interest. She sticks to her guns and so Deverell decides to seduce her, get her into bed and let that convince her. This continues for a good 50% of the book. The mystery shows up later and has to do with Phoebe's extracurricular activites and the secrets she keeps from Deverell.
Deverell creeped me out in this one. He's border line stalker. He corners her in a ballroom and says, "I'm going to learn ALL of your secrets." after he's known her for a week. He gets all pissy because she won't tell him what's going on and won't trust her (and this after two days). I agree with the heroine when she says that they don't have a relationship which would require her to share her secrets. So he proceeds to kiss her to show her differently. I still think she was correct - a physical relationship does not require her to share her secrets. So in his insatiable curiosity and need to know everything about the woman he plans to marry (even though she's not in agreement) he goes through her financials, has her followed and her house watched and stalks her at every ball. It's not like he suspects she's a criminal. He just wants to know. Creepazoid. And it disturbs me how he treats her like a possession. Plus he's bossy and controlling. He's not my favorite hero.
The rest of the story is just okay. As with all of these they're entirely too long (probably wouldn't be so bad if we took out half of the gratuitous sex scenes...and I usually like sex scenes. There's just too many).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2023
Reread on August 18, 2023: This is that rare SL book where the *hero* is unanchored, drawn into the heroine's already-established ambitions, found family, and lifestyle. Love this ship. Finally the series is getting good. Read via audio (narrated by Jill Tanner).
October 21, 2014
Author: Stephanie Laurens
First published: 2006
Length: 475 pages
Setting: London, 1816 (Regency).
Sex: Explicit. Frequent. Varied. Role-playing.
Almost Rape:
Includes: Excerpt from The Taste of Innocence.
Book 5 and all I can say is: Laurens needs to start editing. These books are getting long and not in a good way. It just keeps going and going and going. Cut a third and it would still be a good book. Decrease the sex, tighten the storyline, remove the Sinclair subplot. It would be far more satisfying.
*sigh*
Sex scenes.
Let's get this out of the way first. Laurens writes hot, varied sex scenes. In "To Distraction", Laurens addresses Phoebe's fear of men and physical contact by having Deverell embrace his gentle, protective, respectful side. Phoebe and Deverell use role-play to overcome her fears, and it's hot. But there is also a lot of it. Explicit, frequent, unprotected, out of wedlock sex. Laurens makes the sex empowering with both MCs allowed to take primary roles, and it does propel their relationship. It's just that I find myself skimming the sex scenes. I'm bored with them. They are detracting from my enjoyment of the story. I'm reading a romance not erotica.
The storyline.
Another interesting plot that emphasises female empowerment, even in a society where women are primarily chattel. Again, Laurens has her Hero doing the chasing; he's the one that's looking for Love and a HEA. In his pursuit he finds himself wooing a partner and helpmate. He learns to respect and support her rather than controlling. It's really quite lovely, but not very typical of the genre :-)
But best of all? Phoebe is no shrinking violet who needs to be saved. She acts to rescue herself - both by creating her "crusade" and, later, with knowledge taught her by Deverell. Deverell does not need to ride to her rescue. He gives her the tools and support to achieve it herself.
Yay for female empowerment!
Malcolm Sinclair.
It's not until The Casebook of Barnaby Adair series, Book 3 Loving Rose: The Redemption of Malcolm Sinclair (published 2014), that Malcolm Sinclair gets his story told. Yet he has a major role in "To Distraction", turns up again in Beyond Seduction and reappears in Cynster #14 The Taste of InnocenceThe Taste of Innocence (coincidentally excerpted here). Now, that's planning ahead.
So, overall, it's a good enjoyable book. But it's too long and as such drags, leading me to skim or read-ahead to find out how much longer? which does affect my enjoyment. :-/
Bastion Club Series:
Prequel Captain Jack's Woman (1991) - Miss Kathryn (Kit) Cranmer and Lord Jonathon (Jack) Hendon
Book 1 The Lady Chosen (2003) - Tristan Wemyss, Earl of Trentham and Miss Leonora Carling
Book 2 A Gentleman's Honor (2003) - Anthony Blake, Viscount Torrington and Alicia Pevensy
Book 3 A Lady of His Own (2004) - Charles St. Austell, Earl of Crowhurst and Lady Penelope Selborne
Book 4 A Fine Passion (2005) - Jack Warnefleet, Baron Warnefleet of Minchinbury and Lady Clarice Altwood
Book 5 To Distraction (2006) - Jocelyn Deverell, Viscount Paignton and Phoebe Malleson
Book 6 Beyond Seduction (2007) - Gervase Tregarth, 6th Earl of Crowhurst and Madeline Gascoigne
Book 7 The Edge of Desire (2008) - Christian Allardyce, 6th Marquess of Dearne and Lady Letitia Randall
Book 8 Mastered By Love (2009) - (Dalziel) and Minerva Chesterton
.
References:
Author's website: http://www.stephanielaurens.com
(ISBN 9780060839109)
-CR-
First published: 2006
Length: 475 pages
Setting: London, 1816 (Regency).
Sex: Explicit. Frequent. Varied. Role-playing.
Almost Rape:
Includes: Excerpt from The Taste of Innocence.
Book 5 and all I can say is: Laurens needs to start editing. These books are getting long and not in a good way. It just keeps going and going and going. Cut a third and it would still be a good book. Decrease the sex, tighten the storyline, remove the Sinclair subplot. It would be far more satisfying.
*sigh*
Sex scenes.
Let's get this out of the way first. Laurens writes hot, varied sex scenes. In "To Distraction", Laurens addresses Phoebe's fear of men and physical contact by having Deverell embrace his gentle, protective, respectful side. Phoebe and Deverell use role-play to overcome her fears, and it's hot. But there is also a lot of it. Explicit, frequent, unprotected, out of wedlock sex. Laurens makes the sex empowering with both MCs allowed to take primary roles, and it does propel their relationship. It's just that I find myself skimming the sex scenes. I'm bored with them. They are detracting from my enjoyment of the story. I'm reading a romance not erotica.
The storyline.
Another interesting plot that emphasises female empowerment, even in a society where women are primarily chattel. Again, Laurens has her Hero doing the chasing; he's the one that's looking for Love and a HEA. In his pursuit he finds himself wooing a partner and helpmate. He learns to respect and support her rather than controlling. It's really quite lovely, but not very typical of the genre :-)
But best of all? Phoebe is no shrinking violet who needs to be saved. She acts to rescue herself - both by creating her "crusade" and, later, with knowledge taught her by Deverell. Deverell does not need to ride to her rescue. He gives her the tools and support to achieve it herself.
Yay for female empowerment!
Malcolm Sinclair.
It's not until The Casebook of Barnaby Adair series, Book 3 Loving Rose: The Redemption of Malcolm Sinclair (published 2014), that Malcolm Sinclair gets his story told. Yet he has a major role in "To Distraction", turns up again in Beyond Seduction and reappears in Cynster #14 The Taste of InnocenceThe Taste of Innocence (coincidentally excerpted here). Now, that's planning ahead.
So, overall, it's a good enjoyable book. But it's too long and as such drags, leading me to skim or read-ahead to find out how much longer? which does affect my enjoyment. :-/
Bastion Club Series:
Prequel Captain Jack's Woman (1991) - Miss Kathryn (Kit) Cranmer and Lord Jonathon (Jack) Hendon
Book 1 The Lady Chosen (2003) - Tristan Wemyss, Earl of Trentham and Miss Leonora Carling
Book 2 A Gentleman's Honor (2003) - Anthony Blake, Viscount Torrington and Alicia Pevensy
Book 3 A Lady of His Own (2004) - Charles St. Austell, Earl of Crowhurst and Lady Penelope Selborne
Book 4 A Fine Passion (2005) - Jack Warnefleet, Baron Warnefleet of Minchinbury and Lady Clarice Altwood
Book 5 To Distraction (2006) - Jocelyn Deverell, Viscount Paignton and Phoebe Malleson
Book 6 Beyond Seduction (2007) - Gervase Tregarth, 6th Earl of Crowhurst and Madeline Gascoigne
Book 7 The Edge of Desire (2008) - Christian Allardyce, 6th Marquess of Dearne and Lady Letitia Randall
Book 8 Mastered By Love (2009) - (Dalziel) and Minerva Chesterton
.
References:
Author's website: http://www.stephanielaurens.com
(ISBN 9780060839109)
-CR-
October 9, 2025
Books I own. #5 Bastion Club - MC's H Jocelyn Deverell and h Phoebe Malleson
Characters
1.Christian Allardyce ( Marquess of Dearne)
2.Anthony Blake (Viscount Torrington) - Alicia Pevensey aka Widow Carrington -“A Gentleman’s Honour”
3.Jocelyn Deverell (Viscount Paignton)- Phoebe Malleson " To Distraction"
4.Charles St. Austell( Earl of Lostwithiel)-Penny Selborne aka Lady Penelope Jane Marissa Selborne - “ A Lady of His Own”
5.Gervase Tregarth( Earl of Crowhurst)
6.Jack Warnefleet(Baron Warnefleet of Minchinbury)
7Tristan Wemyss(Earl of Trentham)- Leonora Carling - “The Lady Chosen”
Things I liked about this story:
Phoebe was an entrepeneur and a feminist who found her calling in rescuing the working class women from male lechers establishing a business to find jobs in the "ton" homes for women in need. She was determined not to get married and stick to her calling defending defenseless women.
Deverell's aunt Audrey found him the perfect match; Phoebe Malleson 25, an heiress and not interested in marriage. She told her nephew he would have to convince her he Deverell was worthy of marriage to her. The challenge was on. He was good at reading people and putting them at ease. He had control over his temper and much cunning and patience. His goal was to win her over but not scare her off. He knew she had been hurt by a man but knew he had to bide his time to find out. He convinced her to have an affair. He introduced her to pleasure and she suggested small steps. One night at a house party he witnessed her and two other men take a housemaid and the men drove off with her. He asked her about it but she wouldn't tell him. He had her house watched meanwhile seducing her at balls they attended. Finally he got a break one evening when one of the resucue's of maids went wrong and she was almost abducted. He and his groomsman Grainger had been in the shadows following them and also defended them rescuing the ladies. After that Phoebe had to tell him about her Athena Agency and all the staff and Loftus her other benefactor. The night she was almost abducted they knew about another group taking young women. They found out it was white slavers. The Bastion Club got involved along with their old master Dalziel. Eventually they cracked the case. Phoebe decided she should marry Deverell and proposed to him. That was a first.
Review I Liked:This story is a little different from the previous books in this series. There is no hunting for traitors in this story just a little mystery that doesn't really start until close to the end of the book. This book is mostly about Jocely Deverall, Viscount Paignton trying to win over Phoebe Malleston heart. Phoebe is terrified of large, powerful men and as such has never married. She is twenty-five and has made a satisfying and rewarding life for herself. For all that she is happy and determined to not wed her aunt and godmother have other ideas. Phoebe’s godmother is Deverall's aunt, Audrey Deverall, so when he goes to her and asks for her advice on who he should marry Audrey suggests Phoebe. The rest is a chess match of trying to find the right strategy to win Phoebe because once Deverall meets her he is determined to have her.
Deverall is the like the rest of the gentlemen in the Bastion Club. He is a warrior knight that in his base make up is a protector of the innocence and weak. He joined the fight against Napoleon to keep a tyrant from gaining power of the world. Now the war is over he is at loose ends. He needs a challenge and a purpose for his life, something other than running his estates. He also needs someone to help him with the social obligations that are required because of his title. He is unimpressed with the young women that are on the Marriage Mart and is tired of running a gauntlet that may find him wed to the wrong woman. Four of his friends have found their mates and he wants the same thing. Deverall is all dominant alpha male but he is also compassionate, caring and patient. He is also very good at business and at reading people. He is also charming when he wants to be which serves him well.
Phoebe started an agency to employ women of the lower classes for various jobs that the ton requires. That is just the tip of the iceberg as far as the agency is concerned. Phoebe main purpose with the agency is to save woman from sexual abuse at the hands of their employers. She also finds out which households will be safe for these women and makes sure that the ladies aren't tracked down by their former employers. This endeavor is what brings Deverall's attention to the fact that woman are being kidnapped and turned over to white slavers. Phoebe is very intelligent, caring and willing to take on all comers to protect these women. Unfortunately she is no match for a man. I will say that she is clever enough to bring protection with her. She just hasn't been trained to plan for all the things that could go wrong with her rescues. It is a good thing that Deverall helps with that problem.
This is a very enjoyable read and it is fast paced enough that you don’t get bored half way through the story. There are a number of wonderful characters in the books that provide the care and security for Phoebe. We also get to see several of the others from earlier stories which are always very nice. There are a number of steamy hot love scenes and some really hot role playing that will have to searching for a cold glass of water and a fan. As always Ms. Laurens writing is outstanding and she makes you want to read the next book to see what is going to happen with the rest of these amazing men.
Characters
1.Christian Allardyce ( Marquess of Dearne)
2.Anthony Blake (Viscount Torrington) - Alicia Pevensey aka Widow Carrington -“A Gentleman’s Honour”
3.Jocelyn Deverell (Viscount Paignton)- Phoebe Malleson " To Distraction"
4.Charles St. Austell( Earl of Lostwithiel)-Penny Selborne aka Lady Penelope Jane Marissa Selborne - “ A Lady of His Own”
5.Gervase Tregarth( Earl of Crowhurst)
6.Jack Warnefleet(Baron Warnefleet of Minchinbury)
7Tristan Wemyss(Earl of Trentham)- Leonora Carling - “The Lady Chosen”
Things I liked about this story:
Phoebe was an entrepeneur and a feminist who found her calling in rescuing the working class women from male lechers establishing a business to find jobs in the "ton" homes for women in need. She was determined not to get married and stick to her calling defending defenseless women.
Deverell's aunt Audrey found him the perfect match; Phoebe Malleson 25, an heiress and not interested in marriage. She told her nephew he would have to convince her he Deverell was worthy of marriage to her. The challenge was on. He was good at reading people and putting them at ease. He had control over his temper and much cunning and patience. His goal was to win her over but not scare her off. He knew she had been hurt by a man but knew he had to bide his time to find out. He convinced her to have an affair. He introduced her to pleasure and she suggested small steps. One night at a house party he witnessed her and two other men take a housemaid and the men drove off with her. He asked her about it but she wouldn't tell him. He had her house watched meanwhile seducing her at balls they attended. Finally he got a break one evening when one of the resucue's of maids went wrong and she was almost abducted. He and his groomsman Grainger had been in the shadows following them and also defended them rescuing the ladies. After that Phoebe had to tell him about her Athena Agency and all the staff and Loftus her other benefactor. The night she was almost abducted they knew about another group taking young women. They found out it was white slavers. The Bastion Club got involved along with their old master Dalziel. Eventually they cracked the case. Phoebe decided she should marry Deverell and proposed to him. That was a first.
Review I Liked:This story is a little different from the previous books in this series. There is no hunting for traitors in this story just a little mystery that doesn't really start until close to the end of the book. This book is mostly about Jocely Deverall, Viscount Paignton trying to win over Phoebe Malleston heart. Phoebe is terrified of large, powerful men and as such has never married. She is twenty-five and has made a satisfying and rewarding life for herself. For all that she is happy and determined to not wed her aunt and godmother have other ideas. Phoebe’s godmother is Deverall's aunt, Audrey Deverall, so when he goes to her and asks for her advice on who he should marry Audrey suggests Phoebe. The rest is a chess match of trying to find the right strategy to win Phoebe because once Deverall meets her he is determined to have her.
Deverall is the like the rest of the gentlemen in the Bastion Club. He is a warrior knight that in his base make up is a protector of the innocence and weak. He joined the fight against Napoleon to keep a tyrant from gaining power of the world. Now the war is over he is at loose ends. He needs a challenge and a purpose for his life, something other than running his estates. He also needs someone to help him with the social obligations that are required because of his title. He is unimpressed with the young women that are on the Marriage Mart and is tired of running a gauntlet that may find him wed to the wrong woman. Four of his friends have found their mates and he wants the same thing. Deverall is all dominant alpha male but he is also compassionate, caring and patient. He is also very good at business and at reading people. He is also charming when he wants to be which serves him well.
Phoebe started an agency to employ women of the lower classes for various jobs that the ton requires. That is just the tip of the iceberg as far as the agency is concerned. Phoebe main purpose with the agency is to save woman from sexual abuse at the hands of their employers. She also finds out which households will be safe for these women and makes sure that the ladies aren't tracked down by their former employers. This endeavor is what brings Deverall's attention to the fact that woman are being kidnapped and turned over to white slavers. Phoebe is very intelligent, caring and willing to take on all comers to protect these women. Unfortunately she is no match for a man. I will say that she is clever enough to bring protection with her. She just hasn't been trained to plan for all the things that could go wrong with her rescues. It is a good thing that Deverall helps with that problem.
This is a very enjoyable read and it is fast paced enough that you don’t get bored half way through the story. There are a number of wonderful characters in the books that provide the care and security for Phoebe. We also get to see several of the others from earlier stories which are always very nice. There are a number of steamy hot love scenes and some really hot role playing that will have to searching for a cold glass of water and a fan. As always Ms. Laurens writing is outstanding and she makes you want to read the next book to see what is going to happen with the rest of these amazing men.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2009
After reading two of these Bastion Club books, anyone could write one. Laurens gives new meaning to formulated writing. Lord Handsome meets Lady Beautiful, takes her on a step-by-step seduction, with a tiny little plot, not enough to hold the story together. Lady is kidnapped, Lord rescues her, and they live happily ever after as partners reaching for the sky and falling to earth as one. Ugh!!
April 7, 2018
¡2,5 ESTRELLAS!
Esta serie de libros se caracteriza por mezclar perfectamente el romance y el misterio. La relación entre los personajes se desarrolla a través de la trama de misterio que sirve de hilo conductor y ambas partes se complementan muy bien.
Pues bien, esta novela la he visto más floja que las anteriores. La trama de misterio no está bien perfilada y permanece ausente hasta prácticamente la mitad de la novela. Esto ha dado como resultado que la historia de amor me haya parecido un poco pesada. Es decir, para que una novela cuyo tema principal y exclusivo es el romance enganche, la historia de amor tiene que tener chispa, algo que haga que te cautive y no puedas parar de leer.
Lo que ha pasado en este libro es que hasta que no aparece la trama de misterio, la historia se centra básicamente en la relación de los personajes, que avanza tan lentamente que se me hizo tediosa. Leía y sentía que no avanzaba. Y ojo, que a mi particularmente me encantan las historias de amor que se van cociendo a fuego lento, pero si van acompañadas de otra subtrama que hace que la historia se vaya desarrollando y avance.
Paradójicamente, los personajes me han gustado y la relación entre ellos también porque Derevell sabe comprender y entender a Phoebe y sabe como darle su espacio y conquistarla. Y como pareja, como compañeros, tienen un entendimiento entre ellos que no es fácil encontrar en una pareja. Lo que no me ha gustado es cómo se ha desarrollado la historia. Pasarte la mitad del libro leyendo exclusivamente como Derevell la quiere conquistar y Phoebe intenta resistirse, me resulta muy aburrido sino pasa nada más o no tiene algo que le de sustancia a la historia.
Cuando se introduce la intriga y el misterio y comienza la acción, la historia te atrapa y consigue engancharte. Pero claro, hasta que eso pasa la historia va muy lenta.
A mi esta nueva fórmula de la autora no me ha funcionado. Espero que en los libros futuros de la serie la autora vuelva a mezclar al mismo tiempo la intriga y el romance.
RESUMEN CON SPOILERS:
Esta serie de libros se caracteriza por mezclar perfectamente el romance y el misterio. La relación entre los personajes se desarrolla a través de la trama de misterio que sirve de hilo conductor y ambas partes se complementan muy bien.
Pues bien, esta novela la he visto más floja que las anteriores. La trama de misterio no está bien perfilada y permanece ausente hasta prácticamente la mitad de la novela. Esto ha dado como resultado que la historia de amor me haya parecido un poco pesada. Es decir, para que una novela cuyo tema principal y exclusivo es el romance enganche, la historia de amor tiene que tener chispa, algo que haga que te cautive y no puedas parar de leer.
Lo que ha pasado en este libro es que hasta que no aparece la trama de misterio, la historia se centra básicamente en la relación de los personajes, que avanza tan lentamente que se me hizo tediosa. Leía y sentía que no avanzaba. Y ojo, que a mi particularmente me encantan las historias de amor que se van cociendo a fuego lento, pero si van acompañadas de otra subtrama que hace que la historia se vaya desarrollando y avance.
Paradójicamente, los personajes me han gustado y la relación entre ellos también porque Derevell sabe comprender y entender a Phoebe y sabe como darle su espacio y conquistarla. Y como pareja, como compañeros, tienen un entendimiento entre ellos que no es fácil encontrar en una pareja. Lo que no me ha gustado es cómo se ha desarrollado la historia. Pasarte la mitad del libro leyendo exclusivamente como Derevell la quiere conquistar y Phoebe intenta resistirse, me resulta muy aburrido sino pasa nada más o no tiene algo que le de sustancia a la historia.
Cuando se introduce la intriga y el misterio y comienza la acción, la historia te atrapa y consigue engancharte. Pero claro, hasta que eso pasa la historia va muy lenta.
A mi esta nueva fórmula de la autora no me ha funcionado. Espero que en los libros futuros de la serie la autora vuelva a mezclar al mismo tiempo la intriga y el romance.
RESUMEN CON SPOILERS:
June 9, 2023
Me gustó muchísimo. Muy buena historia la de Deverell&Phoebe. En la misma línea de los anteriores, pero con sus propias triquiñuelas.
Phoebe se parece bastante a las protagonistas femeninas q la precedieron, igual q ellas ya pasó su época de debutante y x ende ya quedó a vestir santos, pero realmente ella no tiene ningún interés en el matrimonio, y así se lo hace saber a Deverell vizconde Paington cuando se conocen en una fiesta de fin de semana, a instancia de sus respectivas tías. Pero obviamente Deverell no se toma x aludido y a partir de ese momento se le pega a la chica como un lapa, lo q complica bastante las cosas xq resulta q nuestra heroína es exactamente eso, una heroína q se dedica a rescatar a jóvenes trabajadoras de las garras de los personajes degenerados de la buena sociedad, y recolocarlas en casas de familias q sí van a tratarlas bien. Y cuando Deverell la atrapa en plena, le da el pretexto perfecto para no dejarla ni a sol ni a sombra, primero para averiguar de q va la cosa y segundo para terminar de hacerla caer en la trampa matrimonial q tiene toda la intención de tender alrededor de Phoebe. Pero ella no se lo va poner fácil, xq además del "trabajo" q tiene y q no puede trascender xq sería un escándalo, Phoebe tiene un secreto oscuro q la ha decidido a nunca permitir q ningún la pueda controlar, especialmente la clase de hombre de Deverell, o por lo menos la clase de hombre q ella cree es él.
La trama es muy entretenida, resulta muy interesante ver cómo, despacito, pasito a pasito, Deverell le va demostrando a Phoebe q él no es como los demás, y q ella puede salir muy beneficiada si confía en él. Una vez más se concentra exclusivamente en nuestros personajes principales, si bien hay muchos personajes principales q van y vienen, pero no distraen en absoluto con ninguna sub trama, como ya vimos en el libro anterior, aunq tampoco deslucen y la acción se mantiene constante y el interés no decae. Hay intriga, obviamente, pero es mínima y solo para darle un toque de suspense y q Deverell también se luzca con el brillo del héroe q acude a rescatar a la dama en apuros; y si bien hay un antagonista q termina mal, queda como un cabo suelto q espero reaparezca en alguno de los libros q restan xq no me gustan q los malos se vayan de rositas.
Seguimos sin saber quien es Dalziel...pero habrá q esperar para saber de él xq es el turno de Gervase q anda muy raro...
Phoebe se parece bastante a las protagonistas femeninas q la precedieron, igual q ellas ya pasó su época de debutante y x ende ya quedó a vestir santos, pero realmente ella no tiene ningún interés en el matrimonio, y así se lo hace saber a Deverell vizconde Paington cuando se conocen en una fiesta de fin de semana, a instancia de sus respectivas tías. Pero obviamente Deverell no se toma x aludido y a partir de ese momento se le pega a la chica como un lapa, lo q complica bastante las cosas xq resulta q nuestra heroína es exactamente eso, una heroína q se dedica a rescatar a jóvenes trabajadoras de las garras de los personajes degenerados de la buena sociedad, y recolocarlas en casas de familias q sí van a tratarlas bien. Y cuando Deverell la atrapa en plena, le da el pretexto perfecto para no dejarla ni a sol ni a sombra, primero para averiguar de q va la cosa y segundo para terminar de hacerla caer en la trampa matrimonial q tiene toda la intención de tender alrededor de Phoebe. Pero ella no se lo va poner fácil, xq además del "trabajo" q tiene y q no puede trascender xq sería un escándalo, Phoebe tiene un secreto oscuro q la ha decidido a nunca permitir q ningún la pueda controlar, especialmente la clase de hombre de Deverell, o por lo menos la clase de hombre q ella cree es él.
La trama es muy entretenida, resulta muy interesante ver cómo, despacito, pasito a pasito, Deverell le va demostrando a Phoebe q él no es como los demás, y q ella puede salir muy beneficiada si confía en él. Una vez más se concentra exclusivamente en nuestros personajes principales, si bien hay muchos personajes principales q van y vienen, pero no distraen en absoluto con ninguna sub trama, como ya vimos en el libro anterior, aunq tampoco deslucen y la acción se mantiene constante y el interés no decae. Hay intriga, obviamente, pero es mínima y solo para darle un toque de suspense y q Deverell también se luzca con el brillo del héroe q acude a rescatar a la dama en apuros; y si bien hay un antagonista q termina mal, queda como un cabo suelto q espero reaparezca en alguno de los libros q restan xq no me gustan q los malos se vayan de rositas.
Seguimos sin saber quien es Dalziel...pero habrá q esperar para saber de él xq es el turno de Gervase q anda muy raro...
October 31, 2017
"To Distraction" is the story of Phoebe and Deverell.
The plot is simple: Deverell wants a wife. His aunt suggests Phoebe. Phoebe is a spinster with mission and doesnt want marriage. Deverell seduces her. Phoebe is seduced. Oh and marriage.
Ofcourse, since its a Bastion Club novel we have a secondary story of a mystery, and loads of sexy pre-marital lovemaking- but overall, for me the plot was a bit repetative.
I liked how the hero dealt with the heroine's "fear",as well as all the midnight encounters- but the mystery this time around wasn't intriguing or engaging enough for me.
Overall, an average read.
Safe
2.5/5
The plot is simple: Deverell wants a wife. His aunt suggests Phoebe. Phoebe is a spinster with mission and doesnt want marriage. Deverell seduces her. Phoebe is seduced. Oh and marriage.
Ofcourse, since its a Bastion Club novel we have a secondary story of a mystery, and loads of sexy pre-marital lovemaking- but overall, for me the plot was a bit repetative.
I liked how the hero dealt with the heroine's "fear",as well as all the midnight encounters- but the mystery this time around wasn't intriguing or engaging enough for me.
Overall, an average read.
Safe
2.5/5
September 10, 2010
The past week or two, I've been seeking distraction because of pressure at work. This historical romance novel didn't do it. I think I may have read this before, or perhaps it's just that this author writes the same story and the same characters every time. The hero is always an uber-dominant alpha male, an aristocrat, perhaps a soldier or a spy who is used to shaping his environment, objects and people to his own ends. For social/practical reasons he decides to marry, but can't bear the usual offerings on the marriage mart (what a concept!), so he sets out to find someone different. He immediately recognises the heroine as that someone, but she isn't interested on marriage, or in marriage to him, and so he must persuade her. Much of the narrative focuses on his thoughts/feelings as he formulates and executes his plan.
Oddly, (perhaps because I haven't read enough romance?) he employs sexual methods of persuasion. Did I mention he's also a master of female physiology and psychology? A couple of centuries later, he could have taught Masters and Johnson. He gets his mojo workin' and with each sexual encounter she becomes more attached to him. Also oddly, via sex they form some deep, everlasting, semimystical bond. And the sex is the foundation for their happy-ever-after marriage to come. What an astonishing concept! And if I'm right that it is this author's stock in trade, then it must appeal to her readers.
I know we seek escapism in genre fiction. But I can't get my head around this idea.
I didn't bother to finish the book. After all, I know how it ends.
Oddly, (perhaps because I haven't read enough romance?) he employs sexual methods of persuasion. Did I mention he's also a master of female physiology and psychology? A couple of centuries later, he could have taught Masters and Johnson. He gets his mojo workin' and with each sexual encounter she becomes more attached to him. Also oddly, via sex they form some deep, everlasting, semimystical bond. And the sex is the foundation for their happy-ever-after marriage to come. What an astonishing concept! And if I'm right that it is this author's stock in trade, then it must appeal to her readers.
I know we seek escapism in genre fiction. But I can't get my head around this idea.
I didn't bother to finish the book. After all, I know how it ends.
February 1, 2008
My Take:
In general, I am not I Stephanie Laurens reader, but in the past, I have liked a few of her Cynster novels. However, To Distraction did not nearly live up to the previous novels I have read.
The plot itself was decent, even good. I enjoyed the dramatic climax, the various turns of events, and the not overly drawn out suspense. Nevertheless, it was not enough to make up for all the things which grated on my nerves until I was ready to rip pages from the book.
If you’re like me, drop this book altogether, or skip over the sex and go for the plot.
What to Watch Out for:
The overabundance of mediocre sex is what ultimately killed this book for me. The sexual encounters between Phoebe and Deverell are repetitive and rather boring. They do the exact same things, many times, just in different places. More than once Deverell initiates some role playing, which could have lead to some kinky, or at least passionate, situations. Instead, I only wanted to jump a few pages ahead and return to the (fairly decent) plot of the story.
The only other thing as abundant as the bad sex were the comparisons of women’s physical weakness to men’s strength. Yes, we get it already, they’re bigger than us. Every single page doesn’t have to have some poor weak female cowering in fear from some man’s (usually Deverell’s) sheer masculinity and his… ruthlessness? For some reason, this is the key word to describing Deverell. Now, if I was a female with a traumatic incident in her past, why on earth would I want my hero to be ruthless?
In general, I am not I Stephanie Laurens reader, but in the past, I have liked a few of her Cynster novels. However, To Distraction did not nearly live up to the previous novels I have read.
The plot itself was decent, even good. I enjoyed the dramatic climax, the various turns of events, and the not overly drawn out suspense. Nevertheless, it was not enough to make up for all the things which grated on my nerves until I was ready to rip pages from the book.
If you’re like me, drop this book altogether, or skip over the sex and go for the plot.
What to Watch Out for:
The overabundance of mediocre sex is what ultimately killed this book for me. The sexual encounters between Phoebe and Deverell are repetitive and rather boring. They do the exact same things, many times, just in different places. More than once Deverell initiates some role playing, which could have lead to some kinky, or at least passionate, situations. Instead, I only wanted to jump a few pages ahead and return to the (fairly decent) plot of the story.
The only other thing as abundant as the bad sex were the comparisons of women’s physical weakness to men’s strength. Yes, we get it already, they’re bigger than us. Every single page doesn’t have to have some poor weak female cowering in fear from some man’s (usually Deverell’s) sheer masculinity and his… ruthlessness? For some reason, this is the key word to describing Deverell. Now, if I was a female with a traumatic incident in her past, why on earth would I want my hero to be ruthless?
April 12, 2014
I normally love Stephanie Laurens books. I could sit and read them back to back but this one, this one made me uncomfortable. So much so that I did not finish it.
The Hero made my skin crawl, and not in a good way. He actually turns into a bit of a stalker of the Heroine. Also at one point (this was the bit that made me wary) He gets angry at her when she panics after he pins her to a tree and restrains her. This is after only being acquainted for a few days.
Not for me I'm afraid. It's actually put me off reading anymore of the series.
The Hero made my skin crawl, and not in a good way. He actually turns into a bit of a stalker of the Heroine. Also at one point (this was the bit that made me wary) He gets angry at her when she panics after he pins her to a tree and restrains her. This is after only being acquainted for a few days.
Not for me I'm afraid. It's actually put me off reading anymore of the series.
July 17, 2014
Backtracking the Malcolm Sinclair appearances - I think this is the first one. The major problem with Laurens's books is that if you read too many at one time they start to run together because the many (many) love scenes run together. Sort of a problem, although in this instance the H/h engaged in a bit of fantasy role-playing just for a change. Liked the evolution of the Athena Agency and the suspense plot.
March 6, 2010
Apt title. This book annoyed me To Distraction.
October 23, 2021
This was exactly what I needed to distract me and entertain me from the pressure of work and writing and like most romance stories, it gave me that happy ending between Deverell and Phoebe.
I couldn't help but take note of how their first impressions of each other were described by the author.
I couldn't help but take note of how their first impressions of each other were described by the author.
December 29, 2010
In Laurens fifth novel of "Bastion Club" series Lord Jocelyn Deverell, Viscount Paignton has avoided matrimony long enough. The club was originally formed by a cadre of former spies to evade the matchmaking mamas of the ton allowing it's members to choose their own brides, at their own pace. Now Deverell is ready but has come to his unconventional favorite aunt Audrey for insights into where he might find a suitable bride. Naturally, she was waiting for him to ask and had the ideal candidate; only he might have himself a time in convincing said candidate that he was her ideal mate.
Lady Phoebe Malleson at twenty-five considered herself firmly on the shelf. She was confidently planning her spinsterhood by perpetuating the ideal of chasing any hopeful suitors off. Even though in one glance, Deverell had certainly made her sit up and take notice, she was adamant in making him understand she would not welcome any overtures from him in seeking her hand. Phoebe knew his type and didn't want him hanging around her to interfere with her secret crusade of rescuing ill-treated female servants and placing them in less harmful situations. Unfortunately for Phoebe, Deverell felt a physical attraction and knew she was not as totally unaware of him as she led him to believe. He saw through her attempts to fob him off and not only found her enticingly attractive but a challenge he couldn't resist.
*** After years of reading Ms. Laurens books one has to agree that she certainly knows how to create dynamic sexy alpha male heroes that are always the perfect mate for her very strong independent and self assured females. Therefore, it's a certainty that within a few short pages the reader will fall in love with Deverell, whom the author fashions larger than life as strong, intelligent, and sexy. Phoebe was cleverly fashioned, likeable and her attempts in trying to dissuade Deverell from his pursuit of her were quite amusing. As expected though, Deverell's seduction of Phoebe was exquisitely done as you can only expect from this master wordsmith. Additionally, the suspense of discovering and ferreting out the perpetrator of the secondary plot of a `white slavery ring' was a perfect opportunity to reintroduce previous members of the Bastion Club as they rallied round in support of Deverell. Bottom line -- Laurens fans should certainly be happy with this latest sensual and witty entry in the Bastion Club series while we continue to wait patiently for her to reveal the identity of the ever-mysterious commander of the former spies - Dalziel.
Lady Phoebe Malleson at twenty-five considered herself firmly on the shelf. She was confidently planning her spinsterhood by perpetuating the ideal of chasing any hopeful suitors off. Even though in one glance, Deverell had certainly made her sit up and take notice, she was adamant in making him understand she would not welcome any overtures from him in seeking her hand. Phoebe knew his type and didn't want him hanging around her to interfere with her secret crusade of rescuing ill-treated female servants and placing them in less harmful situations. Unfortunately for Phoebe, Deverell felt a physical attraction and knew she was not as totally unaware of him as she led him to believe. He saw through her attempts to fob him off and not only found her enticingly attractive but a challenge he couldn't resist.
*** After years of reading Ms. Laurens books one has to agree that she certainly knows how to create dynamic sexy alpha male heroes that are always the perfect mate for her very strong independent and self assured females. Therefore, it's a certainty that within a few short pages the reader will fall in love with Deverell, whom the author fashions larger than life as strong, intelligent, and sexy. Phoebe was cleverly fashioned, likeable and her attempts in trying to dissuade Deverell from his pursuit of her were quite amusing. As expected though, Deverell's seduction of Phoebe was exquisitely done as you can only expect from this master wordsmith. Additionally, the suspense of discovering and ferreting out the perpetrator of the secondary plot of a `white slavery ring' was a perfect opportunity to reintroduce previous members of the Bastion Club as they rallied round in support of Deverell. Bottom line -- Laurens fans should certainly be happy with this latest sensual and witty entry in the Bastion Club series while we continue to wait patiently for her to reveal the identity of the ever-mysterious commander of the former spies - Dalziel.
July 17, 2008
Ugh. Typical Stephanie Laurens. Stephanie Laurens use to be one of my favorite authors (especially when I first started reading her), but now her books are all running together and basically the same. And WAAAY too long.
It's sad, because I usually enjoy the beginning of the book. Getting to know the characters, enjoying the sexual tension, delving into the story line, etc. But then the characters start participating in sex acts* and from then on it is nothing but 15-20 page sex scenes with maybe 1 or 2 pages of ballroom waltzing. After 100-150 pages of tiresome sex and dancing the story finally starts to pick back up, but by that time my tolerance level is so diminished and I just want to finish the book as fast as possible. So I skim thru the end of the book which is where all the interesting story happens. It is sad, and I think I am going to stop reading Stephanie Laurens.
*Note: I read and enjoy romance novels and enjoy steamy sex scenes in romance novels. I am not opposed to sex in a book. I just get a little tired of it after a while. Especially if that is the only thing the H&H are doing all day long.
It's sad, because I usually enjoy the beginning of the book. Getting to know the characters, enjoying the sexual tension, delving into the story line, etc. But then the characters start participating in sex acts* and from then on it is nothing but 15-20 page sex scenes with maybe 1 or 2 pages of ballroom waltzing. After 100-150 pages of tiresome sex and dancing the story finally starts to pick back up, but by that time my tolerance level is so diminished and I just want to finish the book as fast as possible. So I skim thru the end of the book which is where all the interesting story happens. It is sad, and I think I am going to stop reading Stephanie Laurens.
*Note: I read and enjoy romance novels and enjoy steamy sex scenes in romance novels. I am not opposed to sex in a book. I just get a little tired of it after a while. Especially if that is the only thing the H&H are doing all day long.
September 4, 2015
Review - I am really itching to know how they find out who Royce really is. In this particular book, To Distraction I did really love Paignton, although it did take me a while to warm to Phoebe. I don't really know why but I just didn't really like her. I do tend to feel unsatisfied at the beginning of Stephanie Laurens's novels. They don't tend to become very gripping until about halfway through. In a lot of ways the women in the Bastion Club novels are too similar. I think Lauren's needs to introduce a different kind of woman to keep her readers gripped.
Genre? - Historical / Romance / Erotica / Regency / Mystery
Characters? - Phoebe / Deverell / Royce (Dalziel) / Fergus / Edith / Emmeline / Audrey / Gervase / Lowther / Tristan / Malcolm
Setting? - London (England)
Series? - Bastion Club #5
Recommend? - Yes
Rating - 15/20
Genre? - Historical / Romance / Erotica / Regency / Mystery
Characters? - Phoebe / Deverell / Royce (Dalziel) / Fergus / Edith / Emmeline / Audrey / Gervase / Lowther / Tristan / Malcolm
Setting? - London (England)
Series? - Bastion Club #5
Recommend? - Yes
Rating - 15/20
December 17, 2022
4 stars
So lately it's been hard to find a good book that hold my attention. So after much galivanting in goodreads i read a review from a reviewer that convinced me. Historical is not my usual jam but i really enjoyed this one, i was alway eager to come back to the book and the tension between them was so good. The vocabulary though was a bit hard to get, my english not that developped in this aera...
I must say though something bothered me a bit but the book is "old" and it's a different time all together but the insistance on pursuing a person not interested kinda flirted with uneasiness.
I was a bit curious about other characters but ultimately decided to not read about them for now.
Anyway, i'm still not sure historical are a must for me but i'm gonna be more aware now ^^
So lately it's been hard to find a good book that hold my attention. So after much galivanting in goodreads i read a review from a reviewer that convinced me. Historical is not my usual jam but i really enjoyed this one, i was alway eager to come back to the book and the tension between them was so good. The vocabulary though was a bit hard to get, my english not that developped in this aera...
I must say though something bothered me a bit but the book is "old" and it's a different time all together but the insistance on pursuing a person not interested kinda flirted with uneasiness.
I was a bit curious about other characters but ultimately decided to not read about them for now.
Anyway, i'm still not sure historical are a must for me but i'm gonna be more aware now ^^
May 7, 2022
2018--reread--I do like Phoebe! And the agency. This is a good one. And good, if brief, introduction to Malcolm Sinclair. The aunts definitely contribute!
2019--good "mystery." The less I am interested in the sex scenes, the more interesting family relationships have become. My favorite scene probably is the aunts visiting the business.
2019--My very favorite couple of the series. Deverell/Vicount Paignton and Phoebe Malleson
2021–love the description of Daziel as “having the inclinations of a born marauder.” And the statement that “the mind is the most powerful target for seduction and the most potent weapon.” True fact.
2022--definitely a favorite.
2019--good "mystery." The less I am interested in the sex scenes, the more interesting family relationships have become. My favorite scene probably is the aunts visiting the business.
2019--My very favorite couple of the series. Deverell/Vicount Paignton and Phoebe Malleson
2021–love the description of Daziel as “having the inclinations of a born marauder.” And the statement that “the mind is the most powerful target for seduction and the most potent weapon.” True fact.
2022--definitely a favorite.
February 7, 2013
It is so satisfying to read a book where the hero knows almost immediately that he wants the heroine. Often in romance the hero is so clueless to his own feelings that it takes the near death experience of the heroine to make him come up to scratch.
The Bastian Club books are not like that. THe heroes know who they want and wage a campaign to get her to know it as well. The key is that they don't just seduce and let thier sexual prowess do it all, they value her outside the bed and show how they are well matched.
Overall a great series to snuggle up with a cup of something warm and a blanket and enjoy!
The Bastian Club books are not like that. THe heroes know who they want and wage a campaign to get her to know it as well. The key is that they don't just seduce and let thier sexual prowess do it all, they value her outside the bed and show how they are well matched.
Overall a great series to snuggle up with a cup of something warm and a blanket and enjoy!
May 20, 2014
I rather liked the beginning of the book during the house party and the beginning of the mystery of the disappearing maids. However I was soon quite disappointed by the rather lukewarm romance between a less than charismatic hero, whose first name was never called once - a good sign that his inner persona was non-existent. And indeed he needed the heroine' cause to find himself a new raison d'etre. Their progressive entry to lovemaking also felt a bit too long, too detailed. The heroine was also rather bland.
Not the best in the series in my opinion.
Not the best in the series in my opinion.
February 8, 2015
A fun Regency romance, although the hero was a little too manly and perfect for my taste. I much prefer them to have some kind of weakness, because utter perfection scares me, oddly enough. I did like the back story, away from the romance. There was other driving factors apart from the sex, which is always nice. I'm certain I've read a Bastion club novel before, but I'm not sure when since none of them come up on my read list. Maybe it was before I joined Goodreads? Eh, I don't know. A good regency book for fans of the genre.
June 6, 2011
OMG this book was amazing!! I read it in about three days. As soon as I picked this up (which I did off spec in the library for something different) I couldn't put it down, I nearly missed my bus stop a couple of times because I was miles away!! It is full of sex, romance and a little mystery, well worth a read, so much so I am going to buy a copy to reread :)
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