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St. John-Duras #5
Legendary Lover
Dear Readers,
I had heard the gossip. Who in London hadn't? But whether or not the elusive Venus Duras would favor one of her numerous suitors didn't concern me. After all, I had a surfeit of obliging lovers. And then I bumped into her. Literally.
She was utterly enchanting, the most dazzling creature I had ever seen. I knew she had to be mine. But she was aware of my reputation and thought me a libertine. When I invited her to a dinner party, she gave me the cut direct.
Within hours our heated encounter became the talk of the town. Who could resist a wager or two on the delicious possibilities? Could I conquer the unconquerable Miss Duras? Would she resist or succumb to my legendary powers of seduction?
It became a luscious game and tantalizing spectacle—wildly provocative, uncertain in outcome, a delight and fascination to all society. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever meet my match. But then, I never dreamed I would meet a real-life Venus.
Yours,
The Marquis of Redvers
I had heard the gossip. Who in London hadn't? But whether or not the elusive Venus Duras would favor one of her numerous suitors didn't concern me. After all, I had a surfeit of obliging lovers. And then I bumped into her. Literally.
She was utterly enchanting, the most dazzling creature I had ever seen. I knew she had to be mine. But she was aware of my reputation and thought me a libertine. When I invited her to a dinner party, she gave me the cut direct.
Within hours our heated encounter became the talk of the town. Who could resist a wager or two on the delicious possibilities? Could I conquer the unconquerable Miss Duras? Would she resist or succumb to my legendary powers of seduction?
It became a luscious game and tantalizing spectacle—wildly provocative, uncertain in outcome, a delight and fascination to all society. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever meet my match. But then, I never dreamed I would meet a real-life Venus.
Yours,
The Marquis of Redvers
293 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
20 people are currently reading
388 people want to read
About the author
Susan Johnson
251 books573 followersAnd it all began rather serendipitously. Long ago, as they say, in another time, when fast food hadn't reached our area and the only shopping was what the feed mill offered, I was reading a book that annoyed me .
My husband was lying beside me in bed, watching TV. Turning to him, I sort of petulantly said, "How the hell did this book get published?"
"If you think you're so smart," he replied, with one eye still on the TV, "why don't you write a book?"
So I did. And very badly.
I've since learned how to do, he said, she said, and a great variety of other adverb heavy, sometimes lengthy explanations of why my characters are saying what they're saying, along with finally coming to an understanding of what things like POV means. Point of View for you non-writers}.
Although, I still don't fully comprehend why it matters if you switch POV and I cavalierly disregard it as much as possible. So while my technical skills have hopefully improved, what hasn't changed is my great joy in writing. There's as much pleasure today in listening to my characters talk while I type as fast as I can, as there was the first time I put dialogue to paper--in long-hand, then, in my leather bound sketch-book.
My husband was lying beside me in bed, watching TV. Turning to him, I sort of petulantly said, "How the hell did this book get published?"
"If you think you're so smart," he replied, with one eye still on the TV, "why don't you write a book?"
So I did. And very badly.
I've since learned how to do, he said, she said, and a great variety of other adverb heavy, sometimes lengthy explanations of why my characters are saying what they're saying, along with finally coming to an understanding of what things like POV means. Point of View for you non-writers}.
Although, I still don't fully comprehend why it matters if you switch POV and I cavalierly disregard it as much as possible. So while my technical skills have hopefully improved, what hasn't changed is my great joy in writing. There's as much pleasure today in listening to my characters talk while I type as fast as I can, as there was the first time I put dialogue to paper--in long-hand, then, in my leather bound sketch-book.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 23, 2015
★★★★★! St. John-Duras series, book 5 of 5. Jack Fitz-James, Marquis of Redvers & fiercely independent & sexually liberated Venus Duras' game of seduction turns complicated!
US EDITION SERIES INFO & REVIEW
St. John-Duras series
Book 5
Formats: Kindle & paperback for both US/UK
The St John-Duras series takes us all across Europe introducing us to the St. John and Duras families. Book 1 starts off with Sinjin St. John, the Duke of Seth one of the most provoking alpha heroes – ever!!! Book 3 in series then continues with the Duras family. General Andre Duras was a side character in book 2 and he is also a very strong, memorable hero.
Susan Johnson aka C.C. Gibbs, is published by different publishers in the US and UK, hence the different titles and covers.
These are stand-alones, but most enjoyed if read in order:
Book 1: (Year 1787)
Sinful (US) / Sinful Dreams (UK)
Book 2: (Year 1800)
Wicked (US) / Wicked Fascination (UK)
Book 3: (Year 1799)
Taboo (US) / The Sweetest Taboo (UK)
Book 4: (Year 1825)
A Touch of Sin (US) / Touch of Sin (UK)
Book 5: (Year 1851)
Legendary Lover (US) / Venus Laid Bare (UK)
The last book in St John-Duras series, the year is 1851.
JACK FITZ-JAMES, MARQUIS OF REDVERS: 24 years/Lord/playboy/$$$$/black hair/black eyes.
VENUS DURAS: 25 years/heiress/socialite/golden blond hair/green eyes.
Elusive, wealthy, fiercely independent and sexually liberated Venus Duras (daughter of book 4) bumps into playboy Jack Fitz-James, Marquis of Redvers and sparks fly.
It starts off as a game and Redvers feels confident he knows all about seduction. He and Venus are both jaded and bored resulting in a harmless, torrid affair with lots of sizzling sex between consenting adults.
But their game soon becomes complicated… As perfect as these two truly are for each other it’s going to take a lot more for them to realize it!
Excellent plot! Entertaining story-telling! Captivating hero AND heroine! The perfect ending to an epic series!
***
Hero rating: 5 stars
Heroine rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 5 stars
Storyline concept rating: 4 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: 5 stars
******************************
Overall rating: 5 stars
Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
Be sure to join CCGibbsFANS here on GR for the latest news:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
(Public group for members 18 years and older)
August 15, 2017
★★★★★! St. John-Duras series, book 5 of 5. Jack Fitz-James, Marquis of Redvers & fiercely independent & sexually liberated Venus Duras' game of seduction turns complicated!
UK EDITION SERIES INFO & REVIEW
St. John-Duras series
Book 5
Formats: Kindle & paperback for both US/UK
The St John-Duras series takes us all across Europe introducing us to the St. John and Duras families. Book 1 starts off with Sinjin St. John, the Duke of Seth one of the most provoking alpha heroes – ever!!! Book 3 in series then continues with the Duras family. General Andre Duras was a side character in book 2 and he is also a very strong, memorable hero.
Susan Johnson aka C.C. Gibbs, is published by different publishers in the US and UK, hence the different titles and covers.
These are stand-alones, but most enjoyed if read in order:
Book 1: (Year 1787)
Sinful (US) / Sinful Dreams (UK)
Book 2: (Year 1800)
Wicked (US) / Wicked Fascination (UK)
Book 3: (Year 1799)
Taboo (US) / The Sweetest Taboo (UK)
Book 4: (Year 1825)
A Touch of Sin (US) / Touch of Sin (UK)
Book 5: (Year 1851)
Legendary Lover (US) / Venus Laid Bare (UK)
The last book in St John-Duras series, the year is 1851.
JACK FITZ-JAMES, MARQUIS OF REDVERS: 24 years/Lord/playboy/$$$$/black hair/black eyes.
VENUS DURAS: 25 years/heiress/socialite/golden blond hair/green eyes.
Elusive, wealthy, fiercely independent and sexually liberated Venus Duras (daughter of book 4) bumps into playboy Jack Fitz-James, Marquis of Redvers and sparks fly.
It starts off as a game and Redvers feels confident he knows all about seduction. He and Venus are both jaded and bored resulting in a harmless, torrid affair with lots of sizzling sex between consenting adults.
But their game soon becomes complicated… As perfect as these two truly are for each other it’s going to take a lot more for them to realize it!
Excellent plot! Entertaining story-telling! Captivating hero AND heroine! The perfect ending to an epic series!
***
Hero rating: 5 stars
Heroine rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 5 stars
Storyline concept rating: 4 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: 5 stars
******************************
Overall rating: 5 stars
Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
Be sure to join CCGibbsFANS here on GR for the latest news:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
(Public group for members 18 years and older)
December 8, 2022
Ms Johnson's books are pretty much an acquired taste. Sometimes, it works and sometimes, it doesn't. This one is merely tolerable. It didn't leave much of an impression on me. The plot is okay, the sex scenes are plentiful and not really bad (some consensual issues), and the characters are shallow. The only book of hers that I loved would be Outlaw (a good balance between a great plot, characters and sex scenes). If memory serves me correctly, that was her first book that I read. The latter books of hers that I read didn't hold a candle to this book. I'm wary of reading her longer-length books such as Blaze or Silver Flame (she is such a hit or miss author for me, although, I saw a lot of favourable reviews for these two). I may someday in the future...
October 11, 2018
Boy, is there a lot of sex in this book! But then again that is the sole reason why I read this book. There was a discussion thread over at the Bodice Ripper Readers Anonymous group about authors who prefer love scenes over plot and Susan Johnson's name popped up.
August 20, 2016
Terrible book. Not much story but everyone hopping in and out of bed with whoever. There are way too many good books to waste my time reading this one.
August 7, 2022
Sex and only sex from page one to the end. The plot is non-existent.
August 19, 2014
Didn't care for this book. I thought the plot was non-existent and the dialogue was weak. Not my cup of tea :(
August 11, 2019
I think this is the first book by this author that I’ve read where the hero isn’t sleeping around while he’s with the heroine. I could be mistaken though.
May 26, 2024
He keeps raping her, and she keeps liking it. DNF
June 14, 2010
"Legendary Lover" is a wonderfully light novel about sex, society, and secrets in nineteenth century England--indeed about the only book in the Duras series that I actually liked. Venus Duras (Pasha's daughter) and Jack - the Marquis of Redvers are attracted hypnotically to each other from the start of the book - and showers of sparks flew between them with their witty and quirk innuendos and dialogues. Johnson is known for her inventive love scenes, and this book certainly doesn't lack in that respect. But I disagree that sex was all that Venus and Jack's relationship is based on. The main point of Jack's attraction to Venus is that she is different from all the society belles he has known: she has a brain and thinks for herself. I liked that they kept their relationship together throughout all the obstacles thrown their way. No tantrums, or running away, or big miscommunications.
Venus is independent and wealthy enough to thumb her nose at society and do as she pleases in and out of bed. Like many of Johnson's female leads (from her other family book series) she has an interest in more than just society life. Johnson's novels of late all feature this same sort of independent female lead character and it makes for some intriguing dialogue and situations. It's true that this book doesn't have as much plot as some of Johnson's older ones, but you probably won't care because the characters are so interesting.
More of Purplycookie’s Reviews @: http://www.goodreads.com/purplycookie
Book Details:
Title Legendary Lover (Duras #3)
Author Susan Johnson
Reviewed By Purplycookie
Venus is independent and wealthy enough to thumb her nose at society and do as she pleases in and out of bed. Like many of Johnson's female leads (from her other family book series) she has an interest in more than just society life. Johnson's novels of late all feature this same sort of independent female lead character and it makes for some intriguing dialogue and situations. It's true that this book doesn't have as much plot as some of Johnson's older ones, but you probably won't care because the characters are so interesting.
More of Purplycookie’s Reviews @: http://www.goodreads.com/purplycookie
Book Details:
Title Legendary Lover (Duras #3)
Author Susan Johnson
Reviewed By Purplycookie
March 7, 2017
this is a review long overdue....i think i read this book way back when i was a teen, i thought it was this awesome romance book about marques and duchess etc..
but boy was i wrong, this was some romance lol.
i dont know if trashy suits it, but definitely some fetishes happening here, kind of out of world sex and so on.
even though i remember the story not being so bad, it was still a good read.
however when it came to romance, not sure whether to run away hiding or continue....
it sure can have you blushing.
venus and the marque was attracted to each other from the start and sheesh it didnt take long to heat and then to sexing the brains out lol
the fact that venus is an independent thinker and mostly the women Jack knew just wanted to land a handsome rich husband, he was bored with all that falseness.
the dialogue and strong female lead is what makes this book worth a read however it is not for the meek.
but boy was i wrong, this was some romance lol.
i dont know if trashy suits it, but definitely some fetishes happening here, kind of out of world sex and so on.
even though i remember the story not being so bad, it was still a good read.
however when it came to romance, not sure whether to run away hiding or continue....
it sure can have you blushing.
venus and the marque was attracted to each other from the start and sheesh it didnt take long to heat and then to sexing the brains out lol
the fact that venus is an independent thinker and mostly the women Jack knew just wanted to land a handsome rich husband, he was bored with all that falseness.
the dialogue and strong female lead is what makes this book worth a read however it is not for the meek.
April 20, 2016
After reading too many Johnson books, the storyline of each new story is often repetitive it becomes a bore!
This one was no different and it felt like the shortest read and rather cliché I had skipped the unimportant parts. The ending had no epilogue which is a touch sad because it became abrupt. There was no significant emotional value here other than lust between the characters that evolved to their version of love.
This one was no different and it felt like the shortest read and rather cliché I had skipped the unimportant parts. The ending had no epilogue which is a touch sad because it became abrupt. There was no significant emotional value here other than lust between the characters that evolved to their version of love.
May 6, 2012
I have a category on my Kindle called "Trashy Romances," and this certainly fit the bill. The story is a little (a lot?) contrived in spots. You're now wondering why I said I liked it, and the truth is - at least to me - what saves it is there's some great dialogue and a delightfully strong female lead.
March 5, 2010
This was a pleasant story. It didn't live up to all its steamy reviews, but I did like a strong female lead without her being clumsy, ditsy, rebellious or in need of a rescuer for a change. Just a strong, smart woman. It was refreshing.
March 21, 2012
Hot, Hot, Hot!!!!!!!!!!!!!
if you're one of those person who does not like their book to be filled with sex...then don't touch this book...if you're looking for hot stuff from starting to finish mmmmmm...is all i can say!
if you're one of those person who does not like their book to be filled with sex...then don't touch this book...if you're looking for hot stuff from starting to finish mmmmmm...is all i can say!
May 4, 2008
Book 5 in St. John Series.
May 12, 2018
1 star
Read
September 15, 2010Great book!
November 7, 2011
too much throbbing and other euphemisms for me. cant read it.
December 12, 2011
I love Susan Johnson. This isnt the best one I have read of hers, but decent
September 22, 2012
A favorite author of mine
May 27, 2013
DNF.
Erotica format with more sex than story.
The main characters are bland and I'm not even certain there's an actual plot.
Erotica format with more sex than story.
The main characters are bland and I'm not even certain there's an actual plot.
December 10, 2009
I am usually not a big romance reader, but this book I loved. I would recommend it for anyone.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews