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Bastion Club #2
A Gentleman's Honor
The Season has yet to begin, and Bastion Club member Anthony Blake, Viscount Torrington, is already a target for every matchmaking mama in London. But there is only one lady who sparks his interest...
Desperate and penniless, but determined, Alicia will make a spectacular match for her ravishing younger sister! Masquerading as the widowed "Mrs. Carrington"—the perfect society chaperone—Alicia intends to boldly launch her sibling into the ton. But one moonlit night stroll may prove her undoing when it leads to an accusation of murder.
Every instinct Tony Blake possesses tells him that Alicia—the exquisite, distraught beauty he discovers standing over a dead body in his godmother's garden—is innocent of serious wrongdoing. His connections will allow him to take control of the investigation,, his social prominence will certainly provide her public support.
But it is more than honor alone that compels Tony to protect his remarkable, imperiled beauty—and he will do everything in his seductive power to make Alicia his.
Desperate and penniless, but determined, Alicia will make a spectacular match for her ravishing younger sister! Masquerading as the widowed "Mrs. Carrington"—the perfect society chaperone—Alicia intends to boldly launch her sibling into the ton. But one moonlit night stroll may prove her undoing when it leads to an accusation of murder.
Every instinct Tony Blake possesses tells him that Alicia—the exquisite, distraught beauty he discovers standing over a dead body in his godmother's garden—is innocent of serious wrongdoing. His connections will allow him to take control of the investigation,, his social prominence will certainly provide her public support.
But it is more than honor alone that compels Tony to protect his remarkable, imperiled beauty—and he will do everything in his seductive power to make Alicia his.
441 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 30, 2003
235 people are currently reading
1811 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
206 books5,588 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 217 reviews
September 9, 2022
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
This novel can be read as a stand alone, but there’s a large cast of characters coming into play here. If you like all the character arcs read together, this book has Lady Osbaldestone (who has her own spin off series that comes prior to this chronologically in time), Helena (The Promise in a Kiss), Captain Jack (Captain Jack’s Woman), and almost mentions a Cynster or 2, though their stories haven’t taken place yet.
Basic plot:
Tony, a member of the Bastion Club that has vowed to wed for love and not be at the whims of society’s matchmakers, comes across Alicia and a dead body at a ball. As he takes control of the investigation and his protective instincts are awoken, he finds himself embroiled in a mystery that leads to love.
Give this a try if you want:
- Lots of mystery focus (murder mystery/blackmail)
- High-ish steam – plenty of scenes and lots of kisses. Scene’s aren’t overly explicit with details/parts but you know what’s going on
- Secret identity – heroine poses as a widow to introduce her sister to society
- Protective, Viscount hero – if you’ve read a Stephanie Laurens before you know what you’ll get – a hero that pursues and perhaps is a touch overbearing with his heroine
- Children in the story – the heroine has younger brothers that have some scenes (not a huge part)
- Regency time period (1816)
- Soldier hero
My thoughts:
Alicia lost her mother 18 months ago, having lost her father years ago. To present her sister to society, poses as widow because they are near destitute and can’t afford chaperones for them both.
Their neighbor realizes who she is and tries to court her. She rebuffs him repeatedly so he starts to lightly threaten and blackmail her saying he will reveal her true identity if she doesn’t marry him. And then he ends up dead. This is where Tony and Alicia meet.
Tony is one of the Bastion club members, who all vowed to make their own choice of bride and follow their hearts in the matter. He’s so intrigued by Alicia immediately, and takes over the investigation into the murder to help her and keep her close.
I generally like Stephanie Laurens because she has a lot of things I like in romance. Her heroes can be a bit aggressive, protective, they usually persue their heroines quite hard. She usually has a decent amount of sex (yay!). But this one just was a snoozefest to me.
I’m not sure if I just wasn’t as into this couple (I didn’t fall in love with Tony though I did like Alicia quite a bit.), or if the investigative part was just taking over more of the book than some of her other plots. But I was so bored. I feel like I’ve been listening to this audiobook forever. I know I had to re-check it out from hoopla at least once, if not twice, to finish it.
So there were some romantic things, there were steamy scenes, but I never really got super invested in their relationship and ultimately I’m just glad this one is over.
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
This novel can be read as a stand alone, but there’s a large cast of characters coming into play here. If you like all the character arcs read together, this book has Lady Osbaldestone (who has her own spin off series that comes prior to this chronologically in time), Helena (The Promise in a Kiss), Captain Jack (Captain Jack’s Woman), and almost mentions a Cynster or 2, though their stories haven’t taken place yet.
Basic plot:
Tony, a member of the Bastion Club that has vowed to wed for love and not be at the whims of society’s matchmakers, comes across Alicia and a dead body at a ball. As he takes control of the investigation and his protective instincts are awoken, he finds himself embroiled in a mystery that leads to love.
Give this a try if you want:
- Lots of mystery focus (murder mystery/blackmail)
- High-ish steam – plenty of scenes and lots of kisses. Scene’s aren’t overly explicit with details/parts but you know what’s going on
- Secret identity – heroine poses as a widow to introduce her sister to society
- Protective, Viscount hero – if you’ve read a Stephanie Laurens before you know what you’ll get – a hero that pursues and perhaps is a touch overbearing with his heroine
- Children in the story – the heroine has younger brothers that have some scenes (not a huge part)
- Regency time period (1816)
- Soldier hero
My thoughts:
Alicia lost her mother 18 months ago, having lost her father years ago. To present her sister to society, poses as widow because they are near destitute and can’t afford chaperones for them both.
Their neighbor realizes who she is and tries to court her. She rebuffs him repeatedly so he starts to lightly threaten and blackmail her saying he will reveal her true identity if she doesn’t marry him. And then he ends up dead. This is where Tony and Alicia meet.
Tony is one of the Bastion club members, who all vowed to make their own choice of bride and follow their hearts in the matter. He’s so intrigued by Alicia immediately, and takes over the investigation into the murder to help her and keep her close.
I generally like Stephanie Laurens because she has a lot of things I like in romance. Her heroes can be a bit aggressive, protective, they usually persue their heroines quite hard. She usually has a decent amount of sex (yay!). But this one just was a snoozefest to me.
I’m not sure if I just wasn’t as into this couple (I didn’t fall in love with Tony though I did like Alicia quite a bit.), or if the investigative part was just taking over more of the book than some of her other plots. But I was so bored. I feel like I’ve been listening to this audiobook forever. I know I had to re-check it out from hoopla at least once, if not twice, to finish it.
So there were some romantic things, there were steamy scenes, but I never really got super invested in their relationship and ultimately I’m just glad this one is over.
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
May 25, 2019
2.5 boring stars
I'm sad to say this was my least favorite of the series so far. I usually love Stephanie Laurens so I'm bummed that this book was so lackluster.
So one thing I hate is liars and the heroine fabricates a major lie that is totally glossed over as "no big deal". Her lie is fabricated to help manipulate the ton and advance her family. Not very endearing.
I felt no connection to the hero and never once wanted to take the place of the heroine. His love making was detached and methodical.
The mystery of the spy was mildly interesting at best.
I still plan to continue on with the series and hope that this is the only weak link I have to endure.
I'm sad to say this was my least favorite of the series so far. I usually love Stephanie Laurens so I'm bummed that this book was so lackluster.
So one thing I hate is liars and the heroine fabricates a major lie that is totally glossed over as "no big deal". Her lie is fabricated to help manipulate the ton and advance her family. Not very endearing.
I felt no connection to the hero and never once wanted to take the place of the heroine. His love making was detached and methodical.
The mystery of the spy was mildly interesting at best.
I still plan to continue on with the series and hope that this is the only weak link I have to endure.
January 5, 2012
I must admit that I'm intrigued by these books... I can't say I'm hooked, but there's definitely a quality about Ms. Laurens' writing that draws me into a story and keeps me there.
I enjoy the characters and the situations. I like getting to know more of the Bastion Club members as they play small roles in each book, helping each other out of the tough spots. What I don't understand, though, is how their club is helping ANY of the members for it's main purpose: helping each man to find a bride of HIS choosing. It seems they all get so wrapped up helping the "other" member resolve the mystery surrounding the woman of his choice (said woman stumbled into his path more than was actually chosen).
I DO finally, however, understand how "Captain Jack's Woman" fits into the series. Jack Hendon was a guest star in this book, along with his wife Kit; Jack's not a member of the club - not the Jack of the club, but Tony, the Hero in this book, is the Antoine that Kit saves in their book. And Tony and Jack worked together through connections at the Home Office - the spy organization.
I empathized with Alicia's situation and her solution to the situation. She was very unselfish and very first-born. When she starts to realize that she's subjugated her own dreams and desires for those of her family - and starts to realize that she resents it a tiny bit - I felt a distinct kinship with her. It's easy, especially as a first-born, to attempt to put everyone else's life to rights before turning to your own.
I was a bit maddened by the whole mistress versus wife thing, though. Ms. Laurens helped us to see it from both Tony's and Alicia's view points, but HOW Tony would even think that Alicia would ever KNOW that he intended to marry her is beyond me.
I also appreciated that, despite being a "widow", Tony was gracious about going slowly in their sexual explorations. And for a guy, and for most steamy romance books, this was slow, believe-it-or-not. But once he actually takes her to bed, the story focuses more on their nighttime activities (post-spying and post-balls) and less on the actual mystery. Supposedly, from the time of the murder to the time of the resolution is only about a month... or is it only a month since Tony & Alicia have become lovers? Either way, there are a LOT of pages and a LOT of nights that don't seem to add up to just one month's time. This was my beef with both other books in this series, too. Too much time goes by while the H/H are having sex. It's one thing to get wrapped up in the bliss of it all, which is understandable. But when you've decided (as the Hero) that you can't marry the Heroine until AFTER the mystery is solved, wouldn't you spend more time and energy on that? I'm just saying...
But there's a formula for "getting a man", and Ms. Laurens applies it to the books in this series, at least:
1. Be a spinster who's decided NOT to marry: There's always someone ELSE to look after... someone ELSE's dreams that matter more. You must be an independent, spirited, intelligent miss who's an "ape leader" or just "off the shelf" with family who needs you more than you need to be married.
You've decided that marriage isn't for you - too demanding, too much loss of freedom. Even if and when you find a delectable gentleman (see #2), you may give your body but refuse to give your heart.
2. While you're a virgin, you must be a curious virgin, willing to explore with a delectable gentleman... You must respond sensually, imitating his actions - giving as good as getting: Said gentleman must be somewhat "dangerous", strong, dictatorial, better than average looking, and definitely skilled in the arts of sex. He must be attracted to you, and make your senses reel when he kisses you - especially, when he deepens the kisses.
Being a virgin spinster, you realize that this might be your *only* chance to truly discover what goes on between ladies and gentlemen behind closed doors. So, despite your vow never to marry (see #1), you're attracted enough and intrigued enough to to allow the delectable gentleman to have his way with you. How fast you progress depends upon him. But you must NEVER stop him and tell him that he's taking liberties (although he is, and you know it), and you must never play the fainting or virtuous heroine! No, your "need to know" and experience overrides any other logical, sensible thought in your head.
3. You must be vulnerable and need his help - his protection and his expertise: Certainly, there's some mystery going on around you that requires his assistance? You don't necessarily ASK for his help, but you manage to confide in him about this "problem". No one else but you really knows about the problem, though, because YOU are the only one capable of sussing it out or realizing that it's a problem. But in this delectable gentleman, you realize, lies the capacity and talents to apply to the problem and make it go away.
So, in short: You must let him know you need his help without asking for it. The problem must be one that he's infinitely capable of solving, and put you somewhat in danger - enough that he instantly wants to protect you, realizing that if he doesn't no one will. And you're just too darned independent for your own good. Without his help, you'll stumble into who-knows-what unprotected!
Hmmm... sounds like stuff that I've been *told* works in real life. Although who would believe in the 21st century that a woman over 20 (a spinster - ha!) would be "off the shelf" and a virgin! LOL!
OK, just had to get that out of my system. It amazes me how a bit of sensual "rapture" can so inveigle the senses of our Heroine that, despite her better judgment, she allows the so-called Hero to take serious liberties with her person! While the pull has been around as long as men and women, and I'm not naive enough to believe that the Victorian age truly had Victorian morals (or any age, for that matter), it just seems that every young miss was allowing every young man every liberty when they were alone. Which they were never supposed to be, until they were married. Huh!
All of this sounds as if I didn't really like the book. Which is untrue - I did like the book, I just think these stories could be even better if they contained more actual STORY and less steam. There, I said it!
I enjoy the characters and the situations. I like getting to know more of the Bastion Club members as they play small roles in each book, helping each other out of the tough spots. What I don't understand, though, is how their club is helping ANY of the members for it's main purpose: helping each man to find a bride of HIS choosing. It seems they all get so wrapped up helping the "other" member resolve the mystery surrounding the woman of his choice (said woman stumbled into his path more than was actually chosen).
I DO finally, however, understand how "Captain Jack's Woman" fits into the series. Jack Hendon was a guest star in this book, along with his wife Kit; Jack's not a member of the club - not the Jack of the club, but Tony, the Hero in this book, is the Antoine that Kit saves in their book. And Tony and Jack worked together through connections at the Home Office - the spy organization.
I empathized with Alicia's situation and her solution to the situation. She was very unselfish and very first-born. When she starts to realize that she's subjugated her own dreams and desires for those of her family - and starts to realize that she resents it a tiny bit - I felt a distinct kinship with her. It's easy, especially as a first-born, to attempt to put everyone else's life to rights before turning to your own.
I was a bit maddened by the whole mistress versus wife thing, though. Ms. Laurens helped us to see it from both Tony's and Alicia's view points, but HOW Tony would even think that Alicia would ever KNOW that he intended to marry her is beyond me.
I also appreciated that, despite being a "widow", Tony was gracious about going slowly in their sexual explorations. And for a guy, and for most steamy romance books, this was slow, believe-it-or-not. But once he actually takes her to bed, the story focuses more on their nighttime activities (post-spying and post-balls) and less on the actual mystery. Supposedly, from the time of the murder to the time of the resolution is only about a month... or is it only a month since Tony & Alicia have become lovers? Either way, there are a LOT of pages and a LOT of nights that don't seem to add up to just one month's time. This was my beef with both other books in this series, too. Too much time goes by while the H/H are having sex. It's one thing to get wrapped up in the bliss of it all, which is understandable. But when you've decided (as the Hero) that you can't marry the Heroine until AFTER the mystery is solved, wouldn't you spend more time and energy on that? I'm just saying...
But there's a formula for "getting a man", and Ms. Laurens applies it to the books in this series, at least:
1. Be a spinster who's decided NOT to marry: There's always someone ELSE to look after... someone ELSE's dreams that matter more. You must be an independent, spirited, intelligent miss who's an "ape leader" or just "off the shelf" with family who needs you more than you need to be married.
You've decided that marriage isn't for you - too demanding, too much loss of freedom. Even if and when you find a delectable gentleman (see #2), you may give your body but refuse to give your heart.
2. While you're a virgin, you must be a curious virgin, willing to explore with a delectable gentleman... You must respond sensually, imitating his actions - giving as good as getting: Said gentleman must be somewhat "dangerous", strong, dictatorial, better than average looking, and definitely skilled in the arts of sex. He must be attracted to you, and make your senses reel when he kisses you - especially, when he deepens the kisses.
Being a virgin spinster, you realize that this might be your *only* chance to truly discover what goes on between ladies and gentlemen behind closed doors. So, despite your vow never to marry (see #1), you're attracted enough and intrigued enough to to allow the delectable gentleman to have his way with you. How fast you progress depends upon him. But you must NEVER stop him and tell him that he's taking liberties (although he is, and you know it), and you must never play the fainting or virtuous heroine! No, your "need to know" and experience overrides any other logical, sensible thought in your head.
3. You must be vulnerable and need his help - his protection and his expertise: Certainly, there's some mystery going on around you that requires his assistance? You don't necessarily ASK for his help, but you manage to confide in him about this "problem". No one else but you really knows about the problem, though, because YOU are the only one capable of sussing it out or realizing that it's a problem. But in this delectable gentleman, you realize, lies the capacity and talents to apply to the problem and make it go away.
So, in short: You must let him know you need his help without asking for it. The problem must be one that he's infinitely capable of solving, and put you somewhat in danger - enough that he instantly wants to protect you, realizing that if he doesn't no one will. And you're just too darned independent for your own good. Without his help, you'll stumble into who-knows-what unprotected!
Hmmm... sounds like stuff that I've been *told* works in real life. Although who would believe in the 21st century that a woman over 20 (a spinster - ha!) would be "off the shelf" and a virgin! LOL!
OK, just had to get that out of my system. It amazes me how a bit of sensual "rapture" can so inveigle the senses of our Heroine that, despite her better judgment, she allows the so-called Hero to take serious liberties with her person! While the pull has been around as long as men and women, and I'm not naive enough to believe that the Victorian age truly had Victorian morals (or any age, for that matter), it just seems that every young miss was allowing every young man every liberty when they were alone. Which they were never supposed to be, until they were married. Huh!
All of this sounds as if I didn't really like the book. Which is untrue - I did like the book, I just think these stories could be even better if they contained more actual STORY and less steam. There, I said it!
October 9, 2013
ATTENTION PLEASE!
I hereby declare that i’m going to practice abstinence, atleast for the next 12 months. My recent escapade has me retching. Constantly. For 3 days straight.
I hereby declare that i’m going to practice abstinence, atleast for the next 12 months. My recent escapade has me retching. Constantly. For 3 days straight.
Hey fellow goodreader, stop your dirty mind from assuming things! I meant I’ll stop with reading historical romances for the next year and the reason for that decision and the puking would be this book. And the other books from this genre that I’ve read.
Word of advice- you can go back to rereading JA and finding similar books that were actually written in that era. These HR books CANNOT recreate the magic that is present in a Jane Austen. And authors, who are you kidding? Jane’s probably rolling in her grave. Also, those books were not just about romance, the plot and story were all scripted beautifully. You guys can’t even scratch the surface.
If there’s a one word description about these books, it is sex. Or porn. There’s nothing else. None. Nein. Nihil.Zero.Zip. Ahem, When I need to be taken care of.... I’ll ask , thankyou very much. BUT what i want is A FUCKING ROMANCE book!
This book’s a cliché- damsel in distress, virgin-MC, ‘experienced’ lover, Ah-sex, oh..yes..oh more..
MC, Woman! Are you retarded or what? That is fucking rape what he is doing to you, in case the word wasn’t defined that year! Or are you into masochistic pleasure? Coz, i can’t tell.
The flipping author is giving you the depressing sort of shitty descriptions about your feelings. (And this is the part where my stomach went into to a tizzy). There is nothing attractive about that guy, he is possessive, maniacal, and every associated word. (here, i might be exaggerating, i don’t know. This girl’s got me running to the far end)
Yes, ofcourse, your wits leave you all the time he’s around. 
Definitely, you are mental.
I deserve the nobel prize for peace, having read this book.
I will come back here after you freakin’ change the RRRRRUUUUUNNNNNING INTO THE ARMS OF THE SAVIOR (‘for comfort... ‘)stereotypes. Frigging goodbye!
December 14, 2012
Here's the thing: I enjoyed the story except for two "buts"
First "but" is the prose change for the sex scenes, as if written by a completely different author. Purple comes to mind. The writer of these sections doesn't seem to know how to use "and" properly. Words ending in "ly" abound, often more than one in a row. And the concept repetition in the same sentence, ugh. You have to read it to understand.
Second "but" is the "little misunderstanding" between the H and h - he has chosen her as his wife and lets everyone know (by word or deed) except for the heroine - who is convinced he wants her only as his mistress. Near the end, the hero's mother finally explaines to the heroine that she must look at his actions, not his lack of words to see the truth. Her explaination helped redeem the story for me.
Yes, I know men (alpha types) can be like this where they show their love thinking actions prove more than words. But it made both the H and h seem obtuse and frustrated the heck out of me, like the problem was contrived to stall their declaration until the very end of the story.
Nuf sad about the "buts."
This is an adventure romance, there is a mystery to be solved and a villian to vanquish, a story good enough to stand without the far too many purple sensual sex scenes. There are cameo appearances from characters from the Cynster novels (that I thoroughly enjoyed).
First "but" is the prose change for the sex scenes, as if written by a completely different author. Purple comes to mind. The writer of these sections doesn't seem to know how to use "and" properly. Words ending in "ly" abound, often more than one in a row. And the concept repetition in the same sentence, ugh. You have to read it to understand.
Second "but" is the "little misunderstanding" between the H and h - he has chosen her as his wife and lets everyone know (by word or deed) except for the heroine - who is convinced he wants her only as his mistress. Near the end, the hero's mother finally explaines to the heroine that she must look at his actions, not his lack of words to see the truth. Her explaination helped redeem the story for me.
Yes, I know men (alpha types) can be like this where they show their love thinking actions prove more than words. But it made both the H and h seem obtuse and frustrated the heck out of me, like the problem was contrived to stall their declaration until the very end of the story.
Nuf sad about the "buts."
This is an adventure romance, there is a mystery to be solved and a villian to vanquish, a story good enough to stand without the far too many purple sensual sex scenes. There are cameo appearances from characters from the Cynster novels (that I thoroughly enjoyed).
January 11, 2012
Ahaaaahahahhahaaayyyy...
[image error]
Finished!! Suweeerrr... Sepanjang gw baca ini.. kerjaan kipas2an teruuusss... [image error] hohohoooh
The man that I'm looking for.. hahahha... [image error]
neeh Pria bener-bener deehhh... so sweet bangeettt... [image error]
cuma yg bikin sebel cuma 1.. ga bisa cepet ngungkapin perasaannya.. cuma pinter menyiratkan ajah.. hmpffth.. [image error]
baca lah Temans... dan nikmati sendiri ke.gentleman'an si Tony ini.. ahaaayyy... [image error]
===PecintaPriaNakalBersaksi... Tony is soooooo.. Naughty!! *inget adegan depan cermin* [image error] ===
Finished!! Suweeerrr... Sepanjang gw baca ini.. kerjaan kipas2an teruuusss... [image error] hohohoooh
The man that I'm looking for.. hahahha... [image error]
neeh Pria bener-bener deehhh... so sweet bangeettt... [image error]
cuma yg bikin sebel cuma 1.. ga bisa cepet ngungkapin perasaannya.. cuma pinter menyiratkan ajah.. hmpffth.. [image error]
baca lah Temans... dan nikmati sendiri ke.gentleman'an si Tony ini.. ahaaayyy... [image error]
===PecintaPriaNakalBersaksi... Tony is soooooo.. Naughty!! *inget adegan depan cermin* [image error] ===
August 18, 2023
Reread on June 16, 2023: 3.5 stars
Tired: virgin heroine
Wired: widowed virgin heroine
Inspired: virgin heroine masquerading as a rich widow in order to establish her ravishing younger sister in the ton and save their family fortunes.
Read via audible plus (narrated by Jill Tanner).
Tired: virgin heroine
Wired: widowed virgin heroine
Inspired: virgin heroine masquerading as a rich widow in order to establish her ravishing younger sister in the ton and save their family fortunes.
Read via audible plus (narrated by Jill Tanner).
October 20, 2017
"A Gentleman's Honor" is the story of Anthony and Alicia.
After her parents die unexpectedly and leave Alicia almost destitute and incharge of her four siblings- three younger brothers and a ravishing sister Adriana, she decides to masquerade as Mrs Alicia Carrington, to introduce and act as a matron for her sister to the ton- in order to get her a suitable match.
When a gentleman Ruskin discovers her deception, and decides to blackmail her- she doesn't know he will be found stabbed with a heel in the garden of the soiree she's attending, or that she would be found standing over him by Viscount Anthony.
Anthony Blake, the Viscount of Carrington is a member of Bastion Club and finally ready to settle down. When he comes across the "widow" Alicia, he feels the stir of attraction, and soon takes upon himself to solve the murder, absolve her of all blame, and taken on the role of her protector.
Soon they are involved in a passionate love affair, while Anthony and his friends remain on the trail of the murderer, and the latter tries to frame Alicia.
I absolutely loved this book. Both the hero and heroine were strong, likable characters. While Alicia was an independent, caring, selfless protector, Anthony was a charming, relentless and devoted alpha hero.
I really liked the way he helped the h out in all fronts, and did not shy away from his feelings. The heroine had some misconceptions, but the scene where he relieves them of her...MEOW!
The lovemaking scenes were scorching-detailed-descriptive-and dirty, the secondary characters likable and the writing was as expected fabulous. The mystery was easy to guess midway through the book, but still kept me intrigued.
What an amazing read! Hats off to you once again SL!
Safe
5/5
After her parents die unexpectedly and leave Alicia almost destitute and incharge of her four siblings- three younger brothers and a ravishing sister Adriana, she decides to masquerade as Mrs Alicia Carrington, to introduce and act as a matron for her sister to the ton- in order to get her a suitable match.
When a gentleman Ruskin discovers her deception, and decides to blackmail her- she doesn't know he will be found stabbed with a heel in the garden of the soiree she's attending, or that she would be found standing over him by Viscount Anthony.
Anthony Blake, the Viscount of Carrington is a member of Bastion Club and finally ready to settle down. When he comes across the "widow" Alicia, he feels the stir of attraction, and soon takes upon himself to solve the murder, absolve her of all blame, and taken on the role of her protector.
Soon they are involved in a passionate love affair, while Anthony and his friends remain on the trail of the murderer, and the latter tries to frame Alicia.
I absolutely loved this book. Both the hero and heroine were strong, likable characters. While Alicia was an independent, caring, selfless protector, Anthony was a charming, relentless and devoted alpha hero.
I really liked the way he helped the h out in all fronts, and did not shy away from his feelings. The heroine had some misconceptions, but the scene where he relieves them of her...MEOW!
The lovemaking scenes were scorching-detailed-descriptive-and dirty, the secondary characters likable and the writing was as expected fabulous. The mystery was easy to guess midway through the book, but still kept me intrigued.
What an amazing read! Hats off to you once again SL!
Safe
5/5
January 28, 2010
The writing in this one annoyed me, she used far too many adjectives, it was hard to muddle through at times. The story was ok I guess, not the best I've read. The heroine was completely likeable at first, but later on she started to annoy me :( It was obvious Tony loved her, and didn't see her as his mistress, so there was trouble made where honestly there wasnt any need for it. Normally I like romances where there are misunderstandings, but this one was just weak.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2017
Another rather long Bastion Club novel. This one follows Anthony Blake, whom we met in Captain Jack's Woman. He's a Viscount and in the ton searching for a wife (i.e., someone to order around). Alicia is head of her family - she's in charge of trying to see her younger sister Adriana married well and taking care of her brothers. Because they lack funds, they cannot hire a chaperone for Adriana, so Alicia poses as a widow in order to do it. The two meet over a dead body of a guy who had just that night blackmailed Alicia because of her identity - Tony is charged with finding his killer.
I'm unofficially retitling this book, A Gentleman's Inability to Communicate. Anthony, in his quest to find this killer decides that Alicia will do for his wife. So he sets about charming her, manipulating things so he can have her and since she's a widow, taking full advantage of the "widow's can have affairs" rules in society. He gets unjustifiably steamed when she doesn't confide in him and he is overcome with those emotions that tell him to protect her, own her, dominate her. This is very much in line with the past two books (the heroes did the same thing), only this heroine was a doormat. She got fired up once and then from then on, she had absolutely no spine with the hero. He played her like a harp (emotionally and sexually). Much of the story is these two going to a ball, having a make out session, then going to the next ball and having a make out session and so on and so on. By the time they finally do it, he must have had electric blue balls. By this time of course, he knows she's not a widow (and therefore a virgin), but she doesn't know he knows. And he's angry again because she didn't tell him. So they have sex and she resigns herself to the fact that she's now his mistress. To this point, he's only mentioned marriage to one individual - and it ain't the woman he's sleeping with. The book continues on with Alicia believing herself to be his mistress and wishing she could be more and Anthony telling himself he'll talk to her about getting married after they've solved the little mystery they're working on. Because she clearly already has to know, right? And being the doormat she is, Alicia just keeps going along with it. So by the time the heroine does find out the hero's intentions, just about everybody in the book BUT the heroine knows they will be getting married. And his argument - how could you think I you were my mistress when I never treated you as one? I, as a reader, beg to differ. He repeatedly had sex with her without promising her anything, he practically moves into her house and shows up for breakfast every morning, he moved her into his house and had sex with her (even though his cousin was supposedly there as a chaperone), he had sex with her under his mother's roof, he treated her like a possession in public (everyone had to assume they were lovers - but no scandal since she's a "widow"), he actually used the phrase, "she's under my protection," - that's not how you treat a woman you respect enough to marry. So I understand her confusion. So yeah, Tony is an emotional nitwit of a hero. What I didn't like was her childish "running away" scene when she found out. Instead of doing the big girl thing and confronting him and smacking him down face to face, she pretends to "go home" and leave him, forcing him to chase her. That is convoluted.
For storylines and contrived plots and misunderstandings - 2 stars. But for the author's ability to create emotional angst, to set atmosphere and mood (and no, not in the sex scenes) through her words, I add an additional star. There were moments when I felt the desolation of the heroine and when the hero was at his wits end for not knowing how to fix things with the heroine - I admire an author who can get me to do that.
I'm unofficially retitling this book, A Gentleman's Inability to Communicate. Anthony, in his quest to find this killer decides that Alicia will do for his wife. So he sets about charming her, manipulating things so he can have her and since she's a widow, taking full advantage of the "widow's can have affairs" rules in society. He gets unjustifiably steamed when she doesn't confide in him and he is overcome with those emotions that tell him to protect her, own her, dominate her. This is very much in line with the past two books (the heroes did the same thing), only this heroine was a doormat. She got fired up once and then from then on, she had absolutely no spine with the hero. He played her like a harp (emotionally and sexually). Much of the story is these two going to a ball, having a make out session, then going to the next ball and having a make out session and so on and so on. By the time they finally do it, he must have had electric blue balls. By this time of course, he knows she's not a widow (and therefore a virgin), but she doesn't know he knows. And he's angry again because she didn't tell him. So they have sex and she resigns herself to the fact that she's now his mistress. To this point, he's only mentioned marriage to one individual - and it ain't the woman he's sleeping with. The book continues on with Alicia believing herself to be his mistress and wishing she could be more and Anthony telling himself he'll talk to her about getting married after they've solved the little mystery they're working on. Because she clearly already has to know, right? And being the doormat she is, Alicia just keeps going along with it. So by the time the heroine does find out the hero's intentions, just about everybody in the book BUT the heroine knows they will be getting married. And his argument - how could you think I you were my mistress when I never treated you as one? I, as a reader, beg to differ. He repeatedly had sex with her without promising her anything, he practically moves into her house and shows up for breakfast every morning, he moved her into his house and had sex with her (even though his cousin was supposedly there as a chaperone), he had sex with her under his mother's roof, he treated her like a possession in public (everyone had to assume they were lovers - but no scandal since she's a "widow"), he actually used the phrase, "she's under my protection," - that's not how you treat a woman you respect enough to marry. So I understand her confusion. So yeah, Tony is an emotional nitwit of a hero. What I didn't like was her childish "running away" scene when she found out. Instead of doing the big girl thing and confronting him and smacking him down face to face, she pretends to "go home" and leave him, forcing him to chase her. That is convoluted.
For storylines and contrived plots and misunderstandings - 2 stars. But for the author's ability to create emotional angst, to set atmosphere and mood (and no, not in the sex scenes) through her words, I add an additional star. There were moments when I felt the desolation of the heroine and when the hero was at his wits end for not knowing how to fix things with the heroine - I admire an author who can get me to do that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2014
Book two on my slow quest to work my way through this series. I read it before, years and years ago, and I vaguely remembered liking it, so I had hope that I'd enjoy it, especially after getting to see Tony a bit in Captain Jack's Woman.
Within a few chapters, my mind had decided that Tony was going to be played by James Purefoy, for some reason. Since my mind had cast someone for Trentham in the last book as well, I just rolled with it. Maybe it'll keep it up and I'll have someone for each Bastion guy (minus Jack Hendon, it skipped him I guess) :)
I thought this one started pretty strong. I was intrigued by Alicia and Adriana's plan for the season, and I liked the both of them as characters too. They were likable, and I enjoyed their sisterly bond. I also liked the three little brothers, they provided a couple of entertaining scenes, and I liked the way they were little scamps, but obedient to their sisters. The way they quickly took to Tony was cute too, and seeing how he handled them added to his own likability. I rather liked Tony's character more than I did Trentham's. He was the usual alpha and all that, but he didn't ever grate on my nerves, he wasn't too dictatorial or anything of that sort. I liked how he and Alicia got on, at least until they started fooling around in random rooms of other peoples' houses while attending balls. Then I found myself skimming. Yea, yea, he's undoing her buttons and fondling her bosoms again, yawn. I was more intrigued by the mystery going on than the sex. I didn't skim in the last book, but this one, it just seemed like too many scenes. Every chapter had one for awhile there.
I liked the other aspects of their relationship though, how they talked through the things they discovered in the investigations, and how there was no silly misunderstandings. Ok, there was a misunderstanding there towards the end, when she didn't know he intended to marry her, and he didn't see fit to let her know... but I liked how it was resolved, how Tony's mother had a hand in it. Speaking of the older ladies, I liked seeing the Duchess of St. Ives and Lady Osbaldestone here. I always like seeing Lady O pop in. Demon Cynster also made a brief appearance. It's nice to see other, familiar characters in these books, I think. I also liked the few glimpses of Dalziel I got in this one. I'm intrigued by him for sure, it will be interesting seeing more of him in the future books, and of course, his own at the end. It was also cool seeing Kit and Jack again, and I thought the way Kit, Leonora, and Alicia all bonded together was fun.
Despite my complaint about the abundance of love scenes, I enjoyed this book pretty well. The ending setting up the next book was interesting, and I look forward to starting it soon! I'd like to get it in before our continuation of the Barnaby Adair series picks up in September over in RLftCI.
Within a few chapters, my mind had decided that Tony was going to be played by James Purefoy, for some reason. Since my mind had cast someone for Trentham in the last book as well, I just rolled with it. Maybe it'll keep it up and I'll have someone for each Bastion guy (minus Jack Hendon, it skipped him I guess) :)
I thought this one started pretty strong. I was intrigued by Alicia and Adriana's plan for the season, and I liked the both of them as characters too. They were likable, and I enjoyed their sisterly bond. I also liked the three little brothers, they provided a couple of entertaining scenes, and I liked the way they were little scamps, but obedient to their sisters. The way they quickly took to Tony was cute too, and seeing how he handled them added to his own likability. I rather liked Tony's character more than I did Trentham's. He was the usual alpha and all that, but he didn't ever grate on my nerves, he wasn't too dictatorial or anything of that sort. I liked how he and Alicia got on, at least until they started fooling around in random rooms of other peoples' houses while attending balls. Then I found myself skimming. Yea, yea, he's undoing her buttons and fondling her bosoms again, yawn. I was more intrigued by the mystery going on than the sex. I didn't skim in the last book, but this one, it just seemed like too many scenes. Every chapter had one for awhile there.
I liked the other aspects of their relationship though, how they talked through the things they discovered in the investigations, and how there was no silly misunderstandings. Ok, there was a misunderstanding there towards the end, when she didn't know he intended to marry her, and he didn't see fit to let her know... but I liked how it was resolved, how Tony's mother had a hand in it. Speaking of the older ladies, I liked seeing the Duchess of St. Ives and Lady Osbaldestone here. I always like seeing Lady O pop in. Demon Cynster also made a brief appearance. It's nice to see other, familiar characters in these books, I think. I also liked the few glimpses of Dalziel I got in this one. I'm intrigued by him for sure, it will be interesting seeing more of him in the future books, and of course, his own at the end. It was also cool seeing Kit and Jack again, and I thought the way Kit, Leonora, and Alicia all bonded together was fun.
Despite my complaint about the abundance of love scenes, I enjoyed this book pretty well. The ending setting up the next book was interesting, and I look forward to starting it soon! I'd like to get it in before our continuation of the Barnaby Adair series picks up in September over in RLftCI.
January 3, 2012
4 bintang karena bukunya SL, aaahhh... lagi2 subjektif *tp ya suka2* [lol]
sebenernya ini buku aku baca dari desember, tp aku kelarin kemarn tgl 1, aku masukin 2011 aja deh..
again, heronya too good to be true!! konfliknya lebih ke menangkap mata2
untuk emosi para lead nya sendiri dr awal udah suka, sampe akhir jg ttp suka
paling pas bagian si hero nya ngira heroinnya janda, jd kaga ngaruh2 banget dan sudah tau passion itu apa, padahaaaallll... bukan janda hehehe :P
sebenernya ini buku aku baca dari desember, tp aku kelarin kemarn tgl 1, aku masukin 2011 aja deh..
again, heronya too good to be true!! konfliknya lebih ke menangkap mata2
untuk emosi para lead nya sendiri dr awal udah suka, sampe akhir jg ttp suka
paling pas bagian si hero nya ngira heroinnya janda, jd kaga ngaruh2 banget dan sudah tau passion itu apa, padahaaaallll... bukan janda hehehe :P
September 13, 2021
A Gentleman's Honor
2.5 Stars
While the murder/espionage plot has definite potential, there are too many implausible twists and turns.
Tony and Alicia have great chemistry, but the number of sex scenes is excessive and Laurens' purple prose is starting to grate on the nerves. I obviously need to take a break from her writing.
2.5 Stars
While the murder/espionage plot has definite potential, there are too many implausible twists and turns.
Tony and Alicia have great chemistry, but the number of sex scenes is excessive and Laurens' purple prose is starting to grate on the nerves. I obviously need to take a break from her writing.
May 10, 2021
I really liked the fact that Tony had to chase after Alicia the whole book. I didn’t care much for the central mystery. Too many details. I skipped over a lot of it. But loved the romance story.
May 2, 2022
2.5 stars
A Gentleman's Honor reminds me a little of The Viscount Who Loved Me. A pair of sisters masquerading through the ton to make a suitable match for the younger sister. An old protective sister who would anything to keep the family safe and protected. But this is where the similarities end.
The book started off very strong and the first 100 pages were very good but unfortunately it got so slow.
I feel like this could have been a 100 pages shorter. There were so much repetition that it pulled from back from the story which is a shame because I did like the characters very much.
Tony is the epitome of a possessive hero but without ever crossing the line. He took care of Alicia and her family and truly became their protector. His take charge attitude was the best thing. Love me some dominant hero.
Alicia's character was endearing and I absolutely adored her. She made so many sacrifices for her family it was heartbreaking. And she was innocent without being extremely naive and stupid so I liked that.
Overall I did truly enjoy the story but I wish it was shorter.
A Gentleman's Honor reminds me a little of The Viscount Who Loved Me. A pair of sisters masquerading through the ton to make a suitable match for the younger sister. An old protective sister who would anything to keep the family safe and protected. But this is where the similarities end.
The book started off very strong and the first 100 pages were very good but unfortunately it got so slow.
I feel like this could have been a 100 pages shorter. There were so much repetition that it pulled from back from the story which is a shame because I did like the characters very much.
Tony is the epitome of a possessive hero but without ever crossing the line. He took care of Alicia and her family and truly became their protector. His take charge attitude was the best thing. Love me some dominant hero.
Alicia's character was endearing and I absolutely adored her. She made so many sacrifices for her family it was heartbreaking. And she was innocent without being extremely naive and stupid so I liked that.
Overall I did truly enjoy the story but I wish it was shorter.
January 29, 2018
3.5 stars
May 31, 2019
Didn't love this. A bit plodding and slow and the mystery was very much a side show and I wanted more from it. Never mind.
February 10, 2015
I heard about Stephanie Laurens many years ago, at the begging of my adventure with romance books. All the time I've been reading romances I was aware of her existence and I heard many good things about her books. So, how did it happen that I have never read any of her novels? I have no idea but it's a serious shame. After all these years I have finally read a book by Laurens and I wish I did it much earlier. It was such a good read.
First of all, I really appreciate when the plot starts at the very beginning. When I don't have to wait half a book for the hero to meet a heroine. And here we've got A Gentleman's Honor, the hero, the heroine and a dead body - all on the first few pages. Here we get not only a romance part from the very beginning but also a suspense part.
Then, we are getting to know Alicia and Tony by their actions and in dialogues, there are no long, boring descriptions of their life from the cradle to the grave. Laurens simply adds some additional information when it's necessary. Someone can say that the characters are lacking depth in that way but that's not true. I don't see the point in knowing the family tree of every character in the first few pages.
There is also a really absorbing suspense part. Although, I've been suspecting a villain from the beginning, it was nice to see the development of this part of the plot.
What I also liked about the book was that nobody says about love in the early parts of the story. Even though Tony is determinated to marry Alice from the beginning and he definitely likes her, there is no talking about big feelings. Even when they have sex and when Alice decides about him to be her first lover. It is not very common in romances and I liked that way more. It seemed more real than love at first sight affair. Paradoxically, that way I found more feelings between Tony and Alice, they were not only lovers but friends on some point.
I will definitely read the other books by Stephanie Laurens. I hope there will be a suspense part in her other historicals, too.
First of all, I really appreciate when the plot starts at the very beginning. When I don't have to wait half a book for the hero to meet a heroine. And here we've got A Gentleman's Honor, the hero, the heroine and a dead body - all on the first few pages. Here we get not only a romance part from the very beginning but also a suspense part.
Then, we are getting to know Alicia and Tony by their actions and in dialogues, there are no long, boring descriptions of their life from the cradle to the grave. Laurens simply adds some additional information when it's necessary. Someone can say that the characters are lacking depth in that way but that's not true. I don't see the point in knowing the family tree of every character in the first few pages.
There is also a really absorbing suspense part. Although, I've been suspecting a villain from the beginning, it was nice to see the development of this part of the plot.
What I also liked about the book was that nobody says about love in the early parts of the story. Even though Tony is determinated to marry Alice from the beginning and he definitely likes her, there is no talking about big feelings. Even when they have sex and when Alice decides about him to be her first lover. It is not very common in romances and I liked that way more. It seemed more real than love at first sight affair. Paradoxically, that way I found more feelings between Tony and Alice, they were not only lovers but friends on some point.
I will definitely read the other books by Stephanie Laurens. I hope there will be a suspense part in her other historicals, too.
May 12, 2009
Stephanie Laurens writes good stories with steamy love scenes that can go on for pages and heros to die for. Anthony (Tony) Blake is one of them. He is comparable to a Cynster hero, which if you are a fan of Laurens, you know what he is about. He is handsome, trustworthy, and very possesive of the heroine who is bound to become his mate in every sense.
Alicia is the heroine. She pretends to be a widow so her younger sister can have a season in the Ton and find a good husband. This facade almost becomes known when a so-called gentleman, who knows her secret, blackmails her into marrying him. But soon he is found dead and Tony gets involved in the case.
Some readers think Laurens has lost her strive up to this book because the scenarios and characters are becoming too much alike. Perhaps the same can be said for Alicia, but with Tony, Laurens has written a complex and seductive individual.
The mystery and suspense is so-so but the overall enjoyment of the book is watching Tony take control of the situation and of course the intimate scenes between him and Alicia. Sometimes there are way too many to count but most readers will enjoy them and need an ice cube when done reading.
If you are into a sensual story with a great hero, check this one out. Hopefully Laurens will keep writing better characters and move away from murder and mystery that she always sticks to.
Alicia is the heroine. She pretends to be a widow so her younger sister can have a season in the Ton and find a good husband. This facade almost becomes known when a so-called gentleman, who knows her secret, blackmails her into marrying him. But soon he is found dead and Tony gets involved in the case.
Some readers think Laurens has lost her strive up to this book because the scenarios and characters are becoming too much alike. Perhaps the same can be said for Alicia, but with Tony, Laurens has written a complex and seductive individual.
The mystery and suspense is so-so but the overall enjoyment of the book is watching Tony take control of the situation and of course the intimate scenes between him and Alicia. Sometimes there are way too many to count but most readers will enjoy them and need an ice cube when done reading.
If you are into a sensual story with a great hero, check this one out. Hopefully Laurens will keep writing better characters and move away from murder and mystery that she always sticks to.
May 7, 2014
My good impression of this series lasted only until this book.
I so wanted to read about Tony Torrington and had great expectations for him. I was just so wrong.
To start with the positive things, I really liked the progressive discoveries behind the investigation of the smuggling/shipping mystery and the final scheme was rather unusual, very realistic and well created and hidden.
However the villain was so easy to identify;( I never could understand how the hero fell in love with the female lead, especially when she had a sister who was much more beautiful, who also had real artistic talent, who was nice, warm-hearted and rather more intelligent than her older sister. What the older had going for her, I'm still not sure. She was rather gullible, had a large family which he craved, was a lier and remained deceitful until the end. She never saw anything of what stood before her eyes, never tried to understand the hero's behavior and finally got completely excited and started sulking suddenly because the hero did not talk to her, while she was guilty of exactly the same thing.
I did not want him to finish with her and could only predict him years of pain ahead.
I so wanted to read about Tony Torrington and had great expectations for him. I was just so wrong.
To start with the positive things, I really liked the progressive discoveries behind the investigation of the smuggling/shipping mystery and the final scheme was rather unusual, very realistic and well created and hidden.
However the villain was so easy to identify;( I never could understand how the hero fell in love with the female lead, especially when she had a sister who was much more beautiful, who also had real artistic talent, who was nice, warm-hearted and rather more intelligent than her older sister. What the older had going for her, I'm still not sure. She was rather gullible, had a large family which he craved, was a lier and remained deceitful until the end. She never saw anything of what stood before her eyes, never tried to understand the hero's behavior and finally got completely excited and started sulking suddenly because the hero did not talk to her, while she was guilty of exactly the same thing.
I did not want him to finish with her and could only predict him years of pain ahead.
September 4, 2015
Review - I didn't like Alicia as much as I did Kit and Leonora in both Captain Jack's Woman and The Lady Chosen. I just felt that Alicia wasn't as well-formed as the former two heroines. I also didn't like Tony as much as Jack and Tristan. It was obvious from the beginning that Freddie was the villain. This was my least favourite of the Bastion Club series so far. However, I did really love the mystery and how all of the Bastion Club came to be involved. I hope the rest continue in this vein, but with more 3D characters.
Genre? - Historical / Romance / Erotica / Regency / Mystery
Characters? - Anthony / Alicia / Adriana / Freddie / Geoffrey / Gasthorpe / Christian / Jack / Matthew / Maggs / David / Harry
Setting? - London (England)
Series? - Bastion Club #2
Recommend? - Yes
Rating - 16/20
Genre? - Historical / Romance / Erotica / Regency / Mystery
Characters? - Anthony / Alicia / Adriana / Freddie / Geoffrey / Gasthorpe / Christian / Jack / Matthew / Maggs / David / Harry
Setting? - London (England)
Series? - Bastion Club #2
Recommend? - Yes
Rating - 16/20
March 26, 2022
3.5 Tony and Alicia. A.C. Secondary: Geoffrey and Adriana, Profiteering from war with France--merchantmen seized.
2018--gets an extra half-star for having one of my all-time favorite scenes in these books: Dalziel appearing unexpectedly at Waverton Street. :-) Impelled me to go looking for someone I would cast as Dalziel: Poldark--Robin Ellis in the BBC original series; Aidan Turner in the more recent. Doesn't get 4 stars because it is another where if the two just would talk to each other, 99% of the interpersonal conflict/misunderstanding would not exist.
2019: plus...if the last 1/2 of the book had been extended with mystery content, it would be 4 stars, but the ratio of sex to story in the first half is ridiculously skewed to sex. Actually, this book annoys me more the more I read it. However, I do appreciate Lady Osbaldestone more and more.
2018--gets an extra half-star for having one of my all-time favorite scenes in these books: Dalziel appearing unexpectedly at Waverton Street. :-) Impelled me to go looking for someone I would cast as Dalziel: Poldark--Robin Ellis in the BBC original series; Aidan Turner in the more recent. Doesn't get 4 stars because it is another where if the two just would talk to each other, 99% of the interpersonal conflict/misunderstanding would not exist.
2019: plus...if the last 1/2 of the book had been extended with mystery content, it would be 4 stars, but the ratio of sex to story in the first half is ridiculously skewed to sex. Actually, this book annoys me more the more I read it. However, I do appreciate Lady Osbaldestone more and more.
February 7, 2012
This is one in the Bastion Club series. I'm not sure which one, but I believe it is the second. I usually like Lauren's rather heavy style of writing, but this one has too much introspection. Perhaps it was the ereader program I was using, but by the time I felt like I was ready for the story to take off, there it went off into introspection land again. This is one of those reads that if the hero & heroine had a good, honest, conversation with one another instead of bed hopping, then this book would be shorter, have a better pace, and be a lot more satisfying. The plot had excellent tones, and I was drawn to the action. The mystery was good, but with better pacing would have made for a more interesting read. I liked the characters, but I was more drawn to the other members of Bastion Club and will give other stories in this series a try.
January 27, 2012
lagi-lagi macet di tengah...padahal awal2 udah ngalir tapi lagi2 karena ngerasa alurnya di situ2 aja gak maju2 akhirnya paro buku ke belakang asal baca tanpa penghayatan.
lagi-lagi juga penasaran ma buku aslinya -versi eng- apa iya setiap kalimat perlu pengulangan/penegasan. Mungkin maksudnya biar lebih ngena tapi kalo setiap kalimat jadi terganggu juga jadinya.
Terus apa emang SL ini hobinya bikin kalimat pendek2 yang cuma dipisah pake tanda baca (,) (;)? or cuma di buku ini? ^^?
...intinya sih pengen yang kayak captain jack....
lagi-lagi juga penasaran ma buku aslinya -versi eng- apa iya setiap kalimat perlu pengulangan/penegasan. Mungkin maksudnya biar lebih ngena tapi kalo setiap kalimat jadi terganggu juga jadinya.
Terus apa emang SL ini hobinya bikin kalimat pendek2 yang cuma dipisah pake tanda baca (,) (;)? or cuma di buku ini? ^^?
...intinya sih pengen yang kayak captain jack....
October 22, 2014
I had to skip so much of this book that I felt like I was playing a game of hopscotch. The sex scenes were so prolific that they soon got boring. On the plus side, skipping them made the storyline pace pick up amazingly well. Most of the time I kept asking myself, "Who ARE these people?" They made almost no sense from a Regency perspective. Clearly I am going to have to re-read Georgette Heyer to remind myself of what Regency times were actually like.
March 12, 2020
4 Stars
June 19, 2013
Sooooooooooo boring. Skimmed through about half then just gave up. Characters are uninteresting, story is pointless and makes no sense.
December 25, 2014
Fabulous, steamy, suspenseful, lovely read! Stephanie Laurens at her best!
July 7, 2018
Después del buen inicio de la serie, este libro me pareció muy aburrido y no me gustó la protagonista. Me caló tan poco que no recuerdo apenas nada más de él.
December 19, 2020
I just can't finish this book.
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