A Lady of His Own
by Stephanie Laurens
In Laurens latest Bastion Club (a last bastion against the matchmakers of the ton) we find ourselves with Charles St. Austell at a time when all he wants to do is get married, but it has to be to someone who understands him. The only person who ever did that is his childhood flame Lady Penelope Selborne. Returning to his newly inherited estate he meets Penelope again and discovers that not only is she still single, but she is neck deep in his investigation to uncover who was selling government information to the French. The spark is still as strong as it was when Charles took Penelope's virginity one afternoon long ago, but she seems as determined as ever not to love him, or let him help her with discovering how her family was involved in spying for France.
This is my first Laurens book and since reading it I have picked up many of the backlist books that people raved about. I can see why they love her – hot steamy sex and well wrought characters, but in A Lady of His Own I felt like I was watching some long drawn out soap that would never end.
This book just plods on and on. Charles and Penelope were very interesting characters and had a fascinating history, but by page 228 I was sick to death of them denying their feelings for one another! I also began to despise the intrigue plot! There is only so much I can take of interviewing everyone in town. I know this is what happens in real investigations, but I wanted more romance and less time spent trying to hunt down the spy and figure out where Penelope's father got a huge collection of pill boxes.
Bottom Line: I'm sure die hard Laurens fans will happily stick this book on their Keeper shelf, but for a first time reader I recommend skipping this one and hitting Laurens backlist instead.
| C. Genthner | Stephanie Laurens | 2004-10-14 |
| I agree. I am a die hard Laurens fan, but was extremely disappointed in this latest venture. The story line was great in the beginning, but halfway through I couldn't wait for it to end. I love all her other books, but not this one. It almost seemed like she needed to fulfill a deadline to her publisher. And quickly. The story lost momentum. I think one of her best works is "All About Passion". If you haven't read it, put it on your list. | ||
| Maxine | Stephanie Laurens | 2004-10-19 |
| I'm sorry but this author has lost me for all time. When her Cynster saga started I found it to be enjoyable, however the longer it went on the worse it all became. It seems the only plot device she uses is sex. If you want to read a truly enjoyable book by this author, and one that is one my keeper shelf I would recommend Devils Bride, the first book in the Cynster series. | ||
| Lisa | All about sex | 2004-10-26 |
| I must agree. There are jewels in the Cynster Saga, but still many books appear to be about how lust and sex can entice people into long-term relationships. I agree there is such a thing as an instant attraction, but, a little more relationship and a little less sex, please. I only have one of her books that I own. The rest I borrow from the library. | ||
“Another Bastion Club novel awaits you…”
October 2004, 448 pages
Publisher: Avon
ISBN: 006059330X
The seven members of the Bastion Club have served loyally in the perilous service of the Crown. Now they've banded together to support one another through their most dangerous mission of all: getting married.
When Charles St. Austell returns home to claim his title as earl, and to settle quickly on a suitable wife as well, he discovers that experience has made him impatient of the young ladies who vie for his attention – with the exception of Lady Penelope Selborne. Years ago, Charles and Penelope's youthful ardor was consummated in an unforgettable afternoon. Charles is still haunted by their interlude, but Penny refuses to have anything more to do with him.
If controlling her heart was difficult before, resisting a stronger, battle-hardened Charles is well nigh impossible, yet Penelope has vowed she won't make the same mistake twice, nor will she marry without love. But when a traitorous intrigue draws them together, then ultimately threatens them both – will Penny discover she has a true protector in Charles, her first and only love, who now vows to make her his own?
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Other Books by Stephanie Laurens
Viscount Breckingridge to the Rescue
“The first of three Cynster Brides fight for her freedom and true love.”
– Lori Carroll
