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Bastion Club #1
The Lady Chosen
Tristan Wemyss, Earl of Trentham, never expected he'd need to wed within a year or forfeit his inheritance. But he is not one to bow to the matchmaking mamas of the ton. No, he will marry a lady of his own choosing. And the lady he chooses is the enchanting neighbor living with her family next door. Miss Leonora Carling has beauty, spirit and passion; unfortunately, matrimony is the last thing on her mind . . .
To Leonora, Tristan's kisses are oh-so-tempting, but once bitten, forever shy, she has determinedly turned her back on marriage. But Tristan is a seasoned campaigner who will not accept defeat. And when a mysterious man attempts to scare Leonora and her family from their home, Tristan realizes he's been given the perfect excuse to offer his services—as protector, seducer and, ultimately, husband.
To Leonora, Tristan's kisses are oh-so-tempting, but once bitten, forever shy, she has determinedly turned her back on marriage. But Tristan is a seasoned campaigner who will not accept defeat. And when a mysterious man attempts to scare Leonora and her family from their home, Tristan realizes he's been given the perfect excuse to offer his services—as protector, seducer and, ultimately, husband.
464 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 26, 2003
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
229 books5,495 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 324 reviews
July 26, 2018
An entertaining story with good points and bad.
It begins well with a group of ex military spies setting up their own private club in a house in Regency London. One of them then becomes embroiled in the affairs of the next door neighbour who is of course beautiful and unmarried. There is a mystery to be solved and some physical danger to the lady concerned.
There is of course a romance which becomes very heavy very quickly and then goes on and on. And on. Hence my first issue with the book - it is much too long. My second issue, which was easily solved with skimming, was the sheer number of sex scenes. Nothing wrong with them in the right place but boring when they keep covering the same ground over and over.
But of course all was not bad. I kept on reading after all and enjoyed it - mostly:)
It begins well with a group of ex military spies setting up their own private club in a house in Regency London. One of them then becomes embroiled in the affairs of the next door neighbour who is of course beautiful and unmarried. There is a mystery to be solved and some physical danger to the lady concerned.
There is of course a romance which becomes very heavy very quickly and then goes on and on. And on. Hence my first issue with the book - it is much too long. My second issue, which was easily solved with skimming, was the sheer number of sex scenes. Nothing wrong with them in the right place but boring when they keep covering the same ground over and over.
But of course all was not bad. I kept on reading after all and enjoyed it - mostly:)
April 21, 2024
After reading an awful book by one of my favourite authors, I thought I would read an historical romance as a palate cleanser.
But this was terrible.
Sigh. Many 21st century romance writers have decided series are the way to sell books. I can tell you the premise for this series was a really stupid one &, as this book was the first in the series, there was a fair bit of scene setting. Most of the Bastion Club members then disappeared from the first quarter of the book (they may have vanished from the whole book, but I bailed at 25%)
The most notable thing about our heroine is that she inclines her head. A lot. & I was surprised a virginal Regency heroine knew about tongue tangling.
As some other reviewers have mentioned this book wasinterminable very long. Maybe this imprint has a minimum word count.
Decided to call it a night on page 118.
But this was terrible.
Sigh. Many 21st century romance writers have decided series are the way to sell books. I can tell you the premise for this series was a really stupid one &, as this book was the first in the series, there was a fair bit of scene setting. Most of the Bastion Club members then disappeared from the first quarter of the book (they may have vanished from the whole book, but I bailed at 25%)
The most notable thing about our heroine is that she inclines her head. A lot. & I was surprised a virginal Regency heroine knew about tongue tangling.
As some other reviewers have mentioned this book was
Decided to call it a night on page 118.
https://wordpress.com/view/carolshess...
July 16, 2022
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Just a bit
Perspective: Third person perspective from both the hero and heroine’s heads (mostly from 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?
There is a prequel novel titled Captain Jack’s Woman if you’d like to read that first but it’s not necessary. There was only a one sentence mention of Jack. There was also a small scene with Devil Cynster but it seemed like he was not married yet so I’m not sure of the timeline here – a friend sent me the chronological works for her so I’m going to go back and follow that!
Check it out here
Basic plot:
Tristan is being forced to marry by July or lose his inheritance. He refuses to fall before the matchmaking mothers of society though and is determined to marry a woman of his own choice. Banding together with his friends, they form the Bastion Club. The home of the Bastion Club will be Number 16, but while renovating it, Tristan finds the lady of Number 14 very intriguing.
Give this a try if you want:
- Neighbors to lovers
- Regency time period (1815)
- London setting
- A mystery mixed in with your romance
- Higher steam – plenty of kisses and scenes – not the most explicit language but you know what is happening in the scenes
- Hero pursues heroine/hero loves first
- You’re okay with a possessive hero
Ages:
- Heroine is 26, didn’t note hero but I would guess late 20s to mid 30s
My thoughts:
I ended up really, really enjoying this book! I found myself really eager to pick it back up again when I had to do life things instead of reading. And that doesn’t happen to me too often anymore!
Leonora lost her parents at the age of 14 and her and her brother were raised with their uncle. Her brother and uncle study dead languages and are lost in their own historical world much of the time and let Leonora run the household. She knows the problem with burglaries and attacks on her person haven’t been a coincidence even though her family sticks their head in the sand about it.
Tristan has returned from special services during the war and finds he must marry by July or lose all his unentailed inheritance. He’s determined to choose his own woman though. Once he sets his sites on Leonora, he will not be deterred.
This book had a lot I really enjoy in romance. Leonora and Tristan are together for almost the entire book so I didn’t mind the mystery aspect as much. There’s a lot of touches, kisses and tension building that I love. Just a lot of sweetness, thinking of each other, the pining, and romantic hand kisses that I really love. Tristan is definitely on the possessive side and makes a few statements that are not going to be for everyone. Leonora doesn’t have a problem standing up to him though and putting him in place when needed. I just really loved these two together.
I’m going to keep a running order of my favorites of the series. So far I liked this one a bit more than book 0.5, Captain Jack's Woman. The tension in book 0.5 was maybe a touch better, but overall this one I liked their relationship more.
Series preference:
#1. Book 1 (The Lady Chosen)
#2 Book 0.5 (Captain Jack’s Woman)
A few other notes:
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: Just a bit
Perspective: Third person perspective from both the hero and heroine’s heads (mostly from 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?
There is a prequel novel titled Captain Jack’s Woman if you’d like to read that first but it’s not necessary. There was only a one sentence mention of Jack. There was also a small scene with Devil Cynster but it seemed like he was not married yet so I’m not sure of the timeline here – a friend sent me the chronological works for her so I’m going to go back and follow that!
Check it out here
Basic plot:
Tristan is being forced to marry by July or lose his inheritance. He refuses to fall before the matchmaking mothers of society though and is determined to marry a woman of his own choice. Banding together with his friends, they form the Bastion Club. The home of the Bastion Club will be Number 16, but while renovating it, Tristan finds the lady of Number 14 very intriguing.
Give this a try if you want:
- Neighbors to lovers
- Regency time period (1815)
- London setting
- A mystery mixed in with your romance
- Higher steam – plenty of kisses and scenes – not the most explicit language but you know what is happening in the scenes
- Hero pursues heroine/hero loves first
- You’re okay with a possessive hero
Ages:
- Heroine is 26, didn’t note hero but I would guess late 20s to mid 30s
My thoughts:
I ended up really, really enjoying this book! I found myself really eager to pick it back up again when I had to do life things instead of reading. And that doesn’t happen to me too often anymore!
Leonora lost her parents at the age of 14 and her and her brother were raised with their uncle. Her brother and uncle study dead languages and are lost in their own historical world much of the time and let Leonora run the household. She knows the problem with burglaries and attacks on her person haven’t been a coincidence even though her family sticks their head in the sand about it.
Tristan has returned from special services during the war and finds he must marry by July or lose all his unentailed inheritance. He’s determined to choose his own woman though. Once he sets his sites on Leonora, he will not be deterred.
This book had a lot I really enjoy in romance. Leonora and Tristan are together for almost the entire book so I didn’t mind the mystery aspect as much. There’s a lot of touches, kisses and tension building that I love. Just a lot of sweetness, thinking of each other, the pining, and romantic hand kisses that I really love. Tristan is definitely on the possessive side and makes a few statements that are not going to be for everyone. Leonora doesn’t have a problem standing up to him though and putting him in place when needed. I just really loved these two together.
I’m going to keep a running order of my favorites of the series. So far I liked this one a bit more than book 0.5, Captain Jack's Woman. The tension in book 0.5 was maybe a touch better, but overall this one I liked their relationship more.
Series preference:
#1. Book 1 (The Lady Chosen)
#2 Book 0.5 (Captain Jack’s Woman)
A few other notes:
Content Warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
March 12, 2021
The Lady Chosen
3 Stars
Never expecting to inherit a title, Tristan Wemyss has spent the majority of his adult life in service to the Crown. As the newly minted Earl of Trentham, he finds himself responsible for numerous estates and several elderly relatives, but requires a bride or he will forfeit the inheritance necessary for their upkeep. Determined to avoid the matchmakers of the ton and choose his own wife, Tristan decides on his charming and vivacious neighbor, Leonora Carling. Now if only he can convince her to give up her independent ways…
The Lady Chosen has incredible potential both in terms of the romance and the suspense plot. Unfortunately, the story is excessively drawn out; the writing is overwrought and the sex scenes (while hot as heck) are as purple as they come.
Tristan and Leonora are both appealing characters even though he can be a tad overbearing, and she has one or two (make that five or six) TSTL moments. Their courtship develops at a steady pace from attraction to intimacy to love, and is ultimately satisfying although it could have concluded more quickly.
Likewise, the secondary storyline involving the mysterious man attempting to break into Leonora's family home is intriguing with some exciting actions scenes. However, it is unnecessarily protracted and the eventual explanation for the crime veers off into the ridiculous.
Despite the issues with her writing, there is something about Laurens's storytelling that has me returning to her novels again and again. The basic premise of a group of military men returning home after war to seek solace in the arms of a woman they love is very enticing, and I look forward to seeing how the other members of the Bastion Club meet their matches.
3 Stars
Never expecting to inherit a title, Tristan Wemyss has spent the majority of his adult life in service to the Crown. As the newly minted Earl of Trentham, he finds himself responsible for numerous estates and several elderly relatives, but requires a bride or he will forfeit the inheritance necessary for their upkeep. Determined to avoid the matchmakers of the ton and choose his own wife, Tristan decides on his charming and vivacious neighbor, Leonora Carling. Now if only he can convince her to give up her independent ways…
The Lady Chosen has incredible potential both in terms of the romance and the suspense plot. Unfortunately, the story is excessively drawn out; the writing is overwrought and the sex scenes (while hot as heck) are as purple as they come.
Tristan and Leonora are both appealing characters even though he can be a tad overbearing, and she has one or two (make that five or six) TSTL moments. Their courtship develops at a steady pace from attraction to intimacy to love, and is ultimately satisfying although it could have concluded more quickly.
Likewise, the secondary storyline involving the mysterious man attempting to break into Leonora's family home is intriguing with some exciting actions scenes. However, it is unnecessarily protracted and the eventual explanation for the crime veers off into the ridiculous.
Despite the issues with her writing, there is something about Laurens's storytelling that has me returning to her novels again and again. The basic premise of a group of military men returning home after war to seek solace in the arms of a woman they love is very enticing, and I look forward to seeing how the other members of the Bastion Club meet their matches.
July 21, 2022
Too long, too much plot meandering, too much words for words sake.
Excellent possessive hero and chemistry in the romance.
Excellent possessive hero and chemistry in the romance.
May 25, 2012
Desde niña, sí, sí, habéis oído bien, desde niña me ha gustado leer novela romántica. Una que es así de precoz. Con la lectura de hoy, me he sumergido en una novela de 500 páginas que han resultado ser todo un hallazgo. ¿Por qué? Por la sencilla razón de que LA PROMETIDA PERFECTA, de Stephanie Laurens, combina romance, misterio y pasión. Me he deleitado en la divertida premisa, la narración amena, el profuso detalle emocional, el estilo costumbrista y la paulatina relación de amor entre sus protagonistas.
Propone un comienzo clásico: hombres de alcurnia en edad casadera. Vale, seguimos. Una banda de veteranos de guerra se enfrenta al mayor desafío a su seguridad masculina: el matrimonio concertado.
¡Esto es la guerra, caballeros, la guerra de sexos!
Qué comienzo tan inverosímil y atractivo. Resulta que estos hombres, tan viriles y con un pasado militar algo turbio, aunque siempre al servicio de Su Majestad, han heredado tierras, títulos y una colección de parientes femeninas a su cargo. ¿La única pega? ¿Cómo mantener a la prole de abuelillas, hermanas y primas si no afianzan el dinero de la herencia ni la posteridad de su apellido?
Ahí radica el problema: la sociedad inglesa puede ser más peligrosa que un campo de batalla, más astuta y traicionera que una información robada al enemigo. ¿Qué puede hacer un hombre de buen ver y un gran apego a la libertad de elección cuando le obligan a buscar esposa?
Pues formar un club de caballeros, por supuesto.
El Club Bastion
Lo mejor de todo es la táctica militar de la que este elenco de machotes hace alarde para afrontar el dilema. Ellos quieren tomar las riendas del asunto y que nadie les endilgue una florecilla insípida para que perpetúe sus irresistibles genes. Así que para conseguirlo, fundan un bastión desde el que organizar su estrategia matrimonial.
Y es aquí cuando empezamos a conocer a uno de los miembros del club: Tristan Wemyss, conde de Trentham. A su lado, una ristra de hombres con mayúsculas, muy curtidos y listos, irán protagonizando una novela cada uno de la saga del Club Bastion.
Entremos en detalles de esta novela en cuestión: The Lady Chosen, primera de una colección de historias independientes. La prometida perfecta reúne a la pareja de una forma peculiar. Me encanta la "excusa" que se ha inventado la autora para cruzar el destino de Leonora y Tristan. Un gran misterio se cierne sobre el idílico barrio de Belgrave, en Londres. La naturaleza práctica de Leonora y el sentido del deber de Tristan les incitan a intentar resolver el problema criminal que acecha sus casas. De los inevitables encuentros entre ellos surge una chispa que, deliciosa e irrevocablemente, estallará en un gran incendio de pasión que los devorará a ambos.
Allí, caminando con Trentham, la paz se deslizó por sus venas como si un pozo que hubiera estado casi vacío se estuviera volviendo a llenar.
Stephanie L. demuestra una gran meticulosidad a la hora de describir gestos, reacciones y movimientos. Es fácil meterse en la piel de los personajes. Sus chicos, una buena panda de apuestos casaderos, hacen alarde de aptitudes espía/matón. Sus damas son la quintaesencia de la buena sociedad. Refleja claramente los modales y usos de la época (1815), lo que se espera de los hombres y mujeres de alta posición. Cosas que, a su propia manera, tanto Leonora como Tristan desafían con su carácter. Ambos encuentran en el otro lo que nunca esperaron en sus vidas. Así que poco a poco se embarcan en una investigación. A pesar de todas las estratagemas disuasorio-amatorias del guapo conde, Leonora no se deja amilanar y exhibe una determinación admirable por ir tras la pista del criminal.
Me ha encantado el curso de la investigación, pues ha provisto la trama de ritmo y estímulo, aparte de otorgar una coartada perfecta para que la pareja se conociera, en más de un sentido. Aunque he de admitir que cada vez que se hacían arrumacos y luego se detenían... ¡menuda frustración!
EL MEJOR PRIMER BESO QUE HE LEÍDO NUNCA
Una de las taras típicas de la novela romántica es la repetición. S. Laurens es capaz de navegar con gracilidad por esas peligrosas aguas. Gracias a dos frentes simultáneos, el enigma que rodea el número 12 y la clara misión amorosa del conde, la novela avanza con soltura y encanto. Muy recomendable si te gustan los romances con trama de fondo y una relación apasionada. Babel en http://torretadebabel.blogspot.com
Propone un comienzo clásico: hombres de alcurnia en edad casadera. Vale, seguimos. Una banda de veteranos de guerra se enfrenta al mayor desafío a su seguridad masculina: el matrimonio concertado.
¡Esto es la guerra, caballeros, la guerra de sexos!
Qué comienzo tan inverosímil y atractivo. Resulta que estos hombres, tan viriles y con un pasado militar algo turbio, aunque siempre al servicio de Su Majestad, han heredado tierras, títulos y una colección de parientes femeninas a su cargo. ¿La única pega? ¿Cómo mantener a la prole de abuelillas, hermanas y primas si no afianzan el dinero de la herencia ni la posteridad de su apellido?
Ahí radica el problema: la sociedad inglesa puede ser más peligrosa que un campo de batalla, más astuta y traicionera que una información robada al enemigo. ¿Qué puede hacer un hombre de buen ver y un gran apego a la libertad de elección cuando le obligan a buscar esposa?
Pues formar un club de caballeros, por supuesto.
El Club Bastion
Lo mejor de todo es la táctica militar de la que este elenco de machotes hace alarde para afrontar el dilema. Ellos quieren tomar las riendas del asunto y que nadie les endilgue una florecilla insípida para que perpetúe sus irresistibles genes. Así que para conseguirlo, fundan un bastión desde el que organizar su estrategia matrimonial.
Y es aquí cuando empezamos a conocer a uno de los miembros del club: Tristan Wemyss, conde de Trentham. A su lado, una ristra de hombres con mayúsculas, muy curtidos y listos, irán protagonizando una novela cada uno de la saga del Club Bastion.
Entremos en detalles de esta novela en cuestión: The Lady Chosen, primera de una colección de historias independientes. La prometida perfecta reúne a la pareja de una forma peculiar. Me encanta la "excusa" que se ha inventado la autora para cruzar el destino de Leonora y Tristan. Un gran misterio se cierne sobre el idílico barrio de Belgrave, en Londres. La naturaleza práctica de Leonora y el sentido del deber de Tristan les incitan a intentar resolver el problema criminal que acecha sus casas. De los inevitables encuentros entre ellos surge una chispa que, deliciosa e irrevocablemente, estallará en un gran incendio de pasión que los devorará a ambos.
Allí, caminando con Trentham, la paz se deslizó por sus venas como si un pozo que hubiera estado casi vacío se estuviera volviendo a llenar.
Stephanie L. demuestra una gran meticulosidad a la hora de describir gestos, reacciones y movimientos. Es fácil meterse en la piel de los personajes. Sus chicos, una buena panda de apuestos casaderos, hacen alarde de aptitudes espía/matón. Sus damas son la quintaesencia de la buena sociedad. Refleja claramente los modales y usos de la época (1815), lo que se espera de los hombres y mujeres de alta posición. Cosas que, a su propia manera, tanto Leonora como Tristan desafían con su carácter. Ambos encuentran en el otro lo que nunca esperaron en sus vidas. Así que poco a poco se embarcan en una investigación. A pesar de todas las estratagemas disuasorio-amatorias del guapo conde, Leonora no se deja amilanar y exhibe una determinación admirable por ir tras la pista del criminal.
Me ha encantado el curso de la investigación, pues ha provisto la trama de ritmo y estímulo, aparte de otorgar una coartada perfecta para que la pareja se conociera, en más de un sentido. Aunque he de admitir que cada vez que se hacían arrumacos y luego se detenían... ¡menuda frustración!
EL MEJOR PRIMER BESO QUE HE LEÍDO NUNCA
Una de las taras típicas de la novela romántica es la repetición. S. Laurens es capaz de navegar con gracilidad por esas peligrosas aguas. Gracias a dos frentes simultáneos, el enigma que rodea el número 12 y la clara misión amorosa del conde, la novela avanza con soltura y encanto. Muy recomendable si te gustan los romances con trama de fondo y una relación apasionada. Babel en http://torretadebabel.blogspot.com
June 9, 2019
3.25 stars
Tristan, Earl of Trentham, returned from the war to find he has inherited two houses full of older female dependents. His evil uncle also stipulated in his will that Tristan has to marry within a year or all un-entailed properties will be donated to charity.
Leonora was engaged long ago, but her fiancé left her for another woman. She has no interest in marrying and is content to live her life as a spinster. That is, until she meets her new neighbor, Tristan.
There is also a mystery to solve. Someone is trying to bully Leonora's family into selling their property. Tristian has a desire to protect Leonora and he's determined to put his skills as a spy for the crown into use to find out who has been threatening her.
This was a slow, entertaining read but it was easy to set aside and not feel compelled to finish. I'm not a big fan of mysteries which may explain the 3 stars instead of 4. I enjoyed Tristan and Leonora and can't figure out why I didn't connect with them on an emotional level.
I do look forward to reading more of the Bastion Club.
Tristan, Earl of Trentham, returned from the war to find he has inherited two houses full of older female dependents. His evil uncle also stipulated in his will that Tristan has to marry within a year or all un-entailed properties will be donated to charity.
Leonora was engaged long ago, but her fiancé left her for another woman. She has no interest in marrying and is content to live her life as a spinster. That is, until she meets her new neighbor, Tristan.
There is also a mystery to solve. Someone is trying to bully Leonora's family into selling their property. Tristian has a desire to protect Leonora and he's determined to put his skills as a spy for the crown into use to find out who has been threatening her.
This was a slow, entertaining read but it was easy to set aside and not feel compelled to finish. I'm not a big fan of mysteries which may explain the 3 stars instead of 4. I enjoyed Tristan and Leonora and can't figure out why I didn't connect with them on an emotional level.
I do look forward to reading more of the Bastion Club.
February 5, 2019
3.3 stars
August 18, 2022
I really want to love Stephanie Laurens but she just won’t let me!
Tristan and his fellow ex war guards have all come into titles and set up a club house to meet and congregate in peace during the London season. This house just so happens to be next door to Lenora who is having some burglary issues and Tristan is just the man to help her.
Here’s my issue with Stephanie Laurens. She doesn’t just write romance. Two people meet, build emotional intimacy and connection but because of XYZ they cannot be together and have to work and grow together to overcome obstacles for their HEA. Stephanie Laurens supplements the story with some sort of crime to keep me distracted from the complete lack of emotional intimacy. And listen, I’m not hating on suspense and crime romance. I can get down with that. But I can’t when the hero and heroine fall for each other and it doesn’t make sense. In the Cynster series, we have these completely bonkers obsessive heroes and I bought into it because of the family curse. But I didn’t finish that insanely long series because I can only read so many of those books before I’m out of my mind with boredom.
And I was so bored with this book.
Tristan has to marry before the end of the year to keep his inheritance and upon seeing Lenora he’s like, “Yup. That one. She’s the one I love.” And Lenora for the majority of the book is like, “Nope, I’ll never marry,” despite the fact that her current situation is living with her boring brother and uncle and wouldn’t it be nice to marry that nice rich earl that you have feelings for?? But no. We aren’t given any backstory or reason for her staunch refusals of Tristan, just her fighting feelings while Tristan pursues her. I reaaaaalllyyyyy need more depth from characters. I need vulnerable conversations and connections before everyone is making out and seducing and demanding marriage. But instead I get some weird burglar who is attacking Lenora (why).
There is one part in the book where Tristan is finally fed up with Lenora refusing him and it was awesome. But that’s the only part that was awesome.
The romance aspect wraps up around 75% at which point we dive really deep into the burglary and I did not care. At all. I skipped and skimmed until the end to confirm that, yeah I really didn’t care about whodunnit.
Is this the end of the road for me and Stephanie Laurens?! Quite possibly because I can’t imagine myself reading another 20 Cynster books or even one more book with some crime and an obsessive insta love hero.
Tristan and his fellow ex war guards have all come into titles and set up a club house to meet and congregate in peace during the London season. This house just so happens to be next door to Lenora who is having some burglary issues and Tristan is just the man to help her.
Here’s my issue with Stephanie Laurens. She doesn’t just write romance. Two people meet, build emotional intimacy and connection but because of XYZ they cannot be together and have to work and grow together to overcome obstacles for their HEA. Stephanie Laurens supplements the story with some sort of crime to keep me distracted from the complete lack of emotional intimacy. And listen, I’m not hating on suspense and crime romance. I can get down with that. But I can’t when the hero and heroine fall for each other and it doesn’t make sense. In the Cynster series, we have these completely bonkers obsessive heroes and I bought into it because of the family curse. But I didn’t finish that insanely long series because I can only read so many of those books before I’m out of my mind with boredom.
And I was so bored with this book.
Tristan has to marry before the end of the year to keep his inheritance and upon seeing Lenora he’s like, “Yup. That one. She’s the one I love.” And Lenora for the majority of the book is like, “Nope, I’ll never marry,” despite the fact that her current situation is living with her boring brother and uncle and wouldn’t it be nice to marry that nice rich earl that you have feelings for?? But no. We aren’t given any backstory or reason for her staunch refusals of Tristan, just her fighting feelings while Tristan pursues her. I reaaaaalllyyyyy need more depth from characters. I need vulnerable conversations and connections before everyone is making out and seducing and demanding marriage. But instead I get some weird burglar who is attacking Lenora (why).
There is one part in the book where Tristan is finally fed up with Lenora refusing him and it was awesome. But that’s the only part that was awesome.
The romance aspect wraps up around 75% at which point we dive really deep into the burglary and I did not care. At all. I skipped and skimmed until the end to confirm that, yeah I really didn’t care about whodunnit.
Is this the end of the road for me and Stephanie Laurens?! Quite possibly because I can’t imagine myself reading another 20 Cynster books or even one more book with some crime and an obsessive insta love hero.
October 25, 2019
#RetoRita3 #RetoLaurens
Comienza con un prólogo bastante denso (que se puede saltear sin problemas) que nos presenta a un grupo de ex espías que deben reincorporarse a la vida civil luego de finalizadas las guerras napoleónicas. La mayoría, además, haciéndose cargo de un título sorpresivamente heredado y sus responsabilidades. Entre ellas, casarse.
Pero no quieren casarse con debutantes impuestas por madres desesperadas, tías absorbentes ni matronas de sociedad. Quieren elegir a sus propias mujeres. No es que sean románticos y esperen el amor. No. Simplemente no quieren ser dominados y buscan encontrar a una dama que se ajuste a sus necesidades. Para eso deciden fundar el club Bastion, para reunirse allí y ayudarse mutuamente a conseguirlo.
En este primer libro conocemos la historia de Tristan quien mientras se están instalando en la casa que compraron para su club, le echa el ojo a su vecina Leonora, joven dama que ha decidido no casarse y vive con su tío y hermano. Leonora no sólo es una bella e inteligente mujer sino también, una dama en problemas ya que existe un sujeto que quiere apoderarse de su hogar por las buenas o por las malas. Aparentemente, la casa familiar de la dama esconde un secreto derivado de un primo fallecido que era científico pero no saben de qué se trata.
Así que la novela intercambia el romance con el suspenso y la investigación en la que se embarcan para descubrir el misterio.
Respecto al romance, todo gira en la seducción de Leonora por parte de Tristan quién trata de convencerla de sus fines serios aunque con métodos un poco ortodoxos.
Bastante sexo aunque esta mujer tiene la costumbre de describir los momentos culminantes con un vocabulario cuasi místico o tántrico, casi elevado al nirvana que no me "inspira" demasiado. Como si quisiera quitarle el manto de lujuria al acto en sí y purificarlo de alguna forma.
No me va demasiado.
El misterio está correcto y bastante bien balanceadas las tramas.
Serían tres estrellas y media, casi cuatro. No más porque me pareció demasiado largo y pesado o repetitivo en algunas partes.
Pero lindo y sexy.
Comienza con un prólogo bastante denso (que se puede saltear sin problemas) que nos presenta a un grupo de ex espías que deben reincorporarse a la vida civil luego de finalizadas las guerras napoleónicas. La mayoría, además, haciéndose cargo de un título sorpresivamente heredado y sus responsabilidades. Entre ellas, casarse.
Pero no quieren casarse con debutantes impuestas por madres desesperadas, tías absorbentes ni matronas de sociedad. Quieren elegir a sus propias mujeres. No es que sean románticos y esperen el amor. No. Simplemente no quieren ser dominados y buscan encontrar a una dama que se ajuste a sus necesidades. Para eso deciden fundar el club Bastion, para reunirse allí y ayudarse mutuamente a conseguirlo.
En este primer libro conocemos la historia de Tristan quien mientras se están instalando en la casa que compraron para su club, le echa el ojo a su vecina Leonora, joven dama que ha decidido no casarse y vive con su tío y hermano. Leonora no sólo es una bella e inteligente mujer sino también, una dama en problemas ya que existe un sujeto que quiere apoderarse de su hogar por las buenas o por las malas. Aparentemente, la casa familiar de la dama esconde un secreto derivado de un primo fallecido que era científico pero no saben de qué se trata.
Así que la novela intercambia el romance con el suspenso y la investigación en la que se embarcan para descubrir el misterio.
Respecto al romance, todo gira en la seducción de Leonora por parte de Tristan quién trata de convencerla de sus fines serios aunque con métodos un poco ortodoxos.
Bastante sexo aunque esta mujer tiene la costumbre de describir los momentos culminantes con un vocabulario cuasi místico o tántrico, casi elevado al nirvana que no me "inspira" demasiado. Como si quisiera quitarle el manto de lujuria al acto en sí y purificarlo de alguna forma.
No me va demasiado.
El misterio está correcto y bastante bien balanceadas las tramas.
Serían tres estrellas y media, casi cuatro. No más porque me pareció demasiado largo y pesado o repetitivo en algunas partes.
Pero lindo y sexy.
July 2, 2017
"The Lady Chosen" is the first book is Bastion club, and the story of Leonora and Tristan.
We are introduced to the club, made up of ex spies and military men, who are forced to settle down due to reasons aplenty.
Tristan has to find a wife to secure his inheritance, but before he can look around, he is bowled over by his sassy neighbor Leonora, who's house keeps getting intruded and gets threatened by some landowners.
As they both embark together to solve the mystery of the goons, passion explodes and much to Leonoras reluctance- Tristan decides to make her his wife.
Most of the book is them trying to solve the mystery, with interspersed scenes between the couple.
Typical SL type slow burn romance. This takes place before the Cynsters as Devil is still single here. The love scenes between them are hot, and the chemistry is scorching.
A well written book.
Safe
3.5/5
We are introduced to the club, made up of ex spies and military men, who are forced to settle down due to reasons aplenty.
Tristan has to find a wife to secure his inheritance, but before he can look around, he is bowled over by his sassy neighbor Leonora, who's house keeps getting intruded and gets threatened by some landowners.
As they both embark together to solve the mystery of the goons, passion explodes and much to Leonoras reluctance- Tristan decides to make her his wife.
Most of the book is them trying to solve the mystery, with interspersed scenes between the couple.
Typical SL type slow burn romance. This takes place before the Cynsters as Devil is still single here. The love scenes between them are hot, and the chemistry is scorching.
A well written book.
Safe
3.5/5
July 18, 2022
Rake Appreciation Society pick for July.
Check out the Live Show on Crystal's Bookish Life's channel after 7/20 for my full review.
3.5 stars
3 on the spice scale.
Check out the Live Show on Crystal's Bookish Life's channel after 7/20 for my full review.
3.5 stars
3 on the spice scale.
July 20, 2022
2.5 stars/rounded up. The Lady Chosen is the first book in The Bastion Club series. Before this I had only read 1 other book by Stephanie Laurens, The Devil’s Bride (which is the first book in the Cynster series)—and we do get to see Devil Cynster have a little cameo in this book, which was fun.
Tristan Wemyss, Earl of Trentham needs to wed within the year or forfeit his inheritance. Since he refuses to wed someone deemed worthy by the matchmaking mamas of the ton, he decides he will marry a lady of his choosing. He sets his sights on the enchanting girl-next-door, Miss Leonora Carling. Back from Waterloo, many men found themselves returning to estates and titles they didn’t have before going off to war and now needing wives (and heirs) to keep their new standings. Tristan and his friends find themselves all in the same situation, they decide to form a club, The Bastion Club, and help one other find potential brides.
Tristan and his friends need a “club house” where they can meet and they end up purchasing a home right next to new neighbor, Leonora and her Uncle. Tristan is instantly into Leonora and wants to know more about her, while Leonora never had plans to ever marry. There have been burglaries happening around the homes recently and Tristan & Leonora join forces to figure out the culprit.
I did enjoy the beginning and premise of this setup with the men returning to titles and responsibilities they didn’t have before war and the setup of their club. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that laid out quite that way before and how it affected so many men in that way post-war. But this book did feel very long and I just was not invested in the burglar/mystery aspect of the story. Which looking back I had the exact same issues with The Devil’s Bride. Which if you’re unlike me and enjoyed that book, this one would probably work for you as both books have a similar vibe…both heroes adamant to marry the heroines early on with the heroines putting them off for most of the book, focus on the mystery plot, and very wordy. While I once planned to read all the books in both series, it makes me question collecting both series now and how much space they take up sitting on my shelves. 😅
Tristan Wemyss, Earl of Trentham needs to wed within the year or forfeit his inheritance. Since he refuses to wed someone deemed worthy by the matchmaking mamas of the ton, he decides he will marry a lady of his choosing. He sets his sights on the enchanting girl-next-door, Miss Leonora Carling. Back from Waterloo, many men found themselves returning to estates and titles they didn’t have before going off to war and now needing wives (and heirs) to keep their new standings. Tristan and his friends find themselves all in the same situation, they decide to form a club, The Bastion Club, and help one other find potential brides.
Tristan and his friends need a “club house” where they can meet and they end up purchasing a home right next to new neighbor, Leonora and her Uncle. Tristan is instantly into Leonora and wants to know more about her, while Leonora never had plans to ever marry. There have been burglaries happening around the homes recently and Tristan & Leonora join forces to figure out the culprit.
I did enjoy the beginning and premise of this setup with the men returning to titles and responsibilities they didn’t have before war and the setup of their club. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that laid out quite that way before and how it affected so many men in that way post-war. But this book did feel very long and I just was not invested in the burglar/mystery aspect of the story. Which looking back I had the exact same issues with The Devil’s Bride. Which if you’re unlike me and enjoyed that book, this one would probably work for you as both books have a similar vibe…both heroes adamant to marry the heroines early on with the heroines putting them off for most of the book, focus on the mystery plot, and very wordy. While I once planned to read all the books in both series, it makes me question collecting both series now and how much space they take up sitting on my shelves. 😅
August 18, 2023
Reread on June 12, 2023: Everyone has an obscure book series that is formative to their reader heart but will never be recommended because others won't understand the appeal. This is mine. Read via audible plus (narrated by Jill Tanner).
October 10, 2014
Oh gosh, ok, I'm gonna do it. Here I go Bastion Club #1... I originally read it back in 2006-7 I think and I remember it being mostly ok, but long and drawn out. But that was before I really got into Laurens' books, got accustomed to her style and such, so I was kind of hoping it would impress me this time around. Well, I did enjoy it pretty much throughout, but I still think it was rather long and drawn out. Not that I can pinpoint anything that should've been cut out, but it just seemed pretty long. I got to page 40 or something like that before I realized (cause I'm oblivious to the obvious sometimes) that Leonora, the heroine of this one is the sister of Jeremy, hero of In Pursuit of Miss Eliza Cynster! Ha! I was sitting there like... why does the name Jeremy Carling seem so familiar? Heck, in that case, this is practically a Cynster book xD
Speaking of Cynster, the younger, bachelor Devil Cynster made a brief appearance at a ball, it was kind of fun seeing him, and good ol' Lady Osbaldestone as well. I kinda kept waiting for more names to drop. I like the Bastion guys so far, and the premise behind the club. I don't think Tristan is going to be my favorite though. He had a few moments in this story where he came across as more stalker-ish and overly-controlling than romantic. His pursuit of her hand in marriage showed a side of him that to me, went beyond strong, protective alpha male, and into that crazy stalker territory. Thankfully, they got past it, but there were a few sections where I was wanting to tell Leonora to run from his obsessiveness. To some extent, his actions could be construed as romantic I suppose, but to me it was kinda just a turn-off. And I just gotta say I am not a big fan of the name Tristan. No offense to anyone with that name or loved ones with that name, but it's just not my favorite, at all. I know it's a classic name, but meh, I don't like it :p Other than all that though, I don't really have too many complaints. To me, the mystery wasn't too easy to figure out, it kept me wondering. The love scenes hovered around that mythical border into purple-prose land, but never quite crossed it. A few scenes were even pretty steamy for me. With the description of Trentham having long wavy dark hair, I was kind of picturing him as a beefier Schneider , and that certainly helped ;) I liked the way their relationship developed, though I have to say when she started thinking about having him 'teach' her about desire, all that stuff, I got pretty worried that I was going to have to go through that old, worn plot of love lessons and such that I got so tired of in the Cynster books. Thankfully, it didn't happen that way. The whole heroine with the 'I'll never marry any man' ploy got used here, and that was more than enough.
Mostly though, I enjoyed this book. It didn't necessarily thrill me, but it was pretty good. Plus, it leaves me eager to continue on with the Bastion Club books, I will most likely tackle book #2 next month. Dalziel also intrigues me, I look forward to seeing more of him for sure. 3.5 Stars!
Speaking of Cynster, the younger, bachelor Devil Cynster made a brief appearance at a ball, it was kind of fun seeing him, and good ol' Lady Osbaldestone as well. I kinda kept waiting for more names to drop. I like the Bastion guys so far, and the premise behind the club. I don't think Tristan is going to be my favorite though. He had a few moments in this story where he came across as more stalker-ish and overly-controlling than romantic. His pursuit of her hand in marriage showed a side of him that to me, went beyond strong, protective alpha male, and into that crazy stalker territory. Thankfully, they got past it, but there were a few sections where I was wanting to tell Leonora to run from his obsessiveness. To some extent, his actions could be construed as romantic I suppose, but to me it was kinda just a turn-off. And I just gotta say I am not a big fan of the name Tristan. No offense to anyone with that name or loved ones with that name, but it's just not my favorite, at all. I know it's a classic name, but meh, I don't like it :p Other than all that though, I don't really have too many complaints. To me, the mystery wasn't too easy to figure out, it kept me wondering. The love scenes hovered around that mythical border into purple-prose land, but never quite crossed it. A few scenes were even pretty steamy for me. With the description of Trentham having long wavy dark hair, I was kind of picturing him as a beefier Schneider , and that certainly helped ;) I liked the way their relationship developed, though I have to say when she started thinking about having him 'teach' her about desire, all that stuff, I got pretty worried that I was going to have to go through that old, worn plot of love lessons and such that I got so tired of in the Cynster books. Thankfully, it didn't happen that way. The whole heroine with the 'I'll never marry any man' ploy got used here, and that was more than enough.
Mostly though, I enjoyed this book. It didn't necessarily thrill me, but it was pretty good. Plus, it leaves me eager to continue on with the Bastion Club books, I will most likely tackle book #2 next month. Dalziel also intrigues me, I look forward to seeing more of him for sure. 3.5 Stars!
September 2, 2016
I also really liked this book which was formally the first in the Bastion Club series. The explanations behind the creation of the club were rather interesting, though a bit short and with so many new characters that it was difficult to place them all.
I liked how the mere fact of creating this club embroiled Tristan directly in the story behind strange incidents occurring next door. I was convinced almost from the first that the two leads were perfect for each other and really enjoyed reading their discovering the other, learning to trust him/her, to like him/her and then progressively fall in love.
There were not many misunderstandings or big clash of wills as the author often likes to add. The few there were always quickly deflated, with humor and respect for the other. I really liked that.
A very good book as well which confirmed my good impression of this entertaining series.
I liked how the mere fact of creating this club embroiled Tristan directly in the story behind strange incidents occurring next door. I was convinced almost from the first that the two leads were perfect for each other and really enjoyed reading their discovering the other, learning to trust him/her, to like him/her and then progressively fall in love.
There were not many misunderstandings or big clash of wills as the author often likes to add. The few there were always quickly deflated, with humor and respect for the other. I really liked that.
A very good book as well which confirmed my good impression of this entertaining series.
July 7, 2018
Me dejó un buen sabor tanto el romance como el misterio que encierra la historia. Buen inicio de serie, aunque no puede decir lo mismo del siguiente.
October 3, 2012
These books definitely require me to start keeping notes of all of the things that make me go "Really? That's really what you wrote?".
1. The prologue's exposition. Nobody, but nobody would talk with friends that way. I get it, you have to give the reader the info some way. But please, at least also give us the benefit of the doubt that we have brains, and can possibly figure some things out on our own. Having men who have known each other for years address each other the way these did is asinine.
2.
3. Hooray, another mouth, another honey cavern!
Well, I made it through this one. Very middle of the road. I didn't hate it, as I've finally made peace with the fact that I can't stand the way the author writes. But I do seem to enjoy the actual storylines so I will eventually make it through all of Laurens' books.
1. The prologue's exposition. Nobody, but nobody would talk with friends that way. I get it, you have to give the reader the info some way. But please, at least also give us the benefit of the doubt that we have brains, and can possibly figure some things out on our own. Having men who have known each other for years address each other the way these did is asinine.
2.
3. Hooray, another mouth, another honey cavern!
Well, I made it through this one. Very middle of the road. I didn't hate it, as I've finally made peace with the fact that I can't stand the way the author writes. But I do seem to enjoy the actual storylines so I will eventually make it through all of Laurens' books.
March 14, 2008
I liked the idea of a group of noble gentlemen planning their marriages like a military campaign, but that's not at all what we get in this book. Question: why DO authors write Regencies when they're not willing to accept Regency conventions? Does the author really think that the catty old ladies in Jane Austen wouldn't notice if her hero and heroine snuck off together at every single party they were at for weeks to have sex across the breadth of the ton? Does she really think that an unmarried lady could move unaccompanied around London at all times of the day or night without occasioning comment? Add to that the stick-figure characterization, the choppy, overwrought prose, and the general implausibility of the plot, and you have, well, this mess. The sex is pretty hot, though.
February 29, 2020
H is very proper, military, ex-spy who needs to marry to inherit. It's not a major plot device, because once he meets the h, he can't resist her. She's an introvert, and he doesn't really understand her for some time, but there are lots of steamy times and a murder-mystery to resolve, as they decide if they will they marry or follow her preference, make her his mistress. Liked it, perhaps a little long winded.
August 11, 2019
Debo reconocer que iba un poco reticente con esta lectura porque llevaba una época muy mala de sequía literaria y esta autora no está entre mis favoritas. Aún así, me he "comido" mis pensamientos y me ha sorprendido gratamente la historia que me ha planteado la autora, si bien el romance entre los protagonistas a ido pasando a un segundo plano según iba leyendo.
El comienzo de la novela ha sido de lo más "original" viendo la gran cantidad de similitudes que estas novelas presentan. Y es que no todos los días un grupo de ex - espías se juntan para utilizar sus habilidades en contra de las debutantes caza - maridos y sus familias; eso ha sido totalmente mi enganche con este libro.
Pero después, con la llegada de Tristan, nuestro protagonista, a la que será la futura casa - club Bastión, las cosas se han puesto muy interesantes...por el lado del misterioso caso de los robos que han ido surgiendo en las casas vecinas y que, por casualidades de la vida, implican a nuestra protagonista, Leonora. ¿Y su romance?
No mal interpretar, su historia de amor me ha gustado y ha habido ocasiones que me ha dejado con una sonrisa de tonta en la cara, pero para mí, la trama de suspense es la que se lleva la mayor parte de enganche de este libro. Desde el por qué quieren robar en esas casas, pasando por los misteriosos personajes que van a pareciendo en la historia..todo ello hacía que no pudiera soltar el libro y devorara un capítulo tras otro. Y si, lo admito, Leonora y Tristan me han gustado más como pareja de fechorías, que como pareja romántica, ya que las escenas románticas de ambos se basaban prácticamente en escenas de cama demasiado forzadas en algunos momentos y en diálogos poco chispeantes. Eso sí, la personalidad de Leonora y sobre todo la de Tristan, me han encantado, ya que no son muchos los libros de esta época en la que el protagonista suele consultar sus impresiones con ella en cuanto a misterios y peligros se trata, así que chapó también por eso.
En general y para terminar este desvarío, es una historia que engancha, que atrapa y que hace que no puedas despegar la vista de sus páginas. Si te gustan más los libros en los que la trama de misterio cobra mucho más peso que el romance, este es tu libro sin lugar a dudas; pero si te gustan los libros en los que el romance es lo primero, aconsejo ir con mente abierta y teniendo claro que seguramente lo que más te atrape de ella...sea la trama de misterio.
El comienzo de la novela ha sido de lo más "original" viendo la gran cantidad de similitudes que estas novelas presentan. Y es que no todos los días un grupo de ex - espías se juntan para utilizar sus habilidades en contra de las debutantes caza - maridos y sus familias; eso ha sido totalmente mi enganche con este libro.
Pero después, con la llegada de Tristan, nuestro protagonista, a la que será la futura casa - club Bastión, las cosas se han puesto muy interesantes...por el lado del misterioso caso de los robos que han ido surgiendo en las casas vecinas y que, por casualidades de la vida, implican a nuestra protagonista, Leonora. ¿Y su romance?
No mal interpretar, su historia de amor me ha gustado y ha habido ocasiones que me ha dejado con una sonrisa de tonta en la cara, pero para mí, la trama de suspense es la que se lleva la mayor parte de enganche de este libro. Desde el por qué quieren robar en esas casas, pasando por los misteriosos personajes que van a pareciendo en la historia..todo ello hacía que no pudiera soltar el libro y devorara un capítulo tras otro. Y si, lo admito, Leonora y Tristan me han gustado más como pareja de fechorías, que como pareja romántica, ya que las escenas románticas de ambos se basaban prácticamente en escenas de cama demasiado forzadas en algunos momentos y en diálogos poco chispeantes. Eso sí, la personalidad de Leonora y sobre todo la de Tristan, me han encantado, ya que no son muchos los libros de esta época en la que el protagonista suele consultar sus impresiones con ella en cuanto a misterios y peligros se trata, así que chapó también por eso.
En general y para terminar este desvarío, es una historia que engancha, que atrapa y que hace que no puedas despegar la vista de sus páginas. Si te gustan más los libros en los que la trama de misterio cobra mucho más peso que el romance, este es tu libro sin lugar a dudas; pero si te gustan los libros en los que el romance es lo primero, aconsejo ir con mente abierta y teniendo claro que seguramente lo que más te atrape de ella...sea la trama de misterio.
January 3, 2012
3.5 stars
I liked this book better than "Captain Jack's Woman", probably because the Hero and Heroine weren't jumping on top of one another every couple of pages!
The premise is that post-Waterloo, the spies are out of business and back in England. We are introduced to seven men who were previously employed as spies, mostly infiltrating enemy lands and enemy lines, posing as locals. All seven are master impersonators, fighters, and strategists. The seven haven't all met until they find themselves gathered in a back room of a local tavern, having escaped a pre-Season ball. They knew one or two of the group, but not all seven. Now, the seven find themselves now heirs to titles and lands; all are gentlemen, but most didn't expect to inherit, being second sons or cousins -- not directly in line for the titles. But the war took many men, and illness that swept through the country (influenza) took many more. So now all seven men are being sought as husbands by determined mamas and debs.
The seven men band together to form The Bastion Club - the last bastion for these men to have a say in their own futures. They're determined to marry the women that THEY choose, not be trapped or tricked into marrying because they aren't fluent with the rules of the "ton". And these men understand the value of associates, information, and sharing. They agree to purchase a house in Mayfair, close enough to the action, but far enough away to be inconspicuous. The purpose is to have their own club, to have a place to meet/interview prospective ladies, and to help one another make the best possible marriage of each man's choosing.
Since Trentham has a double stake in marriage (he must marry by July or forfeit the monies to the estates but still inherit the upkeep of 8 old tabbies) and his Town house and estates are the closest, he takes on the chore of getting the house fitted and set up. While looking out the new club's library window, he spots Leonore - the lovely miss from the townhouse next store. She looks older, no deb this one. But when Trentham runs into her - literally - she proves to be handsome and intelligent. And she ensnares him in a mystery....
Seems that #14 (the Bastion Club is #12) has had at least 2 foiled burglary attempts in the past month -- after Leonora's uncle Humphrey refused to sell the property to an unnamed buyer. And Leonora has been accosted twice. Leonora thinks that either Trentham and his friends are part of the scheme or can help shed light on what's going on; after all, they likely have a share in the worry, since they're close enough to be potentially burgled, too. And the club has had at least one intruder, who took the impression of the house keys and seems to be interested in the club's basement.
Trentham sets to work to find the source of the burglaries and learn why #14 is the target. In the process, he spends more time with Leonora, who, at 26 has determined never to marry. But that doesn't mean she's not interested in learning more about what goes on between men and women. In one of my favorite passages, Leonora wonders why only women on the eve of their wedding nights are told about these "secrets"; why should this information be withheld? She's now old enough to be "on the shelf"; why can't she be told? Trentham has had thoughts about Leonora - he's not sure if she's mistress material or not, but likely not, since she is a lady. But he doesn't rush to decide she's his candidate for marriage... not until Leonora decides to seduce Trentham past the kissing and light petting that he's engaged in with her. When she asks him to "initiate" her into the ways between men and women, Trentham loses his mind, body, and soul.
While not being ready to admit he's in love, Trentham is determined to MARRY Leonora, which proves to be difficult, since she's set against marriage. She's convinced the attraction will fade now that they've completed the exploration; he says never. They agree that they'll continue to be lovers for the next month. At the end of that month, if the attraction has faded, Trentham agrees to stop pursuing her; if not, Leonora agrees to marry him.
Now we wade into pages and pages of sexual exploration... and the mystery takes a definite back seat. While it's fun to explore Trentham's family of "old tabbies" and learn more about both Leonora and Trentham, it's almost exasperating that someone as connected and astute as he is cannot solve this mystery or make any significant progress! Here is where the author remembers that she's supposedly writing a Regency romance, so she feels obligated to treat us to the "ton" scenes of balls, fetes, nights at the theater, and so on... all just minor backdrops for Trentham's continued seduction of Leonora.
When we finally get right down to it, the mystery is, indeed, intriguing. And more complex that it appears on the surface. But it's all kind of a hodge-podge at the end... the resolution is quite anti-climactic, unfortunately.
So why the 3.5 stars? Because most of this book is not only fun and enjoyable, but good - well-written with fascinating characters from every strata of Regency London society. Obviously, there's a lot more coming, since this is the 1st in a long line of books. I assume we'll learn each of the 7 men's stories? "Captain Jack's Woman" is supposed to be .5 in this series; I'm not sure why, though - the only Jack mentioned is one of the 7, and his last name doesn't seem right to me. Guess we'll have to find out!
I liked this book better than "Captain Jack's Woman", probably because the Hero and Heroine weren't jumping on top of one another every couple of pages!
The premise is that post-Waterloo, the spies are out of business and back in England. We are introduced to seven men who were previously employed as spies, mostly infiltrating enemy lands and enemy lines, posing as locals. All seven are master impersonators, fighters, and strategists. The seven haven't all met until they find themselves gathered in a back room of a local tavern, having escaped a pre-Season ball. They knew one or two of the group, but not all seven. Now, the seven find themselves now heirs to titles and lands; all are gentlemen, but most didn't expect to inherit, being second sons or cousins -- not directly in line for the titles. But the war took many men, and illness that swept through the country (influenza) took many more. So now all seven men are being sought as husbands by determined mamas and debs.
The seven men band together to form The Bastion Club - the last bastion for these men to have a say in their own futures. They're determined to marry the women that THEY choose, not be trapped or tricked into marrying because they aren't fluent with the rules of the "ton". And these men understand the value of associates, information, and sharing. They agree to purchase a house in Mayfair, close enough to the action, but far enough away to be inconspicuous. The purpose is to have their own club, to have a place to meet/interview prospective ladies, and to help one another make the best possible marriage of each man's choosing.
Since Trentham has a double stake in marriage (he must marry by July or forfeit the monies to the estates but still inherit the upkeep of 8 old tabbies) and his Town house and estates are the closest, he takes on the chore of getting the house fitted and set up. While looking out the new club's library window, he spots Leonore - the lovely miss from the townhouse next store. She looks older, no deb this one. But when Trentham runs into her - literally - she proves to be handsome and intelligent. And she ensnares him in a mystery....
Seems that #14 (the Bastion Club is #12) has had at least 2 foiled burglary attempts in the past month -- after Leonora's uncle Humphrey refused to sell the property to an unnamed buyer. And Leonora has been accosted twice. Leonora thinks that either Trentham and his friends are part of the scheme or can help shed light on what's going on; after all, they likely have a share in the worry, since they're close enough to be potentially burgled, too. And the club has had at least one intruder, who took the impression of the house keys and seems to be interested in the club's basement.
Trentham sets to work to find the source of the burglaries and learn why #14 is the target. In the process, he spends more time with Leonora, who, at 26 has determined never to marry. But that doesn't mean she's not interested in learning more about what goes on between men and women. In one of my favorite passages, Leonora wonders why only women on the eve of their wedding nights are told about these "secrets"; why should this information be withheld? She's now old enough to be "on the shelf"; why can't she be told? Trentham has had thoughts about Leonora - he's not sure if she's mistress material or not, but likely not, since she is a lady. But he doesn't rush to decide she's his candidate for marriage... not until Leonora decides to seduce Trentham past the kissing and light petting that he's engaged in with her. When she asks him to "initiate" her into the ways between men and women, Trentham loses his mind, body, and soul.
While not being ready to admit he's in love, Trentham is determined to MARRY Leonora, which proves to be difficult, since she's set against marriage. She's convinced the attraction will fade now that they've completed the exploration; he says never. They agree that they'll continue to be lovers for the next month. At the end of that month, if the attraction has faded, Trentham agrees to stop pursuing her; if not, Leonora agrees to marry him.
Now we wade into pages and pages of sexual exploration... and the mystery takes a definite back seat. While it's fun to explore Trentham's family of "old tabbies" and learn more about both Leonora and Trentham, it's almost exasperating that someone as connected and astute as he is cannot solve this mystery or make any significant progress! Here is where the author remembers that she's supposedly writing a Regency romance, so she feels obligated to treat us to the "ton" scenes of balls, fetes, nights at the theater, and so on... all just minor backdrops for Trentham's continued seduction of Leonora.
When we finally get right down to it, the mystery is, indeed, intriguing. And more complex that it appears on the surface. But it's all kind of a hodge-podge at the end... the resolution is quite anti-climactic, unfortunately.
So why the 3.5 stars? Because most of this book is not only fun and enjoyable, but good - well-written with fascinating characters from every strata of Regency London society. Obviously, there's a lot more coming, since this is the 1st in a long line of books. I assume we'll learn each of the 7 men's stories? "Captain Jack's Woman" is supposed to be .5 in this series; I'm not sure why, though - the only Jack mentioned is one of the 7, and his last name doesn't seem right to me. Guess we'll have to find out!
Shelved as 'dnf'
June 3, 2024DNF @ 13%. I like the writing but at the same time it’s so dang wordy and already feels longer than necessary.
January 28, 2022
4 stars for writing, 2.5 stars for romance. So 3. Pure romance readers may not enjoy this. This is more properly historical fiction - with equal amounts of mystery suspense thriller and adult (steamy) romance. Stephanie Laurens writes with faithfulness to the details of London in the 1810s. I was instantly transported into the familiar streets of London, the leafy Georgian terraces of Belgravia, where much of this novel is situated. There is a cerebral quality to her writing reminiscent of the Sherlock Holmes series and perhaps Mary Balogh. Having never read her books before, and coming in blind with an expectation of a romance, this was quite unexpected. Nonetheless, her writing has a graceful restraint and carefulness that made for a pleasant, calm, absorbing read.
The main characters, Tristan and Leonora, were two adults who have lived their lives and not gone out of their way to seek love or marriage. Tristan, vis-à-vis the Bastion Club of gentlemen with a history of reconnaissance service for the Crown, is a spy hero character that I wanted to encounter. He is a complex, temperamental man, possessed of determination and a thoroughly masculine self-assuredness and decisiveness about his own feelings. Leonora is a strong young woman who takes things into her own hands and runs the household. She is somewhat emotionally neglected, and emotionally unaware. She isn’t one to give in to bouts of weakness, and loneliness doesn’t faze her. They were both proud, self-sufficient personalities who otherwise for the events that unfolded, would likely never have yielded to each other or anyone for the matter.
The romance here is a fully-fleshed plot arc that seems to conclude before the mystery. While trying to unravel the mystery, Leonora wanted some sexual experimentation without strings attached, believing herself to be a spinster. Tristan gives in, with all masculine skepticism, but is the one to catch feelings and insist on marriage. He then begins his campaign of seduction and very prideful persuasion. Laurens faithfully captures the dance of human courtship - a battle of wills for the elusive respect, trust, and kindness, all against an unwillingness to be vulnerable. As grown-up and considered as their relationship developed, as slowly as it took them to learn to trust each other between lust and pride, these two characters were clearly emotionally underdeveloped and not very generous with love.
Despite all the sexual acquiescence, they didn’t seem to make emotional headway. And despite coming together and working on something worthwhile, they didn’t seem to have a moment of love and idealisation. With all the affection, patience, and kindness they exercised towards their elderly relatives, it appeared to me that they failed to practise that with each other. It wasn’t just emotional vulnerability they had to learn, they needed to learn to be emotionally generous to each other. They were well-matched in strengths and flaws, but nearly in a tiresome way, saved only by sensitive writing. While their dynamic gave me pause for reflection, and Leonora’s motivations were intelligently reviewed, I couldn’t help but feel that it was perhaps too realistic and lacking in the reassurance in romantic idealisation that sometimes only fiction can give.
As for the mystery with labyrinthine turns and dead ends, it kept me guessing up till the reveal. I felt that it was cleverly crafted and highly plausible. There was plenty of strategic misdirection, and the movements between the settings (e.g. various residences of Tristan, manors, et cetera) lent a frisson of activity just enough to keep me engaged and avoid pondering the evidence. The reveal and motivations were exciting, but somewhat muted.
All in all, as satisfying as this plot and craft, I was left a little hungry for love.
The main characters, Tristan and Leonora, were two adults who have lived their lives and not gone out of their way to seek love or marriage. Tristan, vis-à-vis the Bastion Club of gentlemen with a history of reconnaissance service for the Crown, is a spy hero character that I wanted to encounter. He is a complex, temperamental man, possessed of determination and a thoroughly masculine self-assuredness and decisiveness about his own feelings. Leonora is a strong young woman who takes things into her own hands and runs the household. She is somewhat emotionally neglected, and emotionally unaware. She isn’t one to give in to bouts of weakness, and loneliness doesn’t faze her. They were both proud, self-sufficient personalities who otherwise for the events that unfolded, would likely never have yielded to each other or anyone for the matter.
The romance here is a fully-fleshed plot arc that seems to conclude before the mystery. While trying to unravel the mystery, Leonora wanted some sexual experimentation without strings attached, believing herself to be a spinster. Tristan gives in, with all masculine skepticism, but is the one to catch feelings and insist on marriage. He then begins his campaign of seduction and very prideful persuasion. Laurens faithfully captures the dance of human courtship - a battle of wills for the elusive respect, trust, and kindness, all against an unwillingness to be vulnerable. As grown-up and considered as their relationship developed, as slowly as it took them to learn to trust each other between lust and pride, these two characters were clearly emotionally underdeveloped and not very generous with love.
Despite all the sexual acquiescence, they didn’t seem to make emotional headway. And despite coming together and working on something worthwhile, they didn’t seem to have a moment of love and idealisation. With all the affection, patience, and kindness they exercised towards their elderly relatives, it appeared to me that they failed to practise that with each other. It wasn’t just emotional vulnerability they had to learn, they needed to learn to be emotionally generous to each other. They were well-matched in strengths and flaws, but nearly in a tiresome way, saved only by sensitive writing. While their dynamic gave me pause for reflection, and Leonora’s motivations were intelligently reviewed, I couldn’t help but feel that it was perhaps too realistic and lacking in the reassurance in romantic idealisation that sometimes only fiction can give.
As for the mystery with labyrinthine turns and dead ends, it kept me guessing up till the reveal. I felt that it was cleverly crafted and highly plausible. There was plenty of strategic misdirection, and the movements between the settings (e.g. various residences of Tristan, manors, et cetera) lent a frisson of activity just enough to keep me engaged and avoid pondering the evidence. The reveal and motivations were exciting, but somewhat muted.
All in all, as satisfying as this plot and craft, I was left a little hungry for love.
May 31, 2020
Listened to this via an audio book. It was a welcome detour from my steady diet of mysteries, both cozy and otherwise. Enjoyed the intrigue and found the main characters likable. The heroine had a healthy dose of gumption and a solid streak of independence and I loved it. The old aunts and elderly cousins were a fun comic relief; I would have loved to have seen more of the latter. I'll tell you, though, that if you like hot scenes, this one delivers.
May 14, 2022
This was way too long. The romance aspect of the plot wrapped up at about 70% and then I had to listen to four more hours of a tedious mystery.
I don't even know why the protagonists fell for each other.
I do like Laurens style of prose but it didn't make up for the most boring plot of all time.
I don't even know why the protagonists fell for each other.
I do like Laurens style of prose but it didn't make up for the most boring plot of all time.
July 6, 2022
4 stars. This was a great romp. Good mystery and intrigue. A Smart Heroine who knows her worth and forges her own path. Our Hero starts out a little mysterious, hiding his clever mind and secretive past behind a mask of well worn charm. He of course is immediately drawn to our Heroine and isn’t afraid to reveal his true self to her sharp eyes. This couple had great chemistry from page one, but even better, they become good friends and confidants throughout the story as well.
Stephanie Laurens loves to write a possessive Hero that falls in love and makes his choice before the lady even knows what’s going on. Then he spends the rest of the book convincing her. Always leads to a refreshing spin on all the classic tropes.
I think I’d have given it that last star, if we’d spent more time mingling with the other members of the Bastion Club, our out and about among society. I really enjoyed it once they joined the fray.
Stephanie Laurens loves to write a possessive Hero that falls in love and makes his choice before the lady even knows what’s going on. Then he spends the rest of the book convincing her. Always leads to a refreshing spin on all the classic tropes.
I think I’d have given it that last star, if we’d spent more time mingling with the other members of the Bastion Club, our out and about among society. I really enjoyed it once they joined the fray.
November 24, 2023
Weakest of the lot. But the pattern is set and is followed throughout the series.
February 22, 2017
The Lady Chosen, if like me, you're a Laurens fan, you may have been waiting for this book, for what feels like ever. I eagerly read it. The Bastion Club is a group of returning heroes from the war, feted (mainly, because there aren't that many eligible bachelors still around) in society, the men decide to buy a house and turn it into a club. A bolthole from all those marriage hunting mama's. Tristan holds true to that Lauren's image of a Regency man, blue blooded and true. Also very noble, (makes me wish that there were some around here) she skillfully weaves a tale of the man who knows he has to get married, in this case Tristan has to marry within the year or forfeit his inheritance. This would put all his lovely, scatty female dependents out on the street. He doesn't want to choose Leonora, but after she compromises him he is firmly under her spell. A plot concerning the theft of a powder that could help heal wounds on the battlefield, all pushes to a cracking finish. Lauren's remains my choice for fast paced, funny and non-boring Regency romance novels. I'm sick of whey faced heroines who swoon and expect the man to do it all, it's not accurate, there were many women who were independent and Laurens gives them a place within her books. --- Diane ™
March 21, 2014
This is the first book by Stephanie Laurens which I have read.The beautiful book cover captured my attention and the blurb on the back cover interested me.
The first chapter about aristocratic spies during the Napoleonic Wars, who have resigned from the army and must marry, interested me. So did the opening scene set in October 1815 in which The Prince Regent burbled on about the Battle of Waterloo causing the former officers, who have sold their commissions, to escape from the Brighton Pavilion to a snug at an inn where they could chat about their inherited titles and fortunes and decide to form a club.
“The men of the Bastion Club proved their bravery secretly fighting for their country. Now their leader faces that most dangerous mission of all:finding a bride.”
The plot and theme of the novel are interesting and the larger than life characters spring to life. Unfortunately, instead of reading repeated descriptions of the hero and heroine kissing each other etc., which I found tedious, I wanted to find out what happened next. Eventually, I became irritated because although Stephanie Laurens’ many fans might not agree, in my opinion, the story was too long drawn out.
The first chapter about aristocratic spies during the Napoleonic Wars, who have resigned from the army and must marry, interested me. So did the opening scene set in October 1815 in which The Prince Regent burbled on about the Battle of Waterloo causing the former officers, who have sold their commissions, to escape from the Brighton Pavilion to a snug at an inn where they could chat about their inherited titles and fortunes and decide to form a club.
“The men of the Bastion Club proved their bravery secretly fighting for their country. Now their leader faces that most dangerous mission of all:finding a bride.”
The plot and theme of the novel are interesting and the larger than life characters spring to life. Unfortunately, instead of reading repeated descriptions of the hero and heroine kissing each other etc., which I found tedious, I wanted to find out what happened next. Eventually, I became irritated because although Stephanie Laurens’ many fans might not agree, in my opinion, the story was too long drawn out.
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