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Bastion Club #3
A Lady of His Own
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?
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?
448 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2004
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 176 reviews
June 9, 2019
3 "Slow Burn" stars
Charles St. Austell, Earl of Lostwithiel returns home and finds himself face to face with his first love, Lady Penny.
Lady Penny is 29 years old and has embraced spinsterhood. She gave her virginity to the only man she ever loved at the age of 16. He was 20 years old, naive, and about to leave to join the war. 13 years later, she is face to face with her only love. He's back from the war and is on a mission to uncover a French spy.
Another enjoyable read, but not all consuming. I kept forgetting to read and kept finding other things to do around the house. I didn't care one bit about the mystery of the French spy. This on a dragged on to the point where I didn't care any more.
On to the next installment.
Charles St. Austell, Earl of Lostwithiel returns home and finds himself face to face with his first love, Lady Penny.
Lady Penny is 29 years old and has embraced spinsterhood. She gave her virginity to the only man she ever loved at the age of 16. He was 20 years old, naive, and about to leave to join the war. 13 years later, she is face to face with her only love. He's back from the war and is on a mission to uncover a French spy.
Another enjoyable read, but not all consuming. I kept forgetting to read and kept finding other things to do around the house. I didn't care one bit about the mystery of the French spy. This on a dragged on to the point where I didn't care any more.
On to the next installment.
October 24, 2012
Wow, I was quite shocked to discover that the author finally chose to write a book where the woman wasn't a spinster virgin. Just a spinster. Can't have it all, I guess.
I am increasingly finding myself wanting to go through these books with a red pen and edit out half of the words. I thought maybe it was my imagination, but I started to really pay attention, and the author repeatedly repeats herself three times within a sentence.
I picture her with her thesaurus program open, she picks a word or phrase, finds two more ways to say it and pastes those at the end of the original.
"with a weakness, a longing, a need so potent"
twice in one sentence! "poured through her, vanquished any resistance she might have made, vaporized any wish to do anything other than gather to her that greedy, rapacious, devastatingly desperate need"
And ooh, here her mouth isn't a wanton cavern but "the hot lustiness" instead. I guess that's better?
Well, so far, so okay. I think I'm liking the Bastion Club boys much better than the Cynster boys, but that may not be saying much.
And I spoke too soon. I put this one down for a bit and came back to it yesterday. So repetitive. I skimmed the last half of the book I think. Once they figured out who the bad guy was, and it was never really that big of a mystery to begin with, I really couldn't have cared less how Charles and Penny got their HEA. Right now, I just want to skip ahead to Dalziel's book since I am pretty sure I could actually write the rest of these books myself now. They are becoming painfully formulaic.
I am increasingly finding myself wanting to go through these books with a red pen and edit out half of the words. I thought maybe it was my imagination, but I started to really pay attention, and the author repeatedly repeats herself three times within a sentence.
I picture her with her thesaurus program open, she picks a word or phrase, finds two more ways to say it and pastes those at the end of the original.
"with a weakness, a longing, a need so potent"
twice in one sentence! "poured through her, vanquished any resistance she might have made, vaporized any wish to do anything other than gather to her that greedy, rapacious, devastatingly desperate need"
And ooh, here her mouth isn't a wanton cavern but "the hot lustiness" instead. I guess that's better?
Well, so far, so okay. I think I'm liking the Bastion Club boys much better than the Cynster boys, but that may not be saying much.
And I spoke too soon. I put this one down for a bit and came back to it yesterday. So repetitive. I skimmed the last half of the book I think. Once they figured out who the bad guy was, and it was never really that big of a mystery to begin with, I really couldn't have cared less how Charles and Penny got their HEA. Right now, I just want to skip ahead to Dalziel's book since I am pretty sure I could actually write the rest of these books myself now. They are becoming painfully formulaic.
February 21, 2013
One of my favorite romance tropes is "young love." Where either the heroine has loved the hero since she was just old enough to understand what love is, or both hero and heroine experience puppy love, put it aside to grow up, and then come back to it when they are mature and ready for it.
A Lady of His Own, book 3 in the Bastion Club series by Stephanie Laurens, showcases Charles St. Austell and his wayward childhood love Penelope. I adored this book. The premise is that Charles is back from being a wartime spy (a very very common vocation for Laurens' heroes) and finds Penelope walking the corridors of his house late at night; she, however, doesn't know he's back and has run to his house because hers is being inhabited by the cousin who inherited her brother's title.
The actual plot doesn't particularly matter to me, though it is interesting and involves spying and treason and that sort of juicy side story. No, for me, this whole book is about the misunderstandings of two people who were very young and very much in love but had a terrible time of being psychic and knowing what the other was thinking and wanting.
Penelope has been in love with Charles for as long as she can remember. At 16, she convinces him to have her way with her, mere days before he leaves for the service. The basic crux of their problem is that Charles thinks that the sex was so bad and hurt Penelope so much that she obviously hated him afterwards. From Penelope's point of view, the sex wasn't mindblowing, but was compleatly worthwhile, but she has no chance alone with Charles after the sex but before he leaves.
Cut to 10 years later where they are both still harboring feelings for the other but are positive that the other hates them. To me, this is brilliant. I love watching two people who love each other figure out that the other loves them. It is my absolute favorite part of romance novels. This book does it in spades, and I adored both the characters. They were believable, and I never once wanted to throw the book across the room ((Which is becoming harder and harder to do these days with ebooks instead of paperback.)) because of character stupidity ((Another favorite pastime; berating fictional characters for their obvious stupidity when regarding communication.)).
This book has a permanent spot on my keeper shelf, if only for the following lines:
He held her gaze, thinking for a moment longer, then replied, his voice so low she wasn't sure she heard so much as felt his words.
"Whatever you wish, however you wish. I'm yours. Take me."
Love me. Charles bit back the words––not yet, not now. He might be caught, but he wasn't sure she was.
That moment––when Charles releases his silent plea––that's the reason I read romance. I have found the love of my life. I've had that moment. Before I found Erik, I was searching for that moment, and reading romance gave it to me in all it's infinite glory. The moment you realize that it really is love and not lust, not friendship, not every other relationship you've ever had. I love that feeling, and I get it from living vicariously through fictional people.
A Lady of His Own, book 3 in the Bastion Club series by Stephanie Laurens, showcases Charles St. Austell and his wayward childhood love Penelope. I adored this book. The premise is that Charles is back from being a wartime spy (a very very common vocation for Laurens' heroes) and finds Penelope walking the corridors of his house late at night; she, however, doesn't know he's back and has run to his house because hers is being inhabited by the cousin who inherited her brother's title.
The actual plot doesn't particularly matter to me, though it is interesting and involves spying and treason and that sort of juicy side story. No, for me, this whole book is about the misunderstandings of two people who were very young and very much in love but had a terrible time of being psychic and knowing what the other was thinking and wanting.
Penelope has been in love with Charles for as long as she can remember. At 16, she convinces him to have her way with her, mere days before he leaves for the service. The basic crux of their problem is that Charles thinks that the sex was so bad and hurt Penelope so much that she obviously hated him afterwards. From Penelope's point of view, the sex wasn't mindblowing, but was compleatly worthwhile, but she has no chance alone with Charles after the sex but before he leaves.
Cut to 10 years later where they are both still harboring feelings for the other but are positive that the other hates them. To me, this is brilliant. I love watching two people who love each other figure out that the other loves them. It is my absolute favorite part of romance novels. This book does it in spades, and I adored both the characters. They were believable, and I never once wanted to throw the book across the room ((Which is becoming harder and harder to do these days with ebooks instead of paperback.)) because of character stupidity ((Another favorite pastime; berating fictional characters for their obvious stupidity when regarding communication.)).
This book has a permanent spot on my keeper shelf, if only for the following lines:
He held her gaze, thinking for a moment longer, then replied, his voice so low she wasn't sure she heard so much as felt his words.
"Whatever you wish, however you wish. I'm yours. Take me."
Love me. Charles bit back the words––not yet, not now. He might be caught, but he wasn't sure she was.
That moment––when Charles releases his silent plea––that's the reason I read romance. I have found the love of my life. I've had that moment. Before I found Erik, I was searching for that moment, and reading romance gave it to me in all it's infinite glory. The moment you realize that it really is love and not lust, not friendship, not every other relationship you've ever had. I love that feeling, and I get it from living vicariously through fictional people.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2019
This was a nice mystery piece set in 1816, where I could skip over the sex scenes. I liked how they tried to solve a number of puzzles including the murders and also if the male protaganist would figure out what the female lead was looking for. The resolution on what was going on with the pillboxes was a bit wimpish. There are some other aspects that were unsatisfactory (or I simply missed some crucial bit of information) but discussing them would amount to spoilers. Also the year 1816 was the Year without Summer due to the volcano Tambor erupting the year before putting so much ash in the atmosphere there was famine and crop failures in the northern hemisphere; France and England were particularly adversely affected. Yet there was no mention of this which would have surely been weighing on everyone's minds from people living along the waterfronts to high society managing waning harvests. Perhaps the author being from Australia, this life-affecting event was not much of a detriment but to be fair to her it is pretty much absent from the collective mindset of us in North America and Europe. It didn't affect my giving the book a rating of four stars.
August 18, 2023
Reread on June 28, 2023: RIP to all the fathers, brothers, uncles, and distant cousins who had to die in order for the Bastion Club heroes to unexpectedly inherit their titles. 😔 Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.
Jokes aside, this doesn’t feel like a Bastion Club book. Club members and Dalziel show up toward the end, minimal estate management despite being set in rural Cornwall, an extremely eyeroll-worthy second-chance misunderstanding, no London ton shenanigans, a heroine without ambition or occupation… Stephanie, I need at least ONE of these things properly executed to enjoy your repetitive plots. The suspense element is the last reason I read your books! This ain’t it. The author set up Charles as the funny/easygoing one in previous installments and didn’t know how to develop a layered personality for his own book.
Read via Scribd/audio (narrated by Jill Tanner).
Jokes aside, this doesn’t feel like a Bastion Club book. Club members and Dalziel show up toward the end, minimal estate management despite being set in rural Cornwall, an extremely eyeroll-worthy second-chance misunderstanding, no London ton shenanigans, a heroine without ambition or occupation… Stephanie, I need at least ONE of these things properly executed to enjoy your repetitive plots. The suspense element is the last reason I read your books! This ain’t it. The author set up Charles as the funny/easygoing one in previous installments and didn’t know how to develop a layered personality for his own book.
Read via Scribd/audio (narrated by Jill Tanner).
June 13, 2014
Good Plot with gratuitous sex.
Good Plot with gratuitous sex.
While I realize these books have to have sex to sell, and god knows I. am not a prude, in this story the steamy sex gets in the way of a good story. Page after page after page, then a few pages of story, then they are at it again. Luckily I can skim quickly to get back to the story, but really...Anyway, I enjoyed the plot, and would have given the book a 5 star had I not been bored by all the gratuitous sex. I probably will not bother to read any of the other books in the series.
Good Plot with gratuitous sex.
While I realize these books have to have sex to sell, and god knows I. am not a prude, in this story the steamy sex gets in the way of a good story. Page after page after page, then a few pages of story, then they are at it again. Luckily I can skim quickly to get back to the story, but really...Anyway, I enjoyed the plot, and would have given the book a 5 star had I not been bored by all the gratuitous sex. I probably will not bother to read any of the other books in the series.
October 21, 2017
"A Lady of His Own" is the story of Charles and Penny.
Basically a second chance romance with a couple who drifted apart after an amorous consummation 13 years ago- filled with murder, mystery, and rekindling of sparks.
I felt this one stretched a tad too long, the suspense was below average and the characters not overtly likable.
As usual good lovemaking scenes, but I struggled with this one..and really hoped at times the couple communicated more in the past so this book could be avoided.
Safe with exceptions
2.25/5
Basically a second chance romance with a couple who drifted apart after an amorous consummation 13 years ago- filled with murder, mystery, and rekindling of sparks.
I felt this one stretched a tad too long, the suspense was below average and the characters not overtly likable.
As usual good lovemaking scenes, but I struggled with this one..and really hoped at times the couple communicated more in the past so this book could be avoided.
Safe with exceptions
2.25/5
January 8, 2015
Yes, Stephanie Laurens, we get it. The people in your book have lots of sex, with varying degrees of anatomical unlikelihood and violation of basic physics. But must there really be so many long and repetitive descriptions? Your plots are actually somewhat interesting. I know it's a romance, but bloody hell, woman. It's ridiculous.
May 22, 2019
3.50 / 5
May 12, 2014
I really liked this book much better than the previous in the series.
The spying investigation was surprisingly different and took a divergent path from the previous, which I liked.
I especially liked both main characters and the way they tread around the other, mostly trusting him/her though not with their inner feelings or thoughts and finally learning to put their past aside. The heroine was older than usual at 29, definitely not a meek miss, but never stupid or too impulsive. She was a perfect companion for Charles, helping him, challenging him and understanding him.
One small qualm, there were almost too many hot scenes between the two, some of them that did not bring anything to the story or to their reborn relationship.
The spying investigation was surprisingly different and took a divergent path from the previous, which I liked.
I especially liked both main characters and the way they tread around the other, mostly trusting him/her though not with their inner feelings or thoughts and finally learning to put their past aside. The heroine was older than usual at 29, definitely not a meek miss, but never stupid or too impulsive. She was a perfect companion for Charles, helping him, challenging him and understanding him.
One small qualm, there were almost too many hot scenes between the two, some of them that did not bring anything to the story or to their reborn relationship.
June 24, 2016
I think I might be giving up on this series? The books just drag on much longer than they need to which means the plot becomes monotonous. Also, I was annoyed by Penny's insistence that she get to go everywhere and do everything Charles got to do. A nice idea in theory, but he is a trained soldier and spy and a huge dude on top of that...perhaps being an equal means recognizing that each of you has their strengths? I don't know. It's too bad, because I was looking forward to eventually getting to Dalziel's book.
February 28, 2015
This book really annoys me. I think Laurens is a hit or miss for me. This one has some intrigue going on but we can't get to it for the page after page of making out and almost sex. And really the sex is just not that good. Ms Laurens, give up the sex and get on with the story!
I find myself just wanting to give up or skim through it!
I finally finished this! Sorry, I can't recommend this one!
I find myself just wanting to give up or skim through it!
I finally finished this! Sorry, I can't recommend this one!
March 22, 2021
A Lady of His Own
3.5 Stars
Charles St. Austell is the latest member of the Bastion Club determined to find a wife. Unfortunately, the silly debutantes of theton and their title-obsessed mothers have driven him to escape to his family seat in Cornwall. Once there, he soon realizes that the only woman for him is the one he allowed to get away - Lady Penelope Selborne. Now all he has to do is convince the reluctant Penny to give him another chance . . .
As with most of Laurens' books, it could have been 100 pages shorter. Nevertheless, the romance and the suspense plot are both engaging.
Charles and Penny's second chances romance is both sweet and spicey. Although their lengthy separation stemming from a lack of communication has the potential to derail the storyline, Laurens manages to bring it back from the brink with plausible explanations and excellent chemistry.
The mystery revolving around the search for a French assassin is a little convoluted, but it is fun following the clues and the red herrings. There are some exciting action scenes and a satisfying resolution.
Overall, this is an entertaining series with appealing characters despite Laurens' wordiness. Looking forward to the next one.
3.5 Stars
Charles St. Austell is the latest member of the Bastion Club determined to find a wife. Unfortunately, the silly debutantes of theton and their title-obsessed mothers have driven him to escape to his family seat in Cornwall. Once there, he soon realizes that the only woman for him is the one he allowed to get away - Lady Penelope Selborne. Now all he has to do is convince the reluctant Penny to give him another chance . . .
As with most of Laurens' books, it could have been 100 pages shorter. Nevertheless, the romance and the suspense plot are both engaging.
Charles and Penny's second chances romance is both sweet and spicey. Although their lengthy separation stemming from a lack of communication has the potential to derail the storyline, Laurens manages to bring it back from the brink with plausible explanations and excellent chemistry.
The mystery revolving around the search for a French assassin is a little convoluted, but it is fun following the clues and the red herrings. There are some exciting action scenes and a satisfying resolution.
Overall, this is an entertaining series with appealing characters despite Laurens' wordiness. Looking forward to the next one.
April 12, 2022
Wasn't crazy about the hero.
March 25, 2008
Good book, one of my favs of the series so far.
Charles and Penelope have a great chemistry together, very dynamic and multi-dimensional. The past they had makes it all the more interesting, and Laurens brings that aspect together with the present nicely. I also enjoyed the whole plot of this book. The whole traitor/treason aspect is a running theme in the series and really aids the continuity.
Can't think of much else to say...I really have to remember to write reviews sooner after I read books. I'm enjoying this series, though...was disappointed to find out that Laurens will only be publishing 1 book of the series a year, and there are still 4 books to go, though I was happy to see that she also plans to do a book for Dalziel.
Charles and Penelope have a great chemistry together, very dynamic and multi-dimensional. The past they had makes it all the more interesting, and Laurens brings that aspect together with the present nicely. I also enjoyed the whole plot of this book. The whole traitor/treason aspect is a running theme in the series and really aids the continuity.
Can't think of much else to say...I really have to remember to write reviews sooner after I read books. I'm enjoying this series, though...was disappointed to find out that Laurens will only be publishing 1 book of the series a year, and there are still 4 books to go, though I was happy to see that she also plans to do a book for Dalziel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2023
Otro miembro del Club Bastion se embarca en una investigación para desenmascarar a un posible espía q pudo haber costado la vida de soldados ingleses durante la guerra contra Francia.
Tenía considerables expectativas sobre esta trama, xq no solo cambiamos de escenario - nos tocan las costas de Cornwalles, ya no estamos en plena temporada de Londres - sino también de formato en cuanto a la interacción de la pareja estelar. Las dos anteriores fueron extraños q se conocieron y ya se vieron envueltos en la vorágine de la investigación, mientras q Charles&Penny son un antiguo amor q se reencuentra con el aderezo de q la investigación x traición podría o no involucrar a miembros de la familia de Penny.
La narrativa es buena, esta autora sabe como deleitar con una prosa q no aburre en absoluto, pero en este caso, la acción de la trama me ha parecido demasiado lineal xq el peso de toda la acción prácticamente se concentra en los dos protagonistas y toda la acción de ambos se divide en pasear mucho, besarse más y elucubrar sobre lo q pudo ser en el pasado o lo q se están perdiendo para el futuro. Todos los secundarios q aparecen son mero relleno yme ha parecido q eso no ayudó al suspense, q lo sentí como muy tibio para resultar creíble. A diferencia de las tramas anteriores, solo hasta el final aparecen más miembros del Club, pero me ha sonado como más a compromiso q otra cosa y aunq el final estuvo bonito, el desenlace de la investigación me resultó bastante insípido.
No obstante, a pesar de estos puntos negativos, me gustó la pareja formada x Charles&Penny, xq él tiene una personalidad alegre y juguetona q sin embargo esconde los oscuros pasajes de un alma q soporta el peso de las terribles cosas q tuvo q hacer x amor a su país; y Penny es la clase de mujer sensata y amorosa q sabe como lidiar con esos pasajes oscuros y llenarlos de luz. Y definitivamente punto positivo para la serie es el de contar con protagonistas femeninas q son exactamente el tipo opuesto a lo q se espera de una dama inglesa de la época de Regencia y plantear las relaciones amorosas de los protagonistas de forma honesta, sin hacer grandes aspavientos a las "convenciones" de la época.
Tenía considerables expectativas sobre esta trama, xq no solo cambiamos de escenario - nos tocan las costas de Cornwalles, ya no estamos en plena temporada de Londres - sino también de formato en cuanto a la interacción de la pareja estelar. Las dos anteriores fueron extraños q se conocieron y ya se vieron envueltos en la vorágine de la investigación, mientras q Charles&Penny son un antiguo amor q se reencuentra con el aderezo de q la investigación x traición podría o no involucrar a miembros de la familia de Penny.
La narrativa es buena, esta autora sabe como deleitar con una prosa q no aburre en absoluto, pero en este caso, la acción de la trama me ha parecido demasiado lineal xq el peso de toda la acción prácticamente se concentra en los dos protagonistas y toda la acción de ambos se divide en pasear mucho, besarse más y elucubrar sobre lo q pudo ser en el pasado o lo q se están perdiendo para el futuro. Todos los secundarios q aparecen son mero relleno yme ha parecido q eso no ayudó al suspense, q lo sentí como muy tibio para resultar creíble. A diferencia de las tramas anteriores, solo hasta el final aparecen más miembros del Club, pero me ha sonado como más a compromiso q otra cosa y aunq el final estuvo bonito, el desenlace de la investigación me resultó bastante insípido.
No obstante, a pesar de estos puntos negativos, me gustó la pareja formada x Charles&Penny, xq él tiene una personalidad alegre y juguetona q sin embargo esconde los oscuros pasajes de un alma q soporta el peso de las terribles cosas q tuvo q hacer x amor a su país; y Penny es la clase de mujer sensata y amorosa q sabe como lidiar con esos pasajes oscuros y llenarlos de luz. Y definitivamente punto positivo para la serie es el de contar con protagonistas femeninas q son exactamente el tipo opuesto a lo q se espera de una dama inglesa de la época de Regencia y plantear las relaciones amorosas de los protagonistas de forma honesta, sin hacer grandes aspavientos a las "convenciones" de la época.
November 24, 2023
Another second romance. The suspense in this one is darkest as it involves lots of gruesome murders.
September 4, 2015
Review - This was my favourite Bastion Club novel so far. I also really liked how the storyline continued from the last novel. Sometimes it just seems as if too much happens over too short space of time, but this one didn't feel like that. I also loved how quickly the characters settled into the relationship so it allowed the mystery element of the story to flow more freely. It worked really well. I really loved Charles St Austell and Penelope Selbourne; it seemed as if they belonged together, whereas some of Laurens's characters appear to have been pushed together. I loved how it was also a renewing of relations rather than something which can seem implausible.
Genre? - Historical / Romance / Erotica / Regency / Mystery
Characters? - Penelope / Charles / Royce (Dalziel) / Nicholas / Granville / Jack / Gervase / Dennis / Mother Gibbs / Amberly / Fothergill
Setting? - Cornwall & London & Berkshire (England)
Series? - Bastion Club #3
Recommend? - Yes
Rating - 18/20
Genre? - Historical / Romance / Erotica / Regency / Mystery
Characters? - Penelope / Charles / Royce (Dalziel) / Nicholas / Granville / Jack / Gervase / Dennis / Mother Gibbs / Amberly / Fothergill
Setting? - Cornwall & London & Berkshire (England)
Series? - Bastion Club #3
Recommend? - Yes
Rating - 18/20
March 4, 2017
It took me 2 weeks to finish this book.
Two entire weeks.
It never took me so long even in the 4th grade.
Granted that I was a little busy in between but that never stopped me before.
The plot had promise but it could not execute it well at all.
I love second chance romances and I wanted to love this one so much.
It started out great but I lost interest entirely somewhere down the line and it made me want to abandon the book.
It could have been much better because the author has so much more in her than this.
I hope the next installments are better.
Two entire weeks.
It never took me so long even in the 4th grade.
Granted that I was a little busy in between but that never stopped me before.
The plot had promise but it could not execute it well at all.
I love second chance romances and I wanted to love this one so much.
It started out great but I lost interest entirely somewhere down the line and it made me want to abandon the book.
It could have been much better because the author has so much more in her than this.
I hope the next installments are better.
August 14, 2017
Butuh perjuangan dan kesabaran utk membaca novel super tebal ini. Setelah absen 4 thn membaca seri ini, baru ngeh ternyata Miss Laurens ini setipe dgn Miss Amanda Quick, genre historical romance dgn nuansa misteri. Keduanya gagal total bagi saya krn saya tidak tergugah sama sekali dan tidak terbangkitkan oleh aura misteri novel ini. Dan saya jadi ingat lagi seri Bastion Club ini mirip2 juga dgn Inferno Club nya milik Miss Foley, keduanya sama2 Klub para bangsawan yg menyamar menjadi mata2 pemerintahan. Tetapi beda rasanya saat membaca Inferno Club, rasa penasaran saya selalu terusik dan saya sukses jatuh cinta pd hero2 Miss Foley.
Walaupun temanya Cinta Lama Bersemi Kembali, sayangnya karakter Charles dan Penny terasa hambar pada dialog2 mereka. Pengecualian terjadi saat adegan hubungan intim yg lumayan banyak di novel ini (baru kali ini di seri Bastion Club banyak sekali sex scene yg membuat saya tergoda mengkategorikan dlm genre erotica juga). Heran ya, Miss Laurens ini bisa mendeskripsikan scr detil saat2 intimasi seolah penuh warna dan bling2, tapi di luar adegan tsb saya benar2 hrs mengelus kepala berulang2 tidak habis pikir betapa datarnya interaksi mereka.
Inti ceritanya bagi saya, se-jual mahalnya Penny di awal2 cerita, dgn siraman ciuman dan hujanan hujaman pada tubuhnya, lambat laun luluh dan meleleh juga pertahanannya. Jadi, belajarlah dari Charles sbg hero yg dewasa utk memperlakukan seorang lady dgn penuh hormat di depan publik, tetapi setubuhi wanita milikmu layaknya singa menancapkan teritorialnya
Walaupun temanya Cinta Lama Bersemi Kembali, sayangnya karakter Charles dan Penny terasa hambar pada dialog2 mereka. Pengecualian terjadi saat adegan hubungan intim yg lumayan banyak di novel ini (baru kali ini di seri Bastion Club banyak sekali sex scene yg membuat saya tergoda mengkategorikan dlm genre erotica juga). Heran ya, Miss Laurens ini bisa mendeskripsikan scr detil saat2 intimasi seolah penuh warna dan bling2, tapi di luar adegan tsb saya benar2 hrs mengelus kepala berulang2 tidak habis pikir betapa datarnya interaksi mereka.
Inti ceritanya bagi saya, se-jual mahalnya Penny di awal2 cerita, dgn siraman ciuman dan hujanan hujaman pada tubuhnya, lambat laun luluh dan meleleh juga pertahanannya. Jadi, belajarlah dari Charles sbg hero yg dewasa utk memperlakukan seorang lady dgn penuh hormat di depan publik, tetapi setubuhi wanita milikmu layaknya singa menancapkan teritorialnya
April 28, 2012
3.5-4 stars
(Library ebook)
What makes this book different from the others in this series is Penny and Charles. In this case, they're childhood friends and sweethearts. When she was 16 and he 20, she was in love with him and deliberately seduced him, leading to a tryst in the hay. But that tryst didn't end well for either - Penny, because apparently Charles was a bit rough and losing her maidenhead very painful; Charles, because after the event, Penny was convinced he didn't love her and never could, so she avoided him.
As we know by now, Charles is part of The Bastion Club - a club of ex-spies who are redundant now that Napoleon is defeated again. Each man is aristocratic, but not a first son, so none expected to be the lord of his family's lands. But because of the war and the epidemics that came about during and after the war, each man is now, unexpectedly, the titled heir to his family's land and wealth. So, of course, now that each is in London and the Season has begun, each of these more-than-eligible bachelors is being chased by erstwhile mamas looking for suitors for their unmarried daughters. Thus, the club formed; each man determined to marry but only to a woman of his own choosing - to a woman he can love. The bachelors decide to help one another out - to use their spying and intelligence capabilities to assist each other.
In this third book, Charles is the spy/bachelor with a half-French ancestry. Charles spent most of his time in France before, during, and just after the Napoleonic wars, posing as a Frenchman. When he returned to London and after becoming a member of the club, Charles was besieged by his own mama and sisters, determined to help him make a match. In frustration, Charles hid himself in his family's country estate, and in doing so, made Lady Penny's acquaintance again. Soon after, Charles realized that his feelings were the same for her - lust, but deeper; Charles can see Penny as his lady, someone who can help him reconnect with life, with society, with people. He, of all the club members, has been the most on his own by the nature of his missions; he wants to feel connected again with the very things that he risked his life to save. And in Penny, he decides that he's found exactly what he's looking for. It's just a matter of time, determination, and planning.
Except that there's a mystery afoot. Another excuse Charles had to leave London was to investigate the possibility that someone in his very own neighborhood was a spy for the French and is continuing to send message to France. It turns out that Penny's cousin, Nicholas Ambry, appears to be behind the whole thing, putting Penny and her family at risk; since her half-brother, Granville, died as a hero in the war, Nicholas has taken the title and the lands. If he's discovered to be a traitor, then Penny's sisters have little chance of marrying well or at all, and her family will be disgraced. So Penny decides she must become part of the investigation. This, after she's held back from Charles that she, too, is following a trail - uncertain of what she'll discover, but certain that Nicholas, her father, and probably her half-brother were all part of some spy-chain sending messages to France.
Here's where the book gets tedious. The back-and-forth of will she tell him or not? And then once she does, the tension of her wanting to become part of the investigation. Along the way, Penny yields her passion to Charles, deciding that since she's 27 and off-the-shelf, why not? Even if he doesn't love her, she can give and take what he's offering - something to make her spinsterhood more bearable. Penny doesn't want for money or title/position, so she's not induced to marry Charles on a whim. She's held out for this long against the line of suitors, because she wants love.
At least in this book, Charles acknowledges that the timing of their affair isn't the best; ideally, he should wait until the mystery is solved and the villain revealed. But he can't wait; it's part of his plan to win Penny. And he discovers that keeping her close at his side is the best way to show her how he feels and to learn how she feels. Each learns more about the other in every way, deepening their connection.
What's tedious is that the book feels pages and pages longer than necessary while all this vacillating is going on. What seems to the reader to be weeks is, in reality, only 5 days. The extra pages are an excuse to delve into the sexual relationship developing and into the inner thoughts of Charles and Penny. Not all bad, but somewhat repetitious and unnecessary. We could have cut to the chase much quicker and been even more satisfied.
Getting Nicholas to reveal the truth of what's been going on, and then deciding which of the five strangers new to the area is behind it and the gruesome murders of the English contact and 2 innocents takes forever.
Interesting enough, Dalziel becomes intimately involved in this case. He's even present at "the end". We also see 2 other Bastion Club members, Jack (not Captain Jack) and Gervase, who come in near the end to assist Charles.
Ms. Laurens has an obvious pattern to her stories - at least to The Bastion Club stories. An off-the-shelf miss determined not to marry but to take some passion offered by our mysterious Bastion Club member. Lots of kissing, heavy petting, and then "the act" follow during the seduction, while the two lovers attempt to solve the mystery. Somewhere in the middle, both recognize they're in love, but neither is willing to say it until the mystery is solved. Once the mystery is solved, the two fall into one another's arms, marry, and live HEA.
And while I find there are too many pages - too much story - in these books, I will continue to read them.
This book, while following the pattern, did have a fresher feel to it - something delightful in Penny and Charles rediscovering one another.
(Library ebook)
What makes this book different from the others in this series is Penny and Charles. In this case, they're childhood friends and sweethearts. When she was 16 and he 20, she was in love with him and deliberately seduced him, leading to a tryst in the hay. But that tryst didn't end well for either - Penny, because apparently Charles was a bit rough and losing her maidenhead very painful; Charles, because after the event, Penny was convinced he didn't love her and never could, so she avoided him.
As we know by now, Charles is part of The Bastion Club - a club of ex-spies who are redundant now that Napoleon is defeated again. Each man is aristocratic, but not a first son, so none expected to be the lord of his family's lands. But because of the war and the epidemics that came about during and after the war, each man is now, unexpectedly, the titled heir to his family's land and wealth. So, of course, now that each is in London and the Season has begun, each of these more-than-eligible bachelors is being chased by erstwhile mamas looking for suitors for their unmarried daughters. Thus, the club formed; each man determined to marry but only to a woman of his own choosing - to a woman he can love. The bachelors decide to help one another out - to use their spying and intelligence capabilities to assist each other.
In this third book, Charles is the spy/bachelor with a half-French ancestry. Charles spent most of his time in France before, during, and just after the Napoleonic wars, posing as a Frenchman. When he returned to London and after becoming a member of the club, Charles was besieged by his own mama and sisters, determined to help him make a match. In frustration, Charles hid himself in his family's country estate, and in doing so, made Lady Penny's acquaintance again. Soon after, Charles realized that his feelings were the same for her - lust, but deeper; Charles can see Penny as his lady, someone who can help him reconnect with life, with society, with people. He, of all the club members, has been the most on his own by the nature of his missions; he wants to feel connected again with the very things that he risked his life to save. And in Penny, he decides that he's found exactly what he's looking for. It's just a matter of time, determination, and planning.
Except that there's a mystery afoot. Another excuse Charles had to leave London was to investigate the possibility that someone in his very own neighborhood was a spy for the French and is continuing to send message to France. It turns out that Penny's cousin, Nicholas Ambry, appears to be behind the whole thing, putting Penny and her family at risk; since her half-brother, Granville, died as a hero in the war, Nicholas has taken the title and the lands. If he's discovered to be a traitor, then Penny's sisters have little chance of marrying well or at all, and her family will be disgraced. So Penny decides she must become part of the investigation. This, after she's held back from Charles that she, too, is following a trail - uncertain of what she'll discover, but certain that Nicholas, her father, and probably her half-brother were all part of some spy-chain sending messages to France.
Here's where the book gets tedious. The back-and-forth of will she tell him or not? And then once she does, the tension of her wanting to become part of the investigation. Along the way, Penny yields her passion to Charles, deciding that since she's 27 and off-the-shelf, why not? Even if he doesn't love her, she can give and take what he's offering - something to make her spinsterhood more bearable. Penny doesn't want for money or title/position, so she's not induced to marry Charles on a whim. She's held out for this long against the line of suitors, because she wants love.
At least in this book, Charles acknowledges that the timing of their affair isn't the best; ideally, he should wait until the mystery is solved and the villain revealed. But he can't wait; it's part of his plan to win Penny. And he discovers that keeping her close at his side is the best way to show her how he feels and to learn how she feels. Each learns more about the other in every way, deepening their connection.
What's tedious is that the book feels pages and pages longer than necessary while all this vacillating is going on. What seems to the reader to be weeks is, in reality, only 5 days. The extra pages are an excuse to delve into the sexual relationship developing and into the inner thoughts of Charles and Penny. Not all bad, but somewhat repetitious and unnecessary. We could have cut to the chase much quicker and been even more satisfied.
Getting Nicholas to reveal the truth of what's been going on, and then deciding which of the five strangers new to the area is behind it and the gruesome murders of the English contact and 2 innocents takes forever.
Interesting enough, Dalziel becomes intimately involved in this case. He's even present at "the end". We also see 2 other Bastion Club members, Jack (not Captain Jack) and Gervase, who come in near the end to assist Charles.
Ms. Laurens has an obvious pattern to her stories - at least to The Bastion Club stories. An off-the-shelf miss determined not to marry but to take some passion offered by our mysterious Bastion Club member. Lots of kissing, heavy petting, and then "the act" follow during the seduction, while the two lovers attempt to solve the mystery. Somewhere in the middle, both recognize they're in love, but neither is willing to say it until the mystery is solved. Once the mystery is solved, the two fall into one another's arms, marry, and live HEA.
And while I find there are too many pages - too much story - in these books, I will continue to read them.
This book, while following the pattern, did have a fresher feel to it - something delightful in Penny and Charles rediscovering one another.
June 15, 2013
This is the third installment of the Bastion Club series. This time it follows the story of Charles St. Austell, Earl of Lostwithiel who returned to his home town in Cornwall to escape the tedious atmosphere of London and his gaggles of female relatives who were too enthusiastic in helping him look for a suitable bride for him. So there in his own home the Abbey Hall he contemplated what qualities he wanted in his future wife.
~ He wasn't going back to society until he had a firm and definite vision of the lady he wanted for his own ~ Charles
~ He needed a wife to connect him again, a bridge between him and all around him especially back in the society ~ Charles
Poor Charles for over twelve years working as a spy in a foreign land he felt so disconnected in going back to his own home land esp. among the ton where he felt he still needs to put up a facade and cannot feel at ease among them even with his own family except with his mother who knew about his work. Then came in unexpectedly Lady Penelope Jane Marissa Selborne or Lady Penny for short, his childhood friend and neighbor. He thought she would be married by now but still she remained single and quite independent and still the same stubborn girl he knew back then. They were once upon a time before he got his marching orders in the army, they were lovers she was just 16 and he 20. But for some reason after that one time intimate encounter Lady Penny refused to pursue any further contact between them and so Charles after many instances that she avoided him took the hint and decided to let it go. But now after how many years has passed that same sensual attraction between them is still there and more stronger than ever. Meanwhile, Charles was also in town to investigate some sensitive matter for Dalziel his ex-commander regarding some smuggling activity in the area, and its so happens that it coincidentally involved Lady Penny and her family. A possible treacherous scheme has been discovered and a very determined professional killer is going about as well. While some murderous events were going down, Charles is also determined to keep Penny safe and aid her family. There was a considerable build up to the first sensual and passionate scenes and since then it was all just smoldering each time they come together. At first I was annoyed what is it exactly that went wrong between them in the past it was not explained so clearly early on it was just mentioned here and there so vaguely. Lady Penny wanted be love most especially by Charles since that first intimate encounter 12 years ago she knew then that she is in love with him but realize too that he did not feel the same way for her and that is why she decided to distance herself from him than risk being hurt any further. But now they are both more mature and a lot of things has changed in their life over the years and she again realize that she still loves him but what she also didn't know is that he also loved her before maybe not that strong for he didn't recognize it immediately and so fate has given them a different path but ultimately they were given another chance at love.
~ Whatever else the years had changed, this - their private madness-remained ~ Lady Penny
Penny is a very stubborn woman that she insist she will accompany Charles as much as she can to go about his investigation and yet she is astute also. She can also be wild in her desire and she might be doubtful of her feelings and thoughts about the kind of man Charles is now, she can sense that she still understand him more and better than most.
~ Charles was the only man in her life she'd ever turned to, the only man, even now, she could imagine leaning on ~ Lady Penny
I also like the bit of the mystery plot about the killer. My first and only hunch was the right one. I was rather pleased about that using my power of deduction..hahaha like a young sherlock i'm not! Anyways, as both came to understand and realize their feelings and intentions towards each other I also became more intrigued about the mystery behind Dalziel's character. So perhaps when this series end I will get answers to this. This story is a bit longer than the previous books for the author really took time for the main characters to reconnect in all ways possible, no complaint here. I like that Penny did recognize first hand and responded to that need in Charles' difficulty in dealing with the ton on his own and so of course she was right there by his side to sooth his tensions away and you know that she is perfect for him and for each other.
"Whatever you wish, however you wish, I'm yours. Take me" ~ Charles
~ She wouldn't accept leaving him to deal with life alone, not anymore ~ Lady Penny on Charles
~ She is his anchor, his guardian and mentor in the personal sense ~ Charles on Lady Penny
It was only at the very end of the story that they ever utter the words I love you to each other the entire time they only ever express it to each other in many ways but never declared them in words so talk about a slow burn huh? but over all I really enjoyed this one the best so far.
~ He wasn't going back to society until he had a firm and definite vision of the lady he wanted for his own ~ Charles
~ He needed a wife to connect him again, a bridge between him and all around him especially back in the society ~ Charles
Poor Charles for over twelve years working as a spy in a foreign land he felt so disconnected in going back to his own home land esp. among the ton where he felt he still needs to put up a facade and cannot feel at ease among them even with his own family except with his mother who knew about his work. Then came in unexpectedly Lady Penelope Jane Marissa Selborne or Lady Penny for short, his childhood friend and neighbor. He thought she would be married by now but still she remained single and quite independent and still the same stubborn girl he knew back then. They were once upon a time before he got his marching orders in the army, they were lovers she was just 16 and he 20. But for some reason after that one time intimate encounter Lady Penny refused to pursue any further contact between them and so Charles after many instances that she avoided him took the hint and decided to let it go. But now after how many years has passed that same sensual attraction between them is still there and more stronger than ever. Meanwhile, Charles was also in town to investigate some sensitive matter for Dalziel his ex-commander regarding some smuggling activity in the area, and its so happens that it coincidentally involved Lady Penny and her family. A possible treacherous scheme has been discovered and a very determined professional killer is going about as well. While some murderous events were going down, Charles is also determined to keep Penny safe and aid her family. There was a considerable build up to the first sensual and passionate scenes and since then it was all just smoldering each time they come together. At first I was annoyed what is it exactly that went wrong between them in the past it was not explained so clearly early on it was just mentioned here and there so vaguely. Lady Penny wanted be love most especially by Charles since that first intimate encounter 12 years ago she knew then that she is in love with him but realize too that he did not feel the same way for her and that is why she decided to distance herself from him than risk being hurt any further. But now they are both more mature and a lot of things has changed in their life over the years and she again realize that she still loves him but what she also didn't know is that he also loved her before maybe not that strong for he didn't recognize it immediately and so fate has given them a different path but ultimately they were given another chance at love.
~ Whatever else the years had changed, this - their private madness-remained ~ Lady Penny
Penny is a very stubborn woman that she insist she will accompany Charles as much as she can to go about his investigation and yet she is astute also. She can also be wild in her desire and she might be doubtful of her feelings and thoughts about the kind of man Charles is now, she can sense that she still understand him more and better than most.
~ Charles was the only man in her life she'd ever turned to, the only man, even now, she could imagine leaning on ~ Lady Penny
I also like the bit of the mystery plot about the killer. My first and only hunch was the right one. I was rather pleased about that using my power of deduction..hahaha like a young sherlock i'm not! Anyways, as both came to understand and realize their feelings and intentions towards each other I also became more intrigued about the mystery behind Dalziel's character. So perhaps when this series end I will get answers to this. This story is a bit longer than the previous books for the author really took time for the main characters to reconnect in all ways possible, no complaint here. I like that Penny did recognize first hand and responded to that need in Charles' difficulty in dealing with the ton on his own and so of course she was right there by his side to sooth his tensions away and you know that she is perfect for him and for each other.
"Whatever you wish, however you wish, I'm yours. Take me" ~ Charles
~ She wouldn't accept leaving him to deal with life alone, not anymore ~ Lady Penny on Charles
~ She is his anchor, his guardian and mentor in the personal sense ~ Charles on Lady Penny
It was only at the very end of the story that they ever utter the words I love you to each other the entire time they only ever express it to each other in many ways but never declared them in words so talk about a slow burn huh? but over all I really enjoyed this one the best so far.
January 10, 2022
I generally really enjoy Stephanie Laurens, but the Bastion Club series is not her best. This entry has a particularly witless heroine and a plot that doesn't really make sense.
The Cornish setting is great and the geography within the novel in and around the Fowey estuary is fine (although the time to make journeys is way too quick and good luck nipping across to Polruan without a boat ).
The Cornish setting is great and the geography within the novel in and around the Fowey estuary is fine (although the time to make journeys is way too quick and good luck nipping across to Polruan without a boat ).
July 30, 2024
It was like she had taken a course called “how to write sex scenes” and this was her term paper.
March 3, 2019
I absolutely love Stephanie Lauren's Bastion Club series. This book features Charles St Austell and Lady Penelope Selborne. Both characters were very likeable. I would like to have seen more of the other members of the Bastion Club. While this book is part of the Bastion Club series, it can be read as a stand-alone.
June 28, 2014
Good Addition to Bastion Club Series
A LADY OF HIS OWN is the third novel in the Bastion Club series about men who operated as spies during the war and have returned to England to seek brides. The Bastion Club is their refuge from the matchmakers of the ton. A LADY OF HIS OWN is about Charles St. Austell, Earl of Lostwithiel. He returns home and encounters is one-time love, Penny Selborne. Charles realizes that Penny would make the perfect wife if he could convince her.
I really liked Charles and Penny. She is very strong and really knows who Charles is. He is surprisingly vulnerable in this relationship while still being a seriously dangerous agent. Penny is independent and has no intention of settling for less than love from any man. Penny and Charles are quickly engulfed in a return of their lifelong relationship. I enjoyed the variation on the childhood friends/lovers reunited story.
The plot involves Charlie's search for a French spy. I really liked the mystery in this one as I kept guessing through the entire book. The mystery/adventure story allowed Penny and Charles to work together. I also liked that we continue to meet the other members of the Bastion Club and the mysterious Dalziel.
While it is helpful to read the other books of the series, it is not impossible to enjoy this book without having read the others in the series.
A LADY OF HIS OWN is the third novel in the Bastion Club series about men who operated as spies during the war and have returned to England to seek brides. The Bastion Club is their refuge from the matchmakers of the ton. A LADY OF HIS OWN is about Charles St. Austell, Earl of Lostwithiel. He returns home and encounters is one-time love, Penny Selborne. Charles realizes that Penny would make the perfect wife if he could convince her.
I really liked Charles and Penny. She is very strong and really knows who Charles is. He is surprisingly vulnerable in this relationship while still being a seriously dangerous agent. Penny is independent and has no intention of settling for less than love from any man. Penny and Charles are quickly engulfed in a return of their lifelong relationship. I enjoyed the variation on the childhood friends/lovers reunited story.
The plot involves Charlie's search for a French spy. I really liked the mystery in this one as I kept guessing through the entire book. The mystery/adventure story allowed Penny and Charles to work together. I also liked that we continue to meet the other members of the Bastion Club and the mysterious Dalziel.
While it is helpful to read the other books of the series, it is not impossible to enjoy this book without having read the others in the series.
August 20, 2014
Just finished the 3rd book in the series and loved it!!! It was hard to put down just to go to sleep!!! Just love her writings!!! In this installment you have 2 previous lovers Charles and Penny who have been apart for 13 years. Charles was a spy living in France for most of the time while Penny was home turning down offers after offers. With her father and brother now deceased she is investigating and following her distant cousin Nicholas. She thinks her family was involved with some kind of treason during the war!!! Charles just happens to come home to investigate the same thing!!! She eventually trusts him to tell him what she knows!! OMG, you have an assassin killing innocent people, a vast collect of snuff and pill boxes from France, intrigue, passion and so much more!!! Another awesome book on the Bastion Club, now onto the 4th book!!!
December 22, 2010
The foremost reason I like this Bastion Club series is that the women are not the "teach me" types of other Laurens' novels. The Bastion Club women are assertive, intelligent women with a great deal of self-determination and lives of their own. No wonder they appeal to the Bastion Club men!
I like Penny because she is tall, resolute, and wants equal participation in her relationships. Charles is confident, secure, and wants a partner. Perfect match! Their chemistry is obvious from the start, and the reader doesn't have to wait too long for some sexual sizzle.
Oh, yes, Laurens includes a mystery that Charles and Penny solve together but only after a great deal of knife action that threatens everyone.
I like Penny because she is tall, resolute, and wants equal participation in her relationships. Charles is confident, secure, and wants a partner. Perfect match! Their chemistry is obvious from the start, and the reader doesn't have to wait too long for some sexual sizzle.
Oh, yes, Laurens includes a mystery that Charles and Penny solve together but only after a great deal of knife action that threatens everyone.
January 3, 2013
Retreating to his country estate to investigate a possible threat to her majesty, Charles St. Austell, Earl of Lostwithiel, stumbles across his childhood friend, and onetime lover, Lady Penelope Selborne. Penny is somehow involved in the nefarious plot and Charles is determined to learn her role and reconnect with her. Penny isn't sure what to think of this older Charles and what follows is a decent tale of spying and loving.
This book focused more on the mystery than the romance and it was a nice departure from other romance novels. That isn't to say there aren't some steamy interactions between the lead characters, but there was more balance. Charles and Penny were well matched and it was a believable match.
This book focused more on the mystery than the romance and it was a nice departure from other romance novels. That isn't to say there aren't some steamy interactions between the lead characters, but there was more balance. Charles and Penny were well matched and it was a believable match.
August 8, 2013
Review taken from my Blog Post #144 in August 2011, after borrowing the book from the local library:
After years as a spy in France Charles St Austell, Earl of Lostwithiel, returns to London and launches himself on to the marriage mart .... however he is quickly disillusioned by the sweet young misses and their mamas, and hies back off to Cornwall to work on a case for Dalziel.
Before he went into the army he had had spent an unforgettable afternoon with his childhood friend, Lady Penelope Selbourne, which has haunted him ever since.
His return finds Penelope still unmarried, and her mind has told her she wants nothing more to do with him ... her body on the other hand has very different ideas.
Will they get it together? ............ find out in this 4 star read.
After years as a spy in France Charles St Austell, Earl of Lostwithiel, returns to London and launches himself on to the marriage mart .... however he is quickly disillusioned by the sweet young misses and their mamas, and hies back off to Cornwall to work on a case for Dalziel.
Before he went into the army he had had spent an unforgettable afternoon with his childhood friend, Lady Penelope Selbourne, which has haunted him ever since.
His return finds Penelope still unmarried, and her mind has told her she wants nothing more to do with him ... her body on the other hand has very different ideas.
Will they get it together? ............ find out in this 4 star read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews