Irresistible (Banning Sisters Trilogy) [Mass Market Paperback]

Karen Robards (Author)

Book Description

Series: Banning Sisters Trilogy | Publication Date: August 27, 2002

Claire Banning fulfilled every debutante's dream when she married a rich nobleman. Soon, however, the celebrated beauty realizes she wed a dissolute wastrel. Bitterly hurt and desperately lonely, Claire vows nonetheless to take her expected place in society. Then on a journey home to her husband's estate on the coast of Sussex, she is abducted, and her life -- and her heart -- are changed forever.

Hugh Battancourt -- a dark and dangerous nobleman who long ago turned his back on the ton and now leads a life secretly dedicated to his country's service -- is determined not to be swayed by his prisoner's beauty as they share a cabin on a ship bound for France. Lives depend on his retrieving from her a letter full of secrets she intends to turn over to the enemy. But even as Claire and Hugh engage in a battle of wits and wills, captor and captive find themselves drawn irresistibly to each other. Is it possible, Claire wonders, that she could discover the true meaning of love that has eluded her with this handsome stranger? One who will lay his life on the line in order to protect her from someone who is intent on placing Claire in the path of danger?

With this sensual and entrancing tale, bestselling author Karen Robards continues her wonderful trilogy of three sisters taking their rightful place as the belles of Regency England's ton.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Moving effortlessly from a merchant ship on the high seas to the glittering ballrooms of London, this exhilarating 19th-century romance is full of swashbuckling suspense and sexual sparks. Hugh Battancourt has all the makings of a true romantic hero he's chivalrous, strong, daring, mysterious and even considerate. He's also just made the biggest blunder of his espionage career: he has abducted 21-year-old Claire Banning Lynes, an unhappily married beauty, and accused her of spying for the French. Although his senses tell him he's got the wrong woman, it takes a lot of convincing and a little seduction on Claire's part to assure him of that truth. In the midst of sorting out Claire's identity and warding off a band of French merchants and soldiers, Hugh and Claire fall in love, but can a married lady and a world-weary spy find happiness together? Adultery is often frowned upon in romances, but Robards (To Trust a Stranger; Scandalous) addresses the topic without making either of her protagonists appear underhanded or unsympathetic. While the sexual chemistry between Hugh and Claire crackles and a handful of secondary characters including Hugh's crusty but caring henchman and Claire's bold little sister charm their way into readers' hearts, the plot winds a predictable path to a satisfying yet saccharine denouement.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Roberts is one terrific storyteller."--Chicago Tribune

“Exhilarating. . . . Full of swashbuckling suspense

and sexual sparks.” —Publishers Weekly

“Grabs you from the first page.” —Romantic Times

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Books; 1st Pocket Book Printing, Sep. 2002 edition (August 27, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743410602
• ISBN-13: 978-0743410601
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #461,922 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #100 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Romance > Regency

More About the Author

Karen Robards is the bestselling author of twenty-seven novels. The winner of six Silver Pen awards for favorite romance novelist, as well as numerous other awards, she lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her husband, Doug, and their sons Peter, Christopher, and Jack. She says, "I read, I write, and I chase children. That's my life."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Hero To Die For...And Really, Isn't That Why We Buy Romance Novels?, June 14, 2006

By 

Meagan Hatfield (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Irresistible (Banning Sisters Trilogy) (Mass Market Paperback)

Karen Robards Irresistible is hands down one of my favorite historical romances. This is a book I have read and re-read and will continue to pick up until the binding breaks and the pages fall out. Of course, then I'll just go out and buy a new one. Yes, it is that wonderful. Though this is the story of the second sister, you don't have to read one book to follow the other.

Set in 19th Century England, Irresistible tells the story of the beautiful middle Banning sister, Claire. By the time the book opens, she has managed to enter a loveless marriage, get herself kidnapped and barely escape with her life. Just when she thinks she's free from her captors, fate steps in and she's abducted yet again. This time by a mysterious man who accuses her of being a French spy. Quite fed up, Claire repeatedly professes the truth, intending to prove to him she's no spy, but a noble lady and loyal to the crown. What she did not intend, during their long ship ride, was noting how handsome, charming and surprisingly considerate the man is. How when he's close her body hums and her heart aches in a way she's never felt before. But when their ship docks into enemy territory, and his quick thinking saves her life, Claire realizes she's beginning to fall for her dashing and dangerous captor and is unsure if she wants to stop.

Hugh Battancourt's years of spying for England have worn and jaded his soul. Though his gut tells him to believe the young beauty, his heart and mind blare him a fool for even thinking it. However, the more time he spends with the bewitching vixen the more he begins to trust her. Soon, the sparks of desire roar to a scorching flame, threatening to destroy every bond they know. Will this mismatched pair be able to disregard the pulse-pounding desire charging between them? Or will their fated union prove too irresistible to ignore?

Again, I so love this book! Hugh is to die for and is one of my all-time favorite hero's. The love that develops between these two characters is pure, hot and a joy to read. Once the story got going the pacing didn't let up. I laughed, winced and sighed as I followed Hugh and Claire on their journey. Ms. Robards is definitely at her best with this book. I highly recommend it!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Romance is Back !! -- this book is romantic and very sexy!, October 1, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Irresistible (Banning Sisters Trilogy) (Mass Market Paperback)

The wait is over -- Karen Robards is back. This book is pure romance-- very reminiscent of Robards early historical romance novels! (it's not a contemporary murder thriller like all the previously great romance authors-- ie. Robards, Catherine Coulter, Linda Howard, Sandra Brown-- are now churning out by the dozens-- it's a ROMANCE-- yeah!!)
There's romance in this book, lots of suspense, tons of sexual tension, a beautiful heroine, and a hero to die for-- in short, everything a romance reader looks for in a romantic novel. This book is intense and satisfying, and is the kind of book by a great romance author that romance fans have been yearning for and not getting in recent years.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I loved it!, August 3, 2004

By 

B. Mckee "beemac" (Alma, AR United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Irresistible (Banning Sisters Trilogy) (Mass Market Paperback)

Although I haven't read "Scandalous," I enjoyed "Irresistible" tremendously. If there's a third book in the "trilogy" I haven't yet found it.

Although there was much more description than conversation, the plot was magnificent. Even so, there wasn't quite enough description regarding Claire's kidnapping, just a backward look. The story opens after she has already escaped her kidnappers, only to be captured again by others.

I'm not a reader who requires that fiction imitate life but rather prefer a GOOD STORY (which is why I adore the Madeleine Brent books), so Claire's adventures made for a great read.

Perhaps I should have given it five stars--I really wanted to assign it four-and-a-half--but, in any event, I would recommend this one to anyone who isn't just looking for a fast bit of fluff.