33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I'll Take Charles...A Man of My Own, September 30, 2004
Although I've already read close to 200 romance novels this year (historical, medieval, erotic, contemporary, paranormal, etc.), this is the first book I've ever had the guts to write my personal opinion on...
Girlfriend (SL) is all that AND the bag of chips! I didn't think she could match the sensuality of "Devil's Bride", but she dun did it again with her seductive exchange of Charles' and Penny's pent up sexual desires for each other, which spans 13 years of abstinence for Penny and maturing into manhood for Charles. Although neither will openly admit loving the other, their individual exploration of each other's passions, expresses their love not just physically, but blissfully includes their hearts and souls. Something the two were too inexperienced to understand 13 years earlier when Penny surrendered her heart and virginity to Charles. Now a grown woman, spinster at 29, and him a bachelor, Earl in need of a wife at 33, Penny offers Charles another personal "invitation"; one in which she never extended to any other man since her first and only time with him. By continuously intensifying each kiss and embrace, they are awakened to each other's sensual growth and ripened maturity that only the nurturing of time and experience could hone; they welcome their differences as man and woman vs the experimenting adolescents of their past relationship. Their new relationship gradually develops, which now transcends the physical plane and drives deeper into their hearts. Penny and Charles are satisfyingly surprised by one another when they recognize their coupling isn't quite the same as they remembered that afternoon they tumbled in the barn when they were youths of 16 and 20 years old.
Charles slowly builds his plan of seducing Penny into surrendering her heart to him and becoming his wife. She relinquishes her stubborn attitude of `I am in control and call all the shots of my life' and little by little allows him to be the man in her life; friend, lover and protector. Her fervent moments of passion burst out as he guides her to "heaven" again and again by candle light and moon light; saturate his personal pleasure along slide ensuring hers. SL articulates very well their maturity, as well as the soul satisfying giving and taking of pleasure betwixt the found again lovers. SL had me in Penny's spell when Charles whispered a moan, succumbing to Penny's ravenous hungry eyes and seeking hands, "Whatever you wish, however you wish. I'm yours. Take me." Ohmigod...
The `who done it' murder mystery plot of the story will keep your mind contriving trying to out wit the author between the love scenes. Charles and Penny constantly share their ideas and are basically honest with each in their joint efforts to clear her family name and find a brutal murderer and spy. Therefore, leaving little room for blatant deceptions (lies), allows them to `go hand and glove' in impromptu situations they face during their investigations.
This is definitely a "deep read" - more than the surface of words in a book...mysteries of the heart's desires and yearning for the other half of its soul mate to "complete" the longing to be loved as no other can possibly do. -Nadine "Madame Jazze"
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Worth it, October 5, 2004
Like the characters in the novel, I think Stephanie Laurens' style has matured some in this book. Penny and Charles seemed realistic to me, as did their responses to each other and how they eventually decide to let themselves love each other. Since they know each other well, they have a deeper relationship than one that seems to be just passonate but almost casual sex. Reminded me of the long term friendship in A Secret Love, which is probably my favorite SL book.
All that said, the spy sub-plot is over done, doesn't make sense and drags on way too long. I felt the book ended up being 50-100 pages longer than the story warranted due to the silly spy story. This applies to the other Bastion Club books, too, which don't have the compelling but simple story of her earlier work.
If you love SL books, it is worth buying this one. Not her best, but the passion is there and the characters realistic and believable.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Passion and Intrigue! Don't miss it!, October 6, 2004
The 3rd in the Bastion Club series and the best. This time we are in Cornwall with Charles and Penny. They are a pair of stubborn and high-strung lovers, never getting enough of eachother. The intrigue comes from a mystery surrounding jeweled pill boxes and state secrets being passed to the French during the Napoleanic Wars.
If you love lots of hot, steamy love scenes mixed with international espionage during the Regency, you will have a blast reading the latest of Stephanie Laurens. If you have a "modesty meter" don't read it.
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