Reviews

One of Stephanie Laurens's best novels. Clarice is a heroine much in Honoria Cynster's style: a well-bred lady from the aristocracy who understands the "rules" yet refuses to allow herself to be bullied by them. It is actually refreshing to find a heroine who doesn't go wandering about dressed as a boy because she's been living in the countryside and got bored. Jack also, rather than just be another prowling, possessive Laurens male, takes Clarice's opinions and thoughts into full consideration as opposed to just humoring her. Makes for a nice partnership.

The only real drawback was the hastily-shoved-in-there-and-conveniently-but-not-fully-resolved "Moira the evil bitch of a stepmother" side plot. Somehow I don't see that woman retiring quitely into the country just because the marquess put his foot down.

dollyshouse97's review against another edition

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mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

Having two characters that are stoic are booorrrinnnggg

laurenjodi's review against another edition

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4.0

A Fine Passion
4.5 Stars

After barely escaping the Parson's noose, Jack Warnfleet flees London for the Gloucestershire countryside only to encounter the lovely yet warrior-like Lady Clarice Altwood, who has very definite opinions about life, love, and marriage.

Stephanie Laurens is a wonderful storyteller; her characters are exceedingly appealing, and she certainly knows how to write a sizzling hot sex scene. That said, her writing style takes some getting used to as her sentence structure can be awkward (albeit grammatically accurate) and her narrative more concise.

In terms of this installment, Jack and Clarice's reluctant lovers romance is my favorite in the series thus far. Clarice is a very forthright and opinionated heroine, and her prickly nature might not appeal to all readers. Nevertheless, for me, her take no prisoners attitude is a breath of fresh air.

Jack is very similar to the other heroes in the series - bored with the simpering debutantes of the ton and their marriage-obsessed mamas. He is, however, looking for a place to call home and a woman to love and have a family with. Once he sets his sights on Clarice, nothing will stand in his way.

The plot surrounding the investigation into Clarice's cousin and her return to London society is interesting, especially the hints at a traitor hiding amongst the highest echelons of society, but definitely takes a back seat to the charming romance.

To sum up, this is a delightful read and I am looking forward to finding out more about the mysterious and enigmatic Dalziel, although his book is the last in the series.

styxx's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Content Warnings

helenephoebe's review against another edition

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4.0

Review - At the beginning I really didn't expect to like the book but I liked both the hero and the heroine which for me is unusual. Clarice and Jack seemed to belong together but I do wish that just once Laurens could do a novel where the heroine wants to marry the hero from the beginning. I was actually surprised by how much I loved this book. The mystery was interesting but what really drew me in was Clarice's re entry to the ton and her developing relationship with her family. Definitely worth a read!

Genre? - Historical / Romance / Erotica / Mystery / Regency

Characters? - Jack / Clarice / Royce (Dalziel) / Humphries / Roger / Nigel / Alton

Setting? - London & Gloucestershire (England)

Series? - Bastion Club #4

Recommend? - Yes

Rating - 19/20

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