BEYOND SEDUCTION

Author: Stephanie Laurens ISBN: 0060839252 9/2007 HISTORICAL Publisher: AVON
Time Period: 1816 Cornwall, England

In a moment of recklessness, Gervase Tregarth, 6th Earl of Crowhurst, swears he'll marry the next eligible lady to cross his path. Cloistered at his ancestral castle in Cornwall, with nary a suitable woman for miles, he never expects he'll have to fulfill his pledge, at least not until the London Season begins. But then he meets his neighbor, the very appealing Madeline Gascoigne. Years of secret service to the Crown have taught Gervase the value of always having a loophole - there will be no wedding if he and Madeline are not compatible in every way. So he sets out to prove that they would make a most dreadful match... by luring her into his arms and, ultimately, his bed. From their very first kiss, Gervase discovers that the headstrong and independent Madeline is no meek country miss... and that the fire between them will burn long beyond that first seduction.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Another Bastion Club Novel for everyone who loves them. Honestly, I can say I enjoy seeing what the fellows are up to, even if I do not find the book all that enthralling. Such is the case with BEYOND SEDUCTION.

I love the hero and the heroine, but mostly I love the refreshing twist of his relentless pursuit of attacking her reasons for not becoming his countess. Their relationship is comfortable and relaxed, but their passion for one another is not. That facet makes them intriguing as a couple while his confidence in them together secures it.

I have to mention the one fact that makes this a Four Rose Read instead of a top pick. There are two kidnappings and one of them is most certainly enough. I feel that section of the book needs to be reworked a bit, because not only is it redundant, but the way the second one is dealt with and absorbed is with such calmness and strategy, there is doubt things will work out as should be—unless the author's intent is to again prove the competence of the hero and his friends? For me, some hand wringing would be nice. Or, perhaps the first kidnapping should not occur at all so the last is more dramatic? I am not talking about the rescue itself, only the time before it. I do not know quite how to explain it, but something with the feeling of the book is not quite right there.

I still say that Stephanie Laurens has another hit on her hands with BEYOND SEDUCTION, even if it can be a bit long winded and overdone. When Ms. Laurens is able to capture imagination and create intrigue and passion so well, those minor things can always be overlooked.

Shannon Johnson