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 ~ CharlesPoor 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 PennyPenny 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 PennyI 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 PennyIt 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.
I don't know what it was about this story that drew me in but I could seem to put it down. The mystery part was very compelling however the development of the romance was very captivating. Both of these characters Charles St. Austell and Penelope “Penny” Selbourne are so evenly matched you wonder why they have stayed apart for so long. The story of course explains the problems and I can see how the separation may have happened. You just keep turning the pages wanting to find the next little bit of information that is available.Charles St Austell, Earl of Lostwitheil, has spent most of the last thirteen years of his life is France spying for the British. Being half French it is the perfect cover for him. When he left there was little chance of him inheriting the title but faith had other plans. With the battle at Waterloo done he has come home to take up the mantle as head of his family. He is disillusioned with the young women of the ton and who could blame him. He has spent so much time alone that he really does need Penelope to help find his social legs again. I liked Charles a lot in fact it is going to be very hard to choose a favorite out of the Bastion Club. I especially loved that he seemed a little lost and confused around Penny.Penny is more than a little headstrong and prone to taking charge. She has helped run her family estate for year as her brother had a wild streak a mile wide. She wants her way and nothing is going to stop her from getting it. I think that she is going to need a very firm hand to keep her out of trouble in the future. Penny is good for Charles and it is amusing to see them together and read their reactions to each other. Penny is a lot of help with Charles’s investigation but she is a hindrance at times.I continue to be intriguing by Dalziel. I know that he gets his own story eventually but Ms. Laurens always leaves you wondering who he really is and is there a heart in need of love and compassion beating in that chest.This villain in this piece is beyond redemption. He is a stone cold killer that doesn't care about anyone or how he accomplishes his mission. It is sad that so many innocents are killed in pursuit of that mission. I am glad that he was caught and disposed of quietly.Ms. Laurens has done a wonderful job of making this an intriguing and enjoyable story. While not a highly emotional story that are amusing parts and sad parts and there are some parts that make you feel all warm and cozy. I had wished that Devil Cynster would show up but alas it was not meant to be. All the characters in this story are wonderful and we get to see more of Jack Warnefleet and Gervase Tregarth near the end of the book. There are plenty of steamy love scenes throughout the story as well as a sampling of the life of a country gentleman. This book is a must of historical romance readers.
Do You like book A Lady Of His Own (2004)?
What a great story! I laughed and cried many times! Such wonderful writing and really engaging characters!! I love this authors work!!I adore this whole series and can not wait to see each man get his lady. It is a bit formula with the alpha male who is often chased finding a lady he wants and being forced to pursue her. But formula works that why we love it!Each book has an add but of intrigue that draws you in. And Stephanie Laurens knows how to deliver the steam!!I am currently on a Regency kick and this one was terrific!!
—April
Bintang 3.Buku ke3 seri Bastion Club.Bujangan ke3 anggota BC: Charles St Austell Earl of Lostwithiel.Menerima tugas dari mantan komandannya Dalziel, dengan senang hati Charles kembali ke rumah tempat kelahirannya di Cornwall untuk mengungkap kasus lanjutan (pengkhianatan) yg berhubungan dengan kasus pembunuhan Ruskin (baca buku ke2). Charles adalah bujangan BC yg paling merasa bosan dan membutuhkan istri yg "tepat" secepatnya. Karena berbeda dengan bujangan BC yg lain, Charles menyukai pesta dansa dan ingin kembali berinteraksi dikalangan kaum bangsawan yg pernah ditinggalkannya selama +/- 13 tahun mengabdi pada negara. Merasa kaku dan tertinggal, Charles membutuhkan istri srbagai jembatan dirinya dengan lingkungan sosial tersebut dan sebagai tempat sandaran bagi dirinya dan untuk dicintai. Mandat dari Dalziel akhirnya membawa Charles menemui kembali cinta masa mudanya dan terlibat dengan rahasia keluarga Selbourne yg berlanjut pada ancaman kematian anggota keluarga Selbourne.Penelope Selbourne mencurigai kalau keluarganya (baik almarhum ayah dan almarhum adik lelakinya serta sepupunya Nicholas) terlibat pengkhianatan terhadap negara. Bersama Charles, pria yg selama ini dipercayai dan dicintainya, Penelope membuka rahasia keluarga yg gelap yg berkaitan dengan koleksi kotak hias milik ayahnya. Pembuktian dan pencarian kebenaran mereka akhirnya terbentur pada pembunuhan orang orang disekitar mereka. Dan nyawa Nicholas nyaris melayang dalam satu kesempatan. Lega hati Penelope saat nicholas akhirnya berterus terang tentang konspirasi ayah ayah mereka yg membodohi pemerintahan Perancis dengan memberikan informasi palsu dengan bayaran kotak berhias untuk ayah Penelope dan kotak cerutu untuk ayah Nicholas.Pembunuh yg sekarang mengincar nyawa para Selbourne adalah algojo yg diutus oleh Perancis untuk menutupi kejadian yg memalukan bagi pihak Perancis. Dengan bantuan Dalziel, sang mantan komandan Charles serta beberapa anggota BC, pembunuh berdarah dingin tersebut akhirnya dapat dibungkam selamanya agar tak lagi membunuhi orang orang yg tak bersalah.Dan tentu saja Charles dan Penelope akhirnya memutuskan untuk menikah setelah melalui tragedi dan kematian. Charles dan Penelope akhirnya menyadari perasaan mereka satu sama lain yg saling membutuhkan.
—Marie
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.
—Christine
