AFTER THE KISS is the first in Enoch's "The Notorious Gentlemen" trilogy and so far I had only read the last one, ALWAYS A SCOUNDREL, which was absolutely fantastic (5+++ stars) and definitely one of my favorite historical romances ever. AFTER THE KISS was also absolutely great and I cannot wait to read the second in the trilogy, BEFORE THE SCANDAL (I know, I know, these titles are ridiculous - and some of the covers make it so that one can never be seen reading them in public!). Sullivan is looked down on by society because not only is he the bastard (as in born on the wrong on the side of the blanket) of the Marquis of Dunston, but his father refuses to acknowledge him. The ton (i.e. society/aristocracy) respect him for his talent and knowledge of horses, but if it's not about business they don't really want to have anything to do with him. This made for a very interesting story, since Isabel is herself a marquis' (legitimate) daughter and the darling of society, therefore making even the idea of her falling in love with a horse breeder absolutely preposterous. The tensions that this situation created and the clashes and conflicts that resulted really made the story engaging; they each risk a lot to be together and Isabel and Sullivan's constant desire to protect the other was very sweet to read. Isabel's family is wonderful and it was nice not having the stereotypical "evil-parents-who-want-to-tear-their-daughter-away-from-her-love-and-marry-her-off-to-an-old-titled-geezer". The hero and heroine, as well as the secondary characters, all provided many laugh-out-loud moments and after having read ALWAYS A SCOUNDREL in which Bram is reformed and tamed by his love for that book's heroine, it was that much more enjoyable to read in this book about how outrageous he was before. ( )

Could not stand "Tibby's" snobbish personality. The storyline was unbelievable and boring. A definite no go as far as I was concerned. Sorry I wasted my time. ( )

What a delightful Regency historical Suzanne Enoch has provided with "After the Kiss". This is the first story in her new trilogy 'The Notorious Gentlemen' which, according to her blog, will tell the tales of three friends who somehow end up on the wrong side of the law after returning from the Peninsula War (1808-1814). First up is Sullivan Waring, the 'natural child' of a peer, yet unacknowledged.

Sullivan is a successful horse breeder/trainer and has only turned to theivery to recover his mother's paintings which were unjustly taken from him while he was fighting on the Peninsula. His life and nighttime exploits are going well...until he steals a kiss in the course of one robbery.

Isabel can't believe the gall of that man. Not only stealing a painting, but a kiss! It's a good thing she grabbed his mask and caught a glimpse of him. But the next day she is stunned to find out that 'her' burglar is none other than famed horse breeder Sullivan. Isabel loves a mystery and uses her knowledge to blackmail Sullivan into training her new horse. Romance and mayhem ensue.

I've been a fan of Suzanne Enoch's books since I picked up my first one in the 1990s. Since then, I've read 'em all and although I enjoy some more than other, none have been 'stinkers'. Her books provide a pleasant escape from this world for a few hours, some sensual sex scenes, and grand HEAs. If you like regencies with a little steam...pick up "After the Kiss".

For a more in-depth review, check out queuemyreview.com ( )

The Notorious Gentlemen series. Sullivan Waring, the top horse breeder in England, spends his night as a thief climbing in and out of society's best houses and stealing back his mothers paintings. When he runs into Lady Isabel on one of his jaunts, he can't help but steal a kiss as well. Love of course follows. Not Enoch's best - and far too much talk of horses. ( )