Beyond Seduction

Gervase Tregarth, Earl of Crowhurst, is dragged back from London by his misbehaving sisters. He never wanted to be their keeper but he has to and in order to get them to behave he has to promise to stay in the area for three months and try to find a local wife, a wife that won't send them away like happened to one of their neighbours.

While he's there he rediscovers the company of Madeline Gascoigne, a woman who rides side-saddle in trousers while being regent to her brother with the family estate, but her brother is growing up and she is looking at a life of spinsterhood. She knows shes too old for most marriages and her independent ways turn most men off, along with basically making her a social pariah outside their small circle.

It was show more riddled with historical inaccuracies, smugglers, kidnappings and wild chases across country, entertaining but left me wanting more. show less

I first read and loved this book in paperback, and have now (finally) gotten it on audiobook! Especially since the paperback is in shreds!
Each of the Bastion Club series can stand alone, but they call and coerce you to read all of them!
Set in time just after Waterloo, this collection of retired spies are all titled and must find wives. But on their own terms! In this one, the earl has been sabotaged in his hunting in London by his loving half-sisters. At their insistence, he looks closer to home and nearly falls on his face when he sees who he has overlooked. And then the fun and romance begins, complete with villains, smugglers, murder, and more. The plot is complex and has many twists.
Steven Crossley does a great job of show more differentiating the characters and adding to their depth. show less

The oldest TBR in my stash at the time I read it. Upset over the antics of his half-sisters, Gervase swears to consider marriage to the next woman that crosses his path. His family ensures that neighbor Madeline is just that lady. Once he sees that they are right, he sets out to woo the recaltrant lady. And the every elusive English traitor slips through the Bastion Club members' hands yet again.

Gervase Tregarth, Earl of Crowhurst has to return home because of mischief his three young sisters has gotten into. When he determines that the reason for their misbehavior is to prevent him from marrying a "London" lady who will send them away, Gervase promises them that he will only marry a lady who meets their approval.

Immediately, the girls indicate that their neighbor, Madeline Gasciogne, would be perfect. Having known Madeline for many years, Gervase takes a closer look, getting involved with her family, 3 mischievous younger brothers, as well as local issues.

The romance that evolves as well as the story of the mixing of the families was very entertaining.

Beyond Seduction - Laurens
3 stars

I had the strange feeling that I’d read this book before. Six times before, this series is repetitive. Another near miss with the last traitor. Another heated love affair between a nobleman desperate for a wife and a woman opposed to marriage. Two sets of younger siblings for comic relief and pathos. A good, mindless book for stress reduction.

Man promises his step-sisters that he'll let them vet his choice of wife, and starts to see his next door neighbour in different light. Good strong woman in the lead role, she's looking after her brother's estate and holds a great deal of power in the area. The landscape features nicely in this story, with the cliffs, caves and beaches adding an element of drama. The regional characters also make a nice backdrop to the main story.
I haven't read any of the other Bastion Club stories, but the continuing plot was explained well enough that I didn't feel the lack. I'll read more when I come across them, but I don't feel all completist about it.

I adore this series!! Stephanie Laurens is a master at the Alpha Rake!! I love the men pursuing their ladies!!

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!!