A Fine Passion

I was surprised to see the negative reviews of the book! I thought it was a great read, definitely a keeper. I liked how Clarice is a strong, independent woman and Jack doesn't want to change that about her. I think the book had the right amount of romance, the right amount of intrigue...and a hint of this elusive Dalziel, who I can't wait to learn more about. Stephanie Laurens, as always, delivered!

This novel is a part of Stephanie Laurens' Bastion Club series. I have not been able to read the other titles, but this one is a stellar read - well worth the time, effort, and expense. Jack Warnefleet - Baron Warnefleet - is a semi-retired military spy. He is returning home to Avening Manor after an extended absence of seven years - thirteen total. He had decided to be married, and was seeking a wife in Town. He was hunted by the matrons and their daughters until he decided to never marry and exercise succession upon a distant relative. Clarice Altwood - Lady Clarice - is twenty-nine years old, and lives with her cousin, Sir James Altwood, in Avening proper. She was sent there after being banished by her father for refusing to marry a bad man just under seven years from the start of the story. This is an incredible story of love and passion. Clarice is a strong, intelligent woman. Jack is such a strong and intelligent man that he glories in her strengths (after being a bit miffed at the same), and allows her to be who she is. As originally noted, this book is well worth your time, effort, and money to read. It is on my to-be-kept list, and ever will be. I never tire of re-reading this story, and hope you enjoy it as much as I.

Oh this book was wonderful! My favorite so far. I particularly liked the hero - a gentleman of tremendous wisdom and integrity who has given up finding a suitable bride and gladly retires to his beloved home in the country. There he encounters a "warrior-queen" who ends up being the perfect match for him. He decides to win her by treating her as an equal and lending her unfailing support, even though that means curbing his natural dominance. What unfolds is a wonderful love story between two independent and mature people - two people who refuse to be manipulated by society's rules. It was so good I read it twice.

At first I did not think the men of the Bastion Club would equal the Cynsters with passion and depth - but Jack certainly did. What a strong, powerful man he appeared to be. And certainly no ton debutant would ever corner him into marriage. I loved the tale of how he avoided the mother and daughter early on and escaped to his country estate. So he comes head on into facing off with a powerful woman Clarice - equal to himself. One might think this was too much for most men to handle. However, it takes a special kind of man to recognize strength in a woman as a good and positive thing and Jack is just that kind of man. At first she think he is one of the arrogant worthless men of the aristocracy that she wanted to escape from - boy is she wrong. Jack has been working for his country for 13 years in a highly worthy capacity and has estates all over. He not only is a worthy advisary he is the only man she finds herself remotely attracted to in years. This is a very intriguing tale - it reminds me of a long chess match with moves and counter moves taken by Jack and Clarice. Needless to say, their passion for one another jumps right off the page - you will need to sit in a cool room just to read their endless bedroom scenes. Another thing I liked about this couple is they did not pretend to play the courting game. When in London they bolding broke from tradition and Clarice stays at a hotel where discretion is key and Jack is able to slip in and out to keep their passion alive. In fact when the ton would expect a marriage proposal to come after they are seen in a passionate kiss at a ballroom garden - they both discuss it and decline to marry for the ton. Even though a few days later they are again discussing marriage because of their love for one another. Of course there is the usual intrigue of finding a traitor that comes with the Bastion Club books. It is a good solid backdrop for the love story. By fighting to clear Clarice's uncle together and for fighting to help Clarice's brothers with their lady loves - Jack and Clarice are truly a matched pair in all endevors. This is a complete book - with a great story - and most of all the passion that one comes to expect and love in a Laurens book!

The last few Cynster books have failed to grab me, so I was a bit wary, but I'm so glad I bought this book. I couldn't put it down (read the whole thing in a single afternoon!). Amazing chemistry between the hero and heroine, and I just adored the heroine. She was strong and real without being shrill or TSTL (as so many of them are). Loved her. Loved her. Loved her. If more romances were as good as this one, I'd get to post a lot more reviews.