Romance Reader | Bachelor finds bride in ‘Beyond Seduction’

By LEZLIE PATTERSON - lpatterson@thestate.com

BEYOND SEDUCTION

By Stephanie Laurens

(Avon, 462 pages, $7.99 paperback)

Stephanie Laurens knows how to get readers’ hearts racing, and she does so exceptionally well in her latest Bastion Club book, “Beyond Seduction.”

Whether it’s describing a passionate interlude, a suspenseful episode or romantic tension, Laurens has a knack for grabbing your attention and keeping it until the final page.

Gervase is one of two Bastion Club members remaining unwed. If you remember from the first book in 2003, the club was founded by seven men looking for wives who wanted to avoid matchmakers and marriage schemes.

As insinuated in this book, with only Christian remaining single after Gervase marries Madeline, the club might have to rethink its purpose.

But anyway, in this book it’s Gervase’s turn to find marital bliss on his own terms — with a nudge from his sisters.

Gervase’s three sisters are afraid a London wife will banish them from Gervase’s home, so they keep causing mischief in Cornwall to force their brother home.

In a fit of pique, Gervase promises them he’ll remain in Cornwall for the summer and if he finds a local lady “suitable on the basis of age, birth and station, temperament, compatibility and beauty,” he’ll marry her.

He’s shocked when he realizes long-time family friend Madeline fits that description. He’s even more shocked when he realizes he wants to marry her. And shocked even more when he realizes he’ll have to persuade her.

Madeline’s reluctance stems from the fact that she doesn’t believe he can truly be attracted to her. And eventually, she doesn’t want to marry him because she fears the hurt of unrequited love.

And of course while Gervase is plotting and working on convincing Madeline that they “suit,” he fails to utter the three words that would have her enthusiastically saying “Yes.”

DUSTY SHELF

Many great romance novels have been written through the years. It’s worth dusting off these oldies.

Before “Beyond Seduction,” it might be a good idea to read “A Lady of His Own,” another Bastion Club book, written by Stephanie Laurens in 2004.

Charles and Penny live near Gervase and are featured in “Beyond Seduction.”

In “A Lady of His Own,” Charles flees to his family home for a respite from the London madness. He’s also been asked by his old boss to do a bit of spy business. Seems someone from his hometown has been telling secrets to the French.

Penny is the girl left behind. She and Charles share a heart-rending, misinterpreted past. Charles considered Penny his future bride. Penny considered their tryst a one-night stand because she couldn’t bear the thought of marrying a man who didn’t love her. And she was certain that Charles didn’t love her.

Thirteen years — and more than 300 pages — later, they realize they still love each other. But before they can bask in that love, they have to catch a murderous traitor.

Eventually, Charles and Penny join forces, and they decide to consummate the passion that still burns. And, of course, they also figure out it’s more than passion.

HOW IT STACKS UP

“Beyond Seduction”

Overall rating: ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ It’s a rather complex read, but worth the time and effort. Madeline is a wonderfully independent and capable heroine, and Gervase understands and appreciates her beautifully.

Hunk appeal: 10-plus. Gervase is honorable, reliable and trustworthy. While he’s a bit dense in not telling Madeline what she wants to hear, he does rally quite well when he tells her, “I’ll never be whole, never be complete, unless I have you as my wife.”

Steamy scene grade: XXXXX. Oh, and Gervase is also passionate. If you skip these scenes, you’d probably cut the book in half.

Happily-ever-after: Good. Gervase and Madeline end up cozy and content, and all is safe and sound in their lives. However, the intrigue portion of this story ends in a cliffhanger, making it a bit unsatisfying. Of course, it also has us looking forward to the next book, featuring the last of the Bastion Club members.