Romance

To Distraction
3 Stars

Jocelyn Deverell, the new Viscount Paignton, is in need of a wife and his aunt has the perfect woman in mind, Phoebe Malleson. Unfortunately, due to a painful incident in her past, Phoebe is set against marriage and would prefer to spend her time reading and working on her "special project". What will it take for Deverell to convince her to take a chance on him?

As always, Stephanie Laurens' characters are engaging and the story resonates deeply, especially Phoebe's secret occupation rescuing desperate governesses and maids from their lecherous employers, and her desire for a true partner, who respects her intelligence and independence.

Likewise, Deverell's patience and willingness to invest time and effort in supporting Phoebe's plans rather than dictating to her make him the perfect match for her.

Nevertheless, as with most of her books, Laurens is in dire need of a skilled editor. The first few chapters are quite slow and there is a great deal of unnecessary repetition, particularly the sex scenes. The pacing picks up toward the middle and the climax and resolution are satisfying once the suspense plot gets going.

Overall, not the best installment in the series despite Deverell and Phoebe's sweet romance. Gervase's book is up next, but I am most eager for Dazliel's story. ( )

To Distraction - Laurens
Audio performance by Jill Tanner
3 stars

I loved Phoebe Malleson and her righteous cause. The love interest, Deverell, Viscount Paignton, has surprisingly liberal attitudes toward women to balance his erotic imaginagtion. This is the book that introduces the young Malcolm Sinclair who lurks in future books and a spin-off series. ( )

Finished, and like always I quite enjoyed the story. Stephanie Laurens is a comfort read for me. ( )

Another in the Bastion Club series of aristocratic men who worked as Crown spies until after Waterloo.
He comes off as a real bastard in the beginning by ignoring her opinions and just steamrolling over her wishes regarding his pursuit of her for his wife. He slowly begins to show more redeemable tendencies as he catches her in a questionable situation and, when he tries to intimidate her, becomes horrified and ashamed when she responds in terror. He does stalk her to find out if she has become involved in something nefarious, but once he discovers that she has established a working safety net for endangered women and has, herself, become endangered, he begins to work with her group as a support person. Even when it becomes apparent that there is organized crime involved, he gathers the support of his colleagues to help, and each of them (even Dalziel) operates with her as the leader.
I have yet to comprehend why the publisher chooses female narrators for this series. ( )