My second read, and I found this book to be just as enjoyable as the first time around.

It perfectly captures the essence of a 'historical romance novel'. The dynamic between the main characters, with its mix of tension and affection, paints a picture of the slow process of building trust.

The addition of a mysterious subplot adds an extra layer of intrigue, giving the characters something compelling to pursue.

While I wasn't fond of Leonora's family members, their portrayal felt relatable, evoking sympathy for her situation. At first, some scenes were a bit off (a lady and a gentleman being left alone in the early 1800's seems questionable) but truly don't think her family members cared.

Overall, it was a fun and engaging read that struck the right balance between some romance, steam and mystery. ( )

The Lady Chosen
3 Stars

Never expecting to inherit a title, Tristan Wemyss has spent the majority of his adult life in service to the Crown. As the newly minted Earl of Trentham, he finds himself responsible for numerous estates and several elderly relatives, but requires a bride or he will forfeit the inheritance necessary for their upkeep. Determined to avoid the matchmakers of the ton and choose his own wife, Tristan decides on his charming and vivacious neighbor, Leonora Carling. Now if only he can convince her to give up her independent ways…

The Lady Chosen has incredible potential both in terms of the romance and the suspense plot. Unfortunately, the story is excessively drawn out; the writing is overwrought and the sex scenes (while hot as heck) are as purple as they come.

Tristan and Leonora are both appealing characters even though he can be a tad overbearing, and she has one or two (make that five or six) TSTL moments. Their courtship develops at a steady pace from attraction to intimacy to love, and is ultimately satisfying although it could have concluded more quickly.

Likewise, the secondary storyline involving the mysterious man attempting to break into Leonora's family home is intriguing with some exciting actions scenes. However, it is unnecessarily protracted and the eventual explanation for the crime veers off into the ridiculous.

Despite the issues with her writing, there is something about Laurens's storytelling that has me returning to her novels again and again. The basic premise of a group of military men returning home after war to seek solace in the arms of a woman they love is very enticing, and I look forward to seeing how the other members of the Bastion Club meet their matches. ( )

A pleasant listen but I took none of it in to the point of remembering anything now. One of those audiobooks one uses to take one through the night. ( )

The Lady Chosen - Laurens
Audio performance by Jill Tanner
3 stars

The first book of Laurens’ Bastion Club series. The Club is formed by a group of young men who have returned from serving as spies in the Napoleonic War. Each of them holds a title and is in need of a wife. The Club is formed as a refuge from the scheming of the debutants and mothers of debutants.

The romance of Tristan Wemyss, Earl of Trentham sets the pattern for the rest of the series. He is immediately and irrevocably attracted to an unusual single lady. She is too old, ‘on the shelf’, in her mid- to late 20’s. Leonora Carling is opposed to marriage, independent and outspoken. She’s inexperienced sexually, but doesn’t intend to stay that way. There’s a fairly interesting mystery that requires a partnership between the unlikely couple. The characters are likable. There’s a bit of humor, several escapes from peril, and an unlikely amount of adult sexual content before the final HEA.

Jill Tanner does a decent job with voices and accents. This was a predictable effortless book.It helped to pass the time while I did indoor and outdoor chores. ( )

3.3 stars ( )