It worked. It really, really worked.
Royce Varisey, aka Dalziel, mega-spymaster, has just become the tenth Duke of Wolverstone. His involvement in espionage 16 years ago estranged him from his father, but they are on the brink of reconciliation when his father dies. Now, having spent so many years away from society and Wolverstone, his Northumberland estate, Royce lacks both social ease and estate know-how. So, when he arrives at Wolverstone he's relieved to find that the castle's chatelaine, Minerva Chesterton, knows exactly what she is doing.
As an orphan, Minerva was fostered by Royce's parents. Out of gratitude as well as sincere affection, she became their right hand, and has acted as the castle's chatelaine for 11 years. With Royce's return Minerva is confronted with two things: Her promise to his parents to help ease their son into his new role – which includes finding him a wife – and the realization that she is still infatuated with Royce.
Royce is under considerable pressure to marry, and for good reason: The cash-strapped Prinny is turning his eye towards Wolverstone, which, due to some legal stuff that sounds plausible (law, past or present, not being my strong point), is only a few steps away from possible confiscation by the Crown. On top of that, he's seriously in lust with his chatelaine. When he discovers Minerva returns the attraction, he realizes she is his ideal duchess and immediately begins a campaign to show her how well-matched they are.
Okay, I'll be honest. I'm kinda glad I haven't read any of the other Bastion Club novels, because if I'd wanted a big suspense-ridden reveal to the identities of Dalziel and "the Last Traitor," the Bastion Club's nemesis, I sure wouldn't get it here. Frankly, if the buildup was as lackluster and, well, cheesy as the supposed payoff, I'm happy to remain ignorant of the previous books in the series.
On the other hand, the advantage to a near-invisible plot is if you don't care, it doesn't interfere with the romance, which is so strong I can't be fussed about the perfunctory nature of Ms. Laurens' sorta-kinda spy plot. I haven't read enough of the author's books to allow me to compare Royce to her other heroes, but I really,really liked him. For one thing, at 37 he's older than most historical romance heroes, who seem to languish between 28 and 33. And, yes he's domineering, and, yes, sometimes I couldn't tell him apart from a Neanderthal, but he's also a little taciturn and a lot socially awkward. Most of all he is a man who feels deeply, whether it is the unresolved estrangement, his patriotism for his country, or his love for Wolverstone. And best of all, he gives our heroine plenty of R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Can't argue with that.
Minerva is Royce's equal, a woman of practically superhuman control – after all, she hides her attraction so well he doesn't touch her, literally, until page 139. She matches Royce's overbearing attempts with a calm dignity and an understated wit that he appreciates. Minerva grew up well acquainted with the dynastic rather than love-based marriage and knows the value of keeping her heart intact. But she turns the tables on Royce whenever possible, including a surprising scene that proves he isn't the only one capable of being domineering (or dominating, rather). It never seemed like Minerva was the only one surrendering, and I found them a mature, sympathetic, and utterly lovely couple.
Some might find the book's pace – beginning with a good hundred pages of estate matters, followed by love scene after love scene interspersed with more estate matters and a house party and POVs from the Last Traitor – too slow and uneven. (Actually, reading over what I just wrote, it sounds craptastic.) But the slower pace creates some awesome tension that, when finally released, works heaps better than instant hormonal action. And I enjoyed seeing Royce learn about his estate. Royce's illegitimate half-brother also deserves a mention as a memorable secondary character with some well-timed advice and spots of humor.
Reading over AAR's reviews of Ms. Laurens' more recent books it seems the main complaint is repetition. Maybe it took fresh eyes. Or maybe the author felt refreshed. Or maybe it's one of those whole-outweighing-sum-of-the-parts phenomena. Whatever the reason, and no matter the book's faults, I'll say it again: It worked for me. It really, really worked.
Sensuality: Burning
Publication Date: 2009/08
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