Pleasures Of A Notorious Gentleman (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
"Pleasures of a Notorious Gentlemen" is a vast improvement over the first book of the series and held writing of the same quality as Lorraine Heath's "The Scoundrels of St. James" series. However, the characterization of the characters still left much to be desired and I found myself having difficulty connecting with anyone in the story.I started this novel fully prepared to despise Stephen for how he muddled up Claire and Westcliffe's marriage. Little did I know that I could come to detest the "angelic" heroine instead. I've always been one to admire strong women in this genre, but Mercy's deception and foolishness really took the cake. I came to forgive the war hero for his promiscuous ways but ultimately could not forgive the nurse for her stupidity. Stephen had every right to be upset when her deceit is revealed and I was disheartened to see that not only was Mercy trying to come up with excuses to condone her behavior, the author was also grasping and straws so that Stephen would be the one apologizing! The resolution left me sour even though I am a huge fan of happy endings - why else would I devour romance novels? On that note, the happily ever after did not feel complete due to Stephen's remaining affliction. I had high hopes that the epilogue would have resolved the remaining loose ends.The themes of this book are a replica of those found in the "Lost Lords of Pembrook" series. I felt the author wanted to re-use her research on the Crimean War and so opted to write another book where the hero is fighting his own demons. Although the heroes were developed in different directions, many references just felt too similar. This is an interesting romance because we meet the characters in the middle of their story. Both of them have survived the Crimean War, he as a soldier and she as a nurse at Scutari Hospital (with Florence Nightingale). He is recovering at home in England, suffering from amnesia, when she shows up with their infant son. Their backstory is peppered throughout the story, so we do learn how they meet (under difficult circumstances). I did enjoy this story, but not misunderstanding towards the end.
What do You think about Pleasures Of A Notorious Gentleman (2010)?
There are simply not enough stars to validate the magnitude of this book.
—Shine
My first book by this author. Will read more...
—angelD`Andrea
