Seven gentlemen who acted as secret agents for the English government during the Napoleonic wars have resigned. Each one of them has a title, wealth and are handsome. After so many years of war the gentlemen are unprepared for the onslaught of the matchmaking mamas of the ton. Therefore, they form The Bastion Club - established to aid each other in the hunt for a suitable wife - a wife who they choose. In The Lady Chosen, the first novel in the series, Tristan Wemyss, Earl of Trentham is establishing the club when new neighbour, Miss Leonora Carling seeks his aid in finding the men who have attempted to break into her uncle's house. Several attempted burglaries ensue and while unravelling the mystery, Trentham and Leonora explore the attraction that sparks between them.
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The review of this Book prepared by Katherine Randall
Avon, Sep 2003, 7.99, 464 pp.
ISBN: 0060002069
In 1815, seven former “government” workers know that the adventure is over while mourning those of their comrades who have fallen during the victorious war against Napoleon. The magnificent seven sneak out of some boring event hosted by the unpopular Prinny and end up meeting at a tavern where they agree to form the Bastion Club, a kind of private place for retired aristocratic secret agents.
Tristan Wemyss oversees the renovations to 12 Montrose Place that the colleagues plan to turn into their club. Neighbor Leonore Carling believes that Tristan must be the villain trying to force her and her family out of 12 Montrose. He catches her snooping and she realizes he is not the guilty party. Intrigued by Leonore, he joins her investigation into uncovering the culprit harassing her and her family. As they share a passionate affair, she rejects his proposal as she only will marry for love, but doubts he feels like she does.
With the Cynsters barred from new romance novels, Stephanie Laurens begins a new series with the members of the Bastion Club. The lead couple of the first tale (of seven?) is an exciting duet whose romance and adventure will be appreciated by Regency readers. Die-hard fans of the Cynster tales will especially feel “Welcome” as Tristan could easily have been a Cynster or at least a clone since he shares many of their traits.
Harriet Klausner
The review of this Book prepared by Harriet Klausner
