Irresistible (Banning Sisters trilogy, #2)

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Irresistible (Banning Sisters Trilogy #2)

by Karen Robards

3.74 · rating details · 385 ratings · 29 reviews

With this sensual and entrancing tale, bestselling author Karen Robards continues her wonderful trilogy of three sisters taking their rightful place as the belles of Regency England's ton.

Claire Banning fulfilled every debutante's dream when she married a rich nobleman. Soon, however, the celebrated beauty realizes she wed a dissolute wastrel. Bitterly hurt and...more

Mass Market Paperback, 402 pages

Published October 15th 2002 by Pocket Star (first published 2002)

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Apr 25, 2011

Shelly rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: audiobook-version, part-of-a-series, reviewed, romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I didn't think I was going to like this book after reading several reviews, but I hate to leave series undone, and thought I should give it a chance, at the very least. And although I didn't love it, there were several parts I truly enjoyed, and had it not been for the way the adultery was portrayed, I think I could have really loved this book.

Lady Claire Linds, formerly Claire Banning, is on her way home from visiting her sisters' who she loves dearly, to her evil husband David, wh...moreI didn't think I was going to like this book after reading several reviews, but I hate to leave series undone, and thought I should give it a chance, at the very least. And although I didn't love it, there were several parts I truly enjoyed, and had it not been for the way the adultery was portrayed, I think I could have really loved this book.

Lady Claire Linds, formerly Claire Banning, is on her way home from visiting her sisters' who she loves dearly, to her evil husband David, when she is snatched from her carriage, and taken captive. Finding out she is to die, Claire manages to escape and runs for her live trying to make it home, which is coincidentally not to far from where she is being held captive, only to be chased and captured again for an altogether different reason. Colonel Hugh Battencourt is a secret government agent and believes she is a traitor to her country and feeding the French valuable information. Kidnapping her to retrieve important letters and stop this French spy, he does not believe Claire at first, when she informs him he has the wrong person. Ultimately, he believes her, but their attraction for each other is so strong, Claire, believing they will never see each other again and marriage be damned, spends a glorious night with Hugh. Three months later, Hugh reveals himself to be the Duke of Richmond, and her husband's cousin. Angry with him, but still in love with him, Claire wars with her feelings for him and decides now, consequences be damned, she will take Hugh anyway she can have him, most likely as his mistress. Meanwhile, Claire's evil husband is plotting to kill her, as he's run out of money and needs a new bride with a new dowry. Hugh and the Bow Street Runners have been investigating and before he is apprehended, David attempts to kill them and make it look like his wife and his cousin were having an illicit affair (which they were) and they accidentally perish in a house fire. They ultimately escape and David, so distraught over the thought of charges being brought against him, commits suicide. Claire and Hugh marry within a month.

First of all, props to Karen Robards for throwing a different sort of, er, relationship? out there, one of married woman and secret lover. Very brave, and I think, it was done okay. The horrible marriage Claire suffers could have been exhibited from the beginning, showing David as a cruel and evil husband in person, instead of in just Claire's mind, I think would have gone a long way to bringing about sympathy for Claire and understanding for the need of love in her life, even if it was just for one night. However, the book did start off with a bang! We hit the ground running and it doesn't stop running for quite some time, and I imagine that was the purpose, grab 'em and go! I loved the excitement and action, and thought it was believable and I was so enthralled and so ready to keep going! But all good things must come to an end, I suppose, and unfortunately, this one came to an end halfway through the book.

Claire is a nice enough character. I really respected and liked her in the first half. She was no simpering miss, struggling to survive no matter what, and fighting, almost to the death for her survival. However, in the second half, she turns into a needy and all of a sudden upright citizen. She wants Hugh, but at the same time, she will not risk scandal, for her family's sake. She seems to have a hard time relaying that message to Hugh, what with holding him, and pushing him away, yes, no, yes, no! She is upset she'll never see him again, to never wanting to see him again, to she loves him and is ready to be his mistress. I understand emotions run high, but it is a little much in just half the book.

Hugh on the other hand, well, not until end does he claim he loves her. She seems as sort of a toy to play with for him, especially when we learn later in the book he knew of his relation to her husband and failed to mention it. He teases her for her anger, and thinks he'll seduce her anyways. It's never mentioned that I can remember, in his thought processes, how much he yearns for Claire, not until it becomes clear her life is in danger. I feel if Claire was a little too much, he was a little to . . . little I guess. I wanted more from his character, and felt he could have been fleshed out just a bit more.

The other issue I had with this book, is the rule breaking, or rather, the amount of rule breaking in this series so far. Now, I enjoy a bit of rule breaking here and there, it's what makes a regency exciting. How can they get away with it?? Ooh, the scandal! However, I feel the first two books in the series have done so much rule breaking, and the third is said to be as bad, I can't overlook it. Granted, risk taking is appreciated, but the adultery was enough to push the scene. Specific things that bothered me: Gabby, the older sister is married to the man who just last year pretended to be their long lost brother, and he and Gabby are married, respectfully so. How is this possible? Does he not go out in public? Everyone saw him 'get shot' last year and die, and no one outside the family is to know he was on a mission, so how are they not the height of gossip for that alone? It's never adequately explained, conveiently Gabby is confined to her bed with a difficult pregnancy during the season, but guests at a ball ask after her and the baby's health. Also, divorce was a big no-no in these days, and anyone seeking a divorce would be shunned by proper society, and black marked for life. Yet Hugh offers to 'buy' Claire's freedom from her husband so David will grant her a divorce, and she will be free to marry him. Claire who at one point had decided to leave Hugh alone to prevent scandal, decides this is a great idea, if David will agree. If not, they'll just run off together, scandal be damned. Never mind her youngest sister is yet to marry or that Hugh is a Duke who must stand in society. And finally, after David commits suicide, Claire is suppose to observe proper mourning, which is a year. No one is told of his treachery, to save face for his mother, so no one knows how evil he was, (which I also disagree with hiding) and Claire is now a widow. Instead of observing her year of mourning, she agrees to marry Hugh in a month. A month! This would surely be a scandal, even if he is a Duke, but nothing is said of it, and they act like it's not really too big of a deal.

I think this could have been a great novel, if just a few things could have been tweaked, but as it stands, I enjoyed several parts of it, and was annoyed at just as many parts. I know Karen Robards writes contemporary romantic suspense as well, I would bet those are significantly better, and will probably give them a try in the future.
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May 11, 2010

Nisha rated it

Recommends it for: those who still read spy romances but would appreciate a twist

Shelves: historicalromance, dangerous-or-bad-boys, men-in-uniform, stranded, super-large-family-series

Honestly, I usually don't like books like these. I mean, the hero is a spy set to capture some female spy and stumbles upon the heroine, but does not believe her story about not being a spy. Oh yea, the heroine is also unhappily married - that's a twist. With all the factors going against it, I began thinking, 'I don't want to study cell biology and starting a PNR is too much commitment.' I'm kinda glad I walked in with low expectations.

Claire runs for her life after escaping a kidna...moreHonestly, I usually don't like books like these. I mean, the hero is a spy set to capture some female spy and stumbles upon the heroine, but does not believe her story about not being a spy. Oh yea, the heroine is also unhappily married - that's a twist. With all the factors going against it, I began thinking, 'I don't want to study cell biology and starting a PNR is too much commitment.' I'm kinda glad I walked in with low expectations.

Claire runs for her life after escaping a kidnapping, but unfortunately stumbles upon Hugh, a British spy, looking to pick up and kill a French female spy. After being immediately attracted to her, he repeatedly does not believe her story about being a married woman, kidnapped on her way home, and a lady to boot, EVEN after seeing all the signs. They finally sleep with each other (Adultery on Claire's part - but somehow acceptable, in this case), before parting - Claire back to her cold marriage and Hugh back to being a spy.

3 months later, Claire's life is nearly normal, as she plays chaperon to her sister. The missing Duke (to whom her husband is heir for) returns during a ball and, surprise, surprise, it's Hugh. He tries to initiate an arrangement, since he cannot marry her. She refuses and life goes on. Until, Hugh discovers a nefarious plot by her husband against her life.

Ok, I did not want to spoil everything, but I'm sure its clear where this is heading. I would like to pick at the married woman becomes mistress deal first. This was a surprising part in any HR I have read in recent history. HR heroines are generally not married, and they surely do not initiate affair with their husband's cousin. But I really liked this aspect of the plot. It's a nice break from the virginal heroines (spy or otherwise) that we have previously read about.

Next, Claire's husband. He's a real piece of work, I tell ya. He's a pretty boy, with a small package and no skill(very unlike the hero), and a cruel personality. Oh, did I mention that he doesn't even like women. Yep, implications of homosexuality. Seriously? Why can't he be a heterosexual abusive husband? No, he has to not like woman, that's why he married the creme of the ton and lives an unsatisfactory married life.

Anyway, there were a lot going against this book, but it was entertaining and somehow, i just wanted to know how scandalous the circumstances are when Claire and Hugh tie the knot. I liked it and I recommend this to anyone who wants mindless pleasure and don't mind dumb-as-a-doornail heroes (he also has a lot of hair, everywhere - I imagined him waxed and Hugh Jackman).
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May 18, 2011

Maria rated it

Shelves: historical-romance

After reading one other historical romance by this author, I was less than thrilled to find that I had another one in my hands. This time, however, it was a completely different thing. Ms. Robards captures the edge-of-the-seat spirit of her romantic suspense novels and puts it in this book right from the very beginning. In fact, this book is almost written backwards. With most books, you gently and smoothly build the action to a climax which occurs somewhere near the end. This book has the ...more

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Oct 19, 2009

Mom rated it

The story was okay, but sometimes too many small details it got boring.

Claire Banning fulfilled every debutante's dream when she married a rich nobleman. Soon, however, the celebrated beauty realizes she wed a dissolute wastrel. Bitterly hurt and desperately lonely, Claire vows nonetheless to take her expected place in society. Then on a journey home to her husband's estate on the coast of Sussex, she is abducted, and her life -- and her heart -- are changed forever.
Hugh Batta...more

· see review

Jun 12, 2010

willaful rated it

Shelves: bye

An okay read, but a bit adventurous for my tastes. As the heroine thinks to herself, "It had been just a little more than twenty-four hours since she had been kidnapped from her carriage--in a crime that had seen her coachman, and possibly her other servants, murdered--had overheard plans for her own murder, hit a vicious brute over the head with a chamber pot, crept out a window, ran across a boggy moor for her life, climbed down a cliff so slippery and treacherous that she had feared fall...more

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Jun 14, 2009

Hanah Tahir rated it

I enjoyed it, but it was long-winded, and the story is just really short.. But I guess that's how the author made it seem so interesting. Because I really couldn't put it down! I was becoming agitated and excited about Claire and Hugh's meetings. Everytime they meet, sparks seriously fly around my imaginations! and Robards made it seem like I was there witnessing them :P

The thing about villainy sounds too cliche for the historical romance genre, and the book is very predictable. What...more

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Jan 15, 2012

Melissa Kelly rated it

I stumbled across this book and was intrigued by the title. Amazing how one word sold the book to me, huh? I quite enjoyed it. It's an English romance novel. Lady Claire is kidnapped, from her carriage as she travels along the countryside towards her home. And, as she escapes, she is kidnapped again. She is taken on board a ship destined for France as her identity is mistaken for someone else. On board she must try to convince her captors of who she truly is. There are great description ...more

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Aug 27, 2011

Lisa Jo rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: physical-collection

Robards has another winner with Irresistible! This novel was not as enjoyable as book one, Scandalous (which I loved!), but it was still a fantastic read. Robards did get carried away with the description at certain points, but that was only a minor distraction. Hugh was an amazing, wonderful hero and easily lovable! I was sighing in delight quiet a few times while reading this novel! There are plenty of twists and turns in Irresistible to keep you turning page after page after page. I put this ...more

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Aug 09, 2011

Mariah rated it

Irresistable was an amazing story. A whirlwind of scandal, romance, danger, hatered, charm, and true love. Clair and Hugh's story within the famous Banning trilogy is a great second book to the series and I say it's a must read. See how Hugh and Clair came together, fought off the dangers they faced, in the mean time falling in love. The only part I didn't like about this book is that she cheated on her husband, but read the book and find out all about it.

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Apr 28, 2010

Lori rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: april-2010, historical, read-in-2010

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

· see review

Jul 08, 2011

jackie frye rated it

This book grabs your attention on the first page and keeps it until the last page. A case of mistaken identity, an English intelligence agent, a lady in an unhappy marriage, a love that has little chance of ending in marriage these are a few elements in the fast paced novel. I enjoyed every page.

· see review

May 09, 2010

Ruth rated it

Shelves: historical-romance

Excellent historical romantic thriller, well-written and exciting. I really enjoyed this one. The plot sounded a bit far-fetched, but the suspense kept on going right from the first page. It made a great sequel to Scandalous, without really requiring any knowledge of it.

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Sep 06, 2010

Stacey rated it

Recommends it for: Anyone that love Historical romances.

I loved how there was always something happening. And the end result was a shocker, i couldn't believe who was trying to kill Claire. Can't wait to read the next installment about Beth Banning. :) I gave this book 5 stars cause it had me hooked from the very first page. :)

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Feb 04, 2011

Jolan rated it

· review of another edition

As is usual I read the second in a series first! Always out of order. This book was good and although I didn't read the first yet, it was a story of its own, very good. I can't wait until I read the first and second.

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Aug 09, 2011

Jody rated it

Shelves: library

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Apr 25, 2011

Me Lin rated it

Shelves: american-british-historical, z-robards-karen

One of the things I enjoyed most about the Banning Sisters trilogy is that compared to other romance novels that feature this time period, they married unique men: spies. I think I enjoyed this book most of the three because Hugh and Claire had the most to overcome.

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Sep 30, 2010

Tressa rated it

Shelves: romance

This was a good sequel to Scandalous. Once again, the characters were intriguing. I also found the moral decisions made by the characters fascinating.

· see review

Jun 09, 2010

Lacey Weatherford rated it

I had a hard time finding anything Irrestistable about this book. There were of course elements through out that I liked but overall I had a really hard time getting into it for some reason.

· see review

Mar 30, 2011

Linda rated it

Shelves: historical

This was pretty good, although I generally do not enjoy romances that involve adultery.

· see review

Jan 09, 2011

Blossomwinds rated it

Shelves: misc-historical-romance

Great book - just know that the 3rd one will cost you double the price.

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Dec 01, 2010

Doris rated it

It's been some time since a read a romance. Easy reading fun!

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Jun 23, 2010

Nieca rated it

Read the first and third, so thought I should read the second.

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Jun 07, 2010

Kari rated it

Shelves: 2010

This one was a bit slow for me. I didn't see the connection between the hero and heroine. Hoping then last in the series is better.

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Apr 01, 2009

Blskelly rated it

Good, but not my favorite from this author.

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Feb 03, 2012

Cheryl Tollestrup rated it

Loved it!

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Oct 27, 2011

S rated it

Disappointing.

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Feb 07, 2010

Anastasia Pickett rated it

Shelves: steamy-romance

I thought I was well written and filled with passion. I enjoyed it but I thought the ending seemed forced or rushed.

· see review

Oct 21, 2007

Terri rated it

Shelves: romantic_suspense

the second in the banning sisters trilogy...where oh where is book three?

· see review

May 04, 2008

Mitzi rated it

Shelves: writer-karen-robards, genre-historical-romance, heat-3-boiling, heat-4-sizzling

Great. Book 2 in Banning Sister Trilogy.

like 1 like

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Feb 07, 2012

Dawn rated it

Shelves: suspense, mystery, action-adventure, historical-romance

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About Karen Robards

Karen Robards (born about 1957) is a best-selling author of over thirty romance novels. After first gaining recognition for her historical romances, Robards became one of the first historical romance novelists to successfully make the switch to contemporary romantic fiction. Her work has been translated into eleven languages, and has won awards from both Romantic Times and Affaire de Coeur.
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Irresistible (Banning Sisters Trilogy #2)

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