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Banning Sisters #2
Irresistible
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 Battancourt -- a dark and dangerous nobleman who long ago turned his back on the ton and now leads a life secretly dedicated to his country's service -- is determined not to be swayed by his prisoner's beauty as they share a cabin on a ship bound for France. Lives depend on his retrieving from her a letter full of secrets she intends to turn over to the enemy. But even as Claire and Hugh engage in a battle of wits and wills, captor and captive find themselves drawn irresistibly to each other. Is it possible, Claire wonders, that she could discover the true meaning of love that has eluded her with this handsome stranger? One who will lay his life on the line in order to protect her from someone who is intent on placing Claire in the path of danger?
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.
Hugh Battancourt -- a dark and dangerous nobleman who long ago turned his back on the ton and now leads a life secretly dedicated to his country's service -- is determined not to be swayed by his prisoner's beauty as they share a cabin on a ship bound for France. Lives depend on his retrieving from her a letter full of secrets she intends to turn over to the enemy. But even as Claire and Hugh engage in a battle of wits and wills, captor and captive find themselves drawn irresistibly to each other. Is it possible, Claire wonders, that she could discover the true meaning of love that has eluded her with this handsome stranger? One who will lay his life on the line in order to protect her from someone who is intent on placing Claire in the path of danger?
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.
336 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2002
91 people are currently reading
1086 people want to read
About the author
Karen Robards
126 books3,248 followersKaren Robards is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than fifty books and one novella. She has won multiple awards including six Affaire de Coeur Silver Pen Awards for favorite author.
Karen has been writing since she was very young, and was first published nationally in the December 1973 Reader's Digest. She sold her first romance novel, ISLAND FLAME, when she was 24. It was published by Leisure Books in 1981 and is still in print. After that, she dropped out of law school to pursue her writing career.
Karen was recently described by The Daily Mail as "one of the most reliable thriller....writers in the world."
Karen has been writing since she was very young, and was first published nationally in the December 1973 Reader's Digest. She sold her first romance novel, ISLAND FLAME, when she was 24. It was published by Leisure Books in 1981 and is still in print. After that, she dropped out of law school to pursue her writing career.
Karen was recently described by The Daily Mail as "one of the most reliable thriller....writers in the world."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
May 27, 2023
3.5 stars. Easy to read romance with a somewhat compelling story. But some things felt draged out to much but an okay read overall. Found the banter rather fun. Started the series out of order so might go back to the first one.
May 11, 2010
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 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).
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).
October 24, 2023
4.25
Me ga gustado mucho más que el anterior. Tiene mucha acción y tanto Hugh como Claire me encantan.
Me ga gustado mucho más que el anterior. Tiene mucha acción y tanto Hugh como Claire me encantan.
not-for-me
October 30, 2024Note to self:
Another gay villain 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
Another gay villain 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
July 16, 2025
3/5
Just like in the first book of the series, I had the same opinion about the writing style...
I felt like a third of the book was unnecessary.
Why? Because the pacing was way too slow, and the overly detailed descriptions of absolutely everything were exhausting.
Claire and Hugh were "interesting", though honestly, they were annoying for more than half the book. In the previous book, I never would've imagined Claire choosing such a terrible husband or hiding her true passion.
I'll admit, I kept sneaking glances at the upcoming pages... my eyes would catch on certain lines or events, and I pretty much knew what was going to happen next... even though it all unfolded painfully slowly.
Just like in the first book of the series, I had the same opinion about the writing style...
I felt like a third of the book was unnecessary.
Why? Because the pacing was way too slow, and the overly detailed descriptions of absolutely everything were exhausting.
Claire and Hugh were "interesting", though honestly, they were annoying for more than half the book. In the previous book, I never would've imagined Claire choosing such a terrible husband or hiding her true passion.
I'll admit, I kept sneaking glances at the upcoming pages... my eyes would catch on certain lines or events, and I pretty much knew what was going to happen next... even though it all unfolded painfully slowly.
July 4, 2017
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, 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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2020
Reconozco que me ha sorprendido para bien, sin llegar a enamorarme.
Tenemos a una mujer que se deja llevar por las apariencias y que cree haber encontrado un buen esposo, y que conforme lo va conociendo se da cuenta de la sabandija con la que se ha casado, pero ya es tarde.
Entonces en una serie de aventuras conoce a Hugh, que pretende ser un foragido, tienen un romance, es todo muy bonito y la verdad es que bastante interesante también. Me daba miedo que cayeran en lo típico pero ha sabido resolver bastante bien la trama. Aunque mi parte favorita es cuando vuelven y se complica todo con el marido, lo que quiere hacer y de más. Creo que hace que recuerdes el libro y se vuelva menos olvidable, y además huye de las historias más sencillas y sensibleras y habla de situaciones que desgraciadamente pasaban en esta época.
Me ha soprendido para bien, en muchos aspectos, lo malo es que me ha faltado chicha en los protagonistas, que se me han quedado un tanto descafeinados, y su historia de amor necesitaba un punto más de pasión para llegar al 4, se queda en 3.5.
Tenemos a una mujer que se deja llevar por las apariencias y que cree haber encontrado un buen esposo, y que conforme lo va conociendo se da cuenta de la sabandija con la que se ha casado, pero ya es tarde.
Entonces en una serie de aventuras conoce a Hugh, que pretende ser un foragido, tienen un romance, es todo muy bonito y la verdad es que bastante interesante también. Me daba miedo que cayeran en lo típico pero ha sabido resolver bastante bien la trama. Aunque mi parte favorita es cuando vuelven y se complica todo con el marido, lo que quiere hacer y de más. Creo que hace que recuerdes el libro y se vuelva menos olvidable, y además huye de las historias más sencillas y sensibleras y habla de situaciones que desgraciadamente pasaban en esta época.
Me ha soprendido para bien, en muchos aspectos, lo malo es que me ha faltado chicha en los protagonistas, que se me han quedado un tanto descafeinados, y su historia de amor necesitaba un punto más de pasión para llegar al 4, se queda en 3.5.
August 31, 2018
I do like Karen Robards books but there are a lot of Americanisms in stories that are supposed to be set in England. It also seems like she finds some slang she likes and then repeats it throughout the book. I seriously doubt a member of the upper classes would use the phrase 'turn me up sweet'. It sounds more like East End slang.
Also, she makes 2 really obvious and basic mistakes that are so glaring, I wonder where her copy editor was. Firstly she has Claire at the beginning of the book looking down from granite cliffs (btw Sussex is made up of chalk and clay not granite, but I digress here) to the Atlantic below. Both West and East Sussex have English Channel, not Atlantic coastlines. It's a pretty big mistake to make, unless you are insular and believe it doesn't matter.
The second glaring mistake she made was a schoolboy error (or schoolgirl in this case). When Claire is kissing Hugh he wonders if she is "spinning the biggest web of lies since the Trojans left their gift and pretended to walk away from Troy". It was the Greeks that left a gift for Troy. Why would the Trojans leave a gift for themselves?!!
I still enjoy Karen's writing, but these errors of hers did surprise me greatly.
Also, she makes 2 really obvious and basic mistakes that are so glaring, I wonder where her copy editor was. Firstly she has Claire at the beginning of the book looking down from granite cliffs (btw Sussex is made up of chalk and clay not granite, but I digress here) to the Atlantic below. Both West and East Sussex have English Channel, not Atlantic coastlines. It's a pretty big mistake to make, unless you are insular and believe it doesn't matter.
The second glaring mistake she made was a schoolboy error (or schoolgirl in this case). When Claire is kissing Hugh he wonders if she is "spinning the biggest web of lies since the Trojans left their gift and pretended to walk away from Troy". It was the Greeks that left a gift for Troy. Why would the Trojans leave a gift for themselves?!!
I still enjoy Karen's writing, but these errors of hers did surprise me greatly.
September 26, 2012
I struggled w/giving this a three. I considered a two. Normally I give a solid read a three. While this is a solid story w/all your components I can't belive Robards had the h have an affair. O.K. so maybe everyone does now a days and maybe 50% of people get divorced but this is suppose to take place forever ago and it's really hard to admire the h when she sleeps w/someone even if her husband is a jerk... To me it could have been done differently. Just my two cents which I wasn't really asked to give but there you have it none the less.
January 22, 2017
This wasn't as good as the first one, I'm asking myself if I have the strenght to read the third one: although I like Beth most I don't know if I have the patience to read what i assume will be a rehearsal of the previous books, because that's the problem this book suffered from: plotwise it's almost identical to the previous one.
At least in the previous book I liked the MCs, in this one they're so bland. Hugh is a manipulative dick, Claire is the classic woe-is-me chick.
The plot wa so dragged out i as constantly checking how many pages i had left. It really didn't grab me.
At least in the previous book I liked the MCs, in this one they're so bland. Hugh is a manipulative dick, Claire is the classic woe-is-me chick.
The plot wa so dragged out i as constantly checking how many pages i had left. It really didn't grab me.
dnf
October 16, 2014I think I am going to dnf this book. It just wasn't holding my interest. I even tried reading it instead of listening to it but it's not for me. The whole thing was just too improbable and contrived. Which is a shame because I generally really like this author. I think I will stick to her contemporary romantic suspense.
March 30, 2017
Este singura carte din serie care m-a dezamagit putin. Povestea este interesanta, dar autoarea a preferat sa adauge o gramada de descrieri care nu-si aveau rostul ( o actiune banala este descrisa pe cel putin 8-9 pagini ), iar cand a ajuns la punctul culminant, a scurtat-o in stil mare. De asemenea, nu mi-a placut ca autoarea a creat acea situatie care a dus la aparitia geloziei intre surori. Si nu inteleg ce a fost in mintea ei cand a adaugat acel pasaj/moment in care Hugh este vazut dimineata in compania unei prostituate ( si Claire ii vede), iar seara, la bal, el ii declara dragoste netarmurita lui Claire. Nu mi s-a oferit nicio explicatie.
September 4, 2016
DESAFÍO HISTÓRICO: I de Irresistible (1/6)
Mi primer libro de Karen Robards y me apena no decir gran cosa. Su estilo de escritura es un poco redundante. Se detiene en escribir párrafos muy largos sobre alguna tontería nada interesante.
Mientras que Hugh me parece un tipo bastante decente (dentro de todo), Claire me pareció bastante aburrida y simplona. Su vena dramática se ve reflejada en la cursilería que desata en su primer beso romántico, su primer encuentro "apasionado" con ese "hermoso desconocido", su "corazón roto", su corazón roto por partida doble, bah, sobre todo en materia sentimental Claire se vuelve la densidad de la densidad. Quizá en esos momentos al comienzo cuando luchaba por su vida parecía un personaje que valía la pena leer, pero decae rápidamente en tonterías y esas cosas.
El tema que le juega en contra es que yo no me siento cómoda leyendo historias de personas casadas. He leído, sí, un par que no estuvieron mal, pero he descartado también porque no lo sentía bien. Así que ya ven, no fue un bodrio en toda regla, pero tampoco la crème de la crème. No descarto leer las historias de sus hermanas, pero tampoco es que me muera por leerlas.
Mi primer libro de Karen Robards y me apena no decir gran cosa. Su estilo de escritura es un poco redundante. Se detiene en escribir párrafos muy largos sobre alguna tontería nada interesante.
Mientras que Hugh me parece un tipo bastante decente (dentro de todo), Claire me pareció bastante aburrida y simplona. Su vena dramática se ve reflejada en la cursilería que desata en su primer beso romántico, su primer encuentro "apasionado" con ese "hermoso desconocido", su "corazón roto", su corazón roto por partida doble, bah, sobre todo en materia sentimental Claire se vuelve la densidad de la densidad. Quizá en esos momentos al comienzo cuando luchaba por su vida parecía un personaje que valía la pena leer, pero decae rápidamente en tonterías y esas cosas.
El tema que le juega en contra es que yo no me siento cómoda leyendo historias de personas casadas. He leído, sí, un par que no estuvieron mal, pero he descartado también porque no lo sentía bien. Así que ya ven, no fue un bodrio en toda regla, pero tampoco la crème de la crème. No descarto leer las historias de sus hermanas, pero tampoco es que me muera por leerlas.
January 31, 2016
The goods: Clair is one tough character, having clawed her way through an awful father, his lecherous friends, a crumbling and emotionally abusive marriage, a kidnapping attempt, and then a successful kidnapping. She's a survivor. I love that she and Hugh hated/mistrusted one another for almost half the book before affection began to grow. Books where the kidnapped heroine can't help but find herself attracted to her captor within just a few pages drive me bonkers.
The not-as-goods: Hugh could have been better. Not telling her who he was, forcing her to find out in the middle of a crowded ballroom was not cool. Trying to convince her to be his mistress was not cool. Banging her even though they were related by marriage, well, if he'd told her who he was maybe that wouldn't have bothered me, but he didn't, so not cool. I wasn't a fan of how the whole prickly mess was neatly tied up in he end, but that's just me. And, like the first book in this series, the author is way too descriptive, taking forever to get to the point. Word count doesn't go in your favor if everything is repeated four times.
The not-as-goods: Hugh could have been better. Not telling her who he was, forcing her to find out in the middle of a crowded ballroom was not cool. Trying to convince her to be his mistress was not cool. Banging her even though they were related by marriage, well, if he'd told her who he was maybe that wouldn't have bothered me, but he didn't, so not cool. I wasn't a fan of how the whole prickly mess was neatly tied up in he end, but that's just me. And, like the first book in this series, the author is way too descriptive, taking forever to get to the point. Word count doesn't go in your favor if everything is repeated four times.
March 29, 2012
I really like Robards writing style, but I find I’m not a fan of her books. Robards didn’t stay true to Claire’s character from one book to the next. She also just summed up all the loose ends from Scandalous in one quick paragraph.
A few years have passed in the storyline since the last book ended. The story begins with Claire isolated in an unsatisfying marriage. In escaping her kidnappers, Claire is mistaken for a French spy and captured for questioning and execution. Claire then has to convince Hugh of her true identity. I wasn’t pleased that Claire was already married when she starts her liaison with Hugh.
A few years have passed in the storyline since the last book ended. The story begins with Claire isolated in an unsatisfying marriage. In escaping her kidnappers, Claire is mistaken for a French spy and captured for questioning and execution. Claire then has to convince Hugh of her true identity. I wasn’t pleased that Claire was already married when she starts her liaison with Hugh.
December 30, 2013
im not sure but the books suggested that he cheats with a "NO LADY" after he rturns in ENGLAND, and it didnt even come clean at the end if he sleeps around whn she refuse to be his mistresss.....so far two books from karen robards has the same plot, hero sleeps around when the heroine refuse to be his mistress, the other is LOVING JULIA...so this is the end for karen robards for me....sleeping around after he sleeps with the heroine in the book is cheating for me and cheating is a very big issue for me..so ill avoid this author FOREVER
May 22, 2014
This book, like it's predecessor, was much too long. Hell, the first dialogue between the hero and the heroine took up about 70 pages. Not to mention that the characters were flat, the story was kind of silly, and there wasn't any real chance to enjoy what little chemistry the characters had without them saying I love you or making out.
September 19, 2019
3,5 ⭐⭐⭐🌠
February 10, 2016
This is Claire, the middle Banning sister's story, who wanted a safe life with a man as different from her abusive father as possible.
Years later, her choice of husband proved to be less than ideal, and she's pretty much miserable and trying to hide it from her sisters. To make matters worse, she gets abducted by villains who were paid to get rid of her, and when she manages to escape them, she falls into the hands of a captivating scoundrel named Hugh, who believes she is a French spy.
Sparks fly between them and Hugh is soon convinced that she's not the woman he'd been intending to intercept, but their adventures are not quite over, and danger and close proximity, mixed with intense attraction, bring the two together for a few unforgettable days.
Claire's return home isn't as satisfying as one would expect, since she now has to get back to her miserable life and pretend that she does not long for someone she'll never see again.
As luck, or fate, would have it, they do meet again, but she is still married and he is .
The identity of the mastermind behind her first kidnapping is still unknown, although it was pretty clear who it must have been, .
Enjoyable story with the obligatory happy ending. Beth, the youngest Banning sister's story comes next in Shameless.
Previous book review:
✦ Scandalous (Banning Sisters trilogy, #1)
Years later, her choice of husband proved to be less than ideal, and she's pretty much miserable and trying to hide it from her sisters. To make matters worse, she gets abducted by villains who were paid to get rid of her, and when she manages to escape them, she falls into the hands of a captivating scoundrel named Hugh, who believes she is a French spy.
Sparks fly between them and Hugh is soon convinced that she's not the woman he'd been intending to intercept, but their adventures are not quite over, and danger and close proximity, mixed with intense attraction, bring the two together for a few unforgettable days.
Claire's return home isn't as satisfying as one would expect, since she now has to get back to her miserable life and pretend that she does not long for someone she'll never see again.
As luck, or fate, would have it, they do meet again, but she is still married and he is .
The identity of the mastermind behind her first kidnapping is still unknown, although it was pretty clear who it must have been, .
Enjoyable story with the obligatory happy ending. Beth, the youngest Banning sister's story comes next in Shameless.
Previous book review:
✦ Scandalous (Banning Sisters trilogy, #1)
May 18, 2011
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 suspense start on the first page and build for nearly three-quarters of the book when the reader finally gets to sit back and relax for the last quarter, except for one blip, which is supposed to be the climax but which seems tame in comparison to the first three-quarters of the book. As usual, all the other elements of a good story are here: great characters, relatively logical plot, and smooth flow of writing as the scenes unfold. I believe I won't be disappointed to pick up another historical by this author from this point on.
November 27, 2012
Untuk yg gak suka cerita di mana heroinnya gak setia sebaiknya jangan baca buku ini. Ini cerita ttg Claire. Anak kedua Banning sisters yg cantik jelita. Sayangnya nasib Claire nggak seindah wajahnya. Dia menikah dgn bangsawan kaya dan tampan tapi ternyata nggak mencintai dia. Nah waktu pulang dari rumah kakaknya, Gabby, si Claire diculik, lalu disangka mata-mata. Mula2 Claire ketakutan setengah mati sama penculiknya, tapi lama2 setelah diliat2 lagi ternyata penculiknya itu cukup ganteng dan selalu melindungi Claire. Si penculik ini bernama Hugh Battancourt (mudah2an gak salah eja) dari awal udah kagum sama kecantikan Claire, tapi dia mengira Claire ini mata2 atau pengkhianat sehingga apa pun yg dibilang Claire dia gak percaya. Tapi akhirnya percaya juga sih, karena Claire mabuk laut berat sampai muntah2 dan Hugh yg menjaga.
Aniway pokoknya ceritanya lumayan bagus, walau di beberapa bagian agak melambat. Sebenernya mau ngasih 3.5 bintang tapi gak bisa jadi kasih 4 aja deh. Gak sabar pengen baca buku 3 nya. Cheers :)
Aniway pokoknya ceritanya lumayan bagus, walau di beberapa bagian agak melambat. Sebenernya mau ngasih 3.5 bintang tapi gak bisa jadi kasih 4 aja deh. Gak sabar pengen baca buku 3 nya. Cheers :)
February 20, 2012
This is the second book in the Banning sisters trilogy. It was the last book I read since I had a hard time getting the book. I think this is the best book of the trilogy.
Hugh and Claire's love story had a theme of being star-crossed lovers, having found each other too late and in the most precarious situation. Nevertheless, they pulled through. From the Shameless, I already loved Hugh and Claire. I think Claire is very beautiful, bold and courageous. I was really waiting for how they would end up together since Claire was already married.
I wished I saw Gabby and Nick more in the book because I really loved them, too.
Again, I fell in love with another one of Karen Robards' books. I look forward to reading another historical from her.
Hugh and Claire's love story had a theme of being star-crossed lovers, having found each other too late and in the most precarious situation. Nevertheless, they pulled through. From the Shameless, I already loved Hugh and Claire. I think Claire is very beautiful, bold and courageous. I was really waiting for how they would end up together since Claire was already married.
I wished I saw Gabby and Nick more in the book because I really loved them, too.
Again, I fell in love with another one of Karen Robards' books. I look forward to reading another historical from her.
June 14, 2009
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 made me buy the book is that because Hugh is a duke, and Hugh reminds me of Hugh Jackman haha.
another weak part of the book: I was too focused more on the romance and it annoys me whenever I get to read a long introduction about something or someone - I just skip it.
The thing about villainy sounds too cliche for the historical romance genre, and the book is very predictable. What made me buy the book is that because Hugh is a duke, and Hugh reminds me of Hugh Jackman haha.
another weak part of the book: I was too focused more on the romance and it annoys me whenever I get to read a long introduction about something or someone - I just skip it.
August 28, 2011
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 book down only a few times because I had to know how this story would end!
Overall Rating: 4/5
Heat Level: 4/5
Lisa @ Once Upon A Chapter
Overall Rating: 4/5
Heat Level: 4/5
Lisa @ Once Upon A Chapter
August 15, 2015
Claire se casou com o homem de seus sonhos, para logo se ver decepcionada com o marido. Mas durante uma visita a irmã é sequestrada e depois de fugir dos seus captores e leva por engano por Hugh, um agente do rei que pensa que ela é uma espiã. E ao se tornar cativa, é aos poucos envolvida pelo magnetismo deste homem que não confia nela. No entanto, quando a verdade vem à tona, mesmo se condenando cai nos braços de Hugh e ao retornar para casa descobrirá que a vida lhe reservas muitas surpresas e que sua vida pode está correndo perigo.
September 1, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I ended up listening to audiobook but would recommend reading instead.
May 4, 2008
Great. Book 2 in Banning Sister Trilogy.
January 3, 2015
A pirate-y favorite! When Robards is at the top of her game, she writes a fun bodice- ripper. More like this.
August 30, 2025
Iată o recenzie fără spoilere pentru Suflete captive (titlu original Irresistible), volumul 2 din trilogia Banning Sisters scris de Karen Robards:
________________________________________
Rezumat (fără spoilere)
Claire Banning, tânăra și frumoasa debutantă din înalta societate, realizează cu durere că mariajul său cu un aristocrat nu este ceea ce își imaginase — lipsit de intimitate și plin de regrete. În timpul unei călătorii spre conacul soțului său, viața ei ia o întorsătură dramatică: este răpită de necunoscuți și devine prizoniera unui misterios nobil, Hugh Battancourt, pe o navă ce se îndreaptă spre Franța.
Hugh, care a refuzat mult timp societatea aristocratică, trăiește o viață periculoasă, dedicată unei misiuni secrete pentru binele țării. Convin¬s că Claire ascunde informații cruciale, el este hotărât să o țină sub supraveghere. În ciuda tensiunilor și luptei de voință dintre ei, dezvoltă o atracție irezistibilă, marcând începutul unei istorii pasionale
________________________________________
⭐ Impresii ale cititorilor
Libertatea pentru femei
Un articol de prezentare descrie volumul ca fiind „o poveste senzuală și fermecătoare”, plasată în perioada Regentei, cu o atmosferă irezistibilă pentru cititorii de romance istoric
Goodreads & recenzii internaționale
• Holly, pe Goodreads, exprimă frustrarea față de stilul narativ: excesiv de verbos, cu un ritm lent, susținând că „primele 10 capitole și ultimele 5 ar fi suficiente pentru a înțelege întreaga carte”
• În schimb, Linda Smith laudă povestea ca „incitantă, plină de spirit și senzualitate”, apreciind farmecul și modul în care traducerea nu afectează impactul narativ
PaperbackSwap & recenzii diverse
• Un cititor o consideră o lectură „gripping” — captivantă și atrăgătoare
• Alt comentariu îl caracterizează drept „predictibil, dar o lectură plăcută pentru vară”
Recenzii din comunități de cititori
• Deb D. remarcă tonul istoric, „picant”, cu ritm alert și distractiv
• Totuși, Tonya B. critică stilul ca fiind prea voluminos și discută rapiditatea cu care se dezvoltă relația dintre captor și captivată: „erau împreună în 24 de ore, după ce ea fusese răpită” — un detaliu care i s-a părut greu de crezut
• Willy W. comentează ritmul lent și dialogurile intercalate cu reflecții interminabile, ceea ce poate îngreuna citirea; totodată, structura temporală (acțiunea concentrată în două zile) îi pare insuficient exploatată dramatic
________________________________________
Puncte forte
• Atracție erotică și chimie: Relația dintre Claire și Hugh e încărcată de tensiune și pasiune.
• Suspans pe fundal istoric: Răpirea, misterul legat de Claire și atmosfera Regency sunt ingrediente eficiente.
• Divertisment romantic: Mulți cititori o percep ca o lectură plină de farmec și escapism, „perfectă pentru vară” sau momente de relaxare.
________________________________________
Aspecte care pot deranja
• Stil verbalos: Prezentat ca detaliat — poate chiar prea mult pentru unii cititori, ceea ce conduce la ritm lent și întreruperea fluxului dialogului
• Dezvoltare prea rapidă a relației: Unii simt că conexiunea romantică se manifestă prea brusc (în doar 24 de ore de la răpire)
• Prea multă reflecție internă: Dialogurile sunt deseori întrerupte de gânduri extinse ale personajelor
• Predictibilitate narativă: Pentru unii cititori, povestea scoate la iveală prea repede concluziile, reducând suspansul
________________________________________
Concluzie
• Suflete captive este o poveste romantică istorică condimentată cu mister și senzualitate, ideală pentru cei care caută escapism și chimie intensă între personaje.
• Estetica Regency, răpirea dramatică și tensiunea dintre captor și captivă oferă o lectură atractivă pentru fanii genului.
• În schimb, cititorii care preferă ritm alert, dialoguri concise și evoluții naturale ale relațiilor pot găsi stilul prea lent sau excesiv reflexiv.
________________________________________
Rezumat (fără spoilere)
Claire Banning, tânăra și frumoasa debutantă din înalta societate, realizează cu durere că mariajul său cu un aristocrat nu este ceea ce își imaginase — lipsit de intimitate și plin de regrete. În timpul unei călătorii spre conacul soțului său, viața ei ia o întorsătură dramatică: este răpită de necunoscuți și devine prizoniera unui misterios nobil, Hugh Battancourt, pe o navă ce se îndreaptă spre Franța.
Hugh, care a refuzat mult timp societatea aristocratică, trăiește o viață periculoasă, dedicată unei misiuni secrete pentru binele țării. Convin¬s că Claire ascunde informații cruciale, el este hotărât să o țină sub supraveghere. În ciuda tensiunilor și luptei de voință dintre ei, dezvoltă o atracție irezistibilă, marcând începutul unei istorii pasionale
________________________________________
⭐ Impresii ale cititorilor
Libertatea pentru femei
Un articol de prezentare descrie volumul ca fiind „o poveste senzuală și fermecătoare”, plasată în perioada Regentei, cu o atmosferă irezistibilă pentru cititorii de romance istoric
Goodreads & recenzii internaționale
• Holly, pe Goodreads, exprimă frustrarea față de stilul narativ: excesiv de verbos, cu un ritm lent, susținând că „primele 10 capitole și ultimele 5 ar fi suficiente pentru a înțelege întreaga carte”
• În schimb, Linda Smith laudă povestea ca „incitantă, plină de spirit și senzualitate”, apreciind farmecul și modul în care traducerea nu afectează impactul narativ
PaperbackSwap & recenzii diverse
• Un cititor o consideră o lectură „gripping” — captivantă și atrăgătoare
• Alt comentariu îl caracterizează drept „predictibil, dar o lectură plăcută pentru vară”
Recenzii din comunități de cititori
• Deb D. remarcă tonul istoric, „picant”, cu ritm alert și distractiv
• Totuși, Tonya B. critică stilul ca fiind prea voluminos și discută rapiditatea cu care se dezvoltă relația dintre captor și captivată: „erau împreună în 24 de ore, după ce ea fusese răpită” — un detaliu care i s-a părut greu de crezut
• Willy W. comentează ritmul lent și dialogurile intercalate cu reflecții interminabile, ceea ce poate îngreuna citirea; totodată, structura temporală (acțiunea concentrată în două zile) îi pare insuficient exploatată dramatic
________________________________________
Puncte forte
• Atracție erotică și chimie: Relația dintre Claire și Hugh e încărcată de tensiune și pasiune.
• Suspans pe fundal istoric: Răpirea, misterul legat de Claire și atmosfera Regency sunt ingrediente eficiente.
• Divertisment romantic: Mulți cititori o percep ca o lectură plină de farmec și escapism, „perfectă pentru vară” sau momente de relaxare.
________________________________________
Aspecte care pot deranja
• Stil verbalos: Prezentat ca detaliat — poate chiar prea mult pentru unii cititori, ceea ce conduce la ritm lent și întreruperea fluxului dialogului
• Dezvoltare prea rapidă a relației: Unii simt că conexiunea romantică se manifestă prea brusc (în doar 24 de ore de la răpire)
• Prea multă reflecție internă: Dialogurile sunt deseori întrerupte de gânduri extinse ale personajelor
• Predictibilitate narativă: Pentru unii cititori, povestea scoate la iveală prea repede concluziile, reducând suspansul
________________________________________
Concluzie
• Suflete captive este o poveste romantică istorică condimentată cu mister și senzualitate, ideală pentru cei care caută escapism și chimie intensă între personaje.
• Estetica Regency, răpirea dramatică și tensiunea dintre captor și captivă oferă o lectură atractivă pentru fanii genului.
• În schimb, cititorii care preferă ritm alert, dialoguri concise și evoluții naturale ale relațiilor pot găsi stilul prea lent sau excesiv reflexiv.
July 27, 2021
5/5 stars!
A very unexpected five stars! I picked this book up at a charity shop a few months ago and I really fancied a good old fashioned historical romance. Quick and cheerful. But I actually ended up really loving it. I mean what more could you want? Enemies to lovers? Pirates (sort of?)? A scandalous affair? A good old twist? I couldn’t really ask for more.
I loved the second half slightly more than the first I think they were on the ship for far to long in my opinion and the twist in the second half actually blew me away I never saw it coming and the twists just kept coming and coming! It was getting more and more exciting it really gave me Devil in Winter vibes which I love so much. If you like a lot of action in your romance books (like me I have to have something other than the romance going on, that this is for you.)
I also liked Claire a lot she was very bold even from the start she was giving her kidnappers and Hugo a run for their money. Really smart and resilient and doesn’t need anyone to save her. This book was written in 2002 as well so I suspecting some of it to age badly (saying he was gypsy looking was something I didn’t approve of and also it kept saying how Claire was so teeny tiny and how young and pale she was, why have they always got to look prepubescent and ‘milky’ white?!) Yeah didn’t like that I like to think more modern novels have learnt from their problematic mistakes.
I’m really excited to read more of Karen Robard I want to thank whoever put this book up for donation as I have now another author which I’m going to look forward to reading more from. I even bagged the first book Scandalous as I want to find out more from Claire and it really does sound rather scandalous. Something else I really liked about the book I felt it wasn’t afraid to go to certain places and I guess It wasn’t overly sexual (not sure if that’s a good or a bad thing for me but still) if your not a fan of overly sexual romance novels that this is for you as it is purely passion but not completely prudey and has a lot of steamy moments.
But I’m so excited to read more from Karen Robard I think Lisa Kleypas is still my favourite romance author if you haven’t read from Lisa either she really is the gateway drug to historical romances which you can binge read for hours.
A very unexpected five stars! I picked this book up at a charity shop a few months ago and I really fancied a good old fashioned historical romance. Quick and cheerful. But I actually ended up really loving it. I mean what more could you want? Enemies to lovers? Pirates (sort of?)? A scandalous affair? A good old twist? I couldn’t really ask for more.
I loved the second half slightly more than the first I think they were on the ship for far to long in my opinion and the twist in the second half actually blew me away I never saw it coming and the twists just kept coming and coming! It was getting more and more exciting it really gave me Devil in Winter vibes which I love so much. If you like a lot of action in your romance books (like me I have to have something other than the romance going on, that this is for you.)
I also liked Claire a lot she was very bold even from the start she was giving her kidnappers and Hugo a run for their money. Really smart and resilient and doesn’t need anyone to save her. This book was written in 2002 as well so I suspecting some of it to age badly (saying he was gypsy looking was something I didn’t approve of and also it kept saying how Claire was so teeny tiny and how young and pale she was, why have they always got to look prepubescent and ‘milky’ white?!) Yeah didn’t like that I like to think more modern novels have learnt from their problematic mistakes.
I’m really excited to read more of Karen Robard I want to thank whoever put this book up for donation as I have now another author which I’m going to look forward to reading more from. I even bagged the first book Scandalous as I want to find out more from Claire and it really does sound rather scandalous. Something else I really liked about the book I felt it wasn’t afraid to go to certain places and I guess It wasn’t overly sexual (not sure if that’s a good or a bad thing for me but still) if your not a fan of overly sexual romance novels that this is for you as it is purely passion but not completely prudey and has a lot of steamy moments.
But I’m so excited to read more from Karen Robard I think Lisa Kleypas is still my favourite romance author if you haven’t read from Lisa either she really is the gateway drug to historical romances which you can binge read for hours.
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