Shameless [Mass Market Paperback]

Shameless by Karen Robards
Historical Romance - April 13th, 2010
5 Stars

Shameless is the third novel in Karen Robards's Banning Sisters trilogy. This trilogy tells the stories of each of the Banning sisters: Gabriella, Claire and Elizabeth. The first book begins with Scandalous, then Irresistible and now concludes with the final story, Shameless.

Shameless is the story of the youngest and most headstrong sister Lady Elizabeth Banning. Despite her many seasons among the ton Lady Elizabeth is considered a heartbreaker and flirt due to the fact that she has become engaged three times and has scandalously broken off all three engagements. She is afraid of becoming a man's property. During a house party, Lady Elizabeth is attempting to end her most recent engagement when she encounters Neil Severin. He is a wicked rogue and a secret government assassin. Despite Neil's black reputation his ability to focus on the job has made him extremely successful. However, his legendary focus is disrupted when he encounters Lady Elizabeth in a difficult situation. He is immediately drawn to her and when he discovers that his most current target is someone Lady Elizabeth holds dear, it only complicates matters for him. What begins as an accidental meeting for these two strangers becomes an adventure for two people who draw out the best in each other.

Karen Robards does a fantastic job creating two main characters that you can enjoy as individuals. She takes the time to explore the different and complex natures to their personalities. The author did a particularly great job with Neil Severin character, I felt he was a bit darker than most historical heroic characters but she made him into a person who you can find redeemable and worthy of finding happiness. I truly loved how the author created characters that were interesting on their own but become even more compelling as the two character spent more time together. Karen Robards also did a fantastic job with the minor characters in the book. I found myself very interested in their lives and what might happen to them in the future.

As someone who loves historical novels as my favorite type of book to read I must say that Karen Robards does an absolutely wonderful job of creating an original and creative story with compelling and complex characters. I wanted to learn more about them and was extremely pleased when the book ended happily for them both.

I highly recommend Karen Robards latest Banning sister trilogy novel. I only suggest you triple your enjoyment and by reading the books in order to enjoy them most!

Reviewed by Mary from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

I haven't read a book I liked this much in years. I read the first two books when they were released and had almost given up on the author finishing the series. It has excitement and just enough romance to keep me hooked. I loved the main characters, especially Neil, the main male character. He isn't the typical hero and he has officially become my favorite for the foreseeable future :)

If Karen Robards reads this, please keep writing historical romances. I'm not into this obsession with the vampire/supernatural books and when I find an author who can write historicals as well as you can, I hate to think there are no more to follow because it's not the trend at the moment. Thanks for the great read!

Although the Napoleonic Wars are over with the little dictator dead, in 1817 the British War Office still seeks out French sympathizers. Near the top of their wanted dead list is dangerous half British-half French assassin Neil "Angel of Death" Severin.

When Neil and Lady Elizabeth Banning meet, each is instantly attracted to one another after he rescues her from her latest rejected suitor. However, Beth is unaware that her hero is playing a deadly game with her brother-in-law planning to use her as a pawn in a deadly cat and mouse contest. However, his scheme is devastated when he falls in love and when sex slavers kidnap his beloved Beth to sell at auction in Trelawney Castle. In spite of knowing the risk he takes, Neil attempts a rescue that if he succeeds puts him in jeopardy with the Home Office.

The third Banning Sisters Regency romance (see Scandalous and Irresistible) is a great fast-paced adventure tale from the moment Neil crashes the ball and never slows down. The lead couple is a terrific pairing as she rejects suitors though that hurts her reputation and he has a death warrant issued for his head. With a wonderful twist, Karen Robards provides a fabulous historical tale.

Harriet Klausner

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 31 reviews  4.3 out of 5 stars