To Distraction [Mass Market Paperback]

I read all of Stephanie Laurens books, and will definitely read the next, but she has done better work and I really hope the next one is better. If I were to catagorize this volume, it would be a bodice ripper. Her hero is "male", "primitive", even "dangerous". To the point that I started counting the number of times she used the words. Eventually even that got old and I would just turn the page to get on with the story. Her heroine is "intelligent", "capable" and "independent", yet justifiably afraid of this dark large Alpha male :shiver:. Yeah right!

I agree with the other reviewers who felt that the book was 100 pages too long, most of it used for the tripe above. It almost felt like she was stretching it.

However, it does wind up nicely with two interesting little cliff hangers at the end. But at least the one about Dalziel seems to be tossed in as if she just remembered it. Apparently we will see the real villian of this place somewhere else as it seems she still has work for him.

If you have read her other novels, including Captain Jack's Woman, then this is one for you. But if you are just starting, I'd start elsewhere.

I honestly like almost everything Stephanie Laurens has written. Obviously some readers have gotten a wee bit tired of her standard formula, but if you're after hot and sexy historical *escapist* romances, she does a consistently better job than almost every other writer out there. She's writing for a 21st century audience, who likes hunky alpha males and intelligent, spirited heroines who aren't willing to settle for some ordinary, boring gentleman. There's been some surprising grumblings in the reviews here, so please note that the point of these novels is romantic erotica, not historical accuracy. The only historical romance author I've read who has handled realities such as contraception well is Robin Schoen, and her novels are a lot darker.

The romance, the overall story and the writing here was good enough that I've read this book twice. Our hero may have initiated their relationship (doh! Isn't that what alpha males are supposed to do?), but, despite her initial reservations, she was a full, willing and intrigued participant, and well able to keep him from riding roughshod over her despite his "possessive, obsessive" tendencies and nearly overwhelming maleness. I also liked that he admired her for what she was doing to rescue women, and that he helped her rather than just take over. Overall, this is an excellent addition to the enjoyable Bastion series - all of which I recommend! And I can't wait to find out what kind of heroine captures the elusive Dalziel - so keep'um coming!

The most attractive thing about this book is the Hero. Deverell, Viscount Paignton is just so so beautiful and lovable. He could not be more perfect physically or otherwise. You will fall in love with him every time. I know I did. Problem is I have met him before - many, many times before. See, he was also Gabriel, Devil, Tony, Tristan, Jack, Scandal, Vane and all the others. Just very superficial changes - color of eyes or hair. Ms. Laurens only knows how to write about this one type of alpha-male. She even uses the same phrases: the social mask, holding on to his demons, protecting his female etc etc.

And the same applies to the heroine. See if you recognize her: She is so independent; doesn't want to get married; she wants to experience the "pleasures" without getting married; she needs to be carefully initiated into the art of love-making starting from the very first kiss; after the first time, she will have sex every day or night for as long as the courtship lasts without giving a thought to the possibility of pregnancy; she rushes headlong into "dangerous" situations from which she has to be rescued by the hero, even after recognizing that she is in love with the hero, she needs "something more" to convince her that she needs to get married etc etc. In this book she is Phoebe Malleson but you know she was also Alathea, Flick, Leonora or any of the others.

The plot was so superficial. The reasons given why these women turn their backs on the institution of marriage are so ridiculous - especially for that era. You know how with some authors you will actually cry with the characters, it doesn't happen with Laurens. Superficial.

I don't think this book was well written at all. You read one whole chapter before you are introduced to the heroine. You are two-thirds into the book before you realize that there is a real villain. I read one reviewer who thought that the writing was just so perfect. I totally disagree as I thought that there was almost an underlying tinge of desperation in the writing. Ms. Laurens was trying so hard to write a good book. All those two-word sentences were so melodramatic which resulted in the rolling of the eyes quite a few times. I noticed that this book was not released in hardcover format and do hope that it is not a sign that the publishers have had enough of her formulaic approach and are about ready to pull the plug on her. As irritating and annoying as I find her writing sometimes, I do enjoy reading about THE MAN in whichever way she presents him to us. At least please let her tell us about Dalziel. Awaiting his arrival.

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