Lady Letitia Randall is married now, but events conspire to bring this once-enamored couple together once again. Letitia's brother is in trouble, and she needs someone with Christian's capabilities to help. The question is, can they put aside their acrimonious passions to solve the mysteries that surround Letitia and her family? Letitia doesn't know if she can forgive what she sees as Christian's abandonment, and Christian is still embittered by what HE sees as Letitia's betrayal of the love they once shared. Murder and mayhem become the norm, and they each struggle against their passions, their past and a doubtful future. Their circumstances are not helped by Letitia's husband's strange partners, and the mysterious business they operate in secret.  Are they trafficking in human lives? Or is the business hidden merely because the ton frowns upon tradesmen? Christian feels beleaguered on all sides, and deceived by his own memories of the glorious passion he shared with Letitia twelve years before. All he can do is hope for a quick resolution, so he can get back to his quiet life, and try to forget the woman he thought loved him.

An adroit mix of romance, erotica and mystery, Stephanie Laurens' Bastion Club series is well presented and easy to like. The sex scenes are indeed erotic, and long — a bit disconcerting for those who like their romances less exhausting — but the characters are well crafted and three dimensional, giving the reader a chance to get into the story, and care about the conclusion. Each book in the series stands alone superbly, and the supporting personalities are fleshed out exceptionally well.

As the reader begins to take a vested interested in the outcome of the story, they are drawn into Ms. Laurens' world of historical romance. Fulsome heroines, principled heroes, humorous sidekicks and staid duennas all blend seamlessly into a dramatic and romantic whole. Ms. Laurens has a definite flair for characterization, and her books are constant best sellers. A terrific summer read, this title is highly recommended for those who like their escapism reading passion-filled, with mystery and romance aplenty. ENJOY!