Pearl's World of Romance - Reviews with a Passion: The Club

March 10, 2009

The Club - Sharon Page (ARC)

8:00 AM |

This book was released on February 24th and I reviewed it for REALMS ON OUR BOOKSHELVES

Back Cover:
Enter a world of sin, scandal, and the most forbidden pleasures. Enter the seductive world of award-winning author Sharon Page, whose new novel will take your breath away with a tantalizing blend of Regency romance and erotic thrills.

It is London’s most secretive gentlemen’s club—a place where no well-bred lady would dare to be seen. But Lady Jane Beaumont has no choice. Her friend Del has vanished, and Jane must enter into a dangerous charade to find her. Now, within the gilded walls of this erotic lair, Jane awaits the lover she has procured for the evening. But the man who enters her bedchamber is no stranger. He is Del’s brother and London’s most notorious rake—a man on a rescue mission of his own. Christian is intrigued by the innocent beauty who clearly does not belong in the notorious brothel. And as the two seek out the damning secrets of the club…as Christian initiates Jane into the ways of true sensual pleasure, she knows she has entered the most dangerous place of all—where the price of temptation could be her heart…

When one of her best friends disappears without a trace, Jane St. Giles decides to start her own search-and-rescue mission. Her search starts at a brothel for couples known as "The Club". There she finds out that Del's brother Christian Sutcliffe, Lord Wickham, is also looking for his missing sister. Jane feels responsible, Christian feels guilty and after some heated differences of opinion they decide they can accomplish more by joining forces. The search for Del uncovers not only more mystery, but also feelings between Christian and Jane that will be thoroughly explored.

Jane is the widow of an abusive man. She is cautious with men because of her past experiences and doesn't give her trust easily. She is courageous, loyal and tenacious but there's also an air of vulnerability surrounding her.

Christian is hurt by his difficult childhood and guilt ridden because of his actions in the past. He may seem coldhearted or selfish but he has good motives for his actions and he has genuinely cares for his sister. He has the reputation of a wicked rake but he's honorable, protective and passionate. He’s a man of secrets with sides to him that he rarely shows to anyone. Christian's patience with and respect for Jane's delicate feelings and fears were truly endearing, especially taking into account his rakish past and his fiery nature.

Christian and Jane are both headstrong and don't avoid confrontation. The chemistry between them sparkles right of the pages. They are both characters that are rounded and believable. Their relationship develops in a realistic pace, taking into consideration Jane's abusive past. They both have been through a lot at of unpleasant things but find solace in each other.

The plot is set up excellently and it's credible. During the first part the search for Del is the driving force and focus of the book. About halfway through the book with the rescue of Del, the mystery plot seems mostly unraveled but that's where it really starts because more mystery is uncovered and Christian becomes determined to solve it all in order to protect not only his sister but Jane too. This is where the book picks up the pace, surprising me with twists and turns and where the real romance between Jane and Christian begins to develop.

Ms. Page has written a wonderful Regency romance. It is thorough and original in plot and has well-written, complex characters who will capture your heart immediately.
I must say that the plot did have to grow on me in the beginning as I was having trouble reconciling subjects as sex clubs, whipping and bondage with the non-explicit and historical setting. But once I got used to it and let myself be lured into unraveling the mystery, I was pleasantly surprised by an original and consistent historical romance that was both sensual and refreshing.
The love scenes are a bold a mix of tenderness, discovery and passion. Sensuality is embedded into the romance. It's enthralling without being too explicit or graphic.

Sharon Page's first mass market novel offers a historical treat with a thrilling mystery that needs to be solved and a well-developed romance that is rich in detail and background. She found the perfect way to create a solid, sensual and captivating historical tale of love and suspense. I for one am ready for her next mass market paperback.