Potent Pleasures

The Pleasures Trilogy, Book 1

By: Eloisa James

Narrated by: Susan Duerden

Nothing is more seductive than temptation.

Reckless desire sends Charlotte Daicheston into the garden with a dashing masked stranger. He's powerful and unforgettable, a devastatingly handsome footman who lures her - not against her will - into a grand indiscretion at a masquerade ball. Then he vanishes.

Several years later, after Charlotte has made her dazzling debut in London society, they meet again. But the rogue is no footman. He's rich, titled, and he doesn't remember Charlotte. Worse, he's the subject of some scandalous gossip: Rumor has it that the earl's virility is in question.

Charlotte, who knows all too intimately the power of his passion, is stunned by the gossip that has set society ablaze. At last, there can be a storybook ending... unless, of course, Charlotte's one mad indiscretion had not been with him at all.

©1999 Eloisa James (P)2014 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Can't Wait to read the Rest of this Trilogy

It really thrills me when I get to start a series that starts out as wonderfully as this one. I picked this up via Audible and spent a lot of my time just riding around to hear more. Had I been reading this, I’m sure I would have never put POTENT PLEASURES down - except to heed natures call - and to get something to eat or drink! Naturally as a fan of Eloisa James, this seems to happen each time I pick up one of her books - they’re just that good!

About to make her debut to society, Charlotte Calverstill the youngest daughter of a duke, was given leave to visit Julia, a school chum. Her mama was busy completing arrangements for Charlotte’s come-out ball. Charlottes friend Julia was a bit foolish and always falling in love and Charlotte was talked into attending a masquerade ball to keep Julia out of trouble. Innocents that they were, neither realized it was a courtesans ball and the lemonade was spiked. Julia didn’t drink her tainted lemonade, Charlotte did. So when a darkly handsome young man swept her into his arms Charlotte went willingly and after he relieved her - not against her wishes - of her virginity Charlotte realized she was ruined.

Years later, when Charlotte and the rouge (Alex Foakes) meet again, the still devastatingly handsome Earl does not remember her, yet he is totally smitten and vows to wed her. Charlotte finally knows who he is, and that he is primarily looking to find a mother for his young daughter so Charlotte planned to lead him a merry chase. However Charlotte couldn’t resist the same sizzle that affected him also affected her.

However, while this sets the stage for the beginning of the tale it is by no means the end of the story. I simply can’t give anymore away. The marriage does take place, and the emotional upheavals, the joys, betrayals, and trust issues are all there, making for both joyous and heartbreaking scenes. I found POTENT PLEASURES to be an emotional roller-coaster ride. Charlotte was so precious, so very innocent even after she had been ruined. Her mother the duchess was so very loving, and at times the dialogs between them were actually hilarious! Just remember the term “floppy poppy” and you’ll understand what I mean.

Alex Foakes, the Earl of Sheffield & Foakes, was a superb hero – a wonderful papa, to his orphaned year old daughter; a consummate lover; and a bit of jerk all at the same time! Ms. James portrayal of the Charlotte and Alex was wonderfully complex and beautifully done. Lessons learned here were how damaging gossip, twisted and turned could ruin lives and cost unnecessary damage.

Bottom line: Eloisa James continues to be tops on my list of authors for remarkable storytelling, her exuberant humor, sensual love making and emotions. At times I would have liked to hit Alex over the head, for his stupidity; and his daughter Pippa will make your heart sing! Excellent read!

Marilyn Rondeau

The Pleasure is all mine!!

Lets just say it this is a book that pulls you in from the start. With a major twist at the start of the story and the consequences that follow. This is a series I plan to continue, and well worth the credit!

Not a fan of the Hero

The Hero deserved to be kicked to the curb by the heroine, which made the ending of the book beyond nauseating. Staying with someone who never listens to you, jumps to horrible conclusions about you, treats you like dirt, yells at you, and threatens to take your child away from you based on the unsupported gossip of other people and you stay just because (a) his ex wife had affairs so his behavior is somehow understandable and (b) you allegedly have such overwhelming love for him that you will forgive anything is eye rollingly ridiculous.

Too verbose.....

The story was a pleasure but was often bogged down in a lot of irrelevant chatter. The author's editor should encourage more focus on the story and less on simply adding just to add. .There were several passages that pertained to nothing and added nothing to the story., remember just because you can write does not mean it should be included. I would have given 5 stars if the book were edited a bit more..

Roller Coaster

The characters were interesting, some of which are set-ups for future books. Many possible pair combinations!

Both Alex and Charlotte were very passionate. Alex could be a hothead, and cruel at times. Charlotte was forgiving to a point, but no pushover, and had great maternal instincts. I found myself dreading an inevitable confrontation. (The author was evoking strong emotions from me.) Many of their troubles could have been avoided by communication. But then that would be a boring book!

The narrator did a good job with the voices.

Lots of passion, likeable characters

Loved it, even though I wanted the great mystery to be revealed sooner. However, the author knew best and handled beautifully. Patience rewarded, it was charming and cleverly done! Ms. James writes very passionate love scenes and in this story there are many, much to the delight of this longtime lover of historical romances! Contented sigh...

Mixed review

The lead male character was so malicious it made me cringe. It was actually pretty distressing in some moments. I was torn between wanting them to work things out and wanting her to get rid of him.
Besides those traumatic moments, I did enjoy the book.

sweet story. more realistic hero than other books

I liked the story a lot. the hero is temperamental and moody, which to my experience in reading and listening is unusual in romance stories. most become besotted fools by chapter 5. I liked it overall.

Impotency, virginity, passion are center stage

The hero has an unbridled temper that often gets in the path of his reason. The heroine is a typically naive debutant whose ignorance of all things sexual creates multiple stumbling blocks on her path understanding love and marriage. The vicious gossip of members of the ton and a set of twins keep the story moving albeit for a little longer than necessary

Exquisite

Drama, intrigue and love abound! Extremely well crafted and Alex's voice was exquisite in feeling the story along. I cringed at his scours. Thank you!!!