Potent Pleasures

The cover of this book is lovely-- I hope publishers take note of how tasteful and appealing such covers can be.
The book itself has some power, some emotion, but reads pretty much like a first draft. I'm not a big Regency reader, but even I noticed mistakes everywhere, like the major who is about to become an admiral (presumably he's going to have to switch from the army to the navy first), and all the British girls in the latest French fashions when they've been at war with France for 10 years. The whole feel of the book was kind of weird because there was no attempt to create a plausible Regency-era backdrop. I kept being yanked out of the story to ask, "Did anyone do any research here?"
But there were also problems with the book's scenes. There was one scene that was sort of like a flashback in the hero's point of view, back to the night before, and I got so confused about where we were and who we were with-- at one point, we're in the heroine's head, and how could that be, since the whole scene is a flashback in the hero's head? It was hard keeping track of when things happened. There were also a whole bunch of scenes that had to do with minor characters, and I didn't find those very interesting.
I also didn't think the hero was much fun. He kept being really mean to the heroine because he believed she was sleeping with his brother, and he never had any evidence of that. It made him seem sort of psycho.
I also didn't really like that the heroine had sex with a guy she hadn't even spoken to and thought was a servant on the ground in a garden surrounded by other people. I know you can be swept away by passion, but even my wildest acquaintances in the dissolute 1970s wouldn't have done that.
But I thought the friendship between Charlotte and Sophie and Sophie's fierce loyalty and intelligence were admirable. I thought that was the really healthy, nurturing relationship in the book. Alex was more "good for one thing" and when she needed a friend, a helper, a comrade, a supporter, she turned to Sophie, who always helped her and believed in her. I think Sophie would make a great heroine.
I hope the editor helps more with any future books, because the author has talent but maybe needs a bit more training in things like history, point of view, and scene structure. I don't blame her though. I think it's hard to do that "on-the-job" training in public, to have your first book out there before maybe you're completely in control of your talent. I hope in the future she'll put into practice all she's learned.

I did not care for this book and yet I like other books by her that I have read. This one just didn't seem to work for me. It was confusing at times and the big misunderstanding that takes up most of the book could have been solved long before it was! Also, some of the writing doesn't fit with the era that is suppose to be represented. I would have to say it was disappointing in a number of ways.

...I agree with the other reviewers who dislike the hero (he's more of a jerk) and find the story disorganized, etc. I also thought it had too many unnecessary/uninteresting characters. I've read a few others by this author and would generally rate her books 3-4 stars. She's not a great writer and her plots really need work, but she can be entertaining. I didn't care for Alex either; he's hypocritical, judgemental, cruel and stupid, and I don't care how good-looking a guy is, he's got to have a little more than looks! And as for dumping his daughter with Charlotte, who he calls a whore, in Scotland - come on! That is just ridiculous. These novels are fiction, but even fictional characters have to act with some semblance of reality for the story to work for the reader. I did like Charlotte and got a kick out of Sophie. Had I been Charlotte I would have dumped Alex and gone after a nicer if less spectacular looking guy. She deserves better. I won't be reading any more of this series.

Although I've liked many of her stories,and nobody is too perfect, Alexander had too many anger issues. I disagree their first encounter was a rape, and it depicts how rich men treated women below them his later behavior was appalling. While it was true he suffer from of a form of PTSD, the way he treated his young bride, hurtful and abussive, prone to spew nasty words and vile, unfunded acussations, which me dislike him and ruined the book. True the men from that era owned their women, a fact that did not take away the sorrow I felt when I read the a book that supposed to be fun. I dislike reading about women who love their abusers, is just heartbreaking and just not enjoyable. It actually made me sad. Thus far this is the first book of EJ I would not recommend to anyone.

This book is highly awaited and proves to be a very big disappointment. The Regency genre is rich with compelling plots and exciting heros and heroines - but this is an exception.
There are very obvious historical and other inaccuracies such as Lady Jersey, who was a patroness of Almacks being only 12 years old in 1798; the waltz not being in Kent, England at that time; the title of a brother or son of an Earl not being a "Lord". You would think a Phd in English Literature would do better research.
Far worse than this is the plot which has the hero either making love to or verbally abusing his wife. His penchant for thinking his brother has been involved with his wife (and forgiving him but not his wife) and not bothering to investigate at all whether any of the gossip is true. I know that historical romance may have a bit of misunderstanding in it - but this level goes way beyond what is acceptable. I find it hard to believe that this sort of immature plotting is acceptable to readers.

Just prior to her eighteenth birthday, Charlotte Daicheston innocently accompanies a friend to the "Hooker's Masquerade Ball". While there, Charlotte loses her virginity to Alex Foakes, a future duke. Alex searches for her, but fails to find her. A few weeks later, Alex and his twin brother get in trouble and their father exiles them with Alex going to Italy.
By 1801, three years have passed since Alex was sent overseas. He has returned as the Duke since his father recently passed away. He seeks a wife to help him raise his little girl, who he sired while being married in Italy. At a ball, he meets Charlotte, who recognizes him, but he fails to do likewise. He pushes her into marrying him. They make love, but he goes crazy when he realizes she is not a virgin. Though they make up, one must wonder if love dies when trust fails to anchor it. Soon, this couple will be put to a life and death test.
POTENT PLEASURES is an interesting Regency romance that centers on how gossiping scandals can ruin lives. The story line is interesting even though readers will want to pound Alex at times for his boorish, obstinate behavior. Charlotte is a warm character and little Pippa will steal the audience's hearts. Eloisa James has written a historical romance that will please sub-genre purists even as it provides a moral lesson on loose lips sink relationships.

Harriet Klausner

This is a favorite of mine, even though it's not a James' new story. In fact, I've already read it more than once, and I have the paperback. I just decided to add it to my Kindle library, to make it easier to re-read it any time. It's one of those old/traditional romance plots, in a Regency setting, but, for a change, well-written. Eloisa James tells nice tales very well. Always a pleasure to read.

I wish I had read ALL the reviews here before I bothered with this book. I happened to look on a day when the batch of reviews at the top were all 5 stars. I figure the author and/or publisher must have called in a bunch of favors! There is no other possible way this book could have rated 5 stars.
This book is a mess. I won't bother to repeat all the historical errors already noted here. (Although my favorite howlers are the pajamas, the police, the army officer aspiring to be an admiral, and the reference to Rosetti, who wasn't born until 1828.) The point is, Ms. James cannot have done a single moment of research and, worse yet, neither did her publisher. No author of paperback Regency Romances could have gotten away with such sloppy work. Obviously the hardback editors are not so meticulous.
Even this abundance of factual/historical errors could have been forgiven if the story had been compelling and the writing engaging. Unfortunately, that was not the case -- very surprising for an author with a doctorate in English Literature. Frankly, Ms. James' background was one of the reasons I was drawn to the book. Though the dust jacket described a typical Regency Romance plot, I hoped that her academic immersion in English literature would have provided a firm grounding in language, narrative and structure that would have added a new dimension to a tried-and-true genre. Instead, I found horribly awkward sentence structures and no understanding of point of view. Add to all that a premise which wasn't remotely believable and you have one big disappointment.
The real puzzler here is what prompted the publisher to 1) buy this book, and 2) to release it in such a sloppy form?

At first I was a little discouraged to buy this book, after reading so many bad reviews, pointing to errors and historical inaccuracy. At the end I decided to buy it based on one reviewer that explained that those errors were only on the hard cover edition, not in the soft cover. Besides, I had already read "Enchanting Pleasures", the third novel in this series, and found it pretty decent. So I decided to take a risk with this one. I'm so glad I did!
This is one of the best novels I have read in a while!
It reminded me somewhat of Judith McNaught's "Something Wonderful", a novel and a writer that I love.
The story is full of passion, love, misunderstanding, jealousy, regrets, and forgiveness. What more can you ask for in a romance novel?
The only error I found is that in one part of the book I read that Charlotte's brother is 25 years old, and in another part, it says that, 3 years later, her mother (who apparently, since there is no mention of a previous marriage, is also his mother)is 41. By that math, she must have had him when she was 13! Not physically impossible maybe, but very improbable.
But that is a very minor mistake, I only noticed it because by coincidence, I had been wondering how old Charlotte's mother would be, since she appeared to be still young, and fun loving and understanding. I had calculated that she must be around 46 at least, based on Charlotte's brother's age. So I was surprised when I read that she was 41.
But this doesn't take away from a story that is heart-wrenchingly beautiful.
If you like a good romance, in the Judith McNaught style, I really recommend this book.

I purchased this horror of a novel based upon the rather enticing review, before the book was released. I'll never do that again!
Many, many error of historical reseach populate this book - I'm glad I wasn't the only one that picked up on the major wanting to become an admiral - gaff isn't the word for that one!
But there was one error of historical fact so key to the story that made this book absolutely unreadable - the infamous "Hookers' Ball."
Anyone who bothered to do any sort of basic research would have learned that the term "Hooker" (meaning a camp follower, but later to exclusively refer to a low class prostitute) derives from the American General Joseph "Fighting Joe" Hooker, a Union general from Hadley, Massachusetts, whose name became synonymous with prostitutes because of his business-like handling of camp followers, known then as "Hooker's Second Army." And Ms James - FYI, the American Civil War was fought from 1862 to 1865 - a little after the Regency period.
Not only is this a "schoolchild's fact", a brief check in a decent dictionary would have provided the origin of the word.
Furthermore, there would never have been a "Hooker's" Ball. "Hookers" in the correct historical perspective were camp followers, unattached women who followed armies to tend to enlisted men in both a sexual and menial capacity, doing laundry, cooking, sewing, as well as serving as sexual conveniences. They were considered the lowest form of prostitutes. In the "civilian" context they were equivalent to "streetwalkers" in Regency England.
A fancy dress ball to introduce professional streetwalkers to wealthly gentlemen ? I DON'T THINK SO. That's why they walk the streets.
Only the more exclusive of prostitutes would attend such a function - the "demimonde" - higher class women who had the looks and training to obtain long term "contracts" with such wealthly men.
Ms. James is aspiring to a Mary Balogh-like sensibility - but unlike the excellent Ms Balogh, her characters ring false with every action and word - her "wounded" heroine, after wallowing in her pain and grief, seems to miraculously recover after having to have dinner all by herself, to the extent that her entire personality changes from a shy loner filled with self-doubts to an exhuberant social butterfly, strong and confident. As for the "floppy poppy" - he is beneath contempt, or rather, his depiction is - inconsistent doesn't even begin to describe this moron. He tries to be the classic "romance misogynist" waiting to be reformed- but all we get is a whiny, foolish twerp who can't make up his own mind.
Ms James - I would, as well as the many, many other disappointed purchasers of your premier novel would like an apology. If you are planning to write another novel - I suggest you hire somebody to check facts. Otherwise, stick to teaching.

As regency romances go, this was unusual. It had a bit more plot I think than the ones I normally read. It took quite a bit of skill to pull off the idea of a guy who doesn't recognize a girl he had been with, but I think Eloisa James did it well. What I love about her writing is that I always feel strong emotions for her characters. Regencies are so often interchangeable. I can pick up one and wonder if I've read it because they are all so very similar. But this was unique. I will actively seek out more of her work. (Her Beauty and the Beast romance retelling is another of my favorites.)

Years from now people will see Eloisa James at the top of the best seller's list. I read Potent Pleasures with excitement. I knew that I was reading an author with real talent--the kind of talent that will soon be much better known.
I bought my copy before reading any of the reviews here that criticize the book for historical errors, but I confess that I didn't know enough to catch them as I read the book. The bottom line is that the book is an enjoyable read and is confidently written. I did not doubt the authority of the author. I read to be entertained and to be able to go to another world--and in this the book is a great success. And that is why I think that James will become a well known and respected writer in the near future. She has the ability, now perhaps a bit raw, to produce valuable books, ones that we will remember and keep.
I think it is exciting to find a new talent before she has fully developed her craft and has become recognized by the rest of the world. If you feel the same way, I suggest you try Potent Pleasures (and keep it).

This book was so poorly written I don't quite know where to begin. Since the author is a PHD in English, I suppose I'll begin there. The text is chock full of unnecessary colons, semi-colons, and exclamation points. At one point the heroine sees her mother's (the duchess), carriage arriving to pick her up from finishing school and she notes that the footmen are all 'in livery!'. I would think that it would be more remarkable if they were not in livery. The fact that they are in livery would not be a surprise to Charlotte. Colons and semicolons are even used in the dialogue, where it would have been far more appropriate to use dashes or dots.
There are also a couple of dangling participles with unintentionally humorous results. "Gasping, her eyes stared up into the dark leaves." is one that is particularly bad.
Here is a description of Charlotte (taken from the book).
'Just now the rage was for blondes: blondes with curly locks and blue eyes, but Charlotte had jet-black hair, her mama thought despairingly. She did have green eyes, but her skin was so white -- not a drop of color. True, with some coaxing her hair formed perfect ringlets, and her skin was creamy, but she was no pertly sweet debutante. Her eyebrows arched like question marks over eyes as green as the ocean on a cloudy day. In fact, her whole face was pointed like a question mark: Her chin formed a delicate triangle that simply led back to her eyes and those flying eyebrows.'
Her face was pointed like a question mark? Also, all through the book we hear about her flying eyebrows, and the hero's flying eyebrows (yes, he has them too) and the hero's daughter's flying eyebrows. Their eyebrows fly up in surprise too! A lot!
And then there is the problem of the plot being based on a misunderstanding that could have been cleared up with one sentence. "I was the girl you made love to at the Hooker's ball." Instead, the hero won't let the heroine explain, and he behaves so terribly I was surprised that she didn't shoot him rather than take him back. He called her a whore on more than one occasion.
Regency fans will want to avoid this book at all costs. The year is 1799, yet at the ball they are dancing the waltz, which had not been invented yet, and wouldn't be for at least another 10 years. In another passage, the hero is wearing pajamas. A nightshirt would be the appropriate bed attire for the time, since pajamas would not be worn for at least a hundred years. Also, there is the problem of innapropriate dialogue for the time. At one point the heroine says, 'thanks' and a paragraph later, 'Forget about it'. She sounded vaguely like the Italian mobster Regency Lady.
I could list more problems, but I hope you get the idea.

I did enjoy this book because I liked Charlotte so much. I had mixed feelings about Alex, I hated the way he treated Charlotte after their wedding night. However, I understood that he was so upset that she was not a virgin (he even got sick). I could even understand to a point about her pregnancy because she had her monthly when she left and men did not understand about such things (Charlotte didn't either). HOWEVER, I hated that he was so 'in love' with her but never asked her to explain. I did not like the things he said to Charlotte and jumped to such horrible conclusions including his brother who was supposed to be his 'right arm'. I hope he learned in the future to control his tongue! I was also frustrated with Charlotte for not giving him details about the night in the garden. I did enjoy the story and the secondary characters were great. Looking forward to reading about Sophie. I don't like books where the man is so verbally abusive but love when they have to come crawling back :-) As much as I love Judith McNaught, she does the same formula of the misunderstanding and successful with it.

I am on Thanksgiving vacation and reading some lighter stuff. I don't often read two regency romances at the same time, but figured I'd better keep my reading in a lighter note for the holidays. I saw the very pretty cover of Eloisa James's Potent Pleasures at the train station bookstore and decided to give it a whirl. Big mistake. I read through the old reviews here and many readers complained about the historical inaccuracies. I admit that their reviews were far more interesting and enlightening than the book itself. It appears that either the author or the editor fixed some of the more blatant and embarrassing inaccuracies (but still left some). Shame, shame on the author and publisher who researched and corrected the mistakes AFTER the readers pointed them out. Well... they should have fixed the story as well. Ugh. Charlotte Daicheston decides to join her friend to a seedy masquerade ball to see how the other half of the world (the ones without titles) lives. There she meets a dashing masked man who says he is a footman and they indulge in some very compromising things. A few years later, Charlotte makes her London debut and meets the dashing masked man again. But she discovers that he isn't a footman but an earl, one whose reputation of being a rake is fast dwindling due to rumors centered on his virility. Charlotte is determined to set things straight. Sparks fly between them again, but a secret will get in the way of their happiness. All it takes is for Alex to open his eyes to the truth. There are some twists throughout the novel.

Oh brother! Let the stupid misunderstandings begin! Charlotte is one of the silliest, eye-rolling ninnies I have ever read. She could have avoided a great deal of heartbreak had she set things straight to begin with. I know that this misunderstanding is the plot and if things had been straightened out we wouldn't have much of a story. But that isn't exactly a bad thing! Alex is a nasty piece of work. I don't think I've ever disliked a "hero" as much as I disliked this loser. I can't even call him an anti-hero because that description is better reserved for a compelling, complex character, and this one isn't that in my book. This male character treats Charlotte like the equivalent of garbage. And the worst part is that she keeps coming back for more. The scenes in which he is nice to her don't make up for his nastiness. I kept reading the book during my train ride in order to keep myself busy with something, but I had to keep the vile from rising when I read some of the scenes in this book. I hated the story and its characters, period. I give Potent Pleasures two stars because the author succeeded in getting reactions from me, even if they were mostly disgust. The author tried to do something similar to that of Judith McNaught, a story centered on misunderstandings. Perhaps she achieved the misunderstandings part, but she failed to create compelling protagonists that you care for and wish them well. I won't be giving the other Foakes brothers' books a whirl.

This book started out well -an innocent, young woman is convinced by a reckless friend to attend a masked ball and is seduced by the man of her dreams. Yes, that introduction has been used over and over in other romance novels, but it can still entertain.

Unfortunately the plot was far less interesting after their initial encounter. The main conflict revolves around the hero's inability to recognize the woman he seduced and his doubts about his wife's integrity. Despite his supposed love, the constant misunderstandings made me roll my eyes and groan with frustration.

Potent Pleasures wasn't terrible, but it certainly didn't make my top 10 list.

I felt I had to write a review with the several scathing reviews already written. There are too many characters and the author tends to go off on a tangent with many of them. The first meeting between Alex and Charlotte WAS slutty. How could he have sex with a complete stranger and it supposedly mean a lot to him, yet he never recognizes Charlotte later. I found myself skimming over the too long paragraphs that had little to nothing to do with the plot. HOWEVER, these problems were mostly in the first half. I nearly put the book away to never finish it. I am glad I stuck with it. The second half is what grabbed me and didn't let me put it down till finished. The second half of the book is emotionally wrenching and moves along swiftly. The ending saved the book for me. The birth scene was heartbreaking and the love scene 2 months later was redeeming for Alex.

If you can plod through the first half, you will enjoy the second half enough to make it worthwhile.

Once Charlotte leaves Lady Chatterton's School for Girls her life takes on a more mature roll thanks to her close friend and a tall dark handsome stranger at a secret masked ball. The experience is more than she bargained for so she decides to put her life in perspective by putting herself and her art before men and in the regency era that is quite a risk. Her parents fear their beautiful daughter will never marry. Three years later she meets the tall dark handsome stranger... well actually two of them... the Earl of Sheffield and Downes and his brother Patrick are twins. Which one took advantage of her so long ago? And does he remember it as well as she?
This sizzling regency is a story of lust and love. It is racy, passionate, sexy, not to mention full of jealously, high emotions and humor. The characters show a passion for life.
Take care: Potent Pleasure is not your run of the mill regency.

I'll admit to being a bit confused about some of the vehemently negative opinions on this book. I found it intelligent, delightful and a refreshing change from the generic romance books that have flooded the market lately. Perhaps because this author is making her debut in hardback? We are entitled to expect higher quality in a hardback, and I think this author delivered.
The book was reminiscent of Judith McNaught and Amanda Quick.... intelligent characters, richly nuanced storyline and sparkling dialog. I did not rate it a "5" because I found the momentum of the plot to sag in places. This is a forgivable sin, so long as the author loads the story with humor, emotion and captures the sense of time and place. This book certainly did that, and I will look forward to more from this author.
Let's hope that the publishers of romance novels will deliver more beautiful covers like this book. I think the books would sell to a wider audience if they abandon the cartoon-like quality that mars many romance covers.

This is Elise's debut novel and after reading it, I find myself very anxious for her next novel. This was definitely one of the best romance novels I have read, and I have read a lot! The characters were all unique in their own way. And they have a lot of depth to them. The plot is just intriguing. It gets you very hooked and leaves you begging for more. I loved how the main chracters didn't just reconcile in the end. They discussed the problem they had and dealt with it. Charlotte is such a great heroine. She is beautiful, smart, strong-willed and passionate. She is a great mother, friend and as great a wife. Alex is also as great a hero. He is as brave as handsome. I also loved the touch of him having an identical twin. He just adores his little girl! You have defintely got to read it. Great read, Eloise!

I started this book to pass an hour. Seven hours later I was done with it, and immediately regretted that I "swallowed" it so fast. It's a nice sort of "Cinderella" story where a hero gets enchanted with the girl and spends years comparing her to everyone else, measuring all other women to this girl's image. Yet, when he comes face to face with his "Cinderella" he does not recognize her, does not remember her. The ending is quite sweet when Charlotte arranges for Alex to finally "recognize" her, but I would have prefered it to be an accidental discovery on his part.

There are also some interesting side characters, and the book starts an introduction to the next story, which is my favorite twist in any book. I really enjoy sequels.

I brought all three in the Pleasures trilogy along for my vacation and none of them really wowed me. While the premise for Book 1 is intriguing and different, because it took so long to clarifying the misunderstanding and the misunderstanding generated so much misery, I found it kind of irritating. Plus the behavior of the hero in the story wasn't very admirable or romantic - he fluctuated between being goofy in love/begging for forgiveness to vicious and insulting. Also did not find some of the details and behaviors very realistic for the time period that the story is set in.

This book was okay. I don't think it was as howlingly bad as some other reviewers, nor would I give it a great review. I tend to lose interest very quickly when characters behave in a way that stretches the bounds of credibility. For example: The hero is so crazy about the heroine, and when she finally admits that she met him long ago, he doesn't press for details and just assumes it was his twin brother? Give me a break. No man is that incurious. However, some of the other characterizations are pretty good, as is the plot. I think this writer will improve with practice. All in all, it might be worth picking up at the library if there's nothing more interesting around.

I am a huge fan of romance novels - Quinn, Quick, McNaught and Iris Johansen to name a few. I got this book from the library because of the good reviews here. I couldn't get into it at all. I am not one to point out historical inaccuracies and I don't care too much about that whole aspect so nothing like that really bothered me. Pippa did seem a little vocally advanced for her tender years but whatever.
I didn't get into the romance as much as everyone else here seemed to. I didn't really like the characters. I have the whole set in this series out from the library so I will prabably finish it, but if I thing don't click for me by the end of the series I don't think I will read much more from James?

As a 91-year-old, life-long romance reader, I was enchanted by all the pleasures of Eloisa James' first novel. From the whimsical account of Charlotte's experience in finishing school, to the heart-wrenching child-birth scene, James' novel moved me to both laughter and tears. As a nonagenarian feminist, I was quite happy to encounter a heroine who was talented, witty and self-confident--not the simpering, doting females of many other romance novels. James has a masterful touch with witty dialogue, along with a delicious ability to evoke all the textures and nuances of the age. I found Potent Pleasures to be both imminently entertaining and ridiculously readable!

I could not understand how some reviewers could rate this book as a one. To each his own I suppose. Still, I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable romance with complex, well-developed characters and surprising twists and turns. Some people said they disliked Charlotte for going into the garden with Alex, but romance is all about being human and being human is about making mistakes and learning from them. Perfect love stories don't happen, it's the challenges and conflicts which the characters face that make the stories interesting and James seems like she is definitely capable of coming up with well thought out challenges. I can't wait to read Midnight Pleasures. Keep up the good work James and keep the books coming!

This book is neither POTENT nor PLEASURES at all! This is so far, THE WORST regency romance with uttery anemic stupid unattractive hero heroin. The hero Alex is a lack-wit bully while the heroin Charlotte is a lack-wit ninny a passive victim. It seems the logic behind the story is ill-logical. The author treats the readers as if they are retarded. Furthermore there are too many uninteresting minor characters that cause too much distraction. Also there are lot of unnecessary details that put people to sleep. The melodramatic tragic events in this book are forced and unwanted because they are not that tragic at all. The story does not flow well and lots of the dialogs are dull dying small talks. The plots suck. The only lively character perhaps is Sophie.

All mentioned above make this book a frustrating read. Had to put the book away. Too many well written books out there don't waste your time on this one.

This was the first book I read by this author and have now read everybook currently out. I joined her fan club on-line so I could be notified when each new book is released. I would have given this one 4 and 1/2 stars, if possible, only because of the way the two characters meet. I read a lot of regencies and it just seemed far-fetched that they could have a one-night stand back then. Eloisa does try to make it more believable, but it was just hard for me to get over that. The rest of the story is wonderful and kept me reading so that I finished it in one evening! Would highly recommend this book and everyother book by this author. Enjoy!

Sigh. This book is good gentle reader...really it is. But the beginning is very hard to get through. It is discordant and ungainly. At least, the first portion is. I had a hard time connecting with the characters...but that all changes by the last part. You root for the hero and heroine after you get through wanting to strangle both of them.

For a first book, it had ear marks of EJ's witty repartee between her characters that I have come to know and love.

I'm in my late 30s and decided to start reading some old classics like Brave New World, 1984, Endless Love, and Pride and Prejudice. I'm so glad Eloisa James got to write a little note in my copy of P&P because it made me want to read her works. I started with this first book of hers and LOVED IT! LOVE this time period, type of writing and LOVE LOVE LOVE all the arousing parts to the book! I've never read anything like it! I wasn't sure what was historically accurate, but I didn't care. I just enjoyed the story, the characters and the sexiness! I have now read all 3 of this first trilogy and have to say the third (Enchanting Pleasures) is my fave so far. But I'm totally hooked on Eloisa James and am glad there are many more of her books for me to read!

One comment that no one else mentions. The book begins with the so-called "hero" raping the "heroine." There is no other adequate description for that initial sexual encounter. He was an uncontrollable sex addict and she was an innocent. How can you build a love story on that foundation? If the author had only put herself in that opening scene she would have realized how ludicrous her plot was. Any woman who would fall in love with her rapist has serious psychological problems.

The title of the book is silly, and lines like 'The Alex of you." made absolutely no sense.

There was also a scene in which Alex sat atop his horse, something frightened the horse so badly that it bucked and reared and made lots of racket, so naturally I assumed something was going to happen, either to a character or perhaps the addition of a new character, but no, the only thing the author gave us after all that was 'he looked into his beloved's amused eyes.' Huh?

This author is capable of writing an interesting tale and it will capture the reader's attention, but I think it's because Alex was mean, which made one wonder what he would say next.

The description of this book enticed me to buy it, thinking I'd get the same lovely quality of all the historical romances I have enjoyed for years. Sadly, Potent Pleasures failed to deliver. Was I the only one who thought the characters felt like ones you'd find on a television sitcom, and not a very good one at that? Shallow, self-absorbed, pathetic. I was so hoping to find a fabulous new talent in the genre I've loved since I was in school. I work full time and am a full time wife and mother. My time is precious, as are my family finances. Now I wish I'd spent the cost of this book on something more worthwhile. Just call me a disappointed reader. :(

Halfway through, the writing changed abruptedly, The first part was enjoyable, the writing was appropriate. The second part was so difficult to believe. The hero was such an ass and she didn't put up a good fight.

I love Eloisa James's books, so it didn't occur to me that I would dislike one so thoroughly. Let me just say, I hate books in which the plot hinges on the heroine's lack of virginity. I hate it even more when she lost her virginity to the hero, who doesn't remember/doesn't realize it was her/was drunk off his head. So, when I realized the WHOLE second half of this book was about the hero calling his wife a whore because she wasn't a virgin, I gave up. Definitely not her best; I'm not even going to read the rest of this series.

I know that many reviewers didn't like this book because of some historical innaccuracies, but its a romance novel for goodness sakes, not a history book. Those things didn't bother me at all. I really liked this book, didn't at all mind the misunderstanding which actually made the book very interesting. What I didn't like was that it was so easily explainable. But all in all it was a good read, the romance was very sweet and I found myself liking charlotte a lot, and Alex was a stud.

This is a good read, loyal to the conventions, solidly executed, elegantly plotted, fine high style and an enjoyable time. This author respects her reader; she does not talk down to her. Ideal for a lovely Sunday afternoon on the porch overlooking the River, and that is high praise.
However, one little nitpick...
Why did this book come out first in hardback? That is a singular honor for a first-time romance writer, and bespeaks "Connections in High Editorial Places." I keep waiting for Mary Balogh's work (my favorite romance writer) to come out in hardcover. Or Christina Dodd, or Constance Brockway, or Teresa Medeiros, also my favorites. Mary Jo Putney, at least, is now in hardcover.
So, a recommended read, but not exactly worth the hardcover. But don't miss it in paperback!

I must agree with other reviews giving this book one star although they got farther into the book than I did with regards to inaccurate information. I read to where she followed him into the garden and then I put the book down until I traded it at the second hand book store. Quit frankly I disliked the heroine - no morals. Maybe she got some latter, but it doesn't sound like it from other reviewers. I like romance in my romance novels not jumping into bed (or in this case, the garden) at the first meeting. Please Marsha Canham and Diana Gabaldon come out with your new releases soon! We are starving for some good romance writing.

Although I'm rather a sporadic regency romance reader, I found Ms. James' take on the genre fresh and original. The characters are a delight--interesting, charasmatic and all too real. This reader's engagment with the characters made the emotional scenes pack an extra punch.
I loved Charlotte and Alex--but found myself hoping that Ms. James would revisit some of the secondary characters (Patrick and Sophie, Chloe and Will) in a later book.
I'm eagerly awaiting Ms. James' next endeavor.

I just finished Potent Pleasures and I'm terribly disappointed - my instinct had been to rush out and buy everything this author had ever written, so you can imagine how frustrating it was to find out I already had! I devoured this novel in 2 days (I was busy or it would have been less).
I understand the hardcover was different and that may account for some of the frustration voiced in other reviews. But the paperback was wonderful. And historically accurate as to settings and characters - anyone who feels otherwise has probably only read the kind of total junk that often passes for period pieces in the romance genre. May I suggest Georgette Heyer and Laura Black as peers of Eloisa?

I have read many of Ms. James books and this one was my least favorite. The H was an overly jealous lout and the h was all too ready to forgive and forget his horrible diatribes against her. I also felt the story went on too long. I was bored with the whole book before it ended.

I adored this book!! I read it quite a few years ago and I still remember how much I loved it. I won't go into details about the plot since others have already done so. I loved it because the premise to the story was fresh and interesting and not formulaic at all. The hero was engaging, charming and thoroughly flawed (that's a good thing of course! How could he be changed by the heroine unless he was flawed!) The heroine was fun, courageous and independent. One thing I love about Ms. James books is that she doesn't end the story with the couple getting married and living happily ever after. She keeps the story interesting by writing how the couple adjusts to each other and to being married. A thoroughly satisfying read! If you love her books read Midnight Pleasures and Enchanting Pleasures. Midnight will make you cry while Enchanting will make you smile and giggle. Well done Ms. James!

A lot of angst, but I loved it. The characters and the situation were unusual. I felt so sorry for them sometimes, but it was hard to read when the hero would lose his temper and say cruel things. Everyone would suffer because of it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The plot was unique, the characters were well drawn and the dialogue was witty. I laughed out loud in more than one place. It reminded me a little of Julia Quinn in style. If you like strong characters, complicated story lines, and some humor with your historical romance, you'll like this book. I'm anxiously awaiting the sequel now...it's supposed to be out in August.

I love most E. James books, so bought this one at 99 cents, even though I hesitated when I found out that it was her first book. Egh, should have gone with my first instincts. It's fine... it's just too long and too wordy. I like her descriptions of things, but she needed to tighten the whole thing up. I kept looking at the page count to see how long I had to go to the end and finally gave up because there was just not enough happening to keep me engaged. It's worth 99 cents, but not worth the hours of my life I will lose reading it.

James is great with coming up with novel plot ideas. I love that Charlotte and Alex fall in love after getting married. It creates for an interesting plot. The tension between the couple is exciting and different from the average regency romance. Pregnancy and the couples' reactions to it becomes part of the romance. It is nice to see how a love story can develop after a couple is wed. I also think that Charlotte is one of James's best heroines... she has a rich character outside of her relationship with Alex, making her seem like a well-rounded woman.

I just borrow this book from my friend as this is not my popular author. My friend said it quite good so I just tried. I could say this book just so so...actually the premise has so many potential, I also like the character...but the Author just let it go...to dragging for me especially in front and at the end. I only like the middle part and before the wedding night.

So next time also I just borrow Eloisa James's book...definitely not a keeper.

I don't care how good-looking a guy is, or how sweet he is to his child - that is, when he's thinking clearly and not banishing the poor thing to Scotland, probably never to see her again - if he's verbally abusive, he'll likely remain that way. He got angry at Charlotte - called her all kinds of vile names, then promised it would not happen again, and even promised to trust her. Didn't happen. Alex did the very same thing a few months later - called her the same names and failed to trust Charlotte as he'd promised. There's no way this guy would ever keep his word.

I do NOT understand the vitriol directed at this charming, sexy and funny book (and I won't even MENTION the nasty reviewers who direct it at the writer herself). Me, I can forgive a factual error or two if I am getting one of the best romances I have ever read. It kept me up way past my bedtime and I was a wreck at work the next day, but it was worth every minute. It devlivered that high that I know I go to the romance section for. I'm going to buy everything Eloisa ever writes!!

I honestly wish I had never picked up this book. Pacing is good, and it kept me ripping through the pages, which was a mistake. The hero is abusive and continuously, repeatedly awful to the poor heroine. By the end of the novel, when they inevitably end up together, I was so distraught I was tearing up. Don't read it unless you like ending your books on feelings of dread and disgust.

A review on the back of this book says, "Utterly frivolous." This may lead a potential buyer to think this a fun book to read -- people like myself, for example. Unfortunately, this quote is completely misleading. After reading about five chapters of POTENT PLEASURES, I felt as if I had jumped into a dumpster and rubbed rotting vegetables all over myself. Yuck.
There are twists and turns in the book, but they're completely nonsensical, and when a character isn't doing something that I reeeeeally do not need to know about, the book is just boring. The characters, meanwhile, are as flat as the paper they're printed on, not to mention as flimsily constructed, and were completely unlikable.
In other words, I thought this was a very trashy (and not in a good, entertaining way, either) novel that I fervently wish I had never spent money on. Beware, because you may wish the same, should you buy it.

For the most part I thought Alex was a brute and I couldn't understand why Charlotte would put up with his nonsense. However, the last part of the book was very tender, and the scene where Charlotte nearly dies is very touching. Worth a read but not as good as some of James' later books.

The very idea that this great father, Alexander Foakes, could become so angry that he didn't consider or half-realize that he was abandoning his daughter for a couple weeks was appalling.

I did find Alex to be sexy and handsome and all that, and the story will definitely hold the reader's interest, (the reason for 4 stars) but in addition to his faulty parenting, he was quite cruel to Charlotte.

I'd heard a lot about this book and so perhaps I came to it with unfair expectations, but I never really got into it, and by the end I was reading it because I'd started it rather than because I wanted to find out what happened. The characters seemed to act in the way the story demanded, rather than remaining true to themselves, and I wasn't keen on the plot. The writing is light, though, and there are some good moments. I'll give her other books a try.

Although Alex was handsome, he was not likable. And I found it galling that he relegated his child to Charlotte - to raise alone, without him ever participating ( which he later came to his senses about).

I also didn't care for the way Alex boasted about making love to so many women, including "a Danish princess," yet not 5 minutes later, he's condemning Charlotte for the very same actions of which he was just so proud, (which he was wrong about, of course.) What an imbecile!

I was drawn to this book (the paperback version) by the beautiful cover. When are publishers going to figure out that romance readers are tired of "bodice ripper" covers? Once I began reading, I was captivated by interesting characters, and writing that contained both wit and emotion. While the hero of the story (Alex) did grow a little tiresome by the end of the book, all in all I felt the book was well worth my money and time. It was a little bit "off the beaten path" of regency romances. I look forward to reading more work by Ms. James. I am sure she will only get better!

This book is only slightly better than a Harlequin romance. (Except dime store romances don't take themselves quite so seriously.)It is a really dumb book - to be blunt. The characters are so unrealistic it is embarassing and the setting so contrived it is painful. The moral of the story is this: if you are beautiful, endowed with sexual prowess, money, and a specimen body, you too could have the world's most perfect romance. Yuk.

Believability has never been a problem for me. If I wanted to read a book grounded in truth and reality I would read non-fiction. This was a good a good story and an enjoyable book. I realize there have been complaints about historical inaccuracies, however, I have to admit I never noticed them while reading the book.

This hero, Alex,could go from charming to ruthless in a heartbeat. Charlotte - with good reason - was terrified of him. He was exceptionally cruel to her; I just don't see how she could trust him.

After I finished reading this book I came to the conclusion that I didn't like a premise based almost entirely on gossip. But those who sought to harm others maliciously - in that century and this one - should suffer greatly.

Potent Pleasures is a grave disappointment when compared to the well-written, historically accurate stories lovingly created by hard-working regency authors who know their stuff. Unfortunately, the story plot is illogical, the characters unlikable, the writing trite.

One thing about this author's books - you can't call them boring. She keeps the reader turning the pages quickly. However, Charlotte, so sweet and beautiful,was so scared of Alex it made me sick, especially when she was giving birth. I felt SO bad for her. And it was all Alex's fault because of his BIG cruel, mouth! There was no way a guy like that wouldn't explode with rage again at the slightest provocation. Which was a shame, because Alex DID have a few good qualities.

I thoroughly enjoyed this charming novel. The writing style is lovely, lyrical, and I felt as if I were placed back in time. Charlotte is a wonderful heroine and Alex is a delicious hero. The dialogue was witty and I laughed outloud many times. And I cried my eyes out at the climax. Ms. James has written a beautiful debut and I eagerly await her next book. Kudos to you, Eloisa!

Both the characters and the story line are engaging and surprising, offering twists just when you think you've figured them out. Something that truly stands out as you read are the colorfulness of secondary characters, and the ease with which the author works them in.

The male lead, Alex, is extremely compelling and transfixes you, and the female lead, Charlotte, is likable while still maintaining an edge- you follow her transformation throughout the book, and love every minute.

This book is definitely a keeper, and one that will be read mant times over once you've been sucked into the wonderful world Eloisa James creates in 'Potent Pleasures'.

On page 6 of "Potent Pleasures," the author refers to the London police.Since the story takes place in 1798 and Sir Robert Peel did not institute police until 1829, the reader wonders how much historical research went into this novel.

I picked up Potent Pleasures and read it in one night--I didn't put the book down for a second! How wonderful to have found such a talented new author and a book that is so charming and entertaining! Bravo, Eloisa!

Either I'm ovulating or Potent Pleasures was actually a very nice read. I'll even admit to tearing up (definitely ovulating). The male lead is a mixture of cad and seductive demon. The heroine is as plucky as she needs to be, but she can be a bit frustrating in her misguided attempts to jog her man's memory.

Their initial meeting at the ball - where they slept together - was just too unbelievable. Good grief, I'm sure even the trashiest of women would have at least had one conversation with the guy, before jumping him. I certainly believe in 'instant attraction' but this was ridiculous.

I didn't much care for Alex after getting to know him, but Charlotte was wonderful.

I couldn't put it down. I was rooting for Charlotte from the start, and I fell in love with dashing Alex. Eloisa James is a strong, fresh new voice in historical romance. I'm eager to read her next book!

What exactly was there to like about this book, other than Charlotte? Nothing! Alexander Foakes was so vile to her I don't see how a few moments of kindness here or there could make up for his treatment of her. The story itself would have been more interesting if there had been a decent plot, but as it was, the entire book was based on 'gossip stories.' This important guy made life-altering decisions based on unreliable people's idea of truth, knowing full well that these wicked people thrived on destroying other people just for the fun of it.

I have read an untold number of romance novels and quite a few regencies and I must say that Potent Pleasures is a wonderful book. From the first page I was drawn into a compelling story with great characters. I have read reviews that complain about historical inaccuracies, but since when is a novel supposed to be a history book. I read novels to enjoy them and this one was fantastic.
If you are interested in reading an vibrant new talent, try Eloisa James.

Why was Alex Foakes so darn mean? He said and did too many things to lovely Charlotte for her to still love him.

And really,he just assumed he would "let" Charlotte raise his daughter in Scotland while he lived in England and visited once a year! Charlotte loved his daughter, true, but that didn't mean she was supposed to raise HIS child because Alex decided to separate from his wife.

I love this author, and I love most of her books, but I wish she would make her male heros a little more perfect rather than undesirable. One knows when they read an E. J. book the male, like Alex, will be sweet one moment and horrifying the next - and the dialogue will be harsh.

The characters like Charlotte (and Sophie) are usually so endearing they deserve nicer men in their lives. These Foakes brothers certainly didn't deserve these two fine women.

I'd heard so much buzz about Potent Pleasures that I thought it must be absolutely wonderful, and the setting is one I know and enjoy. Unfortunately, the plot was contrived and overwrought, the historical details inaccurate, and the hero unheroic. :::sigh::: So much for paying so much for a hardcover I thought I was certain to love. I'll be more wary next time.

Alex was so wonderful in so many ways, especially with Pippa, but boy when he got mad, he was really a devil. He claimed to love Charlotte so much, yet for him to be so cruel to her - well, I just can't believe he was anything other than a possessive person.

I read a lot of books...a lot. I consider myself somewhat of a reliable critic of historical romance. I adored this book. I couldn't put it down. I thought about it all day...even had to sneak a chapter in the middle of the day. I highly recommend it.

This book draws the reader into the story from the beginning to the end. I could not put it down. James does an excellent job in describing the love, passion, and feelings of all the characters. I hope she continues writing books of this magnitude.