Rating: 
Summary: Police?
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: COULD IT GET ANY MORE BORING!
Review: I bought this book thinking that I was in for a delicious treat. But to my horror, I couldn't even get through the first few chapters without screaming with frustration from the dryness of it it all. I mean, the hero and heroine don't even get married until the fourteenth chapter or so. By then I didn't really care. because I couldn't even stand the heroine by then. (She is such a twit!) Maybe if the plot moved faster, I wouldn't have had to dwell on how stupid Charlotte and the rest of the characters were. There is no way that I will read the author's sequel "Midnight Pleasures". Why bother to waste another $6.50?
Rating: 
Summary: A Potent Whirlwind Of A Story
Review: 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!
Rating: 
Summary: It's Potent!
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Don't waste your money
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: "Potent Reading"
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: Engaging and fun!
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Refreshing in structure and style
Review: As an aspiring romance writer I have to say that it is nice to see an author who could possibly pave the way for us up-and-coming novelists to publish thoughtful and more believable stories. Personally, the mold for romance novel structure has long needed to be broken. Romances have gotten such a bad rap for so many years, because it seems the story had to be mindless and unchallenging to the brain cells. This author writes with wit and the story characters are real, she gets into their heads so that they are real people with real feelings and reasons for their actions and choices. Also, the cover was impressive because it was not a typically tacky "bodice-ripper" type, which has added to the bad view the romance genre has received. This author shows that a romance can be written with intelligence and substance, and I hope that she helps open the door to a change for the rest of us writers. Way to go, Ms. James!
Rating:
Summary: Lively romp--but why in hardcover?
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: I want more!
Review: 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?
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