(Don’t even get me started – this book deserves a cover rich and exotic, not standard naked man. Trust me, just turn the page and start reading:)
Passionate – Anthea Lawson
October 1, 2008
Historical Romance
320 pages, paperback
Zebra
James Huntingdon does not have a great fortune, being left little when his father died and was taken in by his uncle. His grandfather had made an important botanical discovery in Tunisia but was unable to bring back a specimen. In his will he states that whichever descendant manages to recover the journals that document his specimen, that person will receive his Somergate estate. This of course interests James, giving him an opportunity to have a place in his life that is just his. This also interests Reginald, James’ jealous cousin who has taken every opportunity to make James’ life miserable while they grew up together.
James realizes he will need someone who has knowledge of botanicals to accompany him on this journey and he turns to sir Edward who uses the artistic talents of his niece, Lily Strathmore to paint all of his specimens. Lily is nearing spinster age, which really does not bother her, but her parents are quite put out by this. They give her an ultimatum, marry or give up painting. As painting is Lily’s one pure joy, she reluctantly agrees to marry Lord Buckely, her mother’s pick for her. Before she settles down for wedded Hell, she decides to accompany her uncle on one last adventure.
James and Lily meet in England as they prepare for their journey and the physical attraction starts from the beginning, however obstacles stand in their way. Both have had difficult times in the past with former lovers and James does not have enough financial security to see a future for them together and Lily of course has to marry someone she has not yet met.
They board a ship to Tunisia, and to James’ dismay, Reginald has weaseled his way onto the ship as well. He has an idea why James is going to Tunisia and he is not to be outdone. Reginald starts to develop a relationship with Lily’s cousin Isabelle, and it develops even after James warns everyone in the family Reginald is up to no good.
Now it is a race to see who can recover the journals first. Will James and company make it in time, or will Reginald plans destroy everything they have worked for? As their journey takes them across the sea (and yes, fun things happen on the boat, I mean, what else is there to do!) and to a foreign land the two of them begin to let go of the past and find a future together.
Passionate could have been your typical historical romance, in London where the hero does not have enough money to offer for heroine’s hand in marriage. There could have been lots of balls and carriage rides, and meetings in dark gardens with stolen kisses. Instead, Passionate takes you on a journey Tunisia, there are boat rides, a treasure map and lots of exploring, and alright, maybe not stolen kisses in a dark garden but rather a tent – but it makes it much more exciting.
I was diappointed in two parts of the book. First, Reginald got off a bit too easy at the end and I won’t say how because I don’t want to divulge spoilers. He is obviously the villain and I would have liked to see him get bit by a poisonous snake or something. I enjoy reading about the villains, and he was a super weasel – Anthea Lawson did a good job writing him. I also thought the end was a bit rushed with James actually searching for the flower and journals. The reader gets taken on a wonderful journey, with an exciting ending, but the actual search is retold as a memory.
My favorite passage in the book is near the beginning when Lily practices her painting by drawing James’ portrait:
But she had not just shown his longing-she had shown his hope. Hope that this mad adventure to Tunisia would succeed, that he could save Somergate and at last find a place he could belong to. Lily had painted more than his physical form, she had described his deepest emotion. It was something he had not anticipated-that her skill had transmuted him to this. His heart contracted painfully. He looked down into her upturned face, seeing the unspoken question their. Is it you?
Awwww.
I am really looking forward to the next book by this husband/wife writing team!
Rating – 4 Stars
Passionate – October 1, 2008
All He Desires – November 3, 2009
Loved your review Mandi and I actually have this one one the shelves. I always keep an eye on this Zebra line where the price is low compared to other releases and I often find enjoyable to wonderful reads and sometimes even treasures like Rona Sharon.
Your review makes me want to pick up this book too, Mandi! One of the reasons I love "The Spymaster's Lady" is that it's so different from the usual Regency settings of ballrooms and dances.
Nice review, enjoyed it. I haven't read a historical romance in a very, very long time but this one sounds interesting. I love when the antagonist is a super-duper villain.
Great review Mandi.
Sounds like an insteresting read, and yes a bit different when they head to Tunisia
"He is obviously the villain and I would have liked to see him get bit by a poisonous snake or something." hahaha – awesome! Great review.
Leontine – Zebra does have good prices. Renegade by Sarah Parr is one I just got.
Silver – I adored Spymaster's Lady. Yes,different settings make books fun!
Donna – I love historicals..they were my first love before paranormals.
Blodueudd – yes, it is a fun book!
Patti – I love villains..but I like to see them get it too.
Awesome review and of course you had me when you described the cover!!! Damn you girl!!! ***watching debit card come out of purse.. into my hand… oh wait.. no it is running away from me… come back***
You are awesome with your words honey!!!
I hope you have a wonderful day tomrorow!!
I am adding this to my to-reads right now. I've been looking for a good historical romance for awhile now. :)
Thanks for the review – we're glad you enjoyed the book! We love your commentary about the cover, too… if you squint, there are palm trees in the background for that 'exotic' feel. (grins)
Even though it would have been great to have Reggie meet his demise from poisonous snake-bite (lol!), we had to keep him around. ALL HE DESIRES is Caroline's story (sister of the hero in Passionate), and Reggie makes a reappearance as a villain. You get to love to hate him even more.
In the next book, get ready for some more fun travel – the novel opens on the Isle of Crete~
ooh..Caroline!! So excited! And Reggie is back? I love a good villain!! I am really looking forward to it!
My mom just gave me this book tonight, I'll have to put in the enormous tbr pile!
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