Far from home and her noble relatives, Miss Caroline Huntington has been injured in a fall from her horse. Called to her side, Alex Trentham knows he must assist her, though he has not practiced as a physician for a long while. Just to see so lovely a woman in a state of undress is a hard test of his self-control. Caroline is all that is warm and feminine, beautiful and pure. Brave to a fault, she does not flinch under his hands, and soon she is on the mend. To hide his feelings becomes impossible and Alex cannot. Her radiant innocence is dangerous to a worldly man…and she seems achingly eager to experience all the pleasure he could show her…
November 3, 2009
Historical Romance
320 pages, paperback
Zebra
Book received from author
I read Passionate, the debut novel of the husband and wife writing team of Anthea Lawson a few months ago and really enjoyed it. When browsing through their website recently, I noticed they were organizing a blog tour for their next book, All He Desires. I asked if I could participate and they kindly agreed and gave me an advanced copy of the book.
Although All He Desires features the sister of the hero from Passionate, and Reginald, evil cousin from the first book as well, it can be easily read as a stand alone.
Caroline Huntington is in Greece with her friend Maggie on a philanthropic mission. Out riding by herself one day, she falls from her horse and injures her head and elbow. Hours pass before she is found. Maggie and a local man from Greece take her to an Englishman in the village, Alex Trentham. Although he is not currently practicing medicine, he is a known doctor. When they arrive at his doorstep Alex wants nothing to do with them. They almost have to break down his door and plead with him to look at Caroline’s arm. Finally, after Caroline faints, he admits them in.
Alex acts as if he is almost terrified to go near Caroline. He acts out defensively, probably the worst bedside manners in a practicing physician. While he lashes out and acts in a very cold manner, deep down you know there must be a fear that is ready to unleash itself.
Needing to heal, she stays in Alex’s care for the next few days. During this time, Alex’s ice begins to thaw and the stubborn Caroline does everything she can to accelerate her healing. Not well enough to travel on with Maggie to her next destination, Caroline stays in Greece, and with the help of Pen, her new companion, she settles in – not only to the village, but to the company of Alex. They sight see together and what starts out as a flirtatious romance turns into something even more. Although he still refuses to talk about his past and why he does not practice medicine, he is very amiable to talk about everything else and they enjoy each other’s company.
Meanwhile, back in England, Caroline’s cousin, Reginald, is plotting. Caroline is about to be formally adopted by her Uncle, meaning Reginald’s inheritance will be lessened. He has extreme debts from poor investing and gambling, and cannot afford to have any less inheritance. Reginald puts a plan in motion to to secure his fair share of money. With Caroline due back in England any day, she doesn’t realize the danger she will be facing – not only with her cousin in the shadows waiting, but the past Alex has tried so hard to erase.
I love that All He Desires has a bit more of an adventurous feel – partly due to the exotic location and partly due to the fact that there is always danger in the path of the hero and heroine. The ever lurking shadow or odd man who always shows up when trouble arises adds a fun element to the story and also gives something to the romance. Not only do Alex and Caroline need to learn about each other, but they also have the danger of the unknown that pull them closer.
Alex Trentham starts out as such a brooding, stern, cold character. Tortured and ruthless in his treatment of Caroline. I really enjoyed him that way! Just from his actions, you know he is a brilliant doctor, but something tragic in his past is cultivating his fears. Caroline is quick to bring him out of that mold, and turn him more into your everyday, happy go-lucky man. I wish his transition would have taken a bit longer, I would have liked to see him more temperamental and moody.
Caroline is an innocent when lust overcomes them and naughty things are done in a dark cave -oh yes, what else is there to do when you are stuck in a cave? Afterwards, I love that she not once regrets it or acts embarrassed. She can’t wait for more! So many times after sex, heroines in historical romances immediately change their mind and act prudish and can’t believe what they have just done. If it was up to Caroline, they wouldn’t be leaving that cave. She is forward in her advances and I really enjoyed that about her.
The only time I was disappointed in Caroline’s actions is when she eventually returns to England, I felt her emotions were not on par with where they should be. This very important event happens to her, and it is written as if she almost carelessly brushes it off. One could argue that she goes forward with a brave face, but I would have liked to see her longing for what she lost a little more.
That being said, All He Desires is a fun, adventurous, romantic read. I really enjoyed the characters and look forward to Anthea Lawson’s next work.
Rating: Four Stars
Great review Mandi. I've not heard of this author, and you know what that means LOL. Yup, adding to list….
Oh yes so true, they all go so prudish. Dunno what annoys me more sometimes, they just take they clothes off at once or what they do afterwards.
So I am happy she is happy with her choice :D
I have this book TBR very soon. There is something about that evil Reggie that I like. Heh heh.
Great review Smexy.
Great review! I was on the fence about getting this book right away because I have so many others on my list to buy, but you sold me on it. Also thanks for the link to your earlier review of Passionate. I'm definitely heading to town to find both of these books.
Noooo not another one I want to read! This sounds right up my alley, great review Mandi!
Stacy – They write really fun historicals :)
Blodeuedd – yes – a heroine who is not ashamed!!! So refreshing!
KB – I think you will like the part when they discover the ancient pictures of naughty behavior..gets them in the mood for some lovin ;)
Dorthy – I really liked both of these books – let me know what you think!
Marissa – I know..we can commiserate in our tbr piles together ;)
Great review, I have not read any historical books in a long time. I will have to start with this one, my tbr pile thanks you ;) Have a great day :)
Interesting this was written by a husband and wife team…kind of makes me wonder what a romance would be like if hubs and I wrote something. He would probably want to add nascar or something hideous. A hot mess for sure!
Off to add to my goodreads.
PS: I bow down to your book pimp-i-ness Skin Game was awesome. Reyes is hot, I nearly squealed when he bit her neck
Ann Marie – I like to mix it up with a historical here and there. Tell your tbr pile I said you are welcome ;)
Smokin hot – I don't want to think what my husband and I would come up with..LOL.
Skin Game is all sorts of good…so glad you liked it!!
The cover alone is enough to make me want to buy it. :) It sounds good! Hopefully I'll see it in my bookstore or at the WalMarts.
This is the first I've heard of this book but it sounds great! I'll be sure to add both to my list. Thanks Mandi!
I haven't read a historical in so long. Must remedy. Cave naughtiness alone is enough to convince me I need to read this. hehe Great review as always Mandi.
Heidenkind- it is a good cover..not in love with the guy that portrays Alex but still smexy ;)
Tricia – Thanks for stopping by!
Fiction Vixen – I loved the cave scene..romantic and kind of intense…next time I'm in a cave, I know what I'm doing! ;)
Great review Mandi! Another new author to me and I love that cover may have to just get this one! :)
This sounds like a great read Mandi. Great review!!
I like a tortured hero that a heroine can bring around.
Thanks for sharing!