Saturday, March 27, 2010

Review -- Desires of a Perfect Lady

Desires of a Perfect Lady
By Victoria Alexander
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: March 30, 2010







A secret list of the desires of Lady Olivia Rathbourne:

~ Disregard convention
~ Follow my heart
~ Bed the Earl of Wyldewood....


Lady Olivia Rathbourne’s secret list of desires has sustained her through ten long years of a lonely, cruel and loveless marriage. Throughout, Olivia remained composed and reserved, the perfect lady, just biding her time. When her antiquities collecting husband is found murdered, Olivia isn’t the least bit saddened. In fact, she feels as if she’s been set free. To finally do all the things she’s wanted to do. To breathe. That is until Lord Rathbourne’s will is read. Even in death, he haunts her and keeps her under his thumb. His will stipulates that in order for Olivia to inherit, she must complete three of his unfinished collections. Not an easy task considering the first would take her to Egypt to barter with a man her husband unsuccessfully dealt with for years. She needs assistance with recovering the items and help comes in the most unlikely of places—her former love, Sterling Harrington, Earl of Wyldewood.

Sterling feels like he owes Olivia for what happened between them in the past and has offered his services, especially after her father reveals the real reasons behind her hasty marriage to another man years before. But he draws the line at traveling to Egypt. Ever the responsible earl, he leaves the traveling and treasure hunting to his brothers. Sterling eventually gives in because he knows that Olivia will go whether he does or not. After learning how she was treated in her marriage, he understands her reasons for needing to go—so she can completely rid herself of her late husband. Considering their close proximity during their journey, the old feelings they once had for each other return. And Sterling is bound and determined not to make the same mistake twice.

Desires of a Perfect Lady is the second in Victoria Alexander’s latest series and picks up right after the previous book, The Virgin’s Secret, ends. We learned in the first book that Sterling and Olivia shared a past and I, for one, was dying to learn what happened and why. Fear not, all the answers are revealed in this one. Sterling and Olivia are the kind of characters that grabbed hold of my heart and didn’t let go. I was completely entranced watching them slowly open up to one another again after all that had happened and so many years apart. Over time they had become hard and detached, but during their adventure they became more like their former selves—relaxed, carefree, and most of all, happy.

Desires of a Perfect Lady is a story of love lost (though never forgotten) and found again. Ms. Alexander brings readers a light-hearted historical romance filled with witty dialogue and tender, passionate moments. Fans of adventure romance rejoice and hang on for the ride!

~Andrea

13 comments:

  1. I love Victoria Alexander's books and never miss buying a new release I have The Virgins Secret on the TBR pile and will be ordering this new one very soon and I will move The Virgins Secret up the pile. Thanks Andrea

    Have Fun
    Helen

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  2. Great review, Andrea! I'm a long-time fan of Victoria Alexander's books and of the lady herself. I've had the pleasure of meeting her at a couple RWA book signings and she's a lovely, gracious lady who seems genuinely delighted to meet her readers.

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  3. Wonderful review, Andrea! Sounds like a great book and I would enjoy reading.

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  4. Oh, I loved The Virgin's Secret (I've got a soft spot for adventure novels!), however, I felt like the ending was a little abrupt. Now I understand, if the sequel starts just where the first book ended, it's only logical that it left me hanging there. Interesting how things reveal themselves to me when I just wait long enough! =)

    Thanks for helping me out with this wonderful review, Andrea!

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  5. I cannot wait for this book, I have everything written by Victoria Alexander.

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  6. Great review, Andrea! I adore "lost love found" plots. :-)

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  7. Helen, I love her books, too. Hope you enjoy both books!

    Thanks, PJ. I, too, have been a long-time fan (I miss those Effingtons!) and met her at RWA Atlanta signing. I totally agree with you, she is a lovely and gracious lady. :)

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  8. Thanks, Buffie. You'd love it. ;-)

    LisaK, I love adventure romances, too. They're so exciting! Hope you enjoy this one!

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  9. Yay, Dianna! Another long-time fan! Don't forget to stop by on Thursday for my interview with VA. ;-)

    Thanks, Karyn and Gannon. I hope you both enjoy it!

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  10. 4 1/2 !! Yeeees ;-)
    I'm a fan of Victoria Alexander... can't wait ! (and thx for the heads up).

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  11. You're welcome, Emmanuelle! And thanks for stopping by. :)

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  12. Regency and Victorian adventures into Egypt and India are a favorite. They had a large English presence and the ex-patriot community is always a good source of heroes, villains, intrigue and suspense. I'll have to look for both books.

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