Heart's Desire
by Wendy LaCapra
Lords of Chance - Book 2
Publisher: Entangled: Scandalous
Release Date: May 13, 2019
Reviewed by PJ
Lady Clarissa has decided to live life on her terms. After the end of a ten-year betrothal, she wants nothing to do with marriage or the men of the ton. Least of all her friend’s brother, the very charming Lord Markham, or Hearts, as many ladies call the oh-so-handsome earl.
Markham pursues relationships with no ties that bind. Acting the rake leaves everyone satisfied...until he overhears a wager that could lead to Clarissa’s ruin. He can’t help but step in and claim she’s his intended bride.
Clarissa is appalled. She did not need to be saved. Reluctantly, she agrees to the fake courtship, if only to experience what the rakish Markham can offer. But when lust becomes love, Clarissa must make up her own terms and bet it all on Hearts.
My thoughts:
LaCapra takes the hero/heroine dynamic and turns it on its head in this newest addition to her Lords of Chance series. One might reasonably expect Markham, a rakish favorite among London's wives and widows, to hold the reins in this relationship but Lady Clarissa is not at all what he expects. She knows what she wants and is willing to demand it. Will Markham challenge her for control or does this rake's heart desire something completely different?
One of the facets of Wendy LaCapra's writing I most enjoy is her ability to create complex, multi-layered characters with hidden depths not apparent upon introduction. Such is the case with Markham and Clarissa. Known throughout London society as Hearts, Markham appears to be a carefree man about town, ready and willing to deliver pleasure where desired. But an unexpected turn of events causes him to reassess society's perception of him, and more importantly, his own. He begins to look deeper within himself and what he realizes will change the course of his life forever. Clarissa, on the other hand, knows exactly what she wants...and what she doesn't. One can hardly blame her, considering her past. But, perhaps there's more to her - and for her - than she realizes as well. If only she can broaden her focus, and open her heart, before her actions cause an irreparable divide.
I started this book thinking I knew Markham's character (from his role in Scandal in Spades). What I discovered is that I didn't know him at all. There is so much more to this man than what he shows the world, such a loving, generous, caring, and wounded, heart. I love how the author gradually allows us to discover the person behind the facade as the character himself is making the same discoveries.
I really felt for Clarissa. The men in her life have been calling the shots for long enough and discovering passion with Markham at a time when she's finally in a position to take control of her life is not at all precipitous. She and Markham are heading in different directions emotionally and you just know LaCapra is going to put them through the wringer before it's all figured out in the end.
Heart's Desire is another satisfying journey from one of my favorite authors, filled with sizzle, touches of humor, heartwarming family dynamics, and a deep well of emotion. The book stands well on its own though characters that were introduced in the first book of the series, Scandal in Spades, have plenty of page time in Heart's Desire as well. Both books have my enthusiastic recommendation.
I really felt for Clarissa. The men in her life have been calling the shots for long enough and discovering passion with Markham at a time when she's finally in a position to take control of her life is not at all precipitous. She and Markham are heading in different directions emotionally and you just know LaCapra is going to put them through the wringer before it's all figured out in the end.
Heart's Desire is another satisfying journey from one of my favorite authors, filled with sizzle, touches of humor, heartwarming family dynamics, and a deep well of emotion. The book stands well on its own though characters that were introduced in the first book of the series, Scandal in Spades, have plenty of page time in Heart's Desire as well. Both books have my enthusiastic recommendation.
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Have you read any of Wendy LaCapra's books?
Do you enjoy when an author takes your expectations and turns them on their head?
In addition to the tour Rafflecopter giveaway below, the author is also giving one signed print copy of Heart's Desire to one person who leaves a comment on this post before 11:00 PM, May 14, 2019. (U.S. only)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Do you enjoy when an author takes your expectations and turns them on their head?
In addition to the tour Rafflecopter giveaway below, the author is also giving one signed print copy of Heart's Desire to one person who leaves a comment on this post before 11:00 PM, May 14, 2019. (U.S. only)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Wendy LaCapra has been reading romance since she sneaked into the adult section at the library and discovered Victoria Holt & Jane Aiken Hodge. From that point on, she dreamed of creating fictional worlds with richness, intrigue and passion. Her stories have placed in several contests, including the 2012 Golden Heart® and her debut series, a trilogy about three Ladies who refuse to play by society’s rules, was released by Entangled Scandalous. She lives in NYC with her husband and loves to hear from readers. For new release and sale alerts, sign up at http://bit.ly/GetWendyNews
Connect:
Site: www.wendylacapra.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/wendylacapra
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/
