Desired - ReadingBee.com

Book Info


enlarge picture	*Desired*
	Author:	Virginia Henley
	ISBN:	0440217032
	Format:	Handover
	Publish Date:	June, 2005




Book Review


*From Publishers Weekly* Henley's (Enticed) reputation for bold, bawdy storytelling proves itself in this medieval melodrama which plots sex above romance, political intrigue and war. In England's glittering Plantagenet court, described in brilliant detail, 17-year-old orphaned heiress Lady Brianna of Bedford anxiously waits for the king to name her betrothed. Her every romantic fantasy would seem to be fulfilled when the man named is the handsome Robert de Beauchamp?until the even handsomer and more intriguing Christian Hawksblood arrives at court to steal her heart. Christian, whose power over the minds and bodies of others excedes simple charisma, claims his right to the Beauchamp name as the first-born son of Guy de Beauchamp, Earl of Warrick. He is well-received by all but his half-brother; the brothers' story, a single thread among so many others, complicates the tale, but one can't help but read on and hope things sort themselves out, which indeed they do. Although her loyalty should be to Robert, Brianna finds herself irresistibly drawn to Christian and, like others who people this novel, her loyalty is strictly opportunistic. Readers will find themselves intrigued by the adventure, mesmerized by the pageantry and stunned by the book's ribaldry. Doubleday Book Club featured alternate; author tour. Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. *From the Publisher* Mesmerized by the dark knight's turquoise gaze, Lady Brianna of Bedford tried to turn away. After all, she was betrothed to Robert de Beauchamp. And now this total stranger, Christian Hawksblood, de Beauchamp's bastard brother, claimed her with a soul-searing look. What was his mystical power that compelled her to abandon herself to this man she dare not even trust... Christian Hawksblood, Prince and Knight Templar, burned with memories of the beauty he first saw in a vision, clad only in a nimbus of red-gold hair. Brianna of Bedford was his, ordained by fate. But first he had to deal with his jealous brother. And then with Brianna, the innocent temptress who branded him with passion even as she compelled him to listen with his heart... *From the Inside Flap* Mesmerized by the dark knight's turquoise gaze, Lady Brianna of Bedford tried to turn away. After all, she was betrothed to Robert de Beauchamp. And now this total stranger, Christian Hawksblood, de Beauchamp's bastard brother, claimed her with a soul-searing look. What was his mystical power that compelled her to abandon herself to this man she dare not even trust... Christian Hawksblood, Prince and Knight Templar, burned with memories of the beauty he first saw in a vision, clad only in a nimbus of red-gold hair. Brianna of Bedford was his, ordained by fate. But first he had to deal with his jealous brother. And then with Brianna, the innocent temptress who branded him with passion even as she compelled him to listen with his heart... Desired ANNOTATION From the bestselling author of Seduced comes a captivating, sensual love story. Lady Brianna of Bedford, betrothed to the dashing Robert de Beauchamp, finds herself mesmerized by his mysterious bastard brother. What mystical power does Christian Hawksblood possess that compels Brianna to abandon herself to him so completely? FROM THE PUBLISHER Mesmerized by the dark knight's turquoise gaze, Lady Brianna of Bedford tried to turn away. After all, she was betrothed to Robert de Beauchamp. And now this total stranger, Christian Hawksblood, de Beauchamp's bastard brother, claimed her with a soul-searing look. What was his mystical power that compelled her to abandon herself to this man she dare not even trust... Christian Hawksblood, Prince and Knight Templar, burned with memories of the beauty he first saw in a vision, clad only in a nimbus of red-gold hair. Brianna of Bedford was his, ordained by fate. But first he had to deal with his jealous brother. And then with Brianna, the innocent temptress who branded him with passion even as she compelled him to listen with his heart... FROM THE CRITICS Publishers Weekly Henley's (Enticed) reputation for bold, bawdy storytelling proves itself in this medieval melodrama which plots sex above romance, political intrigue and war. In England's glittering Plantagenet court, described in brilliant detail, 17-year-old orphaned heiress Lady Brianna of Bedford anxiously waits for the king to name her betrothed. Her every romantic fantasy would seem to be fulfilled when the man named is the handsome Robert de Beauchamp-until the even handsomer and more intriguing Christian Hawksblood arrives at court to steal her heart. Christian, whose power over the minds and bodies of others excedes simple charisma, claims his right to the Beauchamp name as the first-born son of Guy de Beauchamp, Earl of Warrick. He is well-received by all but his half-brother; the brothers' story, a single thread among so many others, complicates the tale, but one can't help but read on and hope things sort themselves out, which indeed they do. Although her loyalty should be to Robert, Brianna finds herself irresistibly drawn to Christian and, like others who people this novel, her loyalty is strictly opportunistic. Readers will find themselves intrigued by the adventure, mesmerized by the pageantry and stunned by the book's ribaldry. Doubleday Book Club featured alternate; author tour. (Feb.)