All He Desires Book

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.