Title: A Dream of Desire (Daring Hearts #3)

Author: Nina Rowan

Genre: Historical Romance  Mid 1800s

Rating: 4.75/5 Stars

Publisher: Forever an imprint of Hachette

About A DREAM OF DESIRE

No Distance Can Keep Them Apart.

For most her life, Lady Talia Hall has been dreaming of the day James Forester will take her in his arms and kiss her with unrestrained passion. Tired of waiting, Talia decides to take drastic measures to make James see her as more than his best friend’s little sister. But her bold plan goes awry when the scoundrel informs her that he is leaving London—and her—for a life of adventure traveling the world. Crushed, Talia throws herself into her reform work and vows never again to let her foolish heart get the better of her.

But even halfway across the world, James can’t stop thinking of the beautiful Talia, her bold declaration . . . or her brazen kiss. And when James learns that Talia’s reform work has thrown her into the path of danger and scandal, nothing can keep him from returning to London. But a broken heart is not easily put back together, and old habits die hard. Talia and James must learn that trusting in true love is the greatest adventure of all…

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Why I think you should read this book.

The reasons I think you should read this book.  First off Nina Rowan writes smart, charming and brave woman in her romance novels.   Yes, they maybe nineteenth century ladies and virginal, but wilting violet types “need not apply” to be a Rowan character.   If you are looking for a historical heroine to connect with then you need to check out Talia,  in A Dream of Desire.  Why did I connect with Talia, because she is smart and despite having both social and romantic obstacles in her way she does not fold in on herself to give up.  She is the type of gal who dusts herself off, picks herself up and gets on with the program.

The “program” in story is the reform of prison life for juvenile offenders in England.  Rowan paints, not a very pretty picture of the hardships of those offenders.  The book is historical accurate, and I do wish Rowan would have delved deeper into the punishment that those juvenile offenders suffered at the hand of the authorities.  As I felt for the character of Peter. The book is not about heart and flowers, but what  Talia experiences trying to reform a system long beyond its expiration date.

The character of Peter Colston is what sparks Talia’s mission of reform.  He and his sister have a nice subplot in the book. With all Rowan’s books even the minor characters are fleshed out in vivid detail.  She is they type of writer that leaves no stone unturned in the readers imagination.  The reformation of the juvenile offenders is what adds to the suspense quality of the book.  Plus, I had to love Peter he is dyslexic.

Now why you should read this book as a romance.  The story of Talia and James is superbly told.  This isn’t a boy sees girls and sparks fly type of book, as these two characters have know each other most of their lives.  It is a girl loves boy and boy is clueless and even if you hit him over the head with a cast iron pan he would remain clueless.  You see James is of course a titled man of the british ton, but he is also an explorer.  Well nothing or no one i.e. Talia and her declaration of love is going to get in his way.  So what does James do?  Like all men who don’t want to face facts he runs away.   Yep does a runner.  Now don’t go hating James, cause the sexy man has some baggage, as does Talia. Plus he has never seen her as anything but his best friends sister.  The two characters baggage is not of their own making but it has impacted who they are.  At heart this book is a love story but it has quite a bit of suspense mixed in, which make it a really enjoyable read.

Another reason you should read this book, is that Rowan can do with one kiss; what other authors can’t accomplish with a hundred page sex scene.  ***Hearts A Flutter***

Yes this book is worth the price of buying it especially if you love historical romance

 

About the Author

Originally from California, Nina Rowan holds a PhD in Art History from McGill University, Montreal, with a specialization in 19th century French and Russian art. A librarian-at-heart, she also has an MA in Library and Information Sciences. Nina lives in Wisconsin with her atmospheric scientist husband and two children.
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Read review of previous books in the series

‘Twas the Night Before Mischief by Nina Rowan: Review

A Passion for Pleasure by Nina Rowan: Review

 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book directly from the author or publisher. I was not paid to read or review this book. All opinions are my own, and I was never influenced by anything or anyone.

The opinions in this review are wholly my own and have not been influence by any previous professional or personal relationship I have with Ms. Rowan