All He Desires

I ordered this book and read it as a recommendation from a friend based on the kind of reading I like to do! It was a very enjoyable historical romance with great characters in a beautiful setting. It very much reminded me of Sandra Brown historical romances, but with a little more going on in the plot. I made me want to go and order her first novel since I think some of the characters in this book met in her first. I look forward to following all the characters I loved in future books of hers as well!

I don't normally read romance novels, because in the past I have found them to be unsatisfying and -- too often -- the female leads don't reflect the way I would react to a particular situation. I've also had an issue with romance writers' flat writing in the past. This book, however, turns all my ideas about romance novels on their head. First of all, the setting of the story on the island of Crete is exciting and challenging; having been to Crete myself, I was delighted to smell the lovely island smells and feel the warmth of the sun through the authors' writing. This marvelous setting was an absolute highlight for me, and set the book apart (in all the best ways) from so many others. Second, not only are the male and female leads three-dimensional characters, but they are also complicated and rich in the ways they are presented. I felt as if I were getting to know them personally, and I WANTED to know them. Third, both the plot and the instability of the characters' relationship to each other keep the pages turning. I needed to know what was going to happen next at all times, and tore through the book so quickly that I immediately started it over once I'd finished, to better enjoy its complications. Its steaminess was a great pleasure to read, and yet it wasn't just explicit sex for explicit sex's sake; those scenes are woven into the plot beautifully, and they all make sense. I am eager to see what the authors come up with next!

Caroline Huntington, the niece of the Earl of Twickenham, has accompanied Maggie Farnsworth to the Mediterranean to help with Maggie's orphanage project. They have come to the island of Crete for a week long holiday where they will enjoy the sun and local sites. Caroline is horseback riding and has an accident where she falls and dislocates her elbow and ends up with a concussion. Caroline is found by Maggie and Monsieur Legault, a Frenchman, who is involved with an archeological dig on the island. The closest town where Caroline can receive medical care is too far away. They take her to Mr. Trentham, a physician, who doesn't practice any longer but is the best shot they have. Alex Trentham is annoyed and very rude because he longs for his solitude. He doesn't want Caroline or anyone else in his home. But after appealing to his better natures, he relents and allows Caroline to recover in one of his spare bedrooms until she is well enough to be moved. Alex is still wracked with guilt over something he did while he practiced medicine when resided in England. All he longs for is peace, but with an English miss like Caroline running all over the island and getting into trouble, he has no choice but to keep an eye on her. As Caroline recovers, she finds Alex to be a very confusing and harsh speaking man. She doesn't want to spend any more time in his company and can't wait to leave so she and Maggie can continue on to Malta. But, Caroline is still not fit for travel. Alex won't allow her to go and after he finds her another companion, a Miss Pen Briggs, to stay with her while Maggie ventures off the island, Caroline relents. Alex is very masterful in getting what he wants and when it comes to Caroline's health, only he seems to know what's in her best interests. Alex decides to be Caroline's guide; he'll show her the sites and wonders of Crete. He takes Caroline swimming in the ocean, picnics at the seashore and to some ruins where they view some shocking frescoes that lead to an amazing kiss between Caroline and Alex. Caroline is falling for this mysterious Mr. Trentham even though he tells her they can't have more than a few kisses with one another. Suddenly everything changes when there's a cave in and he and Caroline are buried inside. Then Alex finds himself "buried" inside of Caroline. Looks like a cave in is the next best thing when deflowering a historical romance virgin like Caroline. Alex and Caroline are rescued but with the way things are, Caroline returns back to England where her Uncle Denby wants to adopt her. That means she will have access to part of his fortune, and his son Reginald is enraged. No orphan cousin of his will take what is rightly his and because of his selfishness he places Caroline in danger. Caroline doesn't really care about becoming an heiress because she is trying to heal her broken heart where she still longs for those days and nights on Crete with Alex, the only man she has ever loved and who made her a woman

All He Desires, the second novel by Anthea Lawson, is all *I* desire in a romance. Engaging, believable characters, lush and lyrical prose, gorgeous settings with thoroughly researched worldbuilding that takes the reader right into the story, a tortured hero and strong heroine destined to be together, if only... Ms. Lawson is a word-artist, alternately painting the landscape of her novel with delicate, precise strokes, or grand sweeps of the brush according to the needs of a particular scene. Her musical background is evident in the way the words and images flow across the page, building the personalities and conflicts between Caroline and Alex, increasing the sexual tension until the pages are ready to ignite. An intricate plot with plenty of high-stakes adventures keeps the pace moving. Alex and Caroline are admirable characters who had me rooting for them throughout. This was a book I had to stay up to finish, and one I will look forward to reading again. Ms. Lawson's career is one that is destined to take off, so keep her name on your list of ones to watch. If you love romance, don't pass up this beautiful love story.

Anthea Lawson's second novel, All He Desires, is even better than her debut. Ms. Lawson has created a romantic world outside of London and her descriptions of Mediterranean life were spot on. Her characters are interesting and the romance between the protagonists a delight. While vacationing in Crete, English miss Caroline Huntington is injured horseback riding. She is taken to a local English doctor Alex Trentham since she is suffering an injured arm and has a concussion. Alex absolutely resents her presence but assists her and keeps her in his home for only a few days while she recuperates. Alex is a mystery to Caroline. He is a skilled physician but not practicing medicine and will not reveal why he has abandoned his calling. He is in Crete to assist a French archeologist and had never intended to treat anyone's illnesses on the island. Due to her injuries, Caroline must stay in Crete longer than anticipated and at first she is angered by her circumstances. Caroline was way too stubborn and unrealistic about her own healing process. Alex checks on his patient daily and this leads to a blossoming romance. The island of Crete as a backdrop to this romance is quite original. Caroline and Alex explore the island, its culture, food, ruins, caves, and even its sparkling blue waters together. Alex tries to keep his distance but Caroline is charming and sensuous. (BTW Most of the intimate encounters between the leads on this island are in interesting places.) Caroline knows she must return to London as she has an orphanage she wants to build and her uncle is in the process of adopting her and giving her a sizeable inheritance. However Caroline has a cousin who has zero desire to see his father adopt her as he needs the full inheritance. He has gambling debts and these turn out to be problematic not only for his safety but also for Caroline's. Alex has vowed never to set foot in England again and Caroline wonders how the two of them can ever forge a lasting relationship. I was immediately drawn into this story in the first chapter and I never felt that the story lagged. Alex is gruff at first and Caroline is bossy and obstinate but they both quickly adopt kinder personas around each other. They do not have big misunderstandings and what was very refreshing was Caroline was bold and brave but also gentle and vulnerable. In fact, she is braver than Alex who closely guards his secrets and allows his past mistakes to color his future. From the soft winds of Crete to the bustle of London this novel will keep readers entertained.