REVIEW: A Dream of Desire by Nina Rowan

In A Dream of Desire (Daring Hearts #3) by Nina Rowan, Lady Talia Hall has had a soft heart for Lord James Forester for many years, way back to when he ran around as a young lad with her four older brothers. When Talia has the rare opportunity to meet with him alone, she brazenly professes her love to James, only to have him turn her down. He doesn’t think he would be able to be there for her as he travels so extensively on expeditions. Talia spends the next year devoting herself to worthy causes that unfortunately put her in some dangerous situations. James arrives back in London confusing her heart once more, and also stating his fear for her safety. He clearly notices the attraction between them, but can she get him to open his heart to what could be a beautiful future between them?

“…By rights I ought to have married already, but I’ve never…never wanted to marry anyone except you. Because I love you.”

Lord James Forester spends much of his time traveling to the far reaches of the globe, exploring and mapping unknown lands. At least it gets him out of London, the city that holds mostly bad memories. The one bright spot in his past is Talia Hall. She’s the only woman who has ever been there for him, showing him concern as needed, and wonder at all of his fantastic stories. When Talia confesses her love for him, James is taken aback, having thought of her as his best friend’s younger sister and nothing more for so long. Knowing he would have nothing to offer her, especially after what his upbringing taught him, he tries to let her down easy and spends the next year traveling. But James cannot forget the passionate kiss they shared or how beautiful a woman Talia has turned out to be. His mind is set to leave Talia alone, but when he again visits London his traitorous heart falls desperately for her.

“Please, Talia.” James lifted her face so she had to look at him. Self-directed anger darkened his brown eyes. “Don’t give me the gift of your love. I won’t do anything good with it. Save your heart for a man who truly deserves it.”

A Dream of Desire is a sweeping historical romance about two caring–yet stubborn–Londoners who are destined to be together.

Such wonderfully descriptive and passionate writing here by Nina Rowan! The character’s emotions were so easily relatable that I was completely caught up in the drama of the scenes as I read along. I could feel Talia’s longing for James to recognize her as a vibrant woman, not just as his friend’s younger sister. And the confusion James felt as he realized the attraction he had all along for her was palpable. The pages also simply sizzled when these two were together, they had such a strong connection. I thought it was rather fitting how jealous James became when any gentlemen took notice of Talia at society events, and how she always caught her breath when she noticed him in a crowd. Absolutely romantic.

The storyline itself was very compelling to me. Talia’s involvement in improving the treatment of young men in juvenile facilities was something not normally done by a Lady of the ton in those days. But it showed how kindhearted she was, putting herself in potential danger to better the lives of those less fortunate. There was a lot going on in the story and several characters interacting, all shown from their POV, which made things more complex and intriguing. One character I loved to hate was William Lawford, who definitely deserved his comeuppance. And the character I actually really loved (aside from Talia and James) was Talia’s Aunt Sally. She was very devilish in her manipulations, trying to play matchmaker while truly having Talia’s best interest at heart. What a hoot she was.

I really think fans of historical romance will fall for Talia’s independent ways and the ferocity with which James cares for her. Highly recommended.

Book Info:

Published May 27th 2014 by Forever

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…