What do you think?
Rate this book
Desire, Oklahoma #8
Reluctant Desire
[Siren Everlasting Erotic Contemporary Romance, light consensual BDSM, spanking, sensation play, sex toys, HEA]
Charity Sanderson had been Beau Parrish's lover for months, but she knew it was only a matter of time before their affair ended. She needed a man she could count on to be there, and Beau never took anything seriously. But, she loved him too much to walk away. Beau loved Charity more than his own life, but knew she didn't believe that. Every time he spoke about a future together, she got skittish, and so he'd had to back off for fear of losing her completely. The vulnerability in her eyes tugged at him, the love shining in them that she didn't think he could see. He couldn't go on living a lie. After giving her an ultimatum he walked out, hoping she would love him too much to let it end between them. Her accident changes everything. It forces her to see that the man she never thought he could be has been there the entire time.
Charity Sanderson had been Beau Parrish's lover for months, but she knew it was only a matter of time before their affair ended. She needed a man she could count on to be there, and Beau never took anything seriously. But, she loved him too much to walk away. Beau loved Charity more than his own life, but knew she didn't believe that. Every time he spoke about a future together, she got skittish, and so he'd had to back off for fear of losing her completely. The vulnerability in her eyes tugged at him, the love shining in them that she didn't think he could see. He couldn't go on living a lie. After giving her an ultimatum he walked out, hoping she would love him too much to let it end between them. Her accident changes everything. It forces her to see that the man she never thought he could be has been there the entire time.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2013
36 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
Leah Brooke
109 books604 followersAlso writes Historical (Old West) Erotic Romance under the Pseudonym Lana Dare
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 21, 2015
Update 9/27
I'm finally finished. Only took 16 hours but I had to read this in one sitting. It wasn't what I expected so I gave 4 stars. What I didn't like about it is it's similarity to Creation of Desire and Dark Desire. For the first 100 pages Charity thinks Beau doesn't take things seriously and as soon as she almost dies she has this life changing epiphany (which is very annoying because almost romance book ever written has this) and realizes that she is the problem. Duh. I would like this book better if the entire plot was different meaning Beau and Charity first starting out as a couple and learning about each other instead of them already together and just going through the motions. One of the reasons this would have been better is because Charity was a virgin and all we get is two mentions of that night and some heated looks between the two of them. Brooke could have at least done some kind of flashback since this is the first time in the Desire contemporary series the female is a virgin.
Seriously after the accident (which is in the first 100 pages) the rest of the book is Charity saying how scared she was of loving Beau and having a life with him and after she accepts him then she can't shut up saying she loves and can't live without him. On the other hand Beau was sexy as hell but less dominant than I am used to with this series. However, I did love the sex scenes between them. There was just so much more emotion between them than some of the past books and they were just so good together.
I liked the scenes between Charity and her parents since there weren't any in Dark Desire. It sort gives you the idea of what is like growing up with three parents in Desire. And oh God I adore Hope. Also this book mentions some problems with Brandon and Ethan and Hunter and Remington. It makes me anxious to read their stories.
What I didn't like is the series is becoming repetitive. Charity's accident was more than enough drama in a book less than 300 pages; the entire last chapter was unecessary. It's getting boring when someone is out to get one of the characters. It was fine in Desire for Three and Rules of Desire but please think of something else to fill 300 pages.
Update 9/17
Hmmm. Charity and Beau have been secret lovers for months? I don't know how I feel about this. What I was most looking forward to was Charity finally giving in to Beau and now I learn that they've been together already for months, to be honest I'm a little disappointed.
I hope Ms. Brooke makes this work for me.
Also why does something have to happen for the woman to realize how great of man she has? From what I read in the excerpt on bookstrand Charity is in a car accident and that makes her realize that Beau is the man for her. I hope Sept. 27th hurries up and gets here so I can get my hands on this book so I can find out what the hell is going on between these two.
9/01
I know I haven't read this yet I just wanted to comment and haven't figured out to only write a review and not rate.
Charity and Beau.
THANK THE LORD ABOVE!! I have been waiting for this book for THREE years! I don't know what I'll do when September 27th finally comes. Spontaneously combust most likely.
I can't wait to see Beau handles getting the one thing he desires above all else.
If Brooke plays her cards right this could potentially be the best Desire book in a long time. After the disappointment of Submission to Desire and the completelyuseless unnecessary Winning Back Jesse, Brooke better bring it with this one.
Interesting side note. I've been re-reading the series and Ace mentions in Dark Desire that he's been waiting for Beau to claim Charity since she's gotten home from college. It makes me wonder how long Charity and Beau have been playing this cat and mouse game. So I hope we get some history between these two like Hope and Ace.
I'm finally finished. Only took 16 hours but I had to read this in one sitting. It wasn't what I expected so I gave 4 stars. What I didn't like about it is it's similarity to Creation of Desire and Dark Desire. For the first 100 pages Charity thinks Beau doesn't take things seriously and as soon as she almost dies she has this life changing epiphany (which is very annoying because almost romance book ever written has this) and realizes that she is the problem. Duh. I would like this book better if the entire plot was different meaning Beau and Charity first starting out as a couple and learning about each other instead of them already together and just going through the motions. One of the reasons this would have been better is because Charity was a virgin and all we get is two mentions of that night and some heated looks between the two of them. Brooke could have at least done some kind of flashback since this is the first time in the Desire contemporary series the female is a virgin.
Seriously after the accident (which is in the first 100 pages) the rest of the book is Charity saying how scared she was of loving Beau and having a life with him and after she accepts him then she can't shut up saying she loves and can't live without him. On the other hand Beau was sexy as hell but less dominant than I am used to with this series. However, I did love the sex scenes between them. There was just so much more emotion between them than some of the past books and they were just so good together.
I liked the scenes between Charity and her parents since there weren't any in Dark Desire. It sort gives you the idea of what is like growing up with three parents in Desire. And oh God I adore Hope. Also this book mentions some problems with Brandon and Ethan and Hunter and Remington. It makes me anxious to read their stories.
What I didn't like is the series is becoming repetitive. Charity's accident was more than enough drama in a book less than 300 pages; the entire last chapter was unecessary. It's getting boring when someone is out to get one of the characters. It was fine in Desire for Three and Rules of Desire but please think of something else to fill 300 pages.
Update 9/17
Hmmm. Charity and Beau have been secret lovers for months? I don't know how I feel about this. What I was most looking forward to was Charity finally giving in to Beau and now I learn that they've been together already for months, to be honest I'm a little disappointed.
I hope Ms. Brooke makes this work for me.
Also why does something have to happen for the woman to realize how great of man she has? From what I read in the excerpt on bookstrand Charity is in a car accident and that makes her realize that Beau is the man for her. I hope Sept. 27th hurries up and gets here so I can get my hands on this book so I can find out what the hell is going on between these two.
9/01
I know I haven't read this yet I just wanted to comment and haven't figured out to only write a review and not rate.
Charity and Beau.
THANK THE LORD ABOVE!! I have been waiting for this book for THREE years! I don't know what I'll do when September 27th finally comes. Spontaneously combust most likely.
I can't wait to see Beau handles getting the one thing he desires above all else.
If Brooke plays her cards right this could potentially be the best Desire book in a long time. After the disappointment of Submission to Desire and the completely
Interesting side note. I've been re-reading the series and Ace mentions in Dark Desire that he's been waiting for Beau to claim Charity since she's gotten home from college. It makes me wonder how long Charity and Beau have been playing this cat and mouse game. So I hope we get some history between these two like Hope and Ace.
September 2, 2018
Charity and Beau ! Good story, great sex, interesting. Leah Brooke is very good with the short story and keeping it flowing. I like her style. A fun read.
October 2, 2013
I love the Desire series, but honestly, I was a little disappointed in this one. I think Leah Brooks was trying to do something different from the typical romance storyline of boy meets girl, boy & girl fall in love, problems ensue, and then they end up HEA. Unfortunately, I don't think it works here.
We've been hearing about how fun-loving Beau is after the serious Charity for several books now, so I was really looking forward to seeing Beau finally persuade Charity to give him a chance. Instead, when Reluctant Desire begins, Beau and Charity are already lovers. Charity thinks their affair is a secret, just a fling, but Beau wants more, and the entire town of Desire knows what they're up to.
What didn't make sense was why Charity didn't believe Beau was serious about her. I understand that she considers him a playboy, and she doesn't want to seem clingy, but if he keeps TELLING her he's serious, why would she keep doubting that? I could see if he never talked about the future, but if a guy is ready to break up with you because you won't commit, well... HELLO.
It takes an accident for Charity to see the light. The rest of the book is about Beau becoming serious to show Charity he can be serious, not just a playboy, while Charity tries to get her fun-loving guy back. It just felt repetitive. A potential love triangle comes up that is resolved all too fast.
I applaud authors' attempts to do something a little different, since genre fiction can get a little formulaic, but this felt like a book that started in the wrong place and then stretched out what should have just been the middle of the book for the entire book, instead. As much as it pains me to say it, I fear Ms. Brooks may be running out of ideas for Desire. I'll still check out the next book with higher hopes...
We've been hearing about how fun-loving Beau is after the serious Charity for several books now, so I was really looking forward to seeing Beau finally persuade Charity to give him a chance. Instead, when Reluctant Desire begins, Beau and Charity are already lovers. Charity thinks their affair is a secret, just a fling, but Beau wants more, and the entire town of Desire knows what they're up to.
What didn't make sense was why Charity didn't believe Beau was serious about her. I understand that she considers him a playboy, and she doesn't want to seem clingy, but if he keeps TELLING her he's serious, why would she keep doubting that? I could see if he never talked about the future, but if a guy is ready to break up with you because you won't commit, well... HELLO.
It takes an accident for Charity to see the light. The rest of the book is about Beau becoming serious to show Charity he can be serious, not just a playboy, while Charity tries to get her fun-loving guy back. It just felt repetitive. A potential love triangle comes up that is resolved all too fast.
I applaud authors' attempts to do something a little different, since genre fiction can get a little formulaic, but this felt like a book that started in the wrong place and then stretched out what should have just been the middle of the book for the entire book, instead. As much as it pains me to say it, I fear Ms. Brooks may be running out of ideas for Desire. I'll still check out the next book with higher hopes...
July 22, 2014
I love Desire, Okalahoma and only wish it was a place I could truly visit. I mean men who appreciate the strengthsand the weaknesses of a woman, who wouldn’t want to live there. And Leah Brooke’s latest installment Reluctant Desire intensified my desire to become a bonafide resident.
I adored Beau. He knew what he wanted and he wanted Charity. He set up his life in such a way that he could enjoy play. I loved that he understood that while life is serious business, you also must enjoy living.
I understood and even empathized with his frustration while dealing with Charity. At first, I couldn’t understand why she had such blinders on when it came to Beau. If for no other reason than he had the respect of the other males she trusted, she should have known that Beau was more than a sexy accent and a playful attitude. But her learning about the character of the man she loved while accepting that play isn’t necessarily bad was half the fun in this story. That saying about “being careful what you wish for” was never truer than when Charity got what she thought she wanted. I loved just how sneaky Beau was all while loving his woman.
With Beau and Charity’s story, Ms. Brooke gave us a thoughtful story which highlighted the importance of enjoying life and not simple just living life. It’s a message that sometimes is forgotten with the sometimes daily struggle of fulfilling responsibilities. However, Ms. Brooke reminded us in a respectful manner without being preachy. I enjoyed both the story and the reminder.
Four Twinkling Stars
I adored Beau. He knew what he wanted and he wanted Charity. He set up his life in such a way that he could enjoy play. I loved that he understood that while life is serious business, you also must enjoy living.
I understood and even empathized with his frustration while dealing with Charity. At first, I couldn’t understand why she had such blinders on when it came to Beau. If for no other reason than he had the respect of the other males she trusted, she should have known that Beau was more than a sexy accent and a playful attitude. But her learning about the character of the man she loved while accepting that play isn’t necessarily bad was half the fun in this story. That saying about “being careful what you wish for” was never truer than when Charity got what she thought she wanted. I loved just how sneaky Beau was all while loving his woman.
With Beau and Charity’s story, Ms. Brooke gave us a thoughtful story which highlighted the importance of enjoying life and not simple just living life. It’s a message that sometimes is forgotten with the sometimes daily struggle of fulfilling responsibilities. However, Ms. Brooke reminded us in a respectful manner without being preachy. I enjoyed both the story and the reminder.
Four Twinkling Stars
December 16, 2013
That was insane - so good! It has been over year since we checked in with a new Desire couple, and this one has been edging the sidelines since the third book, so it was with high expectations I started, and I was not disappointed!
Charity is Desire-born and raised. She is a serious young lady, and yang to her sister Hope's ying. Beau owns the local toy store, and has a penchant for fun, but when he met Charity, he lost his heart right away. Trouble of the situation is, Charity thinks he is too much fun. We have the flip side of Hope and Ace's story but without Ace's patience!
Charity needs convincing that Beau can be reliable, but she is impulsive and stubborn, and doesn't quite know how to undo what she has done, or act to get what she wants. Her only sounding board is Hope, who is just as impulsive and stubborn! Every time Charity thinks she has made progress with Beau, he doesn't act or react as she thought.
Beau has figured out his woman, and himself, and keeps nudging Charity to where she needs to be, and making sure it is where she wants to be. His care and affection for her isn't overpowering like some of the men in Desire, but it is just as strong, and he will do what it takes to make Charity his own
If you follow the series, and you don't need to follow the book, one of the best scenes ever is between Charity and Ace having a conversation regarding being with a 'fun-loving' partner - Ace really is in charge of Desire and that conversation leaves no doubt he knows his residents!
Charity is Desire-born and raised. She is a serious young lady, and yang to her sister Hope's ying. Beau owns the local toy store, and has a penchant for fun, but when he met Charity, he lost his heart right away. Trouble of the situation is, Charity thinks he is too much fun. We have the flip side of Hope and Ace's story but without Ace's patience!
Charity needs convincing that Beau can be reliable, but she is impulsive and stubborn, and doesn't quite know how to undo what she has done, or act to get what she wants. Her only sounding board is Hope, who is just as impulsive and stubborn! Every time Charity thinks she has made progress with Beau, he doesn't act or react as she thought.
Beau has figured out his woman, and himself, and keeps nudging Charity to where she needs to be, and making sure it is where she wants to be. His care and affection for her isn't overpowering like some of the men in Desire, but it is just as strong, and he will do what it takes to make Charity his own
If you follow the series, and you don't need to follow the book, one of the best scenes ever is between Charity and Ace having a conversation regarding being with a 'fun-loving' partner - Ace really is in charge of Desire and that conversation leaves no doubt he knows his residents!
November 2, 2013
I have mixed feelings about this book. I do love the desire series, there are a couple character's that bug the hell out of me. Charity is now at the top of my (thankfully) very short list. I've read quite a few reviews that said she was childish, I'm not sure about the childish part but she needs to learn a bit of honesty. With three father's....obviously one of them dropped the ball. She couldn't find some way to explain her concerns to Beau? He should've been upfront too, but she was so hot and cold I got irritated with her quickly. When she had her accident, I stopped reading for a while because I had an absolute hate on for her at the time. When your fighting with your Boyfriend you don't let him walk out then go shopping for carpet. When your driving out of town and the snowfall gets heavier by the minute YOU DON"T KEEP DRIVING!!!! That was stupid and selfish on her part. I say selfish because she didn't even have the sense to tell anyone she was leaving till it was too late. I did enjoy the book overall, but in my mind....she didn't deserve Beau. I'm glad the both got a HEA, but I just don't like that girl.
March 7, 2021
Book eight of Desire Oklahoma series focuses on Charity Sanderson and Beau Parrish they have been lovers for a while Charity is all seriousness and wants someone she can rely on she doesn’t believe Beau could be that person because he’s all fun and games but he loves her deeply. One night after an argument they have Charity has a bad car accident that causes Beau to become a serious person which makes Charity realise how much she loves his playful side and she wants that side back. She will do whatever it takes to bring back the man she loves playful spirit. This was a enjoyable and entertaining book to read. If your looking for a small town hot romance series to read you should definitely try the desire Oklahoma series for sure. I loved read about Erin being six months pregnant and her husbands driving her crazy with their hovering. I loved how the community came together to find Charity after her accident.
October 1, 2013
3.5 STARS.
I feel pretty disappointed. I've been waiting so long for this book and this wasn't what I was waiting for.
First of all I was pretty excited to see Beau convincing his Cher to find out that all this time they were already messing around.
Second it was so repetitive, besides I feel like it was the same plot, nothing new! Charity's mind was so childish and kinda whiny. I didn't really like her.
Beau was a sexy hunk. As all of Desire's men are.
Only thing interesting was seeing the possibilities for Hunter/Remington and Brandon/Ethan. And apparently Jake and Nat are okay cause I didn't see anything wrong.
This time I won't be so excited for the new books for Desire
I feel pretty disappointed. I've been waiting so long for this book and this wasn't what I was waiting for.
First of all I was pretty excited to see Beau convincing his Cher to find out that all this time they were already messing around.
Second it was so repetitive, besides I feel like it was the same plot, nothing new! Charity's mind was so childish and kinda whiny. I didn't really like her.
Beau was a sexy hunk. As all of Desire's men are.
Only thing interesting was seeing the possibilities for Hunter/Remington and Brandon/Ethan. And apparently Jake and Nat are okay cause I didn't see anything wrong.
This time I won't be so excited for the new books for Desire
January 12, 2014
I love the desire series and I'v never given anything other then 5stars for a rating but I struggled a lot with this book. I didn't like that the book jump straight to sex between charity and beau without lead up to it and the story constantly kept coming back to both couples insecurities. When it felt like it was finally moving along in story it jumped straight back to charity changing beau and them struggle to communicate to each other. Had a HEA but I feel a bit disappointed by this book which I can't believe I'm saying so hopefully next is back on top form.
November 18, 2013
It was different (finally) than the girl in danger guy has to save her from the bad guy story line, however, she was 'saved' although more from the elements than another person. The author also beat the 'issue' between the hero and heroine with a gigantic stick, over and over and over. Kinda repetitive with the not taking anything serious, taking everything too serious.....it just got really old, but I finished it. I really enjoyed this series once, but not so much anymore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2017
Meh. I really really didn't like the main character, and that clouded my judgement over the whole book. She just was very unlikable, very much a bitch, I thought. I didn't like her at all. I liked him a little, but since he's in love with her, his stock falls. I understand being shy about sex, I was for a long time too but I don't like how she felt that things she liked were wrong. Just didn't enjoy this all around.
November 5, 2013
I was really looking forward to Charity and Beau's story yet was sadly disappointed. The word that comes to mind is bland. Really bland.
There was barely a bump in the road and I wasn't entirely sold on the level of importance placed on playing...almost like it was the last idea on a long list.
I've loved the series so far but this was a miss for me.
There was barely a bump in the road and I wasn't entirely sold on the level of importance placed on playing...almost like it was the last idea on a long list.
I've loved the series so far but this was a miss for me.
January 14, 2014
Very annoying heroine and contrived situations.
I did not enjoy this book at all. The book started with Charity and Beau having problems and then slowly and ploddingly getting through them. I started the book with high hopes, but quickly got annoyed with the heroine. The story was too contrived. Not for me.
I did not enjoy this book at all. The book started with Charity and Beau having problems and then slowly and ploddingly getting through them. I started the book with high hopes, but quickly got annoyed with the heroine. The story was too contrived. Not for me.
January 6, 2015
Considering the glimpses we've had of Charity and Beau in the previous "Desire" books, I thought this one would be a sure-fire hit. Oh dear! Talk about lack of communication, and letting insecurities getting the better of one. Good enough to read, but not one of Ms Brooke's best.
March 17, 2018
This book would have been better as a background plot on another book. I skimmed the whole thing. Neither Charity not Beau captured my attention enough to develop interest.
Definitely wish I hadn't bought it. The other Desire books are so much better than this one.
Definitely wish I hadn't bought it. The other Desire books are so much better than this one.
July 23, 2013
I love this series and I think she know how to write sexy scenes. I'm waiting for the next one in Desire Oklahoma.
November 8, 2013
Pub Date Sept 27th 2013
October 20, 2013
I love these books and have thoroughly enjoyed reading this one as much as the previous ones. Lots of sex, lots of sexy and in this case all wrapped up in just one man. More please.
October 28, 2013
Was disappointed. Not as good as the other books in the Desire series.
April 4, 2014
3.25/5 Stars
June 29, 2014
Reluctant Desire
As always, Leah provided another wonderful story about the people of Desire Oklahoma. I look forward to all her books.
As always, Leah provided another wonderful story about the people of Desire Oklahoma. I look forward to all her books.
June 30, 2014
they keep getting better
March 1, 2015
My hands around Charity's neck equals a very happy me.
September 15, 2018
Cute
Charity doesn't want to be serious with Beau because she thinks all he wants to do is play - until he stops wanting to play and she can't figure out why.
Charity doesn't want to be serious with Beau because she thinks all he wants to do is play - until he stops wanting to play and she can't figure out why.
September 29, 2013
i love Desire, OK
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews